[A guest post from IMAO reader Laurie]
The hardest thing about writing a good parody is striking that fine balance between keep and change. You have to keep enough of the original so that the reader feels like they’re following a familiar story, but you need to change enough to make your points clearly.
It requires a deft touch.
And I do believe Laurie succeeded magnificently in this case. Enjoy.
–Harvey
Bush: A president’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, Conservative, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new president.
Conservative: And this will all be mine?
Bush: Everything.
Conservative: Everything the light touches. {Conservative looks all around. He views the squalid inner city on the map} What about the inner city?
Bush: That’s beyond our borders. You must never go there, Conservative.
Conservative: But I thought a president can do whatever he wants.
Bush: Oh, there’s more to being president than… getting your way all the time.
{Bush starts back down from the White House}
Conservative: {Awed} There’s more?
Bush: {Chuckles} Conservative… Everything in the political economy exists together, in a delicate balance. As president, you need to understand that balance, and respect all the business people — from the small businessman to the great industrialist.
Conservative: But, Dad, don’t we tax the businessmen?
Bush: Yes, Conservative, but let me explain. When we tax, our tax dollars become financial stimulus. And the business spending stimulates consumer spending and tax revenues. And so we are all connected in the great economic cycle.
…..
(continued in extended entry)