BLACK PRESIDENT, Chapter 58. President Little thinks BIG, rehearsing for his inaugural speech to America and the world. He's dedicated to solving a multitude of modern problems.

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CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

It was accurate to say that the top Democratic leaders were shocked to hear that President-Elect Jackson Little had chosen to write his own inauguration speech. When they had offered one of their best speechwriters to the cause, they had been informed by brother John that the President will be writing all his own speeches. Most thought this preposterous. There had been no President of the United States since the 19th century and advent of TV, who did such a foolish thing. But Jackson continued to honor the wishes of his mother, who had stated long ago that when he or his brother made a speech, any speech, it better be something they wrote themselves, with words reflecting exactly their own thoughts and beliefs.

As Jackson prepared to pen the most important oration of his life he jotted down the main issues he wanted to cover, at the same time researching various historical speeches he wanted to emulate. He hoped he could deliver something containing the thoughtfulness and energy of ‘I Have a Dream,’ mixed with ‘Ask not what your country can do for you,’ with a little ‘Four score and seven’ thrown in for good measure. The points to be covered were (a) stopping the war-like stance against other countries, (b) ending poverty in the richest nation in the world, (c) faster deployment of alternative energy systems, (d) raising the standards of education in poor areas of the US, and (e), providing healthcare to all citizens, insisting that no citizen be left behind, for even pre-existing medical conditions. It continued to confound the President-Elect as to why so many Republicans seemed unwilling to help improve the common man’s lot. It was obvious that there were enormous profits to be had, for all businessmen and women, once some new directions were enacted into law. He believed that the rebuilding of America, with a distinct focus on reestablishing the stability of the middle class, would help return the country to a prosperity beyond anything ever previously known.

To hit his goal by inauguration day, delivering the best speech possible, Jackson Little set up a regime of sitting at his writing desk immediately upon rising. That meant entering his den around 6AM daily, walking over to his computer and, with the click of his mouse, loading his Word file and typing as quickly as his fingers could move. After a couple hours of such ‘automatic writing,’ he could then stop, save the file in two places for backup, go to the kitchen and grab some breakfast.

The First Lady was under some pressure as well, mainly to assure a smooth transition with the White House staff. Her first job was to coordinate the arrival of their furniture and personal items, so that the residence would be ready to occupy from day one. She also needed to coordinate the type of meals the White House chef would be preparing, which would require that she make a list of the ‘Little favorites’ (and not so favorite) cuisine. Beyond that, she had to arrange for transportation of her kids to their respective schools each morning. Communicating with a staff of 40 people, from maids to secret service, even gardeners, was not something she had bargained for as part of her everyday activities. Cissy wondered just how long a shy person like her could withstand such a demanding public routine. In any case, the daily routines of the Littles in the Washington – and White House fishbowl – were quickly established.

***

While President-Elect Little had no choice but to deal with various governmental distractions, such as meeting high-ranking Democratic personnel, selecting cabinet members, and even selecting a new design for the Oval Office carpet (a very low priority, he’d explained). In any case, he knew that the speech was everything. He had to grab control of his future administration through his initial words and concepts while he stood center-stage, his image broadcast on virtually every TV, Blackberry, iPod and PDA throughout the world. So each day, the President-Elect was back writing and surfing the internet, reading old inauguration speeches such as those delivered by President Kennedy. He also found a site where a couple pages of quotes were attributed to JFK as well. Whether or not Kennedy actually wrote them or not was beside the point. Each short phrase was a kind of cornerstone for one of the numerous speeches Kennedy had delivered during his short Presidency. What Jackson learned was that a great speech should include at least a couple of memorable catchphrases, something to be remembered by the listeners, hopefully for years to come. If the quotable quotes could sail out into the collective unconsciousness, then they could make some kind of positive difference.

