The Worst People in the World

OK, maybe Worst People in the World is a tad harsh, but when it comes to a group of people I really have a hard time understanding - ranchers often take the cake.

Specifically, I'm speaking about ranchers in Oregon who are bitterly and loudly complaining about the minuscule growth in the wolf population in the northeastern part of the state.  Because this once completely decimated species is making a glacial comeback, the rednecks and blue hairs are raising a holy stink about the "critical need" to remove wolves from endangered species protection and give Ma and Pa Kettle the right to shoot the big bad wolves.

Two quick things, with the latter completely obliterating the former.

1. Yes, wolves have the ability and probably the desire to kill livestock.  And yes, such killings have the potential to cause economic harm to the rancher.

2. BUT....RANCHERS ARE COMPENSATED BY THE STATE OF OREGON IF A WOLF KILLS THEIR LIVESTOCK!!!. Basically, there is no risk at all to raising livestock where wolves are present.  First, because according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, wolves normally kill less than one-tenth of one percent of the livestock available to them. Second, if they do kill some livestock - the rancher gets paid.

No, the real reason that Jethro the Rancher wants to kill wolves is because Jethro doesn't want to be told what he can and cannot do.  It has little to do with his ranch, his herd or his livelihood.  It has everything to do with his pride and his sense of manliness.

And that is why I think ranchers hold a special place among terrible people.