Beyond Tomorrow

By Ken Mease

In the final days of America’s decline, one man sees the way out of the ultimate collapse into socialism---a return to the Constitution and a nation of laws---but are the American people ready to accept it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elderberry Press
• Release date: Nov 18, 2010
• ISBN: 9781458033918

Ken Mease

Seldom does a writer begin his writing career at the age of eighty. Yet, that is the case with the author of this profoundly forward-looking novel concerning the time when the world is in its worst political turmoil and the United States is about to pay dearly for the disastrous economic policies of expanding socialism and its debt-ridden existence. The United States stands on the brink of a political, economic, and possible military disaster of gargantuan proportions.Ken Mease is a World War II veteran, having enlisted on August 1, 1944 and served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in Santa Maria, Azores. He was honorably discharged in November, 1946, with the rank of sergeant and belonged to the Air Force Reserve for four years.Ken is a native of Selinsgrove, PA. At age fourteen, he taught himself to write music but dismissed the idea of a musical career. Following one semester at the Conservatory of Music at Susquehanna University, located in his hometown, he decided to pursue learning-through-experience in order to establish his own business.In 1971, he borrowed $500 to found a tool and machine shop. Shortly thereafter, he expanded the business to include custom plastic injection molding, which remains the core of the business. He still works a full day, every day.Ken and his wife, Millie, have been married for almost sixty years. They have two daughters and two sons, fifteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.Ken also composed the Theme for this story, which has been recorded and is available separately.

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Beyond Tomorrow

Copyright © 2007 Ken Mease

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In loving memory of Joni

chapter one

President Jeffrey Blayne was the only candidate in history who had gained the commitment of a complete cabinet before an election. Most pundits considered it politically very risky but, after an extremely close election, it had proved to be the difference. He called it the most diverse cabinet in history. And, indeed, it was. He had considered as many voting blocs of American society as possible...ethnicity, race, geographics, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation...even foreign influences.

Almost two years ago, the Democrat Convention in San Francisco had become a shambles of divisiveness. Seven candidates had all garnered enough votes in the state caucuses and primaries to give none of them a clear nod for the nomination. Jeff Blayne, who had served one term as governor of New York, and who then became New York’s junior senator, had expected exactly that to happen. He was also very much aware that New York’s senior senator, Mallory Wilson, was planning some kind of coup to capture the nomination. Four years earlier, she was elected to complete the unexpired term of her husband, Brad Wilson, who, after serving two years in the Senate, was found guilty of malfeasance in office and for lying to a grand jury concerning illegal campaign funds, along with other improprieties unbecoming a U.S. Senator. Media coverage of the Senate hearings left the impression that he was being unfairly targeted by Republicans. He was found guilty of a felony, was fined $100,000, was temporarily disbarred from practicing law, was forced to return most of the illegal campaign funds, and was given a suspended sentence. The felony conviction simply meant that he could no longer hold public office. Although he was reinstated to the bar a year later, the whole process backfired on the Republicans when Mallory was elected to fill his unexpired term.

Realizing the probability of a deadlocked convention, Blayne formed what he called a convention team, comprised of ten of his major supporters, promising them a place on the president’s cabinet, should he be successful in obtaining the nomination and, ultimately, the presidency. Each of them, major contributors, formed their own group of delegates to be strategically stationed throughout the Convention Hall with mobile microphones. Jeff Blayne made sure that he would be invited as one of the minor speakers. He spoke briefly, pointedly, and very effectively about the problems the nation was facing and pleaded for order, calm and unanimous agreement for a candidate who would put the Republicans out to pasture. After three days of angry exchanges, vicious arguments, including a couple of floor fistfights, each of the ten members of his convention team, at a predetermined time, began to chant over their loudspeakers, Jeff Blayne. Jeff Blayne. Jeff Blayne. The volume was slowly increased until it sounded like the delegates were finally coming together. Jeff Blayne. Jeff Blayne. Jeff Blayne. The crescendo increased until one of the planted delegates, Congressman Juan Rodriguez, of California, rose to put Jeff Blayne’s name in nomination. The entire California delegation cheered wildly. They rose in unison to excitedly approve the nomination of Jeff Blayne. The convention was stunned.

Ohio climbed on the bandwagon with a quick unanimous approval. Then New York, Nebraska, Florida, Pennsylvania, all followed suit. The draft was on. Mob psychology took over as the excitement grew. His nomination was legitimized in two hours. It was to be a Blayne-Rodriguez ticket.

Not everyone was happy with the results. Senator Wilson, privately livid, gave an appropriate but apparent disingenuous speech to appear in agreement, strictly for party unity. She knew Blayne was aware of her interest in becoming the nominee by breaking a convention deadlock and viewed Blayne’s maneuvers the epitome of backstabbing, dirty tricks.

One of the major candidates, Senator Howard Mac Mackey of Tennessee, was left fuming. He walked out in a huff. Mackey, a lifelong Democrat, had become disillusioned with the direction the party had been going since Bill Clinton was president. He had always considered himself a loyal, liberal Democrat, but was slowly changing his views on most issues. Abortion, same-sex marriage, restrictive gun laws, flag-burning, the removal of the Ten Commandments monument in Alabama, the removal of God from our classrooms and the Pledge of Allegiance had all become mind-wrenching issues for him. He could no longer accept the party’s socialist, secular positions. He had voted for NAFTA and GATT, only to believe later that it was destroying the American manufacturing base.

Blayne’s public persona was that of being a smooth, motivating talker, always in control of situations and having an uncanny ability to convince people who disagreed with him. But those who had dealt with him privately and politically knew that his suave appearance and his constant but fictitious smile only exuded a false aura of confidence. To Mackey, Blayne was a fraud. He knew what Blayne was like in private...disingenuous, manipulating, controlling, insulting, arrogant and that he could get downright nasty when things didn’t go his way. In his private life, he was a disgusting womanizer. To put it bluntly, Mack Mackey hated Jeff Blayne.

