“I want to know why she is not forced to resign,” Tibbs lashed out at the president impetuously. “Going to Texas on her own, without your knowledge, is insubordination at a minimum, and maybe treasonous!”
“Jamail, how many of your messes does the president have to clean up? Between the ridiculous gun-running scheme in Mexico to the Sally investigation, and now this?” She fixed the attorney general with a piercing look, and he slipped back into his chair as if trying to get some shade from her blazing eyes.
“Okay, this isn’t getting us anywhere,” said the president, a slight smile lingering on his lips as if he almost enjoyed the banter between the two political appointees for a few minutes before he stopped it.
“Jamail, is Texas the enemy? Don’t we have to be in a war to aid an enemy?” continued Bartlett, referring to Tibbs’ remark about treason.
“Hell, yes, they’re the enemy. Look at what they just did to government property!”
“And have we declared war on one of our states?” she asked.
“It sure looks like they declared war on us! Read the damned damage reports!” shrieked Tibbs.
“Okay, enough!” The president’s voice showed he was serious about bringing the shouting match to an end.
Ignoring the president, Bartlett replied, “You killed their governor, Jamail! He was popular. Hell, you killed his wife! Was there a contingency plan in place for this?”
“Madam Secretary,” began Gen. Herrera, looking down at the table as if not wanting to look directly into her eyes, “I don’t think anyone planned on the contingency that the governor himself might shoot at and kill a federal agent during this operation.”
“The guy was a poster child for the NRA. Are you serious? How many videos do you have of him hunting, of him shooting at a gun range, of him walking around all over Texas with a gun holstered at his side?” reasoned Bartlett.
“We thought the element of surprise…” tried the general. Bartlett interrupted.
“Yeah, he surprised you! You dropped into his bedroom and he began shooting. I think any male in Texas would do the same damned thing. Is there a man, woman or child in that state who doesn’t own a gun?”
“Look, everyone, we have to come to consensus here on how we move forward. The financial markets are reeling over this…” said Smith before he also was interrupted.
“Oh, great, look at this!” yelled Tibbs.
On another live feed was the newly sworn-in Texas governor speaking at a joint session of the Texas Senate and Legislature in Austin.
“…we hereby demand the return of the remains of Gov. Cooper and his wife, as well as those of Lt. Gov. Foster. We demand access to Mrs. Foster and to Texas Atty. Gen. Jeff Weaver.”
“Mr. President, I’ve never lived in Texas, but I can tell you this,” Secy. Bartlett said. “If you want to take some steam off this situation, I suggest you announce the return of the remains. I don’t know why we would want to hold their remains, but what little I do know about Texans is, if you keep the governor and his wife’s remains, it will only ratchet up the intensity of this thing,” she reasoned.
“It could get more intense?” laughed Tibbs. “We aren’t done with forensics and the autopsies.”
“Wait until Texans hear the federal government is poking and prodding the remains of Texas’ first lady,” said an exasperated Bartlett.
“Do I have to remind you this is a criminal investigation?” asked Tibbs.
“I think Anna has a point,” said Smith.
“I think I know where you are going with this, Avery, and I like it,” said the president.
“Let’s let Anna escort the bodies back to Texas. She can then meet with the new governor and see if we can reach a settlement. If Secy. Bartlett makes a joint statement with the governor and state leadership, maybe we can calm the situation,” suggested Smith.
Bartlett was all smiles with this suggestion, as this would put her in the role she initially sought—the peacemaker that is above the fray. This would be a perfect lead-in to her presidential campaign.
“What if that doesn’t work?” asked Tibbs.
Looking to Smith, the president asked, “What’s the downside, Avery? What if the governor won’t meet? What if all negotiations fail?”
“If Anna is escorting the remains back and we make this a dignified scenario, I can’t see them not meeting with her. They want their governor back; Anna is bringing him to them. It’s beautiful!”
