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Chapter 7: Armageddon "We have had our last chance. If we will not devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door." -- General Douglas MacArthur, 1945 PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1: Deja Vu Chapter 2: Excellence and Exodus Chapter 3: Vengeance and Vendetta Chapter 4: The Peace Dividend Chapter 5: Crisis and Crusades Chapter 6: The Powder Keg THE SOL-3 UNIVERSE Sol-3 I am no longer on the CNRP map. This is NOT CNRP. (or CNRP2/CNRPA) This is considered to take place in the Sol-3 Universe. Sol-3 is not accepting other players. This thread should be considered CLOSED* to all other players besides myself. *Spectators may feel free to post announcements, news reports, etc. Actions that could be considered as interfering with the actions unfolding may or may not be recognized. SUMMARY The Grand Mexican War has come to an ubrupt end after a brief nuclear war. An web of alliances brought the war to every corner of the globe and has left civilization greatly damaged. From the ashes will the empires of old be reborn? Or will new players join the world stage? Is there even a world stage to perform on, or will each nation-state be forced to be only a regional player? DRAMATIS PERSONAE Charlotte Laurent, President Katherine, Queen of J Andres and its Empire May 21, 2085 TRANSCRIPT OF BROADCAST FROM STATION BROADCASTING ON 104.3 FM Good morning J Andres! Or morning anyway. Congratulations on surviving the night! Reminder that everyone is ordered to stay indoors for thirteen more days! We are thankful you have chosen to spend your time indoors with us, 104.3 FM, and a terrific thirteen days it will be! We are still piecing together information, primarily from other radio stations as to the actual events of last night. We believe the first nuclear weapons were fired from a rogue Tikali submarine. Mexico and the coalition responded in kind by attacking allied locations, which responded as well. We to believe at this time that damage is widespread throughout the continent, with all major population centers targeted. Similar destruction is expected in Europe, Asia, and South America. No word yet exists of any attacks in Africa or Australia, but this doesn't mean they weren't targeted as well. As for the well-being of our government: we known President Laurent was escorted from a baseball game in Providence. We know she did not reach Endor Cuidad; however, she is alive and well and is coordinating the government response to the situation. Likewise, Her Majesty, the Queen is safe in Newport, although Princess Gabrielle, first in line to the throne did not survive the attack. Back to news on our mandatory lockdown. It is safest to stay inside, and underground, for fourteen days following the attacks. The government will be setting up food distribution centers in three days. The radiation levels will still be hazardous at that time and you should limit your exposure, only leaving your home if you absolutely need supplies. More news as it happens. For now, this one goes out to Mel in Griswold, it's R.E.M.
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Chapter 6: The Powder Keg "It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong" --Otto von Bismarck PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1: Deja Vu Chapter 2: Excellence and Exodus Chapter 3: Vengeance and Vendetta Chapter 4: The Peace Dividend Chapter 5: Crisis and Crusades THE SOL-3 UNIVERSE Map of North America Map of Europe I am no longer on the CNRP map. This is NOT CNRP. (or CNRP2/CNRPA) This is considered to take place in the Sol-3 Universe. Sol-3 is not accepting other players. This thread should be considered CLOSED* to all other players besides myself. *Spectators may feel free to post announcements, news reports, etc. Actions that could be considered as interfering with the actions unfolding may or may not be recognized. SUMMARY The skirmishes with Vinsalia are long in the past. J Andres new threat is not its immediate neighbors, but the nations on the west coast. The Navajo Union fell and the SSR has taken its place, uniting with California, Mexico, and the North American Commonwealth. The four nations are now forcing economic ruin onto the Caribou Federation. As the nations of North America fall one by one to the western threat, can J Andres survive? Can war be avoided, or will the fate of the continent be decided on the battlefield? Dramatis Personae Charlotte Laurent, President Katherine, Queen of J Andres and its Empire More to be added as they become relevant March 17, 2080 PRICE OF OIL CONTINUES TO DROP; CARIBOU FEDERATION IN UNREST VANCOUVER -- Today marks five years since the Quadruple Alliance of California, Mexico, NAC, SSR began selling oil below the established prices, sending gas prices plummeting. The falling gas and oil prices were initially praised by citizens in J Andres, but here in Vancouver, a different story was being told. The economy of the Federation is heavily dependent on oil, and as prices plummeted so did the Federation's economy. Soon it was evident the government of the Federation had held their purse strings loose, assuming the good fortunes would continue to flow with the oil. For the first year, the people of the Federation managed, but with the economy stagnant, taxes were raised to maintain revenues. Irving Oil, a subsidiary of the Irving Corporation closed up all their locations in the Federation, returning to New Quebec. Irving was simply the first domino to fall. As the other large companies terminated their business in the region, the people raised an unlikely champion from the south. Ernesto Espada, the socialist leader of the SSR, began speaking in colleges in the southern regions of the Federation shortly after he overthrew the Navajo government. As the economic situation here in the Federation grows bleaker, the people are looking to Espada as an example. The Navajo Union was riddled with inequality, and now its people are flourishing. If the Caribou Federation falls under the control of the Quadruple Alliance, either through force, the creation of a new Socialist Republic, or otherwise, nearly three-quarters of the continent will be under their control. What does this mean for New Quebec, Vinsalia, and J Andres? The three countries have had difficulties in the past, but soon they may be all that stands between the Quadruple Alliance and an American hegemony.
