Thursday 14 April 2005

Minutemen Heading To Wisconsin Cat Hunt
'Can't Shoot Illegal Aliens', Says Leader

On Monday, soon after outdoorsman in Wisconsin approved a proposal to legalize the killing of feral, or free-roaming cats, Jim Gilchrest, leader of the controversial Minutemen Project, issued the order for his members to start packing for the cheese state.

"They're going to need some help up there", stated Gilchrest

The Minutemen, largely recruited from the Internet, have been voluntarily patrolling the U.S. border in Arizona to protect against the wave of undocumented workers, in an effort to augment the undermanned federal agencies. While critics have labeled the Minutemen as vigilantes, Gilchrist argues that it is within their constitutional rights to assemble and that the group is peaceful.

The Minuteman patrol the border in shifts and radio the Border Patrol with coordinates if and when they discover any attempted border crossings.

The Wisconsin proposal would allow licensed hunters to kill free-roaming cats, including any domestic cat that isn't under the owner's direct control or any cat without a collar.

Governor James Doyle denounced the plan on Wednesday and doubts that plan will be enacted. Numerous groups, including the Humane Society and the Madison Audubon Society have said the plan is cruel and inhuman.

Experts estimate that over two million feral cats roam Wisconsin, and the state says that studies show that the cats kill 47 million to 139 million songbirds a year. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress, a public advisory group, that would classify wild, free-roaming cats as an unprotected species that kills song birds and other wildlife.

Governor Doyle also stated that the Arizona Minutemen would not be welcomed in Wisconsin.

Gilchrist cited the vote by the outdoorsman - 6,830 to 5,201 in favor of hunting the cats - as his mandate and indicated that he has been contacted by parties encouraging the Minuteman to come to Wisconsin.

"My guys are getting itchy", stated Gilchrist. "I mean, after all, we can't shoot the illegals".


Hooters Applauds FDA Breast Implant Vote
Opens Doors For More Woman To Become 'Hooter Girls'

Hooter's of America, the casual beach-themed restaurant chain, hailed yesterday's F.D.A. vote to make silicone breast implants available to woman again, after a 13-year ban. A company spokesperson stated that this 'opens the door for more woman to become Hooter Girls'.

The F.D.A's 7-to-2 vote approved an application by the Mentor Corporation, a day after a similar application by Inamed Corporation was rejected in a 5-to-4 vote. Panel members were satisfied with the long-term safety of Mentor's devices.

The voting came after three-days of hearings, of often impassioned testimony, both for and against, allowing silicone breast implants on the market. Dozens of woman gave graphic testimony on the illness and disfiguration their implants caused, while others testified to their safety and boost in self-esteem.

Nearly all studies have found no link between silicone implants and serious disease.

Hooter's, with over 375 restaurants in 46 states, as well as Argentina, Aruba, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, England, Guatemala, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Taipei and Venezuela, has long been criticized for their exploitation of woman.

Waitresses and hostesses, Hooter Girls, as they are known, are required to wear uniforms of orange shorts and a white tank top, short-sleeve or long-sleeve T-shirt, with pantyhose and bras being required.

Hooter's defends it's policy, stating on their website;

Claims that Hooters exploits attractive women are as ridiculous as saying the NFL exploits men who are big and fast. Hooters Girls have the same right to use their natural female sex appeal to earn a living as do super models Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. To Hooters, the women's rights movement is important because it guarantees women have the right to choose their own careers, be it a Supreme Court Justice or Hooters Girl.

The spokesperson pointed out that woman hold upper management position with Hooters and highlighted Kat Cole, Vice President of Training and Development. Cole started her career at Hooters as a Hooters Girl.

Hooters plans to bring attention the silicone breast implant vote with their upcoming 2005 Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant in June, in Miami, Florida. Boasting the Hooter's pageant is the world's richest, offering over $150,000 in cash and prizes, plans are being made to offer a new, Silicone Breast Implant category.

The pageant is open to only Hooter Girls and talks are underway to have members of the F.D.A. serve as judges for the new Implant category