Americans want answers.
At a recent dinner hosted by the Federalist Society, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch took aim at what he sees as government overreach, using a particularly bizarre incident to illustrate his concerns. The incident in question involved the euthanization of a squirrel named Peanut by New York state authorities, who had seized the animal due to fears it might carry rabies. The story quickly became a flashpoint for conservative outrage, highlighting the growing tension between individual freedoms and government intervention.
During his speech, Gorsuch joked about the case, saying, “I’ve just seen too many cases like that. You may have seen one recently in the news—Peanut the squirrel.” The audience laughed, but Gorsuch’s point was clear: this incident reflected the overbearing reach of government. The squirrel’s death became emblematic of what many conservatives see as the state’s excessive power to invade personal lives without just cause.
The controversy surrounding Peanut’s death gained further momentum when Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the conservative movement, spoke out on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Musk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, expressed outrage over the incident, saying, “How can it be that we live in America, supposedly the land of the free, and the government can barge into your home with guns, take your pets, and execute them?” His words resonated with many Republicans who see this as yet another example of the government infringing on personal rights.
Peanut, along with a raccoon, was seized from the home of Mark Longo, a 34-year-old man from rural Pine City, New York. Longo had been caring for the animals after rescuing them, and the state authorities were concerned that the animals might be carrying rabies. Although Peanut had developed a large social media following, the state argued that both animals posed a potential health risk. In the end, the animals were euthanized and tested for rabies.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, especially after it was revealed that Peanut tested negative for rabies. This only fueled the perception among conservatives that government officials had acted hastily and with undue force. Longo, who was visibly shaken by the raid, described the experience as “the most shocking thing I have ever seen” and likened it to a police raid on a criminal suspect.
While some government officials defended their actions, claiming they were simply trying to protect public health, many conservatives saw it as an overstep of authority, particularly in the context of a pet that posed no immediate threat. Justice Gorsuch’s remarks about the case were a reminder of how important it is for lawmakers and government agencies to respect the rights of individuals, even when it comes to something as seemingly trivial as a pet squirrel.
For many conservatives, the Peanut story is not just about one squirrel—it’s about the larger issue of government overreach and the need to rein in bureaucratic power that too often tramples on personal freedoms. With the 2024 election on the horizon, cases like this are likely to remain a point of contention as voters decide whether they want more government control or a return to a more limited government that respects individual rights.
