joel/is/blogging/now

I wonder how you would like to be charged 4 trillion dollars for a 10-year global campaign to find some trumped-up McGuffin that your government said you had to have... only to be handed an executive summary saying, "OK, through our heroic efforts, we found your McGuffin. Out of common decency, we have cast it into the sea. We do have photos of the McGuffin, but to show them to you would be arrogant and offensive, like 'spiking the football' in a matter of the most somber importance. Please note that, though your McGuffin has been located and disposed of, the McGuffin-search-and-destroy campaign must be continued and expanded, as now people will be angry with you for your success, and you need eternal, vigilant protection. Please also do not be late with your monthly payments for these services for the rest of your life, as you will be fined and/or jailed for default on these debts. We do apologize for any inconvenience, including but not limited to the cancellation of your bill of rights and other aspects of the republic you thought you grew up in."