Rebirth of America, this is my era

Chapter 166 Thomas's cleverness

"So..."

"I don't understand what Barbara means at all now, because after talking to her, I feel that Barbara came back this time with the intention of trying to get me to join the Donkey Party."

"And she was so anxious after the canal incident. Does that prove that she, or the party behind her, might care about my opinion on the canal?"

"You may think my thoughts are a little strange, or that I am feeling good about myself, but what I want to say is that this is what I really think now. More importantly, I also want to say that I have no opinion on the canal at all."

In the evening, at home in Los Gatos, Ethan spread his hands, holding a fork in his left hand and a knife in his right hand.

The fierce action drew a slap. Linda slapped her nephew on the wrist and then took away the knife that might have cut someone.

But even so, the crisp slapping sounds did not affect anyone. Thomas, who was sitting opposite her, swallowed the steak in his mouth and then focused his attention on his daughter.

"You think so?" Thomas asked.

“Hmm~” Evelin uttered the words through her nose, but didn’t say anything.

After seeing Barbara off, Ethan decisively called his sister, called her back home from work at the company, and described to her the situation he had just encountered.

When the girl heard the whole story, she immediately expressed doubts about the private conversation that Barbara was looking for. In her opinion, this kind of conversation that excluded her seemed to have no meaning. At this moment, she thought the same as Ethan. The purpose of Barbara's visit was to win over Ethan. After all, as early as last year, Barbara had taken the initiative to show her position to the two of them.

But the wooing at this time...

What's the point?

"I think Barbara's behavior today is very strange."

Evelin put down her knife and fork, wiped her mouth with a wet towel, and said, “Her behavior today seemed a little anxious. She was eager to prove to Ethan that there was nothing wrong with what she supported, or the Donkey Party she belonged to, so that Ethan would not be prejudiced against her…”

"As for the rest?"

"It's not even close to the election now. Even if she wants to lobby for votes, isn't it too early?"

"Oh - is that what you think?" Thomas laughed at his daughter's words.

He glanced at Linda, who understood his intentions and immediately stood up and went to the wine rack in the living room to get him a bottle of wine. After opening it, she poured him a glass. The guy who was shaking the light red liquid yawned and said, "You two have your own ideas about inventions, but you are too insensitive in other aspects. For example, your vote for Jimmy last year may be a very small matter in your eyes, but it must have been recorded by those who are interested, such as the Donkey and the Elephant parties."

'? '

Ethan and Evelyn narrowed their eyes at the same time.

The two looked at each other for a moment, and question marks appeared on their foreheads at the same time.

"Thomas?" Ethan called out.

"Dad?" Evelyn also called out.

Thomas took a sip of wine at the suspicious voice, and the sweet taste mixed with alcohol made him pour a glass for the three people. "This wine is good." He smiled and muttered to his wife, and then cast his eyes on the two people. "Alas-" He sighed and said, "How come you don't have any feelings about this kind of thing? In our country, there is no such thing as doing business without doing anything. There was no such thing in the past, there is no such thing now, and there will be no such thing in the future. Even if you have a good school behind you, it won't work."

Thomas drank his wine and rambled on, "There is a reason why I said you can't get around these things, because every time there is an election, the candidates from both the Donald and the Elephant parties will explain their campaign platforms to the public, and those contents are closely related to our lives."

"Let me take the example of the farm that my family has run for so many years."

"During last year's election, Jimmy and Gerald each put forward their own policies on agriculture. Jimmy said that he is a farmer and has deep feelings for agriculture. He said that agriculture is one of the most important industries in our country, but also one of the least respected industries. He will find ways to increase the sales price of agricultural products and promote agricultural development. Gerald said that he would maintain the existing agricultural subsidies and tax incentives to protect the stability of the agricultural market, but would also use diplomatic means to improve the international competitiveness of agricultural exports."

"On the surface, they are trying to please farmers like us, but in reality? These policies are meaningful because after they take office, agricultural associations in various states and across the country will take these things to Washington to talk with them and urge them to fulfill their original promises as soon as possible. Because we have the land and the people, generally speaking, no one will default on their debts."

At this point, Thomas suddenly asked, "Do you remember that I told you before that the export price of our navel oranges was kept very low by Japan?"

The two of them thought about this question for a while, and then Evelin nodded, "Yeah~ I seemed to have said at the time that it was normal for the book to be lowered in price, because they would not be content with the status quo."

