2007
"THIS IS IT'
Our Bountiful Continent
Chapter 17
At nine hours on the morning of the two hundred and forty-first day of the year, the Assembly Chamber of the Continental Headquarters began filling with Delegates and Continental Directors. When everyone had been seated and the noise had abated, John Brooks walked to the podium and stood with his hands on the lectern and gazed at the audience for quite some time. It was evident that he was attempting to formulate a talk, but didn't know how to begin, realizing, I assume, that what he might say could have a great and lasting impact on the course of history for generations to come. It appeared that he was very apprehensive of using terms that could, by some, be misconstrued. Speaking very slowly and weighing his words, he eventually said, "Well, there are a number of things that could be said to a gathering such as this, but I hardly know where to begin. Inasmuch as you people have traveled over the continent, and have seen what can be accomplished by a technologically administrated society, there is certainly no point in my attempting to convince you of its merits. It seems that all I can say to you, other than to answer questions that come to your minds, is to explain the operating mechanics of a Social Dynamic.
"To begin with," he said, "a Social Dynamic, like any well organized project, has to be conducted by a thorough orchestration, with, of course, the Director setting the tempo of all the instruments in the organization. It is mandatory that a technologically operated society be arranged and conducted by means of vertical alignment, wherein all activity starts at the bottom and pyramids to the apex, with, of course, final decisions emanating from the top. If that explanation seems rather incomplete, I will attempt to elucidate by explaining it graphically.
"In all activity in the social structure, which is made up of the various production and service sequences there are the operating personnel who are actually producing goods and performing services. That, of course, is the foundation or base of the pyramid.
Next up the pyramid are the supervisory personnel. Above the supervisory personnel is the foremanship; then the plant or project manager; then the Regional Division Director of each sequence; and above that is the Continental Director of each sequence, and at the very apex is the Director of the Continental Board of Directors. "Now, recommendations for a project or activity can emanate from either the top or the bottom of the social pyramid, but final decisions come only from the top.
"To elucidate further, I will have to hypothetically employ the construction of an ocean liner vessel. Starting from the premise that such a vessel is needed, which, of course, can emanate from any elevation of the pyramid, it is determined that the vessel need be built to attain a given velocity: that compartments be installed to afford passenger comfort, that recreational facilities be incorporated, and that it be of a given tonnage and passenger capacity. When these things have been determined and sanctioned by the Continental Board of Directors, the specification is given to the engineers of the various sequences, who will be involved in its construction. From that point forward all the detailed parts will come together, forming the finished product to its specification.
"Now, as a contrast, suppose that an order were issued to build an ocean liner whose design and construction were left to the discretion of five thousand people, with five thousand different ideas for its construction; if in fact the project ever came to completion, you know without my telling you that the end product would be catastrophic. "Now," he said, "I think you understand the importance of social orchestration, and a social design of vertical alignment."
"Now, who assumes the various responsibilities, and how this is arrived at, requires another hypothesis. For example, assume that a supervisor of the operating personnel of a textile plant died, or has been asked to fill the responsibility of plant manager, leaving a vacancy of supervisorship. The operating personnel, who are in a position to best know the qualifications and the leadership ability of their fellows, recommend one or a number of their group to fill the vacancy, after which the appointment is made from above. This same procedure takes place all the way to the top of the pyramid.
"In order that things operate smoothly and there be no overlapping of activities, there have to be reports made at regular intervals by all personnel, starting from the bottom and extending to the apex of the social structure. For example, the final report is made by the Continental Directors of each sequence, to each other, and to the Director of the Continental Board of Directors, at which time projects or various changes are recommended and sanctioned, or rejected by that body.
There is, of course, one exception to that procedure. There are five Directors, who make no report to the Board of Directors unless they deem it necessary. These five Directors are answerable only to the Director of the Continental Board of Directors. They are the more flexible body, which might be termed the Executive Committee, which resembles in function that of a president's or a premier's cabinet. Those five people are the Directors, respectively, of Foreign Relations, Research, Social Relations, Area Control, and the Armed Forces. "Now, the Director of the Continental Board of Directors has the prerogative of making the final decision concerning all major activities of the social structure, but, by the mechanics of the social structure, he can be overruled on any decision he might make, by a two-thirds majority of the Continental Board of Directors. That is, of course, a safeguard against a decision made by the Director of the Continental Board of Directors that the other Directors of the various sequences deem unwise, or one that is made by overzealousness, especially concerning foreign affairs. "There is no other way," he said, "that things can be operated smoothly, and without error than by this method."
Mr. Brooks said, "I have explained the operating mechanics of the social structure to the best of my ability. Are there any questions or opposition to this mode of social operation, or are there any questions having to do with the technique of acquiring a Social Dynamic on other continental land areas?" * The first to raise a hand was Miss Vollnogle, who said, "Mr. Brooks, after we have educated our people sufficiently to think in terms of abundance, rather than scarcity, don't you think a social change could be effected by a plebiscite ?" John Brooks said, "Miss Vollnogle, never, but never, attempt to effect social change by that method, because, it makes no difference what you propose, regardless of its merits, you will always have someone opposing you. It is amazing how paid propagandists can sway people in time of stress.