“I’m asking again, what if this doesn’t work? What if a week later, or a month later, we still have these problems?” pressed Tibbs.
“There’s no doubt the violence against government facilities cannot go unchecked. There’s also no doubt that they cannot continue to hold our military bases. Anna, part of your job at this meeting will be to offer a peaceful resolution; however, we need to be unequivocal about what our actions could or would be if Texas remains in a state of treason,” instructed the president.
“And if that doesn’t work?” asked Tibbs again.
“Then they will suffer the consequences. I’m tired of this situation. I’m ready for it to be over. If they won’t end it, I will, by whatever means necessary. We look incompetent to the rest of the world that we can’t even control one state,” said the president.
Chapter 29
“The tree of liberty could not grow were it not watered with the blood of tyrants.”
~ Bertrand Barere de Vieuzac (1755-1841)
Journalist, Politician and a Leader of the French Revolution
The Mexican president, interviewed by CBS News, admitted that the administration contacted them about using their air space and their airports to launch the raid on the Swingin’ T. In his interview, El Presidente would not admit to any special deal with the Johnson administration for allowing the raid to be staged from Mexico. Nobody believed him.
When asked about the Texas Air National Guard downing Mexican fighters, he simply stated that the Texans had stolen advanced technology from the United States that enabled the two pilots to wreak havoc on the Mexican air force. The president also said he was helping his neighbor as any good neighbor would.
When the reporter asked if Texas wasn’t also his neighbor, he stated, “They used to be a good neighbor also, but their efforts to discriminate against Mexicans should not be forgotten.”
Without going into great detail, El Presidente mentioned efforts by Texas to require voter ID and to fight President Johnson’s gun control executive orders. He pointed out that these two orders were examples of discrimination against Mexican nationals and were non-supportive of El Presidente’s war against the Mexican drug cartels.
To add further insult, the CBS News reporter asked him specifically about the naming of Operation Santa Anna.
“Sir, could you understand why Texas might be sensitive to a military operation launched from Mexico under that name that ultimately resulted in the death of their governor?” asked the reporter.
“It’s regrettable the governor lost his life. From what I have learned, it appears he caused his own death and that of his wife. Regarding Santa Anna, he was a great Mexican hero, so I don’t know why this would have added any additional grief to an already sad situation,” he replied in a broken Spanish accent.
“Was that name a suggestion from you? From the Mexican military?” asked the host.
“No, we did not name the operation, but are honored they chose to name such an important mission after Generalissimo Antonio López de Santa Anna.”
It was lost on the average American why naming the operation after the last dictator to march into Texas, resulting in the deaths of one hundred eighty-nine Texians at the Alamo, added incredible insult to the fact their governor had been killed in the Santa Anna operation.
“Who in hell chose to name the operation after Santa Anna?” asked Smith.
“DHS,” said Tibbs.
“Does anyone in this room know the historical significance of this?” asked an exasperated Smith.
“Folks, you’re sure making my task difficult,” commented Bartlett.
It was clear most of the White House staff and cabinet members in the situation room did not fully understand the significance of using the Santa Anna moniker as the operational tag. Smith was unsure if the president even knew.
“Okay, quick history lesson. Santa Anna declared militias illegal in Mexico. Then he suspended their legislative body and revoked their constitution. This is why Texas rebelled. Santa Anna was merciless and bloodthirsty, executing all those who opposed him. He was the commander of the Mexican forces at the Alamo. He also shot over three hundred captured Texas troops at Goliad. He was and is reviled in Texas history.”
McDermott sank in her chair. “I guess we should have vetted the name of the operation. I’ll take responsibility for that,” she said.
Ignoring that significant responsibility statement, Johnson continued. “General, I want a contingency plan drawn up by the Joint Chiefs in the event our little plan with the secretary goes awry,” said the president.
“Yes, sir. I need to know what the end game is for additional operations by the military regarding Texas,” answered Gen. Herrera, looking at Defense Secy. Brooks and then back to the president.
