Something Serious Has Happened on Air Force One (a Tl/story by Geon)
- Thread starter Geon
- Start date
The election is less than a year away and the New Hampshire primary is just three months away, there's no way such a Constitutional Amendment could get through Congress and be ratified by 38 states in that short of a time. It took just over two years in OTL and that was unusually fast.
That's assuming such an Amendment even gets onto the floor of Congress; the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman is Jim Eastland, not a big Kennedy fan. If he does allow it to move forward, it would probably be conditional on first dropping any Civil Rights legislation until after the 1964 elections.
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Geon
Donor
@Mad Bad Rabbit I'm curious. How did the Democrats get it onto the floor in our timeline?
Chapter Five: Reactions and Responses
Geon
Donor
Chapter 5: Reactions and Responses
Dallas, Texas, November 30, 1963, Morning:
An editorial in the Dallas Morning News:
The decision by Mayor Cabell yesterday to demand that Dr. Earl Rose and Police Chief Jesse Curry take indefinite leaves of absence should be a clear sign that Washington is flexing its muscles once again; and shamelessly using the death of a popular and beloved President as a cover.
It is a tragedy that the deaths of President Kennedy and Vice President Johnson took place in Dallas. But the greater tragedy is that the federal government seems to be using their deaths to overextend its reach yet again.
We have seen this before with the segregation issue. Now we see it as the federal government seeks to undermine Texas law.
Dr Earl Rose as an official of the state of Texas was perfectly within his rights asking that an autopsy be held before the body of the President was released to return to Washington. This is Texas law. However, officials in the Federal government have a different view of things evidently.
Dr. Rose was following Texas law and had a court order to retrieve the body for autopsy. The Dallas Police Department were acting in full accord of Texas and local statutes when they boarded the President’s plane. Whatever occurred aboard Air Force One the federal authorities are at least partly to blame for it given their refusal to allow the body to be removed for an autopsy. Why? Why did they not want to wait a brief day until the good Dr. Rose fulfilled his duty? What, if anything, are they trying to hide?
For fulfilling his duty Dr. Rose and Mr. Curry have been placed on indefinite leave. Let’s call this what it is. They have both been fired but have not yet been given their official walking papers. Such is the “reward” given to Jesse Curry, whose police force so speedily rounded up the accused assassin of President Kennedy and the murderer of Officer Tippett.
It is painfully clear that there is much about the twin tragedies of November 22, 1963, which the federal government would prefer not to reveal to the public. The question is, what are they trying to hide and why do they think they need to sacrifice the careers of two honest public servants to do so?
The people of Dallas and indeed of all Texas should demand answers.
Birch Bayh pushed hard for it, and Eastland didn't have any particular reason to oppose in 1965, since the VP seat wasn't vacant.
Someone is fishing in troubled waters, trying to see how much trouble they can stir up. Now they're trying to put the blame for the murder of the president on the Feds. I hope this backfires GOOD.
I could even see an extremist group trying to get things stirred up to the point thatt martial law is needed--then blame Uncle Sam or repression and undue use of power.
If there's any military bases near Dallas, then they need to be on increased alert. Unlikely that anything will try anything that stupid just yet, but...
I could even see an extremist group trying to get things stirred up to the point thatt martial law is needed--then blame Uncle Sam or repression and undue use of power.
If there's any military bases near Dallas, then they need to be on increased alert. Unlikely that anything will try anything that stupid just yet, but...
I know, but I wonder if someone's trying to take it to a new level...claiming states's rights to prevent an investigation of who killed the President!
Not just segregation. States rights, especially in the south, was a key belief, and overreach by the federal government was a real fear by many there. Segregation was the lightning rod, but continued belief in the “ideals of the lost cause” still ran deep. Listen to some speeches by Wallace and Maddox during the 60s, and you’ll get an idea of the kinds of resistance the government will face. Republican politicians will beat these drums loudly if the White House is not very careful in its response.
ric350
"Overreach" waasn't the fear, IMVHO. The fear was that the Federal Government would do what it was supposed to, such as minor hings like enforcing federal law.
If the Republicans beat the drums too loudly, they might lose the northern Republicans. In OTL, George Wallace was the last third party candidate to get any electoral votes, in 1968.
Nixon's southern strategy of '68 might be VERY different , nor not even tried, depending on how things go. I see a serious potenial for there to be a hunge division between the state's right and law and order candidates. Third Party candidate in '64?
Chapter Five (contd.) A Conversation between the Director and the Attorney General
Geon
Donor
In the Dallas office of the F.B.I. one of those committed to finding those answers was talking on the phone long-distance with the Attorney General of the United States.
