ALLERGY TIME - 01.18.2021
January 18, 2021
My sinuses are in rebellion against this crazy weather we have been having in the Los Angeles Area. It's more like spring or summer than winter. I'm sneezing like crazy, have watery eyes, postnasal drip, and a sinus headache. I just sprayed my nose with Nasacort Allergy medicine, closed all the windows, and I'm circulating the air in my apartment. Hopefully, the special filter I have installed does its job to filter out the pollen.
With the above in mind, great thoughts are not coming today. Here is some of what I wrote yesterday for my new novel SKYWARD to simplify thinking more about today's post.
Note that SKYWARD's plot centers around five privileged boys brought up in San Franciso's Pacific Heights neighborhood. They form a clique that lasts their lifetimes, and all take an interest in exploring space. As part of their education, their parents frequently take them on field trips. This section involves such a trip to Washington D.C. Also, note this is a draft, and the President's words are paraphrased from speeches he has given.
* * *
Mr. President, your young visitors here are Norman and Chris," as the aid pointed to the identical twins. "Then this is Gavin, Elon, and Jeff. They are visiting from California."
President Clinton bent down and shook each boy's hand, saying their name as he did so. "Well, welcome to the White House. Are you enjoying your visit to Washington?"
"Yes, we are, Sir," responded Gavin, who had been selected by the others to be the spokesman. "We've got a couple of questions to ask you if that's all right, Sir."
"You certainly may ask me any question you want. That's how I get to know what people want of me."
Gavin waved his hand as if pointing to the others. "Mr. President, is this a good time for the five of us. Our parents keep talking about the good old days. So are the good days gone?"
Clinton took a good look at the boys and estimated them to be about ten or eleven years old. "I'll say this. That's a well-thought question. Now to answer it. You five have entered the age of possibility. A hundred years ago we moved from farm to factory. Now we are moving to the age of technology, information, and global competition. These changes will open vast new opportunities for each of you. But, they will also present each of you with some stiff challenges. The key for you to meet those challenges is to get a good education and learn to work with others."
"Mr. President, you head up our countries government. From reading about its history, the government here in Washington has grown enormous in size. Is that a good thing," asked Jeff.
"Good question Jeff. I have learned over the past few years that big government does not have all the answers. I can tell you from experience there's not a program for every problem. My team and I are actually working hard to give the American people a smaller, less bureaucratic government here in Washington. We have to give the American people one that lives within its means. So to answer your question, the era of big government is over."
* * *
Yes, that is what Clinton said.
Cheers,
Richard V. Rupp, Author