He wasn’t familiar with Ocean, but he was well-versed in Ocean’s father and what he had done for the Civil Rights Movement. He sincerely hated turning on his TV and seeing Thomas Ellison make his usual rounds on CNN and MSNBC. There were even talks Thomas was about to get a show.
It would give Brian no greater satisfaction knowing he got one up on the elder Ellison. “I think there is a time and place for everything. Protesting against the flag, no matter the reason, is inappropriate.”
“Have you ever been a black man?” Ocean asked.
“I’m sorry?” Brian narrowed his eyes. “I don’t understand the question.”
“I asked you if you ever been a black man? I was clear. Have you ever been followed in a fancy car because surely, the officer felt you stole it? Have you ever been accused of a crime when you weren’t even in the area at the time it was committed? Were you ever asked how it was like growing up in the ghetto when you came from a middle-class background with two married parents?” Ocean smiled. “Because if you haven’t experienced any of that, you probably shouldn’t be dictating to black people how they should act when they face oppression and injustice on a daily basis.”
“I understand people of color experience things I will never understand, but it doesn’t give anyone the right to disrespect the flag under any circumstances.” Brian retorted. “What is that teaching our youth? It’s okay to disrespect the troops out there protecting our freedom?”
“How are troops going to war protecting our freedom when they’re fighting a cause that often has nothing to do with us?” Ocean retorted. “Just keep it one hundred with me – you like it when black people – and I specifically saidblack –are cute and mute.”
Brian met Ocean’s eyes. Ocean didn’t just inherit his father’s charm; he also inherited his calculating and cold demeanor. “Like I’ve said before, there is a time and place for everything.”
“So, how do you want black people to protest injustice in this country?” Ocean played with a pen. “What is the appropriate method for them to protest since you feel everything they do is inappropriate?”
“I’m not going to encourage anyone to look at a thug kneeling for the flag and think it’s okay.” Brian replied.
Ocean smiled. “White people sure do love calling black men thugs if they’re not playing House Negroes. It’s especially comical if said black man poses no threat to them. I swear you and your ilk love to think everything was all rainbows, unicorns, and puppies before and it wasn’t until the Internet and Obama that racism existed.” He leaned back in his chair. “So, what gets you shook more – a free black man exercising his first amendment rights, a rape victim choosing to have an abortion, or an illegal immigrant coming over to escape the murder and senseless violence in his country? What scares you more than numerous teenagers and children dying from mass shootings since you’re also against gun control? Please be sure to smile for the camera when you answer.”
~~~~~~~
“Man, you should see the reaction on Twitter now!” Justin exclaimed as he entered his boss’s office. “#SenatorBae is the number one trending topic. You even got the bored Midwest housewives willing to give up the panties to you.”
Ocean took off his jacket and set it aside. “I’m sure my constituents will approve,” he chuckled. He put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “I know that asshole back there. He and my father were on opposing sides even before I was born. They know each other very well and the contempt for each other hasn’t died down not one iota.”
“Yeah, CNN interviewed your father and he said he knew Brian from a long time ago. He also mentioned he hadn’t changed not a bit.”
“I figured that much. If you’re for white supremacy, you don’t want to give up that hold.” Ocean sat down in his leather chair, “you want to keep it as long as possible and pass it down to future generations.”
“So, his retort was personal?” Justin asked.
“Damn right it was. That smug asshole would love nothing more than to finally get one up on my family by being a Supreme Court justice for life. And if the off-chance my father has to present a case in front of him?” Ocean rolled his eyes. “Even if my father was right, he would rule against him.”
“And I bet that’s what he wants to happen,” Justin replied.
“You bet. The moment a civil rights case goes to the Supreme Court, either my father, or my brother, Savior, will be a part of it in some capacity. And that asshole will be right there smirking along knowing he’s going to rule against them no matter what argument they make.” Ocean shook his head. “He’s going to get confirmed regardless. It doesn’t matter if I present an entire dossier on his ass, he’s going to get confirmed because the Senate wants all of the power.”
“Your friend won’t help?” Justin asked.
Ocean saw Aaliyah sent him a text.Proud of you, bae.“What friend?”
“Edwards,” Justin retrieved a water bottle from the fridge and tossed one to his boss, “he won’t say anything?”
“He wants the power,” Ocean opened the water and took a chug, “he wants a clear path to the White House and he doesn’t care what his fellow Klansmen do.”
“I still don’t understand,” Justin began, “why does he want the White House if he’s not going to run. I know he attempted to run and then dropped out early citing familial obligations, though many would’ve voted for him. I personally think he would’ve won it.”
“He doesn’t want it for him,” Ocean set the water aside. “He has an eye on someone else who would be good for it.”
“Oh?” Justin inquired. “Care to share who it is?”
“I’m not sure yet,” Ocean thought of the person in question, “but if my spidey senses are up to par, we’ll find out very soon.”
