“SLAVERY OR FREEDOM”
by OPOVV, ©2014
(Jan. 28, 2014) — ACT 1
Curtain rises.
Picture, if you will, a bright sunny day in the Dakotas. The park has been closed due to humungous snowdrifts, so what was about to happen was witnessed only by a few chipmunks and bluejays, and us, through the power of our imaginations. The backdrop is of the giant carvings, as if we were on the observation deck. One of the tables has been cleared of snow and we see the very men on the mountain come to life. Let’s listen in.
George: I’ll tell you, Abe, he should’ve been included. Why, Old Ben did as much for our country than any of us here, perhaps more.
Thomas: Oh, no doubt. But he’d never been elected: too smart, just like that Adlai Stevenson in the 1950’s.
Theodore: I don’t know why I’m here. I rode a horse, that’s about it.
Choruses of “Here, here!” are exclaimed.
Abe: Look, Teddy, you got done what I couldn’t: you are indeed the Father of the U.S. Navy, so don’t go banging your head against the wall.
Thomas: I miss Ben, even after all of these years.
George: Well, truth be told, we all do. Look, the reason I called this meeting was to discuss what the heck is going on with our republic. Who is this Joker in the White House, anyway?
Thomas: He’s an imposter, a nobody; the most unforgettable character you’ll ever meet. He has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Reportedly has an I.Q. equal to a run-over possum.
Theodore: Yes. I’ve heard that.
Abe: So have I. The way I see it is like this: we have to expel Obama from this government. These mid-term elections are important, but wouldn’t it be something if, at the same time, we have a recall election of everyone who voted for Obamacare and continues to support Obama today?
George: Great idea, Abe. If you were alive I’ve no doubt you’d be the force behind the recalls, but you’re not.
Abe: “Four score and seven years ago.”
George: Oh, I get it. Just replay snips of our greatest speeches, is that what you mean?
Theodore: I can ride a horse and a ship.
Thomas: That’s right, Teddy, ride your horse. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be teaching the Constitution to the ignorant masses.
George: We’d need a gimmick. The Americans of today have an attention span measured in heartbeats; anything longer and their minds wander. We have to make it a simple message, something even the dumbest will understand.
Abe: I got it! Give them a choice between Slavery or Freedom.
George, Thomas, Theodore: Too complicated.
Curtain lowers.
FINI
Good thing they’re carved in stone on a mountain side – or they’d be turning over in their graves.