"THIS IS IT"
Our Bountiful Continent
Chapter 11
In the late afternoon of the one hundred and eighty-first day of the year, I arrived in Denver. As I approached the living complex, the Delegates were just arriving, after having visited a number of mountain recreation areas. As they departed from the bus, they were all attempting to talk at once, to the extent that I was at a loss to determine who was saying what to whom. They had so many things to tell me concerning their experience in the various mountain areas that they chose to sit at the park area benches. Apparently, they wanted to give vent to their feelings concerning the grandeur of the Rocky Mountain areas they had visited during the past two days.
Above the noise of chatter, Miss Vollnogle said, "Mr. Thorp, the feeling one has at the top of Pikes Peak is indescribable. The panoramic view of such vast landscape is so breathtaking as to cause one to feel that one has arrived at the throne of God." Miss Jensen said her greatest thrill was riding a ski lift. Later, when we were at dinner, I was paged to receive a telephone call. When I answered, John Brooks said, "Edward, I dislike having to ask you to break away from the tour, especially when you have just arrived in Denver, but something of importance has arisen that requires your attention. It is going to be necessary for you to travel abroad for a time, concerning commodity exchange with a number of nations. I have asked Mr. Acres and Mr. Wolford to accompany you. "I am not necessarily asking you to desert your responsibility of looking after the visiting Delegates; however, if you have someone who can assume the responsibility, please do so, and arrive here tomorrow so we can formulate an itinerary."
When I arrived at the table, Tom was saying, "When I was a youngster, in the state of Oklahoma, my grandfather had a cantankerous mule that he called Daddy. When that mule thought he had been worked too hard, he would open the lot gate and keep going until he found a vacant house or barn in which he would hide during the day, and only come out at night to eat, which caused it to be very difficult for him to be found. "Once when he had disappeared, my grandfather hitched a team to the wagon, and we started driving up the road in search of a vacant building where that mule critter might be hiding. Suddenly we came to a washed-out bridge and couldn't go any farther. Grandfather sat for a time just looking around, and after a bit he said, -'Tom, I see wagon tracks going under that wire fence, and continuing on across the meadow. I see that the staples are out of the fence posts. So you just step on the wire and hold it down until I drive across.' "After he had driven over the wire fence, he said, 'I see a house across yonder, so let's drive over yonder and see if anyone has seen that cussed mule.' "When we drove up to the house, Grandfather said, 'Hello in there" A tall feller (who had the longest neck and the largest Adam's apple I have ever seen) came to the door. When he began talking, I hardly heard what he said, because of watching his Adam's apple. Sometimes it would travel up and down his neck real fast, like something was after it. Other times it would go in jerks, or at times it would stop and just sort of quiver, then go wild again. The thing that frightened me most was when he would say, 'Over yonder,' because it would cause his Adam's apple to have a regular spasm. Finally I whispered to Grandfather to drive away before the thing dislodged, because I didn't want to be around when it happened. "I heard the feller say, 'There is a vacant house over yonder, something like three or four miles from here, but I warn you, there ain't no roads to foller. Howsornever, if you drive careful like, you can make it.
Now, I will tell you how to get there. Just foller them there wagon tracks, and drive over my war fence, like you did back yonder. After you drive over the fence, take off on that there high ground, so as to get around that there ravine over yonder. When you get down off the high ground, drive along that lane to Cousin Bill's place. When you get to Cousin Bill's place, there is a lane leading up to Mr. Johnson's house. Before you go taking down that there war fence (which you will have to do), you had better do some good explaining what your business is, because Mr. Johnson is a mite unfriendly at times. After you leave the Johnson place, take off down that there slope until you get around that there clump of elm trees. Then you will see that vacant house sittin' out there in that there old deserted field. " 'Just as a warning,' he said, 'I would be a mite careful, because people here about have seen some strange goings on around that there place. I hear tell that the feller what built it was massacred by the Indians, and his ghost has been seen hanging around a good bit of the time. Other than that, I reckon it is safe enough to look there for your mule; howsomever, I would be a mite careful.' "When I looked at Grandfather, his face had turned sort of a green color, and he said to the feller, 'Well, by God now, it is getting a mite late in the day to be driving over strange country. So, I think I will put it off until another day.' "Grandfather never went back, but the mule finally came home." When Tom's narration came to an end, Miss Jensen said, "Tom, I can tell by the expression on your face that you have been lying to us."
