78-02-B5

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Transcript[edit]

I'm sure it won't come as a surprise to you that I've found another example of over-regulation by government. This time, however, the federal colossus gets a breather. Today's incident is of local doing.

Just suppose you lived in a modern up-to-date city such as Chicago. You survive the rush hour traffic, pull into your garage and find it has become the lodging place for me of our little wild friends--the furry kind, black with a white stripe down its back.

Well, this happened to a fellow named Bill Stanton who figured the arrangement involved a certain amount of incompatibility. He called the police, but it seems this was out of their regular line of work. For some reason the animal welfare department couldn't help him nor could the local zoo. The department of conservation it seems, stops short of conserving skunks and the dog catcher wasn't having any either.

Left to his own resources Bill, in good old pioneer style bought a trap and caught the skunk. He also caught the attention (finally) of the police, the local zoo, the animal welfare department and the department of conservation. I think the dog catcher continued to mind his own business.

But the others charged him with illegally bringing a trap into Chicago, with illegal use of a trap in Chicago and with illegal use of a trap without a license in Chicago. Collectively, they have informed him that it is illegal to keep a skunk in captivity, illegal to let it go (it might have rabies) and it's illegal to kill it. Still, none of the agencies bringing the charges will take it off his hands. Bill Stanton feels a little put upon. It's also hard for him to put the problem out of his mind (skunks have a way of reminding you they are still around).

Well, here is another item, and I'm indebted to National Review for it. It's one of those things you just knew had to happen in today's climate. A Ms. Ludtke, reporter for Sports Illustrated is suing the New York Yankees, the American League, the baseball commissioner and the City of New York (as if the Big Apple didn't have enough troubles). It seems she's been barred from the New York Yankees dressing room which means she doesn't have the same sports reporting rights the male reporters have. And, of course, she is barred simply because of her sex. Or maybe it's because of the ball player's sex.

I have one suggestion. Why don't they grant her permission, then tell the ball players' wives what they've done and see if she could make it as far as the locker room door?

Footnote on another subject; The U. N. has censured Israel for trading with South Africa -- $50 million worth. Thirteen of the African nations that joined in voting for censure do $1½ bill ion trade with South Africa.

This is Ronald Reagan.

Thanks for listening.

 

Details[edit]

Batch Number78-02-B5
Production Date01/27/1978
Book/PageOnline PDF
Audio
Youtube?No

Added Notes[edit]