Innoluck
New Member
- Jul 16, 2021
- 3
- 12
THE PODIUM
A fictious truth.
Horror is the hallmark of any war zone. Smoke and the smell of blood piercing the air. The tension was getting high as the army had one target to their gun points. This made a perfect war zone scene-except it wasn't a war. It was actually a statehouse press conference hall and instead of soldiers with guns aiming their target, it was the journalists aiming their cameras to what was still an empty podium.
Instead of smoke, the air inside was trapped with swearing mummers from an angry press. The rage unleashed by the press was just a pot water from the ocean of outrage that loomed outside the statehouse and across this big nation. Protests had emerged calling for the resignation of the president over a 36 years old video that had just gone viral which was politicized as dehumanizing and crossing the lines. In the video, the then 25 years old Makoye was spotted in a liquor store. Makoye who seemed to be very wasted both in character and physic and very drunk could be seen shouting to the waitress for another bottle.
As the waitress came to attend him, he forcefully tried to grab her breasts. The poor waitress pushed back helplessly while other drunkards laughed and enjoyed the scene. She did however mange to escape Makoye’s weak hands but not without a handful of distasteful shouts escorting her way. The actions and language he used had been characterized as ‘crudely abusive and intolerable” by THE CITYTIMES.
In a country that women empowerment and rights were on the ballot, the video meant political suicide for President Makoye. If that wasn’t hemlock enough, the country was in the verge of losing man power as most youths were engaging in alcoholism and illegal narcotics. To have a video proof that the front-line fighter against alcoholism and drugs was also a drinker diminished any hope’s he'd survive this. “A drunk gender biased president” critics chanted.
Camera shatters and mummers stormed as the most awaited man of the day approached the podium.
“Good evening, to the members of the press here today and citizens of this great nation.” A sharp fuss spiked as the president started addressing. For a moment he remained quiet until the press grew calm. Then on he went . “In my presidential campaign I promised to deliver a new constitution in which freedom of speech, expression and press among others would be upheld. We, together as a people made it possible. This is evidenced by the attitude of the press in this hall today and the unopposed protests all across the country. Although it does sting my reputation, I must say I am proud that these reforms are and will always ensure transparency hence accountability”
A lot of controversy has arisen from recent events. Some people say the video has been edited to smear my political rates. I stand here today not only to confirm the authenticity of the video but also express how deeply ashamed I am of its contents and the effects it has unleashed. My sincerest apologies go to all women-specifically the decent woman in the video and all those who have scars of sexual harassment. I will also admit that my innermost shame is not entirely depicted in that short video. This was actually my daily errand. If I wasn’t high, it was because I was recovering from the effects of over drinking. Soon all dreams I ever had vanished leaving me desperate. I was an addict. Deep down I wanted to quit-easier said than done. After a long struggle, interventions and not giving up no matter how many times I failed. I did manage to quit and sailed for new horizons.
The abusive slurs in the video are intolerably disgusting but also show yet another detrimental effect addiction and substance abuse have on morality. Do these remarks portray my character today as a person and as a leader? The answer is a plain NO. You can easily see this from my policies which have always been gender sensitive with no prejudice. Take it from the diversity of my cabinet as well. When it comes to appointing like in any other aspect of my life, I am concerned by the brain cells attitude rather than gender. Take it from the aggressively beautiful dark-skinned woman I chose to be my lifetime companion. Without Genevieve’s emotional and intellectual support, I wouldn’t have ever made it to the presidency.
I stand aware that the voices calling for my resignation speak of its necessity. Some say the character is unworthy of the highest office. Others say my ability to influence and implement polices and duties have been irreversibly damaged. Some citizens believing in democratic principles say I ought to exercise accountability. But before I announce my decision. I have three crucial messages to put out there.
First: To the legal drug industry, specifically alcohol and cigarette producing companies. It should stay as a reminder that your legitimacy does not parole you from the physical, mental and social-economic problems your products have on users. More than half of the non-communicable diseases that burden our health system involve your customers. Our rehabilitation facilities are outweighed by victims of alcohol addiction or those that started with alcohol to get to illegal substances. You spend years making profits from your consumers but when they face related heart diseases or cancer you leave them at the government doorstep for health services.
