The Patriot Acts

The Patriot Acts
A Musical by
Jeff Neugebauer
P.O. Box 1605
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-602-3785

Synopsis:
The Patriot Acts is a fictitious story about a group of unscrupulous businessmen turned politicians who unite and use their political power for personal gain. They execute a plan to turn a blind eye and “allow” a terrorist attack on their nation. They then use the attack as a reason to declare war on an uninvolved country where they can secure lucrative contracts for their companies and make billions of dollars from its resources (oil).
A group of political activists are suspicious of the politicians. The activists are confronted by a young soldier who recently joined the military as a way of getting a college education. The young soldier soon finds himself shipped off to fight in the illegitimate war. During his tour, the real motives of the war become evident. The soldier and his worried mother realize the protesters were right about the politicians' deceit.
Characters:

Mother: Female, late 40’s, All American, apple pie, working mom, dress and apron, she works as a waitress at a diner.
Soldier Son: Male, 18-19, All American boy, patriotic, clean cut, athletic looking, just out of high school.
Lead Protester: Male, Early 50’s, longer graying hair, Mill Valley/Bolinas hippy style.
W: The President, caucasian male, early 50’s, politician with Texan drawl, arrogant and robot-like, dark blue suit white shirt and light blue tie. He is a political puppet.
DC: The Vice President, caucasian male, late 60’s, balding politician, evil and conniving, wears glasses, dark blue suit, white shirt and red tie. He is the mastermind behind the politicians.
41: The President’s Father, caucasian male, late 70’s, Texan, cunning, gray suit, white shirt with red tie.
Conde: The Secretary of Defense, black female, late 50’s, politician, straightened black hair, dark blue dress suit.
CR: The politician’s strategy guy, caucasian male, dark blue suit, white shirt, gray tie, works closely with DC.
Other Politician/Aid: A male, politician like Michael Chertoff
Arab: Middle East Male, late 60’s, dressed in traditional turban and white robe. He is a wealthy oil sheik. Sinister and friends with DC and 41.

Citizens – Male and female, all ages, every race, doctors, fire fighters, police, teachers, gang members, etc.
Additional Mothers – Two other mothers. Their sons have also gone to fight.
Additional Soldiers – Approximately 5, can be male / female, dressed in desert fatigues
Additional Protesters – Male and female, all ages, dressed in a variety of clothes

"George Orwell" and Young DC (optional, pre-recorded video projection)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACT I
Overture

Scene 1:
[The story begins in black and white (back projected). It’s 1949. A young boy (8 yrs old) runs up to a man in front of a bookstore, sitting behind a desk signing books. We cannot see his face.]
Young DC: I read your book, it was swell! May I have your autograph?
Orwell: That’s a very challenging book for such a young chap, who are you that I have the pleasure of signing this book?
Young DC: My name is Richard – But everyone calls me Dick.
Orwell: Dick…
[The boy opens the book and hands it to Orwell. Zoom in on book “1984 by George Orwell” is clearly written on the title page. Close up of Orwell signing. As he hands the book to the boy, the camera pulls back and the boys face looks Hitler-like, he smiles an evil smile.
Image fades out / Fade into color background scene of looking out windows on to a Washington garden with American flags lapping in breeze. The actors in front of the screen are politicians sitting around a long, rectangular conference table, an American flag and presidential flag are in stands behind them.]

Scene 2: “A Project for a New American Century” – 3:10
Politicians discussing their need for a plan
[The room is relatively dark. The politicians sit around a large conference table, spotlit. DC sits in the corner where it is even darker. He is pensive, unmoving.]

CR: We’ve got an obligation,
We’ve got to save the nation,
From all the liberal efforts,
That don’t work in our favor.
41: We must have a clear agenda.
CR: We must seize the power,
We must spread our empire,
And manage all our business,
Through cunning politics.
41: We need a clear agenda.
CR and 41: A Project for a New American Century.
A Project, for a New American Century.
41: How can we join our efforts, profit greatly and rule completely?
How can we fool the public, so they don’t know what were doing?
CR: We must control the papers and the TV to sell our story.
We’ve got to find an answer and put a sacred plan in motion.
CR and 41: For a New American Century.
A Project, for a New American Century.
W: We need a plan to conquer.
Conde: A way to sack and plunder.
41: The bounty of this country.
DC and Conde: I’m feeling very hungry.
Chorus: A Project for a New American Century.
A Project, for a New American Century.
41 and Conde: We must shock and awe this nation
Into slaves for our corporations
W: We must convert righteous, tell believers, we’re the saviors
Conde: We must convince the critics there’s real and present danger
41: We must take advantage of the power while we have it
CR and Conde: We must work together and put a perfect plan in motion
Chorus: For a New American Century.
A Project, for a New American Century.

Scene 3: DC’s Plan – “We’ll Start a War” - 6:40
DC proposes his plan to the other politicians
[The light comes up on DC in the shadow. He’s been listening and now saunters in out of his dark corner. He slowly moves towards the conference table into the light.]

