As news of the US election results spreads across the globe, world leaders started to make decisions based on the President’s re-election. For one small nation, nestled within the United States itself, this was the night to take a stand, to show the US that they were a sovereign nation, and that they were not afraid to dissent. In an auditorium near the capital of this heavily wooded country, reporters from all over the world gathered to hear the announcement of the Prime Minister of Lupinia.

“What in the world is taking so long?” asks a young female reporter from ABC. “What could possibly be causing these delays?”

A nearby reporter from Fox smirks “Maybe they got distracted chasing their tails”

The ABC reporter scowls at the Fox guy, but suddenly a small arctic wolf steps up to the podium and addresses the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, the Prime Minister will be with you in a few moments. We ask that you hold all questions until after his statements are complete.” He glances stage left for a moment, then holds his paw up to silence the crowd. “Please rise; and now, the Prime Minister of Lupinia, Sir Felix Lockhart”.

A tall grey wolf steps into the room, surrounded loosely by Dobermans in suits and sunglasses. He steps up to the podium, his long headfur in a loose ponytail, and waves solemnly to the audience. Immediately, cameras begin to flash and video indicator lights come on. All eyes are on this reclusive leader, making his first public statement of the year. He glances around the room, his blue eyes sparkling in the plethora of lights, and begins his speech.

“Good evening, everyone."

"As many of you know, the American presidential election has been decided, and incumbant president George W. Bush has been declared the winner. Both candidates have called for unity and an end to divisive partisanship, but they have failed to realize that George Bush himself is the root of this divisiveness. His administration's policies have alienated the global community, increased tensions among enemies, and even alienated his own people. And now, he will be in power for another four years. This is unacceptable."

"As Prime Minister of the Republic of Lupinia, I hereby announce that this nation is renouncing all support and alliances with the United States. We refuse to be associated with a nation that is responsible for such atrocities and crimes of war, nor do we have any sympathy for a nation that willingly re-elects the leader responsible for such reprehensible actions."

"On behalf of the High Council of Lupinia, I hereby announce that our borders with the United States are to be closed until further notice. We are discontinuing tourism visas until further notice, and we will no longer be exporting any of our agricultural or lumber products to the US."

And now, I’ll take a few questions”

Immediately, the room erupts with voices, each reporter trying to get his or her question heard by the canine. Felix flinches, his sensitive ears ringing from all the noise. He holds a paw above his eyes to see over the bright stage lights, and points to a young female in the second row. “I’ll take yours first, ma’am.”

She quickly stands as the room calms and focuses their cameras on the lucky lady in their first-choice seat “Charley Parker, ABC. Mr. Prime Minister, how do you plan to secure your borders on all sides if the US decides to take military action against your trade sanctions?”

“Well, we’ve gained a lot of support in the international community, and we have military alliances with Great Britain, Australia, Russian, and many other powerful nations, as well as NATO and the United Nations. We are a peaceful nation, and we have no desire nor intention to engage in military action against the US, but we have allies if we need their help. Next question please, we’ll take yours, sir.” He points to a large balding man in the first row.

He casually stands and smirks at the wolf. “Richard Levinthall, Fox News. Our sources tell us that you’re planning to abdicate your position and relocate to a zoo in Pittsburgh. Can you confirm?” Several reporters laugh.

Felix stares at the man with annoyed look on his face. “I have no idea where you heard that, nor do I have a clue how your network got a press pass to this event.” He waves his paw and several large Dobermans and Rottweilers pick the man up by his arms and escort him from the room. He wags his tail lightly and points to a scrawny young man wearing jeans and a Maroon 5 t-shirt “I’ll take your question, young man.”

The student stands up and nods to Felix. “Chris Anderson, WXJM Harrisonburg. Is it true that your administration is planning to legalize marijuana, and if so, will you consider issuing ‘hash visas’?”

Felix stares at the young student for a few moments, trying to figure out if this kid is serious. “Well, one of the representatives from the province of Cumberland has proposed a marijuana legalization bill, but it has not even been read to the council yet, and my administration does not have an official position on the measure yet. As for the other part of your question, we will not likely be issuing that sort of visa to anyone. No further questions.” He steps away from the podium, pausing beside it for a last photo opportunity, then exits the room with his security guards following closely. Once out of the room, he leans against the wall and looks down, his ears and tail drooping sadly.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be better in four years.”

Felix glances up to see the familiar face of his US ambassador, Thaddeus LoveJoy. He smiles and perks his ears a bit. “Well, I sure hope so, Thad, it’d be hard for it to get any worse. C’mon, let’s go get some buffalo wings”. He walks alongside his human friend and heads for the capitol’s restaurant, starting to feel more hopeful by the minute.