The Last Day Of The Past
The Ultimate Consequence Of Diverse Political Theory

By John Williams Shadix

___________________________________________________

    Some of you may well be angered by the content of this book and view it as in instrument of hate and divisiveness.  No doubt, others will agree and possibly identify with it.  Still others will find it mildly amusing and cast it aside as an inadequate effort to afford contemporary entertainment to the reader.  Regardless of your response, only consider the news items you hear each day. America is changing.  The story line is fictitious but the events in these pages, or something like them, could well have already begun.

"Worthy intent rests in each one's heart but it
must be sustained by will and resolution.  Otherwise,
it is lost to anything that seeks it out."

John Williams Shadix

The Story

           Vatican Councils have purged many of the traditions of the Holy Catholic Church, and there is a small number of priests who organize a new order known as The Restoration to return the United States Church to these lost traditions and rebuild the country's sense of nationalism, long lost to decades of political and social change resulting in a mass psychological retro-fruition and a loss of meaningful purpose and dedication.  Also responsible for the new order is the discovery of subversive influences within the entertainment industry and financial systems that for many years have seen an organization known as the Zonno be responsible for producing movie and television story lines built around shallow values, drug trafficking, alternate life styles, violence and productions that ridicule American history.  The Zonno has large representation among scriptwriters as well as influential positions within the financial and economic network and has the ultimate goal of breaking down the country's will to resist through covert operations that will progressively become more overt, gain controlling interests in many corporations and fund an armed insurgency against fragmented and divided races and social classes resulting from decades of diversity.
    Economic theories, such as Progressive Statistics, encourage businesses at all levels to cut services and employees to the absolute minimum until profit margins are threatened and only then consider improvement in customer service.  Worse of all, due to political change, much of the power previously existing within the federal government has been transferred to the states due to strong political lobbies for states rights.  The Medicare and Medicaid systems are near bankrupt due to mismanagement by so many separate governing bodies causing much medical research to be abandoned and a system of pain management established for the terminally ill rather than research or efforts towards cure of disease  The Restoration makes a major breakthrough in cancer treatment and is also involved in the discovery of a new strand of AIDS, spread by homosexuals, that can be transmitted by other than blood to blood contact.
    Through a number of crusades, The Restoration, under the Doctrine of Central Control, advocates the merger of Church and government to restore the country's lost nationalism causing widespread criticism of its activities and charges of neo-Nazism, especially when it establishes a para-military branch known as the Zani'.  Then,  there is a stunning revelation  about The Restoration that reaches back to the final hours of World War II.

The Chapters

The Beginning

The System

Blue Collar

The Master Plan

Reclamation

Denial

Scorched Earth

The Press

Heart, Will And Force

Death Watch

Eulogy

Americans

Operation Nighthawk

Secrets

March Of The Self-Endeared

The Other System

The Political Process

The Abyss Opens

The Platform

Case White

Political Damage Control

The Turning Point

Ellis Island

Chapter 1
The Beginning
_________________________________________________________________

   It is sometime in the future.

   Memories

   Alma Earnshaw is dying.  The pain killers have diminished her existence to one of confusion and want as with each passing day, the cancer claims more and more of what remains of her troubled life.
   The afternoon sunlight trickles through the sheer curtains and almost cautiously ebbs its way across the floor to the pictures on her bedroom wall.  For a fleeting moment, she recalls a happy setting all those years ago but now, nothing can intrude upon the despair that rules her life.  These past few years, she has asked herself many times what has she done in her life to deserve the pain of her illness or the punishing memories of a marriage that went so wrong and left her with only regrets instead of the fulfilling happiness that is any young woman's hope. 
    With glazed eyes, she often stares at the pictures of her husband and 3 sons, recalling the happy times of her life but all that began to end when her husband took up with that slut he met at one of those places successful people gather and sometimes break away from the presumed dignity of people of substance.  Dignity is such a curious thing, which can depart someone at first opportunity and then only exist under the guise of an assumed identity and in the opinions of other people.  Then, it seems it is the innocent who are left with the cares of this world confined only to memories of happier times that slowly yield to bitter disappointments leaving only resent in what they are sure is a wanton rejection.  She so pitied herself long before the cancer began to claim her body.  Alma Earnshaw's life, as she would have it, was lost long before then.  Now, she is left with only the memories of what seems such a short time of happiness as she lays there for hours at the time mumbling over and over the names of her 3 sons, "Leonard, Howard, Franklin....Leonard, Howard, Franklin."
    Memories can be so punishing, especially when one feels so undeserving of pain and suffering for it is memories that change people from what they once were, or hoped to be, to what they finally become.  There is a moment in each person's life when he or she finally becomes what they have permitted life to make of them.  Tragically, many poor souls reach this day as victims of circumstances they did nothing to create.  For them, this moment is indeed the last day of the past.

________________________

    How many times over all those years has some pitiful soul knelt in this holy place and uttered a heartfelt prayer for forgiveness with the most earnest intent of leading a better life?  How many times has someone with tears in his eyes lit a candle, hoping it would remember his prayer before the alter for some departed loved one -  pleading, pleading that the worthwhile lives of the living can indeed purge sin from the souls of those who languish in Purgatory and that they, through their loving influence on the lives of the living who remember them, can soon enter the kingdom of Heaven?
    As it has done for nearly a century, the bright morning sunlight shines through the stained glass windows of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, casing faint red and blue veils across the alter and pedestals that once held the statues of Mary and Joseph.  When Vatican Councils III and IV held the efficacy of relics was a tradition of the Church that, among other things, should be updated to the present world, the statues were removed.  The pedestals now hold some sort of potted plants that were donated by one of those women's clubs that was formed after the Councils also declared the Church must assume a more visible role in the social makeup of each parish.  The same is true for the image of Christ that was once on the cross behind the alter which, in view of the Councils, was "much too fatalistic for today's diverse and progressive world."  At first, the cross was removed, leaving only the image of Christ hanging on the wall but now, there is only the cross, much the same as in some Protestant churches, thus becoming another controversy as to if such a change is indeed advancement or yielding expediency in a changing world.
    Father Leonard Earnshaw sits beside the 2 alter boys alternating his attention between the empty pedestals, the bare cross and people's faces in the congregation.  Some of them are glancing about the sanctuary, perhaps remembering when the statues were in the church or perhaps trying to determine what sort of plants are in the pots.  Others seem quite impatient and are constantly looking at their watches.  Still others are grasping their Rosaries, almost defiantly holding on to the Church they remember,  no doubt with the same feelings of resent that possess Father Earnshaw.  There was a time when he so looked forward to the preparation and delivery of a homily but now each week, acting on orders from the Vatican,  the Archbishop circulates an outline for the theme of all homilies to be given throughout the Archdiocese on the premise the Church must have a uniform message throughout the world.  At this moment, his thoughts stray from the outline and recount his 25 years as a priest - especially dwelling on the changes in Church doctrine made by the most recent Vatican Council, which disclaimed yet more of the traditions of the Church as "hopelessly tied to Medieval superstition and the regrettable corrupt period in the history of the Church."  Now, the Church no longer holds to the beliefs of intercession of saints, indulgences, efficacy of relics, confession or the existence of Purgatory but perhaps in an effort to maintain some degree of superficial tradition, still opposes birth control, never choosing to acknowledge much of the world is starving due to overpopulation.
    His face draws tight and there is a tingling over his skin when his eyes fall on the banner at the back of the church heralding the present campaign within the Archdiocese to collect $50,000,000 dollars to "build the contemporary Church of tomorrow."  It all has the accruements of a well-managed advertising program complete with the person assigned by the Archdiocese to assist the church in promoting the fund raising.  After the first few days, Father Earnshaw began referring to him as "a Jewish advertising agent with an Irish accent."
    Slowly, he stands, walks to the alter, faces the bare cross and utters to himself, "Father, cleanse my heart and my lips so that I may worthily proclaim your doctrine."  As he reaches the lectern, he picks up the Bible and begins to speak in a clear and authoritative voice.  "A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark:

"Jesus and his disciples now left Galilee and went
out to the villages of Caesarea and Philippi.  As they were
walking along, he asked them, 'Who do the people say
I am?  What are they saying about me?'
'Some think you are John the Baptist,' the disciples
replied, 'and others say you are Elijah or some other
ancient prophet come back to life again.'  Then he asked,
'Who do you think I am?'
"Peter replied, 'You are the Messiah.'"

