Barbaro

After watching the news these last few weeks I can't believe how trivial we've become as a society. The horse that won the Kentucky Derby, Barbaro, broke his leg in the Preakness a few weeks later. Now his owners are trying to keep him healthy enough to be used as a stud since his racing career is obviously over. Barbaro's recovery has not gone so well and his broken leg is now infected as is his other rear leg.

The shocking part of this story is America's response to the horse's plight. The news said that every day thousands of get well cards and apples arrive to comfort Barbaro. The University of Pennsylvania, whose School of Veterinary Medicine is overseeing Barbaro treatment, has set up an online message board where you can leave "well wishes" for Barbaro.

One person wrote: "You have touched my heart and the heart of our Nation. Bravery, in the face of adversity, must be praised and honored and you have shown this to us." Bravery?

Another wrote: "You are our nation's symbol of greatness, courage, and love this summer."

A lot of kids left sweet messages on there and I can understand them picturing Barbaro's vet sitting by Barbaro's side and reading him these words of encouragement from his fans; but many of those who left comments on there, including those who left the comments I quoted above, were adults.

What do they think happens to their emails? Babaro is sitting quietly in his stall, mired in depression from the reality of never being able to race again, almost ready to give up his will to live when suddenly his owner comes running in holding a print-out from the University of Pennsylvania's website. "Barbaro, hang in there! We just received a letter from Susie P., 57, in Delaware who said that you are her inspiration to her and her family. Don't give up." Barbaro lifts his head high; he has a new resolve; he has a duty to the American public . . .

Get a grip people. I'm going to start sending care packages to Barbaro, with Elmer's glue inside so he can get used to the idea. No, I'm not that mean. I just don't see how people can be so trivial and so concerned with the plight of a horse when there is so much else going on in the world that merits attention. Maybe it's a good distraction for people who don't want to read the rest of the news. I don't know.

(The editor would like to add that anyone whose comments may have been quoted in this posting should not take offense at the author's mockery of their words. They should also not bother to sue the author or the editor, since neither of them have enough money to bother suing for. Also, picture courtesy of the University of Pennsylvania's website.)