My Home Network Ameer Forte
1. my network is all connected through the internet router
2. this wasnt really hard but i had to find out everything
3. i would tell them its not easy
(happy, sitting down in class, LOOK AT PRETEND LAPTOP) Yes it’s history class, this is going to be fun!
What are all these for? (door opens) Mr. Block is back, gotta get ready for work. We are going to watch videos? Great! (interested, opens computer) Hum tar sands blockade, what is this about?
Interesting, that is a very big project.My 10th grade Worlds History class is studying the keystone pipeline, which is a colossal pipe that will begin in Canada and end in the gulf of Texas. Our teacher, Mr. Block, gave us a project that consists of writing a monologue from a perspective of someone who is affected by the pipeline. My partner and I created three original monologues, from three different perspectives (old man, child, bus driver, corn, and the Ozone layer).In my first monologue "Medicine" is about a 70 year old African American male who has witnessed the changes in the environment/climate. My second monologue is about a Caucasian child who telling her mom about the pipeline but soon her positive outlooks on the pipeline are negated. My third monologue O-zone is pretty self explanatory, but he blames the human race for the damages.When working on this project I learned that one thing, no matter the size, could affect so many things/people.
Medicine
Nebraska
My 10th grade Worlds History class is studying the keystone pipeline, which is a colossal pipe that will begin in Canada and end in the gulf of Texas. Our teacher, Mr. Block, gave us a project that consists of writing a monologue from a perspective of someone who is affected by the pipeline. My partner and I created three original monologues, from three different perspectives (old man, child, bus driver, corn, and the Ozone layer).When working on this project I learned that one thing, no matter the size, could affect so many things/people.
1,897 km long pipeline
“President Obama rejected the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline on January 18, 2012”
900,000 barrels of dirty tar sands oil will be brought into the US daily
it will take three barrels of water to separate on barrel of the tar sands
400 million barrels of water a day
100 out of 1,200 people in the “lakeside village Fort Chipewyan” have died from cancer.
Bibliography:
Keystone pipeline. http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline (accessed October 15, 2012).
Canada, Trans. Keystone XL pipeline project. 7 26, 12. http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html (accessed October 15, 2012).
Monologue 2
Bad News
Gather around my friends.
I have some bad news
Everyone stared at me with curiosity
Questioning me and asking what’s wrong?
I was hoping they’ll take this seriously,
I don’t want to look like a fool standing there
about the news on what i’m about to tell them.
We gather around the coffee machine
like every other employees do
You know how we work with taxes financial aids, right?
Theres an oil pipeline going from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
This project takes crude oil coming from
a region known as the oil sands. I have heard that
The Obama administration is facing a political problem regarding
a proposal for a 1,700-mile crude oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
What’s wrong with it?
They told me,
You don’t get it just think about it,
Your looking at a $7 million project oil pipeline
You may be asking why do I care?
Well first of all, Its a pipeline and wondering where
and how will they get the money to build this non sense ?
From us, were the one whos paying it.
Thats a lot of money!
We are the ones who are going to be suffering.
And we work for taxes and financial
Money and taxes are hard these days
I have heard estimates of 20,000 jobs?
One of my friends from my job told me
Why not debate the number of jobs?
Don't you think that's important?
Yeah but how does a fucking pipeline build up 20,000 jobs,
Of course its important for jobs to gain but by a damn pipeline?
I say lets go on strike
They agree.
Monologue 3
Just Want to be Love
Cold and dusty
On a fall day somewhere in november.
In the middle of nowhere
Winds blowing, silent trees, clear bright blue skies
And no one to be around with
Not a friend, not spirit
As I looked around my surroundings
No one visits me, at all
Just plain nature.
Its just me and mother nature now.
Nature is sensitive and its very hard to understand
Realizing that i’m all alone
Feeling that no one loves me
I’m hard to be loved
No one wants me around
I’m so lonely, it makes me want to cry
A Feeling I have that they want to be destroyed
Kicking me out of my own home
To go away because there property,
Hated and dislike
Wishing I wasn’t a problem
Its not the best thing to be hated
I see birds now
Flying around the beautiful sky
Spreading their wings all around, up and down as they go
Feeling free, Living like nothing to care in this world
I want to be just like them, to be free
They never land at my place
Is it because im ugly?
Do I smell?
Am I a bad?
Sometimes I beg them to come back, they never listen
I try scream but i remember I can’t talk
I’m just a sliver metal long oil pipeline
Going from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
What can I do? No one is there for me
But at the end i’m just me what can I do i’ll never change.
In our history project we had to write three monologues, each in different perspectives, about the different views on the Keystone XL Pipeline. The Keystone XL is a pipeline system that transports tar sands oil which is a synthetic crude oil. It was developed by TransCanada and they are currently working to build it. They plan for it to run from Canada to Texas.The Keystone XL Pipeline has started a lot of controversy on whether it should or shouldn’t be built. In my monologues, I tried to put myself in different perspectives rather than just one. I was three different people, Joe Mann, Amanda Leslie,Tommy White, and they all had different problems. Joe Mann can’t seem to get a job but then he hears about this opportunity to work on the Keystone XL. Amanda Leslie is strongly against building the Keystone XL and wants to get rid of it. And Tommy White is already working for the Keystone XL but he’s sick of it. What I got from writing these monologues is looking on both sides of the Keystone Pipeline. It helped me understand how in some ways I can see why republicans want this and other ways I can see the harm in having it. So, with that I can understand why there is such a huge controversial argument going on. I hope you enjoy reading them!
II.
#1 EireneNo, I don’t need my wig today. I would like a bandana though. My head can get a bit chilly. Yea the green one. Green is my favorite color. No, I don’t want to watch cartoons. (looks at TV) I hear Scott Pelley talking about nature! That’s way more exciting than Spongebob! Like I said Sue, green is my favorite color! What do those headlines say? A Trees SOS. The Ground Is Crying. Wh-What?? (looks at the nurse) Sue, what is this? A pipeline to transfer oil? (stares off into the distance and is shaking her head side-to-side slowly in frustration) Oil. Hm, figures. (looks back at TV) Environmentalists Arrested For Protesting. (pauses for a second ----- then gets really angry and screams) NARROW-MINDED SONS-A-BITCHES! FUCK YOU! All this country wants is money! MONEY! It’s all about greed! They know NOTHING! NOTHING! All those damn Republicans want is to dirty the Earth with their hands! Mess around with its vulnerability until it finally crumbles. (she turns her head towards the nurse. is angry) No, I won’t be quiet! I don’t give a shit if the other nurses hear me! I give a shit if the world hears me! Excuse me? What do you think because I can hardly walk, I can’t speak? Haha, yea right they’re going to arrest me. I’d rather die before I give in!
