The Cradle of Corruption
Clarence is extremely important. He wipes his perpetually clammy hands on a beautifully upholstered chair and rests his glassy eyes on the soft fuzziness of a Monet. Bathes them in it. They itch.
Clarence is an artist. He paints beautiful pictures for people – a future rich in dignity and prosperity for all, a future that glows like Monet’s lilies. He likes making people’s eyes glow with his words. It warms his sluggish blood.
Clarence doesn’t come cheap. His people work hard to afford him, but they know their taxes go to a good cause when they hear his promises and get that soft, warm glow inside. Clarence knows what to do with their money- look at his clothes, his chair. Listen to him rasp about dignity and prosperity and peace.
Power corrupts, Clarence knows that. That’s why people like him must hold onto it. People like Clarence know how power should be used. He pants and wipes his clammy hands on his beautifully upholstered chair and his eyes slide from Monet to the clock. Clarence is going to be investigated for misuse of public funds in fifteen minutes. Clarence must hold onto power at all costs.