Alternate History 📰 EAGLE IS DOWN: November 23, 1996: The Clinton Assassination and Ramifications....

[Sergeant Foley]

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR PRESIDENT CLINTON

Thursday, December 5, 1996
Private Viewing
3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
East Room, White House
Washington, DC

Friday, December 6, 1996-Monday, December 9, 1996
Lying in Repose
US Capitol Rotunda
Washington, DC

Monday, December 9, 1996
11:00 AM EST
State Funeral
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, DC

Departure Honors Ceremony
2:00 PM EST
Joint Base Andrews Air Force Base
*21 Cannon Salute will be fired by the Presidential Salute Battery Unit
*Air Mission 43 will take off at 2:36 PM EST

Arrival Honors Ceremony
4:36 PM CST
Little Rock National Airport
Little Rock, Arkansas
*21 Cannon Salute by the Artillery Regiment of the Arkansas Army National Guard
*"Hail to the Chief" will be performed by the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Marching Band

Lying in Repose
Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda
Little Rock, Arkansas

Tuesday, December 10, 1996
11:00 AM CST
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
Little Rock, Arkansas

Final Resting Place:
Rose Hill Cemetery
Hope, Arkansas
*21 Cannon Salute by the United States Marine Corps Field Regiment
*Flyover from the Arkansas Air National Guard
*White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry confirmed that once the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock is completed in several years, the late President Clinton will be re-interred there.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The Cabinet of President Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.,
November 28, 1996
​

It had been less than five days since the events of November 23rd in Manila, Philippines altered the American political landscape, President Gore (who was still residing in the Number One Observatory Circle residence) had been working non-stop since ascending to the nation's highest office, making him one of several who ascended to the Presidency through assassination of their predecessor: Andrew Johnson (1865), Chester Alan Arthur (1881), Theodore Roosevelt (1901), Lyndon Baines Johnson (1963), Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (1975), George Herbert Walker Bush (1983) and now Gore himself (1996).

President Gore asked the Cabinet to remain in place, although some would have to leave before the upcoming January 20, 1997 Inauguration:
The Presidential Cabinet as of November 28, 1996:
President: Albert Gore, Jr., (D-TN) since November 23, 1996
Vice President: VACANT
Secretary of State: Warren Christopher (D-CA)
Secretary of the Treasury: Robert Rubin (D-NY St)
Secretary of Defense: William Perry (I-PA)
Attorney General: Janet Reno (D-FL)
Secretary of the Interior: Bruce Babbitt (D-AZ)
Secretary of Agriculture: Dan Glickman (D-KS)
Secretary of Commerce: Mickey Kantor (D-TN)
Secretary of Labor: Robert Reich (D-MA)
Secretary of Health & Human Services: Donna Shalala (D-FL)
Secretary of Housing & Urban Development: Henry Cisneros (D-TX)
Secretary of Transportation: Federico Pena (D-CO)
Secretary of Energy: Hazel O'Leary (D-VA)
Secretary of Education: Richard Riley (D-SC)
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Jesse Brown (D-IL)
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: Carol Browner
Director of the Office of Management & Budget: Franklin Raines
US Trade Representative: Charlene Barshefsky
US Ambassador to the United Nations: Madeline Albright
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers: Joseph Stiglitz
Administrator of the Small Business Administration: Philip Lader
Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency: James Lee Witt
Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy: Barry McCaffrey
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: John M. Deutch
Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation:
White House Chief of Staff: Leon Panetta (D-CA)

While the American people was mourning the loss of the 43rd President, the Gore White House were doing research for suitable Vice Presidential replacements to replace Gore on the Democratic Party's ticket. The shortlist had ranged from members of Congress such as United States Senators Juan H. Cinton Garcia (D-PR) or J. Bennett Johnston (D-LA); military figures even US State Governors like former NY St Governor Mario Cuomo (D) or FL Governor Lawton Chiles (D). The electors were allowed to change their votes without being penalized, owing to the unique circumstances of what just transpired in Manila five days earlier. The states, however, weren't legally allowed in binding electors to a deceased candidate. With the decision finally made, White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry announced in a White House press briefing that President Gore had selected former Texas Governor Mark W. White, Jr., (D) as the Vice Presidential choice, which surprised many political analysts and observers. White, 56, was working in the private sector in Houston, Texas when the news of Clinton's assassination broke out on November 23rd, when asked about his selection as Vice President, he said "I was surprised the White House selected me, but I spoke to President Gore and told him I will serve his administration with honor and integrity."

Former Texas Governor Mark W. White, Jr., (D) interviewed by Dave Ward of ABC 13 KTRK-TV Houston.
​

White served as Texas Secretary of State (an appointed position) under then-Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D), his protege and close personal friend, serving from January 31, 1973 until his resignation on February 1, 1977 when he was appointed by Briscoe to the US Senate seat vacated due to the resignation of then-United States Senator John G. Tower (R-TX), who stepped down to serve as US Secretary of Defense under then-President Nelson Rockefeller's administration; White then won a special election very easily later that summer without a runoff with 72% of the statewide vote and was re-elected again to a full six-year term in 1978 with 61% of the statewide vote and served until his shocking upset victory in the 1982 Texas gubernatorial election defeating then-Texas Governor William P. Clements, Jr., (R) by a margin of (57% to 41%) White would go on to winning reelection defeating former US Rep. Kent Hance (R-TX) in 1986 (55.73% to 42.13%) and easily win re-election in 1990 defeating Midland oilman Clayton Williams (63% to 33%) in which he carried 249 out of 254 counties that year before deciding not to seek re-election to a fourth term in 1994, serving 12 years in the Texas Governor's Mansion from January 18, 1983 to January 17, 1995.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Downballot election results
November 28, 1996
​

*US House of Representatives election results from November 5, 1996: Coinciding with the re-election of then-President Bill Clinton, the Democrats had won the popular vote by nearly 60,000 votes and gained two House seats, but Republicans retained their majority of seats in the House. Although Republicans had lost three House seats, 1 of them included an Independent, who caucused with them and later switch to the Republicans. It resulted in a 227 Republican majority compared to 208 minority seats for the Democrats. Total of 12 freshman Republican incumbents, who were elected in the 1994 Republican Revolution Wave, lost their re-election bids in 1996.
(US House of Representatives)
226 Republicans
207 Democrats

*United States Senate election results from November 5, 1996: Despite the re-election of Clinton and Gore, Republicans kept control of the United States Senate, where they picked up open Senate seats previously held by Democrats: Alabama, Arkansas and Nebraska. The Democrats only picked up South Dakota, where Tim Johnson defeated incumbent United States Senator Larry Pressler (R-SD). The number of retirements totaled 13 overall; additionally special elections occurred due to early resignations of Republicans Bob Packwood (R-OR) and presidential nominee Bob Dole (R-KS).

