Land Of Flatwater: Winds of Change
Jump down the shelters to get away
The boys are cockin' up their guns
Tell us general, is it party time?
If it is can we all come.
In the world headlines today -- Mass demonstrations broke out in Gdansk and Warsaw Poland today organized by the outlaw Solidarity trade union, the demonstrations are in protest to the Soviet crackdown on student riots in East Germany. Polish security police responded by firing tear gas on the protests. Unofficial estimate say over 50 demonstrators were killed, and at least 600 more arrested. Western observers say this could immediately reinstate martial law in Poland and/or lead to direct Soviet intervention. In July last year, martial law was finally lifted after an 18-month government crackdown
In the middle east -- Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir warned Syria over continued aggression in the Golan Heights in light of an aerial battle between Syrian and Israel jets Friday. "Our territory sovereignty will not bow to the Soviet puppet state of Hafez al-Assad." Shamir said. Syria still claims the Golan Heights as their territory, but has occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War, and annexed by Tel Aviv since 1981.
In national news -- As American forces stand on-edge worldwide, Naval Secretary John Lehman in a speech at the Naval Academy lashed out recent Soviet provacation toward Western Europe. "The Soviet Union wants to try to bully the entire world," Lehman said, "Well, I believe that the free world must face them down and if necessary knock them down."
in other news -- The finishing touches from two major events are taking shape. In Los Angeles, the Shrine Auditorium is being polished and ready for Sunday night's American Music Awards. Michael Jackson is expected to take home some hardware for his runaway hit album "Thriller"
On the other end of the country -- Florida prepares to host its second championship football game in less than a month as the final prep begins at Tampa Stadium for Super Bowl XVIII to be played January 22. The game will feature the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers, seeking their second Super Bowl win in three years, and the surprising AFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Both teams got to this game by upset victories on the road in last Sunday's conference championships.
In local news -- More fierce debate on the Governors controversial emergency management funding bill. In an op-ed article published the five Nebraska newspapers the Mayor of Omaha urged support for the measure saying the measure, "Gives needed tools to make sure our state is prepared to help Nebraskans recover from a disaster. You can never have enough tools when you have to clean up a mess."
Teacher's Lounge/J. Sterling Morton Junior High School/Friday January 13, 1984
The end of another week, and Gail has just finished her lesson plans for Monday already. She could use the break this weekend, just like any teacher.
"Hey Gail girl," Mrs. Germaine said. "How you doing."
"I'll be doing better once i'm in a nice hot bubble bath, Marlene." Gail said.
"Now that sounds good. Well that be for two, you and the hubby."
"Now you hush," Gail laughed.
"You going to be at the Teacher's Union meeting next Tuesday," Marlene asked.
Gail was puzzled. "Is it that time already?"
"No this is a special meeting. I just found out this morning myself."
"What it is about?"
And that point two more teachers walked in.
"Hi Marlene, Hi Gail."
"Jan! Hi," Marlebne said. "I was just filing Gail in on the meeting.
"Any idea what the meeting as about?" Gail asked.
The other teacher, Ellen filled them in. She should know. She's the school's main union rep. "I was meaning to get to you sooner today, Gail. The main topic will be dealing with the current situation. Prepardness and so on."
Gail looked with interest. "The current situation in terms of..."
Ellen was a little sheepish. "Well, in case we have an emergency situation, given whats going on in Germany and all.."
Marlene was taken aback. "Really? Hmm.. I mean, I'm hearing some things here and there on the news, but I'm sure they won't go so far as to fight about it. Will they?
Jan chimed in, "Well I did talk to my parents last night, they're rattled right now."
Gail remembered that Jan's parents are still in the same home town where Jan grew up in Germany, just outside of Frankfurt. "What are they saying."
"They are considering leaving," Jan said somberly. "They live right in a likely path the Russians and East German armies would take if they invaded. And they heard from my brother in Berlin, he's looking to get out of there, too."
"There's other things too," Ellen said. "There's been a lot of things that have been happened that we need to be up to speed on. Procedures just in case we are under some type of national emergency."
