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Authors: Gordon Ryan
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understood. Sending troops to keep California in the Union is another matter. In my opinion, it would not justify open combat—body bags—in American cities.”
Harford nodded. “And Senator Culpepper? Is he convinced of the need for more domestic security resources—that the Domestic Tranquility bill is the answer?”
Rowley chuckled. “Culpepper used the term ‘promote the domestic tranquility’ himself the other day in committee. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“You better hope it’s only irony. We need Culpepper to support our White Paper on the need for increased domestic surveillance measures and arrest powers for the private security guard force. We need the Patriot Act expanded, more law enforcement authority. We also need to be able to offer a private security alternative to an unpopular activation of the National Guard.”
“I’ll stay on it. Culpepper is not quite as susceptible as some of the others. He’s in his last senatorial term and looking for his legacy, not more campaign funds. But he’s always been in support of security measures, and from the tone of his last public announcement, he understands that Americans are going to have to make some tough choices between personal liberty and security.”
“If he’s not going to be with us, T.J, then it’s time he retired, voluntarily or otherwise. I’ve got over fifty million tied up in the latest generation metal detectors, bomb sniffing apparatus, unmanned aerial vehicles, camera equipment, and public building security measures, not to mention getting ready for over 150,000 security guards in public facilities around the country. This operation will dwarf the TSA build-up to secure airports. I need this policy accepted and the Patriot Act enhanced to permit its implementation. Domestic Tranquility hinges on Culpepper’s committee and the Pentagon’s recommendation.”
“The Pentagon is a lock, John, and Culpepper is only one man. With or without him, we’ll see it through Congress.”
“See that you do. Are you convinced that our new president can’t stand in the way?”
“What can he do? He doesn’t even have a cabinet lined up yet, and from what we hear, he’s considered turning his nose up at Cumberland’s promised appointments. That alone will set him against his own party. He’ll be impotent to get his initiatives through Congress, much less stand in the way of all these ‘patriotic’ congressman who are only thinking of their country and the security of the people. Perception management. That’s my business, remember?”
“Save your damned perception management spiel for those more gullible, T.J. As for cabinet officers, what can we do to override Snow’s reluctance to appoint Pat Collins as Secretary of Defense? That was part of my deal with Cumberland.”
“Actually, I hear that still might go through. Nothing firm yet, but my Pentagon source says Snow has requested that the background check continue.”
“If you can massage that appointment, by all means get it done. Collins is ‘in the loop,’ if you understand my meaning. Did you arrange my interview with General Wainscott?”
“Friday. He’s champing at the bit to join SI.”
“Well, we need him to remain as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Army for the immediate future, but that doesn’t prevent him from going on salary—surreptitiously, of course. Sweeten the pot. Tell him we’ll put him on salary now and hold it until he signs with us, then we’ll call it a signing bonus.”
“Of course. I better go, John. I’ve got a few more legislators to convince that America is in need of domestic tranquility .”
“Keep me informed,” Harford said.
Chapter 6
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Office of Information & Public Relations
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C.
February
President Cumberland’s immediate death from a heart attack and William Snow’s elevation to the presidency, as traumatic as it seemed, had provided much
Harford nodded. “And Senator Culpepper? Is he convinced of the need for more domestic security resources—that the Domestic Tranquility bill is the answer?”
Rowley chuckled. “Culpepper used the term ‘promote the domestic tranquility’ himself the other day in committee. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“You better hope it’s only irony. We need Culpepper to support our White Paper on the need for increased domestic surveillance measures and arrest powers for the private security guard force. We need the Patriot Act expanded, more law enforcement authority. We also need to be able to offer a private security alternative to an unpopular activation of the National Guard.”
“I’ll stay on it. Culpepper is not quite as susceptible as some of the others. He’s in his last senatorial term and looking for his legacy, not more campaign funds. But he’s always been in support of security measures, and from the tone of his last public announcement, he understands that Americans are going to have to make some tough choices between personal liberty and security.”
“If he’s not going to be with us, T.J, then it’s time he retired, voluntarily or otherwise. I’ve got over fifty million tied up in the latest generation metal detectors, bomb sniffing apparatus, unmanned aerial vehicles, camera equipment, and public building security measures, not to mention getting ready for over 150,000 security guards in public facilities around the country. This operation will dwarf the TSA build-up to secure airports. I need this policy accepted and the Patriot Act enhanced to permit its implementation. Domestic Tranquility hinges on Culpepper’s committee and the Pentagon’s recommendation.”
“The Pentagon is a lock, John, and Culpepper is only one man. With or without him, we’ll see it through Congress.”
“See that you do. Are you convinced that our new president can’t stand in the way?”
“What can he do? He doesn’t even have a cabinet lined up yet, and from what we hear, he’s considered turning his nose up at Cumberland’s promised appointments. That alone will set him against his own party. He’ll be impotent to get his initiatives through Congress, much less stand in the way of all these ‘patriotic’ congressman who are only thinking of their country and the security of the people. Perception management. That’s my business, remember?”
“Save your damned perception management spiel for those more gullible, T.J. As for cabinet officers, what can we do to override Snow’s reluctance to appoint Pat Collins as Secretary of Defense? That was part of my deal with Cumberland.”
“Actually, I hear that still might go through. Nothing firm yet, but my Pentagon source says Snow has requested that the background check continue.”
“If you can massage that appointment, by all means get it done. Collins is ‘in the loop,’ if you understand my meaning. Did you arrange my interview with General Wainscott?”
“Friday. He’s champing at the bit to join SI.”
“Well, we need him to remain as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Army for the immediate future, but that doesn’t prevent him from going on salary—surreptitiously, of course. Sweeten the pot. Tell him we’ll put him on salary now and hold it until he signs with us, then we’ll call it a signing bonus.”
“Of course. I better go, John. I’ve got a few more legislators to convince that America is in need of domestic tranquility .”
“Keep me informed,” Harford said.
Chapter 6
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Office of Information & Public Relations
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C.
February
President Cumberland’s immediate death from a heart attack and William Snow’s elevation to the presidency, as traumatic as it seemed, had provided much
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