(about a 5 second pause, then she’s in heaven.. standing. she speaks slowly and in a calm manner)
Peace. Peace is what needs to happen. But it won’t. It never will. Not for the Earth. Not for me. I’m standing here in front of the gates of heaven, dead. (serious face) Dead. When I said I’d rather die before I give in, I wasn’t lying. I’m dead for a reason. Not because of my disease, but because of my morals. (kind of a confused expression on her face) My morals. When you die with something you stand for, it’s called integrity. When you die because of something you stand for, it’s called (about a 1 second pause) “someone is a bitch.”
(staring off into the distance with a scared expression on her face)
Oh shit. A bulldozer. (panicking to wake up her sons) Darling, darling wake up your brother! Now! Come on, we have to go. No questions! Just go! (points) Fly down by the bush! (screams) HURRY! (looks down from the tree to her one son) You down there?? OK, wait for us! (is rushing her other son) Come on Birdie, lets go. What do you mean you can’t fly? (pauses, a bit scared) Oh damn. You’re the one who isn’t full grown. Well, sweetie, it’s time to learn how to fly by falling. Lets go! 1-2-3!! (optimistic) Haha, you’re doing it! (her son starts falling, so she screams) NO NO NOOO!! (her son lands on the ground and can’t move) Oh My God! Oh My God! Oh My God! Come on, we have to go now! You can’t move? Which wing? (stares at the in coming bulldozer) Oh My God! (staring at her son on the ground) No, no! I’m not going without you! Let’s go! (stares at her son by the bush) No, stay over there!! STAY OVER THERE! (staring at her son on the ground) We’re going to make it! Do you hear me Birdie? We are going to make it! (pauses for a few seconds while staring at her son on the ground. she realizes that he’s not going to move) You’re not going to make it are you? Then, neither am I. Yes I am staying. (gets serious and in her son’s face) I’m your mother and you will do as I say and I will do what I want. (the bulldozer is near) I love you. (her scream is progressing to a very loud “NO”) no-no-No-NO-NOOOOOOO!!
#3 Hey There Delilah
(the dad is smiling at his daughter with an exhausted expression on his face)
“Hey there Delilah! How are you?? You enjoying time with your mom?” (she sounds sad and is speaking in a low tone of voice. she is writing in her journal) That’s all he says me when he wakes my tired six year old body up at two in the morning after his job is finished. I never see my daddy. At least not after he got that job as a construction worker for some dumbass pipeline. (she finally stares straight into your eyes) Oops, can’t say that word. Mommy said I’m not allowed to curse. But I hear daddy curse all the time. (she is looking around, kind of depressed looking) He curses at mommy. Before he got the job, he would always sing the song, “Hey There Delilah” to me. His vocals put me to sleep. Now, I don’t sleep. I just lay in my bed all day while mommy’s working. She’s always working late... that’s what she tells me when I ask where she’s been. When she comes to kiss me goodnight, her breath smells like a bottle of something I recognize from a family reunion that I once went too. It smells nasty. (looks down at her journal, kind of whispering) Daddy just got home.. I’ll be back in a minute Journal. You lay on my pillow, just like you always do. We rehearsed remember? Ugh, I don’t have time, daddy’s home. (the dad is smiling at his daughter with an exhausted expression on his face) “Hey there Delilah! How are you?? You enjoying time with your mom?” (she starts off laying down, but then gets up and looks at her down in the eyes) Hey there daddy, where have you been? (the dad is looking around like he wants to cry, trying to avoid it)
I can’t believe this! Am I living right now? It’s been a long day. Pipeline here we go. Special benefits for the nation to have a better economy. I am thrilled of having this job, Matthew. How to put this in words. I need to money for my future and my family. I have a wife that live with me. We’re living in a small place where we can’t barely pay off....
Yeah, we’re poor. Matthew, having this job is an opportunity of getting a 2nd chance. Life is tough out there, not a lot of jobs out there. Pipeline offer thousands of jobs for people like us to get money! You know. I’m digging it.
What’s wrong? (Making a grin face) Brighten your face a bit! You’re totally wrong with that. You said it will destroy our economy? What the hell, the keystone have so many benefits for everyone. I believe we made an awesome decisions to build out future technology. For one thing, the tar sand will sure give us gas since we are in a low economy. Look the economy rise when gas cost $4 per gallon! (Expression more happy). Ain’t that awesome for everyone! Yay! Look on the bright side, we will get cheaper gas when pipelines are there! My poppa, my mama, my sis and my bro need everything cheap. I mean cheap stuff that we can afford!
Did I just hear about the great plains should be kept? Haha, you’re funny. Ain’t nobody cares about mother nature. I don’t care. Like c’mon, carbon will go up in the air, no matter how we change it or not. The atmosphere will be ka’boom. The end.
We need our industry to boost up for god sake! People care about the economics where the stocks can be cheap and proficient. Pipeline will be guarantee that we will watch it 24/7. If there are any damages, evacuation will be there immediately fixing it. Wahh lah. Brand new! I’m giving my best shots on having this industry. You feel me?
Why the serious face Matthew? Oh, you said you don’t like the KeyStone, then are you working for them? You should just leave! (Loud and mad). I don’t know why you are against it. As long as I my money, I’m fine. You can’t lie about that. Our nation don’t have to depend on other countries because it will make our nation more secure, by providing new job opportunities!
No, I don’t give a crap about the middle coast. They can survive with the pipeline in the middle of nowhere! Trust me! They have legs and arms to travel and move somewhere else. If they protest, they can go to prison. Simple as that. (Pause and listen to his friend again. Then gets really mad) Don’t ever talk about bad things about Keystone Pipeline! Just give me the damn nails so I can finish my work.
