“So what does this mean exactly?” asked the anchorman on the news show.
“Well, it means just that. Tennessee has taken the stance this is a State issue and doesn’t involve the Federal Government. And they have backed up their claims with actual deeds, not just words. They are falling back on the Tenth Amendment as this is an issue to be resolved between States and rightly so,” said the Constitutional expert on call for the show. A scoff was heard off camera and the view changed to the second individual.
“You disagree James?” asked the anchorman.
“I do indeed. This falling back on the Tenth Amendment thing gets old. There are Federal Laws in place for the child endangerment and abuse along with their protection. This certainly can become a Federal matter quickly since the two States are disagreeing,” said the second man, another expert in Constitutional Law and government.
“These rules are regulations, which I take it you are referring to the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, does not give the Federal Government any powers they are currently taking for themselves. It is intended to assist States with preventing child abuse and neglect, not dictating terms on what need to be done,” said the first, a man named Ronnie Case.
“But in this case, two States are disagreeing. It is the role of the Federal Government to intercede and to assist in resolving this difference,” said James Irwin.
“And I would agree, but not the Executive Branch. It should be up to the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the matter. Both State Supreme Courts have issued their rulings as well as the Sixth Circuit Court. So in this case, it needs to go before the Supreme Court to be resolved,” said Ronnie.
“But until such time, the child needs to go back to the State of New York and into their custody!” said James.
“And back into a potentially explosive situation? New York has already released their investigation in the matter. They say there isn’t any danger. Now the case is ongoing, but they feel comfortable releasing the girl back into her home. Additionally, they cannot find the parents of the child in question for further interviews or the original investigating agent. But this is even after the independent investigation released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. They make far different claims,” objected Ronnie.
“Which they were not supposed to do to begin with,” said James.
“Quite possibly it was illegal, but at the same time, here is where the Federal Government should have helped. They could have and should have made a neutral investigation into the matter, but chose to endorse one of the two investigations in the matter,” said Ronnie.
“But the fact of the matter is, one State cannot just go and take a child away from another State! The girl is a minor and cannot make those decisions on her own yet!” exclaimed James.
“Courts have been ruling on the concept of children ‘divorcing’ their parents for a number of years now. I’m not saying it’s right, but the courts have determined some children have the right to choose. Now we have a girl who has claimed religious persecution as well as potential sexual abuse. Are you one to send her back into that environment and take a chance of it happening or would you rather err on the side of caution? Would you allow it to happen to a member of your own family” demanded Ronnie.
The second man was quiet at the question and his silence spoke volumes. And public opinion was swaying largely towards Tennessee in the matter. With the general outcry over Muslims and their actions in the United States, more and more people were being drawn into sides in the matter. But the White House wasn’t backing down on the matter. The President had taken the side of the New York State Government and demanded the child be returned. But the anchor didn’t bring that up right then as he had other topics to cover before the show ended.
“With all the rhetoric being thrown around, what will be the outcome of this?” asked the anchorman.
“It’s simple, one side eventually has to blink in this matter,” said Ronnie.
“By blink you mean?” asked the anchorman.
“The last time this same language about States’ Rights starting flowing so freely was in 1860. And eventually someone blinked there as well,” said Ronnie.
“Are you saying a civil war could break out over this child? Something so simple?” asked James.
“I personally believe the historical examples are showing us what we need to see. The patterns in the days prior to the breakup of the Union are eerily similar. You had a lot of States clamoring for their rights in accordance with what the founding fathers had in mind. Today, States are fed up with the Federal Government getting involved in their lives. As well as the people of the Union as we know it. Far too many voices are being heard this day saying the Federal Government is too large to effectively control by the common people. They are fed up with being taxed and the government spending money it doesn’t have. Just look at how the elections turned out. The people wanted change and they spoke their minds. Probably going to be the same thing in 2012 during those elections. They want their representatives in the government to put a stop to some of the madness going on. And Congress has the opportunity to put a stop to the disagreement here, but they are failing to do so,” said Ronnie.
