Chapter 11
Ring Not Included
James and Maria face Judge Pittman, a white lady in her early forties.
Maria struggles not to pout. She grumbles under her breath. “I always figured if I changed my name for a man, I’d at least get a ring out of it.”
James says, “Your Honor, I can’t wait four weeks for newspapers. I’ve told millions of people my new name. If we have to wait six weeks for a court date, our campaign is over.”
Judge Pittman says, “I understand the urgency of an expedited hearing. Mr. Wong, ‘none of the above’ has a special meaning in politics, a no-confidence vote, and does not endorse any actual candidates. Wouldn’t your name change cause confusion in the election and a possible source of fraud?”
“I’m not James Wong anymore. I’m None of the Above. I’ve publicly shared my ne