• • •

The Most Diverse Cabinet in History

News release: Democratic presidential candidate, Jeffrey Blayne, announced today that he obtained the agreement of fifteen people to serve as members of his cabinet, should he be elected president in November. This is the first time, ever, a candidate has done so and is seen by most analysts as politically very risky.

1. Department of Agriculture: Ricardo Gomez, Southern California. Hispanic farm and citrus union organizer. (Blayne’s advantage = ability to control large Hispanic voting bloc) (Member of convention team.)

2. Department of Commerce: Bobby Myars; senator, North Carolina. Former textile manufacturer. Extremely well respected throughout the South. (Blayne’s advantage = Myars’ support necessary to do well in the South.)

3. Department of Defense: Dr. Llewellyn Henderson, Massachusetts. Professor of Economics and Political Science, Boston College. Avid devotee of John Maynard Keynes’, General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money. (Blayne’s advantage = in total agreement with overall socialist economic plans.)

4. Department of Education: Amanda Suggs, New York. Black. Former official and negotiator for New York State teachers’ unions. Feminist activist. (Blayne’s advantage = Support from nation’s teachers’ unions and black activists). (Member of convention team.)

5. Department of Energy: Muhammad al Zahiri, Massachusetts. Naturalized Iraqi. Professor at MIT and world-renowned expert in energy-related sciences. Solved two border cooperative grid failures between Canada / New England and Western Canada / Western U.S. (Blayne’s advantage = influence in Michigan, largest Muslim population in the United States and familiarity with Middle Eastern dignitaries and members of OPEC.)

6. Department of Health and Human Services: Lana Washington, California. Black and openly gay. Civil rights activist throughout western states. (Blayne’s advantage = General acceptance by gay community and civil rights activists.) (Part of convention team.)

7. Department of Homeland Security: Angelo Forelli, Pennsylvania. Former Army Intelligence Officer and former PA State Police Commissioner. (Blayne’s advantage = Solidify votes in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Northeast Pennsylvania.) (Member of convention team.)

8. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Irving Mormorstein, senator, Illinois. (Blayne’s advantage = Jewish. Former real estate developer and financier. Should firm up national Jewish vote and other real estate developers.)

9. Department of Interior: Loretta del Sol, New Mexico. Environmentalist and author of several books on the environment. (Blayne’s advantage = Well-read author and avid environmentalist.) (Member of convention team.)

10. Department of Justice: Rita Johnson. Attorney General, Georgia. Chief Federal Prosecutor, Atlanta Office. (Blayne’s advantage = Strong advocate for legal reforms. Her knowledge and commitment to the law and, a young, attractive female as attorney general, could help with female voters.)

11. Department of Labor: Jack Petrovich, Michigan. Former president, UAW. (Blayne’s advantage = Strong union support, money and votes.) (Member of convention team.)

12. Department of State: George Hallipan, Texas. CEO of one of the world’s largest international construction companies. (Blayne’s advantage = Broad knowledge of world markets and familiarity with wealthy foreign influences.) (Member of convention team.)

13. Department of Transportation: William Otterbein, Nebraska. CEO of one of the largest trucking conglomerates in the U.S. (Blayne’s advantage = Knowledge of transportation problems.) (Member of convention team.)

14. Department of the Treasury: Orlando Ortiz, California. Professor, UCLA, and former member of the Federal Reserve Board. (Blayne’s advantage = Influence on Federal Reserve Board and California educational community.) (Member of the convention team.)

15. Department of Veterans Affairs: Jason Carter, New York. Black. Former lieutenant, U.S. Marines. Paraplegic veteran of the Iraq War. (Blayne’s advantage = Support from veterans’ groups.) (Member of convention team.)

By touting his choices for preelection cabinet positions, Blayne had offered his personal political commitment to the nation’s major special interests who have historically controlled large voting blocs.

• • •

At a campaign stop in Kansas City, Blayne confidently promised, The American people are expecting a more comprehensive involvement in the care and welfare of all of our citizens. My administration and this team of caring and knowledgeable patriots will put this nation back on a sound and progressive financial basis to assure the world that we can and will provide the great American dream to everyone who seeks freedom and liberty.

The crowds loved it and the news media carried it all the way to Election Day.

• • •

President Blayne had called a special cabinet meeting for July 4th. He had not informed the press or the media. The economic problems plaguing the nation when he took office had worsened. He promised that his administration would straighten out the mess the previous Republican administration had created. He was looking for input from all members of his team and the best way to get honest questions and uninhibited answers would be without the oversight of a bunch of damned nosy news media sycophants, as he had described them.

Where the hell is Henderson? Blayne groused. When I call a meeting for nine AM, that doesn’t mean five or ten after.

Henderson was infamous for being late. Even as chair of the Economics Department at Boston College, he was noted for being five to ten minutes late, even for his own classes. Blayne, who had been a graduate student of Dr. Henderson, was acutely aware of this aggravating idiosyncrasy. However, very few ever complained, primarily because he always got down to business immediately. He was a rather pleasant man, not overbearing, even with his self-assumption that no one is quite as intelligent as he. He lived a quiet life with his wife of thirty-six years, a union that produced no children. He was dedicated to one thing: his economic calling at Boston College. From the beginning to the end of a class, he taught explicitly and almost nonstop. He did not believe in fanfares or small talk. His advocacy of John Maynard Keynes was legend. As a Keynesian, Henderson was a purist.

First as a student and then having met him on many public occasions, Blayne was impressed with Henderson’s socialist economic positions, which he shared and publicly espoused. Now, as president, he needed someone with Henderson’s background, knowledge, and commitment to Keynes’ theories to help formulate and implement truly progressive programs that would get the failing economy back on track.

When Blayne first approached Henderson with the preelection proposal to serve as secretary of defense, he felt quite honored, expressing his appreciation for the offer. But, as you know, Jeffery, I’m not much of a militarist. Blayne did know that. Henderson, a graduate of the Naval Academy, had served four years of active duty with a few months in Viet Nam. A number of his classmates were now in high positions within the Department of the Navy, which could be a definite advantage in case of a military emergency.