“We’ve interviewed Dr. Rose three times now Mr. Kennedy,” J. Edgar Hoover reported. “He is sticking to his account. He says he was invited on board by Johnson, asked to have the body of President Kennedy removed, got into a scuffle with Ken O’Donnell and then all hell broke loose.”
“And he claims he has no idea who fired the first shot,” Inquired a very upset Robert Kennedy?
“Correct sir, he claims he was facing O’Donnell when the first shots were fired and didn’t see where they came from.”
After a pause the Attorney General asked, “What about the five police officers?”
“Sir, like Dr. Rose, we’ve interviewed the five police officer who were aboard the plane three times now. All five continue to stick with their stories that they saw one of the Secret Service agents rush up from the back as the argument between Mr. O’Donnell and Dr. Rose became more and more physical and try to put himself between the two men. One of the officers said he thought he saw the man drawing a gun and yelled ‘gun’. Gun shots were exchanged and after that it was pretty much chaos on the plane.”
“According to James Rowley none of the agents came forward as that officer has said he did. Someone isn’t telling the truth here Mr. Hoover. And I would very much like to know if it is the Dallas police officers who were there or one of our people,” said Robert Kennedy with a touch of anger in his voice.
After a moment Robert asked, “What about the two officers’ supposed connections with the John Birch Society or the Klan?” Hoover responded, “We’ve triple checked Mr. Attorney General. The officer who was a member of the John Birch Society disassociated himself from the group over six months ago. And the supposed Klan association of the other officer is so tenuous as to be non-existent. The man’s cousin whom he rarely sees may have attended one Klan meeting back about a year ago.”
Hoover continued, “There is one piece of new information. The officer who supposedly yelled ‘gun’ is a rookie. He’s only been on the force for a little over a month and mostly has been assigned to desk work. The day of the incident was only his fifth time in the field. We are going to focus our next series of interviews on him.”
“Very well Mr. Hoover, keep up the pressure. We need to get to the bottom of this. Keep me posted and…thank you for all you are doing. I think you and your men are doing an excellent job given the circumstances,” said the Attorney General.
There was a pause as J. Edgar Hoover looked at the phone wondering if he had heard correctly. A compliment from one of the Kennedys? After a moment Hoover managed to say simply, “Thank you Mister Attorney General. We will endeavor to continue to learn all we can.”
The conversation ended as Hoover pondered the fact that he had just gotten a compliment from Robert Kennedy.
“We’ve interviewed Dr. Rose three times now Mr. Kennedy,” J. Edgar Hoover reported. “He is sticking to his account. He says he was invited on board by Johnson, asked to have the body of President Kennedy removed, got into a scuffle with Ken O’Donnell and then all hell broke loose.”
“And he claims he has no idea who fired the first shot,” Inquired a very upset Robert Kennedy?
“Correct sir, he claims he was facing O’Donnell when the first shots were fired and didn’t see where they came from.”
After a pause the Attorney General asked, “What about the five police officers?”
“Sir, like Dr. Rose, we’ve interviewed the five police officer who were aboard the plane three times now. All five continue to stick with their stories that they saw one of the Secret Service agents rush up from the back as the argument between Mr. O’Donnell and Dr. Rose became more and more physical and try to put himself between the two men. One of the officers said he thought he saw the man drawing a gun and yelled ‘gun’. Gun shots were exchanged and after that it was pretty much chaos on the plane.”
“According to James Rowley none of the agents came forward as that officer has said he did. Someone isn’t telling the truth here Mr. Hoover. And I would very much like to know if it is the Dallas police officers who were there or one of our people,” said Robert Kennedy with a touch of anger in his voice.
After a moment Robert asked, “What about the two officers’ supposed connections with the John Birch Society or the Klan?” Hoover responded, “We’ve triple checked Mr. Attorney General. The officer who was a member of the John Birch Society disassociated himself from the group over six months ago. And the supposed Klan association of the other officer is so tenuous as to be non-existent. The man’s cousin whom he rarely sees may have attended one Klan meeting back about a year ago.”
Hoover continued, “There is one piece of new information. The officer who supposedly yelled ‘gun’ is a rookie. He’s only been on the force for a little over a month and mostly has been assigned to desk work. The day of the incident was only his fifth time in the field. We are going to focus our next series of interviews on him.”
“Very well Mr. Hoover, keep up the pressure. We need to get to the bottom of this. Keep me posted and…thank you for all you are doing. I think you and your men are doing an excellent job given the circumstances,” said the Attorney General.
