Let us say that during the antebellum South there is a certain plantation that is jointly owned by Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones. The plantation has an unruly slave population that is continually plotting either rebellion or to run away to freedom. Smith and Jones observe that the cost of putting down rebellions or chasing after escaped slaves is prohibitive. To maximize the return on their investments, both Smith and Jones desire a tranquil and productive plantation, but they disagree on how to best pursue that goal. Being unable to decide between themselves whose policies should prevail, they hit upon the solution of letting the slaves vote upon the matter.
In a grand ceremony, Smith and Jones announce to the slaves that henceforth there will be free and democratic elections every year to decide which of them will run the plantation for the coming year, and that everyone on the plantation, both masters and slaves alike, will be given one equal vote in the matter. It is further announced that since the old despotism has been done away with, and free and democratic elections have been instituted, that the slaves are indeed no longer really slaves at all. Because they have the right to vote they are now all truly free men. And furthermore, because the vote of Smith or Jones has no more weight than the votes of each and every (former) slave, indeed they are all equals in this new and democratic arrangement.
The slaves all rejoice at their new found freedom, and as they toil away in the cotton fields the next day, their hearts are lightened by the fact that they can now go to the ballot box as free men to determine how the plantation will be run. Smith and Jones, for their part, are pleased to see that the old rebellions and escapes have all but ceased and that the slaves now occupy themselves with comparing the relative benefits of voting for either Smith or Jones. The plantation is peaceful, work continues uninterrupted, and both Smith and Jones see a substantial increase in their profits.
After a spirited campaign between Smith and Jones, the plantation’s population all go to the ballot box to cast their votes. After a close vote, Smith is declared the winner. He promises a new era wherein his policies will bring prosperity to them all. During the ensuing year, however, the slaves observe that nothing substantial has changed about their former condition. They still toil away in the same cotton fields every day, they receive the same meager rations as before, and all the profits from the plantation remain the personal property of either Smith or Jones.
Undaunted, the slaves decide that the answer to their plight lies in voting Smith out and Jones in. So at next years election they do just that. Jones, jubilant at his victory, promises a new direction in plantation management. The slaves, satisfied that the democratic process has worked to their favor, all return to work in the cotton fields the next day. But nothing changes. Jones’ term as overseer results in largely the same conditions as Smith’s. They may get an extra bit of rations here, or a slightly longer break there, but these are invariably revoked as it impinges unduly upon the profitability of the plantation.
This situation continues year after year. Smith develops his following among the slaves, and Jones his. Publicly they each denounce each other fiercely, but after each election they can be seen walking down the road together and laughing all the way to the bank.
Originally posted by rwingettChapter Two
Let us say that during the antebellum South there is a certain plantation that is jointly owned by Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones. The plantation has an unruly slave population that is continually plotting either rebellion or to run away to freedom. Smith and Jones observe that the cost of putting down rebellions or chasing after escaped slaves is prohibitive. To ...[text shortened]... h election they can be seen walking down the road together and laughing all the way to the bank.
Finally the slaves have had enough of this. They're fed up with both Smith and Jones. So they get together and form a movement to elect a fellow slave named Jackson to institute the New Shining Way that will eliminate Smith and Jones. Despite repressive measures by Smith and Jones, Jackson's new movement wins the election. Smith and Jones are summarily sent to the firing squad, and the slaves are now jubilant beyond belief because there will surely now be a new egalitarian direction in plantation management.
Jackson now declares that, as the leader of the New Shining Way, he will naturally be in charge of running the plantation. For awhile, he does give his fellow slaves much input into how things are run, and everyone gets a larger ration than before, and everyone is happy. But this doesn't last for long - as Jackson and his cronies gradually take on increasing control over the plantation - all the while assuring the slaves that it's all part of the New Shining Way. Those who dare to express doubts about the New Shining Way are sent to a special "persuasion camp". And indeed, the operation is a big success as ensuing elections produce 100% votes for candidates representing the New Shining Way.
Chapter Three
Slaves disillusioned with the New Shining Way form a secret society known as Plantation Nation and are successful at evading detection by Jackson's militia forces. Plantation Nation plots to destroy the New Shining Way and its corrupt leadership and install a new regime promising to rebuild the plantation churches that Jackson destroyed and restore the old values that prevailed among the slaves during the "glorious days" of Smith and Jones.
Each side gets assistance from neighboring owners eager to gain access to the plantation's abundant water supplies.
Originally posted by MelanerpesMan, where do you come up with such goofy stories?
Chapter Three
Slaves disillusioned with the New Shining Way form a secret society known as Plantation Nation and are successful at evading detection by Jackson's militia forces. Plantation Nation plots to destroy the New Shining Way and its corrupt leadership and install a new regime promising to rebuild the plantation churches that Jackson destroyed a ...[text shortened]... ce from neighboring owners eager to gain access to the plantation's abundant water supplies.
Originally posted by MelanerpesChapter Four
Chapter Three
Slaves disillusioned with the New Shining Way form a secret society known as Plantation Nation and are successful at evading detection by Jackson's militia forces. Plantation Nation plots to destroy the New Shining Way and its corrupt leadership and install a new regime promising to rebuild the plantation churches that Jackson destroyed a ...[text shortened]... ce from neighboring owners eager to gain access to the plantation's abundant water supplies.
Two centuries go by in which the New Shining Way dominates the Earth, while the Rebels from the Plantation Nation hang on around the fringes making trouble. Eventually Plantation Nation sends an assassin back in time to kill Jackson's mother....