Read Online Sustenance by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Ads: Link
needed?”
Bereston gave a small cough. “There are subjects that, even with freedom of speech, need to be approached with utmost caution, especially in times like these, when, as you say, much propaganda is presented to the public in the guise of art. You must be aware, Grof, that the irresponsible distribution of social theories and financial schemes can only bring about dissension and unrest; this is a ticklish time in our dealings with Europe, and we must proceed with care. We’re aware of that. Such material as might contribute to social turmoil must be handled circumspectly, some tracts and analyses delayed, and a few rejected for the good of the people. For everyone’s benefit.”
“I don’t see that,” said Szent-Germain, still speaking affably. “Nothing in the language of the First Amendment suggests that such standards can be imposed on original thought and its distribution. Such restrictions obviate all the guarantees of the Constitution.” He reached out and picked up a small brass bell which he rang.
“It’s not in the specific language, but it is implied by other provisions in the Constitution, and it is the policy of the United States to adhere to decisions that support the public good rather than encouraging—”
“—irresponsibility, yes, I heard you.” He looked up as Rogers came into the room. “Be good enough to bring our guest another pot of coffee, if you would.”
“With cream?” Rogers inquired.
“Yes.” He turned back to Bereston. “I’m sorry you aren’t interested in something stronger, but I surmise that the purpose of your visit makes it unwise to risk the slightest clouding of your intellect.”
“It is an important issue, and deserves the whole of my concentration,” Bereston said curtly. “I don’t know how to explain it to you, Grof, but if you have any hope of working with American publishers—as I and others trust you do—then we must determine the sorts of work you are planning to introduce to our people.” He sighed and sat more stiffly in his chair. “It isn’t easy for those of you who are devoted to the European way of life to comprehend how we Americans understand the limits of freedom.”
“The limits of freedom,” Szent-Germain repeated. “An … interesting concept.”
There was a blustery gust of wind that set the shutters to rattling.
“You understand the reasons for it, surely?” Bereston said, his face a mask of goodwill. “Precarious governments will need to protect their populations from—”
“I’m afraid I don’t—understand the reasons,” said Szent-Germain. “Perhaps I have not grasped your purpose in all this?” He spoke mildly, but he was aware of Bereston’s antagonism behind his smile.
“If you can spare me an hour, I’ll be more than happy to explain it to you in detail,” Bereston offered.
“Alas, I think not,” said Szent-Germain, as courteously as if he approved. “Since I have plans to go to Amsterdam, then to Copenhagen, and Paris in the next two weeks, I haven’t the time to give your venture the close attention it deserves. When I return here, we can set up an appointment for a proper discussion.”
“If that’s all you’re willing to do, why didn’t you refuse to see me?” Bereston demanded, then visibly calmed himself.
“I had insufficient information to know whether or not to hear you out; you will agree that your business card provides very little about your work beyond the most elementary outline. I am not a credulous man, Mister Bereston, and I would need much more than your assurances to support this plan you are planning to impose upon the world. It is the world you’re aiming for, isn’t it.” He rose. “If you will let Rogers know when you will be available for a meeting after I return, then I will have a better idea of your undertaking, and will be more prepared to respond to your plans appropriately.”
Bereston glowered briefly, then forced his face into yet another
Bereston gave a small cough. “There are subjects that, even with freedom of speech, need to be approached with utmost caution, especially in times like these, when, as you say, much propaganda is presented to the public in the guise of art. You must be aware, Grof, that the irresponsible distribution of social theories and financial schemes can only bring about dissension and unrest; this is a ticklish time in our dealings with Europe, and we must proceed with care. We’re aware of that. Such material as might contribute to social turmoil must be handled circumspectly, some tracts and analyses delayed, and a few rejected for the good of the people. For everyone’s benefit.”
“I don’t see that,” said Szent-Germain, still speaking affably. “Nothing in the language of the First Amendment suggests that such standards can be imposed on original thought and its distribution. Such restrictions obviate all the guarantees of the Constitution.” He reached out and picked up a small brass bell which he rang.
“It’s not in the specific language, but it is implied by other provisions in the Constitution, and it is the policy of the United States to adhere to decisions that support the public good rather than encouraging—”
“—irresponsibility, yes, I heard you.” He looked up as Rogers came into the room. “Be good enough to bring our guest another pot of coffee, if you would.”
“With cream?” Rogers inquired.
“Yes.” He turned back to Bereston. “I’m sorry you aren’t interested in something stronger, but I surmise that the purpose of your visit makes it unwise to risk the slightest clouding of your intellect.”
“It is an important issue, and deserves the whole of my concentration,” Bereston said curtly. “I don’t know how to explain it to you, Grof, but if you have any hope of working with American publishers—as I and others trust you do—then we must determine the sorts of work you are planning to introduce to our people.” He sighed and sat more stiffly in his chair. “It isn’t easy for those of you who are devoted to the European way of life to comprehend how we Americans understand the limits of freedom.”
“The limits of freedom,” Szent-Germain repeated. “An … interesting concept.”
There was a blustery gust of wind that set the shutters to rattling.
“You understand the reasons for it, surely?” Bereston said, his face a mask of goodwill. “Precarious governments will need to protect their populations from—”
“I’m afraid I don’t—understand the reasons,” said Szent-Germain. “Perhaps I have not grasped your purpose in all this?” He spoke mildly, but he was aware of Bereston’s antagonism behind his smile.
“If you can spare me an hour, I’ll be more than happy to explain it to you in detail,” Bereston offered.
“Alas, I think not,” said Szent-Germain, as courteously as if he approved. “Since I have plans to go to Amsterdam, then to Copenhagen, and Paris in the next two weeks, I haven’t the time to give your venture the close attention it deserves. When I return here, we can set up an appointment for a proper discussion.”
“If that’s all you’re willing to do, why didn’t you refuse to see me?” Bereston demanded, then visibly calmed himself.
“I had insufficient information to know whether or not to hear you out; you will agree that your business card provides very little about your work beyond the most elementary outline. I am not a credulous man, Mister Bereston, and I would need much more than your assurances to support this plan you are planning to impose upon the world. It is the world you’re aiming for, isn’t it.” He rose. “If you will let Rogers know when you will be available for a meeting after I return, then I will have a better idea of your undertaking, and will be more prepared to respond to your plans appropriately.”
Bereston glowered briefly, then forced his face into yet another
Similar Books
