The sun is out today, and it looks so gorgeous against the paved roads. The sidewalk glittered with the minerals within the toxic mixture, and the people in New York City are taking the chance to walk their pets, and spend time with loved ones. It’s a truly lovely day out today in the Times Square. However, as I stroll by a bystander, I glance upwards and catch sight of the city’s T.V as it flashed to an ad about lotion, mid way through the ad (talking about it doing complete wonders for your snake like skin), the T.V buffered for a moment before completely changing course and went into a Government announcement.
Dramatic trumpet music played in the background as the Government’s stamp was immediately shown on the television - a bald eagle with its limbs outstretched holding arrows in it’s left talon, and an olive branch in it’s right, with a red white and blue shield representing the American flag. And to top it all off the seal also had the eagle holding a strip of paper between their beak with a phrase that read, ‘E PLURIBUS UNUM’ In a few mere moments the seal faded away dramatically and the music gently eased until it to, faded away. Just then the governments favorite reporter smiled brightly at the camera. Now- this must be a pressing occasion.. The City’s T.V is always reporting ads so the government can rake in money from the advertisers so it’s not very often real reports seek themselves out unless the company producing the report is rich- or in line with the Government itself.
“Good afternoon, New America!” The T.V illuminated the announcers overly botched face as she made her statement. “Today our President would like to report that the trial against Shaniqua Bonzara was a success, and that she will be executed for crimes against the government. Her punishment will be held at three thirty today at Times Square.” The announcer seemed to pause ever so slightly before proceeding in a uplifting tone, “Guards within New York are expected to attend as well.” At this last bit of information New York proceeded to chatter within the streets. She wasn’t expected to get a public punishment.. And when they’re public, executions are typically not attended by many for the fact that not many approve of the reason of death. When the announcer started up again everyone went silent in an instant. “The president hopes see you there, and all of the government of New America wishes you a lovely rest of the day.” The announcer ended off this statement in a overly zealous tone as if her words had no harmful effects.
With this information, however, New York city itself went into an instant chatter. So much so that no one seemed to notice the announcers eyes sharply staring seemingly, passed the camera. I noticed though, moments later, the monitor shut off.
“This is unjust! How dare they murder her for something so mild? And public no less?!” A bystander hissed venomously. Soon everyones thoughts were cut off by one another interrupting each other. I did however overhear someone close by growling something along the lines of “How can they kill her? She was just keeping her information on a private drive…” I pressed my lips in a thin line. This was simply unjust. This was an issue for years now- every year one person seems to, ‘fight the man’ and hide their files, or go incognito mode on ancient computers and would be punished severely for ‘actions against the people’s protection.’
It was safe to say that the people of New York were sickened, angered and some were even amate. As the time of dread approached, New york seemed to be in a downcast mood- many spiteful, dreadful people, and the weather merely seemed to agree with them. It was heavily clouded with no sign of sun, and it smelled of oncoming rain. As I stared out the window watching the weather turn nastily outside I heard Matthew mutter behind me “It’s almost three. We should..” Matthew slightly broke off at the end of his sentence. Matthew was never one to care for what the government saw or what anyone saw for that matter- He just knew that I was in disdain about the situation.
My eyes lowered as I fidgeted uncomfortably. I had only ever been to one execution before, and frankly Matthew, had never been to one. This one was an interesting one however, because of the government refused to add any extra details, but I desperately wanted to know why, and the government promised more information at the execution so I begged Matthew to come along. “Maybe they’ll give us a better explanation when we get there. I mean, they were never really clear on why she’s getting such a harsh punishment.” This part was true- the council making the decision never clearly stated why Shaniqua was going to get this severe of a punishment. Of course many citizens had died within the era of ‘no privacy’, but this was making a public statement, and the last time that happened there was some medieval punishment involving an axe. Of course- this happened years ago and I wasn’t even alive then, but my Mother told me all about it. But going back to my original point - the only reason they had, was that she used a pocket drive keeping her files away from everyone else. This was obviously breaking the law, but for a good reason. And this same case happened three years ago - a man named Charles Savora. He died of course, but it was in the ‘humane way’. Lethal injection.
