The small gaggle of press that followed ex-President Jackson to Beijing, China had Skyped another of his comments back to the States. This one was even more aggressive and challenging in tone. In a staged Q&A affair, one reporter asked Jackson if there were any more developments in the Texas separation affair about the protection of rights for all citizens, as well as the future of natural resources finds.
Jackson, obviously enjoying all the attention he was getting, responded, “Thank you for your question. It is my understanding that the interim president of Texas has been made aware that every option is on the table for both of these issues. Any restriction on the civil rights gains we have made must be protected to the fullest in the new republic. Likewise, if Texas tries to monopolize the purchase of leases or ownership for natural resources found there, the U.S. will not hesitate to send troops in to protect those resources for the benefit of all purchasers from the U.S. This means exactly what it says; we will use any and all means at our disposal to guarantee neither of these things happen,” Jackson stressed.
At the end of the Q&A, he exited the facility hosting the event and went back to his hotel room. Once inside, he pulled off his tie and suit jacket, replacing the formal jacket with a velour crimson smoking jacket trimmed in black and gold. He’d requested a smoking room when he made his reservation, and he pulled a box of Havana cigars out of his luggage, picked out one, and sat in one of the large, comfortable chairs in the room, propping his feet on a matching ottoman. He clipped the end off the cigar and lit it. Soon the aromatic smoke circled around him, and he relaxed.
Switching on the big screen TV, he flipped around looking for programs in English, and found CNN, which was airing a press briefing by U.S. Press Secretary Julie Edmond.
* * *
In Washington, Julie stepped to the podium in the White House’s Brady Briefing Room, prepared to answer questions about the ex-president’s statements and to deal with them harshly enough to quiet the sense of unease they had caused. “Ladies and gentlemen, let me address the item that’s on everyone’s mind first, former President Jackson’s most recent statement, then I’ll be happy to take your questions.”
She flipped open a notebook and read for a few moments. Then she looked around the room, knowing who was seated where, based on the layout of the room and her familiarity with most of the reporters. “As you all know, President Jackson has made statements on several occasions that have caused great consternation for Americans. Let me assure you that there has never been any discussion between the current and former occupants of the White House about what the reaction of the U.S. should be in the event that Texas might begin its course into the future with a poor human rights stance. This also applies to the idea that leases for any new natural resources found in its territory would only be sold to Texans or Texas corporations.”
Again, she glanced down at her notebook, then looked up and continued. “We will deal with Texas just as we deal with Canada, as a friend, close ally and neighbor. If anything is done to restrict human rights, those affected can simply move across the border into the greater United States. As most of you know, we have a temporary free travel agreement with Texas, and citizens of either country can travel back and forth, even move permanently between the two for two more years.” She smiled. “So far, the number of people moving into Texas rather than out is about five to one, so people certainly don’t seem to harbor any such fears. And we harbor zero suspicion that Texas will abuse the human rights of its citizens.”
She called on Hilarie White, sitting in the second row in the New York Times seat. “Hilarie, what’s your question?”
“Thanks, Julie,” Hilarie replied. “I want to know if there’s been any more movement on the human rights front. Where does Texas stand on that issue?”
“Like I said,” Julie stated, “we have no indication whatsoever that Texas will try to overturn any human rights’ gains made throughout the years. If anything, I expect them to be more forward-looking on these issues than some of our own states. But we’ll keep an eye on any situation that comes up.”
She called on Blake Evans, a CBS reporter, next. “What’s going to happen if Texas discovers new natural resources in its territory?” he asked.
“Well, Blake,” she replied, “we’ll work closely with Texas representatives to come to some kind of agreement, which is exactly how this would work in dealing with any other country. Diplomacy will be a very important part of our process and, as far as I’ve seen, we won’t be faced with a recalcitrant Texas. President Kert and his administration have been upfront with us on every other issue we’ve faced. I doubt this will be any different.”
She pointed to Politico’s George Miller, sitting in row three. “George?”
“Can you tell us why the seven Heartland states are calling a press conference tomorrow?” he asked.
“With any luck at all, the Bakken Field has proven more reserves and we can convince Congress to allow overseas sales,” she laughed. “But, seriously, no, I have no idea. We were aware of some high-level meetings, but are waiting like everyone else to see what it’s about. That’s all we have time for right now, folks,” she said, flipping her notebook shut. “If anything comes up that we don’t address to your satisfaction, feel free to contact Jordan Forsythe in my office. He’ll get you any information we have and, if we feel it’s necessary, we’ll issue a press release. See all of you tomorrow.”
She turned to the right and left through the door at the back of the room.