"Hello, I would like to put up a display in my front yard for the Freedom Day Festival. How much is the permit this year?"
"It's the same as last year Mr. Crabbs, $100. But all displays must meet our guidelines before we can issue final approval. The pre application process is an additional $50, non refundable. If denied and you still want to do it, you'll need to apply again." said the elderly lady behind the desk.
"No thanks... I think I'll just go with flying the official flag over the front door this year." said the disappointed young man.
"Why? If you are using the decorations sold at the store, it's unlikely that you will have a problem."
"We had planned to make them ourselves. We don't want to look like every other house on the block. The flag will be plenty."
"That will be $25 please." she replied, a little sadly.
"I already have my flag, I'm good to go."
"No, I meant the fee. All decorations now carry one, it funds the City Pride Patrol."
"What is that, Ma'am?"
"It's group of employees who go around making sure our city is in tip top shape. They take note of anything that looks out of place. They are going to help make sure everyone takes pride in their part of Freedomville."
"I see. Here's $25, thank you for your time, Ma'am."
"You're welcome, Sir. Oh, before you leave, please sign this petition to allow us to censor Romeo and Juliet at Freedomville High? We have to protect our children."
"Of course, Ma'am. I have children of my own. I want to protect them as much as I can."
The young man then left City Hall, flag license in hand. He drove through the picture perfect city, which was rated as the most beautiful in the nation. Pride swelled within him.
The park was clean, with playground equipment some theme parks would be proud to own. The nature trails were groomed to perfection, and the duck pond as blue as the sky. Downtown Freedomville was spotless. You would never find so much as a candy wrapper littering the sidewalk.
Suddenly he slammed on the brakes as he drove past The Soaring Eagle Cafe. Some teenage delinquent was sketching his girlfriend as she sat on the bench set out for people to use while drinking coffee on nice days.
"What do you think you're doing, young man? You're too young to be a licensed artist. You know the rules. No individual artwork is to be displayed outside of your own home."
"I'm not displaying it, Sir. I just wanted to do a rough sketch here, and finish it at home."
"Well people walking by could see it. Do you want to offend someone?" he asked, indignantly.
"No, Sir." he replied, stuffing it into his pocket and hanging his head.
Mr. Crabbs then got back in his vehicle, proud to have done his part to keep Freedomville the best city in the nation.
This is a 100% power up post
Cover image is from Canva, using their gallery