Upon his return from Viet Nam, Henderson became an outspoken and active member of Viet Nam Veterans Against the War. He remained in favor of deep cuts in the military budget, in agreement with Blayne’s own position. His military record was acceptable. But, what Blayne really wanted, was Henderson’s economic expertise in advancing his liberal, socialist agenda. Dr. Henderson, you have the qualifications the nation is looking for and desperately needs, Blayne had told him. Henderson said he would think about it. Two weeks later, the flattered Henderson called and reluctantly accepted the challenge.

Slowly, the door opened and Llewellyn Henderson entered quietly.

Blayne glanced at his watch. It was eight minutes past nine. Welcome, Dr. Henderson. I hope we aren’t putting you out this morning.

No, not at all, Mr. President, he responded, without even the slightest hint that he caught Blayne’s sarcasm. He raised his right hand to brush down on his graying, neatly sculptured mustache and goatee while looking around at those seated at the table. He nodded his head to them and smiled pleasantly. He touched his open collar and asked the president, You did say, casual dress, didn’t you? It was unusual to see him without a tie. Blayne nodded a positive approval.

Good, he responded. Shall we get started, Mr. President?

Thank you, Dr. Henderson. Well, as we all know, Blayne began, "we face some very difficult decisions. And I thought we would be able to be frank and honest in discussing at least some of the problems that seem to have remained beyond, and that we have inherited from, the previous administration. We, as Democrats, can be proud of having taken the leadership of the House. But an eight-seat majority Senate, still in the hands of Republicans, makes getting meaningful legislation a bit more difficult.

As we discussed at the last meeting, each of you, as heads of your departments, are to be thinking of new programs that can be implemented that will offer solutions to your particular segment of the economy. The economy is again showing signs of becoming stagnant. The stock market has dropped twelve percent in the last year and a half, which is not bad when one considers that it has returned to about the same level it was three years ago under the Republicans. But, we must do better. We must take more aggressive and progressive approaches. We must take control of our economy. A more aggressive approach to social programs is very much needed and needed now. In order to increase social spending, it will necessitate an increase in the volume of money to accommodate the increase in spending. Fed Chairman Ralph Williamee promised me he would do just that.

The first to speak was Secretary of Agriculture Ricardo Gomez, who reported on the difficulty of finding willing workers to harvest the crops in southern California. His recommendation was to expand the amnesty policies supported by several preceding administrations as a way to handle undocumented immigrants. He thought President Blayne should continue his ongoing discussions with the Mexican government and support of the various assistance programs for undocumented immigrants, which should include free health care, free educational opportunities, and extended welfare and/or Social Security payments to those who return to Mexico. This will entice more Mexicans to work the jobs Americans don’t want. Blayne echoed his agreement and assured him that a meeting with the president of Mexico was already in the process of being arranged.

Attorney General Rita Johnson gave an ominous warning that petty crimes have been running rampant in most Hispanic communities around the country and the incidents of violent crimes have continued to escalate, including violent sex crimes. She was indefatigable in her persistent pursuit of harsh sentences for sexual predators.

The costs of police protection, court expenses and the ever-increasing costs of incarceration, she added, are putting a serious drain on the budgets of state and local governments. Federal subsidization of state and local law enforcement would help to alleviate their costs. Also, she noted, we must, somehow, be able to establish a better employment atmosphere in these areas. Training programs can not only get them off the streets but also prepare them for a new, a better, and a more productive life. If they see hope for better wages, the ability to save, to buy the necessities of life, buy a nice car, and purchase a home of their own, she concluded, I believe that the crime rate can be drastically reduced. Henderson stroked his beard and nodded his head slightly, as a sign of tacit approval.

A rather quiet, resonate voice from the other side of the table, interrupted. If we are able to raise their wage rates, to what some refer to as a ‘living wage,’ we will defeat the very purpose, the stated reasons, for allowing illegal immigration, in the first place. We will no longer have the low-wage rates that seems to be the beacon for allowing them into the country, illegally, in the first place. Instead of supporting these programs because they’re jobs that Americans don’t want to do, we’ll be complaining that immigrants have stolen reasonable paying jobs from Americans. And if we are going to offer them training in new skills, what are the skills and who will hire them?

All eyes turned toward the speaker, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Myars. Myars was the one man Blayne had not wanted in his cabinet. But he needed him to neutralize the southern states, which is exactly what he had done.

As secretary of commerce, Myars traveled extensively pursuing Free Trade Agreements, at the behest of President Blayne. He had attended but three cabinet meetings in the past year and a half. Blayne was aware of Myars’ opposition to the extent to which he felt Free Trade Agreements jeopardized American manufacturers but, therefore, would be extremely careful in his negotiations. By keeping Myars on the road, so to speak, Blayne could eliminate the negative quips which annoyed the president and several cabinet members.

Following the unfortunate and untimely death of Myars’ beautiful young wife, Eileen, five years earlier, he closed his eleven textile mills, which were located in seven states throughout the South. The bulk of the company’s inventory of machinery, equipment, and tooling was sold, mostly to Mexican, Central, and South American companies who were looking for used looms, weaving machinery and equipment. The old My-Tex mill, just outside Shelby, NC, was not sold. Bobby kept it to store enough start-up machinery and auxiliary equipment...well, just in case it should ever become necessary to reopen.

It was estimated that Bobby Myars’ net worth was at least a billion dollars. Over five years, as each plant closed, he gave each of his 10,000-plus employees the equivalent of one year’s salary and paid their health care premiums for a year in advance. He also established an educational trust fund of several million dollars to aid the children of his former employees who attended college, maintained a 3.0 average or better, and graduated. He truly respected his employees and wanted to give them a good start in a new direction. In turn, he was respected and loved by those who worked for him. These were acts of sincere and honest generosity.

Bobby Myars’ decision to close his mills was based on his outlook for the future of the textile industry, which he viewed as dismal. He realized there would be a slow, incessant, and eventual demise of the textile industry in the United States. If he did nothing, My-Tex Corporation would eventually be in a no-win situation.

