The Commonwealth Chronicle

[MostGloriousLeader]

BC Referendum

Today the results of a special referendum held in the Commonwealth inherited portion of British Columbia were announced, with the territory voting to join the Calgarian Federation.  Most of the local population generally feel that they would rather be part of a state that they can share a cultural and historical heritage with.  Independent observers provided by the Commonwealth Electoral Commission and local community leaders have stated that the referendum was clean and valid.  The federal government is currently working with the local populace and government of the Calgarian Federation to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Mass Vicidalian Immigration

Since the collapse of Faraway, Vicidalians have been unable to form a new nation state of their own and have migrated elsewhere.  Currently many, if not most, are immigrating to the Commonwealth by the millions.  Most have set the state of Acadia as their destination, being a former part of Faraway and having a small cultural base already established.  The infusion of so many immigrants has initiated a local economic boom with housing and construction activities rebounding rapidly and the establishment of new local businesses by the massive amount of new arrivals.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Energy Reformation Act Passed

Today Congress has passed the Energy Reformation Act, providing funding and directing the reorganization and expansion of electrical power production facilities throughout the Commonwealth, with the goal of cheap and clean electricity generation.  Over $250 billion has been provided to fund the development and production of nuclear, clean, and renewable energy power production.  One of the major expansions is in nuclear power.  Currently forming 20% of the country's power production, the ERA intends to renovate and upgrade existing facilities as well as doubling the amount of nuclear power plants and up the threshold to 40% within the next three years and finally up to 50% of total power production in another two.  Power generated from natural gas will be cut in half to 10% of power generation while petroleum power plants will be phased out completely.  Coal power will be reduced to 20% of total capacity and will incorporate clean coal and carbon capture technologies.  Many inactivated coal plants will be maintained to provide an electrical reserve surge capacity, up to 10% of power needs, in the event such an action is necessary.  Hydroelectric and other renewable energy facilities (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) will compose the remaining 20% of total electrical production, up from 10%.  The Energy Reformation Act has been championed as the nation's first steps towards energy independence.

Edited November 11, 2013 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

National Identity Act
The National Identity Act was passed by Congress today providing for a mandated overhaul of identity document usage in the country and establishes the National Identity   Program.  Previously state issued drivers licenses and IDs were considered sufficient but in a world that is moving so fast and is so interconnected it has been decided that the issuance of a standard national identity card is an appropriate measure to manage federal services and national security in a country that has grown so large so quickly.  Information visible on the card includes a photo of the owner, a unique card identification number,  full first, middle and last name, sex, height, weight, eye and hair color, blood type (optional), date of birth, current address and state of residence and date and location the card was issued.  The card will also be electronically scannable and machine readable through an encrypted chip and bar-code system and will include further information including name and basic information of spouses and children (optional), place of birth, full set of finger prints, etc. 

 

Information is not actually stored on the chip and bar code on the card.  Rather, it is used to identify the user and authenticate the card and gain access to the National Identity Database and checks that the scanner has the appropriate authorization to access the information.  Security and privacy concerns about the database have been addressed with the database servers being physically and electronically secured and encrypted and regularly backed up while the information on the database is legally accessible only to federal, and state agencies that need to use the information like the social security administration or criminal investigations.  Usage for the benefit of third parties is expressly prohibited and violations are punishable with a prison sentence up to 20 years.  The card itself has numerous security measures in place to ensure that attempts at counterfeiting and forgery are very difficult.

 

The National Identity Card is not meant to supersede or replace state issued driver licenses or IDs for state usage, although it will suffice for all instances requiring the identification of available information at any level of government.  It will be a requirement for federal services such as airport security, social security verification, passport applications, elections for federal officials, student aid, etc.  The law mandates that Commonwealth citizens procure a National Identity Card once they turn 18, although individuals may optionally procure once they are 15.  Failure to acquire a card can result in a fine up to $200 with steeper penalties for repeated offense.  The National Identity Act establishes the Federal Identity Agency which is responsible for the entire program.  Main branch offices of the agency will be established in the capitals of each state to serve as hubs for processing and administering services for the National Identity Program and smaller branch offices located in major populated areas to better service citizens there. 

