“You are wrong Sir. The Constitution determines their rights. It always has and always will as long as this is a democracy.”
“James, I really don’t want to discuss this anymore. The decision has been made. I know you think you are speaking for the people but I speak for the government. I say they go. Now, I really have to go. I have other appointments I have moved so I could give you time. We can continue this another time,” the President said, standing.
It was obvious that the meeting was over.
James shook his hand and said, “There will be bloodshed over this, you mark my words.”
“Duly noted. Thanks for stopping by,” the President said ushering him to the door.
He went back to his desk and dropped down into his chair. He slammed his hand down hard enough to make this pen jump out of its holder. Damn that man. The eighteenth amendment. That was back in the 30s. Today it is different. We can enforce it this time, he thought.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Bob Toner, president of the Shaw Valley Gun Club sat drinking his coffee, waiting for everyone to find a seat. He was surprised by the turnout. The last time they had twenty-six militia leaders show up for the meeting. This time he quit counting at forty-five. The room was packed and almost overflowing.
He finished his coffee, tossed the cup in the trash can, stood up and walked to the podium.
“Well, I have to admit I didn’t quite expect this many to show up. Sorry some of you have to stand in the back. Those of you who attended the first meeting were told of a secret plan by the White House to make a lightning raid on homes that have registered weapons. I assume from the increase in number of participants tonight that that isn’t something that sat too well with many of you.”
A murmur of agreement echoed throughout the room. Most were nodding their heads in agreement as well.
“As I told you at the last meeting, we are fortunate to have someone within the White House who is keeping us abreast of what the administration is planning. I have heard from this individual again on two separate occasions. The news is disturbing, to say the least,” Bob said, pausing and taking a drink from a bottle of water.
“Here is what we know for now. The administration is planning to execute a Gestapo type, middle of the night raid. With the combined efforts of the military, police, homeland security, FBI, ATF and any other government agencies they can throw into the fray, they will stage a raid on private individual’s homes. They intend to confiscate all weapons, legal or otherwise. Anyone with illegal weapons will be arrested and taken to jail. Your ammunition will be confiscated as well,” he said looking out at the audience.
He could see the surprise and anger on many of the faces. This was America not Nazi Germany.
“I know, I know. They can’t really expect to carry this off but think about it. Even if it is illegal they will still have the guns and can destroy them before we can stop them. Getting an injunction will take too long.”
People were muttering and whispering to one another. He waited, knowing they were trying to digest the real meaning of what he had just said. A few minutes later a hand shot up near the back of the room.
“Yes, you are?”
“Jerry McEnroe, Georgia 2nd Battalion Militia.”
“Alright Jerry, what’s your question?”
“It’s not a question but more of a statement of fact. If they come after me or my people's guns they are going to run into a hell of a fight.”
People clapped and hooted. Bob just stood there, saying nothing. A few more hands shot up but he ignored them.
“Jerry,” he said softly.
Everyone hushed up, trying to hear what he was going to say.
“Don’t you think they already know that? Do you honestly think you can just shoot it out with them and walk away? I admire your spirit but not your tactical planning. They know everything about your group, probably down to the last bullet. They may even have someone inside your organization...”
“No way. That can never happen,” Jerry yelled out.
“Why is that? Do you know each and every member? Where they came from? What their background is? You have no one asking a few more questions now than ever before? I can tell you we have. One of my most trusted men is feeding information to the ATF. We found out about it so we have been using misinformation to mislead them. Still it was a hell of a shock and let down when we stumbled on to him. Hell, we're just a gun club. You guys are in a militia. You honestly think they haven’t infiltrated?”
It was totally quiet in the room.
“Here is what I am saying. Even if you don’t have someone in your organization, fighting skirmishes with the government will not keep you from losing your guns. The only way is to unite. Not just the people in this room, but every gun owner. We need to be prepared for when that day comes. The only hope we have is rising up in mass and protecting the 2nd amendment as a force to be reckoned with. Individual hostilities will not save us.”
A wave of voices rolled over the room. People were becoming more animated. Bob sat down and waited for them to get it out of their system. It was almost ten minutes before it became quiet again.
“I heard the word treason bantered about a few times. Treason. What exactly is treason? Plotting to overthrow the government? Attacking innocent people? Selling your nation's secrets to the enemy? Is defending the Constitution an act of treason? Does fighting for your freedom invoke an act of treason? Does protecting your home and family from illegal seizure mean you are a traitor? Would one of you enlighten me as to how resisting a government on a mission to destroy our guaranteed rights is considered treason?”
He stood up from his chair and walked to the middle of the room. He did a 180 degree sweep with his eyes.
“If refusing to allow the government to break into my home and confiscate my property is an act of treason then you are looking at a traitor,” he said and walked to the door.
“If anyone would like to turn me in, my name is Bob Tonner and I live right here in Shaw Valley,” he said and walked out of the room.
