I was acting crazy in North America, and all the crazy people there took it seriously.

Chapter 234 Can Madness Save America?
At his Springwood estate in New York State, Franklin Roosevelt, in his wheelchair, cut out a ballot from the Sun newspaper’s “Ten Diseases” list and filled in polio.

Then, he placed the ballot on his legs, which were paralyzed by polio, looked out the window, and felt the tranquil atmosphere so different from the hustle and bustle outside. He sighed softly.

For my own sake, I compromised!
As a Democrat from a political family and deeply influenced by progressive ideas, the core of Franklin D. Roosevelt's political philosophy was to establish a strong and effective federal government as the cornerstone for balancing the power of capital and ensuring social fairness.

Therefore, he felt deep dissatisfaction and concern about the current Republican Coolidge administration's "small government" philosophy and its almost unlimited indulgence of capital.

Looking at the industrial sector, industrial wealth is once again concentrating in giant corporations, and the specter of trusts that his uncle Theodore Roosevelt fought so hard to eradicate is making a comeback.

Look at the underworld: in the East, the old and new Mafia are merging, selling bootlegging almost openly and challenging the dignity of the law; in Chicago in the Midwest, it's even more outrageous, with local gangs even taking over some of the functions of local government, which is not ashamed but proud of.

Looking at the social climate, a "prison BA" dominated by private prisons and acting eccentrically and absurdly is far more popular than criticized.

The American public seems to have lost its excellent qualities of rigor, orderliness, and pursuit of progress, and only seeks to enjoy novelty and entertainment.

Well, perhaps everyone has a different definition of "progress".

For example, the Sun newspaper described the "national referendum on illness" initiated by private capital in an attempt to "usurp" federal drug regulatory power as "progressive," while Franklin D. Roosevelt had only one comment on it: This is not the work of a decent person!
To use the most popular phrase these days—this country, these people, are probably sick!
But...

That seemingly absurd "sick referendum," even before the election results were announced, had already yielded such remarkable results in "debunking" that no one could ignore them—

As Logan declared on the radio, his record even surpassed the total since the establishment of the Agricultural Department's Chemical Bureau!

Even though Logan claimed they were "blessed by God," such irrefutable "achievements" left all progressives with a rational and critical attitude speechless!

On the contrary, this halo of "victory" attracted even more people to participate frantically in the "referendum".

According to some media outlets, the scale and popularity of this "sick referendum" are comparable to the presidential election held every four years!
This is, of course, a sensationalist tactic favored by the media. After all, presidential elections are jointly organized and funded by both parties, while the current "sick referendum" is merely a matter of a few capital firms investing in it and spontaneously attracting "voters" by using topics that are closely related to the public.

However, this scale is already quite exaggerated.

Initially, most politicians adopted a bystander attitude towards the "sickness referendum," which seemed like a grand circus performance, due to the president's ambiguous attitude above and the lobbying of pharmaceutical capital below.

But now, faced with the immense political power generated by this overwhelming public opinion, no ambitious politician can afford to ignore it.

Driving drug regulatory reform has become an unstoppable trend.

In a short time, politicians from all walks of life took to the stage:
A senator from the Midwest tearfully recounted his mother's death from a heart attack on a local radio program, urging people to vote for heart disease and promising to push for federal funding for cardiovascular research.

One California congressman focused on exposing the rampant counterfeit drugs in slums, portraying himself as a guardian of the health of the underprivileged.

Even some lawmakers who were originally closely associated with pharmaceutical interest groups have begun to carefully adjust their rhetoric, expressing "support for prudent regulation based on science and public opinion," and distancing themselves from those "unorthodox" pharmaceutical companies that have been nailed to the pillar of shame.