This was the first time since 1980 that Republicans gained seats in the United States Senate in consecutive election cycles.
(United States Senate)
55 Republicans
47 Democrats

(Alabama: OPEN)
Jeff Sessions (R): 52.5%
Roger Bedford (D): 45.5%

(Alaska)
Ted Stevens (R-incumbent): 76.7%
Jeff Whittakaker (G): 12.5%
Theresa Obermeyer (D): 10.3%

(Arkansas: OPEN)
Tim Hutchinson (R): 52.7%
Winston Bryant (D): 47.3%

(Colorado: OPEN)
Wayne Allard (R): 51.4%
Tom Strickland (D): 45.7%

(Delaware)
Joe Biden (D-incumbent): 60%
Raymond J. Clatworthy (R): 38%

(Georgia: OPEN)
Max Cleland (D): 48.9%
Guy Millner (R): 47.5%

(Idaho)
Larry Craig (R-incumbent): 57.0%
Walt Minnick (D): 39.9%

(Illinois: OPEN)
Dick Durbin (D): 56.1%
Al Salvi (R): 40.7%

(Iowa)
Tom Harkin (D-incumbent): 51.8%
Jim Ross Lightfoot (R): 46.7%

(Kansas; OPEN)
Pat Roberts (R); 62.0%
Sally Thompson (D): 34.4%

(Kentucky)
Mitch McConnell (R-incumbent): 55.5%
Steve Beshear (D): 42.8%

(Louisiana: OPEN)
Mary Landrieu (D): 50.1%
Woody Jenkins (R): 49.9%

(Maine: OPEN)
Susan Collins (R): 49.2%
Joseph E. Brennan (D): 43.8%

(Massachusetts)
John Kerry (D-incumbent): 52.2%
William Weld (R): 44.7%

(Michigan)
Carl Levin (D-incumbent): 58.4%
Ronna Romney (R): 39.9%

(Minnesota)
Paul Wellstone (D-incumbent): 50.3%
Rudy Boschwitz (R): 41.3%

(Mississippi)
Thad Cochran (R-incumbent): 71.0%
James Hunt (D): 27.4%

(Montana)
Max Baucus (D-incumbent): 49.5%
Denny Rehberg (R): 44.7%

(Nebraska: OPEN)
Chuck Hagel (R): 56.1%
Ben Nelson (D): 41.7%

(New Hampshire)
Bob Smith (R-incumbent): 49.3%
Dick Swett (D): 46.2%

(New Jersey: OPEN)
Robert Torricelli (D): 52.7%
Dick Zimmer (R): 42.5%

(New Mexico)
Pete Domenici (R-incumbent): 64.7%
Art Trujillo (D): 29.8%

(North Carolina)
Jesse Helms (R-incumbent): 52.6%
Harvey Gantt (D): 45.9%

(Oklahoma)
Jim Inhofe (R-incumbent): 56.7%
James Boren (D): 40.1%

(Oregon: OPEN)
Gordon H. Smith (R): 49.8%
Tom Bruggere (D): 45.9%

(Puerto Rico)
Carlos Baccero Romero (D/PNP): 83.00%
Unopposed: 3.39%

(Rhode Island: OPEN)
Jack Reed (D): 63.3%
Nancy J. Mayer (R): 35%

(South Carolina)
Strom Thurmond (R-incumbent): 53.4%
Elliot Close (D): 44.0%

(South Dakota)
Tim Johnson (D): 51.3%
Larry Pressler (R-incumbent): 48.7%

(Tennessee)
Fred Thompson (R-incumbent): 61.4%
J. Houston Gordon (D): 36.8%

(Texas)
Phil Gramm (R-incumbent): 54.8%
Victor Morales (D): 43.9%

(Virginia)
John Warner (R-incumbent): 52.5%
Mark Warner (D): 47.4%

(West Virginia)
Jay Rockefeller (D-incumbent): 76.6%
Betty Burks (R): 23.4%

(Wyoming: OPEN)
Mike Enzi (R): 54.1%
Kathy Karpan (D): 42.2%

 

[Sergeant Foley]

US State Gubernatorial Election results from November 5th
November 28, 1996
​

In the 1996 US Gubernatorial elections in 11 states & two territories, seven seats were held by the Democrats and four held by the Republicans. Democrats won the open Governorship of New Hampshire while Republicans took back the West Virginia Governorship, which resulted in no net change in the partisan balance of power; these elections coincided with the 1996 Presidential election.

(Delaware)
Tom Carper (D-incumbent): 69.5%
Janet Rzewnicki (R): 30.5%

(Indiana: OPEN)
Frank O'Bannon (D): 51.5%
Stephen Goldsmith (R): 46.8%

(Missouri)
Mel Carnahan (D-incumbent): 59.9%
Margaret B. Kelly (R): 40.4%

(Montana)
Marc Racicot (R-incumbent): 79.2%
Judy Jacobson (D): 20.8%

(New Hampshire: OPEN)
Jeanne Shaheen (D): 57.2%
Ovide Lamontagne (R): 39.5%

(North Carolina)
Jim Hunt (D-incumbent): 60.0%
Robin Hayes (R): 38.8%

(North Dakota)
Ed Schafer (R-incumbent): 66.2%
Lee Kaldor (D): 33.8%

(Utah)
Mike Leavitt (R-incumbent): 75.0%
Jim Bradley (D): 23.3%

(Vermont)
Howard Dean (D-incumbent): 70.5%
John L. Gropper (R): 22.5%

(Washington State: OPEN)
Gary Locke (D): 58.0%
Ellen Craswell (R): 42.0%

(West Virginia: OPEN)
Cecil Underwood (R): 51.6%
Charlotte Pritt (D): 45.8%

(American Samoa: OPEN)
Tauese Sunia (D): 51.0%
L. Peter Reid (R): 49.0%

(Puerto Rico)
Pedro Rossello (PNP): 51.4%
Hector Luis Acevedo (PPD): 44.7%

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 2 OF EAGLE IS DOWN!
The American people bids a final goodbye to President Clinton

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Dole
2:39 PM EST, Thursday, November 28, 1996
Alexandria, Virginia

Former US Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-KS) had just lost to then-President Clinton in a landslide defeat just 23 days earlier and gave his concession speech to his supporters thanking them for their hardworking efforts, etc., "WHAT IN THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?" he sighed in anguish after he had watching breaking news alerts on major national networks on November 23rd that Clinton had been assassinated in a terrorist attack during the 1996 APEC Summit in Manila, Philippines.

