Parkinson's law of triviality, first mentioned in C. Northcote Parkinson's 1957 book Parkinson's Law, and Other Studies in Administration, states that: "The time spent on any item of the agenda will be in inverse proportion to the sum involved." To illustrate this, he writes about a finance committee with a three-item agenda. The first item is the signing of a $10 million contract to build a nuclear reactor, the second a proposal to build a $2,350 bicycle shed for the clerical staff, and the third proposes $57 a year to supply refreshments for the Joint Welfare Committee.

In the tradition of the well-worn adage, "A billion here and a billion there and soon you're talking about real money," Parkinson writes concerning the first item that the $10 million number is too big and the subject matter too technical, so it passes in 2.5 minutes.

The second item, bicycle shed, is a subject understood by the board, and the amount is within their life experience, so it invites more discussion. Mr. Softleigh says that an aluminum roof is too expensive and they should use asbestos. Mr. Holdfast wants galvanized iron. Mr. Daring questions the need for the shed at all. Mr. Holdfast disagrees.

Parkinson then writes: "The debate is fairly launched. A sum of $2,350 is well within everybody's comprehension. Everyone can visualize a bicycle shed. Discussion goes on, therefore, for 45 minutes, with the possible result of saving some $300. Members at length sit back with a feeling of accomplishment."

Parkinson then described the third agenda item, writing: "There may be members of the committee who might fail to distinguish between asbestos and galvanized iron, but every man there knows about coffee - what it is, how it is made, where it should be bought - and whether it should be bought at all. This item will occupy the members for an hour and a quarter, and they will end by asking the Secretary to procure further information, leaving the matter to be decided at the next meeting."

Fast forward 56 years, Wednesday, July 24, 2013, "Coeur d'Alene Press" staff writer Jeff Selle, page 1, "Republican committee: No vetting."

"After an hour and a half of deciding whether or not to give written treasurer's reports or to hand out balloons or fans at the fair, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee finally tackled the issue everyone came to discuss:

"Should they establish a special committee to vet Republican primary candidates to determine if they are true Republicans that will follow the Republican platform after they are elected.

"That took all of 20 minutes to shoot down."

Some things never change. It appears that Parkinson's Laws are in little danger of failing the test of time around these parts! The big question remains: will it be balloons or fans? Perhaps the committee can reach a grand compromise and offer both. We'll have to await the opening of the fair and a visit to their booth to find out.

Bob LaRue is a Hauser resident.