The Immaculate Conception 265''I'm quite aware of that, but you're also aware that
your western civilization is messed up as far as inform
ing the people about what's really going on."
"What do you mean? I think our society is one of the
most wonderful nations in this world. It may not be
perfect, but it's certainly the best."
"Why? Because the average citizen possesses two cars
and all of the modern conveniences?"
"No, I'm not basing my judgment on that, nor upon
the standards of living of our average citizens. It's more
the way our government protects its people. We have
free elections, and the principles of democracy in action.
We don't have revolutions or a military government,
besides .... "
"Hold it right there, Mr. Patriot. I promised you I was
going to tell you about a nation in this world, so we won't
waste any precious time talking about democracy or
things of that sort. I understand your loyalty to the
country in which you live, but you're much too naive and
idealistic. When I said we'd be talking about a nation in
this world, what I had in mind was how a nation would
take an active part in the final days of Armageddon."
"Oh! I thought we were going to get into a political
discussion. That's one of my favorite subjects. Can we
use names here? You're aware, I'm sure, that in my
country there is absolute freedom of the press."
"Are you kidding, Chacho ?"
"Look, Rama, if you know something I don't, I've
asked you many times to level with me, let me in on
everything ."
"How could you say there is freedom of the press in a
nation that hides so much from its news media? A place
where a group of people sitting around a conference
table decides what people can or cannot know. Don't you
know there is censorship of the news?"
"How can you say that?"
"Listen, if you don't believe me, my feelings won't be