Several years after Act I, on the same radio talk show ...
Sam Gritter:
Hello everyone, my name is Sam Gritter, and this is Public News Digest, Morning Edition. Yesterday, we all had a very stunning revelation. It was learned that President Learner is taking the health supplement IntelligentSia®, despite the fact, that it is illegal with the exception of people who have a developmental diablity. Now it goes without saying the President doesn’t want anyone to consider him to have a developmental disablity. So what’s this all about? Why is the president taking IntelligentSia®, and what are going to be the repercussions for his actions? We have are usual two polictical pundits, John LeRuse and Kevin Hidari, here with us in the studio, today, getting ready to discuss this with us. But first I’d like to go live to Noah Tall in Washington. He’s also a well known reporter from the Washington Free Journal. And he’s here to fill us in on the latest. Noah, are you there?
Noah Tall:
Yes, I am, Sam.
Sam Gritter:
OK, Noah, could you fill us in then. What the latest?
Noah Tall:
Well, Sam, if I may, I’d like to go back to where this whole thing begins, and that would have to be with Tonya Longton, one of the Presidents first ex-lovers after he took office. She was saying, way back then, that the president takes IntelligentSia®. Only at the time, it was a pretty groundless accusation, and most people just regarded it as innuendo. The type of mud slinging were so use to up here in DC.
Sam Gritter:
That right, we had her on our show about two years ago. Now are you sure she was ex-lover number one, I thought she was number two? She was the White House staffer who got thrown out by the first lady during the second year of President Learner’s first term.
Noah Tall:
That’s correct, Sam, she was dismissed by the first lady, right about then. As far as whether she was ex-lover one or two or for that matter three or four, I suppose it just depends on who you believe. But, she is significant, especially now, in that she’s the only ex-lover to have reported that the president was taking the supplement. The rest of them have been very silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying.
Sam Gritter:
And without evidence, no one regarded Ms. Longton’s accusations as serious.
Noah Tall:
That’s just it, Sam, it’s all been hearsay without any real evidence. Until, recently that is when a group of ex-White House staffers, who’d been turned out by a sudden shake up in the Administration, all went to the press with the same story.
Sam Gritter:
But still, even at that point, there was nothing concrete.
Noah Tall:
Until, yesterday, when the President dropped the bomb shell, and came out, and basically, blantanly admitted he’s been taking IntelligentSia®. And he not only said he’s been taking it, but that he’s going to continue to take it. He even joked about it, he said he didn’t consider it illegal, because he was taking it through a registered psychiatrist.
He said he found the whole thing amusing. He said he didn’t consider himself to have a developmental disablity, but that in order to legally get the drug, he basically used the excuse that his job, the stress of his job, was bringing his intelligence down, and as IntelligentSia® is a correction for that, there was no reason for a doctor not to prescribe it to him.
Sam Gritter:
And we’ve already seen this before, Noah, where people across the country have tried to use the same excuse, and failed. The government has come out and said that stress isn’t a good enough reason. You must have a more legitimate developmental disability.
And, in fact, a lot of Doctor’s came out yesterday and said, this isn’t a valid reason under the rules laid down by the FDA, that have been in place since way back when this supplement first came out.
Noah Tall:
Exactly. But as we all know, Sam, this president has basically been at the forefront in trying to get those rules changed. He’s a well-known supporter of IntelligentSia®, he thinks it should be made legal. The supplement was made legal for consumer consumption without any doctor’s approval in France two years ago. Japan quickly followed, as did Russia. And since then it’s been like a domino effect. America is actually one of the last hold-outs in not allowing the wide release of this supplement for consumer consumption.
Sam Gritter:
And Noah, do we have any statistics on how many people take this supplement illegally?
Noah Tall:
That’s quite difficult to say. I think most law enforcement is loath to enforce the law, and from what I’ve heard the stuff just pours in at the borders. And, of course, the price is quite high, because you’ve got to get it on the black market. And the crime involved hasn’t been a pretty sight. Some people reckon it to be like the probation era, when alcohol was illegal.
Sam Gritter:
There was a survey done by NewOurUs and FunNews, and both of them said 70% of Americans are for legalizing IntelligentSia®, 10% indifferent, and 20% against it. Now, those are some numbers.
Noah Tall:
Yes, and I’ve seen other surveys with even higher numbers. Sam, people want this supplement, and they don’t think there is anything wrong with it. Nevertheless, quite clearly, the president is taking a big gamble here in just out right saying he’s been taking the supplement and will continue to take it.