“This could lead to civil war?” asked the anchor.
“No, but it most certainly could lead to the breakup of the Union. I’m not saying it will, but the historical examples show us it is a possibility. And in turn, we have no idea where that would take us,” said Ronnie.
The anchor looked at James for a rebuke, but the look on his face was one of agreement and not of his typical arrogance for anything the talking head had to say. It was an unusual circumstance for the anchor as these two were typically at each other’s throats during the broadcast, but this time, the uncomfortable silence meant the station needed to take a break.
“We’ll be back with Ronnie Case and James Irwin after an update from our news desk,” said the anchor as the camera cut to commercial and to the headline news desk in another studio. “Well, you two certainly have gotten our attention.”
“I hate to say it,” began James. “But Ronnie is right. The historical examples are there for us to see.”
“But you don’t believe this outcome will result in a civil war?” asked the anchor.
“No, I don’t believe that and I don’t believe Ronnie does either. But it is a potential course,” said James. “Not very realistic, but it is potential. And of course, this gets your network more exposure as well as the idea getting thrown around the public. Nice to see you can still shape history from a news cast.”
“And the fact the Federal Government has cut off funding to a State? While not specifically illegal, it’s certainly not the best course of action,” said Ronnie.
“And this is something I agree with as well. You don’t cut off your nose to spite your face,” said James.
“I can’t ever remember a time you two have agreed on anything,” said the anchor with a chuckle.
“We both like horses,” laughed Ronnie who actually got along with his counterpart off screen even though they were as opposite as day and night politically.
“And the sky is blue,” said James.
“Yeah, and the Tooth Fairy is playing poker with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny this weekend during prime time,” laughed the anchor.
********************
…And in other regional news. West Virginia State Police arrested a half dozen members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms today in a raid near Charleston. The Agents were on a stakeout near an alcohol production facility when they were detained and arrested by the police forces for exceeding their federal charter and conducting an illegal raid. The facility, contracted by West Virginia University, is producing ethanol for studies in alternative fuels research and has been for the past nine years. BATF spokesman claimed the contractor was operating the facility without a proper Federal license and had received reports of the individual selling moonshine. West Virginia State Officials say the facility was under the supervision of and regulated by the State Department of Agriculture and no Federal laws were broken since the alcohol produced was not being transported over State lines.
Washington is still demanding the release of the twenty-nine FBI agents arrested in the early morning sweeps in Knoxville Tennessee. The Agents, members of the Hostage Rescue Team, were on ground and actively searching for Cindy Grant also known as Haseena Hassan. The Tennessee Governor stated he is making good on his promises to exclude any Federal intervention in the custody battle between the State of New York and Tennessee and vows to continue arresting Agents and Officials as they enter the State. Local FBI and other Federal Agencies have already been evicted from their offices and have been ordered out of the State of Tennessee. The President had no comment, but the White House Press Secretary stated “other options are being considered for the release of the Federal Agents unlawfully detained as well as putting a stop to this insurgency within the State of Tennessee. Law and order will prevail.”
A total of eighty-eight Federal Agents and Officers have been detained in the past week since the announcement by the Tennessee Governor. Additionally, another six States have joined the coalition objecting to the Federal intervention in the Grant case, bringing the total to twenty-three. Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Vermont and Colorado all made press announcements stating their desire for the Federal Government to back off the situation and would stand by Tennessee and other members of the coalition if the need arose. Federal funding has already been cut off to the majority of the States who have already joined the coalition and it is likely the funding will be cut off to the newly joined States as well. The Speaker of the House made this announcement yesterday in response to the additional withholding of funds:
“The President has abandoned all sense of reality by withholding the people’s money! It is not his money to withhold! It is our money, the people’s money! I called the Governor of Ohio this morning and told him Congress would not object to his plans to stop the flow of tax dollars to Washington. Even if it means I’m not getting paid, the taxes you pay need to stay where you pay them. I encourage ALL States to follow the lead of Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma in stopping all Federal taxes from being sent to the government. Eventually the coercion of withholding Federal funds will be an empty threat since he won’t have the money to withhold anymore. We can and will starve the beast if all States join together and stop sending your hard earned money to Washington.”