    He stares at the homily outline circulated by the Archbishop which goes on to even  suggest the interpretation and format to be employed by every priest throughout the world in delivering his homily.  Foreign emotions begin to build within him as he pushes the outline aside and looks over the congregation.  After a few moments, he notices a rather quizzical look on some of their faces and only then does he realize he has stood there speechless for quite a few moments.  The outline departs his thoughts and almost reluctantly, he begins to speak.  "Reading today's scripture, one might well say Christ was at a stage in his life very similar to the one in which many of us might find ourselves today.  Here was a man that was nearing the end of his very short life, yet Jesus himself seemed to be going through what modern psychology would identify as an identity crisis.  Most of the people simply did not recognize him for what he truly was."
    For a moment he pauses, somewhat surprised that improvised thoughts, normally requiring much deliberation, begin  freely flowing into his mind.  "I must tell you  there have been times in my life, and perhaps yours as well, that one of my most pressing fears was that people would recognize me for what I truly was and identify my motives and intentions that were not always befitting someone who now stands before you after 25 years as a priest."
    Again, he pauses because he literally has no idea what he will say next but is strangely confident his newfound thought process will lead him where he intends to go.  For the first time, he realizes he has no intention of delivering the canned homily circulated by the Archbishop.  It is a rather calculating tone that at last conveys the resent long building within him.  "Think of someone you know.  I believe you will find that some type of identity will immediately form in your mind, as you know this person to be thoughtful or selfish, attractive or unattractive, educated or uneducated, dependable or wavering.  What is it then that makes one person one we can admire and yet another we can only mistrust?"
    There is a degree of interest coming over the faces of some of the parishioners but others continue to glance at their watches and move about restlessly in their seats.  With growing confidence, his voice assumes a more forceful tone.  "Are we to believe what the medical profession is constantly telling us that what a person eventually becomes is all the result of some fortunate or unfortunate combination of normal or recessive genes that somehow are a part of what our Protestant friends down the street would have us believe is predestination?"
    Some begin to glance at one another, not expecting to hear anything that would imply a departure from the latest Vatican Councils declaring Protestants and Catholics equal in the sight of God.  They all look at him intently as he continues.  "I can't remember if it was in some book or psychology class in seminary where I first heard the expression, 'some people are born great, some people attain greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them.'  Regardless, weather it simply be by chance,  normal or recessive genes, predestination or experiences in life, each of us will ultimately reach his or her true identity.  Some will become loving and understanding.  Some will become selfish, ill-natured and may even turn to crime, all the while telling themselves it isn't their fault what the world has made of them.  How is it then that so many people, all of whom the scripture tells us are born in innocence, reach such different destinations in their journeys through a world that Christ himself told us would not always meet the full accommodations we have come to expect.?"
    He briefly glances at the collection banner at the back of the church before deliberately saying, "And what of the Church?  What has the world or the Church made of itself?  Only recall a few of the changes in the Church since the Councils of Lyon, the Council of Ferrara-Florence and the Council of Trent.  In the more recent Vatican Councils, we were told a number of things.  We need to be more open to Protestants and more willing to accept the diversity of local customs.  We should now believe that many of the past traditions such as homage to a patron saint, confession, efficacy of relics, indulgences and Purgatory were all the result of some unholy combination of Medieval witchcraft and superstition fabricated by a bunch of Cardinals who had not then even figured out the world wasn't flat."
    No one is looking at his watch.  Every eye is on the priest who makes no effort to read their thoughts from the rather inquiring expressions on their faces.  Again, he pauses before sternly saying in a voice becoming louder and louder as he progresses.  "Should we dare ask ourselves what did Christ intend?  When he said to Peter 'you are my rock on which I will build my church', did Christ visualize who knows how many different denominations of Christianity that now exist or was he speaking of 1 united Church under 1 leadership with a doctrine that would remain steadfast throughout the centuries and not change from to time time depending on contemporary customs?  Since Christ walked this earth, many discoveries have been made, many previous beliefs have been disproven with adequate scientific fact but what is, or should be, right and wrong did not change with the splitting of the atom."
    He again looks at the large banner at the rear of the church encouraging that offerings be made to the point of sacrifice  to the campaign to collect $50,000,000 throughout the Archdiocese to build the contemporary church of tomorrow by the construction of community activity buildings and additional school space.  Looking directly to the banner and moving in front of the alter, rather coldly, he says, "The Archdiocese is in the midst of a campaign to collect some $50,000,000 to build the Church of tomorrow but what is to become of the Church of today?  Each time I see some communication about the campaign, and there is much, I think of an old World War II movie I saw quite sometime ago.  It documented the events towards the end of the war and one particular scene made a lasting impression on me.  Many Allied bombers were in the air, and as a haggard German officer on the ground watched them fly over, he weakly uttered to himself, 'what I could do if I had such power in my hands.'  Each night when I see the troubled faces in the homeless shelter of this church, I think of $50,000,000 and fathom what I could do if I had such power in my hands.  How many times did Christ speak of the weak and needy?  Perhaps I could put it in more objective terms.  How many total square feet of church space do you suppose exist in the Atlanta area?  The next time you drive by a church at on a weeknight, you'll probably see a community activity building sitting there in idle darkness.  Ask yourself how many of those total square feet are being put to no use at all at that very moment.  How many homeless people could be taken off the streets and fed if all this space could be put to some worthwhile use or does our monetary contributions offer us complete impunity from any volunteer work to put such a valuable resource to meaningful use?  Is giving now simply confined to monetary measurements or is there still a place in the Church for work driven by the heart and concern for others?"
    Father Earnshaw feels liberated to at last speak out on many issues that have filled his mind since Vatican Councils III and IV.  He steps from the platform in front of the alter and walks down to just in front of the front row, folds his hands in front of his chest and continues.  "Has the Church adopted the same attitude as many of the larger companies today?  Oh, I read all about it the other day in one of those business magazines.  There was an article, what was it called?  Oh yes, Positive Cash Flow From Reduced Administrative Costs.  It seems there is a growing theory within the business world that as long as a company has what the article referred to as progressive statistics,  many tedious customer service tasks can be reduce or eliminated altogether and any change in overall company policy should only result from reduced profit or declining stock value.  Has our Church taken the same turn?  Have we renounced our traditions in favor of the diversity of present-day customs and the need to fund projects that are largely self-serving?"
    He remembers something back in seminary when the instructor had told the students when making a central point in a homily, it is effective to pause briefly, so he pauses and walks back to the lectern before facing the congregation and glancing from side to side.  "What then is an identity?  The latest Vatican Councils tell us under what is now know as the Revised Items Of Expression that each of us has a special relationship with the Church, depending on what level in life we have achieved instead of what was previously known as an obligation.  It all sounds so strangely similar to the theory of communism: To each according to his needs, from each according to his ability.  Should the Church continue to be foremost in our lives or should we seek out only superficial ways to express this new relationship such as those hats and beards you see on Orthodox Jews.  Should we no longer believe that through confession, if it be made with a sincere heart and  honest intent to try, try to be a better person, we can remain in good standing with the Church?  Can sin no longer be purged from a living person through kind and loving acts and absolution granted through the authority of the Church by an indulgence?  Are the souls of those in Purgatory, if such a place even exists under the Revised Items Of Expression, doomed for who knows how long or can we continue to express our love for them by remembering them in our hearts and prayers through these same kind and loving acts?  Think of it.  There can be no more loving act than to remember someone after his or her death than changing our own lives in the hope that in doing so, sin can be purged from the souls of loved ones in Purgatory so they may soon rest in Heaven.  How do you want to be remembered after your death?  By the lasting influence you have made on someone or by flowers placed on your grave at certain times during the year?  Should we now believe, as do the Protestants, that there is some express lane to redemption through a bolt of lightening on the spot conversion or is redemption indeed a life-long process so dependent on the lost traditions of the Church?  For consolation, do we look to Wall Street, the present fund-raising activity within the Church or draw a relic close to our hearts and utter a heartfelt prayer to a patron saint in the hope that we make the best of our lives through a lifelong process of kindness and understanding?"
    Making another well-placed pause, he isn't sure if he should be encouraged by what seems uneasiness among the congregation.  Then, he realizes he has lost all account of how long he has been speaking and hastily tries to formulate some poetic manner in which to end the homily.  He slowly closes the Bible and quietly says, "At some time in our lives, each of us will reach a point where determination or lack of determination, the position of the Church in our lives and our achievements or failures at last produce the type person we really are.  I call it the last day of the past.  In trying to apply today's scripture to our own lives and not simply remember it as a history lesson, perhaps each of us should think of those who know us best.  Those in our families, those with whom we work, those we love or even those we detest but in any event, those who know us best.  Then we should ask how would they respond, if we were to ask them that same question about ourselves that Christ asked his disciples on the road to Caesarea:  Who....who do you think I am?"

________________

    Father Earnshaw's eyes are fixed on the wall in the Archbishop's reception area where a portrait of St. Francis of Assisi once hung.  Now, there is a rather grotesque creation featuring a series of red and purple circles and triangles augmented by bold black and yellow oblique lines enclosing a disfigured representation of the human body having arms and feet that are completely pointed.  The rather attractive receptionist says, "The Archbishop will see you now," as she opens the door to his office barely enough to permit Father Earnshaw to pass through.
    The Archbishop is seated at his desk with the fingers of each hand touching just in front of his collar.  He is quite young for his position having black, neatly combed hair, dark skin and what seems an authentic executive appearance.  His eyes are fixed on Father Earnshaw, and he continues to stare at him for quite a few moments before asking him to sit down and sarcastically inquiring, "What in God's name were you trying to do when you delivered that homily last Sunday?"
    The anticipated statement or follow-up question does not materialize, so Father Earnshaw curtly responds, "Mother of Jesus.  This is the first time one of my homilies has been reviewed by the Archbishop.  I was trying to speak with conviction and tradition."
    The Archbishop leans forward, folds his hands on his desk and asks, "Conviction towards what end?"
    Father Earnshaw also leans forward, places his hands on the desk and says, "Towards speaking to the hearts of the congregation."  He deliberately keeps his answers brief until he sees the direction his admonishment will take.
    The Archbishop exhales with a sneering expression.  "Do you mean you have taken it upon yourself to establish Church policy and disregard the law established by those who have such authority?"
    "I'm not establishing anything.  Quite the contrary.  I'm trying to regain some of the things the Church has lost - people's minds, among other things."
    "By what authority?!" the Archbishop snaps.
    "The authority of Christ and the traditions of the Church," he replies with the same tone of intolerance in his voice. 
    The Archbishop leans back, stares at the ceiling and begins a brief laugh.  "My God, it's the Reformation all over again.  What do you hope to accomplish?  What are you thinking right now?"
    "I'm trying to think what whoever painted that portrait in the reception area had in mind when he created such a rape of meaningful art." 
    Shock flushes across the Archbishop's face.  His mouth opens but at first does not produce words.  Finally, he says, "It's a revolutionary priest and stand up comedian all in one," before picking up a folder and beginning to sift through the pages.  "This isn't the first incident.  Can you assure me it will be the last?"
    "No."
    The Archbishop stares in disbelief and seems to be waiting for some further clarification.  His inflection immediately changes to one of retribution as he says, "Then I have no alternative other than to place you on administrative leave.  You are relieved of all your duties in the parish except maintaining the homeless shelter and will remain in that status until you can accept where you presently stand in the Church."  With even greater discord, he adds, "It is I that am acting within the authority granted to me by the Church and not you."

