plumnovel Chapter 507: Framing
Chapter 507: Framing
Chapter 507: Framing
At this time, the Americans, especially those in the South, truly embodied martial virtues. Thus, when they proclaimed the need to punish the nation's traitors, they genuinely meant it. However, the American style of dealing with traitors differs from that in certain Eastern countries. Americans lack the spirit of profound bowing; they would never politely bow and say, "Mr. So-and-so, for the sake of America, please die." Instead, they might pull out a gun and shoot someone in the forehead or, with a touch of Eastern finesse, draw a sword for a slashing blow. Afterward, they would meticulously clean the blade with a white towel, full of ceremonial gravity, re-sheathe it, and bow deeply to the shocked family members, sincerely apologizing for dirtying their floor. Such civility and ritualistic behavior are almost... perverse!
Americans lack this meticulous spirit. They simply fire away until their bullets are spent and then toss aside their guns, yelling to the approaching police, "I am mentally ill!"@@@@
Americans understand their own kind; thus, individuals like Faffner and Greed decreased their public appearances, limiting themselves to attending classes and staying out of public view.
It would be even better if they could also keep quiet during this time. However, they knew that by staying silent, their public personas would suffer significantly. For them, maintaining their image as devout and concerned patriots was crucial for higher status. If they were silent now, the American people would see them as cowards. And the typically valorous Americans, even those from the North, despise cowards.
Therefore, they continued to make their voices heard, refusing to appear cowardly. In response to the reactions from the South, Professor Greed published an article titled "I Am Not Angry, Just Sad."
In his article, Professor Greed generously stated that he was not angry at the accusations and attacks from some of his Southern compatriots because he understood that these actions stemmed from a simple patriotic sentiment.
"However, patriotism is often exploited," wrote Professor Greed. "It has often been manipulated by those in high positions with ulterior motives. For example, even recently, when the British dispatched their troops to commit atrocities like the 'Three Alls,' weren’t their soldiers also motivated by 'patriotism'? The same humans, who should unite as brothers as Jesus Christ said, are slaughtering each other under the supposedly noble banner of 'patriotism.' No doubt, they are patriots who love their countries and should be good people, yet they kill each other. So where is the problem?
The problem lies with 'patriotism.' If we are not vigilant about it, patriotism can become a refuge for all imperialists!
I do not oppose true patriotism because it is a noble sentiment. But first, we must clarify what country we love!
I believe patriotism has a prerequisite: the country we love must truly be ours. As our forefathers penned in the robust prose of the Declaration of Independence: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.' Clearly, only if a country genuinely upholds the natural rights of its people does it have a legitimate reason for existence and is worth our love.
Professor Greed's article and its related reactions were quickly broadcast back to the homeland via radio.
Then... Lucien snapped several pencils in frustration.
"You fools! This Greed is so useful! Why on earth did the Ministry of Public Security have to develop him? That Faffner you've been promoting—how does he even compare? He's just trash, worthy of being thrown to Robespierre! Trash, it's infuriating! Every time I think of that scoundrel Fouché going over to Napoleon to show off and having a hearty laugh with him, I get angry! Tell me, how can we snatch the limelight back from the Ministry of Public Security?" ŔAΝƟ฿ÊṠ
"Minister, about that Faffner..."
"What about Faffner?" Lucien asked.
"We were planning to have Faffner give a speech, but he refuses; he fears that someone from the South might shoot him in the crowd."
"Coward! Scoundrel! Why isn’t Greed afraid?" Lucien cursed and then suddenly remembered something. "Everyone else out, except for Victor and Villefort!"
Everyone else left, closing the door behind them.
"Sit down, both of you," Lucien said. "What do you think if we assassinated Faffner but publicly framed the Southern folks for it, while secretly pinning it on Fouché? What would happen then?"