JEDCJT Posted June 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] VIRASENE - With the [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=87368"]withdrawal of J Andrean troops and personnel[/url] from the now-Tahoan city of Los Angeles and their subsequent relocation to the islands of Santa Catalina and San Clemente, it was now time to consolidate J Andres’s control - and affirm its sovereignty and jurisdiction - over the islands. Firstly, the two islands were merged into a single geopolitical entity named [b]Catalina[/b] (more like, San Clemente was incorporated into Santa Catalina). A Territorial Commune was established in the city of Avalon [renamed to Virasene], virtually the only major city on the island, with the possible exception of Two Harbors [renamed to Mallagion], under the leadership of Anthony Villa, who had headed the interim government of Los Angeles. This Commune, referred to as the [b]Catalina Commune (CC)[/b], will have administrative control over both Santa Catalina Island and San Clemente Island. This time, both islands will be administered as a base on the same level as that of Bermuda, J Andres’s overseas port in the Atlantic. Secondly, the [b]Catalina Police Department (CPD)[/b] was established, with its headquarters in Virasene. Given the low population of the island (estimated to be in the hundreds), the personnel of the CPD will be fairly few - despite the fact that tens of thousands of Army and Kommissazul troops are garrisoning the island and as such will likely be responsible for law enforcement and maintaining order. Thirdly, the Ministry of War and Defense outlined plans to build up the islands as major military bases. Minister Joel Brunel stated that he had contacted the United States of China, J Andres’s ally, regarding the islands’ defenses. Catalina Airport, virtually the only airport on Santa Catalina Island, will be refitted into a major Air Force base, with the capacity of housing and supporting up to ten squadrons of aircrafts, maximum. Moreover, two Army bases will be established - one near Virasene, one near Mallagion, with enough barracks, depots, warehouses and installations to support 50,000 troops and personnel. Moreover, up to ten to fifteen ships of the Navy will be stationed on the islands; Virasene and Mallagion will serve as major ports, and Naval bases and installations will be built. On a somewhat related note, two airports will be established in Virasene and Mallagion for civilian purposes and use (to be converted for military use in times of war, if necessary). Fourthly, the Catalina Commune issued a stream of resolutions aimed at consolidating power and control over the island. To begin off with, any and all foreign journalists and reporters not specifically approved by the federal government in Endor Cuidad shall not be allowed to enter and operate in Catalina; furthermore, any journalist/reporter found to be in violation shall be detained and subject to investigation and other appropriate actions, including but not limited to expatriation to the country where they came from. Any journalists/reporters that have received approval are required to submit all materials regarding Catalina to the CC. It is to be understood that the CC, and therefore the federal government, have the final say in making final decisions regarding the contents of the materials. This is generally intended to be a temporary move. Lastly, any and all former Tahoan, currently J Andrean, citizens of Catalina, especially in Virasene and Mallagion, are required to turn in any and all weapons to the CPD and other proper authorities. For this task, special mobile units will be established, composing of elements of Army soldiers, Kommissazul troopers, and volunteers. They will be empowered to carry out this duty as well to arrest any citizens for acts of resistance and sabotage. They will begin block-to-block sweeps throughout the two cities to search for and seize any illegal weapons. OOC: I planned to rename LA to Virasene, but eh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 (edited) OOC: Credit goes to Pravus Ingruo for this one, as from this [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=77194&view=findpost&p=2066087&hl=&fromsearch=1"]thread[/url]. Thanks! IC: [b]HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED[/b] After highly-secret deliberations among the heads of the federal government and the military, and with some help from external sources, a comprehensive plan was drafted for the defense of the Maritime Republic of J Andres. Project Athena had already been initiated, but to the military, this apparently wasn’t enough. J Andres had a huge and powerful military, with just under 1 million men in service, but what was needed was its transformation into a large fortress on the same level as that of the former Tahoe and New England, to name a few. Surely, the concept of a nation-fortress was made moot by Tahoe’s defeat in the recent Coalition War, that it was a waste of time and resources against various factors that worked against such defenses, and that there was probably more cost-effective solutions, but the federal government and military was determined to provide J Andres protection that would transform it into a staunch bulwark against outside aggression. Besides, the country’s small size, large military, rugged geography, and advanced technology would serve the nation well in war. The project, codenamed [b]OMEGA[/b], is to be divided into seven parts: Project Mushroom Project Riptide Project Ultra Project Fortress Project Firebird Project Athens Project Eagle Eye [quote][b][font="Courier New"]MINISTRY OF DEFENSE AND WAR - National Defense and Security Resolution 5-NS2026MRJA[/b] [b]ENCRYPTION CODE:[/b] [color="#FF0000"]RED[/color] [b]PUBLIC KEY:[/b] None - Restricted [b]TO:[/b] Army Commands, Kommissazul Commands, Army Forces Command, Air Force Defense Command, Missile Defense Command [b]FROM:[/b] Ministry of Defense and War [b]SUBJECT:[/b] Air defense and national security of J Andres [b]CLASSIFICATION:[/b] TOP SECRET /[i]begin message[/i] [b]Project Mushroom[/b] Estimation time: 1 year (J Andres, Bermuda, and Catalina) The first of the projects, MUSHROOM, involve the extensive usage of the krakatoa mines in J Andres’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends no further than 200 nautical miles off her coasts, given that it does not intrude upon another nation’s EEZ. The [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krakatoa_(explosive)"]Krakatoa mine[/url] is an advanced anti-vehicle/anti-personnel weapon that use C4 and an inverted copper cone to create a huge melted copper bullet. It has the capacity to penetrate more than 1 inch of thick steel armor at a distance of 25 yards, and will be capable of penetrating up to six inches of steel armor when very close to a ship’s hull. The bomblet will be around the same size as that of a 12 oz Coke can, of which a single torpedo tube on a submarine will be able to fit thousands of such in one sitting. Each bomblet will carry 2 lbs of krakatoa, an inverted copper cone and an electromagnet, and will contain GPS and ad-hoc networked technology that allows them to send and receive data packets that will be nearly impossible to jam. The bomblets will have the capacity to inform, in data packet transmitted in under a half-second, a central command station when it has latched on to a target, its present location, and current heading and speed. On top of that, the bomblets will be able to communicate with each other in some way, through the fact that they will be able to tell control information, such as how many are nearby or latched to the same target. Instructions on whether to fire or release will also be sent using data packets, making them virtually impossible to jam. This particular project will be divided into two phases: Phase One will concern the construction of tens of thousands of bomblets, while Phase Two will focus on the fitting of them in the mine launchers of the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System, located throughout J Andres’s EEZ. [b]Project Riptide[/b] Estimation time: 2.5 years (J Andres), 1 year (Bermuda and Catalina) The objective of Project RIPTIDE is to prevent foreign troops from landing on J Andres’s shores, utilizing somewhat the way, not literally, that a riptide (a rip current) ‘repels’ swimmers by keeping them away from the shore. It is the construction of a (approximate) 600 mile-long seawall, varying in height, with its highest point being 450 feet (150 m). Each section of the seawall will be 20 feet thick, and will be made of rebar reinforced concrete that will be able to withstand bombardment for the most part. To enable ships to pass through to J Andres, an opening 150 feet wide will be made every 30 miles, totaling about 20 openings total. Around Bermuda, the wall will be about 53 miles in length. Normally, this should give only one opening, for due to the nature of Bermuda as J Andres’s major naval base, three openings will be made at Pikachurin, the capital, Porto Celeste, and Darach Military Base. At Catalina, the length of the wall will total over 150 miles, given that it will encompass both Santa Catalina and San Clemente Islands. It will have five openings, of which two will be located at Virasene and Mallagion. The seawall will be constructed to come within 1 m (3 feet) of the ocean’s surface, thus making it nearly impossible for any naval or commercial vessels to pass through, except the openings (which in addition to being 150 feet wide, will be 200 feet deep). These openings will be a factor in Project Ultra, to be explained below. [b]Project Ultra[/b] Estimation time: 2.5 years (J Andres), 1 year (Bermuda and Catalina) Project ULTRA is to provide