| A Soviet minister once entertained a visiting Romanian minister, and the visitor was duly impressed with the incredible luxury in which the Russian lived. "How do you manage to gather such wealth together, my friend?" The Russian just smiled and led his visitor to the window and opened his arms wide. "Oh, my friend, it isn't difficult for a man with connections and a little spirit. See that bridge out there? I issued each and every construction permit myself, and for every beam, every worker, and every rivet, I received a little something. And here is the result." The Romanian was quiet impressed, and thanked the Russian profusely for sharing his technique. Some years later, the Russian had the chance to return the visit, and came to Bucharest. To his great surprise, his erstwhile protegé lived in a sumptuous mansion and was able to put up an even finer meal than the one they'd shared back in the day. "I am very impressed, my friend," he said. "You seem to have learned quite well." The Romanian chuckled and led the Russian to the window. "Ha, yes - see that bridge out there?" The Russian just squinted. "No." |