Bill F.1

America is the most grandiose experiment the world has seen, but, I am afraid, it is not going to be a success. - Sigmund Freud

The Democratic Senator Archie Wade of New York sat with what was left of the Senators of the 130^th United States Congress. Fear and confusion permeated throughout the Senate Chamber as debate on their grim piece of business raged on. Currently, his Republican counterpart, Senator Radcliff, was preparing to speak, or rather shout. Even the microphone she was using barely drowned out the cacophonous roar of protestors in, and around the Capitol building.

Radcliff paused, at first shaken by the rather intimidating shouts. But, with a breath, she began, recognizing the President of the Senate: “Thank you, Mr. President. Now, I was born, as was our other New York senator, Senator Wade, in New York City. And, I’m sure most, if not all of you, have visited the City. Now, can you not tell me that that city is, for lack of a better word, glorious? Can you look me in the eye, and tell me with a straight face, that it is not a testament to what we as Americans can do?”

Wade, as well as Senator Clark, a Republican from Virginia, rolled their eyes and gave each other a look, as if to say, Here she goes again.

Not noticing, Radcliff continued. “So, I propose a simple question: would you trade away, no, surrender, the crown jewel of this…once great nation, with other spectacular jewels as well: Boston, Philadelphia and our own Washington D.C.? I mean, these 13 states that are left especially signify what the…” Her voice trailed off, but then continued uncertainly. “United States of America truly is, and who Americans truly are. And I dare any of you to rightly justify in your mind our county’s government abandoning its people. Thank you.” And with that, the shaking woman hurried back to her seat.

Wade had to admit that Radcliff raised a good point about a government and its relationship with its people? Why should an institution meant to stand for the people it governs, simply give up.

“Erm…thank you, Senator Radcliff,” said Vice President Greene, also the President of the Senate. As I’m sure most of you know, the Senate, which I am voting in now due to the…shortage of senators…passed a motion for cloture almost 30 hours ago. This means that we will only have time for one more speaker before the final roll call on this bill. Would anyone care to take the floor?”

Wade did not want to speak. He was about as on-the-fence about the subject as anyone could be. Thankfully, the Republican Senator Tanner wasn’t as in a gray area as Wade was. He raised his hand and, with a nod from the Vice President, walked to the podium without hesitation. He took a pause, gathering his thoughts, and spoke: “Now, we have been in debate on this subject for at least a week. Nearly every senator has been up here to speak on the subject,” Tanner said, looking directly at Senator Wade. “And, I’ve noticed an alarming trend among our senators. There seems to be, even in such a dire situation as ours, a party divide has occurred. Some of our Republicans have been suggesting that the Democrats are betraying our constituents, and vice versa. But I’d like to speak as at least one senator who disagrees with my party’s supposed stance.

“Senator Radcliff, and some other senators here, will have you believe that by selling off and dissolving what remains of the United States, you are abandoning our country and principles. But what they seem to forget is the cost of holding our ground. I’m sure you all remember what happened when the Pan-Asian Union first invaded Washington state. I’ll remind you. Governor Jay Johnson refused to surrender the state to the Union. And you know what they did? They took it anyway, killing anyone in their way, and when they captured the capitol, they took Johnson out in front of the building, threw him to his knees, and shot him in the head like a dog. Or, or in Wisconsin, when Senator Richey was led up the stairs to a scaffold with ten other citizens and hanged publicly. Or in Florida, where Governor Precil was lashed on a cross and crucified due to his lack of surrender.

“And I can keep going with nearly every major political figure in what’s no longer America, with each execution worse than the last. And if we don’t give over our land to the Pan-Asian Union peacefully, and finally settle out massive debt to them, then we would be abandoning Americans, and ourselves, condemning us all to death. All the arrangements are made. The President of the United States will support whatever we decide, and the Union has already agreed legally to change control of the territory with as few casualties as possible. So, it’s up to us to do what’s right. Thank you.”

Exasperated, Tanner wandered back to his seat. Wade was fairly stunned by this speech, but, as always, was still indecisive. Radcliff and Tanner both made great arguments. Logically, Tanner made sense. But, thought Wade, we’re still abandoning the country we’re representing. But then again…

Wade continued to ponder to himself how he would vote as VP Greene called role for the final vote. “Bill F.1, short title, ‘A Resolution to surrender the United States of America to the Pan-Asian Union. Role call will begin now:

“Adams.”

“Nay.”

“Andrews.”

“Nay.”

“Barry.”

“Nay.”

“Bond.”

“Ay.”

“Carson.”

“Nay.”

“Christianson.”

“Ay.”

“Clark.”

“Ay.”

“Dennis.”

“Nay.”

“Fields.”

“Nay.”

“Frederickson.”

“Ay.”

“Garth.”

“Ay.”

“Geoffries.”

“Nay.”

“Greene. Ay. Jackson.”

“Nay.”

“Jefferson.”

“Nay.”

“Jones.”

“Nay.”

“Kendricks.”

“Ay.”

“Luke.”

“Ay.”

“Matthews.”

“Ay.”

“Parks.”

“Nay.”

“Radcliff.”

“Nay.”

“Rodriguez.”

“Ay.”

“Stephens.”

“Nay.”

“Tanner.”

“Ay.”

“Vang.”

“Ay.”

“Vera.”

“Ay.”

Oh s**t, Wade thought.

“Wade.”

13 and 13. I'm the tie-breaker. Of course. When they look back in the history books, I'll be the one who gets blamed if things go sour.

“Wade?”

Well. It's now or never.

Wade leaned forward and voted.

Author's Note

Whaddaya think?

Reviews

[Red]

Again, you've written a good story, which doesn't surprise me. I couldn't find any errors or mistakes, the tone of the story was good, and above all it didn't suck. I started to smile when I saw what you did with the names: Johnson was in Washington, Precil was in Florida, and Richey was in Wisconsin. I also liked the end comment "Of course...I'll be the once blamed if things go sour." I think it was a good idea to leave the story hanging, it gives it that cliche movie ending touch. In other words "it was well penned out" and was worth reading. I feel like I'm becoming soft as a reviewer. I think I'm going to read some terrible poetry and destroy the illusions that they're "good." Nice job Weston.
-Red