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Chapter 5: Crisis and Crusades "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" --Matthew 10:34 PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1: Deja Vu Chapter 2: Excellence and Exodus Chapter 3: Vengeance and Vendetta Chapter 4: The Peace Dividend THE SOL-3 UNIVERSE Map of North America I am no longer on the CNRP map. This is NOT CNRP. This is considered to take place in the Sol-3 Universe. Sol-3 is not accepting other players. This thread should be considered CLOSED* to all other players besides myself. *Spectators may feel free to post announcements, news reports, etc. Actions that could be considered as interfering with the actions unfolding may or may not be recognized. SUMMARY Vinsalia has returned, and the tensions from the first Vinsalian crisis has not subsided. The Knights of Cromwell continue to assassinate members of royalty. The era of peace in J Andres appears to be short lived. A new President has been elected, can she and the new government solve the crisis diplomatically, or is New England simply not big enough for Vinsalia and J Andres? Dramatis Personae Emily Gibbons, President Charlotte Laurent, Minister of Foreign Affairs Katherine, Queen of J Andres and its Empire Gabriel, King of Vinsalia and Father of her People November 20, 2064 LAURENT RETURNS, TROOPS MOBILIZED DANBURY -- Foreign Affairs Minister, Charlotte Laurent, has returned from her diplomatic mission to Vinsalia. "I don't exactly know what I was expecting in Albany, but it certainly wasn't that," she said upon her return to Danbury. "For two days, I requested a meeting with His Majesty, King Gabriel. Each request was denied and no meetings of any importance occurred. Vinsalia was wasting our time, and I refuse to waste it anymore." Critics of the Minister have cited her inexperience for the failure of the mission. Sources close to the royal family have stated that King Gabriel is unmoving in his unreasonable demands. Although rumors of these demands have been circulating throughout the media, they are still unknown, if they exist at all. The Maritime Republic is not wasting time preparing for conflict. The military has been mobilized and Fort Jack Bosco is once again a bustling base. Unlike the rising tensions in Danbury during the First Vinsalian Crisis, the soldiers are being received to great fanfare this time around.
