Rebirth of America, this is my time

Oakland is located on the east coast of San Francisco Bay, across the sea from San Francisco.

Because of the San Francisco Gold Rush, Oakland, which is strategically located, has become an important transportation hub in the California Bay Area since the 19th century.

In the 1850s, port transportation here was already very developed. By 1869, a railway terminal across the entire America was built here, becoming the most important railway center in California. As a result, countless immigrants and workers came. With the efforts of these people, Oakland also From an ordinary fishing village, it has become a city full of modernization and industrialization.

Although diversity can bring economic prosperity, incompatible ideas can lead to countless conflicts. The black civil rights movement, the anti-war hippie movement, and even the world-famous Black Panther Party are all here. Born and popular in this city.

Under this situation, Oakland's security situation can be said to be the worst in the Bay Area.

When the energy crisis broke out a few years ago, with countless factories relocating, oil prices soaring, inflation aggravating, and unemployment soaring, the living environment here became even worse.

Ethan would never set foot here unless necessary, and today...

Driven by Thomas, the Ford pickup truck carrying twenty boxes of fresh navel oranges slowly drove into the largest and most diverse area in Oakland, Fruit Valley in East Oakland.

After twists and turns, a dilapidated community house appeared in front of Ethan.

Although the houses here are still small single-family buildings, there are no green and refreshing lawns in front of and behind the houses. There are just bare land and various debris piled on it.

The wooden fence used to distinguish the territory is in disrepair and is dilapidated. The figure swaying in the wind and the cracked surface can even give people the illusion that it will fall down at a touch.

There are various small flags hanging at the door of some families. It may be because Ethan is not knowledgeable enough, so he cannot accurately distinguish the countries represented by the flags, but at the same time, he also knows that these flags represent the heads of households. Swear and tell, swear your identity, and tell your roots.

Get out of the car. Thomas stopped in front of a two-story wooden house.

Ethan did as he was told.

But when he wanted to remove the raincloth from the car behind him and remove the navel oranges from the car, Thomas waved his hand to signal him not to worry, then came to the door of the wooden house and knocked a few times.

Who?

After a while, a deep voice sounded.

It's me, Thomas Johnson. Thomas opened his voice and said, I am the brother of Jimmy Jones, and his sister Linda Jones is my wife.

Perhaps it was because Thomas mentioned the names of three people in one sentence, so when the words fell, there was also a kind of thinking silence inside, but it may also be that the name Jimmy Jones stimulated the guys inside, so in After the silence, the thumping of footsteps suddenly sounded.

Then, I heard a creak and the door opened.

A figure of indeterminate age emerged from the house. His face was dull and his cheeks were red. He was wearing a washed white camouflage uniform. The cuffs and knees had lost their color. The high-top boots on his feet should have worn off. It was his most valuable possession, but even so, it was stained and full of creases.

When this guy saw Thomas, endless joy suddenly burst out from his cloudy eyes. He opened his arms to embrace him and said with a laugh: Oh Thomas - it's really great to see you! It’s been a long time since we met, right? The last time we met was last year’s Christmas? If I remember correctly, you brought me a lot of gifts at that time!”

Oh Michael, you have such a good memory. Thomas responded with a smile, I'm really sorry for not coming here for so long, because my family is busy and we can't live without people in the orchard.

However, when all the navel oranges in this batch mature, I will be able to have some free time and rest again. I will definitely come to play with you by then. Oh, by the way, I brought you navel oranges when I came here today. This year I tasted the first batch of fruits and they were very sweet...

Oh - Thomas - you don't have to be like this, I'm just happy that you can come and see me!

Thomas said nothing, but smiled at Michael.

The guy named Michael opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but after a while, he was speechless and turned what he was thinking into the simplest word.

Oh - thank you - thank you Thomas -

Thomas patted the other man and accepted the thank you.

When they separated, the gray-haired Michael also set his sights on Ethan.

