Trying to borrow money from the World Bank, the Russian finance minister was asked what he could put up for collateral.

“Well,” he said, “we have countless deposits of oil and minerals such as gold and silver.”

“Those are all underground,” the bank agent replied. “What do you have above ground?”

Inflating his chest, the minister said, “We have superb Russian leaders.”

Unimpressed, the bank representative said, “You can have your loan, Mr. Minister, when the two trade places.”