I logged in on Christmas Day morn and saw the news headline that we now have a National Bird. The Bald Eagle. I guess I was mistaken in thinking it was already the bird of the our country’s choice. After all, it is on the currency, the national seal and the bird that soars high and kicks butt of all those who do us harm.

It is also a shock that it was voted on in unanimity by congress as I thought that unanimity was an impossibility. If I were an elected official I think I would have nominated another avian species from the memories of my youth: the Geococcyx velox — or Roadrunner.

The Roadrunner (fastus smartus) has had more TV time, had cars named after it, and has remained unharmed and victorious over its main enemy, namely Wyle E Coyote, than any other fowl in US history. We Americans should be inspired by this alternative choice of emblematic excellence. I think even our military could be equally motivated with a patch sewn on the sleeve of a uniform or cap of a screaming road runner in full attack.

The American Bald Eagle is truly a magnificent bird, but remember it was almost killed off due to some carnivorous activity, habitat destruction, pesticides, lead ingestion, and even being hunted. The more resilient Road Runner, on the other hand, only eats free bird seed so he has no ill will from anyone, even vegans. The Runner lives and survives in the harshest environments known to man — the barren desert. This harsh desert, often only pictured in black and white and has only caves and rocks and rills (as mentioned in national hymns), is again a symbol of survival against the odds. I have personally witnessed the swift one eat a bowl of lead mixed in with bird seed and then with swollen belly still evade the wiles of the Wile E. as Wiley engaged the huge Acme magnet and not realizing lead is not magnetic, suck down a Big Mac truck on his carcass instead of the Runner who mysteriously survives in the next episode unscathed. How many times has the mighty Road Runner been hunted with every destructive device known to cartoonist creativity and never once suffered even a scratch.

I could go one making my case, but the family is calling me to Christmas dinner as the kids and grandkids have arrived. I had planned on writing to my representatives about this matter, but after a large meal I plan on partaking of, I feel the passion of my love for the Road Runner over the Bald Eagle will have subsided. So therefore, let me take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. (That was a rough segway, but this has been a rather rough year.)

May we remember the reason for this time of year and enjoy our family and give the best gift of time spent together and talk about old times and good memories and even some silly stuff like this started off. The old saying of Faith, Family and Friends is what life is all about. When we go back to work in what we hope is a much better year next year, may we take these times with us and whether it is selling a tractor or selecting the national bird, we may have a year with lower blood pressure and more enjoyability as we achieve our goals.

Next time, why don't we talk about some 2025 New Year's Resolutions. Till then wishing you miles of smiles and year end deals.

Told from the perspective of an in-the-trenches owner/operator — Tim Brannon of B&G Equipment, Paris, Tenn. — Equipment Dealer Tips, Tales & Takeaways shares knowledge, experiences and tips/lessons with fellow rural equipment dealerships throughout North America. Covering all aspects required of an equipment dealership general manager, Brannon will inform, entertain and provide a teachable moment for current — and future — leaders within equipment dealerships.

Check out more of Tim Brannon's Blogs here!

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