The New York Times

[JEDCJT]

***CLASSIFIED***

BOSTON – For classified reasons, the government has issued orders for the Armed Forces to be put in the highest state of alert as the country was elevated to DEFCON 3. Conscription was formally introduced in New England (except Guantanamo Bay) as the New England Army (NEA) was earmarked to expand from 500,000 to nearly 700,000.

Military bases, naval installations, and forts all over the country were placed on high alert as various garrisons and divisions were mobilized in response to Boston’s orders. In the major cities – especially New York City, Boston, Providence, Syracuse, and Fitzgerald – various security and protective measures were initiated, to be overseen by the Department of State Security and enforced by the BSI, SAI, and SSB. In case war breaks out, the country’s current infrastructure system (although unfinished) will be able to bring millions of civilians to safety. The New York Subway, as well as various other systems throughout the Republic of New England, was configured to serve as a shelter at a moment’s notice, should it be needed. On a similiar note, the New England naval base of Guantanamo Bay was also placed on high alert.

The New England Coast Guard (NECG) was placed on high alert and began patrolling various ports, docks, and waterways of the Republic. The New England Navy (NEN) began patrolling New England waters, especially the waters around New York City and Boston. Elements of the New England Air Force (NEAF) were being prepared and readied in various bases all over the country. Missile silos in undisclosed parts of New England were put in standby status, to be launched at a moment’s notice.

Next, every state’s National Guard were also alerted and prepared for various duties in wartime. Following classified orders from the Department of Defense, the New England Marine Corps (NEMC) were activated for deployment at a moment’s notice. They will work together with other branches of the Armed Forces to create a comprehensive fighting force.

The Republic of New England was now ready for war, and will fight to the last.

Edited May 3, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: Isn't it kind of a contradiction to put the newspaper logo up top on a classified report?

[JEDCJT]

OOC: Isn't it kind of a contradiction to put the newspaper logo up top on a classified report?

OOC: Well...now that you say it, yeah, its sorta contradictory. But still...I like the NYT logo.

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: Well...now that you say it, yeah, its sorta contradictory. But still...I like the NYT logo.

OOC: I like it too. But remember, you can still get too much of something even if it is a good thing.

[JEDCJT]

***CLASSIFIED***

BOSTON – Following the peaceful resolution to the imminent war against the Nordlandic Confederacy that ended in the signing of a treaty between the NC and Comintern and the withdrawal of Comintern forces from Europe, the government – in addition to ordering its deployment of troops, tanks, and aircrafts back home – had initiated orders to place the country back on DEFCON 5.

Firstly, military bases and installations all across the Republic of New England were taken off alert as the soldiers, tanks, and aircraft in the country were stood down. Missile silos all over the country were placed on normal readiness. Following Boston’s orders, every state stood down their respective National Guards, and the Marine Corps were demobilized.

Secondly, the government called off all emergency preparation and protective security plans, although much of the country would remain in heightened alert: the Navy continued to patrol New England waters, although on a much less scope and intensity than before. One of them included conscription: the Army was set to go back to the usual 600,000 soldiers in time.

New England was now on peacetime, although alert, status.

[JEDCJT]

BOSTON – Through the initiative of President John F. Kennedy, the government began implementing what is called “government reforms.” Thus, the Government Reforms Decree was modified to include a wide-ranging degree of reforms that would take place in the Republic of New England.

Through this, the government would address the issues regarding the relations between the States and the central government. Although quite content under Boston’s rule, the states had increasingly become vocal in what they termed the ‘unfair relationship of power with Boston.’ “We are quite happy to be in the Republic of New England. Really, we are.” A New York senator stated to New York Times on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to discuss the matter at hand. “But, however, there are feelings among the populace that the government in Boston simply have too much power, and that we want an equal status in this political union.” Another senator from Massachusetts voiced similar views: “We don’t need Boston to do everything for us. We can do so ourselves, and we want to prove that.”

President Kennedy, after conferring with various governors of the states, senators, politicians, and advisors, made a decision. “This is going to be a historical moment. I hope it takes us the right way.” Kennedy remarked as he scribbled his signature on a document. Through the Government Structure Reform Decree, the relationship of power between Boston and the states were determined:

• Every state in the Republic of New England shall have a degree of autonomy from the federal government in the sense that they have broad powers in their respective jurisdictions.
  
• For instance, they have the power to impose and collect taxes; they also can create and enact laws pertaining to local and state affairs with minimal federal government interference.
  
• Each state is responsible for their state of affairs within their respective jurisdiction; in addition to maintaining their respective National Guards and local police forces, every State will be responsible for maintaining the postal and banking systems, upholding and enforcing laws, and honoring court and government decisions, along with many others.
  
