Aligned by Jaci Wheeler Page A

say and hold any questions or comments until the end. I am going to get to everyone’s concerns, of which I’m sure there will be many, but if you could please let me finish everything I need to say first I would appreciate it.”
    Several looks of concern flash over their faces, and a few take in the guards at the doors.
    “For those who have been here for many years and have seen a few presidents come and go, you understand that Rules and Acts come and go as well. Changes must be made based on what the president at the time thinks is best. It’s hard to know what the best plan of action for so many people is, but we do our best and learn from our mistakes. As you have figured out by now, I believe in taking action. I believe in the power of change and healing our country. There are some people who like consistency and don’t handle change well. I understand that completely and I’m sorry to say the next few months are probably going to be difficult for many. However, I do believe we will get through this transition together, and if there is a way I can make it easier please let me know.”
    “I know with change comes hardship, but my hope is we can make this go as smoothly as possible, and as the leaders in this Ministry I really count on all of your help and support. Will you stand by me as I attempt to make United America the best country it can possibly be?”
    Several heads nod enthusiastically and there are a great many smiles. Now comes the hard part.
    “When I came into the Ministry I was surprised at how many rules there were I wasn’t aware of. The ins and outs of running a country are important and detailed. I’ve been a little overwhelmed at times but I understand why we do the things we do. I truly believe everything we do here at the Ministry is for the good of our country and the people who live in it. With that said, there are a few things I don’t agree with.”
    I take a deep breath. “Most of you are not aware there was a large group of people who didn’t agree with the Ministry and the rules. The president before me thought it was in the best interest of our country to ban those people to a gated area outside of our Zones, to be cut off from the Ministry.” I pause while several gasps and comments come from around the room. I hold my hand up. “I, on the other hand, do not feel the same way. I have met all of those people, spent time with them, lived and worked beside them and they are extremely loving and compassionate people. I feel keeping them banned is the wrong thing to do, so the ban has been lifted. Most of the people still choose to live in that community, which is fine. They grow their own food, take care of their own, everything is self-sufficient, but the gates are now open so they can see loved ones in the Zones and get medical care if needed. This, however, has brought up a huge question of how many people in the Zones are unhappy with the Ministry. I know I’m going to upset many of you when I bring this up but I’m sorry, it must be done.” I look directly at Ronan for a minute and smile, he smiles back and nods as if he understands he’s not going to like what I have to say, but to go ahead and say it.
    “I understand monitoring is a huge part of why our country is so successful. We are able to prevent crimes and help guide people in the right direction. While it has worked very well for a hundred years, it is starting to become a problem. More and more people feel their freedoms are being taken away, and I don’t want anyone in my country to feel that way if I can help it. After much consideration amongst the Council and myself, we think the best way to approach this situation is with full honesty. I was shocked when I discovered exactly how much I, personally, am monitored, and I don’t want anyone to feel their privacy is being taken from them without a choice. Nothing will change with the monitoring or your jobs, except people will now be aware of how much they