Statehood

[JEDCJT]

Twice, they had vied for statehood. Twice, they had garnered support in their goal for statehood. Twice, they had failed. Twice, they had become frustrated over the refusal of the National Assembly to grant their territories statehood.

And so, for the second time in two years, leaders and supporters of the various Statehood Parties in Ohio, New Columbia, Delaware, and Maryland demonstrated what they had been working for in the past year: hundreds of thousands of supporters waving various posters and banners took to the streets of Columbus, Baltimore, Washington City, and Dover as they chanted, “Grant [their respective territory names] Statehood!” and “Don’t deny our desire for Statehood, Boston!” At the same time, flurries of petitions, containing well over hundreds of thousands of signatures, flooded into the New Englander Capitol as Statehood Parties leaders held their breath, crossed their fingers, and hoped for the best.

With virtually every city and town in all of the territories, save West Virginia, crammed with chanting supporters, the National Assembly—also ‘besieged’ by supporters in Boston as they assembled in front of the Capitol building—opened deliberations once again regarding the issue.

Weeks of debate ensued as various members discussed, argued, and even traded blows with others on the issue of granting statehood to the territories. Flurries of “New Columbia (and other territory’s name too) should be granted statehood!” and “No!” and “Yes, they should!” and even “No you!” (often translated to “NO U!” by overzealous newspaper reporters for the lulz). As Statehood Party supporters waited patiently in front of their territories’ capitols and in Boston, the statehood issue became a hot issue as it was debated in blogs, chatrooms, and forums across the country (for instance, in the Boiler Room section of the CyberStates forums, its members had some pretty heated discussions about this).

Finally, after months of deliberations—the supporters used a rotating system to maintain their presence on the streets to go about their regular lives—the final decision was made in the National Assembly. The nation held its breath as a single figure approached the podium in front of the Capitol building. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs cleared his throat as he gazed at the crowds of supporters, countless of flashes, and posters/banners that were held up in the air. Gibbs smiled as he began, “I would like to formally announce that the National Assembly has reached a final decision on the statehood issue.” Tension rose in the air as Statehood supporters began to fidget. “The National Assembly has decided to grant Statehood to Ohio, New Columbia, Maryland, and Delaware…” Barely had the sentence passed the secretary’s lips when the entire nation erupted in joy and applause. Tears of joy flooded the faces of the supporters as they embraced each other in joy, whooped, clapped, and leapt into the air. Confetti filled the skies of Boston, Columbus, Washington City, Dover, and countless of cities. After years of relentless effort, the territories had finally become states, except West Virginia which was now the only Territory in the Union. It was truly a glorious day in the history of the Republic of New England.

However, as he walked away from the podium, Gibbs didn’t mention that the vote had been so close—razor-thin, actually. Delaware and Maryland barely received the 2/3+1 majority support they needed to become states; Ohio and New Columbia might not have become states if a dozen of influential members had voted against.

But that was not the issue anymore. The Territories had become states, and that was all. For days on end, there would be massive parties where the supporters would party all day long—literally! In parties, partygoers expressed their joy and satisfaction through drinking alcohol and some pretty intense physical dancing (publicly and privately). Territorial (now state) governors would sigh with satisfaction as they admired the new titles of their territories (now states) in their offices (State of New Columbia or State of Ohio, for instance).

[AironthFlamewing]

"The Old Dominion wishes to offer its congratulations for these states joining the Republic of New England"

[Subtleknifewielder]

"It is good to see democracy at work."

[Michael McBride]

Tom Dobbs would like to personally congratulate the governors of the newly christened states, along with New England president Lyndon Johnson, at a large party held at the Presidential Residence. Beer pong tournaments for all, so make sure to bring your favorite brew!

[Pikachurin]

"We congratulate the new New Englander states for this marvellous achievement."

[KingChris]

"It's great to see a historic event for our friends. Just out of curiosity, what were the exact results of the ballots?"

[JEDCJT]

"The Old Dominion wishes to offer its congratulations for these states joining the Republic of New England"

"It is good to see democracy at work."

Tom Dobbs would like to personally congratulate the governors of the newly christened states, along with New England president Lyndon Johnson, at a large party held at the Presidential Residence. Beer pong tournaments for all, so make sure to bring your favorite brew!

"We congratulate the new New Englander states for this marvellous achievement."

"We thank you all. Regarding Tom Dobbs's offer, we would be interested into attending the party. We will be sure to bring our finest beer."

"It's great to see a historic event for our friends. Just out of curiosity, what were the exact results of the ballots?"

"We thank you. Besides, here's the results."

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Delaware: 294 out of 435 votes (0.675 = 67.5 = 68%)

Maryland: 297 out of 435 votes (0.682 = 68.2 = 68%)

Ohio: 292 out of 435 votes (0.671 = 67.1 = 67%)

New Columbia: 291 out of 435 votes (0.668 = 66.8 = 67%)

Overall = 67.25% = 67% - PASS

SENATE

Delaware: 68 out of 100 votes (68%)

Maryland: 70 out of 100 votes (70%)

Ohio: 67 out of 100 votes (67%)

New Columbia: 68 votes out of 100 votes (68%)

Overall = 68.25% = 68% - PASS

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Overall = 67.5% = 68% - PASS