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​Part XIII of XIII 

“… Here Yank?”
“Thanks Reb, I just …”
“Felt it too Gus.”
“I want to judge Benjamin Berry.”
“We must.”
“Then who judges us?”
“The present.”
“We didn’t treat women right Johnny.”
“We laughed when the idea of women voting was mentioned.”
“Derision.”
“Think of the flag here Gus, and how I once saw it.”
“Enemy.”
“And now?”
“Friend.”
“How’s that possible?”
“A higher value.”
“We the People.”
“We the People.”
“Represented according to numbers.”
“Our thirty Thousand.”
“Some southerners moved away, to places like Illinois and Indiana, to get away from slavery.”
“Burnside Johnny, his father, after the Revolution, moved from South Carolina to Liberty Indiana.”
“Telling.”
“Speaking of telling …”

“… Arnold Burnside reminded me of our Somewhere unfinished business.”
“Ambrose.”
“Arnold to me.”
“Your laughing crow.”
“And Morgan said to start in Berryville.”
“We have started.”
“Now to finish.”
“Correct.”
“I think that means we go see the smudge.”
“I think so too Yank.”
“From here let’s poof over to Somewhere first, and then to DC.”
“I have a starting Somewhere place in mind.”
“Can we slow-poof it to Somewhere?”
“You want to walk through the Valley?”
“The Shenandoah Valley Reb.”
“Right on.”
“Walk-off some of this Berryvillin’.”
“I like it.”
“Let’s go to Harper’s Ferry.”
“And up to Shepherdstown from Halltown.”
“A.P. Hill’s march.”
“Then we’ll cross the Potomac Yank.”
“Garland?”
“On board seems.”
“Oh my Johnny ~ thanks for the Berryville time.”
“Berryvillin’ ~ thanks Gus.”

Next Up: 22 March 2022 and part one of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Somewhere: Georgia Overlook.

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner 

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Part X of XIII

“… Happy Constitution Day Yank.”
“Smudge Day Johnny.”
“Yupper.”
“Tell the story again, about how George had the founders put a smudge on the Constitution.”
“I thought you might ask Gus.”
“Oh?”
“Yes.”
“So you have something prepared?”
“Let me present, Constitution Day 1787.”
“Let’s go Reb.”
“Nowhere to go Yank, as we can story-tell right here.”
“Okay.”
“Conjure and imagine, if you will, the interior of …

INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA PA – DAY 17 SEP 1787

GEORGE WASHINGTON (55) is chairing the Constitutional Convention and it is the last day, signing day, 17 September 1787. The hall is full of founders, such as ALEXANDER HAMILTON (30), JAMES MADISON (36), and BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (81); they are all gathered to conclude the convention and begin their journeys home. The (almost) completed Constitution is read aloud as well as a speech written by Franklin. WE HEAR the MURMUR of restive and attentive voices as NATHANIAL GORHAM (49), someone known to all in the room, rises to speak; he is a Massachusetts delegate, Chairman of the Whole during the convention, and Washington acknowledges him from the podium.

WASHINGTON
I see Nathanial, the honorable Mr. Gorham, would like to speak.

GORHAM
Gentlemen, if it is not too late, I would like that the clause declaring, 'the number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every forty Thousand,' be reconsidered.

WASHINGTON
You mean the representation clause.

GORHAM
Yes, and since it produced so much discussion, perhaps we should reconsider it.

WASHINGTON
Your proposal?

GORHAM
For a greater representation of the people, I propose we strike out 'forty' Thousand and insert 'thirty' Thousand.

HAMILTON
Agreed!

FRANKLIN
Yes!

Madison nods agreement.

WASHINGTON
(pauses) 
Although my situation has hitherto restrained me from offering sentiments on questions before the convention, and perhaps ought to now –

LAUGHTER. 

I can’t forbear expressing my wish that the change proposed might take place.

HAMILTON
Say more.

WASHINGTON
It is much desired that the objections to the plan recommended might be as few as possible, and the smallness of the proportion of Representatives was considered by many members of the Convention, an insufficient security for the rights and interests of the people.

FRANKLIN
Yes.

WASHINGTON
The representation ratio had always seemed to me to be the exceptionable part of the plan, and late as the present moment was for admitting amendments, I believe it of so much consequence that it would give much satisfaction to see it adopted.

The founders then vote and the change is unanimously accepted. Madison and a clerk make the edit to the Constitution by altering the word 'forty' into 'thirty,' and in doing so leave a smudge.”

“Thanks for The Story of Smudge Day Johnny.”
“You’re welcome.”
“What’s the word on the usurpers and the surrender?”
“Merrick Garland.”
“Who’s that?”
“The Attorney General for We the People.”
“Word is?”
“We’ve asked for support.”
“I like it.”
“Also, there’s some news about Sarah.”
“Berry?”
“Right, …”

Next Up: 1 October and part XI of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Sarah.

