The Sword of the Pen of Richard A. Clarke [View All]

[Samantha]

Today I retraced the steps I took in October 2005 to have the privilege of meeting Richard Clarke. Once again, he was at Border’s on L Street in Washington, D.C. to introduce his new book, "Breakpoint." Having only purchased the book yesterday, I had not had the time to read it. Once Mr. Clarke arrived, he faced those of us gathered to hear him read from the book -- after which he would autograph it for those of us who had purchased it.

Mr. Clarke opened with the statement that he had decided not to read from the book but rather to discuss the general theme and thrust of the story line, as well as to describe the central characters. His discussion centered around our global village tied together through technological networks. Technical terrorists seek to take down these networks, disrupting communications satellites, destroying economies and adversely impacting governmental agencies. The attacks increase to an intensity which takes the global village to the "Breakpoint."

Once again we find these words “Sometimes you can tell more truth through fiction” on the book’s jacket, as we did on Clarke’s last novel, "The Scorpion’s Gate."

As I listened to Mr. Clarke speak, I could not help but flash back to a moment I saw him interviewed after publishing "Against All Enemies." "I have been told I will never work in Washington again," Mr. Clarke said. Washington is the political center of the world, and paybacks for perceived disloyalty against a sitting President (sic) are intended to leave permanent scars. I was so angry after hearing those words. But back to the current moment ....

He finished his introduction to the book and sat down at the table to sign. I had no idea what I would say to the man of courage who lost everything for his candor in telling the American people the literal truth, while those whose job it was to do so remained mute.

The moment arrived to hand Mr. Clarke my copy of his book.

"Do you write these books from a remote location in case the people who took over your job after you left are not quite as good at it as you were?" I asked, smiling mischievously at him. Caught a little by surprise in the middle of autographing the book, he peered up at me through his glasses and responded, "Actually I do write them from a remote location!" he somewhat surreptitiously confessed, chuckling as he did so. How amazingly wonderful this man can still smile after all he has endured.

I returned home and placed my book on the shelf next to my autographed copy of "The Scorpion’s Gate." I write to share this experience with those of you who also admire him and to express one salient thought.

The fact remains Richard Clarke DOES still work in Washington, D.C. despite the fact he was told he would never do so again. He continues his work to fight against all enemies both domestic and foreign through the wonderful books he writes. And as long as you and I continue to show up to meet him and allow him to share his new body of work with us, that work in the literary vein, he will remain. Knowing that makes me feel empowered.

Richard Clarke's pen is mightier than the sword of our enemies.