"Why in the world would you say that?" asked Tom Adams. "You're probably the best governor in Wyoming's history."
"I'll tell you why I say that," answered McKay. "As governor of a small state like Wyoming, I never really felt that I was making that much difference. We did some good things for education, and cleaned up state government pretty well, but when it came to issues that really mattered, I had no power at all to do anything. I'm talking about issues like this mining act, help for farmers and ranchers, the mess this country is in over petroleum imports. As westerners, we really can't do much. All that is controlled out east, in New York and Washington. When the drought nearly cleaned people out in the Eighties, we didn't get any help from Washington. Talk to folks up in the Dakotas about that drought. It was a lot worse for them."
"Well, you know how it is, Bill. The east thinks we're rugged individualists. We really don't need help out here. All those tax dollars have to go to Russia and Egypt to bail them out," said Tom Adams sarcastically. "Imagine that, gentlemen," continued Adams. "After telling us for forty years that Russia is our mortal enemy, now they want us to loan them money to rebuild their economy. What chance do you think we'll ever see that money repaid?"
Bill McKay wasn't quite finished yet, however, and he continued after Adams's remarks. "There is something else going on out here that scares me, really scares me. It is the formation of radical right wing groups like 'Posse Comitatis' and the 'Sword, the Arm and the Law'. There is a group forming up around the Worland and Thermopolis area. They're setting up on a 5000 acre ranch up there. I don't know what their affiliation is, but folks tell me they're Neo Nazi. What worries me about this is that I believe these groups may reflect the sentiment of a large segment of the general population. I don't think they are just lunatic fringe groups. They are getting money from somewhere, I don't think it's from car washes and bake sales."
Hal Browning had listened very intently to Bill McKay's final remarks. He now took the lead from McKay. "Bill, that's very interesting. I have a feeling you're correct. We now have similar groups forming in Oregon. They compete for land space with the 'Hippie' groups from California." That got a little chuckle from the group. Browning was referring to the recent influx of assorted communal types who came out of California to settle in Oregon. There had been some very spirited exchanges between the permanent Oregonians and these new settlers. "I am certain that a new group is forming down in the south portion of Oregon that seems to be an off shoot of the SAL. There isn't much I can do to stop them. Indeed I have no intention of doing anything as long as they obey the law. But what Bill just said does worry me, too. I think they may more accurately reflect popular sentiment than we sometimes like to admit. Do these groups form because they feel that the government in Washington has failed them, or is it just a reflection of prejudicial hatred?" Hal Browning concluded.
"Gentlemen, we haven't allowed our guest from Canada to say much. I think ol' Sam scared him to death a while ago," offered Winston, who was curious as hell what Jeffries might say, if anything at all.
"Thank you, Bob. I must say I have been content to sit here and listen to this. I am intrigued at how similar the issues are both here and in Manitoba. As some of you know, Canada stands on the brink of the very real possibility of dissolution. It has been a long time coming and the issues are varied and subtle. I think the best way I can explain it to you is to say that there are, and always have been, two Canadas. One is British and the other French. The French settled in large numbers in and around the Quebec area some two hundred years ago. The British settled in the coastal regions in the east, and largely in the west. You probably know that language is a big issue in Canada and, now of course, both English and French are official languages in our country. Everything has to be duplicated in both tongues, and that costs money. That was a concession to the Quebec French ethnic group to keep the union intact."
"More recently," continued Jeffries. "we dodged the bullet last year when the Quebec forced Parliament to make further concessions. Now a new issue is before Parliament and it is economic in nature. Frankly, gentlemen, Canada can't afford this latest issue. It is my considered judgment that Canada will not survive this latest issue. I believe that Canada will dissolve into two nations, one British and one French. However, geography is working against us; the French sit squarely between the west and the east. If Canada were to separate, it would create a situation much like Pakistan's, in which originally there was a west and an east Pakistan, which, as you know, later became Bangladesh. The eastern part of Canada would be cut off from the west. There is a great deal of sentiment in the western provinces to approach the US with the idea of becoming a part of your nation. I am certain the eastern provinces, Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia would have to join the US also, out of sheer economic needs. It would of course leave the French part as a sovereign nation."
"Gentlemen," Jeffries continued, "don't ever underestimate the problem of language and cultural differences. You in the US are beginning to see similar problems in the southwest. There are concerted drives by Hispanics to make Spanish an official language at the state and local level. If they succeed, it will be only a matter of time before it is done at the federal level. This means teaching Spanish at all grade levels, publishing government documents in both languages, having road signs and maps in both, and so forth."
Jeffries had taken some of the men by surprise. Only Browning of Oregon and Bob Winston were intimately familiar with the situation in Canada. The others, though they were well read in current affairs, really were unfamiliar with the situation described by Jeffries. The US as a whole knew next to nothing about the problem. Most US citizens could barely reveal the location of Canada, not to mention provincial capitals, population, geography and the like. Sam Brouchet confessed his ignorance about what Jeffries had just said by saying, "Robert, I really must confess that I knew nothing about this situation. It certainly is never covered in the press or TV down here. How long has this been brewing?"
