Read Online Sustenance by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Free Book Online
Authors: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
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before any other considerations, and are pushing for full access to textbooks.”
“You’re supposing that I am held in high regard among my fellow-publishers, and that my opinion would make a difference,” said Szent-Germain.
“As to that, we know you are; even those who envy you speak well of you.” He paused to empty the last of his coffee into his cup. “This gives us an opportunity to regularize problems that are the result of various conditions for and lengths of copyrights. It could simplify the publishing business in a large part of the world.” He sighed and drank the last of his creamy coffee.
“I think that would be useful for all of us,” said Szent-Germain in a carefully neutral voice.
“That’s what I hoped you’d say.” Leaning forward and planting his elbows on either side of his empty plate, he launched into what sounded like a rehearsed speech. “We—the Allies who won the war—have a responsibility to do what we can to get the world back on its feet; it’s part of the price of victory. Publishing and motion pictures are an important part of that push to restoration. It also encourages the exchange of expression and ideas, which in turn can bring about opportunities for intercultural goodwill through communications and art. We believe that publishing and motion pictures can play a crucial role in this project.”
“They can,” Szent-Germain said without inflection.
Bereston looked nonplussed. “How can you doubt it?”
“I only wonder how other governments will view your efforts.” He held up his hand and went on without permitting Bereston to interject anything. “Many may think that your intentions are more political than cultural, and reject your project out of hand for that reason.”
“The same could be true of those who participate in our attempts.” There was an obstinate set to his jaw and his eyes narrowed.
“That brings us to the heart of the matter: do you plan to accept propaganda as part of arts and letters, or are you planning to impose conditions on these contrivances? And how are you to identify what is literature and what is propaganda? That will need to be defined to all parties’ satisfaction if you are truly concerned about that. Not all countries have your admirable First Amendment to protect unpopular opinion, and without such a check on the degree to which a government can control the information accessible to its citizens, the more likely it is that information will become propaganda, and stifle innovation in thought. It has happened many times before and it is likely to happen again.” He nodded once. “You know, I admire your Constitution, which I made a point of studying while I was visiting your country shortly before the war.”
“That’s interesting,” said Bereston, making a quick recovery from his surprise. “What do you think of our notion, a man in your position, titled and all?”
“I am also an exile, Mister Bereston; my title is merely a courtesy now. It is useful in getting good seats at the opera and prompt attention at the bank.” This was not quite accurate but near enough to the truth to make his answer acceptable. “I think your Constitution is a laudable document, and I hope many of its principles are embraced by other countries, but I also know that not all countries seek that manner of order among their own peoples,” said Szent-Germain. “Writers and publishers need the protection your First Amendment provides, but it must apply to all to have any lasting impact, wouldn’t you say?”
“We like to think so, though we are careful about what we decide to publish. With all the turmoil in the world, we have a responsibility not to add to it,” said Bereston, his demeanor more tense, his eyes hard upon his host. “But it takes time to prepare to offer such protections.”
Now Szent-Germain was being very watchful, although little changed in his outward manner. “How could that be? What preparation is there
“You’re supposing that I am held in high regard among my fellow-publishers, and that my opinion would make a difference,” said Szent-Germain.
“As to that, we know you are; even those who envy you speak well of you.” He paused to empty the last of his coffee into his cup. “This gives us an opportunity to regularize problems that are the result of various conditions for and lengths of copyrights. It could simplify the publishing business in a large part of the world.” He sighed and drank the last of his creamy coffee.
“I think that would be useful for all of us,” said Szent-Germain in a carefully neutral voice.
“That’s what I hoped you’d say.” Leaning forward and planting his elbows on either side of his empty plate, he launched into what sounded like a rehearsed speech. “We—the Allies who won the war—have a responsibility to do what we can to get the world back on its feet; it’s part of the price of victory. Publishing and motion pictures are an important part of that push to restoration. It also encourages the exchange of expression and ideas, which in turn can bring about opportunities for intercultural goodwill through communications and art. We believe that publishing and motion pictures can play a crucial role in this project.”
“They can,” Szent-Germain said without inflection.
Bereston looked nonplussed. “How can you doubt it?”
“I only wonder how other governments will view your efforts.” He held up his hand and went on without permitting Bereston to interject anything. “Many may think that your intentions are more political than cultural, and reject your project out of hand for that reason.”
“The same could be true of those who participate in our attempts.” There was an obstinate set to his jaw and his eyes narrowed.
“That brings us to the heart of the matter: do you plan to accept propaganda as part of arts and letters, or are you planning to impose conditions on these contrivances? And how are you to identify what is literature and what is propaganda? That will need to be defined to all parties’ satisfaction if you are truly concerned about that. Not all countries have your admirable First Amendment to protect unpopular opinion, and without such a check on the degree to which a government can control the information accessible to its citizens, the more likely it is that information will become propaganda, and stifle innovation in thought. It has happened many times before and it is likely to happen again.” He nodded once. “You know, I admire your Constitution, which I made a point of studying while I was visiting your country shortly before the war.”
“That’s interesting,” said Bereston, making a quick recovery from his surprise. “What do you think of our notion, a man in your position, titled and all?”
“I am also an exile, Mister Bereston; my title is merely a courtesy now. It is useful in getting good seats at the opera and prompt attention at the bank.” This was not quite accurate but near enough to the truth to make his answer acceptable. “I think your Constitution is a laudable document, and I hope many of its principles are embraced by other countries, but I also know that not all countries seek that manner of order among their own peoples,” said Szent-Germain. “Writers and publishers need the protection your First Amendment provides, but it must apply to all to have any lasting impact, wouldn’t you say?”
“We like to think so, though we are careful about what we decide to publish. With all the turmoil in the world, we have a responsibility not to add to it,” said Bereston, his demeanor more tense, his eyes hard upon his host. “But it takes time to prepare to offer such protections.”
Now Szent-Germain was being very watchful, although little changed in his outward manner. “How could that be? What preparation is there
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