At first, he thought Ethan was an employee of Thomas because he helped pick navel oranges in the afternoon. At this moment, Ethan was wearing a big leather apron and sleeves on his arms. But when Michael took a closer look, The vicissitudes of his eyes could no longer be taken away from Ethan's body.

This is- He raised his hand and pointed at Ethan, trying to get an answer from Thomas.

But before Thomas could speak, he had already revealed his guess.

Is this Jimmy's son?

Yeah. Thomas nodded: He is Ethan, Ethan Jones.

Before Thomas could finish his words, the guy named Michael took a step forward.

The banging sound on the ground told the excitement in his heart; and the paused figure explained the tension in his heart; he raised his arms tremblingly, trying to grab Ethan's shoulders, but They were halfway lifted, but could not move even half a step forward; at this moment, it seemed as if an invisible wall appeared in front of them, delimiting two worlds in a small space.

Seeing this situation, Ethan quietly took a step forward.

Open your arms and embrace the other person.

When the tight warmth appeared, Michael's body stiffened.

The next second, Ethan said again: Hi, Michael, nice to meet you.

...

When the words fell to the ground, everything fell into silence.

Michael raised his hands tremblingly and pressed on Ethan's back stiffly.

After a few mechanical taps, a hoarse voice appeared, Oh...Ethan...

Nice to meet you……

These two short sentences seemed to turn on some kind of switch.

After instinctively saying hello, this guy's body started shaking.

Ethan did not move, and there was no curiosity in his heart. He stood there straight.

After a long time, a whimper penetrated his ears.

Oh Jimmy—I finally got to meet your son—

Oh Jimmy - your son has grown taller than you -

Oh Jimmy - he is even more handsome than you - don't worry, he will definitely find a wife -

That's right!

When the name Jimmy Jones appeared, Ethan already knew who the person in front of him was!

He is the comrade of the figure who fell in the Delang Valley!

He is also the brother of the figure who always stays in the Delang Valley and cannot return home!

When this fact emerged, Ethan Jones also understood what the gift in Thomas' mouth was - it was the last trace of the original owner's father left in the world!

Maybe it was because they were making a lot of noise, but it was also possible that there was no feedback from the door, so when Michael hugged Ethan and kept sobbing, there was a sound of close footsteps.

Following the sound, a middle-aged woman with short hair appeared in front of Ethan.

The woman in an orange dress first cast her eyes on Thomas. After identifying the person's identity, she immediately nodded in a friendly manner, and then cast a suspicious look at Ethan's location.

When she saw Michael holding a young man in his arms and choking with sobs, she took steps forward to ask, but when she saw the face facing her clearly, surprise suddenly appeared on the vicissitudes of his face. The whole person seemed to be struck by lightning and froze there.

This performance also made Thomas come closer to Ethan, patted Michael on the shoulder, and said: Oh Michael, do you feel a little better after crying?

Your wife has been frightened by your actions, so go give her a hug...

At this point, he paused, and then added, Ethan is here and won't go anywhere. You don't have to worry about him running away. You will have a lot of time to talk later.

Right? Ethan? Thomas blinked at Ethan.

Ethan smiled and nodded, and said softly: Yes, Michael, I'm here to see you today.

The gentle voice seemed to have a different kind of magic, making Michael stand up straight again.

He pursed his lips and nodded, turned around and went into the room. He said a few words in the middle-aged woman's ear, then raised his finger and pointed at Ethan. The continuous movements made different things flash across the woman's face. His expression was dull at first, then shocked, then moved, and finally he came to the two of them and bowed briefly.

Good evening, Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Jones... nice to meet you.

I'm going out to buy some things...

The woman's words were a little flustered, and her steps were a little hurried when she left. However, Michael, who had calmed down, smiled and greeted the two of them into the house, Since you are here, let's eat together tonight.

She went to buy some things and will be back soon.

Under Michael's welcome, Ethan followed Thomas into the house. This is the most common simple bungalow in California. It looks like it has two floors, but in fact it only has one and a half floors.

Because the second floor is a loft only for resting.

