A NATION DIVIDED - THE SECOND CIVIL WAR (The Second Civil War - BOOK I 1)
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“How much did we lose in the raids on the bases and National Guard?” he finally asked.
Roland a thick folder to him. The President looked up sharply.
“This isn’t what I think it is?” he said.
“An inventory list of missing weapons,” Roland said.
The President reached over and picked up the folder. He opened it and saw rows and rows of neatly typed weapons listed as missing along with the amount of ammunition from each base. He stopped reading and looked up at Roland.
“Tanks? Helicopters? Missiles?” he said tossing the folder on the table.
“They were well organized. Someone with a military background must have been behind all of this,” Roland said.
“What other good news do you have for me?”
“Well we are not sure about the information but it appears several military bases that were supposed to participate failed to send troops.”
“You mean to tell me they disobeyed a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief?” he shouted.
“Essentially that is correct. Four base commanders resigned just before they were to send troops so the order was never given. Other bases experienced a 40% or higher sick out.”
“I will not stand for this. I want the base commanders that refused to follow orders arrested. They are not going to get away with this,” the President said. His face was red and he was shaking, he was so angry.
“Arrested and tried for treason,” he said in a slightly calmer voice.
“Mr. President, I’m not sure that is the right move,” Adam Little said.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion Mr. Little.”
“Yes sir,” he said.
“And the damn civilians that defied us. How in the hell did they know what was coming?”
“Sir,” Little said, knowing he risked another rebuke.
“What?” the President snapped.
“The NRA put out a warning to all gun owners that something was going to happen. It was sent to every member and every gun shop.”
“Well, isn’t it helpful to hear that now? Why didn’t we know about this when it was first sent?”
“Someone dropped the ball.”
“Oh really? Well that makes it all better doesn’t it?” he said his voice rising again.
“Sir, someone had to have tipped them off,” the head of Homeland Security said.
“How? Only a few people knew this was happening.”
“Sir, more than you suspect probably knew. Everyone from the secretaries that typed up the plans, policemen, military men, and on and on. They all had to be made aware of the plans. No way could we keep this a secret once you authorized the go ahead.”
“We expected some leaking of information but nothing to this extent. We are talking about millions of weapons that we didn’t confiscate,” the President said bitterly.
“Actually we estimate around one hundred and five million all total.”
The President just closed his eyes and put his head back. After a few seconds he asked, his head still back and his eyes closed, “Can we recover them?” he asked.
“It will take more than a swift raid. They knew we were coming and had already hidden or moved them to a safe place.”
At last the Vice-President spoke up, “I expressed my doubts about the Operation from the first but you people were all so smug. Prohibition did not work. Actually, it did just the opposite of what it was intended to do. Crime was out of control and people died by the thousands. We simply cannot legislate away the rights given in the Constitution.”
“Damn it James. I don’t want to hear that crap again. We are the government and we decide what people can and can’t do. Those citizens that defied us are traitors to this country. I simply will not have that.”
“I wonder if that’s what Himmler said in 1939.”
“That’s it. Everyone out except you James.”
Everyone edged out of the office except Vice-President James Jason. The President's face was red and anger was in his eyes.
“What the hell is wrong with you James? You dare to say something like that in front of the others?”
“Mr. President, I tried to tell you from the beginning that this was a bad idea, but did you listen? Hell no. Instead you let Cole and the others influence you. Had you listened we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“Don’t you dare lecture me. I never heard that you didn’t want to be a part of this. Why is that? Why are you now doing the ‘I told you so,’ routine now?”
“Do you realize that the House is considering impeachment hearings against you?”
“It will never happen. They don’t have the support.”
“You could be wrong about that. People across this country are madder than hell. Civilians were shot, murdered, according to many news reports. They will bring incredible pressure on their Representatives.”
“This will blow over. We all knew that we would be in for a hit at first but when crime takes a nose dive and they can live safer, it will change,” the President replied.
“Mr. President, this will no more blow over than the attack on Pearl Harbor. All you have done was to wake the ‘Sleeping Dragon’ again. All hell is going to break lose all across this country.”
“You are flat wrong. Adam said we recovered over seventy million weapons. Seventy million. Think about that for a minute.”
“Yes, and they missed the rest. All that has been accomplished is to divide the nation. The war clouds are gathering Mr. President and we are the ones that seeded them.”
“James, I cannot tolerate a split in the administration. From this minute on I want you to take no further part in the conversations. You are to carry on your normal duties but you will be excluded from all future plans. I don’t like it at all but that is the way it has to be. I cannot have you pointing a finger and causing discord. You are to take no further part in any Oval Office discussions unless I specifically send for you. Do you understand?”
