Jonathan was laughing too, especially at how the Professor presented everything. His laugh was infectious, and he waved his hands around theatrically like a magician about to perform a trick.
“Of course, the Connect also gave a safe place to broadcast the truth about wrongdoings and corruption. Corporations, politics and governments; they were in such a mess. It was very much about money then, money and power. There were so many cases when our trusted leaders stole public funds or manipulated markets for their own profit. It was more or less accepted that it was happening.
“You know, dear Jonathan, in a place I was living at one time, the regional president had actually been to jail for corruption, while he was still in office. He was in cahoots with a building company or some such. Even while he was still in jail he was campaigning for the next term. He got out with the help of some clever lawyers, but good heavens, a few months later the people voted him back in. They took him right back! They said ‘He steals but at least he does things’. They seriously believed that everyone in political power would steal or cheat in some way for themselves, but at least this guy was getting a few things done. In reality, the thieving gangster was doing few things, but mostly daft things that ignored many of the real problems of this region that was in dire need of help.
“Big corporations funded political campaigns to get their puppets elected. It was all about marketing in those days. Most of the public had no idea how their minds were being manipulated. They were sold their politicians in the same way they were sold their washing detergent.
“Oh, they were sorry times. Backstabbing, bribes for votes, scandals, you name it. It was completely crazy, dear Jono.
“But we were all to blame. Very few could seriously say they were always honest about all things. We all had our little scams and tricks. What starts with the leaders all too often leeches down to all,” he said with a sigh. The Professor was getting a little hot recalling the old times, and with all his hand motions. He paused, took a deep breath, and finished his beer in one long gulp.
“Another glass of ale, Professor? You must be thirsty,” he said as he tapped in the order for another beer. He wanted to listen to this theatrical man for a whole lot longer.
In the pause, the Professor looked around and realized that a small crowd had started to form around them, listening to what he was saying. He rather liked the attention. They waited for what came next. He decided it was time in to tell them about a brave and humble man who had made a huge impact on the conscience of many.