Where 'Buffalo' Roam

Bison Skull Pile, Circa 1870s  (PD)

Unfortunately, the homes where "buffalo" (which are different from bison) used to roam are what’s been killing them off for centuries.

Whereas these homes used to be tepees and other earth-friendly dwellings, ranches that murder more animals than they preserve are now the rule.

So it's somewhat ironic that the bison is now being considered America’s “national mammal.”  No sacred cow there, bison burgers may soon be right alongside Whoppers at ubiquitous malls.

And yet, United States officials are now cooing over these bovine mammals as though they were, indeed, divine.  A CNN quote from Rep. William Lacy Clay reads as follows:  “No other indigenous species tells America’s story better than this noble creature.” Here’s another from Sen. John Hoeven:  “The bison… has for many years been a symbol of America… reflecting the pioneer spirit of our country.” 

And yet, wasn’t it these same “pioneers” who fostered near extinction for both the bison and their Native American neighbors?

                                                                                                 

Resources

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/27/politics/bison-national-mammal/index.html 

Copyright April 30, 2016 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved