[BITList] History lesson for you

[Michael Feltham]

> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> From a correspondent…
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Once upon a time there was a King who wanted to go fishing. 
> 
> He called the royal weather forecaster and inquired as to the weatherforecast for the next few hours.
> 
> The weatherman assured him that there was no chance of rain in the coming days. 
> 
> So the King went fishing with his wife, the Queen.
> 
> On the way he met a farmer on his donkey. Upon seeing the King the farmer said,
> 
> "Your Majesty, you should return to the palace at once because in just a short time I expect a huge amount of rain to fall in this area". 
> 
> The King was polite and considerate, he replied: "I hold the palace meteorologist in high regard.
> 
> He is an extensively educated and experienced professional. 
> 
> And besides, I pay him very high wages.
> 
> He gave me a very different forecast.
> 
> I trust him and I will continue on my way."
> 
> So he continued on his way. 
> 
> However, a short time later a torrential rain fell from the sky. 
> 
> The King and Queen were totally soaked and their entourage chuckled upon seeing them in such a shameful condition. 
> 
> Furious, the King returned to the palace and gave the order to fire the professional.
> 
> Then he summoned the farmer and offered him the prestigious and high paying role of royal forecaster. 
> 
> The farmer said, "Your Majesty, I do not know anything about forecasting. 
> 
> I obtain my information from my donkey. 
> 
> If I see my donkey's ears drooping, it means with certainty that it will rain." 
> 
> So the King hired the donkey. 
> 
> And thus began the practice of hiring dumb asses to work in the government and occupy its highest and most influential positions. 
> 
> And ... this practise remains to this day.
> 
> 
> A true story!
> 
>