Change
Two months of surveillance had been placed on Tom, even as he lived clean as a whistle and pumping his life savings into the same man’s land who was spying on him. At least one Guatemalan watched the shack every night with Jim’s night vision binoculars from the wood line.
Willy had every second of site and sound surveillance available on his computer. However, there was nothing done by Tom that would give Willy justification to rid the recovering alcoholic out of Whitney’s life. The baby was a few weeks away. The house was almost finished. Tom had learned so much. The reward for bringing over several contactors he met through work. Men who knew plumbing, electrical, carpentry, A.C., were more than happy to share free advice to Tom. He didn’t invest much money into labor, but he did spend a lot on materials.
A little over a week before the baby was born Tom agreed to represent ‘Sunny Side Condo’s’ at the time-share convention. Whit designed all the catalogues, brochures, and laminated offerings, which Tom presented on two tables. The young man who looked very professional and welcoming wore a yellow dress shirt with a blue and yellow tie- attractive but not flashy.
His approach was simple. He smiled at everyone that looked over at the booth. For the thousands that came over, he found an ice breaking common subject, which served as the means to introduce Sunny Side. The locals that attended loved the fact that Willy’s future son-in-law was helping him out, and also, that such a wonderful boy was blessing the Stanton’s with their first grandchild.
The weekend went great. Tom was very kind and welcoming to everyone. He talked with near ten thousand people during the two eight hour days- handing out every single pamphlet Whit had created. The new condos were set to open in less than a year. If they were filled before construction was finished, Willy would look brilliant. A large increase in his bank account would transpire.
The one downer for Tom was Jim’s visit. Tom spotted Uncle Jim amid the crowd about fifteen feet from the booth. He gave Tom the nastiest look ever. Didn’t even say a word as he walked by. Tom thought to himself, “The audacity of that fool, I’m here donating my weekend for free to pay his future salary. What an ungrateful disgrace.” One other Sunny Side family member showed up. Whitney stopped by and joined Tom for an hour. She made it clear to the possible consumers that she was the owner’s daughter. And boy did she bring in big business for that daddy of hers in an hours time. It was a no brainer. Potential clients saw the owner’s daughter, who lived on the grounds, pregnant.
Sure enough, the week following the convention, Danielle received eight hundred calls regarding the new condos. Within two weeks, the new condos were filled completely, all because of Tom’s free labor. This was the first time interested patrons were ever put on a waiting list for Sunny Side.
Uncle Jim did not see it this way. “That fucking punk better work his ass off for you. He owes you a lot of money for letting him redo that shack.”
On a usual Thursday for Uncle Jim it was the same routine. Early on in the day he checks all the plant beds and, if need be, draws up plans for future plantings. He then finishes up early at two, compared to the other days when he oversees the mowing and weed prevention until four. The after work local venue was the same as every other Thursday-The Village Tavern. All other nights out were spent at the Gentlemen’s Club. It had been Uncle Jim’s destination for ten years now and was special- a night without flinging dollar bills. It was the closest watering hole, with a refined character.
Jim knew everyone, from the owner, to the bus boy, to the divorcee sitting alone by the window. On this Thursday he would meet someone he didn’t recognize, but who still would change his mind forever. Jim was the type to engage in conversation with any new face, as long as he had been inspired by at least one cocktail.
Uncle Jim may be considered an alcoholic by most standards. He had at least three alcoholic beverages daily, but he was nowhere near the range of Tom’s prior daily binges. Thursday’s were the only time Jim would truly get drunk. This was a Thursday Jim planned on having a few extra drinks. There was a buzz out about Sunny Side. An article in the local paper described the swift construction for the units already filled. Everyone wanted to talk to Jim about the amazing progress. But most important, his job was set in stone, in fact the expansion of Sunny Side brought on promotion. The success also led Jim to perceive his taking over as the most likely scenario. The Sunny Side system was formed just as much by Jimmy as it was by Willy.
The furthest stool to the right was going to be his spot for the duration of daylight. It always was. This day was different. He noticed a gentleman sitting on a center stool. A man with overgrown white hair and a long white beard, shaven under the chin line, was the lone soul at the barside. He was dressed in khaki shorts with a vibrant Hawaiian shirt.
Jim immediately sat next to him in his clean work khaki’s and black Sunny Side polo. Jim made an obvious up and down look. “First time in the Village?”
“Yes, nice and quiet.” The man returned the look.
“I come here on Thursdays to throw a couple back. I’m pretty flat out this time of year, but I always save time for the Village.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m head groundskeeper, maintenance man, and landscape architect at Sunny Side Condo’s. My name is Jim by the way.”
“I’m David Meyers. Please to meet you. I’ve read a little about that place.”
“Yeah. We’re expanding, doubling our size. Everything has gone through nice and smooth so far, except for one issue. I can’t wait to start designing.”
“Sounds great. Who do you have for security?”
