It is extraordinary, the extent to which large numbers of Americans like killing wildlife for fun still. And yes, I know it's not all of them or even just them, right David Cameron? But I find it impossible to imagine here that you'd have an entire TV channel being given over to fat blokes in camouflage gear killing deer, as you do over there. Utterly vile.
The point is this: guns really only ever serve one purpose. And if you have guns around you, then sooner or later even the fluffiest, cuddliest peacenik (like myself) is inevitably going to become slightly curious as to what actually happens when you pull that trigger for real. Anyone would. So if you're not a fluffy, cuddly peacenik - and most people aren't - that trigger finger is going to get itchy. And this fella's an extreme case, clearly and rich enough to think he can do whatever he likes.
Mad.
It's one of the big stories of the day: American dentist kills lion.
Turns out the lion, called Cecil, was a bit of a local celebrity of sorts and the dentist has expressed his regret, stating that be believed he was on an authorised and legal hunt.
"I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion,"
More here > http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-...72273290075_10155849056555075?SThisFB?SThisFB (and in many other places)
I don't get it, I really don't. He regrets killing the lion because he is, supposedly, a nice one but he was quite happy to shoot, in cold blood, a lesser lion in the name of fun/sport/whatever.
Is there anyone at all on here who can find any justification for heading out to Africa to shoot a lion?
Hope his dental practice dies a protracted death.