________________

    The 54 cots in the homeless shelter form 2 poorly spaced rows from the serving counter to the 3 tables at the back of the very large room where each night, the volunteers from the church check in the guests who gather on the street outside the entrance to the church basement.  Through some process Father Earnshaw has never understood, the Atlanta Homeless Administrative Agency assigns each registered person to one of the shelters in the city; and through an even more complex procedure, determines how long that person can remain there.  It doesn't seem an equitable means has yet been formulated as to what a person who has nowhere else to go is supposed to do when the authorities tell him he must vacate the shelter.  Various theories circulate through the city government as to why Atlanta has the highest crime rate in the nation but no one seems to have associated this fact.
    Many of the volunteers appear to enjoy their positions of limited authority.  Father Earnshaw refers to them as having a "Napoleon complex" and sometimes finds it necessary to ask them to be more polite to the guests, not only because it is their job but also because they don't seem to realize all sorts of emotions are pinned up inside "these kind of people" as they are often called.  Many of the guests have an acquired distaste for the volunteers and often refer to them as "yardmen with sex privileges," because they spend quite a bit of time puttering around those very small yards in front of the massive houses in their cluster home subdivisions.  The volunteers never communicate very well with the guests and say very little to them. Depending on what stage of downfall a guest is in, antagonizing "such people" can result in a degree of risk to the antagonizer.
    Sometimes, it is amusing watching what some of the volunteers do.  Many steadfastly refuse to admit those off the street who don't have a ticket issued by the agency, even though additional cots and food exist.  The other night, one of them overheard some harsh words between 2 of the guests.  Someone mentioned a knife.  A volunteer called the police but when they arrived, the assumed combatants were dead asleep on their cots and looked at each other with mystified expressions when the policemen kept frisking them over and over but never found anything like a knife.  Another night, Father Earnshaw asked a volunteer why he had volunteered and was somewhat upset when the man told him he was gathering material for his master's thesis.
    Some years ago, the guests were almost exclusively black but now, they are equally divided between black and white.  Regardless, they all have that same distant stare on their faces, often carry all they own in one duffel bag they must carry wherever they go.  Many have the scent of alcohol on their breaths and blood-shot eyes.  Desperation can be seen in a man's eyes and detected in the tone of his voice, regardless of his race.
    On this night, the volunteer cooks are putting together an unsavory preparation of macaroni and cheese.  The meals vary depending on exactly where the volunteers who bring the food stand in their own lives or what purpose they hope to achieve by giving the Church something except the money recommended by the campaign to build the church of tomorrow.  Last week, Father Earnshaw was especially proud of the 2 black ladies after they have served a very good meal and were speaking with one another as the left the building saying, "I think we did a good job."  Regardless of the quality of the meals, almost every night when the food is brought to the tables, each man looks up to the server, extends his hands to receive his plate and in a sincere voice, says, "Thank you."
    Immediately after the meal, most of the guests usually go to their cots and fall into a sound sleep.  This is the setting on this night when Father Earnshaw stands before the small mirror in the kitchen, brushing his hands through his white hair, looking at the wrinkles in his face and at his blue eyes that no longer seem as loving and dedicated as he once was.  Now, he only wonders where he would be had he not become a priest.  As far back as grammar school, he had always liked to write - especially when he reached English literature in high school.  The Romantic Period had made a special impression on him, and delivering a homily several times a week with well-chosen words, which he intended speak to emotion as well as reason, seemed a good choice for someone who had the opportunity to make a choice.
    His brother, Howard, had the same feeling about becoming a doctor.  Opportunity does not always lead one to where he finally decides he should be.  At least, that was the impression Leonard got the last time he spoke with Howard, not to mention himself.  Both of them are now captivates of administrative procedures that have stilled what once might have been a passionate wish to help other people.  That was the way Leonard felt before he was placed on administrative leave.  Now, he has no responsibilities other than watching the suburbanites with their Napoleon complexes as they dish out unpalatable food, avoid eye contact with "these people" and shape it all into something they know nothing about in some God-awful self-righteous opinion of themselves.
    His other brother, Franklin, was always a rogue whose only driving ambition was to get into as many women's pants as possible.  Quite by chance, and not any form of conviction, he found himself on the assembly line at the Majestic Automobile Plant and after a few years, became an officer in the Local 61 Labor Union.  His devotion to his work began, quite unexpectedly, to build while Leonard and Howard entered a trend in the opposite direction.  But within the past year, the same unrest has claimed Franklin, all the result of what is represented as progress.  Now, the 3 brothers are at the same stage in their lives, although at different levels of appraisal by a social system that judges success by the makeup of an investment portfolio rather than some passé determination to meet what once might have been devotion.
    The shelter is quiet except for that man there at one of the dinner tables intently reading the newspaper.  Father Earnshaw walks into the dining area just as the man throws the paper to the floor and mutters, "Those son of a bitches!"  When he sees Leonard, he becomes somewhat more composed, extends his hand and says, "Cecil Stratman, Father.  I enjoyed your homily last Sunday, although it left me a little surprised."
    "So was the Archbishop, among others," Leonard replies with a slight smile, "but I didn't intend it as an item of entertainment."
    "How did the Archbishop find out about it so soon?"
    As he sits down across the table, Leonard says, "You know, I never thought of that but it wasn't the first incident, as the Archbishop described it."  For the first time, he looks closely at Cecil who is lean, has dark skin, neatly cut black hair and is dressed in khaki pants and a sleeveless white t-shirt.  Immediately, he notices a large black tattoo of a Nazi swastika on his right arm.
    Rather amused, Cecil asks, "What did he do?"
    "I'm not sure what you would call it.  Let's just say you won't see me at Mass for awhile."
    Cecil's expression becomes markedly more serious as he picks up a section of the newspaper, points to an article and hands it to Leonard.  "The world is changing, father."  He continues staring at Leonard, obviously expecting some comment on the newspaper article which reads:

Election Proclaims National Diversity

    After last year's congressional elections, the make-up of the House of Representatives now stands at 51% Spanish and Oriental.  Many point to this as an encouraging turn in achieving a more balanced representation of what now makes up the diverse society within the United States.  After long debate, the last Congress passed the Uniform Labor Act which ceded to the states the right to administer the requirement that employers now hire all races in the same ratio, based on the last census,  as they represent within each state.  Some cite this as a favorable step towards true diversity and also feel it offers representative compensation for the fact that in the distant past, the American industrial complex dominated many markets, thus causing their respective countries to become economically depressed.  Others argued this fact rested so far in the past it should not be a factor in current legislation.  
    More conservative congressmen feel this will eventually phase out any practical application of the World Labor Act that allows substantial tax credits, predominantly within the manufacturing industries, to companies that outsource their labor to countries such as Korea, Vietnam and many 3rd world nations in order to strengthen the world economic sysstem and in the words of some, "repay these countries for past unjust aggression and efforts to influence their political systems."
    Some still disclaim such legislation as unduly  intrusive on the free enterprise system while others insist it is the next logical step in achieving true equality within the world as well as carrying forward the practice of progressive statistics - a current business philosophy that encourages bold cost-cutting measures through reduction in quality control, employee layoffs and outsourcing production to foreign labor markets.  Regardless, the next congress is certain to be one of heartfelt debate.

    Leonard places the paper on the table and says, "The Church is trying to stay clear of politics." 
    With a mild scent of alcohol on his breath, Cecil leans forward and in a whispering voice, says, "The other night, I was in this bar.  There was a very dejected-looking man beside me who kept guzzling down one beer after another.  Finally, the bartender said, 'You look like you need someone to talk to.'  After a long swig from his bottle, the man said, 'I guess I do.'  'What do you want to talk about.' the bartender asked. 'What about politics?' the man said.  The bartender quickly said,  'Oh, I never talk about that.  It's too controversial.'  The man sat his bottle down and said, 'What about religion?'  The bartender shook his head and said, 'Too controversial.'  The man began to look at the ceiling and seemed to be racking his brain for some other subject until he finally said, 'What about sex?'  The bartender clapped his hands and said, 'Good.  What do you want to know?'  The man leaned forward and very intently asked, 'What do you think we ought to do about that fucking Protestant in the White House'"
    There was a time Leonard would not laugh at such a story but he can't help himself.  He begins a roaring laugh and pulls his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his eyes.  "There's been Catholics in the White House, and they didn't do much better."
    "Do you know why?" Cecil asks.
    Leonard immediately sees Cecil is trying to entrap him and enter into a conversation of the type he hopes to avoid and simply responds, "No."
    "It's this crazy idea about the separation of church and state," Cecil blates out, intent on continuing the conversation on his terms.  "Politics is supposed to ultimately produce something that is just to the deserving.  Doesn't religion seek the same end?"
    Leonard finds himself becoming annoyed by this obviously uncouth, no doubt uneducated man who reminds him of so many others he has seen during his years as a priest.  The sort always pronounces opinions they know are controversial simply to afford them the opportunity to hear themselves talk, often with no reasonable premise. He stands, walks out into the aisle and looks first at the sleeping men and then at one of the volunteers who is dressed in a business suit, has not taken his coat off since he entered the building and is sitting there in the kitchen looking over a mass of papers of some type.  Placing his hands in his pockets and walking back towards Cecil, he almost reluctantly says, "Surely, you don't think that's possible today."
    "Maybe.  I thought you did, based on your homily last Sunday.  I mean you did seem to be reaching back for something which didn't strike me as reconciliation with, what did you call it, the present-day Church?"
    Leonard shakes his head and puts his hands further down into his pockets before saying, "I suppose there was a time when the Church had its hands in everything - the Church, politics," and with a snicker adds, "even some of the crime."
    In a singing, ridiculing tone that disturbs some of the others trying to sleep, Cecil says, "And then came the Reformation, and the rest is the history that your homily suggested you steadfastly oppose."
    Leonard immediately resents the mild manner in which Cecil has chosen to call him a hypocrite but before he can say anything, he begins to concede the merit of his position.  Even so, a very unsettled feeling causes him to want to strike back with something equally revealing, so he pointedly adds, while looking directly at the swastika, "Don't tell me a Neo-Nazi is an advocate of expanding Church influence."  Then, he knows Cecil has entrapped him exactly where he intended.
    "The Nazis found a way to seize men's minds.  Doesn't the Church seek the same?"
    "Yes, but you can't say....I mean...."
    Cecil clearly is enjoying the position into which he has skillfully maneuvered the priest and with some satisfaction in his voice, bluntly snaps, "Nationalism....nationalism.  The Germans took pride in themselves.  They were united until Hitler took them too far.  Admit it or not, you were saying the same thing Sunday.  Once, the Church was united, it moved men's minds, it spoke to hearts.  Look at those damn headlines.  American is losing the very identity you mentioned Sunday, and you can't even see it."
    Some of the guest begin sitting up on their cots and inquisitively staring at them standing there like 2 frontier cowboys about to draw on one another.  Leonard sees the need to terminate the conversation, or duel, but doesn't wish to simply walk away, so he adds in a hushed voice, "I suppose you know the reason for it all."
    "Hell yes, I know the reason," Cecil snarls as more of the men sit up on their cots. " It's the Zonno."
    Leonard's emotion quickly changes from antagonism to amusement.  He can't conceal the taunting sneer from his face as he asks, "The what?"
    "The Zonno.  I can show you how...."  He suddenly stops, walks back to his chair and picks up the newspaper without saying another word, just as the volunteer in the business suit timidly says, "You men quit that or I'll call the police."
    Father Earnshaw walks back to the kitchen where he sits for hours, wondering when, or if, he will again resume his full responsibilities as a priest.  Towards morning, Cecil, now completely sober, walks up in front of him and gives him a small piece of paper.  As he turns for the door, he says, "If you are what you profess, be there."
    Leonard looks down at the paper which simply reads, "27 Railroad Access Way - Thursday night at 8:00 pm."