"Well, for quite a long time, actually. As I said, the French speaking population of Quebec has been there a very long time, and really just sort of tolerate the rest of Canada, mainly because there have not been any other options. But it has been brewing for a long time, to answer your question."
George Brazleton was the last of the men to speak. He had been a little uncomfortable at first with the direction the meeting was taking, but as he realized that those present were expressing the concerns of their constituencies he became more objective, and interested.
"Gentlemen, as you know, as a Texan I reflect two areas of the US, the west and the south. As a westerner, I am in complete agreement with nearly everything said thus far. As a southerner, I am not quite so sympathetic. If I may be facetious for a moment, it is beginning to sound like an echo from the 1850's. My great granddaddy sat in on some of those meetings that resulted in the formation of the Confederacy. I still take out his old notebooks from time to time. They make interesting reading. Are we discussing the dissolution of Canada or the dissolution of the US? Now, now, before you take offense at that question, as I see some of you raising out of your seats, consider the possibility here. Canada is breaking up, and the west seems unhappy enough to join them."
It was just the opportunity that Tom Adams had been waiting for. He stood quickly and began speaking. "George is suggesting that we are talking separatism here, or some may call it sedition. If we are talking separatism, let's not be afraid to say it. We're elected to represent the wishes and attitudes of our constituents. If we find that our beliefs and those of the people are hopelessly at odds, then we have the choice to resign or try convincing the voters that they are wrong. I am not sure the voters are wrong on this one. I think we have been wrong. We're all here today because we already have a pretty good idea what our constituents think. They are mad as hell and I think they would like us to do something about it. Why don't we let the voters express themselves on this issue?"
"H
ow would we do that, Tom?" asked Bill McKay. "What would the issue be?"
"The issue would be whether the western states would like to take back their vote for joining the Union. They voted a hundred years ago to join the Union and I see no reason why they can't vote the other way," said Tom with a vigor and conviction that surprised himself as well as the others.
"But like George just reminded us a moment ago, Tom, you know what happened to the South when they seceded in 1861. It was followed by a Civil War. I don't think I want to arm wrestle with the troops that just kicked the shit out of the Iraqi army!," said Sam Brouchet. "Sorry, Theresa," he again apologized.
"Now gentlemen, gentlemen," interrupted George Brazleton, "What I need to remind you was the South started the War, not the North. If the South had not attacked Fort Sumter, there may not have been a Civil War, and the Confederacy might still be sovereign."
"So where does that leave us, then?" queried Bill McKay showing the frustration that many of the group felt.
"I'll tell you where it leaves us. I think we ought to take a break, go see if we can catch a trout and reconvene at about three o'clock this afternoon." It was Bob Winston's way of saying that they all needed to back off from the discussion for a couple of hours and reflect on the subject. There was total agreement on that point. Winston had another reason for calling a recess; he wanted to talk to Tom Adams alone for a while, without the others present. He also knew that some of the others would pair off together and afford them an opportunity to discuss the issues in private.
Tom and Bob retired to the mountain stream to fish. Hal Browning and Robert Jeffries decided to try the golf course. Sam Brouchet, George and Bill McKay waited awhile and also found a spot to try their luck at trout fishing.
"Tom," said Bob Winston, "I'm sorry I didn't let you in on my decision about retirement. I could see you were a little taken aback by my announcement at the table with George and Bill. I hope you didn't take too much offense."
"No, it's all right, Bob. I was a little surprised, but not really. I knew you had been thinking about it. I guess none of us really knew for sure, but when it came, it was a surprise."
"I probably could have told you that night in Washington. That was when I made up my mind and told Theresa. God, was she pleased! I know she wants out of Washington in the worst way." "What did you think of Jeffries' little speech today?"
"Well, to be honest, I didn't really know that things had deteriorated to that point. But I must confess I am sort of happy that he is here and that he explained his position. I think it makes our job a little easier."
"What is our job, Tom? Is it to lead the west out of the Union or is it to give the people a chance to vote on that choice? As politicians we always have to hold the doubt that what our sources of information tell us may not be entirely reliable. We talk to community leaders, but do they reflect the wishes of the majority?"
"There's one sure way to find out, Bob. I believe that we ought to go back to every western state and request that a convention be called to discuss the possibility of exiting from the Union. I think that ought to be done at the legislature, not as a general referendum to the people."
"Why not go to the people, to let them decide first?" asked Winston.
"Because, I don't think there is time to do that. If enough states approve sending delegates to the convention, then we'll know that there's support for it. Besides, whatever the convention came up with would have to be approved by the voters anyway. I'm sure no state legislature would vote for secession without voter approval."
"Exactly what I thought. I just wanted to see if we were still on the same wavelength, Tom," Bob said, smiling.
