(The Scene: Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1776)

Thomas Jefferson: “Well, gentlemen, are we willing to affix our names to the adoption of this noble document, this Declaration of Independence and separate ourselves forever from the tyranny of kings? (Benjamin Franklin rushes into the hall). Hey, Benny, glad you made it. We’re about to sign.”

Benjamin Franklin: “Pray, hold your quills, my friends, there has been a new development!”

Assemblage (stunned): “And what is that?”

Franklin: “I have consulted a soothsayer, a wise woman who can divine the future. A Scottish lass named Shirley MacLaine. She has relayed to me a disturbing development many years from now.

John Adams: “Conversing with some witch while we’re about the make history? For shame, Franklin!”

Franklin: “No jest, I’m afraid, but a matter of great importance.”

John Hancock: “I’ve already signed. I suggest the rest of you ignore Ben’s foolishness and follow suit.”

Jefferson: “A very fine signature, John. But I admit, Franklin has piqued my curiosity and seeing that, within a few weeks, we might all hang for treason, I am most eager to hear what this fortune-teller has to say. Lay on, Benjamin, but be quick about it.”

Franklin (sighing): According to her, two centuries and a half after we’ve created this new nation based on democratic principles, our countrymen will choose to be once again ruled by a King.”

Assemblage: “WHAT!?”

Jefferson (wiping tears of laughter from his eyes): “Oh, Benny, you had me worried there. This cannot be true. Why would our informed citizenry of stalwart yeomen commit such a folly?

Adams: “Indeed, and who would this new king be? Some distant relative of the British monarchy?”

Franklin: “No. It will be a merchant from New York. A fellow of ill fame but of great wealth.”

Hancock: “I assume he must be a man of great leadership abilities and unimpeachable character.”

Franklin: “I’m afraid not. In fact, he is by rights, most disreputable. A man who has gained his capital by lying, cheating and creating the most despicable of schemes. A scoundrel fully lacking in Christian charity who has been unfaithful to his wife while expressing the most vile comments towards the fairer sex. Thus far, he has surrounded himself with those of unsound mind; has insulted our friends while encouraging our enemies and squandered the riches of the nation for the benefit of a few. Although beholden to the elite, he was not above inciting a base mob to violence in order to undermine this very form of governance we are creating here today.”

Hancock: “A truly unsavory creature to be sure. But has he actually crowned himself as despot?”

Franklin: “Not as an official act. But he has made clear that he and his underlings have no respect for the law and once in office, he has connived ways to keep himself in power for perpetuity while threatening military action against his own citizens who rightfully challenges his authority. And worse, the highest court of the land has granted him immunity from any foul crimes that he has committed or will commit in the future.”

Jefferson: “I am in a state of confusion as to why our countrymen would sit by and allow our noble experiment to be cast aside and shattered. Surely these are men of education who understand the value of a benevolent republic.

Franklin: “A republic, sir, if you can keep it.”

Jefferson: “What toxic humors have invaded their minds to inspire such a ghastly betrayal?”

Franklin: “This man promised safety against imagined enemies. But those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety; deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Adams (laughing): “Good heavens, Ben, you’re just full of proverbs today, aren’t you.”

Franklin: “Make no mistake, John. They’re warnings we should all keep in mind. Is it worth risking our necks to defy a king only to be submitted to another centuries from now?”

Jefferson: “Well, maybe we should put this Declaration on hold for awhile. Honestly, if I have to choose a king, I’d stick with old King George III instead of this future lout. At least the Brits have a high regard for the law and respect for justice.”

Hancock: “You mean hanging us all for treason?” (laughter all around.)

Adams: “I agree, let’s go home. I want to tell dear Abigail about this. I’m sure she will be relieved that women in the future had no role in electing such a tyrant.”

Franklin: “Um, about that … ”

Daniel A. Brown lived in Franklin County for 44 years and has written a monthly My Turn column for over two decades. He lives outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife, Lisa and dog, Cody.