Upon learning of the tragic news, Dole and his wife, Elizabeth both released a statement offering their condolences to the Clinton family and announced they'll be in attendance at the State Funeral on December 3rd.

Dole wasn't the only one finding a delicate balance on how things have just been altered in the United States.......

Gingrich
4:00 PM EST, Friday, November 29, 1996
Outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia

April 1996: Gingrich during Earth Day festivities at Zoo Atlanta.​

While offering condolences in light of the Clitnton assassination of November 23rd, US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) was being advised by several of his staffers about a potential succession plan in hijacking the Presidency due to the possibly of the Electoral College votes being invalidated altogether. Always plotting in finding ways to gain political advantage with full-throated cutthroat obstruction against the newly-minted President Gore, whom Gingrich referred to as "just another gullible idiot continuing the policies of his predecessor".

Gingrich had been noted by political analysts as being responsible for hastening the harsh political polarization and partisan prejudices inside the country; he was also known for installing a very aggressive combative approach in the Republican Party: Gingrich and his staunch allies in the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives viciously attacked Democratic counterparts by questioning their patriotism to the country, referring to them in typical ugly term like "socialists, corrupt, fascists" and even went so far as to tying state and local Democrats to the unpopular domestic policies of the then-Clinton administration.

He also quickly consolidated power and more power in the Speaker's office during his controversial tenure. By elevating junior and more extreme House Republicans to powerful committees, such as the Appropriations Committee and many others, Gingrich also enforced term limits on committee chairs, which all but prevented them from building respective power bases and influences from the Republican Party.

While the nation was mourning Clinton's death, Gingrich and many on the Republican side of the political aisle weren't going to be distracted from the common goal: making life difficult for President Gore by any means necessary. "If President Gore thinks he can have some sort of a de-facto mandate, he's sadly mistaken because we, the Republicans, have control of the House of Representatives, the Senate and majority of Governorships across this country. The President will have to come to us and work with us, NOT the only way around!"

Gingrich also had gotten some information about a campaign finance violation that Gore had been doing during the 1996 campaign, which was going to be explosive "Just keeping this damming information handy just in case the President gets all uppity"....

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT IN CHAPTER 2 OF EAGLE IS DOWN
Jobelle's Personal PoV
​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 3 OF EAGLE IS DOWN
Monday, January 20, 1997: The Second Inauguration of Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., as the 44th President of the United States

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@WolfBear @bintananth @Husky_Khan @49ersfootball @Airedale260 @stevep @Abhorsen

Beginning next week in Chapter 2: State Funeral services for President Clinton.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The Final Goodbye to President Clinton begins.....
December 6-9, 1996
US Capitol Rotunda, Washington, DC.

US Armed Forces Honor Guard personnel carry President Clinton's flag-draped casket toward the steps of the US Capitol West Front Grounds.
​

From the Friday afternoon of December 6th to the early morning hours of Monday, December 9th: President Clinton's body laid in state inside the US Capitol Rotunda, where approximately 127,000 people paid their respects to him. Earlier on Thursday morning, December 5th: there was a private viewing only for family and friends inside the East Room of the White House, where they held a family prayer before exiting out of the White House for the final time as Departure Honors were rendered for the 43rd President, whose casket was then placed on a horse-drawn caisson (first time that's happened since President Rockefeller's funeral in 1979 and President Reagan's funeral in 1983); large crowds of mourners lined up the streets of Washington, DC to watch the funeral procession marching past time with chants such as "We love you Hillary and Chelsea", "God Bless the Clinton Family", or "We're all Clinton's Today!"; among those participating in the procession was the University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band, who then performed "Hail to the Chief" as the Presidential Salute Battery Unit fired the resounding 21 Cannon Salute outside the US Capitol West Front Grounds, while former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and daughter, Chelsea watched, with US Air Force General Joseph Ralston, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as their official escort.

Inside the Capitol Rotunda, a memorial service was held for President Clinton as among the speakers: US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), US Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), and US Housing & Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros. Following the service, the official wreaths of the President of the United States, US House of Representatives and US Senate were placed at the casket and the public viewing began, where as noted earlier, an estimated 127,000 mourners paid their respects; the number of people lining up to pay their respects was so much, that Capitol Hill Police had to use five assigned sections had to be placed outside for people to go through.

December 9, 1996: State Funeral of President Bill Clinton at the Washington National Cathedral.
​

On the morning of December 9th, the State Funeral for the 43rd President was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, being given in Clinton's honor. The main speakers for the State Funeral: President Al Gore, who stated during his eulogy: "Back in 1992, then-Governor Bill Clinton gave me the offer in becoming his running mate during the campaign. It was very late in the night, I went into the meeting with Bill knowing a sense of foreboding. We talked , and I came out of that meeting having gained a new friend, which I will forever cherish for the rest of my life. This is not my Presidency, this is HIS Presidency and the accomplishments and achievements that President Clinton put into place will be with us for the rest of our lives, and I will make sure that the policies he initiated will never be forgotten."

Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former US First Lady, also spoke a few words to honor her husband (more on her later in Chapter 3). Several political leaders across America of different political parties ranging from the likes of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad (R), Nebraska Governor Ben Nelson (D), Colorado Governor Roy Romer (D), Texas Governor George W. Bush (R), Florida Governor Lawton Chiles (D), Hawaii Governor Benjamin Catenyano (D), Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Rossello (D), New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial (D), Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan (R) were in attendance; foreign dignitaries such as Russian President Boris Yeltsin, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Jean Chretien, British Prime Minister John Major, Prince Charles of Wales, from the British Royal Family, Republic of Korea President Kim Young-sam, Philippine President Fidel Ramos, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and countless others were in attendance at the State Funeral. Sports figures, businesspeople and those from the entertainment industry also attended the services. Several of the foreign heads of state used this as an opportunity to personally meet with President Gore for the first time, including President Ramos, who offered to assist the American authorities in finding the culprits responsible for the 11.23.96 Incident in Manila.

