Harold Klein of International Networks gets up to speak: “Mr. President, Governor, my fellow investors, what I’ve heard so far is encouraging, but let me remind you that we’ve got to keep our eye on the ball. We need to be practical and strategic or we’ll get creamed. Before we talk about which way to carve the lines of the profit zones, we’ve got to be absolutely clear that we can create a clean, swift, permanent basis upon which to confiscate everything in the name of Florida, Inc. There can’t be any backtracking. If we show any sign of weakness, the whole project will come tumbling down. After that, we can do whatever we wish. Our success will depend upon public relations, which have not gone all that well for us, may I remind you: The Adam case! We need an ironclad message that ‘the people’ will swallow.”
“I agree with everything that’s been said already,” says Aristotle Khouris, “and I’d like to remind you that, as I emphasized when we last met, my investors have already put trillions of dollars on the table. Let me repeat, trillions, not billions, banking on the three-country European strategy that I’ve been putting together for the last three years. I am confident that we can add upwards of $500 billion to the Florida project. We’ve already run the preliminary numbers on what it would mean to our bottom line, especially because we can use some of the same tactics we’ve used in Europe in signing on to Florida, Inc. As you may recall, after the November election, the Worldwide Investment Trust is ready to force countries A, B, and C—you all know who they are—into default by calling loans they have no chance of repaying.
“In addition to everything that’s been suggested, we can get the banks to do the same thing to property owners in Florida. Then, we can seize them and open the bidding to privatize all public services and resources. Just like we’re doing overseas, we can auction off power companies, seaports, airports, national lotteries, state-owned media, national banks, railway systems, and airports. Everything will be sold at fire-sale prices. If there are any protests from state and private company workers who’ll lose their jobs or who have to take a pay cut, they won’t have a leg to stand on.”
Mortimer Gayle, of Gayle’s Department Stores, rises: “Gentlemen, gentlemen, you know that, in general, I support everything you’re saying—and why you’re saying it. You’re talking about a grand scheme, but I’ve got an immediate problem. Twenty of my department stores in Florida were completely destroyed, leveled, scattered like pickup sticks. From the way you’re talking, you’re gonna put me out of business. I’m already losing millions.”
“Mortimer,” Governor Cott says, smiling. “Mortimer, you know we always take care of our friends. Gayle’s Department Stores will be eligible for millions in corporate incentive grants, which you’ll never have to repay. Just tell us how much you want and we’ll open the spigot. In addition, choose the ideal locations where you’d like to relocate your stores and we’ll see to it that they are turned over to you. As you know, we have our ways. You don’t have to be limited to the places where you used to operate. Remember: the state will be a clean slate. It belongs to us—to you, to everyone in this room. You’re in on the ground floor.”
President Cooper then says, “Mortimer, of course I echo the governor. In addition to getting rid of all the regulations that have hindered development in recent years, Washington is declaring a moratorium on any and all existing rules that in any way would stand in the way of your free rein to build and rebuild. I am signing an executive order to that effect this afternoon. Consider Florida yours for the taking.”
“Within ten days,” says Governor Cott, “you’ll be receiving a VIP copy of the auction catalog listing all resources and assets within Florida so you can bid on them. In addition, based upon the suggestions you’ve made today, as well as those we’ve already received, we will be issuing a draft plan of Florida, Inc.”
“Governor Cott,” Franklin Reynolds of Continental Health System calls out, as he rises to speak, “there are literally millions of Floridians who remain stranded throughout the state. Daily, we’re hearing reports of illnesses that could become epidemics, if they haven’t already. What is being done or what do you plan to do to help those in such dire need?”
Governor Cott, shaking his head and pursing his lips in disbelief: “You have just uttered the most despicable word in the English language—‘help’. I’d like to outlaw it. We don’t help people. People help themselves. If you haven’t understood that concept, if it doesn’t already run through your veins, I don’t understand what you’re doing here.”
“But, governor,” Reynolds says, interrupting him. “This is a public relations problem. If you don’t do something to make it look as though you have a strategy to help people—sorry if you don’t like the word—it could come back to haunt you as you implement Florida, Inc. There are things you can do—window-dressing—to stop any backlash that might hamper your efforts.”
“I couldn’t give a shit about threats of backlash,” says Cott, “and window-dressing is for department stores. No offense, Mortimer. I came into office to continue and expand Free-for-All economic policies—and not to give an inch. This is no time to back down. I’m not going to waste time listing all the accomplishments I’ve had since I became state CEO. But I’d like to remind you, in case any of you have forgotten, that I have made Florida the most corporate-friendly state in the nation. Now, I’m ready to take it to the next step by making it a pure corporate state. I’m delivering it to you on a silver platter, now that it’s dropped into our laps. Miss this opportunity and there’s no telling when another one may come our way.
