The Commonwealth Chronicle

[MostGloriousLeader]

Today the Executive Council has announced that upon further review, Washington DC shall become the new Capitol of the nation citing an already developed governmental infrastructure as well as the historic and cultural significance of the city. Critics have pointed out that the city is directly on the border with a neighboring nation and is not an adequately defensible location. Several fringe groups have stated this is a blatant attempt to reform the old United States of America and the beginning of a New World Order which has been dismissed by government officials as "ludicrous". Nevertheless the state assemblies have approved this move.

An announcement was also made regarding the creation of the new federal government. A new constitution has been ratified and awaiting approval. It establishes that the federal government shall be the sole central government of the American Commonwealth. It will be headed by an executive branch consisting of a president elected by direct popular vote from all citizens. The legislative branch shall be composed of the Senate (Upper House) and the General Assembly (Lower House). There will be 4 Senators from each state elected by the state assemblies. The General Assembly shall be elected by direct popular vote with one representative from each county within a state. A census shall be conducted every year in order to determine the voting power of each county which shall be based upon its population. Finally a federal court system shall be established to enforce and determine federal laws.

In other news the state assemblies and executive council have approved an initial budget for the interim period between now and the federal government's creation. It has been announced that candidates for the upcoming election shall be announced soon. Many political pundits have stated that Pennsylvania governor David Bronston will probably have the best chance of winning with a strong political base in Pennsylvania as well as having an following in New Jersey. New Jersey Governor Paul Michelson has stated he will not run preferring his current job while the governor of Maryland, Alicia Worthington, has not commented officially on the matter but has hinted she also would not be running. Other potential candidates include Pennsylvania State Senator Johnny Young, Maryland State Senator Mildred Baum, noted communist activist and leader Hugo Brown and the former CEO of the Hershey Chocolate Company, Arthur Hershey.

[MostGloriousLeader]

The executive council has announced that the national guard shall be hereby become the standing military force of the American Commonwealth. By executive order all national guardsmen shall be retained on active duty for the next 4-6 months to provide a stabilizing influence on the upcoming elections. They have also announced that the new military shall be restructured and constituted as soon as possible.

In political news Governor David Bronston has announced that he is officially running for the office of the president. Following this announcement Hugo Brown, the leader of the American Communist League stated that he too would also run for the presidency. No other candidates have officially announced their intentions but chocolate industrialist Arthur Hershey, owner of the Hershey chocolate corporation, is rumored to be considering a campaign as well.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Today the whole nation has been swept up in a flurry of activity for the upcoming elections. Washington D.C. was the scene of a massive military presence as troops have begun creating checkpoints at all routes of entrance into the city. The Capitol Police Force has declared all of its officers on double shifts for the upcoming elections. While not as intensive many other major cities have also been areas of heavy activity as the preparation of poll booths and vote counting centers is under way. The Executive Council has released a statement on the matter: [i]"We assure the people of the American Commonwealth that these measures are temporary security enhancements. Martial law has not and will not be declared, military forces are working in conjunction with local law enforcement officials. To our southern neighbors in the UVSR. We offer our assurances that military operations in Washington D.C are not an act of hostility or aggression, rather an internal security operation to maintain stability for our upcoming national elections."[/i]

And the election campaign has fully started with Hugo Brown ( C ), the leader of the American Communist League, formally announcing his candidacy along with Maryland State Senator Mildred Baum ( R ) and Pennsylvania State Senator Johnny Young ( D ). Most analysts have concluded that Governor David Bronston ( I ) is the front running candidate and will most likely win the election.

Edited January 11, 2012 by Altarian Republic

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]MILITARY NEWS[/b][/u]
Today the Executive Council announced a series of military reforms and policies. First off is the establishment of the Army's main service academy at the Valley Forge Military Academy and College. In the past officers were trained at institutions in the Empire of Pravus Ingruo but no such establishments currently exist inside the American Commonwealth. In order to full fill the need to train quality officers a new system is needed. Fortunately the Valley Forge Military Academy already has the base infrastructure needed. An Air Force service academy will be created at the Forestville Military Academy due to it's close proximity to Andrews AFB. The naval academy shall remain in Annapolis.