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

​Part VII of XIII
 
“… Something is happening Gus.”
“Tell me more Reb.”
“There doesn’t appear to be any resistance.”
“No one will defend the 435.”
“Correct.”
“Have the usurpers surrendered to the Constitution?”
“No.”
“I remember that feeling.”
“What do you remember?”
“Well, as Gus Kotka, I didn’t know about the thirty Thousand.”
“Right.”
“But as Gus Yank, well lots of Yanks knew, just like Jefferson Davis knew.”
“I hear ya.”
“Since we didn’t surrender to the Constitution until later …”
“… It makes sense they are feeling what we felt.”
“What would George say?”
“Political theory: George would ask Madison.”
“James would say?”

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“Build a coalition of the constitutionally willing.”
“Sounds like us Reb.”
“Madison said there is a peculiarity in the Constitution.”
“What peculiarity?”
“With the Senate designed to represent states, and the House population, the peculiarity is that the largest populated states will align against the smallest concerning representation.”
“California vs. Delaware you’re saying Reb.”
“Texas vs. Rhode Island.”
“I understand.”
“That’s what’s happening Yank.”
“The formation of a coalition of the constitutionally willing.”
“In support of constitutional representation and the Seventh Amendment.”
“America’s been doing We the People wrong for 230 years.”
“Time to do We the People right.”
“Let’s visit a Reb.”
“Over here Yank, and up close …”
 
Next Up: 21 July and part VIII of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Greenland Gap.
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

​Part IV of XIII
 
“… I’ll wait.”
“Wait’s over Yank.”
“You mean today’s the day?”
“Yes.”
“Did Tell-Lie-Vision show it Johnny?”
“Tell-Lie-Vision showed the consequences of the representation usurpation.”
“But no George Washington’s thirty Thousand?”
“Correct.”
“Then what happened?”
“The Speaker of the House has been contacted.”
“About the thirty Thousand?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“Let’s give it a bit.”
“So you’re saying let’s wait to see what the Speaker says?”
“Yes.”
“What should we do in the meantime?”
“Grace.”
“Let’s go ~ touching elbows Reb.”
“Touching elbows Yank …”

Speaker of the US House of Representatives,
 
Peace to the United States of America. The US Constitution, in Article 1 Section 2 Clause 3, guarantees We the People representation in the House of Representatives at the ratio of one for every thirty Thousand: this is not what happens. This representation usurpation is unconstitutional, against the expressed wish of George Washington, and undermines We the People. Please address this issue with the power of the Speaker’s office and your spirit of perseverance.
 
A citizen,
Bryan W. Brickner

Next Up: Usurpation Day 2021 and part V of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Grace.
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Grace is an attribute of Jesus.
 
The I Ching describes grace as: inside, the strength of simplicity and self-knowledge, outside, the beauty of acceptance and gentleness.
 
On 9 April 1792, the US House of Representatives couldn’t override President Washington’s veto, so they usurped a right of We the People.
 
On 9 April 2020, the usurped right to representation according to numbers effects all We the People.
 
If one uses sex, females are the most underrepresented in the House, composing 51 percent of We the People and only 23 percent representation.
 
If one uses economics, the middle and lower classes are the most underrepresented.
 
If one uses constitutionalism, representatives of We the People supporting President Washington and the thirty Thousand are the most underrepresented.
 
We are no longer a republic: this is tyranny.
 
End the representation usurpation to become a republic again.
 
*Next Up: Constitution Day 2020 with Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’.
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Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Part 12 of 13
 
“… Which Congress Reb?”
“Continental.”
“So the Continental Congress recognized Morgan’s military side.”
“Commemorative coin of Cowpens.”
“What’s on the other side?”
“A battle scene.”
“What’s Comitia mean?”
“It’s an old Roman word.”
“They’re all old.”
“It means an assembly of citizens, a gathering of the people.”
“For?”
“Making laws, courts and so on.”
“A congress.”
“Americana.”
“How many coins were made?”
“Eleven.”
“All military?”
“Yes.”
“The coins still around?”
“Rare and valuable.”
“Roman, Greek, and American represented.”
“Mount Horeb too.”
“Thunderbolt’s been quiet Reb.”
“Shhhh.”
“Right …”
 
*Next Up: 8 October and the autumn series finale of Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Revisit Mount Horeb: On the Road Again.
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