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Chapter 4: The Peace Dividend "Peace is but an illusion; Conflict is omnipresent" --Unattributed PREVIOUS CHAPTERS Chapter 1: Deja Vu Chapter 2: Excellence and Exodus Chapter 3: Vengeance and Vendetta SUMMARY The Rebellion has been crushed, and J Andres has entered an age of peace. President McDowell has been overwhelmingly reelected to a third term, unprecedented since the First Maritime Republic. With internal strife low, the nation has made great technological advances. How long will The Maritime Republic continue to collect the dividend of peace? Dramatis Personae Evan McDowell, President Anton Rasmussen, Minister of War & Defense Patrick Aurora, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicholas Egorov, Premier of the Commune Katherine, Queen of J Andres and its EmpireJanuary 7, 2061 CLASSIFIED J Andres Military Status Report Prepared by Anton Rasmussen, Minister of War & Defense Total Soldiers: 400,000 (305,000 Active, 95,000 Reserves) Tanks: 500 (MAX: 2000) Aircraft: 60 (MAX: 60) Naval Vessels: none Personnel Soldiers: Armed with a Mix of weapons purchased from Annan Arms Land Vehicles M18 Tank Destroyers (500) (Marscurian Military Works) M1 Battle Tanks (300) (Rossingol Motors) M2 Troop Transport Trucks (150) (Marscurian Military Works) Aircraft UH-1 Iroquois (20) (Hershey Defense Systems), CH-06 (18) (Thames Rotorcraft), AH-12 (8) (Thames Rotorcraft) F-1 (14) (Thames Rotorcraft) Other Other Artillery: M198 Howitzer (125) (Hershey Defense Systems) Calling the reserves to active duty will likely take 48 hours. Missile Defense System: Located in Endor Cuidad, Rossingol, Boston, Danbury, Puerto Pacis. Production Contracts: 150x Rossingol Motors M1, delivered annually TROOP ASSIGNMENTS (Current/Capacity) Fort Farnum, Endor Cuidad (40,000/50,000) Fort Cianci, Providence (20,000/30,000) Fort Royal, Newport (15,000/20,000) Fort Benjamin Richards, Boston (35,000/50,000) Fort Adrik Annan, Rossingol (40,000/50,000) Fort Jack Bosco, Danbury (40,000/50,000) Salty Brine Outpost, Narragansett (15,000/15,000) Roger Ahmadinejad Outpost, Hartford (15,000/15,000) Alex Miller Outpost, Waterbury (15,000/15,000) Julio Duclos Outpost, New Haven (15,000/15,000) Richard Mercton Outpost Springfield (15,000/15,000) Jack Bauer Outpost, Lowell (15,000/15,000) Joel Brunel Outpost, Mercton Cuidad (15,000/15,000) Thames Outpost, New London, (10,000/20,000) Woodrow Kissinger Air Force Base, Quonset (60/60 Aircraft) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: After two years of peace, the Commune continues to look to slash defense budgets. I must continue to argue against these cuts. The Maritime Republic may have entered an age of peace; however, history tells us that these ages eventually come to an end. We bought equipment from Hershey Defense Systems and Marscurian Military Works eight years ago to quickly establish our forces. We purchased equipment that was not modern at the time, and time has not treated these items gently. It is crucial to continue to renew our annual contract with Rossingol Motors for battle tanks, and Thames Rotorcraft should be pressured to develop newer designs to replace the aging Iroquois. Kensington Mews continues to assure me that their shipyards will soon be able to support government contracts to build our navy. It will be difficult for us to ensure the sovereignty of The Maritime Republic without a navy. I understand that defense cuts may be warranted in times of peace. In the event that cuts must be made, I would prefer to shift more of our active duty soldiers into the reserves. Our numerous outposts do not need to be fully staffed outside of a crisis.
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[center][size=5]Chapter 3:[/size] [size=7]Of Vengeance and Vendetta[/size][/center] [center][img]http://www.innertemplelibrary.org.uk/temple-history/externalhistory.JPG[/img][/center] [center][size=3][i]Blood is thicker than water [/i]-- German proverb[/size][/center] [center][size=3][i]The thirst for power is thicker than blood[/i] -- J Andres proverb[/size][/center] [b]PREVIOUS CHAPTERS[/b] Chapter 1: [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=112749"]Deja Vu[/url] Chapter 2: [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=112970"]Of Excellence and Exodus[/url] [b]SUMMARY[/b] [i]Vinsalia has fallen, putting an end to a long standoff. Now, there is no longer a large, external pressure keeping the J Andres factions together. President Evan McDowell has been re-elected to the Presidency, but the royal families are no longer complacent with the status quo.[/i] [b]Dramatis Personae[/b] [u]J Andres Government[/u] [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Evan_McDowell"]Evan McDowell[/url], President [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Anton_Rasmussen"]Anton Rasmussen[/url], Minister of War & Defense [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Patrick_Aurora"]Patrick Aurora[/url], Minister of Foreign Affairs [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Nicholas_Egorov"]Nicholas Egorov[/url], Premier of the Commune [u]House of Mercton-Kaled[/u] [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Stephanie_Mercton"]Stephanie[/url], Queen of J Andres [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Katherine_Al_Kaled"]Katherine[/url], Princess of Puerto Pacis [u]House of Mercton[/u] [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Richard_Mercton"]Richard[/url], Earl of Providence [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Benjamin_Mercton"]Benjamin[/url], Earl of Mercton [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Samantha_Mercton"]Samantha[/url], Countess of Lanier [right][size=5][i]January 2, 2057[/i][/size][/right] [b]SPRINGFIELD, COUNTY OF LANIER[/b] [center][img]http://antm411.