“Absolutely. Frankly Mr. President I no longer care about your meetings. I will be more than happy not to participate,” the Vice President said and stood and left the room.
President Quasim closed his eyes and just sat there.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
HEADLINE NEWS – The Quasim administration carried out a national raid on gun shops and private citizens early this morning across the nation. The House Majority Leader called this an act of terrorism; a blatant disregard for the citizen's constitutional rights, and wants an immediate investigation into this incident.
Minority Senate Leader Luther Arnold blasted the President’s action as an affront to all law abiding citizens. Voices on both side of the Senate isle expressed dismay at how the confiscation of guns from private citizens was carried out.
The NRA issued a statement calling for the impeachment of the President for a gross violation of the 2nd Amendment. Demonstrations broke out in hundreds of cities across America as protesters spoke out angrily about the early morning raids.
It is reported that during the so called Operation Clean Sweep that two hundred and eighty-seven citizens were killed. Another three hundred are reported wounded. The official number of people involved in the raid that were injured or killed has not been released.
The National Guard has been called out in many states to help control protesters. However, reports indicate that up to 80% of National Guard men and women are refusing to report in many areas. Reports are surfacing that a large number of police and other law officials are also calling in ‘sick’.
The White House issued a brief but tense statement saying that upon counsel with the highest members of the administration they acted within the powers of the Presidency. Anti-gun advocates hailed the action of one of historic importance. Their spokesperson, Brandy Sage, said that it was a momentous occasion and that over thirty million guns of various types were out of the hands of citizens. She predicted that crime would fall by at least twenty percent over the next year.
Senator Strong of Mississippi had just the opposite view. “This will lead to more bloodshed before this is all over. You cannot illegally confiscate a person’s property and not expect repercussions. All the administration has done is to create a situation that will lead to catastrophic consequences,” he said in his statement to the press.
Protest crowds have been growing and shutting downtown areas as the word spreads of the morning raids. In many cities and towns, city hall has been the focal point of protesters. Only a few arrests have been reported at this time but according to several police chiefs that we talked to, they are expecting more trouble as what one chief called the ‘Mob Violence Mentality’ takes over. Water cannons have been stationed in many cities as a precautionary measure. Many government employees are calling in ‘sick’ and have indicated they will be out for some time. Others have put in for emergency leave or vacation time.
Mayor Cox of Atlanta told Headline News that he was concerned about the growing number of demonstrators. When asked if he had enough people to handle the situation he said, “I guess we won’t know until something happens. We have a lot of men and women not reporting for duty. I would have to say it is a definite concern at this point.”
New York Mayor Blum issued a warning to government workers that did not show up for their shifts. He said, “I will not stand for a massive dereliction of duty by government employees. Those that report they are sick are going to need proof in the form of a doctor's statement.” When asked how many had not reported for duty he would only say “A significant number.”
Later today we will be talking with some of the nation’s most prominent Constitution lawyers and university professors to get their opinions on Operation Clean Sweep.
More details are continuing to unfold each hour as fresh reports come in. The action was so widespread that statistics are constantly changing. It may be weeks or months before all of the fallout from Operation Clean Sweep is known.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“What do you think?” Major Frans said as they finished watching the latest news.
“All things considered not too bad. They did manage to confiscate thirty million guns but we increased our supply with not only small arms but some pretty potent hardware.”
“Twenty-nine M1A2 Abrams tanks is a heck of a haul,” she said.
“Along with one hundred and seventy-six Cruise Missiles.”
“That too. Colonel Timmons has the latest inventory figures of what we liberated from the bases and armories.”
“Excellent. I would like to look those over when he has a chance.”
“I’ll let him know. He is on his way back from Amarillo.”
“We are all set for the radio station seizures?”
“According to Colonel Yar, she has her people in place. She just needs the go ahead.”
“And the internet?”
“Major Fielding is ready to flood, or whatever you call it, the internet with messages about the illegal activity of the White House. Major Knight is ready to tap into the cable network grid and show the film we put together,” Major Frans reported.
“It sounds pretty good so far. They were expecting a walk in the park. They will get organized very soon and it won’t be so easy. These are just skirmishes. We haven’t started the real battles yet.”
“Then we need to be one step ahead of them.”
“Exactly. When Colonel Timmons gets back I want to have a meeting to go over our next mission.”
“I’ll make the arrangements,” Frans said.
***
“Are we really going to arrest an Admiral? Shit I don’t know if I can do that,” the young second lieutenant said.
“They are direct orders from the President. It’s pretty clear. We are to arrest Admiral Greenfield for failure to obey a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief.”
“I understand that part. The question is, was it a legal order? What the President did isn’t allowed by the Constitution,” the lieutenant replied.