These companies should acknowledge that the “Alcohol consumption is harmful to your health” on your beer cans or cigarette packs is not enough, they ought to do more. Thus, the government should additionally tax you in advance so that when your customers need care as the result of your products, the government is equipped with the necessary resources to help. I also encourage you to develop programs that help the victims “previous consumers” in rehabilitation facilities.
Secondly: To the illegal drug cartels. Bear in mind that these current events have re-energized public motives to heighten the battle against you. Parents are hurting because of school dropouts and dependence endorsed by your drugs. Empty plates for children as parents are hijacked by heroin addiction. The government will show no mercy to those who facilitate illegal drug infestation in our land. My message to you is simple, “Surrender now, maybe the judge will show you a little mercy, or continue and you’ll be held to the fullest extent of the law."
My last message goes to all the suffering addicts out there. I was in those shoes for a long time and believe me I know how tight they are. The desire to stop and the failure to do so causes a horrible depression. Judgement from the society, being left alone by loved ones deepens the pain. In the end the only comfort becomes the bottle or the sniff or the syringe. Families and friends just assume you are deliberately choosing to be that way, but I know better.
To you I stand here today as proof that recover is not a myth but a reality. It doesn't matter what you have lost in that storm, if you can just keep swimming there are a million possibilities waiting for you ashore. It doesn't matter how lonely you are, if you just make it across that river there is always a beautiful woman waiting to bare your children. It doesn't matter what rags you’re wearing now, if you don’t give up there is always a good suit in the store waiting for you. But even if these material gratifications are hard to achieve the greatest gift of recovery is restoration of one’s morality, dignity and serenity.
Finally, after a deep moral conflict on what decision to make, I watched the video again and thought of the sacrifices I have been through in the journey from that guy on the video to the person I am today. And for a moment I was proud of myself and gracious to God. Then I thought of what message my resignation would send to the addicts who are suffering out there-that no matter how hard they fight to change their lives the society will always look down to them and mark them as outcasts. After this meditation my conscience became clear. I have a message for all those who are drowning in addiction out there. If you don’t give up, there are no limits to how you can turn your life around. Get a home, a family, a job and if you have a dream big enough there is always a presidential podium waiting for you."
“The rejected Makoye becomes a corner-stone for builders” Appeared on the front page of THE CITYTIMES. The next morning.
A fictious truth.
Horror is the hallmark of any war zone. Smoke and the smell of blood piercing the air. The tension was getting high as the army had one target to their gun points. This made a perfect war zone scene-except it wasn't a war. It was actually a statehouse press conference hall and instead of soldiers with guns aiming their target, it was the journalists aiming their cameras to what was still an empty podium.
Instead of smoke, the air inside was trapped with swearing mummers from an angry press. The rage unleashed by the press was just a pot water from the ocean of outrage that loomed outside the statehouse and across this big nation. Protests had emerged calling for the resignation of the president over a 36 years old video that had just gone viral which was politicized as dehumanizing and crossing the lines. In the video, the then 25 years old Makoye was spotted in a liquor store. Makoye who seemed to be very wasted both in character and physic and very drunk could be seen shouting to the waitress for another bottle.
As the waitress came to attend him, he forcefully tried to grab her breasts. The poor waitress pushed back helplessly while other drunkards laughed and enjoyed the scene. She did however mange to escape Makoye’s weak hands but not without a handful of distasteful shouts escorting her way. The actions and language he used had been characterized as ‘crudely abusive and intolerable” by THE CITYTIMES.
In a country that women empowerment and rights were on the ballot, the video meant political suicide for President Makoye. If that wasn’t hemlock enough, the country was in the verge of losing man power as most youths were engaging in alcoholism and illegal narcotics. To have a video proof that the front-line fighter against alcoholism and drugs was also a drinker diminished any hope’s he'd survive this. “A drunk gender biased president” critics chanted.
Camera shatters and mummers stormed as the most awaited man of the day approached the podium.
