A Thought from Ms. JB

In the stage comedy MS. JB, Jeanette Babette Lambert runs against her ex in a race for Mayor. She plans a different campaign that concerns her manager, Sylvester, but is supported by her colorful mentor Francois. Although a pre-Tea Party script, it seems an idea whose time has come.


***
FRANCOIS
Sly, what about ignoring Bobby?

SYLVESTER
The old “talk about my plan” and nothing else approach? It’s more noble, but unless negative attacks are refuted immediately, they tend to stick. Tactics rule out that approach.

FRANCOIS

What if she has a really knock out plan? Something that would resonate deeply with the voters?

SYLVESTER
I suppose that’s always possible. I can’t imagine what would be so enthralling in a small town mayoral race.

(Lorraine, JB, Madison and Elliot return. Elliot is dressed in 18th century costume as Thomas Jefferson. Sylvester double takes at the sight.)

What is that?

FRANCOIS
This is Elliot, a fine actor. He is rehearsing a one man show as Thomas Jefferson writing to James Madison and speaking to a modern electorate.

SYLVESTER
Where did he come from?

LORRAINE
One of the family, so to speak. You might like this.

ELLIOT
(Elliot speaks with clarity and energy as Jefferson speaking to James Madison on the nature of law.)

“The question whether one generation of men has a right to bind another is a question of such consequence as not only to merit decision, but placed among the fundamental principles of government. I find it self-evident that the earth belongs in usufruct to the living.

“What is true of every member of the society individually is true of them all for the rights of the whole can be no more than the sum of individual rights. The earth belongs to the living generation. They may manage it then, and what proceeds from it, as they please, during their usufruct.”

SYLVESTER
Can somebody translate this for me?

MADISON
Don’t tax the hat.

JB
The voters are free to repeal an old law created at an earlier time, whose purpose is fulfilled. Their labor and industry should serve their needs now, not the situations of those before. Every loss of individual freedom, no matter the cleverness or manner, is a loss of freedom for all. They have the self-evident authority to rule their lives which also benefits the common good. We, the People.
Thank you, Elliot.

(All applaud. Elliot makes a bow.)

ELLIOT
I have learned much as Mister Jefferson.

(He offers Madison his arm. She accepts.
They exit, with JB and Lorraine smiling after them.)

FRANCOIS
She chose his costume well. I can no longer fit in it.

SYLVESTER
Don’t tax the hat?

JB
It says it all.

SYLVESTER
This is your platform? I can’t predict your victory with this strategy.

JB
I will run on a new idea, Sly. The voters will decide. I can live with that.

LORRAINE
Good for you.

SYLVESTER
Francois?

FRANCOIS
I had forgotten about Ms. Doyle’s hat.

SYLVESTER
My services will target that desire. Well, this is certainly out of the political box. So, JB’s political glass is full?

FRANCOIS
Overflowing.

JB
(She hands Sylvester a paper.)
My campaign.

SYLVESTER
(Reading aloud.)

No attacks on Bobby. Repeal the Fairfield road extension mill tax. Repeal the loose livestock in town ordinance. No new taxes. Veto new ordinances until reviewed by voters on line.

JB
That’s it. Simple.

SYLVESTER
Maybe too simple. No attacks on Bobby – that could be seen as validating his slander. Repeal the mill tax? It’s just a few dollars per year for most property owners, what’s the big deal? When was the last time you were chased by a cow downtown? No new taxes? Then how does the city pay for rising costs of water treatment? Referendums are expensive and an unnecessary waste of tax money – from a candidate who is intent on reducing government intrusions.

JB
I can handle the first. If the mill tax is so inconsequential, then the city won’t miss it, right? So, let’s get that tax, whose purpose is long complete, off the backs of the tax payer. Repeal enough useless ordinances and regulations and the number of laws becomes manageable. I’m prioritizing the role of government. Clean water is way up there. The more questionable expenditures at the bottom of the list will be reviewed. By the voters using the internet to assist the city council.

SYLVESTER
Silly idealist. Well meaning floozy. Queen Veto. That’s about the most positive media you’ll get.

JB
I’m not catering to the media, I’m talking to the voters. At least, for once, they’ll have a real choice to select the type of government they want.

***
A real choice in the type of government. What an idea!