A Parable On Authority

[Bubba_Switzler]

A DEA officer stops at a ranch in Montana , and talks with an old rancher.

He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.”

The old rancher says, “Okay, but do not go in that field over there” as he points out the location.

The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, “Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me.”

Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the farmer.

“See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish… on any land. No questions asked, or answers given.” Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?"

The old rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores…

A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life, chased close behind by the rancher’s prize bull.

With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he’ll get “horned” before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified.

The old rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs…

“Your badge! Show him your badge!”

Sometimes authority is just not sufficient.

On the other side of the coin, who would demand a math teacher to show his authority to teach math? Some people are good at math, and some are not. Some can teach it, and some can’t. But authority is not of much use in any circumstance.

 

[Eucharisted]

That parable dosen’t make sense. It’s equating authority with safety.

 

[Middleman]

Funny story, thanks. The rancher should have explained why the one field was off limits though.

 

[Spock]

Sometimes authority is just not sufficient.

On the other side of the coin, who would demand a math teacher to show his authority to teach math? Some people are good at math, and some are not. Some can teach it, and some can’t. But authority is not of much use in any circumstance.

Your story just made my day.

Unfortunately the government demands the show of “authority” from the math professor to a hairstylist. The one and only profession where you don’t need (and cannot have) a licence is - you guessed it? - a politician! (And this is not funny, rather very sad.)

 

[morgantj]

Funny story, thanks. The rancher should have explained why the one field was off limits though.

Maybe the officer should have asked why the one field was off limits, instead of going on a power trip.

On the entire topic itself:

A chain of command helps to keep projects organized, and in such projects, recognizing each persons authority and responsiblities is beneficial, efficient, has the potential to improve communications, etc… to get the job done in a timely manner.

However, In the math teacher example, they should be required to show their qualifications as well as be able to demonstrate their abilities. One can be an expert in math, but be a poor teacher. They may have all kinds of degrees in math, but none in teaching. They should have to show their qualifications in both knowledge of the subject as well as the ability to teach the subject. This has the potential to prove you are an “authority” on the subject. Flashing a degree or a badge around does not prove you are an expert on a subject, consistently being able to demonstrate in action does.

This doesn’t apply to the parable correctly though. The officer did show his badge, and then proceeded to demonstrate his ability. What he didn’t do is heed the warning and ask questions in regards to the warning. He immediately went on a power trip without exercising caution.

Just because one has the authority to do something, doesn’t mean they always should.

With great power comes great responsibility.