Enzio
Chapter 11 and Snapshot
Snapshot
Over the years, we’ve all heard about countries meeting for discussions and negotiations. Often, the word “talks” is used to describe meetings between rival nations. Special individuals are often chosen to participate in these discussions. Averell Harriman was selected to negotiate during the Vietnam peace talks. I recall reading that it took hours, if not days, to decide how the table in the conference room would be arranged. It was clear that experienced people gathered and discussed in a sober, reasonable, and serious manner. There was little posturing, great emotional control, and intelligent dialogue. Success in these talks required an understanding of the culture and the people involved. These were efforts not to be taken lightly.
The current administration prefers to stay silent. They favor making deals, which are often just forms of bullying. These deals usually involve Trump and his team pressuring others to do what he wants. If they don’t agree, he resorts to threats. He lacks the patience, interest, or skill for long discussions of each country’s needs or for reaching agreements that benefit everyone and might involve some concessions. His goal is to beat his opponents. The only deal he considers good is one where, like a used car salesman, he makes a lot of money. His deals lack real finesse—they’re just bullying tactics.
Of course, even if he wins, he still loses. Think about Iran’s relationship with the United States over the next few centuries. We’ve created an enemy for hundreds of years who will never forget what happened during Trump’s administration. They’ll blame Trump, but they’ll blame the United States. Is this how foreign policy should be conducted?
Enzio
Enzio was in an advanced computer class on a cool fall day when he turned to his left and saw one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. He had just finished answering a rather complex question in Italian, and the class was impressed. Gia Orsini looked at Enzio and, in perfect English, said: “You’re a small guy, but you’re pretty smart. Where do you come from in the USA? You must go to a good school.”
Enzio surprised himself by answering right away. I go to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I’m here on a semester abroad program. I love Italy. Where are you from?
She told them she lived in Sorrento, high above the sea. Her father worked there, and her mother was an interior decorator. Maybe she’d take him to visit sometime if he was interested. She enjoyed showing Americans her homeland.
Enzio was surprised because women usually didn’t resonate with him. They tended to ignore him because he was small and unathletic-looking. He thought maybe she was just being friendly, so he said, “Yes, of course, I’d love to go to Sorrento.” Just let me know when.
She said, we’ll take the train on Friday afternoon. Meet me in the building’s lobby around 3:00. My parents will have dinner ready that evening. Bring a bathing suit and casual clothes. Bring some dress clothes if you have them for Saturday night. My family sometimes likes to have a formal dinner at home.
Enzio didn’t have time to get nervous. That feeling came later, when he was back in his room and realized what he had committed to. Oh well, he could make the best of it. What did he have to lose? He was here for adventure and new experiences, and that’s what he was about to get.
He pushed the upcoming trip out of his mind and settled down to do some computer homework. Soon his hands were flying over the keys, and he was in the world he was familiar with. The world of Sorrento he didn’t know. Maybe he’d become familiar with that world too.