Judeo-Christian Values

The vigorous applause demonstrated that Daniel Bellardi's audience was solidly on his side. He concisely delineated a platform of Judeo-Christian values as his passport to leading North California into the twenty-first century. He repeatedly called the God-fearing people of North California to take up his banner and help him conquer the land.

Daniel smiled with pleasure and turned his attention to the cameras. "I know there are tens of thousands of people in South California and across America who are fed up with crime and immorality in the streets and disgusted with leaders who refuse to do anything about it. I have one thing to say to these people: Come to North California and help us take the promised land for freedom."

Everyone in the ballroom was on their feet and cheering wildly again. These were the people who could help him take his message of hope to the people of North California. Only one dark, persistent cloud looming on the horizon shadowed his optimism. Juanita Dunsmuir also had a growing number of North Californians applauding and cheering for her.

More Vision

"I envision a state where all are welcome but where all are expected to conduct themselves according to truth, honesty, integrity, purity, and respect for people and property. I envision a state where parents are encouraged to discipline their children, not punished for doing so. I envision a state where individual rights are kept in balance by time-honored community values. Those whose lifestyle and beliefs differ from these norms must be accepted and not persecuted. But to allow these radically divergent views to be propagated as viable alternatives is to invite Goliath and his family to live next door. Our children are too precious for such a risk.

"I envision a North California where the church is separate from the state but not excluded from it. For example, Christmas isn't Christmas without the carols and pageants of the Christ-child. And the Bible and prayer are as much a part of the foundation of our country as the Declaration of Independence. Instead of banning these facets of our religious heritage, we must celebrate them with our children, while respectfully allowing any who believe otherwise to decline participation."

A State Vision

"The Philistines believe that beautiful, serene North California is no different in nature than our materialistic, self-satisfying sibling to the south from which we have been politically separated. But I believe that North California is destined to be fundamentally different—governed, guided, and populated by those who will no longer tolerate the erosion of America's moral foundation." The audience affirmed the statement with applause and several more amens.

Daniel scanned the crowd, hoping to transfuse the passion of his soul into every listener in the room. "I have a vision for beautiful North California tonight, a vision of freedom. I envision a state where citizens are free to walk the streets at any time of day or night in complete safety. I envision a state where our children are free to go to school, to the mall, or to the community park without being harassed by drug dealers or propositioned by pedophiles. I envision a state where every unborn baby is guaranteed the freedom to come to term and realize the potential for which it was conceived. I envision a state where children grow up in schools and neighborhoods where right and wrong are taught and modeled by adults. I envision a state where parents do not fear the loss of their rebellious children to a ludicrous Child's Rights Act."

The Promised Land

Closing the Bible, the speaker surveyed his guests. Daniel Bellardi's posture and bearing exuded dignity. His smile radiated friendship and trustworthiness. He said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't presume to identify the fine state of North California with Israel in these passages. And I certainly don't see myself as a twenty-first century Moses, even though I was privileged to take an active role in the so-called 'parting of the state of California' earlier this year." The laughter was gracious, mixed with a ripple of applause. "But I would be blind to miss the obvious parallels between what I have just read and what we have been called to in this grand new state of ours." Daniel casually but strategically gestured to include himself and his guests in the word we.

"Like Canaan of the Old Testament, North California, I am convinced, has been providentially prepared for those of us who believe in truth, morality, law, and order. The approval of the California legislature and Congress was no less miraculous than the parting of the Red Sea. And yet, also like Canaan, our Promised Land will not be possessed and occupied without effort. I'm not talking about a battle of swords and spears, but a clash of ideals between decent people and the undisciplined element in the land—the Philistines, if you will." The analogy got a positive rise out of the crowd. (to be continued)

Godly Values

As peppermint ice cream was being served, affable media secretary thanked everyone for attending and told a couple of preacher jokes, which drew gales of laughter. Then he introduced their host, "a man loved and respected by decent, God-fearing people across our new state, a man who will lead North California in turning our nation back to morality and godly values, Senator—and soon to be Governor—Daniel Bellardi."

Stepping to the lectern, Daniel mirrored pleasure at the enthusiastic ovation from his guests. A few "Bellardi for Governor" placards appeared in the crowd, even though the evening had been promoted as a social event instead of a political rally.

