"We have no class or racial distinction, no titled nobility, no high and low castes of society, no dollar aristocracies, no so-called upper classes, and no retired rich idlers nor jobless poor ones. "We have one governing upper class, our aged citizens. They have the intelligence and wisdom that come from maturity and experience. They act on committees of conciliation and arbitration between workers, foremen and executives. If their physical and mental abilities show a natural decline with age, they apply and are elected to the more easy government and municipal offices, according to their capabilities. Our factories have separate apprentice craft training and finishing school shops, where productive speed is non-existent. The shops are staffed by our qualified aged, as teachers. Skilled aged workers are frequently used for precision work. "By this method, we are able to keep our older people busy and contented. They give us the best of their experience as long as they feel able to do so. They keep their self-respect as useful citizens. "They are our government elected executives, and officials. They are selected and nominated by their parties, and elected by the people, as an honor, and as a duty. But only of those who have not reached the Sun-Rank degrees. Sun-Rank degree members do not and are not allowed to occupy these offices. A government office with us in an honorary position without any extra emoluments. Whereas on your earth very often loyal party members and those who liberally contribute to its political campaigns reach and get lucrative offices, and favors." "How about political parties?" I asked. "In every one of our races we have sometimes as many as five political parties, although we don't make a career of politics. Government executives and officials are not allowed to influence or bring pressure in favor of or against candidates. "Because of our system, we don't need homes for the aged, where every day some of the inmates die, and where they talk of death and plan and prepare for it years in advance. We give them a full life. They do not sit around stagnating. They are carefully watched by our medical department. Our aim is to have them live the longest possible time and not get tired of it. Thus, most of them live longer than they would otherwise, and die in harness. Our love and respect for them intensify our desire to have our aged parents, relations, and all others live their full life span. They are no burden to us, and we have nothing to gain by their early death. We are not like some of you on Earth, eagerly looking forward to their demise to inherit their fortune. All soft jobs, as you call them, such as employment bureaus, government and municipal libraries, museums, and other public offices are exclusively directed and staffed by them. These appointments are made on a merit basis only. To the contrary, in your country; so many high and low positions are filled from the ranks of the politically faithful.