My dear Kharon, you of all people should know the result of over regulation and the freedom, simplification and personal responsibility can bring. Did you not notice some three thousand odd years ago a sharp decline in the numbers you ferried across that great river? You of all people should know the reason.
You must be aware that back then there were 794 "commandments" which were added to each day. The people of the time were growing increasingly troubled, furtively looking over their shoulders, frantically leafing through their commandment books in a hopeless endeavour of being "Compliant" and not ending up condemned to your ferry. The user pays principle so entrenched in our society today and to hell with the public good was in full affect, in even those times you charged them a fare.
In desperation the people formed associations dedicated to making reform a priority. Committees pondered long and hard, submission after submission brought to the authorities to no avail, all protests fell on deaf ears.
Moses had grown old and infirm at this time relying on a Murky acolyte and his minions to enact and enforce the "Commandments" which grew and grew in number and complexity, thus increasing Murky's power and influence.
Finally when almost open revolt seemed more than likely craven idols were beginning to appear all over the place, Moses became increasingly unsettled. The whispers from Murky that all was well were not backed up by the facts.
Finally Moses called the tribal elders together to demand a reason for all the sinning that was obviously going on.
"Too many commandments" they cried " they must be simplified and reduced in number least we all must front the boatman"
"But what can I do"? Moses responded "I am but a weak and addled old man, I dare not interfere with the directions of them most high for fear for my immortal soul"
"Negotiate" cried the elders.
And so it was great Kharon, all that time ago, that Moses took charge, ignored the protestations of his Murky Mandarin and his minions and climbed the mountain to converse directly with the god of truth to seek enlightenment.
The days passed till finally the old man trudged down the mountain clutching two stone tablets. The people gathered before him, saw his weary drawn features and in great fear that he had not succeeded in lifting the dreaded "commandments" that threatened to crush them and consign their souls to the scrape heap of decimated industries.
They cried out for the answer, a long silence prevailed.
Finally Moses spoke, "I bring good news and I bring bad news" the people shuffled some in hope, some in dread, they had been so disappointed so many times before.
"Tell us the good news" they cried
Moses waited for silence then spake thus " After great communion with the "Truth" the commandments have been cut to TEN"
A great cheer went up the people danced and cried out with joy, until finally they realised the bad was to come.
Silence spread across the multitude, a crestfallen Murky appeared and in a wavering voice, a voice that carried some hope that he and his minions would still carry some authority asked.
"Tell us the bad"
Moses threw down the tablets at Muky's feet and in a booming voice cried.
"ADULTERY IS STILL IN"
Here endeth the lesson.
In reverence to section 18C of the anti discrimination Act this analogy is a figment of my imagination.
It is not intended in any way to depict any religion either past or present, nor is it intended to mock, denigrate or ridicule anyone except those people who deserve it. You know who you are!
"K" edit - {When the time comes dear friend; thou shalt travel first class, at company expense and take thy beloved lampshade with thee. Selah.}
You must be aware that back then there were 794 "commandments" which were added to each day. The people of the time were growing increasingly troubled, furtively looking over their shoulders, frantically leafing through their commandment books in a hopeless endeavour of being "Compliant" and not ending up condemned to your ferry. The user pays principle so entrenched in our society today and to hell with the public good was in full affect, in even those times you charged them a fare.
In desperation the people formed associations dedicated to making reform a priority. Committees pondered long and hard, submission after submission brought to the authorities to no avail, all protests fell on deaf ears.
Moses had grown old and infirm at this time relying on a Murky acolyte and his minions to enact and enforce the "Commandments" which grew and grew in number and complexity, thus increasing Murky's power and influence.
Finally when almost open revolt seemed more than likely craven idols were beginning to appear all over the place, Moses became increasingly unsettled. The whispers from Murky that all was well were not backed up by the facts.
Finally Moses called the tribal elders together to demand a reason for all the sinning that was obviously going on.
"Too many commandments" they cried " they must be simplified and reduced in number least we all must front the boatman"
"But what can I do"? Moses responded "I am but a weak and addled old man, I dare not interfere with the directions of them most high for fear for my immortal soul"
"Negotiate" cried the elders.
And so it was great Kharon, all that time ago, that Moses took charge, ignored the protestations of his Murky Mandarin and his minions and climbed the mountain to converse directly with the god of truth to seek enlightenment.
The days passed till finally the old man trudged down the mountain clutching two stone tablets. The people gathered before him, saw his weary drawn features and in great fear that he had not succeeded in lifting the dreaded "commandments" that threatened to crush them and consign their souls to the scrape heap of decimated industries.
They cried out for the answer, a long silence prevailed.
Finally Moses spoke, "I bring good news and I bring bad news" the people shuffled some in hope, some in dread, they had been so disappointed so many times before.
"Tell us the good news" they cried
Moses waited for silence then spake thus " After great communion with the "Truth" the commandments have been cut to TEN"
A great cheer went up the people danced and cried out with joy, until finally they realised the bad was to come.
Silence spread across the multitude, a crestfallen Murky appeared and in a wavering voice, a voice that carried some hope that he and his minions would still carry some authority asked.
"Tell us the bad"
Moses threw down the tablets at Muky's feet and in a booming voice cried.
"ADULTERY IS STILL IN"
Here endeth the lesson.
In reverence to section 18C of the anti discrimination Act this analogy is a figment of my imagination.
It is not intended in any way to depict any religion either past or present, nor is it intended to mock, denigrate or ridicule anyone except those people who deserve it. You know who you are!
"K" edit - {When the time comes dear friend; thou shalt travel first class, at company expense and take thy beloved lampshade with thee. Selah.}