Chapter 142: The Saint

[Chapter 142: The Saint]

WND had a news studio in Los Angeles, primarily used for the Today's Star segment.

Today's host was Cardock, an older gentleman with a humorous charm.

At 8 PM, Cardock sat in the studio hall, beaming at the camera, saying, "On today's Today's Star program, we've invited an unprecedented new star. He isn't from the entertainment industry, but his name is known by every American. His heroic actions are something we all admire and aspire to, making him a contemporary American idol!"

"He is none other than the savior of United Flight 77, Ian Carr!"

As the crowd erupted in applause, Ian emerged from the side.

He smiled at the camera, bowed, and then casually took a seat on the red couch beside him.

Cardock smiled from behind his desk and said, "Mr. Carr, this is your first time on Today's Star, right?"

Ian nodded with a smile. "Yes."

"How does it feel?"

"It feels like home."

Cardock laughed and turned to the audience. "You might not know, but this show was specifically initiated by Ian Carr. Even now, he remains our boss, so this is basically an interview with our own boss. Frankly, I dislike this because it means I can't ask the tough questions."

Ian immediately interjected, "Don't worry, Cardock. No matter how you ask, I won't fire you. In my view, a good business owner must tolerate many things, even those they dislike. Only by being magnanimous can one achieve greatness."

He opened his hands with a grin and added, "America is the most forgiving country in the world! We can accept all criticisms and are willing to give everyone a chance."

Cardock quickly replied, "Including the robbers from Palos Bank?"

"Of course," Ian answered confidently.

In the studio, Ian sat spiritedly, expressing himself freely.

"We all make mistakes.

Bill Gates has been jailed for speeding and running a red light, Mark Wahlberg for attempted murder, Tim Allen for possession of cocaine, Kiefer Sutherland for multiple DUIs, Woody Harrelson for resisting arrest, Matthew McConaughey for drug possession, noise violations, and even George Washington once chopped down a cherry tree...

But none of that detracts from their greatness.

The meaning of life lies in our constant change and growth.

We're willing to treat others with tolerance, to give them opportunities, to allow them to turn their lives around.

Many people just need a chance, and reforming a person is always better than condemning them.

Yes, I defended those three bank robbers with lawyers, but that's because I felt they were just three young, misguided kids. Their upbringing left them uneducated and led them astray; I felt obligated to help them.

In fact, they already regretted their actions. Think about it; if they didn't feel remorse, why would they turn themselves in?"

A voice shouted, "Isn't it because you offered them money?"

Ian smiled, "No, of course not. I swear to God, aside from the promised money, I didn't give them a dime. Their money is what they earned. They turned themselves in because they regretted their actions. I feel excited to have convinced three lost kids to come back to the right path. To me, that is the best proof of my devotion to God and one of the greatest honors in my life, next to saving 273 people on United Flight."

A guest raised a hand, "But the New York Times says you're sheltering criminals."

Ian laughed, "Sheltering criminals? What does that even mean? Keeping quiet about someone's criminal evidence is sheltering. I haven't done that. Seeking legal assistance isn't illegal -- why should I be criticized for doing something lawful?"

"Because those guys are dangerous! They were armed and clashing with the cops on the streets!"

"What should we do, then? Execute every criminal? Do you know how many people commit murder every year in America? How many are on death row? Our laws teach us to be forgiving. God shows mercy on mankind and is willing to give them a chance to be reborn."

"Who gives us a chance? If robbing a bank can go unpunished, what about us? Should we rob banks too?"

Ian answered sternly, "How could you compare yourself to those lost sheep? Is money so important to you? Can't spiritual fulfillment satisfy you? There are many pursuits in life; it can't just be about chasing money."

He thought to himself, I spoke brilliantly! I didn't even know I was such a righteous person!

Cardock immediately asked, "So you don't pursue that?"

Ian replied passionately, "Of course not. I don't deny money is an important part of our lives, but it is absolutely not the only thing."

There's also power and prestige, the joy of controlling others' destinies!

I'm not satisfied just counting the numbers in my bank account.

Manipulating your perceptions, controlling your behavior, making you all my dogs!

