Pipeline Monologue

Jalisa Smith

Pipeline Monologues

            This unit was different for me. We had to write three polished monologues about the Keystone XL Pipeline, in someone else’s perspective. For my three monologues I chose to write as Michelle Obama, a single mother with no job and the prime minister of Canada. I wanted the reader to feel as though they were capturing the emotions that were going through the character, along with that I wanted the audience to understand the situation, that Michelle Obama probably doesn’t agree with it either but because her husband is president, she would have to agree with whatever he says just like the rest of us. I wanted the audience to understand how single parents would react and how the prime minister of Canada would be frustrated with the stir-up of issues because Canada doesn’t really put themselves in bad positions.

Michelle Obama: Good Morning America

  The news lady announces that Michelle Obama will be a guest on the show speaking on the Keystone XL Pipeline. Michelle Obama comes on the TV and makes her announcement.

Some of you watching are in favor of the Keystone XL pipeline and others of you are not. Some people do not know what the Keystone XL pipeline is. In short, it is a pipeline that would carry oil from the Canadian tar sands to Texas, which would serve as a port for the oil. I remember standing in my room, looking out the window to see you all those protesters in their frustration and joy, the environmentalists, the unemployed, the impressive citizens who actually care about their environment and those people who are afraid to be affected by the drilling. I want you all to understand that there is a better side to all of this madness; it makes America a stronger country.

As many of you know, I am a strong health spokeswoman. Some of you think that the pipelines can cause health issues, but in all honesty, once we have money health problems can be solved easily, which brings me to my second thought. Think about the large amount of unemployed people that will have jobs. That amazes me. Another thing to be happy about is that it will give us homeland oil and we would not be in the position to be worried about offshore drilling, which is more expensive. This will be a major accomplishment for those who understand where our economy is headed.

            I’m speaking to you all today in hopes that you can accept that I will try my best to be the best for you. I want America to be a better place. If that includes having to drill tar sands oil in Canada, then I will endorse it. Thank you and god bless.

Letter Of Change

            The mother sits down and begins writing a letter to her mom while reading every line out loud. She is by herself and is frantic but holding it in,

Dear Mom,

            Do you remember watching the news two days ago, about the people protesting the… Keystone XL pipelines? When Tracy was in her room, talking to the sock dolls we made? You must remember that. But you also have to know that I love my daughter, I hope you can understand that she is whom I live for and I will go to the ends of the earth for her. My child needs to live a happy, healthy life and in order for her to do that, I need to make some big decisions.

            My friend called me a few days ago about the jobs that I can have working on the construction site of that same pipeline. I know how much I need this job. I know that at some point my little Kayla is going to need something more than baby food and diapers. Sometimes I wish I had some help but now that I’m unemployed, living in your home, I now know that I need to do something with my life. I am legit broke. If I get a job working on the pipelines, I hope I won’t be in harm. But I am capable and willing to push my self to work.

            I need you to know that you taught me to be the best I can be for my child. Just by the way you treat me. It’s time that I grow up Mom. Thank you. Wish me luck.

-Teresa

Canadian Decision

The prime minister, Stephen Harper is pacing around his room, recording his speech for later on in the day. He is very nervous and upset.

            Good afternoon to all of you. I gathered you all here today to proclaim the accusations of the possibility that we could have a tar sands pipeline going into the United States as true. The project, also known as Keystone XL pipelines are going to take tar sands oil from our grounds and, using a pipeline, will take oil to Alberta, Texas in America.

 I understand that some of you are not so happy with the decisions we have to make. But that is exactly it; we haven’t made the decision yet. As of now, I will allow the American people to have a pipeline of tar sands oil. You all should understand how great this would be for our relationship with the America.

            When we are in trouble, they will be there to help us out. And because we are reliable and honest people, we will help America. I hope that those of you out there will look at the Keystone XL pipeline as a building relationship and courteous deed.  Thank you and god bless.