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| "Jesus chose a donkey colt, unridden, uninfluenced by man, for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. In doing so, He recognized the donkey's instinctive role of servitudes to man and God. Time and time again since the beginning of recorded history, the donkey has proved its quality of character. Its noble instincts are special. It was not created to be hunted for food or sport, and it has no natural enemies. It is the duty of the world to understand the true depth of the donkey, and to care for this noble creature." |
Mistakenly, the Republican Party regards the donkey as stubborn, silly and ridiculous -- but Democrats, until now, that is, claim it is humble, homely, smart, courageous and dependable - and worthy of emulation. But what do Republicans and reformist-Democrats know about this lowly farm animal. Though few modern city folks, including most Democrats, have struck up a meaningful relationship with a donkey, we must not accept the swift boating of this noble creature.
Should we accept the derogatory labels of vicious swiftboaters and abandon the noble donkey? Should we abandon John Murtha, or John Edwards or John Kerry to swiftboaters? That which is noble and Democratic must be defended. We must defend our honor.
And so I come to defend the honor of the donkey, and I call upon experts and knowledgeable character witnesses.
A Ranch Expert
For further expert testimony, I introduce you to the owner of the Lucky Three Ranch, LuckyThreeRanch who wrote eloquently about both donkeys and mules:
| "Donkeys and mules have been labeled 'stubborn' for centuries, but it is really only an abundance of common sense and a strong desire for self-preservation that might make them inclined to resist. Mules and donkeys actually have a natural attraction to humans. When treated with patience, kindness and understanding, they learn to trust and obey. If they are treated with force and abuse, they are not likely to comply with your wishes. If only a mule could talk, most people would be surprised by how smart they really are!" |
Sounds like good Democrats to me! Or at least what Democrats should aspire to be. Not easily misled into danger. Full of common sense. This same expert also wrote:
| “What are the donkey’s mental characteristics? Highly intelligent, alert, curious and affectionate when not worn down by bad conditions, i.e., cruel treatment, bad shelter, bad food and water, or overwork. Quick to learn. A well-trained mule is calm, tolerant, loyal, affectionate, obliging and patient. Sensitive. Mules and donkeys might be mistaken for stubborn when they’re actually afraid or confused. Has common sense and not prone to panic or carelessness. Can recognize danger.” |
If only we Democrats could be as noble as the donkey! Our greatest leaders have aspired to be. They have been men of peace. They were not predatory or bellicose. They loved and were respectful of other men and creatures. They worked hard for the public good, carried heavy burdens over long distances, and took from the treasury only what was needed to remain strong and healthy, much like the donkey. Who ever saw a fat, lard-ass donkey? Who ever saw donkeys fighting over grass, much less oil? Their nature excludes such gluttony. They take only the water and grass they need to be happy and healthy.
O’ Lordy! I just want to be a donkey! I don’t wanna be no mighty elephant, no ferocious lion, no golden eagle, and I sho’ don’ want to be no flag just flappin’ round which ever way the breeze blows. They go with the wind. Flag wavers are fickle. Donkeys ain’t. You can depend on donkeys. Just make me a good ol’ donkey - something practical and beneficial that can serve some higher purpose for mankind and myself and for You, Dear Lord. I just wanna be a noble Democratic ass!
Joe Howard Crews
The ELEPHANT, on the other hand
[COMMENTARY SOURCE: Democrats.org
The Democrats think of the elephant as bungling, stupid, pompous and conservative -- but the Republicans think it is dignified, strong and intelligent. On the other hand, the Republicans regard the donkey as stubborn, silly and ridiculous -- but the Democrats claim it is humble, homely, smart, courageous and loveable.
Adlai Stevenson provided one of the most clever descriptions of the Republican's symbol when he said:
| "The elephant has a thick skin, a head full of ivory, and as everyone who has seen a circus parade knows, proceeds best by grasping the tail of its predecessor." |