This fantasy fiction story is not for the feint of heart. Let's imagine a parallel place and time where, in the near present day, a newly elected President from a border state is determined to tackle the country's big problems as he sees them. Open borders, the war on drugs and runaway government spending serve as the backdrop for his actions.....if the premise doesn't interest you, please move along.....for the rest of you, let's get started!
"Mr.Speaker, I bring to the house floor a piece of legislation that is long overdue, HR 2112, a bill for the immediate decriminalization of drugs and other banned substances... this bill will also expedite the building of a border fence and will enable the establishment of an independent territory to be known as the border zone along our southern border with
Mexico."
Across the country, in California, inmate Jim Moran was in the warden's office at San Quentin prison on cleaning duty, the TV was tuned to C-SPAN and he could see the historic vote taking place on drug legalization in Washington DC. He had landed in prison three years ago on a 10 year drug possession rap and he can hardly believe his eyes..." Roy the stuff I was popped for, Mary Jane and Cocaine, are about to be legal in America. They are voting right now in DC...how is this fair? I guess I'll be gettin' out real soon." Roy replied,"well I agree, but you know how slow things move around here when comes time to let people out..." "they better get busy on that, this affects you too, Roy!" Jim said.
At the White House, President Peck could hardly stand the excitement now that the number one policy goal of his administration was about to become law. A former border state governor he was elected president with a mandate from the voters to do three things: 1. end the war on drugs, 2. seal the borders and 3. balance the federal budget. Now he had those goals within reach. HR 2112, or the border security, fiscal sanity and drug normalization bill as some called it, would end the drug war, build a border barrier and create the "Border Zone Territory". Qualified prisoners from state and federal prisons would be transferred to the BZ, mostly those inmates without a history of violent behavior, giving them a chance of success in adjusting to unguarded life in an area of relative freedom. Upon passage of the law, the US government will take by eminent domain all land in the 1 mile wide strip of land along the US-Mexico border - this would be pursuant to article 1 section 8 clause 17 of the United States Constitution.
Land owners will be compensated and their property will be ceded to The Border Zone Territory, which will be governed by a board of trustees comprised of former convicts that found success in life after their time in jail. Inmates will have freedom in their Border Zone territory, between the US and Mexico. They will be tasked with forming their own self sufficient economy and society and will receive provisions for a period of up to one year -after that they will need to provide for themselves... no more free food or water, healthcare, dental, counseling etc. They will have to form work groups and enterprises inside the border zone territory to provide for themselves.
For increased Border security, the President and the Defense Secretary have ordered The National Guard to relocate all training exercises to the southern border. The president is now briefed by army Gen. Miguel Garcia in the oval office regarding troop allotments assigned to guard the border. "Mr. President, I understand that our new mission is to work with the US border patrol every day, 365 days a year to secure the US border with Mexico. Here's how we will do it: (PowerPoint presentation). National Guard troops will be stationed every thousand feet with non-lethal firearms and ammo, think paintballs, beanbag Guns, etc. The BZ will be the new testing ground for all such non lethal ammo. As well, they will guard two parallel 18 foot high fences (separated by 100 feet) along the border zone territory and serve as an strong escape deterrent. All in all, a total of 10,000 sand bag fortified positions (5per mile) with night vision cameras are in the process of being deployed - what a great time to be a guardsman! Each and every foxhole has a squad of 10 troops assigned to it for an annual commitment of 100,000 soldiers to secure the 2000 mile border Zone territory, 24 hours a day every day of the year. Troops will rotate to different locations and back to military bases throughout the year. Military commanders not on the front line will be able to observe our activities through a robust disbursement of Internet cameras and drones covering the entire border area. Live streaming video will be sent to the foxholes assuring full view of any and all activities in the BZ territory. In order to be fully transparent, US media and households will also be able to monitor border activity and see a random assortment of desert locations. I know you want and need the American peoples support on this project and I feel this level of openness will be appreciated by all."
