Scenario: North Bend, Washington

The following scenario takes place in North Bend, Washington. North Bend is a small town of about 6,500 people and is 30 minutes from Seattle. The town gained popularity due to it being featured in the television series Twin Peaks.

NOTE: This scenario was previously published a few years ago. It’s been updated based on current times and events.

Situation and Time Line:

By June of 2024, the Stock market has dropped to below 18,000 – down from its high of 34,000 just three years ago. Government reported unemployment has crossed 12% while true numbers run above 30%. Consumer confidence is at an all-time low and continuing to drop.

Employers reached a tipping point as demands for higher wages continued to grow. Ingenuity and creativity led most businesses to figure out how to continue operating with fewer people and fewer hours – thus lower payroll. Those businesses that failed to adapt to the movement towards higher wages closed…..and joined those they refused to hire as a member of the unemployed.

President Kamila Harris and the Democratically controlled Congress have instituted “emergency” measures to boost the economy. Over the past two years “stimulus” checks from the Federal government have been mailed to all taxpayers on a quarterly basis. More than $8 trillion dollars has been added to the Federal debt due to these measures while currency devaluation has taken hold. Inflation has trended upwards while layoffs and downsizing measures gain momentum in an effort for businesses to reduce costs and retain profitability.

Unemployment benefits are being adjusted quarterly due to inflation. States are requesting Federal assistance to deal with growing budget issues. With so many states requesting assistance, the Federal deficit continues to grow exponentially. By March of 2024 states accepting Federal funds are required to meet certain Federally mandated requirements – including restrictions on firearms and mandated COVID-19 vaccines for State workers. Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee resist these measures – as long as they can.

In late 2023 Congress reports the results of the investigation into the terrorist attacks(summer of 2022)and finds blame lies solely on Conservative, Right-Wing militia groups who acted out in a violent attack in Washington, DC. Leaked documents indicate that government investigators actually found evidence pointing to Antifa and another unnamed group – and not to Patriotic supporters of the Constitution as reported. MSM fails to provide any credence to these leaked documents.

Protests after the Presidential election in 2020 putting Joe Biden in the White House were massive. The attack on the Captial January 6th. were solely blamed on Trump supporters and Right-Wing radicals while evidence pointed to multiple parties involved including Antifa. The mainstream media, then the Democrat Party, and many members of the Republican Party promoted responsibility solely on the Right. In early-2023 several “Patriot” groups known to support Patriototic groups and having suspected ties to the terrorist attacks a year earlier were raided by the FBI and shut down. Two prominent groups “temporarily” shut down included the National Rifle Association and the Project Veritas. In conjunction with this Twitter and Facebook begin severe censorship all in the name of “safety” and reducing further terrorism activities. Several well-known and politically active citizens were apprehended and questioned – and subsequently released. Interestingly these citizens remained quiet and disappeared into the shadows afterward. Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, and even Alex Jones were included in this group. An alert went out for little-known blogger “John Rourke” as an effort to make it known that no matter how big – or small – if they stirred a hornet’s nest they could be targeted. This action resulted in many Patriots going underground and meeting in secret. By the beginning of 2024, the protests, for the most part, had stopped.

In January 2024 Congress – without warning – passes the “American Citizen & Law Enforcement Safety Bill”.  This was a sweeping Gun Control Bill including an assault weapons ban, waiting periods, magazine bans, registration, and special taxes on all ammunition and ammunition components. The Bill was promoted by politicians to protect children and law enforcement officers. They used the Capital terrorist attacks of 2020 as well as a horrible mass shooting at the University of Georgia as additional motivation for support of the Bill. With Democrats holding the majority in both houses of Congress the Bill could not be stopped.

By March of 2024, Congress passes the “United States Equalization of Opportunity Bill” which is professed to fix the growing economic troubles. What the Bill actually does is expand government involvement in almost every industry and business in America and provides the largest tax increase in history. Requirements within the bill aim directly at religious freedom for organizations and businesses. While proponents of the Bill state the vast majority of the taxes will come from large corporations and the rich – the reality is quite different. Several well-known businesses shut their doors within days of the Bill’s passage in protest including Chik-fil-a and Hobby Lobby.

Capitalism in America…..is over.

Political and Governmental Summary: 

The attacks on the Capital on January 6th, 2020 had a dramatic effect on the political climate in the United States. While the election of President Trump and his subsequent policies had a positive effect on the economy – the citizenship became extremely divided.

Progressive politicians spun those actions on January 6th via a Congressional investigation and fueled a belief that Nationalism, Patriotism, and Conservatism were not just bad for the country – but evil.  The majority of America was willing to give up freedom’s many didn’t even know they had – for the promise of security.

June 21, 2024: North Bend, Washington:

Bill and Jennifer Owens were enjoying their breakfast at Twede’s Cafe when the news came in. There was going to be a vote in Texas on secession.

“This is unbelievable Jen. I never thought in my 55 years I would ever see this country fall apart like this. Now it looks like Texas is going to try to leave the Union. Wonder what President Harris will have to say about this?” Bill stated.

“It’s not going to be good. Texas contains many natural resources and military bases with nuclear weapons. She’s not going to just let them go,” Jen said.

“Governor Abbott ordered all Texas Congressman to leave Washington, DC as well as their entire staff and families,” Bill continued.

“Did you hear Bigg Dog Firearms got shut down?” Jen asked.

“No, I didn’t. How come?” Bill questioned.

“The folks over there refused to go along with some of the parts of the “American Citizen & Law Enforcement Safety Bill” passed in March. They were found to still be selling magazines with a capacity of over 10 rounds. Bigg Dog’s said they purchased all those magazines before the passage of the Bill, however, the government made the magazine ban instantaneous. It’s crazy,” Jen stated flatly.

