Sophistry by Mike Dickson

The light plays down the walls in a spectral display of refracted pigments. It shimmers a little, as thought caught in a moment between air and light and water.

"You see, some people promised you bread and some circuses. And other promised you guns and others butter. What if I said we could have all four?"

"But can you make such a promise? How is such a thing affordable? Who will foot the bill for all of this?"

"Well sure, but we have to know if that's what people want first, don't you think? The bill comes later."

"And you say it's all possible? Affordable? Practical?"

"Absolutely possible, yes."

"But the problem is that none of these really address the central issues we face today. What if we think we need more than this?"

"But no one else has given you all of this, have they? Where have the others left this country of ours? Most of them have let office and never been seen again. No one is accountable any more. I will be here to be counted and judged on my actions."

"No, but the last people said that too, and..."

"So why are you making out like this is all a bad thing? I'm promising the people here more than they have ever had before. And I am promising to see it through to the very end."

The light flickers again. The sense of artifice increases along with the nearly inaudible hum of the ambience.

"Yes, I accept that but what if..."

"Then why are you arguing? WHat is there to possibly argue about? I say it's possible and I will deliver it by remaining here to make sure it's done."

The light breaks back, clearer this time. The questioner is held in semi darkness. Above, the light shines down upon the other person on the stage. The glow makes him feel godlike. And that means others will see that too.

Tracklist

1.	Sophistry 01	4:10

2.	Sophistry 02	3:29

3.	Sophistry 03	3:49

4.	Sophistry 04	2:38

5.	Sophistry 05	3:36

6.	Sophistry 06	4:38

7.	Sophistry 07	3:03

8.	Sophistry 08	7:28

9.	Sophistry 09	3:39

10.	Sophistry 10	5:13

11.	Sophistry 11	3:42

12.	Sophistry 12	8:02

Credits

released January 1, 2026

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