суббота, 25 января 2025 г.

The Literal Cabinet

Introduction

For centuries, people have wondered: What do ministers actually do? Do they sit in their offices, solving the nation’s problems? Or do they sip coffee, staring out their windows at pigeons? Governments always respond with riddles, but if you take their titles literally, the answers become obvious.

It’s simpler—and far more absurd—than anyone imagined. In this collection, ministries are reimagined exactly as their names suggest.


Minister of the Treasure (שר האוצר)

Each morning, the Minister of the Treasure dons an Indiana Jones hat, grabs a shovel, and leads their team of national archaeologists into the Negev Desert. With metal detectors in hand, they dig tirelessly for the country’s "hidden budget."

To boost morale, the Ministry hosts treasure hunt livestreams. However, protesters outside the Ministry chant: "Gold doesn’t pay our bills!" The Minister reassures them: "The treasure is close. Just keep believing!"




Minister of Confidence (שר הביטחון)

The Minister of Confidence starts their day with meditation and positive affirmations: "I am doing great. No one will find out the truth."

Their job is to ensure the public feels confident—whether it’s warranted or not. The Ministry installs signs across cities reading, "Everything is under control," while riot police monitor weekly protests in Rabin Square, just in case confidence falters.

Behind closed doors, however, the Minister nervously asks their staff, "Do you think I’m doing okay?"




Minister of Out (שר החוץ)

Every morning, the Minister of Out steps onto a balcony with binoculars, observing everything happening beyond Israel’s borders. A barking dog in a neighbor’s yard? That calls for a diplomatic protest. A plane flying overhead? Time to call the UN.

Demonstrators frequently gather below the balcony, shouting, "Look inside for once!" The Minister waves dismissively, replying, "My job is out there, not in here!"




Minister of the Face (שר הפנים)

The Minister of the Face has one mission: to keep Israel’s face looking good. The Ministry distributes state-sponsored skincare products, organizes National Makeup Days, and launches campaigns against "wrinkles of corruption."

In times of crisis, the Minister addresses the nation with an inspiring message: "Smile, citizens! You’re on camera!" Meanwhile, demonstrators march with slogans like, "A pretty face won’t fix the system!"




Minister of Health (שר הבריאות)

The Minister of Health rules over the nation’s well-being with an iron fist—or rather, a fitness band. Every morning begins with a mandatory national warm-up broadcast live on all channels. Protesters, however, refuse to comply, chanting: "We need hospitals, not jumping jacks!"

"The health of the nation is my responsibility," the Minister declares while sipping a kale smoothie. Meanwhile, police disperse demonstrators with "wellness sprayers" filled with organic ginger water.




Minister of Upbringing (שר החינוך)

The Minister of Upbringing is torn between two roles: teaching good manners and creating something "great." Their Ministry publishes self-help books like "How to Raise Yourself Properly" and "Protest Etiquette for Beginners."

Protesters outside the Ministry chant: "Teach us math, not manners!" The Minister, however, insists that national character is more important than test scores.




Minister of Moving People (שר התחבורה)

The Minister of Moving People takes their role very seriously—perhaps too seriously. Public transportation schedules are rewritten daily, and citizens are encouraged to "move more" through mandatory walking zones and citywide cycling initiatives.

Under the Minister’s leadership, buses have been replaced with oversized golf carts, and traffic lights now feature motivational messages like, "Keep going!" and "Don’t stop now!"

Critics accuse the Minister of creating chaos, with protesters carrying signs reading, "We want to move forward, not in circles!" The Minister defends their policies, stating: "A moving nation is a thriving nation!"

To further encourage movement, the Ministry launched a pilot program where citizens earn "Mobility Points" for every step they take. These points can be redeemed for bus tickets, although buses no longer run on time—or at all.




Minister of Spreading Out (שר התפוצות)

The Minister of Spreading Out believes the world is too small for all Israelis to live in one place. To solve this "problem," the Ministry launched an app offering discounts on one-way tickets to remote destinations. Borders now feature cheerful signs reading, "Welcome! Time to think about a new home."

But the Minister doesn’t work alone. In a close partnership with the Minister of Moving People, the two ministries ensure smooth departures for citizens. Public buses are rerouted to airports, ships are reserved for "relocation cruises," and even moving vans are subsidized for those willing to pack up and go.

Citizens, however, suspect that the real goal of this cooperation is to reduce the number of protesters filling the streets of Tel Aviv. "Less people, less protests," critics joke.

The Prime Minister has privately praised their efforts, as every citizen who leaves is one less person shouting outside their residence. "It’s not just a policy—it’s a strategy," the Minister of Spreading Out declares.

Protesters outside the Ministry chant, "We’re not leaving!" to which the Minister cheerfully replies, "But think of the adventure!"




Minister of Trials (שר המשפטים)

The Minister of Trials wakes up each morning ready to put the nation to the test—literally. Each day features a "National Trial," such as debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza or resolving how to split Tel Aviv traffic lanes between scooters and bikes.

Protesters often disrupt trials, chanting: "Justice is not a game!" But the Minister shrugs, declaring: "Justice isn’t just blind—it’s entertaining!"




Minister of Inner Confidence (השר לביטחון פנים)

The Minister of Inner Confidence ensures citizens feel secure—both in their homes and on the streets. However, weekly protests outside the Ministry suggest otherwise.

Once, the Minister accidentally locked themselves in their office, prompting nationwide laughter. Protesters seized the opportunity, chanting: "Lock yourself in forever!"




Head of the Government (ראש הממשלה)

Despite the title, the Head of the Government is noticeably missing one crucial thing: a head. The government runs on autopilot while the Head tries to balance coalition demands and public protests.

Staff whisper that the Head lost their mind years ago during a heated parliamentary debate. Protesters gather daily outside their residence, shouting, "No head, no leadership!" The Head waves back, blissfully unaware of their chants.




Conclusion

Each of these ministers embodies their title literally, delivering exactly what their names promise—whether anyone asked for it or not. Protests may erupt weekly, but perhaps their absurdity is what keeps the nation running.


Disclaimer:

All characters, events, and ministries in this story are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons, organizations, or events is purely coincidental and unintentional. This story is created solely for humor and satire.

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