“I think Susan is right,” Jason interjected, “They think that they can still come out ahead somehow.”
“Sir, we can’t negotiate with them after this,” MacMillan said.
“Oh I quite agree but I believe Susan is correct when she said that is what they were pushing for. Unfortunately President Medrano has miscalculated our resolve,” the President told them.
“So what do we do now?” Mary asked.
“We pull the fleet up to the coast, fly our planes over in mass and start sending in our troops to the two airbases. If one shot is fired by them first we will attack in earnest.”
“And what about the drones? Is that still on the table if they fire on our troops?”
“Absolutely. Mexicali, Tecate, and Tijuana are to be targeted as planned,” the President said.
“Mexico City?” MacMillan asked.
It had been on the original list of cities to hit if shooting actually started.
“Hold on that until I approve it. I know it was part of the original plan and after we start shooting if they do not immediately surrender, Mexico City is back on the list,” Jason confirmed.
“I will let General Ascot and Admiral Swanson know of the latest developments. I should stay in close contact with them once the first shots are fired.”
“Absolutely. That takes precedent over anything here at the Capital. You do whatever you have to do but please keep me apprised. If we need to unleash on Mexico City, I will authorize the attack,” MacMillan said, “If you all will excuse me, I will go call Ascot and Swanson and bring them up to speed.”
“They fire the first shot,” the President reminded him.
“I understand,” was all he said as he closed the door.
“Just one question, how will we know who really fired the first shot?” Mary asked.
“I guess that’s the beauty of it. No one knows for sure,” the President answered.
“I don’t want to be out of line but I would respectfully suggest that you call President Medrano and explain exactly what is going to take place if they do not remove their troops,” Susan offered.
No one spoke for a second. The President reached behind him, picked up the preprogrammed international phone and said, “That is an excellent idea, Susan. I should have done that two days ago.”
He dialed and waited. It took some time to finally get through to President Medrano. He was skeptical of taking the call at all. At first he was unavailable but after reconsidering, decided to take the call.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
MEXICO PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
“President Jason, I do not think we have met formally,” Medrano said.
“You are correct Mr. President. I have not had that honor yet.”
“Yes, well perhaps someday.”
“I certainly hope that will be possible. Mr. President I know you are a very busy man as am I so forgive me for coming straight to the point.”
“But of course. Please,” Medrano replied.
“Mexico has invaded the sovereignty of the North American territory of California. I know we have had our internal problems but the United States and the American Republic have not only put that behind us but we are united in our endeavor to reclaim the territory you have occupied. We have given you time to withdraw your troops but as of today you have not done so...”
“If I may Mr. President,” Medrano interrupted, “California is no longer a part of the United States or the American Republic. Therefore, it is an independent country and they are certainly within their rights to protest to the UN or to meet our troops in battle. I do not see how that concerns either you or General Astor.”
“General Ascot. I understand how you may have misconstrued the situation but nevertheless our two united nations will reclaim California. Please listen carefully. I am not the type to threated any nation or world leader, but sir, you must reconsider your position.
Tomorrow at 0800 our fighting troops will return and reclaim California by force if necessary. I would rather it not come to that but we are fully prepared to take whatever action we deem necessary. Do not make the mistake of relying on the UN to bail you out. It simply will not happen. Mr. President we will carry the war to your country as well, including where you are this minute. There is no way you can win. Please, for the sake of your country, remove your troops immediately,” Jason said.
His voice had remained flat, never once raising or pleading. It should have been quite clear he was talking with grim determination.
“We cannot possibly do so in the time allotted. It would take several days to withdraw our Army and Air Force. We simply can’t do it.”
“Then you will lose them starting at 0800 tomorrow. Thank you for your consideration. Goodday Mr. President,” Jason said.
“Wait. Would you be willing to give us more time?”
“Sir, you have had plenty of time. You were willing to gamble on us backing down but I assure you that is not going to happen.”
“Mr. President, I will give the order to start the withdrawal immediately. We will start evacuating the front lines and recall our Navy. We cannot comply with everything in the document you sent but we are willing to negotiate that aspect.”
“Mr. President, there is nothing to negotiate. You will comply in an systematic way. Yes, we will grant you some additional time but no longer than five days from today. As you know our Navy is within a few miles of the California coast. Our submarines have already targeted your main ships. They must be out of American waters by 0800 tomorrow or we will fire on them.”
“Yes. I understand. I will give the orders immediately. This misunderstanding can surely be corrected at a later time. Now I will give the order to withdraw all troops as quickly as possible,” Medrano told Jason.
“That is good for both of our countries. I will leave you to your work. Good day President Medrano.
“Good day to you President Jason.”
****
Everyone let out a cheer as soon as the President pushed the speaker button off.
“Excellent job,” Mary said.
“Very good Mr. President,” Vice President Folly added.