You, of course, will have to use your own discretion, but I would recommend that you have your people pressure your elected representatives to declare a state of total mobilization, of men, machines, material and resources, for the operation of a social mechanism, using energy as a common denominator of all social activity and the medium of distribution of goods and services to the populace of the land area. "Submit this recommendation to your elected representatives as an emergency measure.
This would be very effective, if done by all the people of every state of each continent simultaneously. This will have to be done to avert the breakdown of all social institutions, which would cause society to go down the drain on any given land area. Its effect would be as devastating as an atomic blast, as regards the loss of human life. "The suggestions I am giving you, in regard to the strategy of social change, are things that the people of the United States and Canada (NAFTA.) failed to do prior to the economic and institutional breakdown of the two main national entities on this continent, thus resulting in the declaration of martial law by executive edict.
Being aware of what will transpire when social institutions break down, there is no need of your making the same mistake as we, and going through the same kind of rough period. Yes, I hope you people are more prudent than we were in effecting social change."
Mr. Proulx raised his hand and said, "Mr. Brooks, by what method would you suggest we organize our people for social change?" "Well, it will, of course, require an educational program we used Project Greybook. You can access it via the www also. Mr. Brooks said, "so that they can be informed how to conduct themselves during the transition, and, of course, be desirous of functional government. One government of people by themselves, and one that technologically administers the technology.
I would suggest you invite the scientists and engineering personnel, as well as those people in key positions (who perform social service those in power plants, transportation, sanitation, and those dispensing food items, in food markets and restaurants, as well as those who grow and process food), to meetings, and induce them to organize themselves into functional bodies that will be ready to assume the responsibility of operating a technological society on short notice; otherwise there will be general confusion, over what could be a long period of time. "Now, I hope the importance of organization is getting through to you," he said, "because without it you have nothing." Mr. Van Vorhees said, "Wouldn't that best be accomplished by leaving everything to our elected representatives?" Brooks's reply was: "Politicians are just politicians in all parts of the world. Would you believe it, the elected representatives of both the United States and Canada declared to the very last minute that, even though the economic conditions could stand improvement, things weren't in such bad shape and would progressively improve if people would only restore their faith in what they called 'free enterprise.' It really isn't surprising that they would make such a statement when they were being advised by economists who thought only in terms of 'supply and demand,' coupled with waste. They never once took into account the impact technology was having on the price system, because of the incompatibility of the two." Mr. Proulx asked if union organizations couldn't be instrumental in effecting social change.
"Mr. Proulx, you will have to realize," Mr. Brooks said, "that in recent years unions have become bigger monetarily than big business, and are politically oriented. No, Mr. Proulx, you don't, for the most part, rely on business or politically oriented organizations to aid in effecting social change. Rather, you go directly to the membership of such organizations." Mr. Proulx said, "But, suppose, Mr. Brooks, that the union organizations call a general strike and cripple the economy to such an extent that adverse conditions trigger an army coup?" "You are correct," Mr. Brooks said. "That condition could very well become a reality. Thinking in retrospect, and reflecting on conditions leading up to social stagnation on the North American continent, that could very well have happened here had not the political leaders of the United States and Canada had the presence of mind to declare martial law slightly in advance of an army coup. Therefore, it is imperative that you induce your people to continue their social functions regardless of their economic depressions, and continue pressuring their elected representatives for total mobilization."
Mr. Andres Castillo, of Peru, said, "Mr. Brooks, is there any method by which a Social Dynamic can be instituted gradually, or by degrees, so that the people will come to accept it as the better of the two social systems?" "By no means," Mr. Brooks said, "is there any method by which that could be accomplished. Inasmuch as the two systems are foreign to each other, there will have to be a complete and final departure from one social system to the other." Mr. Cicero Batista, of Brazil, said, "Mr. Brooks, inasmuch as South America is in the western hemisphere, would you suggest we attempt to institute a Social Dynamic on that continent, or would it be more advisable to join with North America?" Mr. Brooks said, "Well, you are correct. Both continents are in the same hemisphere, but are at present of a slightly different social culture. We on this continent have given that much thought, and have concluded that it would be advisable for South America to shape its own social destiny, concerning the social system that is best suited to its people. Now, I will have you understand that I don't think that the two continents couldn't operate smoothly as one social unit, after South America has established a social order that is compatible with the social order of North America.
However, that would encompass a vast land area, of possible divergent social customs and human behavior. I am not saying that that couldn't be accomplished, but at present we think it best that you shape your own social destiny, and leave the joining of the two continents into one social unit, if possible, to a late date. We are, however, not dismissing the idea." John Brooks paused for a time, waiting for more questions, and then said, "I think any more questions will no doubt have to do with things concerning the operating of individual sequences. However, I would like to conclude by saying, with emphasis, that, in the final analysis, the people of a land area determine what mode of social operation they choose to live and function in. "Now, if there are questions concerning the various sequences," he said, "I will have the Director of the sequence in question furnish the answer."
