Fourteen FourteenPresident Klens admired herself in the vanity mirror. She straightened her sapphire necklace and earrings, relishing the way they set off her purple blouse and tanned skin tone. Oh, those poor wretches. They work so hard so that I might live comfortably. President Klens chuckled inwardly. It always amused her how many of the masses thought she actually cared about them.
“Madam President,” said Williams, “they are ready for you.”
“Thank you, Williams.”
President Klens rose from her chair and walked over to the stage entrance for the televised program. She loved coming onto these shows. Of course, they had all been approved by her in the first place, and the hosts knew to be friendly. Not that they would have dared to be otherwise. They each believed in her definition of equality and feared the consequences of disagreeing.
“And now, let me introduce to you, our honored guest for the evening, President Klens,” said the show host, Halloway.
Cheers and applause went up from the studio audience. The band played triumphant music, welcoming the president as she walked out on the stage smiling and waving. Oh, what easily entertained fools, she thought.
“President Klens,” greeted Halloway. “It is so nice to see you again on my show.”
“And I always enjoy being here, Halloway.”
The two took their seats.
“That is a lovely outfit,” said Halloway. “Many say that your fashion sense is remarkable and I must agree.”
“Thank you. I do try to look presentable.”
“As you know, many of our audience always have questions for you.”
“I always enjoy answering them.”
“I have a few of them here.” Halloway took out some cue cards. “Ah, Ginny here wants to know what your favorite book is.”
“Ginny? Where is Ginny? Oh, hello, Ginny. Well, there are so many books, and I am a voracious reader, but there is one that stands out, Clarkson’s Learning to Live as One.
“It is a remarkable book which points out the very values we have created for our society: equality, fairness, openness, and the welfare of the common good. These are principles I have always tried to live by, and I think that they have proven fruitful for all of us.
“As you are all aware, there are some selfish individuals who would rather put their wants above everyone else. This we cannot allow.”
“This brings us to an interesting topic,” said Halloway. “As you know, there are those who insist that we are not free in this society and openly demand the abolition of many of our boards, such as the Career Assignment Board. How would you respond to them?”
President Klens’ face tightened a bit. She had not expected this question. In fact, it was not in the script she had received earlier. As she scanned the faces of the live audience and knew the cameras rolled with each passing second, she smiled.
“Well, Mr. Halloway, I think we both know that they are not only lying, but they are also disgruntled individuals who are jealous of what we have achieved.
“We have achieved true equality in Dystopia. Each person works according to their abilities in the job that fits them best. By assigning employment, we have ensured that every citizen has a job. Everyone is equal, and no one is able to rise above another.
“Those with a flair for leading and making policies are the ministry. Those with an aptitude for law enforcement become the officers. While those whose physical strength best suits them for manual labor work in the various facilities and plants. No one is above another as we all—by working together—form a cohesive society.
“We are a collective family where every member has a role to play. Our Career Assignment Board, like all of the boards, helps each individual find and fulfill their role. And as you will notice, there is no unemployment.”
“That is a valid point that I think the naysayers routinely forget,” said Halloway,
“No one in our society has to worry about looking for work because everyone has a job.”
“Indeed,” said Halloway. “Next question: do you like whole wheat or multigrain bread?”
President Klens laughed. “I prefer whole wheat, of course.”
“Yes, it’s healthier for you. Well, on to the next. This one comes from Billy, the boy in the front row.”
Billy waved at the two on the stage with a gleeful expression.
“Billy wants to know what your favorite subject in school was.”
“Well, Billy, I loved school when I was your age, but I must say that my favorite subject was physical education class,” said President Klens as her chin jiggled. “I enjoy exercise and always loved being able to jog around the track. Do you like to run, Billy?”
Billy’s head nodded enthusiastically.
“Good. It keeps you fit and healthy.”
“I must say that my favorite part about physical education,” laughed Halloway, “was watching the girls in their running shorts.”
President Klens chuckled. “Well, we can’t all enjoy that, can we?”
“No, I suppose not,” said Halloway. “This next question is from me. I promised to ask a serious question. Do you prefer raisins or cranberries as an afternoon snack?”
“Well, I like both,” guffawed President Klens. “That was a serious question?”
Halloway laughed before his tone grew more serious. “As you know, there has been an energy crisis in our country. Many homes in the northern sectors have no heating and winter is almost here.”
“Yes, and I lay awake every night wondering how we can come together to fix the problem.”
“Well, some in our audience would like to know how you plan to solve our limited energy resources.”
“As many of you already know, oil and coal are severely limited resources, and we cannot depend upon foreign imports as the world is in complete disarray. Something Dystopia has managed to avoid, I might add. We have tried a variety of other technologies which do work, but not effectively. So, as of yesterday, I proposed that we look into geothermal energy sources. What could be more environmentally friendly and efficient than to use the earth’s energy to suit our needs?”
Applause rose up.
“I will personally make sure that advancements in geothermal technology are made so that no citizen is without heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.”
More applause.
“That is quite a promise,” said Halloway, “and I am sure you will fulfill it. As always, you do have our best interests in mind.”
“Not a day goes by where I don’t think about it.”
“Well, that is all the time we have for tonight. Thank you, President Klens, for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us here.”
“As always, it is a pleasure.”
President Klens and Halloway shook hands before parting.
An employee at the television station handed President Klens a glass of water as she walked backstage.
“Thank you, dear. Those stage lights always make me thirsty,” said the president as she took a swig. “Where is my lemon? I never drink water without a lemon.” She handed the glass back to the frightened employee.
“Incompetent people,” muttered President Klens.
“That was a wonderful show,” said Williams. “It should keep the public appeased despite the resistance’s efforts to disrupt things.”
“One can only hope.”
“Madam President,” said Williams, “didn’t your grandfather have the only known scientists with advanced knowledge of utilizing geothermal energy executed?”
“What of it?” asked President Klens with little concern.
“How do you propose to keep your promise on its development?”
“I don’t.”
“What of those people without adequate electricity?”
President Klens eyed her assistant with cold, calculating eyes. “I guess we won’t have to worry about overpopulation.”