" thanks Mike, it's a big job we've got and I feel you are the man for it. I promised the American people a lot in the last election and I plan on delivering on those promises. I am happy to say that we have your budget for 100,000 troops in the field as part of their training, covering the 2000 mile strip of open desert. It helps that we will have savings from the closing of several state and federal prisons of course." "Well sir, the troops do need the training and equipment that goes with it and we appreciate your support and faith in us to get the job done." "Mike you inspire confidence and there will always be something for you to do as long as I am here". "I serve at your pleasure, sir, anytime, anyplace." "Mike, are you headed for the Border Zone today?" "Yes sir, I am going directly to Andrews AFB and then catching a flight to El Paso."
"Safe travels, Mike, keep me advised and don't hesitate to call."
Jean Schooler, advisor to President Peck enters the Oval Office " speaking of the devil, hey Jean, give me some good news!" Good morning Mr. President, good news, OK well the good news would be that you are winning! have you seen the latest polls on the border zone? the American people love it!""OK so what's the bad news?" " well sir on the drug issue when the people in this poll are asked about the inevitable problems with sudden easy access to marijuana, cocaine and heroin they are very concerned but also, they do agree that every employer should be able to use random drug testing to make sure the people aren't under the influence or intoxicated while at work. They also like that the Dept. of health and human services is a streaming videos online for every individual, community & company in America to review on the topic of drug normalization." " well Jean, let's be honest. we know that it's going to be a tough transition to drug normalization but after decades of the war on drugs and over 100 years experience with drug prohibition, Americans told us in the last election that the new century calls for a new way of addressing this issue and that people must have the freedom to make decisions for themselves regarding formally illegal drugs." " you got it exactly right sir you ran on this agenda and then American people chose you over your opponent. Congress has passed the bill 2112 and the borders on the fence is being constructed in record time. And it sure helped that we were able to suspend environmental laws and regulations along the entire length of the Borders Zone with your executive order. The work teams are busy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and they are making astounding progress." "Ok Jean, what else is happening?" Sir, as we speak, 200,000 prisoners are being transferred to the Border Zone. They are coming from every corner of the country. Felons from every congressional district, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York, Chicago, Miami are on their way to the BZ. Every mile of the border has housing for 100 inmates, here's a look at what is in place sir....you can see the large white canvas tents, each has bunks for 25 individuals." " very nice in this Birdseye view of the tents it kind of looks like a windmill with four wings pointing in opposite directions." "Yes sir the winds of change are upon us..."
Meanwhile as the nation watchers cable TV news is struggling to keep up with the border fence prisoner transfers to the BZ and now illegal drugs filling the airwaves… on a morning news show the discussion was widely "OK Mr. Linguista, with no more war on drugs what will law enforcement do now with their free time? asked cohost Brian Flannery " well Brian, in my experience as Jerseycity mayor, there will always be something to keep cops busy. the American people spoke loud and clear in the last election after decades of failed policies and strategies from Washington DC - bold steps are now being taken to change the status quo. Now while I don't necessarily agree with everything that's being done, people are fed up. Let's face it for years inmates have had the upper hand, they spit on cops and prison guards, they sue the police and corrections department for mistreatment, they demand special food based on any number of considerations, they get free healthcare ...I could go on all day." "Mr. Mayor how do we get to this place as regards prison inmates?" " well that's a good question, it just came to be the norm overtime. prisoners got more and more power, the pendulum swung too far in their favor as they got concessions on prison conditions and overtime their behavior got worse and worse. things occurred that were never tolerated before all that prisoners right stuff came along... you know the saying 'you do the crime you do the time' well here's the bottom line - Americas patience with coddled inmates has run thin, the party is over and the border zone territory is the new address for state and federal felons."