 

Applications for the National Identity Card can be turned in at these locations or local state administered DMVs where the information will be taken and verified before being sent to a FIA office where the card will be made and then shipped to the applicant.  Cards will be issued free of charge to applicants to ensure its accessibility by all citizens, although personalized designs for the back of the card are available at extra cost.  The National Identity Act also mandates that state issued photo IDs and drivers licenses follow the same stringent anti-counterfeiting security measures of the National Identity Card as well as the encrypted chip/bar-code and the connection to the National Identity Database.  Federal funds have been made available to assist states in the transition to the newer ID requirements.  
 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Exploration Greenland
The results of a government sponsored geological and resource survey of land owned by the federal government in Greenland that began when the American Commonwealth gained control of the island have been completed and revealed.  The survey revealed that Greenland possesses substantial and economically viable mineral and energy resources.  Land and offshore oil and gas reserves are estimated to exceed 100 billion barrels of oil in addition to enormous deposits of natural gas.  Given that these are initial estimates the numbers are probably higher in actuality.  Large deposits of minerals and rare earth elements were also discovered including, among others,  iron, zinc, bauxite, silver, gold, platinum, copper, and a variety rare earth minerals.  Many Greenlanders hope that the resources will be developed and provide a sorely needed boost to the Greenlandic economy, which currently is mainly comprised of fishing and government sector business.  On the other hand environmentalists have cautioned against the utilization of these resources due to the potential environmental impact.  The federal government has stated that there are no efforts to develop the resources immediately and said that it would “Plan out potential development with the local population, industry leaders, and environmental experts to determine the best course to develop these important economic resources in an respectful and environmentally responsible way”.  
 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Secession Public Opinion Backlash

Its been several days since the arrest of several members of the Texas Secessionist party and the trial is still ongoing.  Around the entire country citizens of the Commonwealth are unanimous in their opposition to the idea of any attempt at secession by any state with an overwhelming 90% of polled citizens stating that secession by the state of Texas shouldn't be allowed and that the secessionist party members should be convicted.  80% of those polled said that they would support the use of force to maintain the union of the country if it was the only option.  Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in major cities and Washington DC to rally in support of the federal government. 

 

NCRF Established

Congress has passed a law establishing and funding the National Crisis Response Force, a federal police unit under the Justice Department able to respond to large scale civil disturbance and law enforcement missions in support of local and state authorities if they are unable to handle the situation.  The NCRF was established in response to the large scale rioting in Texas to be an alternative to the use of military forces in the event of widespread civil unrest.  The NCRF has a mandated strength of 40,000 personnel organized into forty 1,000 man battalions and has been mostly filled out by volunteer personnel on temporary transfer from municipal, state and federal police agencies across the country until more permanent personnel are recruited.  Trained and equipped with the latest in police equipment, riot gear, and vehicles, and composed of seasoned law enforcement personnel, the NCRF is a highly effective anti-riot force.  The unit has begun its first large scale deployment with 10,000 officers being deployed to major population centers in Texas to assist local law enforcement in maintaining order.

Edited December 22, 2013 by MostGloriousLeader

[PresidentDavid]

Secession Public Opinion Backlash

Its been several days since the arrest of several members of the Texas Secessionist party and the trial is still ongoing.  Around the entire country citizens of the Commonwealth are unanimous in their opposition to the idea of any attempt at secession by any state with an overwhelming 90% of polled citizens stating that secession by the state of Texas shouldn't be allowed and that the secessionist party members should be convicted.  80% of those polled said that they would support the use of force to maintain the union of the country if it was the only option.  Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in major cities and Washington DC to rally in support of the federal government. 

 

NCRF Established

Congress has passed a law establishing and funding the National Crisis Response Force, a federal police unit under the Justice Department able to respond to large scale civil disturbance and law enforcement missions in support of local and state authorities if they are unable to handle the situation.  The NCRF was established in response to the large scale rioting in Texas to be an alternative to the use of military forces in the event of widespread civil unrest.  The NCRF has a mandated strength of 40,000 personnel organized into forty 1,000 man battalions and has been mostly filled out by volunteer personnel on temporary transfer from municipal, state and federal police agencies across the country until more permanent personnel are recruited.  Trained and equipped with the latest in police equipment, riot gear, and vehicles, and composed of seasoned law enforcement personnel, the NCRF is a highly effective anti-riot force.  The unit has begun its first large scale deployment with 10,000 officers being deployed to major population centers in Texas to assist local law enforcement in maintaining order.

 

Considering only one riot occurred in one major city for 90 minutes, Texas citizens would be somewhat surprised by the presence of the over-glorified FEMA walking around. Motorists in Houston would do their best not to run them over with taxis. Other residents of the Texas would find it comical that polls were taken where EXACTLY 80% and 90% of the population of the entire country agreed on something. 

