The Land of the Free: American Political Roleplay (IC II)

[New Cobastheia]

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
Oval Office
September 9, 2019

As Eliza waited, she took in the view of the Oval Office. Ever since her Husband had become more incapacitated than usual she had been spending more and more time in the office. Grabbing things he needed to sign and whatnot, even taking a seat behind the desk at times when no one was watching. Of course, this time she knew someone was coming, and so she sat on one of the couches in the center of the room instead. Wondering what the meeting would bring, she checked the time on her phone making sure he would be on his way at the very least.

[Rijkenlandd]

To: Representative Thomas Volker
From: Ms. Amber Sieber, Congressional Office of Representative Kevin Villalobos
Subject: ***HOT*** Urgent meeting

Good Afternoon Congressman Volker,

I would like to set-up a meeting at the Congressional Office of Representative Villalobos as soon as possible regarding the activities of the Congressman during his unconscious absence and several bills that he is in the process of authoring. Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,
Ms. Amber Sieber
Congressional Office of Representative Kevin Villalobos

To: Ms. Amber Sieber, Congressional Office of Representative Kevin Villalobos
From: Representative Thomas Volker
Subject: ***HOT*** Urgent meeting

Ma’am,

Of course, I will have my diary cleared at the earliest point for the meeting. Would tomorrow afternoon work for you?

Most Respectfully,

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

To: Ms. Amber Sieber, Congressional Office of Representative Kevin Villalobos
From: Representative Thomas Volker
Subject: RE:RE: ***HOT*** Urgent meeting

Good Afternoon Congressman Volker,

That will work. See you soon.

Very Respectfully,

Ms. Amber Sieber
Congressional Office of Representative Kevin Villalobos

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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The Big Reveal
Luedecke Arena
Austin, Texas
September 7th, 2019

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Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
Texas
Saturday 7th September, 2019

The welcome that Karen had arranged for him in Austin was practically breathtaking. It was a roaring, whipped up, driven crowd and he could feed off of that energy for days. Winning the Brookshire endorsement, on top of the Guerrera endorsement, and the campaigning he had done in Montana, in Louisiana, and in Kentucky, all served to strengthen his credentials as a downballot champion. It left him feeling an enduring sense of confidence, that despite what he had felt had been a mediocre debate and the occasionally patchy strength of his campaign over the summer, he was still well positioned to sprint to the finish. He would sustain and build on his lead no matter what, though it was not building tall which he felt had been to his credit, but building wide. He didn't try to please everyone, but he did try not to put their noses too out of joint either. He could both be the unity candidate and the radical that the hour called for. Nothing convinced him of that as much as this crowd. That, and perhaps the adoration he received from his dutiful, indefatigable wife.

Waving to the crowd in the 6,400 seater arena, he had a bounce in his step, a youthful energy that shone through despite his seven decades. He was full of mirth, full of triumph, and with the stage set, and having been so powerfully and profoundly introduced by Texas' new Iron Lady, he slammed his fist down on the podium and went to speak, starting by giving his jubilant, and delighted thanks. Everything up to this point had been set dressing. Preparing for this, the big, jubilant crowds. The shows of power. The lead.

"Hello, Austin! Thank you so much, and it is so good to be back here in the great, big, beautiful state of Texas!

Thank you to Karen Brookshire, who despite everything is still holding Suspicious Shah to account for his laziness, for his lack of care! You were meant to be voting on a Senator, not a slouch, and look at him! Skulking in Washington and not doing the job he's being paid to do! Well, when it's time to throw him out, we're going to do just that, because you deserve better than the man that was delivered to you by fraud, by lies, and by fake news! Let's not forget how dodgy the debate moderators were, and the bad faith editing they employed to try to help the dirty, corrupt Democrat! Your election was stolen from you, but we're going to take Texas back for Texas, and we're going to fight to make sure they can't take America back! Slimy Simone and Corrupt Karel, with their New York values, will have to take the Oval Office from my cold, dead hands!