Just two blocks from the White House in Washington DC at the Sheraton Carlton Hotel a hairstylist was at work in the salon off the lobby ...."Gloria', remind me how long of you been in the states ? ""Mr. Rittz I told you many times , over 20 years ago I came to the US on a student visa, I attended community college here in Washington then I went to work here at the hotel with you " " I remember that day Gloria, the customers have been happier ever since you came ""this salon is really like family to me Marty, especially after I lost my husband." "He was a good man Gloria , the best ." "yes he was and not a day goes by that I don't think of him . he was a terrific husband and a great cop . In fact, we still live in the house he found for us in Hyattsville. " "So tell me , what do you think about the borders zone and drug legalization? "
" I will tell you Marty, I'm really worried not for myself but for my kids ....drugs are dangerous you know that I do worry about my kids getting into the drugs ..." ,"and what about the borders zone?" "Gloria oh my goodness, don't get me started.... we make the beds in this hotel , wash the dishes, cook the meals and now what do we get in return ? A fence and military troops?" she said "this is not fair ....my husband died for this ?" "OK sorry I am Going now..."
mr. Ritz exits and Felix Ortega, security chief for the hotel enters the salon… "Calm down Gloria , you have nothing to worry about... hey you've been here in the US as long as I have and your kids are good, they stay out of trouble so it will be fine. your husband was my partner so I've got your back and I will keep an eye on your kids , plus you got a brother who is a priest don't you? I'm sure he prays for your family every day ." I know Felix, but I'm a single mom ...I can't help but worry." " don't worry, I will know what is exactly what is happening with your kids Gloria, trust me ." " now come on , put your magic hair styling skills to work here and help me out get rid of all this gray hair - you know I've got a date tonight !" "oh really, Felix, does your wife know ?" they both left laughed..."hey where is your boss going today?" asked Felix "oh Marty? did you see him? I guess you just missed him ...he's headed down to the White House his muy import ante customer over there, EL Presidente , needs to trim his hair" Gloria replied .
Just a few blocks away on Pennsylvania Avenue Juan Calderon and Jared Greenberg , attorneys for two powerful Washington DC lobbying organization's stand at a podium at the national press club. "As soon as we heard about the border zone, the ACLU began preparing to file suit and seek an junction against this new law. We will claim in DC federal court that the legislation amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, which is expressly forbidden in the eighth amendment to the U.S. Constitution. we are joined in the suit by LaRaza, a leading national group representing the Hispanic community." Mr. Calderon read a brief statement "generations of immigrants will never forget this day, it will forever be in our memories and we will not rest until we gain back the respect Americas immigrants deserve." Mr. Greenberg added "this barbaric border zone care cannot and will not stand if the American Civil Liberties Union has anything to say about it! our message to the president and Congress is that we intend to have our day in federal court and strike down this awful law!"
Questions from the press followed : "what about the drug legalization portion of HR 2112, are you pleased with that Mr. Ginsberg?" another question "the bill offers amnesty and a path to citizenship doesn't it, Mr. Calderon, isn't that a step forward for immigrants?" " we will have no further comment today , but we will be heard in the days and weeks to come ." the attorneys clasped hands, smiled and raise d their arms in a show of solidarity on the platform as the press snapped pictures And the cameras rolled for the evening newscast.
..in the White House Rose garden president Peck held a signing ceremony for the 'border security drug legalization bill' as members of the administration and Congress stood and smiled, then he made a brief statement...
" Americans from every corner of our nation benefit from this remarkable bill, secure borders and an end to the war on drugs will make our country more peaceful and prosperous.... billions of dollars in savings from closing federal penitentiary's will go directly to debt reduction and there's a new pride and resolve in America today born from DC politicians finally having the good sense to follow the people's will and take the steps necessary to tackle the big problems that face us all."
