The protest was laudable — the animal cruelty was not

The “Dreadhead Cowboy,” having so totally abused a helpless animal, has lost all credibility as a protester for anyone’s rights.

As a horse owner of 50 years, I was appalled to see him galloping his horse on the hard pavement of the Dan Ryan Expressway. Running a horse for seven miles on such a surface was assurance of a debilitating injury — especially given that the horse was not wearing protective shoes.

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And saddle sores? They are not “common,” as some have said. There is no excuse for causing an animal such needless pain and suffering. Imagine having a heavy saddle and the weight of a man on your back, rubbing on raw sores. And all because the owner apparently failed to put an appropriate pad between the saddle and the horse.

The cause of Dreadhead Cowboy’s protest was legitimate. But not with such callousness and cruelty. I salute Judge David Navarro for charging Adam Hollingsworth with animal cruelty.

Carol Kraines, Deerfield

A fleeting comet

Gale Sayers, the “Kansas Comet,” has died and we mourn.

That is what a comet is supposed to do.

Streak across the sky with all stopping to watch in wonder.

Then he is gone.

Bob Schultheis, Long Grove