(Looking at the sky).Come over here Pablo! Bad news. You need to come here very quick. Hurry. I found something interesting with the data. (softer voice and talking excitedly) Okay, the percentage dramatically change for the past years, even decades! No no no.
The world’s energy had gone from 27% and the C02 rose to 27.5% for the last decade! When the tar sand is finish, we will be doomed. Organisms will die. Glaciers will melt. Water will rise. Extinction. End of the world. Anyways, what information did you find?
You’re right! The H20 supplies will be short. The water sources in the middle coast will be destroy because the process of the tar sands will use the H20. H20 is very important! I can’t let this happen. The tar sands contain clay, bituminous and sands. The process of cleaning H20 will take forever to purify water because particles in the tar is a lot dirtier. 400 million gallons of water per day are going to be wasted! Hundreds of families or more can use it for other useful stuff. It sucks because I will not get clean H20 for my system. This will affect so many people!
There has to be a stop. Somehow and fast! Like, we can start a broadcast or an announcement for people to help the environment!
We want a better future for our families and other people. Fight for your beliefs everyone! There has to be an end to the disaster of tar sand. Trees are falling down every seconds, where tar sand is destroying our land! Our desires is to have a better environment.
Attention everyone! I have a confession to make. You know why we are here today. (People are rowdy). Calm down everyone, we are here as a whole. Not pieces of jigsaw puzzle fighting alone.
I want to say that I have 2 younger children. I don’t want them to suffer the pain of smelling the disgusting air. Having my kids drinking the nasty water are poisonous! Does anyone want their children to drink that water so they will get sick and die? NO!! Water supplies are already low and we shouldn’t destroy it even more. They said the tar sand oil is a lot cheaper. (Intense) Bull crap! The industry will increase such as water. No one will survive in this severe problem and we can’t lose our future!
You see this? We need it. Each one of them are put down because of us. What happens if they are all gone? We’re doomed. Yeah, Jobs. They have one weapon—money. They’ve used it to buy the allegiance of many Representatives and Senators and now they’ll use Congress to try and get their dirty work done. That’s not how things work.
I am living here, while I can see the pipelines behind my back yard? I don’t want to wake up in the middle of night when pipelines are pumping every seconds. Hahaha, it’s funny right? I don’t think so. How bad can it get? A Lot. I mean pipelines is the stupid thing that is invented in our history. Like, do we have an agreement with our society? America can do better than this!
I’m willing to take a stand for my people. I don’t care if i get arrested because I didn’t commit a crime. (moment of silence for couple of seconds). Whoever is out there, please help us. We need each of everyone to stand up because it’s our social economy. Together, we will destroy the KeyStone Pipeline, and we will fight till the end!
I may be dumb but, I know my facts. ( Puts the megaphone down and walk away).The project was about the Keystone Pipeline and how it was going to carry oil from Canada to the Southern parts of the U.S.A. Some people were for it getting built and some were against it. In Class we brainstormed about monologue ideas and the people or objects we would portray. My partner and I chose between the ones we brainstormed our 5 best combined. We chose the following 5; A canadian hockey player, a bulldozer operator, a jobless man living near the construction site, a farmer whose land will be plowed through, and the a water droplet infected by the oils from the tar sands.
(Walking towards mailbox)Let’s go get the mail, hmmmm what’s this, from your friends TransCanada, (talking and walking towards table) let me sit down cause last time I checked they ain’t ma friends. ( mumbles reading letter) WOOOOOOOW aint that something. They tryna destroy our land and pay us for it. TransCanada that big company up north think they running stuff up in here. Those Canadian’s think they slick don’t they. Well I got something for em, A BIG FAT NO. I can’t believe this BS. Our family has lived on this farm for decades and a few thousand dollars isn’t going to change that. My great great great Grandfather brought this land years ago with my great great great grandmother. They built this farm from the ground up into what it is today. People think it’s all about the money and people will do anything for it, well newsflash, people also have morals! Myself and others care about family values and don’t let money change us. There is no chance in hell I’m letting someone take my land let alone a non American. I didn’t really care about this little project they had going on anyway but this did it and now, I’m ANGRY. I was going to stay out of way but, noooo those Idiots just had to run through our land. Why not the Taylor’s from across the way. I never liked them but I guess what goes around comes around. I’m just so mad that this is happening. If my grandfather was here today I believe he would feel the same way and be fighting for our farm to stay just like me. Back in the day, the Taylors who where big names in the town tried to kick us off my land, My grandpappy didn’t give up when they came a marching so I shouldn’t either. If I’m going to keep the family tradition going then I’m going to need to some help. Maybe if I call all my cousins and siblings maybe it we could do it but only if we put forth our best effort. I will put my life on the line if it means this farmland stays here. I want my grandchildren to be able to witness their ancestors work 1st hand.(Stands up and says it loud and proud) So when them rich Canadians come marching down here tryna act like they tough, I’m fittna put up the fight of my life. Although on the other hand that money could supply more than taking the cows and crops to the market every week. (Slaps self in face) Snap out of it man don’t think that way. Grandfather wouldn’t condone this type of thinking. He would march right on up here out of his grave and smack me around like a little kid. Then again, this money could change my life and I could actually leave this farm because the family tradition kinda sucks. I want a normal life where I don’t have to wake up every morning at 5am. I could get a normal sleep and I could work a normal job. I might even find true love and not some blind date my cousin joey set me up with. This girl Stacy I met on eHarmony wouldn’t want a farmer as a husband. No no no I can’t let greed and love consume me. I need to follow in my ancestors footsteps and maintain our land, it’s the only way. That’s final, I’m going to fight for our land. This Company wanted war, (Yells it) Well I’m going to give them war. May the best man win and may God have mercy on your soul. Time to get ready to enter battle because I will emerge victorious, I guaran-damn-tee it.
It’s been what, about two months since the Flyers traded me to the LA Kings? (Walking to the locker room) That’s all it took, two months for people to try and get me to do things I don’t want to do. It all started in my interview with ESPN (Hand on chin as if you’re thinking) when they began to ask my personal opinion on the Keystone Pipeline and whether it should be built or not. They asked because...well...the pipe was going to be built straight through my hometown. At first, it didn’t matter to me, but when I found out it was being built through MY hometown...my view on it changed.
