Bill of Human Wrongs

“Three, two, one!”

Claire sat in her assigned chair, smiling at her host, more nervous than normal. She was a pro with interviews, but this one was different. She’d chosen a smart suit, its pinkish tweed against her pale skin enhanced by her dark hair and green eyes aided to boost her confidence. The discussion was being led by a smart lady, a lady who wasn’t shy with her questions. Claire knew it, and hoped it would end sooner than later. She’d already put in a long day, but needed to forge ahead in order to tell her story. Her story, that’s why she was in this studio.

The bill was about to be released. Claire knew she’d have to wade through the irrational, senseless questions about its contents, a bill she hadn’t even yet read.

“Welcome back. Tonight I am pleased to interview Claire Winslow, the Senator from the great state of Washington.” Rachel smiled. “I don’t get the chance to sit across from many Republicans so this is one I have been excited about.” She turned to face Claire. “Welcome, Senator. And thank you for being brave enough to come on my show.”

Claire smiled and said warmly, “Thank you. I’m actually a fan of yours.” She laughed. “Not that I agree with many of your ideas, but I do admire your brains and courage to put yourself out there. You’ve made a real name for yourself, Rachel Ross. And it’s impressive.” She watched her host laugh.

“Good start, just two brainiacs having a cordial conversation.” Rachel paused and then started the interview. “Let’s get right to it, Senator. There’s a bill that will soon be released for the public to read.”

Claire added, “And for us Senators to read, Rachel.” Her voice was strong, she felt good about her delivery. Yes, this was going well, she could sense it.

Claire was an attractive 40 year old with exquisite taste in clothing. Her dark curls combined with green eyes were stunning, her figure was trim, but with womanly curves. And, she was a solid interviewer. She kept her eyes on Rachel, construing each question before it was asked.

Smiling, the interviewer continued, “Yes, of course. Now, this bill, SB 1257 it’s called. The changes in the bill terrify me. It aims at amending the Constitution, a revision that strips many rights from women. Do I have this correct?”

 “Well, yes. But it’s not just women. Nonetheless, we can address that part of it if that’s what you want. The party that I’ve chosen to affiliate myself with, the Republican Party, has a bill that’s nearly ready for release. The wording of this bill could cause women to feel like their rights are being threatened, the operative word here being could. That needs to be clear. But, may I repeat. This bill, if the rumors are correct, is not only threatening women’s constitutional rights, but also the civil liberties of many groups in this country.”

“So you’re broadening the scope of what’s in this bill. Am I hearing you correctly?”

“We need to read it, Rachel. But it appears that some of the bill’s contents, according to the media, inject religious morals into the government. And it extends privileges for gun ownership as we know it.” Claire was out on a limb, her nerves began to fight her confident manner. “We have to wait and see, Rachel. Without knowing its actual substance, it’s a waste of time to dwell on this.”

“But why, if this bill bothers you, do you belong to a party with ideas so demeaning and dangerous to this country? I mean, really, Senator. I can easily site numerous changes over the last decade that provides obvious evidence that your party has already taken our country further to the right. Is this new bill what they have been working up to?”

Claire wore her cat and mouse smile. They were playing a game in front of the camera, a game between two fighters from opposite spectrums of the political system. She lived for chances to engage in such public forums. “Don’t get me wrong. I believe in the Republican philosophy. I am a true conservative. You know, the fight for individuals, smaller government. Let’s put the real power in the hands of individual states. However, it’s true that my party may be reaching too far to the right with this bill.” Claire proceeded with care, she’d known that this interview wouldn’t be easy. “Now, with that said, I, like most of the Senate members have not yet read this bill. My remarks tonight are coming from what I’ve heard through leaks in the press. But, Rachel. You and I both know that hearsay can be just that.  I simply hope that my speaking out will encourage the authors of this bill to temper its contents. In the event that the leaks are accurate, that is.” Claire leaned toward her host and spoke with an authoritative tone. “This is how things happen in the Senate. You have to start with an idea, but then it gets revised until it makes sense to a majority.” She watched Rachel fidget in her chair, anticipating what the next question would entail.