After entering through the front door, the first thing you see is an independent living room. Next to the living room is a half-wrapped kitchen. Further forward, there is a dining room connected to the kitchen.

Although this layout looks very cramped, it is actually very warm. The walls of the living room are covered with countless photos. After a simple scan, one of them caught Ethan's attention because it was a group photo, in the lower right corner. The shooting time is shown as June 1965.

And when Ethan stopped and stared at the photo, nostalgia also appeared on Michael's face.

This is a photo from the initial assembly. The one on the left in the middle of the second row is Jimmy.

We are the third pilot unit of the Army Air Cavalry Division. We were officially established on April 22, 1964 at Fort Benning, Georgia. At first, our banner was the 3rd Brigade of the 11th Air Assault Division, but there was no After being fully integrated on June 25, 1965, it was reorganized into the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division and went to Southeast Asia on September 17 of that year...

Under Michael's narration, a tragic movie appeared in front of Ethan.

On September 17, 1965, their group set out from South Carolina;

On October 10, 1965, they arrived in Southeast Asia and participated in the operation that day;

Then, on November 14, 1965, the life-and-death battle began.

The intensive schedule leaves them no time to get familiar with everything there!

Although this kind of thing is normal for soldiers, quickly adapting to everything there in a strange environment is a method they must master, because only in this way can they ensure that they can survive in a cruel environment, but... they This is not an ordinary army! They are air mechanized troops!

MFxxk!

At that time, they simply told us about the situation, sent us a few maps, and had no other information. Then they asked us to parachute over!

When we fly over, how do we know where the terrain is dangerous?

How do we know where there might be an ambush when we're flying through the sky?

When the ground troops have not arrived, every time a helicopter lands, it is risking one's life!

Anyone who has ever joined the military knows that airborne landing in an unfamiliar environment is like fighting blindfolded!

So, when our 2nd Battalion marched in a hurry according to the above requirements, we, who were not familiar with the terrain, were ambushed by the enemy! More than a hundred brothers died on the spot because they were not prepared!

Ethan, if your father hadn't led someone to cover us... we might all have stayed there!

But even if we come back...your father...he...he...wu——

A painful cry came out of Michael's mouth.

People in their dozens of years squatted on the ground, hugging their knees with their hands and burying their heads.

This situation left Ethan not knowing what to say.

He could only squat down and pat the opponent's back.

At the same time, he also remembered the scene when he met Spielberg's father last year.

After learning that his father had died on the battlefield, the old man walked away tremblingly.

Because for these guys who have experienced war, war is war. It will never become a complimentary word, it will only be a derogatory term, regardless of winning or losing.

If you lose the fight, not only will you lose your life and gain trauma, but you will also have to bear infamy.

Winning the battle seems to bring glory, but who of the medals worn on the body is not stained with blood?

Only those guys who are extremely selfish and indifferent to the core can accept all this calmly!

All living beings who are unable to resist...

Most of them live their lives in pain!

Perhaps time can be a good medicine, giving them strength when facing the public, but time can never cut off life and death. When night falls, who can guarantee that they will forget their fallen comrades?

While Michael was crying, the middle-aged woman who ran out earlier came back.

There were two large paper bags in her arms. It was obvious at a glance that she went to a nearby supermarket to buy them specially.

At the same time, several more figures appeared at the gate.

Their ages range from thirty to fifty years old.

Their faces are all filled with the vicissitudes of time.

After seeing Thomas, they all greeted him excitedly and said hello happily, and when Thomas got out of the way and revealed Ethan squatting there...

It looks like... it's really similar... an uncle-like guy said.

His eyes are exactly like Jimmy's! Another person nodded.

Are you Ethan Jones? Someone even asked directly.

Regarding this kind of question, Ethan, who didn't know what to say, simply nodded.

The next second, choked sobs came out one after another, making their eyes red...

Dinner in the slums was relatively simple. Even though Michael's wife went to do some shopping, what was finally served on the table was just ordinary things like scrambled eggs, fried pork chops, macaroni, and pasta.

The dining environment was even worse, because more people came one after another, so the already small restaurant was suddenly packed, but even so, everyone still had a good time eating.

There is no other reason, it's just that I'm happy.

During the meal, everyone who had calmed down also chatted. It was only then that Ethan learned that the 1st Cavalry Division where these people belonged had participated in almost all major battles.

With the exception of the Drang Valley, they were present in all Tet Offensives and invasions.

As the only American division-level unit that fought in all four battlefields during the entire war, they received a lot of feedback on medals, but unfortunately -

What's the use of these things!

A man hammered the table angrily and said, After we returned to China, our numbers were immediately cancelled! We were asked to report back to our original army, and then we were issued with a discharge notice!

They said the war is over, the troops are full, and there is no room for us!

Oh! Sxxt!

These all special codes are all excuses!

They're crazy trying to cover this up!

They just want to appease the dissatisfaction of the domestic people!

They just want to shut up those abusive mouths!

And we—

Those of us who actually went to war!

Someone who really needs to care!

But they treat it as rubbish and throw it away at will!

As a result, we can only stay in this place now! Just living an ignoble existence!

When this resentment appeared, the scene where Ben was still recalling the past fell silent for a moment.

Michael's home was also enveloped by a lingering cloud.

And Ethan also understood what they were talking about.

It can be summed up in one word——

discriminate.

Just like Ethan's previous life, as depicted in countless Hollywood movies, after Vietnam veterans experienced suffering and sacrificed their lives, what they received was not flowers and applause, nor comfort and care, but America's top-to-bottom support. Unfair treatment.

They have no social status.

It is also difficult for them to seek employment.

The bullying Rambo suffered in First Blood is the most real situation.

There are many reasons for this situation, but in the final analysis it is those two words that everyone knows——

Lost the fight.

For something like this that cannot be changed by a single person...

All everyone can do is helpless.

When the painful wailing appeared, Thomas immediately changed the subject and said that he had brought a cart of navel oranges and that when everyone went back later, they must move one box each.

Although this interruption seemed rather abrupt, everyone present understood that Thomas did not mean any harm, so they thanked Thomas and expressed their appreciation for Thomas' character.

Only then did Ethan know that when these veterans returned to California, they had looked for him, and from then on, Thomas had kept in touch with them...

Thomas, why haven't you told me about these things before?

At nine o'clock in the evening, Thomas and Ethan got up to say goodbye. On the way back, Ethan asked: If I remember correctly, this should be the first time I meet them.

When these veterans said that they had looked for Ethan as early as 1972 when they were discharged from the army, Ethan directly searched his memories, and the result he got was...

No.

He doesn't remember the incident.

In other words, the original owner of the body has no memory of this.

Simply because they don't want to disturb you.

Thomas said with a smile while driving: After they contacted me, they asked me about your situation. At that time, you happened to get the job of Mi Luohua, so I told them that you are now alive. He's very good. Although he's not very obedient, at least he can go out and make money.

When they learned all this, they stopped thinking about meeting you because they were afraid that their appearance would affect you, and they were afraid that your company would fire you directly after learning about your background. There was no way, who made the anti-war voices reach the GC of public opinion at that time?

As the son of a comrade, if you have finally stabilized, they will feel relieved.

Ethan fell silent after hearing these words.

Staring out the window with flickering eyes, the rapidly regressing world made him smile and shake his head.

Even though he didn't have a deep relationship with these people, he could clearly feel the deep love in these people. It was a manifestation of love for the house and the bird, and it was an inexplicable spiritual sustenance.

so……

Thomas, are these the gifts you mentioned before?

After a moment, Ethan asked again.

And his words made Thomas sigh.

Slow down the speed, turn on the double flashers, and stop to the side.

After pulling up the handbrake, Thomas turned sideways and looked at Ethan.

Ethan, although my next words may be a bit unpleasant, you have to believe that I have absolutely no ill intentions... Your father's comrades are indeed the most precious asset your father left to you.

none of them.

