February 1

Patrick cleared his throat, snapping his papers with mock gravity. The Nerdites cheered him on, whistling and stomping their sneakers.  Pat accepted this encouragement with a deep bow, but his face was serious when he addressed the group.

“Thanks for coming, everybody.  I asked you guys here for two reasons: to present my new philosophy and to discuss the proposed Long View Road factory.  Those may seem like disparate subjects, but they really aren’t.  Since the foundation of the Patocracy is respect and responsibility, our concern for the Long View area reflects our commitment to the natural environment there.  So! Without added commentary…”

No further ruckus accompanied Patrick’s reading of his “Declaration of Interdependence”.  The students nodded to each other when impressed with one of Pat’s ideas, or elbows on the table, their chins in their hands, they frowned over an intricate point.  John, who had assisted Pat’s presentation with critical advice, watched the intent faces.

“People should evaluate and choose the principles they want to guide their lives…people in groups should be in agreement with their chosen principles…the guiding premise of the Patocracy is respect, realizing that all things are connected and interdependent…respecting something means protecting it and treating it with care…everything should have the opportunity to grow in positive situations and avoid negative situations…the Patocracy strives to ensure that experiences are constructive and appreciated…”

Pat continued reading for nearly ten minutes.  When he finished, his hand slowly dropped the pages of his manifesto to his side.  He looked soberly at his audience and announced, “I think there should be a Patocracy flag and its emblem should be a big sandwich.” 

“Sign me up!” yelled Gabe Fleet, thrusting his hand into the air amid howls of laughter.  John, grinning and shaking his head, went into the kitchen to cut more cake.

“I’m with Gabby,” agreed Andy Krispancik over the weak mustache he was always coaxing to grow.  “But how are we supposed to apply all this to Long View Road?”

“I’ve been thinking about that,” John returned from the kitchen carrying a tray of orange spice cake and one of Anne’s notebooks.  “The Patocracy says we should be united in our beliefs.  Do we all agree we should try to stop that factory from being built?”

“Yeah!” More stomping, yelling and whistling.  Pansy, sitting with Deegan on the stairs leading to the upstairs flat, almost lost her dignity on the middle step because of the noise.

“OK!” Patrick shouted, joining John. “We’ve all got talents and skills we can use: like Nonnie—she can make protest posters to put up around town.  Mitch can add an anti-factory message to his weather reports.  C’mon everybody—write down what you’re good at and willing to do to save Long View Road!”