Franklin D. Roosevelt found this utterly distasteful!
Why do you all conform to the source of this "illness"—the "Prison BA" alliance—and only care about gaining political capital for yourselves, when there are clearly all sorts of "sick" phenomena?
Then, Franklin D. Roosevelt bravely stepped forward!
He was fitted with leather and steel braces by the doctor, each weighing seven pounds, running from his arms to his ankles. The braces were secured at his knees, making his legs resemble two sticks. With the help of these braces and canes, Roosevelt could not only "walk" using the movement of his body and arms, but also speak while standing.

With his wife's help, he made his first public appearance in New York State since becoming paralyzed—before his paralysis, he was already a rising political star in New York. After his paralysis, those who knew him said he was destined to stay away from politics.

This time, Franklin D. Roosevelt no longer hid his disability, but instead actively presented himself as a "fighter" who had fought tenaciously against polio, persisted in exercising, and achieved a certain degree of recovery.

He leaned on his cane with one hand and waved the "polio ballot" in the other, appealing in a passionate voice:
“My friends, I know all too well the torment of illness and the meaning of an unyielding struggle. If we yearn for change, we must make our voices heard! Please cast your votes for those diseases that truly need attention, such as polio, which is afflicting me and countless children!”

"Yes, despite my physical limitations, I am willing to tirelessly work to advance drug regulatory legislation and bring hope to all those who need to fight against disease..."

His legs were numb from being squeezed by the frame, and his hands were spasming from supporting his entire weight on his cane, but he paid no attention to any of that. Only his deep and powerful voice continued to echo in the hall.

Thunderous applause erupted in the hall, and the public was completely inspired by his inspirational image of "not giving in to fate"!

Franklin Roosevelt's name is once again resounding on the political stage!
What? You're saying that I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, am also using this to gain political capital?

Yeah, that's different. I'm really sick!

I do hold a sliver of genuine hope that the “Prison BA” alliance, seemingly blessed by “God,” can truly overcome this disease that is causing me so much pain.

As for the “Prison BA” alliance’s actions of “usurping” the public power of prisons and even “usurping” more public power, I, Roosevelt, have already silently kept it in mind.

No rush. Once I climb to a higher position and wield sufficient power, all the "madness" I find objectionable will be dealt with.

……

True politicians are always able to adapt to and even utilize the current environment while simultaneously drawing up a blueprint for changing it in their minds.

But ordinary politicians or bureaucrats only think about adapting to the current environment in order to survive!
For example, Campbell, the director of the Chemical Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture, was experiencing a mix of excitement and frustration at this moment.

The good news is that the unexpected surge of public outcry over the "referendum on the disease" has acted like a nationwide enlightenment movement, greatly arousing public dissatisfaction with the existing regulatory system.

Public anger has also spurred a renewed coalition of progressive forces supporting legislative reform—women's clubs, scientists, government health officials, pharmacists, public health groups, and even a few mainstream pharmaceutical companies, now joined by emerging consumer research groups, all urging Congress to pass new, stricter regulatory legislation. The bad news is that the "Prison BA" coalition has gained even more prestige and influence in this wave, seemingly becoming the face of public opinion and the vanguard of reform, which appears to have further solidified the legitimacy of their "usurpation."

The good news is that the "Prison BA" alliance's current goals are still primarily focused on drug regulation; while the Department of Agriculture's Chemical Bureau has a more ambitious vision, aiming to promote comprehensive safety regulation of all products related to public health, including food, drugs, and even cosmetics. Their scope is broader, and their vision aligns more closely with the ideals of progressives.

The bad news is that this means the resistance they will face will be many times greater than what the "Prison BA" alliance encountered!
Not only the pharmaceutical industry, but also stakeholders in industries such as advertising, publishing, fruit cultivation, food processing, and cosmetics manufacturing will jump out to oppose it.

The good news is that he learned an effective way to deal with the predicament from the "Prison BA" alliance's actions.

He convened a secret meeting with his colleagues who were willing to risk their lives to advance legislation.

"Guys, I've figured it out. In America these days, doing things honestly and diligently is far less effective than... going crazy!"

