(8) What was there to stare at?

In such moments, people don't really look at the object they're staring at. It serves more as a focal point for the spectral unfolding of profound thoughts that take up so much of a person's vitality that this process is all anyone can be left doing.

At a time when events stir up feelings to a point where such interior isolation inside a stared gaze may dictate a further course of action, whatever stirred up that staring over there, judging by the apparent distance between the starers and where they looked, must have had far-reaching consequences.

And it did. This was the wrong group of people.These were lobotomy recovery patients, so this reflection doesn't apply to them really. They moved along to evaluate another group. And another and another. Groups of patients aren't scarce in this institution. The man was tall and skinny. He wore a suit and glasses and was so typically bald on the top of his head it was ugly, like so many other greedy hypocrites in his state.

The woman accompanying him looked like a dog with a foot in a cast. She hoped it made her look tough. Anyhow, giving themselves special importance, they were taking the final decision on which group they would choose to represent the government in its entire totality.

The population was encouraged to participate in a massive survey by answering questions on a sheet provided to them in every district outdoors under huge tents with aligned tables, boxes of sheets, boxes of pens, and government representatives seated every thirty feet or so along the tables to direct, animate, conduct, organize, inform, reassure, and refer all the citizens in their various needs during that busy day.

The goal was to determine as accurately as possible the population level of satisfaction with the current standard of governmental operation vs. resources, social needs, and general efficiency.The day across the country was a smashing success.

Thanks to those two weirdos, who correctly chose the lobotomy recovery patients for the job, judging them for the most part to truly and honestly represent civilization in all its complexity. General cretins, and retards would have been too friendly and talkative. Those people were perfect.

Although many had to wear a straitjacket to prevent abrupt, sudden, involuntary movements. Their blank stares, especially the ones where you can see only the white portion of the eye, were excellent. Some were comatose in the chair, hair still growing back over a vicious scar.

Most would look down and stick their tongues out as far as they go and drool. A section on comments of courtesy and professionalism was included at the end of the survey, and absolutely no one had any negative comments. A historic premiere in something having to do with the government.

Among the great quantity of positive comments expressed, having felt understood, loved, and cared for were dominant. No ambiguity, elusiveness, or dishonesty. The population is satisfied in their need to feel included and considered by the government they elected to manage their country and lives. Congratulations, therefore, to all, and keep going!