Your father used his life in exchange for their continuation. They are grateful to your father from the bottom of their hearts, and this kind of gratitude is something that countless money cannot buy.

My child, I don't know what you think of me, or how you think of my father's employment theory. I don't know whether you are happy or disgusted in your heart, but I want to tell you...

On the surface, you provide jobs to society in exchange for some voting rights. This is a transaction, but in fact, the word transaction does not fit at all to describe this relationship.

“The right to vote is only the simplest and most superficial manifestation of the entire relationship.”

What is really important is to make those people feel that they are not following the wrong person.

Only when they feel that the person they follow can give them a better life and meet their corresponding needs will they listen to your ideas and follow your suggestions.

“Only if they trust you from the bottom of their hearts will they vote with you.”

Although on the surface, what you pay is money, in fact, what you really pay is more. For example, you have to let them see hope! The hope of a better life!

This invisible and intangible thing is what you really need to pay for!

“Perhaps a lot of the time, that hope can be solved with money.”

For example, they want a stable life, and you provide them with a stable job.

But more often than not, this hope is difficult to resolve.

Because when you decide to take them forward, you are not carrying your own life, but the families of all those who trust you!

That's a responsibility!

When you decide to embark on this path, whether you are willing or not, whether you come from the heart or not, you have to keep the same face forever until the end of your life!

So...now you should be able to understand what your father left you, right?

Only the continuation of life can earn unconditional trust!

This kind of unconditional help removes all obstacles in the process of building trust!

This kind of unconditionality can also tolerate all your mistakes when you make mistakes!

Your father used his life to erase all the tests of humanity!

This is the most precious thing!

At this point, Thomas stopped.

And Ethan...

A knowing smile broke out on his face.

He understood what Thomas meant.

What Thomas wants to express is that bringing a better life to a group of people is a long-term and difficult matter. This kind of thing has no end and can only be run hard until the end of life.

In this case, only a life-long friendship can buy a short rest during the run.

And for Ethan, this kind of thing...

He was actually mentally prepared.

In his opinion, the vision of bringing a better life to some people is just a slim version of MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. When the slogan is shouted...

Then there is no way out.

Although he may not be able to pay wages to one million people in his lifetime and lead them to live a better life, he can still afford a dozen or twenty people now.

Not to mention, these people can be regarded as their relatives.

Although he loves money and desires to earn more, if some of them can live a better life because of his help, that would be the best thing for him.

And this is actually the greatest value of money... right?

Other feedback along the way…

He admits.

He wants it too.

Thomas, thank you.

Ethan smiled and said: You may have wanted to hire them for a long time, right?

But they were afraid of affecting me, so they didn't accept it.

And in this case, you can still visit them every year...

You are indeed a good person.

Thomas was stunned by such a comment.

Then he unbuckled his seat belt with a smile.

Get off! He waved his hand.

What? This move made Ethan very puzzled.

You drive! I'm exhausted! Thomas wanted to change places with Ethan, We still have more than fifty miles to go home, and it takes an hour no matter how we drive. You drive!

These words made Ethan smile and shake his head, Okay——

He accepted the ‘drudgery’.

PS1, to reply to a question, the identity of regional senators is very important. Take the Federal Senate as an example. There are a total of 100 seats, divided equally among the 50 states. Each state can have two senators. So in this kind of situation? Under such circumstances, if a person wants to run for election, if he cannot first become a member of the state assembly in his own state, he will basically not be elected. Take Guan Hai as an example. In 1996, he entered the Illinois State Assembly as a member of the Hyde Park District in Chicago's 13th District. In 1998, he ran for the Illinois Senate with this identity. In 2002, he was successfully re-elected. For those running for the U.S. Senate as a member of the Illinois State Assembly, this is the most orthodox way to be promoted regardless of background. Los Gatos in this article is a constituency in California. In the 1970s, the city's permanent population was only 10,000, so a thousand votes did not determine the life or death of a congressman, but their relatives. Damn it, because this is your ticket to the state House.

PS2, it’s gone at night and can’t be squeezed out.