Situation 18:

A Political Discussion

(Charles and Mike go sit down on a sofa by the window.)

What do you think about the upcoming elections?

Didn’t your parents teach you not to discuss politics in

the morning?

What do you mean morning? It’s already twelve forty.

Yes,but I’ve been awake less than an hour,so to me it is

still the morning.

Well,that’s too bad because this election is important

and I want to talk about it.

Yes,I can tell You really aren’t going to give up,are you?

Nope.

Okay,then,what is so important thatyou must talk about it

before I finish my coffee?

It’s Mayor Jamison.He’s a thief and he just can’t be reelected.

Listen,Mike,politics are politics.Even if we elect a new

mayor,he will trun out just the same as Jamison.

No,that’s not true.Larry Strauss is running for mayor too

and he’s an honest man

You really are a baby.You are so naive.Anyone who wants to be

a politician is already dishonest.

I don’t believe that.You are only twenty years old.Why

are you so cynical?

I am not cynical,I’m realistic.

No,really,why are you so sure politicians are dishonest?

Well,if you must know,my father is a politician.

Really?

Yes,really.

What does he do?

He’s a state senator.

How long has he been a senator?

As long as I can remember.And he’s always been

crooked so don’t tell me you think politicians are honest

Look,Charles,I don’t want to talk about politics.

What? You’re the one who started this discussion!

I know,and now I’m ending it.I have class at one.