Construction Site: Second Sketch

The shovel handles stood like Greek pillars, holding aloft their constant burdens.
"Sometimes I wonder what they think about us," said one of the many orange-clad shovel leaners, gesturing to the stream of traffic creeping along behind the pilot truck.
"Um, those are cars. They don't think."
"I mean the people inside."
"Oh, I don't know," said another. "I guess they look at us with thanks for our hard work."
"We're leaning on shovels."
"Exactly," said another. "If we just sat down they would notice, but the shovels give the illusion that we are going to break out working at any moment."
"And we are less likely to be given more jobs if we don't look like we're resting," added another.
"I don't think anyone is fooled," said the first man, skeptically.
"Are you kidding, we have everyone fooled. We are revered by the public, appreciated by our superiors, and we all know what the pay is."
A murmur of approval came from the circle of men. The first man thought about it for a moment, then decided to take the older man's word for it. He nestled his chin comfortably down on the top of his shovel and slouched harder against it. He felt good in the knowledge that he was respected by all.

First sketch: Presidential auction

I have just been informed of a ground breaking development. While discussing our nations plummeting funds and skyrocketing debt, the government decided to, um, sell the president. According to a statement to the press an auction will be held next month attended by all the world's powers. Apparently the sale will be accompanied by a contract demanding that the new owner of the president will not abuse his position of authority or in any other way be less than nice to us.

"I am thankful that I can be of such use to my country," the president is reported to have said. "I feel that this will be a great step toward strengthening our relationship with whoever purchases me." This was in a written statement sent to the media, as the president was unavailable for interview. It is not known where he is being kept until the auction.

Authorities are forecasting the sale to be around 800 billion and to be to China, Russia, or Exxon. "We know it will be a dangerous investment," says an Exxon spokesperson. "But if we can control the presidency we may be able to repeal many of those expensive restrictions and regulations."

China and Russia were unavailable for comment.

The president's job will remain the same after the auction, but he will be required to do as his owners say. Congress assures us that whoever ends up being the proud new owner of the president, will undoubtedly respect our way of life and uphold our values and leave us alone to better ourselves and the world around us.