Article 14: Mordon Genette
This is part 14 of a series. Go to the 1st Paper for the first part.
Daily Blurb
Augest 17, 1778
Maddie Ray
We have an exclusive interview with Mordon Genette. In it, he told us all exactly what the government did that caused him to step down from the council. Remember to subscribe to the Daily Blurb to never miss important events and ideas.
Mordon Genette told us that “the council unanimously decided to rejoin the Eastern Empire. What they said was that famine was too great a threat to the people. However, what they meant was that it was too great a threat to their power. Lady Lila, who has been a part of the government was the one who said this. When she said it anyone there could see the cruel power flash in her eyes. Everything that she has done has been to further her own power. Her malicious intent was confirmed when she continued afterward saying ‘At least, that is what we must tell them. We must say that the true danger is the fire of liberalism.’ Everything Lady Lila does is to increase her own power. ”
He was then asked “Many doubt your sincerity. Prior to your stepping down, you passed many laws and decrees that the people considered contrary to the purpose of Vision. What do you have to say?”
The reply came “I messed up, and that’s putting it lightly. I passed laws and edicts that were contrary to the values of Vision. I was consumed by my power. I listened to the worm that is Lady Lila. This of course does not excuse me. I apologize, and I recognize my fallings. I became disillusioned with our government when the famine hit. I saw that people were suffering, and so, I decided that my power could not hurt others.”
“Yes, however, some are still distrustful of you. They say that you just left to increase public opinion of you. What do you say about this, and what are you going to do about this, if anything.”
“Ah, yes. That is the sticking point, isn’t it? Words without action mean nothing. I realize this. I also realize that indeed to make amends for my actions. Whether I will go down in history as a greedy tyrant, or as a selfless man, is up to the public. I have nothing to improve, but, if I can do good I will. I will begin to work at the Golden Spoon, the soup kitchen run by Samantha Key. I will humble myself. I have also pledged half of my wealth to charity. Anyone in need can come to me and be fed.”
“You have ruled, and have accepted that you made mistakes. You have shown that bearing power is hard. What advice do you have for anyone else who may one day take up a role as a leader.”
“The worst failing a ruler or aristocrat is loving power and their status more than they love their country and their people. That is what happened to me. One must listen to their people. If one wields power like a sword and makes sure that all their actions are turned towards acquiring power, they will simultaneously keep their position and prove that they are unfit to wield it. If one should rule to be great, one must be ready to accept that they may lose their position. They must then rule in such a way that as to try to lead Vision towards what one thinks is best. Remember, the true role of those in power is not to rule, but to lead. And we all must internalize that we are all unfit to lead. I have simply proven that I am more unfit than most.”
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