[Chapter 675: Help the Needy, Not the Poor]
In America, it was often difficult to find the right balance. Generally speaking, Donkeys did not have great relationships. As for Elephants, they represented the interests of capitalists, which naturally made their stance clear.
However, the opposing forces were also quite strong. For example, Trump was one of their representatives.
While others had the first lady for support, their family relied on the first daughter for backing. To marry that guy named Judd, Ivanka even changed her religious beliefs.
Actually, when the economy was good, there was hardly any need to do anything. But when the economy faltered, no matter how one maneuvered, at least one party would inevitably feel dissatisfied.
"Sir, aren't you going to that charity gala?"
"No. It's just a bunch of jerks. Are we going to fill their bellies so they can find trouble? Lisa, notify Filson to set up a higher-level party. Africa is having drought issues again; those elephants seem to be in trouble."
"Elephants? Are you sure, sir?"
"Of course. I heard they're still using ivory for crafts, which is very bad. No trade, no harm -- so let's go with that theme."
The young assistant began to swoon again. She knew the boss didn't really care for Donkeys and was deliberately giving them a hard time. Still, that idea was simply brilliant.
William White scratched his head as the young assistant drifted off occasionally, which disrupted work efficiency. Sure, Lisa looked fantastic in this state, but lately, wasn't it a bit of a loss?
Filson was equally distressed by the task. Elephants? He could have just as easily chosen rhinos; the theme felt downright awkward.
Oh well, if the boss decided to go this route, he certainly had his reasons. This level of political maneuvering was beyond Filson's capability.
...
"Gore, is Africa facing drought again? I hadn't heard about it."
Seeing Bill looking bewildered, Gore could only smile wryly. The richest man didn't seem unhappy with them, but he was clearly displeased with those black folks.
It was said that the rich guy was in Los Angeles at the time. He must have been shocked by something. With Tom being an idiot, inviting him now was a dreadful idea.
"Bill, Tom may be gone, but the debate on whether the security company's arms should be restricted has never stopped."
"Restrictions? Are those idiots stupid? It's just bazookas; Texas farmers have those. Who do you plan to restrict?"
"We can't make a statement on this. The National Rifle Association hasn't weighed in yet, and if they jump in, things will get messier. But there are plenty of voters calling for gun bans, and most of them will vote for you."
"Geez, that's really a conundrum."
"Truth is, Bill, with the Second Amendment in place, advocating for a gun ban is nonsense. There are three hundred million legal firearms out there; a mere piece of paper won't solve anything."
...
William White wasn't attending the charity gala for various reasons. Some things were too sensitive to state outright -- saying, "I'd rather help animals than save your sorry asses," just didn't sit right. At least those animals wouldn't repay kindness with malice.
Had William White ever reduced his donations to Africa? Personally, his contributions were the largest, without contest.
So, the question then arose: was all that donation truly effective?
Oh please, think again. What you've done in the past doesn't hold any significance. Only the visible benefits mattered.
A granary full of grain knows etiquette; when appetites are satisfied, they feel honor and disgrace. When a man was hungry, forget about propriety -- rationality was out of the question.
The black folks in Los Angeles were, in fact, quite similar to those in Africa; hunger was an irreconcilable problem.
"No trade, no harm? Son, I must say, this William White is indeed talented. That statement really captures the essence of capital."
"Dad, that guy is just talking nonsense. If he stopped buying diamonds, wouldn't there be no harm?" The older Bush didn't pay much mind to his son's complaints; after all, he had to be a bit patient with kids.
"Harm? You didn't understand the underlying meaning. His subtext was that he cared more about those poor animals."
"Seriously? Won't he get flamed for that?"
"Really? Didn't someone say that not long ago? You really want to piss him off? Those charity foundations would have a field day."
"Dad, honestly, this estate tax means nothing. That big family will always pay these!"
"Hmm, if your old man gets re-elected, he'll find a way to abolish it."
...
William White didn't care about outside opinions; American thinking simply wasn't like everyone else's.
If you looked at American charitable foundations, you would find that they primarily targeted animals. From lions and tigers to insects, they encompassed nearly everything. There was almost no focus on any specific impoverished group.
For stray cats and dogs, they could pour out most of their income. If you said that animals shouldn't be more important than people, someone would surely tell you that was just your issue.
So, the charity gala that William White was organizing was far more popular than anything the Donkeys could muster.
Even those animal protectionists weren't keen on engaging anymore. If you wanted to enjoy lobster, go ahead -- just make sure it wasn't in a movie.
What changed the attitudes of those activists was really that slogan. Damn, how did we not think of that? Just look at their lofty claims: as long as there's no buyer, elephant tusks would certainly remain safely in the elephants' mouths.
As long as developed countries stopped importing these products, those poor elephants would face no harm.
Similarly, rhinos, sharks, and those beautiful birds would be safe if no one placed orders.
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