Let's talk about that fraud first, actually. We know that in 2016, there was widespread attempts at fraud, it's the only explanation for the vast discrepencies in President Wolf's totals. And yet despite the obvious attack on American democracy, whether by criminals in state, or illegal immigrants, or by hostile foreign powers who we know are trying to fix our elections, this Congress, this No-Good, Do-Nothing Congress has passed no federal laws to enhance the security of our elections. It's shameful! They may call themselves the Democrats but the party of small-d democracy are the Republicans, and we're going to make sure there's Republicans in the Oval Office, in the Senate, in the House, and in the State Houses and Governor's Mansions come 2020. We won't let our enemies win, we won't let the fake news win, we won't let China win. America will continue to win, and we will build on President Wolf's many victories to do just that!

And on the subject of our No-Good, Do-Nothing Congress, did they come back to discuss action on Iran after the attack on Taqqadum Airbase? Did the Democrats let Congress meet to respond to one of the gravest attacks on our country since 9/11? Of course not, because they don't care how many Americans get hurt or killed by the actions of radical, Islamist terror states like Iran, because their policy, as advertised by Tehran Tim and Mujahideen Murphy is to roll over and let them kick us! Well, I say to Hell with that! There is only one strategy and that strategy is peace-through-strength! Democrats used to get this! What happened to the party of Kennedy, the party of Truman, of Roosevelt? These modern cowards would have gone to Tojo on their knees begging to keep whatever scraps were left of a conquered America! We won't have it! We will remind our enemies that the clenched fist of almighty God hang over them, ready to turn them into dust if they threaten us again!

Yet is not just Iran that the Democrats let bring harm to Americans. The Democrats have held back legislation penned by Senator Anderson of Missouri, my very good friend, to be tough on crime. When the President and the Republican Party fight to bring law and order back to our streets, the Democrats are content to let urban gang violence spread far and wide across our great country, taking lives day after day! The Democrats want to keep the borders open, preventing us from being able to protect our families from drug dealers and cartel gangsters who take advantage of our open border to do us harm. It's time to vote them out! It's time to vote out every dirty Democrat who stands against the Wolf Revolution, the people's popular, conservative, grassroots vengeance on a political class which has all too long ignored them and left them to die!

But that's just the threats who have guns! There is still no action from the Democrats on opioid abuse, that great pestilence that sweeps over the land and takes so many of our mothers, our fathers, our brothers and sisters, our children, before their time! Heaven's hallowed halls are too full of our fallen to this disease, and yet despite the epidemic, Democrats sit in their ivory thrones and do nothing. Only the Republican Party is resolved to action, and I stand on a record of bringing opioid deaths in West Virginia under control, and lowering their number. It's time to go after the dodgy drug companies, and the crooked doctors, and it's time to make them pay for the blood they've spilled! It is time for justice for every American who has been killed by opioids! And with God as my witness, I promise to deliver you that!

Yet can America sit safely with those addressed? Of course not, for without the support of congressional Democrats, there has thus been no movement on infrastructure spending! The nation's bridges rust, decay and collapse, the concrete of our dams crumbles and buckles from the relentless ravages of age, and yet there has been no action! Tens of thousands of bridges across America are ruled structurally obsolete, but the Democrats leave them open, not caring if they should collapse and send cars and buses full of families and innocent children to their horrific deaths by impact or by drowning. In Oroville, California, we saw tens of thousands hurriedly evacuated from their homes as the dam failed. Will we see that grotesque chaos come here to Austin, if the Mansfield Dam is not attended to! I am the only candidate taking infrastructure seriously enough to commit to a War on Decay! I will mobilize the Corps of Engineers, I will hire however many Americans it takes, and we will rebuild America, to guard its greatness from the laziness and ignorance of bad Democrat politics!

