So this precedent must never be set!
Therefore, the government and the military had no choice but to push Justin Hammer to the forefront, because each arms giant had its own technology, but only Justin Hammer did not have his own technology and could only be regarded as a processor.
This kind of guy who doesn't touch their core interests can help them solve a lot of problems.
Once the military has these technologies, will it still need to purchase them?
Can't you just research it yourself?
The military had contacted Tony a long time ago and offered a huge price, but Tony made it clear that no matter how much money you offer, I will not sell it, which led to this hearing.
"Excuse me, gentlemen. I only saw Mr. Justin Hammer come in, not some so-called weapons expert. You mean him? You must be kidding. Everyone knows that Hammer is just a businessman, not an expert. He might not even be able to defuse a bomb!"
It was a sharp counterattack that even caused the audience around to talk about it.
However, Justin Hammer, who was dressed neatly and smiling, did not get angry. He just smiled and said into the microphone in front of him: "That's right. I'm not an expert. You are, Tony. You have always been a genius in this area!"
"Compared to a genius like you, Tony, I really admit that I'm not a weapons expert. Indeed, the identity of a businessman is more suitable for me."
If Tony Stark is used as the dividing line, there are probably few people in the world who can be called weapons experts, so when he said this, the audience around him naturally agreed with this point of view.
Tony's genius became the opponent's weapon at this time.
But resisting Tony's attack wasn't enough; Hammer launched his own counterattack. He stood up, walked to the center of the hearing, and addressed the audience, "Senator, please allow me to speak. I may not be an expert, but I know who the true experts are. Tony, your father is Howard Stark. He's not only our patriarch, but also the father of our military industry. You're both geniuses, just like him. You inherited this from your father, especially your talent for weapons development."
"We all know why we're here. For the past six months, Tony Stark has forged a sharp sword, but he insists it's just a shield. He wants us to trust him, to hide behind him because that's where we'll be safe. I really hope I can feel safe, and I really did at first. But after two monsters wreaked havoc in New York, I really can't think that way anymore. After all, he couldn't protect us when we thought he could. Instead, it was another superhero who defeated them, and that's enough."
"I don't mean to blame Mr. Stark. After all, we live in a world full of dangers. Mr. Stark may not be able to foresee danger, nor may he be able to rush to the scene when danger strikes, or even resolve those dangers. So I can only wonder if we can change the way and let Mr. Stark protect us. Hand over the toy in his hands and give it to those who can better protect us. This may be the right thing to do."
"That's it, folks. Those are my personal opinions. God bless America, and God bless Iron Man!"
Justin Hammer's remarks have put Tony in an unfavorable situation.
Because in his description, Tony has completely become another character. Tony only puts himself in the perspective of a victim. However, Justin Hammer's speech turned Tony from a victim into a selfish guy.
They possess the most advanced technology that can protect people's lives and property, but they only want to enjoy all its benefits and honors alone.
But he had no intention of handing it over to the country to maximize its value, and even when people's lives and property were greatly threatened, he was unwilling to compromise with the government.
From the perspective of the people, Tony's behavior is already a very selfish act.
But from Tony's point of view, Justin Hammer's behavior was the most thorough moral kidnapping, as he put him in opposition to the people.
Although not everyone will support his views, it is certain that there will definitely be many people who believe in him.
If Tony doesn't handle it well, his reputation will be ruined and everything he has done before will be destroyed. People are like this. They will never remember the good things you do for them, but instead blame you for some very normal things.
Chapter 108: Tony's Counterattack
For example, the Iron Man armor was invented by Tony, it's true, he doesn't have to hand it over to anyone because it belongs to him, but there will always be some self-righteous guys who jump out to accuse him, not considering the overall situation, and the people will just follow the trend mindlessly. Even if smart people speak, they will be drowned out by the accusations of these stupid people, and not even a wave will be made.
Is he wrong?
No.
The iron armor is his technology. It's a favor to hand it over, and it's your duty not to hand it over. It's just like giving up your seat. It's a favor to give up your seat to others, and it's your duty not to give it to others. What the hell gives you the right to stand on the moral high ground and accuse others?
Does not giving up your seat mean you are disrespectful to the elderly and children?
She is a baby too, why don't you give up your seat to her?
The United States is a country dominated by private ownership. The technology invented by Tony belongs to Tony and no one can take it away.