Edited December 22, 2013 by PresidentDavid

[Evangeline Anovilis]

To: The Department of Foreign Affairs of the American Commonwealth

From: The Embassy of the Dai-Tōhoku Renpō

 

To whomever it concerns,

 

As I have just recently arrived in the American Commonwealth, as the successor of Mr Kurugi, I would like to use the opportunity to invite the Secretary of State for some tea at 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW. It would be a pleasure pleasantries, as well as maybe discuss the possibility of strengthening the ties between our nations. I would think in troublesome times like these, such may be necessary.

 

With the hope for a positive reply,

 

With regards,

Kisakinomiya Chifuyu

Ambassador of the Dai-Tōhoku Renpō to the American Commonwealth

[MostGloriousLeader]

Secure Reply

To: The Embassy of the Dai-Tōhoku Renpō

From:  American Commonwealth State Department

 

We would be happy to entertain your request for a meeting to discuss means of further developing ties between our nations.  Secretary of State Christopher McNutt has a fairly clear schedule for the time being and so it can be held nearly any time right now.

 

 

 

[TheShammySocialist]

[b]Secure Transmission[/b]

 

"Poland would like to request that our order of Globemasters from the current twelve units, be upgraded to include three dozen more. This is alongside a further increase in the acquisition of C-130J aircraft, which we would like order a further two dozen, on top of the twelve already contracted."

[MostGloriousLeader]

Secure Reponse

As per our previous contract we shall deliver all requested aircraft at the fixed agreed upon price.

 

-Hershey Defense Systems

Edited January 1, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

With the ongoing conflict in Europe escalating after the UN Security Council was unable to provide a solution the American Commonwealth State Department has declared Central Europe a war-zone and has issued travel warnings for the countries of Denmark, Prussia and Poland.  President Marton has called on all those involved in the conflict to enter peace talks through whatever channels possible.  The President has also ordered a pair of the navy's hospital ships to the Baltic to assist with aid and relief efforts for all nations effected by the conflict.

[MostGloriousLeader]

The winter storms caused by the massive polar vortex coming down from the Canadian Arctic have subsided for the time being with most of the country being blanketed with snow and freezing temperatures.  Despite this temporary respite, meteorologists are forecasting a second round of snow and freezing temperatures over the next several day.  Local and state governments have received assistance from the federal government and have made preparations to better deal with the coming winter storm as the first has begun to stretch available existing winter weather resources.

[TheShammySocialist]

[b]Encrypted Communique[/b]

 

"The Fourth Republic of Poland officially requests for the American Commonwealth to take in, and intern two Polish converted merchantmen, the Curie and Copernicus. These vessels' home port, which was in Aquitane, has now been revoked due to the fact that government fell and the Athenian Federation has retaken control of the region.

 

We feel that re-home porting these vessels, under a previous agreement, in Ireland, might cause some consternation amongst our respectable foes, and bring Ireland's neutrality into question. Therefore, in order to preserve lives of innocent civilian sailors and scientists, along with expensive equipment, we feel as though interning these vessels in an East Coast port for the duration of the war, is the best course of action at this time.

 

Any fees associated with hospitality for the crew on board can be settled with the Fourth Republic's Foreign Ministry."

[MostGloriousLeader]

Encrypted Response

Accommodations will be made to have your ships and crews interned at Naval Base Halifax for the duration of the conflict in Europe.  Rest assured your people will be treated properly.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

In Washington, Kisakinomiya Chifuyu would deliver to the White House one last notice as ambassador to the American Commonwealth.
 

 

President Marston,

 

In light of recent events, it is my duty to inform you of the Nihongun having started preparations to withdraw Japanese troops from North America. This process should be concluded within the next week, as soon as fuel has been restocked. Additionally however, it is my duty as Minister of Foreign Affairs, to inform you of our decision to activate the Article regarding cancellation of our Treaty of Amity and Cooperation concluded between you and Mr Nakamichi. It is the opinion of the Japanese government that this treaty has proven worthless and it seems to us unconceivable to continue the pretense of false friendship that only continues to be demeaning of the Japanese Empire. Additionally, we have decided to withdraw our diplomatic staff, including Mrs Kisakinomiya, who delivered this notification, from your nation and we would hope you would do likewise at the soonest possible point of time, but within the week, as we consider them personae non gratae. May diplomacy between our nations from now on be conducted the way you saw it proper to act since the day you sent a carrier fleet against Kaigenshima.

 

Signed,

Akechi Mitsuki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan

 

 

Japanese embassies in North America would thus be closed down.

