A Kingdom, years ago and far, far away, found itself without a King (for reasons too obscure and unimportant to explain) and after years of bitter debate and innumerable impasses, its Senior Council conceded defeat and unanimously decided that the People would have to choose their next ruler.
Many candidates emerged and made their case to the People, arguing why they would make a good King (or Queen) - but they all sounded too much like past Kings and Council Members, and the People wanted change. The People liked the idea of choosing their own ruler and wanted someone who spoke for them, who wanted what they wanted, who represented the Common Folk and would remain Common even with a Crown perched on his or her head.
Finally a Common Man came forward and said "If someone must wear the Crown, let it be me. I'm as Common as they come, I know what the Common Folk want, and I will change the Kingdom to reflect the spirit of the People."
Finally the People had found their man and with One Voice they proclaimed him King.
True to his word, the new King didn't behave like other Kings and didn't turn his back on the People. In fact, he became even more endearing to the Common Man as he made change after change as he had promised. Some of the Senior Councillors tried to stop him when they felt he was going too far, but others understood in which direction the winds of popular opinion blew, and put their own misgivings aside to support the new King.
The People loved their King. Many Councillors supported him. And the King ruled for many years.
During his reign, the King - being a Common Man - occasionally got caught breaking the rules, behaving immorally, and even treating others unfairly. But such was the love of the People for their King, that each new report only strengthened their affection: "He's one of us - warts and all."
But there came a time when the Senior Councillors had had enough of the un-kingly behaviour, and some of them began to speak out: "He is the face of our Land and he is shaming us." Others joined the wave of criticism - Philosophers, Chroniclers, Historians, and Moralists added their voices - and soon the quiet dissent became a vocal outcry. Evidence of wrong-doings was gathered and presented in Public Forums. (Note: spellcheck doesn't like the word "fora" so I've gone with the wrong word in the spirit of speaking for the common people).
The King shrugged his shoulders and said: "I am who I am. I am imperfect. And that's why I was chosen by the People." And then, just to be sure, he surrounded himself with Local Toughs who pressured the Philosophers, Chroniclers, Historians, Moralists and Dissenting Councillors to stop causing trouble. Those who didn't stop, were vilified, bullied, and ultimately exiled from the land.
Finally, the King was caught doing something that everyone knew could not be tolerated. There was no doubt anymore that the King's reign should end. His loyal Councillors joined the ranks of those calling for his removal. His Toughs fell under heavy scrutiny and disappeared into the shadows. Until finally - with the exception of some members of his family and a few of the People - the King found himself alone.
Confronting the bitter truth, the King spoke to the People, saying "I am sorry that I let you down. I tried to be the King you wanted. I was imperfect, as you always knew. But you deserve a better Ruler."
And with that, he exiled everyone from the Kingdom so they could have a better King elsewhere.
He ruled the more-or-less empty Kingdom for years more, until he tripped over an anvil and broke his collarbone.
The End.
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