After my interview with ESPN I was stopped by my manager, he stopped me with simply a hand up on my chest. He wasn’t finished on the phone.
“...So the pipeline. What it can do for us as Americans is provide about 4,000 jobs...and...and...” I was choking up. This all just didn’t feel right. The crowd was silent waiting for my words to pierce their ear drums.
“...Forget this. If I’m going to talk about this STUPID pipe I’m going to give MY opinion. This pipe has to be the worst idea ever created, big deal we’ll get more jobs, half of America is too lazy to even work anyway. You go to a restaurant or store where the lady or guy is rude or disrespectful and obviously they seem they don’t want to even be there working, then get rid of them and give that job to someone that is willing to work and NEEDS the money. These tar sands release 3 times as much CO2 as regular oil drillings, why is that a positive outcome? Oh my mistake it’s NOT! Do you not see the world’s climates changing as we speak? In the long run the world would be completely destroyed! Climate change will be the main problem in this world! Now if you’re with me, then be with me! Be against this pipe, against TransCanada, and join my side in stopping this pipe from being built!”
The crowd was silent...but...within seconds, there was a roaring thunder of clapping from everyone.
Monologue #5
Title: Work Hard, Bulldoze Hard
It’s another day at work on this pipe. There is 1500 more miles to lay down. I’m stationed here in Texas. I’ve been operating bulldozers since I can remember. My dad was a construction worker and he would sneak me to work and let me play with the equipment trying to hide me from his boss. “Hey boss (turns off bulldozer) this is a lot of work. I’m not making enough to support my family and I may need to work overtime. Why not, what you mean it’s not enough hours to go around. (pause for 5 seconds) Thanks you’re really nice. (turns machine back on) Well thanks, I think I should get back to what you’re paying me for.
I went back to work for the rest of the night. I finally got done at midnight. I was starving. A few of my coworkers and I went out to the diner about 10 minutes away.
“Today was hardcore. I know... I asked the boss for some overtime. Yeah he gave me some, me and Amanda are having troubles with money...she said...she’d leave me...if I couldn’t support us. I know, she’s... I don’t even know.” I’m glad I got this overtime though because without it I would be doomed. Well dinner was great man, Imma bounce and let y’all handle the check. I’m out.
When I got home I talked to my wife about my overtime. Hey babe guess what, no babe don’t be silly. I got overtime so I can make more money for us. Yeah I won’t be home as much now but it will only be for a few days. I love you to.
In my World History class we’ve been learning a lot about the Keystone XL Pipeline, a proposed oil pipeline that would transport tar sands oil from Canada to Texas (for for information about the Keystone XL Pipeline see appendix below). The assignment was to write three (and preform one) monologues as three different characters talking about the pipeline. The hardest part of this project was finding a balance between showing and telling.
Starlight (performance artist)
(enters carrying bongos and has flowers in hair) (hairy armpits) (the actress cannot shave for this to work) (if you have ever seen Rent, “Over the Moon” would be good reference)
Hello citizens of the world. I am Starlight, lover of the earth.
There is a storm coming
(ominous music) (bongo beat)
A storm...of blood!!!!!!!!
(bongo beat)
This blood will cover the land, cover its native people, cover our hearts
(bongo beat) (cool dance move)
But, these rich rain clouds think they have us fooled. They tell us that yes, perhaps the soil will be stained with tan grainy blood, perhaps our mothers fingers will be reduced to nubs, perhaps the clear milk from her supple breast will be drained, but it is worth it.
Why?
So we can power our stainless steel appliances. So our cars can run faster, better, longer. Who cares if tar sands oil produces 3x more C02...thats what natural resources are here for right? For us to use as fast as we possibly can...they’re renewable, right?Oh
(bongo beat)
Whats that? They’re nonrenewable? So why do we continue to deplete them?
So we can continue to wear away the hole in our mothers skin.
Learn the facts, do not become sheeple, baa-ing at corporations as they shear you bare.
(bongo beat)
This next monologue is the one I chose to preform and film. You can view the video here.
Charles McMoneybags
(He is sitting behind an executive desk in a high backed leather chair with great lumbar support. He speaks on a solid gold telephone)
Ma’am, I can assure you that every tree we cut down will be replaced with three more...how long will it t-listen ma’am, I am a very busy man. I only want to help the American Economy...no I will not release my tax returns! How dare you!
(slams phone)
Fuckin hippies!
begins to furiously write.
phone rings
Hello? What does he want? No. Send him away. I don’t care--I’m a very busy man.
hangs up
phone rings again
Hello? Oh for christs sake Kristen can you please send him away? Tell him I’m at an Obama fashion show, I don’t care. Kristen, I don’t pay you $25,000 dollars a year to let these liberal morons wrestle their way into my office! I am the CEO of the richest oil company in the US! I don’t have time for this shit!
(slams phone really hard, like he wants to kill someone)
writes furiously
phone rings
JESUS CHRIST KRISTEN YOU ARE FIRED! GET OUT! I KNEW I SHOULDN’T HAVE HIRED A WOMAN-oh my god I am so sorry Mrs. Rosenberg. No, I’m not at home right now, maybe Dora can let you in. I think she knows where the spare key is. You have a good day now.
phone rings
Hello?
gets exited-its none other than BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!!!
(motions outside his office for Kristen to come in)
whispers
Kristen, clear my schedule.
Hello Mr. Obama, it is an honor to speak with you. Yes. I understand you are concerned about the environment, but you need to make a choice. If you want the support you had from the right in 2008, you’re going to have to sign off on this or else you are looking at a one term pregnancy. Listen, Barack, can I call you that? This is going to be like liquid gold. If you want to revitalize the US Economy, this is it! You’ve got the property taxes from the land we uses, you’ve go the boost of the local economies. Plus, pipelines are the safest way to transport oil! We’ve got guys out there 24/7 checking for leaks. Alright...I understand your concern...now I didn’t want to bring this up but you leave me no choice...I have some photos from your college years that I don’t think you would want the public to see, Mr. Barack O-Bong-a... You must not be a very good poker player because I am not bluffing. I’ll have my assistant fax them over right now. I would watch my tone if I were you...you have a good day now.
