Girl Power (13 page)

insurmountable. President Reynolds and Speaker O'Neilly used to be best

friends. Now, there's a chasm so big between the parties you could float an

aircraft carrier through it.

"I'd like to point at the Democrats, like today's Republicans do, and say, 'It's their fault', but it's not. Even the statistics prove that. About twenty years ago, the Republican Party did something our founding fathers refused to do. In an effort

to widen their base, they strongly embraced the religious elements of their party.

At first, the effect was subtle, but almost immediately, the party veered right. The infusion of zealous energy from dogmatic religious elements seemed to infuse a

new vitality in the party, but it was a false high.

"Fewer and fewer good new ideas were put forward, while confrontation

with Democrats, who more and more Republicans looked upon as the enemy,

increased. The more the party veered right the more inflexible, and less willing to compromise, everyone became. The party became enamored with itself, feeling

entitled, almost divinely inspired.

"The more the new Republican's veered right, the bigger the divide between

the parties grew. The divide became a fissure, the fissure a ditch, the ditch a chasm and now that chasm has grown into a canyon. Winning elections became

more important than maintaining party honesty and honor, which in turn

became a green light for lies, misinformation, corruption and dirty tricks.

Since most wealthy people are Republican, money began to pour in from

them and their corporations. Seeing an opening, Republican leadership formed

legislative groups and think tanks for the rich and corporations to sponsor. Wolf News became the media darling for the right, doling out news as it fit the new

Republican line.

"I could go on and on, but I won't. In short, my party has become a corrupt, bumbling nightmare, buying elections instead of winning them on merits. That is

not democracy. That is thievery."

Lee paused to sip his wine. "As for why I signed on with SAFE, it was

partially because of opportunity, but mostly it was because I am intrigued with

the idea of successfully building a new third political party." Pausing again, Lee glanced and smiled at everyone. "Any questions?"

To Winfred's obvious surprise, Dillon spoke up, "I'd like to ask you

something."

Lee nodded. "Go ahead."

"How do you like working for a Women's organization?"

Lee chuckled. "I don't know, yet. How about you? How do you like

working for a Women's organization."

Dillon smiled and nodded his head. "Touché. I like it fine."

"I will say this, Dillon. I have no reason to think I won't like it. I've always admired women and not just their beauty and grace. Women have a tenacity

which seems to exceed men's. No matter how bad the cards they are dealt,

women work hard and often persevere. Many strong-minded single moms hold

their families together by sheer will. In my opinion, women are the glue that

holds society together.

"In business, as a whole, I found women to be smart, conscientious,

passionate, and competent, just like the women in SAFE."

Just then, the waiter rolled up a cart and served the first course.

After dinner, they slowly resumed conversation while they indulged in a

decadent, tiramisu, Italian roast coffee and for those who wanted it, an after

dinner cordial.

Stuffed as if she'd just finished a Thanksgiving dinner, Sally easily could

have gone to sleep.

Win asked, "Lee. Don't you think, no matter how many candidates for

various positions we field, we will never be considered a true political party until we run a candidate for the highest office in the land?"

Sally straightened, fully alert.

Lee swallowed the last of his drink and set the cordial glass down. "I'm sure there are those who would claim that, especially the Democratic and Republican

Parties themselves."

"Then why don't we field a presidential candidate?"

Lee sighed. "It's not that easy. You can't just designate a candidate and go.

There are procedures. Vetting, debates, primary voting, town hall meetings and

so forth."

Win persisted. "Really, did Ross Perot or Ralph Nader face a primary? Was

George Washington even elected?"

"No to Nader and Perot. Yes, Washington was elected, but not by a popular

vote. The state appointed Electoral College voted from a list of candidates and he won unanimously.

Win waggled her eyebrows. "Then as the buttinsky I am, I suggest you find

a candidate and run her."

It was obvious Lee didn't like this when he glanced heavenward. "Who?

Lindy, can you think of a woman in or out of our party who could run?"

Lindy shook her head. "I really hadn't thought about it."

A mischievous smile formed on Winfred's full, round lips. "Well, I think it's pretty obvious who our candidate should be."

Like a flock of owls everyone asked, "Who?"

Win rose, cordial glass in hand. "Grab your cups or glasses. I propose a

toast."

Holding a coffee cup or cordial glass, all stood at attention.

Standing straight, Winfred hitched her chin and spoke loudly. "To the next

President of the United States, Sally Cummings"

Sally almost fainted. After regaining control of her facilities, she responded

to Win's toast, "You're kidding aren't you?"

Win smiled and said, "'Fraid not, honey. I've researched you pretty well and you are the best candidate to come along since that Claxton woman. You are

definitely my choice."

"But…but I'm running for Senate."

"Then you need to un-run, honey. You need to think big. You can do a

hundred times more good as President Cummings than you can as Senator

Cummings. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" Win gazed at her guests. "Doesn't President Sally Cummings have a nice ring to it?"

"Sure does," Lindy said grasping Sally's shoulder.

Sally shook her head. "This is so sudden. President is such a big jump. I

need time think about it."

Win said, "Think away, but I warn you, I'm going to ask you the same

question on the show tomorrow."

~ * * ~

Lindy did a double take when Sally came out wearing an elegant, but sexy,

black with pink lace, full-length nightgown.

"Lindy this is crazy, I'm a two term congresswoman. I can't run for

President."

Lindy had always admired Sally's looks, but from the way she always

dressed, she had no idea her best friend had such a nice figure. "Winfred checked you out thoroughly and she's satisfied. Besides, Win is right. If you're goal is to do good like you claim, there's no better place to do it than from the office of the most powerful person in the world."

Sally slipped under the covers. "That part is true, but the fact remains that I'm not qualified. I'm a nobody."