One quote attributed to President Kennedy that Jackson discovered was: “The time to repair the roof is while the sun is shining.” Was the sun shining now, he wondered? Literally it was – that particular January morning in Washington. But figuratively, for the society as a whole, it wasn’t. The dollar was worth about as much as a peso. The extra drilling of oil in Alaska and off the coast of California seemed to make no appreciable difference to the overall, gluttonous petrol needs of the American public. Even with gas over $4 a gallon, the roads were still clogged with gas-hog SUVs, a leftover fleet of cars from the early 2000s. Regardless, the society needed some sort of new roof, new protection, some radical overarching concepts for better living. Maybe if he, as President, could supply new information, present a new roof’s worth of logic in his first presidential address, it would start things moving in the right direction. At another online site, President Little had learned that in order for JFK to defeat his opponent for the Presidency, he had had to uncover the ‘next big thing,’ something that Americans became subconsciously fixated on for months after the inauguration speech. In that case, back in 1960, it had been, ‘fear of erosion as a world power.’

Kennedy’s speeches, including his inaugural oration, outlined how he would turn the tide around, by demanding a commitment of hard work from himself and the American public. His leadership was founded on his physical vitality – mostly an illusion, given all his secret infirmities, including Hodgkin’s disease. But what Kennedy accomplished was to identify and solve America's psychological problem before they even knew they had one. In that manner, he had outraced the pundits.

Perhaps it had been the historical event of October 4, 1957 – the surprise Russian launch of the Sputnik satellite – that most frightened the American public and put them in need of reassurance. This unexpected Russian victory signaled that bad and possibly dangerous times were ahead. But Kennedy and his speechwriters had identified that dread and reversed it with his fine inauguration address. Could Jackson duplicate such a grand feat, deliver a speech that would equally galvanize a nation?

***

As the speech came together, Jackson decided to test it on his family, to insure he was on the right track. Of course, he’d run the final draft past Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg later, before the all-important presentation. With Cissy beside him on the loveseat, his parents settled on an adjoining sofa, and brother John inhabiting the largest armchair in the room, Jackson started in.

“Welcome dear Americans, countrymen and country women, to this occasion of new leadership, a changing of the guard in 2013. Like many people of my age, this has been a long and winding road I’ve traveled, to be standing before you today. I’ve seen many things, learned much about the human condition as I’ve grown up here in America. And if I may, I would like to share some personal observations.

“I’m the product of a broken home as are many of you – perhaps 50% – listening today. That means like you, I’ve experienced some sadness related to losing, if only temporarily, one of my parents through divorce. A loved one, someone I depended on, was suddenly missing from my daily rituals of living.

“Did it help when I learned at school that other classmates were also members of a single-parent household? Perhaps a little. But still, the loss of normalcy disrupted my sense of self. Was I not worthy of having two parents? What was wrong with me...and my brother? Why were we suddenly deserted in this way?”

As Jackson spoke on about the loss of a parent through divorce, Sarah felt herself squirming a little in her seat. She remembered the arguments between her and husband Leon, the intervention of mother-in-law Bela and phone calls back and forth to her mother Dee, before she moved herself and the twins to Chicago. She also remembered the failed attempt at reconciliation, a bit before Leon finally moved in with his young mistress. In any case, she hoped her President son would soon change the subject. But as Jackson continued on, it was obvious he had decided to directly confront emotional loss and unworthiness throughout America, without mincing words.

“What’s true is that we all need unconditional love. Fortunately for me and for my brother John, we did experience that bedrock of love from our mother and grandmother. That was the fuel that propelled us forward. We were able to feel secure, and successfully generate love for ourselves and others. Because of that vital foundational love we were able to apply ourselves fully, to learn with focus and determination and ultimately succeed. That power of love granted us the capability to move beyond ourselves, to care for others and contribute to American society.”

At this point, Jackson gave a short pause, but made no eye contact with his family members. He quickly reviewed his notes, hoping that no one would interrupt the practice reading.

“We, in government, can do only so much for our constituents when there is discord at home. What can government do with regard to disinterested teachers in the classroom, or with TV ads for products that prey on our addictions? Will that expensive bottle of hair color really make us more loved, or just cause cancer up the road? Will that new car smell make up for the abandonment we experienced as a child? Will making piles of money turn us into stable and happy adults? No. None of the external things we purchase or use to prop ourselves up will ever repair that damaged child within.