"Yes." Ethan also remembered this incident.

This happened a long time ago, probably in 1975.

At that time, he...

It seems that "Snake" has not been made yet.

"That's right, but it's been resolved now." Thomas shook his glass and said, "Jimmy signed the Agricultural Trade Act this year. Next, we will increase the export of agricultural products. At the same time, we have started negotiations with Japan and will ask Japan to lower tariffs on agricultural products and increase imports."

“This effect, which can be seen with the naked eye, is the impact on our interests.”

"And the video games you guys are making now..."

“In fact, you can also reap similar benefits.”

Ethan didn't understand and looked confused.

Evelin did the same, looking at her father with one hand on her chin.

Thomas shook his head helplessly at the two's confusion. "Two idiots." He cursed in a low voice, and then said: "You think video games are just entertainment? Oh - this is a fact, but this fact does not describe the whole picture. Because entertainment corresponds to huge influence."

"Let me give you an example that may not be appropriate. The amount of tax payable and the amount of tax actually paid in our agricultural industry are different each year because there are many exemptions involved. I suggested that you build a manor in the form of agricultural operation because the expenses for building the manor can be counted as production housing in agricultural production. As farmers, you can live better in your own farmland. No one can control this, and the millions of dollars in expenses incurred can be completely deducted from taxes."

"And what about your video games?"

"I don't know how your company pays taxes, but I know that video games are a big cake that everyone wants. If someone says in the future that he wants to levy more taxes on the entertainment industry during an election, it may involve the video game industry. At this time, his opponent will definitely say that the current entertainment industry is very stable and he will not introduce more tax clauses after taking office. And this one... that's actually for you to see."

Thomas stared at the two of them with sharp eyes.

The two guys sitting together looked confused.

“This should be related to our income, right?” Evelyn was a little surprised. “Ethan, does what Thomas said have anything to do with our influence?” She was puzzled.

"Maybe?" Ethan felt that he understood, but it seemed that he didn't understand completely.

"Sxxt!"

Thomas was confused by the two silly looks and said loudly, "Of course this has something to do with your influence! Because at that time, you can say that the increase in taxes may cause the price of video games to rise! When you say this, it will definitely make those who like to play games very dissatisfied! Then they will definitely be affected when they vote!"

“How many people right now haven’t played your game?”

"I've played them all!" Thomas turned his head and looked at Linda.

Aunt Linda also smiled and nodded, "My dears, I have played it too."

"That's influence!" Thomas liked his wife's answer very much and continued, "When your statement affects the announcement of a campaign platform, you naturally gain influence! This influence may be different from our farm, because those farmers are our most direct base. They will follow us unconditionally because they eat with us. Your influence on the game can affect the practical interests of countless people!"

"You may not feel this way now, because even the law has a lag, but after time has passed, you will definitely be exposed to all of this. The most terrifying thing is that so far, you can represent an industry. Other industries may need an association, but in the video game industry, when Atari and Milova are unable to turn around and other companies cannot pose a threat to you, your will actually represents the will of the entire industry!"

"In this situation, you will definitely be watched by politicians."

"They will use a magnifying glass to study your words and deeds, and your preferences."

“Because these are useful.”

"For example, you are very close to Barbara now. Next time Jimmy says during his election campaign that he will introduce a tax reduction plan for the video game industry in order to support the industry and allow North American people to enjoy more happiness. At this time, as long as you publicly declare that Jimmy's bill will bring more discount space to the price of video games, voters who like these things will vote for Jimmy."

Thomas put his glass down.

Cross your arms and rest your elbows on the table.

He looked at the two of them with a smile on his face, and Ethan and Evelyn...

The two understood what Thomas meant, but they still couldn't agree with it.

"Dad, the influence you mentioned is too random, isn't it?" Evelyn said.

"Uh... Thomas, why do I feel like you're thinking too much?" Ethan agreed with his sister, "Video games may be able to influence some people, but their influence is also very insignificant."

"No, No, No..." Although both children refuted his point of view, Thomas was not angry. Instead, he shook his index finger and said, "If you think the support is not obvious, then let's think about it the other way around. What if someone proposes to ban video games?"

"Like in comics?"

This question made Ethan and Evelyn frown.

The comics ban that Thomas mentioned actually happened more than 20 years ago.