DC: I’ve been thinking about this for quite sometime.
To find a way that we can capitalize.
Cash in on the nations wealth and the hard work of the pawns,
So we can have more power and money than God.
[he circles the conference table]
I’d like to offer you a proposition,
Without compromising your positions.
What if we can help each other achieve,
[reaches the head of the table]
A new world order, where we are the kings?
[DC using big hand gestures / animated]
We’ll create a big distraction of monumental proportions,
A catastrophic event that will captivate their minds.
They’ll be so confused and angry and abused,
They’ll follow us because they’ll be so blind.
What if we accidentally left our guard down for one day?
What if the military was instructed not to fight?
What if we let a dangerous enemy have their way?
What if a let some buildings and airplanes collide?
Chorus
[writes the word ‘War’ on the whiteboard]
We’ll start a war, We’ll do it with fear.
The people will buy it, of this I am sure.
Opportunity’s knocking, we must open the door.
We’ll be the kings of a new world order.
[begins to circle the table again, stops by each member]
What if the public saw the buildings crash and burn in flames?
Imagine how they’ll feel when they think it could have been them?
There’s no doubt they all be petrified with fear.
They’ll be willingly help us succeed free and clear!
We’ll be sure that Islamic radicals are to blame!
We’ll say “We must stop them before they strike again!”
Then we’ll start a war to get those “perpetrators”
We’ll conquer Iraq, Iran will be later…
All:[politicians begin to nod in agreement, imagining the possibilities]
We’ll start a war, We’ll do it with fear.
The people will buy it, of this I am sure.
Opportunity’s knocking, we must open the door.
We’ll be the kings of a new world order.
We’ll start a war, We’ll do it with fear.
The people will buy it, of this I am sure.
Opportunity’s knocking, we’ll open the door.
We’ll be the kings of a new world order.
DC: The fools in congress will write a blank check for our war.
Our companies will make billions from the deals – maybe more.
And once the world’s greatest army has been deployed.
We’ll use them to steal and protect all the oil.
41: Hmmm. There’s trillions of dollars buried underneath that sand,
I’m sure we’ll profit greatly from this magnificent plan.
I’m confident we can help each other succeed.
Let’s make a pact we must keep this our secret.
[They sign an agreement, laughing Or… the men slit their palms with a knife and shake a "blood brother" shake.]
DC: We’ll carefully keep the propaganda well refined.
41: No one will ever be able to prove our crime.
DC: We control the FBI
41: We control the CIA!
DC and 41: America will be our slave!!!!
All Politicians:
We’ll start a war, we’ll do it with fear.
The people will buy it, of this I am sure.
Opportunity’s knocking, we’ll open the door.
We’ll be the kings of a new world order.
We’ll start a war, we’ll do it with fear.
The people will buy it, of this I am sure.
Opportunity’s knocking, we’ll open the door.
We’ll be the kings of a new world order.

Scene 4: “You look good in that Uniform” – 2:43
Mother admiring son who just joined the army
[They are outside their apartment, Mom walking down the stairs from the doorway, Soldier Son is walking towards her coming up sidewalk]

Mother: [circling son]
Oh, hey son, you look good in that uniform.
You look so damn important,
I’ve always been so proud of you.
Son: [Sheepishly, still unsure of his decision]
Oh yeah Mom, it feels good in this uniform…
Mom: [Assuring Son]
I know that underneath it all,
You have a heart that’s true. [touches her hand to his chest]
Mom: [grasping son’s arms continuing to admire and assure him]
I can’t believe it – it’s been 18 years,
It’s gone by way too quickly. [looks away longingly]
Son: [billowing chest out proudly, still needing more of Mom’s approval]
Now I’m all grown up,
I’ve graduated,
Mom: [turning back to son] And you’re even in the army.
Mother: [circling son, almost dancing around] Hey son, you look good in that uniform
You look so damn important,
I’ve always been so proud of you.
Oh my son, you look good in that uniform,
And I know that underneath it all,
You have a heart that’s true. [touches her hand to her chest looks away]
Son: I feel so lucky, [directed to Mom]
I’ll let Uncle Sam,
Pay for my education.
They make it so easy,
For a blue collar kid like me,
To get the best of this nation.
[Son becomes more relaxed with his decision and becomes more animated and confident]
Yeah, Ma, I feel good in this uniform,
I feel pretty important,
Like I’m somebody now.
You know Ma, I’ve done some thinkin’,
‘Bout all the things you’ve done for me,
It took a lot of sacrifice.
[taking Mom’s hands in his]
I just want to thank you, I’m truly grateful,
You gave me love, you gave me life!
Mom: [Looking elated and admiring her son]
Oh yeah – my son, you’re a man now…
Oooooo, Oh… oh.. yeah.
[Still holding hands looking into each other’s eyes]

Scene 5: “Help From Your Side of the World” – 3:21
In conference room DC meeting with Arab suggesting / requesting help.
[possibility: Islamic Guy in turban with rifle gyrating on distant desert hill Naaa Heyyyyy OOOYYYYAAA....

