Accounting News and Notes

Atlanta CPA Presents…Precipice of Power…Chapter 29

Precipice of Power is a call to action. Economically, politically and as a world leader, America stands on the brink. A step towards destruction or a step back to morality hangs in the balance. Precipice of Power is for all good thinking American’s to lead us back to smaller government and democracy and away from runaway deficits and Socialism. For what evil lies within the hearts of man, whose passion is inflamed by the lust for power, must be stopped. Democracy hangs in the balance until good people rise up and defend America from sea to shining sea. We must never back down. We must never be afraid. We must be bold. We must act. Now.  Precipice of Power is not a call to violence but the peaceful revolution that our Constitution and democracy allows, granting us the privilege and responsibility to serve, vote and to actively seek positive change. Shirking not from our moral duty, but to do what you can locally, domestically and internationally to help seat America permanently as a beacon of democracy to a world in need. Precipice of Power will be published here in its entirety at http://www.hiscpa.com/blog/

Chapter 29

The second closed door meeting in as many days, began without their leader presiding, present or requested.

          “Gentlemen, as you well know yesterday was quite a shock for all of us. We have all lived through enough years and seen enough administrations come and go to know that the pendulum of time, power and politics continues to slide and will do so. Long after we are gone,” Supreme Court Justice Danny Cain opens the meeting with the other seven presiding members of the Supreme Court present. “I do not make light of the unique relationship I have had with the Chief Justice over the years. But to be honest with you all, yesterday’s announcement was a surprise to me as well.”

          “I’ll say,”  the most vocal and dissenting liberal judge on the Supreme Court Judge, Dennis Rogers stands. “What you are talking about is high treason against the United States of America. Mutiny of its highest form and certainly, if we are not successful, the demise of us all. Careers! You can forget that, we will spend the rest of our natural lives in a federal penitentiary. I don’t know if I am ready to throw it all away. We risk being recorded in history alongside Benedict Arnold, forever known as the Lost Nine. We can’t seriously even be considering this. Much less talking about it. Does Chief Justice Banks have any idea what he is asking us to do?”

          “I think he does. But that is where we need to be sure we carefully contemplate if we are ready and willing to pay the ultimate price, our careers and our legacy. Likely, if we fail, we will spend the rest of our lives behind bars serving time with many of those we sent there ourselves.”

          “That’s the most truthful thing I’ve heard to date. We are certainly well past the prime of our youth. I don’t know that I am prepared to risk spending the rest of my glory years in prison, it isn’t quite the type of retirement I planned for.”

          Might as well bring water boarding back.

***

          In all fairness, judges all knew the truth, Supreme Court Justice Dennis Rogers was frequently the proverbial tail that wagged the dog. It was common knowledge Chief Justice Banks led from out front. However it was Rogers, frequently both the court’s most radical liberal, who did much to help keep even a conservative court centered, balanced and in check. For without Yin, there would be no Yang. Absent North there would be no South. Two contrary opposing forces working against each other in unison, keeping the U.S. Supreme Court interconnected and interdependent. Causing each to accept the judicial wisdom of the other. Bringing a common baseline in the end. Providing prudent, well thought out, judgments their ultimate result.

          Graduating with highest meritorious honors from Harvard Law School, Chief Justice Rogers began his professional career with one of the most prestigious law firms in Washington, D.C. Recruited by firms throughout the nation, his goal of practicing law close to home and his Maryland roots was a dream come true. His choice of firms was one of Washington’s finest in the field of lobbying with clients ranging from the world biggest automakers, high tech and foreign countries, making up their well known, affluent, and yet highly confidential client list. With billing rates well exceeding those of even the most specialized of medical surgeons, the law firm was a cash cow gone wild.

          Seen as a rising star in his years at Harvard, Justice Rogers reputation continues to be built. His dedication and tenacity brought to bear all the power that lobbying money can buy. Within a few years, he was the youngest lawyer at the firm to ever be offered a partnership, which would have financially set him up for life. However, within mere days, he became the youngest lawyer ever to turn down a partnership at the firm. Hearing and answering the call to public service.

          Even a Washington D.C. attorney in politics can gain a conscience. Not likely. But it can happen.

          No job, but with a clean start, Justice Rogers seeks to help interpret the facts as well as the intent of the law. Working for the common good of all. Rather than the special interests of a deep pocketed, well financed few. Long able to quickly address the varied aspects of competing complex legal theories providing just rulings to particular cases. Justice Rogers would have been an asset no matter where he served. Delivering truth, fairness and prudence to social and legal questions alike. He was a natural judge. Soon gaining the respect of his peers, supporters and detractors alike.

          It was his wide appeal to the common man ultimately gaining national attention and respect. Then ultimately a nomination to the highest court of the land, rapid ratification by the U.S. Senate and a long earned seat on the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

                                                          ***

          Two Republican Supreme Court judges stood adamant. Against. Chief Justice Rogers even more so, the votes weren’t looking favorable, with history hanging in the balance. Justice Rogers quietly reflected as the others verbally battled the repercussions of an alliance. Wrestling with their fate and their own destiny. Hanging in the balance.

          Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. An old typing exercise, because it had filled a seventy space line when you add a period, continues its resonate droning in his head over and over. Soon leading Justice Rogers along with the rest of the Supreme Court judges down an unknown path.

          One of no return.

          Never again would their lives be the same. Never again would their justice be muted. From now to eternity their path would be discussed for a millennium. Though still disparate in their methodology and steps, they were now all united as one.

          You are right President J.J. Jackson, “this time WE will.”