General FSA actions

[JEDCJT]

HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED

Today, the National Assembly, at President Kennedy’s initiative, passed a resolution modifying the current state security apparatus to make it “more streamlined and administratively-effective”.

According to Resolution 0624-2009, the State Security Militia (Military-SS) and the State Security Police (Stasi) were placed under an entirely new organization independent of the National Security Command: the State Security Administration (SSA or, interestingly, Stasi). In turn, the National Security Command was renamed the National Security Administration (NSA) and converted to an executive government committee empowered with wider powers to “direct the allocation of necessary resources to deal with emergency situations or situations of state emergency”; in other words, it was responsible for emergency management. Sub-branches of the NSA (referred to as Commands) were established in major cities and towns, and each Command were to be responsible for areas in their jurisdictions.

The Stasi (as the new SSA was referred as from now on) was to be a sub-organization of the State Security Bureau in the Department of State Security; as with the State Security Police, it was to be accountable directly to the Executive branch and nothing else – though it was to report to the DSS. The Stasi was also given control and jurisdiction over core and other emergency services (except regular police) on all levels, including but not limited to:

• Fire and rescue service
  
• Emergency medical service
  
• Technical rescue
  
• Immigrant and Customs
  
• Search-and-rescue
  
• Disaster relief
  
• Poison control
  
• Animal control
  
• Emergency road service
  

The Stasi was still to retain police responsibilities on all levels. Regarding emergency services, the Stasi will cooperate and work together with other government institutions (the NSA, for instance) on all levels.

In addition, control of the Stasi Border Troops was transferred to the new organization under the same aegis. The labor camps and their staff (guards, superiors, etc) were also transferred to the Stasi – although control of the country’s jails, prisons, and correctional institutions remained with the regular administrative institutions. Not only was the Stasi to conduct domestic affairs in the country, it was also to conduct foreign affairs abroad, both public and secret (it will work together with the State Intelligence Agency of the DSS to gather intelligence both domestically and abroad). It was tasked with planting sleeper agents (and infiltrate) in many nations (save for a few) throughout the world as to expand its powers and scope; it was also tasked with protecting the Republic of New England from espionage and counter-espionage.

Lastly, the Stasi was responsible for compiling a comprehensive database to keep track of people, organizations, or anything it deemed a “potential threat to national and domestic security.” It will utilize human intelligence (HUMINT) to infiltrate factories, schools, social and political organizations, housing, as well as other institutions where the issue of national security was concerned. It will have considerable powers to compile dossiers on individuals, both inside and outside the country; this includes photographs, surveillance, and other means. It will utilize commando units of the Military-SS to conduct clandestine operations. Lastly, the Stasi was authorized to conduct its affairs outside normal justification, including but not limited to routine methods of extracting information, such as physical persuasion, and ‘ensuring cooperation’ with any means available.

The Military-SS was still to be under the exclusive authority and final command of the President; it will serve as the combat arm of both the DSS and the Stasi. It is tasked with protecting and defending all DSS and Stasi institutions, buildings, personnel, installations, as well as regular government institutions and officials, and the like. The Directorate of the Stasi was upgraded to being the head of the new organization; he will head both the Stasi and the Military-SS and carry out the President’s orders without question.

Edited June 25, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED

In one of its first reports to the Department of Defense, along with various Army and Border commands, the National Security Administration (NSA) reported that approximately 30% of progress was completed on the first line of the border fortifications, and 24% on the second line. Regarding the coastal defenses, significant progress had been made, due to abundant resources and funding from the federal government: about 28% were completed. In addition, it was reported that about 34% of the air defenses were completed and operational.

Lastly, the IUSS Department reported that about 21 percent had been completed so far.

Border fortifications:

• First line: 30%
  
• Second line: 24%
  

Coastal defenses: 28%

Air defenses: 34%

Seaborne defenses: 21%

[JEDCJT]

HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED

The Department of Defense has announced that EMP-proofing of all federal government buildings, institutions, and installations, as well as Army bases and installations, are currently underway. All electronic and power grids and generators are being ‘hardened’ against EMP as well. So far, the scope of this operation is limited to Boston and a few select areas of New England.

PUBLIC

The Department of the Navy has announced that it is dispatching an aircraft carrier to the Naval Base Guantanamo Bay. The aircraft carrier, the NES John Fitzgerald Kennedy, is scheduled to leave port from Boston to its new posting on July 1.