There was a pause as J. Edgar Hoover looked at the phone wondering if he had heard correctly. A compliment from one of the Kennedys? After a moment Hoover managed to say simply, “Thank you Mister Attorney General. We will endeavor to continue to learn all we can.”
The conversation ended as Hoover pondered the fact that he had just gotten a compliment from Robert Kennedy.
Chapter Five (contd.) Diplomatic Dancing
Geon
Donor
Washington, D.C., The White House, 11:00 a.m. (EDT):
Anatoly Dobrynin, ambassador to the United States from the Soviet Union, was escorted into President McCormack’s office. This was the first time he had met Mr. McCormack since the man had become president. Of course, he had met him at various Washington diplomatic functions, but they had never really developed a relationship of any sort.
Now with the deaths of both Kennedy and Johnson he needed to get a “feel” for the new man that the Soviet Union would be dealing with at least for the next year. Kennedy had been young and dynamic. What would this new man be like?
After some preliminary small talk President McCormack got down to the reason he had asked Dobrynin to come to the White House.
“Mister Dobrynin,” the President began. “First on behalf of our country I want to thank you for the many expressions of sympathy by your government on the death of President Kennedy and Vice-President Johnson. They were all most appreciated.”
“Thank you, Mister President, the passing of President Kennedy was a great tragedy. And it is always sad that one so young and full of promise is cut down just when he has begun to make a difference.”
“Yes, that’s the reason I asked you to come here today, Mr. Ambassador. Our investigation into the background of the accused assassin of President Kennedy, one Lee Harvey Oswald, indicates that the man, for a time, defected to the Soviet Union and had only returned to the U.S. about a year ago with his wife and daughter.”
“Now, Ambassador Dobrynin we know that the K.G.B. interviewed Oswald while he was in Russia, and we also know that they likely have an extensive file on him. We would like a copy of that file for our investigation.”
Dobrynin eyes opened slightly in seeming surprise. Although in fact this was no surprise. A top-secret message from Moscow earlier in the week had warned Dobrynin that the Americans would want to investigate any links that fool Oswald had with Russia. He had already been given instructions on how to respond.
“Mister President, of course the Soviet government will be happy to assist the U.S. government in any way regarding this investigation. However, it might take some time to retrieve the file in question. The K.G.B. like any other intelligence agency is notorious for its reticence to reveal sensitive information no matter how minor it may be. Still, I will pass along your request. I am sure our intelligence community would be happy to cooperate with yours in this matter,” said Ambassador Dobrynin smiling.
“Thank you, Mr. Ambassador,” said the President also smiling. McCormack however was no fool. They want time so they can doctor anything they give us to ensure there is nothing incriminating that can point back to them. If Oswald was an agent, they will do their best to bury that fact.
Even as President McCormack was thinking this he continued. “The sooner we get this report the sooner we can allay the suspicions of some in our government.”
“Suspicions, Mister President,” said Dobrynin, although he already thought he knew what was coming?
“Yes, Mister Ambassador,” continued President McCormack. “Given Oswald’s defection and his political leanings there are some in our government who are concerned that he might have been used by some rogue groups in your own to upset the relations between our two nations.”
Dobrynin knew exactly what that meant. He was not surprised. Given that Oswald had spent time in Russia and his political sentiments of course the Americans would have their suspicion.
In his own mind Dobrynin had to admit he wondered whether someone in the K.G.B. had indeed been insane enough to go ahead with some rogue operation. Oswald was supposed to be reasonably skilled in the use of a combat rifle. His existence as a practical non-entity would ensure the anonymity an assassin would need. He hoped his speculations were wrong. But the K.G.B. was a law unto themselves. Their plans and policies were their own and they answered to no one.
Even as he thought this Dobrynin smiled and said, “Of course, Mister President I fully understand your concerns. I will forward your request to my government. I am certain they will be happy to help your people in their investigation in any way possible.”
President McCormack smiled as he and Ambassador Dobryinin concluded their meeting, the latest round of this dance called diplomacy.
Anatoly Dobrynin, ambassador to the United States from the Soviet Union, was escorted into President McCormack’s office. This was the first time he had met Mr. McCormack since the man had become president. Of course, he had met him at various Washington diplomatic functions, but they had never really developed a relationship of any sort.
Now with the deaths of both Kennedy and Johnson he needed to get a “feel” for the new man that the Soviet Union would be dealing with at least for the next year. Kennedy had been young and dynamic. What would this new man be like?