“This is no time to back down. We’ve got total control of the Florida peninsula—and I don’t have to kowtow to anyone. Mr. Reynolds, the real story you should know is that the marketplace is already working precisely as it should throughout devastated Florida, without ‘the government’ needing to intervene. Private helicopter services are flying in supplies and selling water, tents, generators, and other essential equipment. At competitive rates, they are also evacuating people who prefer, and have the means to pay, to leave. Amphibious craft are landing along the Florida coasts, bringing earthmoving and other heavy equipment to clear areas for people who are willing to begin the reconstruction process. Many are willing to pay, even before their insurance companies do an assessment.
“So, I hope you realize that the simple answer—the only answer to your question—is that Florida is helping those who can help themselves, which means we help no one. Those who can’t afford to pay the price have only themselves to blame. None of us was put on this earth to pick up every deadbeat and fall for every hard luck story. End of story. I’m amazed that we have to keep repeating the first principle of John Galt’s Restoration, but I guess that’s just the cross those of us in leadership positions have to bear. Now, if you’ll excuse the president and me, we’ve got some serious planning to do to maximize your bottom lines.”
As they leave, Aristotle Khouris runs up to Governor Cott and says, “I’ve got a blank check for you from my international consortium as soon as you’re ready to deal.”
NINE
Slugged, Bugged, Mugged
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 10 A.M.: THE OFFICE OF THE MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY. New York District Attorney Herman Coffey is about to begin a press conference to announce grand jury indictments of the principals of Atlas Fitness Centers and New Atlantis for manslaughter, fraud, prostitution, theft of intellectual property, suppression of evidence, and embezzlement.
DA Coffey: “Thank you all for coming here on such short notice. As a result of a six-month grand jury investigation, today I am announcing a seventeen-count indictment against Enrique Reyes, Zora Tremmon, and Albert Swift, the principals of Atlas Fitness Centers, and Professor Hilton Manfreed and the trustees of New Atlantis. This sweeping indictment, copies of which all of you will receive, alleges that the defendants engaged in a multifaceted conspiracy, not merely for financial gain, but, as their marketing program states, to create acolytes of Free-for-All economics
. They were obsessed with drugging the world on every form of Atlas to maintain and enhance the momentum of the John Galt Restoration. In the process, they consistently conspired to violate the trust of those with whom they did business. They jeopardized the public health. And they operated with a flagrant disregard for the proven, adverse effects of their products and services on individuals and the public interest. As a personal aside, I am sorry to say that, in my twenty years as district attorney, I have never seen such callous indifference to the welfare of others as these defendants exhibited. Simply put, they would stop at nothing to achieve their ends.”
Rising, without waiting to be called on, Bradley Sims, of TheReporter.com says, “Mr. Coffey, how can you refer to what you call ‘the public interest’ when…”
“If you don’t mind, Mr. Sims,” Coffey interrupts, “I’d like to finish my statement before answering questions. I’ll be happy to speak to your point in a few minutes, because it raises an issue that is not only central to this case but that goes to the heart of what we have become as a corporate nation under the CSA. But first, I’d like to tell you how we got where we are today. It’s important for you—and for the general public—to understand the painstaking process we went through before making today’s announcement. So much was at stake in terms of individuals’ reputations and finances that we always err on the side of caution.
“About eight months ago, we were made aware of the website www.notatlas.com, which had been established by a disgruntled and frustrated member of an Atlas Fitness Center in Chicago. He reported having a number of bad reactions—nausea, dizziness, vomiting—to the Atlas Energy Drink. When he spoke to his trainer, the answer he received was that it was flat-out impossible, that the drink was constantly being tested to ensure its safety and effectiveness for human consumption, that there obviously was something wrong with him.
“Still, every time he consumed the Energy Drink, he had the same reactions. So, he decided to find out if others had similar problems. Two hours after his website was online, it crashed because so many complaints poured in from around the country—and not only complaints, but reports of far more serious reactions. Several people were said to have collapsed and to have convulsions—and a total of twelve were said to have died in Atlas Fitness Centers across the country. In each case, center personnel, along with executives in the New York headquarters, vehemently denied any relationship between Atlas products and regimens.
“The indictment alleges that Atlas Energy Drink is harmful and that the principals of Atlas Fitness had every reason to suspect it was deleterious, but instead conspired to act in wanton disregard of indisputable evidence. Furthermore, it is alleged that the claim that objective scientific studies proved that Atlas Energy Drink is safe and effective is a lie. Researchers who allegedly validated the drink were actually paid to endorse it, and in all cases never even tested the product. In addition, after receiving reports of serious illness and death, management specifically did not test Energy Drink batches prepared in laboratories in China, Guatemala, and the Philippines, where there was every reason to suspect contaminated product originated.
“The indictment also alleges that the New York headquarters of Atlas Fitness was the center of a national prostitution ring with major plans for expansion. Under the guise of serving VIP clients through “Elite Services,” personal fitness trainers, male and female, became paid escorts providing sexual favors. A highly lucrative commission system was added to trainers’ base salary. Private suites were set aside in the building. VIP clients had access to the facility 24/7. At a recent meeting of franchisees, proprietors were counseled individually about how they could enhance their bottom line through such illicit activity.
