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Possum Politics
The Virginia Opossum has generally avoided interspecies politics,
| …preferring a brand of local
action |
| At times in the course of human history,
however, it becomes necessary to take a stand. During the campaign of Teddy Roosevelt, Mr.
Roosevelt came to be affectionately known as Teddy Bear. In response, William Howard Taft
was penned Billy Possum, and his running mate, Jimmy Possum. |
The good name of the
Virginia Opossum came to be draped in our American Flag. |
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| Indeed, Mr. Taft's persona was often equated
with the good Billy. |
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In this picture we see Theodore Roosevelt, Mr. Teddy Bear
on the left and William Howard Taft (Mr. Billy Possum) on the right. The words Good Bye
Teddy are inscribed below the two dancing animals. |
| Mr. Taft was a Republican, and because the
Republicans were often considered the Party of the rich, Billy Possum was shown in all
manner of situations, each meant to show how little concern such a rich person
could be expected to have for the concerns of ordinary citizens.
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Here Billy Possum is
having his soup with a large silver spoon. Leaning against the table are his golf clubs.
We mustn't let politics get in the way of a good game of golf! The
card reads Arrived here at just the right time. |
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And in the upper left hand corner is a picture of the White
House. |
For reasons lost in history, the Teddy Bear has become an enduring image
of American society, while Billy Possum has been largely forgotten. Just doesn't seem
fair, does it, Possums?
Political Animals
So possums, what do you say we look at some other political animals?
Possum Party. A look at
those donkeys and elephants of the American political parties.
Oh Henry. A little
about Henry Clay, that old raccoon from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
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