[War] US: Taking Advantage of Opportunities

[pentaj2 at Scranton.edu]

"Taking Advantage of Opportunities"
18 March 2013
Pres. John Williams
USA
============================
<Washington: Cabinet Room, the White House>

   "Okay, hope everybody enjoyed their St. Patrick's Day. Now, we have 
opportunities arising and possibly limited windows in which to grab 
them, so we'll be moving quick," Williams said to his assembled 
Cabinet. This wasn't a session for discussion so much as assignments 
and strategy.

   "First off: Chris, your idea in regards to India is a go. You will 
meet with Bill," he said, gesturing to Bill McBain, the US Trade 
Representative, "and approach the Indians with regards to furthering 
talks on a bilateral trade deal. Bob," here he glanced to the 
VP, "will be working the Hill with your colleagues at Commerce, Labor, 
and Treasury to convince Congress to sign on.

   "Next: I've noted the questions put forth by the human rights 
groups in regard to ADS. Julius, you and me are going to meet with the 
Joint Chiefs, DOD General Counsel, and whoever else wants to help us 
thrash out that issue. Because they're right: If we can't use it on 
our own citizens, we shouldn't use it on foreigners. So we're going to 
look, privately, at the moral and legal issues, and then we're going 
to blitz the airwaves with our decision. Including me going on the 
morning shows or the Sunday Morning circuit, if need be.

   "Last but not least: Me, Julius, Nick, Chris, and JCS. DPRK. We 
need to start considering actual actions. Obviously, hoping the locals 
would ease China out ain't working. Wednesday, 0900, The Tank.

   "Finally: Next week is Holy Week. I've taken up the Archbishop's 
invitation, and am going on retreat from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday. 
I'll still be in communication, still be briefed as usual, but no 
appointments unless Yet Another Crisis hits," Williams concluded. "Bob 
will not be recieving anything under the 25th Amendment."

   "You sure this is a good time for that?" asked Kevin Sisco, the 
White House Chief of Staff.

   "Yes. Showing what I actually believe: That things are SO under 
control that I don't -need- to be in Washington 24/7/365," Williams 
replied.

   Orders having been given, the group dispersed.
======
Actions:
1. USTR and SECSTATE to mutually approach India on furthering talks on 
a trade deal, given China's weakness.
2. VP, Commerce, Labor, and Treasury will work the Hill to get 
Congressional agreement and/or acquiescence on said trade maneuvers: 
We have an opportunity opening, we gotta take it, we can't afford 
Congress slowing things down or nibbling away at an agreement already 
signed.
3. POTUS, SECDEF, DOD General Counsel, and JCS, along with whoever 
else wants to join the discussion, will privately thrash out the moral 
and legal issues in regards to ADS. Once a decision is made, it will 
be blitzed all over the airwaves after Easter, including POTUS 
potentially making the rounds of the network morning shows and/or the 
Sunday Morning circuit to explain the discussion and keep promoting it.
4. Various Folks will be meeting in a location known as The Tank to 
discuss the DPRK.
5. The President and First Lady, at the invitation of the Cardinal-
Archbishop of Washington, will be on retreat from Palm Sunday to Holy 
Saturday, before proceeding to Camp David for Easter with family, 
friends, pets, and the local wildlife - Camp David is said to have 
deer about, and they're teeming in the surrounding park.