View or download the PDF here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6x910tglnfxrhj4/A_Shifting_Paradigm.pdf
A Shifting Paradigm
By Jeremy Wilfinger
Sophie sat near the window of a local coffee-house and waited for her brother, who smiled as the barista handed him two steaming beverages. It was a warm summer day, and she sat with her back to the sun, checking the messages on her cell phone. Customers sipped coffee and engaged in idle gossip, while a jazzy tune played softly in the background.
“So, what’s the latest sis?” Joseph asked, setting down a cup of hot tea on the table before taking his seat. “I know coffee makes you hyper, so… I hope you like black tea.”
“I’ll manage.” She replied, smiling. “Mom called, she wants to know if you’ll be coming to Sarah’s birthday party.”
“Nah, I’ve got a final to study for. Besides, it sounds corny anyway. Who really gets a clown for their birthday these days?”
“She’s seven. Anyway, let mum know if you aren’t going to go.” Sophie said, plugging away dutifully on her keyboard.
“Fine.”
“Looks like Denise broke up with Matt… again.”
“That the third time?” Joseph replied, taking a sip from his cup.
“Second—but I’m sure they’re already working on round three. It’s a shame, really. They’d make such a cute couple if Matt just… wasn’t such an ass.”
“Yeah, well, imperfect world. Are you going to watch the presidential address tonight? I hear it’s supposed to be some kind of big announcement.”
“We can watch it on my phone and—by the way—it already started.” Sophie said, smirking at her brother, who frowned at the barb.
“Since when do you care so much about news? You don’t even vote.”
“Just because I don’t vote doesn’t mean I don’t pay attention. It’s streaming now.”
Sophie held up her phone at an angle so they could both see. The President of the United States was dressed impeccably, suit and tie and parted hair; he towered over the podium and spoke with authority, articulating with great care, and a firm tone.
“The conversion of the US currency from the dollar to the amero has generated a direct and discernible improvement to the combined economy of U.S., Canada, and Mexico. I am proud to announce that as of nine forty-five this morning Mexico is no longer a separate nation but the fifty first state, of the United States of America.” The President paused to take a sip from his water glass. Sophie and Joseph both stared at the tiny screen in disbelief.
“How can they make all of Mexico a state?” Sophie asked.
“I understand.” The President began. “That this comes as a bit of a shock to the American people, but let us not forget how we as a nation annexed large masses of land west of the central United States and brought peace and prosperity to an untamed country. Mexico will be no different. It will be a single state under the law, with multiple districts that answer to the United States government. They have already been largely assimilated into our culture, and though it may take some time, we will come to recognize them as fellow Americans. The details of how this will directly impact voters, as well as the number of seats in the House of Representatives, and Congress, will be addressed at a later date.”
“This is insane.” Sophie said.
“Why? I think we’ve all known this was going to happen sooner or later. Mexico hasn’t been able to take care of its own people, and that’s why they’ve all been immigrating here. If we can bring them up to the American standard of living, the justice system—we could really do some good.”
“But think of how much this will cost! Taking on the entire country as a state? All the public works projects and… and… health care! Where could we possibly get the fund--” Sophie shot back, but the question died on her lips, as the President continued.
“Funding would not have been possible without the direct support from the United Nations and private industry. It is equally important to understand that this move is brought on by a desire to unify all the nations of our planet, bringing an end to poverty and strife on a massive scale, and this is only one small step towards that inevitable goal.”
“Of course, it is only natural to oppose such radical change—but as we continue to adapt to a changing lifestyle, working progressively towards green energy and sustainability, it’s paramount to remember just how finite our natural resources are. The question that we should be asking ourselves is not whether globalization, under the elected representation of the United Nations, should happen—but how we might avert future devastation and suffering by expediting it as efficiently as possible. Imagine an end to human suffering—an era where the free exchange of technology shall usher in a golden age of unfettered scientific progress.”