And even then, that is to say nothing of the fact that Democrats like Moneybags Miguel and Beijing Tim still want us to send our jobs overseas, whether it's reinitiating bad deals like TTIP and TTP, or whether it's simply letting the Chinese seize control of our industries, our money and our jobs, it's a disgusting and un-American surrender. America does not back down, America does not surrender, and I will not subject us again to the scam, the con, the trickery of unfair so-called 'free' trade! America will have fair trade, America will have trade on her terms, and it will retain the jobs that rightfully belong in the same industrial heartlands that formed the Arsenal of Democracy in the Second World War. We have no right to turn our back on industrial America, for she never turned her back to us!

With your jobs more secure, more safe than ever, then it's time to make those jobs pay! What Democrats promise you is not a living wage, but neither can we sit on our hands and pretend that the wage situation is sustainable either. The pathway forward to growth is to invest in the American people, to fold back the gains of the Wolf Economic Miracle to make our own people richer and stronger than they ever have been before. That's why I am committed to a moderate increase in the minimum wage, and the biggest working class tax cut in American history! Bernie Porter wants to give $18,000 a year to (not-Jeff Bezos). He want to give $18,000 a year to every death row inmate, every terror detainee all from your taxes! Well, under my plan, the costs to the federal budget will be far less, and every American who wants to work full time will earn $20,800 a year, without paying any federal income tax on it! How's that for a universal basic income?

We have a sacred duty to make sure that Wolfism doesn't end with Wolf. We have a mission to fight on for blue collar conservatives, to fight for the heartland of America. To fight for that great, silent majority whose righteous anger shook the windows of the Baharia White House, made the ground quake under the Clifford liberal elite, and brought about the biggest positive change in America since Reagan! We no longer want elitists running our government, out-of-touch coastal liberals behind whom the bodies of Middle America have piled up! It is time for America's forgotten to rise up yet again, and remind the privileged class in Washington that we have government by the people, of the people, for the people, and not an aristocracy! Their despicable, privileged class is dead, for it is the ordinary working American we cheer for now!

And as for my dear friend Karen here, who reflects the very best of compassionate capitalism, the best of Texas' can-do attitude, the best of America's self-made women? Well, we're going to rectify the slight, the injustice that's been dealt to her. This is not the last we've heard of Karen Brookshire, ladies and gentlemen. She's going to be back and bigger than ever, I promise you. She's going to be a big part of my crusade to guard American greatness, and I can think of no better fighter I can have on my team right now. So watch this space!

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen! Thank you, Austin! God bless you, God bless the great state of Texas, and God bless these United States of America!"

[Lavan Tiri]

"Oh, yea, go right ahead."

Jason leaned back in his chair, thinking for a moment. When he spoke again, it was slowly, and carefully.

"Diane, I like you. I truly do. Politically and personally, I think you'd be the one I'd most like to see as POTUS, either you or Richardson. You've got strong principles and a good record. And I'd definitely accept any Cabinet position I was offered, if I thought I could fill it satisfactorily. Energy, the Interior, Defense, Education...even Chief of Staff. But."

He tilted forward, his one good eye scrutinizing Diane.

"You do have to admit that you're not exactly the breakaway frontrunner. There is quite a bit of time before the primaries, but right now you're running behind Mini-Mussolini, if I remember correctly. You should be higher, I admit, but you aren't. On the other hand, I could campaign for you, help bring you up and bury Porter. Lots of unknowns, lots of variables."

Jason sighed. "I'm not saying no, Diane. In fact, there's a strong chance I'll wind up saying yes. But I need a little while to think about my choice and pray on it."

“I can respect that. The best decisions are not made on a whim, but with planning, prayer, and preparation.”

Diane stayed silent for a second as she thought.

“The polling is the number one concern right now. No matter how hard I try, it’s a continuous struggle to pull in votes in the South and Midwest. But I’m strong in the West and New England, I’m easily top-tier in California and Texas and I’m leading New Hampshire. I’m also top-tier in Nevada, I recently passed Richardson.”