“Yes, well we need to get hold of General Ascot, Admiral Swanson, and of course Mac, immediately so they will know what is going on. I want them to remain on battle alert just in case President Medrano has a change of heart.”
“I’ll take care of that immediately,” Mary Lake replied.
“Good. Thank you. Well, that is a big hurdle out of the way,” Jason said, wiping his brow.
“Sir, we have one other little detail we need to attend to,” Beau reminded them.
“Ah yes. The funeral. We really should send a representative. Given my former position, it would be more than awkward for me to attend. I sorry but that duty must fall upon one of you.”
“I don’t mind going,” Beau offered.
“You sure you don’t mind? You have had some pretty aggressive scraps with them in the past as well.”
“At least I will get to throw dirt on the grave. That will be satisfaction enough,” Beau said smiling.
“Well, there is that,” the President conceded.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
WASHINGTON, DC
As much as it galled him, General Ascot had conceded to allowing for a funeral procession to follow the tradition for a former United States leader. In his heart he felt it was unworthy but he did not want to cause an outcry. The people had enough stress without his refusal to honor tradition.
The one thing he did not give in on was having the body lay in the rotunda. That was just too much to ask. In concession he ordered the flags flown at half-mast for three days.
Only a few countries sent emissaries. England, Russia, France, Canada and a few smaller countries were represented. He was surprised to find that Beau Zimmerman was coming to represent the American Republic. He really wouldn’t have blamed them if they had elected to forgo the ceremony.
The horse drawn carria
ge procession had traveled down Constitution Avenue, around the Lincoln Memorial and crossed over the Arlington National Memorial Bridge before entering Arlington Cemetery.
General Ascot had asked Beau to ride with him to the burial site so they could talk.
“It looks like we dodged the bullet with Mexico,” the General said.
“Yes. They took longer to get out than we would have liked but they are gone. We have begun to assess the amount of damage and loss of life. It is considerable. Our forces have found two large mass burial sites. We have just begun to exhume the bodies.”
“I figured as much.”
“They are slowly returning the items they sacked from the museums and art galleries. Gold and cash are missing in large amounts as well. We fully intend to pursue that aspect,” Beau told him.
“That brings up another matter I would like to discuss with you. The gold at Fort Knox. We really need to have serious talks about that. We will simply not be able to survive on the amount we now have in our possession. We all need to sit down and see if some compromise can be reached.”
“Well, I can’t speak for the President but I don’t see what harm could come out of frank and open dialogue. We do not want you see you fall into a depression. The war took enough out of the people.”
“Then you will ask President Jason about a meeting. Your Treasury Chief and our financial leaders?”
“I will indeed,” he said just as the car pulled to a stop at the site.
It was a beautiful cloudless day. There was a slight chill in the air but nothing that would require a coat. Beau stopped and turned to look at the city.
“It is always inspiring isn’t it? No matter how many times you see it,” Ascot said.
“Beautiful. Just beautiful. I am thankful that the Capital was spared any war damage.”
“I’ll admit, the American Republic showed great restraint in not bombing New York and the Capital.”
“Part of the credit has to go to you as well. You initiated contact with President Jason. They would have been targets at some point,” Beau said as they continued to walk to the burial site.
The service was brief and for that, Beau and the General were both grateful.
Beau picked up a handful of dirt and tossed it on the casket.
“You don’t deserve to be buried alongside these brave Americans. God rest your soul Hanna Cole.
****
WASHINGTON, DC
General Ascot had dropped Beau Zimmerman off at the airport. The one thing good that came out of the day was Beau’s agreement to discuss the gold situation with the President.
On the other hand, Senator Cromwell would be waiting to see him back at the Pentagon. He spotted the Senator standing outside as soon as they drove up. No way to avoid the situation so he decided to just get it over with as painlessly as possible.
“Senator Cromwell. Nice to see you,” Ascot said shaking his hand.
“I’m sure it’s not really. I hope you will forgive me for not going to the funeral. I never could stand that woman.”
“I would have avoided it as well if I could have found a graceful way to get out of it. Walk with me to my office and you can tell me what’s on your mind,” the General said.
“Several things come to mind but the most pressing is what are you going to do about the Congress? We are accomplishing nothing while we are in limbo,” Cromwell said.
“I understand your frustration but frankly we simply are not in a position to reconvene the Senate yet. I’m sure you know that we are still working out several important items with the American Republic. We have pressing issues such as the borders, interstate commerce, and the distribution of gold, just to name a few.”
“Yes, but we could help with those. After all, every one of those affects the citizens and we are here to represent them. Certainly interstate commerce needs our input,” Cromwell insisted.
“Let me ask you something Senator. If I said I want a proposal on how to handle interstate commerce in, oh say, two weeks, could Congress present a proposal in that time frame?”
“Two weeks? I mean, we could probably throw something together but to come up with a comprehensive program, it would take maybe two or three months.”