• States are no longer subordinate to the central government when it comes to governance and jurisdiction.
  
• Each state is free to form whatever form of government they so choose, as long as it conforms to the requirement of a Republican form of government.
  

But even so, the states are still accountable to the federal government in Boston in several ways:

• They are required to “give full faith and credit” to other states, including legal contacts, documents, agreements, and decisions, and as such.
  
• They do not have the right to regulate instate commerce, which is the sole responsibility of the federal government.
  
• They also do not have jurisdiction or control over federal property (as such as government corporations, military bases, etc). They shall not have the power or right to deprive any person his or her civil rights and liberties, which are guaranteed and enforced by the federal government.
  
• Lastly, the federal government has the unilateral right to override any state laws, resolutions, and actions.
  
• The federal government has the ultimate power to change any state’s form and/or system of government – but only with that state’s consent.
  

The recent measures are intended to create a more equal relationship between the states and the federal government in a federated union. This is also in conformation to the federal government’s increasing attention and focus on international affairs. There are (unconfirmed) rumors that several resolutions pertaining to separation of powers and other major reforms may be planned sometimes in the near future. More to be updated.

Edited May 3, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

BOSTON – The federal government announced today that there would be an increase in Social Security benefits next year. Despite some problems, such as the steadily rising costs of healthcare, the government has expressed its intent of increasing the percent from 5.8 this year to over 7 percent for 2010, of which are expected to reach 9% by 2012. So recipients of Social Security need not worry, for the government is still behind them.

MONTPELIER – The State of Vermont became the first state in the Republic of New England to exercise its newfound autonomy from the federal government, promulgated through the recent Government Structure Reforms Decree. The Vermont State House voted to assume most activities and projects formerly assumed by the federal government. Housing, infrastructure, and other projects were taken over by the state government as funds now came from Montpelier rather than Boston.

Other states, such as New York State, New Hampshire, and Connecticut are steadily taking similar steps. For instance, the New York State government now funded, in addition to constructing, the JFK International Airport, which is nearly completed.

However, the federal government will continue to assume the responsibility of the ongoing Public Construction Project. The construction of the underground cities and satellite cities throughout the Republic will be the sole responsibility of the federal government, and the States will receive funding from Boston for that purpose under government supervision.

Edited May 4, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

***CLASSIFIED***

The deployment forces, sent days ago to Asia in anticipation of a war that was ultimately never to take place, now began arriving back home in New England. After a long cruise through the Pacific Ocean, the forces first stopped at the naval base of Guantanamo Bay to refuel, rest, etc, before continuing on to New England. Two ships would remain at Guantanamo Bay, however: a destroyer and an aircraft carrier.

[JEDCJT]

ROCHESTER – Several weeks ago, when troops of the New England Army marched into the region of western New York following a deal with the neighboring Atlantian Federation, they made several discoveries.

For one instance, they discovered two abandoned military bases somewhere in western New York. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered these bases were of Rebel Virginian descent, that they were named Fort Niagara and Fort Seneca. Almost immediately, the government had embarked into converting these old, decrepit bases into major centers for the New England Armed Forces; these became property of the federal government.

In addition to that, the troops discovered series of canals. Government surveys indicate that the first canal ran from the Chemung River, through the Finger Lakes, and so on to Lake Ontario through the city of Rochester, New York. The second canal began at the Chemung River and continued on to Lake Erie, culminating at Buffalo, NY. The federal government established the New York Canals Authority (NYCA) to oversee the reconstruction of the canals for productive use (following the recent Government Structure Reform Act, the NYCA was taken over by the State of New York and will fall under the responsibility of the Department of the Interior).

But it wasn’t the only discoveries the New England troops would make at the time. There seemed to be hundreds and even thousands of abandoned sites alongside the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. At a closer look, military surveyors reported back to Boston that there were “hundreds of pillboxes, bunkers, trenches, and batteries.” There appeared, the official stated in the report, “be a series of fortifications that were probably built by the former nation of Rebel Virginia…there were flak positions, mines, barbed wires, and tank barriers…along with similar aspects.”

“This is an interesting discovery, and we will certainly look further into it. It seems that we are provided with unprecedented opportunities.” The official concluded his report.

Edited May 4, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

NEW YORK CITY – In an effort to conserve the environment, especially concerning the potentially harmful effect of logging, the government of New York State – also flexing its autonomy from the federal government in Boston – passed legislation establishing the Adirondack Park Forest Reserve.

Location of the Adirondack Park Forest Reserve in the State of New York

With some 6.1 million acres (about 24,700 km), the Adirondack Park is the largest national park in the State of New York and the Republic of New England as a whole. It is approximately the same size of the State of Vermont, and contains the entire Adirondack mountain range. The park will be administered by the New York Forest Reserve.