________________

    Railroad Access Way is one of those streets long since by-passed by the need that local companies relocate to industrial parks closer to the suburbanites, although many changes in business within the past decades have produced a diminished need for what was once the blue-collar worker.  The people who now do that sort of work don't speak English, are in some distant land and in fact, don't have a collar on their shirts.  That remains the Oriental fashion - no collar and shirts that are not tucked into the pants.
    Father Earnshaw has an eerie feeling that he can't place as nostalgia or fear of the growing crime rate in Atlanta.  He finally decides it is nostalgia on the reasonable assumption that no enterprising criminal would be found in any such potentially unrewarding place as Railroad Access Way.  There are a few empty boxcars on the track here and there beside a series of empty buildings, all of which are completely uniform in the respect that every window is broken, grass has grown up some 12 inches along all sides and large cracks are in the concrete in the parking lots.  
    In the fading daylight, he sees a building up ahead where the windows are intact but are enclosed by wire and bars very similar to those pawn shops over on Lee Street that is another one of those places from which the modern world departed some while ago.  He notices a faint flickering in one of the windows.  His apprehensions about crime return as he says to himself, "Mother of Jesus, someone has set it on fire."
    Momentarily, he is at odds as to in which direction to proceed - towards or away from the burning building.  His steps gradually slow.  He sees no blaze, there is no scent of smoke and no one with a stocking over his face is observable within the 50 feet between him and the building.  Reluctantly, he edges forward before timidly grasping the doorknob as though he expects it to burn his hand.  He enters a small foyer and is surprised the first thing he sees is another priest who glares at him with a very suspicious expression before looking down at a clipboard containing a list of some 20 names.  Without looking up, he says, "Since Father Earnshaw is the only priest on the list, that must be you."
    Leonard remains mystified and can only manage a hesitant nod.  The other priest hands him a  piece of paper and, still without looking at him, says, "You must complete this before attending the meeting," as he moves to the door and greets another person who has the same dazed expression.
    Leonard glances down at his paper which is captioned Americans To Restore Tradition (ART) and finds himself answering a number of questions as to how he found out about the organization.  There is a paragraph at the bottom of the last page stating, "For the moment, ART must remain an order of complete secrecy.  I pledge my loyalty to this secrecy, even if I determine I cannot support the beliefs and efforts of the order."
    The other priest snatches the paper back, only looks at the signed pledge and for the first time, looks Leonard squarely in the eye before extending his hand and, speaking in a tone that seems very sincere, says, "As a priest, you should feel the need for what we hope to accomplish.  May God protect you wherever your conviction leads you."
    With his uncertain feeling growing, Leonard opens the door and is shocked at literally the last thing he expected to see.  What he is about to enter is an old warehouse building that has been converted into a church.  There is an aisle with metal, folding chairs on either side.  There is an alter with a cross behind it holding the body of Christ - the same as before the last Vatican Councils.  On one side of the alter is a number of votive candles with the traditional kneeling slat in front of them.  The last Vatican Council banished votive candles and as the reasons, cited present-day fire codes and went on to recall some church in the 19th century that burned to the ground because someone overturned the candle frame.  At the other side of the alter is a statue of St. Jude Thaddeus with one hand holding a club at his side and the other holding a medallion of the face of Christ in front of his body, representing a belief long-departed from the Church that St. Jude was clubbed to death while proclaiming the doctrine of Christ.
    He stares at the cross and statue for quite a long while before seeing a swastika out of the corner of his eye and who but Cecil Stratman is sitting at the table at the front of the auditorium, still wearing a sleeveless t-shirt, his arms folded in front of his body in what appears a blatant act to be sure everyone sees the swastika.  Leonard continues to search about the church.  He finds himself sitting down and does not remember when he took one of the metal chairs towards the rear of the room.  There are 5 other men seated at the table with Cecil.   Three are dressed in business suits but the other 2 appear to be construction workers, are wearing cotton work clothes and present a rather rugged appearance.  His attention settles on one of the men in a business suit and his mouth comes slightly open when he recognizes Joseph Adamson, a long-time United States Senator.  Someone is sitting next to Leonard who remains in the same trance-like state.  He glances at the man beside him and in a whisper, asks, "How did someone painted with a symbol of hate find his way to the forefront of whatever this is?"
    "You must not know who he is," the man says.  Leonard waits for what he feels should be a lengthy explanation but when it does not follow,  he finally asks, "Who?"
    "His family formed the Stratman Construction Company in Atlanta many years ago.  The business remained in the family until about 5 years ago when it went bankrupt."
    Again, Leonard finds the man's response uninformative as to why someone wearing a swastika is sitting in some position of apparent authority not 10 feet from an image of St. Jude Thaddeus.  With what he hopes is a tone of antagonism, he mumbles, "If he was parading around as some present-day Hitler, no wonder."
    After a moment, the man turns towards Leonard, stares directly at him and coldly says, "For decades, the Stratman Company had employee benefit plans for retirement and medical insurance.  Many of their employees had never worked for anyone else.  When the trade began to use almost exclusive sub-contracted labor to avoid paying Social Security taxes on direct employees, Cecil's father tried to hold on the the past and refused to layoff anyone.  To make matters worse, everyone began hiring these damn wetbacks that worked for less wages than Stratman was paying his employees. The business began to decline.  Finally, there was nothing left.  That's what killed Cecil's father.  Oh, there was enough money left in the family.  Soon after his father's death, Cecil formed the Atlanta Homeless Commission.  Who in the hell do you think donated all the cots and kitchen equipment for the homeless shelters in Atlanta?  It was Cecil Stratman."  With that, the explanation ends as abruptly as it had begun.
    All the while, Leonard had thought Cecil was a guest at the shelter a few nights earlier.  He certainly had the appearance of many of the others.  His thoughts turn to his second year in seminary and to his surprise, he can remember almost word for word an orientation on physiology and how some type trauma in a person's life can often produce hate and resentment that will turn a person towards the most available form of retaliation.  He wonders if that is what has happened to Cecil Stratman.
    A small side door opens and Leonard's shock reaches a new level when he sees John Cardinal O'Frailey, the Archbishop of Chicago, begin walking towards the front table where he takes his place immediately beside Cecil Stratman.  A most strange sight indeed - one who can only find an image of hate to pronounce his feelings and the other  who has spent 50 years as a priest.  The Cardinal is some 75 years old, frail, has a pale complexion and only a few strands of white hair neatly combed to the right side.  A smile comes to his face as everyone stands.  He extends his hands to each side of his body and in an authoritative voice, begins his opening prayer.

"St. Jude Thaddeus, we salute you through the sacred heart of our
Lord Jesus Christ.  God knows our motives as indeed he knows every man's
heart, his intentions for this life and what he is willing or unwilling to do to achieve
those intentions.  Pray that our intentions not be mislead, that the traditions of the Church
remain in our hearts just as those of the Crusades wore the red crosses on their tunics and 
ultimately fell in battle for a cause they knew to be far greater than what they wanted for
themselves.  Now, centuries later, it is our most earnest hope that it is love and understanding
that guides us.  Then, hear our prayer and make it your own.  Take it to the presence of God,
intercede for us and all our lives we will be grateful to you and remain your faithful clients until we
can thank you in Heaven.
Amen."

    Everyone makes the sign of the cross and takes their seats.  Leonard tries to remember when he last heard a prayer to a patron saint but cannot.  All eyes turn to Joseph Adamson who is an athletic-appearing, middle-age man, seemingly very distinguished in his light gray suit, blue shirt and black tie with gray stripes as he directs several men to pass out a piece of paper to everyone in the room.  He waits until all are looking at the document before beginning to speak in the same tone of authority as Cardinal O'Frailey.  "I've found it best to write everything down.  Perhaps because as we get older, memory is often the first faculty that departs us.  Possibly, because if anything goes wrong, we need some vehicle by which to exonerate ourselves from responsibility.  The word minutes seems too business-like, so I'll say what you have before you is, shall we say, an outline of our last meeting."
    The Senator pauses and gives everyone time to read the outline.  Leonard's dream-like temperament is overwhelming as he reads:

Estimate Of Circumstances

The Zonno
    A secret Zionist organization formed soon after World War II which has the belief that since the Bible teaches the Jews are God's chosen people, they are a superior race and consequently justified in taking any means to achieve the position of world domination to which they are entitled and deemed by God.
        Methods of infiltration:
            -achieving strong positions in financial sectors through:
                -purchasing large blocks of stock in a wide range of companies - especially those operating through the Internet and not having normal administrative expenses of conventional retail and wholesale traders.
                -contributing to the sellout of small and medium size businesses to larger companies in a process that will eventually impede competition and other hallmarks of the free enterprise system.
                    -destruction of market driven economy.
                    -political unrest as economy worsens.
        Promote and finance new management techniques built around progressive statistics:
                -business procedures primarily driven by return on stockholders' equity.
                -breakdown in consumer confidence in areas of :
                    -medical practice.
                    -prescription drugs.
        Gain influence in entertainment industry.
            -finance and promote scriptwriters of TV programs and movies having themes of:
                -drug culture.
                -homosexuality.
                -comedies presenting family values as subjects of mockery.
                -placing alternative life styles in positions of prominence. 
                -re-defining US military history.
        Support and contribute to local and national political candidates whose platforms suggest anti-Washington sentiment.
            -finance lobbyists on selected controversial subjects likely to divide public opinion on such issues as:
                -abortion.
                -immigration.
                -prayers in public schools.
        Create issue likely to:
                -divide races
                -produce loss of confidence in present office holders.
                -direct attention to controversial issues that are:
                    -largely divisive but practically non-substantive:
                        -display of Confederate Flag.
        Create opposing interests between segments of political parties.
            -income tax credits for certain segments of society.
            -sanction ideas built around states rights to further reduce strength of central government.
        Support and contribute to International Diversity Society.
            -loss of national identity.
        Attack organized religion - especially the Catholic Church by:
            -publications redefining history as reported by the Bible.
            -efforts to further separate church and state.
            -infiltrate leadership echelons of organized religion.