“Therefore, what I’m proposing is a new kind of structure for living and working. This administration’s focus will be on the internal, not the external. Yes, we will still make sure all the books and educational tools are supplied by the proper kindergarten, grade school, high school and college-level institutions. But, more than that, we will try to insure that the people running those programs are the right people for the job.

“We need teachers who are supportive and friendly, as well as those who qualify by educational standards. We need teachers who actually care about the young people in their charge. And when I say ‘care,’ I mean teachers who are sympathetic to all the foibles of young people today. Life isn’t easy in America. Kids have serious problems just like adults. I want teachers who are sensitive to all these modern issues of growing up. Educators can’t be allowed to compensate for their own shortcomings by belittling those with learning disabilities, or shaming some child for their personal appearance or unusual dress code. Teachers will be tested on sensitivity issues, and given promotions or demerits based just as much on being ‘good people’ as their ability to fulfill their class’s educational requirements. And in the Little administration, these gifted individuals will be fully compensated for their efforts. I plan to double the salary of all public school teachers within the first nine months of my first term as President.”

With a quick look around the room, Jackson could see a few eyebrows raised and nods of chins as his small audience absorbed his ideas for an overhaul of the educational system. It was obvious all were impressed, and perhaps yet wondering if such high ideals could really be pulled off by a newly elected President. Before anyone had a chance to comment, Jackson forged ahead again.

“Regarding the average working man and woman in America, I pledge that I will make an effort to reverse the increasing pressures of modern life. Employers must not expect their staff to take on extra duties when a co-worker is fired or terminated. Two employees will no longer be doing the work of three or four. This country cannot afford such physical strain on it’s population, which simply adds up to unwanted medical costs and extreme psychological damage to the family unit. Research shows that ‘financial problems’ are directly responsible for a high percentage of marital discord, resulting in arguments that children are often forced to witness. For this reason, I will be proposing several new bills.

“First of all, I’m hoping to secure an alternating four-day work week, to supply a three-day weekend every two weeks for the entire American labor force. Studies have shown that in countries where such an abbreviated schedule has been instituted, people are happier, healthier, and actually more productive as a result. The family that runs less ragged has a better chance to love each other, to address its member’s problems and to communicate. This country will be a much better place when we have time to actively raise the children we’ve brought into the world, instead of shuffling them off to strangers at daycare centers.

“This plan will supply more family time, which is crucial to raising our American families. And this four-day week will save our natural resources. Less commuting means less wear and tear on our vehicles, less pollution, less gas and toll costs – all things helpful in turning the global warming problem around.

“Yes, dear Republicans, I said ‘Global Warming.’ When glaciers in Iceland the size of Rhode Island are breaking off and floating out to sea I think we need to pay a little attention to the dynamics of our planet’s weather patterns, and desist from aggravating them further.”

For a millisecond before continuing, Jackson enjoyed the small audience’s response to his dig at the Republicans. And Rudy’s upward- pointing thumbs was a welcome affirmation.

“And that’s not all. Given that family stress is directly related to spiraling health costs, I’m going to initiate a new service called ‘wellbeing.com,’ where each member of each family has an account with secure password. At this website they can address their personal health issues and apply for financial aid with a minimum of forms. There will be no more middlemen or organizations between applying for help and receiving it in an expeditious manner.

“We will also institute a website, ‘workervacations dot com,’ devoted exclusively to supplying affordable vacations for all full and part-time employees. This administration will insure that those who head a household can also afford well-earned vacations. Go online and type in your city and location and see what’s offered. I think you’ll be surprised. We’ll be subsidizing various resorts around the US for this use, as a once-a-year benefit to those Americans who have worked hard during the past twelve months to make this country great.

“Each family will receive a full-paid vacation of two weeks per year – travel, lodging, food and all perks covered by Uncle Sam. This will be our thank you to all working Americans, for all your valued service in so many different capacities.”

While Rudy’s fist silently punched the air in ‘high-five’ fashion, the rest of the family members seemed to swoon at the vacation concept they’d just heard. But their President wasn’t near done.