[MostGloriousLeader]

A response would be sent to the Japanese foreign ministry notifying them that the State Department had received their message and that American Commonwealth diplomatic staff would be withdrawn from Japan.

[MostGloriousLeader]

The recent incident in Canada has resulted in a national domestic backlash against Japan, whose attempt to interfere in an area that is traditionally viewed as the Commonwealth's interests and a surge of patriotism and national pride.  After the strong initial response and resulting withdrawal of Japanese troops from Canada, President Marston's approval ratings have drastically increased.  His actions during the crisis have provided the American people with the image of a strong no-nonsense leader capable and willing to defend American interests against cutthroat foreign nations.  Many gatherings were held to celebrate the Japanese withdrawal as well as protest what is seen as its attempt to establish a colony in North America similar to what it has done in South America. 

 

Adding more fuel to the fire was Cotton Hill, the short and lovable grandfather of the Texas based reality TV show King of the Hill.  Cotton Hill, a World War II veteran and war hero, made an appearance on the Fox News Program, The O'Malley Factor, hosted by widely known conservative political pundit Bill O'Malley.  The interview went on for about an hour, during which Mr. Hill gave his thoughts on how the nation should deal with a more aggressive Japan and told the story of how he received his Medal of Honor

 

"Well you see, I was only fourteen when the Japs went and bombed Pearl Harbor.  The day after I lied about my age and enlisted.  I spent a couple of years fighting in Africa, Italy and France.  Then we were transferred to the Pacific.  I was on a troop ship en route to the Pacific Theatre when a Tojo torpedo sent it to the bottom.  I managed to save three of my buddies, Fatty, Stinky and Brooklyn.  Soon after a Tojo Zero came right outa the sun and put fifty bullets in my back.  The blood attracted sharks, I had to give em Fatty.  I managed to make it to an island with the others in tow.  But it was full of Tojos!  They were spittin on the American flag!  So I rushed em!  But it was a trap!  They opened fire and blew my shins off!  The last thing I remember, I beat em all to death with a big piece of Fatty!  Later I woke up in a field hospital and they were sewing my feet to my knees".  An slightly different but animated version of the interview can be found here.

 

After the interview was over O'Malley proceeded with a rage fueled tirade urging for more aggressive policies against Japan and to "contain its colonialist ambitions and ideology".  In response to the public outrage President Marston addressed the nation on the matter, saying that no matter what, the American Commonwealth would always seek to interact with any and all nations in goodwill but that the nation would maintain a firm stance and stand up to aggression against American interests if necessary.  Many analysts predict that the Albertan Dominion crisis would push Congress to massively increase defense spending to help better prepare for any future attempts of aggression. 

Edited February 10, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader

[Triyun]

An Open Letter to the American Commonwealth Congress:

 

Honorable Members:

 

For years the American Commonwealth and the Empire of Tianxia have enjoyed favorable relations.  We recognize that there are those within the American Government who feel that the recent row with Japan has encouraged an increase in defense spending by the Americans.  On the good will we have build up we urge you to avoid this.  

 

This would be a poor step and only jeopardize the North Pacific's status as the world's most stable region.  At a time of global conflict in Africa, West Asia, and Europe, it is not the time for an arms race in the Pacific.  Such a race would make foreign relations difficult between many allies and partners who share common treaty links.  It would possibly allow the introduction of foreign influence into the Pacific.  And by our own calculations such a build up could not be done without increasing the incentives for go all out at the beginning of a crisis.

 

Indeed America would have trouble affording that many new forces.  Japan by contrast is not very highly militarized.  If America tries to enter into an arms race with Japan, it would have to rely on anti-access area-denial weapons, which require an emphasis on preemptive strikes.  This move would be inherently destabilizing.  

 

Instead we ask that the Congress trust in the wisdom of the Emperor, and pursue a policy of friendship and open trade.  

 

Imperial Ambassador Chen.

[MostGloriousLeader]

President Marston has appealed to Congress to wait on discussions between the American Commonwealth and Tianxia before making any final decisions on the issue of any heavy military budget increases.  In the meantime however, he has announced the rebasing of a carrier battle group and surface action group to Naval Base San Diego to provide a deterrent against potential aggression in the short term.  In addition, numerous strike fighter and strategic bomber squadrons have been redeployed to West Coast airbases along with several divisions of troops.  The majority of the population has supported the shoring up of the West Coast's defense and stepping up air and UAV patrols in the eastern pacific until a more concrete decision has been made on the matter although many are divided as to what the final decision should be.  A vocal minority of people polled has advocated for taking a more aggressive stance in the Pacific against the Japanese, some even suggesting all out war.  While a majority of those polled have dismissed such notions of war and aggression, many have argued that despite its essential part in defusing the situation in western Canada, the ability to rely on Tianxia to restrain Japanese actions in the Pacific may not always be fully guaranteed.