She paused again briefly.

“I’m already very competitive in Nevada and New Hampshire. That’s two of four early states.”

“But then we have Iowa, and that’s part of where you come in. I’ve devoted the bulk of my recent campaigning to the Midwest, specifically with farmers and small towns in mind. But it isn’t moving the needle much.”

“Talking to people in Iowa made me realize that the issue for me in the Midwest is not policy, but credibility. Your endorsement would definitely lend credibility to the campaign. It would also guarantee you a seat in the Cabinet if you choose that route. I’m not one for the type of horse trading that goes on with endorsements, but since your state bridges the gap between the Rockies where I have strong support and the Midwest where that is lacking, it’s a common-sense thing for me to ask about.”

Jason kept staring at Diane, listening intently as she spoke. After the Congresswoman finished, he nodded decisively.

"Well, you've given me quite a bit to think about, Diane. I'll let you know within the next couple weeks what I've decided."

Jason stood slowly, groaning as his knees cracked. "Gah, I'm telling you, every year my aches increase exponentially. Absolutely awful. I mean," he said, "I took a bullet and it hurt less than getting out of bed some mornings. Anyway, I'd hate to chase you out, but I'd hate more to delay you. Plus, I'm supposed to meet my son and girlfriend at the Zoo when we're done, and write a sermon for this Sunday, plus a million billion other things I was tricked into agreeing to."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
Texas
Saturday 7th September, 2019

Fort Worth

Texas represented not just the boundless opportunity of the big Austin rally with Karen Brookshire, but also an opportunity to catch up with Estefan. He was sure the young man would have gotten his letter by now, at least, and he'd arranged to meet with the 19 year old at the Vaquero Coffee Co. shop in northern Fort Worth, which wasn't too great a drive from the Raceway. Sitting down at a table outside, trying to remain somewhat inconspicuous in a wide brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses, he sipped idly at a coffee and occasionally availed himself of a biscotti as he waited for the young man to join him.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
@JPJ4USA

---

My message in Colorado couldn't be clearer. If we're going to deliver continuing economic growth and opportunity for Coloradans, if we're going to preserve the great farms, and oil wells, and factories there, then we need to re-elect Clint Guerrera in 2020 to be their United States Senator!

[Titanne]

(Image)
Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
@JPJ4USA

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My message in Colorado couldn't be clearer. If we're going to deliver continuing economic growth and opportunity for Coloradans, if we're going to preserve the great farms, and oil wells, and factories there, then we need to re-elect Clint Guerrera in 2020 to be their United States Senator!

Liked and retweeted by Clint Guerrera

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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(Image)

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"Yes. Putting aside the many puns I could make about gravity given my previous occupation, I meant as in my reelection. Though I'm confident I can beat back another challenger. Especially with Wolf off the ticket."

She coughed, awaiting the Georgia lady's response.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 6th, 2019

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"Well, unless you'd like to get take out or go somewhere, I think all we have left are last night's dinner. Up to you Thomas." she offered, heading into the kitchen.

"I'm gonna pour myself some water. Would you like anything?" Torrie asked, before adding on, "Also, forgot to ask, but what's the deal on the Iran thing? The Montana man...umm...Tenson, yes, him, he seems to be a bit pushy on the whole regime change thing. Do you have that under control?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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"Yes. Putting aside the many puns I could make about gravity given my previous occupation, I meant as in my reelection. Though I'm confident I can beat back another challenger. Especially with Wolf off the ticket."

She coughed, awaiting the Georgia lady's response.

"Well, you know I gotta root for the Republican in that race even if I do turn out to like you, Senator. It's sorta the rules. Just like you'd back the Democrat in my seat." She chuckled.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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"Would I?" asked Sullivan.

"Well, what are your legislative plans this session Congresswoman?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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(Image)

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"Would I?" asked Sullivan.

