Grey wolves were re-introduced in the greater Yellowstone area in a controversial but very successful program in 1995. They were apparently absent there for almost 70 years, although I've talked to a few old-timers in the area that claim that they were never really all gone. I'm not sure I believe them, but it made for a good story especially around the campfire late at night. The animals that were placed in Yellowstone came from Canada and have done remarkably well, reproducing at a rapid rate. I have now seen a wolf pack in Yellowstone as it has stalked its prey. I watched from just outside my car. The prey appeared to be an elk. At least that's how I remember it. I mean it's not like there was sniper fire in the area or something that made me so damned nervous that I can't remember that there were a few wolves in the area that were taking down an elk. Oh, and I don't think I was wearing a flack jacket either. Nor did I run to my vehicle due to possible incoming. I remember my kids were waiting for me in the car as I snapped off a few photos. I can't remember if they were reading poetry or not.
After reading American Creation and Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis, I find it interesting that our Founding Fathers never campaigned for the presidency. They were asked by a few close associates and then voted on by the electoral college. They usually told their friends no a few times before they warmed up to the idea. Washington, Jefferson, and even Lincoln to a great degree, never sought to become President. They would have viewed that as a character flaw. They served the people for a season and then expected to retire to a private life.
Washington actually had a great reluctance to come again into public life after the war. In a letter to the Marquis de la Fayette, regarding the desire for many that he, Washington, become President, Washington observed:
"Your sentiments indeed coincide much more nearly with those of my other friends, that with my own feelings. In truth, my difficulties increase and magnify as I draw towards the period, when, according to the common belief, it will be necessary for me to give a definitive answer in one way or other. Should circumstances render it in a manner inevitably necessary to be in the affirmative, be assured, my dear sir, I shall assume the task with the most unfeigned reluctance, and with a real diffidence, for which I shall probably receive no credit from the world. If I know my own heart, nothing short of a conviction of duty, will induce me again to take an active part in public affairs. And in that case, if I can form a plan for my own conduct, my endeavours shall be unremittingly exerted, (even at the hazard of former fame or present popularity,) to extricate my country from the embarrassments in which it is entangled through want of credit, and to establish a general system of policy, which, if pursued, will ensure permanent felicity to the commonwealth. I think I see a path as clear and as direct as a ray of light, which leads to the attainment of that object. Nothing but harmony, honesty, industry, and frugality, are necessary to make us a great and a happy people. Happily the present posture of affairs and the prevailing disposition of my countrymen, promise to co-operate in establishing those four great and essential pillars of public felicity."
What is it today that someone would actually want to be President so bad that they would embellish their past or have to campaign for two years before they take office? Washington saw his men starve to death at Valley Forge. He saw the blood stained snow as they marched to the Delaware River during Christmas to cross during a blizzard. He road his horse over snake-like trenches and saw the blown-off body parts of his young soldiers as they literally dug their way towards freedom in the trenches at Yorktown-- much to his aides dismay as they took incoming. He turned the tide of retreat several times and rallied his nearly naked men toward the battle. He was prepared for the presidency. He didn't have to beg for it or talk about it. His reputation and honor didn't need embellishment.
If you ever walk deep into the wilderness and have the opportunity to hear the wolves cry, stop and listen. I hope for a moment you feel your heart beat faster. I also hope that no one is around to film it so it doesn't show up a few months later on Youtube.
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