The White House had no comment for the remarks of the Speaker. However, the Minority Leader of the House stated he was “out of line and should be admonished.” She introduced a vote containing the same verbiage as the previous admonishment of a Representative after an outburst during a joint session of Congress. After she began speaking, she was interrupted and shouted down by several members of the opposite party. It took nearly ten minutes for order to be restored before the motion was voted down by a voice vote.
In a poll conducted yesterday, 83% of Americans support the decision made by Tennessee in the matters concerning Cindy Grant. 7% said the State was in the wrong and 10% were unknown. Thousands of e-mails, letters and phone calls have been received by the Governor’s office in Nashville. Additionally, ‘Sheriff First’ legislation has been introduced in another eleven States today, bringing the total to thirty seven States with the legislation on the agenda. Nine States have already voted the measures in full and California has called for a special referendum and vote on the matter. The White House had no comment for the poll numbers or the legislation.
Cindy Grant still has yet to be found by government officials as they are still searching for her in the State of Tennessee. They claim to have promising leads, but have yet to identify the precise location where she is being held. FBI Spokesman…
“It’s hard being a celebrity you know?” said Cindy very sarcastically as the news on the radio continued in the background.
“Fifteen minutes of fame, the rest of your life either wanting more or wishing it never happened,” said Charlie. “Three-eighths.”
“You’re still pretty popular,” said Cindy handing down the ratchet and socket.
“I suppose so. The books still sell,” he said while trying to fit the bolt into the socket. He found it too small and handed the socket back up. “Swap that for a seven-sixteenths.”
She found the appropriate socket and handed it under the car to him. “Can I ask a personal question?”
“Like something’s ever stopped you before?” he chuckled and found the bolt fit perfectly. He started ratcheting it down with a regular driver.
“Why did you stop writing?” asked Cindy.
“Dunno, just lost the desire for it after Annie died. Sat behind a computer for close to a year and never could think of a darn thing to write,” he said and grunted at the bolt he had tightened most of the way down. She didn’t realize he was working on another novel in his spare time. “Torque wrench.”
“Never wanted to get back into it?” she asked and handed down the appropriate tool, not realizing he had been hard at work on a new novel.
“Maybe, but farming keeps me way too busy these days,” said Charlie.
“I started reading one of your books the other day. Not bad, but too manly for my tastes,” she laughed.
“I had some women fans,” he objected.
“Just because they were star struck doesn’t count. Some women will chase anyone they think is a celebrity,” she laughed.
“And not for my good looks and charm?” he laughed.
“I suppose you have some endearing traits besides your writing abilities,” she laughed.
“Might I remind you there ain’t a cornucopia of women hanging around the edge of the driveway stalking me,” he laughed. “Flathead screwdriver.”
“Which one?” she asked.
“Ummm, give me the one quarter,” he said. “So yeah, I guess most of those women fans were quick to turn to someone else once my books went off the best seller list. I suppose I’m old news and not very worthy of being stalked these days.”
“Did you forget about Mary Worthington? I think I’ll put in a good word for you and invite her over for dinner one night,” laughed Cindy as she located the screwdriver and swapped it out with the wrench he handed up.
“Just remember, if we hit it off, who’s to blame? And just imagine the breakfast conversations,” said Charlie.
“And what would Erica think?” asked Cindy.
“I think she’s been pretty patient with me so far. If I was to do something stupid like that, she would have both our heads on a platter,” he said as he made a minor adjustment.
“Okay, maybe not such a good idea,” laughed Cindy.
“With age comes wisdom young lady. All us old guys aren’t dumb,” he chuckled.
“Just most of them,” she said with her sassy tone. He reached out and smacked the back of her leg with the belt he was getting ready to install on the motor. Not a full fledged hit, but playfully tapped her enough to get her attention.
“Owww!” she exclaimed through gritted teeth.
