章 11: Chapter 11 It's all Hoover's fault!
The evidence that was available was inadequate.
So the specific method of obtaining the "Time Fragments" cannot be determined based solely on the case of Luke Cage.
Another aspect to consider was the significance of the "Black Iron Mark" and "Faith."
Regarding the former, Colin can somewhat infer its connection to the "Time Fragments." However, when it comes to the latter, "Faith," he finds himself somewhat perplexed.
Particularly, the number 32 marked on "Faith" temporarily puzzles Colin.
Colin silently contemplates the origin of the faith points while lying in bed as the painkillers gradually take effect.
While in a semi-dream state, he seems to hear shouts from the hospital corridor, mentioning the name "Dr. Strange" and a serious condition.
Upon hearing this familiar yet unfamiliar name, Colin experiences a fleeting moment of recognition.
However, the next moment, drowsiness completely overtakes his slight awareness.
...
In the early morning, in the real world.
Howling cold winds engulf the streets of New York.
People in thin jackets shiver in the biting cold wind as they wait in line for free relief food and other items.
The queue seems endless, and most of the expressions on people's faces are numb.
Newsboys pass by the line, waving their hands and offering "The Messenger" newspaper. The nursery rhyme sung by the newsboys subtly changes the gazes of those in line.
Stopping one of the newsboys with a raised hand, a pedestrian gives him two pennies and asks a curious question.
"Child, where did you learn the rhyme you're singing?"
The newsboy accepted the change, and handed him a neatly folded newspaper, and replies, "Mr. Colin from 'The Messenger' newspaper taught it to us. He not only taught us the rhyme but also promised a discounted price of 5 cents per bundle to any newsboy who learns it..."
"'The Messenger' newspaper?"
"Colin."
The pedestrian repeats these two names out loud.
Clearly, neither the pedestrian nor the newsboy has any recollection of Colin or "The Messenger" newspaper.
Shaking his head, the pedestrian opens the newspaper in his hand.
The rhyme sung by the newsboy is boldly printed on the front page of "The Messenger" newspaper.
Beneath it is a photograph of a destitute mother during the Great Depression.
The photograph depicts a mother and her two children wearing worn-out clothes. The children huddled close to their mother, concealing their faces behind her shoulders. The mother covers her mouth with her hand and gazes into the distance, conveying a profound sense of sadness and hopelessness in her eyes. The image captures the deep despair and anxiety experienced by people during the Great Depression.
The photo effectively communicates the inner turmoil and distress felt by individuals during the Great Depression, evoking empathy from those who view it. Although the viewer may not have personally experienced the extreme circumstances depicted in the photo, such as lining up for relief or working long hours for minimal pay, the weight of their own life's burdens becomes almost suffocating.
With a quiet sigh, the viewer continues reading the newspaper. Below the photo, a headline stands out in bold font:
"Hoover - The Starving President!"
"If there are limits to stupidity, Herbert Hoover surely exceeds them."
"Everyone is unemployed, except Hoover, who has the easiest job in the world - being foolish!"
As the viewer flips through the pages of The Messenger newspaper, they encounter a multitude of ridicule and insults aimed at Hoover.
Reading The Messenger from cover to cover, the pedestrian fails to find any valuable information, making the endeavor feel futile. However, strangely enough, a sense of relief washes over them after perusing the newspaper.
Rolling up The Messenger and tucking it under their arm, the pedestrian continues their walk, humming the tune, "..Mellon pulled the whistle, Hoover rang the bell, Wall Street gave the signal and the country went to hell.!"
Similar scenes unfold throughout different parts of New York.
Newsboys sing rhymes and sell copies of The Messenger newspaper.
Some dismiss the newspaper's sensationalistic approach, but others find its content resonating with their own thoughts.
Among the readers, it is the working class that responds most fervently.
After all, they bear the brunt of the Great Depression's impact.
Under the wave of unemployment, a significant number of middle-class individuals flood the labor market, competing for scarce job opportunities. In heavily affected areas like San Francisco, when three or four dockworker positions are advertised, thousands of people crowd outside, reminiscent of hyenas fighting over a few bones. In the end, only a fortunate few secure the jobs.
In such an environment, a large portion of the workforce is forced into unemployment.
The workers were unaware of what had transpired. They only knew that when they woke up, the world had changed.
Unemployment is a painful experience that brings not only frustration but also shame.
And now, The Messenger newspaper explicitly attributes all of this to Hoover's actions.
It provides an outlet for the workers to vent their frustrations. They can attribute their job losses not to their own incompetence, but to Hoover's folly. His misguided decisions caused the Great Depression.
It's all Hoover's fault! Just like the lyrics say, the inept Hoover has led America into hell!
...
"Boss, The Messenger's sales have more than doubled compared to last week!"
Excitedly exclaiming at The Messenger newspaper office, Old John shares the news.
"Our newspaper sold the best this time, even surpassing some of the smaller papers, as reported by the newsboys..."
Old John's tone grows increasingly enthusiastic as he speaks.
This increase in sales marks a significant moment for The Messenger, breaking its previous decline.
"You were right, boss."
"I apologize for doubting your decisions earlier."
Initially, Old John had reservations about Colin's decision to sell the newspaper at a discounted price to the newsboys and alter its content. Although he hadn't voiced his concerns again, he had been somewhat hesitant due to Colin's position as the boss.
However, the newsboys' rush to purchase the newspaper and the subsequent surge in sales completely changed Old John's perspective.
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