volunteering

Over two thousand years ago a Roman general wanted to prove to his soldiers that perseverance in combat was more important than strength.  He had two horses brought before his men, one a healthy stallion and the other an old nag.

He then ordered one of his strongest men to pull off the weak horse’s tail.  When the soldier failed, the general ordered one of the weakest men in his command to pull the tail off of the stronger horse, but to do it one hair at a time.  Soon the horse’s tail was gone. 

Success in politics often requires the same patience and perseverance.