Letter to John Adams

[grumpy-sunshine.livejournal.com]

Dear Mr. President Adams,

We haven't spoken extensively, and I'm aware this is kind of an odd question, but I hope you'll forgive me imposing on you. You did have a sign up on the main message board about legal counsel, right?

I don't know if you remember me by name, but I'm the girl who runs the Blue Bayou restaurant in New Orleans Square. It's kind of a group of big rooms connected to several others that are more or less in the same building; one of these is the boat ride called "Pirates of the Caribbean," which goes through my restaurant and then down underneath.

Today I found out that Detective Orcot and Captain Carrot - who I gather are policemen - watchmen? - where they come from have started a police force here. When I went down to investigate I saw they'd reinforced some kind of prison cell that was part of the ride's furniture.

They're both nice enough and I'm sure they mean well, especially Carrot, although I'm not exactly sure why but I can't help thinking there's something really worrisome about having a police force that answers to nobody but itself.

So what I was wondering and the reason I'm hassling you is, what do you think about maybe having some kind of town meeting to discuss this kind of thing? Whether we need laws and law enforcement and so on, I mean. Personally I've been okay with the current state of neighborly anarchy, but I'm enough of a Yankee and I've seen enough abuse of power by supposedly peacekeeping authority that I'd prefer to make sure everybody has a voice if there's going to be government. Obviously It seemed like you'd be the best person to consult about this issue, so...do you have any ideas or opinions on the subject?

Thanks for your time,

Sincerely,

Rae Seddon

Comments

[john-adams-1776.livejournal.com]

Miss Seddon,

How could I forget the most Excellent meal you provided for myself, Miss Sto Helit, and Master Calvin? It and you are fondly remembered and should you be Amenable to the idea, we should like to stop by again. I understand that Miss Sto Helit's new charge, Miss Pearl Fey, also does not care to eat meat and I trust she will Appreciate your Efforts even more than the rest of us, should that even be possible.

Now, in the matter of the prison cell, I thank you Sincerely for bringing it to my Attention. I am deeply concerned by any Civil group that acts without Authority, as it seems you are. I am well aware that it is but a small step from Incarceration to Militarism or Tyranny, no matter how good the Intentions of the individuals involved. Justice cannot be determined by two men working on their Own.

I must agree with you that a Meeting is not only Recommended, but Necessary. Perhaps I can meet the two Gentleman and request that they Desist their Operations. Then, if they choose not to do so, we may gauge the Opinion of the Residents. What think you, madam?

Your most Obedient Servant,
J. Adams

[grumpy-sunshine.livejournal.com]

Mr. Adams,

Come by anytime. I like feeding people. And I'm glad to know there's another crazy anti-carnivore lurking around.

In some ways it isn't even that there's only two of them involved that bothers me considering I've had a small amount of experience making my own judgments outside of the law; it's the feeling I got that they were setting this up as a matter of course, because they needed something to do and it was what they were used to doing in their own worlds. Because I understand that, I mean, I've done the same thing myself, but there's a pretty big difference between making food people can choose to come eat and making choices about how other people are allowed to act. Even if the majority of the population wouldn't disagree with their decisions - which, considering everyone's different backgrounds, how do we know they aren't just taking it for granted that everyone agrees potatoes are the work of the demon lords and must be anathema to the righteous, or something? - they haven't asked.

That being said, I feel a little guilty about inspiring a cease-and-desist. I mean, they're my neighbors, and I did already kind of tell them off mention my concerns. Maybe since - to my knowledge - they haven't tried to enforce any laws yet, we could try holding a meeting first? That way it'd be the Will of the Community speaking, telling them to stop if necessary, which is our point, right?

Thanks for your help with this.

Sincerely,

Rae S.

[john-adams-1776.livejournal.com]

Miss Seddon,

We have not spoken often, but I believe the aptly named Mr. Young is another such, though he prefers to be known by his Christian name, Adam.

I do understand the Impulse to be Useful. I myself have set up a law practice without any Understanding of the law as it stands here. Yet, as you say, moving forward without knowing the Will of the Community is a dangerous step and not one I should undertake. It is becoming increasingly Clear to me that we must consult the People and decipher the laws of this land so that we might know what it is we can Safely attempt.

With your Permission, I shall hold a Town Meeting in a week or so. I do have some small Experience in these sorts of matters, as you may know, but would be Grateful for your Assistance, as well. In the meantime, I can write to Mr. Mouse and attempt to uncover any Restrictions to Public Assembly, if you would be so good as to discover an appropriate place for our meeting. We can Advertise it on the notice board on Main Street.

I thank you again, madam, and remain,
Your obedient servant,
J. Adams

[grumpy-sunshine.livejournal.com]

Mr. Adams,

All of that sounds fine to me. About locations: isn't there a Town Hall in Main Street? Do you know if it's actually got someplace that could be used for a meeting, with benches and so on, or if it's just a mockup like a lot of these buildings? I think there are also a couple theaters, but I'm not sure who's living where.

My restaurant is always available, of course. Possibly we could get people's attention by offering them pastry if they show up. But we could do that in any case.

Rae S.

[john-adams-1776.livejournal.com]

Miss Seddon,

It seems that Town Hall is little more than a facade. However, in my wanderings, I have discovered what I believe to be a Suitable meeting place in a relatively central location near to the makeshift cells: The Golden Horseshoe (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1371/1219031874_87f4731f85.jpg).

I suspect your pastries would do more to encourage Attendance than my speeches...

Your servant,
J. Adams