The Turtle and the Sign (11/13/06)

Once upon a time, there were two turtles. In spite of being old, venerable, and respected, this turtle couple refused to learn how to read. "We've never had the need to read before, so why should we start now?" As these things will happen, the turtle couple had children, none of whom were taught to read. The smallest of the turtles was able to puzzle out some words for himself, though, and one day happened across a pond with a sign reading "Fine for swimming." The young turtle, happy to see that the pond was a swimming hole, jumped in -- only to be arrested for trespassing and given a stiff fine. As the older turtle bailed out his son, he rued the day he had ever denied his children the pleasures of reading.

Moral: Teach your children to read; it's cheaper than the alternative.