After some preliminary small talk President McCormack got down to the reason he had asked Dobrynin to come to the White House.
“Mister Dobrynin,” the President began. “First on behalf of our country I want to thank you for the many expressions of sympathy by your government on the death of President Kennedy and Vice-President Johnson. They were all most appreciated.”
“Thank you, Mister President, the passing of President Kennedy was a great tragedy. And it is always sad that one so young and full of promise is cut down just when he has begun to make a difference.”
“Yes, that’s the reason I asked you to come here today, Mr. Ambassador. Our investigation into the background of the accused assassin of President Kennedy, one Lee Harvey Oswald, indicates that the man, for a time, defected to the Soviet Union and had only returned to the U.S. about a year ago with his wife and daughter.”
“Now, Ambassador Dobrynin we know that the K.G.B. interviewed Oswald while he was in Russia, and we also know that they likely have an extensive file on him. We would like a copy of that file for our investigation.”
Dobrynin eyes opened slightly in seeming surprise. Although in fact this was no surprise. A top-secret message from Moscow earlier in the week had warned Dobrynin that the Americans would want to investigate any links that fool Oswald had with Russia. He had already been given instructions on how to respond.
“Mister President, of course the Soviet government will be happy to assist the U.S. government in any way regarding this investigation. However, it might take some time to retrieve the file in question. The K.G.B. like any other intelligence agency is notorious for its reticence to reveal sensitive information no matter how minor it may be. Still, I will pass along your request. I am sure our intelligence community would be happy to cooperate with yours in this matter,” said Ambassador Dobrynin smiling.
“Thank you, Mr. Ambassador,” said the President also smiling. McCormack however was no fool. They want time so they can doctor anything they give us to ensure there is nothing incriminating that can point back to them. If Oswald was an agent, they will do their best to bury that fact.
Even as President McCormack was thinking this he continued. “The sooner we get this report the sooner we can allay the suspicions of some in our government.”
“Suspicions, Mister President,” said Dobrynin, although he already thought he knew what was coming?
“Yes, Mister Ambassador,” continued President McCormack. “Given Oswald’s defection and his political leanings there are some in our government who are concerned that he might have been used by some rogue groups in your own to upset the relations between our two nations.”
Dobrynin knew exactly what that meant. He was not surprised. Given that Oswald had spent time in Russia and his political sentiments of course the Americans would have their suspicion.
In his own mind Dobrynin had to admit he wondered whether someone in the K.G.B. had indeed been insane enough to go ahead with some rogue operation. Oswald was supposed to be reasonably skilled in the use of a combat rifle. His existence as a practical non-entity would ensure the anonymity an assassin would need. He hoped his speculations were wrong. But the K.G.B. was a law unto themselves. Their plans and policies were their own and they answered to no one.
Even as he thought this Dobrynin smiled and said, “Of course, Mister President I fully understand your concerns. I will forward your request to my government. I am certain they will be happy to help your people in their investigation in any way possible.”
President McCormack smiled as he and Ambassador Dobryinin concluded their meeting, the latest round of this dance called diplomacy.
Quig
Banned
Very good post, Geon. The possible alliance between elements of *both* American and Soviet governments to get rid of Kennedy is very much like what happens in Star Trek VI where Admr. Cartwright, General Chang, and the Romulan Ambassador conspire on behalf of "all those who would lose from peace".
Chapter Five: (contd.) President McCormack and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Geon
Donor
Shortly after the ambassador left President McCormack prepared to make a call he had been dreading.
The recipient of the call, was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
After initial greetings President McCormack got down to the reason for the call.
“Dr. King, I wanted to call you to make you aware now before this gets into the newspapers and on TV. It seems unlikely that we’ll be able to pass the Civil Rights Bill anytime next year before the election.”
After a moment Dr. King responded, “That is indeed unfortunate news Mister President. May I ask why this piece of legislation so vital to black people throughout the country is being delayed?”
“You may indeed sir,” answered the President. “The fact is with the deaths of President Kennedy and Vice-President Johnson we have lost two of the most influential individual sponsors of the bill. I must tell you Rev. King that with elections approaching many southern Democrats and Republicans will be looking to shore up their base with white southern voters in their respective states. If we were to try to bring the vote now, I fear the Bill would be voted down by a majority in both House and Senate. If Johnson were still alive, he could certainly have rallied the Senate for us. But right now, we don’t have anyone that has his prestige able to get the bill through.”