Sheik Omar, whose English wasn't sufficiently fluent to make himself thoroughly understood, raised his hand and through his interpreter, said, "In some parts of Asia, such as Saudi Arabia, there isn't sufficient precipitation or rivers to afford any appreciable amount of hydroelectric power. We do, of course, produce a vast amount of fossil energy, which is nonrecurring and won't last forever. Therefore, I am greatly concerned about what we will use for energy in the future. Do you have any suggestions as to what type of energy is available to a country such as mine?" "That is in the realm of research," John Brooks said. "
David Ravlin, of Continental Research, will you answer the sheik's question?" David Ravlin stepped to the microphone and said, "Sheik Omar, you really have nothing to worry about. We have, for the past several years, conducted research on the conversion of various types of energy, including energy from solar radiation, energy from the movement of air or wind, energy from the tidal motion of the ocean, and of the hydrogen atom. In the northern area of this continent, where the tides are extreme, we have, through experiment, generated electricity by constructing dams across narrow inlets at the ocean fronts, with openings that contain turbine generators, which have proven very successful, in that electricity is generated, both when the tide is rising and ebbing, by the simple device of dual turbine blades. We have been successful at converting solar radiation to electricity by various methods of parabolic mirrors, or coated plates, or by black-coated tank vats of water covered with glass. No, Sheik Omar, you have nothing to worry about, because in your country the intense radiation of the sun upon the earth during the day is sufficient to store enough energy for use during the night." The sheik shook his head in disbelief and said, "The ingenuity of you Americans is unbelievable."
Mr. Van Vorhees raised his hand and said, "North America is blessed with rivers affording inland waterways; is it possible that the topography and river flow of other continents will afford inland waterways to any appreciable degree?" Mr. Brooks said, "Ronald Jenkins, will you answer Mr. Van Vorhees question?"
When Ronald Jenkins approached the microphone, he appeared slightly ill at ease, as though being called on to answer a question that had come as a surprise. He cleared his throat and said, "Well, in studying the maps of the rest of the world, I am convinced that the elevations and river flow on all continents are sufficient for the development of a good system of inland waterways. It was attempted on the continent of Europe at one time. The plan at that time was correct insofar as plans are concerned, but at that period of history there was no extraneous energy available, or suitable earth-moving equipment to utilize it if it were available. So, for that reason, it was never completed. "Yes, Mr. Van Vorhees, even though the development of inland waterways is a sizable project, it can be achieved on all continents of the world."
During the course of the tour, the quiet person, who seemed never to speak unless spoken to, was Mr. Joe Adams, of Australia. It came as a surprise when he raised his hand, and in an extremely British accent said, "Mr. Brooks, I have been very concerned, no, actually worried, about the continent of Australia. What are we to do, and what will become of us as a continent?" "There is really nothing to worry about," Mr. Brooks said. "Even though Australia is not a self-sufficient continent, it does produce many useful things. Australia can be a very useful adjunct to the continent of Asia. Both land areas can benefit by the union of the two continents, due to their close proximity and diversification of products." When quiet prevailed for what seemed like a full minute, John Brooks said, "It's getting late, and if there are no more questions, let's have lunch, get acquainted, and visit for a while, because I have been told that you are leaving tomorrow. I hope you feel that you have been treated well, and have had a pleasant journey, and have acquired a new concept of social operation. The meeting is adjourned."
On the afternoon of the two hundred and forty-second day of the year, all members of the Continental Board of Directors were at the airport to bid the Delegates bon voyage. it is difficult to explain, but the Delegates departing left a feeling of sadness, notwithstanding their enthusiasm to return to their respective countries to begin an organizing and educational program of awesome magnitude. Yes, when we were gathered at the airport, and were wishing everyone well, there were many tears shed.
Just before boarding the plane, and while holding Miss Jensen's hand, Tom Browning said, "Can I have your attention, please? I have been issued a passport by the government of North America, and a visa from the Norwegian Consulate, and am leaving for Norway with Vera Jensen. We are engaged, and will be married when we arrive." Tom dropped his eyes, and said, "I just couldn't stand the thought of her going home alone, with such a massive project of organization, and with no help from anyone." "I am only taking him along," Vera said, "to put some humorous expressions on the dour faces of the worried and depressed people of my country." Vera saw me standing at a distance, and with both a radiant smile and concern on her face, came to me and threw her arms around me and said, "Mr. Thorp, in spite of your bossiness, you have been dear to all of us. I do hope that Tom and I have your blessings. I promise you that if Tom isn't happy in my country, I will eventually bring him back." I said, "Vera, by taking him with you, you will save me the trouble of shooting him." Looking straight at Tom, who had a Cheshire cat grin on his face, I said, "Good riddance to bad rubbish."
When the plane departure was announced, I was mauled to death with handshakes, hugs, and kisses. Well, now, who said other people of the world are not sentimental? I had always thought of John Brooks as a man who possessed but little sentimentality, but, as the Delegates were boarding the plane, he put his handkerchief to his face and said, "Poor kids, they have a big project ahead of them."
Finis
So., now that you have some idea of what it will be like living in the North
American Technate,
perhaps you would like to see what it might look like.
A prototype urbanate actually exists.