| 10 February. -- There's
an absurd rumor going around the neighborhood about new austerity
measures. In order to ward off shortages and insure a greater
output from the laboring element of the population, there will
supposedly be executions of non-productive consumers: the elderly,
the retired, those of independent means, the unemployed and other
non-essential persons. Deep down, I feel that this measure would
be quite fair. Just now, out in front, encountered my neighbor
Roquenton, that impassioned septuagenarian who last year married
a woman of twenty-four. He was sputtering with indignation. "What
does age matter," he protested, "since I make my pretty
baby happy!" In lofty terms, I advised him to accept the
sacrifice of his person for the good of the community with joyful
pride.
|
Return
Home 