for a backup for Project Riptide through the fact that it is to utilize SONAR emitters to give false impressions that areas inside ULTRA are populated with submarines (they [the emitters] will give off the signatures used by submarines), when in fact they may not. These SONAR emitters will be able to be turned on and off remotely, only being turned on during time of attack and when needed, not before, remaining hidden and passive for the most part. Torpedo launchers in the IUSS systems will be utilized as a major component of ULTRA. This is to be the most classified part of the overall project, given that its construction will be covered by the construction of Project RIPTIDE. As a part of the IUSS system built by New England after years of progress, the torpedo launchers - as well the mine launchers - is already a camouflaged part of the ocean surface, making them virtually impossible to detect. They will have a low SONAR profile and will utilize the tracking relays (Project Eagle Eye) for targeting data. It will also have the ability to send transmit coordinates via data packets as well its own SONAR system for passive an/or active tracking if needed be. Each torpedo launcher will have two torpedoes, to be fired in rapid succession. The positions of the launchers across the ocean floor alongside J Andres’s EEZ will allow for a variety of firing angles and solutions. [b]Project Fortress[/b] Estimation time: 3 years (J Andres), 1 year (Bermuda and Catalina) In the case Project RIPTIDE fails to keep foreign troops from getting on J Andres’s shores, Project FORTRESS is there to fill in the gaps (no pun intended). Massive fortresses (hence the project’s codename) will be built alongside the coast of mainland J Andres as well as Bermuda and Catalina. They will be 100 m long, 100 m wide, and 60 m tall, and they shall be built every 3 miles, making for a total of 200 fortresses. On Bermuda, 17 of these Fortresses will be built, while 53 will be built on Catalina. The walls of the Fortresses will be constructed of 6m (20 feet) of rebar reinforced concrete, with the roofs being twice that, and will be built to withstand even the most advanced [url="http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Bunker_buster"]bunker-buster bombs[/url]. Each fortress will have four 5-inch guns, each at a ninety degree arc, that will face the sea. On the roof of each Fortress, anti-aircraft guns will be built, including four 120-mm automatic, RADAR guided anti-aircraft guns, four 75-mm automatic, RADAR guided anti-aircraft guns, four 90mm auto flak, automatic, RADAR guided anti-aircraft guns, and two THAAD missile launchers. The shores (beaches) are to be covered in krakatoa mines, which will have pressure sensors on them that gets them off when enough pressure is applied on them (as when the general weight changes). In addition to that, they can also be activated manually through radio transmitters as to ensure public safety (as in people using the beach). This serves as a dual purpose to thwart demining procedures (removing mines), for the mines can be detonated remotely long before the enemy forces even have the chance to even get close to the mines. In peacetime, the Fortresses will serve as a holding place for pillboxes and Czech hedgehogs, to be ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. Each pillbox will house approximately 1 to 10 ten troops/personnel, and are to be made of 2-meter thick reinforced concrete and provide excellent [temporary] cover against any invading force. [b]Project Firebird[/b] Estimation time: 1 years (J Andres, Bermuda, and Catalina) Project FIREBIRD will incorporate not only the anti-missile defenses outlined in Project Athena, but it will also utilize anti-aircraft guns of varying sizes, caliber, power, and range. It will employ overlapping RADAR installations (PAWS comes to mind, in particular) throughout the country as to monitor air traffic as well as aerial defense. The first level of defense in FIREBIRD is the usage of 75mm guns to provide low-level air support. These guns will be linked to RADAR systems throughout the country, and be automated. The highest concentrations of these weapons will be around cities, towns, and military bases, installations, and depots - although some will be interspersed throughout the nation to provide for maximum advantage. Their effective range is 13.5 km and maximum range is 6.3 km. The second level of defense will consist of 90mm auto flak guns with the same characteristics as 75mm guns. Their ceiling is 34,000 feet. The third level of defense will consist the usage of 120mm guns with the same characteristics as that of 75mm and 90mm guns. Their maximum ceiling is 57,000 feet. The fourth level of defense involves the usage of SM-3, RIM-116, THAAD, Starstreak, and MIM-104F missile launchers. They will be placed alongside the entirety of J Andres’s coast, from the City of Brunel in western Connecticut all the way to the town of Lubec in the northernmost part of Maine, from Porto Celeste in western Bermuda to Darach Military Base in the eastern part, and from Virisene in southern Catalina to Mallagion in the north; they will also be arrayed around the major cities and towns, and military bases, installations, and depots - the same as the AA guns aforementioned above. Not only that, but hundreds of Centurion C-RAM, a land-based version of the naval Phalanx CIWS, will be installed alongside the coast, all over J Andres (and Bermuda and Catalina), and alongside the nation’s borders. The fifth level of FIREBIRD is the RADAR installations. Each RADAR installation will consist of two relays. The first will operate on a normal frequency while the second will operate under 2 GHz to detect stealth aircraft. By having two systems, the 2 GHz system can find the stealth aircraft, allowing the second system to lock on to their location and follow them, providing solutions for fighters and anti-air weapons. These will be placed throughout the country as well, providing multiple overlapping coverage. [b]Project Athens[/b] Estimation time: 3 years (J Andres) 1 year (Bermuda, and Catalina) Project ATHENS is a fortification project designed to revitalize the border fortifications on J Andres’s northern, western, and eastern borders. Similar to FORTRESS, ATHENS will utilize krakatoa mines for anti-personnel and anti-vehicle purposes. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of these mines will be placed alongside the border as well as major roadways, highways, and streets throughout the country, especially these leading into and outside the major cities and towns, and bases, installations, and depots. As the former New England nor the Federated States constructed any border fortifications alongside what is J Andres’s current western border, bases, pillboxes, and bunkers will be built from scratch there - but the existing fortifications alongside the border with Disparu and Atlantis will be manned and put to service once again. An elaborate system of trenches, tunnels, and minefields (of which hundreds of thousands of krakatoa mines will be installed, all of which can be activated by remote means), as well as electrified fences and barbed wires will be built alongside the entirety of J Andres’s border. The bases, pillboxes, and bunkers will be elaborately camouflaged as to provide advantage to the defending force in times of war and/or invasion. 20mm artillery batteries will be placed at specific intervals alongside the border, and on roads and streets throughout the nation. In the border fortifications, casemates will be utilized, where they will be established at intervals along the border. These cannons will be automated, meaning they will activate upon detection of infrared signature of humans (for instance, troops). They are not to be activated in peacetime. As with the bases, pillboxes, and bunkers, the batteries will be camouflaged. Next, booby traps (such as tank ditches, anti-personnel pits, fragmentation mines) and sniper bases will be constructed along the border. Artillery emplacements (20mm) will be built among the major roads, highways, and roadways throughout the country. ATHENS is to utilize the J Andres’s geography (such as hills, mountains, and valleys) to maximum effect to create a strong defense that will make it very difficult for enemy forces to penetrate through to the interior; barring that, it will also inflict heavy casualties against the invading force. Advanced J Andrean technology will play a large part in ATHENS as well as the other plans of Project OMEGA. [b]Project Eagle Eye[/b] Estimation time: 2 years (J Andres) 1.5 year (Bermuda, and Catalina) Project EAGLE EYE is the revitalization and modification of the existing IUSS system alongside J Andres’s EEZ, and in Catalina’s part, the establishing of a new network around the islands. This project, as well the IUSS, will give J Andres an eagle eye’s view of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans (hence the name) and enable her to defend her interests if needed be. It will also keep her updated on oncoming vessels and the like. /[i]end message[/font][/i][/quote] Edited June 12, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 14, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2010 [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - President Richard Mercton commissioned a plan to establish what he called the [b]Neighborhood Watch[/b] system, of where groups of organized citizens (Neighborhood Watches) will work together to maintain public safety, combat crime, and to further develop their respective neighborhoods - and to enforce law if necessary. According to the plan, a Neighborhood Watch may legally consist between three and eight lawful J Andrean citizens at one time - in order to