Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

Chapter 966 An Unprecedented Challenge

However, the new president did not appear for a long time, half an hour later than scheduled, which has never happened at a presidential inauguration.The reason was that just when he was about to get on the podium with high ambitions, he met an important guest, Wu Tingfang, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese Empire.

"Mr. President, first of all, on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, I would like to extend my welcome to you as President of the United States, and at the same time express my regret for the unfortunate death of former President Kennedy." Wu Tingfang said this when he saw Johnson.

As soon as Johnson heard about Kennedy, a dark cloud passed over Johnson's face, and when he was about to take office, he suddenly mentioned his predecessor, and it was Kennedy who was inextricably linked to him, which made him angry, " Mr. Wu Tingfang, thank you for your kindness, please go to the VIP seat and take a seat."

Wu Tingfang smiled and said: "Mr. Johnson, it is said that the new US policy towards China is very unfriendly, and insists on implementing the Morgan Act signed by Kennedy. This is bound to seriously affect the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Please, Mr. President, think carefully about it." .”

Johnson was also supported by the Morgan consortium. In terms of political stance on China, he tends to be hardliners. He believes that tough measures must be taken against China. Hearing this, he immediately became anxious, "What kind of countermeasures should we take? The China policy is decided by the United States and Congress, and it also depends on China's attitude towards the United States. As you often say, Asia belongs to Asia, and America belongs to Americans. Violent intervention and economic infiltration are unacceptable to the United States and the people, even if we implement the Morgan Act, the responsibility is on the Chinese side."

"Mr. Johnson, you are not representing yourself. I hope you will carefully consider the interests of your people before making any decisions. China adopts an open diplomatic strategy. We are committed to helping all countries in the world develop their economies. Improve people's livelihood, but there are always a small group of people in the world who are hostile to China's behavior, and the empire will never show mercy to such people, even if it uses force."

"Do you want to threaten me with force? I don't care whether Kennedy's death is related to China, but I tell you, I am not a hesitant Kennedy. The Morgan Act must be implemented, and we have already done a good job of fighting all aggressors." Prepare!"

At this point, there was no way to go on, Wu Tingfang maintained the demeanor of a diplomat, nodded to Johnson, and then turned and left.Johnson was trembling with anger, and it took him a while to calm down.

"Your Excellency, are you ready? The representatives and distinguished guests are already waiting impatiently." The assistant to the president came over and said.

Johnson let out a deep breath, took out the inaugural speech he had prepared, and strode onto the podium. His steps were extremely heavy, because he knew that the next moment he reached the pinnacle of the highest power in the United States, he would face The biggest challenge in the history of the United States, China!Is he ready?I'm afraid even he himself doesn't know.But he knew that at this moment it was necessary to unite all Americans with a speech that united the national feelings of all Americans.

My fellow citizens: At this moment, before you and before God, I make an oath, not just mine, but all of us.We live in the same country and belong to the same nation.The fate of our country and the future of our nation rest not with one citizen, but with all of them.

Such is the majesty of this moment and what it means.

Every generation has its own destiny.For people of certain ages, history determines their destiny.As for our generation, we must choose our own destiny.

At this moment, America's first rocket is heading for space.It reminds us that the world will not be the same for our children and grandchildren, or even for ourselves, in just a few years.When the next president stands here, he will envision a different landscape than we have now.Because our time is a time of change.Rapid and sharp changes have revealed the mysteries of nature, multiplied the number of countries, enabled the younger generations to master new weapons that can conquer and destroy mankind, shaken the old values, and changed the old way of life.

In this revolution, our destiny will depend on the unwavering character of our people, on our convictions.

Our ancestors, uprooted, brave and frightened strangers, came here in search of a place of personal autonomy.They made a treaty on this land.Expressed in justice, written in liberty, bound by solidarity, in the hope that something will inspire the ideals of all mankind, this convention still binds us.If we follow the rules of the public, we will prosper.

