"THIS IS IT"
Our Bountiful Continent
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Chapter 5
Time passed rapidly on the, plane trip, due to the volley of questions I attempted to answer. The Delegates were curious about the federal buildings. They asked if any were left standing today. I explained that all structures having to do with the erstwhile he seat of the federal government were still intact. Mr. Proulx said, "Inasmuch as so many of the large structures in the various cities are being demolished because of their lack of function in the new social order, why do you leave structures of the former political seat of government?"
I explained to them that those structures were reminders of a bygone age of artificial scarcity, where politicians, as a front for corporate interests, enacted interference controls against the best interests of the American people, for the purpose of preventing social change that had been overdue for more than half a century-that many of the structures are being used for various things, such as conventions, and as a natural setting for drama students to portray a foolish period of history, when men engaged in an endeavor (whether intentional or otherwise) to prevent the people of this continent from having that which is their natural birthright. Yes, Washington, D.C., is a center of amusement. People from all over North America converge on Washington to enjoy the antics of the best actors our drama classes have trained.
Yes, Washington, D.C., is at present, and will be for ages to come, the counterpart of a inuseurn-a place to observe archaic events, just as one enjoys observing Egyptian mummies, or antique pieces of equipment that men made use of in a bygone era. immediately, almost in unison, the Delegates were speculating on the possibility of seeing the drama students in action. As we were leaving the plane, I was pondering the possibility of visiting as much of Washington as possible in one day. After calling the Transportation Sequence to arrange for bus service, we enjoyed a belated breakfast.
I explained to the group that we had only one day for sight-seeing, and that the Washington area is very large and has many places of interest, and asked them for a first preference of scenery. After some serious discussion, they decided on the Arlington Cemetery. I assume their decision was affected by the beauty of the landscape, and the thought that it is the burial place of so many (supposed) celebrities. On arriving, I was told that they expected to see a military guard. I told them that this continent had grown up-that we had quit playing tin soldier-that the dead could very well take care of themselves.
For what seemed like eons of time I walked and talked until fatigue of feet and vocal cord was almost unbearable. They were scattered all over the place looking at tombs. Some who were unfamiliar with names would beckon me to walk several paces to explain the historical events associated with various presidents and generals. Before leaving the cemetery, Mr. Ditmor made a remark: "The absence of tombs of men of science is conspicuous. Would you explain the reason for that, please?"
I said, "First of all, Mr. Ditmor, I don't think a scientist of 'note' would want to be buried here among politicians and military men. I can't imagine scientists wishing to be buried among people who, for the most part (with few exceptions), spent their lives attempting to maintain monetary wealth for the few, and scarcity for the many. And generals, who in the words of one Marine Corps general, were, to a great extent, collecting agents for large corporations. And row on row of unknown soldiers who, in many instances, gave their lives for lost causes, in wars to end wars."
Miss Vollnogle said, "Mr. Thorp, I gather from your attitude that you have absolutely no use for politicians. Were they all that bad?" I said, "Miss Vollnogle, I didn't mean to convey the meaning that they were heinous or horrendous. It is just that they were involved in a situation where they had to play a game according to its rules, as a means of their profession and livelihood. Actually, my attitude toward the politician is similar to that of the Ecclesiastic Billy Sunday's attitude toward the saloon keeper when he was attempting to promote public sentiment for the prohibition of alcoholic beverages. He was heard to say, 'God bless the saloon keeper, but God damn the saloons."' We spent the rest of the day visiting the federal buildings in Washington, as well as the Smithsonian Institution.
Mr. Garibaldi wanted to know about the Supreme Court, and if it could be used to check the overzealous decisions of the Continental Board of Directors, as regards the best interest of the citizenry.
I explained that the Continental Board is a decision-making body, of which the Social Relations is a part, and if, by chance, a decision is made that is inimical to the best interests of the people of this continent, it can, and will, by the flexibility of the Continental Board of Directors, be changed immediately. Whereas a decision of the Supreme Court was 'for the most part, hard and fast until, contingent on the election of a new president and the appointment of new Justices, a decision could be rescinded.
As with any group of people, the Delegates' interest in every phase and function was not equal. Some were more interested in one phase than in various others. For example, Mr. Van Vorhees's interest seemed to center mostly around patents. He wanted to know if all the inventions that had been submitted for patents were made use of during the price system era, by industrial firms. I explained that some of the inventions submitted were inimical to business interests, and I have been told that in some instances patents were purchased by various corporations and shelved; however, we are now making use of the more practical ones.
After having dinner, and having sat and listened to the Delegates' discussion of Washington, I excused myself and went to bed before getting involved, because I had answered every question about Washington, with the possible exception of whether George Washington was capable of throwing a coin across either the Potomac or the Delaware rivers. It is going to be an exciting day,regardless of where we go or what we do. Think about it tonight, so you will have some suggestions come tomorrow morning. "Good night." To be continued
This was chapter 5 on to chapter 6