Another NY Daily News Editorial in support of our beloved carriage horses! I'm so glad we've touched the hearts of so many jaded New Yorkers with our story. It seems like every day we fight the good fight we are getting more and more support. A day doesn't go by where people don't stop and ask what all the fuss is about. They can see our horses for themselves, and when they do, they find it hard to believe we are being vilified the way we are. Business has not faltered, and this Valentines day was one of the busiest EVER. But, we cant stop now. We must keep up the fight. Not only for ourselves, but for ALL carriage businesses, and other animal enterprises.
NY Daily News
NYC horses have it cushy: Central Park is lots better than glue factory
Tuesday, March 3rd 2009, 4:00 AM
Animal rights advocates whinny that carriage horses lead awful lives. Truth is, those equines are royalty compared to the depressed masses.
A report in The New York Times says it's an awful time to be a horse, citing a spike in abandonment and scores of unwanted horses being fattened in feedlots before getting sent to slaughter.
Free Central Park's proud carriage horses? Do we really need more glue?
The link:
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/03/03/2009-03-03_nyc_horses_have_it_cushy_central_park_is.html
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Animal Rights Terrorists Dont Want to Admit Defeat/Attack Drivers Instead
Some of you may have seen some of the nice comments Ive been receiving from my activist friends. One simply says "asshole", while another is somewhat more eloquently written in what I'm guessing can only be pig Latin.....
"you are really an idiot or just a liar? even idiots find jobs that require a minimal function brain. I am sure you can handle it if you focus hard"
Hmmm....o.k.
Some things could not be published. And you should see the comments on my youtube videos that I didnt take down...there were also some that were so vile I felt obligated to erase them.
THIS is the TRUE nature of the animal rights activist. When they can no longer justify their slander; when they are no longer allowed to spew hate at will; when they are confronted with the truth; when they are outed as the liars and extremists they are, they resort to juvenile name calling and attempting to anonymously harass, malign, and belittle us. Its pathetic. Its time to admit your lies, and resign to your defeat.
To these people it is no longer about "the horses". Maybe it never was. Either way, their focus is now on us as individuals. They want revenge for being outed as know-nothing extremists. They can not admit defeat and so, now it is their goal to personally attack each and every driver. We have been confronted with threats of violence, personal attacks, character assassination, racist remarks, and even threatened with IRS investigation! Good luck, guys. We have nothing to hide. So, your witch hunt can go on. But, just know, you are only showing yourselves as ignorant, self-serving monsters. So, go to it.......You'll NEVER stop us from working with our beloved horses!
"you are really an idiot or just a liar? even idiots find jobs that require a minimal function brain. I am sure you can handle it if you focus hard"
Hmmm....o.k.
Some things could not be published. And you should see the comments on my youtube videos that I didnt take down...there were also some that were so vile I felt obligated to erase them.
THIS is the TRUE nature of the animal rights activist. When they can no longer justify their slander; when they are no longer allowed to spew hate at will; when they are confronted with the truth; when they are outed as the liars and extremists they are, they resort to juvenile name calling and attempting to anonymously harass, malign, and belittle us. Its pathetic. Its time to admit your lies, and resign to your defeat.
To these people it is no longer about "the horses". Maybe it never was. Either way, their focus is now on us as individuals. They want revenge for being outed as know-nothing extremists. They can not admit defeat and so, now it is their goal to personally attack each and every driver. We have been confronted with threats of violence, personal attacks, character assassination, racist remarks, and even threatened with IRS investigation! Good luck, guys. We have nothing to hide. So, your witch hunt can go on. But, just know, you are only showing yourselves as ignorant, self-serving monsters. So, go to it.......You'll NEVER stop us from working with our beloved horses!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Hearing at NYC City Hall
The TRUTH can not be hidden. The hearing at City Hall went VERY well. We were vindicated in many areas. Over 500 people packed the chambers with another 100 in the overflow room. The crowd was equally divided between those who want the carriages to stay and those who don't. There were 160 people who testified, about 80 on each side. I left after 6.5 hours and it was STILL in full swing. There was no vote last night, but it seems that Avella's bill to ban our iconic industry is
D-E-A-D.
I will be posting more information later on some of the crazier happenings of the event (and believe me, there were many....a three ring circus comes to mind).
Now its just a matter of wait-and-see if we are going to get a rate increase; the first in 20 years.
I will keep everyone posted........