Now that's the pursuit of a future world leader!!!

Cardock said, "But isn't that a bit... um, a bit too saintly?"

Ian replied seriously, "I don't care, being saintly isn't a bad thing. That's just who I am; I'm willing to give everything to help anyone I can. It makes my life more meaningful!"

He grinned and said, "I'm just too saintly; I always want every lost sheep to find their way back! Maybe it's a bit quaint, but that's me! Even if others scorn my quaint ideals and criticize my compassion, I have no regrets. I'm ready to give everything just to make this world a better place."

As Ian spoke, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.

Cardock felt a wave of nausea coming up.

If the world were a perfect place, Mr. Carr, you would go crazy!

I know who you are!

Cardock then smiled brightly, clapping and laughing, "Your noble character earns my respect! By the way, Mr. Carr, what do you think about the New York Times accusing you of anti-Semitism?"

Ian replied seriously, "That's slander. I have never discriminated against any Jew, nor have I said anything bad about them. Do you know who my favorite star is? Natalie Portman, and she's Jewish!"

A voice shouted, "But you didn't pursue her."

Ian exclaimed, "Because I didn't have that opportunity! I've never even met her. If heaven gives me a chance, I would definitely pursue her."

He stood up, "Miss Natalie Portman, would you give me a chance?"

The crowd broke into laughter once again.

Great, tomorrow's headline would be Ian Carr's longing for Natalie Portman.

Wherever Ian Carr went, there was news!

Another person shouted, "What about Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Alba? And Shawna?"

Ian smiled, "I believe they would all get along splendidly."

Laughter erupted from the audience.

Unlike Kate, Scarlett had never caused any breakup drama with Ian, so many people had clued in.

I'm so freaking envious!

I wish to be Ian Carr!

Cardock continued, "But as far as we know, your business has not employed a single Jew. There are rumors that you instructed your HR manager not to hire any Jews!"

Ian replied seriously, "That's a lie! I have never issued such an order. It's well-known that business management is not something I'm currently doing; it's handled by Deryl Chandler, Ezriel, and Ron Lloyd... I'm not doing that, and I couldn't even have given such an order."

Someone in the audience said, "But your company indeed doesn't have a single Jew."

Ian shrugged, "There are plenty of companies without Jews. Want to list them? It's merely a coincidence. Just because there isn't one now doesn't mean there won't be in the future. But do you know what the most troublesome thing is?"

He looked at everyone and smiled, "Jews are too smart! They are truly talented, and I've always admired them! There are so many Jewish executives in America! As for Carr Media Group, our executives don't earn very high salaries. So it's not that I don't hire Jews; it's that Jews look down on my company... My executives' salaries are among the lower end in most media companies, and I admit that. After all, we're a new company; when they joined, Carr Media only had a few dozen people and they signed on for three years... I can't afford to give raises early."

More laughter followed.

Ian's comments were essentially elevating the Jewish community.

You're all amazing people; typical jobs don't fit you. You belong at the executive level, but unfortunately, my executives' salaries are low, so it's not that I underestimate you; it's that you look down on me.

Ian continued, "Even though my company doesn't employ Jews, my partners do! CBS's chairman, James Perry, is Jewish. We're good friends, and I'm also a CBS shareholder -- CBS has many Jews! Heck, your claims could make James Perry upset with me. James, are you watching on TV? I swear I have never discriminated against you! But don't expect me to use my butt as proof!"

The crowd erupted in laughter again!

Cardock continued asking, "But you reported a lot of unfavorable news about DreamWorks recently."

Ian Carr looked genuinely shocked and said, "As journalists, we report the news; we don't pick and choose. Oh my God, are you saying this is all a conspiracy by Spielberg, Katzenberg, and Geffen against me? No, Cardock, you can't accuse three well-known figures in the film industry like that. I don't believe they would do such a thing just over a few reports! No, I absolutely don't believe it!"

Cardock's face twitched, "I was just asking! I never said anything bad about Jews."

He looked scared, conveying to everyone that it was dangerous to provoke Jews. Even someone like Ian Carr, who feared nothing, was afraid of them?

*****

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