Mean Mermaids
A Mermaid Murder Tale/Tail…
The position of a mermaid at the “Meal With A Mermaid” attraction has always been one of the most coveted amusement park roles. Set in the world’s largest aquarium women from around the world come to audition. Only a few are chosen. The theme restaurant is beautiful with it’s massive aquarium and haute cuisine seafood menu. Women apply there hoping to “get caught like a fish” as the richest men in the world dine there on vacation or for business which is why there is such a high mermaid turnover. It would be a way out for the beautiful yet failed synchronized swimmer.
Although stunning and talented she had been bullied off of the swim team and only by chance had she heard about the opportunity. As she packed without saying a word about where she was headed she listened to the disingenuous goodbyes and looked at the fake smiles with glaring eyes from others in the locker room. She saw what they did to get her kicked off of the team and she wouldn’t forget it either! Just like she never forgot the old saying “revenge is a dish best served cold”! “I’ll get even!” she thought as she waved and left hearing giggling behind her.
She was composed now. However, just a night before she had cried herself to sleep again over the constant mistreatment she’d endured all because of a news story deciding to use her photo in a closeup instead of the entire synchronized swimming team. She’d had nothing to do with their decision. The extra attention her looks got her always created jealousy with other females. Each one of them had lied about her…
It would be a long drive to the amusement park just to audition. Everything she owned was loaded into her SUV as she hit the road. She drove nonstop for almost 24 hours just to make the tryouts. Her body ached and she could barely stay awake by the time she arrived. She got there just in time to hear the employment coordinator say: “Remember that a coveted position with the ‘Meal With A Mermaid’ attraction is literally life in a fishbowl! Your every move will be watched within the park and outside by our guests and the general public!” then they were split into groups to apply their makeup and try on the costumes.
During the costume fitting many applicants were disqualified immediately due to their inability to fit them as they required an almost perfect physique and others making the slightest negative comments or jokes about them were also cut! She hadn’t expected the competition to decrease so quickly and felt suddenly invigorated after the long drive. She put on her makeup which she seldom wore to hear the familiar gasps when she was done. The employment facilitator immediately asked her to read the menu aloud and told her to also see about a hostess position if not selected as a mermaid! It started again… The mumbling and glares from other females but this time each one that did it was cut from the hiring event!
She got in the giant aquarium and the other applicants watched in amazement as she went through an old routine from the synchronized swimming team. As soon as she got out of the water she was offered a position. They all clapped and she couldn’t believe her luck! Suddenly the joyous moment was shattered by a scream. The news was on a television over the bar and the entire swim team she had been on was dead in a bus accident on the way to a competition. She feigned tears and surprise as she heard the news and hoped no one smelled the brake fluid on her street clothes.
About the Creator
Christopher “CJ” Herring
Poetry from a Black gay male poet about the alternative lifestyle experience and life in general. Also, creative writing… I enjoy writing challenges!