[u][b]POLITICAL NEWS[/b][/u]
The presidential campaign has taken off with the four candidates starting campaign tours in the city of Philadelphia. Thousands of people hit the streets to show support for their favored candidates and while some scuffles took place the rallies remained peaceful throughout the day. There has been talk of holding a live televised debate for all the candidates in order to clarify their positions as well as answer questions from voters.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Breaking News[/b][/u]
Today presidential candidate and leader of the American Communist League Hugo Brown was arrested in connection with a massive terrorist plot. Less than 3 hours ago police in Philadelphia received an anonymous tip from a man saying that people were stock piling massive amounts of weapons in an abandoned warehouse. The resulting raid was actually led by army special forces units who secured the warehouse after a fifteen minute firefight. Eight gunmen were killed and six more were arrested. Two police officers and one soldier were killed. Pictures and video footage from the warehouse show several hundred assorted assault weapons and what is at least tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Police say that information was found on computers and assorted papers that implicate Hugo Brown and elements of the American Communist League. As a result police raided the American Communist League Headquarters in Pittsburgh and arrested several dozen men as well as Hugo Brown in connection with the plot. A police spokesman said [i]"It was very fortunate we got that tip off. The plans we found on the premises are beyond disturbing and would have caused a lot of damage if implemented. There were many assorted plans that we found that include assassination of other presidential candidates and political figures, attacks on polling sites, attacking pro capitalist demonstrations, even an attack on the capitol itself. Very dangerous stuff".[/i]

Charges brought up against the presidential candidate and the others include: accessory to murder (3 counts), attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, providing assistance to terrorists, engaging in acts of terrorism, embezzlement, illegal purchase of weaponry, possession of illegal weaponry, improper use of campaign funds and high treason. A spokesman for Hugo Brown stated that [i]"This is all a lie and conspiracy by the bourgeoisie and government elite to suppress the spread of the workers revolution. They fear the spread of our ideals and have thus falsified information to imprison him for his political beliefs. These claims are baseless and a pathetic attempt to derail Mr. Brown's presidential campaign. He will be out in a matter of time and continue his campaign. We have no other comments on this matter for the time being"[/i]. The electoral commission is currently reviewing whether or not the candidate will be able to continue his campaign or not.

Edited January 17, 2012 by Altarian Republic

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Political[/b][/u]
Thirty members of the American Communist league, including leader and presidential candidate Hugo Brown and most of his inner circle, were charged today with a multitude of crimes including conspiracy to commit murder, assisting terrorists, engaging in acts of terrorism, embezzlement, illegal purchase of weaponry, possession of illegal weaponry, improper use of campaign funds and high treason. Computer files, hard documents, informants and confessions from the gunmen arrested yesterday implicate numerous members of the American Communist League. A large demonstration was held outside the League's headquarters in Pittsburgh with a massive police presence monitoring the crowd. Nearly fifty people were arrested after a group attempted to storm and vandalize the building. In the middle of the demonstration a gun was fired and riot police immediately dispersed the crowd with tear gas and water cannons. Eight officers and thirty civilians were injured in the incident and the military was seen patrolling the area along with regular police. The mayor and the Commonwealth Executive Council appealed for calm ahead of elections which are going to be held in several days. Popular support for the League has plummeted with thousands abandoning membership. The National Electoral Commission announced that Hugo Brown will be dropped out of the presidential race due to the nature of the crimes he's been charged with.

[u][b]Economy[/b][/u]
A recent study conducted has shown that economic growth is climbing after a small recession due to the withdrawal of the Empire of Pravus Ingruo. The new growth is stimulated by the relaxing of regulations for businesses operating in both nations. Lockheed Martin has announced the creation of a testing and manufacturing complex near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh respectively creating a total of 4,000 new jobs. Natural Gas exploration has seen a 40% increase in production. This helps strengthen the energy diversification debate which advocates a reduced consumption of crude oil in favor of natural gas and renewable energy sources. The Department of Energy has also announced an initiative to create a strategic petroleum and energy reserve that would be able to last a period of at least 6 months and consist of not just crude oil but also oil products and other energy reserves like natural gas, coal and kerosene.

