The crowd was noisy, with a definite chill in the air. Was it a bad dream? The evidence before me suggested otherwise. This may prove to be a living nightmare. I had not envisaged being the party's leader; now, I was by default. I sensed the crowd knew it. My mentor, Barry, came towards me. He wore a dark suit, white shirt and navy blue tie. He smiled. He was the go-get, go-between, and go-away if his presence was not required. I sensed I needed him.
"Are you ready to go, Jenny? Just be yourself; you are in charge."
Barry stood before them, welcoming the new leader, Jenny Howard, explaining my background, family life, and career. I was piqued.
Blow, there was my opening paragraph; now, how do I begin? I was as nervous as an errant child in the school principal's office, awaiting punishment or ridicule.
Some folk applauded, others stared, then continued loud conversation as though I had disappeared entirely. The crowd disapproved of, distrusted me or would rather be watching television, but there was no alternative. What an auspicious start!
I moved closer to the microphone, took a deep breath, and spoke. There was only one way to silence them: get them riled, confused, amused, or attentive.
"Attention, attention. Silence sil vous plait."
The crowd may not have understood French, but it knew I meant business. Barry was trying without success not to laugh. A bunch of stunned mullets sat before me. Looks of disbelief or horror emerged.
"Thank you. Well, the results are in. The political party we represent won. I know you are disappointed that Roger has resigned. I was, too. We know the reason and respect the circumstances. It is time to move on. In my view, for a party such as this to be successful, there have to be goals for achievement, and because I am who I am, we will work based on integrity, and if at all possible, happily,"
"What do ya mean honey?" the voice coming from an older gentleman was sharp and contemptuous.
"Well, sir, I am also a Christian. We will not judge others unfairly. We will, as far as practicable, be respectful within our group and to the voting public,"
"Huh? I don't understand," he replied.
"No telling tales, gossiping, no jealousy, no bossiness; an objective because I believe things will run more smoothly."
"That won't be achieved." snarled another man.
"I ran my own business, pet. People are people, and..."
"Firstly, sir, I am Jenny Howard, as Barry stated. I am no one's honey or pet except my husband's. Secondly, we will have to make a go of achieving 'it'; the policies, the ideas and the ethics work. I know that won't be easy. None of us want a repeat performance of big egos combined with a 'too bad about the voting public's needs' attitude. That won't work, nor will I allow it to happen while I am leader."
I got their attention, albeit grudgingly.
"There will be no disrespect. Okay, there may be differences of opinion; that is healthy, but we work for the common good to achieve the party's goals." I took a deep breath.
"Roger would have led us better." growled the former businessman.
"Possibly, but I will do my best."
"By speaking French?" a woman in the front spoke. Her disdain was evident.
"It got your attention and silenced the rabble, nonetheless," I answered, smiling.
"Would you have preferred 'Silenzio Se Tu'? or 'Schwein Wenn du?'. I do speak several languages, but I have not learned to master foul language. That is inappropriate for business or political ethics. If you work with me, you respect that. If you can't or won't, you can leave, either now or permanently."
This time, there was silence, as though all plans to thwart the new leader were put on hold. Looking down at them, I wondered which of them thought:
"Dig this crazy kid."
Yes, I was crazy, but nothing was going to be achieved by silence nor by tolerance and the childish fancy that all grievances, like ink stains, would come out in the wash, eventually! Suddenly, for no real reason other than the circumstances, I thought of Sir Winston Churchill. He was tough, but I hoped I would not have to fight this crowd on the beaches alone because I would not win.
"I believe Barry has handed you each a copy of the agenda for next week's official meeting?"
Barry nodded, smiling.
"Well done, Jenny," said Barry as we walked into the kitchen.
Cheer up, Sir Winston Churchill had it worse."
How did you know I was thinking of him?"
"I didn't!" said Barry.
"However, let me reiterate his words: 'Never, Never, Never Give Up'."
These are indeed words to live by.
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