Edited July 20, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

The National Assembly passed a series of bills, of which were signed into law by President Kennedy. The first of all, the National Public Safety Act prohibited any demonstrations within a ten-mile radius of the Massachusetts State House without the tacit approval of the Federal Police Commissioner. Secondly, the Health Protection Act raised taxes on alcoholic and tobacco products (also called sin taxes) by a further 20 percent and imposed a ten-percent ‘health protection tax’ on companies and industries specializing in the production and commerce of such products. Lastly, the Airport and Customs Protection Act elevated airport and customs security to near-draconian levels. In addition to extensive X-ray and advanced metal detectors, airports will be required to implement full-body cavity searches. At border crossings, anyone will now be required not only to show their identification cards, but also to show their registration papers and submit their vehicle to a thorough inspection (and if traveling by foot, to a full body cavity search).

CLASSIFIED

A secret clause of the Airport and Customs Protection Act made it mandatory that at least two undercover Stasi agents be present on every outbound airplane; the Act also stipulated at least one in seven airport staff workers be a Stasi agent and one in five be a Stasi informer.

The National Assembly also passed the Police Labels Act, which required that police on all levels, including the Stasi and the Military-SS, remove any labeling and signs on their vehicles, or anything that signals them as 'law-enforcement.' However, they will be required to retain their audible and visual warning systems (such as beacons, sirens, etc).

[JEDCJT]

CLASSIFIED

The National Security Administration stated in a status report to the Department of Defense that progress on the border fortifications was going well so far: about 36 percent of the first line were complete, and 31 percent of the second line had been completed so far. On the coastal defenses, about 38 percent of progress had been made, and 40 percent of the air defenses were completed.

Lastly, the IUSS Department reported that much progress were made on the IUSS, that approximately 30 percent have been completed. It was looking good so far.

Border fortifications:

• First line: 36%
  
• Second line: 31%
  

Coastal defenses: 38%

Air defenses: 40%

Seaborne defenses: 30%

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC REPORT

A recent survey conducted by the federal government revealed that, among many others, there were two prevailing ethnical groups in the nation: New England American and New Netherland Dutch. According to the report, Dutch is the fastest growing ethnic group in the Republic of New England and the Dutch language is on a steady rise. One instance is that many street names and/or signs and even some city/town names are/or is becoming Dutch, such as the newly-renamed Fort Orange (formerly Albany) in New York State and the five boroughs of New York City; another instance is that approximately twenty-five percent of the population in Rhode Island speaks Dutch or a variant of it. Even in the newly-admitted states of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, a considerable of the population speaks Dutch.

According to the report, New York State is home to the largest Dutch community in the Republic of New England; approximately 35% of its population is Dutch, mostly centered in New York City and Fort Orange, as well as outlying areas. Close second is Massachusetts, which has a Dutch population of about 31 percent, mostly centered in Boston. Thirdly, Connecticut has the third largest Dutch community in New England, about 27 percent. Rhode Island has similar ethnic group; about 24 percent of its population is Dutch, most of them centered in Providence, the capital. Next, the percentage of the Dutch ethnic group in both New Hampshire and Vermont are about 22 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

Lastly, in the state of New Brunswick, the population is about 20 percent. In Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland respectively, the figures are 18 percent and 17 percent. Maine, however, is the only state in the Union that the Dutch is in the absolute majority: about 7 percent is Dutch, where the overwhelming majority of the population is French.

The report concluded that the Republic of New England is quickly becoming 'Europeanized', and that the federal government should encourage the immigration of workers from Europe and other parts of the world that have come to New England for job and financial opportunities.

Edited July 1, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

With the recession in Promised Land still showing no end in sight, though the pressure was relieved to a ssmall degree by the immigration of many thousands to the Hanseatic Commonwealth, a movement not unlike the old Europeans' hopeful travels to the new world took place, with a steady trickle of families and individuals coming from the Land Down Under to the New World in search of new opportunities.

OOC: Sorry, couldn't resist. The opporutunity was too good to pass up. you'll get a few thousand, probably about 5000 in total, from me.

[JEDCJT]

With the recession in Promised Land still showing no end in sight, though the pressure was relieved to a ssmall degree by the immigration of many thousands to the Hanseatic Commonwealth, a movement not unlike the old Europeans' hopeful travels to the new world took place, with a steady trickle of families and individuals coming from the Land Down Under to the New World in search of new opportunities.

