I Will Faithfully Execute
A.J. Roye
All Rights Reserved 2022
This is the second, and final submission for this story.
Chapter 5
"The Governor of Texas is on the line for you, Sir."
I looked up from the Special Prosecutors' reports, as she entered The Office.
Emily Marks. Presidential secretary for three presidents.
"Thank you, Ms. Marks," I replied. She smiled and left for her desk... just outside The Office.
I closed my eyes before I picked up The Desk phone. I had a good feeling about this call.
"Good morning, Governor Jung. I always look forward to your calls."
"Good morning to you, Mr. President,"
Darla replied, then paused.
"I have some good news, Sir. I have the Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor with me in the Governor's office... at the State capitol. Along with many members of the Texas House and Senate."
"Good news, Madam Governor. I welcome good news."
"President Thomas... I, along with the members of our State legislature, and guests, are about to go live on social media."
Darla paused.
"I will be signing the certificatio, of the Texas Legislature passing three federal constitutional amendments, this morning. By doing so, The Great State of Texas will be the 38th state to ratify, and thus, causing the amendments, to become a part of the Federal Constitution. The three amendments are... The Balanced Budget amendment. The Term Limits for the House of Representatives. And, the Seventeenth Amendment is repealed. I, along with the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor, will be issuing a press release on this historic day. I am calling you, Si... to invite you to watch me sign the historic documents."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Jess walked in and was smiling widely. Apparently, she heard the good news.
"This wouldn't have happened, if not for your hard work, Jack. Reaching out personally with each Governor and leaders of the State legislatures. All fifty of them. A monumental achievement, Jack. As Governor, I want to say thank you, for the People of Texas. These three amendments will be a giant step in limiting our federal government. I knew, when you were elected President, you would be the one who could do this."
"Thank you, Governor. And to the members of the legislature, who can hear my voice. Thank you for your leadership... dedication to our Nation... and your willingness to do the right thing, despite the political pressures you were under. I honor you. And, I would gladly accept an invitation to Austin to personally thank each of you."
"Jack. Give us fifteen minutes and you can watch history made today."
I said good bye and hung up the phone. I looked to Jess... with a smile...
"The news has already broken, Jack. News outlets are scrambling to the Capitol in Austin."
I sat back in my chair and relaxed. Smiling to my sexy Chief of Staff. I straightened my necktie. I took a deep breath.
"And... the butthead reporters, as you call them. Out there on the sidewalk, are outraged you haven't come out to speak with them about this."
"They don't deserve it," I groaned, as I waved a hand through the air. "They did everything they could, to sway public opinion against me, and my efforts to involve The People, in reforming their federal government. Well... their lies and half-truths didn't work. You only have to look to the 38 States, who've had enough of... 234 years of partisan politics, uncontrollable taxation, and spending. Any comments I have, Jess... will be made in Austin. Not in Washington. Fuck 'em... Fuck 'em all!"
I stood and went to the window behind The Desk. Looking across the lawn of the White House and the people outside the fence. Standing on the sidewalk.
"They have no idea how important this day will be, until their children read about it in school, twenty years from now." I gestured to the street.
I heard Jess step close... "The Governor of California is outraged. She's threatening to lead an effort, for California to leave the United States, and become an independent nation. She's pointing to state polls, that suggest she has the support."
I nodded at the scene in front of me. More people have gathered outside the fence.
"Any other threats from The States?"
"Just California. So far."
"Hmm," I replied. I continued looking across the lawn and to the street beyond. "I haven't forgotten the day, I went to California, to speak to the legislature. I was welcomed with protesters, outside the Capitol, in Sacramento... throwing eggs, rotten tomatoes, pancake syrup. I appeared in the legislature, with my ruined clothes, and spoke to them. You begged me to change my clothes. I wanted to be seen fighting for our freedoms, despite the efforts of those, who wanted to take those freedoms. I was heckled in their chambers. You... begging me to leave." I took a deep breath, as I watched the soft wind blow, through the trees. "I get, that there are those, who hate me, for who I am, and for what I came to Washington to do." I turned to Jess. "You got some of that welcome, too."
Jess... with me in Sacramento, had been hit by someone squeezing a bottle of pancake syrup at me. I turned back to the window.
"Imagine, Jess." I continued. "I go to California and actually help the people secede from the United States. To campaign on their behalf, to leave the protections of the United States."
I saw a small flock of birds land on the lawn.
"California votes to leave the United States and... ... I get Congress to declare war on California. I subdue the government, in Sacramento, with military force, and get Congress to declare California a territory. No longer a State. Under military marshal law. Absolutely no representation in The Congress. The United States receives all the benefits of their ports in San Diego, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Oakland... and The People living there have no say in their future. Congress... and the Executive will have that say. They will rebel... and I blockade their ports with the Navy and Coast Guard... and militarize their eastern and northern borders. Congress cuts off all federal funding to the now, Territory of California. Congress may even elect to change the name of this territory."
I turned to my right and faced Jess. She looked really worried. In my neutral voice...
"You're afraid I'll do it."