“One thing to remember, you might think we’re dumb, but we’re crafty and sneaky in our old age,” he said with a chuckle and went back to working on the engine.
“Not fair! You had that belt ready to go!” she exclaimed.
“Like I said, sneaky like,” he chuckled.
“You may be sneaky, but brute force wins every time. I’ve got all the tools up here including the hammers,” she said.
“Okay, I give up. But a personal question for you. I haven’t really heard you talk about boys and all. I know it’s kind of a thing girls typically talk about with other girls, but I haven’t even seen you make gaga eyes at any of the boys that came around except Toby,” said Charlie.
“I don’t know, just kind of given up on the male side of the species for the moment,” she said.
“And Toby?” he asked.
“Toby’s a nice guy. Cute and all, but he doesn’t talk! He seems like a nice guy any girl might want, but he never talks to me. Just gives me that silly shy grin all the time,” she replied.
“You ever try to start a conversation?” asked Charlie.
“Plenty of times, but he’s just far too shy,” Cindy replied.
“So you are interested?” he asked.
“I guess. I mean, the thought of a boyfriend is okay I guess, but I guess I’m old fashioned enough for him to make his move first,” she said. “I guess I’d just rather be his friend for the moment.”
“You might be waiting quite a while for him to make a move,” he said with a grunt as he tightened another bolt.
“Why are boys so dumb?” she asked.
“I can’t answer that without being prejudicial in my reply,” he laughed.
“I mean, at least with Nate Jones I know where he stands. But with Toby, who knows if he likes me or not? I think he does, gave me a shirt and we kissed that one time, but nothing since then. Boys could drive women insane,” she said dramatically.
“The same could be said of women you know,” he replied.
“Not us! We’re angels!” she said innocently.
“Honey, women could drive men up the wall all day long. If it wasn’t for scientific evidence saying otherwise, I would say you all are a completely different species,” he laughed.
“And the same could be said for most of the men I’ve encountered for the past few years,” she said.
“Understandable, but we all ain’t like…them,” he said.
“No, you’ve restored my faith somewhat,” she said.
“Well, I can sleep better at night,” he said with a laugh. “Arc joint pliers.”
“Which are those again?” she asked.
“The ones with…kind of looks like the jaws are off at an angle. One handle is bent up like a hockey stick,” he said, thinking of a way to describe them.
“Which one?” she asked and handed down a set of arc joint and vise grips. She didn’t know which one in particular since she was still learning the tools of the toolbox. She knew what most of the tools were, but every once in a while one escaped her.
“Those, but the smaller ones,” he said, tapping the tool as he looked at it.
“So yeah, I’ve come to realize all men aren’t horrible,” she said after grabbing the proper set.
“Some can be downright mean when it comes to it. But I think you know this already,” he said.
“I know, I guess I’m like any girl my age, looking for the perfect man,” she said.
“Ain’t no such thing sweetheart,” he grunted as he tightened another bolt. “Hand me the ratchet again with that seven-sixteenths.”
She located the tool and handed it down. “So you’ve never met a perfect man or woman in your life?”
“Don’t think there is such a thing as a perfect woman either. I think it’s the imperfections we love more than what we think is the ‘best’ qualities,” he said.
“Very profound,” she said.
“It’s true,” he said and worked on another bolt. “So no boy bands crashing my property?”
“Nah, they aren’t my type,” she said with a laugh.
“And your type is?” he asked.
“Dunno, I’m kind of young and all. Figured I’d try ‘em all out to figure out which one I liked the most,” she said.
“Mind you I will not be having boys sneaking onto my farm after dark young lady,” he warned from below the car.
“You go to bed early you know,” she said.
“I’m a light sleeper,” he laughed.
“Don’t worry about it, I’m being good. It’s hard being Little Miss Proper, but eventually I’ll have my day,” she laughed.
“The things I put up with,” he chuckled from under the car.
“But another question. Why haven’t you taken the next step with Erica?” asked Cindy.
“Just never have. I guess I just haven’t pushed it to that next level yet,” said Charlie. “I mean, we haven’t been together that long either so it’s kind of a stretch to imagine engagement.”
