Chapter 458: Jerusalem Embassy Act

[Chapter 520: Rodney King]

In downtown Los Angeles, the headquarters of Occidental Petroleum was located in the Federal Bank Building. It was the tallest skyscraper west of Chicago and also the tallest building in California, situated across from the Los Angeles Central Library, which was also known as the Library Tower.

The ownership of the building now belonged to First Interstate Bank, also referred to as the First Interstate World Center. Recently, Wells Fargo was initiating a hostile takeover of First Interstate Bank, which, like other major corporations in Los Angeles, held shares in Occidental Petroleum.

Arthur attended the board meeting where Occidental Petroleum's relocation from California to Texas was discussed. The board agreed to this decision, and Occidental Petroleum would officially move next year.

Jim Colt and Arthur stood by the window, admiring the Los Angeles skyline. "You know, ever since the repeal of the McFadden Act, none of the banks in the West have had the upper hand in developing independently," Jim remarked.

"Even if a white knight enters the scene, given the constraints of policy, Wells Fargo's chances of acquiring First Interstate Bank are quite high!" Arthur replied.

Wells Fargo, First Interstate Bank, and Northwest Bank were the three banking groups that managed to operate across state lines in the West due to the McFadden Act. At that time, these three banks could expand operations across nine states in the West.

"Wells Fargo and First Interstate Bank are roughly equal in size; it's just that First Interstate Bank's model has become a bit conservative, while Wells Fargo has surged ahead with their ATM developments," said Jim.

"Without the McFadden Act, traditional models lost their advantages. Only a bank conglomerate model can survive. That's why Wells Fargo wants to acquire First Interstate Bank," Jim continued. "The next target will surely be Northwest Bank!"

Arthur didn't care much; he thought collaborating with Wells Fargo could turn out better.

Jim Colt looked at Arthur. "On the Washington front, Mr. Leon Panetta, the Chief of Staff at the White House, sent word that Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and demanding that the embassy be moved by May 31, 1999!"

Arthur shrugged. "Looks like Washington worked out another deal with the Jews. That's one less hurdle for Galaxy to acquire CBS."

Jim Colt nodded. "CBS is definitely going to belong to Galaxy. With support from the White House, it makes things a lot easier for us! Just last week, Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin signed the Oslo II Accord in Washington to resolve disputes. Then Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act right afterward!"

Arthur thought about Yitzhak Rabin; it seemed that guy was in danger. The right-wing Jewish radical groups in Israel were known for being ruthless.

"Do you believe it? Rabin is definitely going to be assassinated by the Jews," Arthur jokingly said.

Jim Colt shrugged. "Ever since Rabin signed the Oslo I Accord two years ago, he's faced a lot of backlash from Jewish nationalist organizations. It's just a matter of whether those right-wing Israeli groups want him alive now."

Arthur sighed. "These people are truly unthinkable!"

Jim Colt chuckled. "But hey, they're just our caretakers. There are many Jews, yet they're a minority, worse off than the Gypsies. They can only cling to a strong regime."

Arthur shook his head. "Just look around at media and finance; it's basically all dominated by Jews. Besides Galaxy and News Corp, it's all Jewish influence in Hollywood!"

Furthermore, within Galaxy, Amy Pascal was also Jewish, holding a high position.

"What a shame. You can clearly see Galaxy's momentum. You're poised to surpass Louis B. Mayer's reign in Hollywood," Jim said, patting Arthur on the shoulder.

"I'm heading out, though. I have high hopes for Governor George W. Bush in Texas!"

Arthur reminded him, and Jim Colt understood his hint.

...

As the dazzling lights lit up the night in Los Angeles, Arthur took Cristiana Reali to a bar in West Hollywood to unwind.

"Darling, stay a few more days; Sophie Marceau will be coming over soon," Arthur said, holding Cristiana Reali as they swayed under the dim lights of the dance floor.

"I know," Cristiana replied, leaning against Arthur. "I really liked the vacation villa at New Port Beach in Irvine. Thanks for that."

"If we want to vacation again this winter, we could head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!" Arthur suggested.

"Sounds possible," he kissed her, and as his hands wandered over her curves, their hormones got the best of them.

"By the way, didn't the movie starring John Travolta, called Get Shorty, just hit theaters?"

On the couch, Cristiana leaned on Arthur's shoulder, asking about the film.

Arthur took a sip of his drink. "Yeah, it opened to $13 million, and the reviews are pretty good. John Travolta really made a comeback after the success of Pulp Fiction!"

Cristiana smiled. "I liked that indie film, Leaving Las Vegas, distributed by United Artists. It was a heartbreaking, almost despairing piece!"

Leaving Las Vegas was a true indie film, small in scale, and unlikely to make much at the box office. After all, it had a low budget and aimed for awards, and the performances by Nicolas Cage and Madchen Amick received a lot of media praise!

"Indie films, huh?" Arthur didn't pay much attention at the moment. "Let's go home."

[T/N: Removed a minor plot. Arthur sees Rodney King following Cristiana Reali from the washroom and with his body guards, he beats him up.]

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