I tap the mic. “Most people don’t want to crawl down your chimney and steal your dog.”
the crowd murmurs uncertainly.
“If someone wants to steal your dog,” I continue, “there are easier ways to do that. They don’t have to crawl into a chimney.”
Murmuring intensifies. People stand in their seats and begin to boo.
“People disguising themselves as chimney sweepers and stealing dogs is not a rational fear,” I shout. “Literally anyone could steal your dog. Why make sweeping chimneys illegal?”
“I have a list of chimney sweeps who stole dogs from parks!” Someone yells, throwing a shoe.
“You seriously think no chimney sweepers could possibly ever steal from a home?” Another cries.
“Only a dog thief would even want to crawl into a chimney to begin with!” Says a third.
A single tear rolls down my cheek. They are all so fucking stupid