“We’ve pushed too hard and too fast in the wrong directions, for much too long. Prosperity will no longer be carried on the shoulders of oppressed workers, stuck with hectic workweeks, struggling to make ends meet. Beyond a long-needed shift in priorities, we will make sure that no American has to drag herself to work when she is ill, simply out of fear of missing a paycheck. The overall cost of employee-spread disease is counterproductive and costly. It’s been estimated that over 300 billion dollars are lost each year through infections. Things will be different during the Little administration. With healthcare for all and guaranteed sick days with pay, productivity will increase, the taxes from revenues more than covering the cost of treating workers fairly. It’s time the government balanced its priorities, just as the average household must do.

“And regarding cigarette smoking among our teens and adults – this evil habit and its ill effects on our civilization MUST FINALLY BE STOPPED. Therefore, I will institute a sizable increase in the cost of every cigarette pack, that money earmarked for medical care across the board. Unhealthy smokers and their spiraling costs will no longer be carried on the backs of our citizens. We will now reverse the trend. From this point forward it will be smokers who und our health care system. How does $50 a pack sound? $100? We’ll raise the cost until we see costs covered. This is a disaster, folks, and we need to get more proactive. If you wish to smoke yourself to death in the new Millennium, then that’s your business. But you can’t be allowed to ruin it for the rest of us.

“By the way, it was Black slaves, both men and women, who planted and harvested tobacco on the estates of the first Presidents of the United States. Washington’s 277 slaves gave him the economics to help win the Revolutionary War and found this country. So I see no reason why the descendant of slaves, such as myself, can’t stand up and reverse this trend. We must outgrow this 18th century practice once and for all.

“And I pledge that all our food, both fresh and processed, will carry the ‘organic’ stamp by 2017. It has been proven that, without a doubt, food additives and colorization can cause cancer. The expense of treating such unwarranted diseases is unacceptable. The rapid rise in cost of medicine and hospital stays must be curtailed. We must identify the keychains of cause and effect within our culture and correct them when appropriate. There is no reason why our citizens can't grow up healthy, educated and emotionally stable. As adults in America we should be able to expect good health care, living wages and decent downtime, in order to raise our families without harmful stress. To that I pledge myself.

“In conclusion...”

Jackson looked around the room at his family and was pleased to see a new admiration in their eyes. He used that good energy to give added gusto to the final words.

“In conclusion, when historians look back at the Little administration I want them to see that it was BIG...big in heart...grand in scope, immense in vision and promise. I want to see smiles on worker’s faces again in restaurants, over drugstore counters, and to hear mechanics whistling as they repair my car. Prosperity is only successful if society's lowliest citizen is supplied with a ample portion of the bounty. Welcome to a new age, one which will be enjoyed by all. Ask not when relief is coming. It is here.”

As soon as Jackson placed his notes down on the table, Rudy started clapping. His mother, brother and wife also immediately followed. Jackson exhibited a broad smile and took several feigned formal bows, first to the right, then to the left, and finally center.

“Glad it works for you’all,” said Jackson, taking a sip of water after a smile. With the glass back on the table, he added, “Of course I realize you’re a bit partial. Thanks for listening, though, and I’d love any notes for making improvements. Just please get them to me before next week’s inaugural!”

***

While Jackson continued work on the most important speech of his life, John continued doing online research on the Masonic background of Washington's design. At one site he discovered that six of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of the Freemasons, including John Hancock. As he scrolled down the list it seemed that almost everyone who contributed to the 20th century was on the list – Henry ford, Winston Churchill, James Audubon, John Jacob Astor, even Gene Autry. Notables also included Daniel Boone, Davy Crocket, Nat King Cole, Cecile B. DeMille, Clark Gable, Barry Goldwater, and topping it all off...J. Edgar Hoover. This list, with the inclusion of almost every leader in the arts, business or government, made the one-dimensional characteristics of other secret societies like Skull and Bones seem quite bland in comparison.

John found himself very impressed with the masons and became determined to dig deeper. Using the internet he would try to uncover the deeper Masonic secrets during his hours of silently surfing the Web. Watching his twin brother's face turned toward the glow of his own computer screen across the room, John knew his research would go largely unnoticed unless he came up with a real bombshell.

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