Home Invasion - J. A. Johnstone [59]
“In addition, the federal government, in its recent settlement with Mr. Emilio Navarre, one of the victims of the unwarranted attack earlier this summer that left him severely wounded and killed his best friend, has agreed to take action which will insure that no one else will meet such a tragic fate, at least in Home, Texas.
“Therefore, as of noon today, I am placing Home, Texas, and an area for ten miles around the geographical center of the town, under federal martial law, to be enforced by the newly-created Federal Protective Service, which was commissioned by Congress to serve as a national police force in times of emergency.
“If like I have, you’ve watched the news reports recently, you know that the situation in Home constitutes an emergency, and a grave one, at that.
“Pursuant to the Executive Order I signed less than an hour ago placing Home under martial law, all citizens of Home and the surrounding area will be required to surrender, temporarily, any firearms in their possession, until order is restored. This Executive Order applies to all citizens and all types of firearms. None are exempted except the members of Home’s police force, who will be allowed to keep their weapons, at least for the time being.
“There will be those argue that disarming an entire town like this is unconstitutional, but I would point out that as President, the Constitution gives me broad and sweeping powers to deal with emergency situations, and I believe that the easy availability of guns has fueled the discontent in Home until something must be done. The temporary suspension of rights granted by the Constitution is within the scope of my power, according to both the Attorney General and the Solicitor General of the United States.
“Therefore, I call on the citizens of Home and the surrounding area to peacefully surrender your firearms. Representatives of the Federal Protective Service are now on hand in Home and will be glad to take charge of your weapons for you. Refusal to surrender your arms will be considered a breach of martial law and will be dealt with accordingly, to the full extent allowable under the terms of this Executive Order.
“My fellow Americans, I promise you that I do not take these actions lightly or without careful, reasoned consideration. I know they are extreme, and I know they will not sit well with many of you. But this is the only way, and it’s for the good of the country. The violence must be stopped, and stopped now.
“Now, I call directly on the citizens of Home. Surrender your firearms. Cooperate with the Federal Protective Service. They’re there to help you and keep you safe. If you fail to cooperate and comply with the Executive Order, you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted, and you will face the consequences of defying the federal government. Choose wisely, citizens of Home.
“Your fate is in your own hands.”
“What do you think, Geoff?”
“The instant poll numbers are good, Mr. President. It’s certainly a bold move, and it seems to be playing well with the electorate, although there are a few holdouts who are clinging to the view that it’s unconstitutional”
“Those people do love to cling to their God and their guns, don’t they? Well, they’re just going to have to learn to accept that those days are over. This is just the beginning, Geoff, just the beginning. We’re going to get the guns out of the hands of every