    Leonard's emotions oscillate between amusement and anger as he reads the document and then searches about the room, detecting what seem very contrasting expressions on people's faces.  He asks himself how did someone such as Cardinal O'Frailey, based on the arrangement of chairs in front of the gathering, become the CEO of what seems a Neo-Nazi group of hate-mongers?
    Cardinal O'Frailey politely waits until the murmur subsides before saying, "Based on our last meeting, any reasonable man, and perhaps unreasonable as well, might say we failed to achieve complete agreement on a number of points that were raised.  I now open the floor for debate."
    Immediately, a number of hands shoot upward.
    Without speaking, the Cardinal points to a very nicely dressed and soft-spoken man who asks, "I was a little shaken after our last meeting and left with the nagging question why don't we take all this to the public?  I have some contacts at The Atlanta Register, and I know I could get us a front page column.  Isn't it our responsibility to fight this by making the public aware?"
    "Quite the contrary," O'Frailey responds in an equally polite tone.  "With our present degree of information, the worse thing we could do would be for us to try to gain public recognition.  Oh, we might get on the front page for a day or 2 but I can tell you with no fear of being wrong, our organization would immediately be relegated to some Ku Klux or Nazi movement.  I can just hear some of the talk show hosts now as they would turn this into an item of entertainment and not serious news - certainly not something any responsible citizen would believe.  We would lose credibility at the outset."  He timidly glances down at Cecil Stratman, who has an obviously disgusted look about him, and the Cardinal's eyes remain fixed on the swastika for quite a long moment.
    People glance at one another with expressions difficult to read.  The murmur returns.  Cardinal O'Frailey becomes more intent but still with a polite voice, assumes a lecture-like manner.  "Please realize the Zonno was formed immediately after World War II, and it has taken all these years for it to achieve the infiltration level it now enjoys.  For us, or anyone for that matter, to attempt some type of tabloid expose' would be foolish indeed - especially in view of what has been a very calculated progression of the Zonno, which I am sure contains a number of  counter measures should it come upon any ill-advised and undocumented efforts to expose it."
    Cecil pounds his hand on the table, ignores correct parliamentary procedure that has been observed to this point and almost shouts, "Then what are we going to do, sit here like some college debating team and watch the damn country come down around us?  Who knows how long it will be before they have so much power they'll  be beyond stopping!?"
    O'Frailey hesitates a moment before responding, "Then what do you suggest, Stratman?" with his eyes again fixed on the swastika.
    "Fear and violence!" Cecil roars.  "Look back at who knows how many times in history when violence proved the only alternative, often after many other approaches had failed at the costs of thousands of lives.  A person need not admire someone from the past to learn from him.  Adolf Hitler was right when he said 'fear and violence will always be successful unless opposed by equal fear and violence.'"
    "Cecil, Cecil," O'Frailey responds appearing somewhat entertained.  "The Zonno isn't guilty of any violence that I know of.  How can people fear something they don't even know exists?"
    "Look at the outline," Cecil snaps as he comes to his feet.  "They haven't shot anyone in the streets but as clandestine as it may be, what they're doing is a violent attack on American ideals."
    A few clamor, "Here, Here!"
    "As I've told you before, Cecil," O'Frailey responds with a stern expression, "we need patience, so now I'm going to tell you a story about patience.  One day, an old bull and a young one were standing up on a hill, looking down on a group of heifers below.  The young bull said to the old bull, 'let's run down there and screw a couple of those heifers.' The old bull said to the young bull, 'let's walk down there and screw them all.'"
    Laughter begins to build slowly throughout the room, probably because the group never expected to hear what many would characterize as a low-class analogy from a Cardinal, but finally expands into a booming roar.
    As quiet is restored, clearly gratified that Cecil has sat down, the Cardinal recognizes another man who asks, "I don't understand how something on such as grand scale could be taking placed with no one even suspecting it?  How can this be possible?"
    O'Frailey doesn't hesitate and responds, "I think you might be paying too much attention to eventual outcome and not method.  The conspiracy, if you wish to call it that, was always intended to be a long-term process with much of the planned outcome resulting from a breakdown of traditional values caused by a covert attack process within the several avenues listed in the outline.  We don't expect to see storm troopers with Star of David armbands  marching about Wall Street and herding off all the stock brokers to some prison camp where they can never again savor the feeling of money in their hands."  He pauses a moment to glance at the others at the table.  Moving back to his seat, he says, "Perhaps your question can best be answered by someone properly trained in such matters.  We are fortunate to have on the executive committee Dr. James Matthews, a clinical psychiatrist at Clairmont Hospital.  I'm going to ask that he explain this to all of us."
    Dr. Matthews immediately shows his knowledge of the human psyche by taking off his coat and loosening his tie in a effort to blend in with what could hardly be described as the upper echelon of society gathered in the room.  He is short, plump, bald on the top of his head and his cheeks have a rosy appearance, almost as thought he were wearing rouge.  He looks like a comic book character with his stomach hanging over his belt and his shirt partially hanging out of the back of his pants.  Someone a few rows back says, "He looks like a little pig."
    Speaking very confidently, he begins, "The practice of psychiatry has long known that a person's character traits, ambitions, strengths and weaknesses begin to form very early in life.  The first influence is that of the parents, then comes school.  Although it remains an item of considerable controversy, I believe when a person first begins to become attracted to the opposite sex, this single factor, combined with the experiences of his or her childhood, could well determine much of what we call the intellectual and emotional silhouette.  As a person further matures, this silhouette continues to fill until we finally have Joe Schmuck, a criminal or a saint, depending on either a series of disappointments or achievements in his life to that point.  Picture a person with an unhappy childhood who attends a school without prayer, is poor and quite naturally, forms a dislike for those who seem to have so much more than he.  Let's say he isn't especially attractive, and when his natural sexual attraction forms, the opposite sex does not have the same attraction to him.  All sorts of emotional obstructions begin to form and often find such a person desperately searching, searching for some diminished level of achievement or happiness.  What we haven't yet determined with any assurance is why for example, a life of disappointment leads some to greater determination towards worthwhile ambitions and another with identical circumstances towards resignation and ultimately rebellion towards an unkind world."
    The doctor observes a prevailing quizzical expression throughout the audience and sees no one has quite grasped the point of his overly intellectual presentation.  Prudently, he gets to the point, never changing his expression or tone as he moves closer towards the bewildered onlookers.  "Now, simply try to bring this in harmony with nearly any daily news report.  There are stories of shootings at grade school level, widespread drug use at all ages and tiers of violence having no apparent motive, often inflicting tragedy on the most innocent."
    Matthews seems relieved that some degree of understanding is beginning to form.  The men discontinue glancing at one another, and all eyes are intently focused on him.  He steps back to the table and continues.  "Last night, I heard on the local news that within the last 10 years, student participation in high school athletic programs has declined 50%.  Immediately after that, there was a commercial for some sort of concert this weekend by a group of peculiar-looking creatures with facial ornamentation  and purple hair.  I couldn't exactly make out the words they were singing, or shouting, but it was something like, 'Give me my grass and a piece of ass.  That's all I want, slip the rod to you, hoopty do, hoopty screw, cut out the fetus and suck my penis.  Hoopty do, hoopty screw you.'" 
    He waits until the momentary stir subsides before folding his arms and saying, "Only consider yourself born into what society has become today and living within it for all of your years.  Do you really think your values would be what they are now or would you have something of a mutated opinion of success, failure or what is really important?  Once your emotional and intellectual silhouette began to form, where would you have found yourself?  Would it have been in a position of dedication towards something you felt worthwhile or would you be simply set adrift, wandering with no sense of direction as to origin or destination?  If you were among those who had become resentful, how would you express that resent?  How would you have struck back - through kindness and determination or would you have been consumed by the drug, delusive and violent culture of today?  At least for the moment, forget the Zonno.  You may even chose to believe it doesn't even exist.  That's not really the point.  The country has entered a serious state of decline, and something must be done."  With that, he sits down and looks towards the Cardinal.
    O'Frailey stands and with an approving smile, nods at Dr. Matthews who now seems even shorter, as only about half his chest can be seen above the table, and his feet do not reach the floor.  The audience is hushed whenO'Frailey says, "The Zonno is not an organization of fire-bombers.  The members are few but very intelligent and calculating.  It's methods have made it well-financed and in the best position to use what American has become towards its own end."
    Without being recognized, someone in the rear of the room says in a sneering voice, "How do you know all this stuff?  It all sounds like something you would see on television at 3 in the morning."
    Before O'Frailey can reply, Cecil stands up and blurts with his characteristic intolerance, "We penetrated their organization several months ago."
    "You mean we have, what do those spy movies call it, a mole?"
    "We had a mole," Cecil snarls.
    The man laughs aloud and asks, "What did he do, become a double agent?"
    "He's dead," Cecil replies in a more restrained voice.  "The son of a bitches found the security breach and murdered him."
    The Cardinal judiciously uses Cecil's unrefined explanation by waiting a moment before saying, "However we resolve to combat the Zonno, we must first agree it cannot be done on an individual basis.  Our efforts must be as uniform and well-conceived as those of the Zonno.  And Cecil, I now find myself in the unfamiliar position of agreeing with you to some small extent.  Oh, I don't mean we should all become Neo-Nazis or anything like that but our approach must be emotional as well as pragmatic.  Hitler made a largely emotional appeal to the German people and although it later led to ruin, they regained confidence in themselves as a nation, developed pride through heartfelt nationalism and made what was no doubt the greatest economic and military recovery in the history of the civilized world.  I'm indeed sorry to at last acknowledge that our beloved Holy Catholic Church is no longer the influence it once was in our country.  This results not only from the changes in the most recent Vatican Councils but also because well-directed emotion has made an unheralded exit from the stage that was once the true America.  With that has come a loss of national identity, admittedly assisted along the way by uncontrolled immigration, to the point of complacency.  Perhaps we should now say the emotional and intellectual silhouette for the country has deteriorated to the point that we must act." 
    Again, he glances at Cecil.  "The most common question expressed for weeks and weeks is what are, or can, we do?  Within this very week, greatly important decisions have been made at the top level of the Americans To Restore Tradition organization, and we are ready to move.  Don't think our effort is confined to a few rooms throughout the country with 50 or so people in attendance.  We have the financial resources and participation of some very influential people throughout the government and military.  Our steps must be gradual and well-conceived to the point we do not endanger what must be our ultimate success.  How best can we make this national appeal?  Of course, the Church and love of Christ should be at the forefront but again, I'm sorry to say the Church no longer has the influence on our emotions as it once did.  Some would call it a reasonable consequence, as I have heard many times  when a man supposedly becomes more and more educated, the less likely it becomes he will believe the Scriptures, or at least in the manner they have been taught throughout the ages."
    "Tomorrow morning, I am flying back to Chicago and will hold a press conference at 2:00 pm Central Time.  I understand it will be covered live by all the networks and cable news stations, and I urge each of you to watch it.  Again, please understand it is imperative that any information, or supposed information, about the Zonno remain a closely-guarded secret.  Unwise any undocumented speculation on this point in the hands of the news media I can assure you will defeat any effort we make."
    He extends his hands, everyone rises and he offers the closing prayer.

