Tanstaffel

I read a story in a professional pharmacy magazine many years ago which has great pertinence for today. I thought that it was not only interesting, but timely and fitting as well. In fact, it compares strikingly with present day governmental situations in our country.

The word is pronounced “Tawn-stoff-el”.

The little story goes something like this:

Long ago in a far country was a little village that was peaceful and peace-loving – the people there were caring and good-hearted – most everything that a family could need in these simple times was made in this little village and was sold at very reasonable prices.

The founding fathers there (we will call them the village fathers) came together and said, “We have wonderful people here, and they are peaceful folks. We need to do something good for these good people to show that we care for them.” So they decided to provide free circuses for their great people. The people were delighted and many attended the free circuses, which offered showings all during the days and into the evenings.

The village fathers were delighted, but they thought that they should do more. So, they provided free hammocks for each and every circus-goer, so that each one would be rested and comfortable watching the free circus.

This went on for some time, and the village fathers decided to go still further. They decided to provide free bread for the good citizens to eat while lying in their free hammocks, watching the free circuses.

But shortly after, something strange began to happen to the good people in the little village.

Suddenly, or so it seemed, there appeared to be no shoes available in this little village; no pants, no dresses or other necessary items required for their simple lives.

What, oh what were the village fathers to do about this? They pondered, they studied, they talked with one another. Finally they came, as a group, to a decision.

They would all go for advice to the wise old man of the mountain, who lived on a mountaintop, two or three miles out of town. They began their important trek, through the little village, and to the base of the mountain where the wise old man made his abode. Up the steep mountain they trudged, with canes and walking sticks to help them navigate, until at last they finally arrived at his place.

The old man of the mountain greeted them, and had them sit down and tell their story. The wise old man was very patient, and he listened to every word that was said.

When the group had finished their story, the wise old man of the mountain lifted up his head, and uttered a single work – “Tanstaffel”, which being interpreted is: “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch!”