As the Delegates were reminiscing over the things they had seen and heard on the mountain tour, I was deep in thought concerning their safety and pleasure for the remainder of their stay on this continent. Several things came to my mind, aside from exposing them to the beauty of parks and mountains. One was the importance of their seeing projects that were under construction, such as the rapid transit tube that was under construction at various locations over the continent, and the construction of inland waterway barges, as well as other modes of transportation (of which some had been completed), and, of course, the beauty of yet more cities.
I thought about the possibility of their tiring of spending hours riding across country by bus. Perhaps air travel to the various points of interest would meet with their approval. Aside from the boredom of bus riding, air travel would greatly expedite the tour if they were to see the main features of this continent.
Before retiring, I met with Tom, and Joe Courtland (our driver), and told them of my impending trip, and briefed them on what best to do during my absence. I told Tom to keep Continental Headquarters informed each day, as to location and condition of the Delegates; by that method I would know where to meet them on my return. After breakfast I informed the Delegates that I would be absent for a time, and boarded a plane to Topeka. After having been abroad for fifteen days, and having traveled to a number of nations, in both Europe and Asia, I returned to Topeka.
On arriving, I gave the Executive Committee a detailed account of our progress in the various nations. I reported that most nations, in both Europe and Asia, were primarily interested in food, and that we had arranged to exchange various food items (of which we have a sizable surplus) for various raw materials, such as minerals, among which tungsten was included, and that we would receive a sizable amount of currency from each nation as part of the exchange.
While in Topeka, I learned that the Delegates had visited such places as the Montezuma Castle, the Petrified Forest, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Sequoia, and Yosemite Parks, the Little Bighorn area, Vancouver, and the San Juan islands, and then taken a bus trip down the Pacific Coast, stopping at such places as the Monterey Bay area, and made a tour of the noted Seventeen Mile Drive.
On the one hundred and ninety-sixth day of the year, my plane landed at the Los Angeles Airport, at which time I boarded a train. When I departed from the train, I was at a complete loss, due to such drastic changes made in that area since I had last been there. I recognized only a few of the structures, of which my hotel was one. Surrounding the hotel were vast park and recreation areas, and beyond the park area were vast groves of citrus orchard, interspersed with alfalfa and grain fields. While standing near the hotel entrance, and being awestruck at such beauty, a young man approached me and asked if I were Edward Thorp. The young man introduced himself as Frank Cassidy, of the Recreational Sequence of Regional Divisions 11833 and 11834, and said that he had been assigned to look after our comfort and pleasure during our stay in these Regional Divisions.
Immediately I barraged the poor fellow with questions. I said, "Seeing such a change in this Wilshire area, what can it be like in the downtown area of Los Angeles, and what has happened to the beach areas?" Mr. Cassidy said, "Well, you certainly have asked a multiple question. In the first place, aside from this being a suitable area for the production of citrus fruit and animal husbandry, including dairying, it is a mild climate, suitable for retired Americans and tourists. "All along the ocean front, from Santa Barbara to Acapulco, we have erected living complexes for both retired people and tourists, and recreational facilities for the pleasure of North Americans. The West Coast is the most heavily populated area of any place on the North American Continent. "Assuming that you have not seen this place since the inception of our Social Dynamic, I can assure you that you will be amazed at the sight that is in store for you. "In the area which you term the downtown district of Los Angeles, there are some structures you will recognize, such as the City Hall, the structure you remember as the Federal Building, and the Union Depot, as well as other structures that are still in use as headquarters for the various sequences in these Regional Divisions. There are also a number of old hotels that are still in use. Recently there have been a number of living complexes erected adjacent to the agriculture and animal husbandry activity. There have recently been some new structures erected to house the various manufacturing activities. There are a number of hotels and living complexes that have been erected at the beach areas, where people can go from one to the other by means of multiplespeed mobile pedestrian walkways. "As you travel over this area, from north to south, you will see bicycle lanes in all directions."
I am quite certain that I was standing with my mouth open, on hearing of such wonders, when the Delegates' bus arrived. When the Delegates departed from the bus, I was smothered with hugs and handshakes, and everyone was attempting to tell me of their experiences. To our surprise and pleasure, on entering the hotel lobby, we were met by a welcoming committee, consisting, to a great extent, of the Regional Division Directors, of 11833 and 11834, who conducted us to the banquet hall.
After we were seated and introductions were made, toasts were made by the various Sequence Directors. Mr. John Contrall, of the Armed Forces Sequence, of which the Continental Constabulary is a part, said, "Here is to lasting peace among all people of the world." Mr. Raymond Fisher, of the Social Relations Sequence, said, "Here is to the Delegates of all nations, who have come to this continent to observe our mode of social operation."