"Father, you know the intentions of each one's heart for it is the heart that
reveals our true nature, our honest hopes, our true identity.  May our designs
on this life extend beyond what we want for ourselves and may we look to our
Church and country to light our will and determination, both so desperately
needed in what so many have charitably called changing times.  May we see the needs of 
those not nearly as fortunate as ourselves and may we extend our hands and hearts to them
in the loving concern that once again can proclaim the authority of your Church.  Each of us
may well be, for reasons known only to ourselves, at some unsettled or even unhappy station
within our life but may we always know that each day gives us an opportunity, may it be ever
so small, to extend some loving kindness, some act of determination to carry out the faith
we profess.  May we know that while we cannot undo the past or see into the future, each
of us must always try, try to worthily fulfill our position in this world, wherever ever we might
find that to be.  Surely, this is what Christ intended.  Amen"

    All make the sign of the cross and quietly file out of the building.  Some touch the holy water at the entrance, kiss their palm and extend it to the crucifix, a gesture Leonard has not seen in years.  He starts to throw the outline into a trash can on the sidewalk but stops dead in his tracks when he realizes that the themes of the meeting, especially the Cardinal's prayers, were identical to the theme of his last homily.  Both had spoken of change and loss of meaningful and traditional identity.  He carefully folds the outline and places it in his pocket.  Driving back to the rectory, he passes through the neighborhood of his childhood.  His thoughts turn to his mother and to that brief period that was the happiest time of her life.  He looks in the direction of the old house and wonders what she is doing at this moment.  Is she in pain?  Is she afraid?  What is she thinking?  Does she feel embittered because of what seems such undeserved dejection and illness?
    There where the grammar school once stood is the Oriental Mall.  Directly across the street is the Mexican Village, both explicit articles of the changing times and loss of identity to which he, as well as the ART, are so unwilling to accept.  As he enters Auburn Avenue, he remembers the Freaknick festivals his father once told him about.  Black college students from all over the country would descend on Atlanta for a weeklong street party.  Then and now, there were questions as to what is was that motivated a whole segment of society that could best express its values by adopting the designation "freaks."
    A tear comes to his eye as he again sees the smiling face of his mother when he was a child.  He sees the pictures on the wall of the old house.  There were those of the victory parades after World War II.  She seemed so happy and radiant in those pictures taken on her wedding day.  His father, even after the divorce, wanted him to become a doctor, the same as his older brother, Howard.  His father never liked the picture of him laying on the floor the day he was ordained.  Within what his father's life eventually became, contrition and humility had long conceded to a very narrow interpretation of success.  He can remember his grandparents constantly speaking of old Atlanta.  Where did it all go?
    The shelter is quiet.  He stops for a moment and stares down the rows of cots and in the faint light from the exit signs, sees unshaven faces that cannot conceal their own despair, even as they sleep.  His thoughts now turn to himself as a young priest and all  those visions he had of working in a place just such as this.  Somehow, the mission of the Church changed over the years from that of outreaching love and concern to that of self-serving construction projects to build better schools, community activity buildings and promote what Rome calls the "Gala Decade" to modernize the Church into the changing needs of each parish.  Now, he feels the same as many of "these people" in the shelter who don't know, or even care, where they will be a week from now.  What happened to them?  What is happening to Father Leonard Earnshaw?
    He sits down at one of the serving tables and sees the evening newspaper on the floor.  He picks it up but for a moment, and his eyes remain fixed on the wall and the picture of St. Francis of Assisi standing among a group of beggars with empty plates in their hands.  Presently, he glances down at the paper which is open to the entertainment section and the ad copy of several current movies.  One of the volunteers, dressed in a business suit and one of those over-size ties that is urine color and has purple flowers, passes and gives him an impersonal glance.  He removes the outline from his coat pocket and begins to look for the section suggesting Zonno's infiltration into the entertainment industry and begins to read the ad copy for the movies.

The Coop
    Three aspiring businessmen find their tastes go beyond their paychecks and decide to jointly purchase an upgrade condominium.  The idea works so well, they begin to share each other's wives.  Screenplay by Alan Weissman.

How The West Was Lost
    Two unemployed women, one lesbian and one straight, become sick of it all and decide to go on a cross-country car trip.  One meets a hip hop band leader who releases her from her frustrations by acquainting her with the drug culture of San Francisco.  One night, they are both so stoned, he forgets to put on his condom and gets her pregnant.  She becomes despondent but is convinced by the lesbian to have an abortion after which she loses her interest in men and ends up marrying the other woman.  Produced and directed by Marvin Rosenbloom.

    Leonard turns to the TV section and finds a full page ad.

Original mini-series - Cadet Cain
    A Hawaiian American flees the US just before Pearl Harbor is bombed to avoid the draft.  In a bizarre sequence of events, he becomes a stowaway on a Japanese ship that is in the fleet that attacks Pearl Harbor.  When discovered, the Japanese reach the opinion he is lying in claiming he cannot speak Japanese and is only trying to flee Japan to avoid the draft.  Eventually, he finds himself in flight school for kamikaze pilots where he gets lost on his first solo flight, crash lands in a Buddhist monastery, learns to speak Japanese and becomes a monk.  Producers Alan Weissman and Marvin Rosenbloom.  Screenplay by Sol Feingold.

    Again, Leonard looks at the outline.  Someone who really wanted to believe there was some covert infiltration could well use all this as verification that family values and US military history were falling prey to some malignant force such as the supposed Zonno.  He looks down at the floor and picks up the front page and immediately, his attention falls to a small article at the bottom of the page.

Uniform Labor Act Meets Wide Approval Among Business Leaders
    Last year, with substantial lobbyist effort funded by the Descendants Of The World labor organization, the Uniform Labor Act was narrowly passed by Congress.  Recently elected Mexican and Oriental congressmen were unanimous in their support in what was described as landmark legislation that would afford equal opportunity to the diverse nature of the American population.  The central provision of this act is that employers must hire immigrant workers in the same ratio as their standing in the last census.  The lobby campaign cited many examples of the past where the strong American economy so dominated world trade that citizens of lesser-developed countries were exiled into a life of poverty, notwithstanding what was described as "token foreign aid from the United States."  Supporters of this bill referred to similar legislation proposed some years ago that although it never passed, would have given Black American citizens compensation for the slavery that preceded the Civil War.  Opponents of the act maintain it is part of a continuing effort to disable what few labor unions remain as upper management is finding it necessary to engage in many cost-cutting actions to compete with companies whose major sales are now through the Internet.  Through the discontinuance of employee benefit programs, high hourly wages previously demanded by labor unions and the increasing availability of immigrant workers, it is hoped the once strong manufacturing-driven economy can be reestablished and thus regain the increase in stockholders equity which the market has lacked in the past several years.  With the increasing number of Americans now holding some stock, business practices seem to be changing from service and customer-oriented procedures to procedures governed by a new business principal known as progressive statistics which is an emerging management concept placing company policy at the exclusive result of profit margin.  Some economists and financial observers feel if this trend continues, additional large cooperate mergers can be anticipated and the number of small and medium businesses will continue to decrease.

    Leonard holds the outline in one hand and the newspaper in the other before finally deciding all this is some curious combination of circumstances barely adequate to fuel the efforts of hate-mongers such as the ART.

