Member of Playwrights’ Center Frank Shima, a native of Minnesota, either entertains or annoys neighbors by playing Czech songs on his accordion. He has written four novels, VENCIL, DEAD LETTER, PLUM CREEK, and LYING IN THE WEEDS, available on Amazon. His plays have been performed throughout the United States in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Long Island, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York City, North Carolina, and Ohio, and in England and Wales where he learned not to use unleaded gas in a diesel engine.
ABOUT THE PLAY
The premise for “Less is More” came from the poem “First They Came” by Pastor Martin Niemoller. When a regime tries to eliminate everything that it doesn’t agree with, it affects everyone. You never know when you yourself will be targeted. They might come for you and there will be no one to speak out for you. Less Government – More Freedom is actually More Government – Less Freedom.America was built on diversity. It is this diversity that made America great. And it is this diversity that will allow America to survive a fascist regime.
~ Excerpt published by permission, all rights held by the playwright.
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MONTYBe realistic. There are some things the government provides that are necessary.ELLENAnd who decides?MONTYIt should be obvious.ELLENLike the things you want and need.
MONTYPrecisely. If I don’t need it, other people shouldn’t either.
TIMBut all people aren’t the same.
MONTYThat’s the problem. The differences in people are what cause the problems.TIMSo, you are against anything different than you.MONTYOf course. That should be obvious. Doesn’t everyone feel that way?ELLENNot really. It seems to me that you now have LESS freedom.MONTYI have the freedom to live the life I want in the house I want.ELLENWithout government controls.
MONTYYes. There were just too many government rules and regulations.ELLENMaybe they were there for a reason.
MONTYJust to cost me more money for permits.
ELLENOr maybe so your house is built correctly and safe to live in.MONTYNever mind. I can watch out for myself.
ELLENAnd if someone can’t.MONTYThat’s their problem.ELLENUntil it becomes your problem.
TIMI was just wondering, Monty. Where are you going when you have to leave the country?
MONTYWhat do you mean? I’m not going anywhere.TIMThat’s what you think.ELLENI wonder if you agree with the latest presidential executive order?MONTYI agree with all of them. They’re for the good of thecountry.ELLENI don’t think you’ll agree with this one.MONTYWhy not?TIMWe weren’t going to say anything. But your neighbor told us you weren’t born in the United States.
MONTYSo what? I’m a naturalized citizen. I fulfilled all therequirements and took the oath of allegiance.ELLENIt doesn’t matter. The President has rescinded all of them by proclamation.TIMHe can’t do that.ELLENHe can and he did. Your naturalization has been revoked, repealed, and annulled.TIMYou’re out of here.MONTYThat can’t be. My whole life is here. My whole family.TIM
They’re out of here, too.MONTYThat can’t do that to me.ELLENWhat do you think of your less government now?TIMAnd your more freedom?MONTY
It’s not right. It isn’t fair.
ELLENOf course, it’s not fair. But it’s what you voted for.'
THE LATEST TRUMP FASCISM ATROCITY: Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Trump’s defense secretary despite allegations of sexual assault and spousal abuse
The Guardian: ...experts raised alarms about Hegseth’s apparent affinity for far-right symbols – noting that his tattoo sleeve featured at least two images associated with far-right and neo-Nazi groups. Hegseth himself has complained publicly that the US Army declined his service during Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration after a fellow servicemember flagged him as a potential insider threat.