The Roaring 20s — Turning 23 in 2023
Like wild animals — part 4
Jackson Johnson woke up alone on January 1st, 2023. At 11 am already, Jackson focused on recovering from Congress Member Leslie Perez’s New Year’s Eve party. He groaned.
As the 1st fell on a Sunday, the traditional college football bowl game line-up gave way to NFL match-ups. Not exactly holiday fare, he mused.
He showered, dressed lightly, and meandered to the local cafe. Moving slowly, unshaven, cap lowered to his brow, he hoped to fade into the cafe’s background. He ordered a double espresso and downed it like New Year’s shots. He followed up with the latte he planned to nurse in the dimly lit corner table until his aches left him, and he could make his way home.
“Jackson Johnson, you can’t hide from me! I’d know you anywhere!”
“Huh?”
Who would recognize him? And recognizing him, who would pierce his clearly intentional solitude? Was that….
“It's me! Sami! Long time no see, Jackie!”
“Hi,” Jackson thought he said.
“Was that a groan? Rough night, Jackie?” Sami prodded and laughed. “Happy New Year! Or is it a rough one already, poor boy?”
“Happy New Year, Sami,” Jackson returned, mustering some energy. “How have you been?”
“Well, odd running into you! I was thinking about you last night!”
“Is that right?” Jackson asked.
“Yup! Truth is, I was all alone last night, and thinking about my favorite New Year’s Eve of all time. You topped the list. I guess I miss you, Jackie.”
“Hmm.” Jackson countered.
“Can I sit?” Sami asked as she plopped in the chair across the table, and then promptly re-positioned it 90 degrees to be closer to Jackson. She placed her hand on Jackson’s foreman.
“You look worn, Jackie. How about we find a little lunch, and perk you up? Maybe start with removing your cap?”
Jackson brushed her hand away from his head.
“Okay. Not yet ready for 2023! But how about that lunch?” Sami persisted.
“Um, okay.” Jackson caved to Sami’s energy.
“I know just the place around the corner. Noodles. Comfort food,” Sami declared as she stood up.
Jackson pressed against the table to stand. Sami helped him, and he accepted her warmth.
Over lunch, Sami recapped her year and plied Jackson’s summer and fall highlights from him. The noodles indeed perked him up. Jackson did not shy away when Sami again moved to remove his cap.
“I think I’ll spend the afternoon with you,” Sami proclaimed, not waiting for Jackson’s answer.
She paid the bill. They ventured out for a walk.
The January sun waned when Sami and Jackson found themselves outside Jackson’s apartment. Jackson invited Sami in, and she accepted.
“Not bad in here, Jackie. Somewhat clean. We always stayed at my place. So I wondered about your den. Not too bad,” Sami offered as she settled in on the couch.
Jackson dropped in next to her.
“You know, Sami,” Jackson started, as Kim snuck into his thoughts. What was she doing there?
“Don’t worry about it, Jackson. I’ve missed being with you. Let’s just enjoy each other today. No other worries,” Sami promised.
Then she kissed him. Jackson kissed back.
At around 10 pm, Sami finally separated herself from Jackson.
“You know, Jackie,” she whispered, “I saw you win the conference championship last year.”
“So it was you way up in the stands. I thought I saw you.” Jackson said.
“Yeah. I was alone,” Sami pointed out.
“Yeah,” Jackson agreed.
Like wild animals
On January 2nd, Jackson returned to the office.
Kim greeted him with a hearty “Happy New Year! Did you recover nicely from New Year’s Eve?”
Jackson responded, “I made a mistake.”
“Oh?”
“I ran into my old girlfriend, Sami,” Jackson admitted.
“Oh?” Kim feigned disinterest.
“She said it wouldn’t be a mistake. I was weak.” Jackson confessed. “That can’t happen again.”
“That’s your business,” Kim curtly transitioned. “Time to prep for Leslie’s call.”
And everything turned back to business.
On January 6th, Jackson and Kim zoomed in with their boss.
“Leslie, why so long? It's two years since they stormed the Capitol chanting ‘hang Mike Pence’. Some culprits have gone to jail, but leaders continue to run free — like wild animals,” Jackson lamented.
Kim piled on, “The January 6th committee issued their final report. We know who did what. Why is Merrick Garland such a wimp?”
Leslie responded, “The wheels of justice turn slowly, guys.”
“They do if you have to reinvent the wheel every time,” Jackson countered. “But we know what happened!”
Kim added “Leslie, your voters are complaining. Not because they don’t care. They think Merrick Garland doesn’t care. You’ll end up losing votes if something doesn’t happen. They’re moving on.”