garner more members, the Watch will have to apply to the nearest police department to receive a special permit that would then allow them to recruit up to twenty members total. In regards to the law enforcement part, members of the Watch will assist local police in their duties in a specified number of towns/cities; in the case where local police is unable to perform their duties, the Watch will step in their stead and effectively become auxiliary police. A single Neighborhood Watch will be responsible for five neighborhoods (defined as containing up to twenty blocks [with ten lots each], a total of five miles). Twenty Neighborhood Watches will form a single [b]Neighborhood Watch Committee (NWC)[/b], headed by a Neighborhood Commissioner responsible for maintaining law and order, everyday administration and other aspects within his/her sphere of jurisdiction. The Commissioner will report to the local [b]Public Safety Council (PSC)[/b], a subsidiary of a local government. It is not mandatory for citizens to join a Neighborhood Watch program, but it is heavily encouraged for them to do so. After all, it is the citizen’s responsibility and duty to “[i]maintain the high standard of safety, peace, and prosperity in the Maritime Republic of J Andres as expected him/her to[/i]”, so as President Mercton himself put it. Various incentives are given for citizens to join up, such as reduced taxes, more employment opportunities, higher prestige in society, etc. Commentators, however, noticed the similarity between the Neighborhood Watch system currently being installed in J Andres to the one that had been established by Anthony Villa’s government of Los Angeles in the brief period that the city was under J Andrean rule. They surmised that President Mercton’s plan was an improvised one designed for a specific purpose. Whether it would become a success or not remained to be seen - but they reckoned that it would be a success, anyways. [center]---[/center] ENDOR CUIDAD - Minister of Transportation Anthony Harlan unveiled his plan for J Andres’s current transportation system in a press statement in the capital of Endor Cuidad. The plan, which Harlan termed as the ‘[i]Strategic Plan of the Transportationization of J Andres[/i]’ but which soon became known as the [b]Harlan Plan[/b], went as follows: All train corporations, particularly Amtrak [and the Netrak], in J Andres are to be nationalized by the federal government in Endor Cuidad, except for these owned by foreign individuals/nations. Amtrak/Netrak will be officially renamed to [b]J Andres National Transportation Corporation[/b], better known as [b]J Antrak[/b]. It’s reporting mark will be J-ANK. It will be headquartered in Providence Station in the city of Providence, and all its assets - particularly referred stock - will be owned by the federal government. It’s board of directors will be appointed by the federal government (or to be exact, the President himself). Several railroads and lines that are owned by J Antrak are as follows, including their starting destination to ending destination: [font="Courier New"][quote][b]Pan Am Roadways (PAR)[/b]: Mattawamkeag, Maine - Bethesda, Connecticut [b]J Andres Central Railroad (JACR)[/b], formerly the New England Central Railroad: New London, Connecticut - Alburgh, Vermont [b]Vermont Railway (VR)[/b]: Burlington, Vermont - Richards, Connecticut [b]Northeast Railway (NR)[/b], formerly the Northeast Corridor: Mercton, Massachusetts - Brunel, Connecticut [b]Bethesda Line (BL)[/b], formerly the Hartford Line: Bethesda, Connecticut - Richards, Massachusetts[/quote][/font] This is not a complete list of the railroads and lines owned by J Antrak, but this gives one an idea of J Antrak’s scope of operations. Secondly, Harlan announced that he will “[i]place increased emphasis on railroad travel, particularly maglevs and subways[/i]”, especially when they will provide for “[i]a quicker, more convenient way for citizens, wealth, and resources to move around the country.[/i]” As with train corporations, all [subway and maglev] corporations will be taken over by the federal government, or barring that, will have considerable federal government insight. As the current conventional railroad and rail track systems are not compatible with the maglev system, Harlan called for the expansion [to use a better word] of the existing maglev network to provide more service and to accommodate millions of people. The subway system will remain the way they are, but they will be updated, improved, and in some areas, upgraded. Harlan estimated the costs of expanding the maglev system as well as improving the subway system will “[i]be in the excess of up to $50 billion.[/i]” This does not take into account the cost of linking up the maglev system to every major city and town, from Brunel, Connecticut all the way to Karr, Maine. The costs of the reconstruction effort in Mercton, for one instance, had been increased from $1 billion to over $25 billion. Moreover, Harlan revealed what he termed the [b]SkyTran Plan[/b]. Currently under development by the company UniModal Transport Solutions, Inc. in conjunction with defense contractor Raytheon, [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyTran"]SkyTran[/url] proposes a system where lightweight two-passenger vehicles (‘pods’) are suspended from elevated passive magnetic levitation tracks. According to UniModal Transport Solutions, Harlan continued, “[i]SkyTran is projected to have the capacity of achieving the equivalent of over 200 miles per gallon…at 100 miles per hour or faster.[/i]" [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/SkyTran_Seattle2.jpg[/img][/center][center][i]An artist's rendering of the proposed SkyTran system[/i][/center] Much specifications and details about SkyTran are currently unknown and/or classified, given the highly-experimental system of the project, but what is certain is that the SkyTran will utilize the Inductrack passive magnetic levitation system instead of wheels, and would require no external power to levitate its vehicles, rather relying on shorted wire coils in the tracks to power the vehicles along. However, Harlan pointed out that the prospects of SkyTran taking off in the distance, no pun intended, is uncertain - once again - due to its experimental nature. It is unknown of what its final costs (to establish it in place, much less all over the country and even lesser to get it working) or even if it will be economically profitable or even feasible. It had faced some criticisms, the Minister of Transportation acknowledged, such as the lack of independent engineering analysis of the project (despite the fact that it’s proposed magnetic levitation system is currently under testing by Raytheon), the inexperience of its inventor Douglas Malewicki in building large-scale engineering projects, or the fact that UniModal has yet to announce any “[i]test projects or the signing of any contracts to build the system.[/i]” This doesn’t include the fact that some critics had lambasted it as 'vaporware', alluding that there are considerable negative and/or doubtful views about SkyTran’s prospects and even probability. In his concluding statement, Harlan envisaged that his namesake plan will “[i]transform J Andres as we know it[/i]” and further propel the country’s status as a great power, if not superpower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 14, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - After several years of inactivity and over a year of rebuilding, the [b]J Andres Federation of Industry[/b] is back! Not long after the success of the National Uprising of 2025, the heads of the corporations that had once and would once again form the Federation of Industry (Jtech, Woonsocket Wheat, Andrean Air, Endor Petrofuel Processing, and Oceanside Aluminum, so to name a few) embarked to reestablish their corporations to their former selves - and they succeeded. After considerable effort, patience, and perseverance - especially when getting funding from the Commune - the corporations had regained enough profit, influence, and scope to once again play a part in the J Andrean economy. With the reestablishment of the Federation of Industry came the institution of the [b]Industry Board[/b], a executive council for the Federation. Seats on the Industrial Board are set at a price of some $3 million per month, and each seat on the Board grants a corporation one vote. Financial responsibility of a particular corporation is determined by the percentage of seats that corporation holds in the Board (meaning that if, for instance, the Woonsocket Wheat holds 20 seats, it will be responsible for 20 percent of the Federation’s finances). Next came the election of the [b]Executive Board[/b], the Federation’s cabinet. The elected executives are: [quote][b]Federation Executive[/b]: William Gates (JTech) [b]Federation Executive Regent[/b]: Marc Dane (Andrean Air) [b]Executive of Public Affairs[/b]: Robert “Bob” Richards (Oceanside Aluminum) [b]Executive of International Affairs[/b]: Neal O’Brien (JTech) [b]Executive of Domestic Affairs[/b]: Gore Hussani (Oceanside Aluminum) [b]Executive of Charitable Affairs[/b]: Sean O’Mallory (Endor Petrofuel Processing) [b]Executive of Territorial Acquisition[/b]: Karl Wilhelm (JTech) [b]Executive of Resource Acquisition[/b]: Andy Marston (Woonsocket Wheat)[/quote] However, several government officials viewed the reestablishment of the Federation with varying degrees of concern and alarm. Though he welcomed the Federation back, President Richard Mercton nevertheless warned the Federation “[i]not to pull anything that could threaten the J Andrean people, their rights and liberties, their freedoms and democracy, and the Maritime Republic of J Andres as a whole[/i]” for the “[i]consequences will not be pretty.