"I'll be there," Gail said. "But I hope people don't get so worked up. Everybody starts sounding like my son."
Marlene chuckled, "Your son is glued to CNN daily isn't he."
"When he's not glued to his videogames, computer or ESPN," Gail said.
"Well he owns the current events quiz bowl in my class," Marlene said. "But it kind of spooks the other kids."
Church of the Living God/Sunday January 15, 1984
"An ye shall hear of wars and rumours of war: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet," the Pastor said.
"For nation shall rise against nation," he continued his cadance staying strong. "and kingdom against kingdom: an there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."
"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
The church was often well-attended, but today it was more so. Its members and newcomers alike seeking a refuge from the growing worry of the world. The Pastor drew upon this for this Sunday message.
"Now, dear friends, given what we've been hearing for awhile this verse sums up the fear I feel. Yes, the fear I feel. I am a man of faith dear church...but I'm just as afraid as anybody right now."
"I have two nephews...who are in harms way, and I think of them. One of them is Air Force. He's a combat pilot. F-15 Eagle. He's in England right now. My other nephew is Navy. He's in a submarine."
"According to the church records, we have 60 parents who have children in the armed forces right now. I'm sure the number of higher once we include spouses, relatives, neighbors, friends..."
Ed shifted uneasily in his pew. He thought of his brother Ralph.
"Now dear hearts, " the Pastor comforted. "I know right now, we are shaken. We are scared. I know right now, we need comfort. We wonder...If there are wars and rumors of wars..where is our God?"
"When we hear the news and we hear a premier in Russia and president here...and a defense minister there, and a navy secretary here, and they a trading insults like kids on the playground we wonder...Where is our God?"
The Pastor, sounding sorrowful before, became steely. "We wonder as we see the shelters being readied and the officials nervous and our kids wondering if they'll see the next birthday..Where is our God? HE is in US, dear hearts. He is in our faith. I encourage you church, through your fear keep your faith. Through the worry, be mindful and prayerful and be mindful and prayerful for one another. Be especially prayerful for the leaders on both sides. Pray that they see reason. Pray that the can realize that Love for Our Creator means also respect for the Creation...and that doesn't mean that you go and blow it up...say Amen, church.
Amen!
A few hours later...
"YOU WANT TO WHAT???" Gail shrieked. "Ed, you done lost your damn mind. Why are you thinking about this...when did this all come about."
Ed was trying to calm his wife down. "Now baby, calm down let me explain this."
"Oh, I think you better," Gail tapped her foot nervously. One thing about Gail, when she got mad. She got mad.
Ed began, "It was Thursday, I saw Rick downtown. He came to me and talked to me about this.."
"And..." Gail said impatiently. "You said 'yes'"
"No I did not," Ed snapped and the calmed down. "But I have thought about it."
"Well unthink about it," Gail said. "Man, do you really think they are going to bomb everybody?" C'mon Ed, don't you think they know what happen if they do that? Huh?"
"Apparently not, if you've been watching the news," Ed chortled. "Notice how you haven't heard anybody talk about negotiation.."
"Do you think you and I and my son and going to run off to some damn middle no-damn where to hide in a damn hole," Gail asked.
Ed fired back. "It's a helluva lot better than dying apart.."
"There you go worrying over nothing.."
"Gail, are you sure," Ed asked. "What if the sirens go off while I'm at work and you and Chip are at school? Huh? I'm down here Northside, you and Chip are in West Omaha!"
Mom was ready to interrupt but Dad wasn't letting her, "According to our son, who is the family expert on the shit, we have maybe 30 minutes when an entire world is panicking. There's no way you'll be able to reach me, and I have no way of reaching you. According to that same 'expert' If we are down here when it hits we are dead. Our there, you guys might live through. Still, we would be in a situation where we die apart. I DON'T WANT THAT!"
Ed was nearly in tears. Gail's anger softened she sat by her husband. "Ed, remember what our Pastor said today. Faith."
Ed answered through soft tears, "I do, honey. I do. I have faith in God...but......You know, I always wondered why Chip was fired up about peace..About the CMB, OR whatever the hell its called!.."