Colleagues looked at each other, then recalled the "side effect" of the "Prison BA" alliance referendum, and compared it with the enforcement difficulties that the Ministry of Agriculture's Chemical Bureau has faced in recent years despite its dedication to its duties. Their feelings were extremely complicated!

It's true that comparing yourself to others is infuriating. These days, decent people are restricted in every way, but when they go crazy, the world opens up for them!

Chief Campbell is undoubtedly a decent man who dislikes and even loathes this trend, but circumstances dictate that if you want to get things done, you have no choice but to conform to the current version of events.

One colleague asked in bewilderment, "But how do we adapt? Are we going to hold some kind of talent show too? We don't have that kind of massive resources to invest!"

Their Ministry of Agriculture's Chemical Bureau is so poor they're practically all they have left is their integrity!

Campbell agreed, but even the poor have their ways. "I think no one is more experienced than The Sun when it comes to being crazy; so my idea is that we might as well hitch a ride."

"Hitchhiking?" The colleagues were even more confused.

“Yes, does everyone remember that ‘America’s Heroes’ list that The Sun used to publish?” Campbell prompted.

Some people didn't react immediately, but many others' expressions began to become quite varied.

Soon, everyone remembered, and their expressions became incredibly varied, a mixture of disbelief and absurdity.

The former "America's Death List," or rather, "Hero List," was quite famous among federal law enforcement personnel.

This is not only because its "Heroes of the Year" are law enforcement stars across the United States who uphold justice and achieve remarkable results, but also because of its even more remarkable "achievements" of "everyone who is listed dies"!
Okay, the heroes who recently made the list didn't die, but being crippled isn't much better!

Contrary to public speculation that it might be cursed, the Ministry of Agriculture's Chemical Bureau unanimously believes that this is normal.

Celebrity law enforcement officers are inherently hated, and to make them appear on lists and promote them so extensively is like shouting through a megaphone to all their enemies, "I'm living the high life right here, come and get your revenge!"

So, although no one thinks there is any curse, the so-called "Heroes List" is, in fact, a "Death List" for law enforcement officers!

And the fact that the bureau chief is bringing this up now, could it be that...?

"Yes, my plan is for us to proactively cooperate with The Sun and get our agricultural department's chemical enforcement officers on this honor roll!"

Campbell, with a martyr-like calm and determination, unveiled his plan.

There was deathly silence in the conference room.

Campbell took in everyone's reactions and continued, "I know this is risky. But think about it, if... if the 'heroes' on the list unfortunately die in the line of duty, the huge amount of public sympathy will greatly help us push for the passage of the new law!"

"If the Heroes List isn't so sinister, then our Ministry of Agriculture's Chemical Bureau can also gain a great reputation through this publicity, winning the respect and support of the people, and preventing the 'Prison BA' Alliance from easily 'usurping' our power!"

He paused, then said with a solemn tone, "Promoting social progress and reform has always required bloodshed and sacrifice. I, Campbell, as the director, am willing to be the first person on this list!"

No one responded!
Because it's too crazy!

This is what it means to water the tree of legislation with blood!
If they were to follow the normal rules and push for new legislation, they would have to draft the bill, attend endless congressional hearings, deal with endless lobbying groups from interest groups, make constant revisions, and eventually even modify the "new law" to the point that it completely contradicts their original intentions.

As everyone in Washington knows in a joke: making laws is like making sausages; all the deals, favors, prejudices, and power factors on and off the table must be mixed together to create a usable sausage (law).

The director's current method is simple and brutal—I'll risk my life and go crazy to silence all dissent!
The problem is, no matter how much you risk your life for your country, facing the high risk of death still makes you instinctively feel apprehensive!

Campbell didn't pressure anyone to take a stand. To ease the tension, he even joked, "We all know now that America is sick, and seriously so. And our duty, in a way, is to 'cure' America, so perhaps this could be called America's national bloodletting therapy?"

However, it became even harder for everyone to stay calm.

Bloodletting therapy? Is that something that has therapeutic effects?

……

(End of this chapter)