A friend forwarded this on to me, thinking that I might enjoy it, since I am Canadian. While it is written about a Canadian rancher and a Canadian Provincial Government Inspector, it occurs to me that a story like this knows no nationality – it could happen anywhere that government officials find themselves becoming drunk with their own sense of self-importance. Read on, and see why this timeless little tale tickled me so…

So this Department of Water Resources representative stops at a Canadian ranch in Alberta , and talks with the old rancher.

He tells the rancher; "I need to inspect your ranch for your water allocation." The old rancher says; "Okay, but don’t go in that field over there."

The Water Resources representative drew himself up to reply in his most stern and officious manner, "Mister, I have the authority of the Provincial Government with me. See this card? This card means I am allowed to go WHEREVER I WISH on any agricultural land. No questions asked or answered. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?"

The old rancher nods politely and goes about his chores.

Later, the old rancher hears loud screams and spies the water rep running for his life and close behind is the rancher’s bull. The bull is gaining with every step. The rep is clearly terrified, so the old rancher immediately throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs;

"Your card! Show him your card!"

Stumble! for WP