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Minneapolis ICE Shooting Updates
In recent weeks, Minneapolis has found itself at the center of a growing legal and political controversy following a shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. What initially appeared to be a straightforward federal use-of-force investigation has evolved into a broader dispute between state authorities and federal officials, raising serious questions about transparency, jurisdiction, and accountability. The most significant development so far is the state’s claim that it has been denied access to key evidence related to the incident. As public attention intensifies, the case is no longer just about what happened during the shooting. It is increasingly about who controls the facts, who gets to investigate them, and how justice is supposed to function when federal and state systems collide. What We Know About the Minneapolis ICE Shooting The shooting occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. ICE agents were reportedly conducting official duties when gunfire erupted, resulting in injuries and immediate emergency response. Federal authorities confirmed the incident and stated that internal protocols were activated, including an automatic review by federal oversight bodies. From the beginning, details were limited. Officials cited the ongoing nature of the investigation and concerns about officer safety. This lack of information, while not unusual in federal cases, quickly became a point of friction for Minnesota state authorities, who argued that the public deserved clarity and that the state had a legal role to play in examining the incident. State Authorities Push for Transparency Minnesota state officials, including investigators and legal representatives, formally requested access to evidence connected to the shooting. This evidence reportedly includes body camera footage, surveillance recordings, forensic reports, and internal communication logs from the operation. According to state representatives, these requests were either delayed or denied outright. The state has since gone on record stating that it cannot independently assess the legality of the shooting without full access to the materials. This denial has fueled concerns that federal agencies are operating without sufficient external oversight, especially in incidents involving potential civilian harm. State leaders emphasized that their position is not adversarial by default. Rather, they argue that cooperation between federal and state agencies is essential to maintain public trust, particularly in communities already wary of immigration enforcement. Federal Response and Jurisdictional Limits Federal officials, for their part, maintain that the investigation falls squarely under federal jurisdiction. ICE operates as a federal agency, and shootings involving federal officers are typically reviewed internally and, when appropriate, by federal prosecutors or inspectors general. In statements released following the controversy, federal representatives cited legal restrictions that limit the sharing of evidence during an active investigation. They also stressed that premature disclosure could compromise witness testimony or investigative integrity. This explanation, while legally grounded, has done little to ease state frustrations. Critics argue that “ongoing investigation” has too often been used as a blanket justification for withholding information, even in cases where transparency could prevent misinformation and public unrest. Community Reaction and Public Trust The Minneapolis community has responded with a mix of concern, anger, and fatigue. For many residents, particularly in immigrant and marginalized communities, the shooting has reopened long-standing fears about aggressive enforcement tactics and lack of accountability. Community leaders and advocacy groups have called for the immediate release of non-sensitive evidence, arguing that transparency is a prerequisite for trust. Peaceful demonstrations and public forums have highlighted a broader demand: that no law enforcement agency, federal or otherwise, should be beyond scrutiny. Local officials echoed these concerns, noting that Minneapolis has spent years attempting to rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement. The perception that evidence is being withheld threatens to undermine that progress. Legal Implications of Denied Evidence From a legal standpoint, the state’s inability to access evidence raises complex questions. While federal agencies do have authority over their operations, states also have a responsibility to investigate deaths or injuries occurring within their borders. Legal experts suggest that this dispute could set a precedent. If states are routinely blocked from reviewing evidence in federal use-of-force cases, it may limit their ability to pursue independent inquiries or bring charges under state law when applicable. Some analysts believe the issue could ultimately be resolved in court, with judges determining whether the state has a legal right to access certain materials. Such a ruling could have national implications, influencing how future federal-state conflicts are handled. Political Dimensions of the Case The Minneapolis ICE shooting has also taken on a political dimension. Immigration enforcement remains a deeply divisive issue, and incidents like this tend to amplify existing ideological divides. State officials critical of federal immigration policies view the denial of evidence as symptomatic of a larger lack of accountability. Meanwhile, supporters of strict federal enforcement argue that state interference could hinder effective operations and put officers at risk. This political tension complicates the path forward. What might otherwise be a procedural disagreement risks becoming a symbolic battle over immigration, law enforcement authority, and states’ rights. What Happens Next? As of now, the investigation continues under federal oversight, while the state explores its legal options. Negotiations between state and federal officials have reportedly not been ruled out, suggesting that a compromise could still be reached. Potential next steps include limited evidence sharing under confidentiality agreements, congressional inquiries, or judicial review. Each option carries its own risks and consequences, both legally and politically. What remains clear is that public pressure is unlikely to fade. Minneapolis residents, like many Americans, are demanding clarity, fairness, and accountability in cases involving law enforcement use of force. A Broader Conversation About Accountability The Minneapolis ICE shooting is no longer just a single incident under investigation. It has become a lens through which broader issues are being examined: the balance of power between federal and state authorities, the limits of transparency, and the role of public oversight in a democratic society. Whether or not the state ultimately gains access to the evidence, the controversy has already sparked an important conversation. How that conversation translates into policy, practice, or reform remains to be seen, but its impact will likely extend far beyond Minneapolis. In the end, accountability is not only about assigning blame. It is about ensuring that systems function openly and fairly, especially when lives are affected. The outcome of this case may help determine how well those principles are upheld in the future.
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