“In order for Texas to fall back into line, we need a swift and significant impact. We need to set a precedent for this type of behavior. If Anna is not successful, it will be time to step on their necks until they succumb. If we have to replace every elected official and declare martial law, we will do it,” said the president forcefully.
“Let me remind everyone that Texas has more citizens with guns than any other state, and it’s not even close,” stated McDermott.
“Well, we’ll see if a damned deer rifle stands up to a damned M-1 Abrams tank rolling down a Houston city street,” sneered Tibbs.
“Surely you’re not so naïve as to think deer rifles are the only weapons in the average Texan’s closet?” asked Smith.
“Need I remind everyone that most firearms dealers started ignoring the president’s executive orders regarding halting the federal firearms background check system?” asked ATF Director Barnaby Adamson.
“If I’m not mistaken, sir, you turned off the federal firearm background check system to Texas purchases. They just simply continued on their own. They have always ignored the U.N. Small Arms Treaty. Hell, it’s actually more convenient for them now and, to make it worse, you don’t know what they’re buying or who’s buying them!” Bartlett insisted.
“Anna, I hate to put this kind of pressure on you, but you see the magnitude of the stakes at hand. This could get much uglier than it’s already been. All of us need to pledge our support and any resources you need to calm this situation,” reasoned Smith.
“My only request is you restrict our esteemed attorney general from any actions that would inflame the situation,” Bartlett wisecracked.
“You have my personal assurance of no surprises,” assured President Johnson, cutting off Tibbs before he could respond.
“Anna, you have three days. Jamail, you have twelve hours starting now to wrap up any forensics or autopsies,” ordered the president as he looked at his watch.
“Can I bring the Fosters and Weaver back to Texas with me? That would go a long way,” asked Bartlett as Tibbs fumed.
The president looked at Smith for his political insight, ignoring Tibbs and the fact that the lieutenant governor and attorney general were being held under federal arrest warrants.
“If Anna thinks returning them to Texas gives her enhanced leverage, I say what the hell,” answered Smith.
“Are you serious?” exclaimed Tibbs.
“What about setting bond and letting them bond out? That way, they are still under indictment and aren’t set completely free,” Smith proposed.
“I like that idea. It’s decided. Get a judge to set bond and let them make bond. Jamail, if we need to go get them again, we will simply do it. If Anna is successful, the federal justice system in Texas will be functional again. Then you can crucify them to your heart’s content,” said the president with finality as he stood, indicating the meeting was over.
Anna Bartlett had three days to resolve the Texas crisis, or else.
Chapter 30
“Governments rest on the consent of the governed, and that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish them whenever they become destructive of the ends for which they were established.”
~ Jefferson Davis (1807-1889)
West Point Graduate
Mexican-American War Hero
Secretary of War (Franklin Pierce Administration)
President of the Confederate States of America 1861-1865
News organizations throughout the world were especially harsh on the Johnson administration for launching the raid into Texas that killed the Texas governor and his wife, but the mainstream media continued their unabashed support of the administration and continued to demonize Texas and its leadership.
The newly sworn-in governor was contacted directly by Secy. of State Bartlett about returning the remains of Gov. Cooper, his wife Lyndsey, and Lt. Gov. Gene Foster. Mrs. Foster would be released, and Bartlett also indicated that Weaver would be arraigned in federal court and would be allowed to make bail. Bartlett would escort the bodies back herself and requested a meeting with the governor, to which the governor agreed.
Bartlett set up a hastily arranged news conference from the State Department offices indicating she would be making the trip in person to offer a peaceful resolution to the crisis and to attend the funeral for the governor. Just as she had hoped, the news cycle began touting Bartlett as the only logical statesperson that could broker a settlement. The news analysts on MSNBC and others touted her credentials and how a settlement to the crisis only heightened Bartlett’s lock on the Democratic Party’s likely presidential nomination.