[/i]” He was, of course, alluding to the fact that he controlled the Federation’s former security arm, the Anchor Security, Inc., currently the Kommissazul. Edited June 14, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] [right]January 3, 2027[/right] ENDOR CUIDAD - Benjamin Richards, the Prime Minister-elect, was officially inaugurated in as the first Prime Minister of the Maritime Republic of J Andres. The [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=87506"]elections[/url] of December 2026, had resulted in the large, though not decisive, of the Anchor Party and mandated the formation of a coalition government between the Anchor and Nationalist parties, to be led by Richards once he took office. Speaking to a crowd of some 100,000 in front of the Commune legislative building in Endor Cuidad, Ben Richards inaugurated in “[i]an new era, not only for the Maritime Republic of J Andres, but also…its government, people, and values.[/i]” He went on to reiterate the campaign promise that he had made back in December 2026, to make J Andres “[i]one of the greatest, if not the, nations in the world and to bring in the new era of prosperity![/i]” One of the first order of business in office, Richards continued, was to “[i]downsize the Armed Forces, but at the same time, keep the Armed Forces sizeable enough to be a powerful deterrent to these that would threaten J Andres, its government, people, way of life, and/or its interests.[/i]” At this time, what he was referring to by the ‘Armed Forces’ was the Army - he had no tangible plan for any reduction of the Air Force or the Navy, both major component of J Andrean power. It was not clear of what extent that the new Prime Minister was willing to go to reduce the size of the Army - and the military for that fact. If he was not very clear on his military reduction plan, Richards was clear on the issue of economic growth and domestic strength; he declared that “[i]all taxes being levied in J Andres, ranging from FairTax to property taxes, will be reduced by three-fourths[/i] [with the possible exception of sin taxes, which would be doubled]” while all tariffs would be reduced by half, even though they will vary according to the interests of companies and corporations. In addition, Richards announced that he was going to sustain Social Security and all related organizations, stating that he was going to increase [more like divert] funding into this particular sector of the economy. Many sectors of the economy, including but not limited to health care and transportation, was going to receive considerable attention from not only the federal government, but also the provincial and local governments. Regarding the taxation system, Richards stated that not only was he reducing taxes and tariffs, but he was also going to transform the way the Internal Revenue Bureau (IRB) was ran; he was going to introduce a resolution mandating the simplification of the already simple tax forms and he planned to restrict and otherwise regulate the IRB’s powers and jurisdiction in regards to tax collection and other responsibilities. In his concluding statement, Richards generally reiterated his main points of his speech, this time focusing on the foreign and international sphere. He would seek “[i]to further, expand, and cement J Andres’s relationship with many nations of the world.[/i]” He would, for instance, sign treaties that would be “[i]mutually beneficial[/i]” to both sides and otherwise be cordial to any agreements that would benefit J Andres. However, he warned that J Andres will “[i]have the exclusive right to decide, establish and if necessary, defend its interests[/i]” and that no one, no one, will have the right to tell J Andres otherwise. With that, he finished his speech with his heartfelt expression of hope for “[i]lasting peace, one that will prevail in the world.[/i]” Edited June 16, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2010 [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Shortly after its reestablishment, the Federation of Industry, chaired by William Gates, voted to establish a new security organization under their leadership and control. Seeing as their former security organization, the Anchor Security, Inc. - now the Kommissazul - was no longer under their control and any attempts to regain it would be unthinkable, it was thus necessary to undertake such a step. The [b]Federation Bureau of Intelligence and Security (FBIS)[/b], but more popularly known as [b]Federation Security, Inc.[/b] or simply [b]Federation Security[/b], would serve the same role as the old Anchor Security did: to provide security for the Federation of Industry, garner intelligence, and defend its assets and interests. The Federation Security was also to serve as a military arm of the Federation. However, federal response to this move was not what the Federation expected. For one thing, Prime Minister Ben Richards, alarmed by this development, took action: the Commune passed the [b]Industry Security Regulation Act[/b]. Also known as the [i]Glass Act[/i], named after the Commune senator who proposed it, allowed the Federation to hire a maximum number of security personnel (no armed soldiers) equal or less to one percent of the current size of the Kommissazul. This meant the Federation was legally allowed to hire up to 700 security personnel at any time. The Act also forbade the Federation from maintaining an intelligence bureau, citing two reasons: firstly, intelligence is the responsibility of the federal government, not a business corporation. Secondly, the official name of the security organization (the Federation Bureau of Intelligence and Security) had the same abbreviation as that of the notorious Federal Bureau of Internal Security (FBIS). This, according to Richards, “[i]was a terrible move, which if followed through would cause considerable alarm and panic throughout J Andrean society, which is not something that we need.[/i]” Besides, the Federation was ordered to change the official name of the Federation Security to the [b]Federation Security Organization (FSO)[/b] or abandon it altogether. The Federation reluctantly complied with the former. Next, President Richard Mercton himself announced that he was placing the Federation under constant surveillance, ironically employing the Kommissazul to monitor Federation buildings and bases. Moreover, the Commune passed two more acts: the [b]Corporation Assets Regulation Act[/b] and the [b]Corporation Public and Regulation Standards Act[/b]. The former granted the federal government a thirty percent share in the Federation [in each corporation that made up the Federation], and enabled it to gain up to fifty-one percent share if needed. It also allowed the federal government to take over any and all assets of the Federation in event of any violations committed on the Federation‘s part. The latter prohibited the Federation from suing or otherwise bringing the federal government to trial in judicial courts regarding any policy or allegations without a “[i]reasonable and verifiable reason for such concerns.[/i]” With these actions, the federal government had quickly gained a decisive stronghold [more like stranglehold] over the Federation. However, the Federation was free to establish, develop, and conduct business all over J Andres whenever it desired - providing that it adhered to any of the three Acts stated above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 18, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2010 [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Several citizens, dissatisfied with the current political system - especially when the political parties seemed too left-wing or right-wing for their tastes - formed a new political party: the [b]Christian Democratic Party of J Andres (CDPJA)[/b]. [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Harrison_Ford_Cannes.jpg/220px-Harrison_Ford_Cannes.jpg[/img][/center][i][center]Jon "Hans" Solo[/center][/i] Under the leadership of founder Jon “Hans” Solo, the Christian Democratic Party embodies both the ideologies of the Nationalist Party and the Anchor Party, with some elements from the Communist Party. It promotes a small federal government, increased autonomy to provincial and local governments, increased focus on Christian values and morals, economic growth and development, and the fostering and consolidation of J Andrean culture, identity, and tradition. Regarding social, cultural, and moral issues, Christian Democrats are unified in their support. They oppose abortion, supports the consolidation of the concept of marriage as “[i]being between a man and woman[/i]”, oppose certain rights to same-sex marriages, promote traditional family values and public morality, support the ban on several issues ranging from drugs to euthanasia to pornography, as well other issues. As for the economy, they favor the development of the welfare and pension state already established in place in J Andres. They are generally in favor of large and small business; high taxes are deemed necessary if they are to further J Andres’s economy and enable them to spread God’s Word to the rest of the world. The concept of a mixed market economy receive considerable support from the Christian Democratic Party on the basis that the provincial and local governments would play a large part in the economy (the federal government would play a regulative part, nothing less or more). In the foreign affairs sphere, the Christian Democratic Party will establish and develop relations with other nations of the world, though it will place more emphasis on building relationships with Christian nations. It will not trade with any nations that have, for instance, poor human rights and other controversial issues. It supports a large and well-funded military and advocates the expansion of J Andres’s powers - not necessarily land expansion - as to enable J Andres to promote and defend its interests as well spread God’s Word. Though the election of 2026 is over, the Christian Democratic Party announced that it plans to run in the next election in 2030. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2010 (edited) [b]HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED[/b] According to various reports from Army and Kommissazul commands, as well as Army Forces Command, Air Force Defense Command, and Missile Defense Command, Project OMEGA has commenced - and it has been going well so far. Several defense contractors and military companies have signed contracts with the Armed Forces to produce the krakatoa mines, and production of the mines have begun. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, are set to be produced and when completed, are to be placed in mine launchers in the IUSS systems. Similarly, the SONAR emitters of Project Ultra, will be established in the IUSS network as per Project ULTRA. Besides, construction of a new IUSS network have begun around Catalina as a part of EAGLE EYE. Construction of the seawall, as a part of Project RIPTIDE, have begun. Tens of thousands of workers, specialists, and engineers have been dispatched to the J Andrean coast [as well as to Bermuda and Catalina] to commence construction of the seawall within J Andres’s EEZ. Moreover, the federal government issued instructions to the Armed Forces to temporarily expand J Andres’s EEZ and to impose an ‘exclusion zone’ alongside in J Andres’s EEZ as well these around Bermuda and Catalina; any foreign military vessels, except these belonging to allies, will not be allowed to cross into the EEZ. Any such ships approaching J Andrean territorial waters will be informed to stop and turn around; failing that, they will be decimated by the Navy, and J Andres will not be responsible for any such incidents. Project FORTRESS has made good progress so far. Like RIPTIDE, workers, specialists, engineers, and supervisors were employed in the tens of thousands to construct the Fortresses, as well to create pillboxes and prepare Czech hedgehogs, alongside the entirety of the J Andrean, Bermuda, and Catalina coasts. On a related note, the anti-aircraft, anti-missile, and anti-personnel guns - and RADAR installations - are being established in specific points all over the country (Project FIREBIRD). Fortification of J Andres’s borders have commenced as well, for thousands of workers, engineers, and specialists have begun construction alongside J Andres’s border and border areas. Huge quantities of supplies, equipment, and resources - as for all the other Projects - have been earmarked for Project ATHENS. Trenches and tunnels are being dug out of the ground while locations of krakatoa mines are being determined all over the country. [quote][b][u]UPDATE (J Andres)[/u][/b] [b]Project MUSHROOM:[/b] 25% [b]Project RIPTIDE:[/b] 10% [b]Project ULTRA:[/b] 10% [b]Project FORTRESS:[/b] 8.2% [b]Project FIREBIRD:[/b] 25% [b]Project ATHENS:[/b] 8.2% [b]Project EAGLE EYE:[/b] 17.8% [b][u]UPDATE (Bermuda)[/u][/b] [b]Project MUSHROOM:[/b] 25% [b]Project RIPTIDE:[/b] 25% [b]Project ULTRA:[/b] 25% [b]Project FORTRESS:[/b] 25% [b]Project FIREBIRD:[/b] 25% [b]Project ATHENS:[/b] 25% [b]Project EAGLE EYE:[/b] 15% [b][u]UPDATE (Catalina)[/u][/b] [b]Project MUSHROOM:[/b] 25% [b]Project RIPTIDE:[/b] 25% [b]Project ULTRA:[/b] 25% [b]Project FORTRESS:[/b] 25% [b]Project FIREBIRD:[/b] 25% [b]Project ATHENS:[/b] 25% [b]Project EAGLE EYE:[/b] 12.5%[/quote] Edited June 25, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2010 [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Minister of Finance Henry Morgenthau made a public address to the Commune, and in effect, the nation as a whole regarding the nation’s economic growth as well as its gross national produce (GDP). In his address, titled ‘[i]A Report on State of Affairs Pertaining to the Economy[/i]’ but known as the [b]GDP Address[/b], Morgenthau stated that in the two years since J Andres was reestablished, between 2025 and 2027, J Andres’s economy experienced an “[i]unprecedented degree of growth…which was never seen before in[/i] [J Andres’s] [i]history.[/i]” Explaining the reasons behind this explosive economic growth, Morgenthau indicated that several factors worked together to attain economic success, including but not limited to federal, provincial, and local government involvement in the economy in varying degrees; the contributions of the corporations and industries, both large and small, had made to the economy; the high degree of foreign and domestic investment in the economy; the abundance of J Andres’s resources and their competent management as well as their efficient distribution; the rational division of labor; and not to mention, J Andres’s fairly low tariffs and its sensible financial and fiscal policies. The prospects of low taxes as promised by the newly-elected Prime Minister Ben Richards further fueled public confidence in the economy, and it showed in its performance. According to Morgenthau’s sources [all verified by various financial analysts and advisers], J Andres’s GDP as of March 2027 stands at $4,106,041,987,960, or $4.106 trillion, making J Andres one of the largest and powerful economies in the world as well as North America’s leading economic power. The current GDP is nearly twice that of New England’s reported GDP of $2.510 trillion in 2015. In his conclusion, Morgenthau expressed confidence that the current growth of the economy will continue at a favorable rate and that the success and prosperity of J Andrean citizens will be further solidified. Several political commentators and journalists have, however, voiced concerns at the potential effects of J Andres’s “[i]economic miracle[/i]” on several issues such as the environment and labor rights, so to name a few. [center]---[/center] BARRE - The Commune ordered the closure of the only labor camp in J Andres, Camp Democracy. Located near the town of Barre, in central Vermont, Camp Democracy was established by the former New Englander regime with the intent of holding political prisoners and criminals judged “too dangerous for society”, as according to a document found in the old New Englander archives. At its peak, Camp Democracy housed about 800 inhabitants at one time and even temporarily housed prisoners from another labor camp [Camp Freedom in New York, now York] during New England’s war against GLS terrorists. According to Domestic Affairs Minister Brian Wilfork, maintaining the labor camp [at Camp Democracy] was proving to be a “[i]liability not only for J Andres, its people, its principles, but also the morals that we live by.[/i]” Camp Democracy, Wilfork continued, “[i]is now a unneeded burden that were placed on our shoulders by previous circumstances. There are more safer, cost-effective solutions that can be found in J Andres: the prisons and penitentiaries, administered by the provinces and the federal government.[/i]” According to the plan, about 700 inmates and 100 camp staff [administrators, guards, and faculty] currently in Camp Democracy will be transferred to various provincial and federal prisons and penitentiaries in Vermont and other provinces. [center]---[/center] MERCTON - Reconstruction of Mercton is now complete. According to the Mercton Reconstruction Commission, hundreds and even thousands of new houses, apartments, condos, as well as mansions have been rebuilt and/or rebuilt. Thousands of new buildings - skyscrapers, now sleek in design and taller than ever before in appearance - have been built in the nearly two or so years that it took to rebuild J Andres’s largest city. As a report by the Commission indicated, it cost over “[i]1 billion[/i]” in costs and wages to complete the entire construction project. Not only that, but it also cost millions more to ’activate’ the city’s infrastructure - such as roads, bridges, dams, railways. Not only that, but now statues of King Josef I and President Richard Mercton - and Ben Richards, Adrik Annan, and Joel Brunel - now had been established everywhere in the city. The Commission, having successfully completed the task, then proceeded to dissolve itself, its chairman resigning. [center][img]http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/LordJedcjt/Untitled-3.png[/img][/center][center][i]The new Mercton[/i][/center] Not only has the city took in a new, fresh appearance, but so had its population. As a reporter of the Boston Journal stated, “[i]the citizens of Mercton walk around with supreme confidence…despite the fact that their city is not the capital anymore, there is a general air of power and prosperity. They are very well-dressed, like people going around with a sense of purpose.[/i]” Indeed, Mercton looked like a brand-new city, with much of its old blocks being cleared away and old buildings being demolished to create more public space with the intent of fueling urban expansion and growth. Its roads were “[i]very clean and polished[/i]” while its sidewalks were “[i]configured for pedestrian safety.