Mr. Mark Gonzales, of Area Control, in these Regional Divisions, said, "Here is to a group of people who have traveled across our continent to observe a unique method of social mechanics, designed to afford affluence to every citizen of this continental area. It is our wish to impress you with the simplicity and practicability of a social design that can enhance every continent of the world, and establish peace and goodwill among all human beings, once the other continents of the world have established something similar. Here is hoping that, when you depart, you will take with you a concept that will, henceforth, and for all times hereafter, establish in man a feeling of being his brother's keeper, and banish from the earth hunger, privation, and a jaundiced eye."
After a number of toasts were made, after the food was served, the Delegates were prone to ask questions, rather than to eat. As usual, it was Miss Jensen who asked Mr. Fisher, of Social Relations, if free speech is tolerated on the North American Continent. As expected, her question evoked a startled but humorous expression on Mr. Fisher's face. After pondering the question for a moment, he said, "Miss, not only do we tolerate it, we encourage it. To be more specific, we have arranged halls and park locations all across the continent, where people can criticize our Social Order, or get various other things off their chest, so to speak, where there is an audience to listen, and personnel of the Continental Constabulary to see to it that no one is set upon by those disagreeing. Those places are similar to Hyde Park of London. They are designated by various nomenclature across the continent. "There is one such place in Long Beach, and I have been told that it derives its name, 'The Spit and Argue Club,' from what transpired on a pier in a bygone era. I was told the phrase 'Spit and Argue' was adopted as a result of retired farmers who went there to chew tobacco and spit in the ocean, while arguing about controversial subjects. No, miss, it makes for a healthy condition when people can get together and vent their likes and dislikes about anything, including their dislike of the operating mechanics of our Social Dynamic, if they so desire. In fact, it is a method whereby we learn of our shortcomings. In many instances, we have progress as a result of it." Miss Jensen's only reply was: "Incredible!" Mr. Van Vorhees said, "Mr. Fisher, Mr. Thorp has told me that the Social Relations Sequence is a counterpart of your erstwhile judicial system, with, of course, some exceptions, "I am wondering," he said, "if it is fair and just, to both the judge and the accused, for the judge to be placed in a position of having to pass judgment, without the sanction of a jury?" "Hasn't Mr. Thorp explained that to you? Mr. Fisher asked. "Perhaps he has, and you have misconstrued his phraseology, or perhaps You have seen and heard so many things since you have been on this continent that you have forgotten. "No, Mr. Van Vorhees, never is judgment assed on a citizen by one person. There are a panel of judges, consisting of an odd number, usually five or seven, and in some instances even a Larger number, depending, Of course, on the seriousness of the crime of which a citizen is accused. Actually, a panel of judges only passes judgment after taking under advisement all testimony given by the accuser and the accused and the citizens appearing in behalf of and against the accused. "By this method, one can form a clear picture of the case, and recommend to others in the panel any correction or punishment, if you will, that is commensurate with the crime committed. Many times the accused only require medical attention or a period of rehabilitation. "Actually, Mr. Van Vorhees, in the absence of monetary consideration, there are very few social infractions. We have no money to rob from each other," he said, "aside from those arising out of jealousy, which is usually the result of the lost affection of a sweetheart, or a broken marriage, caused by sexual promiscuity."
When Miss Jensen asked if capital punishment is permitted in North America, Mr. Fisher said, "Miss, no one has the moral or ethical right, or should be placed in a position of being responsible for another person's death; to do so is premeditated murder, which causes the judge, the prosecuting attorney, and the jury to be as guilty as the accused. "No one has the right to take the life of another person, except in self-defense, or the defense of a loved one, or in defense of one's continent, in the event of foreign invasion. "Any person who has the incorrigible compulsion to kill is confined to an area of an institution where he can harm no one, "Sexual maniacs who molest un-consenting women or children are given medication or a surgical operation to remove the incentive. In most instances, this condition is detected in an individual at his semiannual medical examination, and is corrected before he can harm anyone."
Mr. Proulx was yet curious about the policing of a land area as large as North America, and at this gathering he had the opportunity to question someone in that sequence. He said, "Tell me, Mr. Contrall, if the personnel of the Continental Constabulary are a part of and subject to Army discipline, why do they receive their direction from the Area Control and the Social Relations Sequence?" "In order to have all armed forces of a continent unified and efficient," he said, "it requires that all branches be under one discipline and training, but not necessarily take directions from the branch from which they received their training. Actually, it is the Area Control and Social Relations in any Regional Division that require the service of the Continental Constabulary personnel. "The Continental Constabulary is a counterpart of your police force, with the exception of training and discipline," he said.
