"...as their whims dictate"

by MemexZed

Last month the Federal Reserve agreed to "pump one trillion dollars into the economy".  Like the one trillion dollars was just lying there doing nothing.  But why should I try to explain it.  Thomas Jefferson had this all figured out when Leo worked with him under the name "Leonard Marston".

FADE IN

EXTERIOR The Monticello estate - 1815.

On a bright sunny day carts and wagons packed to the brim with fruit and corn pass by the front of the estate.  Slaves carrying baskets move briskly by.  THOMAS JEFFERSON stands on the steps looking expectantly down the road and then at his pocket watch.

THOMAS
Benjamin, come here.

An African-American boy, about ten years old, runs over to him. 

BENJAMIN
Yes, Mr Jefferson

THOMAS

Go tell your mother to serve dinner out here and set the table for two.  I'm expecting a good friend.

Benjamin runs off. A carriage approaches the front of the estate and Thomas comes down the stairs to meet it.  He opens the door of the carriage revealing LEONARD MARSTON.

THOMAS
Leonard, you old devil, I've been expecting you!

Leonard jumps down from the carriage which pulls away.

LEONARD
You know how it is Tom, it's hard to get congressmen to quit talking and take action.

Jefferson motions for Marston to follow him up the stairs.  As they walk...

THOMAS
My experience has been it's often better to keep them talking rather then make any decisions.  That's why I'm staying right here at Monticello.

Later, on the lantern lit porch, Leonard and Thomas sit at the table, finishing dinner.  Benjamin plays nearby on the steps with a toy wagon.

THOMAS
So they are serious about going ahead again and reestablishing a Federal Bank. 

LEONARD
Yes.  I fear they want to print as much paper money as their whims dictate.

THOMAS
This would be very bad, Leonard, but I don't see what I can do to stop it.

Leonard and Thomas become aware of Benjamin who is now standing by the table.

BENJAMIN
But why can't the government just print more money, Mr Jefferson, Sir?  Then everybody could have all the money they need.

BETTY (from the shadows)
Benjamin, you leave the gentlemen alone!

THOMAS
That's all right, Betty. Curiosity is a good thing. (to Benjamin) Benjamin, run and get me three apples.

Benjamin scoots over to a basket on the edge of the porch and is back in a flash with three apples.  Thomas takes them and lines them up on the table. He reaches in his pocket and takes out four pennies.  He places three on the table and gives one to Benjamin.

THOMAS
Now, Benjamin, you are a farmer and this penny is your savings.  Look at the table.  If all the food in the country were these three apples, and all the money in the country were these three pennies, how much would the apples cost.

Benjamin, looks at the pennies and at Thomas.  He seems reluctant to answer.

LEONARD
Go ahead, Benjamin. Tell us what you think.

BENJAMIN
Well, three apples and three pennies...I guess the apples would cost a penny.

THOMAS
Exactly.  Good job, Ben.

Benjamin is pleased with himself.

THOMAS
And could you buy an apple?

BENJAMIN
Yes sir.

Benjamin holds up his penny.

THOMAS
Now, Mr Marston over there is the government.  He is going to make more money.

Leonard reaches in his pocket and pulls out three more pennies and puts them on the table.

THOMAS
Now how much will the apples cost?

BENJAMIN
I know.  Two cents.

THOMAS And could you buy an apple?

Benjamin looks at his penny.

BENJAMIN (upset)
Mr Marston you're a bad government.

Thomas and Leonard laugh and congratulate Ben

LEONARD
Now, if we could only make Congress understand that!

Thomas looks pensive.

THOMAS
Well, Leonard, I don't suppose making a little trip to Washington would hurt me that much.

Leonard pats Thomas on the shoulder and shakes his hand.

FADE OUT