State investigates midget wrestling event

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A suburban Des Moines nightclub may have violated state law when it hosted "extreme midget wrestling." Venues are required to post a $5,000 bond and pay taxes on revenues at events, such as professional boxing and wrestling. The Vieux Carre nightclub in West Des Moines hosted the Half Pint Brawlers, a traveling group that does stand-up comedy, stunts and fake wrestling shows, last Friday night. Dave Neil, the state's labor commissioner, said the event is considered professional wrestling under Iowa code and that the club should comply with the requirements. Club Owner Tom Baldwin disagrees. "It's just kind of a carnival-like show," Baldwin said. "It'd be no different than going to the Funny Bone" comedy club. Baldwin's club could face a fine of up to $5,000. The Union bar in Iowa City also is facing a similar inquiry after a similar show in December.

I feel that the state of Iowa should be fining these clubs for these “circus-like” events because I feel what they are doing is morally wrong. Although the midgets may not care that people are just there to watch and laugh at them but, it is still worng. So the clubs may be legally allowed to hold these degrading events however they should abide by the state’s laws and since they did not they should be fined not only because they broke the rules but because what they are doing is just plain wrong.