Pokin' Fun 

By Doc Blakely

By the time you read this the dust will probably have settled along with the dreams of a lot of hopeful or incumbent politicians, but not to worry — like squirrels and nuts we shall see voters and candidates on a seasonal schedule. For instance:

Commissioners court has county authority to do just about everything but sit in session on Judgement Day. They would be willing to hear cases even then if they could find out when it was, but most commissioners agree that the county judge would probably veto paving the streets of gold when a load of gravel would do.

I heard a county judge in Montana give a civic club talk about his court. He was the court jester, apparently, and started his remarks by saying that he had been accused by the commissioners of "out of this world ideas." There was even a rumor that he was out taking his morning stroll, talking to God when he was hit and run over by a sailboat.

After a few giggles the judge got serious and talked about the most pressing problems facing local government — getting reelected.

The question and answer session was almost over when a member of the club spoke up. "Judge," he said, "you have made light of yourself and joked with the boys here, but I want you to know that commissioners court used to be a joke, but under our organization and leadership, it has become a credit to good government. You deserve all that credit.

A long silence was followed by a lump in the judge's throat and a tear in his eye.

Then "one of the boys" added, "That’s his opinion,

Judge."

That led to the final story of the day that adjourned the good-natured meeting. A club member said he dreamed he was St. Peter and on Judgement Day everyone seeking admittance had to come before commissioners court because they had set up just outside the Pearly Gates. St. Peter noticed them and asked what right they had to sit in judgement. They said when they came to office on earth the county was so broke it couldn't pay attention, but under their organization and leadership things were rearranged, budgets slashed and great economy realized, and they ought to be allowed to continue their work, so heavenly were their deeds.

St. Peter went back in to check his records on this boast. When he came back, the court was gone.

And so were the Pearly Gates.