OTHER PLACES, OTHER PROGRAMS

"The large-scale culling, which is expected to continue through April, has outraged groups working to preserve the park's bison herds, considered by scientists to be the largest genetically pure population in the country. It has also led to an angry exchange between Montana state officials and the federal government over a stalled agreement to create a haven for the bison that has not received the needed federal financing.

'When they leave the park they have nowhere to go,' said Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana, a Democrat. 'This agreement would have given them a place to go.'"

The American Bison-- imagine that: a splendid native creature of America, leaving the park, with no place to go.

Kafka, Orwell... take your pick.

" And what a splendid contemplation too, when one (who has travelled these realms, and can duly appreciate them) imagines them as they might in future be seen, (by some great protecting policy of government) preserved in their pristine beauty and wildness, in a magnificent park, where the world could see for ages to come, the native Indian in his classic attire, galloping his wild horse, with sinewy bow, and shield and lance, amid the fleeting herds of elks and buffaloes. What a beautiful and thrilling specimen for America to preserve and hold up to the view of her refined citizens and the world, in future ages. A nation's Park, containing man and beast, in all the wild and freshness of their nature's beauty!"

George Catlin

Oh, the irony...