Two days after the election, network television stations and cable outlets ceased operation. All newspapers other than the National Enquirer were shuttered by Executive Order. The heads of the CDC and FCC were arrested, imprisoned and replaced.
Before the polls closed the incumbent declared victory, demanded that he be called “Brilliant Leader” and invoked obscure remnants of the 1918 Sedition Law that allowed for imprisonment of anyone publishing false, scandalous, or malicious writing about him or his government. A celebration event began inside a fortified White House and the President claimed to have been elected by a landslide with the largest voter turnout in the history of the country. An attempt to assume the Presidency by the candidate who overwhelmingly won the popular vote was squelched by a coalition of dutiful Secret Service agents and fearful Generals. The official electoral vote ended with the hanging of the former Vice President. People were later recruited, herded into fleets of buses and driven to the National Mall for the largest inauguration ever held.
Within two weeks martial law was declared by Brilliant Leader to quell protests, violence and unrest subsequent to his election. All branches of the U.S. Military, including the Space Force, were engaged to imprison as alien combatants any radical liberal, pacifist, socialist or anarchist as deemed necessary by the acting Attorney General, who was appointed Prime Minister. Convoys of loyal supporters blocked key arterial roadways and supply routes for materials necessary for healthcare workers in an exploding but largely ignored pandemic. Voting records were compiled and became the basis of arrests and internment at the state level.
Many within the population withdrew cash from banks, resulting in a shutdown of the financial system. Purchases by credit card were no longer accepted. Shelves at grocery stores emptied. Many stores, boarded up before the election, were torched as rioting and looting ensued. A handful of giant tech companies were declared enemies of the state by Executive Order and were nationalized. Amazon was shut down. The quickest thinkers among us packed our most basic necessities and took to the roads heading for Mexico and Canada only to find borders closed to Americans. All international airlines were overbooked with one-way tickets. And then a series of Executive Orders were issued that established an airline ground-stop, armed checkpoints and detention centers at state borders and the elimination of states themselves. A massive infrastructure project began, building massive walls between the six newly designated national regions, or protectorates, insular areas in which loyal and obedient political hierarchies were established to govern without representation.
It became fashionable to lower the stars and stripes and loft what had been campaign merchandise, a blue, white and red flag that proudly displayed Brilliant Leader’s name, often alongside that of Jesus in smaller, less conspicuous lettering. The states were no longer United. America the Great became the Country’s new official designation. Global leaders reacted with horror and a complete inability to respond with other than carefully crafted statements. Six massive Russian Embassies were constructed, one each in the protectorates. A new national anthem with a strong bass beat and a blazing lead guitar melody was written upon request of Brilliant Leader by Gene Simmons, Ted Nugent and Kid Rock who were subsequently awarded the Leader’s medal of honor. A statue of the late Rush Limbaugh was erected on the National Mall. All references to Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Ruth Bader Ginsburg were ordered stricken from books, electronic media and historical records. Pardons were granted to all indicted or imprisoned associates of the President, himself included.
The Supreme Court was moved into the Executive Branch of the new government and reduced to five justices. The House of Representatives was eliminated and the Senate expanded to 120 seats, also within the Executive Branch. The Presidency became a lifetime appointment, effective immediately.
We searched the radio and television for news during the dark and uncertain period following the election. Numerous regional attempts were made to broadcast over digital airwaves but were quickly shut down. Channel One became the official national news network, or NNN, with frequent folksy cocktail hours hosted by Brilliant Leader, specially selected members of his immediate family, and vocal loyal supporters. Fashion and Design time with the First Lady became a popular segment.
A national health care system finally became a reality, though workers within the system of clinics and hospitals were essentially forced labor, and most surgeries and treatments were outlawed. Abortion became illegal, but so did coronary bypass surgery, appendectomies, amputations and treatment by any kind of medication. Brilliant Leader wanted a population comprised of only the healthiest and least expensive followers. Nursing homes were shut down. The residents were quietly euthanized or sent home to live with willing family members. The sick and aged were declared "losers" by Brilliant Leader.
We nervously watched soldiers and dark green military vehicles parade and conduct exercises in our streets. Homes were occupied as needed. The dreaded pounding on the front door often resulted in public executions by firing squad, often at night. It became difficult to sleep. Backhoes remained in vacant lots for the quick digging of mass graves. Compliance was rewarded with life. Resistance, even hesitation meant death.
Leader’s Day, the new national holiday on June 14th was a mandatory celebration featuring military parades, concerts, Air Force flyovers and food prepared by the citizenry for the armed forces as a mandatory show of appreciation. It was also one of several days throughout the year when massive gates between the six national regions were opened for twenty-four hours to allow visiting between isolated family members. It was promoted as a demonstration of Brilliant Leader's immense kindness. Failure to return within the designated period was considered a capital offense. Stampedes at the wall before and after the opening were large, chaotic and deadly. It was best not to attempt a crossing.
Snow began to fall during the first winter of our national perdition. Our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters turned their guns on one another. Christmas found quiet gatherings of faithful in mostly abandoned churches. Religion was neither encouraged nor prevented but a now famous photo of Brilliant Leader holding the Bible aloft in front of St. John's Church was required in all places of worship. The giving of gifts was difficult in the absence of places to shop, and the new national currency inflated wildly, devaluing constantly. Brilliant Leader’s face smiled from the single printed denomination and one minted gold coin. Alterations began on Mount Rushmore.
We huddled together, peered out at the street from behind perpetually closed blinds and faithfully watched NNN for news from Brilliant Leader. He promised a new reality show called White House Apprentice that he was certain would get the highest ratings in the history of television. We ate what we could find, slept cautiously and answered our door quickly and pleasantly. America was made great again. America the Great. Long life and happiness to Brilliant Leader.
😎
If you like fiction and you're in the mood for over 50 short stories, please consider buying "Natural Selections," at Amazon.com.
Or if you'd prefer seventy non-fiction stories inspired by a town in Illinois, please consider buying Park Ridge Memories also on Amazon. Click on the image below.