[/i]” To ensure that it remained that way, the city’s Commune had passed a series of laws that imposed severe consequences for violations, such as littering, spitting, and smoking, so to name a few. Indeed, Mercton looked vastly different than it had back in 2020, when it was known as Boston, and even 2025, when reconstruction began. Not only was Mercton brand-new, but the city was bustling with success and prosperity. With the creation of new public space generated by the reconstruction project, dozens of stores and shops, as well as companies, corporations, and industries, had established themselves in the city and were “swimming in profits”, so to put it aptly. The Mercton Commune reported that hundreds of citizens were entering the city a day, propelling its population. Where Mercton had a population of some 620,000 in 2020, it was projected to have a population in excess of 1.2 million by 2030, to reach three million by 2035. It was the fastest rate of growth ever recorded in the city’s history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2010 [b]CLASSIFIED[/b] Following the beginning of the United States of China’s crusade against the illegal Articuno Islands regime in northern China, the J Andrean High Command headquartered in Fort Farnum issued several orders: Firstly, all three branches of the Armed Forces - the Army, Navy, and Air Force - were placed in a state of high alert. No orders for conscription nor mobilization were issued, but Army and Kommissazul soldiers were now ready for deployment at a moment’s notice, should it be issued. Several squadrons of the Air Force began patrolling J Andrean airspace, especially these around Catalina. Navy ships began patrolling the EEZ. Secondly, the nation and its two overseas bases were elevated to DEFCON 3. All defense installations and bases (missile and anti-aircraft defenses) - both complete and incomplete - were also placed on heightened alert. Missile silos and bases were also put online, ready for action. Thirdly, J Andrean military satellites circling the globe were activated. The same went for the SDI as its missiles and communication centers were placed on standby mode. Security at airports and ports all over J Andres and its overseas territories were elevated slightly, but business would go on as usual - except for increased security checks, body inspections, and more stricter traveling requirements, but nothing less or more. Besides, torpedo and missile launchers alongside the EEZ were activated and fully put online, ready to be fired. J Andres would be ready for war if needed, and it was watching the situation in Asia very closely and carefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Domestic Affairs Minister Brian Wilfork announced that the Commune had voted to pass a resolution reducing taxes and tariffs as according to Prime Minister Ben Richards’s plan regarding economic growth and domestic strength. Wilfork explained that all tariffs - with the possible exception of environmental tariffs as well as the exemption of certain industries, such as petroleum - will be reduced to minimum levels, “[i]no more than three percent of the total.[/i]” This is to bolster foreign as well as domestic investment and add a degree of growth to J Andres’s already-prosperous economy. As a part of the wider [i]Resolution For Economic Prosperity and Domestic Growth[/i], also known as the [b]Williams Act[/b], named after Commune senator Richard Williams who proposed the act, moved to reduce the national tax rate from 30 percent to 23 percent. This move, facing considerable opposition from National Party members as well as some Communist and Social Traditionalist Party members, was to “[i]optimize the amount of funding that the J Andrean Government derives for the general purpose of furthering the nation’s[/i] [economic and domestic growth][i]….as well as to strengthen the nation as a whole.[/i]” “[i]This move[/i] [by Richards’s government] [i]would deprive J Andres in the fact that it will take away much prerogative from J Andres to promote and defend her interests in the wider world due to lack of funds and resources.[/i]” Jules Rolfe, National Party member, stated in a session of the Commune. “[i]It can't happen here![/i]” However, the Anchor Party responded by pointing out that “[i]higher tax rates does not necessarily entail higher returns.[/i]” Prime Minister Ben Richards reiterated that J Andres will not neglect its duty of promoting and defending its interests, and that his government “[i]will find various ways to utilize all necessary resources and to raise the required funds.[/i]” According to the provisions of the Williams Act, the act is to take effect on January 1, 2028, and is expected to succeed in its objectives. Also, simplified tax forms (known as IRB Tax Forms) are to be introduced in effect and will be primarily used to determine citizens’ incomes as well as calculate taxes to be paid to the federal government of the Maritime Republic of J Andres. The Tax Forms will also be used to calculate taxes to be derived from corporations, industries, and stores as per the FairTax and to factor in exemptions, rebates, along with others. [center]---[/center] ENDOR CUIDAD - Minister of the Navy Chester W. Nimitz announced that construction of the four ships (a destroyer, cruiser, landing ship, and corvette), [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=85523&view=findpost&p=2306705"]announced by War and Defense Minister Joel Brunel[/url] on May 21, 2025, had now begun according to schedule. Furthermore, Nimitz continued, the ships will be built through the combined efforts and contributions by various military industries and defense contractors, particularly JTech of the Federation and Raytheon Company. The ships will be constructed in several shipyards all alongside the J Andrean coast. On a somewhat related note, William Gates, Executive of the Federation of Industry and one of the leading officials of JTech, announced that the Federation had entered into what he called “[i]technology package deals[/i]” with various technology and engineering institutes, military and domestic contractors, and manufacturers. So far, negotiations had yielded successful results and JTech had obtained five of such 'package deals' (also called 'tech deals' by some reporters and journalists) at the cost of $15 million total - $3 million per deal - and were currently working on a sixth deal. Moreover, the technology derived from such deals will be built into the four planned ships as well everywhere in J Andres where they would be needed for civilian and military purposes. It is expected that the powerful economy will be given a further boost for they will reduce the costs of production and enable citizens to make more money, thus enabling them to have more prosperous lives. The ships are to be commissioned into service no later than 2030 and be launched by 2032. [center]---[/center] ENDOR CUIDAD - It had been announced that UniModal Transport Solutions, Inc. had entered into a contact with JTech through a deal between Douglas Malewicki and William Gates, as well as several other Federation officials. As according to the contract, JTech would take part in the current, ongoing efforts to build the SkyTran system. It would assume part of the costs (and part of UniModal’s debt) and send engineering analysts to evaluate the probability of SkyTran as well to provide advice that would help UniModal to address any issues that might surface regarding SkyTran. In turn, JTech would receive a fixed share of profits and allowances that SkyTran was projected to bring when it was put in place. This announcement eased somewhat some of the doubts, criticisms, and concerns voiced by SkyTran’s critics. But still, “[i]just because UniModal signed a contract does not mean that SkyTran will actually take off, pun intended.[/i]” A journalist stated on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the subject. “[i]There are lot of work to do, of which will involve a lot of factors that will need addressing.[/i]” He was alluding to the fact that SkyTran’s magnetic levitation system is still under testing by Raytheon. Despite the doubts, progress toward a working SkyTran system in J Andres had been given a “[i]push, then a shove, and therefore a boost[/i]” by the deal between UniModal and JTech. Though he didn’t specifically state precisely the amount of funding that he would invest in the SkyTran project, William Gates did indicate that it “[i]went in the hundreds of millions, possibly more.[/i]” Edited June 23, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2010 (edited) [b]HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED[/b] Project OMEGA had seen impressive progress and results so far. In mainland J Andres, production of the krakatoa mines, for Project MUSHROOM, are nearing completion and Navy engineers have even begun to fit the new mines in few mine launchers in some places underwater in the EEZ. Around Catalina, the EEZ network have been rapidly built around the island and are nearing completion. On a related note, as per Project EAGLE EYE, the existing IUSS network alongside J Andres’s mainland coast are steadily being updated to latest technological standards; some modifications and repairs, as well as upgrades, are being made to the overall system. Any defunct arrays, launchers, and stations are either removed and replaced with new ones, or they are repaired. As stated earlier, a new branch of the IUSS network are currently being constructed around Catalina. As for the other projects, portions of the seawall are currently being built alongside J Andres’s coast, though they are nearing completion. Workers, supervisors, and engineers are working hard around the clock to help make the entire project to fruition. This can be seen in the progress in all projects in Bermuda and Catalina. Huge fortresses are currently being built in J Andres and its two overseas bases, even though it is taking some time and effort in the mainland due to the length of its coastline and rugged landscape, in contrast to the tiny islands [Bermuda and Catalina], which are reported to be “75 percent completed”, as according to a classified report by the Ministry of War and Defense. As for Projects FIREBIRD and ATHENS, hundreds of anti-aircraft, anti-missile, and anti-personnel guns have been and/or are currently being established all over the country; engineers are currently hard at work installing hundreds of krakatoa mines in many beaches alongside J Andres‘s coast, in addition to installing radio signal receivers/transmitters. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Czech hedgehogs and pillboxes have been or are being constructed as of currently. In roads, highways, and freeways in many parts of J Andres, hundreds and even thousands of krakatoa mines, traps, etc are being implemented in place. The same goes for RADAR stations, which are being built in the hundreds as a part of Project FIREBIRD. [quote][b][u]UPDATE (J Andres)[/u][/b] [b]Project MUSHROOM[/b]: 75% [b]Project RIPTIDE[/b]: 30% [b]Project ULTRA[/b]: 30% [b]Project FORTRESS[/b]: 25.2% [b]Project FIREBIRD[/b]: 75% [b]Project ATHENS[/b]: 24.8% [b]Project EAGLE EYE[/b]: 51.4% [b][u]UPDATE (Bermuda)[/u][/b] [b]Project MUSHROOM[/b]: 75% [b]Project RIPTIDE[/b]: 75% [b]Project ULTRA[/b]: 75% [b]Project FORTRESS[/b]: 75% [b]Project FIREBIRD[/b]: 75% [b]Project ATHENS[/b]: 75% [b]Project EAGLE EYE[/b]: 45.5% [b][u]UPDATE (Catalina)[/u][/b] [b]Project MUSHROOM[/b]: 75% [b]Project RIPTIDE[/b]: 75% [b]Project ULTRA[/b]: 75% [b]Project FORTRESS[/b]: 75% [b]Project FIREBIRD[/b]: 75% [b]Project ATHENS[/b]: 75% [b]Project EAGLE EYE[/b]: 36.5%[/quote] Edited June 25, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] KISSINGER - The City of Regnissi is now the [b]City of Kissinger[/b]. Formerly known as Bridgeport in the days of the first United States, New England, and the Federated States, the city’s Commune voted 237-63 to change (more like modify) the name from the confusing Regnissi, which had been the source of countless misspelling due to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. As one local Commune senator put it, “[i]we want to dedicate this City in honor of[/i] [Woodrow] [i]Kissinger, and one that will make it clear and precise and in a way that will proper celebrate the achievements and contributions that Kissinger had made for[/i] [the first] [i]J Andres in its history.[/i]” If we retain the current name as it is, the senator continued, “[i]we not only butcher Kissinger’s role in J Andres’s history, but we also twist his legacy.[/i]” He was referring to the fact that Regnissi is basically Kissinger spelled backwards, with the ‘K’ letter removed. [center][img]http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20061219204245/cybernations/images/d/db/Rumsfield.jpg[/img][/center][center][i]Woodrow Kissinger in early 1985[/i][/center] Prior to his assassination in June 1985, Woodrow Kissinger served as the first Minister of War and Defense, of which he retained that position for three years. Before Josef Mercton rose to power, Kissinger served as the head of the Rhode Island Maritime Colony in the formative years of 1980-1. He helped to propel Mercton to power during the Initiation War (Kissinger was a brilliant strategist to such an extent that he single-handedly won the war). After Kissinger’s assassination, an air force base was built and named after him in his honor (the Woodrow Kissinger Air Force Base). --- [right]November 22, 2027[/right] ENDOR CUIDAD - On this particular day, large crowds assembled in Endor Cuidad, Mercton, Providence, Annan, Richards, Kissinger, Lanier, and the other major cities and towns across J Andres. It was November 22, 2027, the tenth anniversary of a terrible event that forever changed New England, and in a way, J Andres. Ten years previously, to this day, the handsome and dashing New Englander President John Fitzgerald Kennedy boarded a jetliner with his wife on a trip to the Commonwealth of Texas. He never returned, having been slain by an assassin’s bullet while his limousine cruised through Texas’ streets. The events of November 22, 2017, greatly shocked and traumatized the Republic of New England, its government, and people - and elevated Kennedy to a near-mythic status, illustrated by the fact that many statues of Kennedy still dot J Andres, particularly in Mercton and Solanger (formerly Cambridge). Most famous is the statue of Kennedy that stands in Darach Park, in Jubilife, Disparu, that faces toward Mercton. Not only is Jack Kennedy being honored by the people and government of J Andres, but so is his brother Robert Kennedy. The younger Kennedy, who served as Attorney General under his brother and Lyndon Johnson and went on to run for Governor of New York State, was shot by a fanatic on June 6, 2024, while touring New York City. He was 42 years old. After the War of National Liberation, President Richard Mercton launched an investigation on the assassination of the Kennedy brothers. In Robert’s case, it was discovered that the FBIS was involved; on J Edgar Hoover’s orders, it had, in 2022 through 2024, stalked Robert Kennedy and bugged his apartment and place of work. The FBIS hired the ‘fanatic’, named Sirhan Sirhan, to carry out the assassination. As for Jack Kennedy, there is no concrete evidence that anyone else other than the assassin shot the President or that there was any conspiracy (though it is strongly suspected, and that continues on in conspiracy theories circles) afoot. Compounding the difficulty of resolving JFK’s assassination is the fact that many documents were destroyed sometimes before or during the ’civil war’ of 2025. President Richard Mercton, Prime Minister Ben Richards, and King Josef I, along with members of the Kennedy family, stood solemnly in front of the Massachusetts State House (the former New Englander Capitol), in Mercton as a moment of silence was observed at precisely 12:30pm, when Jack Kennedy was shot, and 1pm, when Kennedy was announced dead. The President, Prime Minister, and King, as well as several members of the Kennedy family - such as Kennedy’s widow, Jackie - plan to fly to the United States of America to visit Kennedy’s grave in Washington, D.C. Edited June 26, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingChris Posted June 26, 2010 Report Share Posted June 26, 2010 "The guests from J Andres will be most welcome into Washington during this time. The government of Texas also resubmits its unchanged report to anyone involved in the former government of New England, and it continues to assert that the people directly accused in its report were responsible for the assassination. [quote][center][font="Courier New"][size=3]President's Commission On the Assassination of New England President Kennedy[/size][size=1] 1300 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, Texas Telephone 463-5495[/center] The President The Presidential Palace Austin, Texas Dear Mr. President, Your commission to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 2017, having completed its assignment in accordance with Executive Order No. 112 of November 29, 2017, hereby submits its final report. [right]Respectfully, John Smiley, Chairman Lorenzo Burleson Edward de Zavala Mirabeau Burnet David Lamar Samuel Jones Anson Houston[/right] Let it be known that this Commission’s purpose is to act as an alternative Commission released by the Government of New England, which proposes a different theory, which suggests that a different course of action should be taken. On November 22, 2017 at approximately 1230 hours, a gunman suspected to be named Lee Harvey Oswald shot at both the President of Texas and the President of New England as it was passing the Texas Schoolbook Depository Building in Dallas, Texas. Both victims were rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital. At 1300 hours, Kennedy was pronounced dead, while doctors identified Nguyen in a critical state. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested at approximately 1350 hours. However, on November 24, 2017, at 1121 hours, Oswald was shot by a nightclub owner named Jack Ruby. Ruby was placed into police custody, and Oswald was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital, and was pronounced dead at 1307 hours. Three bullets were fired towards the motorcade containing The President of The Commonwealth of Texas and The President of New England. According to tests by The Judicial Agency of Investigation and Intelligence on Oswald’s rifle, only three shots could have been fired during the five to eight seconds that the open limousine passed by the Texas Schoolbook Depository. However, the possibility that all three bullets came from the same gun has been eliminated. The weight of the bullet fragments taken from Nguyen and those remaining in his body supposedly totaled more than could have been missing from the bullet found on Nguyen's stretcher, known as the "pristine bullet". However, witness testimony seems to indicate that only tiny fragments, of less total mass than was missing from the bullet, were left in Nguyen. In addition, the trajectory of the bullet, which hit Kennedy above the right shoulder blade and passed through his neck (according to the autopsy), supposedly would have had to change course to pass through Nguyen's rib cage and wrist. Therefore, it can be assumed that shots were fired from in front of the motorcade, namely the Grassy Knoll. Thirty-five witnesses who were present at the shooting thought that shots were fired from in front of the President — from the area of the Grassy Knoll or Triple Underpass — while 56 eyewitnesses thought the shots came from the Depository, or at least in that direction, behind the President, and 5 witnesses thought that the shots came from two directions. The Texas First Lady was sitting in the presidential car next to her husband, President Chris Nguyen. Nguyen was adamant that her husband was hit by a bullet that was separate from the two that hit Kennedy. Roy Kellerman, a New England Secret Service Agent, testified