Smartystan

When Dr. Strong took on the responsibility of engaging with the public, being grilled by the government didn’t rankle him. It should have, but it didn’t. It was his first time to be grilled by the government.

“Mr. Strong, you are aware that Delaseer made over eight hundred billion dollars last year, right?” Senator Nadine Houseman.

“I’m aware of that.” His coolness seemed to be unseemly to the senator.

“And you think that’s okay?”

“No.”

“No?”

“I think it’s good, but not great. We should have cracked a trillion dollars.”

“So, you’re saying that the government can’t make that money?”

“Yes, but that’s not the right question.”

“Well, please, indulge us. What is the ‘right’ question, Mr. Strong?”

“The question should be framed as to why the government cannot make that kind of money. The real idea is that the government doesn’t make anything. The citizens of the nation make things, produce things, create things.”

Senator O’Dell Connor shifted in his seat. “Alright, Mr. Strong. So you say the government cannot do the job. A nonprofit like your own is fit for developing programs completely tax free and you reap in huge profits…..”

“Are you questioning me?” Dr. Strong asked.

Connor countered. “The way you say things…anyway what is the point of Delaseer?”

“This organization is to be a step up for the government when it comes to programs that the State (local, state, and federal), ought not provide. Such programs as the welfare state and job insurance are better handled and more readily available.”

Connor kept pressing. “The government once reigned supreme over all of these different systems: food stamps, work safety, warning labels and the like. How does the organization you make continue to hold up the country-state? Are you still aware of the fact that the government still provides defense for Smartystan?”

“I am.”

“So, if you are to continue to get this support, will you be able to allow the US government to bring in ideas that would protect the Smarties?” Senator Houseman asked.

“No.”

“No?!” Senator Connor almost leapt from his chair.

“No. We’re in a position to revolutionize our weapons systems at the nuclear level. But I don’t think that’s necessary. I think we can continue to be a proxy for America and receive money. Smarties are still happy to pay their taxes. They are payment for governmental services that are proper: for cops, warriors, and judges. Those are the only rational ideas that mean something.”

“This is the power of the State, Dr. We are the ones that have to make the laws.”

“So you're a proxy to the judges.”

“Okay.”

Senator Houseman looked at the doctor.

“In your estimation, what is most important…building up Delaseer or Smartystan?”

“I don’t see any distinction between the two. I enjoy creating a 501 (c) (3) for profit….”

“Excuse me, did you say for profit?” Houseman asked.

“A physical profit is not the same as a spiritual one,” Dr. Strong explained.

There seemed to be an intensity that surrounded the room. It was like the temperature increased a bit around the occupants. Dr. Strong just cleared his throat and straightened.

“Alright, so you’re able to be friends with the president of the country-state?” Connor asked.

“President Goshen is a friend.”

“There’s no conflict of interest there?”

“No. When we get together, it’s all business. We don’t worry about any kinds of issues that could disrupt our business and our friendship. It’s totally professional.”

“Who would you say is the best person to fight for this company and this country-state?”

“I’ve got the company, President Goshen’s got the country-state.”

“Are you comfortable with the idea of having a country-state with so many people trying to get in and make it? What is your idea of a meritocracy?”

“I didn’t get to this place by being comfortable. I welcome everyone who comes to this country. We make it like heaven to get here and like hell to become a citizen.”

“Do you believe in heaven and hell?”

“I recognize that heaven and hell are on Earth. Heaven is when all rights are respected and you find joy in living. Hell is the removal of rights and being in the ugliest settings of war and disgusting situations.”

“So, you don’t believe in God?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Why should I?”

The room laughed with nervousness.

Senator Connor fumed. “I must say, I’m a proud Catholic. What you are saying is blaspheme.”

“You just said you’re proud. That’s a sin in your ideology. My philosophy holds that pride is the crowning achievement of demonstrating all of your other virtues. It is all about the self. It’s all about the individual.”

“So are you now or have you ever been a member of the Capitalist Party?”

“Absolutely.”

Connor and Houseman looked at each other with an exasperated expression.

Houseman drank water and then spoke. “That is a way of saying that you’re committed to the dollar?”

“Yes, but there’s more….It is of course about the material but it’s like your brain and your mind. You can’t have your mind without your brain but your mind feeds and sustains your brain.”

With this revelation came a great silence for at least three seconds as the assembly soaked in what Dr. Strong just said.

Houseman looked at Dr. Strong. An acidic grin crawled onto her face. The corner of her mouth curled up in a feisty way. She then asked, “Do you know that everything you’ve been today is selfish?”

“Why would I say anything different?”

Connor looked red in the face. He actually got up from his seat and exited.

Dr. Strong remained as quiet as a snowy night with no backfiring cars or arguing couples. He felt like he had stated his claim.

Senator Houseman then leaned into her microphone. “These proceedings have now concluded. We will have another hearing one year from today. I thank you, Dr. Strong, for sitting before us and giving us your testimony.”

“Thank you,” Dr. Strong replied. “I appreciate the time.”