Politics is a touchy subject. There's not a whole lot that America can agree on right now. Honestly, I think when we look at our country on a macro level, this starts to make sense. There are so many injustices within the nation — understandably, given we are a diverse and vast nation — and everyone prioritizes them differently.
With that said, I'd like to present to you one bipartisan issue that we can all agree is ALARMING to say the least.
You might want to sit down for this one.
Our current president... it pains me to say... doesn't have a pet.
I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW. HOW UN-AMERICAN.
Now, I'm all about the whole stick-it-to-the-man, it's-OK-to-be-different thing, but I think a little peer pressure would be quite healthy in this case. So, Don — hope it's alright that I call you that, teehee — let's take a little walk down memory lane to see just what kind of joy of which you are depriving both yourself and the country.
Here are beloved Portuguese Waterdogs Bo and Sunny basking in the glory of the White House lawn. Not every American was 100 percent thrilled with Obama, but they sure gave Bo and Sunny their unanimous approval.
PBS
Charlie, JKF's Welsh terrier, was just one of Kennedy's many dogs. Although he had an allergy to animal hair, that didn't stop Kennedy from owning six other dogs, one cat, three birds, three ponies, two hamsters, two horses, and a rabbit while in office. If that's not the definition of self-sacrifice, I don't know what is.
Presidential Pet Museum
For your viewing pleasure, here is my incredibly realistic rendering of George Washington and his 36 loyal hounds.
Thirty out of 45 presidents have had at least one dog during their time at the White House. For the past 100 years before Trump took office, there's been a canine companion in the White House. All good things must come to an end, I guess. *Sigh*
Although I might not be, some presidents are cat people! Abe Lincoln was the first to bring cats into the White House, and many of his predecessors followed suit.
Here's Bill Clinton and his loyal friend, Socks.
Presidential Pet Museum
The first man since James Polk in 1849 to defy the unspoken rule of blessing the American people with an animal to fawn over during presidential press conferences, Trump justified his decision by eloquently stating, "I don't have any time." According to PetMD, a cat requires a taxing 10-15 WHOLE MINUTES of exercise per day. Mayyyyybe we could just skip the tanning sesh?
Obviously, some presidents are a little more ambitious than others. Let's take a moment to appreciate Calvin Coolidge with his raccoon Rebecca, looking as lovely as ever.
Presidential Pet Museum
Coolidge also took care of lion cubs, a wallaby, another raccoon, and a pygmy hippo.
Benjamin Harrison's opossums Mr. Reciprocity and Mr. Protection (not pictured) were quite the dynamic duo. Personally, I think we could do without another set of opossums, but hey! If that's what floats your boat, who am I to judge.
Presidential Pet Museum
America, I know you're alarmed. Mr. Trump, I'm not asking for anything crazy, I'll settle for an ant farm at this point.