Daniel began his presentation by reading a number of passages from the Bible. The Old Testament texts concerned God's oft-repeated promise of a homeland for Abraham and his progeny. Other verses recalled God's insistence that his people live righteously within the borders of their new land despite the sinful behavior of their pagan neighbors. New Testament texts cited the injunctions of Jesus and St. Paul to spread the light of righteousness and justice in a dark world. Bellardi's lengthy reading was liberally punctuated with murmurs of "yes," "amen," and "praise the Lord" from the audience.

A Godly Candidate

Nearly a hundred miles to the north, Daniel Bellardi campaigned just as fervently as Juanita Dunsmuir. Crowded into the ballroom of Redding's Red Lion Hotel were almost two hundred church leaders. The campaign staff had invited every denominational leader, pastor, priest, rabbi, elder, and deacon within a hundred miles of Redding to the event, the first in a projected series of "Dinners with Dan" for religious leaders in the state. The gatherings were the brainchild of the campaign manager and media secretary and were financed by a number of Bellardi's major backers. The strategy was intended to counter the increased popularity of Juanita Dunsmuir, whom the senator's campaign staff had elevated from a mere nuisance to a mild threat to Dan Bellardi's aspirations.

The program in the ballroom did not bear any resemblance to the raucous goings-on with Juanita at the arena. The evening began with an invocation by the pastor of a large Baptist church in Redding. Background music for the complimentary chicken dinner was a selection of light classics performed by a piano instructor from College of the Siskiyous.

Dangerous Dan

“I'm here to warn you that not everyone running for governor of our great state believes in the beauty of tolerance," announced candidate Juanita Dunsmuir. Anticipating her meaning, the crowd began to hoot and clap. "His name is Dan Bellardi, but I think he deserves to be called Dangerous Dan." The crowd roared with approval. "Dangerous Dan doesn't want to be governor; he wants to be warden with North Californians as his prisoners. His idea of tolerance is counting to three while you decide to believe what he believes, live the way he lives, and worship the way he worships." Laughter exploded around the arena. "I'm here tonight to say, 'Dangerous Dan, the decent people of North California are not going to let that happen.'"

The chant arose from somewhere in the crowd and rippled quickly around the arena. It happened this way at every concert during Juanita's rousing preamble as if it were planned, which many critics insisted it was. In seconds the throng was singing again, this time to Dangerous Dan Bellardi: "Adios, Tarzan, you ain't good enough for this Jane. We need more than your body, your bucks, and your brain. Your loving ain't love if all we feel is pain. So adios, Tarzan, you ain't good enough for this Jane." The band joined in and the place was rocking again.

Tolerance

As the applause slowly died away, Juanita said, "I came to here tonight for three reasons. First, I'm here to show you a good time. Are you having a good time?" The response was loud and long.

"Second, I'm here to celebrate with you one of the most beautiful concepts ever to grace our free country: the virtue of tolerance." Another strong wave of applause swept over the audience. "Tolerance reminds us that every lifestyle, every belief, and every worldview held by every citizen of our great land is of equal value. Tolerance is what America's founding fathers—and mothers—had in mind when they stepped ashore here. Tolerance is the freedom we offer one another to be what we want to be, do what we want to do, and worship who we want to worship. Tolerance is what Jesus had in mind when he said, 'Judge not that you be not judged.' Tolerance, when allowed to flourish, puts an end to hatred, bigotry, and strife. And isn't that what we want for ourselves and our children in North California?" Another mountain of applause rose and fell.

Third, I'm here to warn you that not everyone running for governor of our great state believes in the beauty of tolerance."

Campaigning for Governor

Reaching the mike, Juanita Dunsmuir, running for governor of the newly formed state of North California, started with an infectious song, first with her rhythmic strumming, then with her piercing voice. She opened all the campaign concerts with a medley of her biggest hits, which brought crowds to their feet cheering and clapping. The first one, "Adios, Tarzan," was her signature tune. It was an upbeat, irreverent ballad about a woman with many lovers but none who really loved her. Each time she sang the chorus, the audience joined in.

