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​​Part XIII of XIII
 
“… We were going to summarize.”
“Treasonous acts.”
“And then to Washington to see the smudge.”
“Sounds good.”
“What’d we learn Yank?”
“Look out for people who leave their flank in the air.”
“How’ll that work in DC?”
“Dereliction of duty.”
“That does work.”
“You Reb?”
“Look out for people wasting resources.”
“The batteries.”
“Time.”
“Choir.”
“Cavalry.”
“We are talking about the moves of usurpers.”
“What else Gus?”
“Kyd …”

​

​“… People change.”
“Some might act one way and then differently.”
“Gotta let people come back.”
“Sounds like grace.”
“Grace vigilant.”
“Word.”
“Lots of people in Washington Reb.”
“We’ll fit in.”
“May we see some sights?”
“Imagine so Gus.”
“I never went there and you helped build it.”
“And tried to destroy it.”
“Forgive yourself Reb.”
“On it.”
“Shall we land on the Mall?”
“Up to you.”
“Let’s wing it.”
“Wing it let’s.”
“Up Reb!”
“To Washington!”
 
Next Up: To be determined.
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

​​Part VIII of XIII

“… It’s Usurpation Day Johnny.”
“It is Gus.”
“Two hundred and thirty years ago …”
“Keep going.”
“George vetoed a bill.”
“The young nation’s first.”
“Because Congress used the thirty Thousand in Article 1 but dropped the remainder, the fraction.”
“The Constitution says ‘shall not exceed.’”
“And Washington said they did.”
“True.”
“Congress couldn’t override George’s veto?”
“Correct.”
“So then what Johnny?”
“On 9 April 1792, Elbridge Gerry and others voted a new representation bill, one that used thirty-three thousand instead of thirty.”
“A number not in Article 1.”
“Nor one ratified by the states.”
“Making today, 9 April, the usurpation’s date of birth.”
“An end date is needed.”
“Amen Johnny.”
“To the bridge Gus.”
“To the bridge …”

Next Up: 12 April and part IX of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Somewhere: Bridge.

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

​Part I of XIII

“This it Reb?”
“Ferry Hill Yank.”
“Fancy place.”
“Henry Kyd Douglas had means.”
“It’s like we’re waiting for him.”
“Saddle up!”
“But who was Kyd?”
“Ask that of any of us Gus.”
“Did we hear the word sedition while in the Valley?”
“Insurrection too.”
“My laughing crow.”
“Yeah.”
“It’s not about me, Gus Kotka.”
“Say more.”
“Well …”

​“… Is that Shepherdstown?”
“West Virginia.”
“Elmwood Cemetery.”
“Kyd’s buried there.”
“Reb, this Antietam thing.”
“Burnside helping Lee and Lee knowing Burnside was helping him.”
“It’s teaching us something about today.”
“Treason.”
“Before we go to Washington.”
“Garland and the thirty Thousand.”
“Because there are modern Burnsides.”
“Agreed.”
“Where’s our flag?”
“This way …”

​“… The Georgia Overlook.”
“Can’t see a thing Reb.”
“The bridge is at the top of the flag.”
“I see an arch.”
“Yanks ran across that field.”
“And you Rebs shot ‘em.”
“As quick as we could.”
“How’d you Georgians survive the artillery?”
“There was some.”
“Some?”
“Numbers don’t lie Gus.”
“People do Johnny.”
“Affirmed.”
“Burnside was an artillery officer.”
“West Point.”
“These trees, this Maryland rock, shells exploding,  ricocheting ...”
“Right.”
“I don’t understand Johnny.”
“Some things …”

Next Up: 26 March and part II of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Somewhere: Overlooked.

