The poor masses approached the President. "Oh, wise one," they said, "we live in the richest country in the history of mankind, yet we are poor and destitute. What can we do?"
The President considered. "Have you wisdom?" he asked.
"No," the people replied.
"Have you wealth?" the President asked further.
"No," the people once again responded.
"Then, you are not ready," the President sagely advised.
* * *
The President and the Prime Minister were gathered together to discuss the issues affecting their two countries. "We have many mutual problems," the Prime Minister claimed.
"Do you perceive such problems? The President inquired.
"Only too well," the Prime Minister stated.
"I perceive no such problems," the President said. "Therefore, such problems must be yours alone."
* * *
The evil Premier, in communications with the just President, said, "I will limit production of arms in my country if you will respond in a like manner."
The President contemplated this for a long time. Eventually, he asked, "Have you ever considered the flight of the butterfly over the dewy summer flowers when the sun has just risen?"
The Premier was surprised. "No," he honestly answered.
"Then, there can be no agreement between us," the President wisely stated.
* * *
A group of women approached the Prime Minister. "Leader of our country," they said, "do you not believe in the equality of men and women?"
:Such a goal," that one replied, "is worthy of the best efforts of every person, including this poor servant..."
"Then," they continued, "why are women so poorly represented in your government?"
The Prime Minister looked gravely at those assembled. "The path between effort and achievement is strewn with many unforeseen and often insurmountable obstacles."
* * *
The Editor was sharing a simple repast at the table of the President. "Sir," he respectfully asked, "is supply side economics really of benefit to the people?"
The President struggled a moment with his anger. Then, calmly, he asked, "Is it polite for an Editor to share my unworthy table and presume to question my beliefs?"
The Editor apologized. "It is my nature to ask."
"And, what is my nature?" the President asked.
"It is your nature not to answer a direct question directly," the Editor responded, "preferring to allow the questioner to seek his own answers."
The President smiled. So pleased was he at the Editor's progress that he furthered the Editor's education by telling him nothing further.
* * *
The Prime Minister was questioned by an underling.
"What is the difference," the underling asked, "between national and provincial politics?"
"What is the difference," the Prime Minister retorted, "between a raven and a writing desk?"
"Prime Minister," the underling despaired, " nobody knows!"
The Prime Minister smiled to himself. Here was a candidate for the Senate.
* * *
The leaders of the European North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries had gathered to discuss weighty matters with the President. "August leader," one Prime Minister protested, "will the existence of American weapons on our soil not prove to be a grave threat to the safety of our people?"
"Should a man be concerned with the buzzing of a gnat when a giant lizard sits on his doorstep?" the President responded.
The other, obviously not versed in the Classical Teachings, pursued the point. "Can you guarantee our safety?" he insisted.
"Would your life be worth living if I could?"
Aah, the inscrutability of the west!
