Mr. de Pinto, the dog who protects sheep quickly learns how to direct them, and it becomes a habit. The people have been trained by their 'watchmen' to jump, and to trample what the 'watchmen' want trampled.I have found, that those who would guard the people are their governors. The government admits that it is a government. The press pretends that it is not. But what a pretense! You orchestrate entire populations. And who elected you? No one. You are self-appointed, you speak for no one, and therefore you have no right to question me as if you represent the common good.
In "Winter's Tale" by Mark Helprin, Mr. de Pinto symbolizes the role of a protective shepherd, illustrating how those in authority, akin to watchmen, shape and direct the behaviors of the populace. The passage highlights the subtle conditioning of people by their leaders, who train them to conform and act in ways that serve the interests of those in power. It reflects a broader commentary on governance, questioning the legitimacy and...