THANK YOU to everyone for their continued support of our industry. I hope that our successes will resonate to stop legislation that hurts those of us who work with animals. The animal rights terrorists must be STOPPED!
D-E-A-D.
I will be posting more information later on some of the crazier happenings of the event (and believe me, there were many....a three ring circus comes to mind).
Now its just a matter of wait-and-see if we are going to get a rate increase; the first in 20 years.
I will keep everyone posted........
THANK YOU to everyone for their continued support of our industry. I hope that our successes will resonate to stop legislation that hurts those of us who work with animals. The animal rights terrorists must be STOPPED!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The NYC Carriage Drivers are Teamsters!
The NYC carriage drivers have made history as the first modern carriage horse industry in America to join the Teamsters Union. As you may know the Teamsters were originally formed by horsemen who drove teams of horses delivering heavy freight in 1903. These men, their horses, and their Union kept America running. Since then the Teamsters Union has swelled to over 1.4 million members nation wide, with 120,000 in NYC alone.
Our Local is 553. In the late 1800's we were known as the Team Coal drivers, a group of horsemen who delivered coal all over this great city. Since the automotive era, however, the Local has been made up of the oil delivery drivers who still call the buildings where they keep their oil trucks "barns".
As Teamsters, we and our brothers have access to political representation at the city, state, and national level. Owning and operating an animal enterprise such as ours, is a labor issue as much as it is an animal issue. Here in NYC, we have demonstrated the checks and balances that are in place for our horses, as well as the good care we provide them. Should the same not be available to the carriage drivers, the stable workers, the stables owners, and any other worker in our industry?
We should note that being a member of this Local in no way pits the drivers against the owners, or vise versa. We are all members together; owners, drivers, stablemen, etc.
Here is the link to the article in the NY daily News....
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/01/25/2009-01-25_carriage_drivers_join_teamsters_as_city_.html
And here is a link to the article in The Irish Echo...
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=19017
Our Local is 553. In the late 1800's we were known as the Team Coal drivers, a group of horsemen who delivered coal all over this great city. Since the automotive era, however, the Local has been made up of the oil delivery drivers who still call the buildings where they keep their oil trucks "barns".
As Teamsters, we and our brothers have access to political representation at the city, state, and national level. Owning and operating an animal enterprise such as ours, is a labor issue as much as it is an animal issue. Here in NYC, we have demonstrated the checks and balances that are in place for our horses, as well as the good care we provide them. Should the same not be available to the carriage drivers, the stable workers, the stables owners, and any other worker in our industry?
We should note that being a member of this Local in no way pits the drivers against the owners, or vise versa. We are all members together; owners, drivers, stablemen, etc.
Here is the link to the article in the NY daily News....
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/01/25/2009-01-25_carriage_drivers_join_teamsters_as_city_.html
And here is a link to the article in The Irish Echo...
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=19017
Friday, January 23, 2009
My videos are back up on Youtube
After many weeks, my videos are finally back up on YouTube. They were taken down after the animal rights nuts flagged them all. My, my how desperate they must be to have to flag videos so people don't see the truth.
If you would like to see them you can go here.
http://www.youtube.com/user/StopLiesSeeTruth
There are 13 videos so far. They show everything from our stables, to our horses at work, regulations and licenses, our farm where they vacation and retire. We also have posted several videos we took over the Christmas season when the activists were in full tilt. You can see for yourselves how "stable" these people are in the videos....its hilarious and sad all at the same time.
If you would like to see them you can go here.
http://www.youtube.com/user/StopLiesSeeTruth
There are 13 videos so far. They show everything from our stables, to our horses at work, regulations and licenses, our farm where they vacation and retire. We also have posted several videos we took over the Christmas season when the activists were in full tilt. You can see for yourselves how "stable" these people are in the videos....its hilarious and sad all at the same time.
Liam Neeson on The Daily Show
Liam Neeson spent most of his interview time, last night, speaking about our carriage horses instead of promoting his own movie. He had just come from our stable down the street before his interview and was mighty impressed.
"These are the fittest, well fed, best kept horses Ive ever seen." Liam Neeson.
"Have you been in these stables? I would move in tomorrow." Liam Neeson.
Coming from an avid horseback rider and horse lover, Mr. Neeson's statements made us feel like dancing for joy!
Oh, what a kick in the pants this must be to know-nothing Alec Baldwin, who has never so much as even attempted to do any independent research into our horses. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't know anything about horses in the first place.