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/samantha55.jpg[/img][/center] Samantha watched Evan McDowell's inauguration speech on the television with limited interest. She had decided that her brother did not have the oratorical skills to make the speech that was needed, so she had set out to do it. Her brother's name may have carried more weight, but Samantha still thought he was an idiot. When the President concluded, Samantha gave herself a once-over in the mirror. She needed to look as regal as possible for this address. A loud countdown began to sound throughout her residence. She stood slowly on her heels, and walked towards the door. Her aides had alerted the press that there would be a major announcement, but she had no idea how many reporters may attend. The door was opened for her and she walked through, carefully calculating her steps to arrive at the podium with an even amount of steps. Her husband was at the podium to introduce her, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Samantha, Countess of Lanier!" The crowd erupted into polite applause as the group then took their seats. Samantha maintained a pleasant smile, "Thank you," she smiled. "I come before you today to inform you of a great injustice against our people. My grandfather, and our King, Josef I, passed in 2028. The Queen, Stephanie ascended to the throne in four years later in 2032, pointing to a [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=1100&st=100#entry1188880"]news article[/url] from 2009 that claimed the Commune had passed the Equal Primogeniture Act of 2009." "The only records of the passage of this act appear in this newspaper clipping. The Commune has no records of the passage of this act. Now, it is possible that the archives may have been lost or damaged during the countless rising and falling of the Maritime Republic, but doesn't it seem odd that it took four years for the Queen to 'remember' that this act was passed? Why did she not attempt to claim the throne earlier?" The reporters in the audience were writing in their notepads furiously. "Using my powers as head of the judiciary in the County of Lanier, I declare that the Equal Primogenture Act of 2009 is invalid without further records of its proof." A fire burned in Samantha's eyes as her voice became increasingly intense, "The County of Lanier withdraws its recognition from Stephanie as the Soverign of J Andres, and recognizes Richard, son of Josef I, as the true heir and King of J Andres!" She stepped back momentarily to take a breath before returning to the microphone, "Thank you," she said quickly. She gave the crowd another smile and wave, and then turned about-face and returned to the door from which she came. After the conclusion of Samantha's speech, her brother Benjamin would give a similar speech in Mercton Cuidad, and then her father in Providence. Samantha watched all the speeches unfold on her television. Everything was beginning to fall into place.
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[center][size=5]Chapter 2:[/size] [size=7]Of Excellence and Exodus[/size][/center] [center][img]http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/080/3/2/famine_by_saturnine_soul-d2tpwu6.jpg[/img][/center] [center][size=3][i]Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?[/i] -Exodus 2:14 [/size][/center] [b]PREVIOUS CHAPTERS[/b] Chapter 1: [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=112749"]Deja Vu[/url] [b]SUMMARY[/b] [i]President Evan McDowell has survived the J Andres Elections, but the challenges don't stop there. Now he must face the challenges of the office that he fought for, including the dissent in the West and growing international pressure on the J Andres borders, all while attempting to restore J Andres to an economic powerhouse quickly.[/i] [b]Dramatis Personae[/b] [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Evan_McDowell"]Evan McDowell[/url], President [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Stephanie_Mercton"]Queen Stephanie[/url] [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Katherine_Al_Kaled"]Princess Katherine[/url], Daughter of Stephanie [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Jacob_Cross"]Jacob Cross[/url], General of Military [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Anton_Rasmussen"]Anton Rasmussen[/url], Minister of War & Defense [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Patrick_Aurora"]Patrick Aurora[/url], Minister of Foreign Affairs [right][size=5][i]January 2, 2053[/i][/size][/right] [b][url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Endor_Cuidad"]ENDOR CUIDAD[/url][/b] [center][img]http://www.altfg.com/Stars/photo-actors-k/kim-cattrall-ewan-mcgregor-the-ghost-writer.jpg[/img][/center] Evan McDowell walked with his wife Ivy among the various politicians that occupied the grand ballroom in the Adrik Annan Governmental Center. McDowell had just been inaugurated and was now at an inaugural reception. He wasn't particularly used to this new game of politics and the politics of the inaugural reception were moving quite fast for his liking. First, a Senator from Providence informed him of how terrific the city was looking now that the reconstruction projects were underway. Then a Senator from Hartford told McDowell that he hated him and he would do everything within his power to free the west. Senators and other people of importance were