Inside all hell was breaking loose.
***
Bob was sitting on top of a picnic table, his elbows on his knees and this chin resting on his clasped hands. People started filing out of the clubhouse. He watched the animated discussions going on. Several saw him sitting there and started walking over to him.
“Bob,” one of the men said, “Some of us are not exactly clear on your message. Are you saying we should all unite as a big militia to stop the government?”
“Do you know of another way?”
“Christ. You’re saying we should take on the military and every other government agency.”
“Let me ask you this. What is the purpose of a well-regulated militia? To keep other countries from invading America? I don’t think so. No one is going to try to take over America. So who will try to do that? Our own government and that is why the founders of this nation put that provision in the Constitution. They knew that power corrupts and let’s face it, our government is about as corrupt as it can get.”
“But we can’t win an all-out war with our own government,” someone else said.
“Are you sure? A group of rebellious Americans kicked the crap out of one of the strongest military forces at one time. Americans took up arms and sent the British packing. Is that so different?”
By now everyone had crowded around and was listening. They knew what he was saying made sense but to actually stand and fight the government was something else entirely.
“They will call in the military,” one man said at last.
“Yes they will. What is the military made up of? Americans. Some will do as they are told. Probably the majority of them will but a lot will not. They will refuse to fight other Americans. Same for every government agency. A large portion will simply either not participate or will change sides.”
“Change sides?”
“People, surely it is clear by now. Our government is
going to war with those who own guns. It won’t even be a declared war. It’s Japan and 9/11 all over again. Do you think they are going to announce their intentions and allow those that want to knuckle under to turn in their weapons voluntarily? No, this is a sneak attack.”
“My God. You’re talking about another civil war.”
“Yes. Yes I am.”
It was six hours later when the meeting finally broke up.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Gas prices hit $ 6.00 a gallon in parts of the country today as crude oil topped one hundred and forty dollars a barrel. No relief is expected any time in the near future according to analysts. Economist Faith Hathaway tells us that this will have a devastating impact on everything from food to travel. With inflation now at 14.5% and Wall Street down for the third straight day, people are losing patience with our government,” the Channel Seven newsperson said,”
“Thank you Erick. Hot. Record temperatures were recorded in much of the West and Midwest. For the fourth day in a row, temperatures climbed to over one hundred and five degrees. Many areas went without power as electric grids failed due to heavy usage. In Chicago, rioting broke out in the Zion area of the city last night. Stores were broken into and several businesses were set on fire. Police battled the rioters for three hours before gaining control of the area. Ninety-two people were arrested. Two police officers were hurt during the three hour long riot.”
***
“Alright. We are all set for the third of July, right?” the President asked.
“We have done a dry run ten times and it has gone off without a hitch. The two Secret Service men know exactly what they are to do. Everyone will be in the right place before your car gets to the Capital Building. Ms. Cole will be in the car just in front of yours. She will exit first and wait as you get out. You then walk up to Ms. Cole, exchange greetings and start for the Capital Building. You can shake hands along the way if you want. Most of the people up front will be ours anyway. When you get to the first step, that’s when everything happens,” Adam Little, head of Homeland Security said.
“And you’re absolutely certain that this will look real? It won’t seem contrived?”
“Unequivocally. Everything has been rehearsed down to the last detail. Even the placement of the news cameras has been checked and re-checked.”
“Yes, but what about people with cell phones and cameras?”
“We have been recording our rehearsals and photographing them from almost every conceivable angle. It will look exactly like it is supposed to look.”
“Ms. Cole, are you alright with this?”
“Absolutely. All we have to do is follow the script. We have to act like we have no idea what is going on. If we do that, it can’t fail.”
“Then I guess it’s a go,” the President said.
***
“President Quasim will be addressing the nation on Saturday, July third. All major channels will carry his address on the state of the economy and the plans of the administration to ease the current problems. Gary, what do you think?”
“Honestly I think he has a hard sell. Our inflation continues to rise. Gas is now at $6.10 a gallon and housing starts are at the lowest they have been since the Great Depression. I’m not sure what he intends to tell the people that will help bolster their morale. Let’s face it, America is in big trouble and by all indications, it is only going to get worse.”
“You don’t think he has a magic hat he can pull a rabbit out of, so to speak?”
“It would have to be some hat. He needs a bunch of rabbits to clean up the mess we are currently in. For the past four years the administration has been blaming the previous administration. Now we are in even worse trouble. Our national debt has almost doubled. Bailouts have dug us deeper in the hole with no real return. It will be hard to sell the same old clichés. We have heard them all for the past five years and I think the people are sick of them by now. They want to see some results.”
“Alright Gary, thank you. It certainly seems that the President has his work cut out for him on July third.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The room was cool and the drapes were drawn tight. The seven of them sat around a large mahogany conference table that had a shine so deep you felt like you could reach into it. Only the President’s Chief of Staff, Sarah Slone, had a pad of paper and pen in front of her. Other than two pitchers of water, glasses and coasters, nothing else was on the table.