“Furthermore, the indictment alleges that the principals suppressed evidence proving conclusively that use of the so-called Titan WholeBody Harmony Machine can lead to irreparable damage to the lower back. In a separate action, the owner of the international patent to the machine in Norway is suing for the theft of his intellectual property, alleging that he, not Albert Swift, is the inventor of the original Titan Hele Kroppen Harmoni Maskin and holds all rights to its manufacture and distribution. I’ll be happy to take questions. Now, Mr. Sims, what were you saying?”
“Mr. Coffey,” Sims says, “how can you refer to what you call ‘the public interest’ when it doesn’t exist in the CSA?”
“Though it is true that the phrase ‘the public interest’ has been virtually eliminated from the law and public policy considerations in the CSA, not all of us are immoral.”
Judy White of Business Today: “Mr. Coffey, What is the status of Atlas Fitness Centers and New Atlantis at this moment?”
“Last week, based upon the grand jury report, Judge Cynthia Minder granted a preliminary injunction against the sales of Atlas Energy Drink, the use of the Titan Machine, and all activities of Atlas Fitness.”
Judy White: “What does that mean in practical terms?”
“It has been effectively shut down. And, as of 5 p.m. yesterday, Atlas Fitness Centers sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In addition, New Atlantis has ceased all operations.”
Malcolm Donnelly of RighttoKnow.com: “As a followup to Sims’s question, how can you indict the defendants on the grounds that they violated what you seem to be calling ‘the public interest,’ when that concept has been systematically abandoned, even openly ridiculed, in the CSA? Federal regulations safeguarding consumers no longer exist. The FDA was dismantled decades ago. What is the basis for any cause of action?”
“You are absolutely correct, as a governing, societal concept ‘the public interest’ has long been replaced by the principle of ‘the market,’ Free-for-All economics, to be exact—and the entire superstructure that protected average Americans was systematically dismantled, with the complicity of ‘the people,’ I might add. ‘The people,’ as you refer to them, let it happen. They sat back and did absolutely nothing. They were seduced by the freedom they were told Free-for-All economics would bestow upon them—and everyone.
“Nonetheless, the grand jury found grounds for indictments on the basis of conspiracy. It’s a cause of action that is actually boomeranging on the Free-for-All establishment. The concept remains in the laws of the CSA only because it was deemed a necessary protection for corporations against attacks from competitors, as well as from employees undercutting businesses for which they worked. We believe that it can easily be applied to Atlas Fitness because the named principals and their accomplices conspired against the interests of their franchisees, employees, and Fitness Center members. I guess you could say that it’s a good old case of karma or, if you prefer, what goes around comes around!”
Curly Franken of The People’s Reporter: “Have individuals or groups of individuals alleging they’ve been harmed filed lawsuits? Are there any class action, malpractice, and product liability complaints likely?”
“No. As you know, corporations have been legally protected from those and similar causes of action for decades. Two cardinal principles of Free-for-All economics are ‘buyer beware’ and ‘the market is the best, and only, watchdog.’ In other words, pure markets are alleged to be self-correcting and moral: In time, people will discover that a product or service doesn’t live up to its claims, the word will get out, consumers will stop buying, and companies will stop producing what the public doesn’t want to buy. Of course, until then, a lot of damage may be done, but that doesn’t seem to concern advocates of Free-for-All. No, on the grounds you mention, there is no way to protect consumers.”
Reynolds Goldsmith of Legal Times: “Is this case likely to set a precedent?”
“I think it’s too soon to draw any major conclusions from this one incident, especially without any backlash from the public. I wouldn’t want to speculate. But, based upon past indifference, I doubt anything will change anytime soon.”
Portia Klein of BehindtheScenes.com: “How was the prostitution ring exposed?”
“As you can imagine,
this is a most damning aspect of the case against Atlas Fitness—and perhaps the most ironclad. As you can see in the indictment, in addition to testifying, our source, whom we call ‘the red head’ for his protection, provided logs of encounters, names and addresses of clients, and fees paid, as well as video of private sessions. Numerous prostitutes and clients were deposed, including Count Henry de Horsch. The count not only hired males and females for sexual favors, he invested in Atlas Fitness and entered into a profit-sharing arrangement from the ‘Elite Services’ at the Midtown Manhattan Atlas Center. In the end, he had no choice but to turn state’s evidence in exchange for our dropping trafficking charges against him. In short, he sang like a bird!”
Jonathan Riddle of The Times: “Do you anticipate lawsuits by franchisees for breach of contract and fraud, other federal indictments, and legal action by international entities?”
“I’ll repeat what I said, or implied, before: At this point, almost anything and everything is possible. The ramifications of this case are endless. But there’s a maze of evidence still to follow and no telling exactly where it might lead. At one level, the indictments go to the heart of the CSA itself. It is no secret that Atlas Fitness Centers became the financial engine of New Atlantis, which has been the driving ideological force behind Free-for-All economics and our entire political and economic system. With those two entities now totally discredited, it is hard to imagine what the future holds. We’ll just have to wait and see. Again, I want to thank all of you for coming, and I promise to let you know as soon as we have other information to report.”
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