Chapter 1300: Chapter 1299: Who Guides Society?
"Something doesn’t seem quite right..."
Before the court session, the lawyer sat with the president, tilting his head to whisper a sentence in his ear.
Such a seemingly ordinary sentence made the president’s bladder faintly feel swollen.
He felt the urge to go to the restroom.
"What’s wrong?"
The lawyer consolidated the information he had gathered and explained it simply.
"Someone is orchestrating these events behind the scenes; you know, not all immigrants are poor, there are also investor immigrants and research immigrants."
Facing the lawyer’s gaze that seemed to perceive him as dim-witted, the president still nodded, "Yes, I know."
The lawyer wanted to say, "Since you know, publishing such an article is just causing yourself trouble," but he refrained, continuing instead, "Among these people are some wealthy individuals who saw the article you published last year, and you understand."
"Rich people don’t care how much money they spend, they only care about their mood and you ruined their day, and then someone spent money to push these events."
The lawyer’s head was buzzing when he received more ing-depth information last night, it’s said that this article might prompt Congress to establish a new proposal called the "Federation’s Great Unity Act".
If Congress truly agrees, it means that a small person initiated a socially significant proposal, though to put it in another way, many proposals pass in such a manner.
Some small individuals, in very unique ways, leave their marks in history books.
"Then... what should we do now?" The president felt a bit feverish on his scalp.
"I’ll try my best to exonerate you, but you know, the Federation’s judicial justice only exists on paper."
"Once public opinion forces and public sentiment simmers..."
The lawyer didn’t continue speaking.
It’s not like there hasn’t been a case like this before—a small millionaire wanted to divorce his wife but didn’t want to pay the enormous divorce litigation fees after splitting the massive wealth.
So during a trip, he pushed his wife into the lake, watched her sink, and then made a phone call.
Without decisive evidence to prove it was a premeditated murder, coupled with the lawyer fees for such a case being cheaper than divorce proceedings, he easily found a fitting legal team and nearly cleared himself of suspicion.
Then his wife’s family released some materials to the public, sparking social discussion, with the help of women’s rights organizations...
Yes, it was led by Ms. Trish, a movement called "Give Us The Truth" erupted.
Ultimately, the millionaire was convicted of first-degree murder, and most of his fortune was compensated to the victim’s family.
He ended up in prison due to some people falsifying evidence to cater to public sentiment.
In this case, some politicians played significant roles and are seen by some as representatives of public opinion, willing to speak for the people.
This time... it may well be similar.
The courtroom proceedings were somewhat silent; both sides evidenced and seemed to have defended, but the court didn’t pronounce judgment on site, which is the worst outcome.
Upon leaving the court, someone even threw eggs at him!
He, like countless social practice villains, only this time, the spectators became the ones who stirred the chaos.
While the president was deeply trapped in the whirlpool of social opinion, Lynch had already met Mr. Douglas who returned from York State.
"I hope I haven’t made you uncomfortable..."
Everyone has their own preferences.
Some like playing golf, even if global conflicts break out, and countries outside fight ruthlessly; they still sip coffee or swing clubs on the golf course.
Some enjoy bowling and are quite good at it, genuinely commendable, except they don’t get stronger from playing; instead, they seem a bit frail.
However, people don’t only like these two, Mr. Douglas enjoys fishing, so this time their meeting spot is at an upscale fishing venue in the Bupen suburbs.
As long as there’s a need, society finds a place to fulfill it, from the simplest carnal desires, to... fishing.
When Lynch came by, he also passed a lumber yard, but this lumber yard wasn’t about cutting logs into firewood for sale.
It’s a place for wealthy people to chop wood by themselves and host barbecue parties; to many people, this seems like a sign of wealthy individuals having brain problems, but in reality, they don’t understand that for the rich, as long as they are happy, nothing else matters.
The two sat on the lakeside boardwalk; Lynch didn’t have a fishing rod because he didn’t like such time-wasting activities.
Mr. Douglas had just caught a big fish, then hammered it heavily on the head with a leather mallet.