"Hey, Bob, I think I caught a fish while we were talking. Maybe this is the secret I've been looking for all these years!"
The men reconvened at three o'clock. Theresa, with Sam's help, had made some sandwiches, brewed fresh coffee, and replenished the ice in the cooler. All of them appeared relaxed and ready to conclude the business that had drawn them together. They were engaged in light conversation about their luck at golf and fishing when Bob Winston asked for their attention.
"Gentlemen, I know you've all had a chance to mull this over for three or four hours. Are there any suggestions as to how we should proceed?" Bob Winston was testing the waters, to see if anyone had developed a case of cold feet.
"I think there is sufficient interest and support here to warrant an attempt to form a separate nation out of the western states." It was Sam Brouchet who spoke first, surprising most of the others with his directness. "I think we all know there is support among the general populace and in the state legislatures. What I don't know is how the mechanics of the thing is supposed to work. I'm not a lawyer, but I have access to one of the best legal staffs in the country." He was referring to the corporate legal staff that cost Sam about two million dollars a year to maintain.
"I totally agree with Sam." said Bill McKay softly.
"Would there be any objection if we just took a vote by a show of hands to see if we are in consensus?" asked Tom. Every hand was raised to the air. There seemed little hesitation. "Sam has raised an obviously good question. What is our next step? Do we go the legislatures and ask for delegates to a convention, or do we go to the people for a vote in every state? Or is there another way?"
"If I may be so bold," said Robert Jeffries, "I would suggest that you will gain a great deal of precious time by approaching the legislatures, or parliament as the case may be, instead of trying to get a vote out to all the people. If it were expressed to them as a referendum, what would the issue be? What would they actually vote on?" Jeffries was clearly implying that he was offering the Canadian Provinces as possible candidates for any separatist movement.
"Then do we invite the Canadians in on this convention at the outset?" asked Bill McKay, cutting directly to the chase.
"I don't think so," volunteered George Brazleton. I believe it would be unwise to let the convention take on the appearance of a multinational effort. If the convention offers anything to the voters of the states, and if they adopt it, a new nation will be created. That new nation will then be in a position to extend an invitation to the Canadians. Robert, you need to tell us what the western provinces are interested in, joining a group of western US states or joining the US as it exists today."
Robert Hall Jeffries did not hesitate at the question. "I can tell you unequivocally that the western provinces would feel much better about joining a new nation than in joining the US as it now exists. If Manitoba and the other western provinces joined a nation composed of the western half of the US, we would be on a much more equal footing. There would even be the eventual hope that you would play Canadian football." At that last witticism, the entire group burst into laughter. They were beginning to enjoy Jeffries' sense of humor, and his graciousness.
"We mustn't lose sight of the fact that we are really discussing two issues, first the issue of secession and second the issue of the formation of a new nation." This was Harold Browning speaking, acknowledged as one of the brightest politicians in the country. His mind was keen and he was always thinking past the debate at hand; he looked ahead to next year's problems. He was a gifted parliamentarian and educated in law, history and economics. His voice carried authority with the others. "Have any of you considered what we are offering the states and provinces? Have you considered where we would place a capital, what states should be approached, the reaction of the east?"
"Those are issues that the convention should address, aren't they, Hal?" queried George Brazleton.
"Certainly, but it's not too early to begin thinking about them," responded Browning. "If we don't ask the questions now, we can't expect our citizens to ask them for us."
"Gentlemen, there are many questions to answer," interjected Tom Adams, carefully avoiding a confrontation with Hal Browning. "I believe that what we should concentrate on is calling a convention, how we do that, what the convention should address and whom to i
nvite. As a matter of fact, I believe all the western Canadian provinces should be invited as non voting delegates to the convention. As observers, there would not be the impression that Canada was trying to incite secession." Tom Adams had clearly taken charge of the discussion. The others were looking to him for leadership.
"I think Tom is right," said Hal Browning. McKay and Bob Winston indicated their agreement as did Sam. "The Canadians do have a stake in this, maybe more than we do. I don't think we should treat the Canadians as 'poor cousins' in this venture, but we do have to be careful to avoid the appearance of collusion."
"I agree whole heartedly," said Jeffries. "I think Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan will send observers, probably not politicians but rather some well known business or legal people."
"Then we're in agreement?" asked Bob Winston. "Can we say that we will approach all the western states and the four provinces to determine interest? What we now need is a permanent mechanism, a committee if you will, to handle the day to day details. I would like to suggest that Denver's a good site to locate the committee and to hold a convention. The airport's good; the location is central; there're adequate hotel facilities and a good convention center."
"I'll go on record as putting up my legal staff, as available, and five million dollars to get this committee off the ground," offered Sam Brouchet. "What the hell, what's money good for if you can't spend it? Besides, I know of five other business men who'll underwrite the offer. Maybe my accountants can figure out a way to make it a tax deduction. I have three floors vacant in an office building and I can send over some clerical staff and data processing equipment from my Denver office."
The Second Declaration Page 4