2050: Psycho Island by Williams Phil M

Author:Williams, Phil M.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Phil W. Books
Published: 2020-01-21T16:00:00+00:00

52

Naomi and NEA

“We have about five thousand and counting,” Vernon said.

Naomi was in her congressional office, sitting at her desk, across from Vernon. “How many of them are we paying for?”

“I wasn’t counting paid protestors. That’s just from your base. Not bad on short notice, huh?”

Naomi nodded, a smile on her lips. “It’s been less than twenty-four hours since we put out the word.”

“Nobody works anymore.”

“Maybe we can get some robot protestors?”

They both laughed.

As their laughter subsided, Naomi asked, “How many do you think we’ll have on Friday?”

“Including the paid protestors, at least ten thousand, maybe fifteen.”

The desktop phone chimed. Naomi tapped the OLED screen and said, “Yes, Nina?”

“Your one o’clock is here,” Nina said. “Mrs. Regan from NEA.”

Naomi checked her watch—12:58. Where did the time go?

Vernon, aware of Naomi’s schedule, checked his own watch and stood from the desk. He said, “We’ll talk later.”

Naomi nodded to Vernon and said to Nina, “Send her in.”

Vernon left the office.

Naomi greeted Mrs. Regan at the door with a firm handshake. The president of the National Education Association was chunky and pear-shaped, with a ruddy round face. They sat across from each other at Naomi’s desk.

“Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me,” Mrs. Regan said.

“The pleasure’s mine,” Naomi replied. “How can I help you?”

“As you know, unions have taken quite a beating over the years,” Regan said. “The Greater Depression destroyed defined benefit pensions as we knew them. Many pensions were defaulted on. The few teachers who retained their pensions had the value inflated away. With less money to attract quality teachers, public schools have been forced to increasingly use online classrooms to cut costs. Unions have always been an important part of the social fabric of this country. I’d like to restore that. I don’t want to speak out of turn, but, from what I’ve heard, you may be a strong ally of the cause.”

Naomi smiled at the woman. “I’ve been very vocal in my support of unions, and I’ve consistently supported legislation favoring unions. My mother is a retired teacher. I’m left caring for her because her pension was inflated away.”

“I remember you speaking so eloquently about your mother when you announced your candidacy for president. She must be so proud.”

“Thank you. I hope she is.” Naomi paused for a moment. “Most candidates are beholden to the top bidders. Given the financial difficulties of unions, it’s no surprise that politicians have lost interest. But this is the problem with politics. Politicians do what will get them elected, which is often bowing to big money donors, instead of sticking to principles and doing the right thing. I sometimes feel like a lone voice in the wilderness. I’m sure you understand that feeling.”

Mrs. Regan smiled. “I certainly do.”

“You can count on me to be a good friend of the unions, but, if I’m to really make a difference, I must win the presidency, and, to do that, I need donations.”

Regan took a deep breath. “Most teacher associations are

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