Tuesday, 21 December, 2004

Difference between Us and Them In the UK right now a Government official, a Mr. Blunkett, is immured in a scandal because he (or his staff) expediated a visa for his Mistress's nanny - and for getting her two train tickets. In France this would have involved diamonds or an apartment along the Champs Elysee, in Italy a seaside cottage. In Britain: train tickets. Brit scandals aren't what they used to be. What will this lead to: page 3 pictures of Waterloo Station. In the US we have domestic situations too. Our Nannygates are a regular and routine Washington soap opera. the Vetting. A Play in slightly less than one Act [Candidate for a political office comes into a room. The room is dark and non descript. Lit only with a single desk lamp and by a window through which a vague even winter light pushes into the shadows. Two men are sitting at a table examining a dossier. One man looks up at the newcomer and speaks.] Man 1: Well over-all it looks good, except, for this problem with an undocumented nanny you hired. Cand.: Nanny? I don't have a nanny. Man 1: [Looks at file of candidates business dealings] Yes, you do. Cand.: I don't, I've never had a nanny, or a housekeeper. Man 1: [looks at file of candidate's motel charges hidden on previous government jobs expense accounts] Oh, You've got a nanny problem allright. Cand.: I don't even have kids. Man 1: That can be arranged; for your press conference, the one where you will announce you want to spend more time with them. 2nd man: [reaches over into folder in front of first man] we have pictures of your nanny. [shows part of first few] Cand.: I can explain that! Sort of. Kinda. She's a friend a good friend. Man 1.: We can see that, but its too late we've already had Andrew call Novak, by Monday even Ranger Rick will be covering this. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Cand.: [Exits; stage left. Production note! Candidate actually remains where he is, background scenery and table, chairs men are seated at are on glides, and exit stage right. 11:49:10 PM    comment [];trackback [];

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. 2005 Paul Bushmiller. Last update: 1/04/05; 10:40:11.