In Austin, Gov. Brahman ordered all state offices closed for a day of mourning for the slain Texas leaders. The entire state government was shut down on a Thursday for the event that was being carried live worldwide.
* * *
The huge C-130 military transport carrying Bartlett banked toward the southwest, then circled Bergstrom Airport making its final approach to the southwest runway. Four Texas Air Wing F-16s, led by Cmdr. Parsons, had escorted the huge military cargo plane as it crossed over the Louisiana state line into Texas airspace.
The plane touched down on the Austin airport runway, smoke coming from the tires, at 9:32 a.m. Waiting on the tarmac were hundreds of Texas dignitaries, including many in the legislature and public officials from around the state. Chuck, Christy, and Colton Dixon were among them; they had gotten a special invitation from Pops Younger.
In the terminals and lining the fences along the airport were thousands of Texans. It seemed as if everyone in attendance had a Texas flag. For the most part, the huge crowds were silent and reverent.
The C-130 came to a stop as all waited for the propellers to stop turning. Slowly, the massive cargo door began to lower. Once the door touched the ground, eight U.S. Marines in full dress uniforms began slowly bearing a coffin covered in a United States flag down the ramp door.
At the bottom of the ramp stood dozens of Texas State troopers, Texas Guard troops and Texas Rangers. The plan was to turn over the remains to the Texas officials, who would load them into three hearses standing by. Four hearses were just outside the airport fence with the remains of Maj. Gen. Conroy and the Texas Rangers and troopers who were killed at the Swingin’ T. A large procession of mourners would accompany the remains from the airport to the state capitol building. All were to be eulogized at the capitol building and then were to lie in state for three days with burial of all on Sunday.
Walking in between two rows of state troopers were Gov. Brahman and Texas Rangers Cmdr. Pops Younger, who met the first coffin at the bottom of the C-130 ramp.
The Marines slowly brought down the first coffin, containing Texas First Lady Lyndsey Cooper. Each U
.S. flag-draped coffin was transferred to the Texas contingent of full-dress troopers, Rangers and Texas military.
The last coffin brought down the ramp was that of Gov. Cooper. Television cameras taking shots of the crowd showed many Texans openly weeping as the last coffin made its way to the end of the ramp with the slow cadence of the Marines. Cameras also caught various disturbances in the crowd as people began shouting incomprehensibly at the procession on the tarmac. None of the television hosts could make out what was causing the random yelling and anger by hundreds in the crowds, but it was clear something was agitating many in attendance.
Once the governor’s coffin was transferred to the Texas pallbearers, Secy. Bartlett and several of her staff followed, along with newly freed Texas Atty. Gen. Jeff Weaver. Bartlett was received politely but coldly, as opposed to the hugs and warm handshakes given Weaver as he stepped back onto Texas soil.
The hearses pulled around the plane in a row and troopers opened the rear doors for the coffins. Several dignitaries looked around as the disturbances grew louder, but nobody seemed to understand the commotion… at first. News analysts were clearly clueless as to what was driving the previously reverent onlookers to begin shouting toward the ceremony on the tarmac.
Suddenly, Weaver stalked over to the governor’s coffin and ripped off the U.S. flag draped over it to the shock of the Marines standing at attention. Weaver crumpled the U.S flag and threw it back on the C-130 ramp.
“Screw that flag! It’s a disgrace to have that flag on these coffins!” Weaver yelled at the Marines.
Two of the Marines began to move toward Weaver before Pops stepped in front of both of them.
“Boys, you’re in Texas. I suggest you back the hell up,” said Pops quietly as many in the crowd finally realized what had happened and began cheering wildly.
“Sir, I will not allow that flag to be disrespected,” answered a Marine.
“Son, I will allow you to go to the other coffins and kindly remove those flags from these Texas heroes. Now git to it!” commanded Pops.
A State of Treason Page 21