(Hangs up, and smiles)
Character: Jenkins
Jenkins is a grumpy old man. He lives in a cabin in the woods and has been displaced by construction. He has lots of warts.
the scene opens with Jenkins waking up from the sounds of bulldozers
What is that....is it those damn commies? I knew this day would come.
Jenkins reaches into a box under his bed and pulls out a army uniform from the Vietnam war. He puts it on (it is way to big). He puts on the helmet which covers his eyes, so he must constantly adjust it. He pulls a shotgun out from the closet. He walks outside, shotgun pointed at the sky.
Alright you commie pigs...today is the day you die!
Aims gun at sky and shoots wildly
Sayanora!
stops shooting
Who are you? Whats going on? What? Oh thats what all the commies say mr “Construction Worker” A pipeline? I dont even know what that is! Get out of my yard! What do you mean “eminent domain?” Sounds like a bunch of baloney to me.
Hey!!! I said get out!! I know that our president, Mr. Richard Nixon, would not support this! I’ll call him right now!! If I could only find my rotary phone...Oh screw it. Get out of my yard!!!
Didn’t you hear me?? Get out of my yard!!! What do you mean? How is this good for me? Where am I going to live?
pause
How dare you!!! I have more time than that! I’ll have you know that my father lived to be 83!
Get...out....of....my...yard!!!
shoots wildly. bullet ricashays off of bulldozer and shoots jenkins in leg. he dies.
Appendix
-The proposed pipeline would run from Canada to Texas, making it one of the longest oil transportation pipelines in the world.
-The oil transported would be tar sands oil. This oil is very dirty and must go through extensive processing to be useable.
-Tar sands oil produces 3x more CO2 than crude oil.
-The project (funded by private corporations) would cost roughly 7 billion USD.
-The pipeline would transport 800,000 barrels of oil per day.
-The pipeline would run over the largest freshwater reserve in the US. If there were to be an oil spill it could potentially contaminate our drinking water.
Bibliography
TransCanada. "Keystone XL Pipeline Project." Keystone XL Pipeline Project. TransCanada, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. <http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html>.
Mckibben, Bill. "Global Warming's Terrifying New Math." Rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone, 19 June 2012. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. <http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719>.
Beutler, Brian. "The Keystone Fight Is Uniting Tea Partiers With Environmentalists."TPM. N.p., 27 Feb. 2012. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. <http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/keystone-opposition-creates-strange-bedfellows-in-rural-america.php>.
Keep in mind you told me to be honest.
I think the film portrays the nation as a buch of whack jobs. It makes us look like a bunch of sleezy dirtbags. We all have some kind of secret and in the government that is very dangerous. I think in the film this makes us all look really gross.
Theres always a certain darkness in the film. In just the very beginningn they kill that man like its nothing. There were no questions asked just done. These are the men that are running our country. How is that supposed to make this nation look? This can not reflect on us in any good way or put us in any good light. So I think that this makes us look terrible. If this were real, I understand that this would be a huge deal but I think that if we are just being portrayed like this in movies, how do people think of us in the real world?
For those of you who don’t know, my name is Jenna Coney and I’m representing all the people in Paris, Texas who can’t find the voice to speak up. (Pause) We the people have to look out for we the people. They’re suppose to have our backs, hell they’re suppose to PROTECT us. What is building a 1,700 mile pipeline going to do? This pipeline is essentially “game over” for us. There’s nothing sustainable about it! (Voice gets louder) They’re using the dirtiest kind of oil with no consideration for the environment we live in.
They’re going to tear away our landscapes in order to make a path for this massive pipe and to get to the oil underground. 1,700 miles of our land, lost people! If we don’t step in and do what we can now, they’re going to keep forcing it on us. They’re going to build the pipeline and start pumping tar sands as quickly as possible and there will be nothing we can do about it. (Walk around desk and look into the audience) That’s not what I want to see happen. We have a chance to fight this. We have the chance to finally stand up and say “NO” and for the people out there who have no voice, or lost their voice in the process of shouting along with me, let us say “NO!” a hundred more times. We won’t have it. We can’t face this pipeline alone and we can’t face it passively. We have to look out for each other and give our planet a voice too. (Throws paper, walks around desk & exits)
Obama promised to put this economy back on track, but I haven’t seen any progress yet. This pipeline is ready to be built. It’s ready to generate abundant cheap energy from Canada throughout the U.S., so what’s the problem? We need to think about our futures. This pipeline will supply over 20,000 people with jobs. This pipeline causes no threat to our environment, at all. In fact it’ll help our environment and our people. I’m only saying this because I know. I’ve been working for this company since I was 22 and look at me now! I’m 55 running the joint! Our people will be much happier with their lives when their energy is safe and efficient. Who wouldn’t want to see economic growth? Who wouldn’t agree to having our energy secure? We have to think!
Hello? Yes this is he. (shocked) I’m what? (gets louder) My family is what? What did I do to- (pause) I’m sorry about your crops but I have my job too... hello? (hangs up telephone)
I understand how environmentalist see this as a threat. Believe me, I do but I’m the kind of guy who thinks about the people first. (pause/ gains a sarcastic voice) The people being me. I have my benz, my mansion, and all three of my kids in the best catholic school in the country. Why would I ever try to change that? Because some world freaks feel some kind of way about what we HAVE and SHOULD be doing? No! My company will play it’s part and ignore all of the little people because... I like things the way they are. And what I like we’ll just do. It’s so simple.
(James is a heavy set hardworking man. He is also at a caucus, just to say what’s on his mind. He isn’t on a particular side at all. But he actually sounds very passionate about what he’s saying)
Let me start by saying that I am not an activist. I’m a farmer up in Nebraska trying to make a living. I’m trying to feed my children but I can’t do that if our resources are at harm. We have to protect our stuff! (Pulls out a map) This pipeline is coming at a diagonal, (his index finger follows the route of the pipeline and makes an immediate stop) and that diagonal cuts right through my land. (Starts to shake his fist mid way in the air) Average people such as myself work hard to keep up with our land and responsibilities. They can’t just force their will on the american people, it’s not fair. When there is a leak in our system, where will I work? How will I provide?