When questions had abated and eating began, I said, "Mr. Gonzales, even though I have explained the function of Area Control to the Delegates, I think it would be well for you to explain it to them, rather than for me to reiterate." Mr. Gonzales said, "Our function in the Social Order is that of guardianship, in seeing to it that everything operates smoothly and harmoniously, in any given Regional Division, or Divisions. You can think of me as the mayor of a city, or the governor of a state, insofar as my responsibility is concerned. One could very well say that we are the housekeepers of a Regional Division."
After questions and appetites had been sated, the gathering became a social thing, with everyone talking at once. The Delegates were telling of their experience while on tour, and the impression it made on them. The Directors in turn were relating local happenings, and telling the Delegates of interesting places to visit, in that locale.
The hour was late before everyone became tired and decided to retire. I was especially tired, after having traveled so extensively over the past several days, and was rather tense from meetings, and negotiating commodity exchange agreements with the various governmental agencies of a number of nations. After going to sleep, I dreamed of my recent tour abroad. In my dream I was most concerned about the exchange deals I had negotiated, but was wondering, of course, if I had been liberal enough with the various nations, and fair enough to North Americans. I was especially distressed while dreaming about one nation in particular. I was striking a hard bargain for their various minerals with the Foreign Exchange Minister, while standing about us were hungry and depressed people, and mothers holding out young children, who were gaunt from malnutrition, for me to see. The dream was so real that I awoke with a start. When finally realizing that it was only a dream, I began reminiscing over the event, and suddenly realized that, during that exchange deal, I had been soft-hearted, to the extent of being exceptionally liberal with our food items. Yes, I was liberal to the extent that I later developed a bad conscience, concerning the fairness to North Americans.
On the morning of the one hundred and ninety-seventh day of the year, I awoke after a night of torturous dreams. In the light of day, my feelings were not of guilt, but rather of pity for all people of the world. To me, their plight seemed not only pitiable, but psychological, in that they were yet clinging to a concept of scarcity in a technological era of abundance. I reasoned that every continent of the world contains sufficient arable land, climate, natural resources, and trained personnel to afford a high standard of living for every citizen.
While I was sitting in the lobby, the question came to my mind: Why are so many people of this world deprived of an abundant life during their stay on this earth? I was at a loss to know why the answer to their plight hadn't occurred to me before, because suddenly the whole answer unfolded before me in one panoramic scope.
Since the dawn of time, due to the lack of technology, the human animal had been forced to strive for a mere subsistence. That condition, coupled with human greed, in an era of physical scarcity, had been conducive to the more enterprising individuals arbitrarily establishing themselves as land barons. Once established, they manipulated and controlled their fellows for the purpose of receiving for themselves a greater portion of the necessities of life. That condition eventually evolved into kingdoms, of which the land barons, in order to perpetuate their status, were defenders, leaving the mass of human beings to grovel before and support their masters, for a mere subsistence. The order of the day, during that pretechnological era was divide and rule, resulting in the cutting up of a continental area into small divisions that were void of sufficient resources to be self-sufficient. That condition caused the leaders of each division to look at the other with a jaundiced eye, resulting in constant turmoil and war. It suddenly became clear to me that that concept of social operation had become so instilled and embedded in people's minds that they didn't question its authenticity. I suddenly realized that the advent of technology, in all nations of the world, was ringing the death knell to the old order of social control. It came to my mind that if the old order of social control, embracing a scarcity concept, were permitted to continue, the result would be complete chaos and a breakdown of social structures on large portions of the earth, causing masses of people to starve and die, in the midst of abundance.
After pondering the social alternatives for a time, I said aloud, "My God, North America has adapted a social order that is compatible with technology. Why not the rest of the world? The only solution is for them to unite and operate, rather than divide and rule." At that instant Frank Cassidy approached and said, "What did you say? Were you asking a question?" I said, "No, Frank, I was only talking to myself." "Frank, before meeting the Delegates at breakfast," I said, Can you suggest some interesting activity for the day?" "Well, I have a number of things in mind," he said. "Let's let the Delegates choose an alternative."