"Well, what are your legislative plans this session Congresswoman?"

"As I'm in the Minority in my House, and there's far fewer opportunities for bipartisanship in the House, very few and far between. I'll advocate for Georgia. I'll profess conservative values. I'll fight when I can, but without Democratic votes, I know I ain't getting anything done." She tutted. "So much needs to be done but it won't get past Simone and her crowd."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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"It might if it carries my name. I do have quite a bit of a reputation. And while you may not endorse me, working together might be the second best thing." offered the Alaskan, smiling.

"So, anything you've got coming up where we could make that work?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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(Image)

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"It might if it carries my name. I do have quite a bit of a reputation. And while you may not endorse me, working together might be the second best thing." offered the Alaskan, smiling.

"So, anything you've got coming up where we could make that work?"

"I'm doubtful you'd be interested in a national voter ID law, or an amendment to the same effect." She shook her head, pursing her lips. "Or something to try to clip back the federal expenditure. Or a flag amendment..." Scratching her chin, she pursed her lips. "Or would you be interested in a flag amendment?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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"Alaska is actually quite progressive in voting laws so you're right, that's not on my radar. What federal expenditure are you looking to target? And sure, what's your flag amendment proposal?"

Sullivan was interested and hopeful, but also cautious.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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"Alaska is actually quite progressive in voting laws so you're right, that's not on my radar. What federal expenditure are you looking to target? And sure, what's your flag amendment proposal?"

Sullivan was interested and hopeful, but also cautious.

"Well, this'd be another attempt at exempting flag burning from the protections of the First Amendment. It's had bipartisan support before, Senator. But otherwise, I'm thinking we shouldn't be pouring so much money into the Department of Interior, or we could look at putting Commerce and Labor back together. Strip away some of the bureaucratic costs."

[Rijkenlandd]

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
Texas
Saturday 7th September, 2019

(Image)

Fort Worth

Texas represented not just the boundless opportunity of the big Austin rally with Karen Brookshire, but also an opportunity to catch up with Estefan. He was sure the young man would have gotten his letter by now, at least, and he'd arranged to meet with the 19 year old at the Vaquero Coffee Co. shop in northern Fort Worth, which wasn't too great a drive from the Raceway. Sitting down at a table outside, trying to remain somewhat inconspicuous in a wide brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses, he sipped idly at a coffee and occasionally availed himself of a biscotti as he waited for the young man to join him.

Before the Race

After qualifying 14th in the race at Texas Motor Speedway, Estefan would have enough down-time to meet with Prendergast, whom was following the recovery of his father hour-by-hour. Wearing aviator glasses and a baseball cap, Estefan would show up.

"Mr. Prendergast, you wanted to meet?" Estefan would ask, pulling up to Jonah's table with a coffee at-hand.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Before the Race

After qualifying 14th in the race at Texas Motor Speedway, Estefan would have enough down-time to meet with Prendergast, whom was following the recovery of his father hour-by-hour. Wearing aviator glasses and a baseball cap, Estefan would show up.

"Mr. Prendergast, you wanted to meet?" Estefan would ask, pulling up to Jonah's table with a coffee at-hand.

"Please, call me Jonah." He held his hands up slightly, shaking his head. "I wanted to see how you were holding up. It seemed our schedules lined up to have us both in Texas on the same day, so I wanted to check in on you."

[Rijkenlandd]

Before the Race

After qualifying 14th in the race at Texas Motor Speedway, Estefan would have enough down-time to meet with Prendergast, whom was following the recovery of his father hour-by-hour. Wearing aviator glasses and a baseball cap, Estefan would show up.

"Mr. Prendergast, you wanted to meet?" Estefan would ask, pulling up to Jonah's table with a coffee at-hand.

"Please, call me Jonah." He held his hands up slightly, shaking his head. "I wanted to see how you were holding up. It seemed our schedules lined up to have us both in Texas on the same day, so I wanted to check in on you."

