In the aftermath of the tragedy at the Kentucky Derby involving the filly Eight Belles, comes PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), to get some national media face-time and engage in some all important fund-raising.
The spokeswoman for these clowns apparently did not even know that Eight Belles was a filly, referring to her in the male gender in interviews I heard. Apparently, she also could not explain to ESPN's Mike Tirico what it was that the jockey did differently or incorrectly, which in PETA's mind, led to the tragedy.
Word of advice to these media-whoring organization's, at least send a spokesperson who has am iota of understanding of the issue you are protesting. It really hurts your organization and its credibility when they can't answer the most basic of questions or botch basic details that even a casual horse-racing fan has knowledge of. Your front-person should be able to think on their feet and speak from knowledge not included in your talking points or media packaged handouts.
Also have a bit of a sense of decency and decorum before you rush before the cameras within twenty four hours of the tragedy splashing accusations against the horse's owner and jockey, both of whom were clearly still grieving.
What was another organization going to get out in front of you in the attention/money grab game?
Or does your experience show that these stories have a short shelf life such that you feel you have to get your name out front and center or you can't rally the troops and ring the cash register as effectively 48-72 hours later as opposed to 24 hours?
Shame on PETA's behavior in this instance.
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