Long Pond, in the Reserve

As Governor of New York, David Paterson stated in a press statement in New York City, this was a part of the State of New York’s efforts to conserve the environment and to minimize the potential harmful effect that might have disastrous consequences to the region. “The reason we are doing this is because we care about the environment, and we are going to do our best to preserve, protect, and defend that.” Paterson stated in his speech. “And we will succeed in that.”

Logging is strictly prohibited within the Adirondack Park Forest Reserve, but citizens are allowed to own private property within the reserve. The only exception is Fort Miller, which is located within the reserve; it will continue to be a federal property.

Edited May 5, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

CAMBRIDGE – The State of Massachusetts is pleased to announce the reopening of two of its most prominent institutions: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. Both institutions, which fell into disrepair after the collapse of J Andres, are now open and accepting applications by potential students all over the country.

Founded in 1636 in colonial Massachusetts, Harvard University quickly became one of the most successful institutions in Massachusetts, especially during the United States and then J Andres eras. It was there that the current President of New England, John F. Kennedy attended and graduated with a degree in international affairs, in 1990. Harvard University is expected to take in over 20,000 students, and is set to be endowed approximately $29 billion, an unprecedented sum.

Harvard University

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded in 1861 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in what was then the United States of America. It had specialized in research, partaking in efforts to develop computers, radar, and defense research during its history. MIT offers comprehensive courses in arts, science, research, and business. Projected to admit up to 10,000 students, MIT will receive up to $10 billion annually from both the state and federal governments. It is speculated that a rivalry may be possible among MIT, Harvard University, and Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

[JEDCJT]

BOSTON – Following the institution of a national referendum regarding the status of the Republic of New England’s political and governing system, along with several others, it was thus decided, after weeks of deliberations, that a Commonwealth would thus be established.

And so came into being was the Commonwealth of New England. In addition to the name change (to symbolize New England’s commitment to democracy, freedom, and liberty in the world), the nation’s governing system underwent a rearrangement as the unicameral State National Legislature was evolved into a National Assembly comprised of a House of Commons and a Senate. New England also remained a nonpartisan state as it was decided, based on the results of the national referendum, that political parties weren’t needed on the political scene. “We don’t need political parties. They only add unneeded complications that could potentially obstruct true democracy.” A Senator from Massachusetts stated on condition of anonymity.

The news of the establishment of the Commonwealth met with mixed reactions from all over the country. This isn’t surprising, considering that the proposal of a Commonwealth was enacted with a narrow margin of 38% in support as opposed to the 33% against. “Isn’t a Commonwealth the same as a Republic?” A native of Boston stated to the New York Times. “It seems that there’s no point into doing this. Besides, I prefer the Republic of New England myself, anyways.”

Others would disagree with that statement. “This is wonderful news. The name change, as well the government changes, symbolizes our nation’s commitment to democracy in the world – and this is good.” Richard Watson of New York City said. “Democracy, freedom, and liberty are wonderful. What nation wouldn’t support, much less promote, such?” Melissa Locke of Hartford, Connecticut told a New York Times reporter.

[JEDCJT]

NEW YORK CITY – Construction of the John F. Kennedy International Airport, ongoing for over a year, is now complete. Begun in April 2009 under the supervision of the federal government, the project was promptly taken over by the State of New York as a part of the recent government reforms.

The JFK International Airport

The completion of the airport received widespread appraise, and both the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, and Governor of New York State, David Paterson, attended the opening ceremony in New York City. “May this airport bring us to greatness! There is no limit to the potency of the JFK Airport to us, people and nation of New England as a whole!” Mayor Bloomberg stated as he cut the red ribbon near one of the entrances of the airport, in front of an audience.

Now open, the JFK International Airport will be owned by the State of New York and operated by the Port Authority of New York. The airport boasts eight major terminals and is expected to operate approximately 90 airlines from around the world. Representatives from both the JetBlue Airways and New England Airways corporations have stated that their respective corporations have now commenced business. “We have a feeling that this is going to be a profitable year for us all.” JetBlue founder and president David Neeleman stated in a press statement today.

David Neeleman, founder and president of JetBlue Airways

From the moment it opened, the new airport became busy as passengers, clutching their luggage and the like, crowded through the terminals. Check-in staff immediately became besieged as they struggled to process tickets, information, etc. “This is amazing. Not even ten minutes, and the airport’s already the busiest in New England.” A female passenger stated to a New York Times reporter. “The is one of the most anticipated events this year.”

Indeed, it is.

Edited May 18, 2009 by JEDCJT