“Good evening, to the members of the press here today and citizens of this great nation.” A sharp fuss spiked as the president started addressing. For a moment he remained quiet until the press grew calm. Then on he went . “In my presidential campaign I promised to deliver a new constitution in which freedom of speech, expression and press among others would be upheld. We, together as a people made it possible. This is evidenced by the attitude of the press in this hall today and the unopposed protests all across the country. Although it does sting my reputation, I must say I am proud that these reforms are and will always ensure transparency hence accountability”
A lot of controversy has arisen from recent events. Some people say the video has been edited to smear my political rates. I stand here today not only to confirm the authenticity of the video but also express how deeply ashamed I am of its contents and the effects it has unleashed. My sincerest apologies go to all women-specifically the decent woman in the video and all those who have scars of sexual harassment. I will also admit that my innermost shame is not entirely depicted in that short video. This was actually my daily errand. If I wasn’t high, it was because I was recovering from the effects of over drinking. Soon all dreams I ever had vanished leaving me desperate. I was an addict. Deep down I wanted to quit-easier said than done. After a long struggle, interventions and not giving up no matter how many times I failed. I did manage to quit and sailed for new horizons.
The abusive slurs in the video are intolerably disgusting but also show yet another detrimental effect addiction and substance abuse have on morality. Do these remarks portray my character today as a person and as a leader? The answer is a plain NO. You can easily see this from my policies which have always been gender sensitive with no prejudice. Take it from the diversity of my cabinet as well. When it comes to appointing like in any other aspect of my life, I am concerned by the brain cells attitude rather than gender. Take it from the aggressively beautiful dark-skinned woman I chose to be my lifetime companion. Without Genevieve’s emotional and intellectual support, I wouldn’t have ever made it to the presidency.
I stand aware that the voices calling for my resignation speak of its necessity. Some say the character is unworthy of the highest office. Others say my ability to influence and implement polices and duties have been irreversibly damaged. Some citizens believing in democratic principles say I ought to exercise accountability. But before I announce my decision. I have three crucial messages to put out there.
First: To the legal drug industry, specifically alcohol and cigarette producing companies. It should stay as a reminder that your legitimacy does not parole you from the physical, mental and social-economic problems your products have on users. More than half of the non-communicable diseases that burden our health system involve your customers. Our rehabilitation facilities are outweighed by victims of alcohol addiction or those that started with alcohol to get to illegal substances. You spend years making profits from your consumers but when they face related heart diseases or cancer you leave them at the government doorstep for health services.
These companies should acknowledge that the “Alcohol consumption is harmful to your health” on your beer cans or cigarette packs is not enough, they ought to do more. Thus, the government should additionally tax you in advance so that when your customers need care as the result of your products, the government is equipped with the necessary resources to help. I also encourage you to develop programs that help the victims “previous consumers” in rehabilitation facilities.
Secondly: To the illegal drug cartels. Bear in mind that these current events have re-energized public motives to heighten the battle against you. Parents are hurting because of school dropouts and dependence endorsed by your drugs. Empty plates for children as parents are hijacked by heroin addiction. The government will show no mercy to those who facilitate illegal drug infestation in our land. My message to you is simple, “Surrender now, maybe the judge will show you a little mercy, or continue and you’ll be held to the fullest extent of the law."
My last message goes to all the suffering addicts out there. I was in those shoes for a long time and believe me I know how tight they are. The desire to stop and the failure to do so causes a horrible depression. Judgement from the society, being left alone by loved ones deepens the pain. In the end the only comfort becomes the bottle or the sniff or the syringe. Families and friends just assume you are deliberately choosing to be that way, but I know better.
To you I stand here today as proof that recover is not a myth but a reality. It doesn't matter what you have lost in that storm, if you can just keep swimming there are a million possibilities waiting for you ashore. It doesn't matter how lonely you are, if you just make it across that river there is always a beautiful woman waiting to bare your children. It doesn't matter what rags you’re wearing now, if you don’t give up there is always a good suit in the store waiting for you. But even if these material gratifications are hard to achieve the greatest gift of recovery is restoration of one’s morality, dignity and serenity.
Finally, after a deep moral conflict on what decision to make, I watched the video again and thought of the sacrifices I have been through in the journey from that guy on the video to the person I am today. And for a moment I was proud of myself and gracious to God. Then I thought of what message my resignation would send to the addicts who are suffering out there-that no matter how hard they fight to change their lives the society will always look down to them and mark them as outcasts. After this meditation my conscience became clear. I have a message for all those who are drowning in addiction out there. If you don’t give up, there are no limits to how you can turn your life around. Get a home, a family, a job and if you have a dream big enough there is always a presidential podium waiting for you."
“The rejected Makoye becomes a corner-stone for builders” Appeared on the front page of THE CITYTIMES. The next morning.
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