Sam Gritter:
OK, thanks Noah for that backgrounder, now I’d like to turn to our studio guests. We have with us here today to discuss this, John LeRuse, editor of the news weekly, Empower Me, and Kevin Hidari of the popular internet news letter called the New Liberal. They’re both here with us to discuss what the possible repercussions of the presidents revelation might be, if any.
First, to you John, will he step down? How serious a blow is this to his administration? I’ve heard there’s even been some talk of impeachment. What’s your take on that, is that going to happen?
John LeRuse:
Absolutely not Sam, No way, not a chance. This has been one of the strongest presidents this nation has ever scene. Seven years ago, the economy was a disaster. Unemployement was high, GNP growth was in negative territory, inflation was eating away at peoples savings. Then, here was this unexpected candidate, who totally challenged the norm. He ran on a platform of consumption will save us. His slogan was “A jacuzzi in every bathroom, and a boat in every garage.”
Now, Sam, I’ve got to say, and the average American has got to say, President Learner has delivered. He’s really, really delivered. Sam, yesterday day I just bought a second boat, and she’s a darling, ha, ha, ha ...
Sam Gritter:
Yes, I remember the campaign, John, “a car for every occasion, a wide-screen computer in each room.”
John LeRuse:
You see, that's just it, this president ran on the platform that luxury isn’t an evil, it’s a good. That conspicuous consumption was not something to be ashamed of but a vital part of who we are, and where we are going. That to consume is what makes America great.
Kevin Hidari:
Sam, if I could jump into to this discussion..
Sam Gritter:
I’m sorry, Kevin, go right ahead.
Kevin Hidari:
Well, first, let’s get something straight right now. Let’s be absolutely sure about this, and unequivocal-
John LeRuse:
All right, Kevin, just spit it out.
Kevin Hidari:
Thanks, John, but I just want to emphasize my point, that anyway you look at this, from whatever angle you view it, this president has surely done one thing, he has broken the law. And I should say that with a capital L, I should say it with all big letters, he has broken the LAW.
John LeRuse:
Kevin, Don’t you think your pouring it on a bit thick. Sam, one thing I think all American’s at home need to think about is this:
Would you have impeached FDR for taking a drink?
Heck, Sam, maybe he did now and then. Does anyone know? We’ve got to put this entire thing into proportion. Let’s look at the last president to be impeached, Bill Clinton. What was that about? Does anyone even remember? Let’s see .. he lied in court over a love affair ... and so they impeached him. Sam, how many different lovers has President Learner had? Does anyone even know?
I mean, these silly side issues are not what the presidency is about anyway. What the presidency is about is the economy, and as I said, we’ve seen growth rates in the GNP approaching 5 to 6% which not long ago was said to be just impossible.
Kevin Hidari:
This ... That’s very selective. This economy has not been so great, it’s been good for a very select group of those in the economy, basically the rich and well-to-do. Basically, those who have money. However, for the poor, for the minority groups in America, this has been a devastating economy. What has made America great has been it’s diversity, and the ability of the man of the lower echelons of society to be able to rise up, and make something of himself. And that just can’t happen any more.
John LeRuse:
Oh, I don’t buy that. It’s just not true. Why just yesterday I read a story of a young black man, who started off borrowing a lot of money from his company to get the basic necessities you need nowadays, a house, a computer, a car, a boat, a jacuzzi. And having taken the loan, found himself very inspired to work hard and pay it off. His hard work paid off, as now he has a very esteemed position in his company. There’s always success stories out there if you look for them.
Kevin Hidari:
Perhaps, but those stories are the exception, not the rule. What we are seeing in America, with the ability of these giant corporations to lend money to their workers, is practically the equivalent of indentured servitude. These workers start out young, thinking they need all these things, which they don’t, and before they know it, they owe so much money to their company, they can’t imagine ever quiting.
John LeRuse:
Why should they want to?
Sam Gritter:
Excuse me, for breaking in here like this gentlemen, but we’ve kind of gotten off our original topic. What I’d like to talk about today is IntelligentSia®, and what repercussions there might be for the President’s actions. Kevin, what do you think?
Kevin Hidari:
Sam, the president can’t be above the law, in fact, as the Chief Executive he is suppose to be the ultimate enforcer of the law. Therefore, the laws should apply to him more than anyone else. This is significant, and there will be repercussions.
Sam Gritter:
How? In what way?
Kevin Hidari:
Well, there are a number of senators and congressmen who are very upset with this President, and if the President’s relationship was rocky with them before, it will only grow more so-
John LeRuse:
- Keven, what you’re really talking about is a minority in congress, a minority, whom in that past hasn’t ever really shown much support for the President, and I don’t see this as being much of a problem for the President. What I’m trying to say, Sam, in response to Keven here, is that you can’t withdrawal support that was never there.
