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The kingdom was preparing to celebrate its birthday. Grand celebrations were planned. However, inside the castle, the king was unsettled.
He shifted uneasily on his newly acquired throne. The gold-leafed, jewel-encrusted gift had arrived only days earlier after the king's family secured lucrative investments in the donor's kingdom. For the king, it was just another successful deal.
But there were grumblings among a growing number of his subjects. They frowned upon his personal enrichment that went beyond any previous kings. They were angry about higher prices for everyday goods, especially fuel. They did not understand why his war with a country halfway around the world remained at an impasse. They cringed at his derisive barbs and broadsides.
The king airily dismissed opinion polls showing the discontent as "fake news." How could only a third of his subjects approve of his reign? After all, he had cut taxes, reduced regulations, secured the border and, most importantly, made the kingdom great again.
"My subjects are ungrateful," he roared to his supplicant advisors. "They don't appreciate everything I have done, and they have been deceived by my enemies." The minions nodded in agreement.
The king became so animated that his crown slipped sideways, tugging at his elaborate comb-over and briefly exposing his bald scalp. His advisors stared fixedly at the floor.
Finally, one spoke up. "Your majesty, I have an idea. Our kingdom's 250th birthday is at hand. You can give a kingdom-wide speech to extoll all the virtues that have made this a great kingdom. You can remind them of the sacrifices made over generations to preserve our founding principles--equality before the law, due process, independent courts, and checks and balances. Remind them that we are a kingdom of laws, not of men."
The advisor sensed his heartfelt proposal was getting a cool reception, so he quickly added. " Our subjects will be reminded how much they love our country, and you are the embodiment of the country. Therefore, they will love you!"
The king unconsciously straightened his crown as he thought. Finally, his face settled into a deep frown. He did not enjoy being lectured about history. As far as he was concerned, history was for losers. He was a great leader because he knew how to acquire and wield power.
He always followed his instincts which, as far as he was concerned, had never failed him: When you are hit, strike back twice as hard. Never apologize. Never admit mistakes. Punish your enemies. Make your own rules and ignore the ones you don't like. Demand displays of loyalty.
The king narrowed his eyes and stared at the advisor, who was beginning to sense he may have made a critical mistake. "Guards!" the king shouted. "Take him away!"
Then the king leaned forward and said, "I have a better idea. Tell our Minister of Justice to step up their investigations of my enemies. Bring legal action against any news organization that has criticized me."
As the advisors scurried away to do the king's orders, he settled back into his throne, which now felt more comfortable than before. It was good to be king.