It has occurred to me that an old lawyer joke…………...quite good…………..might be adapted to our current nightmare. Should we give it a try? Just for kicks? Here goes:
I once heard a story about donald j rump in the early days after he’d inherited his father’s business ‘empire’. He was going through money like water. He didn’t have any idea how to run it properly and he was wondering what to do about it.
He was feebly wondering if he ought to put his nose to the grindstone, listen to people who did know something about it all……..and simply apply himself………... when the Devil himself walked into his office and said: “I can make you a success!”
“You won’t need to be concerned about a thing. I’ll give you the grifts. You just need to follow simple directions. I’ll keep you always one step ahead of the people you’ve burnt. It’ll always be the other guys left holding the bag”.
“I’ll be your PR guy. We’ll build your fortune. You’ll have the best cars..the best homes...the best offices. We’ll build your image and your reputation until people really do believe that you’re a business genius. Then we’ll go for the ultimate goal: The White House. “
“Once it sinks in that they’ll then follow even arbitrary or stupid orders from you, you’ll be able to do whatever you want.”
“In return……..you will forfeit to me your immortal soul plus The United States of America and their noblest hopes and ideals. Do you accept??”
rump leaned back a bit…..rubbed his chin……...and asked……..”What’s the catch?”