An Open Letter to the President: Fables Share the Values of a Culture
Stories to Instruct Great Leaders
Dear Mr. President:
People tell me you are not much of a reader but at the risk of you turning a deaf ear, I wish to suggest a reading list you may enjoy and find valuable in making decisions for the American public. As your busy schedule leaves little free time, I assure you these stories are concise and accessible in multiple forms.
For instance, video formats are available and can be watched while you are chauffeured in the motorcade or on Air Force One. Audio versions can accompany you as you maneuver 18 holes of golf. Or because they are age appropriate, a nanny could read to you and your son, Barron, at bedtime.
The fables my mom shared resound in my subconscious today and provide a moral compass. I truly believe these stories will support your success with your public interactions during the final months of your presidency.
Chicken Little
The main character of this tale learns the harms of rumors and false facts. After repeatedly yelling, "The sky is falling!" and forecasting doom and gloom, our little chicken gains an understanding of how spreading gossip and perpetuating fake news can impact the productiveness of society and upset the citizens in a manner that creates fear and instability.
The Tortoise and the Hare
This cautionary tale illustrates the importance of staying focus, dedicated, and ambitious. Two characters partake in a foot race. Without giving away the conclusion, I assure you the surprise ending will captivate your attention. It teaches the valuable lesson that finishing a task is imperative - even more important than winning.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Mr. President, this fables teaches honesty truly is the best policy. After a young boy makes several false reports, the citizens begin to doubt his trustworthiness and ultimately stop listening to his proclamations. In the end, this causes him to lose the power and influence that he worked to achieve, resulting in devastation and loss of life.
The Ugly Duckling
Now, this story conveys the values of Americans and supports many time-honored convictions. When a young fowl is born in a barnyard, he accepts his identity as a duck because that is what surrounds him. Because he doesn't look like the others, he is bullied and becomes an outcast. After years of isolation and depression, he realizes his identity is a goose allowing him to accept himself and reach his full potential. It reminds readers that people must not be judged by their appearance, everyone has potential, and individuals are more than what is seen on the outside.
Little Red Riding Hood
As the heroine travels through the forest to deliver food to her sick grandma, she meets a wolf disguised as a woodsman who is kind but deceptive. The girl, captivated by his compliments and without questioning the wolf's motivation, invites him to her grandmother's, where they both become prey to the devious character. It shares a reminder. Do not be misled by your eyes and ears but apply your brain to make judgments.
The Little Red Hen
One of my favorite stories tells about a hen who works hard in the farmyard planting, harvesting, and delivering wheat to the mill. She then uses the flour to bake bread. In each step of the process, she asks her friends for help, but they refuse to assist. When the golden brown, warm bread is removed from the oven, all the friends gather for a feast. Mrs. Hen sends them home and divides the loaf between her chicks.
This story emphasizes a plan must be designed, developed, and strategically implemented. Nothing happens without hard work and determination; ideas are of little value until they become actions; talk is cheap.
The Emperor's New Clothes
An emperor, convinced he wears magic clothes, believes they can only been seen by intelligent, competent people. When dressed in his new attire, his pride keeps him from questioning or admitting that the cloth is invisible to his eyes. His staff, fearing retribution, praise the nonexistent wardrobe. When the country's leader marches through the town wearing nothing, the citizens clap and cheer, also afraid to speak the truth. When a child announces the emperor is naked, the crowd begins pointing and jeering as they accept the reality of what they see. Driven by arrogance, the emperor realizes the truth but refuses to admit he is a victim of fraud. He continues in the procession, exposed to the world, living in denial and accepting a false reality.
The Gingerbread Man
Mr. President, this final fable provides intense action as a gingerbread man comes to life and run through his village causing havoc. Several well intended people try to intervene, warning him of possible consequences but in his cockiness, he continues. When he becomes cornered by a wise fox, he is slowly devoured in front of the crowd. His world crumbles as the adventure ends.
In closing, I respectfully encourage your attention to this matter as these stories build character while providing entertainment. Thank you for your time and dedication to making "America Great Again".
Sincerely,
An American Voter
About the Creator
Brenda Mahler
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Books AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.
* Lockers Speak: Voices from America's Youth
* Understanding the Power Not Yet shares Kari’s story following a stroke at 33.
* Live a Satisfying Life By Doing it Doggy Style explains how humans can life to the fullest.
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