The Citizen

[first lines]

Bailiff:
All rise.

Judge Hawthorne:
Please be seated. Mr. Winston, you may cross-examine the witness.

Winston:
Good morning. Prior to your arrival in 2001, had you made any other visits to this country?

Ibrahim:
No.

Winston:
Did your duties as an auto mechanic in any way necessitate relocation to the United States?

Ibrahim:
Sorry, would you please repeat the question.

Winston:
What brought you to this country? Why are you here?

Diane:
I'm a complete stranger to you, why are you helping me?

Ibrahim:
Because you need help. You know what, My father used to tell me - how can I say it in English - he tell me, "Ibrahim, to reach your dreams, plants your good deeds."

Diane:
That's really pretty, but I doubt a strategy like that is going to help you in the big city.

Winston:
Mr. Jarrad, there are lingering questions about you.

Ibrahim:
These lingering questions have gone against freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law at the same time. I cannot answer such an un-American question, because I am here in the United States of American, where the Bill of Rights must be respected. Or that anyone can be president, regardless of his color. Perhaps you should read up on the constitution before you come up with your next question. [courtroom applause]