The Ultimate Answer to Kings: Thanks, Guys!

They say that Louis XIV had the inscription Ultima Ratio Regum cast into all the cannon of the French Army. It means "The Ultimate Argument of Kings," and that always struck me as one of the most honest and up-front things any ruler or would-be ruler ever said. "We can dress it up prettier than this, but when it comes down to the unvarnished truth this is what it's about: You'll do as I say or I'll send my goons to kill you."

I thought about that for a long time. If there's an ultimate argument, it seems only logical that there must be an ultimate answer. For years I thought the ultimate answer must be the bullets in my rifle, but it never seemed quite right. I've got bullets - he's got frigging Cannon Balls. I mean, if there were three hundred million rifles throwing bullets at him, then maybe. But we all know that's not going to happen. So if there's an ultimate answer to his ultimate argument, it sure as hell ain't bullets.

It finally came to me - and that's when I left the city, abandoned a goodly percentage of my goods, and gave all that was behind me a good, stiff Randian Shrug.

The ultimate answer to kings is not a bullet, but a belly laugh.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Thanks, Guys!

The TUAK Financial Manager, L. Lady, has informed me that from contributions received I'm good to go for internet access for the next eight months. That was a response I didn't dare hope for, and I am eight months in your debt.

Commenter Kel sent his in a rather larger box than normally required for FRNs, because he threw in a little bonus...

Every dime of the money contributed is in, or on its way to, an account specifically designated for my ISP. I don't promise to share the Rebel Yell with them, though.

Here's to you guys! You're the greatest.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...: Gee, I wonder how many federal laws commenter K broke sending booze across state lines.

Five? Ten? Who knows? In any case, K, you done good! You've more than fulfilled your quota of broken laws for the day. You can relax now.; October 15, 2011 at 3:26 PM
Joel said...: Hm. None that I know of. I'd be pleased and proud to be wrong about that, though...

Did I say Kel? I meant Fred! Yeah, Fred [insert name of person I don't like], good friend of TUAK for lo these many years! That's it!; October 15, 2011 at 4:09 PM
Mayberry said...: Cheers!; October 15, 2011 at 5:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Gotta get my three a day. Hope the package makes the winter more enjoyable.

kel; October 15, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Anonymous said...: O'tay. Shiny bottle there. Oh, and cheers back at ya.

F42; October 15, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Carl-Bear said...: If that booze was transported illegally, then I'm sure you can check the return address and discover that it came from a couple of guys named Melson and Newell.

Your grenades and AK-47s are probably on the way, too.; October 15, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Anonymous said...: WooHoo! With a whole bottle of liquid sunshine, I just hope you're still around in 8 months! ;<); October 16, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Anonymous said...: been enjoying rebel yell for years, if you aint never had it try it,; October 16, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Tam said...: Okay, shit, I'm in for a couple bucks. Anything to stick a finger in the eye of The Man! :D

(WV: "awensorm" Close. ;)); October 16, 2011 at 4:27 PM
gooch said...: raises his shot of Gosling's ...

"Good Health, Long Life"

stay safe,

gooch; October 16, 2011 at 8:53 PM