Back on the West Coast inmates are awoken from their bunks. " wake up Jim, get up there taking us somewhere !"it was the middle of the night in D block at San Quentin prison in Northern California as the inmates were aroused shortly after midnight cell by cell ..."what are you talking about? I said Jim Moran, shaking off his blanket..." get up , come on man !" cellmate Roy Keith was already headed out of the cell in shackles..."let's go Moran, we got a bus waiting for you and your buddies out front... here put this on" The guard handed a vest like garment with a built-in backpack to Moran..."this is different, where we going on a field trip?" Moran was still a bit confused as he was cuffed and let out outside to a line of buses with armed guards waited for the prisoners ...most of the inmates still half a sleep. once they boarded the all of drab transport vehicles a guard stepped forward and spoke "you are being transferred from San Quintin by special order of the president, you will be informed as to your final destination later." the inmates looked surprised and one spoke "hey chief I want to go to one of those cusher white-collar joints, you know, minimum security for me and my friends." " then I bet you're taking us to the Giants game, they're playing the Dodgers today I think ....you guys are the best!" inmates laughed and triced to get more information, but the guards were not talking as the caravan Road on US Highway 101 south across the Golden gate Bridge at midnight under a bright full moon ....state police cruisers with the lights flashing escorted the prison buses quietly through predawn San Francisco, down Lombard Street passing homeless wanderers and early morning bread delivery trucks ....the prisoner saw the office buildings and homes and streets of the 'city by the bay' through barred glass windows and arrived at San Francisco international Airport in just under an hour.
The buses drove through security gate directly onto the airport tarmac, where C 130 military aircraft fliked the runways in all directions, each bus held 64 prisoners, just enough men for each waiting plane.... shot gun toting guards led the shackled prisoners from the buses to the planes and were told to sit on the long benches on the sides of the open cargo plane ......in every plane after the prisoners had boarded, a uniformed military pilot stepped forward and addressed them.
"Inmates my name is Captain champion, for the next few hours you are my guest in the custody of the US Air Force... as you can see, your armed escort have joined us and they have orders to shoot anyone that doesn't behave... the buckshot in their guns will not penetrate the skin of my fine aircraft but it will penetrate your skin, I promise you that! uncle Sams finest C1 30 air charter will be departing for the great state of Texas in just a few minutes we will have some information for you here in this pamphlet.... read this after your shackles are loosened, you'll need the information for your landing ...and now please enjoy the ride we will be departing momentarily .....a few minutes later, guards walked down the center of the aircraft and loosened the restraints, then handed out bags of food filled with beef jerky, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and juices......" what is this Christmas in July?" Said Moran "no but I'll be damned if this ain't one Fourth of July I won't soon forget" said Roy "looks like we are leaving this plane by the rear door if I understand what this brochure is talking about...I guess that explains the backpack .....holy cow! I'm glad to be out of San Quintin but we are in for quite a night!" the prisoners were upset and angry at the surprise exit that awaited them but the sleeping pill mixed in with the drinks they were given soon took affect and they drifted off to sleep as the planes take off and rumbled through the night sky.
It's the evening of 4 July and crowds have gathered along the US-Mexico border to witness the 'inaugural inmate drop' as it was billed, delivering the first prisoners to the border zone ....instead of fireworks the heavens are filled with the humm of aircraft cruising at 130 knots at an altitude of 2000 feet ....guards woke the passengers and pushed the inmates to the open back ramp of the airplane with thEire gunbutts and wooden batons ....one by one the prisoners were grabbed by the guards and thrown into the darkness as their parachutes opened ......shrieks filled the night air and suddenly a single light appeared then another.....as seen from the ground, the night sky is filled with the light of flares attached to the parachuting prisoners being dropped from above into the border zone. The crowds cheer along every mile of the border as they watch thousands of felons descend from the heavens, parachutes billowing and flares a blaze against the night sky.... they continue to watch wave after wave of parachuting hooting and hollering candlelit bodies ....when they land, the border zones new occupants gather their senses, release their chutes and sit for a moment ...the first group to land sees a nearby tent with a bright light flashing red light on top ....there by each bed they will find a duffel bag with clothing, toiletries, a plastic box with food rations for 10 days.... every mile of the border zone contains 4 tents each housing 25 men for the entire 2000 miles of the border zone ... to be continued