(Pause) Again I am not here to protest and I’m not here to say building it is the right thing to do but I am here because and only because this pipeline is directly effecting me for the worst. I don’t want it to come at that diagonal. I don’t want my life to be ruined by it. I’ve been farming since I was 15. In the hot sun picking crops, pushing mowing lawns by hand before they made these new machines. Where’s my credit at? Where’s my hardwork? Being taken away from me and my family. Today I’ll join you all by saying “no” to the pipeline’s route. But maybe it’s energy can beneifit my home. Be safer, and cheaper for people like me down in Nebraska. (Walks away)Appendix: I found these six facts the most important out of all the articles I read
(Walking towards mailbox)Let’s go get the mail, hmmmm what’s this, from your friends TransCanada, (talking and walking towards table) let me sit down cause last time I checked they ain’t ma friends. ( mumbles reading letter) WOOOOOOOW aint that something. They tryna destroy our land and pay us for it. TransCanada that big company up north think they running stuff up in here. Those Canadian’s think they slick don’t they. Well I got something for em, A BIG FAT NO. I can’t believe this BS. Our family has lived on this farm for decades and a few thousand dollars isn’t going to change that. My great great great Grandfather brought this land years ago with my great great great grandmother. They built this farm from the ground up into what it is today. People think it’s all about the money and people will do anything for it, well newsflash, people also have morals! Myself and others care about family values and don’t let money change us. There is no chance in hell I’m letting someone take my land let alone a non American. I didn’t really care about this little project they had going on anyway but this did it and now, I’m ANGRY. I was going to stay out of way but, noooo those Idiots just had to run through our land. Why not the Taylor’s from across the way. I never liked them but I guess what goes around comes around. I’m just so mad that this is happening. If my grandfather was here today I believe he would feel the same way and be fighting for our farm to stay just like me. Back in the day, the Taylors who where big names in the town tried to kick us off my land, My grandpappy didn’t give up when they came a marching so I shouldn’t either. If I’m going to keep the family tradition going then I’m going to need to some help. Maybe if I call all my cousins and siblings maybe it we could do it but only if we put forth our best effort. I will put my life on the line if it means this farmland stays here. I want my grandchildren to be able to witness their ancestors work 1st hand.(Stands up and says it loud and proud) So when them rich Canadians come marching down here tryna act like they tough, I’m fittna put up the fight of my life. Although on the other hand that money could supply more than taking the cows and crops to the market every week. (Slaps self in face) Snap out of it man don’t think that way. Grandfather wouldn’t condone this type of thinking. He would march right on up here out of his grave and smack me around like a little kid. Then again, this money could change my life and I could actually leave this farm because the family tradition kinda sucks. I want a normal life where I don’t have to wake up every morning at 5am. I could get a normal sleep and I could work a normal job. I might even find true love and not some blind date my cousin joey set me up with. This girl Stacy I met on eHarmony wouldn’t want a farmer as a husband. No no no I can’t let greed and love consume me. I need to follow in my ancestors footsteps and maintain our land, it’s the only way. That’s final, I’m going to fight for our land. This Company wanted war, (Yells it) Well I’m going to give them war. May the best man win and may God have mercy on your soul. Time to get ready to enter battle because I will emerge victorious, I guaran-damn-tee it.
It’s been what, about two months since the Flyers traded me to the LA Kings? (Walking to the locker room) That’s all it took, two months for people to try and get me to do things I don’t want to do. It all started in my interview with ESPN (Hand on chin as if you’re thinking) when they began to ask my personal opinion on the Keystone Pipeline and whether it should be built or not. They asked because...well...the pipe was going to be built straight through my hometown. At first, it didn’t matter to me, but when I found out it was being built through MY hometown...my view on it changed.
After my interview with ESPN I was stopped by my manager, he stopped me with simply a hand up on my chest. He wasn’t finished on the phone.
“...So the pipeline. What it can do for us as Americans is provide about 4,000 jobs...and...and...” I was choking up. This all just didn’t feel right. The crowd was silent waiting for my words to pierce their ear drums.
“...Forget this. If I’m going to talk about this STUPID pipe I’m going to give MY opinion. This pipe has to be the worst idea ever created, big deal we’ll get more jobs, half of America is too lazy to even work anyway. You go to a restaurant or store where the lady or guy is rude or disrespectful and obviously they seem they don’t want to even be there working, then get rid of them and give that job to someone that is willing to work and NEEDS the money. These tar sands release 3 times as much CO2 as regular oil drillings, why is that a positive outcome? Oh my mistake it’s NOT! Do you not see the world’s climates changing as we speak? In the long run the world would be completely destroyed! Climate change will be the main problem in this world! Now if you’re with me, then be with me! Be against this pipe, against TransCanada, and join my side in stopping this pipe from being built!”
The crowd was silent...but...within seconds, there was a roaring thunder of clapping from everyone.
Monologue #5
Title: Work Hard, Bulldoze Hard
It’s another day at work on this pipe. There is 1500 more miles to lay down. I’m stationed here in Texas. I’ve been operating bulldozers since I can remember. My dad was a construction worker and he would sneak me to work and let me play with the equipment trying to hide me from his boss. “Hey boss (turns off bulldozer) this is a lot of work. I’m not making enough to support my family and I may need to work overtime. Why not, what you mean it’s not enough hours to go around. (pause for 5 seconds) Thanks you’re really nice. (turns machine back on) Well thanks, I think I should get back to what you’re paying me for.
I went back to work for the rest of the night. I finally got done at midnight. I was starving. A few of my coworkers and I went out to the diner about 10 minutes away.
“Today was hardcore. I know... I asked the boss for some overtime. Yeah he gave me some, me and Amanda are having troubles with money...she said...she’d leave me...if I couldn’t support us. I know, she’s... I don’t even know.” I’m glad I got this overtime though because without it I would be doomed. Well dinner was great man, Imma bounce and let y’all handle the check. I’m out.
When I got home I talked to my wife about my overtime. Hey babe guess what, no babe don’t be silly. I got overtime so I can make more money for us. Yeah I won’t be home as much now but it will only be for a few days. I love you to.
