“Never let a good crisis go to waste”
Some readers have expressed a dislike for the inclusion of politicians in my first novel. I however thought it was very apropos. The sudden appearance of a seemingly extra-terrestrial super –powered being would cause a stir the world over. Populations would look to their leaders to understand and/or protect them from this new phenomenon.
Some of those political leaders would be only too happy to take advantage of a crisis. I included two in the novel. One of them, wanted to use the crisis to inspire fear and suspicion, and draw people to him as being the right one to protect them. The other sought to potentially use Guardian for public relations purposes and moreover keep her close to keep an eye on her. The latter politician ascribed to the Machiavellian idea of” “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Suffice it to say, their depiction is realistic and also in keeping with comic book tropes.
In the Marvel Universe there is the character, Senator Robert Kelly, who used fear of mutants, to manipulate the masses and serve his agenda. Over at the distinguished competition of Detective Comics, President Lex Luthor also sought to use his office to turn the public against superheroes, most specifically Superman.
Outside of comic books, House of Cards, the West Wing, Scandal, and other similar dramas depict politicians seizing upon crises to advance an agenda.
For my critics who disliked the inclusion of politicians seeking to use Guardian’s sudden appearance-and the appearance of meta-powered beings, as a crisis to be seized upon and used to their benefit, I can only say that is the way of the world, both real and in fiction.