When he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, he would be accused of using his wealth for political grandstanding and personal gain. But those who knew him knew that such unkind accusations were totally untrue. He overwhelmingly won the race as an Old Southern Democrat and became the junior senator from North Carolina.

He turned out to be a very sharp thorn in the sides of liberal or progressive members of both parties. He supported some unpopular causes and voted for every issue as he saw it, not as the Democrat Party wanted him to see it. No issue was unimportant to him. And every issue and every vote he cast had to pass what he called, his severe Constitutional Test.

This great experiment in human freedom can only last as long as the Constitution lasts. We must honor our sacred stewardship by keeping the Constitution viable and in tact. That remark on the floor to the full Senate raised some skeptical eyebrows, garnered a few chuckles, and received a short, but polite, round of applause.

Blayne was remembering that day when he called Bobby Myars to entice him to give up his Senate seat to accept an appointment as secretary of commerce, should Blayne become president. The next day Myars returned Blayne’s call and accepted. Blayne was ecstatic with his own cleverness. With Myars as a member of his cabinet, especially at Commerce, which Blayne considered a cabinet position of lesser importance, he could keep him under control. Eventually, he could even be fired. In addition, Bobby Myars would then find himself outside, looking in. Most importantly, with Myars out of the Senate, he could be replaced by a more progressive, socialist thinker. Since Republicans were still in control of the Senate, party affiliation, at least at this juncture, was secondary to Blayne. A liberal, progressive Republican could be far better than a conservative, Constitutional-nut Democrat.

Blayne looked squarely at Myars. What the hell kind of logic do you call that, Mr. Myars? We are looking for positive solutions. If you have no progressive ideas and can offer no suggestions, or possible new programs, your remarks are unnecessary. They’re meaningless!

Rita Johnson turned a slight smile at Blayne’s put-down. Yet, she understood what Bobby was saying. What training would we offer? Who would hire them? Hmm. Good questions, she thought.

Rita Johnson was one of the first choices Blayne had considered as a possible future cabinet member. A native of Troy, Michigan, she attended the University of Michigan, where she graduated in the top 5 percent of her class. A few months following her high school graduation, her father died very suddenly. Due to what she referred to only as a health problem, she had not entered the University of Michigan until two years later, where she eventually graduated from law school with honors.

She accepted an appointment as an assistant federal prosecutor. After two years in the Philadelphia Office, she was transferred to Chicago. After three years in Chicago, her dedication and commitment to the job earned her an assignment as chief prosecutor for the Department of Justice in the Atlanta, Georgia, office.

With each move, due to her long hours at work, she made arrangements for the personal care and grooming of her mother, who was suffering from multiple sclerosis. Her reputation as a tough prosecutor preceded Blayne’s request for her to consider accepting the appointment as attorney general of the United States. She accepted without hesitation.

Mr. President, Myars responded calmly, if you are truly looking for meaningful questions and uninhibited answers, should we not be considering all thoughts, including negative ones, that may point us in a direction that may help solve a problem?

It was very evident that Myars’ remark annoyed the president. Blayne ignored him.

Henderson rolled his eyes toward the ceiling with a facial expression that openly showed his intolerance.

Well, I suppose that’s the kind of thing we can expect from an Austrian, he retorted, with an air of superiority.

Most of them did not understand that remark. Rita wondered why Henderson would call him an Austrian. Maybe his family had emigrated from Austria, but what did that have to do with anything? Even though Henderson’s apparent dig made no sense, nobody bothered to ask.

Blayne looked down at the papers on his desk with a smirk of satisfaction. He knew what Henderson meant. Moreover, that was two put-downs in a row. Oh, that felt good, Blayne mused. The president, at that moment, felt ahead of the game. Instead of continuing with department reports, he decided to remind them of some of the positive, progressive legislation his administration had on the table to be accomplished.

Let me recap some of the important legislation this administration needs to get through Congress, Blayne began. "We have not, as yet, been able to reinstitute the Fairness In Broadcasting Act. We all know what that would mean. The so-called conservative talk shows of the world could be effectively silenced. That would give us a level playing field in the arena of public broadcasting and public opinion. The extreme right-wing element throughout the media could no longer dominate the airwaves. Our voices are not being heard equally, which makes it difficult for us to promote a progressive agenda. It is our agenda that this nation needs but has been unable to hear for far too many years. Reinstituting Fairness in Broadcasting is a critical issue for us.

"But, let us take just and due credit for a most positive program we have accomplished. We have been able to institute a new and comprehensive prescription drug plan for our senior citizens plus the inclusion of free prescriptions for minority and low-income families. We have raised taxes on the rich to force them to pay their fair share of taxes and relieve the tax burden on middle-income families. We have raised taxes on the wealthiest corporations to help provide housing for the needy. But there is still much to be done...and we can do it.

We must also address the nation’s outrageous health concerns due to obesity. I will be adding a new executive initiative within the Department of Health and Human Services to address this national crisis. Secretary Washington and I have had some brief discussions about this and she will be moving forward toward that goal.

At five feet nine inches in height and a weight of 290 lbs., Secretary of Labor Jack Petrovich glanced around and squirmed a bit in his seat, but said nothing.

This new initiative will also renew the attack on tobacco companies for fines, fees and taxes to help to reduce the costs of the nation’s health care system, Blayne added.

Blayne passed his hand over his receding hairline, looked at each member at the table with a look of satisfied anticipation. And, with the new gun law restrictions, which we were able to pass last year, it looks like we may again develop enough bipartisan agreement to support the United Nation’s initiative for a worldwide ban on the sale and private ownership of all firearms. Not just here in the United States...but worldwide. That, my friends, will be a positive move toward world peace and a glorious victory for all mankind. And we must continue our cooperation and support of the United Nations.

There was an air of satisfaction and confidence that permeated the room. For all, except Bobby Myars. He did not join in with the polite but muted applause the president received.

As usual, he sat quietly with a pleasant smile that seemed to indicate that he knew something they didn’t. It was an expression that always aggravated the president.

Nothing seemed to cause him to become angry, flustered, or even get overly excited. Rita Johnson noticed his constant calm demeanor, which remained the same since she first met him a year and half ago. Even after the two rather insulting incidents, he was not phased. What a strange man, she thought.

Myars carried his six-foot-one-inch frame straight and erect. At forty-six, it was evident that he was in excellent health. His dark brown hair reminded Rita of the heavy, dry-look of a JFK. He was always well dressed, extremely polite, and well spoken, even though, with his North Carolina upbringing, his southern accent was almost undetectable. Regardless of his good looks and manners, she didn’t like his negativism and, at least at the moment, she wasn’t sure she liked him very much, either.

Even with the election over two years away, Blayne continued, we have already had announcements from thirty-four members of the House who will not be seeking reelection. In addition, so far, there have been ten such declarations in the Senate. If we play our cards right, we can expand our House majority and possibly take back the Senate. With a fifty-six to forty-six advantage, today, we need only to pick up four seats to split the Senate evenly and five to put the Republicans out to pasture, as he liked to phrase his dislike for Republicans. We must get our state committees on the ball, looking for candidates who can win, Blayne added.

Bobby Myars looked quizzically at the president and asked, Did any of them state why they’re quitting? That’s an unusually high number of simultaneous announcements, especially so early.

No, Mr. Myars, I have not heard why. Once again, he appeared annoyed.

Henderson raised his eyebrows again and shook his head slightly.

Jack Petrovich spoke up. Maybe they don’t want to get blamed for the loss of manufacturing jobs. They certainly haven’t come up with any solutions. Don’t seem to be concerned, either. And it’s a hell of a problem that’s only getting worse. You know, Mr. President, our trade imbalance is almost a trillion dollars, which is the highest in history. And―looking directly at Secretary Gomez―our trade deficit is getting worse because of our increasing importation of agricultural products. I’m concerned about the lack of fair import/export agreements with a whole bunch of countries, starting with China. Then, just last year, this administration allowed a temporary fair trade status with most countries in Central and South America. Now, their stuff has already started to come in by the damned boatload. Really, Mr. President, we have to do something to keep our shops and factories working. My union guys, especially, have lost out, big-time.

I know how it appears to some people, Blayne began, but understanding the advantages of our free trade policies, which have been supported by most previous administrations, it is necessary to substantiate the fact that we are able to reduce the cost of living in this country by importing less-expensive products, and it fosters exports of higher-quality American products to those countries who are participating in these trade agreements. It’s a win-win situation. Surely, you can understand that, can’t you?

Petrovich wasn’t satisfied with the answer. Well, he said weakly, I don’t see very many automobile products leaving Michigan or Ohio or anywhere else, for those countries. It appears that, rather than exporting our products, most companies are situating their factories in those countries. Their exports become our imports. I don’t know, Mr. President, it doesn’t seem to work quite the way that was intended.

Nonsense, Jack. The downturn in our manufacturing sector is mainly due to new technology. We have been able to produce more high quality, improved products with fewer employees. Those who are displaced through these new technologies are moving into even newer technological sectors, like high-speed computers, advanced computer programming, automated productivity, IT, et cetera. These are newly created higher-paying jobs for Americans. He scanned the faces around the table. In the long run, my friends, this is good for our economy.

Llewellyn Henderson nodded and smiled approvingly.

Bobby Myars also noted the confused expressions on the faces of some of the participants.

Mr. President, Bobby said, if our trade imbalance is at an all-time high, which, as just reported, has reached a trillion dollars, doesn’t that tell us that our exports are continuing to dwindle? How can we raise our export level if American factories have and are still relocating to foreign countries? Our manufacturing markets have been devastated. We have all but destroyed our market system.

Blayne visibly showed his contempt. Our markets are offering lower-priced products today, lower than American consumers have ever enjoyed before. This is to our advantage. Why is that economic truth so hard for you to accept?

Henderson, usually very much controlled, showed his agitation. Mr. Myars, he quipped sarcastically, the market system you so avidly defend, doesn’t work. Never did and never will. The fact that we are in the messes we are in is because people like you have tried to hold on to the antiquated, fallacious idea that there could even be such a thing as a free market. He was very emphatic with the word free.

Henderson continued. Mises is dead, Mr. Myars. And so are his idiotic ideas of Austrian economic theories. ‘Human Action,’ indeed, sir.

Rita’s light blue eyes sparkled as they darted back and forth from Henderson to Myars, waiting for his response. At least she found out what Henderson meant by his earlier Austrian remark. Apparently, it’s someone’s economic theory, she thought.

As always, Bobby Myars appeared unaffected by the indignation he had incited.

He looked directly at Henderson. Everyone at this table is more than aware of the economic crises we face. The dollar’s value is sliding against the Yuan, the yen, the euro, the ruble and, we must take particular note, against the dinar.

Oh, dear Lord! The dinar? The rise in the dinar is an aberration and can have no lasting effect on the dollar, Henderson retorted. So, they’re backing it with gold. So what? The whole concept of gold as a value comparison to the world’s acceptance of the dollar, is ludicrous. Ludicrous! All trade, around the globe is denominated in dollars, Mr. Myars. Backed up by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

That’s true, Dr. Henderson. World commerce is denominated in American dollars, at least for now. Myars responded. But that’s the whole problem. The United States is bankrupt, and we all know it. The ‘full faith and credit of the United States’ is a fancy term that hides the fact that the entire responsibility for payment falls on the backs of American taxpayers. And, unfortunately, very few Americans realize the impact of that truth. We have squandered the wealth of every American family by digging the deepest debt hole in the history of mankind. It is ‘private wealth’...ours and that of future generations...that has been put up for collateral because, as you know, government has no wealth, except that which it takes through taxation, confiscation, and extortion.