Former Presidents and First Ladies were in attendance: Linwood Holton and his wife, Jinks; George HW Bush and his wife, Barbara. Former First Ladies Happy Rockefeller and Nancy Reagan released statements indicating their sorrow as well as offering their condolences to the Clinton family including praying for President Gore and his new administration. The State Funeral of William Jefferson Clinton was one of the most watched events in American history (compared in comparison to the State Funerals of Kennedy (1963), Johnson (1973), Ford (1975), Rockefeller (1979), Reagan (1983): Clinton's funeral was the most-watched not only in America but throughout the entire world).

Thousands of Americans watched as the presidential hearse and accompanying limousines consisting of members of the Clinton family left the Washington National Cathedral, passing through the National Mall with hundreds of American flags being held by mourners, who cried as they bid farewell to one of the most popular Presidents in American history: for some of the younger children, it was their JFK Moment. Upon arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, once again: Departure Honors Ceremony was rendered as the 21 Cannon Salute was fired; family and friends then boarded the VC 25-A Presidential aircraft, and Hillary Clinton waved farewell to the crowds of mourners for the last time just before boarding the plane, where she walked all toward the private cabin, and sat next to her late husband's flag-draped casket with her daughter, Chelsea, who wept uncontrollably as the plane left Washington, DC for the last time....

Final public viewing of President Clinton inside the Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda in Little Rock, Arkansas.
​

At 4:36 PM CST on Tuesday evening, Special Air Mission 43 arrived at the Little Rock National Airport, where Arrival Honors were rendered including the 21 Cannon Salute fired by the Artillery Regiment of the Arkansas National Guard (Clinton served as Arkansas Governor for 11 years with five terms) while "Hail to the Chief" was performed by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Marching Muscial Machine of the Mid-South, who also performed their school song before the procession of limousines including the presidential hearse drove to their next destination: Arkansas State Capitol, where Arkansas State Troopers lined up and saluted as the US Armed Forces Honor Guard personnel slowly marched the steps of the State Capitol as they carried President Clinton's flag-draped casket into the Capitol Rotunda: where a final public viewing for the 43rd President was held all night long until the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 10th.

Tuesday, December 10, 1996: President Clinton's flag-draped casket carried into presidential hearse following funeral services at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.​

On the morning of December 10th, the final funeral service for President Clinton took place at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Among the speakers: Vernon Jordan, family friend and close advisor to President Clinton; US Federal Highway Administration Director and US Transportation Secretary-designate Rodney Slater; United States Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR); former United States Senator David Pryor (D-AR). Several political leaders across the political spectrum both in Arkansas and parts of the country were in attendance including several members of the Clinton administration as well as staff members of the Clinton White House including Bill's days as Arkansas Governor were in attendance at the funeral service.

Musical selections were performed by the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Choir and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Musical Chorus including the United States Marine Orchestra. Thousands of Arkansans lined up the streets of Little Rock to Hope as the two-hour funeral procession began: they slowed down at two stops: Arkansas State Capitol and the Arkansas Governor's Mansion before continuing the procession all the way toward Rose Hill Cemetery in Hope, Arkansas: where a small circle of family, friends and former colleagues including President Gore, were all present as Bill was given a final 21 Cannon Salute, which was fired by the United States Marine Corps Field Regiment and a final flyover from the Arkansas Air National Guard. Soon afterwards, the American flag, which had draped President Clinton's casket was folded by the US Armed Forces Honor Guard personnel and given to President Gore, who walked to the Clinton family and presented former First Lady Hillary Clinton the folded American flag; Hillary mouthed "Thank you Mr. President" as President Gore hugged the Clinton family before walking back to his designated spot as they watched Bill's casket being lowered into the ground next to his mother's gravesite.

White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry confirmed days earlier that upon completion of the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock in several years down the road, that President Clinton would be exhumed and reburied there on the library grounds in a private ceremony. This was officially confirmed by Hillary herself during a one-on-one interview with ABC 7 KATV-TV Little Rock.

With that, William Jefferson Clinton: 43rd President of the United States, was finally laid to rest.....

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Jobelle makes her escape....
10:48 PM PHST, December 11, 1996
Somewhere in the Philippines.
​

"It had been nearly a few weeks since I hadn't heard from those group of terrorists, who tortured me and killed one of my close colleagues right in front of me. I had been battered, bruised, beaten, raped and even worse, but I hadn't faltered in my faith in God to get me through these difficult times in the past few months since I was kidnapped by these evil bastards, who got their kink out of terrorizing me for their own suited, perverted needs.

It was 10:30 PM and I was working on a plan of escaping out of this shithole that I had been held prisoner in, I wanted to get out of there by any means necessary, but due to the fears of being captured and God knows what those freaks were planning, I had to make sure that nobody came inside to catch me, so I waited for several minutes before realizing "these idiots aren't coming back, they probably fled the country for all I know" and decided to make my escape: I slowly removed the shackles that I had been forced to have on me, then quietly opened the makeshift door which led to something watery, but hurriedly closed it back. I noticed some of the trackers that was forcibly implanted on me were no longer working, so I decided to painfully remove them by throwing all of them in the trash.

Next, I removed all of the smelly, dirty clothing from head to toe: naked and barefoot, I then opened the makeshift door and decided to make a swim for it! It was in the middle of the night, so I figured nobody would notice because everyone's in bed here in the Philippines. I kept swimming non-stop all the way toward the Taiwanese border, where a nice helpful female Taiwanese Naval Reservists noticed me swimming up to the southern part of the outerbanks of a small town in Taiwan. Her name was Cheng Kui-quo (more on her in Chapter 3).

Anyway, I swam all the way towards one of the beaches of southern Taiwan and Kui-quo helped me up before realizing who I was "What happened Jobelle? Why are you naked and what's all of these scars and marks?" I motioned to her into placing me inside her vehicle in the backseat, which I laid on with a large blanket covering me while Kui-quo convinced one of her colleagues to guard post for the remainder of the night as she drove me to her house, where she parked her vehicle in the garage: she then helped me out of the vehicle and placed me inside the bedroom on the first floor of the house, where I gasped for water, which I drank two glasses before telling her my story on what happened to me.... I then had to be helped into the bathroom and took a long hot shower, which lasted something like an hour and a half, before putting on some pajamas and slippers. I had something to eat too, I went deep further into telling Kui-quo my horrific ordeal on what had just happened....

