I'm game

[Is this part one of a two-part piece having to do with how first meetings determine or reflect the nature and boundaries of that which comes next? Can we find here the seeds of the relationship as it is/will be later in time, perhaps even years from now?
But this dialogue is imagined, not a transcript of an actual first meeting. That is a weakness in "proving" a suspected phenomenon currently without  a name.]

GIRL: Got a sure-fire pickup line for me?

BOY: I'm sorry?

GIRL: That won't do. OK. I said, do you have something you want to say to get my attention? You know, to get me to talk to you, like pick me up or something.

BOY: Oh, um. Well, you're talking to me already.

GIRL: Want to play the game or should I go?

BOY: I would like to taste the flavor of that gum in your mouth.

GIRL: Good. Good. But not good enough. Try again.

BOY: You don't look your age.

GIRL: And? Something else?

_Pause_

How am I supposed to take that?

BOY: You're wearing bobby sox. Makes you look young.

GIRL: Wait a minute. Wait. So you're telling me I look older because my socks make me look younger? What kind of a line is that?

BOY: No good, huh?

GIRL: That's not the game. You are supposed to flatter me or something.

BOY: Who said anything about rules? The object of the game, according to you is . . .

GIRL: Yea I know. But this is not how it is supposed to go.

BOY: You started it.

GIRL: And I can finish it.

BOY: I like it when big girls threaten us shorter men.

GIRL: You're not short, are you?

BOY: I'm sitting on a bar stool and you are standing over me, a bit close I might add. But I like that. Wanna play dominatrix . . . kid?

GIRL: This really isn't going . . .

BOY: OK. Start over.

GIRL: Got any clever words for a girl who really wants to talk to you but is really, really shy?

_Pause_

What's the matter? Now you say something.

BOY: I'm thinking.

GIRL: Hey you could lose this one. Anything. Out with it. This is supposed to be fast, spontaneous, funnnn.

BOY: OK. OK. Wait a minute. Naughty?

GIRL: Naughty is fine.

BOY: I would like to kiss your left nipple right here, right now.

GIRL: I don't have one.

BOY: That was good.

GIRL: No, really. I don't have one.

BOY: Show me.

GIRL: Game over.

BOY: It was just getting good.

GIRL: No. You were too naughty.

BOY: I give up. You keep coming up with rules, rules after I break them.

GIRL: Don't give up. That game is over, so we can start a new one. What's your sign?

BOY: My name is Brad.

GIRL: I said sign, dummy.

BRAD: Just cutting to the chase. What's your real name?

GIRL: Alice, and I'm a virgo.

BRAD: Really?

ALICE: You really are naughty. Do you treat all your girlfriends this way?

BRAD: Now we're making progress.

ALICE: I meant are you always so difficult?

BRAD: This sounds like the beginning of our first argument. First we meet, have a little chat, exchange names, jump into a relationship and now this. What do you think?

ALICE: Naughty and quick. You could have fooled me from over there. But now I think you should buy me a drink or something.

BRAD: Your place or mine?

ALICE: Brad, I'm thirsty. I'll have the same as you. And that drink had better be here by the time I get back or this game really will be over. I have to visit a mirror.

BRAD: Is that a threat or a promise.

ALICE: Promise. A promise sounds nicer. But be careful. You don't know if I'm nice or nasty--yet.

BRAD: I'm betting nice. All my friends are nice.

ALICE: How many friends?

_Interlude_

ALICE: I was thinking. A girl kind of wants to be romanced a little before you get to the body stuff. Your lines are clever but not very romantic.

BRAD: I'm a guy. Guys think about stuff like that. If you ask for an off-the-top response, that is what you'll probably get.

ALICE: I know.

BRAD: So, is there a problem?

ALICE: No. I'm back, aren't I? Where's my drink?

BRAD: I ordered it, but it's not my fault it isn't here. You will have to threaten the bartender this time, not me.

ALICE: I am not really serious about threatening anyone. It was just part of the game.

BRAD: So are we still in a game?

ALICE: Doesn't feel like it. Would you like another? game I mean?

