RODEO: Second that emotion

We are writing to lend our support to Mr. Duane Stensrud’s recent letter regarding the lack of local press coverage of rodeo events. We are in complete agreement with Mr. Stensrud’s comments and would like to add a few additional thoughts.

One, rodeo cowboys are among the most skilled of all professional athletes and participate in one of the most dangerous sports there is (try riding a 1,500-pound bull for 8 seconds).

Two, compared to other overpaid professional athletes, cowboys are grossly underpaid. On average they make $40,000 to $120,000 a year. Unless they have sponsors, they have to pay for their travel and care for their horses out of their own pocket.

Three, this is most important of all. Rodeo cowboys are patriots. We have attended rodeo events, including extreme bulls, at the fairgrounds since our moving here in 1986. Not once have we seen a cowboy, unlike overpaid prima donna NFL players, take a knee during the National Anthem. On the other hand, some do kneel in prayer during the invocation.

The sport of rodeo deserves more press. We encourage Mr. Nelke to give it more coverage, especially the local events. Favorable press coverage would encourage more cowboys to participate in and promote the fair events.

NED and DIANE TOWER

Hayden Lake