Desert

(In a meeting of the Department of Environment Protection.)

James, the Minister of Environment Protection, begins, “Look. Our forest is turning into a desert. Why’s that the case?”

“Sir, that’s because the place is not suitable for the living of trees or animals.” Humphrey, the Permanent Secretary of the department, replies.

The Minister, who happens to have read Edward de Bono, wishes to say that’s a level one explanation. However, he swallows those words back to his throat and regurgitates them in a different way, “In that case, why should the place be not suitable for those lovely creatures?”

“Maybe there’s not enough water…” Bernard, the private secretary of James, tries to help.

“I see that the river that used to pass through the forest has been diverted to somewhere else,” the minister points to the map, “What’s happening there?”

“That’s true, minister,” the permanent secretary replies, “The water is saved for the Department of Agriculture. You know, farming is an important aspect of our country.”