Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Heroes (03/08/04)
TITLE: Openness: Where heros have no fear (Acts 6:3) By Kenny Paul Clarkson 03/08/04 |
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Betty gave that consideration. But only for a fleeting moment.
Perish the thought, she told herself.
Bright lights stunned her eyes, one-eyed TV cameras stared incessantly and a crowd of hundreds patiently waited for Betty’s response.
Standing to the podium to her right was Jasper Emerson III, prominent business leader, community crony and four-term Congressman. He was seeking term number five.
And there was Betty Lou Tskowski. Her resume? She sang alto in the church choir, dabbled in real estate and had served four terms of pregnancy. She was seeking baby number five.
What am I doing here?! She asked herself. She shuffled the papers on her podium and glanced suspiciously at her opponent.
“Mr. Emerson,” she was shocked at the boldness of her own voice, “I don’t think we need to go to that extreme.”
The crowd laughed.
“But no one is above accountability. And public servants more than anyone should welcome it. The Bible says that we are to ‘do all things honest in the sight of all men.’ And why …”
“We don’t need your religious views, Ms. Tskowski…”
Wham! The gavel slammed.
“Congressman,” the moderator demanded, “You are out of line. It is Ms. Tskowski’s turn to speak.”
The Congressman smirked.
“Mrs.,” Betty corrected. “I’m Mrs. Tskowski.”
“But as I was saying, we need accountability. Our children need men and women they can admire. They deserve mentors, not tormentors. They need leaders who can be decisive without being divisive. Where are the true leaders, Congressman? Where are the men and women who deserve to be heroes by virtue of their character rather than victory in the sports arena? Why not have an open book, Mr. Emerson. Why not let your constituents know your true character?”
Betty eyed the time-keeper. She had fifteen more seconds to speak. Fourteen, thirteen, twelve, eleven, ten …
She turned and pointed at the Congressman.
“What exactly, Congressman, do you have to hide?