“Patience is a virtue, guys,” Leslie reminded them.
“Especially if you’re the villain!” Kim pointed out.
Happy Birthday!
On Jackson’s 23rd birthday on January 20th, Leslie popped into her district office.
“Leslie! What are you doing here? Did I miss an email?” Jackson wanted to know. Kim did not look surprised.
“Well, now that the historically long vote for Speaker McCarthy is finally over, I have news for my two stars,” Leslie shared. “Big news. Jackson, you’re promoted to head of the district office! Effective tomorrow! Congratulations!”
“Yea, Jackson! Woo hoo!” Kim joined in.
Jackson smiled.
“Wow! Thank you so much! But Kim is the head of the office. What about Kim?”
“Kim is joining me in Washington as my chief of staff. We leave tomorrow.”
Leslie hugged Kim.
“What?! Congrats, Kim! So amazing. Wait, did you know about this?” Jackson wondered.
Leslie jumped in. “Well, she needed to make travel plans. I told her at the New Year’s Eve Party.”
“Oh,” Jackson said.
“Jackson, let’s use the office,” Leslie directed him to the private space.
“Jackson, your future calls. You have a way with the voters. It's time to document your issues and create your agenda. In a few years, there may be a seat for you to pursue. You need to be ready,” Leslie confided in him.
“Thanks, Leslie. Ready? First, I want to protect the right to bear arms, while also protecting people’s right not to be shot. Second, a budget structure that limits legacy spending. Third, increase the power of the Department of the Interior to deal with climate issues. Fourth, the Supreme Court needs term limits — so a Constitutional Amendment. Fifth, everyone needs the education right for them. And sixth, we need to make sure government hears people’s voices.”
Jackson took a breath.
“Ambitious. And…diverse,” Leslie observed.
“That is what your constituents tell me,” Jackson let her know.
“We’ll work on that. And, I want you to change your name,” Leslie declared.
“What?”
“Trust me, I’ve given it a lot of thought,” Leslie explained as Jackson’s face betrayed his confusion. “Not a big change. But let’s shorten Jackson to Jack. Jack Johnson — like the first African-American Heavyweight champ. People love a “fighter” in politics.”
“But, Leslie, I’m only part African American. And part German, and Irish, Native American, Japanese, and God knows what else.”
“But, Jack, you’re a 100% fighter. That’s what people want. Jack Johnson.” Leslie stood up, flexed her muscles, and led Jack out of the office.
Kim yelled. “Congrats Jack!”
“You knew?”
Jack wanted to know.
“Leslie and I talk about everything!” Kim explained.
Once Leslie left the office for some family time, Kim and Jack talked over dinner.
“Kim, you knew about all of this and didn’t drop a hint,” Jack accused her.
“Pretty good?” Kim responded.
“Not pretty good.”
“I like ’Jack Johnson’,” Kim chided.
“Not that. You’re leaving me!” Jack exclaimed.
“Leaving you? What are you talking about?”
“You know. I know you know. Now I won’t see you. I’m heartbroken, to tell you the truth,” Jack confessed.
“What are you talking about? We’re professionals. Never crossed the line. Besides, your ex-girlfriend,” Kim pointed out.
“This is about us. I want there to be an us. Do you?” Jack asked.
“Maybe. But we have careers. I’m headed to D.C. I’m not interested in a digital relationship. Maybe when you make it to D.C.,” Kim said.
“Who knows when that will be!” Jack blurted out.
“Manifest it, Jack. In the meantime, we have work to do,” Kim insisted, as she picked up the bill.
Jack went home, plopped on his couch, and flipped on the third episode of HBO’s The Last of Us. “A Long, Long Time” focused on precious love.
Jack Johnson cried on his birthday.
I’m fighting for you!
His phone introduction became, “I’m Jack Johnson from Leslie Perez’s office, and we’re fighting for you! What do you want us to fight for?” Apparently, some people paid attention to world events. In late January, Jack heard a lot about the changing retirement age in France, and voters wanted no part of it in the U.S.
He hired his replacement, Lori, an eager Political Science grad who readied to change the world. Jack had a lot to teach her. Lori said she wanted to learn, but more eagerly interrupted than earnestly listened. She loved the talking points.
Lori pointed out that Jim Jordan cherished issuing subpoenas as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee even though he refused to honor his own subpoena just months earlier. “Jordan!” Jack said.
