Cecil is not going to admit how much of that tirade went over his head. Sure, he makes a point of staying well abreast of the Capitol's political climate, and he considers himself a pretty well-informed guy, but Platonic lies? Anarchy and despotism? That seems just a little hyperbolic.
"And in a perfect world, maybe we wouldn't have to choose between them!" he says, with the air of one explaining something obvious to someone who, while maybe not malicious in their beliefs, is nonetheless tragically misinformed. "But you simply can't expect that kind of perfection from a fallible human government." He spreads his hands, as though to encompass the entire Capitol within the scope of his narrative. "I mean, think of all the wonderful things our government does for us-- look at our highly functional infrastructure! Our efficient public works! And, of course, the colorful local culture that these things allow to thrive."
These things, he thinks, are probably obvious to Enjolras. He's been in the Capitol for months, after all, and he certainly isn't stupid! But a little preaching to the choir is necessary when one is making a point. (His fervent gesticulation is in danger of upsetting his tablet.)
"Could they do all that if they spent any more of their limited time concentrating on serving justice? Of course not! Sure it means having to pit people against each other in monthly contests of murder against their will, but is that really such a high price to pay for the luxuries we enjoy here?" He shakes his head. "I think our government is doing an admirable job within the limitations that our system imposes on them. We simply need to take their actions within the context of those limitations, to avoid judging them unfairly."
no subject
"And in a perfect world, maybe we wouldn't have to choose between them!" he says, with the air of one explaining something obvious to someone who, while maybe not malicious in their beliefs, is nonetheless tragically misinformed. "But you simply can't expect that kind of perfection from a fallible human government." He spreads his hands, as though to encompass the entire Capitol within the scope of his narrative. "I mean, think of all the wonderful things our government does for us-- look at our highly functional infrastructure! Our efficient public works! And, of course, the colorful local culture that these things allow to thrive."
These things, he thinks, are probably obvious to Enjolras. He's been in the Capitol for months, after all, and he certainly isn't stupid! But a little preaching to the choir is necessary when one is making a point. (His fervent gesticulation is in danger of upsetting his tablet.)
"Could they do all that if they spent any more of their limited time concentrating on serving justice? Of course not! Sure it means having to pit people against each other in monthly contests of murder against their will, but is that really such a high price to pay for the luxuries we enjoy here?" He shakes his head. "I think our government is doing an admirable job within the limitations that our system imposes on them. We simply need to take their actions within the context of those limitations, to avoid judging them unfairly."