Ambrose Bierce's definition of an idiot:

"A member of a large and powerful tribe whose influence in human affairs has always been dominant and controlling."

Also, I was recently reminded of the original Greek meaning--a private person.

Recently I read the transcript of an official high up in the Bush administration, I can't remember his name, but trust me, he was pretty high, and when he was asked the question, "Do you think that George Bush would still decide to invade Iraq had he know what a disaster it would turn out to be?"

It's an idiotic question, to be sure. And yet, the official replied, "Yes."

Reality is generally as cryptic as a living nightmare, I agree, but aren't there certain limits?

I'm reminded of the machinist who, while demonstrating to a couple of co-workers how he happened to cut off two of his fingers, proceeded to cut off two more.

A cautionary story gone sadly awry.

At the end of history, though, even idiots have to say, "I must go on."

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