Times Are Tough, Even for Dictators

Two gentlemen meet in a bar in—let's say—Casablanca. Let’s call them "A" and "B".

A: Hey.

B: Hey.

A: So how's the dictating business?

B (Looking around nervously): Shhhhhh!

A: Oh, sorry. What's wrong?

B: We don't call it that anymore.

A: Oh, sorry. . . . So what do you call it now?

B: Country Executive. Not . . . "dictator."

A: Oh, sorry. Well, so how's the country executive business?

B: What, you didn't hear that I got ousted?

A: Oh, sorry. That's tough.

B: Yeah, I had to flee the country. That's what I'm doing here, in this flee-bag joint. And, you know, Country Executive is not a recession-proof business. Been out of work for almost a year.

A: Any prospects?

B: I've sent out nearly 200 resumes, to every place from Saskatchewan to Vietnam.

A: And?

B: Nothing! The market for that line of work has definitely shrunk. We're going to be as obsolete as buggy whips.

A: Well, things have been a little slow in—you know, my line of business, too.

B: Really? I would have thought there would always be a market for smu—oops, sorry, excuse me.

A: Yeah, well no, no one has any money these days. Not even—my usual customers.

B: Well, I'll promise you this: If I ever get back in power, I'll buy from you. Okay?

A: I'll drink to that. (Clinks glasses.) Cheers!

B: Here's to dic—I mean, to country executiving!

Copyright © 2011 by Richard Stein