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

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Part IX of XIII

“… How’s this?”
“Thanks Reb.”
“Them crows got to ya Yank.”
“I wasn’t sure what to think?”
“I heard ‘em too.”
“There are a lot of crows in Berryville.”
“Yes.”
“There’s even a street named Crow.”
“That’s for a family.”
“I thought so too, and said so to the crows.”
“And?”
“The crows, they wondered who that family would be named after, if not them?”
“Crows.”
“What is with these obelisks Johnny?”
“Good question Gus.”
“They’re … ”

​
​“… How much slavery was there here in Berryville?”
“Clarke County was about half enslaved in 1860.”
“Berryville’s in Clarke.”
“County seat.”
“These stone obelisks, crosses and testimonials, were built with slave coin.”
“I hear ya.”
“The stained glass windows, the brick church.”
“Economy of slavery.”
“We can see what enslaved people built, what their labors contributed.”
“We can.”
“It’s right here, here in these stones.”
“And the stained glass.”
“What’s next Johnny?”
“Got some news Gus.”
“Do tell.”

​

“The truth has come.”
“The thirty Thousand.”
“And the falsehood shall vanish.”
“The usurpation.”
“And shall not come back.”
“Sounds like you’ve gotten word.”
“Word is expected by 17 September Gus.”
“Constitution Day.”
“Yes.”
“What if no word?”
“Then the Office of the - ”
“- Don’t say Reb.”
“Right.”
“Soon enough, we’ll all know.”
“Meantime … let’s look for some Berrys.”
“Johnny: I had forgotten our purpose.”
“This way Gus …”

Next Up: 17 September and part X of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Smudge Day 2021.

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Part VIII of XIII

“… Here’s a part of me: Kennedy Grogan, C.S.A.”
“In memory of.”
“Killed at Greenland Gap, West Virginia.”
“Where’s that Johnny?”
“About a hundred miles west.”
“Grogan was killed April 25th, 1863.”
“Aged 20 years.”
“There’s no date of birth.”
“Might have been his birthday.”
“The day a Yank …”
“Right.”
“How’d we get here Johnny?”
“What do you mean?”
“Where ‘Mericans like me are killing ‘Mericans like Grogan.”
“Calhoun.”
“Where’d Calhoun learn usurpin’?”
“Yale.”
“A Northern connection.”
“Still.”

​
​

​
“What do you know about Greenland Gap?”
“Yanks heard us Rebs were on the move, so they guarded the mountain gaps.”
“Grogan?”
“Why you being so formal?”
“Kenny then.”
“Kenny was riding with about fifteen hundred Confederate cavalry.”
“How many Yanks held the gap?”
“Around ninety.”
“Ninety?”
“Yank infantry fortified a few houses and a two-story, made of oak timbers, German church.”
“Turned it into a fort.”
“We assaulted the church after nightfall.”
“Kenny?”
“His unit, the 35th, was part of the assault.”
“Kenny was killed assaulting a fortified church?”
“Looks like.”
“Hear them crows?”


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​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?”

​

​


“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

​Part III of XIII
 
“… What day is today Reb?”
“Veterans Day, 11 November 2020.”
“A day to honor veterans?”
“Yes.”
“Well then, a good Veterans Day to you Johnny.”
“Uh …”
“What?”
“Not all of me is …”
“Reb, you a composite spirit you said.”
“I am.”
“That is all of you then, and a lot of you Johnny Rebs served in the US Army.”
“Of course, but -”
“- But nothing.”
“Feels weird Yank.”
“Lee and Longstreet.”
“Served and rebelled.”
“They came back to the Union.”
“They came back.”
“We’re gonna need all your composite parts Reb, to end the usurpation.”
“You have flexible thoughts Yank.”
“Thanks.”
“And a good Veterans Day to you Gus.”
“Johnny, I was wondering.”
“You were?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.”
“I was wondering about the thirty Thousand and Knowbody’s time."
“Go on.”
“I was wondering if it was only the one time or if it could be another time as well?”
“It can be any time.”
“There’s just one you know for sure.”
“The one Knowbody meant.”
“So Tell-Lie-Vision, for example, could report the thirty Thousand today.”
“Or tomorrow.”
“And then there’s also Knowbody’s time.”
“Yes.”
“Well Johnny …”
 
Next Up: 20 January 2021 and part IV of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Inaugurations.
 
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