Some of you might recall from the last newsletter dedicated to Speaking Up that tactic 2 was about leveraging your natural abilities – for those who know me well, you know I came hardwired to question authority and provide unsolicited reality checks, complete with complementary side-eye.
The Wannabe King series is political roast meets Seuss-ish style rhyme – part warning/part inspirational call to action with a heavy dose of cheeky humor. It's like bedtime stories for adults who can't sleep because they're doom-scrolling the news.
Episode 1: “The Wannabe King Who Cried Fraud” introduces you to our main character - a tantrum-throwing egomaniac with a wild sweep of hair who can't handle losing. Sound familiar? 😏
For those who prefer reading rather than (or in addition to) watching the video…
The Wannabe King Who Cried Fraud
by Mocker Ondaloose
In a land once called fair, but not truly for all, Where some voices echoed and others felt small, The people were tired, divided, and sore, They’d seen broken systems and wanted much more. They’d worked and they’d waited, they’d paid and they’d prayed, But riches flowed upward as their dreams were delayed. They saw schools that crumbled and clinics shut down, And potholes and protests in city and town. They grumbled and mumbled, “It’s rigged, it’s a scam. These leaders don’t get us. They don’t give a damn!” And while left and right bickered and shouted in loops, They both longed for fairness, but stood in split groups. Then the Wannabe King came, with volume and flair, And puffed-up ideas and a wild sweep of hair. “I see all your pain,” he said with a sneer, “Just follow me, and I’ll make it all clear!” He pointed and blamed, he bellowed and groaned, He promised great riches (and always postponed). He danced on the stage, he hollered and mocked, While the rule of law was quietly stalked. He howled at the press and declared war on facts, He stirred up old grudges and dissolved all our pacts. He manufactured threats both far and near, While planting dark doubts that would grow into fear. And though most folks agreed on the dreams they had sought, Safe homes, fair jobs, a system not bought. He kept them apart with his loud daily screech, Distracting them all while he gobbled up each... ...bit of the balance that held power in check, He bullied the law and he stacked every deck. He winked at the courts, turned watchdogs to pets, And claimed, “If I say it, it’s true – no regrets!” (That line made no sense, but they clapped all the same, For the Wannabe King was good at the game.) He cried out, “It’s rigged!” every time he was beat, And spun tales of fraud in each fiery tweet. He'd lost fair and square, but that bruised his pride, So he claimed it was stolen and everyone lied. His pals in high places just shrugged with a grin, As long as old Wannabe kept helping them win. So truth was unraveled, like thread from a vest, And trust in the system was put to the test. But here’s the surprise – beneath all the rage, Most folks still just longed for a livable wage. They still hoped for fairness, respect, and a say, Despite all the noise drowning truth day by day. And some folks stood up – they said, “This won't do. We’re different, but not enemies – me and you.” They listened and learned, they showed up and spoke, And slowly, the silence of reason awoke. For democracy lives not in gold-plated towers, But in neighbors and ballots and everyday powers. It grows when we guard it, and falters when split, Especially by wannabes who throw tantrums and shit. So remember this tale of the Wannabe King, Spinning up drama with the lies he would sling. He rose from division, not strength or great might, But people stood tall, and they fought for what’s right.
COMING SOON…
Two more episodes are already in the works.
Episode 2: “The Wannabe King and the Miser Who Lied" - a tech bro billionaire who thinks running government is just like coding an app
Episode 3: “The Wannabe King and the Bootstrapper Who Flipped” - a seemingly once-principled person who performs Olympic-level mental gymnastics to justify joining the dark side
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