Henderson’s growing agitation was becoming very apparent. A nation’s economic well-being cannot be measured merely in things, whether they be cars, houses, toys, food, or clothing. It just doesn’t end there. National economies are calculated on the money that is spent to keep the economy revolving. To keep it on an even keel, so that everyone can have equal access to its use as it circulates. Stopping the circulation of money, whether in savings accounts or hiding it in mattresses, inhibits the continued circulation of that money. Money must circulate; it must be spent and spent and spent again and again in order to achieve its purpose. As you probably know, Mr. Myars, Keynes calls it the ‘velocity of money.’ It is the hallmark of Keynes and the benchmark of the great financial power that has made America the only superpower left on earth.

Blayne was thoroughly enjoying this exchange and allowed it to continue. He knew that Dr. Henderson would soon have Myars on the proverbial ropes. And he wanted to see Bobby Myars squirm.

That’s all very interesting, Doctor, but what happens if people don’t want to spend all their money and wish to save, say for a winter coat...or a car...or to put money in a retirement fund? Does this not adversely affect the velocity of money? How can government make up for that lost circulation?

It is the responsibility, Henderson began slowly and succinctly, hesitated, then continued, No, the obligation...of government to create spending programs. Any kind of worthwhile spending! Government spending initiates what Keynes calls the ‘multiplier effect.’ That simply means, Mr. Myars, that every dollar government spends will be spent at least ten more times. It has been the multiplier effect that has fueled our great economic booms and must be initiated again to jump-start our lagging economy. The multiplier effect, sir, the multiplier effect.

Bobby glanced around the table. Most of them were visibly weary of the diatribe.

He leaned forward and in an even, almost friendly manner said, with a louder than normal voice, That’s so much Keynesian bullshit!

The room went silent. No one, in the past year and half, had ever heard Bobby Myars utter such a phrase. Blayne’s mouth fell open. Rita looked stunned. Henderson’s forehead, temple and around his eyes, turned pink. The rest of his face looked ashen gray. Llewellyn Henderson was getting angry. No one had ever seen that before, either.

Bobby continued. This nation is riding high on a deep ocean of debt. The currency we issue no longer has a guaranteed value backing. Dollars are ‘Federal Reserve Notes.’ They do not represent wealth, they are instruments of debt. We no longer exchange a value for a value. We are exchanging a debt for a debt. When the government initiates a spending program, it is monetized by creating even more debt. The so-called multiplier effect, based on your ten-times example, only expands our indebtedness tenfold. Yes, it is more spending, but, as it circulates and finally dissipates throughout the economy, the result can only be a decrease in the value of the dollar, which ultimately appears in the marketplace as a rise in prices. The market gets the blame while our legislators want credit for having ‘improved the economy.’ When the economy again shows the inevitable signs of weakening, which, without the creation of new real wealth, we must again turn to the magic of the multiplier effect. Keynes’ economic principles cannot succeed in a free market, and a free market cannot survive in a Keynesian economy. Keynesian economics can do nothing but feed the voracious appetite of a socialist monster. And, it is possible in the very near future, we may have to face that monster...through the planned subterfuge of a One-World socialist government under the power and authority of the United Nations. He spoke calmly and deliberately without a trace of being excited.

Henderson’s eyes were twitching, his lips were quivering, and he was pale. And he was angry. That is the most idiotic harangue of unfounded logic I have ever had the fatuity to experience. You, sir, know nothing of Keynesianism or of Lord Keynes. You Austrians are full of psychobabble. Do you hear me, sir? Nothing but psychobabble! And I will not be a part of this diatribe any longer.

Everyone sat in silent disbelief. They looked at each other but no one said a word. No one seemed to know what to say.

Finally, Blayne regained his composure. Dr. Henderson, I sincerely apologize for letting this unfortunate exchange occur. Now, let’s all get our thoughts back together on the subjects at hand. I do believe that economic theories belong in the classroom, not at a presidential cabinet meeting.

He turned glaringly at Bobby. And, Mr. Myars, Blayne said in a rather demeaning tone, I would like to speak with you privately at the conclusion of this meeting.

Bobby nodded. Of course, Mr. President.

• • •

As in the nation’s capitol, the day had dawned bright and warm in Maryland along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. It was a typical Independence Day, especially along the Bay at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The water was warm, undulating lightly with a light warm breeze. A perfect combination for good boating.

About a mile off shore, the Lori II, a forty-foot luxury Chriscraft, was offering its passengers a great start for a relaxing 4th of July. Jack Mendelssohn, a Baltimore investment banker and his wife, Lori, were entertaining three client friends and their wives, aboard their newly purchased yacht. He had replaced Lori I, a twenty-five footer, which he had owned for seven years. He loved the expanded amenities and increased power of Lori II. It gave him a feeling of pride and was a sort of badge of success, letting his clients know that he was knowledgeable, dependable, and financially successful. He wanted everyone to know that he knew how to choose the best and most profitable investments for himself and his many wealthy clients.

A man, waving from a much smaller craft in the area, signaled they were having trouble.

Jack cut the power and headed for the stricken vessel. As they pulled aside, Jack called to them. Are you having trouble? he asked. The man acknowledged that they were.

We’re taking on water, the man replied. I think we might be sinking. Jack noticed the man’s accent.

We’ll be pulling up alongside. Come aboard and we’ll alert the Harbor Police.

Mendelssohn maneuvered Lori II alongside the rickety boat. He lowered a ladder down the starboard side and reached, grabbed the man’s hand and pulled him aboard.

There are three others, the man said with a thick accent. His features appeared Middle Eastern as well as his dialect. Three men, also having the same appearance stepped out of the cabin, all carrying what appeared to be fairly heavy bundles wrapped in canvas covers.

Help them aboard and grab the bundles, the man ordered.

Jack turned to the man on board. What the hell is... His voice trailed off. He was looking at the barrel of an automatic handgun in the man’s right hand.

Everyone gasped at the sight of the firearm. Lori screamed.

Help them, I said. Now!

Jack reached out to help each of the other three men on board.

I am sorry to inconvenience you, sir. But we have need of your high-speed boat. You may remain aboard, or if you wish to stay alive, you may wish to take your chances on our boat. Jack could not believe how calm and deliberate they were. A highjacking, right here in Inner Harbor. Unbelievable, he thought.