OOC: Sorry, couldn't resist. The opporutunity was too good to pass up. you'll get a few thousand, probably about 5000 in total, from me.

OOC: lol, no problem. Thanks, though.

IC: New England customs officials would notice a steady influx of workers from Promised Land. According to their records, there were approximately 5,000 such workers, who immediately settled in Boston and New York City.

OOC2: Hope you don't mind...

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: I have no problem. I generally see immigrants as belonging to the nation they immigrate to. The only exceptions being, of course, when the 'giver' asks and recieves permission from the 'receiving' nation to Rp them.

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

The National Assembly passed a bill today. Signed into law by President Kennedy, the Fair Tax Act repealed most federal taxes (payroll tax, corporate tax, gift tax, estate tax – but excluding income tax, sin tax, and others) and replaced them with a national retail sales tax of thirty percent. Under the Act, the federal government would pay a monthly rebate to lawful New Englander citizens depending on the total of FairTax paid on poverty level spending. These rebates would be disbursed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the form of paper checks, electronic transfer, or a ‘smartcard’. According to the government, the FairTax would be progressive on consumption and regressive on income at higher level, and is designed to ease the tax burden by expanding the tax base and help stimulate the economy by increasing purchasing power. Also, the Act would lead to increased economic growth, provide incentives for international businesses to move to New England, increase competition for New Englander businesses on the world market, as well as many others.

According to the federal government, the FairTax would help to target the underground economy (the ‘black market’, so to call it) by mandating that proceeds from such activity be subject to a FairTax when they are used for legal consumption (thus making non-filers paying their share in taxes to the government). The FairTax shall be a federal tax enforced at the federal level, and shall be enforced by the National Revenue Service (NRS) in the Department of the Treasury (the NRS will work together with the Stasi to achieve this). The states shall be responsible for imposing and collecting tax revenues generated by the FairTax, and as is the federal government. To combat the possibility of tax evasion and ‘financial crimes’, businesses are required to have a registered seller’s certificate approved by the Stasi, keep complete records of all business transactions, record all taxable goods produced and brought, provide consumers with a written receipt, regardless of type of transaction, and submit a report to the Department of the Treasury each a month. Severe penalties shall be imposed upon businesses that fail to do so.

However, there are exemptions from the FairTax. Church property would not be taxed, and as are taxable property and service purchased by a religious (and nonprofit) organization. In addition, some businesses/industry protected by the federal government, such as Imperium companies and businesses in New Brunswick and the like, shall be exempt from the tax.

Edited July 2, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Manetheren]

A FairTax has been implemented in Tahoe for some time, with the abolition of a socialistic income tax in 1976, and needless to say, its contribution to the Tahoan economy has been immense. Instead of 30%, the Tahoan tax rate is 23% which is high enough to be tax inclusive and low enough to provide all the benefits low taxes provide.

Furthermore, Tahoe collects no payroll or capital gains tax, further allowing our citizens to retain a maximum amount of their income without unfairly taxing corporations twice, allowing them to grow and provide expansive employment opportunities.

We are sure New England is headed for explosive economic growth and a new dawn of prosperity.

[JEDCJT]

CLASSIFIED

The National Security Administration stated in its bi-weekly report to the Department of Defense that the first line of the border fortifications was now 43 percent completed, and the second line (the Kennedy Line) 38 percent completed. In addition to that, the coastal defenses were about 44 percent completed; the air defenses were reported to be 47 percent completed. The IUSS Department reported that about 36 percent of the network were in place.

Everything was good so far.

Border fortifications:

• First line: 43%
  
• Second line: 38%
  

Coastal defenses: 44%

Air defenses: 47%

Seaborne defenses: 36%

PUBLIC

The Department of Defense has announced that the New England-Canadian border (the border with the Tahoan/Vinilandese protectorate) has been re-opened and the "shoot-to-kill" orders issued to the Stasi Border Troops has been rescinded. However, the border with the former UAS will remain closed and the order will remain in effect there for the time being. The New England-Tahoan border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia was never closed and remains the 'freest border' (the Airport and Customs Protection Act doesn't apply).

Edited July 2, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

The National Assembly, after passing the Fair Tax Act, also passed a series of bills. Packaged into the ‘National Issues Package Act’, the bills focused on the issues of concern to the Republic of New England and its people as a whole.

