The Legend the the King and the Fisherman

[Alan Staton]

After the palace meteorologist assured them there was no chance of rain, the King and the Queen went fishing

On the way they met a man  with a fishing pole riding a donkey , and they asked if the fish were biting.

The fisherman said" your Majesties you should return to the palace. In just a short time I expect a huge rainstorm"

The King replied " I hold the palace meteorologist in high regard. He is educated and an experienced professional. Besides I pay him very high wages. He gave me a very different forecast. I trust him."

So the King and Queen continued on their way.

However, in a short time  torrential rain fell from the sky. The King and Queen were soaked. Furious, the King returned to the palace and gave the order to execute the meteorologist.

Then he summoned the fisherman and offered him the prestigious position of Royal Forecaster.

The fisherman said  "I do not know anything about forecasting. I obtain my information from my donkey. If I see his ears drooping , it means with certainty that it will rain"

So the King hired the donkey.

And so began the practice of hiring dumb asses to work in influential positions in government.

The practice continues to this day.