Defending the Fundaments of Society
copyright © 2004 by Robert L. Blau

    "Mr. President!  Mr. President!"
    "Ah, yes.  Always pleased to speak to members of the Fourth Estate.  How can I help you?"
    "About this constitutional amendment, Mr. President ...  Is it true that you're supporting it?"
    "Yes, I am, Orville.  And let me tell you why.  It will defend an institution upon which the very foundation of our society depends."
    "But isn't this a subject that would be more properly handled by the states?"
    "No, Orville.  I can see how you might think that, but look at what's going on in some of the Northeastern states - Massachusetts, Vermont, even parts of New York.  What if we let Massachusetts make its own laws on this subject, and then some of those people moved down to a more God-fearing state, like Texas or Alabama, and made demands based on the Massachusetts law?  Unconscionable!  Another question.  Uh, over there.  Zeke, is it?"
    "Yes, Mr. President.  But don't you think that Massachusetts and others are doing the right thing?"
    "Gracious, no, Zeke.  We're talking about a fundamental American institution, and one that has deep Biblical roots.  If we let all those renegade states continue their reckless behavior, it will tear this Union apart.  Over there.  Peter?"
    "Are there any other reasons why you support the Defense of Slavery Amendment, President Lincoln?"
    "Absolutely, Peter!  Got to keep those wealthy southern planters happy, if I want to get re-elected in '64.  And I won't have to watch my back.  They don't assassinate reactionaries, you know."
    "Good point, Mr. President.  And what is the wording of the amendment?"
    "'A slave is defined as anyone with any African ancestry.'  Short and sweet.  It'll stop those irresponsible manumissions cold."
    "Anything else, Mr. President?"
    "Yes.  You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time.  And you can scare the bejeebers out of most of the people most of the time, which is good enough to get re-elected."