Breakfast was an eventful affair what with everyone attempting to relate their tour experience. Sheik Omar said, "I still can't believe what I have seen. I had no idea that this continent contained such wonders. Your coastal redwood forest is a land of the gods, and your General Sherman Tree is a monument to your greatness. The diversity of your scenery leaves me dizzy. What impresses me is the happiness and graciousness of your people, wherever I have traveled in your land. The unique and pleasing thing about this continent is that there is no friction or bad feelings among your people, who are of different races and religions; they are truly one great happy family." At that bit of praise, he put his handkerchief to his eyes and said, "Excuse me, please." After he had gained his composure he said, "You have really discovered the secrets of Allah." Miss Vollnogle thought her most exciting experience was traveling through the desert areas. She said, "Those saguaro cactus, growing to such great heights, in such an arid place, and those petrified trees, and the Montezuma Castle I hope my pictures develop well." Mr. Van Vorhees thought the most interesting thing he saw was a massive barge train on the Columbia River. Mr. Proulx was most impressed with the rapid transit tube he had seen under construction at various locations. Mrs. Gandhi was most impressed with what she termed our Taj Mahal structures everywhere she traveled, and the quantity and quality of food, and the graciousness of our people.
When the conversation had abated, Frank said, "Folks, there are a number of places we can go today, such as our museum in Burbank, where a number of things are made, such as aircraft, monorail coaches, rapid transit tube coaches, and space-to-earth reentry craft; or we can go to the beach areas, at Santa Monica, Ocean Park, and Venice; or the planetarium, or we can just tour the countryside." His suggestion of such an array of things to see left them close to speechless. Eventually, after much conversation, they chose the beach area as the most desirable.
After boarding the bus, we drove only a short distance until we approached large living complexes, set in park areas, adjacent to the ocean front. On departing from the bus, I and the Delegates stood for a time, awestruck at what unfolded before us. As far as one could see, up and down the coastal area, were tall beautiful structures sitting among trees and greenery. The structures were interconnected by pedestrian conveyor walks, consisting of five conveyors, which were moving unidirectionally at very close proximity. The one at the right was moving at a snail's pace, and graduated to the left in rapidity. I estimated the fifth conveyor to be moving at approximately ten miles per hour. The velocity of the conveyors were so graduated that one could step from one to the other without losing one's balance,
After standing for some time, just gazing at the mechanical achievement, Frank said, "Folks, where would you like to go, or do first?" I was not surprised when everyone said, "Let's go for a ride on the moving sidewalk." The last to approach the conveyor was Sheik Omar. He hesitated, then approached with some trepidation. After stepping on the first conveyor, he hesitated in stepping to the more rapidly moving one. I took his hand and said, "Okay, sheik, let's step over, because we are lagging behind." Every time he stepped from one to the other, he seemed to have a feeling of achievement. When finally we were on the most rapid conveyor, the rest of the group were some distance ahead. His interpreter, with a worried look on his face, said, "In spite of his weight and age, he would like to run and catch up with the group." I advised against it. After riding until their novelty had been sated, the group began stepping off at a landing, where a walkway led to the beach area.
At many locations along the beach were one-story structures containing stalls, where one could change into bathing attire and leave one's street clothes. When One stepped from the stall, attired for bathing, an attendant placed a chain around the individual's neck with a numbered tag attached. The number of the tag corresponded to the number of the stall containing the bather's street clothes. After the bathing attire had been used, it was immediately laundered. It being midmorning on a warm day, most of the Delegates elected to take a plunge in the ocean. It was a unique sight, not only for myself, but for everyone in the immediate area, to see an unusual group of people go running down the sand into the water, yelling like banshees, as the cool ocean water engulfed them. Our visit to that region must have been broadcast, because everyone seemed to be cognizant of our presence. It was a strange experience to see bathers leave the water and stand on the sand just to watch a group of bathers. Within minutes the Delegates had that area of the surf to themselves.
After the Delegates had changed into street attire, they were met by a mass of people, who seemed by their action to think of them as creatures from outer space. It was difficult to determine who were the most pleased to meet whom, judging by handshakes and hugs. Yes, they were literally smothered with affection. Realizing that I hadn't seen or heard Sheik Omar for some time, I went milling through the crowd of people in search of him, at the same time attempting to shake hands with people as I moved along. When finally I found him, he was wiping his eyes as he was being hugged by little children.
