Double Quotes: American buffaloes

Congress is celebrating bison, but that wasn’t always the case

“The Tatanka is important both physically and spiritually in Native American culture. This bill recognizes that. Bison are a cultural example of how to live in a healthy and productive manner. There are also lessons to be learned about resilience from these animals, which were nearly being wiped from existence at one point. Through the efforts of tribes, ranchers, conservationists and others, the species has survived and can once again be lifted as a literal and cultural example of productivity from which each of us can learn,” — Republican Congresswoman Kristi Noem, of South Dakota in a press release April 27, 2016

“There is no question that, so long as there are millions of buffaloes in the West, the Indians cannot be controlled, even by the strong arm of the government. I believe it would be a great step forward in the civilization of the Indians and the preservation of peace on the border if there was not a buffalo in existence.” — Democratic Congressman James Throckmorton, of Texas, 1873