I was thankful for Kui-quo for being there for save me from drowning in the water and giving me a place to have shelter for the duration....."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@Tiamat @Husky_Khan @bintananth @Abhorsen @WolfBear @stevep @49ersfootball @Captain X @Rusty Shackleford @yukiru

Coming up next week: Chapter 3 as the following segments will be worked on over the weekend:
*January 20, 1997: Inauguration Day as President Gore begins leading the country in the next four years
*1997 State of the Union Address; Republican Response
*Foreign Policy of the Gore administration
*Republicans plotting for 2000 and beyond
*Manhunt for those responsible in the 11.23.96 Incident in Manila
*Armando and his comrades up the ante even further
*Corrigan clashes with superiors which escalates
*Personal PoV: Renee DeBouse
*International headlines: Military Junta in India ups the ante by crushing dissent (yes: they're still running the government)

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Chapter 3: Inauguration Day
The Second Inauguration of Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., as the 44th President of the United States
Monday, January 20, 1997
US Capitol West Front Grounds, Washington, DC.

President Gore being sworn into office for the second time as the 44th President.​

It was a cold Monday morning on January 20th. Millions of Americans watched as the man whom they reelected back in November 1996 wasn't the person being sworn into office. Despite the circumstances, there was a sense of national unity across the United States of America. Obviously, there was strong security which was far aggressive and tighter than the 1993 inauguration of then-President Bill Clinton. It began with a morning church service at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church near the White House. Once the Presidential motorcade reached the West Front of the US Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony, thousands of people had gathered on the National Mall to bask in the moment that they would be cherishing for their lives.

The second inauguration of President Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., on January 20, 1997 marked the last time a presidential inauguration would occur in the 20th Century. Millions across the entire country including all over the world joined the festivities by radio, television and computer. Among those in attendance: former President Linwood Holton and his wife, former First Lady Jinks Holton; former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, former First Lady Barbara Bush; former Vice President Edward Brooke; former Vice President Howard Baker; former Vice President Dan Quayle and his wife, former Second Lady Marilyn Quayle were in attendance. The Reverend Billy Graham opened the ceremony with an invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

US Associate Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer administered the oath of office to incoming Vice President Mark W. White, Jr.,:
"I, Mark Wells White Jr., do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

Vice Presidential Anthem "Hail Columbia" is then performed as Vice President White is embraced by his family and shaking hands with President Gore.

Famed soprano singer and Georgia native Jessye Norman then serenaded the crowd with a medley of patriotic songs which was emotionally beautiful. Next, surrounded by members of Congress, dignitaries, family and friends because at 12:05pm, President Gore was surrounded by his four children as his wife, Tipper held the family bible to which Gore placed his left hand on as US Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist administered the oath of office to President Gore for the second time:
"I, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God."

Soon afterwards, the presidential anthem "Hail to the Chief" was performed by the United States Marine Corps Orchestra as the 21 Cannon Salute was fired by the Presidential Salute Battery Unit for President Gore, who kissed his wife, Tipper and hugged his four children as the crowd cheered. He also shook hands with Vice President White including members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies: US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), US Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX), US House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), US Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) and US Senate Minority Whip Wendell Ford (D-KY).

For the second time, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States.

President Gore: "Chief Justice Rehnquist, Vice President White, former Presidents Holton and Bush, former Vice Presidents Brooke, Baker and Quayle, Chairman Warner, my fellow Americans and members of the international community: I would like to express the most profound honors of standing before you here today. For the second time, I have taken the oath of office as your President and while the office of the presidency has fallen upon me during one of the most tragic circumstances on November 23, 1996 when we lost one of the greatest, gifted American leaders before his time, Bill Clinton, whose legacy and hardworking accomplishments will remain with us for the rest of our lives. So let me use this opportunity to thank the Clinton family for their years of service to the people of the great state of Arkansas and the United States of America. On behalf of the American people, we will never forget the 43rd President of the United States. Please join me in a moment of silence and reflection.

(Silence)

As many of you know, this is the last presidential inauguration of the 20th Century, so let's lift ourselves up and tackle the challenges that are awaiting us in the next century going forward. It's our great fortune that time and chance have put this nation not just only on the edge of new century, in a new millennium, but also the edge of a bright new prospect in human affairs, a moment that will define our course and our character for the next couple of decades to come. It's very important that we keep our oldest democracy forever young for the next generation of Americans in the coming years ahead.

The promise of America was born in the 18th century in the height of the American Revolution, out of the main conviction that we were all created equal. This was further extended into the 19th century and also preserved which our nation had spread across the continent, saved the Union during the height of the four-year Civil War and abolished the awful, horrific scourge of slavery.

In turmoil and triumph, which overcome and eventually defeated Jim Crow and segregation in the 20th century, this promise exploded onto the international stage in making this the American Century.

And what a century it's been. America became the world's mightiest industrial power; saved the world from tyranny in World War I and World War II, where the Greatest Generation of Americans answered the call to serving our country in the Armed Forces including the Cold War, where the United States finally defeated its arch enemy not through nuclear war, but through peace through tough strength. Time and time again, America reached out across the globe to millions who, like us, longed for the blessings of liberty. Now along the way, Americans produced one of the greatest middle class and security in old age; built unrivaled centers of learning and opened public schools to all; we split the atom and explored the heavens in the space race; invented the computer (claps from the crowd) as well as the microchip; deepening the wellspring of justice by making a revolution in civil rights for African Americans and all minorities, and extending the circle of citizenship, opportunity and dignity to women.

In this new land, education will be every citizen's most prized possession. Our schools will have the highest standards in the world, igniting the spark of possibility in the eyes of every girl and every boy. And the doors of higher education will be open to all. The knowledge and power of the Information Age will be within reach not just for the few, but of every single classroom, every library, every child. Parents and children will have time not only to work, but to read and play together. And the plans they make at their kitchen table will be those of a better home, a better job, the certain chance to go to college.

Our streets will once again echo with the laughter of our children, because no one will try to shoot them or sell them drugs anymore. Everyone who can work, will work, with today's permanent underclass part of tomorrow's growing middle class. New miracles of medicine at last will reach not only those who can claim care now, but the children and hardworking families too long denied.

