How To Choose A Candidate

While listening to the Republican and Democratic conventions, I remembered this wonderful tale by Lame Deer that I found in a book on dogs. I loved it so much that I copied it into my computer, and I think it’s worth reading now, with regard to our upcoming Presidential election. “We don’t think much of the white man’s elections. Whoever wins, we Indians always lose. Well, we have a little story about elections.”

“Once, a long time ago, the dogs were trying to elect a president. One of them said, “I nominate the bulldog for president. He’s strong and can fight.” “But he can’t run,” said another dog. “What good is a fighter who can’t run? He won’t catch anybody.”

Then another dog said, “I nominate the greyhound because he sure can run.” The other dogs cried, “But he can’t fight. When he catches up with somebody, he gets the hell beaten out of him!”

Then an ugly little mutt jumped up and said, “I nominate that dog for president who smells good underneath his tail.” And immediately an equally ugly mutt jumped up and yelled, “I second the motion.” At once all the dogs started sniffing underneath each other’s tails.

A big chorus went up: “Phew, he doesn’t smell good under his tail.” “No, neither does this one.” “He’s no presidential timber!” “No, he’s no good either.” “This one sure isn’t the people’s choice.” “Wow, this ain’t my candidate!”

When you go out for a walk, just watch the dogs. They’re still sniffing underneath each other’s tails. They’re looking for a good leader and they still haven’t found him.”

Lame Deer (South Dakota Brule Sioux) 1969

NOTE: This Diary entry, previously published on our old site, will have any links removed.