What event in the last decade could serve as the basis for lively stories to be read aloud?

Question

Any thing that most of the U.S. knows about.

Answer 1

There was once a vast empire built and maintained on integrity and courage. Though it held it's flaws amongst men it still prevailed due largely in part because of it's humility and personability with surrounding nations. The people though generally ignorant to the events about them displayed genuine concern for the state and welfare of it's neighbors and actively participated in contributing themselves to the cause of improvement. their wealth well managed by a king who was both wise and hospitable was distributed in a fashion that made the people feel accountable for their actions but allowed for a backup should they become discontented and/or irresponsible.

When the kings reign drew to a close two new men came forth to lay claim to the throne. One was a coward, whose ignorance was well concealed by his affiliation with the king of old. The other was callous unapologetic fool who indulged himself in the luxury of old money in his family. When it came time for the kingdom to select it's new ruler it collectively chose the more familiar of the two figures.

But the callous loser of the competition would not accept defeat. And neither would the clans that rallied him. They came together and addressed the elders of the land with whom they were companions. They used the very principals that protected the people from the tyranny of Divine Right and predestined appointment against the new king and the people. And an old royalty crowned his son that day against the will of those who would become his subjects.

In the years to come it would be made clear to many how he was made King and that his place was amongst paupers. The Man was a fool within and without relying on his panel of advisors to make decisions and then claiming in his own name and authority usually to his own disadvantage.

The new King plunged his people into a state of constant turmoil and the Empire of his predecessors into bad blood with many former allies. He posted himself as the highest authority in the land and persecuted all who made attempts to check him.
He unmade all the things that made the Empire strong independent powerful moral and just. He replaced a once great panel of wise and just elders with undeserving incompetents and puppets the likes of himself and reveled in the new power afforded unto him as systematically destroyed every great idealism and principal his predecessors ever stood or fought for…

TO BE CONTINUED?

Answer 2

The G. W. Bush presidency would make a good Greek tragedy. Look at Dubya: he's a kinglike president, his greatest strength is his folksy cowboy charm, but that lack of sophistication is also his greatest weakness. And hubris (arrogance) -- oh, my goodness! Bush has led the U.S. to dizzying heights of arrogance on a scale unprecedented since Ancient Rome.

Hubris is always rewarded with a terrible fall! Just call me Teresias, but I predict that the next two years are going to hold something terrible for the U.S. and it will be directly due to President Bush's actions.

Answer 3

Assuming you want to avoid massive human tragedy (like wars, or 911, or hurricanes, or tsunamis), how about things like:
- changing of the Pope
- the Enron scandle
- Princess Diana's passing
- impeaching President Clinton
- turn of the millenium (Y2K)

Answer 4

There's always disaster. You know. The world trade centers. Hurricaine Katrina that'r pretty lively