“Our democratic platform ensures that minorities will never go unheard, that our government will always be held accountable, and that each and every American can sleep soundly without fear of terrorism. Our true enemy is not each other—it is the irrational consciousness that continues to define and separate nations purely based on their borders and not on our shared humanity. I regret that I don’t have time for questions now, but I’ll make sure you get a chance to voice them at the press briefing tomorrow morning. Thank you.” The President smiled as he waved to the cameras, walking down from the podium and out of sight—a mixture of applause and skeptical murmuring on his heels.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Sophie said.
“He’s right.” Joseph replied.
“Right about what? When has unification ever accomplished anything?”
“Uh… the United States for a start.”
“The United States isn’t united because of our unified agreement over issues, it is unified in spite of our disagreement. This speech was a cop out, he didn’t even really try to persuade people on the legitimacy of globalization, and instead he redirected the audience towards the implementation of it—bypassing the entire argument!”
“So? The way I see it—our entire planet is going to go down one of two roads. Either we come together as a united planet, or we destroy ourselves in the next world war. It’s the only way there will ever be a conclusion to this stalemate that we live in now.”
“What stalemate? What are you even talking about?” Sophie asked.
“Mutually assured destruction, dwindling resources… either we learn to share and live together, or it all goes to hell. Those are really our only two options, and personally, I think it’s a no-brainer.”
“What about Rome under their emperors, or Germany under their dictator? When in history has this ever worked?”
“It’s never been done with a democracy, and that’s what’s different. Listen to what he said. Mexico isn’t even changing their current governmental structure. They are just answering to a new boss. They still get to have a say in legislation and have their voice heard. They still get to maintain their cultural identity—we just won’t call them Mexicans anymore.”
“And what happens when someone doesn’t want their nation to be assimilated into this global coalition?”
“Well, that’s not really an option. Everyone’s got to pick a side at some point, and besides… who wouldn’t want world peace?”
“Don’t you see? I mean… this whole concept of globalization is creating conflict, not solving problems! It’s a complete shift in the way people think without giving them a chance to realize it!” Sophie said, her voice raising more then she meant to, attracting several awkward stares from the other coffee-house patrons. She let out an exasperated sigh, burying her face in her hands.
Her phone rang, and it took her a moment to realize that everyone’s cell phone ringing simultaneously. The phone began playing a video before she even answered it, but it only showed white noise.
“Wake up.” A metallic, guttural voice said. “Don’t be deceived by the puppet on his stage. More has already happened then you would ever believe, globalization is not the—” And then there was silence.
“So, what’s the latest sis?” Joseph asked, setting down a cup of hot tea on the table before taking his seat. “I know coffee makes you hyper, so… I hope you like black tea.”
“I’ll manage.” She replied, smiling. “Mom called, she wants to know if you’ll be coming to Sarah’s birthday party.”
“Nah, I’ve got a final to study for. Besides, it sounds corny anyway. Who really gets a clown for their birthday these days?”
“She’s seven. Anyway, let mum know if you aren’t going to go.” Sophie said, plugging away dutifully on her keyboard.
“Fine.”
“Looks like Denise broke up with Matt… again.”
“That the third time?” Joseph replied, taking a sip from his cup.
“Second—but I’m sure they’re already working on round three. It’s a shame, really. They’d make such a cute couple if Matt just… wasn’t such an ass.”
“Yeah, well, imperfect world. Are you going to watch the presidential address tonight? I hear it’s supposed to be some kind of big announcement.”
“We can watch it on my phone and—by the way—it already started.” Sophie said, smirking at her brother, who frowned at the barb.
“Since when do you care so much about news? You don’t even vote.”
“Just because I don’t vote doesn’t mean I don’t pay attention. It’s streaming now.”
Sophie held up her phone at an angle so they could both see. The President of the United States was dressed impeccably, suit and tie and parted hair; he towered over the podium and spoke with authority, articulating with great care, and a firm tone.
“The conversion of the US currency from the dollar to the amero has generated a direct and discernible improvement to the combined economy of U.S., Canada, and Mexico. I am proud to announce that as of nine forty-five this morning Mexico is no longer a separate nation but the fifty first state, of the United States of America.” The President paused to take a sip from his water glass. Sophie and Joseph both stared at the tiny screen in disbelief.
“How can they make all of Mexico a state?” Sophie asked.