BRAD: No, not right now. I like to take things a bit slower. You? another game?

ALICE: How many girlfriends do you have?

BRAD: Only you.

ALICE: Game. Game?

BRAD: No, a dance. Dancing is more like the truth. Games are somehow not real. Fun, but not real.

ALICE: OK. How many girlfriends?

BRAD: I said only you, but that really isn't true, is it? We just met.

ALICE: Yea. You're right. I hate it when someone else is right. And I guess I started it. Almost turned into a fight. But I only left for a little while, to check the, um, mirror.

BRAD: And what did you see?

ALICE: I think you are attractive, Brad. I think I saw a girl with a chance. A chance for something. Something more than I have had, something more than I am used to. So I took a chance. Am I wrong?

BRAD: But you don't know anything about me.

ALICE: So tell me.

BRAD: Well, for a start, I have a lot of girl friends, but no girlfriends. And I'm a geek. A computer programmer. I come here to get away from work. It is all-consuming, and if I don't get away, my diet goes to hell.

ALICE: A man with order and discipline.

BRAD: Yes, and I'm OK with that. Not for everybody, but I like what I do. So what do you do?

ALICE: I come to places like this and try to meet guys like you.

BRAD: I don't try to meet guys.

ALICE: Oh, a grammarian also. Figures.

BRAD: Comes with the calling. Strict rules for working; same for life.

ALICE: Sounds boring. What about spontaneity?

BRAD: Well, you saw what comes out when you ask me about spontaneous.

ALICE: I see your point.

BRAD: Your job, really.

ALICE: I work for a magazine. A proofreader no less, and no more, unfortunately. But I don't always talk correctly.

BRAD: Do you usually say what you mean?

ALICE: Sure. Except when I try to . . .

BRAD: Pick on guys like me.

ALICE: No no. Pick up guys like you.

BRAD: And this is really how you spend your time? other than sleeping, eating and editing?

ALICE: No. Not editing. I wish. That's what I meant about nothing more . . .

BRAD: OK, I told you about me. Tell me more about you. Career ceilings and all of that.

ALICE: Let's dance. This is nice music. You like music?

BRAD: No.

ALICE: But you can dance?!

BRAD: Teach me. Guys, they like sexy teachers.

ALICE: OK, Guy. Come on.

_Interlude_

FRIEND: So what's he like?

ALICE: I can't tell.

FRIEND: He can't dance, can he?

ALICE: No, but that's not everything. He's cute. He also has one thing on his mind.

FRIEND: I don't have to guess.

ALICE: Right.

FRIEND: So you'll be here when he gets back from the loo.

ALICE: Sure. I still have this drink that he's going to pay for.

FRIEND: Mercenary.

ALICE: All's fair!

FRIEND: You sound like a hardened, fast-dating predator.

ALICE: Do I? I don't think I'm a predator exactly.

FRIEND: Eat or get eaten.

ALICE: Janie!

JANIE: Just having a little fun. Girls night out ya know.,

ALICE: I kind of like him. I don't know why.

JANIE: Time to find out. Here he comes.

ALICE: Stay here for a moment.

JANIE: Give me a signal if you want to be alone.

ALICE: It's not like that, yet.

JANIE: He's more than cute. But can he read and write?

ALICE: Talking is enough to start with.

JANIE: I could think of . . .

ALICE: Shh.

BRAD: Hello.

JANIE: Hi.

BRAD: Two pretty girls.

ALICE: Janie was just going.

JANIE: But you said . . .

ALICE: I changed my mind.

BRAD: Janie. That's a nice name.

JANIE: Thanks. You're Brad. Alice was just telling me . . .

ALICE: Nothing. Nothing!

BRAD: Telling you?

ALICE: Janie has a very jealous boyfriend right over there. If he sees you talking to Brad much longer, he's gonna come over here and punch somebody's lights out.

BRAD: I've done nothing.

JANIE: Neither have I, and besides, my beau needs to learn to lighten up.

ALICE: I give.

BRAD: So how do you know . . .

ALICE: We work together. At the date-rape crisis center. Right, Janie?

