EPTAt the end of every year, on December 31st in Time Square, a public execution was held.
Throughout the whole year, educational facilities around the country have observed students with stupidly low academic marks and less than satisfactory behavioral records. Parents were interviewed and observed by government agents. Delinquent and ungrateful teenagers all over the country were the spectacle of thousands of social service workers, all aiming to find the worst kid in America - the individual who inevitably grow up to become the absolute scum of society.
The candidate deemed to be the worst adolescent in America is then brought upon a stage in front of thousands in Time Square, with millions watching on their television set. Officials recite the infamous decree:
"Here stands the most despicable adolescent in all of the country. A demon spawn from his parents, and a menace to those around him. This country gave him great opportunities, opportunities to achieve, opportunities to dream, and opportunities to change. Yet, this child chose to squander these opportunities. He has stolen opportunity away from those more deserving, and has wasted a life to be. For this, he will be eliminated."
With those words, the candidate is executed in front of the eyes of the entire nation. There is no countdown for this candidate on New Years eve. The execution is carried out instantly and efficiently. No moments are to be wasted mourning for dead scum.
No, for moments after the execution, another adolescent is brought upon the stage. The runner-up candidate, the second-worst child in America. Here, he stands on what may have been his site of death.
"Gaze upon the millions that stand before you," states the executioner. "You now inherit the title of the candidate who came before you, and who is now dead, killed in front of millions. It is your choice whether or not to continue carrying this title."
With that, the second adolescent is brought off stage. Shaken, sometimes crying, and clinging on to his parents or guardians. Begging to be spared. Begging for forgiveness. Begging to change.
And the process begins once again, as the countdown ends and the clock strikes 12:01 AM on January 1st. Adolescents everywhere are again monitored, watched, and unknowingly followed throughout the New Year. The nation waits another 365 days, for the next example.