“Afraid of commitment?” asked Cindy.
“No, just haven’t taken it to the engagement level yet,” said Charlie.
“You think you ever will?” asked Cindy.
“Maybe, I don’t know. She’s made her feelings quite apparent for me,” he said with another grunt.
“But you haven’t for her?” asked Cindy.
“I didn’t say that,” said Charlie. “We’ve talked about it.”
“You two are good together. A blind man could see that in a heartbeat,” observed Cindy.
“We do get along very well. I just…I don’t know,” said Charlie.
“What?” asked Cindy.
“I just guess I’m afraid of going through the hurt all over again,” said Charlie honestly. “I could imagine us growing old together very content with our lives, but I’m afraid of getting hurt or even hurting her.”
“You’re afraid of something?” asked Cindy.
“Never said I was the bravest man on the planet,” he remarked.
“I beg to differ. Anyone who takes in a poor lost teenage girl out of the kindness of their heart is somewhat brave,” she chuckled.
“There is that,” laughed Charlie.
“So I should set up a romantic dinner for the two of you and hope for an eventual outcome?” she asked with a laugh.
“Playing matchmaker again?” he asked with a grunt as he tightened down a bolt.
“Nope, just being me,” she said and he imagined she had her silly grin on her face.
“Suppose I could call up the Jones boys and ask them to come over and help out. They’ve got a thing for old engines,” said Charlie.
“You play dirty, you know?” she said after a moment of reflection.
“Nah, just crafty,” he chuckled. “Torque wrench again.”
********************
“Frank? Frankie Tidwell?” asked Dianna Grant as she went through the supermarket. She was being escorted as par for the course, but had broken off grabbing a few specific items
“I’m sorry?” he asked, looking at the women in the full niqāb standing to his front.
“It’s Diana Grant,” she said and pulled up the veil.
“Diana! It’s been forever!” he said. “What are you doing in New York?”
“Visiting some friends,” she said. “And you?”
“Wow, I never expected to find you here,” he said and motioned at her attire. “I have to ask.”
“I’ve converted to Islam along with Stephen,” said Diana.
“To answer your question, I got a job here. Shift manager at one of the hotels,” said Frankie, accepting the explanation in stride. He saw plenty of odd things in his job and it was no big deal as she was still the same person inside.
“I thought you were in Oregon, or at least were the last time we saw each other,” she said.
“I was, but had to move back here on account of my parents since they aren’t doing well. They retired over in Pennsylvania and this was the closest place I could get a job,” he informed her. “And you two? How is the family?”
“We’re doing good,” said Diana.
“And the kids?” asked Frankie, being polite.
“Good,” said Diana guardedly.
“Wow, I still can’t believe I ran into you in New York City of all places,” he said. “And besides the veil, you look great.”
“You haven’t changed a bit either,” said Diana. “Still not married?”
“Just can’t seem to keep Miss Perfect in my sights. Something in my life goes haywire and the opportunity slips away,” he said.
“And I thought you were engaged the last time we spoke,” she replied.
“I was, but since I went to Afghanistan for a year with the Reserves, it kind of ruined what might have been a good relationship,” said Frankie.
“I’m sorry,” she replied.
“Not your fault. Halfway around the world and a year apart is a hard sell on a prospective bribe to be. So it just didn’t work out,” said Frankie.
“You’ll find someone eventually,” said Diana.
“I’m sure,” he said. “Hey, I’ve got to run, but we should hook up for lunch or something sometime and catch up. You should bring Stephen along as well.”
“He’s out with a job right now,” she replied.
“Okay, just the two of us. No big deal, right?” he asked. “Just friends.”
“I’ll see if I can make it,” said Diana as she took the telephone number from him and put it in her pocket. They shook hands and departed, with her putting the niqāb back on before meeting back up with the group. But even as she wandered down the aisle, she was being watched by another member of the community. And he would report her goings on to the leadership of his community and furthermore, the report would make its way back upstate.
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