Argument on Obama and Romney

Characters

Ted Glick, a 64 year-old activist, writer, and organizer who does support occupy wall street. He believes that democracy is something we do, not ask for.

Zachary Bell, a 23 year-old college senior and a supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement. He believes that he can change the world.

Barry Rubin, a 62 year-old professor, and director of the Global Research in International Affairs (Gloria) center. He’s an opponent of the Occupy Wall Street movement, and he believes that the Occupy Wall Street movement is an upper middle class movement of the spoiled, seeking more consumer goods and “free stuff” generally.

Pat Henry, a 30 year old. He's a part of the political Tea Party and is not a supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement. He believes that the Occupy leftists demand more power to be used by the government and to take from the rich and give the poor and middle classes what they did not earn.

Setting: Occupy Wall Street May Day demonstration, Wall Street area, New York City, recently.

When the curtain opens on our play, we see that Ted is happy to see the supporters there, and has been waiting to march down Broadway. Barry Rubin is amongst the crowd of OW protesters who are waiting to start. Barry doesn’t look too happy. But he does look determined to voice his opinion against what he calls the OW lefties.

Barry
(He moves thru the crowd at union square as the march slowly begins.) I don't understand the hype the media gives this protest. The overage of media attention is not going to help american people identify the cost.

Ted
(Ted who was standing near Barry overheard his statement) I’m guessing you're not a supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Are you a part of the one percent?

Barry
My financial standing is none of your business but I have busted my behind to have a comfortable life. Most people here are spoiled and want to get something without working hard for it as if they are owed something.

Ted
We do work hard and we do deserve it because you don't want to share the wealth you're getting defensive.

Barry
I understand your stance but I feel that Obama shouldn't use that to get more people supporting his campaign and especially the people who don't deserve it.

Ted
How is President Obama using this to advance his political agenda? Obama believes in our issues but that is not advancing his campaign. This march is issue-oriented and very independent in politics and tone.

Barry
By being too obvious on the side of the extremist (Occupy Wall Street movement) who are being too obvious in the views, but if Obama and his colleagues weren't on the far left they would be denouncing this openly radical movement, explaining to it the error of its ways, and highlighting their own differences in philosophy and goals.

Zachary
(Marching. He overhears the conversation between Ted and Barry.) How can you say that Obama should be denouncing us? He believes in our movement and we support him as a President. Who doesnt support us is Mitt Romney. If we win our cause, that means he and the rest of the 1% have to pay taxes on their millions, which they don't want to do.

Ted (smiling in agreement)
If this country is going to become more equal, those who make the more money need to pay more in taxes. Then we would have a more balanced society.

Barry
Well I don't see what Change obama is trying to implement. It’s been four years, the unemployment rate is still high, the housing market still sucks and people are still unemployed. Romney is the change we need.

Pat
(Heading towards Broadway, stumbles upon the conversation and interrupts Barry with enthused agreement) Yes, Romney is the change we need. Romney understands Americans. He an ideal leader, He is the man that could lead this great country to success
just like our founding fathers wanted it to be.

Barry
He sure does (smiling in agreement)

Zachary
Romney knows how to leave his dog on the roof of his car (Sarcastically said). But for real, America is a country and we all are like a big family and there should be no problem taxing people (1%) who can more then afford it to help out people who are less fortunate.

Ted
(chimes in while trying to hide his smile) You got that right, Zach. This country needs to improve worse than my old lady needs new hair.

Barry
You two guys need to think this stuff through. You don’t get something for nothing. Somebody has to pay for all this. (He gestures at the parks, the street paving, and the beautiful buildings in downtown Manhattan.)

Pat
Barry, you and I are wearing the same lenses in our eyes. Don’t know about these other two guys. (To Ted.) Look, Ted, welfare’s just keeping our people down. People get used to a free lunch, a so-called “free” lunch, and what do they do? They do what comes natural. They sit back and wait for the next free meal. They go no where. Hate to say it, but welfare’s juts breeding leeches.

Ted
How can you say that? The majority of people on welfare are on it because they were dealt a really bad hand especially after the housing market crash and economic crash.

Pat
OKay maybe some were dealt a bad hand but what about the people who have been on welfare for years and they seem to not have any motivation to get off.

Zachary
(chiming in) Even with motivation it is hard with a minimal wage job. Thats what OWS all about leveling the playing field for everyone

Barry
OK, fellas the fact is we’re lucky to live in a country where we are allowed to demonstrate and disagree. Fact is, we’re all Americans and we all want the economy to get better. We just believe in different strategies. Our goal’s the same.

(The four men continue on their different ways --
towards a better USA!)

zachary/barry/pat