"They have holiday for months on these Amish farms." Liam Neeson.
We have been saying this for years to the PETAphiles who lie about our business and tell people our horses don't vacation. Of course, liberal Jon Stewart wasn't paying attention to what Mr. Neeson said and commented that "Living on 52nd and 11th isn't a holiday for a horse."
If you re going to lead an interview...PAY ATTENTION!
If you would like to watch the interview yourself, please go here....
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=216562&title=liam-neeson#Scene_1
Thank you Mr. Neeson for seeing the TRUTH about our business! Its been a long, hard road for us. But, as we've always done, we will muddle through and show the world how well cared for our horses are and how much we truly LOVE them!
"These are the fittest, well fed, best kept horses Ive ever seen." Liam Neeson.
"Have you been in these stables? I would move in tomorrow." Liam Neeson.
Coming from an avid horseback rider and horse lover, Mr. Neeson's statements made us feel like dancing for joy!
Oh, what a kick in the pants this must be to know-nothing Alec Baldwin, who has never so much as even attempted to do any independent research into our horses. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't know anything about horses in the first place.
"They have holiday for months on these Amish farms." Liam Neeson.
We have been saying this for years to the PETAphiles who lie about our business and tell people our horses don't vacation. Of course, liberal Jon Stewart wasn't paying attention to what Mr. Neeson said and commented that "Living on 52nd and 11th isn't a holiday for a horse."
If you re going to lead an interview...PAY ATTENTION!
If you would like to watch the interview yourself, please go here....
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=216562&title=liam-neeson#Scene_1
Thank you Mr. Neeson for seeing the TRUTH about our business! Its been a long, hard road for us. But, as we've always done, we will muddle through and show the world how well cared for our horses are and how much we truly LOVE them!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Liam Neeson Speaks Out in Defense of our Carriage Horses!
Irish Echo, front page story, January 14, 2008
Hands off!
Actor Liam Neeson slams animal rights 'extremists'
By Peter McDermott January 14, 2009
Liam Neeson, Ireland's best-known Hollywood star, has defended New York's horse & carriage industry from its critics in a letter to members of the City Council.
The actor writes that there's been a "coordinated attempt by animal activists and a certain Queens council member to ban the industry from the city."
City Councilman Tony Avella's bill to put an end to the city's horse & carriage trade will be discussed at a hearing on Jan. 30. At the same meeting, the horse & carriage workers' proposal for a fare increase -- the first in 19 years, if it's agreed -- will also be debated.
Neeson's letter continues: "As a horse lover and rider, I am deeply disturbed by the unnecessary and misguided political and extreme rhetoric against the horse-drawn carriage industry and feel obliged to counter this action.
"The horse-drawn carriage business is an iconic part of this city, employing hundreds of dedicated, hard-working men and women, caring for well-bred, well-trained horses and attracting tourists to New York City for over 100 years.
"As a proud New York resident, I have personally enjoyed the beauty of Central Park on a daily basis for many years, and these horses are an undeniable integral part of that experience. The notion that a well-nourished horse pulling a carriage through Central Park is considered cruelty may fit in with animal activists' extremist view, but not with the rest of us," writes the star who played Michael Collins, the founder of the Irish state, and sex researcher Alfred Kinsey on screen and is slated to portray Abraham Lincoln and Ian Paisley in upcoming film projects.
He frames his closing argument in economic terms: "Surely we have a responsibility to protect commerce, especially one with such history, and one I truly feel helps define this city. May pragmatism prevail."
The Ballymena, Co. Antrim-born star, who has dual Irish and British citizenship, signs the letter "Liam Neeson OBE."
Stephen Malone, a New Yorker who followed his County Louth-born father into the industry, also made the economic argument in an interview with the Echo.
"Two and half million people lost their jobs last year and it's mind-boggling that he [Avella] wants to take away more jobs," he said.
Malone said that the industry is bringing forward a legislative package with its demand for an fare increase, even though it's already closely regulated. It wants the veterinarian's checkup of horses to be twice yearly.
It wants to improve record keeping, too. Under the proposals, each owner has to keep a logbook on the premises for his set of horses with information on shots and worming.
Malone and his colleagues aim to "upgrade, improve and protect every aspect of the industry."