“I’m glad we put back what we did when we had the chance,” Bill whispered.

Jen smiled….and then had a look of concern on her face. She wondered if those “supplies” they put back would ever be needed.

June 22nd, 2024: White House

President Harris was having another one of her “attacks”, at least that’s what many of the White House staffers called them. After hearing the news of the upcoming vote in Texas, President Harris has grown even angrier than she normally was. She summoned the Attorney General and military representatives to develop an action plan should Texas actually pass their “secession” resolution.

Advisors tried to convince Harris to meet with Governor Abbott and come to some agreement but she refused. She felt that meeting with Abbott at this time would only reinforce his position and make her look weak. No – she must show her strength and superior position.

“I must take action to quell the dissension that is growing in some of these…..Patriotic States,” President Harris thought to herself.

June 25th, 2024: Washinton State – Governors Mansion

Governor Inslee called a meeting with his advisers over lunch. He received communication from the White House that in order to obtain further Federal financial aid President Harris would require some “steps” to be implemented:

First – a declaration of non-secession must be made by the Governor in the national press. President Harris was literally going mad over the secession talk in Texas and a few other states.

Second – state law enforcement would be used to run surveillance on a multitude of individuals and organizations known to express “patriotic” and “right-wing” views. Additionally, a database would be created of suspected terrorist threats. These individuals would be pro-Life, pro-2nd Amendment, Conservative, and mostly Christian. President Harris told Inslee they needed to work together to quell dissension.

These same steps were being required for all states accepting Federal funding and assistance.

July 4th, 2024 – The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas

Governor Greg Abbott called a press conference to discuss the passage of the Texas Secession Bill. While leaving the Union was not as easy as just passing a Bill it was a huge step.

Governor Greg Abbott’s statement:

“Over the last twelve years, the United States as the Founding Fathers meant it to be has ceased to exist. The country which has saved this world from Communism, the evil of Nazi control, and countless other threats has been led astray and is now infested with such corruption it’s like a cancer to the very principles which the Constitution stands. I firmly believe it’s beyond repair.”

“The Federal government continues to overtax and overregulate both businesses and citizens to the point that it is a form of slavery. The Federal government has stepped so far to the Left that the ability for the American citizen to live a free and fruitful life based on their efforts and hard work has been undermined. The White House and a corrupt Congress has seen to it that those who choose to sit by and wallow in mediocrity are raised up by the fruits of others labor – while those hardworking folks who get up every day and work their tail off to contribute to their own success are punished. It just doesn’t make sense and is completely un-American.”

“The Federal government has led America down a path to immortality. When nearly a decade ago a conversation had to be had to determine who uses which bathroom and how many genders there are – insanity has prevailed. Over the past two years, basic rights such as religious freedom, the right to bear arms, and due process have been attacked by past President Biden and now President Harrisa and an out-of-control Congress. It’s my responsibility as Governor – and as an American citizen to do my part to stop this insanity and stop it I will….in the great state of Texas!”

“It’s my hope that the vote to succeed and separate from the Federal government will be a peaceful and simple transition. My administration is working on a plan which will be provided to Congress and President Harris which will describe the steps involved. In no way, shape, or form does Texas plan to quarantine itself from the rest of the states in the Union. We plan to continue to carry on commerce and strategic relationships as normal – with few conditions.”

“I will provide two simple requirements of President Harris and the Federal government.”

“First – I require that all Federal military installations be vacated by July 15th. These sit on Texas soil and the land is the property of Texas.”

“Second – all Federal offices and buildings are to be vacated by July 15th and all operations will cease at that time.”

“More information will be forthcoming.”

“Thank you.”

July 6th, 2024 – Home of Bill and Jennifer Owens, North Bend, Washinton

“Jen – what do you think we should do? Harris has ordered 25% of the American military forces stationed in Europe and Japan to return home. The explanation is “cost reduction” but we all know what it is for – Texas. Now leaked documents show that the Washinton State Attorney General’s office is accumulating a list of “Patriotic” citizens. I guarantee we will be on that list,” Bill exclaimed.

“Are you sure?” Jen asked. “We never officially signed up with Ted’s militia group.”

“Absolutely. You know Jerry, Rob, and Kenny and his wife are all members. Now we are ALL members of the same MAG – that provides the tie-in that will connect us to the militia. Plus we are members of the NRA, Republican party, and gave money to Trump in 2020. You know we both had Patriotic stuff all over our Facebook pages before our accounts were canceled. If I could go back in time OPSEC would have been a much bigger deal,” Bill said.

“Well, you weren’t making all the decisions. I am as much to blame,” Jen stated flatly.

Bill continued, “Back to the question Jen – what do we do? We may be fine right now but we may be targeted at some point. I firmly believe Harris is going to take military action against Texas.  Several other states have refused to sign the non-secession pact including South Carolina, Idaho, Montana, Arizona – and even California. We have the supplies and the means – should we relocate? Your brother lives in Pickens, South Carolina – it’s a long way but we could get there. More leaks from the White House indicate that an assault weapons ban INCLUDING confiscation is in the works in case other states drop out. We could go to Texas but that might end up being a war zone. If we stay here the State Police will likely be knocking on our door to take our guns – leaving us defenseless.”

“The economy is getting worse Bill. Gasoline is up to $5.50 a gallon. If we are going to leave we need to do so soon. Everything is getting more expensive. We can make a go of it here but I’m fearful of turning into felons if we don’t give up our guns. ”

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That’s it. That is the information you have. As each of us read through the scenario we will all envision the story just a little bit differently. Based on your interpretation of the situation what would you do? Are Bill and Jen best to stay in place – or relocate? If they relocate where do they go?

Rourke