Clarke & Dawe – “The Transactional States of America”

Dawe: Mr President, are the United States at war with Venezuela?

Clarke: No.

Dawe: So there has been no invasion?

Clarke: No. We’ve simply taken control.

Dawe: By force.

Clarke: Efficiently.
(Pause)

Dawe: Under what authority have you taken control of a sovereign nation?

Clarke: American authority.

Dawe: Derived from?

Clarke: Capability.
(Pause)

Dawe: Isn’t that a breach of international law?

Clarke: International law is more of a guideline.

Dawe: For whom?

Clarke: For countries without leverage.
(Pause)

Dawe: The President of Venezuela has been captured.

Clarke: Yes.

Dawe: On what charges?

Clarke: Violating American law.

Dawe: In Venezuela.

Clarke: Correct.

Dawe: Does American law apply in Venezuela?

Clarke: It does now.
(Pause)

Dawe: Could Venezuela arrest you under Venezuelan law?

Clarke: That would be illegal.

Dawe: Why?

Clarke: Because they lack jurisdiction.

Dawe: And who defines jurisdiction?

Clarke: The strongest party in the room.
(Pause)

Dawe: Mr President, critics say this is about oil.

Clarke: That’s ridiculous.

Dawe: So oil has nothing to do with it?

Clarke: No.

Dawe: Yet you said, and I quote, “It’s going to make a lot of money.”

Clarke: Yes.

Dawe: For whom?

Clarke: For America.

Dawe: Which Americans?

Clarke: The successful ones.
(Pause)

Dawe: Are there American troops on the ground?

Clarke: We prefer not to say “boots on the ground”.

Dawe: Are there boots?

Clarke: Yes.

Dawe: On the ground?

Clarke: Very profitably placed.
(Pause)

Dawe: How long will the United States run Venezuela?

Clarke: Until it’s stable.

Dawe: Defined how?

Clarke: When it stops costing us money and starts making it.
(Pause)

Dawe: Mr President, we’re told today’s meeting included an agenda item on rebranding the United States.

Clarke: Yes.

Dawe: Why is that necessary?

Clarke: The current name implies obligations.

Dawe: Such as?

Clarke: Democracy. Law. Alliances.
(Pause)

Dawe: What names are under consideration?

Clarke: United States, Inc.

Dawe: America Holdings LLC.

Clarke: US Global Assets & Enforcement.

Dawe: TrumpCo.

Clarke: Formerly a constitutional republic.
(Pause)

Dawe: And The Transactional States of America?

Clarke: We like that. It’s honest.
(Pause)

Dawe: Does this mean allies are now customers?

Clarke: Or liabilities.

Dawe: And international norms?

Clarke: Non-binding.

Dawe: Human rights?

Clarke: Case-by-case.
(Pause)

Dawe: Mr President, critics say this sets a dangerous precedent.

Clarke: Only if others copy it.

Dawe: And if they do?

Clarke: We’ll call it aggression.
(Long pause)

Dawe: So to be clear: this is not war, not occupation, not theft, and not imperialism.

Clarke: Correct.

Dawe: What is it?

Clarke: A restructuring.
(Final pause)

Dawe: Thank you, Mr President.

Clarke: Thank you. We’re very good at deals.

Dawe: Yes. History will invoice accordingly.
(End)

Keep Independent Journalism Alive – Support The AIMN

Dear Reader,

Since 2013, The Australian Independent Media Network has been a fearless voice for truth, giving public interest journalists a platform to hold power to account. From expert analysis on national and global events to uncovering issues that matter to you, we’re here because of your support.

Running an independent site isn’t cheap, and rising costs mean we need you now more than ever. Your donation – big or small – keeps our servers humming, our writers digging, and our stories free for all.

Join our community of truth-seekers. Donate via PayPal or credit card via the button below, or bank transfer [BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969] and help us keep shining a light.

With gratitude, The AIMN Team