As a small boy, I had read the story of Pied Piper, but I had never seen one until I visited the beach at Santa Monica. Wherever the sheik walked, little children followed him as though he were a god. Not only were they holding his hands, they were also touching his flowing robe. At last the sheik had ceased wiping his eyes, and the tears were flowing freely. I suddenly became worried with concern for his emotions, and asked Frank for a suggestion. "Well, I don't know," he said, "however, there is a bandstand near. Let's take him and the Delegates there where there is a place to sit." Frank lifted his voice to a high pitch and said, "People, the Delegates are getting tired. Please let them be seated at the bandstand When the delegates were seated the sheik had two small children, one on either knee, hugging them tightly to himself. Suddenly, people came from every direction and converged around the railing of the stand. Questions were asked so rapidly that Frank had to call things to order, after which every questioner was granted permission by Frank to ask questions of the Delegates. The questions continued with such enthusiasm that time had elapsed without our being aware of it until the sheiks interpreter said that the sheik was thirsty, hungry, and tired. When I looked at my watch, the time was 14 hours, and, when I told Frank the time of day, he said, "People, the Delegates have enjoyed visiting with you, as much as you have enjoyed visiting with them, but you must realize that it is getting late, and we have to be concerned with their comfort and health."
After having enjoyed a late lunch at a beach dining area, where a group of children entertained us with folk dancing, we boarded the bus and drove through beautiful countryside of parks and citrus orchards, where cyclists waved at us along the way. It was late afternoon when we arrived at the Breakers Hotel in Long Beach. At dinner I was concerned with the general atmosphere that pervaded the gathering, what with everyone so quiet and in deep thought, as though they wanted to say something, but seemed unable to express themselves adequately. It appeared that Tom was thinking the same as I, because he broke the silence by saying, "What is this, a funeral? Well, that reminds me," he said, "of something when I was a boy. I was frightened stiff of cemeteries. The most excruciating experience I ever had was when I went with my sister to decorate the grave of a child who had passed away the year before. Well, I didn't want to go, but my mother told me that I must go, and help my sister with the wild flowers. I didn't mind so much carrying the wild flowers, but I didn't relish standing there among the dead folks. After some threats and scolding, I walked up to the grave. I will have to admit that they did have a right fancy headstone for the little young'un. It even had an angel standing on it, with wings outspread, and holding a book in its hand. The book was open, and there were words engraved on the pages. "I said, 'Alice, is that a real honest-to-God angel Alice spoke soft and quiet, with lots of reverence, and said, 'Tom, that is little Cathy's spirit. She is an angel now, you know.' "Well, I thought perhaps I was a mite too close, so I took a step or two backward. After I got the hairs on my back to lay down, I said, 'Alice, what does the writing say in that book, and what kind of a book is it? "After Alice wiped away some tears, she put her arm around the statue and said, 'Tom, this is a book of poems, and just listen to this one: 'Mother dear, oh, Mother dear, Please don't cry, For, like the birds, I too can fly. When the wild flowers bloom again, We will all be together, and free from sin.' "Well, all of a sudden it came to my mind that the wild flowers were starting to bloom, and, according to what it said in the book, little Cathy was due back any minute. To be more exact, I decided the little young'un was a mite overdue. I said, 'Alice, you can stay here until she comes back, but I have better things to do.' "I ran so fast one could have played checkers on my shirttail." While Tom was relating his cemetery experience, the Delegates were listening wide-eyed and sober-faced. When he had finished the wild story, Mrs. Gandhi said, "Why, you poor child, they shouldn't have forced you to experience such a frightful thing." The sheik said, "Allah, give me strength, I had no idea you had such happenings in this country." When Miss Vollnogle said, "I have never, in my life, heard such a damned lie," everyone became convulsed in laughter. The humor of the story was a little late getting to the sheik; when it did, he held his stomach and shook all over. After laughing had abated, everyone became talkative, especially in praise of North America. The sheik said, "All my life I have been skeptical of people of all nations, and especially of Americans. I thought of you as uncivilized and killers. I have seen motion pictures of your horsemen killing the aborigine for his land, and killing each other in civil war, and gangsters killing each other. When I return home I will tell my people that you have discovered the garden of Allah." "For pure humaneness," Mrs. Gandhi said, "your Social Dynamic supersedes all of the combined religious cults of India."
Mr. Proulx said, "For a number of years, when you had your military forces stationed all around the world, and were interfering with the internal affairs of other nations, I was not only skeptical of you, I hated you. Now, I am proud that the Statue of Liberty in your New York Harbor was a gift from France. No one could come here and travel across your continent as I have, and depart with anything but love for you." When I saw tears in a number of eyes, I said, "Well, folks, we had best retire, for tomorrow will be another eventful day."
To be continued
This was chapter 11 on to chapter 12