Power Corrupts

            Politics can be a dirty business. Those with money can “buy” lowered taxes and rulings that favor their business. Those without power are often either ignored or disregarded, their needs not important to those seeking influence. A politician will appeal to those without, promising all kinds a magical thinking, but once elected, serve only those with money.

            Lawyers are often demeaned for being “criminals” themselves, especially when they take on clients who consistently violate the laws. All this is done thanks to hefty payouts and the notoriety that defending such clients falls upon the law firm.

School administrators who are supposed to be there for students and staff, can fire teachers with very little cause, as long as it takes place before the teacher earns tenure. It doesn’t take much to rid oneself of staff who ask questions, challenge decisions, and speak up against what they believe are injustices. A few negative evaluations can destroy a teachers career, if the charges are serious enough.

Your task is to write a story in which power corrupts. The wanting of power, or seeking power, or utilizing power to get what your character wants must play a major role.

Have fun with this one.

Seeking Justice

            Justice is one of those virtues that society is built upon. Working toward establishing what’s right, holding people accountable, and punishing those who violate the dictates of society is based upon what is just, what is right.

            Who decides the rules? What makes one act just but another not?

            Your task is to write a story in which justice plays a central role. Your protagonist might be the one seeking justice for an act committed against him, or he might be the one sitting in a courtroom being held accountable for something he did to another.

            The offense might be small, such as stealing gym clothes out of a locker, or large such as robbing a bank. What’s important is that the act is believable based upon the age of your character.

            Have fun with this one.