Summary

In Stephen Arr's short story, "Mr. President," George Wong, a man with a high Responsibility Quotient, is overwhelmingly elected as the next President of the Solar Union. Despite the honor, Wong is not happy. He knows that Presidents are essentially drafted and that their lives will be consumed by the endless demands of the office. The story begins with the election returns and follows Wong through his first day as President, where he is immediately confronted with a series of complex and overwhelming decisions.

Wong's first day is a whirlwind of difficult choices. He must decide whether to send a space platoon to aid in a distant conflict, respond to an ultimatum from the Gnii regarding a trading planetoid, and consider the implications of a revolutionary conversion bomb. Each decision carries significant consequences, affecting not only the Solar Union but potentially the entire galaxy. Wong grapples with the weight of his responsibilities, feeling increasingly overwhelmed by the constant demands and the potential for disastrous outcomes.

As the day progresses, Wong becomes more and more disoriented. He struggles to keep track of the various issues and the arguments surrounding them. The endless stream of information and the pressure to make quick decisions begin to take their toll. He feels trapped by his own sense of responsibility, unable to escape the relentless demands of the presidency. The story ends with Wong descending into a state of confusion and near-madness, unable to cope with the overwhelming burden of his office. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the immense pressures and sacrifices demanded of those in positions of power, and the potential for even the most responsible individuals to be broken by the weight of their duties.

Ultimately, the narrative highlights the dehumanizing effect of power and the immense personal cost associated with leadership on a galactic scale. George Wong, initially presented as a competent and conscientious individual, is ultimately reduced to a state of mental disarray by the sheer volume and complexity of the decisions he is forced to make. The story paints a bleak picture of a future where political leadership is less about vision and more about enduring an endless barrage of crises and impossible choices.