Tabatha Olson: Average American by Christian Zeo

Part 2

32 years of age. 11 years of suffering. Little family. No direct relatives willing to admit it. That's how it's been since the Boston Tea Party.

My name is Tabatha Olson, and I was the daughter of Phillip and Kristina Olson, until I defyed them by being a part of the Boston Tea Party. I was named after my grandmother who I never got to meet, Tabatha Izumi. Ever since I left home that day 11 years ago, I knew that what I had done was right, but wrong at the same time. Immediately after my leaving, I had found out my parents were killed, because of my behavior. My dad, Phillip Olson, had been affected by the war when he tried helping several times, and had become mentally unstable. I had never been that close to him, but I felt horrible about what I had done. I was unable to feel any happiness, until I met a man named Joseph Halter, a farmer like myself. Joe allowed me to live with him in Philadelphia when he found me starved and alone on a cold winter night, and ever since that day I knew he was the one for me.

Joe and I have had a son since then, our precious little 9 year old Billy. We love him so much, but despite how much we try, we can't shield him from the pain that has been going on. He was well aware of the war that was going on, and as much as we hated it, we had to leave him alone with one of Joe's friends for the majority of the time, as we could not watch him during the war as much as we wished we could.

Joe and I went through a lot during the war, and were even been in battle several times. Seeing all of the bloodshed, the corpses, the people crying and hoping to live, and the tortue everyone went through has hurt me and Joe in a way that won't heal. Despite all of our attempts, we can't simply ignore, forget what we saw. There was only one good thing that came from the war; our success.

During the war, we were apparently seen as exceptional leaders in battle and with politics, and thus we were asked if one of us would be willing to lead a state general

assembly to create a new state constitution for Pennsylvania. Joe got excited by the idea of being able to make a difference, which he found was hard for a man of the age 48, but decided that if anyone were to make a change, it should be me. The day he decided this, I thought he was crazy, as I knew there was no way I could help with such a large task; I had never done anything this important since the tea party, and I didn't want something terribly wrong to happen like before. I was terrified at the thought of anything happening to Joe.

Terrified and excited by the offer, I realized that this could be my one chance to do something important, that wouldn't hurt my family. I had heard stories about what my father and grandmother had gone through, all of the patriotic things they had done, and I knew I wanted nothing more than to prove that I could do just as well as them, and so I accepted the offer.

After several days of working in the general assembly, I noticed that each representative only acted for their own benefits, and didn't care about anyone else's opinions. They were vain, stubborn, and always fight over the smallest disagreement to their position. This truly bothered me, as I recalled the words of the wise John Adams, "Democracies soon die by suicide."

I eventually realized no one was getting along, and the business of the people was suffering severely. The only way I knew of to fix such a problem was with the help of the govenor of Pennsylvania, by giving him more power in the constitution, the power needed to get the petty arguing to cease.

After over a month of work, I've finally finished my ideas for the constitution, and am ready to propose them to the assembly.

"As you all know, I have been working on a constitution to propose to you, and I have finally finished. If there are no objections, I will show it to you all now. Please take your time to read it; I'll put it on the wall for you to all see." I said as I pinned the constitution to the wall. I noticed that the other members were looking at me with hostility, as if I had done them wrong, and I began to wonder if it was such a good idea to even make a constitution. None the less, I wanted them to understand what I thought and thus I stood there as they looked at the constitution, which read:

" The Official Constitution of Pennsylvania

The Strength of the people, only formed by a proper government, is a vital part of sustaining our earned rights, which must be kept indefinitely.

Article 1

The Equal Rights

Every person, whether slave or not, is to be given the same rights to the pursuit of happiness, defending their liberty, and the right to be a part of government.

Article 2

Power In Government

All people are to have a certain amount of power in the government, and are able to make changes as part of the democracy. The power of government, however, is to be kept in check by govenors from each state, and the govenor to rule the rest is to be whoever the current govenor of Pennsylvania is at any time.

Article 3

Freedom of Religion

Any citizen of America, even if female or a slave, has the right to worship any god, deity, or any figure they choose. No one is allowed to punish, discriminate, or cause trouble to others because of differing religions.

Article 4

The Executive Branch

As America will be run through democracy, it will have no need for one strict leader above all, other than the afore mentioned Govenor of Pennsylvania. Any attempts at tyranny are found criminal, and must not be allowed. Any one person can not rule above all others unless appointed by the govenor."

As people finish reading my constitution, I see their faces fill up with anger, looking as though ready to kill. I hear from all over, "You've betrayed the Revolution!", and "You're just a hypocritical child! You know nothing of government!". All over I hear how my ideas are terrible, and full of holes, and how they cannot accept such a horrible proposal.

"I... I just wanted it to be more peaceful..." I said, tears beginning to well up inside of me.

"We don't care! You're just a no good woman, GET OUT OF HERE!" I hear a man say, and then cheers of agreement follow. I eventually hear a man shouting, and he says "Leave her alone, be civil! What are you, animals?!". This made everyone go quiet, and everyone proceeded to sit back down and discuss their previous matters.

I knew at that point I had to give up my idea of trying to help, as nothing I could ever do would be able to benefit anyone. Ever.