“I will be the only one taking notes. This meeting is being recorded as well just to make sure I don’t miss something important. The President has instructed me to tell you that no one else is allowed to record this conversation,” Slone said.
“Fine, I’ll start. We only have a few more weeks to get everything ready. Our target date is July fifth. That is on a Monday. This date was chosen because no one will suspect the buildup of forces due to the Fourth of July celebrations. Because of fireworks and such, a lot of people will go to bed late and sleep in since many will be off from work the following day. Our plan is to commence Operation Clean Sweep, at 2:00 a.m. Each group will have specific targets to capture. Every gun store, pawn shop, gun repair shop and any business selling ammunition or guns will be breached and the guns and ammunition confiscated. Same thing goes for militia headquarters, gun clubs, shooting ranges and of course private individuals. Every gun, no matter what the caliber or number of rounds it holds is to be confiscated,” Secretary of State Hanna Cole said.
“Even single shot guns?” the Vice President asked.
“Every gun. We can sort that out later,” Hanna replied.
He just shook his head.
“We have the military ready. Of course no orders have been issued yet so only the very top echelon knows what is going to be required. Police commissioners in every state and every city with a population of more than 50,000 have been briefed as to what they are to do at the designated time,” Secretary of Defense Roland Clarke told them.
“And they will follow their orders?”
“We can’t guarantee that but I am certain ninety-five percent of them will.”
“So what about the other five percent?” Vice President Jason asked?
“We have backup people ready to jump in where needed.”
“And they can get there in time to actually be of some help?” he asked.
“We have jumping off points around the country. Nothing is more than three hours away.”
“ATF, DEA, HLS and all the other alphabet agencies are ready. They will be heading to their assigned areas on July second. Obviously they will not be wearing identification during that time. We have been allowing them to wear their hair longer so they blend in better,” Adam Little of Homeland Security added.
“So everyone will be in place on July second, is that correct?” Sarah Slone asked.
“That’s the plan,” Cole answered.
“Just making sure I have it all down correct,” Sarah said.
“Your group is responsible for gun stores, and all of those type places, correct?” the VP asked.
“Yes sir. We will hit as many places as we know about. There may be a few out in the boonies that will get missed on the initial sweep but we have plans to make a second sweep as soon as possible.”
“Okay, let me just go over this one more time. Everyone is to be in place on July 2nd. July 3rd and 4th will comprise of blending into the environment and reconnaissance work. At 2:00 a.m. Operation Clean Sweep will commence. Is that correct so far?” Sarah asked.
“That would be correct,” Cole answered before anyone else could.
“I guess my question is does everything start at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time or when it is 2:00 a.m. in the various time zones?”
“Ah, good question,” the VP said.
“Alright let me clarify it a bit more,” Cole said, “The kickoff is 2:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on the East coast. Each group will start their operations as it becomes 2:00 a.m. in their time zone.”
> “Four hours difference between the East Coast and the West Coast and that doesn’t concern you?” Sarah asked.
“We have everything covered,” Cole said icily.
“Humm,” was all Sarah said and went back to writing on her pad of paper.
“Three weeks people,” Cole said, “And Operation Clean Sweep is on. Make sure you are ready because we only get one shot at this.”
The VP chuckled.
“Mr. VP?” Cole said.
“One shot at this. Considering the intent of the operation, that just strikes me as humorous.”
“Sorry sir, I fail to see the humor in any of this,” Cole said, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn what you find humorous,” the VP said and walked out of the room.
No one said anything as they watched him go.
“Do not put that last bit on the record,” Cole ordered the Chief of Staff.
Sarah didn’t say anything but just smiled as she gathered up her things as well.
***
L.A. TIMES – HEAT WAVE CONTINUES
For the sixth straight day the heat index has been over one hundred and five degrees. Rolling brown-outs continue to plague the city as tempers flare. A riot broke out in Oakland last night resulting in one fatality. A man was shot when he brandished a gun at one of the riot police. He was ordered to place the gun on the ground but instead raised the weapon. Officer Dwayne Collins discharged his service weapon, striking the man in the chest and neck.
The man’s name has not been released awaiting notification of next of kin. Officer Collins has been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the shooting board hearing. Captain Hill praised the quick action of Officer Collins to keep innocent bystanders from getting hurt.
***
CHICAGO TRIBUNE - CPI TAKES A HUGE LEAP
More bad news for the administration. This month’s figures showed an alarming increase in the Consumer Price Index indicating that inflation is increasing faster than predicted. Even factoring out the rapid rise in gas prices the index still jumped 6.4%. With gas it was 8.1%. Top economists believe that this is just a temporary spike and will drop over the next few months.
A NATION DIVIDED - THE SECOND CIVIL WAR (The Second Civil War - BOOK I 1) Page 6