But for Shaniqua? No, her trial was much longer and much more complicated. However, we’re here, and it’s time to go to her final demise. As we arrive it’s nearly time- three twenty eight. As we arrive, I notice the place is flooded with people. Now, if this were back a hundred or so years ago the place wouldn't be able to hold so many people. As of now however, it’s hundreds of years past 2000, the population had drastically decreased. With the Government checking on everyone, a new rule arose fifty or so years after privacy was no more- each household was to hold no more than two children. Any more and they would be forced into adoption for families unable to have their own. Of course this heavily slowed down children set out in adoption centers, but at the same time no one really liked this, as it limited their personal freedoms. In the end the Government won the vote and so it was enforced.
As I stood within the crowd of many, I rocked back and forth on my feet. I threw a quick glance at Matthew before turning my attention to the stands. Upon it was a large guillotine. I felt my stomach churn at the sight of it. I cast my eyes away for a few moments until I heard a booming voice carry over the crowd of angered people.
“I regret to inform you all, that one of our own people, a trusted friend, peer, a person of high status, has committed an act of extremism. As you may have been told, Mrs. Bonzara, has had a private drive. What you may not have been told, was that on this drive, she managed to have files that put New America itself, in danger. Due to this atrocity, we MUST take action! Who is next? Who will be victimized next? The New America is great because of the fact that privacy is abolished! It saves lives! If we didn’t have these laws, then how would we have caught all the murderers, thieves, and terrorists within the past years? I leave you to think about this, and this punishment may serve as a reminder to you all about how we, the Government, and here to protect you!”
As the Government spokesperson finished his speech a handful of select people began to murmur in quiet voices their disagreement. “Now to proceed with justice!” At this statement two military men -presumably taken from their jobs- dragged Shaniqua by her arms onto the stage by the guillotine. One of the men took the bag off of her head. Shaniqua's eyes seemed to lay onto the crowd a look of fear, uneasiness, and yet a small trace off confidence seemed to be distinguishable across her features.
“Although you have already been convicted as guilty for treason, and ‘actions against the people protection,’ we ask if you still believe yourself to be innocent against these charges.” His eyes seemed to bore into her. With a look of dignity, Shaniqua straightened her back and set her head straight, looking at the crowd, ignoring the news cameras around the square.
“I plead innocent against the charges on account of actions against the people! For my actions are not to hurt the people, as they are to reveal the truth of the Government!” Though she was dignified, and though she was confident in her words, she was immediately cut off with a gut wrenching kick to the back of her knees making her fall forward in front of the guillotine.
I gripped Matthew’s arm harshly as I watched in an awful awestruck horror at what was going to happen. This was the The New America. This is what we had to offer. Terrified citizens who didn’t dare help themselves in fear of what could happen to them. And no one else dared to talk about it either, but who could blame them? Hundreds of years back, we the people, hadn’t done a thing to stop it.
Thank you for reading!
Your time was valued, and we, the 8th grade team, appreciate your consideration!
A Nonexistent Line
Kiaya
This piece is written to exemplify an America in which privacy is nonexistent. It is merely an illusion created and nothing but a fairytale in these times. The main character in this story is an accurate representation of a bystander of the ‘New America.’ Within the story, the main character is living through the unfortunate reality of his times. He is an everyday person with conflicting views on New America, and if he should or shouldn’t take action against the government to fight for what he believes in.
I chose this subject for one reason alone. Not many people know about the lengths of privacy one has. As I asked my friend about her thoughts on this right, she abruptly stated that she did not truly care. As this is not true for everyone, and the rest of my peers decided that other rights were more important to them, I made the decision that it is the only right that I can absolutely stand behind without any hitches. So in conclusion, I made this choice out of fear that no one else would draw light to this subject. It was the best choice for me because every other right had another side I could see.
I wrote my short story, “A Nonexistent Line,” with the blunt intent of getting recognition for the topic. I hope that the story will help people to pay attention to something they may find unimportant, and to see the consequences past their original thoughts. One of the articles I found brought up how a man was convicted of a crime without a warrant. In order for someone to incriminate someone with personal files, they must have a warrant to search said person. However, this was not the case for this man. Instead the police went through his phone locations, and in the process incriminated him. How they did this was wrong. What furthered my outrage on this subject were the iPhone cases where personal information will be easily accessible by outsiders. We, the people of America, should address this topic before it’s too late.