This is not wrong in itself, but Justin Hammer's words are simply standing on the moral high ground to condemn Stark.
The people who stand on the moral high ground to accuse others are the most annoying.
Tony was about to say something to reverse his current decline, but it was clear his opponent wasn't going to give him any breathing room. So before he could even open his mouth, the senator sitting in the judge's seat followed up Justin Hammer's attack with a combined punch of their own.
"Well said, Mr. Hammer. Now let's invite Colonel James Roddy to the meeting."
"Rody?" Hearing the name, Tony turned around in disbelief, and then he immediately saw Roddy walking in with an ugly expression on his face.
Not only did he see Roddy, many people also saw the soldier who walked in, and they almost immediately started talking, because most people present knew that Roddy and Tony were friends, so at this time a somewhat strange idea began to creep into their minds.
Is Stark going to be deserted by everyone?
This was definitely not a good sign for Tony, but it was definitely something the people at the Department of Defense were happy to see. The senator smiled and even began to speak impatiently, "I have a complete report on Iron Man's weapons collected by Colonel Rodney. Colonel, please read the fourth paragraph on page 57."
Roddy's expression was not pretty either. Although obeying orders was a soldier's duty, he could not feel comfortable being used as a tool by his superior to frame his friend.
Roddy said stiffly, his face stern. "You want me to read a specific paragraph from the report? I thought I was here to give a complete and detailed report. Not to take a paragraph out of context and represent my own opinion."
"I know what you mean, Colonel!" The senator coughed and called out Roddy's position, which was also a reminder for him not to forget his identity.
"I understand what you're thinking. But there are a lot of variables today. We don't have time to listen to your entire report. So, you just need to read the section I specify."
Hearing this, Rhodey could only sigh. He gave Tony an apologetic look, then opened the report in his hand and said, "Okay, page fifty-seven, line four. 'Iron Man is not affiliated with any government unit.'"
Rhodey looked at the document in his hand and continued, "Therefore, his existence poses a threat to national security and interests. However, my conclusion is... Iron Man's benefits far outweigh his disadvantages if Mr. Stark is allowed to join the military command system."
"Enough, that's enough, Colonel Rody!" The senator immediately interrupted Rody's speech.
Tony listened to Rhodey's speech and couldn't help but interrupt, "I don't like joining any system. But I could consider becoming the Minister of Defense. Of course, the working hours would have to be shorter. Eight hours a day is too tiring. I think four hours would be enough."
The scene was filled with laughter.
Faced with this blatant mockery of the Ministry of Defense, the senator had no choice but to curl his lips and change the subject, saying, "Colonel, I'd like to play the footage from your report."
"I don't think it's the right time yet. These images are not suitable for public release to the public." Rody shook his head, clearly expressing his disapproval. Of course, Colonel Rody's opinion was not accepted by the senator.
"I understand your concern, Colonel. But if you could describe these images, we would be grateful."
Hearing this, Roddy sighed again. Soldiers and politicians mixing together is the dirtiest thing, and the saddest thing for a soldier is that he has to listen to a politician just because he is his nominal superior.
So he could only raise his hand to the law enforcement officers beside him, indicating that they could start playing the video.
The senator was very happy with Roddy's obedience. He nodded, and naturally someone started playing the video materials they had prepared.
A satellite image of what appeared to be a military factory began to appear on the screen. Looking at the blurry image, Roddy picked up his electronic pen and pointed to a prominent shadow. He said, "Data indicates that the devices depicted are replicas of Mr. Stark's Iron Man armor. This has been confirmed by our allies and ground intelligence. We believe these replicas may already be operational."
Rhodey was introducing the video, while Tony started to busy himself with his own things. The first time he saw the video, he took out his mobile phone and started to decipher and hack the signal in the video. This was indeed the internal confidential information of the US military, but for Tony Stark's smart butler, it was really not confidential at all.
Soon, Tony was in control of everything, so he no longer passively accepted the attacks of others.
"Wait a minute, man. Let me see." Tony said as he lightly tapped on his mobile phone. Suddenly, all kinds of file reading and program editing information began to appear on the entire screen. Until a large 'Welcome Mr. Stark' icon was displayed, Tony grinned weirdly.
"Oh, it's done. I'm so awesome. You said they might already be using it. Let's take a closer look. Make the information more transparent and see what they're really doing."