alkonost_storm | Meanwhile in Snoozing Buffalax...

The Issue

A peculiar confederacy of small-government advocates, regular attendees at Snoozing Buffalax's annual Medieval Faire, and the super rich have demanded that the government grant estates and confer titles of nobility upon certain influential persons.

The Debate

1."I humbly submit myself for Duke of Storm's End," says multi-billionaire Bharatendu Bush. "Not only would it be an apt reward for my contributions to Snoozing Buffalax, but the citizens who become landed serfs on my estate would work harder than they ever have in all their lives." Adds small-government advocate Prudence Rifkin, "Government would at last return to the local level, close to the people and the land to which they would be bound for life."

2."I can't believe I'm hearing this," exclaims noted civil rights advocate Mohammed Wong. "Those who are behind this espouse a system that grants inordinate amounts of institutional power to the rich and ensures that no one will be able to climb the social ladder. Everyone in society must be granted an equal opportunity to succeed or fail. Say 'no' to a nobility!"

3."I think both of the other parties are taking this issue to the extreme," argues a learned elderly gentleman resting on a park bench. "All that's being advocated is giving those who have contributed to their nation a ceremonial title and a bit of land. Besides," he adds, "the government can tax their estate."

4."A good day to thee, milord," counters Billy-Bob Dodinas, an amateur Medieval Faire actor dressed in period costume, "I would suggest that thou hasten thyself to spectate at the jousting competition this forenoon. Aye, quite a bout we have arrayed for thee this day. However, the whole affair could be much grander if only we received a few more gold crownes from the government. Aye, 'twould be a grand tourney of knightly skill and courage indeed!"

I went "PFFFFFFFFFFFT" at the last one.