“Continental Security Agency. Their great you know, get things done real fast. They first contacted the owner of the condo’s, Willy Stanton. He’s my best friend as far back as childhood. We grew up together all the way through. Lately, he’s had a lot of trouble with his no good punk son-in-law.” Jim had a chuckle. “That’s why we got the security, not for any other reason. This kid is an ugly drunk. Before this kid Tom came and lived in the condos for free, cause he wasn’t worth a dime, we didn’t have any security. The second he came in though, Willy saw his girl crying. Sure enough, we had an eye on his place the whole time since. Willy can watch the house from his computer. He also can hear any conversation in the house. Kid don’t have a clue. Willy ain’t worried cause it’s all Willy’s property, everything is his on paper. Kid put thousands of dollars into this shack, actually looks great, but it don’t matter, his name ain’t on nothing.”
“Wow, kid don’t know a thing huh. What’s sweat equity right.” David seemed very interested in Jim’s boasting.
“I never trusted him for a second. We even monitor his bank account. It’s fine cause it started out as Whitney’s, which Willy started up for her to receive money for college. Apparently, this kid Tom loads all his money in there. We see every deposit and card transaction made. Thing is he sobered up for a couple months now and he don’t buy booze anymore. Nor does the relationship seem dysfunctional. We’re going to continue to check on him, make sure things don’t turn wrong.” Jim chuckled again, “Willy has the mob on speed dial. He had them watch his house and take a photo of Tom and his vehicle to make sure they knew who to hit.” … “Enough about what’s going on with me. Want a drink? What do you do?”
“I’m fine for now, gotta finish my red wine. Well, it’s funny you ask. I’m in security as well. That’s why I asked you.” David saw Jim’s eyes light up with the acknowledgment of his occupation.
“Well, we have a lot in common. What’s the name of your firm?”
“Actually Jim I like to think of myself as a people’s servant. Security for the people. Someone has to look out for the common man.”
“What?” Jumped out of Jim’s mouth.
“Yes, I am an attorney for civil liberties. There are a lot of whistle blowers for domestic spying.”
“You work for the feds?” Jim asked.
“I somewhat work against the feds nowadays. Too many government officials are looking out for their own invested interest not the peoples. I’m trying to make sure things are fair.”
“Huh.” Jim held a puzzled look.
“Everything you have disclosed to me Jim sounds illegal. You won’t believe it but to me you’re supporting terrorism. You’re taking someone’s freedom away by your sneaky measures. The private company that you contracted for security is an American based private company who the government outsources abroad. All those recordings that Tom is unaware of are received by the main cloud and stored accordingly by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Do you realize the true purpose is to analyze information that could possibly disrupt the growth of our corporate monopolies.”
“What the hell are you talking about Dave. I just want to shoot the breeze and have a couple drinks. … But you know as well as I do, we are in a time of war. Different rules do apply.”
“Listen Jim I know all this. I worked in the Federal Investigation Agency for twenty years. I know the games they play. They can do whatever they want. But what happens if a war last forever? Must we permanently commit illegal acts? Must we censure permanently? Must we invade foreign countries, form new laws, form new wars? Incessant warfare has become the norm. This violent nature is worshipped here.”
“I don’t give two shits about foreigners. I belong to the greatest nation in the world.”
“Ah Jim. The moral superiority complex. Let me ask you, of what virtues we hold make us the center of the universe? Do you act in accordance with your ego or your spirit?”
“Man, Dave, don’t you know how to have a good time.”
“Jim, I would be having a much better life if I knew there was a concern by our government to spare innocent lives no matter what country they live.”
“My life is good here Dave, I work hard and pay my bills. I’m not worried about over there.”
“It’s all connected. Our taxes are supporting a war the majority of taxpayers didn’t support. You are also paying for the unknowing surveillance upon American taxpayers.”
“David, what’s the big deal. If someone isn’t committing wrong why should they care to be monitored?”
“It’s wrong!” David raised his tone.
There stood an awkward silence.
“I agree Dave this war does cost a lot of money.” Jim wanted to bring Dave back to a pleasant mood.
“Well Jim, as we’re fighting this war for our freedom, we are truly losing it.”
“I never looked at it like that,” Jim said.
“Think of it this way Jim. Take a little boy who was very tall and skinny. His parents only had one type of mirror throughout the house. This mirror was the only means by which the child ever saw his reflection. Unfortunately, this mirror was the type to be found in the circus, which makes the thin and tall appear fat and short. This boy would go on to think he was obese, growing up under this perception. Well Jim, we have been deceived like this boy. We need to see the natural reflection. ‘War is terrorism.’[1] You’ve supported every bombing that has killed so many innocent lives.”
“I see what you’re getting at Dave. Go on.”
“Politics and the media can exhibit any picture they want to the public. We the people are so blind to this.” Dave then ranted, “Who is the government truly for nowadays- people or corporations? What the fuck is national security? Making every other nation hate us because of our dependence on oil and the deeds we commit to obtain it sure helps our security. Thanks a lot Washington for the lack of preparation for the ensuing energy crisis!”
“What if our way of life, also identified to be our national security, is wrong? It is destroying this earth! It is forming hatred exponentially!”