"I'm kinda getting it now," Ed continued. "It about being on a beach with you like we were a couple of weeks ago. It about cheering for my kid. It about..living...It's about seeing your son with goo-goo eyes for some girl..."
"I've been meaning to talk to you about that, Ed," Gail said.
"Well, I think we've had that talk with Chip already, haven't we," Ed deadpanned.
"Cute," Gail said. "Listen, why would we want to even try to live. If its that bad."
Ed paused.."Because...its human to want to live. I know it in my gut. I just couldn't be sitting outside waiting for the bombs. Something at the last minute would scream at me to run or hide...I just don't want to be without you and Chip with me, if it happens."
Gail held Ed..."Honey," Gail said. "I love you, but I think you worry too much."
"Maybe so," Ed said. "But we can't pretend it isn't there. It could happen.
"Lets not talk about that now...just shush.." Gail said. "But, Ed? About that little girl that Chip likes?."
Ed rolled his eyes and smiled....but his mind also raced..."Did she really hear me?"
That night, news of the world gave way to glitz and glamour. Michael Jackson did own the American Music Awards. He took home 8 trophies, and the pundits were already projecting a Grammy Rush for the biggest artist on earth right now.
Monday January 16, 1984 -- Another positive sign. The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks both arrive in Tampa, Florida for a week of pre-Super Bowl hype. The White House annouced that U.S. Secretary of State George Schultz and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko would meet in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday for a series of meeting aimed to work the crisis out.
Tuesday January 17, 1984 -- Possible Democratic challengers to President Reagan met for a pre-Iowa Caucus debate in Waterloo, Iowa. While all are stridently against Reagan's domestic agenda, each contender supports President Reagan's handling of the recent troubles.
"The President is taking prudent measures in the face of naked aggression on the part of the Soviets. To try and say otherwise because of electoral politics is not only brazenly false, it is dangerous." -- Walter Mondale.
"I fully support the President here. Instead of being backed into a corner, we are in a position to work it out. I applaud the administration for making a move to do so." -- Gary Hart
"I want peace. So does the President. However, neither us will seek peace at a price dictated by Moscow. And no American wants that regardless of party." -- John Glenn
"Obviously we are dealing with an aggressive adversary, but that is where we as Americans have to come out for peace as a people and as people of the world. We've shown we can stand against the Soviet Union, now we must challenge them to stand with us in choosing the human race over the nuclear race. The President has done that." -- Jesse Jackson.
Wednesday January 18, 1984 -- George Schultz leaves for Geneva. In honor of Schultz heading to peace talks in Switzerland MTV plays "99 Luftbaloons" every hour at the top of the hour. Vice President George Bush was critical MTV's impromptu "protest".
"This is a sign of people who don't understand the issue. The reason why we are even having peace talks at all is because we've been firm. I find MTV's protest a form of unneeded and reckless criticism of a right policy." -- Vice President George Bush
"Reckless is when a political leader criticizes something before learning what the real story is. We are sending our wishes that both sides pull back from the brink. That the Soviets will end their crackdowns and that Americans in turn can bring a lot of sons, daughters and friends home from the battleground both sides are building needlessly." -- MTV VJ Mark Goodman
Thursday January 19, 1984 -- American negotiators, led by George Schultz meet Soviet negotiators, led by Andrei Gromyko for the first day of a summit in Geneva, Switzerland. It was a tense first day where Gromyko blamed the USA for agitation anti-Soviet sentiment in Eastern Europe.
Friday January 20, 1984 -- Opinion polls give Ronald Reagan a 65% job approval rating. At this time in 1983, Reagan was at 35%. When asked 'Do you approve of his handling of international affairs' His approval rating was at 74%
Saturday January 21, 1984 -- Peace demonstration in Hamburg fell into chaos as peace marchers clashed with anti-Soviet demonstrators. 7 dead, 62 injured, over 100 arrested.
Both Soviet and American negotiators put plans on the table in Geneva.
