The President’s Final Speech

Opening the door to change

Just as he finished straightening his tie a knock sounded at the door. The president turned around, “Enter.”

Serenity Jeffries, one of the President’s aides, walked in, “The room is ready.”

With a heavy heart, the President looked at his watch then followed Serenity out into the hall. He was nervous yet resigned. His speech would surely be considered earth-shattering and highly contentious. The only consolation was that it would be the last speech he would ever give as President. He would soon be relaxing in peace on his ranch.

Everyone who was not already standing rose to their feet as the President entered the room. He merely nodded at everyone as he walked slowly to the podium. His trademark smile was not there.

Jessica Springer, his Vice-President, as well as other government dignitaries stood to his left. Putting his hands on the podium, the President began his speech. He had no notes to read from:

“Our country has been torn apart by ideological conflict. The old refuses to give way to the new despite the serious challenges we face. We are spending all our time and energy fighting each other and nothing is getting done. It is time for change.”

He paused as he looked around the room.

“Our government consists of two fraternities. The sole purpose of each of those fraternities seems to be to beat out the other fraternity. While the fraternities duke it out for power the people of this country and the challenges they face are being neglected. If our government officials spent as much time working for the people as they do fighting to maintain the status quo and fighting each other we would make incredible strides in solving all our problems…”

“But meanwhile the problems keep getting worse and no solutions are coming forth. The old are not listening to the young. The men are not listening to the women. The rich are not listening to the poor. Our representatives are not listening to their constituents or even to their own consciences but vote instead according to whatever lobbyist shows up at their office door with the biggest bag of money.”

“Despite glowing numbers for big business our country is falling apart and the old guard is resisting any and all change with all its might. They fear change and they fear the loss of their power. They are driven by fear and arrogance rather than the genuine desire to welcome whatever change is needed to step into a future where every citizen can live a long, prosperous, secure, and happy life. As a country, we are only as strong as our weakest citizen.”

“I am an old, tired man. As such I am seen as representative of the old ways despite the fact that I have tirelessly been pushing new ideas, new agendas, and new hope. Thanks to the rigid inflexibility of most members of our government I have met with little success. I have given it my all but I have not been able to break through the impasse that renders our government ineffective.”

The President looked down at his hands and was silent for a moment before looking back up at his audience.

“Instead of trying to force change I have decided to become an EXAMPLE of ALLOWING change. To that end I am hereby stepping down as President.”

A loud collective gasp filled the room.

“At noon tomorrow my Vice-President, Jessica Springer, will take the oath of office and become this country’s first female President. Hopefully, she will be followed by many elected female Presidents.”

“Every man in this country needs to set aside his arrogance, his need to dominate, his inflexibility, and his fear of change and start listening to women. Let’s face it, we men have royally screwed things up. It is time for women to bring forth their wisdom, their intuition, their love, and their ability to embrace change and help us fix the mess we have created. If we don’t we will all be going down with the ship.”

“I have full confidence in Mrs. Springer. I urge everyone to work with her and not against her. She loves this country like a mother loves her children. I urge every man to look in their heart and start to soften the rigid shell surrounding it. Start listening to women. Heed my example and don’t be afraid to step aside and allow a female to fix the problems you are unable to or are too afraid to. In the long history of humankind we have reached a point where it is profoundly imperative that we all start working together… Now!”

Abruptly, the President turned and left the room.

Copyright by White Feather. All Rights Reserved. This is a work of fiction. Stories by White Feather

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