No successor has been named at this time and a spokesperson for the administration said that they are reviewing several candidates. In the meantime, Alexander Sims will become the acting director while the selection process continues.
A spokesperson for Andrew Dunlop said that Mr. Dunlop had resigned in order to spend more time with his wife and three children. No decision has been made regarding his future plans.
***
HEADLINE NEWS – Senator Zimmerman of Georgia and Senator Folly of Florida issued a joint statement calling for a full investigation of the events surrounding the government raid on citizens who were legal owners of guns.
“The President of the United States does not have the authority to raid law abiding citizens at his whim. The Second Amendment cannot be suspended subject to his desire. There is no place in a free democracy for this type of police state action. He may be the President but he is not the dictator of this country. We have laws, we have a Constitution, and we have a free society. We will not stand for this suspension of citizen's rights. We are calling for the impeachment of President Benjamin Quasim for illegal use of power and failure to act within the Constitution of the United States of America.
Texas Senators Lake and Pen both endorsed the proposal saying that our civil liberties were far too precious to allow such a blatant illegal act to stand without repercussions. Senator Pen said, “He is not King Quasim. He is an elected official and does not have the power to do as he sees fit without the consent of the Senate and House of Representatives. It seems he has forgotten that he is an elected official who answers to the American people. We will not stand for his blatant illegal actions.”
The failed attacks and bungled attempts to apprehend those that the administration believed responsible for the attack on the Clearview Florida National Guard Base has raised a fury among many Senators, Governors, and in the House of Representatives.
Governor Benson of Tennessee had some of the strongest words, calling the President “Nothing more than a tyrant,” and his administration’s actions “criminal”. In a televised statement the Governor said that the attack on the Valdosta Patriot Headquarters amounted to murder and attempted murder.
“They did not offer them a chance to surrender before they used missiles to destroy the headquarters. And perhaps even worse, they have no proof that this group is even responsible for the attack on the National Guard Building. That is nothing short of attempted murder. This came after they shot and killed one of the members during the first unwarranted raid”
The administration has dismissed the accusations saying that once all the facts are known it will all become clear why this group of terrorists had to be eliminated as an enemy of the United States.
When asked what proof they had, the answer was “In time it will all be revealed. We want to check and re-check every fact before we make a comprehensive statement.”
***
HEADLINE NEWS – Demonstrations in Washington D.C. turned into a raging battle between police and protestors. An estimated one million marchers chanted and called for the impeachment of President Quasim. The protest march looked in many ways like those during the Vietnam War and earlier Civil Rights marches.
At one point police began trying to break up the demonstrators. Protesters were refusing to disperse and the ensuing battle between the police and marchers resulted in tear gas and water cannons being used. A majority of the demonstrators had come prepared with gas masks and many had batons much like the police were using.
Seven protestors were killed, and one hundred and ninety-seven were injured during the four hour battle. Two policemen were killed and several hundred injured. It was one of the most violent protests staged in Washington in the past twenty years.
Organizers for the protest have vowed to return again tomorrow. “This will not go away. The police may feel obligated to kill us but that will not deter our resolve. We will die free rather on our knees sniveling before a President who thinks he is King.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
“Those bastards,” the President said.
“It’s not unexpected is it?” the Secretary of State said.
“Yes, Ms. Cole, I find it very unexpected. As much as I hate the NRA I never thought they would issue a statement calling for my impeachment.”
“Sorry sir, but I’m not surprised in the least. Between the raids and the handling of the militia it would be almost impossible for them not to jump on the bandwagon.”
The President didn’t bother to reply.
“Mr. President, that is not our only problem. The media is planning to run a three part investigative report on Eglin and the other bases that did not obey your orders.”
The President dropped his head back on the headrest of his chair. He sat for several seconds, just looking up at the ceiling.
“We need to have that stopped. Noel,” the President said turning to the Attorney General, “I want you to do whatever it takes to have an end put to that particular segment. Call the network presidents and use whatever you need to get those segments pulled. I don’t care if you have to threaten to pull their broadcast licenses. I do not want that televised.”
“Sir. That will not be easy. They know we are up against the ropes. They will be less than cooperative.”
“Noel. I don’t want to hear it. I want that damn program stopped. I’ll send troops if necessary to seize the network station. I will not allow that program to go on the air, is that understood?”
“Mr. President, how do you think the American people will react when they tell the audience that they have been forced to pull the scheduled investigative report?”
“They can’t say that either. They just bury the damn thing.”
“They will let it leak that they were threatened.”
“Then tell them if that happens they will find getting their license renewed will be a very difficult procedure,” the President said.
The Attorney General looked at the others for support but none was forthcoming.
“Noel. I want this done today.”
