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Public Re-actions? What does the New Year hold for American politics? That is the question many of us will be asking in this country. But we won't be the only ones, as various factions around the world are aware that events in Washington may directly affect them. Let's take a look at recent history. When Monica Lewinsky testified before the Grand Jury, U.S. forces rocked Sudan and Afghanistan with cruise missiles, blowing up an "aspirin factory" and a few tents in the desert. But, regardless of the propaganda we are fed, a few innocent people likely died in those attacks. Then, in December, as the House prepared to vote on impeachment, Baghdad was lit up as American forces once again launched guided missiles into the city. Is it just me, or has a pattern developed here? And, if I'm thinking it, I'd wager a few people in the Middle East had the same thought cross their minds. And the impatiently await the Senate trial, knowing full well that each day could bring new tragedy. Depending on daily polls of the Senate, and how the President's chances stack up, enemies of the state could have unpleasantries visited upon them. It might go something like this: DAY 1 - The Senate leadership announces a trial schedule, including when testimony will take place. Baghdad is rocked with a barrage of dumb bombs, dropped from high level B-52s, leveling the southern part of the city. DAY 2 - As the first day of testimony begins, Henry Hyde makes the House's case on Article I for impeachment. Before the House Judiciary Committee's Chairman's comments are completed, missiles rain into camps in the foothills of Afghanistan, followed by low- level strafing runs complete with incendiaries. DAY 3 - Chairman Hyde begins his statements for the Second Article of Impeachment, to a full Senate gallery. Meanwhile, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon is lit up with rocket fire from a ship in the Mediterranean. Support artillery from Israel finishes the job. DAY 4 - As the Senate calls their first witness, Fidel Castro's mansion explodes, after a cruise missile dropped from a B-1 finds its mark. A pre-selected group of CIA-trained operatives seize the capital, killing half of Castro's staff. A new government is installed, and a ticker-tape parade honoring El Presidente Clinton is held in the streets of Havana, as half of southern Florida packs up and prepares to return home. DAY 5 - The Senate calls White House lawyers to make their arguments against the charges. American troops sweep into North Korea. A broken and demoralized army retreats, and within 24 hours the South controls 75% of the peninsula. DAY 6 - Given the current deployment of U.S. troops abroad, Senate Democrats call for an end to the trial. Senate Republicans vote down the request, calling White House lawyers back for another day of testimony. American commandos parachute into Kosovo, and kidnap the opposition generals, airlifting them to The Hague in the Netherlands to stand before the war crimes tribunal. DAY 7 - The Senate leadership calls for closing arguments, preparing for a vote on two counts to remove the President from office. American amphibious forces storm southern Iraq, up to Basra, seizing the oil- rich part of the country. Gas prices plummet. DAY 8 - The Senate votes, along straight party lines, 55-45, to convict, failing to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary. The Presidency is maintained. Unfriendly elements (at least those left) around the world breath a sigh of relief. Hey...don't laugh...it could happen! |