JANIE: Er, yea, right. We see a lot of that stuff around here.

BRAD: Date-rape crisis center? I didn't know there was such a thing.

ALICE: Yes. Well, we just got going. We got a grant . . . from, er, the Footsie Foundation. Yea. I mean yeah!

BRAD: And how did you guys get involved in something like that? I hope not personal experience, as victims, I mean. Could be pretty traumatic. I knew a guy who says he got raped at a party.

JANIE: Really? How does that work? I mean you usually don't think . . .

ALICE: Yea. We don't see that much of that. In fact, I don't think we ever . . .

JANIE: Yea, but we just started. We just got the grant. Getting the office and crisis line going and stuff.

BRAD: What's the number?

ALICE: Um. 867-5948. 800 867-5948. Want to write it down?

JANIE: No one will answer now. There's nobody there. We're not really active yet.

_Whispers_

That's your number, stupid.

ALICE: Not so stupid. He won't remember.

BRAD: Yes I will. I've got an uncanny memory for numbers. For example, 867-5948.

ALICE: But you won't need it. Victims call. And girls who are a bit bewildered about what might have happened to them.

BRAD: Right. Well, I guess I won't be needing your number either.

JANIE: Want mine?

ALICE: Look sharp. Your boyfriend is headed over here. Bye.

JANIE: I guess Miss Wants-You-Exclusively here has decided I have served my social function, as it were. Nice to meet you Brad. Maybe We will see you again?

BRAD: Should I call the hotline to get hold of you?

ALICE: Stop it. Good-bye, Jane.

JANIE: Bye Alice. See you at the, ahem, office.

BRAD: Nice girl.

ALICE: Yes, very. Now as I was saying . . .

BRAD: Yes, what were you saying? I had popped off to the men's room. No, we had just finished dancing. Well, I finished before I started. You're pretty good on your feet. I guess running away if there is danger would be pretty easy for you. You know, date rape and all kinds of weird stuff these days. Stalkers, for example. Going to some island somewhere and never coming back . . .

ALICE: Do you think about these things much?

BRAD: No. You? Like the date-rape crisis center and all that.

ALICE: No. We don't work there, if there is such a thing.

BRAD: I figured.

ALICE: But the number is good. Remember it?

BRAD: Sure. 800 867-5948.

ALICE: There is no 800.

BRAD: Darn. I was figuring on free calls, if I decided I needed your help.

ALICE: Do you think you might need my help? for something?

BRAD: I would like some help with a little project I'm doing right now. My fig pig.

ALICE: Say what?

BRAD: I am making a pig out of fig sticks and grape vine cuttings. I need someone to hold parts together now and then while I tie them together with string. I am all thumbs sometimes.

ALICE: Why? I mean why are you making this pig? Is it like a sculpture, or something for school or a competition?

BRAD: No. Just wanted to do something with my hands. Most of my time is spent doing head work. You know, in front of a computer. It is a nice change. To do something physical, where you can see and touch results.

ALICE: Oh. A pig, then. I see.

BRAD: Yes. Kind of a conversation stopper, isn't it?

ALICE: Nooo. But . . .

BRAD: But you don't know what to say, right? I know it is weird. People have their weird sides. What's yours?

ALICE: I'm not making any pigs right now, or anything. I'm. I'm . . . talking with you. That is my project right now. And it seems to be going . . . well, going. What else do you do when you are not doing your job? Are you into music. No, you told me you weren't. So, tell me what.

BRAD: It sounds like you are interviewing me for some position. Are you interviewing me for some position?

ALICE: No. I'm sorry.

--Pause--

Perhaps I better go.

BRAD: You just went.

ALICE: I didn't mean that. I meant . . .

BRAD: Time for you to talk. Tell me about you. I'm interviewing you now. I am looking for a non-profit, altruistic, shy do-gooder. Are you that kind of person? Or . . . talk to me.

ALICE: I like it when you do the talking.

BRAD: You're a follower not a leader? I don't believe it. You came over here trying to pick me up.

ALICE: I was not.

BRAD: Yes you were.

ALICE: Wasn't.