all hobnobbing with McDowell and the newly appointed ministers, trying to make power plays to set themselves up for future positions. Although he had already given a grand speech on the front steps, as part of the inauguration ceremony, the room began to quiet in anticipation for a toast from the new President. McDowell quickly realized that the eyes of all the politicians were beginning to focus on him. "Hello," he said nervously, the suddenness surprising him. "After a heated election in which every candidate had ideas and valid arguments for them, I congratulate you, the victors, for having the trust of the people in your ideas. This room may be full of conflicting ideas, but the people will not expect us to continue our campaign rhetoric throughout the next four years, rather, now begins an era of compromise, in which we must learn to work together. I look forward to working with all of you in the coming weeks and months to give J Andres the jumpstart it needs to turn into a continental power once again. Cheers!" ********** Meanwhile, in [b]DANBURY, WESTERN J ANDRES[/b] [center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/nightattack.jpg[/img][/center] Simon Eos had done his part, he voted in the elections. In fact, his sister was even the head of the [url="http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/National_Liberation_Army_of_J_Andres"]National Liberation Party[/url] in the Commune, but he knew that it wasn't enough. J Andres was a monster, a "Republic" with a queen, a government with a tendency to fail. The Eos family had long been friends with the Aragi family, the founders of the National Liberation Army. Even in 1985 they could identify that J Andres was a menace that needed to be stopped. The Army had reasonable success in the early years with the assassinations of various government officials, but the failed uprising in Miami gave the organization a death blow. Now was the time to rise. Simon inched over the hill to get a better view of the newly constructed barracks that J Andres had constructed. The construction crews had left a week earlier and the army only had a small station of soldiers guarding it from an unknown enemy. Looking to his left a man wearing a camouflage jacket and a ski mask held up four fingers with his right hand. [i]Only four men[/i], he thought. He turned to the small force he had assembled behind him. They were a motley bunch, most wearing jeans and dark-colored jackets. Many had only sledgehammers or were holding Molotov cocktails, but some had firearms. "How many of you men voted?" Simon asked. Nearly everyone in the group shouted out. "Did Endor Cuidad hear your voice then?" he shouted to the group. "NO!" the crowd roared. "Then make them hear it tonight!" he yelled, raising his fist into the air as he finished. The crowd rushed forwards. Simon watched from the ridge as the group of shadows approached the base. He heard the screams followed by a small burst of gun shots, and then silence. Gun shots could only be good news, after all, the J Andres military still didn't have weapons. "Brother, ---- you there," asked a crackling voice on the two-way radio clipped to his belt. "Yes, Nathan, are you finished?" he replied to his brother. "Yes, I had to solder one of the wires again because it had come loose, but it is finished now." Simon Eos smiled, "Meet you at the entrance," he said as he descended down the hill towards the base. His brother was an electrical engineer, and had become quite proficient at programming microcontrollers. This knowledge was an indispensible tool for the National Liberation Army. Before Nathan, members often lost their lives or limbs due to early detonations, whereas Nathan always had controlled demolition. Of course, tonight's explosion wouldn't require anything too special, like his usual explosive-ridden toys and other devices, but Nathan insisted that all of his work be accomplished flawlessly, and as such, this explosion, was sure to be quite the display. Simon saw his brother emerge from the shadows, holding a small box with wires coming out it. Two men behind him each held explosives which longer wire leads in both hands. Nathan motioned to the men who quickly ran through the building, placing the explosives, returning holding only the wire leads. Nathan worked quickly, clipping the wires to their designated places on the box that he held, then removed another item from his backpack and attached that to the box as well. "What's that?" Simon asked. "The grand finale!" Nathan exclaimed. ****** [center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/newanchortimes.png[/img][/center] [right][size=5][i]January 3, 2053[/i][/size][/right] [b]Danbury Armory Destroyed[/b] [b]DANBURY[/b] -- The freshly constructed Danbury Armory was destroyed late last night in an attack that military officials are calling, "devastating and gruesome." The armory will be a total loss to the government after spending in excess of 60 million anchors to construct it. Four unarmed J Andres soldiers were killed in the attack. An unnamed Fort Farnum source has said that the attackers were well trained with explosives, leading to the total structural destruction of the base. Locals in the area reported seeing a brief fireworks display of red and green shortly after the explosion. Although the military is not officially commenting on the attack, many believe it to be the work of the National Liberation Army. The National Liberation Party in the Commune has continued to announce that they have no connections to the militant NLA and they are not responsible for the attack, or any NLA actions.
