Does Polly want a cracker?

I like dogs. They’re loyal, smart and good companions. Most only bark to let you know something’s not right. Cats are OK. Not sure about their loyalty but they can be companions. For sure they are independent thinkers.

Then there’s birds. Birds are pleasant to watch when they’re free. Singing in the back yard. Gathering food and nesting material. Caring for their young until it’s time to leave the nest. But birds kept as pets? I feel for them. They seem perfectly happy in their little cages. They don’t miss the freedom they’ve never known. Someone hands them all the food, water and toys they’ll ever need. Personally, I don’t think they make great pets or provide any real companionship.

Now parrots might be the worst of the birds. Same lack of freedom and they talk. Not real talk anyway. They just repeat endlessly what they have heard while hidden from the experiences of the world outside their little cage. They have no idea the meaning of what they say. You’ll never learn anything of any value from a parrot. I understand you can turn them off by covering their cage. But I’m not a cancel culture kind of guy. Parrots should be able to speak when they want to. It would just be nice if their little bird brains could come up with something original.

This all brings me to the point of this letter. Daniel Strayer’s latest opinion piece about fascism. To which I can only reply … Polly want a cracker?

MARK QUINN

Moyie Springs