End of the World

by D Thomas Jewett

  Bo watched as the man, still yelling, backed away from the police officer. Finally, the man turned and walked back into the house. Bo could see that the man's aura was one of sadness and pain.

  The police officer stood facing the door. He still had his hand resting on the object at his waist. His aura was still of fear – tension.

  The other man was still working with the two trucks, making noise. And then he moved near the front of his big truck and pulled a lever. A shrieking noise let loose, and the parked truck was hoisted onto the back of the big truck.

  Still in the shadows, Bo watched as the men got back in their cars and drove off. Bo continued to watch. Curious. And he noticed that the lights in the house were lit for sometime after. Bo resigned himself to wait longer. The mice were less likely to come out when the lights were on, he thought.

  * * *

  “Aw shit,” Jane moaned as she rolled over. “What's that noise?”

  “I dunno,” said Joe. He was still asleep.

  Jane rose up from the bed. She listened and then shook Joe. “Joe. Joe! Something's going on outside.”

  Joe rose up from the bed and listened. He walked over to the window and looked out, seeing his truck hoisted onto the bed of a tow truck. “Damn!” was all he could say.

  He grabbed his bathrobe and strode out of the bedroom just as Jane turned on the light. He ran down the stairs with Jane behind him. Turning on the downstairs hall light, he opened the door. Outside, and a police officer stepped in front of him.

  “Mr. Miller?” The officer queried.

  Joe was taken aback – apprehensive. “Yes officer. What's this about?”

  “We received an order to assist in repossessing your truck. We are here as an escort to this man because the truck is parked on your property.”

  Joe's face turned red as he clenched his hands into fists. He watched the officer place his hand on his sidearm, fondling it. And as he watched, he felt angry – powerless. There’s not a lot I can do here, he thought. His fists relaxed.

  And then Joe looked up at the officer and said, “I don't suppose I have any recourse, do I?”

  “No, Mr. Miller. You will have to call the people who gave you the car loan. You can work it out with them.”

  Joe started yelling. “Damn it! This man is stealing from me, and you're helping him do it!”

  “Now, now, Mr. Miller. Calm down! Calm down!”

  Joe took note of the officer's badge number. He began to back away. “I will call your superiors on this. You are supposed to be protecting us!”

  The officer stood quietly, saying nothing.

  Joe walked back into the house.

  * * * * *

  Joe sat in the den watching an evening baseball game. The Giants and the Dodgers were always a favorite of his, and he was well into the game rooting for the Giants.

  It was a couple of hours since he arrived home from the bookstore. And even though it was a hard job, he liked helping people find books. He liked the stress free work environment, except that the manager was always nagging him about his necktie. But I don't like neckties, he reflected.

  The telephone rang. Joe looked over and checked the caller ID. Rather than answer it, he let it go to voice mail.

  Joe hated the bill collectors calling him. He never had anything good to tell them, and they were always demanding he sell something so he could pay the bill. Hell, Jane and him were barely bringing in enough for food and to keep the lights on. The cable TV had long since been disconnected, leaving them with only broadcast stations.

  He reflected on how tough life was getting to be. He took a swig of beer. It was hard.

  Just then, Joe heard the door open and close. “Jane? Is that you?”

  “It's me,” he heard her say.

  Quiet.

  “How was your day?” He finally asked.

  Jane walked into the den. “It was tough, as usual. People are not buying houses. I pulled comps – comparisons with other properties – for a prospective seller.” Jane looked at Joe with large eyes. “Do you know that his house dropped over $100K this past year?”

  Joe remained focused on the game. He looked up at her. “Huh? What did you say?”

  “You weren't even listening to me, were you!”

  “I heard you. I heard you,” he replied.

  She looked at him and paused. And then she tossed a letter on his lap. “Well, here's a piece of mail we should all pay attention to.”

  Joe picked it up and looked at it. “What is it?”

  Flinging a response back to him, Jane turned and stomped out of the room. “It's a foreclosure notice, you asshole!”

  Joe placed the letter on the table next to him. He took a swig of his beer, leaned back, and resumed watching the game. Let's see. What's the score. Ah! 3 to 2, Giants!

  * * *

  An hour later, Jane walked back into the den. She walked directly over to the TV and turned it off. She turned and looked at Joe. “What's happening to us?” She pleaded. “Joe – what's goin' on?”

  Joe sighed, and then he smiled at her. “Things are tough. I know. But they'll get better – I promise.”

  Tears were welling up in Jane's eyes. “Joe, we owe more on this house than it's worth; much more.”

  Jane looked at him – pleading in her eyes. “We don't have enough income to make it. We have no retirement. Our daughter is a hundred thousand in debt just to make her college. We can barely keep gas in our cars and food in our bellies.”

  “And now this,” she held up the foreclosure envelope.

  She looked at him with tears rolling down her face. “We've got to do something, Joe. We've got to do something different!”

  Joe sighed – he was feeling sad. “I know. Let's talk about it tomorrow after we've had some time to think.”

  Jane nodded her head, “Okay.”

  Chapter 9 – March 10, 2009

  “How much lower can it go?”

