The Rains Came

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 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 the practice is unbroken to this date...

LOL.