“It’s not our call. We have to follow orders or we will be doing the same thing the Admiral did. The military can't operate that way. We can’t second guess what our superiors are doing.”
“Yeah, that’s easy to say but they aren’t the ones going in to try to tell an Admiral he is under arrest.”
“Lieutenant, we have no choice. Let’s just get this over with,” the Chief Warrant Officer said.
“Man oh man. I do not want to do this,” he said and drove the car up to the guard post.
“Yes sir, can I help you?” the guard said.
“Lieutenant Bates and Chief Warrant Officer Sims.”
“This pertains to?”
“Sorry?”
“What is your business here?”
“Sergeant Major this is official government business. It does not concern you,” the Lieutenant said.
“I’m sorry sir but it does. The base is on lock down and anyone attempting to enter must first be cleared by the Commanding Officer.”
“Son you listen to me. I am here under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief. Now I suggest you raise that gate and let us get on with our business.”
The Sergeant took a step back and brought his M-16 around and pointed it at the two men.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” the Warrant Officer shouted.
“You will get out of the car. One at a time and place your hands on the hood. I have authorization to shoot anyone that attempts to infiltrate this base. You will comply or I will shoot you. Now Chief, you first. Get out and place your hands on the hood where I can see them.”
“Your ass is in so much trouble you can’t even begin to imagine.”
“Chief. Shut up and get out or I will shoot you.”
The Chief opened the door and walked to the front of the car. He placed his hands flat on the hood.
“Lieutenant, now you.”
The Lieutenant didn’t say a word. He got out and did as directed.
“Sir, place your right hand behind your back please.”
He did as told. He could feel the plasticuffs drawn tight on his wrist. The other wrist quickly followed. The guard walked over to the Chief. He took his .45 out of his holster and placed the barrel against his cheek.
“You will not give me any shit, understand. One word and I will shoot you for resisting arrest. Got it?”
“Yeah.”
“Good.”
The guard quickly put the cuffs on Chief Sims. He went inside the guard shack and made a phone call. A few seconds later a Hummer came racing up the street and four Marines climbed out.
“The Admiral wants to talk to them. One of our men will park their car and get it out of the way. Did they give you any trouble?” one of the Marines asked.
“Nah. A little mouth but nothing much.”
“Okay. You can go back to the gate. I’ll have someone relieve you in a few.”
“I’m down with that. It’s hotter than hell out here.”
Lieutenant Bates and Chief Warrant Sims were bundled into the Hummer and driven further into the base. They pulled up next to a big white building with blue NAVY letters. They were ushered into the building and up to the top floor. Two more guards with M-16s stood outside one of the doors.
“First Sergeant Grimes reporting.”
“The Admiral is waiting. You can take the guests inside.”
"Guests" the Chief mumbled.
The room was large with windows overlooking the bay. Admiral Greenfield was standing there looking out.
“Sir,” the Sergeant said.
“You can leave us First Sergeant. Oh, and thank you.”
“Yes sir,” he said and left the two men st
anding there.
Still looking out the window he said, “As you have surmised I am Admiral Greenfield. I know why you were sent here but frankly I do not recognize your authority. For some reason you seem to think that the President is still our Commander-in-Chief. And while that may technically be true, his orders are illegal and against the Constitution of the United States. That very same Constitution I have sworn to uphold. So that puts us in a quandary doesn’t gentlemen?”
“Admiral Greenfield. You know that we are under direct orders from the President. This isn’t something we can just ignore. We must follow his orders,” the Lieutenant said.
“Did you know that during the Nuremberg Major War Criminal Trials that almost to a man, they said they were just following orders? Think about that a minute. They never said they didn’t kill millions of people. All they said was that they were following orders. What you have to do is stop and ask yourself, what is the moral thing to do? You see it is easy to hide behind ‘just following orders’ but it takes fortitude to say, no. This is wrong. It is against the very principles I live by. That is what I have chosen to do this,” he said and walked over and sat down at this desk.
“Sir. I understand. Honestly I do but look at it from our perspective. He is the President. How can we simply say no?”
“The same way I did. I’m saying no. I will protect the United States against any enemy but I will not allow our government to enslave our citizens.”
“You have put us in an insurmountable position. You know this won’t be the end of it. They will come to take this base. You will be putting your men and women at jeopardy.”
“Gentlemen. I have talked to the entire base. All of those who wanted to leave were allowed to go without any repercussions. No names were taken of those that chose to adhere to the President's directive. The only men and women at this base are the ones that chose to stay no matter what the consequences,” the Admiral said.
“My God man, you’re talking about a mutiny against the United States. You will be tried and given the death sentence. Are you crazy?” the Warrant Officer shouted at him.