[u][b]Military[/b][/u]
The Commonwealth military has announced the need for replacement and reserve aircraft as well as a larger stock of spare equipment. There is also the need to upgrade existing aircraft and possibly design new ones which will be contracted out to Lockheed Martin. The Washington D.C. Naval Yard has also been reactivated as an ship production and maintenance facility. While no blue water combat vessels are due to be procured there will be roughly a dozen supply, support and transport vessels built for use by the navy along with about a dozen coastguard cutters.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[size="5"][u][b]ELECTION RESULTS[/b][/u][/size]
The final results of the presidential election have been tallied with David Bronston winning a landslide victory of over 12 million votes out of a total of roughly 16 million voters. Coming in second was Senator Johnny Young with about 3 million votes and Senator Mildred Baum coming in third with less than a million votes. Analysts say that with the arrest of American Communist League candidate most of his supporters shifted their votes to Bronston who is a professed moderate with an agenda encompassing social issues. Johnny Young primarily received the support of conservatives voting for the Republican Party. The Democrat party's candidate, Mildred Baum, came in last due to Bronston receiving most liberal support. In a victory speech the newly elected president said [i]"Today is marks a new chapter in the history of our nation. We finally have a stable central government and will be able to move forward. I promise that I will do everything in my power to lead the American Commonwealth to a prosperous future."[/i]

OOC: Meant to do this a couple weeks ago but haven't really had the time.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Trial Conclusion[/b][/u]
Today the trial concluded for former presidential candidate Hugo Brown along with 30 fellow members of the American Communist League. Twenty three were found guilty of the crimes they were charged with and have all been sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Two were acquitted while Hugo Brown and the remaining five have been sentenced to death for high treason. A riot started outside the courthouse when nearly 200 Communist League members who turned up to show support turned violent after the verdict was announced. Police managed to disperse the crowd after using tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. Five officers and ten rioters were hospitalized. Military forces were alerted for possible mobilization in the event of another incident.

[u][b]DC Explosion![/b][/u]
Washington D.C. was rocked by a huge explosion earlier tonight when a military munitions storage facility on the outskirts of the city detonated. Collateral damage was minimal due to the more isolated location of the facility which has been ruled as a total loss. The fireball was able to be seen across the city. The military has listed nearly 30,000 tons of weapons and munitions as well as over 200 vehicles as lost along with two managers and a security guard. Being a non-military facility, storage and maintenance was contracted out to Bertman Inc which has been cited for numerous safety issues in the past. The initial reports implicates that the facility's gas storage warehouse, which held a fair quantity of liquefied natural gas, set off the chain reaction after an electrical fire. This in turn triggered off an explosion in several munitions and storage buildings. The military has suspended all contracts with Bertman Inc until the matter is fully investigated and the government will probably assess a fee for negligence as well as for the replacement of lost equipment. A Bertman Inc spokesperson was not able to be reached for comment on this matter.

[u][b]Taxing Religion?[/b][/u]
A proposal has been made in the Assembly to revoke tax exemption status for established religions and institutions. The bill would introduce a flat tax rate across the board for all institutions recognized as religions by the Department of Culture. According to the bill, taxes will only be levied on surplus income after daily expenses are taken care of which include maintenance, salaries and charity programs among other things. Proponents of the bill argue that religion shouldn't be given preferential treatment when they make as much, if not more, money than many corporations. Opponents have decried this act as an assault on religious freedom and as part of a broader atheist agenda to eliminate religion from the nation.

Edited February 1, 2012 by Altarian Republic

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]PRESIDENT GRANTS MERCY[/b][/u]
Today President Bronson has announced that he has signed an executive order to commute the death penalty sentence for the 6 American Communist League members, including former candidate Hugo Brown, to life imprisonment. At a press conference he told reporters that [i]"The execution of 6 men is not the note our nation should start on. Their crimes are severe but we must be able to move on from this scandal continue forward towards the future. It is my hope that we can promote unity through this simple act of mercy". A spokesman later stated that the commutation is not a permanent measure and that, if required, the original sentence may be re-invoked at anytime by the office of the president.[/i]

[u][b]GOVERNMENT ISSUES BONDS[/b][/u]
The Treasury Department has announced that it will be issuing $100 billion in public bonds through the American Commonwealth Central Bank with the possible issuance of a further $30 billion open to foreign investment as well as the general public. Bonds will be issued for a minimum of $100 with a yearly compound interest rate of 4% up to a maximum of 20 years.

[u][b]ANNOUNCEMENT OF MILITARY EXERCISES[/b][/u]
The government has put out a notice for a nationwide defense exercise to the general public. Ground and air traffic will be rerouted and restricted in some areas. The city of Washington D.C. and other border areas will be fully participating in evacuation drills in cooperation with military training. Nearly the entire Commonwealth military will be participating in these exercises.

Edited February 6, 2012 by Altarian Republic

[Beauty]

[quote name='Altarian Republic' timestamp='1328336111' post='2914334']
[u][b]GOVERNMENT ISSUES BONDS[/b][/u]
The Treasury Department has announced that it will be issuing $100 billion in public bonds through the American Commonwealth Central Bank with the possible issuance of a further $30 billion open to foreign investment as well as the general public. Bonds will be issued for a minimum of $100 with a yearly compound interest rate of 4% up to a maximum of 20 years.

