The Power of a Badge

A Drug Enforcement Administration officer stops at a ranch in Texas and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, “I’m here to inspect your ranch for marijuana.”

The rancher points and says, “Okay, but don’t go in that field over there.”

“Mister,” the DEA officer explodes, “I’ve got the authority of the federal government with me!” He produces his badge from his pocket and proudly displays it to the rancher. “See this? This badge means I’m allowed to go wherever I want — no questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? You understand me, old man?”

The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.

A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher’s gigantic Santa Gertrudis bull.

With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he’ll get gored before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified.

The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs:

“Your badge. Show him your BADGE!”

2010-03-31