Political Quotes

“Hans Christian Andersen, in 1837, wrote a story about group think. It is called ``The Emperor's New Clothes.'' It begins with a leader who really loved his clothes. Some unsavory characters saw that, and they set up a weaving loom to make the finest clothes in the land, but they were actually weaving just air; there was nothing to it. The catch was they had sold the story that, if you can't see what they are weaving, it must be that you are just not wise. So the Emperor sends a couple of his advisers to go check out the weaving to see what it looks like. They see, obviously, nothing because there is nothing there, and they all declare ``Oh, it is beautiful; it is lovely'' because they don't want to be seen as unwise. Then it ends up with the Emperor preparing for a big parade, and that is where I pick up the story. Let me read to you from Hans Christian Andersen, from 1837, when he tries on the ``new clothes.'' These scoundrels, these unsavory characters who had sold him this said: ``How well Your Majesty's new clothes look. Aren't they becoming!'' The advisers all chirped in. He heard on all sides, ``That pattern, so perfect! Those colors, so suitable! It is a magnificent outfit.'' Then the minister of public processions announced: ``Your Majesty's canopy is waiting outside.'' ``Well, I'm supposed to be ready,'' the Emperor said, and turned again for one last look in the mirror.…”