The United States plan called for both sides to pull forces back to pre-August 1, 1983 limit within Berlin. Begin redeployment by Noon Geneva time. Wednesday
The Soviet counterproposal called for a draw down of US Forces in Berlin to pre-August 1, allowance for the Soviet Union to keep of residual force to keep order in East Germany.
Each side rejected the others' proposal, and one member of each team got into a shouting match. One of many this week in Geneva.
Sunday January 22, 1984 -- Anatoly Dobrynin, the affable Soviet ambassador, was the guest on "The Week with David Brinkley". The Ambassador blamed the tense climate on the "an aggressive American administration who wants to engage in the brinksmanship of the past."
When asked about the Soviet cover-up of KAL Flight 007, Dobrynin was visibly upset and stormed off the ABC News set in a huff.
In a happier note, the Seattle Seahawks pulled off a big upset with a 38-31 win in Super Bowl XVIII. Running back Curt Warner was named the game's MVP after a Super Bowl-record 191 yards on 20 carries, and quarterback Jim Zorn, subbing for David Krieg who was injured in 2nd quarter, rallied the Seahawks with 2 fourth-quarter touchdown passes to outshine Joe Montana. The win gave head Chuck Knox his first Super Bowl championship.
State Capital Building/Lincoln -- Monday January 23, 1984
The Governor entered and some aided entered into Nebraska beautiful state capital building. The day was icy and cold.
"Governor is this a good idea," an aide asked. "What about how this will look in the press, and to the rest of the Unicameral. I don't agree with this sir."
The Governor strided confidently, wearing one of his "race" legs (The Governor is an avid marathoner), "We have to do this," The Governor said. "To get this bill done, and done quickly...We have to bring 'The Man' on board."
The Governor crosses some back catacombs in the state capital to reach 'The Man'. He was Nebraska's only black state senator, but he had grown in power in 14 years in the seat. He may have been one voice, but he was one powerful voice.
The legislative assistant came to the office door, "Governor?" He asked. "Good morning...he will see you now."
Despite being tucked away in a lower floor in a corner of the state capital, 'The Man' had an office that was quite senatorial. On one wall was a map of his Omaha district. Another wall was filled with varied press clipping and a lot of the hate mall he's gotten through the years. None of that hate mall ever fazed him. A proud, scholarly man. The senator took great pride in being the outsider, on being the other. The black man in the white legislature. The urbane man in a conservative rural state. The atheist in a religious heartland. Yet, he was a student of the legislative game and was becoming a master of it.
"Good morning Governor," The Man stated regally. "A pleasure to see our state's chief executive."
The Governor sat down in a chair opposite from his desk. "I think you know why I askED for the meeting."
"Of course," The Man said. "It about this emergency measure that I cannot let through the gates."
"Ernie, I have the majority I need to push this through."
"Then why are you here, Governor? If you have the means to push this through. You don't need me."
"I don't need you the filibuster this to hell and gone either," The Governor thought. He stayed on message. There was a bigger plan in mind.
"I didn't come here to fence with you, Senator," The Governor said. "Quite the opposite. I want you on board."
"You want me to back a bill that would call for suspended habea corpus if law enforcement deemed an emergency. Isn't that your job? Isn't that NEMA's job."
The Governor was calm outside but seething inside, "Who have you been talking to," He asked.
"I've talked to certain mayors, county commissioners. People in law enforcement."
"Well," the Governor said. "They're lying to you. The bill up front states that everything passes a constitutional smell test. It was drafted along side the judiciary. In an extraordinary situation, law enforcement and the national guard would be under civilian oversight."
"Even in the event of a 'national emergency' like this warmongering we are seeing now."
There the Governor did react non-verbally. "This is the real reason why a lot of the Unicameral doesn't like this sonabitch," he thought. "When brains were passed out, this guy cut the line twice. This is why I want to keep him close."
"Let's talk serious here, Senator. You come out publicly for this bill, hell, you can even say you don't support it, but you'll let the chip fall where they may. Notice the economic impact riders in it. We will change those riders to a process by which the work must get done by firms based in the district. We're talking massive money here for public works, and North Omaha could use some public works. That means jobs, Senator. It something you've been barking about since 1970."
