“Rule number two is, Never be specific. Never commit yourself 

to any definite plan or act, since you have no control over 

the future and might not be able to fulfill your promises. 

Thus, talk in generalities. Say you’re going to make things 

better—but never say just how. Always point out what’s wrong 

with the forest: but don’t think you have to say what you 

would do to amend it. For instance, if the subject of a year 

round water supply should come up—and I can assure you that 

the eagle will bring it up—you can merely reply that you agree 

wholeheartedly with that proposal and that, as President, you 

will do your utmost to ensure that the project is initiated 

and completed. You might want to throw a sop to the boars, 

rabbits, deer, and whatever other species happens to be in 

your audience by mentioning how their skill, enterprise, and 

love of forest will overcome any obstacles. Get the idea? In 

short, put on a bright happy face, speak enthusiastically, 

sprinkle your speech with compliments to whoever is listening 

to you, and give assurances of better days!"

--campaign advice from the snake to the ass

"The Polity of Beasts"

(Politics as you KNOW it is ...)