A new persona
In February, Jack told Jon about his new name and persona. Jon laughed that the change came by decree from Leslie. He invited Jack to dinner to meet his boyfriend Lee.
When they met at the restaurant, Jon intercepted Jack outside, and reminded Jack, “You said you were an ally.”
“Of…course,” Jack replied with a near question.
“Okay. Let’s go meet Lee,” Jon said.
Introduced, Lee was smaller and rounder than Jack anticipated. They shared a booth and ordered drinks.
Lee opened the conversation, “I just want to come out right here and now, Jack. I’m trans. I was Lisa. Now I’m Lee, and very happy about meeting Jon.”
Jon gave Jack the “Remember you’re an ally” look.
After a pause, Jack replied, “I’m happy for you two. I just went through a transition, too. I used to be Jackson, and now I’m Jack. It's not the same. I’m just saying.”
“We’re our authentic selves!” Lee exclaimed.
They laughed and had a great, easy meal.
Rules change, and Center Street
May saw Trump found liable for sexual assault and defamation against E. Jean Carrol. It bothered Leslie, Kim, and Jack that Trump’s supporters celebrated with, “See, it wasn’t rape!”
The year rolled into April, and Jack went to a baseball game to see if the new rules sped up the game. They did! Jack noted that some changes actually work!
The news of Trump’s New York City indictment over his hush money deal with Stormy Daniels excited politicos. Leslie’s constituents were mostly happy, but more as a cultural issue, not a voting issue.
The first call after the announcement surprised Jack. After his normal introduction, the person at the other end of the line said, “Well, Jack Johnson, my name is Oscar Contreras. I want you to fight for my neighborhood.”
“I want to, Oscar,” Jackson replied.
“Ever been to Center Street on a Friday night?”
“No,” Jack admitted.
“Don’t know how you’re going to fight for it, then. What are you doing this Friday night?”
“Visiting you at Center Street. When and where?” Jack and Oscar made the arrangements.
When Jack arrived at the designated corner, Oscar easily picked him out and introduced himself. He toured Jack around the neighborhood, pointing out boarded-up windows, closed-down businesses, and people sleeping in the park. Oscar made sure that Jack noticed and met the moms patrolling the street (they fed and loved him), the busy church, and the kids that preferred sports to the Constitution that Jack handed out. If they just read one page, Jack bargained, he’d play a game of Horse with them. A few kids took him up on it. Oscar said the help they needed was to get some businesses to open — ideally a grocery store. Jack promised he would start on it the next day. And he did.
June brought heavy news — a debt ceiling deal (welcomed by Leslie’s voters); Supreme Court rulings including allowing businesses to not serve someone because their lifestyle somehow impeded the business’s religious and free speech rights (Leslie’s voters responded with “explain that to me”); the continued wave of states limiting individual rights; and a Trump indictment for illegal handling of classified documents (about time, Jack heard from his calls). Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continued attacks on what he called “woke” policies, so he could save “parental rights” (transparent, according to Leslie’s voters).
Lori especially hated DeSantis, claiming that he was out of touch with Florida voters.
“I don’t know, Lori,” Jack countered. “They seem to like him. And he seems to believe this stuff. People respond to authenticity. Authenticity matters.”
“Authentic hate,” Lori claimed.
Join me in my world
In July, the world again established record-high temperatures, coupled with floods and debilitating Canadian wildfires whose smoke crossed national borders and made breathing difficult in major U.S. cities.
August news intensity accelerated. Trump was indicted twice — once by the federal government and once by the state of Georgia. A wildfire decimated the community of Lahaina on Maui in minutes. Republican presidential candidates (minus Trump) held a no-holds-barred debate. Racial tensions flared with a swastika-inspired shooting in Florida. A tropical storm hit California for the first time in decades.
Jack rarely listened to music, but before one of his conservative voters hung up on him, he recommended listening to, “Try That in a Small Town” by Jason Aldean. Jack dialed it up on YouTube and played it in the office.
Lori screamed.
“Why are you listening to that vigilante, racist song? Turn it off! Ugh!”
Jack turned it down and responded.
“Why do you think it is popular, Lori?”
“Because people hate those not like them. And no one needs to pretend they’re not racist anymore,” Lori offered.
“Maybe. And maybe, they’re just unhappy, and looking for ways to express themselves. Do you think that song would be popular if more people were happy?” Jack asked.
“You live in your own world, Jack. Join me in mine,” Lori said.
Single steps
Jack stayed in professional touch with Kim and lost all touch with Sami. He dated a little, but not seriously. Kim told him to manifest going to D.C. How would he do that? Leslie told him that one day he should run for office. Do those go together?
