A mental mismatch
The latter portion of Chapter 16 and basically the entirety of Chapter 17 in Heinlein's novel I feel is the most compelling portion of my readings so far.
I believe it was Chris who mentioned in class one day that science fiction is famous for representing the values, beliefs, and practices of the society and time period in which they are written. Or something to that effect,
I think that the dialogue between these world leaders and the Lunar representatives, Mannie and Prof La Paz embody the nonsensical dialogue and threats that you may hear in the gathering of American Congress or the United Nations.
The ownership rights of the moon being under debate and the obligations of the Lunar people to produce grain for the world's population I feel is a good device to reveal the true nature of the world's leaders at these conferences.
The North American representative is bull-headed, and spouts racially charged and hate-filled insults the professor's way. For example: "Jailbirds. Theives and whores. They don't understand decent treatment" (Heinlein, 237)
The recognition of the moon as a sovereign state and not just a satellite that is by nature or Congress' decree property of the earth is analogous to why America would launch an invasion of a territory just to lay claim to its resources. (Iraq? perhaps this is another post altogether)
Still the most important thing to take from this is the seemingly calm and methodical way that the Professor establishes the Lunar people's case for autonomy.
Professor La Paz’s tact and sound logic is shown in stark contrast his opponent’s arguments. Arguments which are lined with holes and ad hominem attacks. Even the role of the press distorting the events of the story to sway the masses and showing the influence of a biased media is spot on.
In the end, the Lunar representatives show that the world leaders can’t just force an entire group into almost indentured servitude based on an agreement that is at best nebulous and at worst totalitarian. I would guess that this exchange in the plot will carry the rest of the story arc in the final chapters.