Although still stunned by the atrocities that had defiled America jsut over two weeks ago, most Americans went about their business - perhaps out of a need to stay occupied, or maybe out of sheer necessity. Even after the infamous World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001, a hapless, clueless President had recommended that Americans "go shopping"; apparently, outrageous consumer spending would prove to the terrorists that America was not defeated. About four-and-a-half years later, in early 2006, Americans added another $10,000,000,000.00 (10 billion dollars) to their already-excessive credit card debt in just one month! Much of this, of course, was caused due to the sharp increase in gasoline prices (in some parts of the country, it exceeded $3.00 per gallon; at that time, a record-high, although experts accurately predicted it would go higher).

For most of America, this Sunday was a bleak, cold, damp, dreary day. Some parts of the country had snow, but not enough to disrupt rescue efforts still being conducted in hundreds of communities. In one such town, rescuers had pulled the body of Dennis Rodman from the trashed remains of his multi-million-dollar home. Once a colorful, outrageous basketball player, Rodman had made a mockery of American values by squandering his millions of dollars on lavish luxuries and play-acting as a "bad boy" both on and off the court. He had set no exemplary example for America's youth as his torrential display of bad behavior and poor sportsmanship, often gesturing with his middle finger as a sign of disgust for referees and team officials. In a bizarre twist of fate, Rodman had been impaled by a post from which one of the backboards was mounted on his home basketball court. Elected officials, government bureaucrats, celebrities, and multi-millionaire individuals who exhibited such contempt for society through excess extravagance were among those targeted for termination. Being enormously wealthy wasn't a sin; but belligerent waste and misuse of wealth and power were apparently assumed to be among the seven deadlest of sins. Rich people like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates were not targets; they had shown remarkable stewardship over their bounty and had shared their blessings with the community-at-large.

Only 1,000,001 voters had chosen to participate in yesterday's resolution regarding the relocation of the central government to Lebanon, Kansas. Of those, 661,733 had voted "Yea"; the remaining 338,238 voted "Nay" - a sign that many might prefer to keep America's Capital in Washington, D.C. Every American alive today had always known D.C. as the nation's capital, and this might be one resolution that might be defeated once it came up for a formal popular vote in a few more months.

As today's meeting opened, a young man quickly came forward and stared into the camera. "My name is Mike Hunt from North Carolina," he drawled. "I am here today to introduce the next resolution." He stood so close to the camera that viewers around the country only got a tight close-up shot of his ample jaw and reddish complexion. As the cameraman tried to move back, Hunt would move forward. Fortunately, the resolution didn't take long to deliver.

ARTICLE XII. RESOLUTION; DIMSANTLE THE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

"For too long, our country has been dominated by what is always called the military-industrial complex. I'm not really sure what all that means, but this resolution has been drafted in a preliminary attempt to try and dismantle a bloated and top-heavy military dominance that this country neither requires or can any longer afford. We propose that the United States military operations be completely suspended except for that which is necessary to protect our borders and defend our country against any unwarranted attacks or invasions, as it is Constitutionally charged with doing. The United States can no longer be the world's babysitter and guardian. It is no longer economically feasible for that to happen; that does not mean, however, that the U.S.A. will not participate in - or be part of - military efforts that involve our allies or that seek to improve the civility and conditions of any area of the world. We are necessarily part of a larger global community, but we intend to search for more diplomatic methods of conflict resolution in the future instead of flexing our military muscle. Some will cry that this makes us weak and vulnerable; again, the resolution does not take any military power away that is specifically provided for within the framework of our Constitution.

However, all future military projects and profuse military contracts will be re-evaluated and only executed if it is determined that it is imperative for the national defense. Extravagant overbuilding, cost over runs, and "cozy" open-ended contracts between the Pentagon and companies such as Boeing, McDonnell-Douglas and other defense contractors will no longer be tolerated. To develop and build new military apparatus just so these corporations can enhance their profitability is wrong and unethical. From now on, government contracts will be let to the lowest bidder who can successfully demonstrate the quality and integrity of the goods and services it provides; and a minimum profit margin on each project will be demanded. If the supplier or vendor wishes to enhance its profits, it must learn to do so through its own cost efficiencies instead of simply taking more from the United States taxpayers. One of our primary responsibilities in this revamped America will be that of fiscal accountability and frugality at all levels of government. Please use the portable voting devices provided with which to cast your votes now. Thank you."

For a few moments, the cameras meandered through the large group of O.U.T.R.A.G.E. members, picking up some private conversations and sometimes simply honing in on one individual. The audiences in locations around the country began recording their votes. then, as always, the screens went black until tomorrow. It had been an abbreviated session.