“And once again, therein lays the problem. We need interstate commerce within weeks, not months. Fortunately, our transportation people have already devised a program, but you see the problem,” the General said.
“General, how could you do that without the approval of Congress? You can’t just make up things as you go along.”
“And that is another area in which you are wrong. Not only can we, but we will continue to deal with problems as they arise. Senator, business as usual went out the window when the first bombs fell. Now you may not like everything that we do but the missions will be accomplished and in a timely fashion. The military does not act by committee. Proposals are made, discussed, and acted upon. End of story. We don’t debate, make deals, or vote.”
“But that isn’t how democracy works. You are acting without the consent of the citizens,” Cromwell insisted.
“And your way is more democratic? Just how much do you actually tell your constituents when a bill comes up? How much do they really understand? What about the sweet deals that are tacked on to a bill so it will get approved or so that you can pull one over on the public?” Ascot countered.
“You are oversimplifying the issue. Of course we don’t explain everything. The average citizen wouldn’t understand the process or even care.”
“So you are saying that you just really do what you want but it takes you longer. You all have to line each other’s pockets first,” the General shot back.
“That is a blatant lie.”
“Is it? Are you going to stand there and tell me that no money, pork projects, or attaching riders to a bill goes on?”
“Not like you are making it out to be. Everything is legal and above board.”
“Legal, maybe. Ethical, probably not. Senator I will make my position clear once more. Congress will reconvene when we have determined what form it will take and what it’s role will be in the future.”
“You do not have the authority to do that. You cannot dictate to Congress. We will hold you in contempt,” he said. His face was beet red and his voice had gone up a full octave.
“Senator. I hold Congress in contempt. Now I have work to do. You can see yourself out,” the General said and opened his office door and went inside.
Senator Cromwell just stood there looking at the closed door. He was a Senator. No General could tell the Congress what they could and could not do. He would reconvene without his blessing and hold hearings on General Ascot. He was not going to get away with thumbing his nose at them, he decided as he stormed out of the Pentagon.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
NASHVILLE CAPITAL BUILDING
Once again the President had everyone assembled. It was becoming a weekly event. Most of them were looking forward to having an avenue for the exchange of ideas.
“Mr. President,” Susan said as they all got comfortable.
“James.”
“Sorry. You are the President after all.”
“That is true but in this room I really don’t want to have to call you Ms. Churchman.”
“Fair enough. Anyway, I was wondering if you would mind talking about education a bit? I have some hard decisions to make and I would like to bounce ideas off all of you.”
“That is certainly a worthy subject. You have the floor.”
“Here is the thing. If we are going to be a world leader or even to compete in the world, we have to change our approach to education. I’m talking about from kindergarten all the way to the sixteenth grade,” she told them.
“I think we are open to suggestions on how to accomplish that,” Jason replied.
“Well, here is the rub, to paraphrase Shakespeare. We have stripped all the character development skills out of our children. We do not hold them responsible
for the actual learning,” she said.
“Meaning?”
“A nation is no better than its future. The past doesn’t really matter all that much. What we teach our children about responsibility, ethics, pride in accomplishment, and a myriad of other character development skills is just as important as any other basic subject. We need to incorporate higher standards of behavior in our children and continue all the way through the education process.”
“I understand what you are saying, Susan, but how do we actually do that?” Mary asked.
“By changing the way we teach. Right now we use all kinds of standardized tests to see how a school is doing. What has that really accomplished? Teachers are doing whatever it takes to make sure their students meet the test requirements. Does that mean they have really learned the subject? Don’t kid yourself. It means that the teacher is being forced to teach to the test. The majority of their time is spent on prepping students to meet the criteria that some arbitrary group determines is the benchmark. We are doing nothing more than dummying down the curriculum.”
“So you are saying we shouldn’t have standardized tests?” Beau asked.
“I’m saying that everything should not be centered around those tests. You want it straight? Not every child is smart. Not every child is motivated. Not every child is going to make it to college, or even wants to. We have been dummying down our curriculum to make it appear that we are doing better, but in reality we have been cheating our students. Our brightest students are bored in class. Our least motivated don’t care. A teacher can engage his or her students, but they cannot make them learn or be smarter. Simply put, we may all be created equal but we do not all have the same brain capacity, motivation, or desire to learn.”
“So if I get this right, you're saying just leave the dumb ones behind,” MacMillan asked.
“I certainly would not put it that way but I am saying don’t penalize the ones who want to learn and the brightest students for the sake of a few that are not on the same level. That is what we are doing now and if we intend to make advancements, we need to change how we approach education. The 'No Child Left Behind' policies are not valid in the real world. You cannot legislate intelligence or motivation. We simply lowered the bar for all students and hindered any teacher who wants to teach creatively and challenge students to excel. This is why those who could afford to do so removed their children from public schools.”
A NATION HEALING - BOOK III The Second Civil War (The Second Civil War - BOOK III 1) Page 7