“The government and the people are two very different entities. The American illusion allows us to believe we are one family, yet the rich and the working class are far different people. Why would the working class think invading a foreign country is in its best interest if taxes would intensely be increased? The politicians claim war is in the nations best interest yet the taxes still increase. The division of classes is the true struggle within this nation. One small group feels the necessity to make decisions for the larger poor group. The poor group has no property or money. Thus the lesser group has no opportunity to improve living standards. Ha, we want to fix out there.” Dave spun on the stool pointing his index fingers every which way. He then pointed both fingers at himself. “We need to fix within before we move outside.”
“How old is that kid you’re spying on?”
“Twenty-four or five I think.” Jim quickly responded in a light embarrassed tone.
“He’s a kid. What were you doing at that age? People polarize everything nowadays. He’s cleaned himself up. Give him some credit. Maybe he comes from a broken home, his dad was probably a drunk…”
“He was,” Jim chimed in.
“That’s the only manner he knew how to deal with problems or nerves. That kid might solve all these problems I’ve been complaining about someday. You can’t assume you know what someone’s going to do,” Dave said.
“Yes. I suppose it’s like this war Dave. Not all these foreigners are terrorists.”
“Exactly Jim. There are so many innocent victims in this war on ignorance. The soldiers’ intentions are for the best interest of the country, which ironically forms a greater impossible debt for our decorated citizens to return to. Money is not being used wisely. It should be spent on energy infrastructure. That is where the answer will be found. These power lines are not going to last. Oil is not going to last.”
“I think you’re wrong about that Dave.”
“Insane profits for private military contractors are one of the many distresses formed by the corporate control of vital resources.” Dave finished his wine, cleaned his lips with a napkin, and continued. “It is true the constitution enables this. Similar to the bible, its words can have multiple interpretations.[2] Why should we fight and grow in debt for a small portion of men who are protecting their interest. When we won the revolution Jim, the whole country did not gain independence. Slaveholders, merchants, and manufacturers benefited from our separation from Britain, the petty man still had to pay off universal debts. One with wealth, as long as their not a jester of the lowest standard, will have no problem maintaining their wealth. The wealthy in society have been able to continue the status-quo through these hundred of years controlling the nation through one class. The ruling class has known that bringing about war was the best way to accomplish subjection. The lower class had to both fight the battles and pay the debt.”
“Dave let me buy you another drink. I see your passion. I really like what your saying. … Knowledge is power. I want to live by the truth.”
The two waited as the bartender poured them each a gin and tonic on the rocks.
“Dave, I always have been into war you know. That’s why this talk is hard for me. I’ve watched all those movies. Now thinking about it, maybe those movies are used as a promotional tool.”
“Exactly Jim. Only certain events are promoted, but even these are manipulated. If a conflict arises, the delinquency requires intervention in order to justify our involvement. Speculation forms through various means in order to make violence the only solution. Propaganda fills the mind with all the justification necessary to support even the most immoral of all acts. These political parties are a farce. They both produce the same end. The American people are not truly represented, yet we invade the homeland of millions in our name… ’Nothing justifies killing innocent people’[3].”
“This makes me wonder who the real terrorist are Dave? This is troubling. The most important matters seem to be hidden,” Jim said.
“You hit the nail on the head. Losing thousands during a terror act is absolute devastation. However, how many innocent people have we killed? We do not have to face any consequence for murder by our machines.”
“But there is no solution, right Dave?”
“Well, if the government becomes destructive to our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, the people have the right to alter and abolish it. I’m sure not happy with what’s been going on. If anyone corrupts the truth, they are wrong. I don’t care who they are. … Patriotism isn’t full support for the government, what if their guilty. In consideration that many men are driven by greed, what if some of those men are our rulers? Are we supposed to keep our mouth shut and allow one man to take what another man is due?”
“Dissent is as important an element of patriotism as compliance. This nation grew great wealth from slaves not too long ago, but men existed who knew it was wrong and persevered to end it. We must focus on humanics rather than war and selfishness. The solution to this mess will never form through occupation in lands we have no knowledge of. We must have debates based on facts and logic. The truth holds a supremacy no propaganda could imitate.”
It was now seven o’ clock. The two enjoyed each other’s company by this time, even though the tab piled up so high that some of the conversation was to be lost. Jim did not want the night to end, nor did David.
“Jim do you know what Mark Twain wrote once:
‘The gospel of the monarchical patriotism is ‘The King can do no wrong’. We have adopted it with all its servility, with an unimportant change in the wording: ‘Our country, right or wrong!’ We have thrown away the most valuable asset we had-the individual’s right to oppose both flag and country when he believed them to be in the wrong. We have thrown it away,’ and with it, all that was really respectable about that grotesque and laughable word; Patriotism.’[4]”
Jim quickly said, “He was a smart man.”
“Before we depart, do you want me to tell you how we really got into this mess of a war?”
“Of course Dave. Please educate me.”
[1] A Power Governments Cannot Suppress, Howard Zinn, pg. 195
[2] A Power Governments Cannot Suppress, Howard Zinn, pg. 164
[3] A Power Governments Cannot Suppress, Howard Zinn, pg. 75
[4] A Power Governments Cannot Suppress, Howard Zinn, pg. 115