how does the following statement by Harding relate to our society?"I dont think you fully understand the public, my friend;in this country, when something is out of order, then the quickest way to get it fixed is the best way."

I think Harding means that society doesn't look for a good fix but a quick fix. We want results right away regardless of the long term problems. We want things fixed quickly with the least amount of effort. This is really a metaphor for the modern Western world. The idea spans from plumbing to the environment and to how we treat the sick.