BRAD: Was.

ALICE: OK. I was. How am I doing so far?

BRAD: You like to play games. I know that . . .

ALICE: You're pretty sharp, for a jock.

BRAD: I'm not a jock. And you can't get me with that diversion. Back to you. What sports, for example, do you like to do.

ALICE: Geesh. You're tough. Where's Janie?

BRAD: Over there. Now, you were saying.

ALICE: I do aerobics. That's not exactly a sport. At least I don't think so. And I walk a lot. I love walking actually. Probably doesn't count. Let me see. I like to watch some sports.

BRAD: How about we take a walk sometime?

ALICE: Yes, that would be nice. But won't your girlfriends mind?

BRAD: They won't mind.

ALICE: How many did you say you had?

BRAD: I didn't say.

ALICE: Well?

BRAD: Jealous already? We just met.

ALICE: Right. Right you are. So what's your number?

BRAD: I have yours.

ALICE: Yes. Right. OK, then . . . good enough.

BRAD: Drink up. Our first walk starts now.

ALICE: Now? But I don't even know you.

BRAD: I don't know you either, but I have an emergency number you can call in case anything happens.

ALICE: Funny guy. Funny guy.

BRAD: Ready?

ALICE: Why not?

BRAD: I guess that wasn't so hard.

ALICE: What?

BRAD: Nothing. Let's go outside. We have some decisions to make.

ALICE: I'm game.

Apropos of right

CANDIDATE: I know some want to ask questions about religion, abortion and so on. I am happy to answer all questions insofar as they relate to the office I seek.

My general position is this: Matters of religion and state should remain separate, as our constitution states. In addition, I support freedom of choice, expression and practice. No one belief system should enjoy privilege or preference over others.

My personal beliefs may in the eyes of some have a bearing on the policies I advocate or enact, or the decisions I make. Where personal beliefs come into conflict with the will and beliefs of others is inevitable. We live in and I embrace a society with multiple perspectives, and this is the standard I set for myself and forms the basis of my candidacy.

For those who wish to inquire into what I believe and practice, for whatever reason, I am happy to answer. But I must limit this to just a few questions, because we need to get to other issues as well, and in my statement here I believe I have answered the substance of any relevant relation between my beliefs and the office I seek.

In short, at the end of the day you vote and I vote. We have our own reasons for the choices we make. Plus as __________, I will champion the will of the people as constitutionally developed, articulated and approved.

So, questions?

QUESTIONER: What is your position on abortion and evolution?

CANDIDATE: This sounds like two questions, or one that would take a non-politician to answer. Let me approach these this way.

Abortion is legal in this country. I support the rule of law and the rights and privileges granted to the people under the law. I also support those who would seek to have this or other laws reconsidered or clarified. If a significant number of voters wanted me to use my office to help bring about a change, I will. In this sense I can be both a representative and servant.

My personal view on the specific question of whether abortion should be legal is irrelevant at this stage. If I took a position, this would place me and the office I seek in the position of advocating a private and therefore particular view. Some relish this idea, to have at the helm a person of like mind and will. But I do not agree that this is the leader's best and most important role.

The most reasonable and helpful view of the __________ is to make sure the wheels of democracy turn without unnecessary or irrelevant friction. When the debate has settled on a course of action, I will, given your vote in the next election, have my part to play, which I will then, as is only reasonable and proper, explain and defend pubically. Government of, by and for the people will not be realized if the government itself pushes and pulls according to the changing and developing positions on the issues of the day. Government, including elected politicians, should move in concert with the people.

Same goes for all the words being spent on evolution and, let's admit it, creationism and science. This government has no business acting as judge or jury in matters of science or religion. Let each of these pursue their highest and greatest goods. Let the people make their recommendations on merit and which public policies are appropriate. Let government stand aside in matters it has no expertise or business in addressing.

What expertise do I or any in the administration have to declare evolution is "just a theory, and not a a very good one"? None. Same goes for intelligent design, or whatever wrapping you want to package that idea in.