  “Lori, I just don't know,” Tim was seated at his console shaking his head at the wreckage of Wall Street. “The Dow Jones is at 6550. This is just incredible. Do you realize that it was over 11,000 just six months ago?”

  “Who woulda thought?” Lori turned in her chair and looked at Tim. “You know, I still can't get over all the sell orders that day.”

  Tim tilted his head and said, “What do you mean?”

  “You know – the day that Congress voted down the bailout, and how that wave of sell orders came in all at once!” Lori paused in thought. “Well. It's like all the buy orders were pulled, just as though everyone stopped buying.”

  “So what?”

  “Don't you get it?” Lori looked at him with penetrating green eyes. “In a normal market downturn, people still buy stocks. But on that particular day – on that day – all of the buying just stopped. Cold. As though someone had turned off a faucet.”

  “Did your parents get out of the market?” Tim asked.

  “Yes. But they lost a bundle!”

  “Yeah, so did mine. My Dad now calls it their '201-k'.”[29]

  Lori took on a slight grin. She leaned back in her chair and pulled her hair together, playing with it. “I guess we all need to find humor somewhere ...”

  Part 2 – Poverty

  Some people think the Federal Reserve Banks are the United States government's institutions. They are not government institutions. They are private credit monopolies which prey upon the people of the United States for the benefit of themselves and their foreign swindlers.

  - - - Congressional Record 12595-12603 June 10, 1932

  Chapter 1 – Circa 2009

  US backing for world currency stuns markets

  “WASHINGTON D.C., March 24, 2009 (International Press) – US Treasury Secretary George Tamblin sent the dollar into a tailspin on global markets when he announced that Washington is 'highly receptive' to international proposals for the gradual development of an International Monetary Fund sponsored global reserve currency.

  As
the Secretary made his statement, the dollar plunged instantly against the Euro, Yen, and Sterling on international markets. The chief of currency at HSBC[30], David Bloom, said the apparent policy shift amounted to an earthquake in geo-finance.

  “The mere fact that the US Treasury Secretary is even entertaining thoughts that the dollar may cease being the anchor of the global monetary system has caused consternation,” he said.

  Later, Mr. Tamblin clarified his remarks; and emphasized that the dollar would remain the “world's dominant reserve currency ... for a long period of time.” Nonetheless, the Secretary has now sown seeds of doubt throughout world markets.

  The markets appear confused by the contradictory statements originating from Washington. U.S. President Barack Obama told a news conference hours earlier that there was no threat to the reserve status of the dollar. “I don't believe that there is a need for a global currency. The reason the dollar is strong right now is because investors consider the United States the strongest economy in the world with the most stable political system in the world,” he said.

  A Chinese proposal by central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan was made this week. The proposal discussed the beginning of a framework that calls for a “super-sovereign reserve currency” under IMF[31] management, turning the Fund into a sort of world central bank. This suggests that the IMF would activate its dormant powers to issue Special Drawing Rights.[32] The SDRs would expand their role over time, becoming a “widely-accepted means of payments.”

  The topic of a new world reserve currency has been discussed before. But the issue has taken on a more urgent flavor considering the behavior of the Federal Reserve; especially the Fed's more recent decision to buy US government debt directly with printed money.

  Treasury Secretary Tamblin's statements concerning the SDR appear to be intended to placate Chinese feelings after a recent argument over alleged currency manipulation by Beijing. Mr. Tamblin will be on the hot seat when he appears before Congress this next Tuesday.

  * * *

  IT WAS TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009. On this day, the subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade met in the luxurious backdrop of 2128 Rayburn House Office Building. A large rectangular chamber, the room was appointed with hardwood paneled walls, a multitude of hardwood desks arranged in four tiers, and with considerable seating for witnesses and onlookers.

  As the prime witnesses, Treasury Secretary Tamblin and Federal Reserve Chairman Cohan found themselves in the hot seat. Even though the hot seat was nothing new to either man, this hearing was different. Today, Congress wanted answers ...

  “Congresswoman Becker is recognized for 5 minutes,” the committee Chairman announced as he banged his gavel.

  “Thank you Mr. Chairman. And thank you Secretary Tamblin and Chairman Cohan for appearing here today. I know I speak for everyone here when I say, thank you for your service and for giving us your time today.”

  Tamblin and Cohan nodded.

  Congresswoman Clarisse Becker peered over the top of her reading glasses at the two star witnesses. Her mouth and cheeks curled to one side as she reached behind her head and smoothed her medium length brown hair. She then leaned forward and focused her sharp brown-flecked eyes on Tamblin.

  “We've seen Russia, China, and Kazakhstan make calls for an, er – international monetary conversion to an international monetary standard as soon as the G20 meeting; and I'm wondering would you categorically renounce the United States moving from the dollar and going to a global currency, as suggested by China and also by Russia. Mr. Secretary?”

  Tamblin leaned back in his chair as the edge of his mouth crooked up in a smirk. “I would, yeah.”

  “And the Federal Reserve Chair?”

  “I would, also,” Cohan replied.

  Becker looked down at her notes and then posed another question. “And is it not true that if you were to conduct a program to debase the dollar, you would be fostering a reduced standard of living for all who transact business with dollars? Especially the American people?