We will also stand mighty for peace and freedom, and maintaining a strong national defense (cheers from some in the crowd) against terror and destruction. Our children will sleep free from the threat of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. Ports and airports, farms and factories will thrive with trade and innovative ideas. And the world's greatest democracy will lead an entire world of democracies.

Our land of a new promise will be a nation that meets its obligations, a nation that balances its budget, but never loses the balance of its values. A nation where our grandparents have secure retirement and healthcare, and their grandchildren know we have made the reforms necessary to sustaining those benefits for their time. It's very important and significant that we need to get this done. A nation that fortifies the world's most productive economy even as it protects the great natural bounty of our water, air, and majestic land.

And in the land of promise of the New America, we will have reformed our politics, which has dissolved into hyperpartisanship over the past few years and divided the country in partisan lines so large, that we don't even talk to each other anymore on the basic issues concerning all Americans. Reforming our politics is going to be part of the New America, where the voice of the people will always speak louder than the din narrow-minded interests, regaining the participation and deserving the trust of all Americans.

May God strengthen our hands for the good work in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, and always God Bless America. Thank you very much."

Highlights of the Inauguration: President Gore also paid tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as Inauguration Day 1997 coincided with the national holiday commemorating the birthday of Dr. King. Gore called on all Americans of all races, religions, and backgrounds to healing the divisions and become one community to facing the challenges ahead. He asked those in attendance or watching, to remember the goals of the country's founding fathers, strengthening the American Dream of opportunity for all. Following the benediction by Rev. Gardner C. Taylor of Concord Baptist Church, the President and the other guests gathered in the Capitol's Statutory Hall for the inaugural luncheon, where they ate a meal based on recipes from Thomas Jefferson's era. President Gore also issued a special Inauguration Proclamation declaring it "National Day of Hope and Renewal."

President Gore and his family walking the last blocks during the Inaugural Parade.​

After the inaugural luncheon, the First Family later participated in the Inaugural Parade, first by riding in the presidential limousine, and then by walking the last few blocks all the way to the White House, where they along with Vice President White and his family including several other dignitaries, watched the colorful long procession of military formations, floats from all 51 states including US territories of Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam and US Virgin Islands including performers from across the entire country. Later that evening, President and Mrs. Gore, Vice President and Mrs. White visited each of the 14 official Inaugural Balls, including the Texas Inaugural Ball, where Vice President White cheerfully greeted to massive hollers and cheers from fellow Texans and the Tennessee Inaugural Ball, where President Gore was welcomed to a cheerful crowd of Tennesseans. They enjoyed visiting with friends, greeting well-wishers, and taking part in what was considered a great national celebration of America's unique and wonderful oldest democracy.

President Al Gore and First Lady Tipper Gore addressing well-wishers and many cheerful people in attendance at one of the 14 Inaugural Balls.
​

In the next four years, President Gore was eager to distinguishing himself and become his own man because no matter what his administration was going to be doing next, people would compare him to his late popular predecessor. From domestic policy, the economy, budgeting, national security and foreign policy, many political pundits, analysts and presidential historians will usually be asking with the tags: "If only President Bill Clinton were still there to do something like that" and because of that, the constant pressure of working on Clinton's legacy was going to be worked on by the 44th President and he knew it. He also hoped that his sudden ascension to the Presidency was going to give him a honeymoon period for awhile, but even he realized deep down, that people wanted results and also strong action when the going got tough.

However, there were outside forces lurking ready to strike and cause total and absolute chaos....

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Cohen unanimously confirmed as Secretary of Defense by Republican-controlled US Senate
January 24, 1997: Less than four days after President Gore's second inauguration, former United States Senator William Cohen (R-ME) was unanimously confirmed as Secretary of Defense by Republican-controlled US Senate. The move was considered overwhelmingly bipartisan considering Cohen's Senate colleagues have known him for many years.

Investigation into the Clinton assassination still ongoing
January 25, 1997: The investigation into the assassination of then-President Bill Clinton on November 23, 1996 in Manila is currently ongoing and a commission appointed by President Gore is in the process of interviewing eyewitnesses.

President Gore pushing alternative to healthcare reform; odds of passage uncertain
January 27, 1997: In his first domestic policy challenge, President Gore announced the alternative proposal of healthcare reform known as The Patient Protection Act of 1997, which is being sponsored by United States Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA).

Analysts believe the odds of this legislation passing are currently uncertain due to outright hostility by the Republican-controlled Congress.

Former United States Senator Ann Richards (D-TX) confirmed by the US Senate to serve as US Ambassador to Canada
January 27, 1997: Former United States Senator Ann Richards (D-TX), who served in the United States Senate from 1991 until her resignation in 1995, was confirmed by the Republican-controlled US Senate following months of tenuous confirmation hearings by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where Richards was slandered by Republican US Senators on everything including her philosophy, etc.,

Richards was originally nominated to the Ambassadorship by then-President Clinton in May 1996, but the nomination was blocked by United States Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC).

The confirmation vote was 58-43.

Former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo (D) confirmed to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
February 5, 1997: Former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo (D) was confirmed by the Republican-controlled US Senate to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit by an overwhelming vote of 80-16. The former three-term Democratic Governor served as New York State's 52nd Governor from 1983 to 1994 before losing reelection in 1994 to current New York State Governor George Pataki (R) in the 1994 Republican Revolution during the 1994 Midterms.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*In this timeline, I've got the Texas Democrats keeping control of the Texas State Senate from the 1996 election (where they would hold 17-14 majority).

*Former Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker (D), who resigned in disgrace on July 15, 1996 due to the Whitewater scandals, will remain in prison for awhile.

*Lewinsky will be butterflied away.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

President Gore delivers first State of the Union Address to Joint Session of Congress
9:00 PM EST, February 4, 1997
US House of Representatives Chambers, US Capitol
Washington, DC.

President Gore escorted by United States Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Pat Leahy (D-VT).​

President Gore delivered his first State of the Union Address before a joint session of Congress, the 105th United States Congress. Presiding over this joint session was US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), accompanied by Vice President Mark W. White, Jr., who in his capacity served as President of the United States Senate.

In his first State of the Union Address, Gore discussed numerous topics in the address: the environment, the International Space Station, welfare, crime and relations with NATO and other countries. The President also discussed a "detailed plan to balance the budget by 2002." He also defended his administration's foreign policy initiatives, calling out critics who blasted him as "weak on national security and national defense", suggesting those who criticize presidential administrations' on national security and national defense, usually talk a big game before seeking the presidency themselves and realizing the duties of the office without directly naming names.

THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
February 4, 1997: US Rep. JC Watts (R-OK) was chosen to deliver the Republican Response to President Gore's State of the Union Address. Watts' audience was a group of his constituents and high school students from around the country in the Reading Room of the Library of Congress. Watts focused on three main themes: traditional family values, allowing faith-based organizations to help renewing socially disintegrated communities in urban areas and balancing the budget. In his conclusion, Watts stated the essence of the Republican Party's agenda was "putting our men and women back together, to put ourselves back together, and in that way, get our country back together."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Election 97: President Gore endorses Beyer for Virginia Governor; McGreevey in New Jersey gubernatorial election
May 20, 1997: With key gubernatorial elections coming up this fall, President Gore enthusiastically endorsed the gubernatorial campaigns of Virginia Lieutenant Governor Don Beyer (D)'s gubernatorial campaign in Virginia and State Senator Jim McGreevey (D) in New Jersey.

Gore's approval rating in New Jersey is at 68 percent while it's mixed in Virginia (only 40 percent of Virginians approve the President's job performance), where Republicans have sought to tie Beyer to the Gore administration's disastrous policies in their view as "federal overreach" and have run television commercials declaring this a referendum on the Gore administration.

Environment Protection Act of 1997 passes on bipartisan support; President Gore signs bill in Rose Garden ceremony
May 28, 1997: In one of the first of several legislative victories of his Presidency, President Gore boasted the bipartisan passage of the Environment Protection Act of 1997. Gore signed the bill during a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House.

Save Our Country's Culture Initiative gains momentum
May 31, 1997: Despite national controversy and backlash from liberals and progressives, the Save Our Country's Culture Initiative (which is being chaired by First Lady Tipper Gore) continues to gain full momentum as the initiative has been translated into legislation that bans all violent music such as rap music, rock music, and other heinous forms of musical venues deemee inappropriate and other methods include forming a commission, who reports their findings to the First Lady.

Buoyed by this, the Save Our Country's Culture Initiative has resulted in several states pushing legislation into banning violent music altogether: Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice (R) was aggressively pushing the Mississippi State Legislature on passing the "Save Mississippi Act", which critics blasted as racially-charged overtones and dog whistles. The controversial legislation passed and Fordice signed it into law during a press conference inside the Mississippi State Capitol Rotunda in Jackson.

Alabama Governor Fob James (R) deployed the Alabama National Guard and Alabama Highway Patrol state troopers in violently crushing protesters after the Alabama State Legislature passed similar legislation overwhelmingly. James also doubled-down by ordering a full-scale investigation into "outside agitators" such as the NAACP and National Action Network by having them banned in the State of Alabama.

Louisiana Governor Mike Foster (R) signed into law "Louisianans Saving Culture Act of 1997" which banned all forms of violent music, movies, entertainment venues and also withholding funding from colleges and universities who hold concerts for rap music artists.

New York State Governor George Pataki (R) issues an executive order establishing the Sovereign Commission of New York: which has full authority into gathering all information on violent music, movies, etc.,

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Rumor Mill: Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D) leaning toward retirement according to sources

April 27, 1997: Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D), the leader of the Texas Democratic Party following the resignation of then-United States Senator Ann Richards (D-TX) in Spring 1995, who lost the 1994 Texas gubernatorial election to current Texas Governor George W. Bush (R), has declined to comment about his political future for the past two years.

Sources ranging from the Austin Chronicle reported that following the 1997 legislative session of the 75th Texas State Legislature that Bullock might announce his retirement from politics and not seek reelection to a third term in 1998.

In anticipation of Bullock's rumored retirement, Texas Democrats are lobbying Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts John Sharp (D) to seek the Lieutenant Governorship while the Republican field might get crowded with Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry (R) likely to announce campaign plans later in the year, preferably this upcoming fall.

Mauro announcing uphill battle against popular Governor Bush in 1998; Experts warn of potential massive Republican wave in Texas

May 5, 1997: In no surprise, four-term Texas Commissioner of the General Land Office Garry Mauro (D) confirmed during a press conference that he was running for the Texas Governor's Mansion in 1998 against popular Texas Governor George W. Bush (R).

Political analysts and experts strongly recommend Mauro reconsider and stay in his current post. Polling surveys show Bush leading somewhere between 36-56 points and University of Houston political science professor Dr. Richard Murray stated the likelihood of the Texas Republican Party sweeping all statewide offices from Governor all the way to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Murray also expects the Texas State Senate to be flipped by Republicans (Democrats currently control the upper chamber in 17-14 majority); he also expects the Democratic-controlled Texas House of Representatives to see their majority (currently 82-68) to be greatly reduced as well.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING: Republicans hold closed-door meeting on the future of the party during winter retreat
March 28, 1997: Republicans gathered in Des Moines, Iowa at the Four Seasons Hotel to discuss the direction of their party after back-to-back landslide defeats in presidential elections in 1992 and 1996.

Despite attempts and calls for tailoring their message to new voters, some wanted to double-down on the traditional methods of campaigning; others want to use this occasion in offering the American people on what the Republican Party stands for and what vision the party will move forward in the coming years.

With the 1998 Midterms looming a year from now, it's very significant for Republicans across the country to remain united.

Political Scoop: Bush for President in 2000? Popular Texas Governor focusing on legislative session in Austin

January 28, 1997: Texas Governor George W. Bush (R) delivering his second State of the State Addresa before joint session of the Texas State Legislature inside the Texas House of Representatives chambers of the Texas State Capitol in Austin. ​

*March 31, 1997: With the likelihood of winning reelection in a massive landslide victory next fall, Texas Governor George W. Bush (R) was asked if he would consider running for the Presidency in 2000 during a press conference inside the Reception Room of the Governor's office at the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

Bush told reporters "I appreciate the question. However, my current focus is on the job I am holding right now and that's serving as Governor of the great State of Texas. I am also busy working with the State Legislature on the current legislative session getting things done such as lowering property taxes, education reform, balancing the budget among other major priorities."

BREAKING: FORMER LOUISIANA GOVERNOR EDWIN EDWARDS (D) FACING FEDERAL INVESTIGATION FOR CORRUPTION ACTIVITIES
April 16, 1997: Since leaving the Louisiana Governor's Mansion on January 8, 1996, former four-term Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards (D), once considered a rising star in the Democratic Party before federal indictments during his third term in 1985 damaged his reputation, is facing federal investigation from the authorities in relation to the controversy casino gambling initiatives that Edwards had pushed during his fourth and final term.