The project was about the Keystone Pipeline and how it was going to carry oil from Canada to the Southern parts of the U.S.A. Some people were for it getting built and some were against it. In Class we brainstormed about monologue ideas and the people or objects we would portray. My partner and I chose between the ones we brainstormed our 5 best combined. We chose the following 5; A canadian hockey player, a bulldozer operator, a jobless man living near the construction site, a farmer whose land will be plowed through, and the a water droplet infected by the oils from the tar sands.
The Keystone Pipeline from TransCanada that soon might be confirmed to built. Everyone has different opinions and emotions on this topic ad agreement. We have two parties about this oil pipeline. The people who think it's a great idea to have it here in our country, and the people who think this is a completely horrible idea. Here are my three monologues I've written as a solo.
In this project, we were assigned to complete final drafts of monologues us as students written and created our selves. The topic has to be about the Keystone pipeline and express different opinions in different monologues in which ever way you feel like writing about it.
From working on this project, I've learned that my passion isn't political science and I don't think I will ever major that in college in the future. All jokes aside now... I actually learned about knowing what the Keystone Pipeline is. I never heard anything about this oil pipeline until Mr. Block introduced this topic to us as a history project. I never even wrote a monologue before. So this project has taught me how to write a monologue.
Title: The Cranky Old Lady
(A reporter knocks on a small house with a brown door, an old lady answers before opening the door)
Who the hell is it?!
Ma’am, we just want to ask you a few questions on the Keystone Pipeline. It’d be nice if you cooperate with us. I promise this won’t take any more than five minutes.
Jesus Christ.
(Opens the door)
Hi Ma’am, I am just a reporter, call me John. Here’s the question, and you’re gonna answer it and I’ll record it. This is just for my newspaper company making a new issue and having articles about what people from our community think about this pipeline.
Make it quick, I’m tired.
Yes, Ma’am. Okay, how do you feel about this Keystone Pipeline that is going to be built? You can be completely honest. Also, do you mind if I record your response?
Go ahead, youngster. Let me know when the freakin’ camera starts.
Yes, right now. 3, 2, 1, ACTION!
(Coughing)
I ain’t playing with this damn pipeline.
(Voice gets really raspy)
I completely disagree with this pipeline. It has very negative environmental impact. I’m not trying to get my grandchildren killed. I have a 5 year old grandson and he has asthma. I do not want anything making that worse. The air is going to be toxic and dirty for him. In fact, we all gon’ die!
(Starts to speak even louder)
What if it worsens his asthma? What if the pipeline cracks then it’s like a repeat of the oil spill? Ain’t nobody got the budget to clean that mess up. We’re already struggling enough. It is also going to affect social justice if the pipeline breaks. Ain’t nobody got time for this.
(Take her cane and starts banging it on the floor)
We could be using all that money invested on to this stupid keystone pipeline onto the green house project. It’s better use of money. We’re only hurting our earth. We’ve got 8 planets and this is the only one we can live on.
Title: The Letters
So is everyone settled?
(Everyone gathering around a table and sitting down in a chair)
Yes, (Fiddling with papers)
Yes,
Let me get my letter out, gimme’ a sec. (Fiddling inside a folder)
Alright. (says the person in front of the table)
(Pulls out a piece of paper) Okay, I’m ready.
Let’s start. Who wants to go first and read their letters that we’re going to send to TransCanada? (says the person standing in front of the table)
(Raises hand) I’ll go! (a young man who looks like he is in his 30’s, wearing a white dress shirt, a black long tie and grey dress pants.
Okay, read loud and clear. (says the person in front of the table)
(Stands up, clears throat)
“I am a biology teacher that is currently teaching ninth graders. I personally disagree on building the keystone pipeline, I think this idea is just madness. I teach all the ninth graders in my school and I love each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart. I am not just a teacher, I am also their caregiver and someone they can go to if home is disappointing them or letting them down. As a caregiver also for a generation of children in my area, I do not wish to fail my priorities. And failing one of my priorities is letting the keystone pipeline be built.
My logic is all proved and based on the science behind this pipeline. For example, what’s it made out of and the cons. The pipeline is made out of metallugy and welding. Hydrogen is the first element on the periodic table. Hydrogen can migrate solid steel when the temperature is warm. When the steel cools, the hydrogen can get stuck and it’ll make the pipeline crack. Don’t forget, too much pressure weighed on the steel will make it crack.”
The end (Sits down in chair)
(Everyone claps)
Title: Passing By
LISTEN, EVERYBODY. JUST LISTEN UP. Did yah’ll hear about the crazy Keystone Pipeline idea that they wanna be killin’ our earth. This is where we live. Although I ain’t got no home and money, I’m already starving to death. I don’t want to die from shit filled toxic air! That is trifling. Besides spending 5 million dollars on some nasty oil pipeline, spend it on the homeless citizens! Look at me, I don’t care what none of yah’ll say but honestly, the last time I had a real meal was two weeks ago and I was lucky enough to happen to find half a cheesesteak in the trash can nearby here. Although I never got an education, the amount of money that we’re spending on this pipeline is completely ridiculous. Can I get an AMEN?!
(Realizes no one is even paying attention so slowly comes off the statue and mopes away)
Appendix: 6 things that stood out to me and key points -
- This pipeline goes over our second largest water source
- Obama has denied to build this, but he has a few months until the final answer is actually approved and announced.
- The tar sand takes a VERY long and big process to clean in order for us to use the oil.
- Chemical spills are at high risks
- Able to create more job opportunities
- Mitt Romney said he would approve this pipeline if he were the president.
Bibliography:
Tar Sand Blockade, "Over 50 Enter Tree Blockade in Defiance of Police Repression to Defend Tree-Sitters." Last modified October 15, 2012. Accessed October 15, 2012. http://tarsandsblockade.org.
Trans Canada , "Keystone XL Project ." Last modified October 15, 2012. Accessed October 15, 2012. http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html.
Walker , Bill. Friends of the Earth , "Tar Sands." Last modified October 9, 2012. Accessed October 15, 2012. http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands.