Edited February 13, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader

[TheShammySocialist]

Taking a leaf from some leading Polish business people, the Polish Government would plunge ahead with plans for the development of its naval base on the French Coast. To accomplish this, large amounts of building materials would be required, especially structural steel. To feed this need for materials, a huge order for a variety of steel shapes would be put in to Commonwealth steel mills by the Polish government, buying the steel in bulk, and requesting the material be shipped at the earliest possible moment over to Vannes, in France.

 

Ships would be chartered from Commonwealth shipping companies to send the material over, the amount of steel numbering in the tens of thousands of tons, once all was said and done.

[MostGloriousLeader]

National Space Program

The Marston Administration has announced that funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Agency would be drastically increased and several initiatives undertaken to further develop the American Commonwealth's space exploration capabilities and to promote the development of science and space technologies

 

Shepard Space Launch Center

A major development milestone in the Commonwealth Space Program, the Shepard Space Launch Center will be the site of the Commonwealth's first operational space launch mass driver and will be located in the Appalachian Mountains with Mount Mitchell providing additional elevation for the peak of the mass driver.  The primary purpose of the center is to provide a cost effective means of sending cargo into space without the need for booster rockets, instead using a powerful electronmagnetic launch system to gradually increase launch speed to it its required level.  While some 60 km long, most of the track will be tunneled underground to provide additional security and reduce maintenance issues and power will be provided via an on site nuclear reactor.  Transportation networks will also be expanded to service the Center with highway and rail connections as well as the construction of a 3000 meter airfield and service facilities.  Estimated to cost some $20 billion over several years, the initial cost is projected to be outweighed by the ability to cheaply launch large amounts of cargo into space compared to traditional rocket launches.  If successful in operation, plans exist to develop a StarTram system capable of sending not only cargo but human passengers into space as well.

 

Explorer MSTV

The Explorer Modular Space Transport Vehicle is the replacement space craft for the older Space Shuttles being used by NASA.  Like the Space Shuttle the Explorer is designed to be a reusable spacecraft able to remain in space and conduct missions for an extended period of time and then safely return to earth.  It builds on the success and incorporates lessons from the failures of the shuttle program.  Somewhat larger than the space shuttle, the Explorer possesses more powerful and efficient engines, possesses advanced fly-by-optics flight systems and sports a larger cargo capacity.  Additional features are modular heat shielding, space refueling capability, extensive safety systems and built in automatic maintenance assessment capabilities.  While launched in the same fashion as the space shuttles, due to the increased weight, entirely new rocket launch systems were required and much more powerful solid rocket boosters have been created along with a larger lightweight external tank resulting in a net gain of power despite the weight increase.

 

In its most basic setup the MSTV usually has a minimum crew of 4 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, comm specialist) and accomodations for up to 8 personnel, although it is able to operate with only the pilot and co-pilot if necessary.  Designed with multiple missions in mind the cargo bay is able to be configured by different modules to conduct a wide range of missions.  In addition to cargo transport, the cargo bay can be transformed into a passenger area with room for one hundred people or embark on satellite construction/repair/refueling missions with the appropriate equipment and loadouts.  The MSTV is also able to conduct lunar orbit missions under its own power and fuel while transporting extra fuel and a landing module able to reach the surface and recover it after several days.  Two Explorer MSTVs (Explorer and Discovery) have already been constructed and will begin operation within several weeks with eight more currently in various stages of completion. 

 

Space Station Armstrong

The Armstrong Space Station is slated to be the Commonwealth Space Program's first habitable space station in earth orbit.  While ambitious in scope, it has been deemed to be achievable with recent and upcoming developments, such as the MSTV.  Designed to be delivered and assembled in modules, the station is projected to be halfway completed and generally functional by the time the Shepard Space Launch Center becomes operational, which would then drastically lower delivery and assembly costs.  The station will serve many purposes, serving as NASA's primary space facility for activities and research in orbit with accommodations and support for 50 personnel with a surge capacity of up to 80 if needed.  One of its more important functions will be to act as an orbital maintenance depot for spacecraft and satellites, being able conduct refueling and repair missions with orbital transport vehicles.  It is also planned to serve as a jump off point for any future lunar missions once operational.