Kevin Hidari:
John, with all due respect, I think you are underestimating the impact of all this. For Pete’s sake, the president has broken the law! And he has flat out admitted it, directly to all of us.
John LeRuse:
Oh, come on, Kevin. He’s a human being. Everyone’s taking this supplement anyway. I’ve ... I’ve heard that in universities the percentage of people taking this supplement is as high as 90% in some cases.
Kevin Hidari:
Well, I know one major population group that’s not taking it, and that would be the poor, who can’t afford it. We use to say the rich get richer while the poor get poorer, but I think we might now change that to: the rich get smarter, while the poor get dumber.
John LeRuse:
Very cute, Kevin. But then why have you, and so many other liberals fought against legalizing this supplement. If it were legal, the price would come down dramatically. I’ve heard it would be so cheap, we could put it in breakfast cereal. Talk about universal access. Legalization would seem to be the key here.
Sam Gritter:
I think he’s got you there, Kevin.
Kevin Hidari:
I’ll tell you what I’m for, and that’s better enforcement of our existing laws. This infatuation with ... am I even allowed to say it now ... with this DRUG ... is dangerous and unprecedented. Is it just me? Don’t people who take that drug just seem ... er ... somehow meaner. It’s the meaning up of American culture.
John LeRuse:
Sam, I ... he’s dragging in just the worst kind of tripe. Kevin is clearly no expert, there have been so many tests now, it’s almost meaningless to go through all the information, it's already been so widely disseminated. We’ve heard time in and time out, that people who take IntelligentSia® have an IQ anywhere between 10 to 50 points higher than they would have without the supplement.
But not only that, they lead better and more well-adjusted lives, they are less shy, more outgoing, they deal with people better, they’re more ready to meet life’s challenges head on, rather than to duck their head in the sand. This has been shown again and again.
And what has also been shown, as an almost analogous phenomena, is that some people are almost pathologically afraid of this drug -ahem- supplement. There’s been several studies on it, and ... this supplement does represent a major change in our life style, and sure, that scares some people. But it’s something we’ve got to overcome.
Kevin Hidari:
Now, just a minute, has anybody really stopped to think about this. If I had a 180 IQ, I’m sure I’d know how to fool a psychiatrist. I’m sure the people who have this so-called “greater” intelligence, also have a sort of personality change. And how can you measure personality changes? Mark my words, Sam, America is getting nastier, somehow. If you let this drug become legal then-
John LeRuse:
- then what? Really Kevin! Most people already take the supplement. And look at our economy, look at the numbers. There’s so little room to complain. 4 to 6% growth in the GNP, a stock market that rises without end, unemployment at 2%, virtually no inflation, some people just can’t be happy!
Sam Gritter:
Kevin, would you care to argue with those numbers?
Kevin Hidari:
Well, yes, I would. Let’s take a look at violent crime. The murder rate is up, 25% in the last year. How’s that for a number? But look, what we’ve got to do is get away from the numbers. What we got to do is to look at how people are living. We can’t just associate a person with a high salary and say he’s happy because he has a high salary? We can’t just say he’s happy because he has a jacuzzi and a boat, and a hell of a loan to pay off.
John LeRuse:
Why not? I love my boat, I love my Jacuzzi, I love my life. So I owe a little money, big deal. Just what do you want Kevin?
Kevin Hidari:
What I want. And what every other guy who has ever gone out there and tried to start with nothing wants, is just a chance to ... to make it on our own without having to sell our souls to the system.
And not just that, look at the kind of work that is being done by the minority groups. Most of them are in heavy debt to their companies, and they have very boring, repetitive work. Most of them are lucky if they can even learn how to use a computer at the local library, let alone buy one.
Sam Gritter:
I’m sorry , Kevin, but we’re running a bit short on time today. I’d hoped we could have talked more directly about the President, but perhaps next time. Would you like to sum up your comments gentleman.
Kevin Hidari:
The President broke the law. In a civilized and modern democracy the law has to followed. The President is guilty, and he needs to be prosecuted.
John LeRuse:
Sam, would you have impeached FDR for having taking a drink during probation. I just don’t think there’s a problem here. Look at the economy, don’t mess with it.
Sam Gritter:
Okay, thank you gentle man, and good day. This has been the Public News Digest, morning edition, we'll be back at you tomorrow with Tonya Longton, as she comes back into focus over the new revelations from the White House. Thanks for having joined us. Our show’s support comes mostly from you the viewer, and also Translucent Company inc., an innovator in the technology of tomorrow. Thank you and good night.
End of Act II