Probably a true story...
Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a
desert. Although it had no significant value, Congress said. "Someone
may steal from it at night."
So they created the position of night watchman, GS-4, and hired a person
for the job.
Then Congress asked, "How does the watchman do his job without
instruction?" So they created a planning position and hired two
(2)people: one person, GS-12, to write the instructions, and one
person, GS-11, to do time studies.
Then Congress asked, "How will we know the night watchman is doing the
tasks correctly?" So they created a QC section and hired two (2)
people, a GS-9 to do the studies and a GS-11 to write the reports.
Then Congress asked, "How are these people going to get paid?" So they
created two more positions-a timekeeper, GS-9, and a payroll officer,
GS-11, and hired two (2) people.
Then Congress asked, "Who will be accountable for all of these people?"
So they created an administrative office and hired three (3) people: an
Administrative Officer, GS-13; an Assistant Administrative Officer,
GS-12; and a Legal Secretary, GS-8.
Then Congress said, "We have had this command in operation for one year
and we are already $18,000 over budget. We must cut back the overall
cost." So they laid off the night watchman.
