He Who Hesitates #carrotranch #99wordstories

Posted on Feb 4, 2022 by TanGental

This week’s Carrot Ranch prompt is

January 31, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the ’49ers.” Who or what are they? What is the significance of the number? Do you follow the Gold Rush history or venture into new territory? Go where the prompt leads!

He Who Hesitates

Little Tittweaking’s council’s standing orders provide that nothing is decided if any one member adopts the 49ers stratagem. The origins of this local filibuster is long forgotten but easily understood. If an item – verge-trimming, say – is put to a vote those opposing (usually Mrs Owl-Eerie) are required to forcibly interrupt proceedings with a continuous hesitation, thus blocking the chair from putting forward its motion (technically a ‘forced constipation’). These days that is achieved by the utterance of a continuous stream of 49 ‘ers’. Some say this quaint provision exemplifies the gold standard of local democracy in action.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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27 Responses to He Who Hesitates #carrotranch #99wordstories

  2. Peter's pondering says:
    Feb 4, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    Has Jackie Weaver been informed?

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Gary A Wilson says:
    Feb 4, 2022 at 1:46 pm

    Ah, and thus the form of government known as “constipationocracy” which by itself answers so many questions 🤔.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. KL Caley says:
    Feb 4, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    Haha. Inspired by our current political state who definitely makes use of a few ers? 😆 Great storytelling as always. KL ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  5. John W. Howell says:
    Feb 4, 2022 at 2:47 pm

    I wanted to see how a Brit handled this prompt. Very well indeed.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Marsha says:
    Feb 4, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    Very interesting approach to the 49er prompt. I’m always amazed how many paths the prompt takes people. Great post, Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Erika says:
    Feb 4, 2022 at 8:07 pm

    You are a genius, Geoff 😂How do you get the ideas for such writing!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Chel Owens says:
    Feb 6, 2022 at 8:43 am

    Gold standard, huh? 🙂

    Like

  10. Norah says:
    Mar 13, 2022 at 10:58 am

    I missed this at the time, but am, er, pleased to have, er, found it, er, now. (Sorry, can’t fit in, er, 49.)

    Liked by 1 person

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