[/quote]

The Republic of Paris would like to know if Foreign Nations are open to invest in your nation's bonds.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[quote name='Rotavele' timestamp='1328336370' post='2914337']
The Republic of Paris would like to know if Foreign Nations are open to invest in your nation's bonds.
[/quote]

The Treasury Department has confirmed that it is currently prepared to issue up to $10 billion in foreign bonds. Issuance of further bonds shall be withheld until all other bonds are issued and stabilized.

Edited February 4, 2012 by Altarian Republic

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Name Change[/b][/u]
In a surprise move H.R. 107, a law renaming the Assembly, was passed and now the lower legislative house shall be called the House of Representatives instead of the Assembly. Supporters say this is an attempt to embrace the history of the former United States of America and it's ideals of freedom, liberty and elected government as well as to reflect the nature of the lower house of representing their constituents.


[u][b]Religious Taxation[/b][/u]
In a fiercely contested legislative battle, the bill H.R. 131 was defeated by 120 votes. If passed the law would have levied a 5% flat tax on all recognized religious institutions after operating expenses were taken care of. Religious leaders and other opponents have praised the defeat of the bill as a successful effort of protecting religious freedoms. Representative Randy Ricktor from Maryland, a big opponent of the bill, said that [i]"We have taken on the left wing secular agenda and won. But we need to be wary, there is no doubt that the left is waging a war on religion in this country. A war that seeks the destruction of the christian faith that this great nation was founded on". [/i]

Supporters of the bill have argued that religions are not much more different than corporations and other businesses and that most of the money made by religious institutions aren't used in a constructive manner or at all. An "leak" of Catholic financial records in the Commonwealth have revealed that after expenses and other programs that the Catholic church had been sending nearly $300 million in excess money to the church's central headquarters in the Vatican before it was blockaded by the Athenian government. Other religious institutions have reported total profits in excess of $800 million.

When asked about his stance on the bill President Bronson said that while he felt religious institutions should use their money proactively to benefit their communities more he acknowledged that [i]"Religious freedom is one of the many freedoms that this nation and most other nations before us here were founded on. If the bill was actually passed I would have been obligated to veto it to protect the individual rights of the people of this nation".[/i]

A recent study conducted has revealed that more than half of the population of the American Commonwealth was actually not religiously active. Out of a roughly 10,000 person poll spread out across the nation only 43% said that they actively went to services on a regular basis. A further 31% said that they were religiously affiliated but did not attend religious services regularly. Another 20% said that they either didn't have the inclination or time be active in religion and the last 6% said that they were atheist and did not practice any religion.


[u][b]Military[/b][/u]
The military has announced a massive expansion and development program after Congress approved a defense budget augmentation of $20 billion. This money will be used to roughly double the size of the Commonwealth Army in terms of personnel and equipment as well as supplement research and development programs for the military that are under development. A detailed and semi-classified [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=108249&view=findpost&p=2922578"]report[/url] was given to congress outlining spending with the classified material omitted from the report. A special subcommittee of the Armed Forces Committee reviewed the full report and gave it's approval.



[u][b]Commutation Challenged[/b][/u]
The commutation of the death sentence for the six American Communist League members convicted of high treason and terrorism to life imprisonment has met with some opposition. The American Nationalism Party and the Anti-Communist Alliance have filed a joint lawsuit challenging the President's authority to commute and pardon sentences. It was however, thrown out in the D.C. Federal District Court after a judge ruled that the suit had no legal basis because the president's authority to take such actions are clearly stated in the constitution. The Federal Appeals Court has denied an appeal by the plaintiffs on the same grounds as the District Court.

Edited February 17, 2012 by Altarian Republic

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Chocolate Wars[/b][/u]
Today the Hershey Chocolate Corporation announced the creation of the Hershey General Defense Systems Inc as a subsidiary division of the company. This decision was reached by the CEO and board of directors after the company Black Spire Defense Industries was acquired after it had been liquidated due to bankruptcy. The acquisition of this company, along with recent military expansions causing demand for military equipment to outpace manufacturing capabilities was the primary factor behind the decision. When asked about the decision the CEO of Hershey said that [i]"This was a business decision that was supported by all members of the board. I do want to emphasize and assure our loyal customers and stockholders that this company is first and foremost a chocolate and candy company. We've been at it for over a hundred years and we're not stopping now. We are currently attempting to help fulfill the demand for military equipment by the military of our great nation".[/i]

[AironthFlamewing]

To: The American Commonwealth

Classified:
The Australian Government is currently curious if any stock in the Hershey Corporation would be available on the International Market. Australia's government would be interested in purchasing a stakeholding in the corporation, so as to increase the amount wealth and chocolate flowing into Australia.

