Enjoy this story, where a Texan speaks truth to power in amusement, and where a man who confuses power with authority experiences natural power that instantly strips away his alleged authority. In an instant, all his egoistic pretenses are ripped away, as he faces the limits of his man-made authority.
Don’t be afraid to speak truth to power responsibly…you might save a life in the process of shattering some useless illusions.
The farmer and the DEA agent
A 
DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.” The rancher says, “Okay, but do not go in that field over there,” as he points out the location.
The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, ” Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me.” Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. “See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish . . . on any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?”
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 big 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!”
Have you finished laughing? Then here’s the story’s message and question:
Real power is organically balanced by responsibility, and real power can only be taken through taking responsibility. Meanwhile, authority tries to take power without taking responsibility. So I ask: who is being responsible and irresponsible in this story? There lies the real power…always.