The Senator listened hard. "Now you hear me," the Governor thought.
"And Ernie? I'm prepared to give you something you really want."
"And that is?"
"You let this bill through the gates, and I'll come out publicly for a moratorium on the death penalty. Think of it, Ernie. Getting rid of the electric chair. That is your white whale, Ahab. Imagine, a big picture of you on the dock with the harpoon in it's mouth."
The Governor felt himself smirk-smile. "Know the adversary and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles," The Governor thought.
Wednesday January 25, 1984 -- The Man publicly switches his support for the bill saying, "After consultations with Governor and key officials, I am confident of certain amendments that will be agreed to by all sides. I commend the Governor on bringing some forward thinking on an important issue to the public for the public good."
The Man exacted a few more concessions, but at the end the Governor got what he wanted.
Friday January 27, 1984 -- The Nebraska Unicameral passed the emergency management measure 40-9, the Governor signed it the same day.
"You got the win you wanted," The Mayor of Omaha said over the phone, "But how is dumping the death penalty going to play in '86 Governor? Me and the party would kind of like to see stay in the seat for awhile."
"Mike, I said I was calling for moratorium and it something I was planning to do anyway," The Governor said. "The bigger thing is the economic impacts. I throw Ernie's people a steak where in the past they only got a bone. They'd be fools not to take it."
"Either way, Walt will be pleased, that emergency funding can help here right now."
"What's the status?" The Governor quizzed.
"We have a lot of emergency functions done," the mayor said. "Our offsite control base with the county should be online within a week, but how much good will it do? Omaha may get wiped out."
"Either way, I need administrators that know what they are doing. I need you riding the county commissioners' wings out there. Also, its a matter of legitmacy. The average citizen needs to see people they see everyday, that means you. That means us. They need to see a neighbor, not some administrator. Its the only way we can maintain public order and get things done in an emergency."
"
The Governor said his goodbyes and talked to his assistant. He handed her a list, "I want you call the following people, tell them I'd like to meet with them tomorrow afternoon, ask them to drop whatever they're doing and give me an hour...and call over to South Stadium...Tell coach I'd like to drop by and talk to him next week."
Saturday Morning January 28, 1984..around 7a.m.
Chipper slept peacefully. His mind still on last night, at the skating rink at the edge of the city. The hang out...on Junior High night..
She was there. Red hair done in soft curly strands. Her freckles. The soft cotton candy lip gloss.
It was during the couples skate. She grabbed him away from two of his friends. "You are skating with me," she said emphatically. Chip didn't argue, and his boys gave him the business later.
Funny how it seems.....
Always in time, but never in line for dreams.
Head over heels, when toe to toe,
This is the sound of my soul. (This is the sound)
I bought a ticket to the world,
But now I've come back again.
Why do I find it hard to write the next line?
When I want the truth to be said.......
She nuzzled again him as the glided against it each other. Chip held her hand as they found their slow rhythm together. Sixteen wheels going the same direction.
"He's the cutest boy ever," she thought.
"Don't fall down, Chip," he thought.
After the skate, one of Jill's friend asked.. "Hey he was on the football team with my goofy brother,"
Jill smiled. "Yeah...that's my boyfriend!"
At that moment, Chip could have sprouted rocket engines and launched himself to the moon. He was that excited and happy.
"Did that really happen,?" he thought as he started waking up. "Then he saw the note under his pillow.
"Dear Chip, I like you a lot, and don't want you couple skating with anyone else. Jill xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox"
Chip stumbled out of bed and downstairs. That's where the cable box was. Still dreamy from last night, A new day and CNN smacked him in the face.
"At this hour, British police and security forces are dealing with riots in the Brixton area of London. The riots are seen as a reaction to the decision of the British government to institute emergency procedures to prepare the country for attack. Those actions included moving people out of hospitals and care homes and expanded police powers. Brixton's community, largely working class and black, rioted in 1981 in response to issues between citizens and local police."
to be continued...