Nikiforuk , Andrew. The Tyee, " Pipeline Whistleblower: Cracks in The System." Last modified October 1, 2012. Accessed October 15, 2012. http://thetyee.ca/News/2012/10/01/Cracks-In-Pipeline-System/.
When will this construction stop? All day long I hear these loud noises and they’re scaring mommy and daddy. Sister says not to worry, the colorful people with drums will save us. So far, they just sit around and refuse to move. I wonder why they’re doing that. Big scary cops try to pry them away, but they just scream and won't get up. I wonder if they’re glued to the ground...
Mr. Turtle told me they’re building a big giant scary pipe to carry gross oil for the humans to use. Why would they do that? They’re destroying my forest and draining the water hole. Are they thirsty? I would be willing to share with the men dressed in orange, but they’re too busy with the colorful people. All they do is fight and scream, I wonder if they’re hungry and grumpy. Mr. Owl told me that after it’s all done, we won't be able to grow any more food. The land will be something they called ‘infertile’. How do they know all of this? I’m just a little chipmunk in a big big world. Momma said the air will get all gross and we won’t be able to breathe it. Why would they do that?
*Peeks over chair as if looking down from a tree*Right now I can see one colorful woman running around and screaming. She seems really upset. I should probably go try to calm her down.*Gets up and gasps* Oh! Now a man in a blue suit is chasing her! I think she stole his berries. All of the colorful people are getting up now and going into a van but they’re being dragged and forced to. Why don’t they wanna go in? It looks nice and cool on this hot day. Ah, again with the loud noises! *Looks around frantically* Oh no, they’re tearing up my tree! Where’s momma?! I need to get out of here but I’m too afraid! Please Please go away! Go away!! Oh, I see a colorful woman escaped! She’s pointing at me and yelling something in human. Whatever she said made the men in orange stop. They look really mad. They threw her back into the van, and now they’re all looking at me. What did I do?! Why are they all leaving? She saved me! I can stay!
For this project, my assignment was to create a monologue that states whether the person you’re playing is for or against the Keystone XL pipeline. But before we was assigned this I had to research the pipeline and discover what it was and what the pros and cons of it. My monologue was how God didn’t want the pipeline to take place for reason that it will destroy his creation and also harm the water supply and nature altogether. As I looked farther into the details of it I learned that a lot of people went to jail to prevent this pipeline from being built for good reasons but also it will be good for our economy as well.
This damn bulldozer is so loud I can’t hear myself think but I don’t care. At least I have a job now. “What about the environment? What about the environment?” They scream. Who cares? Creating this pipeline is opening 100,000 jobs. So why are you complaining? This will get you off your lazy asses and getting you to work. You won’t be act like this when you have money in your pocket.
Wait. Don’t get me wrong I care about the Earth and all but I need the money too. I know if I help create this pipeline not only will I destroy the Earth but I probably won’t have any friends left either. I know that it’ll also might cause climate change and damage our water supply but think about how much jobs will be available, the money that will be coming in, or maybe how rich the oil company will be.
You remember when Obama said he wanted to create more jobs? Well here’s his chance. What the hell is he waiting for? There’s people sitting home doing absolutely nothing but watching television and collecting welfare and food stamp. I know I use to be one of them people but there’s three types of people who do that. There’s the people who is looking for a job but not having success finding one, there’s the people who have been injured and can’t work, and finally I the people who is capable of working but is either too lazy to find a job or gave up on finding a job and decide to live off the government. Now see I’m the person who was looking for a job but couldn’t find one until now. If people did what I did (not give up so easily) then they would have a job. But no, they like staying home. In conclusion, if the stupid environmentalist sit there asses down and let the people who want a job help build the pipeline then there would be nothing to argue about. To help you think, my question is do you want to live in a world where everyone is naked?
Over 6,000 items, most of them are everyday used items are made from oil. So think about it. If we don’t create this pipeline to receive cheap, close oil then eventually you won’t have paint, trash bags, dishes, clothes, and lots more. I’m a not mad or angry or anything like that. I’m just trying to convince people that building this pipeline will be a good thing to do if we want to improve this economy. There are pros and cons are both important to this world. But be realistic, do you care about money more than the environment or the opposite?
(sits down on the couch looking at his daughter’s picture)
Got the eyes of her mother and my smile. Why has it come to this? Why me? I did nothing wrong. I followed orders. It’s not what people say a piece of cake finding a job when your autistic.
(looks aways from frame)
Dr. Browne is the only one who understands me. Yet she promised if I just followed the rules and look like everybody else everything would be fine. I did that. I know I did that.
(look back at frame)
Alice is all I have and all I want is to make her happy. I love my little pumpkin pie too much. I remember finding her on my doorstep with the letter her mother left. Sound asleep looking like an angel sent from God. God. I been so good. Now what am I going to tell her when she comes home from the neighbors. Um.. Hey honey, daddy doesn’t have a job right now. He didn’t do anything bad, he just had to be let go for a while. But don’t worry sweetheart everything is going to be alright ok? No, she’s only 8 and she doesn’t deserve that.
(looks around)
This little apartment is our life. All of our memories all started by that door
(looks at the door and back to the picture)
but this picture … this picture was taken on her 5th birthday and I promised her that I’d be there if she ever needed anything and I can’t fail now.
(sigh)
But what am I going to do?
(covers face and soon flips channel)
Oh. the news -.- the channel on tv where people sit and tell you where you’re living sucks! Tell me something I don’t know
(listens closely for he hears sirens)
Example A, police sirens.
(shakes his head and looks back to the tv for he hears a word that catches his attention)
.. What?
(turns up the volume)
Keystone creates new job! and may destroy.. Whoow wait a minute, wait a minute! Create new jobs? *takes phone & dials* Doctor! Doctor! Can you please turn your tv to channel 6. Yes. Can you explain to me what are they talking about? Something about more jobs? The keystone pipeline? What’s that? What?! create 20,000 jobs in the U.S?! Well Dr. thats, thats a big number! But what? Can hurt the environment? They’re debating about whether to approve it or not. But those job can help the people. What’s the environment without helping the people in it first?
(looks at the picture and sighs)
We’ll find a way.. I promise ..
(listens back to what Dr.Browne is saying)