________________

    For the past several years, each Friday, the shelter has been used for a free lunch for persons in the Atlanta area who have AIDS.  Often, as many as 300 are served through funds collected by the Archdiocese campaign to build the Church of tomorrow under a main provision of the campaign that the Church must adjust itself to society and not expect society to adjust itself to the Church.  Now that he has no duties as a priest, Leonard finds himself seeing many things that produce all sorts of conflicting emotions within him.  Those 2 men walking hand-in-hand, the laughing high-pitched voices of that group at the door but what strikes him more than anything else is the sight of the progression of the disease itself.  Some walk on crutches, some have skin lesions, others have the emaciated appearance of someone close to death.  He can't evaluate the feeling that grips him.  Somehow, it doesn't seem one of compassion - only pity.
    All day, he has found himself eagerly anticipating Cardinal O'Frailey's press conference and hoping he doesn't dress in the robe of a Ku Kluxer instead of that of a priest.  Surely, he has better judgment and will not announce or even suggest anything similar to that paranoid outline that could have only been the product of someone's imagination which has deteriorated to the extent that he now has a swastika tattooed on both arms and a grammar school mind.  Since he attended the meeting, he has told himself over and over that any infiltration on the scale suggested by the ART is highly unlikely and even impossible.
    As the newscast begins, he feels his heart beating in his throat, his hands are tingling and he is beset by the thought that he simply doesn't want to believe any of it, because he has become complacent and in fact, has evolved into the very type person he has always claimed to detest.
    About 25 news reporters are gathered in what appears a hotel conference room, and Leonard is immediately surprised the press conference isn't being held at the Archdiocese of Chicago that has much better facilities than what he sees on the screen.  Many of the reporters are young, very attractive women, so much in evidence since journalism became an item of show biz instead of a serious source of information.
    Cardinal O'Frailey and who else but Senator Joseph Adamson find their way to the podium in what at first impression seems a token infraction of the separation of Church and state.  The event lacks the fanfare of political press conferences as it was not preceded by a number of reporters, speculating on the content and giving some unfounded prediction as to the outcome of something they haven't even heard.
    O'Frailey steps to the podium and speaking in a gentle voice, says, "You might find it not altogether unexpected that a priest of some 50 years chooses to open his comments with a Bible quotation.  It was Paul, writing to the Ephesians while he was in jail of all places, who simply put it that for us, there can be only one Lord, one faith, one baptism.  God gives us all special abilities to act in building this faith, this Church, the body of Christ to a position of strength and maturity until we should all believe alike.  Paul went on to say that we should not be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe, because someone has told us differently or cleverly lied to us to make it sound as though it were the truth."
    O'Frailey sees boredom racing across the faces of the reporters and immediately adopts a stronger and even intimidating tone.  "I can only ask you and all those in this wonderful country to listen to the nightly stories on your own news reports.  There are accounts of murder, rape, unscrupulous business practices and political expediency in what seems a headlong retreat from what was once the American spirit."  He leans forward and forcefully adds, "Please notice I did not say a retreat from religion.  The effort I will announce today is not a recruiting campaign for any sort of bolt of lightening, on the spot conversions but one that I hope can allow us to regain our identity as individuals in both America and the Church." 
    Some guarded interest seems to stir among the reporters.  O'Frailey's eyes traverse the room, and he seems to be looking directly at each of them, saying in something of a more restrained voice, "When we see the American tradition evaporating before our very eyes, as many feel it is, the Church must look to its leadership and step beyond its traditional role.  If that leadership chooses not to honor the obligations of the Church that have graced all those centuries since the death of Christ, those of worthy heart, and I can tell you there are many, must act."
    The reporters guarded interest quite obviously changes to puzzlement, as some begin to glance at one another while others intently make notes - some on lap-top computers and some of the older ones, on the back of wrinkled pieces of paper. 
    With some suggestion of hesitation, O'Frailey says, "What I am announcing today is a new religious order that based on our research extending over quite a few months, will immediately enlist some 20% of the Catholics in the United States.  You may choose to call it a separation from the leadership of Rome.  Call it what you may but since the most recent Vatican Councils, we have seen a decline in Church influence throughout the world.  Beliefs and traditions of the Church, once held so hallowed, have yielded to expediency and I'm afraid ultimately will produce the same outcome as the current trend in the political system which seems intent on dividing the country along racial and social ranks, again for expedient outcomes one could hardly view as in the best interest of the United States.  How else could one describe the recently formed Korean Catholic Church in this city, presumably only intended for Korean immigrants?"
    A murmur begins to stir.  O'Frailey immediately takes a hand microphone and walks closer to the reporters, raising his voice to remain in control.  "Our first step will be simply to extend our open arms to those, and I remind you there are many, who share these beliefs and recover the lost traditions of indulgence, confession, efficacy of relics, intercession and homage to patron saints and the belief in the existence of Purgatory."  He stops for a moment, again glancing about the room, and very forcefully says, "This is not only a religious movement but a political movement as well for only a common belief can reunite our country from the divided course on which the expedient seem intent on leading  to a destination that can only find the American tradition misguided, injured and ultimately destroyed.  We do not advocate the separation of Church and state. The Church and state must be one, united in a common goal through love and kindness towards one another.  Only that can inflame the love of country that on a number of times in the past has has literally saved the world from those such as the Nazis who turned the emotions we all have towards the divided segments of their own society that were largely of their own creation."
    He studies the faces of the reporters.  Some seem shocked, some gratified, still others are hostile and defying.  With some suggestion of hesitation, he adds, "I know you have many questions.  Perhaps I can answer a few of them now."
    Literally everyone's hands shoots up, and there is a clamor, "Cardinal, Cardinal, Cardinal!"
    O'Frailey points to a very well dressed, young woman who, obviously lacking experience as a journalist, asks in an uncertain voice, "Will you continue to refer to the new order as Catholic?"
    "The new order will simply be known as The Restoration."  He waits for the customary follow-up question but the woman has difficulty in gathering her thoughts but finally asks, "Will there be a Pope?"
    O'Frailey nods and responds, "I will be the first Pope but hold the title The Leader instead of Pope."  He seems to recognize the predicament in which the woman finds herself and charitably continues, "My chair will be in Atlanta, Georgia in the newly-formed Church Of The Restoration under the patronage of St. Jude Thaddeus."  He reaches into his coat pocket, removes an armband and holds it up towards the cameras.  "The priests of the order will dress the same as now but they as well as the volunteers will all wear this arm band."
    Many cameras flash upon the armband which is black and  has a white circle in the center enclosing a black cross with a white body of Christ on the cross  - the old symbol of the Catholic Church.
    Still somewhat disoriented, the woman asks in a voice laced with sarcasm, "The Leader?  You mean the same as the Nazis called Hitler - Der Furheur?"
    O'Frailey does not respond and points to another reporter.
    A very distinguished-looking gentleman towards the back of the room asks, "How will the new order gain its members?"
    Welcoming a substantive question, O'Frailey responds, "Please recall I mentioned this effort is not being mounted without substantial prior research.  We have no question that a substantial body of Catholics share these beliefs.  Priests all over the country will be going on the news media within a week to announce the locations of many local parishes that have been in the planning stages for a number of months.  Now, I must add that this is not a world-wide movement.  One so closely tied to nationalism cannot be that.  The order will be confined to the United States."
    The Leader looks towards a younger man he recognizes as Horace Hastings, the host of a Chicago radio talk show.  In his typical impertinent tone, he asks in a booming voice, "How can you claim this is in the best interest of the country when the Constitution requires there be a separation between Church and state?!"
    O'Frailey motions for Senator Adamson to come to the podium.  The senator looks directly at Hastings and then at the camera as he says, "Perhaps I should first introduce myself, as I'm afraid I haven't achieved enough recognition to be featured in television commercials peddling everything from condoms to burial vaults.  I am Senator Joseph Adamson, Republican senator from this state for the past 19 years."  He pauses a moment and waits for the snicker to subside.  "The Constitution is worded somewhat differently than your question suggests.  It simply states, the government will not establish a religion but goes on to say the practice of religion will not be prohibited.  As The Leader stated, we view religion as the single-most powerful factor, perhaps the only factor, that can reunite the country.  Our appeal is then to those who are already Catholic or wish to become Catholics.  Someone will come to us through his own choice and not by mandate of The Restoration."
    Hastings becomes more defiant and blurts, "Do you mean that at the outset, you will exclude Jews, Buddhists and any other religion not believing in Christ?"
    The senator's eyes squint, and he forcefully responds, "What do you think Christ had in mind when he said, 'no one comes to the Father except by me?'  Our efforts will be towards including everyone in a common dedication to The Restoration and America and not exclude anyone who has or forms a belief in Christ. No one in The Restoration will attempt to change the scripture as dictated by changing times."
    Hastings is delighted to find himself in the same atmosphere of controversy he creates each day on his radio program and snaps, "Senator, be realistic.  How can you possibly think your movement can reunite anything when it is designed for only a portion of the population?"
    Adamson's head turns slightly to one side as he says, "I'm again going to refer you to the Constitution since you brought it up.  It refers to popular control of government through elections and majority rule."
    "I'll tell you what you're going to do," Hastings continues, pleased to see all eyes and cameras are on him.  "You're going to create anarchy, hate and division.  Maybe you should hand out Ku Klux robes instead of that armband and start burning crosses on the White House lawn.  The American society is now too diverse to be taken in by some new idea your so-called church should launch some modern-day crusade to free the country from whatever you claim is dividing it."  Confident he has struck a fatal blow, he sits down with such a vigorous motion, several pages from the man's lap next to him go flying into the air.
    Removing a single sheet of paper from his coat, Adamson says with a confident smile, "One of the first things I learned as a politician was the benefit of research before appearing before the press.  I did a little research on your radio program.  Within the past week, your guests have included two homosexuals who were recently married, a member of the Descendents of the World, which the viewers may not know is an  emerging  labor and political organization admitting only Spanish and Oriental members with the announced intent of gaining a majority in Congress.  Another guest was Irvin Isenberg, the author of  Chronicles of Deception, which characterized American operations in World War II, Korea and Vietnam as unpunished war crimes.  I submit it is not The Restoration but examples such as this that will continue to divide the country; and after a very painful process ultimately result in the anarchy to which you refer.  Adding to that are those, such as you, who are largely entertainers and somehow have gained the bizarre creditability of insight on any subject you choose simply because you have the daily forum not enjoyed by those of more conventional beliefs."  Suddenly, he stops, realizing he is laying the groundwork to sweep him away and produce all sorts of grounds for charges of  bigotry.
    The Leader no doubt has the same thought, because he steps back to the podium.  Immediately, there is another question from yet another attractive woman.  "What did you say you will you call the movement?  Will it be something like Reformation II or something like that?"
    O'Frailey waits for the slight laughter to subside before saying, "No, we are not reforming the beliefs.  We are simply seeking to restore the true beliefs of the Holy Church."  Looking over at the Senator with a quaint smile, he adds, "The movement will be know as The Restoration."
    A man with a long ponytail and 2 earrings asks, "What will be The Church's position on social and behavioral issues such as homosexuality?"
    Clearly annoyed, O'Frailey says in a calculating tone, "The Church does not regard homosexuality as a political or religious issue.  One need only consider such a question from a purely objective position and recognize homosexuality is abnormal, it's filthy and disgusting.  The Restoration, and anyone for that matter, should reject it on that count alone, the same as anything else degradingly abnormal."
    There is an outbreak of all sorts of comments and O'Frailey quickly raises his hand and loudly says, "Please....please, it serves no worthwhile purpose to open discussion on such a subject.  Much more pressing issues confront the country, and I'm again going to ask Senator Adamson to receive your political questions."
    Before Adamson reaches the podium, Horace Hastings stands without being recognized and again in an abrasive tone, asks, "Senator, don't you think it is a disservice to the voters of your state for you to enlist in what anyone would have to characterize as a fringe, combination religious and political movement?"
    "I agree with you in principle but not application," the senator responds.  "One of the items I intended to announce in today's press conference is that effective immediately, I'm resigning my position in the United States Senate."  Again, there is a mild upheaval but he holds up one hand and very loudly says, "No, I'm not resigning form politics.  That's the last thing you should expect from someone who claims to be concerned about the country.  As a definite part of  The Restoration, a new organization known as the National Artisans will be formed to act as the political component of the Americans To Restore Tradition.  The first issue to be addressed will be unemployment and the loss of American jobs to foreign countries.  In the next election, I will be the presidential candidate representing that party."
    Hands shoot up all over the room with many almost shouting, "Senator Adamson, Senator Adamson!"  The senator points at one but another asks his question.  "There hasn't been a successful 3rd party in the United States for over a hundred years.  How can you expect to gain any following at all?"
    "By telling the people the truth," the senator answers and immediately adds with his eyes fixed on the reporter, "and convincing them it's also what the party believes."
    The reporter's mouth opens but fails to emit words for quite a few moments until he asks, "Wouldn't you say that's the same kind of statement open to interpretation so typical of politicians?"
    Adamson is angered and pointedly responds, "Then let me give you some specifics so there can be no question where we stand.  The theme of many campaigns in the past have cast the federal government into the role of a villain.  Much has been said about the need to return power to the states and return the voice of the people to the discretion of locally elected officials.  Last year, the Reparation Tax Act was passed which returned vast sums of money to the states.  What did many of them do with it?  There are as many answers as there are states, so I'll confine my explanation to what was done here in Georgia where The Church's headquarters will be located.  Cumberland Island, Stone Mountain and a number of recreational areas were given large grants for various construction projects in order to attract more tourists.  Somehow, a few of those fringe organizations received funds for such meaningless efforts such as promoting an effort to restore the Confederate Battle Emblem on the state flag as a symbol of white heritage."
    He pauses a moment, realizing he is becoming carried away, before saying in a more constrained voice, "Again, I only ask you to listen to or read your own news reports.  There are stories of crime caused by homelessness, the lack of funds for medical research and a number of other central issues that somehow have fallen in 50 different directions since Washington ceded much of its responsibility to the states.  The purpose of this press conference wasn't intended for my to make a campaign speech, so I'll simply tell you that the platform of the Artisans will advocate the Doctrine of Central Control in government plus the establishment of a Cabinet position for clergy; and I'll tell you before you ask, we will not hold to the separation of Church and state.  The Church is the one thing that can restore unity within the country."  Again, he pauses before motioning for The Leader and returning to his seat. 
    Judiciously, The Leader sees now is the time to end the press conference but a young woman in a very official-sounding voice asks, "Cardinal, gay rights and freedom of choice are central issues as far as the country is concerned.  You've already told us your position on homosexuality.  Is your party pro-choice?"
    "Pro-life, off course but I should mention we differ from the present Catholic Church on birth control.  We do not place contraception in the same category as abortion and will not oppose birth control.  There's a practical aspect to this as well, considering growing unemployment within this country and poverty throughout many sections of the world due to over-population."  Before picking up a single sheet of paper on the podium, he says, "Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you.  The complete treatise of The Church Of The Restoration, will appear in most newspapers throughout the country tomorrow.  And please, don't speculate so very much on what you have just heard.  You'd be surprised how many people are ready to join any sort of movement that will free us from what you hear on the evening news."