“Sir. We need them on our side, not going against us. This will only make it worse. We need to come up with a better way of letting them know it is in their best interest to drop the show.”
“And exactly what would a better way be? I’m more than happy to listen,” the President said sarcastically.
“I don’t know right off the top of my head but we should talk about it. Get some ideas out on the table.”
The President glanced at his watch.
“I’m going to my private quarters for one hour. When I come back you can present your alternate plans.”
“With all due respect, one hour isn’t enough...”
“One hour,” the President said and strolled from the room.
***
Noel Haskin and the White House Press Secretary, Kendra Cox were immediately shown into the HEADLINE NEWS CEO’s office.
“Well, he said. It isn’t every day I get an urgent call from the Attorney General of the United States and Ms. Cox. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
“Yes, well it is rather unusual, I’ll admit but the circumstances are rather unusual as well.”
“Please. Go on, I’m listening.”
“The investigative report about Eglin Air Force Base and the others is a very sensitive matter. There are issues of National Security that are of great concern to the administration. We feel that the program can harm certain elements of that security.”
“National Security? I’m afraid I don’t understand. We aren’t looking into the base's functions or how it operates. The focus is on the base commanders that ignored the order to participate in the so called Operation Clean Sweep.”
“Yes, that may be true but it still concerns National Security. Our enemy’s may see this as an opportunity to commits acts of terror on this country.”
“Really?”
“I’m afraid so. We simply cannot allow that kind of sensitive m
aterial to get out to militant groups.”
“So the administration isn’t worried about the loss of control of the base commanders, they are concerned about how it could be perceived as damaging to National Security,” the CEO replied.
“That is correct,” Kendra said.
“Just a question, but how do you know what’s in the report?”
“We don’t know the exact content but it is enough to concern the Homeland Security office and the President.”
“I certainly appreciate your concern but this investigation is in no way a compromise to national security.”
“And you know that how exactly? Do you know how many seemingly innocent incidents actually become very real problems for DHS? Of course they are not always apparent because the people of the nation do not want to be afraid to leave their homes.”
“I don’t mean to be impertinent but that sounds more like a suppression of freedom of speech. I believe that is protected by the First Amendment. We have been careful to vet any information that is detrimental to national security,” the CEO said.
“Again, how do you know?”
“We have been at this a long time. We’re pretty sure we know what we are doing.”
“Pretty sure. I’m not sure that will suffice for the President.”
“I’m afraid that’s the best we can do. Nothing is one hundred percent certain.”
“You’re right. That includes the renewal of your FCC license,” Haskin said.
“I see. You’re saying that if we go ahead and air this report we will be denied a license, Mr. Attorney General?”
“I’m saying that a license is granted by the federal government subject to content of the programing the station wishes to air. We have had some run astray of federal guidelines and they have not had their license renewed without a very costly and exhaustive review process.”
“It seems the current administration is fairly aggressive in dismantling the Constitution. The Second Amendment and the Forth by your so called Operation Clean Sweep and now the First Amendment are all suddenly subject to the White House’s interpretation.”
“You can think what you like but licensing has never been guaranteed,” Kendra replied.
“It seems Germany followed this same pattern in 1939. It looks like history is about to repeat itself,” the CEO said.
“This is not the same thing at all. This is about national security,” Haskin shot back.
“Ah yes, the Holy Grail of suspending the citizens’ Constitutional rights.”
“You have our view on the subject. You can do whatever you think is best for HEADLINE NEWS. The decision is in your hands. Thank you for your time,” Haskin said, standing to leave.
“I’ll give you my answer now so you can go back and report rather than having to wait for a decision. We will air the investigative report. We have another two years on our current license. Who knows how much longer the current administration can remain in power. Stranger things have happened,” the CEO said by way of parting.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
HEADLINE NEWS – Governors from twenty-two states have joined in the call for the impeachment of President Quasim. After three days of violent confrontations between protesters and police in Washington many have lost confidence in the President’s ability to lead the nation.
With inflation hitting 19.5 percent and unemployment continuing to climb, the President’s approval slipped to just twenty-four percent satisfied with his performance.
Senator Benson from Mississippi said that impeachment would be in the best interest of the United States. This was echoed by several other Senators, House members, and Governors across the nation.
New York’s Governor however said that he agreed with the President’s position, especially on gun control. New York’s Mayor Witling went even further in saying that he has never been more in agreement with any administration.
***
General Erickson and General Winfield sat waiting to see the President.
“Do you think he will really go through with this?” Winfield asked quietly.
“I’m not sure. All indications seem to point that way but maybe something or someone will change his mind.”
“Are you willing to go through with this?”
“I’m a military man. My family has been in the military for the past one hundred years. I will carry out my orders from the Commander-in-Chief,” Erickson replied.
