Page 23 of Jeremy
Everyonecalls out a hello or welcome, and Kelly says, “Have a seat anywhere you like.”
Mostof those present are women. There are a couple of young men, maybe not quiteout of their teens yet, and two older guys who sit beside each other. Theirdemeanor and the way they look at me and Haddie makes it clear they’re the leaders.These are the men I’ve come after.
Ihave to restrain myself from just beating them to death on the spot. I’m hereto see how everything works and try to get an inside look so I can shut thisshit down for good.
Itake a seat beside Haddie. A thin woman with pronounced circles around her eyesis on my other side and she gives me a reluctant smile. “Welcome to True Life.”
I’venever heard a more insincere statement. “Thank you. I’m glad to be here.”
Oneof the two leaders gets to his feet, and everyone falls quiet. “I’m happy toannounce we have two newcomers tonight. Please, make them feel welcome.” Hesmiles at Haddie and me. “My name is Anthony. Please, feel free to ask anyquestions or speak with me afterward if you need more information.”
Herubs his palms together. “Now, we know why we’re here. It’s been a very hardyear, and we’ve suffered losses that have devastated us, but it will not stopus from living a True Life and showing others how to do the same.”
Hisoily smile points toward a woman across from me, who stares at him, rapt.“Jillian, can you tell our new friends what our goal is?”
Shejumps on the opportunity, her voice nearly manic with enthusiasm. “Our goal isto save Mother Earth from the damage being inflicted on her every day.”
“Exactly,dear. Well said.”
Thiswoman looks like she’s ready to drop to her knees to kiss his feet, among otherthings, and it turns my stomach.
“Ourlandfills are bulging with garbage, our oceans are full of trash, much of itplastic which can be recycled, but doesn’t biodegrade. Corporations havepoisoned our water, filled our air with cancer, and our food with harmfulhormones. All in worship of the almighty dollar.”
Heturns to another in the group, a young man this time. “Garth, can you tell ournew friends what the root cause of all this destruction is? Can you name thecancer that’s eating society alive?”
Forfuck’s sake. The hyperbole is through the roof.
“Consumerism,”Garth replies instantly.
“That’sright. Plastic wouldn’t be clogging our oceans if we weren’t buying it andeventually throwing it away. The factories wouldn’t be polluting the air if weweren’t buying the products they make, and funding their ability to continue.Humans need very few resources to survive. Water, food, and shelter.”
Everyonenods as he continues. “Do humans need to drink bottled water? Do we need todrive cars that add pollution to the environment? Is it imperative we carryaround a personal phone, that must be replaced as soon as a new model isavailable?”
Headsare shaking back and forth, and Anthony smiles as I join in.
“Ofcourse not, but that’s what the masses have been led to believe. We have toshow them there’s a better way. A way to live with the Earth, not in spite ofit.”
Hewalks around, the fire throwing shadows across his face. “Just like all of you,most people don’t realize the damage they’re doing. They’re being brainwashedinto believing that you have to have the biggest house, the shiniest car, thenewest gadgets to be happy. They are bombarded with it from the time they’rechildren. Child targeted advertising gets in their impressionable little brainsand insists they need that new toy or game right now. As you age, it getsworse. They track your spending to see what you buy so they can target youthrough ads and spam. They convince you that these are the building blocks youneed to live a wonderful life. If you just had that new car, everything wouldbe great.”
“Butwhat happens? The more you get, the more you want. So you buy and buy, nevergiving a second thought to where those items are going to end up once they’rediscarded. It’s all a trick to get what matters the most to them. Money.”
“Themain responsibility of a corporation is to answer only to shareholders, givinghuman rights and other issues almost no consideration. They’re just trying tomake another billion. It’s true that money is the root of all evil. Butconsumerism is the result and will be the downfall of our society if we let it.
“Iknow it sometimes seems hopeless, but there are things we can do, and that’swhy we gather here, to work toward a better world. We’re about action, nottalk. Let the others complain while they do nothing. We will not screamuselessly into the abyss. We will save ourselves, and the beautiful earth forthe generations to come. We’ll show them how to live a true life.”
Applausefills the air, and I join in clapping with all the others. The man can talk. Ican see how desperate people looking for an answer could fall prey to hisbullshit. Haddie was absolutely entranced throughout his speech. I’m watchingsomeone begin the path to being brainwashed and it’s infuriating.
Anthonynods toward Kelly, and she takes the hint, approaching Haddie and offering togive her a tour of the place. Anthony takes her now empty seat beside me, andintroduces himself. After we shake hands, he says, “Kelly tells me you’re veryhealth and environmentally conscious. So, be honest with me. Did you lead herto believe that because it’s true or because she’s a pretty blond with big blueeyes?”
Hisquestion catches me off guard, and I stare into his scrutinizing eyes for amoment before answering him. “I didn’t lie, but, you know, if it’d been somedude handing out flyers, I probably wouldn’t have stopped.”
Anthonythrows back his head and laughs, slapping me on my shoulder. “That’s why she’sour public face. You’re honest. I like you. So, tell me, what do you think ofTrue Life’s message?”
Irub my chin like I’m considering it. “It’s right on the mark, but I’d like toknow more about what would be expected of me if I join.”
There’sno way I’m moving into one of those grungy trailers. He must catch my glance inthat direction because he laughs and gets to his feet. “We don’t expect you tomove right in. And those quarters are for the women and children. Why don’t youcome with me? I’ll show you the big house where you’d be spending time if youdecide to join us.”
So,only the women live without power. Good to know.