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[center] [b]2056 Presidential and Commune Elections[/b] Polls will be close on December 26, 2012 (RL) [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Yjqnr.png[/IMG] [/center] Links to Candidate Wikipedia entries: President [url=http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Evan_McDowell]Evan McDowell[/url] (Anchor) (incumbent) Governor [url=http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Phillip_Gordon]Phillip Gordon[/url] (Communist) Earl [url=http://cybernations.wikia.com/wiki/Benjamin_Mercton]Benjamin Mercton[/url] (Nationalist) [b]MODERATOR[/b][b]: [/b]Good evening citizens, and welcome to the 2056 Presidential Debate. Let's welcome the candidates on the stage! The questions for tonight's debate have been send in to The Anchor Times by readers and carefully selected by the editorial staff. Why don't each of the candidates take just a moment to introduce themselves and make a few opening statements for the benefit of the uneducated voter who will only watch *or read* this far. Let's begin with President McDowell. [b]McDOWELL:[/b] Good evening, I am President Evan McDowell. When I was elected four years ago, many had doubts about my leadership, or if there would even be a J Andres today. After all, the fourth Maritime Republic lasted only three years, yet we have already made it to four. And in another four years, when this debate rolls around again, we will have outlasted the third Maritime Republic as well. I am on this stage because we have been successful. J Andres is a stable nation and there is still much to do. [b]GORDON:[/b] Thank you, Mr. President. I am Phillip Gordon, Governor of Danbury. The County of Danbury is the second largest province in the nation, second only to the Duchy of Boston, and it has been a busy year for us over there. The standoff with Vinsalia was long-lasting and we are glad the situation has been resolved, but those of us in the west feel that our voices have not been heard here in the capital. Why are the troops still stationed in our cities? Why are all the nation's colleges centered in the east? When will the infrastructure of the west be improved? These are questions which I hear every day in Danbury, and questions which I will be able to answer when I am elected the ninth President of J Andres. [b]MERCTON:[/b] Thank you, Governor. I am Earl Benjamin, grandson of King Josef I, the father of the Maritime Republic, the first President, and the greatest man this country has ever known. My father was the sixth President, and was President during the Third Republic, when our nation covered more of the globe than ever before. I am my own man, but the blood of J Andres runs through my veins, and I will restore the nation that my grandfather built to all of its glory. [b]MODERATOR:[/b] Thank you gentlemen. We will now move into our question and answer section. This first question will be for the two challengers, after which, President McDowell will have a chance to defend himself. The greatest challenge that J Andres may have faced in the past four years was the Vinsalian threat. [b]How did the current administration handle the Vinsalian crisis, and is there anything you would have done differently?[/b] [b]GORDON:[/b] I live in Danbury and it is no secret that we have had a rough four years between the exodus of our neighbors to Vinsalia, and then bombings and violence running rampant in the streets. However, the President's standoff with Vinsalia lasted about a year and a half. The President insists that the Vinsalian leader, President Bourbon would not reply to his messages. The problem is the President McDowell would only call the Vinsalians on the phone from the comfort of the Presidential Palace in Endor Cuidad. President McDowell did not once travel to the west to try to meet with Bourbon. He claims that he made an offer, but no meeting ever took place. McDowell didn't care about the results because he knew that the west was a buffer zone before the Vinsalian army would reach the east. If I was the President, I may have called President Bourbon that night, but I sure as hell would have been there the next day trying to sort out the mess. [b]MERCTON:[/b] I think most of my fellow Nationalists believe that we did not do enough after the Danbury incident. Our troops reported taking fire and we lost men, yet we didn't lead the army in against the Vinsalian menace. This President (points at McDowell) has projected to the rest of the world, that J Andres is simply a small block of maroon in North America that will roll over at the first sight of aggression. I would have led the troops in. We had the numbers; we've had increased troop numbers in Danbury and other western outposts since 2053 or so. [b]McDOWELL:[/b] Gentlemen, it was painstakingly clear that if we entered a ground war with Vinsalia, we would have lost. So, Mr. Mercton, a war was something that we wanted to avoid. I'm not going to say that I am proud with how long it took to settle the issue, but the point is that I negotiated a ceasefire that stopped the violence and then Vinsalia crumbled. Yes Mr. Gordon, I could have done more to speed up the process, and I understand that life in Danbury was likely tense during the standoff, but we survived and Vinsalia has fallen. We won a war with words and a hostile enemy was removed. [b]MODERATOR:[/b] President McDowell, some have pointed to the Vinsalian Crisis as an example of poor foreign policy on the part of your administration. [b]How do you rate the current foreign policy of the nation, and what are your plans for future foreign policy?[/b] [b]McDOWELL:[/b] I agree, we have not been proactive with foreign policy. I have discussed with Minister Aurora that I am not interested in entering pointless treaties with other nations. Although many nations have taken the opportunity to establish embassies in J Andres, our Foreign Affairs Department has only made two state visits abroad. This has been extremely unsuccessful thus far. In a second term, I will instruct Minister Aurora to focus on North America, especially the American Commonwealth. We have an economic history with the American Commonwealth, but we have made little contact since. We cannot allow silence to turn into hostility. [b]MERCTON: [/b]The foreign policy of President McDowell has been non-existent. The President lives in a world where he believes that if he ignores the other nations then maybe they don't exist and they won't bother us. This is a fantasy land. Vinsalia was amassing troops along our borders. How long will it be before another nation begins? We need to reach out to partners and seek military treaties. J Andres is the smallest nation in all of North and South America. It is foolish to think that we will be able to survive this world without allies. [b]GORDON:[/b] Once again, the President has not invested himself in the issues. Sure, you can send Minister Aurora to all of the royal balls and gatherings across the world, but there is no guarantee that he is pushing our agenda while meeting with the leaders. It is hard to make friends in a room full of diplomats when you have both of your eyes glued to the buffet table! If I am elected, I plan on visiting all of the North American nations personally. [b]MODERATOR:[/b] Our previous questions are focused on many of the foreign affairs of our nation, which is an issue of great importance to our readers. For the final question of the night, let's look inward. As of recently, J Andres is looking more and more like a collection of various groups with conflicting interests. Over the past two election cycles, the Nationalist party has become divided on the issue of imperialism. Many members of the west of petitioned for their independence in the past. Even some of the nation's oldest families have shown internal strife. The Annan family feud between the Duchess of Rossingol and Lady Maria Kensington has become very public. [b]Some recent editorials have stated that these groups have only remained civil due to the external pressures of the Vinsalian Crisis. Do you think these groups can find common ground, or will we forever be a nation divided?[/b] [b]GORDON:[/b] I believe it is clear why those in the west have felt slighted by the east. Our region does not see a proportional amount of government spending. We are tired of paying our taxes and seeing the city of Providence beautified while Danbury lies in ruins after numerous bombings. Some of the groups mentioned have legitimate claims for their displeasure with current events. Democracy is a wonderful system, and I am sure that the voice of the people will guide J Andres on the proper path. If the parties continue to splinter and are forced to form coalitions in the Commune, then the end result will only be better for the people. [b]MERCTON:[/b] The Annan family fued is not an uncommon situation. Adrik Annan left two things to his family: his company and his title. Over the years since his death, The Kensington branch of the family have become spectacular business leaders and have assumed control of Kensington Mews Shipbuilding and formed the numerous other companies that form Annan Enterprises, which is now the largest employer in J Andres. On the other hand, the other branch of the family has inherited the title and the power associated with it. Both sides are incredibly jealous of the other and are constantly in fear that the other will try to seize and consolidate both items. This type of rivalry is common among siblings. Although the level of bickering in the nation is troubling, and it is why I support the consolidation of power. The new Commune will be comprised of over 650 Senators compared to the current 200. If you think the current 200 have difficulties agreeing, just wait until 650 voices try to have their voices heard and their input valued. Only time will tell whether the expansion of the Commune is beneficial, but I am not predicting it. [b]McDOWELL:[/b] If I may point out, that the Anchor Party is the only major political party that hasn't suffered from recent facturing. The Communists are still trying to organize after the reabsorption of the Social Traditionalists and the Nationalists are constantly trying to calm their Imperialist members. I don't think that external pressure was the only thing keeping us together. I believe that strong leadership will hold us together--being united under a common banner. There is continued hope for J Andres, and the future is full of brighter tomorrows. [b]MODERATOR: [/b]At this time we will open the candidates to additional questions fielded by the foreign press. [b]ASK AWAY[/b][b]![/b]
