I don't suppose many folk heard the recent phone-in on L.B.C. as it was in the wee small hours but suffice it to say there was a storm of vehement anti-hunting sentiment expressed - with mention of that well known pillar of society - Oscar Wilde and his opinion that hunting was the "Unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible." The presenter seemed to enjoy the quote immensely while at the same time trying to say that he was neutral and expressing disappointment that no pro-hunt folk called. I was just too damned tired!Now the thing that struck me is that most responders were absolute card-carrying class warriors, coming out with such phrases as "these rich folk on their big horses" and the like with hardly a mention of animal welfare. I would also point out that Oscar Wilde was famous for a lifestyle which although quite illegal at the time cannot be in the least criticsized publicly these days no matter what one thinks privately I am minded of another quote (sorry, I've forgotten by whom) "all of the fun but none of the guilt" - said, I believe by a huntin' cavalry officer because a good point was like a charge where he didn't have to kill anyone. I think that the anti's and the banning debate miss the fundamental that most hunting folk do so for the thrill of the chase rather than trying exterminate all those cuddly little foxes! What say you?
12-30-2017, 06:42 AM
The Unspeakable?
العرض الشجري