OOC: I want State controlled Commie chocolate Hershey's Corporation

[MostGloriousLeader]

[quote name='graniteknight' timestamp='1330059350' post='2927289']
To: The American Commonwealth

Classified:
The Australian Government is currently curious if any stock in the Hershey Corporation would be available on the International Market. Australia's government would be interested in purchasing a stakeholding in the corporation, so as to increase the amount wealth and chocolate flowing into Australia.

OOC: I want State controlled Commie chocolate Hershey's Corporation
[/quote]

Unfortunately the Hershey Corporation is a family owned private company and the controlling stock is owned by the Hershey family. While we do appreciate your interest there are no plans for public sale of our company's stock any time soon. We do note that our products in the Asian/Pacific region are under represented and since you seem to have an interest in our company we would like to propose the construction of a small factory and corporate office in your nation in an effort to expand into the market.

-Hershey Corporation Public Relations Office

[AironthFlamewing]

Private to Milton Hershey
While that deal does sound appealing, Chocolatiers and Chocolate manufacturers are already in place under the Australian banner. Therefore, we must decline your offer, unless you have a separate proposal? Something sweeter?

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]INTO SPACE![/b][/u]
The Federal government has announced that since no offers made on a public military [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=108249&view=findpost&p=2928255"]announcement[/url] that it would embark on its own satellite launch program. A $4 billion dollar initial budget will pay for the construction of a satellite launch facility on the New Jersey coast as well as the development of new satellites. While the launch of military satellites is a primary mission it was announced that the program will be civilian and not military and would also be willing to launch private satellites for companies that need them. The new American Commonwealth National Space Agency will be run jointly by the Department of Defense and the Department of Technology and Education.

Edited March 2, 2012 by Altarian Republic

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]First Steps[/b][/u]
Today marked the first official launch of a an object into space by the National Space Agency. Hundreds appeared to witness the event firsthand even though security measures were heavy and cheered as the rocket ascended into the sky. Officials have announced that the launch was of a MRS-1 reconnaissance satellite into low earth orbit. While classified the military has stated that it's capabilities are an adequate first step towards increased national defense measures. Up to seven more MRS-1's are planned to be launched along with eight ocean surveillance satellites that would keep a constant watch of the Atlantic and six military communications satellites. The launch schedule is currently at one of each every other day as time is needed to inspect the launch site for safety issues. After this initial batch of satellites is sent civilian satellites will be able to be sent as well.

[u][b]Raising the Standards[/b][/u]
In an effort to increase the quality and effectiveness of the nation's educational institutions the Bronson administration has announced the start of sweeping education reforms. The Department of Technology and Education will be placing much higher emphasis on math and science education standards. The department will be allocating funds according to which schools require it the most to conform to the new standards while schools near or at the new standards will also receive funding but not as much. The new standards will also require civics classes be taught once a year on government and the role of citizens in government. Another target of reform is physical fitness as physical education and health classes are now mandated to take place during the whole school year. Students will also receive grades based upon their performance in quarterly physical fitness reviews.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Chocolate Warfare[/b][/u]
Today the Commonwealth military announced a $20 billion procurement program for the Hershey Corporation's newest military hardware. Acquisition of these vehicles is the first major defense contract the company has received since breaking into defense contracting. In an attempt to follow up on this success the company has announced the creation of Hershey's Security Solutions which is a separate division from it's defense manufacturing branch. It's stated purpose is to "provide personnel, security assistance and technical expertise and support to government, military and security forces at competitive rates". Critics have blasted the announcement as the creation of a mercenary force but company officials have maintained that while there are options for armed personnel the bulk of the new sub company is composed of support staff and non-combat specialists. News of the Hershey Corporation's success and it's subsequent expansion has led the company's stock value to increase by 30% last night.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Southern Neighbors[/b][/u]
After talks between the governments of the American Commonwealth and Greater New England it has been agreed to allow the former nation of Virginia to petition for statehood into the American Commonwealth. Currently Commonwealth troops have begun to move into Virginia along with troops from New England to maintain order for the upcoming referendum through MASFOR. Independent observers will be present to ensure the polls are conducted fairly and correctly. The referendum will take place within a week and all current government institutions will remain in place for the time being in order to provide a smoother transition. The former Virginian military is in the process of being disarmed but has not been completely disbanded. Many independent analysts predict that the majority of Virginia will most likely approve of this move. President Bronson has also announced that Commonwealth troops would also be deployed further south to the Carolinas and Georgia as part of MASFOR in order to help safeguard those states as well. The military has been mobilizing and sending troops but details have not been officially released to the public yet.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Virginia Statehood![/b][/u]
Today the polls for the referendum have closed and the results have been tallied. Virginia has now become the newest state of the American Commonwealth after a general popular vote on the issue was held with a vast majority (roughly 87%) of the populace in favor of joining the Commonwealth. Government functions will remain in place as quick intervention ensured that existing governmental infrastructure remained in place during the period after the dissolution of the former USVR government. The military has announced plans to integrate a fair amount of former Virginian military assets in order to provide a smoother transition and expand it's forces in order to adequately defend the larger size of the nation. President Bronson has announced that the Government Accountability Office will be making assessments of Virginian governmental institutions to determine what improvements or actions will be required, if any, to provide better governance. Statewide elections will begin soon to determine Virginia's 103 Congressmen.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Terror Plot[/b][/u]
Today members of the Virginia state legislature as well as the governor received letters containing fake anthrax and a warning from an unknown group. It appears that the senders are dissidents who opposed the entrance of Virginia into the American Commonwealth. Officials have released the contents of the letter to the public.