I have served this country for over 30 years and I have always believed that treating our people unjustly and squandering our resources is our real enemy. For more than 30 years, I have done my best to keep an eye out for and fight against this enemy.I know, and I know very well, that this enemy will not give in easily.

But change has given us new weapons.In the lifetime of this generation of Americans, this enemy will not only retreat but be conquered.

The American Convention requires us to show the way to help the liberation of all mankind.This is our goal today.So, as a nation, we have no control over many things; but as a people, we have hope for all.

Imagine looking at Earth from a rocket flying into space.The earth is like a globe played by children, it hangs in a large space, and the land is like a colorful map pasted on the surface of the sphere.We are all travelers on this little earth.In the long river of time, each of us spends only a brief moment in our own company.

Human existence is so fragile, but it is unbelievable that we should hate and kill each other.Those who are willing to give up dominion over others have ample opportunity to achieve dominion over nature.The world is wide enough for everyone to seek happiness in his own way.

Our policy is clear.We don't expect to get the east of others.We do not seek to dominate others, but only hope that human beings can overcome tyranny and suffering.

But we need to do more.People want to be part of a common cause that is bigger than themselves.Each of us must find ways to contribute to the achievement of our nation's goals, and thus find new goals for ourselves.Without these, our country would become a country of strangers.

Guided by this pact of justice, liberty, and unity, we have become a prosperous, great, and mighty nation.We also preserved our freedom.

But God has not guaranteed the enduring of our great nation.

God allows us to strive for our greatness with our own hands, with sweat, with spiritual strength.

Our enemies always make the same mistakes.In my lifetime in the depression years and the war years they expected us to lose.But each time, deep within the psyche of the American people, beliefs arose that they could not comprehend, or even imagine.This belief has brought us victory once, and it will bring us victory again.

Because this is America.It is a desert uncrossed, a mountain unclimbed.This is a planet that has not been visited by human beings, and it is the fruit of sleeping in the uncultivated land.

To those public servants who have shouldered the burden, to my family, to the friends who have traveled the long and winding road with me, to all the people of the Commonwealth and the people of the world, I recount today the day of my grief in November 1918 Said: "I will lead and will do my best."

However, you must carry the old promises and dreams in your hearts.This is your best guide.

By the end of the speech, the trembling crowd seemed to have forgotten the cold, the party line, and all the old religious and racial issues seemed to be forgotten.Undoubtedly, this is a good start, but will the various hopes mentioned in the inaugural speech be realized?Is there any substance behind the beautiful syllables and words?Is Johnson's foreign policy weak in rhetoric or cold in arms?Although in the eyes of the hawks, Johnson is the most determined president among the presidents in history, but for others, this is not necessarily the case. It needs evidence of facts and time.

Johnson really became the master of the White House from January 1.He ordered all White House staff to report to work at 21 a.m., and he was earlier than anyone.The President’s Office is almost unfurnished, and Johnson is not yet used to being called the “President.” Take a look at the office, talk to the staff, see the stenographer, open the mail, make a phone call, and get to work.At 9:10 a.m., he signed Executive Order No. 30: Doubling and increasing the variety of leftover food for 400 million poor Americans. It was promulgated at 11 o'clock.

The White House is like a pot of boiling water, and it has not yet been completely silent. Politicians and reporters are constantly entering and leaving Johnson's office.The new president's first visitor was former president Harry Truman.Groups, celebrities and recipients of every prize, from Baptists to beauty queens, were received at Johnson's office every day.30000 letters pour into the White House every week.Not only President Johnson is busy, but the entire executive branch is also busy. Their offices are still brightly lit late at night.

The new president has never been able to overcome the boyish pride and excitement of being in the White House.He gave guests a tour of what he called his property, told them at length the history of a certain room or a piece of furniture, and complained that something was not good and had to be thrown away.He tried Lincoln's bed and said it was okay.

However, too optimistic does not seem to work.While Johnson enjoyed the victory, he also found himself taking over a hot mess.

(End of this chapter)