The young boy sat at his Master’s knee and asked. “Master, what is the truth?”

“Grasshopper, why do you ask? Is the truth not what it should be?” the elder inquired of the youth

“Master, I am puzzled. The truth used to be obvious. Now it seems the truth is elusive”

“Lawmakers from the village continuously make new laws in a way that sounds collusive”

“Grasshopper, the explanation is simple” The wizened one stated. “The truth only exists if you agree with them”

“And if you don’t agree the lawmakers are quick in your beliefs, condemn”

“But Master, what is the truth? Why do these lawmakers get to change the rules?”

“Because young son, these leaders are elected by us and then with their new power, treat us as fools”

“They want us to understand since we voted them into power they must be superior”

They sing the common folk song about helping fellow man, but filling their treasure chests is their motive ulterior”

“But Master how does this help us in our quest for a fulfilled life?”

“Wouldn’t these people just add to unhappiness in a world already filled with strife”

The old man held out out both hands. One held a tiny pebble, one did not

“Young son take the subsidy pebble from my hand now or you won’t be left with squat”

“But Master,” asked the youth. “That is only a tiny pebble in your hand. Will there be anymore?”

“No my son, but one small pebble is better than nothing so you will be able to survive but remain poor”

“Just remember you are only here to serve the lawmakers and in turn they will supply your basic needs”

“You are not to question their devious plans and blindly follow where all this leads”

“But Master, I’m poor now, feeling hopeless and living in poverty conditions”

“Not to worry young son. The lawmakers have told us all we are all in a period of transitions”

“But Master, how long will these transitions last?”

“They’ll last until we are forced into Washington worship, no one owns property and all is gone that was once gassed”