As was his custom, Chester West spoke out first. “The way I see it, what happened in Wyoming and Kansas has nothing to do with what we’re talking about,” he stated emphatically. “The men the FBI arrested and the Feds want to hang are decent, God fearing Christian patriots. Does anyone here, for one minute, think that they would have a fair trial in San Francisco?”

Without preamble, Sergeant Lightfoot dryly added, “Last time I checked, the people of that city were Americans. What makes you think that they’ll see the law any different than we would?”

With crimson cheeks, West turned on Lightfoot. “They may be Americans,” West countered, “but they’re not our kind of Americans. They don’t understand what it means to stand up and fight for what they believe in. They’re all pussy faggots there. All they’re interested in is porkin’ each other in places where the sun don’t shine.”

“Obviously,” Lightfoot snorted, “you haven’t heard of Haight-Ashbury.”

In an effort to cool the anger that was visibly on the rise, Nancy turned to another member of the group. “Private Tillman,” she asked, ignoring the glares being exchanged between West and Lightfoot. “You work in one of the companies owned by GO Thomas and where one of the accused also worked. What do you make of all the fuss?”

Tillman was a shy man by nature. Embarrassed by the fact that he was being required to say something, he looked nervously at his peers before answering. He paused to clear his throat before he started. When he did, he was almost apologetic. “I can’t say I know much more about what’s going on other than what I’ve heard on the news and what folks say. I’ve worked for the man going on five years before he moved into the governor’s mansion. During all that time, I’ve never personally laid eyes on Thomas. Nor have I met a bona fide militiaman, at least, not that I am aware of.”

“Surely you have an opinion on this issue?” Nancy Kozak interjected when it became obvious that Tillman was trying to say as little as possible.

“Oh, I don’t think I do,” Tillman responded. “I work, I get paid, and I have a job that has pretty good benefits.” He paused and looked at Nancy. “About the only thing I really feel strongly about is my vacation time.” Everyone laughed at this, giving Tillman the courage to go on.