“Even if it means killing other American military men and women?”
“When they disobeyed their orders, essentially they committed treason and that can’t be tolerated. I will do my duty to the best of my ability,” Erickson answered.
“I wish it was as clear cut for me. I see them as misguided but not traitors. I firmly believe that if we could go and talk to them, they would see what they are doing is not in America’s best interest,” Winfield said.
“They had their chance for talk. They sent the MP’s for Colonel Fox and he refused. The time for talking is long over.”
“Like I said. I wish it was that clear for me. It is not treason when you refuse to carry out an illegal action.”
“The President decided it was legal and I am not in a position to second guess him, nor do I want to.”
Winfield decided there was no way he was going to make any headway with General Erickson so he just sat back and let his mind go blank. It was another twenty minutes before they were ushered into the Oval Office.
“Gentlemen. I understand you have come up with an operational plan to seize the Eglin Air Force Base,” the President said without any prelude.
“Yes sir we have,” General Erickson said.
“Excellent. I would like to see what you have.”
“Yes sir,” Erickson said opening his briefcase and pulling out a thick bound manuscript.
“My God. All that for an assault on one base?”
“In the front is a synopsis of the actions to be taken. This is the full battle plan including time schedules, logistics and battle schematics.”
“Good,” the President said and started reading through the synopsis.
He did not offer to have the two men sit while he read. They stood there for twelve minutes before he finished.
“And you feel it is safe to use an aircraft carrier?”
“The USS Truman just came out of dry dock and underwent a number of upgrades. It is as battle ready as any ship in the fleet.”
“And it will have six escort ships?”
“Yes sir.”
“General Winfield, what do you think about the plan?” the President asked.
“Sir, all branches worked on this plan. I feel it is as good as we can make it considering the target.”
“Considering the target? Meaning?”
“Sir, it is an American installation on American soil. Those are our own men and women. If this was an enemy target I would consider it an excellent plan.”
“General it is an enemy target. It is not under the control of our military. It is a rogue element and that is not acceptable. I would think you would understand that,” the President said.
“I understand it Mr. President, I just don’t happen to be very enthusiastic about killing other Americans, especially our military personnel. I would prefer a peaceful solution,” Winfield replied.
The President looked at him for several seconds. Winfield could feel the eyes burning into him.
“I understand your position, really I do, but I’m afraid the time for a peaceful solution has passed. Having said that, do you feel like you will not be able to carry out your duty?”
Winfield considered telling him he could go to hell but then decided that was not his best move.
Instead he said, “Sir I have in thirty years of military service and have never failed to carry out my duty, even when I disagreed with the course of action.”
The President considered his answer and seemed about to say something else but instead he tossed the plan back on the
desk.
“When can you be ready to carry out this battle plan?” he said instead.
“It will take five days to get everything in place. We could do it faster but by taking a little more time, fewer questions will be asked.”
“Alright gentlemen, it seems like you have it well thought out. You can start the process immediately but wait until I give the final order to commence.”
“Yes sir,” both Generals replied.
Once they were outside the Oval Office General Erickson said, “Are you trying to commit career suicide? You can’t say things like that to the President. Certainly not this one.”
“Hey, he asked what I thought. I didn’t feel like lying. I do not relish the thought of going into battle against our own people. It’s crazy. I never signed on to kill other Americans.”
“Well you had better damn sure make up your mind. I know Swanson and Ascot are on board. You are going to have to make up your mind. This is one case that no one can straddle the fence. You are with the administration or you’re not,” Erickson said.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
The USS Harry S Truman cast off lines from Norfolk, Virginia in the early morning hours. The Nimitz class air craft carrier slid out of the harbor with nearly five thousand six hundred men and 85 aircraft. The CVN–75 would be joined by three nuclear powered DLGN Guided Missile Frigates and two PC Coastal Patrol Craft. The CGN nuclear powered Guided Missile Cruiser CGN–40 USS Mississippi was already within a few miles of the rendezvous point.
General Ascot had moved twelve hundred Marines to Pensacola under the cover of helping to continue the revitalization of the city and military base.
By Thursday August 9th, everything was in place. General Erickson flew back to Washington to personally brief the President.
***
“So what’s the deal?” General Ascot asked after Erickson returned from his trip to Washington.
“Not much has changed really. He said he would make his decision as to when to start in the next day or so.”
“What the hell kind of answer is that? Christ, every day we sit here doing nothing is another chance for someone to get wind of what we are doing. The whole idea was to get the job done quickly,” Admiral Swanson lamented.
A NATION DIVIDED - THE SECOND CIVIL WAR (The Second Civil War - BOOK I 1) Page 17