"I'm alright, I guess. Dad's definitely better now than he was back in Daytona, still a long way to go. We're still pushing forward because even with him knocked out, we can't stop for a breather, the race schedule simply doesn't." Estefan would say. He'd sip from his coffee.

"And a breather, we could definitely use. Seeing his face... everywhere. Unlike before, it's all over the place. It's a bit uncomfortable at times." He'd point across the street to the nearby Texas & Brazil restaurant with a #VillalobosStrong banner.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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"Labor or Commerce could work. Though you'd have to give me some specifics first. And as for the Interior, well, Alaska is what it is. And frankly I would not move on cutting a number of programs that directly benefit my constituents. As for the flag issue, I think I could be convinced. But before I do, I'd like to know about your thoughts on kneeling during the national anthem?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"I'm alright, I guess. Dad's definitely better now than he was back in Daytona, still a long way to go. We're still pushing forward because even with him knocked out, we can't stop for a breather, the race schedule simply doesn't." Estefan would say. He'd sip from his coffee.

"And a breather, we could definitely use. Seeing his face... everywhere. Unlike before, it's all over the place. It's a bit uncomfortable at times." He'd point across the street to the nearby Texas & Brazil restaurant with a #VillalobosStrong banner.

"It's haunting, isn't it? Like you can't escape it. Or is it because all your cars were probably tuned up the same way and you can't help feeling it could have been you?" Jonah frowned, going to sip his own coffee before looking back at Estefan. "I'm glad Kevin's doing alright, but how about your family? Are you able to be there for them? Give them the support they need?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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Capital Hill Congressional Offices
Washington, D.C.
September 5th, 2019

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(Image)

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"Labor or Commerce could work. Though you'd have to give me some specifics first. And as for the Interior, well, Alaska is what it is. And frankly I would not move on cutting a number of programs that directly benefit my constituents. As for the flag issue, I think I could be convinced. But before I do, I'd like to know about your thoughts on kneeling during the national anthem?"

"I don't like it, I really don't like it. Those people should show some damn respect but... well. It's not arson, I guess. It's not defacing the flag. They're quiet about it, at least, they're not like... rapping over the national anthem or something. I don't think we should encourage them to do it and I think the NFL is right to discipline them but I don't think that's a matter of law. People tearing up and burning American flags is more... violent. More worthy of legal remedy."

[Rijkenlandd]

"I'm alright, I guess. Dad's definitely better now than he was back in Daytona, still a long way to go. We're still pushing forward because even with him knocked out, we can't stop for a breather, the race schedule simply doesn't." Estefan would say. He'd sip from his coffee.

"And a breather, we could definitely use. Seeing his face... everywhere. Unlike before, it's all over the place. It's a bit uncomfortable at times." He'd point across the street to the nearby Texas & Brazil restaurant with a #VillalobosStrong banner.

"It's haunting, isn't it? Like you can't escape it. Or is it because all your cars were probably tuned up the same way and you can't help feeling it could have been you?" Jonah frowned, going to sip his own coffee before looking back at Estefan. "I'm glad Kevin's doing alright, but how about your family? Are you able to be there for them? Give them the support they need?"

"Well, from the looks of it it was most likely dad that let the car get the best of him. The same way he does offensively, he was aggressively defending us to let Cliff and the team win. No setup was ever prepared to take on the amount of stress my dad's defensive tactics inflict, in fact, nobody has ever raced like that in years."

"Mom and the sisters though, they're alright and feeling better. Angela and Jennifer are going back to school next week but they'll frequently visit, while my Mom has taken part-time to be with him as much as possible. I could've done more to be there for them if I weren't racing in the Cup right now. Most I've done was use my purse (winnings based on position), as small as it was, to cover his hospital bills for the next two months."