In the 1950s, a New York psychiatrist named Frederick Wetteham published a book called "Seduction of the Innocent", in which he accused comics of being the main culprit for juvenile delinquency and psychological problems. He used many exaggerated cases to intimidate and mislead readers, showing them that comics were the root cause of violence, drugs, racial discrimination and other problems.

Once the book was published, it immediately attracted widespread attention from the whole society. The Senate immediately set up a subcommittee to investigate juvenile delinquency to review and question the comics industry. In order to avoid endless investigations by the judiciary, comics publishers had to unite to set up a comics censorship bureau and formulated a strict self-castration system.

This incident dealt a huge blow to the American comics industry, causing the closure of numerous publishers and the unemployment of countless cartoonists. Marvel was the worst hit, losing its publishing ability and had to turn to DC, which decisively sold itself to Warner after it could no longer sustain itself. The real culprit behind the incident made a lot of money from selling books and giving lectures, and later became an absolute expert in the field of adolescent psychiatry.

Although Ethan, who possessed future memories, knew that such a thing would never happen again, let alone in the field of video games, he also understood what Thomas really meant.

"Thomas, what you want to say is that if some parents come out in the future and say that video games affect their children, or if some experts come out and say that video games are addictive, then some congressmen will definitely focus on this issue. At the same time, some congressmen will definitely oppose this issue. Although they are all pursuing fame and votes, at this time, players who want to have more happiness will definitely give the greatest support to those congressmen who seek justice for video games."

“And these are actually the potential influences.”

"That's also the key point that the donkey and elephant parties might be eyeing me, right?"

"Because the video game industry is so huge, it can affect the employment and income of countless people, and the public opinion offensive and defensive campaigns for this purpose can make them a lot of money."

Ethan and Thomas looked at each other and gave their own conclusions.

His words made Thomas snap his fingers.

"Ethan! You're right!"

“That’s the influence you have!”

"This is what you can bring to the Donkey and Elephant parties!"

"What are congressmen? They are real maggots! They never solve problems! They are the real problem makers! Only when conflicts escalate can their value be reflected! And in this process, how to skillfully stir up topics and how to get the public to pay attention to themselves are what they want to do most! And your position is actually very important to them!"

"Because whichever side we like, that means that side will get the bonus of promoting video games?" Evelyn reacted and said sarcastically: "When the voice of opposition is raised, the side we like can firmly support us? Although this may be superficial."

Although Evelin was asking questions, her tone was very affirmative.

When Thomas was asked many questions by his daughter, he denied them in a casual tone: "I am just a farmer. I cannot answer your questions about the distribution of benefits."

"But what I know is that after Ethan scolded Warner and the canal incident fermented, many people in our state contacted me again. They told me that our former governor would run for election again in 1979. He would promise the public to reduce taxes, especially reducing taxes for you rich people. He would find a way to stop the transfer of the canal because he is also a staunch patriot. At the same time, they also told me that our former governor really likes "Star Wars", movies, and games even more."

Come on...

Ethan finally understood what he was holding.

Gamers are a very large group, a group that transcends race and gender. As long as politicians are not stupid, they will send certain goodwill signals to them. When they say they like games, it's like a New York real estate developer saying "I like hamburgers", and they share the fun with the people.

Moreover, this thing is very easy to kill time. When people become addicted to it, they will naturally pay less attention to social opinions and criticisms of social contradictions.

Just like Hollywood, it provides foreign countries with the power of a role model and provides domestic people with the satisfaction of a pacifier.

Such a fact made Ethan smile and shake his head, "I should have known not to criticize Warner earlier."

“It really caused a lot of trouble.”

"But the problem is, whether you scold them or not, they will come eventually, right?" Thomas was very dissatisfied with Ethan's ostrich mentality of refusing to communicate with politicians. He shook his head and said, "Ethan, many things will not disappear if you don't get involved."

"Take your factory for example. It is now operating under the eyes of many people because you have absorbed many veterans. On the surface, you are providing jobs for your father's comrades, but members of the two parties will definitely not think so."

"In their eyes, this might be an issue, right?" Ethan smiled, but his tone was cold. "For example, if they need to apologize to those soldiers who suffered injustice in the future, then Michael, who has been treated well, might be invited to Washington."

"Because they are relatively normal, not extreme, able to communicate, and should be willing to cooperate."

Ethan remembered a joke he had heard in his previous life.

