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Along Life’s Way
Politics Gone
Wild: A Fable
By Lois E. Wilson
Fifteen years before, Leon the lion had arrived at the Large Cat Nation
(LCN). He was a glib talker; he soon had the lions, tigers, leopards,
and cheetahs believing that he was a direct descendent of the first
Lion King of LCN.
When the current king became ill, it was decided to select a new one.
Leon immediately seized the opportunity and began campaigning for the
honored position. He held meetings with representatives of all
the large cats and made promises as to what he would do to improve the
nation.
He easily won the position and had been king for over ten years. He
reveled in the esteem and strutted around wearing a crown and regal
robes as he roared orders to underlings. Many LCN citizens were
beginning to sense and complain that under his leadership, all was not
well. The LCN elders met in secret to address their concerns.
The cheetahs were first to speak, “King Leon has us chase down the
prey. Then he sends in his collectors to take 90% or all of it as
tribute. Essentially, it is a tax. We are left with little to eat.
This year we are suffering.”
The leopards gave examples of their problems: “King Leon and his
leaders have several prides in the LCN. They pick the best spots
in the shade under the few trees to make their camps. We use
trees to hide in and observe prey hoping for a kill when an unwary
gazelle grazes underneath. Because of his regulations, we have had no
place to successfully hunt.”
Tyler Tiger was very vocal, “I don’t appreciate the way Leon treats our
watering holes. In a drought, lions always take first drinks. Only if
we’re lucky is there any clean water left for us. I’ve been thinking
that maybe it is time for a tiger to run for king. If I took on the
challenge, would I have any support?”
Loni Lion spoke “I probably shouldn’t talk against my own kind, but
many lions are dissatisfied. They don’t think Leon is a
descendent of our first king; they think he is only interested in
promoting himself. I’m sure you’ll have some votes there. We believe
our Lion King has become a Lyin’ King. I’ll work for you to be chosen!”
The LCN elders worked tirelessly to spread the word to the LCN voters.
Their campaign slogan was; “Vote Tiger—Disdain the Pomp!” Tyler Tiger
won.
Moral: If you believe you can’t lose because you hold the lion’s share
and have the tiger by the tail—remember the tiger thinks, plans, and
bites with its other end. Work—to the victor belong the toils!
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