" Pig-in-a-poke is an idiom that refers to a confidence trick originating in the Late Middle Ages, when meat was scarce but apparently rats and cats were not.
The scheme entailed the sale of a "suckling pig" in a "poke" (bag). The wriggling bag would actually contain a cat — not particularly prized as a source of meat — that was sold to the victim in an unopened bag. The French term acheter (un) chat en poche (to buy a cat in a bag) refers to the fact, as do many European equivalents, while the English expression refers to the appearance of the trick.
A common colloquial expression in the English language, to "buy a pig in a poke," is to make a risky purchase without inspecting the item beforehand. The phrase can also be applied to accepting an idea or plan without a full understanding of its basis. Similar expressions exist in other languages, most of them meaning to buy a cat in a bag, with some exceptions " - Answers.com
I read that the expression "let the cat out of the bag" came from the "pig-in-a-poke" expression as those who'd been ripped-off let the cat or rat out.
With all the hype surrounding Barack Obama's plan for reform of the USA, which invariably will affect us all, are we all like the pig-in-a-poke, as we wait to see his ideas and plans unfold. The feeling seems to be that the new "age of reason" is upon his shoulders but if a cat or a rat gets out of the bag ... What Then?
I read with interest an article entitled: "What Buddha Might Say To Barack Obama" ( Link in Heading) which expresses the wish that Buddha would advise him to remain mindful of serving the people as he promised during his campaign and remain calm when challenged with the harsh words and actions of the people who threaten his ability to do the job.
" There is a story of a Buddhist monk who meditated for many years on the quality of patience. He was immersed in everything to do with patience. One day someone walked past him and said, "Eat shit!" The meditating monk immediately replied, "You eat shit!"
This story goes to show just how tough it can be, even for monks and let alone Presidents, to keep balanced during challenging or difficult times, as there will always be those who disagree, criticize, or think they know better. They may even throw shoes at you! For Obama, his reaction to these dissenters will determine whether he is able to do his job successfully or not.
He may start with the most pure of intentions and his motivation and qualifications to do the job with integrity appear to be well-founded but what of all the cats that GW has already inflicted on the world of diplomacy and reason? "
May the "everyman" we've been given as the saviour of the free-world, with the motto "Yes We Can", lead with wisdom and compassion.
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