The National Issues Package Act, subsisting of the following bills (which will be detailed below), detailed the following:

• National Drug Act: Legalized a number of drugs, such as marijuana and other ‘soft drugs’, and mandated government regulation of industries specializing in such products. The Act also prohibited the sale and commerce of ‘hard drugs’, such as cocaine, crack, and the like, and proscribed harsh penalties on anyone/business that specialize in such products.
  
• Chastity Act: Prohibited prostitution and introduced severe punishments for anyone caught specializing in this. This Act also punished and penalized acts of indecency (the term and scope shall be defined by the Department of State Security and the Supreme Court).
  
• Moral Wellness Act: Prohibited same-sex marriage (however, current such marriages established before the passage of this Act shall still be legal, but with consequences), euthanasia, and abortion, and proscribed severe punishment for anyone caught specializing in such acts as well violating this Act (including but not limited to imprisonment and execution).
  

The National Issues Package Act immediately went into effect the moment it was signed by President Kennedy. The Department of State Security, including the Stasi, was tasked with enforcing the Act. The passage of the Act was greeted with universal celebrations by the Catholic Church and its supporters, as well as the majority of the population.

Edited July 2, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

Today, the National Assembly passed a resolution, the Federal Property Act, declaring all major military bases in the Protectorate of New Jersey to be federal government property, taking effect immediately. Implemented by the Protector-General and approved by the New Jersey government, the New England Army immediately began taking over military bases in the region, including Fort Dix, the largest military base in the region, and Fort Monmouth. The Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, was also taken over and nationalized.

In addition, a clause of the Federal Property Act ‘grandfathered’ the federal government’s claim and control of Fort Dix, Fort Monmouth, and Picatinny Arsenal, meaning that these bases shall remain under the control – and become a sovereign territory of New England – of the federal government unto perpetuity should New Jersey be granted independence.

Edited July 4, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

Today, the border between the former UAS and the Protectorate of New Jersey was closed and its border guards – basically regular New Jersey guards subordinated to the Stasi – placed on “shoot-to-kill” orders. This was done on the request of the Protector-General, approved by the New Jersey government, and ratified by the federal government. In addition, the Protector-General passed a resolution relocating the state’s capital from Trenton to Newark. The New Jersey government approved of the resolution and its members promptly packed up and moved to the new capital.

On an unrelated note, the New Jersey Coast Guard was placed under the command of the New England Coast Guard, at least for the time being, and was to be accountable to the federal government.

Edited July 5, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

CLASSIFIED

The federal government passed a resolution renaming the National Security Administration to the Unified National Security Command (UNSC); the UNSC’s functions and responsibilities remained unchanged. Besides, the UNSC reported to the Department of Defense that much progress had been made on the two border fortification lines: 51 percent on the first line and 47 percent of the line had been completed so far.

Secondly, the UNSC reported that approximately 52 percent of the coastal defenses were in place and fully functional, and that over 54 percent of the nation’s air defense system was completed. Finally, according to the UNSC, the IUSS and sea-based defenses was reported to be 47 percent completed.

Border fortifications:

• First line: 51%
  
• Second line: 47%
  

Coastal defenses: 52%

Air defenses: 54%

Seaborne defenses: 47%

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

With the recent passage of the Military Professionalization Act, the current conscription system was petered out. Mindful about the thousands of conscripts that were undergoing conscription at the time, the federal government passed a separate resolution, the National Service Act.

The Act established the National Service System (NSS) that would enable the federal government to maintain a comprehensive database on people eligible for military service. Through this, lawful citizens aged 18 to 27 would be required to register with the NSS; this is applicable for various federal programs and benefits (student loans, federal employment, Social Security benefits, etc). The NSS will work together with the Stasi, and all levels of government, to enforce the Act.

Under the Act, all male citizens are required to register with the NSS within thirty days after turning eighteen; foreign citizens living in New England between the age 18 and 27 also must register. Failure to do so entails severe consequences, and is investigated by the Stasi as well as the regular police. The consequences includes, but is not limited to, the loss of federal and employment benefits, ten-year imprisonment in federal prison (and an additional five years in a correctional facility), and a fine of $250,000 if convicted.

