A Keyhole Into A Reflective Patriotic Past

Before the eleventh strike sounded, warning the midnight clock, Jim Doodling Dandy’s computer screen flashed a website retrieving google search data, requesting voyeuristic observations sites and the leg work revealed musing results.

Once known for bush hiding, sketching animated patriotic scenes, Doodling Dandy, played boardwalk casino chance games well into the deathly wintry months but truly wanted something that did not hinge on scoreboard bulb lighted numbers.

Reading the message, next to the keyhole lock icon, Doodling Dandy decided and accepted the tease stating, “be a bug on the wall, see and hear everything without anyone noticing”.

Intrigued Doodling Dandy enlisted the plastic mouse and started a cheese hunt, exploring a world where only decades ago, did not hear any freedom bells ring.

First visual offering featured a competition where different countries submitted songs and democratic style voting determined the champion. Observing the show, resembling what the beachside resorts tried producing, Doodling Dandy sat back and relaxed, wondering who would be awarded victory.

Fifteen minutes later, a new video began headlining performers using peaceful culture entertainment acts, distributing the attitude, the area was independently alive. “Once again,” Doodling Dandy commentated, "they are competing and voting”.

Filled with upbeat music and choreographed dance routines, the second quarter hour provided a lighthearted moment, easing tensions plaguing individuals going through adversity.

Finally, one last presentation introduced children learning the song and dance routines, wrapped around another chance to voice an opinion. When things were complete and a prize handed out, Doodling Dandy noticed a vital important detail. “All the kids received gift bags.”

“Filled with merchandise,” a dark voice interrupted, “economy generated spending.”

“Uncle Sam!” Doodling Dandy jumped up saluting.

“Fifteen minutes left and the midnight clock will sound twelve chimes,” Uncle Sam stated, “and when that is done, I want you to press the control, shift and dollar sign buttons,”

“To unleash doomsday?”

“No,” Uncle Sam paused, “protect our homeland from the enemy.”

“By conjuring doomsday?” Fairly, Doodling Dandy inquired, “Uncle Sam we need to talk.”

“About the economy?” Uncle Sam accepted the escorting motion, “stupid.”

“Uncle Sam, I know I am a dependent, living in your house, but we cannot trigger any doomsday plans,” Doodling Dandy warned, “I just spent time and witnessed what our country used to be like parading, enthusiastic love for life and the situation does not warrant any rash action like nuking our antagonists.”

“What should we do?” Uncle Sam challenged.

“Interpretation and discussion, let the artist make us think,” Doodling Dandy suggested, “remember you can always take back what is said,”

“A retraction,” Uncle Sam clarified.

“But once you press the control shift dollar sign buttons,” Doodling Dandy paused, “there is no turning back.”

“At ease soldier,” Uncle Sam commanded, “hour is getting late.”

Returning to his post Doodling Dandy counted the bongs as the midnight clock signaled one twenty-four-hour period ending only to have the next in line take its place. Suddenly, the monitor clicked itself on and an image emerged, “Good morning, Sir Jim Doodling Dandy,”

“Minister Kultūra,” he addressed the individual holding a pick me up morning beverage wrapped in a red, white and black flag.

“Thank you for watching and enjoying our festive programming.” Minister Kultūra greeted, “you entered the infamous keyhole and watched, a reminding reflection of what you used to be, peaceful and fun.”

Comprehending the words Doodling Dandy smiled, “I really appreciate you not making the rockets' red glare and rejected the simple task called pressing buttons,” Minister Kultūra added, “but you may want to think about putting the e back at the end of potatoe.”

Humble Bility flowed through Doodle Dandy’s body knowing he made the right choice, then waving goodbye while Minister Kultūra signed off, Doodling Dandy chair reclined, hearing one toll, realizing five more announcement bells until the dawn will break and things will brighten outside, ushering more stories to tell.