“I understand.” The President began. “That this comes as a bit of a shock to the American people, but let us not forget how we as a nation annexed large masses of land west of the central United States and brought peace and prosperity to an untamed country. Mexico will be no different. It will be a single state under the law, with multiple districts that answer to the United States government. They have already been largely assimilated into our culture, and though it may take some time, we will come to recognize them as fellow Americans. The details of how this will directly impact voters, as well as the number of seats in the House of Representatives, and Congress, will be addressed at a later date.”
“This is insane.” Sophie said.
“Why? I think we’ve all known this was going to happen sooner or later. Mexico hasn’t been able to take care of its own people, and that’s why they’ve all been immigrating here. If we can bring them up to the American standard of living, the justice system—we could really do some good.”
“But think of how much this will cost! Taking on the entire country as a state? All the public works projects and… and… health care! Where could we possibly get the fund--” Sophie shot back, but the question died on her lips, as the President continued.
“Funding would not have been possible without the direct support from the United Nations and private industry. It is equally important to understand that this move is brought on by a desire to unify all the nations of our planet, bringing an end to poverty and strife on a massive scale, and this is only one small step towards that inevitable goal.”
“Of course, it is only natural to oppose such radical change—but as we continue to adapt to a changing lifestyle, working progressively towards green energy and sustainability, it’s paramount to remember just how finite our natural resources are. The question that we should be asking ourselves is not whether globalization, under the elected representation of the United Nations, should happen—but how we might avert future devastation and suffering by expediting it as efficiently as possible. Imagine an end to human suffering—an era where the free exchange of technology shall usher in a golden age of unfettered scientific progress.”
“Our democratic platform ensures that minorities will never go unheard, that our government will always be held accountable, and that each and every American can sleep soundly without fear of terrorism. Our true enemy is not each other—it is the irrational consciousness that continues to define and separate nations purely based on their borders and not on our shared humanity. I regret that I don’t have time for questions now, but I’ll make sure you get a chance to voice them at the press briefing tomorrow morning. Thank you.” The President smiled as he waved to the cameras, walking down from the podium and out of sight—a mixture of applause and skeptical murmuring on his heels.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Sophie said.
“He’s right.” Joseph replied.
“Right about what? When has unification ever accomplished anything?”
“Uh… the United States for a start.”
“The United States isn’t united because of our unified agreement over issues, it is unified in spite of our disagreement. This speech was a cop out, he didn’t even really try to persuade people on the legitimacy of globalization, and instead he redirected the audience towards the implementation of it—bypassing the entire argument!”
“So? The way I see it—our entire planet is going to go down one of two roads. Either we come together as a united planet, or we destroy ourselves in the next world war. It’s the only way there will ever be a conclusion to this stalemate that we live in now.”
“What stalemate? What are you even talking about?” Sophie asked.
“Mutually assured destruction, dwindling resources… either we learn to share and live together, or it all goes to hell. Those are really our only two options, and personally, I think it’s a no-brainer.”
“What about Rome under their emperors, or Germany under their dictator? When in history has this ever worked?”
“It’s never been done with a democracy, and that’s what’s different. Listen to what he said. Mexico isn’t even changing their current governmental structure. They are just answering to a new boss. They still get to have a say in legislation and have their voice heard. They still get to maintain their cultural identity—we just won’t call them Mexicans anymore.”
“And what happens when someone doesn’t want their nation to be assimilated into this global coalition?”
“Well, that’s not really an option. Everyone’s got to pick a side at some point, and besides… who wouldn’t want world peace?”
“Don’t you see? I mean… this whole concept of globalization is creating conflict, not solving problems! It’s a complete shift in the way people think without giving them a chance to realize it!” Sophie said, her voice raising more then she meant to, attracting several awkward stares from the other coffee-house patrons. She let out an exasperated sigh, burying her face in her hands.
Her phone rang, and it took her a moment to realize that everyone’s cell phone ringing simultaneously. The phone began playing a video before she even answered it, but it only showed white noise.
“Wake up.” A metallic, guttural voice said. “Don’t be deceived by the puppet on his stage. More has already happened then you would ever believe, globalization is not the—” And then there was silence.
