With Eyes Wide Open

“Hi Tango! How things going?” 

 “Fine! Maybe, I’ll be your Mayor within a few days!”

“You think it is so easy? The politicians are taking over. We ordinary guys stand no chance.”

“Then why don’t you go for something else? Money is everything. We shouldn’t get tired of making it,”

“Okay do as you please. I just wanted to caution you, because you are my best friend. And you know, this town needs people of integrity. We are not rich and power does not come to us. All we wish is to be of service to the people. I love them and their children. I will do whatever I can to help them overcome problems and difficulties. God helps those who helps others with a noble intention. The world needs more people like us.”

“Yes there has always been a dearth of unselfish and generous people. If there are more people like us, the world will be a happier place. Charity will become common and everyone will be above board.”

“ You are right. If people at large find time and intention to work for the good of the community, humanity will not face so many problems. Good guys aren’t there too many these days. The selectors were after me for several months. I’ve been acting hard to get. You know the guys who leave office, they always leave behind lots of dirt and too many scandals.’’

“Don’t you worry about it, friend. I’m here to help you. We’ll kick the bad guys into submission. You be the Mayor and I’ll be the power behind the throne. We will make a good team and our beloved town will be free of hundreds of problems.”

“I wish you could. Now, for a start, we’ll go after the guy from the north. He is now partner to our barber. He has started an eatery and is fast getting rich. It is all too fast. Don’t you think?”

‘’Ya. I’ve been thinking too. I’ve seen a fatso coming in a big car to meet him. And they finish their business within minutes and separate!”

‘I smell something fishy is going on. Why don’t we just go and pay our ‘due’ respects to them?’’ 

Both the guys landed at the eatery as heavyweights. Once they were there the eatery owner avoided them. They sat down at a vacant seat and waited for him. But the eatery owner continued to ignore them. They waited for a while. Still no response. They rose and went over to the owner’s table and addressed him. 

"My friend, you don’t seem to care for your customers. Are you too proud of yourself?"

The owner rose and was profusely apologetic. ‘I am sorry! My friends!’ 

He led both of them back to their table, seated the guests, and called for his primadonna. She came, took the order, and the owner also sat down with them. 

"You seem to be having good business!" they said.

"Yes, but not quite. People here are tightfisted,” said the owner.

The owner took the stand. 

"No no, we are hardworking people. We spend on what is necessary, what is needed. We don’t waste money." 

"Okay buddy. What is your business?"

"I am a hairdresser. I have been one for several years. It’s a good business to make money but you’ll be surprised when clients don’t pay cash. They get what they want but when it comes to pay, they say they don’t have any money. I have to be patient. I will collect my money and charge some interest also."

"How long have you been in this business?" 

The barber and the other friend stayed while the owner got up and went to the bar. He returned with three drinks.

"Nice of you to be so good to us. Thank you."

"But I am a hard businessman. I want to make friends with you, and expand my business."

"What business can a barber do? A barber can only do barbering, what money can we make together?"

The barber put his arms around the two guys and says- "I am not talking about my shop. I am starting a new business."

"What is it? What is it?"

"A lottery of our own. It’s a good business opportunity. People are very eager to make money, and make it quickly too. Everyone needs money. And the lottery is very gracious to all. I am sure we will be rich and powerful within the next few months. I have lined up everything for a luxurious existence. We will be alright oh. Every week we will pool $1000. Just one prize. You’ll see how we will thrive!"

"Are you sure? Where I am from, I started a business like this, and made lots of money."

"Then why are you cooking and cleaning dishes?"

"Some peopel became jealous of me and reported to the police. I was behind bars for a while. My wife has a good business back home. She got me released."

"Unbelievable! It sounds fishy also."

"What is there to be fishy? It is an honest business!"

He whispers into their ears, and both the guys rise and leave. 

"Buddy, we are honest people. Leave us alone. "

They go back and the police come in. The eatery-owner tries to run away. They catch him. He puts his arms around both of them.

"Please! Please! My brothers! Come with me."

He takes them to his room and says- "I am law-abiding guy now. "

"Then why are you in jail?"

"Well I fell into bad company. I used to get the best drugs, highest quality. Right from abroad. It was great. So long it went smoothly. But the jail was terrible. Went his money is good, so if you join me, I will make you millionaires."

"Yes, yes you will make us millionaires. But right now, you’re coming with us to the police station."

A nice project collapsed. God saved the good people, and kicked the bad guys into the jails!