"So was that Alaska woman who ran for Vice-President a few years back."

"Two wrongs don't make a right. Aren't you going to get undressed and

come to bed?"

Lindy suddenly found the idea of sleeping in the same bed as her straight

friend intimidating. She shrugged and sighed. "Yeah, I guess."

Lindy slipped her clothes off in the bathroom, donned her pajamas,

removed the scant make-up she wore and brushed her teeth. Entering the

bedroom, Sally looked up. "Oh, you wear pjs?

Lindy shook her head, "This is not a good idea."

"What?"

"Sleeping in the same bed as you."

"Why?"

Lindy cocked her hip and rested a hand on it. "You know—cuz I'm gay."

"You're not attracted to me, are you?"

Lindy shrugged. "A little, but not like tonight, in your nightgown, with your hair down, the blush on your face. You are very attractive."

Sally laughed. "It's been a long time since anyone told me I was attractive."

Lindy's stomach jumped when Sally sat up and stuffed a partially wayward

breast back in her gown.

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have worn this nightgown. I haven't had as much fun in years and I wore it because I had such a great time, I felt sexy. I never really thought about any effect it might have on you." Sally slid her legs from under the covers and got up. "I know what. I have this greenish blue face cream I sometimes wear to bed. You can't possibly find me attractive when I wear that.

I'll put some on."

Sally started toward the bathroom, but Lindy stopped her, grabbing her

shoulders. "Don't bother. I'm not going to attack you and even if I found you unattractive, it's a bad idea for me to spend the night in here with you."

"Why?"

"Word could get out. The Republicans and probably the Democrats, too,

would try to scandalize you if they found out. I think I should stay with Lee."

Sally rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. "Yeah right, so they wouldn't

make a big deal of you spending the night with Lee? Get in bed. We have a big

day ahead of us."

Chapter Ten – The Show

As I enter a new chapter in my life, I see a critical need to engender public

support for the political center, for our democracy to flourish and to find

solutions that unite rather than divide us.

Retiring Senator Olympia Snowe – R ME

Winfred Opry Studios, one p.m. the next day

Unlike the previous week, the other guests preceded them, however, two of

the guest celebrities, a supermodel and a comedian remained on stage, as they

sometimes do. During the commercial break, the stage director came up to them.

"We've designated a half-hour for you today. We're doing this show live so be careful what you do and say—no swearing."

Lindy asked, "Why live?"

He shrugged. "Boss lady wants it a.s.a.p. Said something about getting the

show out before the weekend and news leaks."

After a commercial break, Win announced, "And now the moment I

promised, the ladies and man from my new women's political party, Stand

Aligned For Equality. Ladies and gentlemen please give a warm welcome to my

new friends, co-founders, Sally Cummings and Lindy Rollins, plus the very

handsome, co-chairman Lee Casey."

The applause lasted through the hugging, cheek kisses and introductions.

The two remaining guests slid over to make room for Sally's party. When

Winfred raised her hands, with a few exceptions, the clapping ceased.

When everyone was situated, Winfred said, "So glad to have you back."

Sally beamed. "And we're glad to be back."

Win smiled and teased, "Lee, I'm sure there are scores of single, women out there who would give me grief if I didn't ask you this question. What is your

marital status?"

Lee chuckled. "Same a Karol Rogue—divorced."

With a wide-eyed grin, Winfred shook her head slowly. "Well, I know who

I'd pick. How 'bout you ladies?"

Win had barely finished before a chant broke out. "Lee! Lee! Lee! Lee! Lee!

Lee! Lee! Lee!"

Winfred waved her hands for quiet and the chants died down. Half

laughing, Win said, "Looks like you beat out the great white buffalo, sugar.

"Now, for the studio and television audience who weren't here or watching

last week, I'd like to review some of what we discussed last time." Winfred turned to the camera. "Stand Aligned For Equality, or SAFE for short, is

primarily a women's party. Men are welcome too. They merely have to sign a

pledge that they support women's equality."

Win angled back to her guests. "Does that about sum it up, Sally?"

Sally uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, "Yes, I'd like to add that the main reason we formed the party was to get more women not only participating

in politics, but into office. Presently, I'm a member of Congress and I'm one of only seventy-three women of four hundred-thirty-five members of the House.

The Senate is equally proportioned with seventeen out of a hundred members."

Winfred nodded. "That's true. Equal representation is part of equality.

Lindy would you like to add anything?"

Lindy nodded. "I would. After the 2010 election debacle, Republican and

Tea Party members took over numerous governorships and state legislatures.

Emboldened they started passing anti-women's health and pay laws. Since these

state legislators took over a little over a year ago, they've passed hundreds of restrictive women-targeted laws, in many cases in direct opposition of the advice of doctors."

Lindy paused for effect as gasps circulated the audience. "Some of these

laws required sexually invasive procedures." She paused again, then went on.

"There's too much to go into in the amount of time we have. Let's just say it's like the Republican Party collectively lost their mind and declared a war on women."

One of the other guests, Lara Kane, the supermodel, added, "Yes, I've been

following this war on women. It's ridiculous. I'll be joining your party."

"There you go Lara," Win said cheerfully, "and for the rest of you, we have volunteers sitting at tables in the lobby if you want to join. Okay, you know now what SAFE is about, so we're going to take a commercial break and when we

return we're going to get into how SAFE is doing and some of the nifty side

benefits membership affords their members."

After the commercial, Winfred sat up and addressed the group. "When you

were here a week ago, Lindy said you had almost a half a million members. Has

that increased?"

"I'll say." Lindy sported a bright smile. "Thanks mostly to The Winfred Opry Show, we celebrated our millionth member the next day, and two million three

days later. We expect to hit three million soon and five million by the end of the month."