"But seeing him become this god-like figure known all over the world overnight because of something he didn't intend.. He definitely wouldn't have wanted that. He knew that if that were to happen, it would be a tall order to live up to for someone like me." Estefan would take another sip, looking at the banner across the street again as a large-sized picture of him and his #48 Chevy came up to the side.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"Well, from the looks of it it was most likely dad that let the car get the best of him. The same way he does offensively, he was aggressively defending us to let Cliff and the team win. No setup was ever prepared to take on the amount of stress my dad's defensive tactics inflict, in fact, nobody has ever raced like that in years."

"Mom and the sisters though, they're alright and feeling better. Angela and Jennifer are going back to school next week but they'll frequently visit, while my Mom has taken part-time to be with him as much as possible. I could've done more to be there for them if I weren't racing in the Cup right now. Most I've done was use my purse (winnings based on position), as small as it was, to cover his hospital bills for the next two months."

"But seeing him become this god-like figure known all over the world overnight because of something he didn't intend.. He definitely wouldn't have wanted that. He knew that if that were to happen, it would be a tall order to live up to for someone like me." Estefan would take another sip, looking at the banner across the street again as a large-sized picture of him and his #48 Chevy came up to the side.

"I didn't realize your family were having any money troubles, is there anything I can do for you? You know I'd be happy to help. Shouldn't the car have been able to take the stress though? Your father neverr had this probem before, surely?" He wasn't a mechanic, he needed things spelled out for him on that front, but it was clear that Jonah's concern was genuine. "I'm glad your family is doing okay though, this has all been fucking awful for you, I'm sure."

Pausing for a moment, he continued. "Don't feel pressured to live up to your father's image, Estefan. What's important is that you were strong when it mattered most to the people you love."

[Rijkenlandd]

"Well, from the looks of it it was most likely dad that let the car get the best of him. The same way he does offensively, he was aggressively defending us to let Cliff and the team win. No setup was ever prepared to take on the amount of stress my dad's defensive tactics inflict, in fact, nobody has ever raced like that in years."

"Mom and the sisters though, they're alright and feeling better. Angela and Jennifer are going back to school next week but they'll frequently visit, while my Mom has taken part-time to be with him as much as possible. I could've done more to be there for them if I weren't racing in the Cup right now. Most I've done was use my purse (winnings based on position), as small as it was, to cover his hospital bills for the next two months."

"But seeing him become this god-like figure known all over the world overnight because of something he didn't intend.. He definitely wouldn't have wanted that. He knew that if that were to happen, it would be a tall order to live up to for someone like me." Estefan would take another sip, looking at the banner across the street again as a large-sized picture of him and his #48 Chevy came up to the side.

"I didn't realize your family were having any money troubles, is there anything I can do for you? You know I'd be happy to help. Shouldn't the car have been able to take the stress though? Your father neverr had this probem before, surely?" He wasn't a mechanic, he needed things spelled out for him on that front, but it was clear that Jonah's concern was genuine. "I'm glad your family is doing okay though, this has all been fucking awful for you, I'm sure."

Pausing for a moment, he continued. "Don't feel pressured to live up to your father's image, Estefan. What's important is that you were strong when it mattered most to the people you love."

Estefan would chuckle. "Oh no, no. We're far from having money troubles. Mom and Dad tend to be stingy about how their money works. As for the car, if I could say something, it really depends on the racetrack it's on; we use different setups and configurations for it. The packages and sets changed in 2018 after Dad retired, in anticipation for a transition to the next-generation of race-cars, though I can only say so much as to how it was. All I can say was that Dad raced and defended way beyond the limits of the car, which is already tough in itself. NASCAR is definitely looking into Dad's crash, I'll say that." He took a sip.

"Thanks for sharing your concerns, and thank you for that letter you sent. It meant a good amount to all of us." He'd spot someone looking at him for a brief moment.

"What are you doing up here in the Ft. Worth area? Campaigning I presume?"