He was not ready to run for office but remained focused on producing for the community. Together with Oscar, he found a regional grocer to consider moving into Center Street. Progress was slow, but he told himself the longest journey starts with a single step. He had heard that somewhere and liked it.
In September, New York D.A. Alvin Bragg shocked the U.S. when he dropped the hush money case against Trump. Trump celebrated by posting on Truth Social that Bragg was a “good man who fought against his racist tendencies to uphold the law”. The media freaked out. Jack told Lori that he was not surprised, but worried about the other cases against Trump.
The news upset 70% of Leslie’s voters, but 30% were ecstatic. In fact, Lori complained, that if you add up all the unhappiness for the 70% it would be less than all the happiness from the 30%. Jack took note.
Jon had a new boyfriend. When asked what happened with Lee, Jon casually told Jack “I’m new at this, and figuring it all out. It's fun, though. And not being too involved with anyone lets me keep up at work. Where I’m doing great!”
A tough close to the year
Leslie’s constituents worried about Congress not funding the government. Leslie told Jack it did not look good. The weekend before the vote, another major hurricane hit Florida, wiping out communities. Even Ron DeSantis pleaded that this is not the time to de-fund the government — Floridians needed help!
But, on Sunday, September 30th, government funding ran out with Republicans blocking a deal.
On Monday, October 1st, interest rates skyrocketed and the stock market plunged 8%. On Tuesday, CEOs of major companies warned that in just one week, big layoffs would come if a deal was not struck. The market dropped another 8%. No deal came, and layoffs followed. Factories shut down. More stores closed. Restaurants shuttered. Regional banks closed. Shipping ground to a halt. Social Security checks were cut in half. Interest rates swung back and forth, high and low.
President Biden pushed relentlessly for a deal. Republicans countered that they would only support a deal that cut government spending by 20% all at once — eliminating all entitlements. Cut Medicare, cut Social Security, cut climate investments, cut the trials of Donald Trump! Keep military spending.
Contributions for Leslie’s 2024 campaign dried up. Jack delivered the message.
“Leslie, contributions are at zero. When I ask what people want, they want you to figure it out. We have almost no money.”
“Jack cut all paid staff except for you. Volunteers only. Some paid staffers can convert to volunteers if they want, but no other paid positions. No costly events. No bagels. Nothing,” Leslie directed.
“But, Leslie,” Jack objected, “we’re just adding to the total downturn when we do that.”
“Jack, you just said there is no money. I’m doing the same here in D.C. Only Kim is paid. No one else — including me.”
Jack reluctantly informed the local staff of the layoffs. He surprised no one. Lori promised to volunteer a couple of hours a day.
On November 10th, CNBC uncovered a secret email directly from Ron DeSantis to the Trump campaign. DeSantis promised to stay in the primary race no matter what, thereby ensuring that Trump would claim the Republican presidential nomination even if he had less than 50% of the votes. In return, Trump vowed to make Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” laws the federal model, and offer DeSantis a new cabinet position designed to attack “woke” policies across the country. Trump fans claimed that this was “the dealmaker” in action. Others decried the deal as anti-democratic.
Jack told Lori, “But all we can do is cry.”
Lori replied, “See? DeSantis is evil.”
Jack said, “But adept. He gets two things by giving up the one thing he was not going to get anyway — the presidential nomination.”
A big Christmas present for all Americans!
Exactly one month later, on December 10th, Jack received a text from Kim on the stream that included Leslie.
“Turn on any live-streaming news right NOW!!!”
Jack went to CNBC. Leslie went to CSPAN. Both networks showed Donald Trump at a podium from Mar a Lago.
Trump proclaimed, “I have a big Christmas present for all Americans! In return for dropping the made-up charges against me — your favorite president — on the witch hunt over classified documents, I have apologized to Merrick Garland. And, frankly, he apologized back to me. Mr. President, he said. That case is dead — as it should be. Thank you. I’ll be talking to my good friend Tucker Carlson tonight on an X livestream, so no questions until after that exclusive interview. In that interview, I’ll be asking Republicans to put a bow on my Christmas present, as they say, by fully re-funding the government.”
The next day, Republicans re-funded the government in full. Special Prosecutor Jack Smith resigned. Merrick Garland sent out a press release that he would personally take over the federal election interference case against Trump.
“The ball is in Biden’s court,” Jack replied to Kim and Leslie. “Will he make his move before the New Year?”
Thank you for reading part 4 of The Roaring 20's! More to come!
