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9.8.06

Performer
This is nothing less than a manifesto. Although I will pretend that there is some degree of dialogue between you and I, there is not. There is only the potential for dialogue, and in the spirit of these times that potential will be ignored.

Chorus
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After a moment, the Performer points up. The chorus falls silent.

Performer
Contrary to the spirit of these times, all efforts are focused toward a search for truth.

Chorus
TRUTH.

Performer
But first we should know what is at stake.

The Chorus drops to the ground dead. Over the course of the Performer’s next speech, they will continue to decompose until the sight of them is almost too ghastly to bear.

Performer
We will never know the truth. Even if we discovered it, the truth would largely be ignored. Such is the way humanity seems to work. What is important is that we keep ourselves searching for the truth. The search is more meaningful than the truth itself. Only by maintaining our search will we ever hope keep ourselves alive. When you ignore the search, this is what happens. Dead bodies. Some day we will all have something in common with these people. That day comes too soon for many, and it is because they are ignored. By you. You in particular. And me. People die because of our ignorance. This is the truth. But it isn’t important until you find out for yourself.

Chorus
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Performer
Find out for yourself. Look at what you want. Ask yourself, what do I want? Make a list. What do you want? How long is your list? There is no limit, and there shouldn’t be. You have a right to want, just as you have a right to think. Now imagine ten people, and imagine what their list amounts to. Now imagine the lists of everyone in this place. Now imagine the lists of everyone in this city. This state. This region. Now imagine the lists of everyone in this nation. Everyone everywhere. Imagine how many wants there are.

The Chorus has already begun standing and speaking.

Chorus
I want to be alive
I want to be free
I want to be happy
I want to be loved
I want to be useful
I want to be healthy
I want to be protected
I want to be safe
I want to be heard
I want to be right
I want to be righteous
I want to be successful
I want to be wealthy
I want to be rich
I want to be powerful
I want to be good
I want to be
I want to be holy
I want to be
I want to be good
I want to be powerful
I want to be rich
I want to be wealthy
I want to be successful
I want to be righteous
I want to be right
I want to be heard
I want to be safe
I want to be protected
I want to be healthy
I want to be useful
I want to be loved
I want to be happy
I want to be free
I want to be alive

Performer
Everyone has a right to want these things. You have the right to pursue these things. When you were born, no matter where you were, you were given these rights. Your rights can never be taken away from you. They can only be ignored. People die when their rights are ignored. This can only happen when they themselves are ignored. As long as you are human, this should never happen to you. You have a right not to be ignored.

Chorus
DO NOT IGNORE ME.

Performer
This is a manifesto.

Chorus
DO NOT IGNORE ME.

Performer
For me it is a prayer.

Chorus
DO NOT IGNORE ME.

Performer
For you it is a warning.

Chorus
DO NOT IGNORE ME.

Performer
Because I can’t ignore you.

Chorus
NEVER AGAIN.

Performer
Ignore no one.

Chorus
EVER AGAIN.

Performer
Unless you wish to be ignored.