Edwards, 69, is strongly denying the allegations calling them "damned lies". The US Attorney of Southeastern Louisiana's office said they've got strong case in prosecuting the flamboyant and controversial four-term Louisiana Governor; they've also got plenty of witnesses who'll testify in court.

International: Military junta of India cracks down on mass protests in Mumbai
May 20, 1997: In India, a group of 20,000 protesters had barged into government buildings in the city of Mumbai demanding an end of military rule in the South Asian country with an immediate return to full democracy.

The Washington Post reported that the Indian Military Junta aggressively responded by violently cracking down hard by deploying troops and law enforcement agencies loyal to the regime in arresting, even sending helicopters by shooting down over 300+ of the protesters. The death toll increased to 700+ and counting.

President Gore condemned the violence, but stopped short in pushing economic sanctions against the viciously oppressive military junta, whose been in power since December 6, 1984 when the Indian Armed Forces ousted the government of then-Indian President Zail Singh, who was killed in the bloody coup. Since taking power, the Military Junta had been responsible for launching violent "Dirty War" operations, which resulted in the deaths of 56,000 dissidents; mysterious disappearance of 68,000+ and the forced exile of thousands and even more during the period of 1984-1985.

BREAKING: Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D) officially announces he will not seek re-election in 1998; free-for-all among candidates jockeying for the Lieutenant Governorship

Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D) announcing his decision in not seeking reelection during press conference at the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin.​

*June 5, 1997: In a move many had braced the inevitable, Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D) announced during a press conference that he wasn't going to be seeking reelection to a third term for the Lieutenant Governorship in 1998. The move leaves Texas Democrats in an epic free-fall that continues their decline in the Lone Star State, where Republicans control the Governor's Mansion, both US Senate seats, several down-ballot statewide offices. Bullock, 68, made the decision last year with family, friends and close senior staff members.

The announcement ends a long career in public service that began in 1956 which included stints in the Texas House of Representatives; serving as general counsel of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association; being appointed by then-Democratic Governor John Connally to serve on the Texas State Historical Survey Committee (now the Texas Historical Commission); after leaving to practice law, Bullock returned to state government when then-State Attorney General Crawford Martin (D) appointed him in heading up the newly-formed Antitrust and Consumer Protection Division.

After working on the successful gubernatorial campaign of then-Governor Preston Smith (D) in 1968, Bullock served as general counsel and appointments advisor to Smith, who appointed him to serve as Texas Secretary of State in 1971. Following seeing his nomination to chairing the State Insurance Board getting blocked by then-Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes (D) when the Texas State Senate voted against his nomination, Bullock successfully ran for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in 1974 and was easily reelected in 1978, 1982 and 1986, all by overwhelming margins serving for 16 years from 1975 to 1991 before winning the Lieutenant Governorship in 1990 with 55 percent of the statewide vote and easily reelected in 1994 with 61 percent of the statewide vote

In announcing his retirement, Bullock said "I will leave the office with no ill will to anyone, none, but only admiration and respect and love for the people of Texas who made this all possible for me. Only death will end that love affair with Texas." The Texas Democratic Party almost immediately turned to two-term State Comptroller John Sharp (D) to seek the Lieutenant Governorship in 1998 due to Sharp's hard-fought election victories including winning three consecutive statewide elections in a row (Railroad Commissioner in 1986 with 55% of the statewide vote; Comptroller of Public Accounts in 1990 with 62% of the statewide vote and reelected in 1994 with 55% of the statewide vote) as well as serving in the Texas House of Representatives (1979-82) and Texas State Senate (1982-1987). For the Republicans, State Senators Bill Ratliff (R-Flower Mound) and David Sibley (R-Waco) including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry (R) are considered as contenders for the Lieutenant Governorship.

The next block to fall in the political bombshell will be coming from Texas State Attorney General Dan Morales (D) on whether he will seek reelection or seek higher statewide office in 1998 (more on him later in the timeline).


Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos receives report on the 11.23.96 Incident; deploys military troops into Southern Philippines
June 21, 1997: Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos met with members of a joint task force committee investigating the 11.23.96 Incident that resulted in the assassination of then-US President Bill Clinton during a Courtesy Call at Malacanang Palace in Manila.

Sources ranging from ABS-CBN News and GMA News reported that among the findings, a terrorist cell organization located in the southern part of the country had ties with infamous terrorist Usama bin Laden. Ramos then deployed military troops to coordinate with American military troops in crushing and wiping out the suspected terrorist cell organization.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Hillary
4:16 PM CST, May 28, 1997
Somewhere in Little Rock, Arkansas

July 22, 1996: Then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton during happier times.​

Former US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton had been having nervous breakdowns to the point of plunging into a serious, deep depression. Friends had secretly driven to her a private clinic, where depending of whom you're asking, Hillary had received electric-shock therapy treatments non-stop; she had also stayed in an institution for the past few months and wouldn't leave there until somewhere around mid-Spring 1997.

The injuries she had sustained from the terrorist attack bombing in Manila, Philippines on November 23, 1996 which resulted in Bill's assassination at the APEC Summit, Hillary had been secretly drinking heavily which scared close family members, who were concerned for the well-being of Chelsea, Bill and Hillary's only child.

Upon finally making an appearance since Bill's funeral services, Hillary addressed members of the press in Little Rock: "Chelsea and I have already received so many countless letters of support and encouragement. We tried to read every last one of these letters. With each envelope being received, we're always and forever reminded of people that Bill helped in some way, reminded that his 50 years on this earth was never in vain. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your touching words. We will remain in Little Rock and here, I will be working very hard on keeping my husband's legacy alive and making America a better place for everyone."

She also began plans on building the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center, which will be located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In the meantime, Hillary was going to be recruited into running for political office: some expected her to challenge Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R) or seek the United States Senate seat likely to be vacated by longtime United States Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR) in 1998. However, she turned those plans down very quickly; some close friends advised her into considering running for the United States Senate in New York State, where the legendary, but controversial United States Senator Daniel P. Moynihan (D-NY St) was rumored not to seek reelection to a fifth consecutive term in 2000, so Hillary told close confidants "I'll consider at the appropriate time when it's offered". For now, she was working hard in defending Bill's legacy, accomplishments and achievements very aggressively and at the same time, was going to make a name for herself in the future.