Dark Knight vs. America
From Torg Adventure
[[Warning: this story delves into an area I usually avoid in polite company: politics. I hope I amuse more than I annoy.]]
Bruce Wayne sat in his sumptuous study, the smell of leather-bound books distinct in the air. Only a single desk lamp illuminated the otherwise dark office. He held his head in his hands. On the desk was a newspaper bearing the headline: "Congress Passes Military Commission Act, Grants President Special Powers". The subtitle read, "America Finally Safe From Terrorists".
Wayne was sickened by what had happened to the United States government since the 9/11 bombings. He had used his considerable financial leverage to legally influence the vote the other way. He had visited many members of Congress, as both millionaire philanthropist and caped crusader, to dissuade them from tearing such a big hole in the U.S. Constitution. Imagine! With this single bill, anyone labeled a terrorist, foreigner or citizen, could be denied all manner of civil rights, including trial by jury, Habeas Corpus, a vigorous defense, and other protections of the Bill of Rights. All it took was an 'enemy combatant' designation, which required no judicial oversight.
Tears splattered on the newsprint, smudging the ink.
Suddenly, Wayne lifted his head from his palms, a brilliant fire in his damp eyes. If he could not stop this attack on democracy and justice legally and aboveboard, he would have to resort to illegal and underhanded methods. In that instant, the long-revered champion of decency became a rogue vigilante once again. Only this time, his prey was not the crime lords of Gotham, but elected officials of the government. He wiped his face and the desk, stood up straight and tall, and walked to the familiar statue. As he pulled back the head to reveal the button that opened the Bat Pole, a sly grin spread across the millionaire's face. He pressed the button, waited for the bookcase to slide back, and jumped down the Bat Pole.
What does Batman do next?