[quote][b][i]The treason conducted by the elected representatives of Virginia is criminal and inexcusable. They have given up our sovereignty and independence in exchange for being a mere state of another nation. We urge all true Virginians to join us and oppose this illegal occupation of our precious homeland. If our elected representatives do not heed this warning and turn their backs on their people then we will have no choice but to take measures into our own hands to retrieve our freedoms. God help us during these trying times and help us to victory.

-We the People[/i][/b][/quote]

Virginia Governor Peter Grayson has said that these threats are alarming but should not be cause for public panic. "We assure the public that this will be dealt with in accordance with our laws. These terrorists will be apprehended as quickly as possible. I am issuing a statewide alert and law enforcement agencies will be coordinating with the federal government". President Bronson has stated that while military forces are present in Virginia, they will not be involved beyond providing technical and logistics support for local law enforcement in order to avoid giving the wrong impression of a military takeover.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Richmond Shootout[/b][/u]
Twelve people are dead in Richmond today in the aftermath of a police raid on a terrorist hideout after it had received information about suspicious and dangerous activity in an apartment complex. One police officer was killed and four more wounded while seven terrorists and four bystanders were killed in a shootout that lasted nearly ten minutes. Two more terrorists were wounded and are now receiving medical attention under heavy guard. The Richmond Chief of Police defended his decision not to evacuate the apartment floor beforehand as "a necessary measure to avoid providing the terrorist cell with a warning as well as the requirement to end the operation as quickly as possible in order to avoid any possible massive collateral damage". The decision was reinforced with the discovery of bomb making equipment in the apartment along with a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition. It has not been confirmed whether or not this group is linked to the recent anthrax terror scare.

[Beauty]

[quote name='Altarian Republic' timestamp='1332978574' post='2944584']
[u][b]Richmond Shootout[/b][/u]
Twelve people are dead in Richmond today in the aftermath of a police raid on a terrorist hideout after it had received information about suspicious and dangerous activity in an apartment complex. One police officer was killed and four more wounded while seven terrorists and four bystanders were killed in a shootout that lasted nearly ten minutes. Two more terrorists were wounded and are now receiving medical attention under heavy guard. The Richmond Chief of Police defended his decision not to evacuate the apartment floor beforehand as "a necessary measure to avoid providing the terrorist cell with a warning as well as the requirement to end the operation as quickly as possible in order to avoid any possible massive collateral damage". The decision was reinforced with the discovery of bomb making equipment in the apartment along with a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition. It has not been confirmed whether or not this group is linked to the recent anthrax terror scare.
[/quote]

The Republic of Florida sends its condolences to all affected parties.

[JEDCJT]

[quote name='Rotavele' timestamp='1332983093' post='2944665']
The Republic of Florida sends its condolences to all affected parties.
[/quote]

OOC: Just want to let you know: your nation was wiped due to inactivity a few days ago and New Greenland took it over as a protectorate. See this: http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=109686&view=findpost&p=2942752.