When a huge and unrecoverable event occurs, what politicians need to do is not to save it, let nature take its course, wait for everything to happen naturally, and wait for everything to dissipate naturally. Even if people are still seeking justice a hundred years later, it doesn’t matter, because by then there will be future generations who will admit their mistakes due to the huge exposure, apologize to the parties involved who are still alive, and compensate the few parties involved.

By doing so, one can, firstly, ignore the public pressure when the incident occurred, secondly, reduce one's own responsibility for failed rescue, and thirdly, avoid the huge compensation that one cannot afford.

"uh-huh."

Thomas poured another glass of wine and said with a smile: "Many things are like this. When you look up, you may see countless ugliness, because the real beauty is the pleasure of looking down, right?"

"Hehehe~" Thomas' words made Ethan raise his glass.

The two of them touched each other lightly, and the crisp sound brought out Evelin’s regret.

“So Barbara is part of this?” she asked.

"She is just fighting for her dream." Ethan gave his own evaluation.

Although Barbara has become much more utilitarian after not seeing her for half a year, people are fickle by nature.

As long as Barbara can find her own happiness and satisfaction in this change, it will be a good thing for her. Ethan will bless her and congratulate her. As for his personal position?

"Evelyn."

"Ok?"

"Go to Barbara tomorrow and tell her that you love her and support her. If needed in the future, you will donate money in your own name to those Donald Trump politicians she thinks are great. Not only that, I will also make a video game with a woman as the protagonist. Of course, you will be the inventor."

"then you?"

"I... I'm not suitable for doing this kind of thing. I'm just a 22-year-old kid who graduated from high school and has never received higher education. I need time to slowly understand this world..."

In Ethan's opinion, his dear sister was the most suitable person to have a relationship with Barbara. Firstly, they were of the same gender and naturally belonged to the same camp. Secondly, they were in the same school, so this relationship also guaranteed natural communication. Thirdly...

It’s still too far away from the version of the battle of gods!
That's right!

If it were the 21st century, Ethan Jones would definitely take the initiative to stack armor, but in the 1970s? Forget it, the identity of a redneck is more useful.

Before the version is updated, Ethan will not take the initiative to deal with those messy things, but for the sake of the future, many things are necessary.

When Ethan said this, Evelyn, who understood what he meant, agreed decisively. After the girl communicated with Barbara the next day, the news she brought back was mixed.

"Barbara expressed regret over your decision to continue studying, but she supports your idea."

"At the same time, she was also very happy about my willingness to donate and cooperate, and she also expressed her anticipation for the female-oriented game you mentioned, and she was happy. She couldn't wait to share this news with more friends."

"And since there is already a harvest, she will leave today."

"So fast?" Ethan was a little surprised.

“Yes.” Evelin nodded, “I came here just for you.”

"So she went straight back to work?" Ethan shook his head. "She's really a workaholic."

Evelyn denied it, "No, she said she was going to Arkansas because one of her junior schoolmates was there. This year, her junior schoolmate became a lawyer at Ross Law Firm, the oldest law firm west of the Mississippi River. She also helped Jimmy organize all of his campaign activities in Indiana last year."

"After Jimmy was willing to bring women into our nation's judiciary, Barbara thought of her junior and wondered if she would be willing to take a position in the federal judiciary."

"..." This destination left Ethan speechless.

After pondering for a long time, he nodded in admiration and said, "Okay, I wish Barbara success."

"Did Barbara tell me who her junior schoolmate is?" he was curious again.

"No." Evelyn shook her head and said, "Barbara only told me that her junior sister is very capable. She participated in the impeachment against the wiretapping scandal and was one of the only three female lawyers in the legal team. Moreover, her junior sister was only 26 years old at the time. If she had not followed her husband back to Arkansas, she would have established herself in Washington long ago..."

'? ? ? '

This description made Ethan frown.

He always felt as if he had heard of this experience somewhere before.

When he looked up the list of lawyers for the impeachment case against the wiretapping scandal, he saw a young woman's face, which made his hands tremble...

"Fuck!"

"Is she Barbara's junior?"

"Nima!"

"What kind of outrageous relationship is this?"

Note: ①Yes, Barbara’s junior was the governor’s wife. When they were not successful, Barbara brought her to Washington. So when they reached the top, they sent the second female justice to the Supreme Court according to Barbara’s recommendation.



(End of this chapter)