Edited July 6, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

The National Assembly passed yet another law, this time regarding public security. Signed into law by President Kennedy, the Secret Service Act established a special branch in the Stasi dedicated to “protecting the President, his family and friends, his associates, as well as other members of the Government of the Republic of New England from internal and external threats.”

The Stasi Secret Service (also called the SSS or SS) was authorized by law to execute the following responsibilities and duties of protecting:

• The President, Vice President, and these next in succession
  
• The immediate families and friends of the aforementioned individuals
  
• Former presidents and their families, for life
  
• Children of current and former presidents
  
• Former Vice Presidents for six months after their term(s) ends
  
• Families of former Vice Presidents for six months after term(s) end
  
• Visiting foreign leaders and their spouses, other foreign visitors, and official representatives of the New England government travelling abroad
  
• Other individuals designated by the President
  

Edited July 6, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Vedran]

OOC: Wouldn't the president's children over 18 still be protected since two bullets above it says "the immediate families" of the president, etc. and one bullet above former presidents and their families for life?

[JEDCJT]

OOC: Wouldn't the president's children over 18 still be protected since two bullets above it says "the immediate families" of the president, etc. and one bullet above former presidents and their families for life?

OOC: Hm, edited the post.

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

In par to the Military Professionalization Act, the government had now put in place a series of initiatives designed to ‘reform’ the military – or rather the classification of military units.

From now on, the Divisions (20,000 troops each) shall be replaced by the smaller and more maneuverable Brigades (11,000 troops each). As such, Divisions 1-15 (in the regular Army) and Divisions 16-24 (in the Reserve Army) were rearranged into Brigades 1-14 in the regular Army and Brigades 15-19 in the Reserve Army. Divisions in both the National Guard and the Military-SS were also replaced by Brigades.

The Brigades shall be commandeered by their respective Brigadier-Colonel, who shall report to a General, Field Marshal, and the Supreme Commander (who is second to the President himself), and is accountable to the Supreme Commander.

Edited July 6, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

CLASSIFIED

The Unified National Security Command (UNSC) has announced that the first border fortification line was now 60 percent completed, and the second line (the Kennedy line) were approximately 56 percent completed.

In addition, the UNSC stated in its report that over 60 percent of the coastal fortifications were completed so far; the air defenses were 62 percent completed. Lastly, the IUSS Department reported that much progress had been made: approximately 59 percent of the IUSS network was completed.

Border fortifications:

• First line: 60%
  
• Second line: 56%
  

Coastal defenses: 60%

Air defenses: 62%

Seaborne defenses: 59%

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

The Department of the Navy has announced today that a new larger class of aircraft carrier will replace about half of the Navy’s current aircraft carriers. It is estimated that the aircraft carrier, named the NES New York of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy-class, will be about 300 meters long and will displace about 60,000 tons. A ship of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy-class will be capable of carrying up to 50 aircrafts at any given time, making it one of the largest vessels in the New England Navy.

Specifications of the new aircraft carriers have been provided:

According to the Department of the Navy, it is estimated that each aircraft carrier of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy-class will cost about $3 billion each to build, bringing the figure to approximately $9 billion or possibly more. It will begin immediately.

Edited July 8, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

The Department of the Air Force had announced that the Air Force is receiving an update, at least in the ranks of its unmanned aerial vehicles. A new Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), named the U-1, shall provide the Air Force a tactical and strategic advantage in a wide variety of reconnaissance missions, including penetrating protected airspace to identify targets during war.

The U-1 will be powered by a single JT15D-5C small high-bypass turbofan engine with 3,190 lbf (14.2 kN) thrust. It shall be built of several composite materials, of which the airframe will be consisted of four main assemblies (two on the above and two on the bottom).

The specifications of the U-1 are as below:

[JEDCJT]

PUBLIC

Several members of the National Assembly had called for a bill to increase action against global warming, which they stated was a “serious issue that the Republic of New England and other nations would have to address.” To this effect, they introduced the Global Warming Bill; the bill, if signed into law, would combat global warming by introducing legislation designed for such purpose. One provision of the bill called for the penalization of industries/companies found to be contributing to global warming. The bill, midst fierce debate, managed to pass both houses of the National Assembly by a narrow margin.

However, to the bill’s proponents’ surprise, President Kennedy vetoed the bill. When asked about this, Kennedy explained that while global warming was a serious issue, there was actually no hard evidence of global warming as far as he was concerned, and so New England can continue to grow and prosper.

OOC: IG event