A parable for our times
It is not unusual to find in folklore, stories that provide parables for our times. One such narrative is the Winnebago (American Indian) tale “The Man Who Would Not Defecate.” The protagonist, Wakjankaga (The Foolish One), comes upon a plant that warns him not to eat it. “If you eat me,” the plant sings, you will defecate.” Believing he can defy such an admonition, Wakjankaga scoffs and pops the bulb in his mouth.
No sooner done, the hero begins to break wind repeatedly – the flatulence being so powerful he is launched through the air, bouncing off trees. “Nonetheless,” he boastfully proclaims, “I am a great man and will not defecate!” No sooner said, than defecation begins, producing mounds so high that Wakjankaga must climb trees in order to avoid the excrement – only to slip and fall into what he has produced. The story ends with the foolish one continuing his non-defecation proclamation despite all evidence to the contrary.
Is not a similar plosive event now occurring in Washington?