Edited March 14, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

Lockheed Re-enters Civil Aviation

After a long noted absence in the civilian aviation market, Lockheed-Martin has announced that it will begin production of civilian airliners again.  Its most noticeable initiative is the Lockheed L-2000 Supersonic Civilian Transport.  A revised and modernized design based on the original, the L-2000 is capable of flying 250 passengers over 9,000 km and at speeds in excess of Mach 3.  Pan Am has confirmed the purchase of 24 L-2000s to service its new high speed trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes. 

 

Not limited to its niche supersonic transport market, Lockheed has also developed the L-1012 TriStar, a new modernized version of the original design, it boasts modern avionics and equipment like glass display cockpits,  fly by-optic flight systems and brand new turbojet engines.  Boasting a range of over 10,000 km it is able to comfortably accommodate 300-400 passengers depending on class and seating arrangements.  Hundreds of orders have been placed by numerous Commonwealth airlines who are replacing their aging fleets of Boeing 737s and 767s for long range domestic and international flights.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Corporate Shuffle

Hershey Corporation

One of the original major corporations of the Commonwealth, it has grown immensely since it made its debut into defense contracting.  In spite of new competition as new areas were added to the Commonwealth, Hershey has thrived and expanded its operations to remain the nation's largest defense contractor, acquiring major defense companies as subsidiaries, such as Northrup-Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.  It also has major holdings outside of the defense industry, its traditional candy products have the most market share of any company while it dominates a large part of the food industry as well as controlling major manufacturing activities.  The Hershey Corporation accounts for the largest individual source of economic activity west of the Appalachians.

 

Omni Consumer Products

Based out of Detroit, Omni Consumer Products was formed shortly after the collapse of Faraway and Michigan entered the American Commonwealth as a state.  Initially a conglomerate of local businesses, OCP has since grown to dominate the automobile, heavy industry and consumer product markets throughout much of the Commonwealth.  It also has a small, but noticeable, presence in the defense industry.  Rumors indicate that OCP intends to use some of its new found wealth and success to attempt to completely overhaul Detroit and restore the city to its former glory.

 

Weyland Industries

The newest of the top three major corporations, Weyland Industries has just recently joined the club.  Based in San Francisco, the new upcoming company has major holdings in manufacturing, resource extraction, transportation, energy, medical and space industries.  It has since become the primary producer of satellites, rockets and spacecraft for NASA and the military.  Recently Weyland Industries announced that it was breaking into private space exploration and tourism and that one of its next major goals is to be the first company to successfully begin colonizing space.

Edited March 26, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

Landslide Election

President Marston has won a landslide re-election with the polls closed and the numbers now fully counted.  While thought by most to be the eventual winner, nobody imagined that the incumbent would win a whopping 91% of the votes, with the next closest candidate barely reaching 5%.  The Democrat Party seems to be doing well for itself between Marston's re-election and gaining several new senate seats.  They still only hold a slim majority, however, in the House with Republicans gaining numbers there.  Over two dozen moderate incumbent republican congressmen being unseated by members deeply associated with the so called "Tea Party" movement, making for a potentially interesting set up in a congress that has, for a long time now, mostly been able to work together in a bi-partisan manner.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Strategic Materials Act

At the behest of the President, Congress has passed the Strategic Materials Act with bipartisan support giving the executive branch the authority to establish reserves of items and materials deemed vital to the national security of the nation.  While stockpiles currently exist for oil and oil products for a six month's supply no other such stocks exist for other strategic materials.  The Act provides the funding needed to expand or build and maintain facilities to store such materials as well as to purchase them to stockpile.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve requirements have been doubled to a one year supply of not just crude oil, but also refined petroleum products such as gasoline, heating oil and jet fuel.  The National Helium Reserve has been ordered to halt large scale sell offs of helium after reaching a predetermined point.  New reserves include the Strategic Uranium Reserve, the Strategic Metals Reserve (for rare earth minerals), and the Strategic Grain Reserve (stockpiling 10 million tons of store-able grains for possible food shortages). 

 

The SMA is not just limited to efforts of the federal government.  State governments are being encouraged to examine the feasibility and benefits of maintaining their own smaller reserves.  Private companies involved in activity deemed vital to the nation's security have been mandated to begin building up a six month reserve of required essential materials and will be provided assistance through government subsidies.  Analysis of consumption and availability indicate that in the event of a shortage or cut off from foreign supplies, the Commonwealth will have ample time to expand and develop domestic sources to meet production needs.