The fish that was struggling earlier suddenly stopped struggling, its mouth bleeding, looking a bit terrifying.
Such a scene might be rather impactful for some people, but Lynch was not among them.
"No, don’t worry about me, it’s just a fish..."
Mr. Douglas paused for a moment, then reacted with a smile and nodded, "Yes, it’s just a fish!"
He tidied up, took off his special coat, and strolled along the lakeside with Lynch.
As they walked, he said, "My job easily offends people. Sometimes I know I shouldn’t act that way or put those people in a difficult position, but you know, it’s my job."
Lynch nodded slightly; the party whip’s value lies here, like a civilized whip in the committee chair’s hand.
It doesn’t kill anyone, yet it makes people feel pain both physically and mentally.
Almost nobody enjoys befriending the ruling party’s whip; even if they were close friends before, everything changes once the party starts governing.
The two continued walking leisurely; it was quiet and devoid of others.
"I rarely see you at the building, Lynch. Sometimes you should take a look around."
"I know you don’t like mingling with them, nor do I, but we’re both part of the Progressive Party; we’ve fulfilled our duties, so enjoying our rights is very necessary."
Mr. Douglas spoke with underlying meaning, without explaining too clearly; some things lose their meaning when spelled out too plainly.
"Recently, the leader hasn’t been to the building for a long time, and we all have some guesses. Maybe soon you’ll have the opportunity to exercise your rights."
The building he referred to is the Progressive Party headquarters, the office building, which many elderly folks fondly call the building, though it isn’t very tall.
But its political status is something no person or organization can easily shake.
Lynch agreed with a couple of nods, after which Mr. Douglas looked at Lynch with a half-smile, "The Charter grants us all voting rights. If we don’t use them, it would create a very negative impression on others."
"Even casting an abstention vote reflects our attitude towards voting rights; we’re not indifferent!"
After speaking, he glanced at the nearby cabin, "Fish is easy to cook, maybe they’ve already got our fish ready..."
The two began heading back, Lynch had more or less understood his intention.
He was seeking supporters in the committee, and Lynch, also a Progressive Party member, held significant sway.
While he may not show conspicuous performance politically, everyone knows his stance cannot be ignored.
On the way back, Lynch asked a critical question, "Mr. Douglas, who do you think within our party is most suitable to succeed the leader?"
A broader smile emerged on Mr. Douglas’s face; he had been worried Lynch wouldn’t understand his words, but it now seemed he needn’t have worried.
"I had in mind to let Mr. Chairman assume that position, but now the committee can’t do without him, and Gaoen from the development office is a good choice."
"He maintains good relations with most party members and has broad connections; his age is also quite suitable."
"Of course, some people believe... a woman might be good, though she would be the first female leader in Progressive Party history..." Mr. Douglas chuckled and didn’t continue.
He had conveyed enough information, so Lynch didn’t pursue further.
This conversation could be seen as the party whip urging and educating young Progressive Party members who are not keen on party development!
The sumptuous meal, cooked by a chef earning thousands a month, allowed the two to savor a rare delicacy.
As they were about to leave, Mr. Douglas mentioned some ongoing matters in the neighboring state.
"Our stance towards immigrants has always been impartial. I know some things have happened recently, and it’s not good. I’ll be keeping an eye on them!"
This wasn’t a reward; rather, it was a statement. After watching Mr. Douglas leave, Lynch lit a cigarette.
Power transitions within the Progressive Party are about to commence, which means a bloodless war is going to erupt!
By the weekend, public opinion from the neighboring state had already swept over to Bupen; being the nation’s core, anything that causes a stir here means the whole country will soon know.
A quarter of the Federation’s population are immigrants, along with various minorities; now, inexplicably, they’ve been hit. Surely, these people won’t remain quiet.
Some minority politicians began jumping into action as if the article had humiliated them personally, pushing society to confront the issue—discrimination against immigrants and minorities!
From factories to society, this discrimination is everywhere and has existed for many years.
No one expected this topic, which had never wanted to be brought up, to erupt at this time and in this way.
And this precisely proves one point: only driven by interests can Federation citizens "see!"
