An imagined conversation between George Soros and Charles Koch in a very fancy and secret club, after exiting the humidor room, both lighting cigars in a private lounge.
"But George, We're talking about putting the entire free world at risk."
"Charles, It seems to me that you want to back away from your original statement then, that the average American is aware of, and would rise to protect his inherent liberties."
"No, George. I stand by my statement. I believe that most Americans are aware of the value of their liberties and inherent rights and that most of those would rise to protect them... but I cannot see the point in risking the entire free world over your assertion that most Americans are gullible oafs with little drive to see or protect what we both know to be of the highest value."
"The point, my friend, is that I am right. Without constantly reminding people of the value of these essential liberties, most Americans will slide inextricably into a slothful state of simply being drones. They have so little awareness of what being in a sovereign state of liberty means that they can easily be guided into giving it away."
"So now you want to guide them into socialism?"
"Listen Charles. I assert that mankind is ultimately gullible and that without constant reminder, will easily slip away from the responsibility of protecting and maintaining their essential liberty... and I can prove it to you."
"George, You and I have known each other for a long time... We have each built multiple billion dollar industries. We have risen to each challenge and beat down our competition and succeeded where others have failed. We know the value of our essential liberties and have never taken them lightly. Who is to say that others cannot do what we have done?"
"Do you see any other billionaires in this room?"
"Point taken... but I am still not shaken from my belief that when pressed, the average American will stand up, armed and ready to fight when these liberties are threatened."
"Then you accept my wager?"
"Yes. How much do you think it should be?"
"Neither one of us needs money. Lets just call it a gentleman's agreement."
"Done. And when should this contest be declared over and done with?"
"When the loser concedes."
"Done... but I'm sure my brother will be quite angry with you."
"That has never stopped me before."
