order the third day of the inquiry into the conduct of EMCorp within the borders of the United States.” Mahoney paused, apparently for dramatic effect. “Mr McDowell, thanks for joining us this morning.”
“And a good afternoon to you, too.” Ernest managed to draw a few short laughs from the gallery. “Glad to be of service to the duly elected representatives of our fine democracy.”
Mahoney bristled, but continued. “As you know, EMCorp, the company you chair and have a large holding in, has been embroiled in significant controversy overseas, most notably the United Kingdom. The opening two days of this inquiry heard a catalog of allegations. Our role is to determine the extent of misconduct in the US.”
Ernest waited until Mahoney was done, then lifted his coffee cup and drained the contents. He looked to each of the eleven members of the committee in turn then spoke. “Nice editorial, Senator. Give me a call once you’re out of politics.”
Mahoney laughed. “I’ll take the first question, Mr McDowell. Quite simply, can you guarantee EMCorp hasn’t engaged in illegal behavior of the kind that we’ve seen overseas inside the United States, beyond what has already been declared?”
Ernest looked to Alweiss, who took the question. “No corporate leader could offer such a guarantee, Senator. But we’re confident that, beyond what we’ve already disclosed to the authorities and to the markets, no further activity along those lines has occurred in the United States. The company has performed a full audit.”
Mahoney tapped his pen on the bench, seemingly annoyed that Alweiss had answered the question. “While I thank your lawyer for his response, Mr McDowell, it’s apparent to many people, myself included, that the level of control that your company has over the political and economic direction of this nation is far too high—”
Ernest tried to interrupt. “Sorry, Senator.”
Mahoney persisted. “I was speaking, Mr McDowell. I’d actually liken it to a man, even a large one, being crushed to death by a snake. The man is this country, your company is the snake. Though the man might be strong, he has nothing to compete with the constricting strength of the snake, ever tighter.”
Ernest knew he was in trouble. This was about more than potential illegal activities—it was a power play. Mahoney was playing for keeps, and despite his looming retirement, he had the power base in Washington to have a chance in the game. This was going to be the biggest fight of his professional life.
With Mahoney finished, another senator leaned in to her microphone. “Mr McDowell, do you have anything to say from the outset?”
“Yes, I do, actually, miss.” Ernest paused and looked at the senator’s name plate. “Sorry, Senator Woodyatt. Yes, I do.”
When the senator nodded for him to proceed, Ernest looked at Alweiss, who shook his head only a fraction. Ernest ignored it. “I find substantial levels of media ownership to be wholly compatible with the entrepreneurial spirit of this country. I started this company and it’s now a global enterprise employing thousands of Americans.
“Regardless of troubles elsewhere, I’d hoped that at home, at least, EMCorp would be welcome, yet here I sit. It’s a sad day indeed when such a committee can begin a witch hunt in such a manner. So let’s get on with it.”
Ernest sat back in his chair. Alweiss had a blank look on his face and was probably considering the weaseling he’d have to do to reverse the damage of the statement. Mahoney had an even bigger grin on his face, but the other senators seemed unconcerned. The CSPAN cameras were on Ernest and several cameras flashed.
He knew that this was going to end badly and that the committee had the power to orchestrate sweeping changes to his company. He’d seen off the EMCorp board only to run headlong into this mess. He wondered again about Michelle Dominique and her offer, before shaking his head and
“And a good afternoon to you, too.” Ernest managed to draw a few short laughs from the gallery. “Glad to be of service to the duly elected representatives of our fine democracy.”
Mahoney bristled, but continued. “As you know, EMCorp, the company you chair and have a large holding in, has been embroiled in significant controversy overseas, most notably the United Kingdom. The opening two days of this inquiry heard a catalog of allegations. Our role is to determine the extent of misconduct in the US.”
Ernest waited until Mahoney was done, then lifted his coffee cup and drained the contents. He looked to each of the eleven members of the committee in turn then spoke. “Nice editorial, Senator. Give me a call once you’re out of politics.”
Mahoney laughed. “I’ll take the first question, Mr McDowell. Quite simply, can you guarantee EMCorp hasn’t engaged in illegal behavior of the kind that we’ve seen overseas inside the United States, beyond what has already been declared?”
Ernest looked to Alweiss, who took the question. “No corporate leader could offer such a guarantee, Senator. But we’re confident that, beyond what we’ve already disclosed to the authorities and to the markets, no further activity along those lines has occurred in the United States. The company has performed a full audit.”
Mahoney tapped his pen on the bench, seemingly annoyed that Alweiss had answered the question. “While I thank your lawyer for his response, Mr McDowell, it’s apparent to many people, myself included, that the level of control that your company has over the political and economic direction of this nation is far too high—”
Ernest tried to interrupt. “Sorry, Senator.”
Mahoney persisted. “I was speaking, Mr McDowell. I’d actually liken it to a man, even a large one, being crushed to death by a snake. The man is this country, your company is the snake. Though the man might be strong, he has nothing to compete with the constricting strength of the snake, ever tighter.”
Ernest knew he was in trouble. This was about more than potential illegal activities—it was a power play. Mahoney was playing for keeps, and despite his looming retirement, he had the power base in Washington to have a chance in the game. This was going to be the biggest fight of his professional life.
With Mahoney finished, another senator leaned in to her microphone. “Mr McDowell, do you have anything to say from the outset?”
“Yes, I do, actually, miss.” Ernest paused and looked at the senator’s name plate. “Sorry, Senator Woodyatt. Yes, I do.”
When the senator nodded for him to proceed, Ernest looked at Alweiss, who shook his head only a fraction. Ernest ignored it. “I find substantial levels of media ownership to be wholly compatible with the entrepreneurial spirit of this country. I started this company and it’s now a global enterprise employing thousands of Americans.
“Regardless of troubles elsewhere, I’d hoped that at home, at least, EMCorp would be welcome, yet here I sit. It’s a sad day indeed when such a committee can begin a witch hunt in such a manner. So let’s get on with it.”
Ernest sat back in his chair. Alweiss had a blank look on his face and was probably considering the weaseling he’d have to do to reverse the damage of the statement. Mahoney had an even bigger grin on his face, but the other senators seemed unconcerned. The CSPAN cameras were on Ernest and several cameras flashed.
He knew that this was going to end badly and that the committee had the power to orchestrate sweeping changes to his company. He’d seen off the EMCorp board only to run headlong into this mess. He wondered again about Michelle Dominique and her offer, before shaking his head and
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