However, the biggest obstacle to improved pay and conditions is the vociferous animal rights group that harasses the industry workers. Carolyn Daly, a spokesperson for the horse & carriage industry, said that allegations of cruelty are absurd. "People talk about the horses' 'instinct to flee,'" she said. "We're dealing with domesticated animals; they're not wild stallions. They've never had to hunt for food."
"They're trust fund horses," Malone said. "Born with a silver bit in their mouths."
As for safety concerns, the "record speaks for itself and our insurance record speaks for itself," Malone said. "We wouldn't be here if it didn't."
More than 100 pedestrians died on New York's streets in 2008, he said, and his industry took in hundreds of thousands fares without incident.
Malone said that despite the downturn in the economy, the industry, which employs 400 people, had a good Christmas season.
But the current cold snap is keeping the horses and drivers off the streets.
"We'll work one or two days this week," Stephen Malone said. "This is our time to spend with our families that we don't have during the rest of the year."
This story appeared in the Irish Echo issue of January 14-20, 2009
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=18971
It ws also picked up by the Daily News
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=18971
And on MSNBC.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28740427/
Hands off!
Actor Liam Neeson slams animal rights 'extremists'
By Peter McDermott January 14, 2009
Liam Neeson, Ireland's best-known Hollywood star, has defended New York's horse & carriage industry from its critics in a letter to members of the City Council.
The actor writes that there's been a "coordinated attempt by animal activists and a certain Queens council member to ban the industry from the city."
City Councilman Tony Avella's bill to put an end to the city's horse & carriage trade will be discussed at a hearing on Jan. 30. At the same meeting, the horse & carriage workers' proposal for a fare increase -- the first in 19 years, if it's agreed -- will also be debated.
Neeson's letter continues: "As a horse lover and rider, I am deeply disturbed by the unnecessary and misguided political and extreme rhetoric against the horse-drawn carriage industry and feel obliged to counter this action.
"The horse-drawn carriage business is an iconic part of this city, employing hundreds of dedicated, hard-working men and women, caring for well-bred, well-trained horses and attracting tourists to New York City for over 100 years.
"As a proud New York resident, I have personally enjoyed the beauty of Central Park on a daily basis for many years, and these horses are an undeniable integral part of that experience. The notion that a well-nourished horse pulling a carriage through Central Park is considered cruelty may fit in with animal activists' extremist view, but not with the rest of us," writes the star who played Michael Collins, the founder of the Irish state, and sex researcher Alfred Kinsey on screen and is slated to portray Abraham Lincoln and Ian Paisley in upcoming film projects.
He frames his closing argument in economic terms: "Surely we have a responsibility to protect commerce, especially one with such history, and one I truly feel helps define this city. May pragmatism prevail."
The Ballymena, Co. Antrim-born star, who has dual Irish and British citizenship, signs the letter "Liam Neeson OBE."
Stephen Malone, a New Yorker who followed his County Louth-born father into the industry, also made the economic argument in an interview with the Echo.
"Two and half million people lost their jobs last year and it's mind-boggling that he [Avella] wants to take away more jobs," he said.
Malone said that the industry is bringing forward a legislative package with its demand for an fare increase, even though it's already closely regulated. It wants the veterinarian's checkup of horses to be twice yearly.
It wants to improve record keeping, too. Under the proposals, each owner has to keep a logbook on the premises for his set of horses with information on shots and worming.
Malone and his colleagues aim to "upgrade, improve and protect every aspect of the industry."
However, the biggest obstacle to improved pay and conditions is the vociferous animal rights group that harasses the industry workers. Carolyn Daly, a spokesperson for the horse & carriage industry, said that allegations of cruelty are absurd. "People talk about the horses' 'instinct to flee,'" she said. "We're dealing with domesticated animals; they're not wild stallions. They've never had to hunt for food."
"They're trust fund horses," Malone said. "Born with a silver bit in their mouths."
As for safety concerns, the "record speaks for itself and our insurance record speaks for itself," Malone said. "We wouldn't be here if it didn't."
More than 100 pedestrians died on New York's streets in 2008, he said, and his industry took in hundreds of thousands fares without incident.
Malone said that despite the downturn in the economy, the industry, which employs 400 people, had a good Christmas season.
But the current cold snap is keeping the horses and drivers off the streets.
"We'll work one or two days this week," Stephen Malone said. "This is our time to spend with our families that we don't have during the rest of the year."
This story appeared in the Irish Echo issue of January 14-20, 2009
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=18971
It ws also picked up by the Daily News
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=18971
And on MSNBC.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28740427/
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