The Ultimate Answer to Kings: Just Because...

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.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Just Because...

2 comments:

Judy said...: That should be considered child abuse. I refuse to have grapefruit in my house.; December 30, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Anonymous said...: Funny, but as Judy pointed out, a bit mean. Most funny things are. Also, a little stupid. Most funny things are. Next time he tries to feed his little darling, he may wonder why she doesn't trust him. And Mom may wonder why she let him do it. But, I like grapefruit, it's not my kid, so...funny. Jeff; December 30, 2011 at 10:49 PM

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Just Because...

2 comments:

Why the hell did you scroll all the way down here?