OPINION/SATIRE: The Tortoise and the Hare or Biden v. Trump. Who Wins Has Never Been More Important

PixabayPhoto byStephen Wheeler

Aesop wrote the tale of the Hare and the Tortoise in Greece about 2500 years ago. Interesting how it still remains relevant when everything else has changed.

As the story goes, the Hare lived in the fast lane. Talked fast, thought fast (though not always correctly) was a bit cocky and arrogant, and knew more than anyone else.

The Tortoise on the other hand was slow and steady. No frills. He possessed a thick outer shell, something quite useful in that day’s political atmosphere, and could run as fast as he could and no faster. Seldom pretended that he was just like the Hare because he knew he wasn’t

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Back then the Hare had quite a reputation for his tall tales and adventures and wasn’t afraid to let everyone know about them – even the Tortoise.

One day after listening for quite some time the Tortoise turned and walked away. The Hare became irritated and ridiculed the Tortoise’s short feet and slow pace. Having heard more than enough about his shortcomings, the Tortoise challenged the Hare to a race.

Well, all of the Hare’s friends and acolytes thought that was a hoot and began to laugh. But became serious soon enough as bets were wagered, and promises made while an unbiased third party, The Fox, was asked to choose the course, and mark the goal.

But the race didn’t happen all at once. There were plans to be made and strategies to put in place, so the Tortoise was very busy.

The Hare on the other hand spent his time in Florida (just west of Greece) and enjoyed the summer sun, and the local drinks while his people tried hard to get him to work out and get in shape, the Hare laughed and shouted, I’m already in the best shape of my life, I will kick some Tortoise tail, don’t you worry.”

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As the day of the race drew near, many in Greece were all atwitter, and talk of the challenge spread far and wide, until even those outside the country got to hear all about it.

Of course, the Hare told anyone who would listen that he would win. He explained in great if halting detail all the ways it could be done and said that the slow Tortoise didn’t have a chance. Not even a small one.

Now the Tortoise heard everything about the Hare, his people knew their people, and word spread. That the Tortoise had no chance, and should withdraw from the race right now and save himself a great deal of embarrassment. No one wanted a Tortoise anyway – no one.

On the night before the race, the Tortoise spent his time with friends and family. They talked, drank just a little, and well before midnight, the Tortoise said goodnight to all and went to bed.

While on the other side of town, a great rally was being held with the Hare giving a speech and shaking the hands of all who came.

He even suggested that the people could stay at home and wait for the evening news that would claim the Hare as the winner. But everyone shouted “No” and said they would be at the race.

Just after midnight, as the Hare was heading to his quarters, he met another hare and they got to talking and laughing and sharing a drink, and well, one thing led to another and the two hares spent a little quality time together.

On the morning of the great race, the Tortoise arrived early, talked to his coaches and friends, and spent a little time to himself, thinking about his strategy, his goal, and how the race could be won.

A short time later the Hare arrived, looking a bit tired but full of talk and action and while running in place to loosen up he looked over at the Tortoise, pointed, and started to laugh.

The Tortoise saw this but said nothing.

The Fox moved to the starting line and holding a small green flag, asked the Hare and the Tortoise if they were ready.

The Tortoise nodded.

The Hare dropped down and did ten, well, maybe six quick push-ups and said he was better than ready.

The Fox shrugged and shouted, “Ready, Set, Go” and dropped the flag.

The Hare as predicted got off to a good lead, as the Tortoise moved methodically into high gear.

The Tortoise had a good plan and trusted it.

The Hare didn’t have a plan but he had confidence – lots of it.

And before anyone could say victory, the Hare was a mile ahead and getting a bit bored for it was rather monotonous to race against oneself and that’s what he was doing.

So, seeing a Pub just off the road, where several people were gathering to watch the race, the Hare thought, another rally, why not, and joined them all for a lengthy chat.

An hour passed and then three and while all were toasting the Hare, the Tortoise “raced” past the Pub and took the lead.

Well, there was a lot said and done that day. At the Pub. At the crossroads where the Hare met a farmer’s wife and daughter walking to town. And at the other places where the Hare waited for the Tortoise to catch up, giving him a bit of a chance, not realizing that he had already passed him by.

Racing to the finish line, the Hare danced around and cheered himself, all the while waiting for applause from the crowd. Waiting to be lifted onto the shoulders of his fans – and to collect his winnings.

But everyone just stared at him. Slowly the Hare lowered his arms. Stopped cheering and looked over at the winner’s stand to see the Tortoise being declared the winner.

The Hare thought – How could this possibly happen?

While the Tortoise smiled, shook hands, and delivered a short but funny speech about slow and steady.

Many times, fables are based on fact. Changed a little here, and stretched a bit there, but all in all, people are interesting and provide us with all sorts of details that make for good stories.

And as we already know, happy endings happen all the time.