I am imagining a call to the United States Park Service where the phone simply rings and rings: nobody home at one of our countries premier land-managing agencies! How can this be? What could bring us to such a state of affairs?
Some of our Congress would have us believe that, with great foresight, our legislature is headed into a dangerous crisis, that they saw a painful reality ahead of this nation and dug in their heels. They made an unpopular decision for the betterment of the country and the world. It was worth shutting down the National Parks. Never mind that the US Park Service is charged with watching over our wild environment. Never mind that they “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations”. It might appear that our Congress looked into the future and saw such a devastating disaster looming that they had to act decisively. It is amazing that Congress was able to make such a courageous decision on what they thought might happen. But I’m not thinking about the government shutdown over Obama Care. That is not the telephone call that I am imagining.
Our buffalo ranches boarder the Badlands National Park for many miles. Our buffalo roam along the fences that divide your public land from our private land. I have business with the Park Service and I am imagining the call that I may try to make someday after Congress has missed their chance to do something truly important and courageous. I’m thinking about a call to the Park headquarters if congress continues to insist that there is no “proof” that climate change is real. There is no “proof” that Obama Care won’t work either. It seems that the same members that are sure they know the devastating effects of Obama Care, and who are willing to sacrifice a great deal to stop it, see no apocalypse with regard to climate change.
“’Experts’ can be found to say anything,” they say. “Nobody knows what will happen.”
Yet a few congressmen believe they know what will happen if more people get health care. They believe that such a goal is not worth the great risks. It is hard to imagine how they figure the risk/benefit analysis of Obama Care versus climate change, but I think it has a lot more to do with politics and campaign contributions than real courage and leadership.
I don’t need to get in touch with the Park service this week so the fact that there is nobody there to answer my call is not important. But I think I’ll just call and listen to it ring. That’s what it will sound like if the selective clairvoyants in congress continue their gutless little games and we finally end up with no environment to protect.
Comments 20
Here here!
Absolutely beautifully said! Here here!
And thank you for all you do. It does make a difference.
I agree 100% Dan. Thanks for saying it…
Right on, Dan!
Right on, Dan. I know our society has become tolerant of dishonesty and skullduggery but our senators and congressmen are just way beyond reason. Keep up your good works and integrity because that’s what builds true success!
I do not believe the things you do Dan. But I’ll still buy your Buffalo meat because it is truly the best wild game I’ve had, next to the South Dakota antelope and elk I’ve been blessed to hunt and serve to my family
I sure wish there were many more folks like you and Jill. Our country and our planet would be a lot better, for people, for animals and the environment. Keep speaking out. Thank you.
We couldn’t agree with you more. Thank you for your insight and thank you for the superb natural product your company provides.
Thanks for your leadership Dan. I hope those congresspersons and the rest of us can pick up the baton and participate in stewardship of this nation and this earth like you.
“Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of congress. But then I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain
It just seems like such an appropriate quote. Thanks for your monthly writings.
Hi Dan,
Maybe you should run for congress. I will vote for you. I am 76 years old, and I remember when a man was elected to congress, the senate, or president he stood up and did what was right. We had more statesmen then and less politicians. Now too many of them only care about power, and it is sad. The real problem is that the government is owned by Monsanto, the drug companies, and other big business. The congressmen and senators are all owned by big business political contributions. My theory is that they should all get one six year term, they can never run again, campaigns are publically financed, and no elected official can accept one dime from anyone. Lobbyists can see the congressmen in their offices just like we can, and anyone who accepts money from any business should be hung by the thumbs in the public square.
You and I are still statesmen, and I salute you. I am so sorry that you lost 10% of your herd, but happy that 90% survived. My guess is that buffalo are a heck of a lot tougher than beef cattle!
Here’s to you guys, and the buffalo too.
I put you all in God’s loving hands.
May the blessings be.
Love, Don
I’d vote for Don Meyer too, but I live in Texas. You’d have to be running for President for my vote to qualify!
NY Times has article on this very subject. If you’re interested here is the link.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/12/us/shutdowns-quiet-toll-from-idled-research-to-closed-wallets.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0
Hello,
I heard of your product from a fellow co-worker at a national monument I work at seasonally. I am interested in trying your product and look forward to it being as good as it sounds. I am a retired elementary teacher and I have one negative comment to make to Jill’s note on Oct. 12th. (I ask for your grace in advance to my saying this.) When using the possessive pronominal adjective “your,” it carries a meaning of ownership. It does not have the meaning “you are.” Your sentence read, “If your interested here is the link.” It should be, “If you’re interested, here is the link.” It will make you sound more credible if you are grammatically correct. Thank you for listening.
Thank you Lynn for catching my grammar error. It has been corrected! We look forward to your order. Jill
Once again we get what they deserve.
I used to think that the worst mistake in politics is to believe your own propaganda. Now I think it might be voting for some other idiot who does….
“There is really nothing complicated about the facts. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted all the money required to keep all government activities going — except for ObamaCare.
This is not a matter of opinion. You can check the Congressional Record.” – Thomas Sowell
There is no “proof” that Obama Care won’t work either – “As few as 1 in 100 applications on the federal exchange contains enough information to enroll the applicant in a plan, several insurance industry sources told CNBC on Friday.”
Hello Dan & Jill O’Brien,
I hope that all is well. Your conservation work is impressive.
I am reaching out for for a different reason. I am researching a short story “Crossing Spider Creek” and I am trying to determine if you are the author.
If you are the author all I need is confirmation, unless there is anything you would like to share. I just want to be sure I am linking the story to the correct person, for a prose presentation. Thanks in advance and sorry to trouble you!
Kind Regards, Seetha
You’ve got the right Dan O’Brien. Many thanks for your words of support.
Many thanks, for your quick e-mail response Mrs. O’Brien!
I will be reading it loud to a class of my peers on Saturday along with a short bio. I will be sure to discuss the work you do on your ranch!
Thanks again,
Seetha