The reference to wanting to stay alive was impelling enough to want to get his wife and friends off, as soon as possible.

OK. OK. Take the boat. We’ll swap! We’ll swap!

Jack helped his friends and Lori down the ladder and onto the other boat, which was very evidently in total disrepair.

Stand back, away from the railing, one man said. That’s when they all saw that one man was carrying what looked like an AK-47. They all went as far to the other side as possible. The man fired a quick burst of bullets into the rotting port sideboards at the waterline. One of Jack’s guests almost fell over the starboard railing. The four women screamed and one fainted. Very slowly, water began to seep into the boat.

Have a nice day, the first man said, smiling, as he threw their ignition key into the water. He motioned to a third man, now at the controls. He throttled forward and the Lori II sped away.

The women were almost hysterical. They were all frightened, wondering how they were going to get out of the mess they were in. Jack asked if any of the men knew anything about automotive electricity and ignition systems. One of the guests said he used to work on his own jalopy when he was a teenager but he wasn’t sure what he might remember. Marine engines might even be different. I don’t know.

Well, Jack said, we’re going to have to try something. Anything. This wooden bucket can’t last much more than an hour.

They looked to see if they could still see the Lori II. Which way was she headed? How far would they take her? They had headed further out into the bay. Then Jack saw her. They were coming back, gaining speed, and heading straight for the docks.

Bill, Jack yelled. Can you cross the wires to get this thing started?

Yeah, I think so. It may take me a few minutes.

While Bill was tinkering with the wiring, the rest of them watched the Lori II picking up speed.

Jack couldn’t take his eyes off his speeding boat. That stupid bastard is going to open it full throttle. Oh, my God!

I think I got it, Jack, Bill announced, as they heard the engine come to life.

Bill, come here...quick...quick, Jack yelled. Bill joined the rest of them at the railing.

They watched as the Lori II swerved and dodged other boats in the bay. They were aghast as it smashed into the docks, hitting the fuel pumps in a direct hit. A huge ball of flames spread across a wide area, spewing debris and fire on the boats that were still moored at the dock. People scattered to escape the flames and the flying debris. A second or two later, they felt the shock wave of the terrible explosion they had just witnessed.

• • •

Before we go any further, I do want to touch on the situation in Iraq. Blayne said. "National Security Advisor Carrington, Defense Secretary Henderson, Secretary of State Hallipan, Homeland Security Secretary Forelli, and I have had in-depth discussions concerning the new government, which is now in place in Iraq.

"The newly elected government is making progress in establishing a democratic base. As is the case in many Iraqi cities, most of Baghdad’s infrastructure has been repaired and operating. More schools are in operation all over the country, which includes educating young females.

Although military casualties have diminished, our troops are still being attacked by terrorists. Unfortunately, we lost seven more brave soldiers last month in Iraq. As the media correctly reported, five were killed in a roadside ambush and two died in a single vehicle accident. We are concentrating on devising a reasonable exit strategy so we may begin to pull our troops out of the Middle East. Our major concern remains the growing numbers of terrorist groups operating within Iraq itself. Although it is heartening to know that the political situation is slowly improving, the latest intelligence reports indicate that al Qaeda is now seeking and training operatives in Central and South America, and Canada, as well. They have established new groups in Europe, Scandinavia, and in many locations in the Far East. They are, above all, undoubtedly, planning more attacks against us. Perhaps, Secretary Forelli could give us a brief update. He turned to Forelli. Angelo?

Vice President Juan Rodriguez, as always, appeared bored and remained silent.

Thank you, Mr. President. Although we’ve experienced no recent attacks here in the United States, Secretary of Homeland Security Forelli reported, "we are all aware of the attack on a Paris hotel in France. Most intelligence reports believe that this is in retribution to the French government’s ban on wearing religious symbols, which includes Muslim garb, in their schools.

And, as a reminder to last week’s failed terrorist attack in Bonn, Germany, it was discovered and quelled by German Police, just in time. I am proud to report that, through increased surveillance at airports, rail stations, bus depots and many other public places, we have been successful in curbing any further attacks on our own soil. I think we’re in pretty good shape, Mr. President.

Blayne smiled with a look of satisfaction. Good, Angelo. You’ve done a superb job. In conjunction with the CIA and the FBI, we know that homeland security is in good hands. Thank you, very much, for an excellent report.

The balance of the meeting went rather smoothly. Myars realized he had probably pushed the meeting to the limit. Therefore, he offered little more than reasonable questions in response to the reports, which were moving quickly.

Blayne looked surprised when the phone rang. Damn, Blayne said. The only other person who knew about this meeting was Abby. Abby Ballantine, Blayne’s receptionist for the past year and a half, had the day off. I told her to tell no one. I wanted no interruptions.

Hello, Blayne grunted. It was Abby. Abby? I told you I wanted no—what? Where? When? Oh, my God! You’d better get over here right away, Abby. Thank you. There was no question in anybody’s mind that something of great importance had happened. Blayne was pale.

Loretta, turn on the television. There’s been an apparent terrorist attack, he said nervously. Everyone sat in silence.

Ladies and gentlemen. There has been an attack at Inner Harbor, Maryland. Abby just heard it on the news and called me right away.

Fox News was on...and the news did not sound good.

chapter two

Immediately following cabinet adjournment, Blayne arranged for a special meeting with CIA Director John Maslund, FBI Director Jim Monaghan, Vice President Rodriguez, Angelo Forelli, and National Security Advisor Howard Kemble, to be held in the Oval Office.

Bobby decided to leave his car parked in his regular parking spot, rather than drive into downtown Washington for lunch. As he hailed a taxi, a voice behind him said, Could we share a cab, Bobby? It was Rita Johnson.

Rita! he responded pleasantly. It would be my pleasure. I’m heading for lunch and didn’t want to drive in this traffic. He opened the door and followed her into the cab.

Where to? the cabby asked.