But how does evolution and the insights it contributes to the understanding of our world relate to government's role in what is taught in schools? One example: government does support science by establishing national priorities and granting money for science, education and research, because science has a clear relationship to social and economic progress, which is the business of government. And there are concrete measures of knowledge and competence in the work of science and scientists.

Creationism to my knowledge has not yet demonstrated its contributions to society.

QUESTIONER: You are a __________. __________s--they have been responsible for great crimes and tragedies in recent history. Do you have a comment?

CANDIDATE: First, yes I practice __________. But I am not an apologist for this religion or its extremists. "They", by the way, is too vague. Let it be said that whatever the religion, "they" have been responsible for ills past and present. Not just the "they" of __________, but the theys of all the major religions.

If you judge me based on religious preference, I would respectfully point out that discrimination based on religion . . . well, you know the rest. No one is accusing you in particular of anything. But you can see how this concern about my religion or a particular religion could grow into a conflict with the basic principle--should I say freedom--we have agreed to live by in this country.

I fail to see how this concern you have expressed, and I acknowledge that the concern may not be yours but you are just sensing it and voicing it for others . . . I fail to see how it relates to me and my candidacy, unless people wish to focus on irrelevant and vague fears and unfairly judge the substance of me and my candidacy for the office, I should say job, that I seek.

Suffice to say, I am a God-loving American who wants to serve his fellow citizens bringing whatever human and political skills I can to the office.

QUESTIONER: You have taken the wind out of specific questions about religion and policy by focusing on the democratic process rather than what personal beliefs you have that would guide your decisions, actions, initiatives. Can you say what initiatives you would champion that are tied to your religious beliefs?

CANDIDATE: I think I have answered this in general and specifically--abortion review, science and evolution versus creationism, separation of church and state, my personal vote and what I would champion in the public not private arena, socioeconomic progress, education and achievement, social justice in my references to discrimination, the freedoms we enjoy . . . a belief in the constitution and being consistent with what we embrace and how we behave. Fairly comprehensive list of issues I am concerned about for a start, I would say.

If there is one belief that all the major religions agree on it is there is one god. I believe in that God. And if he or she wants anything from us, it is to work together to realize what is true, good and beautiful. I gladly dedicate my private and public life to this God and these aspirations.

QUESTIONER: Faith-based organizations now enjoy public funding for their work in health care, social welfare, education and so on. Will you support the continued use of public funding for private and sectarian organizations?

CANDIDATE: Yes, whether they be faith-based or not. Public funding for public work deserves public support. With these cautions. I do not support using public funds to support private, proprietary or proselytizing work. I do not support public funding for any and all public work carried out best by the government itself. This means I am against distancing ourselves from our missions and mistakes by contracting with, for example, business or industry.

QUESTIONER: Presidents since __________ have punctuated their remarks and addresses to the people by saying something like "God bless", or "God bless America". Presidents in recent times have disturbed the majority of Americans by sometimes omitting this acknowledgement to a higher power. How will you handle this in your public remarks?

CANDIDATE: Let me ask you. Do you think that someone should say something just to please just some in the audience? Do you think someone should say something he or she did not believe in or think appropriate at the time? Was there ever a time in our history--looking back with some wisdom that time and reflection allow us--when was it ever appropriate to boast that God was on our side? Or that our adversaries should dare oppose us.

Arrogance and elitism are the Achilles' heel of would-be imperialists and failed civilizations. They have no place in today's interdependent world.

The formulae you have given as examples have been heard as the concluding words to important addresses. What if the addresses themselves and the person of the public official were to utter such faith and hope in the context of specific challenges and adversities?

Let's grow up. Waiting for your leaders to say exactly what and when others have before him is to rest in the conventional and familiar. I'm not satisfied with that nor do I think that our citizens should be.

Let's wake up. It is time to take bold new steps in the confidence that we are strong and capable and understanding and trusting enough to dare to be the kind of nation and society we say we are. If you like, God bless that, and God bless us.

You want a democratic leader that dares to tell you the truth from time to time about our lack of maturity or wrong-headedness? Good. Let's roll up our sleeves. Get out and vote. I am Ms __________, and I am running for __________.