The Allegory of the Lifeguard and the Swimmer

Written by: Marcia Moody on Jan 13, 2009 6:57 PM EST

Once upon a time there was a fantastic lifeguard.  He was a superior swimmer and was totally dedicated to his profession.  He had the opportunity to rescue many people and made many friends as a result.  In  addition, when he noticed someone on his beach that couldn't swim, he volunteered to give them lessons for he wanted them to be able to enjoy the water as well as the sand and the sun.  He also willingly taught good swimmers how to improve their techniques and to become better at the sport.  But best of all, he encouraged those whom he helped to help others so that everyone who wished could participate and enjoy the rewards of accomplishment.  He was loved and respected by everyone.

One day a very competent, stong and successful swimmer came to the lifeguard's beach.  He brought with him other swimmers from his swim club.  They set themselves apart from the other swimmers.  The swim club members and the strong swimmer often argued and fought among themselves but, nevertheless stuck together.  Everyone on the beach came to admire the strong swimmer.  He had a particularly graceful style that set him apart and brought him accolades from all who saw him.  He did not however, share his abilities with others.  But he loved to bask in the admiration of everyone.  He courted their support and promised them rewards if they would follow him.  He used very compelling arguments.

One day he set out to swim in deep waters with a very strong treacherous cureent.  His swim club members decided to follow him but did so in a rowboat.  After swimming far out. the strong swimmer discovered to his dismay that he was surrounded by sharks that were circling him.  He became afraid.  To add to the danger one of his "friends" in the boat who was jealous of the strong swimmer, started throwing chum to the sharks to stir them up.  Soon the sharks were in a feeding frenzy.  The strong swimmer was in great danger.

The beloved lifeguard noticed what was happening and without hesitation put his own life at risk to swim out to save the strong swimmer.  He was able to do so by hoisting the swimmer up into the boat with the swim club members, none whom incidentally, had risked their own lives to help their companion.  Then the lifeguard grabbed the rope on the prow of the boat and pulled the boat towards the shore.  When the sharks started to come for him, the lifeguard punched them on the nose and each in turn backed off.

After a long arduous swim pulling the boatload of people to the beach saving everyone's life. the exhausted lifeguard sat down in the sand to rest.  All the people on the beach were amazed at the couarage of the lifeguard and were so thankful that he was able to save the swimmer and the club members.  As soon as he climbed out of the boat, the swimmer praised his companions for follwoing him and gave each of them very generous rewards.  He even rewarded the jealous man who threw chum to the sharks.  Then he turned to the lifeguard and said, "You have done your duty, so now get off my beach."  The stunned lifeguard couldn't believe what he was hearing.  So the swimmer repeated himself.  He said, "I by rights. claim this beach and I am replacing you.  I have hired the lifeguard you helped get a job at the neighboring beach to take your place, so kindly get out of my sight and leave at once."

The confused lifeguard and everyone else on the beach were in a state of shock and wondered what did the lifeguard do wrong?  All he did was help others, save lives and punch a few sharks in the nose.

The  moral of this story is: "No good deed goes unpunished."

Cast of Characters:

Lifeguard: Howard Dean

Strong Swimmer: Barack Obama

Swim Club Members: Hillary Clinton, Rahm Emanuel, the two Davids,  and Chum Thrower-Joe Lieberman

People on the Beach: Democratic Progressives

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