Equal Rights for Gay Dove Hunters

Governor Terry Branstad took to the airwaves this week to criticize President Barack Obama for making a statement in support of equal marriage for all couples. The Governor thinks the President should be singly focused on the economy and the federal debt, and not on issues the Governor considers of less importance.

Appearing on MSNBCs Daily Rundown with Chuck Todd Governor Branstad said, “I find it tragic to see the President of the United States pandering to the Hollywood money crowd instead of focusing on the things that are important to America, which is reducing this massive federal debt.”

Sorry, Governor, just because you disagree with what the President said does not mean the issue is of so little significance he should remain silent.

Branstad’s statement is disingenuous and a little silly. Branstad may be the one pandering. As a chief executive, he is well aware people expect a leader to focus on more than one pressing issue at a time.

Governor Branstad must realize multitasking comes with the job. After all, last week he took time away from focusing his attention on Iowa’s economy, declining schools and a multitude of other clearly more pressing issues to sign an Executive Order overturning a rule imposed by a commission he appoints to – wait for it – allow hunters to use lead ammunition instead of steel when hunting doves.

Lead is a toxin that can cause brain damage and death in both people and animals. While some studies conclude the full effects of leftover shot in meat are inconclusive on humans, other studies conclude that scavengers like eagles can become ill after ingesting lead shot. The Natural Resources Commission determined lead shot wasn’t worth the risk.

Hunters and Branstad claim steel shot is more expensive than lead and doesn’t work quite as well. I went to cabelas.com this morning and discovered a box of 25 steel shot shells ranged from $12.99-21.99 and the lead shot shells ranged from $12.99-17.99. The price factor appears minimal and, I wouldn’t know for sure, but it seems to me the guys with guns already have a distinct advantage over the birds as it is. I am not sure how one type of shot can kill something more than another, but I digress.

Governor Branstad was awfully quick to wag his finger at the President for changing his mind on an issue that is important to many Americans. And remember, the President did not take any action. A few hours later, Governor Branstad reversed his earlier statements on lead shot and did act. He overruled his own commission so a small percentage of Iowans can save a few bucks killing a few birds.

Pandering or not, supporting the extension of a right to people long denied is more worthwhile than making a few people’s recreational hunting cheaper and more effective.

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Graham Gillette can be reached at grahamgillette@gmail.com 
This entry was first published as a Des Moines Register online essay.