DC in conference room pacing nervously, door opens, Arab looks in then slowly enters, shutting door behind him. They shake hands in greeting with slight bow.]
DC: Welcome, welcome please come in,
Nice to be with you once again.
Arab: Ah yes, yes, likewise.
DC: And how’s business?
Arab: Oh it’s very good.
DC: Good, And the family?
Arab: Oh, thank you, they’re very well.
DC: [stuttering] And,yes, and the rebellious one? –
---Uncomfortable Pause….
Arab: Well, you know how he is –
DC: [chuckles, stuttering] Ah, Rebellious…
Arab: [stuttering] Well, well you know how he is –
DC: [Looking away from Arab, begins to circle conference table]
Perhaps his rebellious nature could be useful.
I have some "confidential" information. [looking out window]
He might find amusing,
It’s an interesting business arrangement,
Where we could all benefit.
[DC turns and faces Arab, sinister, staring into his eyes to see how he is reacting]
It’s a partnership of sorts, with excellent returns,
We just need a little help, from your side of the world.
[Guy on hill wails]
DC: We have a plan, to make the oil prices rise.
Arab: How much?
DC: Considerably.
Arab: OH, continue please.
DC: I’m sure that you would like that.
Arab: Yes. Oh yes you’re very right.
DC: Perhaps the rebellious one, would like an opportunity.
Perhaps, he can help us all succeed.
He can take out some “aggression” in the land of liberty.
Do you think he’ll be interested?
He’ll be safe, you have my guarantee!
2x - It’s a partnership of sorts, with excellent returns,
We just need a little help, from your side of the world!
Arab: [nodding in agreement with a sinister smile] Oh, yes. [they smile and shake on it, DC hands the Arab a rolled up piece of paper – the “plan”]

Scene 6: “Oh My God” – 4:55
Crash at WTC

[Spotlight on W reading “My Pet Goat”. A young guy standing against the apartment building doing human percussion. Cast of “Average citizens" some are in chains marching slowly in a circle. First one notices the back projection screen then the rest also eventually notice. The images on the screen start with the airline check in. then they show the "Arabs" going through security with passports and nervous. The air traffic control radar shows planes going off flight paths.]
Lead Protester: Oh my god, Oh my god
I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
[All notice the building burning]
Multiple Citizens:
Oh my god, Oh my god,
I can’t believe what I’m feeling.
[All stop and watch, hypnotized, they react violently as the 2nd Plane hits tower]
Lead Protester: [singing to audience, then to other marching citizens]
I was shocked when I heard the news,
I never imagined anything so bad.
I never thought that I’d see anything like this in my lifetime.
Multiple Citizens:
Oh my god, Oh my god,
It could have been me in that building.
Citizen: 3 thousand 30 people died in vain,
Citizen 2: Sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters.
Lead Protester: Burning in a nightmare, America cries out in pain!
Multiple Citizens: Oh my god,
Lead Protester: Oh ohooo.
Multiple Citizens: Oh my god,
Everyone is in shock and awe
Lead Protester: No, Oh my god.
[Back projection of the firemen and police, people screaming and crying (silently). Citizens begin marching around in circle again, heads down in disbelief. W gets up from his chair walks over to DC standing on side, they shake hands and watch with arms crossed and smiling.]
Lead Protester: Where was our military on this day?
Why were our leaders so complacent? [Video of W being told – goes back to reading]
Multiple Citizens: Something’s going on, something is terribly wrong…
Oh my god, Oh my god, I can’t believe what I’m seein’ (Oh my god!)
Oh my god,
Lead Protester: Oh ohooo.
Multiple Citizens: Oh my god,
Lead Protester: I can’t believe what I’m thinking.

Scene 7 – “Not Even a Patriot” – 3: 34
Politicians in conference room discussing Patriot Act legislation written and ready to go to congress.

[Our hero politicians DC and CR putting the finishing touches on their new law. They’re discussing the patriot act legislation. They flip through pages with their pens out, scribbling notes on the large stack of paper. They hold the large document up like a bible and act in reverence to their religious document]
DC: The Ladies and Gentlemen of congress,
Must take immediate action for this attack.
CR: Or they will appear weak and indecisive.
Both: To their horrified constituents.
DC: We’ve worked for years on this “solution”.

CR: Now it’s time for us to make our move.

DC: We have a new law,
CR: Hot off the press,
DC: Ready for approval.

CR: And it has a great name.

Both: It's so innocuous.
Both: Not even a patriot, would object to this.
DC: We’ll have further reaching power than before.
We’ll control the people,

CR: Like Orwell recommended,

Both: When he wrote 1984.
DC: We’ll spy on anyone,

CR: Anyone we want to.

DC: We’ll lock up anyone,
Other: Anyone that appears to be a threat.
DC: We’ll avoid the constitution,
Both: With these new resolutions.
DC: And the fools will think that it’s in their best interest.
DC: I see our plan, working out nicely.

CR: But we must act quickly while people’s hearts are still bleeding.

DC: Take this to the floor of congress, they know they need something,
Both: They’ll pass this into law, like idiots.
Both: Not even a patriot, would object to this,
We’ll rule this country like never before.
It’s time to do away, with civil liberties,
Just like 1984.
DC: Terror is a ghost inside their heads.

CR: Ooooooooo

DC: Absolute power is absolutely ours to take.

CR: And we’ll take full advantage, of this unique situation.