  “We would never do that, Congresswoman,” Tamblin replied.

  Mrs. Becker looked at Cohan. “And what do you say to that, Mr. Chairman?”

  “We would not do that, Madam Congresswoman.”

  “Now Mr. Tamblin. How do you reconcile your testimony here today with your statement to the press yesterday concerning your support for a new global currency?”

  “Ah, –” Tamblin stammered and then said, “That was a misstatement on my part, Congresswoman. The status of the dollar as the world's reserve currency has been on my mind as of late, especially since we recently concluded talks with China on their currency manipulation.”

  “And what did the Chinese say when we accused them of manipulating the value of their currency?”

  Tamblin grimaced and then said, “They denied any role in currency manipulation and accused us of manipulation.”

  “And do you agree with their accusation?” Becker countered.

  “Of course not, Congresswoman,” Tamblin and Cohan looked at each other. And then he continued. “We are honest and straight-forward in determining currency valuations.”

  The Congresswoman removed her glasses and put the tip of the temple arm in her mouth. She eyed the two witnesses as she leaned back in her leather chair; and then she said, “I have one more question.”

  “Mr. Secretary. Do you agree that if the dollar loses its world reserve currency status, that Joe and Jane Sixpack will be plunged into poverty?”

  “Yes, Madam Congresswoman. I believe that's true.”

  “And you, Mr. Chairman?”

  “I concur, Madam Congresswoman.”

  “In light of your answer, will you reaffirm your commitment to keeping the dollar as the world's reserve currency?”

  “Mr. Tamblin?”

  “Ah – Absolutely, Madam Congresswoman.”

  “Chairman Cohan?”

  “Yes. Absolutely.”

  Chapter 2

  Even as Congress debated the future of his money, Joe Miller watched baseball ...

  “The Phillies are leading the Giants 5 to 2,” the announcer exclaimed amid the roar of a huge crowd. Joe leaned back in his recliner watching the baseball game on the wide screen TV. He clapped his hands as another Giants player came to bat. “C’mon guys. Get it together,” he muttered to no one in particular.

  Joe heard a car door slam in front of the house. He turned his head in the direction of the noise and smiled. That must be Jane, he thought. I wonder if she sold anything today?

  A roar from the crowd went up just as Jane walked into the house.

  “Hello honey,” Joe shouted.

  “Hi dear,” she replied. “How was your day?”

  Joe got up and walked toward the front door. “My day was good,” he replied. “I sold a lot of books and made the manager happy.”

  He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her and dancing with her at the same time.

  They stopped and looked at each other. And they kissed – a long, deep kiss.

  Jane looked into Joe's eyes. “Have you had any hits on finding a computer job? Because with the housing market the way it is, my income is shrinking.”

  Joe sighed. “No, not yet. I'm not sure there's anything even out there any more.”

  Jane looked at him with skepticism and stepped back. “Are you even looking?”

  “Oh sure,” Joe stumbled over his words. “I – I'm just not getting any hits.”

  “Oh,” Jane eyed him as she moved off into the kitchen. “I'll fix us some dinner.”

  * * *

  Jane laid in bed looking up at the ceiling. Damn, she mused, times are really tough these days. What are we going to do! Restless, she shifted her body under the covers and pulled the blanket over her left shoulder. “Sigh!” She touched her foot to Joe's leg.

  “Huh,” Joe grunted as he turned another page of his book.

  “I was talking with Brenda today,” Jane said. “She was tellin' me that
Len is doing okay in the medical field. Apparently there are lots of jobs in medicine.”

  “Oh,” Joe replied as he flipped to the next page.

  Jane continued. “I guess that education we got him paid off.”

  “Yep,” Joe replied.

  Jane turned over in frustration and looked at the book. “The Conquests of Isabel. What's that about?”

  “This? Oh – it's about a prostitute and her clients.” Joe smiled and then continued reading.

  Yet another mindless book Joe brought home from the book store, she thought. She rolled onto her back and looked up at the ceiling.

  “Mary told me that Nate got a job.”

  “Huh?” Joe’s voice now sounded like a growl. “What'd you say?”

  “She turned abruptly and looked at Joe. “I said, Nate has found work – as a network engineer.”

  “Oh. Right.”

  “Well? Why don't you call him?”

  Joe put the book down and sighed. “Okay. I'll call him tomorrow.”

  Jane rolled over, turning her back to Joe.

  * * *

  Bo huddled under the porch watching the raindrops hit the road. The rain was mesmerizing, especially the way the street light reflected off the drops as they hit the pavement.

  He watched as a car slowly drove past. Ole Clyde sure got squished when he tried to run under one of them cars last week, Bo thought. I need to make sure that I stay out of the path of them things.

  Bo watched as a car pulled into the driveway across the street.

  The engine switched off and a woman – that woman who was sometimes nice to him – got out of the car and walked toward the front door.

  Bo could see the woman's aura; and he could sense the woman's feelings – angry, hard – as though she were a mama cat ready for attack.

  Bo watched her open the door and step into the house. The door closed.