________________

    Within these past few days, Leonard has been confused by his own emotions.  Often, he has recalled those times within the past few years when he even considered resigning from the priesthood.  He cannot evaluate the thoughts that constantly run through his mind, one moment suggesting he turn one way and the next, leading him in a completely different direction.  There is a pleading, pleading but he isn't sure if it is indecision from uncertain facts or unwillingness to do something he knows he should.  It is resignation that has claimed what was once a strong dedication or is it reluctance to go where his heart is leading him?  Is he at the turning point in his own life, one which may well be the last day of the past as he mentioned in his last homily?  When anyone reaches such a point, what is it that leads one to ruin and another to triumph over what is often misguided wrath over where the world has chosen to place him or where he has allowed himself to be placed?
    The Leader must have anticipated the reaction of the media to his press conference.  Leonard read most of the editorials in The Atlanta Register, all of which damned the very idea of bringing Church into government.  What was especially slanted was one cartoon captioned "The two faces of the Artisans" showing a man dressed as a priest on one side of his body sprinkling Holy Water with one hand and the other side dressed in a Nazi uniform in the likeness of Hitler with his hand raised in the Nazi salute.  All the media, in unison, seized on the controversial issues from the press conference and said nothing of the positive goals of bringing the country back together through love, understanding and kindness.  Controversy creates interest and with that, additional viewers and readers.  One effect is more advertisers willing to pay the resultant increased costs.  Current economic philosophy encourages anything that better produces progressive statistics.  All ignored the loss of compassion that has invaded the country, the fact increasing racial tension exists because unchecked immigration has substantially reduced the job market among Caucasian and Negro populations in many sections of the country, increased homelessness and loss of access to medical insurance created by the incompetence of 50 separate state administrative bodies. 
    Over and over, Leonard studied the treatise of The Restoration that appeared in its entirety  in the newspaper.  At the outset, it was acknowledged that it would take many years to pass even some of the proposed changes and still others would never be passed.

General Thesis
The Restoration personifies the traditional beliefs of the Holy Catholic Church and  is the sole legitimate representative of Christ in the United States.  It has the responsibility of developing the general premise of nationalism, one religious faith and a political system that will at first, change the fragmented direction of the country and ultimately result in a political system that will produce true equality and opportunity for everyone.  This position recognizes the fact that some social divisions, such as monetary income, will continue to exist but through the work of The Restoration's social and political undertakings, all directed towards compassion and understanding, there will be a greater willingness for all to volunteer their skills as well as monetary contributions towards the goals of The Restoration.

Doctrine Of Central Control
Through a gradual process, government must be centralized in Washington.  There must be uniformity in administering the many social and medical programs that are presently disjointed among the states.  The first step in any management process is to standardize as many variables as possible.  Through this, there can be more efficient administration of all the programs and greater access by those in need.

Funding Of Government Programs
For individuals, there will be a uniform sales tax that will replace the present income tax system.  Each year, when a person files his income tax, a magnetic card, working in the same manner as credit cards, will be issued to that individual and will specify his tax rate for the coming year based on his taxable income.  This card will be used any time a purchase is made.  Those with smaller incomes will pay a lower tax rate.  For businesses, a graduated tax rate will exist, much the same as the present system.  There will, however, be substantial credits for contributions, either through donation of job skills or monetary, to local Church projects.

Unemployment, Job Skills And Actions To Strengthen The Economy
A new government agency known as the Civilian Construction Coalition (CCC) will be formed to inventory unemployed job skills that exist in each state.  Ten percent of federal income tax will be allocated to that agency for the reconstruction of blighted areas existing in many larger cities, and the unemployed will be given jobs based on their job skills.  Additional tax credits will be allowed local businesses who expand into the reconstructed areas and provide additional job opportunities once the construction is complete.  Additional credits will be allowed for local businesses that volunteer qualified supervision and skilled labor during the reconstruction periods.

Medical Care And Insurance
Massive increases in medical professional liability insurance premiums have caused many doctors to close their practices since the Medicaid system has entered near bankruptcy.  It is estimated that Medicare will be bankrupt in 2 years.  The central issue contributing to this is failure of the states to enact tort reform in the administration of medical mal-practice suits.  Long discovery periods are required due to entanglements created by lack of uniformity with much of the settlements being used to pay attorney fees.  Often, attorneys are filing the suits in states where the existing law tends to favor the claimants rather than the defendants. This contributes to the discovery periods due to loss of uniformity in the hospital records system among the states and provisions of many of the privacy laws of the states created primarily to protect homosexuals from having their records accessed due to AIDS.  Health care will be withdrawn from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and placed into a single agency known as the Medical Assistance Administration (MAA).  This agency will begin an effort to recover those doctors who have left the profession, place them at strategic locations throughout each state in clinics where they can care for those who are ill, have no insurance and have no means to obtain care.  Other doctors, especially those in hospitals with surgical skills, will be encouraged to donate one day each week for volunteer work in the clinics as demanded by the needs.  Each month, the Central Government will release a list of all doctors and hospitals in each state who have or have not agreed to donate their skills.  The present condition of private and Medicare insurance programs is under study.  In honesty, corrective action has not yet been determined due to the condition of many of the state-administered programs.

Political Campaign Reform
For all local and national elected offices, a contribution cap will be established.  Once that cap is exceeded, all additional contributions will be placed in an account under the candidate's name and administered by a new agency to be known as the Elections Audit Bureau.  Between each election, both successful and unsuccessful candidates will, under the supervision of the Bureau, draw from these accounts to fund community service projects which will be established at the discretion of the candidates.  This will have the effect of achieving fairer elections between all candidates and remove the sometimes unwarranted advantage some candidates enjoy due to ties to large contributors.  It will also afford the candidates, both successful and unsuccessful, in each election a means to implement their platforms and give the voting public a more objective manner in which to either re-reelect the successful candidates or vote for the unsuccessful ones, should they decide to run again, in the next election.  Failure to be elected does not relieve an unsuccessful candidate from administering his or her fund in this manner.

Issues Regarding Life and Right To Life
Life begins at the moment of conception, however, The Restoration does not place pregnancy termination and pregnancy prevention in the same category, recognizing that in the case of the latter, there has been no conception.  Any form of abortion is prohibited but there is no position against birth control by contraception.   In general terms, an incurable illness can only bring pain and suffering to a person who has no hope of recovery.  Life, as such a person would have it, may end long before he or she actually dies.  Many terminal patients hope for death.  When such a person reaches the point he or she wishes life to end, through a living will, there shall be the right to request euthanasia which must remain each ones right to a painless and peaceful death.

________________

     Leonard isn't sure what emotion led him to now sit in the Patron of the Hopeless Church, waiting to see The Leader.  He only knows he can no longer remain in the priesthood in the Catholic Church.
    The Leader's door opens, and O'Frailey extends his hand with a broad smile.  "Father Earnshaw, delighted to see you."  He sits down at his desk, no longer dressed in the red-trim attire of a Cardinal but simply as a parish priest - the notable exceptions being the armband of The Restoration.  The smile remains on his face for the few moments he looks directly into Leonard's eyes.  "What is it that led you to us?" he asks as the smile gradually disappears, and his tone becomes more diagnostic than cordial.
    "I'm not sure."
    "Not an uncommon response.  Often, it takes us quite a long time to read our own intentions."  He picks up a folder, looks over a few pages and adds, "Twenty-five years a priest, much work with the poor and homeless, and oh yes, viewed as something of an innovator in developing social programs."
    Leonard is surprised there is apparently already something of  a personnel file on him when this is the first time he has met anyone in the movement.  In an inquiring tone, he asks, "How do you know all this?"
    There is a slight laugh as The Leader leans back and says, "It took our computer person about 10 minutes to crack the security code of the Archdiocese.  He said it was very elementary and must have been devised by a first year computer science student."  When Leonard does not respond as he expects, he goes on.  "We have something of an intelligence network you must realize.  In fact, I heard about your homily a few weeks ago and let's say it didn't exactly harmonize with Vatican III and IV. I must tell you that those same thoughts began to occur to me quite a few years ago.  At first, I kept it to myself as you must have.  I suppose the first thing we learned in seminary was that the Pope has absolute authority and if you believe anything about the Catholic faith, you must believe it all."  With a wistful breath, he adds, "But that was before all the changes which contradict that on their own merit - or lack of merit."  He pauses, again leans forward and says, "Since you made an appointment, I take it you've reached some order of decision."
    "Are you serious when you expect 20% of the Catholics to immediately join The Restoration?"
    "At least - that is 20% of the parishioners.  There may be even a larger number of priests."  He points to a large stack of papers on his desk and adds, "All priests and all applications for entry into The Restoration.  We're going to have an immediate representation everywhere in the country.  There may be many more who feel as you apparently do about Rome's retraction of so many of the Church's traditions.  I don't know how you feel about the political aspect of the movement but I must say that at the outset, I was against it.  Gradually, however, I began to agree that we can't just sit around spitting out Bible quotations every once in awhile and expect to reverse the terrible trend the country is beginning to enter.  Business failures, unemployment, racial polarization and what shall we call it....the departure of the American spirit?  All that dictates an attack on a much broader front."
    Leonard stares at the floor and then at the palms of his hands.  "What can I do?" he asks, never making eye contact.
    O'Frailey leans forward so he can look directly into Leonard's eyes and sternly says, "Honor your vows as a priest for one thing.  If you're sure that is your intent, you should enlist in The Restoration and with all your heart, do as the Church directs.  You should find this no different than you've been doing all along, or at least to the point you reached the inclination to deliver that homily that put you where you are now."
    Leonard finally looks at The Leader and quietly asks, "How?" 
    The leader picks up Leonard's impromptu personnel file and says, "You have so much experience with the homeless.  Beginning next week, we will open a shelter in the building next door but we won't just hand everyone a sack lunch when they leave each morning to go out and do who knows what.  We will begin to organize work programs that will serve a two-fold purpose - to give the men a ste