Rita? Bobby asked. Where would you like to go?

Wherever you like.

OK, let’s keep it close. How about Jury’s? That’s only about five blocks.

You got it. The cabby set the meter and they headed into traffic. The three of them discussed the attack at Inner Harbor all the way to Jury’s.

As they entered, Bobby asked to be seated near a television. They were soon sitting at a table for two near a bar TV, where the Inner Harbor reports were appearing on every news station.

They watched and listened as newsmen were trying to interview the Mendelssohns and their guests. Jack spoke a few words describing their harrowing experience while the others were being treated by an emergency crew. The interview didn’t last very long.

This has been quite a morning, hasn’t it? Rita said.

It certainly has...from angering Dr. Henderson to annoying the president of the United States to a terrorist attack. Yes, it certainly has been quite a morning.

You know, Bobby, we have never had much of a chance to talk together. I’m glad we ran into each other for lunch. Bobby nodded his agreement. I hope you don’t mind, but I have to ask you about your BS remark. I was so shocked. You never say things like that. Is that the angriest you ever get?

Bobby laughed. Oh, I wasn’t angry. I’ve pretty well learned to control that. Anger causes you to lose your perspective and you don’t think as clearly when you’re angry. And about that remark? Well, I’ve also learned that when people aren’t listening or paying attention or are deliberately trying to ignore you, an out-of-character remark, like that one, does, indeed, get attention.

Rita seemed amused. It certainly got my attention. And we all sat and listened, too, didn’t we?

Her facial expression changed. She looked more serious. You really believe in what you’re saying, don’t you? I mean about economics.

Bobby looked at her with that usual slightly furrowed brow and a pleasant smile. I sure do. The market system is the only solution we have. Not just here in the United States, but everywhere in the world. We’re being strung up, politically, and hung out to dry, economically, by the liberal, progressive, Keynesian philosophy, which is nothing more than socialism...pure, plain, and simple.

Please, don’t misunderstand me, Bobby, I don’t mean to be argumentative, but don’t we owe our fellow citizens, our fellow beings, an equal chance at living a decent life so we may all share the same opportunities? Isn’t it the responsibility of government to provide and protect the rights of everyone to achieve financial success?

That deserves a qualified ‘yes,’ Bobby responded. ‘Protect,’ yes, but nowhere in the Constitution does it say that government should ‘provide’ anything except, ‘to provide for the common defense.’ If government is to ‘provide special entitlements’ and is going to give them away, as though they are rewards, merely for being citizens, they must first decide what those entitlements are and develop and control the ways and means to dispense them. Government cannot give anything it does not first take from someone else. To do that, they must continually create so-called social spending programs. When a program doesn’t work or it begins to falter or they expand it beyond its ability to remain economically viable, they just throw more money at it and create even more spending programs, which require more taxes, more taxes and even more taxes. In the end, it’s always a futile exercise. Too many believe that it’s an on-going process that never ends. But, one day, it will end. Socialism always, eventually, collapses under the over burdensome weight of its own fallacies and inefficiencies. As President Reagan said, ‘the nearest thing to eternal life is a temporary government program.’ And he was right.

Rita had to smile. She remembered having heard President Reagan say that. Believe it or not, Bobby, I’ve been a Democrat my entire adult life, but I must admit, which I’ve never admitted to anyone before, I was a silent Democrat for Reagan. Do you believe that?

Bobby looked into her bright, sparkling blue eyes and smiled approvingly. And so was I, although I made no bones about it. Everyone knew I was a Democrat for Reagan. Of course, at that time, I was still in the textile business. My wife, Eileen, was also a strong advocate of Ronald Reagan. I disagreed with his illegal-immigration solution, but I liked what he stood for. He brought back a feeling of national pride and patriotism, something we need desperately today. In fact, he embodied almost everything I believe in. He was a good man and a good president.

Bobby hesitated a moment, smiled, then asked, How about Bill Clinton? Did you support him?

Rita’s facial expression changed. She turned away, looking angry. Absolutely not, she said emphatically. That pervert. That...that! Well...never mind!

Bobby raised his eyebrows, realizing that he had hit a real hot spot. He decided not to pursue it any further.

Her desire to change the subject was very evident. I don’t mean to get personal, Bobby, but what happened to your wife...Eileen?

Now it was Bobby’s facial expression that changed. He was thoughtfully silent for a moment. Shortly after I closed the mills, we found out she had cancer. Her treatments seemed to help her a lot, at first. She felt better and looked better. Then, very suddenly, her condition worsened. In about three months, he hesitated momentarily, she passed away. Eileen was only thirty-eight years old.

Bobby, I’m truly sorry. It’s obvious you must have loved her very much.

The waiter was serving them. Bobby looked thoughtfully at his lunch. After a moment of silence, he looked up at Rita. The furrowed brow and the smile returned. Yes, Rita, I did...very much. And I miss her terribly.

Do you have any children? Rita asked.

Yes. Two sons. Matt, who is twenty-one and a junior at Hillsdale College in Michigan. And Mark is nineteen and a freshman at UNC at Chapel Hill. When they’re home for the summer, they like to work around the stables and help Dan, the caretaker. They just left last week for a fishing trip to Canada. They’ve become very close, especially since their mother passed away. They respect each other, work well together and do a lot of things together. They’re both very dependable, which is a great relief for me.

What did they think about your getting into politics? Rita asked quizzically.

Prior to my running for the Senate, the three of us had a long and in-depth discussion, covering all the positives, of which there were few, and the negatives, of which there were many. They both understood the difficulties and the change in lifestyle that would be inevitable. They both encouraged me to run and are still my biggest supporters. I try to keep them out of the limelight. I don’t want them to have to carry some negative political stigma because of me. And they play it very low-key, which is the way all three of us prefer. I call them every week, if possible, just to see how things are going. They’re great kids. They’re doing well and I’m very proud of them. Someday, I’d like you to meet them.

Oh, yes. I’d like that very much, Rita said with a slight hint of excitement.

They ate slowly and continued to talk while trying to keep an eye