Part 10 of 13
 
“… Cannon without carriage.”
“Battle’s over.”
“There’s another thing about 9 April 1792 Gus.”
“What Johnny?”
“Fort Sumter.”
“What about Fort Sumter?”
“The fort was named after Thomas Sumpter.”
“With a P?”
“Yes.”
“Who’s he?”
“American revolutionary.”
“Knew Morgan?”
“Definitely, as Sumpter was from Virginia and, like Morgan, fought the British in South Carolina.”
“What’s Sumpter got to do with Usurpation Day?”
“Sumpter was in the House with Gerry.”
“Representing Virginia?”
“South Carolina.”
“Go on.”
“The British general Morgan defeated at Cowpens gave Sumpter a nickname.”
“What?”
“Carolina Gamecock.”
“Fighter.”
“Thomas Sumpter voted Against the usurpation on 9 April.”
“Supported Washington’s veto.”
“And the Constitution.”
“Unlike Gerry.”
“Fact.”
“And then you rebels, ordered by Jefferson Davis, fire on Sumpter’s namesake, Fort Sumter.”
“April 1861.”
“What’s the Latin mean?”
“This is about Cowpens.”
“Duci Ex- I can’t make it out Reb.”
“Duci Exercitis … Translates as leader of armies (or army leader).”
“Who’s the native?”
“Uh … let’s step over here.”
“Why Reb? …”
 
*Next Up: 6 October and part 11 of Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Revisit Mount Horeb: Hellenistic.
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

Part 9 of 13
 
“ … An event.”
“Reb?”
“Yeah Yank.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something?”
“Ask.”
“How did representation work in the Confederate Constitution?”
“Almost the same as the Union.”
“Almost?”
“Like the US one, the Confederate Constitution stipulated representation according to numbers.”
“What number?”
“One Representative for every fifty Thousand.”
“So the Confederacy used the number found in Article the first of the Bill of Rights.”
“Correct.”
“Enumeration?”
“On paper.”
“Never happened?”
“War happened.”
“Did the Confederacy keep the three fifths clause?”
“With an edit.”
“What edit?”
“Instead of saying ‘three fifths of all other Persons,’ the Confederate Constitution changed other Persons to slaves.”
“Telling.”
“Says a lot.”
“And we can say Jefferson Davis knew more about ‘Merican representation than Tell-Lie-Vision does.”
“Yes.”
“Are those cannon?”
“I think so …”
 
*Next Up: 3 October and part 10 of Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Revisit Mount Horeb: Thomas Sumpter (also Sumter).
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Part 8 of 13
 
“… Elbridge Gerry.”
“Never heard of him.”
“You will.”
“Listening.”
“Gerry was in the House on 9 April.”
“Usurpation Day.”
“Representing Massachusetts.”
“Yank.”
“A mischief-making Yank.”
“Say more Reb.”
“Gerry was also at the Constitutional Convention.”
“With the founders?”
“Yup.”
“Did he sign?”
“Nope.”
“Why Johnny?”
“Gerry didn’t sign ‘cuz he said democracy was the worst of all political evils.”
“Evil?”
“Evil.”
“Go on.”
“Then on 9 April 1792 Gerry supports the usurpation.”
“Leader thereof?”
“Evil is as evil does.”
“Chief Mischief Maker then.”
“Correct Gus.”
“One hears the truth and does it.”
“The other hears the truth and quibbles.”
“Amen.”
“Gerry also predicted our civil war.”
“When?”
“The first Constitution Day.”
“So Gerry didn’t sign the Constitution on 17 September, said there’ll be civil war, and then led the usurpation five years later.”
“And there’s more.”
“Constitutional sinner.”
“Yup.”
“What’s with the circle Johnny?”
“Let’s look closer …”
 
*Next Up: 2 October and part 9 of Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Revisit Mount Horeb: Jefferson Davis.
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Part 7 of 13
 
“… There she is Reb.”
“Barely.”
“That’s plenty.”
“Agreed.”
“Let’s not turn our backs on Morgan this time.”
“What about Snake and Turkey Gus?”
“We haven’t done much with those signs he gave us.”
“No we haven’t.”
“We wore Turkey feathers.”
“Let’s not mention that.”
“We can say we’re working on them signs.”
“That’s true.”
“And we’ve just talked about them signs even.”
“Good one Gus.”
“Do you think he’ll say anything?”
“Last time was special.”
“So you’re saying no.”
“We’ll handle it either way.”
“Yup.”
“Forward Yank …”

“… Halt.”
“Geez, don’t say ‘Present Arms’ Reb.”
“No rank, I remember.”
“Hello Morgan.”
[Silence.]
“Nothing Gus.”
“Smiling though.”
“Smiling last time.”
“I didn’t notice.”
“He was talking.”
“That I noticed.”
“I learned something Yank.”
“From a book or Tell-Lie-Vision?”
“Book.”
“Which one?”
“The Journal of the House of Representatives.”
“Real sleeper.”
“Zzzzs.”
“What’d you learn Reb?”
“There are Peacemakers and Mischief Makers.”
“Keep going.”
“Morgan was a Peacemaker, via war.”
“Okay.”
“Through revolution, made peace.”
“And you read about someone maybe mischief-making the peace?”
“Did.”
“Say more.”
“A Yank.”
“Who?”
“Representative …”
 
*Next Up: 1 October and part 8 of Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Revisit Mount Horeb: Mischief Makers.
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner