“Rule number two is, Never be specific. Never commit yourself
to any definite plan or act, since you have no control over
the future and might not be able to fulfill your promises.
Thus, talk in generalities. Say you’re going to make things
better—but never say just how. Always point out what’s wrong
with the forest: but don’t think you have to say what you
would do to amend it. For instance, if the subject of a year
round water supply should come up—and I can assure you that
the eagle will bring it up—you can merely reply that you agree
wholeheartedly with that proposal and that, as President, you
will do your utmost to ensure that the project is initiated
and completed. You might want to throw a sop to the boars,
rabbits, deer, and whatever other species happens to be in
your audience by mentioning how their skill, enterprise, and
love of forest will overcome any obstacles. Get the idea? In
short, put on a bright happy face, speak enthusiastically,
sprinkle your speech with compliments to whoever is listening
to you, and give assurances of better days!"
--campaign advice from the snake to the ass
"The Polity of Beasts"
(Politics as you KNOW it is ...)
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