Kevin Wade Johnson
The three of them had stood at their places, along with all the senators and representatives, waiting for the new president to arrive. They'd stood. And stood. Graciella whispered, "Aunt Gabby, can't we sit down yet?" "We have to wait for the President." "Why?" "It's a sign of respect." "Oh. My feet hurt." After a moment, Graciella added, "Would Rosa Parks have done this?" "I think she would have, dear." But a few moments later, the President swept in, thanked their hosts, and sat down. Aunt Gabby and the nieces followed suit. After salads were brought out, and they chose forks, little ones in honor of Rosa Parks, they started eating. Aunt Gabby didn't even have to whisper anything about healthy eating. Just then, someone in a suit strode in and went to the President. A few whispered words, and the President stood up. Everyone else stood up. "I'm sorry," said the President. "I'll just be a moment. Please return to the wonderful food." The President stepped out with the suited aide, and everyone sat down. The President came back in. They all stood up. The President apologized with a slightly strained smile, and they all sat down again. "My feet hurt," whispered Graciella. "No wonder," whispered her sister. During the meal, all three of them got to witness U.S. politics in action, as the legislators good-naturedly argued about some of the bills to be introduced soon. No one changed anyone's mind, but no one got angry or violent either. Not at a formal dinner, anyway. "That's democracy," whispered Aunt Gabby to her nieces. "Everyone fighting for their beliefs, just like Rosa Parks or Jeanette Rankin. And whichever side gets the most votes, wins. No bloodshed." Charlise whispered back, "But what if the wrong side wins?" "What do you mean?" "Like the people that would make Rosa Parks give up her seat?" "Well…it may take time, but eventually everyone will realize what's the right thing to do, and do it. Good senators and representatives don't allow the majority to tyranni
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