Once upon a time there was a King who wanted to go fishing.
He called the Royal Weather Forecaster and inquired as to the weather forecast for the next few hours.
The weatherman assured him that there was no chance of rain in the coming days.
So the King set off to go fishing with his 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 a very short time a huge amount of rain will fall in this area".
The king was polite and considerate, replying: “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 storm 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 his palace and gave the order
to fire the professional. Then he summoned the farmer and offered him the prestigious and highly-paid role of Royal Weather Forecaster.
The farmer said, “Your Majesty, I'm very grateful but I know nothing 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.
Thus began the practice of hiring dumb asses to work in the Government and occupy its highest and most influential positions.
A practice which continues to this day..