The personality in Juanita's eyes and smile sparkled to the far reaches of the small arena, charming her audience. Tobacco-chewing farmers and pot-smoking students sat side-by-side, enraptured by North California's legendary artist and activist. Roaming video cameras captured the magic and its effect on the crowd for future promotional use.

When Will It End

The tumble off the bed amidst flying bullets and debris left Collin with cuts on his chin and both hands and a bad case of fright—but no gunshot wounds. Stevie's elbow throbbed from the hard landing, and she had numerous cuts on her hands, knees, and feet. The full weight of what happened—and what could have happened—hit her a few minutes later on the front lawn. With the wail of sirens growing louder in the distance, neighbors agreed that eight to ten shots had been fired at Stevie's house. No other homes on the street had been targeted.

Buckling under the emotional weight of her traumatic afternoon and evening, Stevie fell into the arms of a woman from the neighborhood she barely knew and sobbed. Cold reality pummeled her. Dougie was dead and Jon was no longer her husband, confidant, and comfort. Shawna had abandoned her, and Collin could easily have been killed in a hail of gunfire. Floundering to stay afloat in a raging current of whys, Stevie was now gripped by a question that threatened to pull her under like a riptide: When would this diabolical assault on her family ever end?

Shattered Windows

Unable to see her son in the near darkness, Stevie cried out, "Collin!" She stayed on all fours searching the room for him, ignoring the cuts she was accumulating from broken glass. She found him lying on the floor on the far side of the bed. Touching his still body, her cry was frantic: "Collin!" "Mom, there's glass all over me," the boy whimpered. "Whenever I move I get another cut." Relieved to the point of tears, Stevie said, "Don't move, honey. I'll get the glass off of you in just a minute. I'm so glad you're all right."

Almost immediately, Stevie heard the voices of concerned neighbors approaching the house. The silent alarm, triggered by the shattered window, would bring the police, she knew. Perhaps the same two female officers who had been there earlier were among the contingent rushing to the scene.

Bullets Flying

In the first terrifying instant, Stevie thought a killer earthquake had finally hit Los Angeles. Or was it a random shooting? In either case, survival depended upon taking cover immediately without pausing to ask questions.

Stevie reacted instinctively. "Collin! Collin! Get down!" she screamed. As glass shards and splinters rained overhead, she dived to the floor and began crawling toward the bedroom. Slugs hitting the walls sounded like mighty hammer blows. Framed pictures and knickknacks dislodged by the concussion crashed against the furniture on their way to the floor. For six more seconds the deafening barrage continued across the front of the house, round after round piercing walls, spitting chunks of glass, drywall, and wood splinters.

By the time Stevie reached the darkened bedroom, it was over. The windows there had been hit too, and shards of glass littered the bed and carpet. Invading .45 slugs had silenced the TV and blown the bedside lamp to the floor. Through the open window Stevie heard a car speed away.

Questions, No Answers

Stevie ran her fingers through her hair as she replayed the events of the afternoon and evening. But every replay of the events prompted the same very real questions.

What has happened to Shawna? How can a sweet Christian child turn into a lying, conniving, gutter-minded teenager in just two years? And if God loves her, why did he let it happen?

How can a country founded on Christian principles stoop to allowing something like the Child's Rights Act to become law? What will happen to the Christian family if kids can leave whenever they feel slighted? What will become of parental discipline when it can be interpreted as child abuse?

How long will Shawna play out her defiance? Have I lost her forever, just like Dougie? Will she find a way to get together with this Rik character? Is there any way I can protect her from this pervert? Will Jon be able to—

In less than a second, a trio of .45 slugs exploded the window-panes over the kitchen sink, tore through the curtains, and slammed into the refrigerator.

Plotting Revenge

Rattler collapsed the empty beer can in his hand and threw it across the dark room. Feeling his way to the bedroom, he found the hidden Colt .45 automatic and stuck it in his belt. Then he put on his trench coat and beret, and walked six blocks down the street.

"What's going on, man?" Chako said, stepping outside. The intensity in Eugene's eyes left no doubt about his purpose. "Let's go for a ride, Chako." Chako studied him. "You really have to do this?" Eugene nodded. "Tonight, man. I have to do it tonight." Chako opened the battered screen door. "OK, Rattler. Come in and have something to eat. Then we'll go for a ride and get this out of your system."