The President continued, “I will assure you sir that this government still stands solidly behind ensuring equal rights for all the citizens of this land. But sadly, I must tell you the chances of it passing next year are doubtful at best now. I can promise that after the elections in November of ’64 hopefully the make up of both houses of Congress will be more amenable to the passing of this legislation. And I will assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Bill is brought up again after the 1964 elections.”
“Mister President, I believe you sir,” replied Dr. King. “But what you say assumes that the elections will go in favor of our cause. And for the most part these are elections many of my people have no vote or voice in. You are asking us to wait yet again. I don’t know how long people here will be willing to wait.”
“There is a lot of mounting anger and frustration with Washington here and elsewhere throughout the country. Many people put simply are tired of waiting.” King continued. “Please do not misunderstand what I am about to say. This is not a warning or a threat. However, there are voices other than mine in the Black community that are calling for much more violent means to gain our basic rights as citizens. You know who some of these voices are.”
“If our people see that the U.S. government is unwilling to fulfill the promises made by President Kennedy, they may turn to those I just mentioned. This would be a grave tragedy for both all our people black and white sir. I ask that you exercise whatever authority you have to impress this fact upon the members of the Congress,” Dr. King concluded.
“I will do what I can Dr. King. But as of right now I wanted to let you know the situation and let you know that I will do all in my power to ensure that this Bill will be brought to a full vote once we know the climate is right. You my personal word on that. And I will be informing my Attorney General that he is to vigorously prosecute any attempts to intimidate Black voters as they are registered in the South. You know the Attorney General’s reputation. And you know that he will do everything he can to ensure his brother’s legacy includes the passing of this Bill,” President McCormack responded.
After a pause Dr. King said, “Very well Mister President. I understand your position. Please remember though, the old saying, ‘all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. The longer things are delayed the more I fear the consequences for this entire country.”
The recipient of the call, was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
After initial greetings President McCormack got down to the reason for the call.
“Dr. King, I wanted to call you to make you aware now before this gets into the newspapers and on TV. It seems unlikely that we’ll be able to pass the Civil Rights Bill anytime next year before the election.”
After a moment Dr. King responded, “That is indeed unfortunate news Mister President. May I ask why this piece of legislation so vital to black people throughout the country is being delayed?”
“You may indeed sir,” answered the President. “The fact is with the deaths of President Kennedy and Vice-President Johnson we have lost two of the most influential individual sponsors of the bill. I must tell you Rev. King that with elections approaching many southern Democrats and Republicans will be looking to shore up their base with white southern voters in their respective states. If we were to try to bring the vote now, I fear the Bill would be voted down by a majority in both House and Senate. If Johnson were still alive, he could certainly have rallied the Senate for us. But right now, we don’t have anyone that has his prestige able to get the bill through.”
The President continued, “I will assure you sir that this government still stands solidly behind ensuring equal rights for all the citizens of this land. But sadly, I must tell you the chances of it passing next year are doubtful at best now. I can promise that after the elections in November of ’64 hopefully the make up of both houses of Congress will be more amenable to the passing of this legislation. And I will assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Bill is brought up again after the 1964 elections.”
“Mister President, I believe you sir,” replied Dr. King. “But what you say assumes that the elections will go in favor of our cause. And for the most part these are elections many of my people have no vote or voice in. You are asking us to wait yet again. I don’t know how long people here will be willing to wait.”
“There is a lot of mounting anger and frustration with Washington here and elsewhere throughout the country. Many people put simply are tired of waiting.” King continued. “Please do not misunderstand what I am about to say. This is not a warning or a threat. However, there are voices other than mine in the Black community that are calling for much more violent means to gain our basic rights as citizens. You know who some of these voices are.”
“If our people see that the U.S. government is unwilling to fulfill the promises made by President Kennedy, they may turn to those I just mentioned. This would be a grave tragedy for both all our people black and white sir. I ask that you exercise whatever authority you have to impress this fact upon the members of the Congress,” Dr. King concluded.
“I will do what I can Dr. King. But as of right now I wanted to let you know the situation and let you know that I will do all in my power to ensure that this Bill will be brought to a full vote once we know the climate is right. You my personal word on that. And I will be informing my Attorney General that he is to vigorously prosecute any attempts to intimidate Black voters as they are registered in the South. You know the Attorney General’s reputation. And you know that he will do everything he can to ensure his brother’s legacy includes the passing of this Bill,” President McCormack responded.
After a pause Dr. King said, “Very well Mister President. I understand your position. Please remember though, the old saying, ‘all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. The longer things are delayed the more I fear the consequences for this entire country.”
And will this push non violent activist like John Lewis into obscurity or will they become more militant to move with the changing times.