that, "Now, in the seconds that I talked just now, a flurry of shells come into the car." Kellerman said that he saw a 5-inch diameter hole in the back right-hand side of the New England President’s head. Lee Bowers was operating a railroad interlocking tower, overlooking the parking lot just north of the grassy knoll and west of the Texas School Book Depository. He reported that he saw two men behind the picket fence at the top of the grassy knoll before the shooting. However, the men had moved in front of the fence by the time the motorcade went by and the shooting occurred. Clint Hill, the New England Secret Service Agent who was sheltering the New England President with his body on the way to the hospital, described "The right rear portion of his head was missing. It was lying in the rear seat of the car." Later, to a National Geographic documentary film crew, he described the large defect in the skull as "gaping hole above his right ear, about the size of my palm." Robert McClelland, a physician in the emergency room who observed the head wound, testified that the back right part of the head was blown out with posterior cerebral tissue and some of the cerebellar tissue was missing. The size of the back head wound, according to his description, indicated it was an exit wound, and that a second shooter from the front delivered the fatal head shot, or the New Englander president had his head turned. Rose Cherami was a 41-year-old drug addict and prostitute who was picked up on Highway 190 near Eunice, Louisiana, on November 20, 2017- two days before the Kennedy assassination-by Lt. Francis Frugé of the Louisiana Police. Cherami told Frugé that John F. Kennedy would shortly be killed. Fruge did not believe her at first, but after some time of adamant speaking by Cherami, he came around. During her confinement, and prior to the time JFK was shot in Dallas, Cherami supposedly spoke of the impending assassination. After Jack Ruby shot Lee Harvey Oswald, Cherami reportedly claimed that she had worked for Ruby as a stripper, that she knew both Ruby and Oswald, and that the two men were "bed partners" who "had been shacking up for years." According to Lt. Frugé, Cherami declined to repeat her story to The Judicial Agency of Investigation and Intelligence. She was killed when struck by a car on September 4, 2019, apparently while hitchhiking, near Gladewater, Texas. Numerous witnesses reported hearing shots come from the Dal-Tex building, located directly across from the Texas Schoolbook Depository. It is possible that a bullet fired from the Dal-Tex building injured bystander James Tague. It should be noted that Oswald spent time living in the Slavorussian Empire (OOC: Equivalent to Soviet Union), which may have influenced Oswald to collaborate with Slavorussians and Tahoans (OOC: Tahoe owns Cuba) to attempt assassinations on both Presidents. New England Stasi agents report that upon searching the area in which the event occurred, they found no shooters. This may have been a cover-up, as evidence points to shooters in the Dal-Tex building and the Grassy Knoll. Kennedy visited Texas during a time where the Amerikanisches Reich held a claim on Texas and enforced hostilities. Supported by them were Tahoe, the Imperial Union, the Federation of Pravus Ingruo, New Anglica, and Carthage. One or more of these nations may have arranged the plot. An important theory revolves on the current President of New England Lyndon Baines Johnson. New England President Kennedy was seeking reelection of the Presidential Office at the time, and during the process Johnson, the standing Vice-President, feared he would be dropped from the ticket. Johnson may have then arranged an assassination with the New England Central Intelligence Agency to assassinate the New England President. He could have arranged for The Texas President to also be shot in order to mask his involvement in the plot. It should be noted that Johnson was born and raised in Texas, the place where the event occurred. Kennedy was married to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier before the assassination. It is reported that Kennedy spent much time with a model by the name of Marilyn Monroe. Rumors even indicate that Kennedy had an affair with Ms. Monroe. In this event, if Mrs. Kennedy discovered the affair, she could have arranged for Kennedy to be killed, along with anyone trying to cooperate with him, in an act of revenge. Her reactions at the Kennedy funeral may have been feigned. Before turning on Main Street, the motorcade was stopped by a man who wildly tried to warn the motorcade not to take Elm Street. His involvement with the plot is unknown, but he has been taken into custody for interrogation. Finally, the Commission focuses on Jack Ruby, the person who murdered Lee Harvey Oswald, severely limiting any evidence that could have been taken regarding the event. This theory states that Ruby was not a Kennedy sympathizer, but an accomplice of Oswald, and shot Oswald to cover up any evidence that may have been opened up. Ruby currently is in Texan custody. Therefore, this report finds the following: Oswald was involved in a conspiracy that plotted to kill President Kennedy and possibly injure or kill President Nguyen. Those involved in the conspiracy were Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby, other gunmen, New England Stasi agents, and possibly the New England Central Intelligence Agency, the Slavorussian Empire, Tahoe, the Amerikanisches Reich, the Imperial Union, the Federation of Pravus Ingruo, New Anglica, Carthage, Lyndon Johnson, and Jacqueline Bouvier.[/font][/size][/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted June 27, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2010 "We have received the report, and would like to thank the United States of America for its support and assistance. It is what we needed, and would provide much-needed testimony and evidence that would assist in the resolution of the long-standing case." - Mickey Bethesda, Minister of Foreign Affairs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Since it’s implementation, the Neighborhood Watch system had in less than a year proved to be a major success. In many neighborhoods in major cities and towns across J Andres, crime had been all but eliminated. Any vandals, criminals, and hooligans of all sorts had been weeded out and turned over the appropriate law enforcement, contributing to the decline in the already-low national crime rate. Even in places with high crime rates, the Neighborhood Watch proved to be decisive in making the streets safe once again, even at night. Not only that, but the Neighborhood Watch played a role in ‘beautifying’ the J Andrean residential blocks and the countryside. They cleaned up the streets, planted flowers, grass, and even trees in what was called 'flowering campaigns', mowed the lawns, sheared the bushes, along with others. To ensure that the neighborhood remained clean and tidy, the Watches imposed strict laws mandating citizens to “[i]do their responsibilities in…maintaining the social community of their neighborhoods[/i]” and introduced stiff penalties for any violations (for instance, citizens were fined $100 for smoking, $300 for spitting, and so on). Repeat offenders were either detained and brought to the police, or were given more tasks and responsibilities, or were caned twenty times with a special, thick cane. The severity of the blows would depend on the severity of the offender’s ‘wrongdoings’. [center][img]http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/491/872neighborhood.jpg[/img][/center][center][i]A neighborhood in the suburbs outside Richards, Massachusetts[/i][/center] Keeping in mind the success of the system and its potency to serve a larger part in J Andrean society, the Commune thus voted to pass the [b]Neighborhood Watch Enforcement Act[/b] that mandated that at least one-fourths of members in a single Neighborhood Watch acquire firearms for self-defense. They are to legally register the weapons at the nearest police headquarters, are to be at least twenty-one years old to operate the weapons (no assault rifles or any heavy weapons), and were presented with strict standards of which they were to expected to follow. For instance, if a member used the weapons for wrong purposes, such as shooting citizens for no reason, he/she would be expelled from the Watch and turned over to law enforcement authorities. Moreover, to enhance public security and safety, control and jurisdiction of Public Safety Councils (PSCs), which runs the Neighborhood Watches, was transferred from local governments to the Stasi. A new department, the [b]Public Safety Department (PSD)[/b], was created within the Stasi for the formal responsibility of administrating all the PSCs, and thus the Neighborhood Watches, all over the nation. [center]---[/center] PROVIDENCE - Minister Anthony Harlan announced that the expansion of the existing maglev system in J Andres has duly begun - and that in some areas, construction had begun well ahead of schedule. According to Harlan, the National Maglev Solutions, Inc., a major government-owned corporation, had begun laying tracks alongside a route stretching from the city of Mercton through Endor Cuidad to the city of Kissinger. This will be among the first extensions of the existing maglev system. Moreover, all electromagnetic and mechanical parts had been ordered from various companies and factories and all the necessary resources procured for this purpose. Another route is in the works that will link up several cities, beginning with Richards and continuing on to the city of Karr, in Maine. According to a federal government report, it is estimated that the maglev system will crisscross the majority of J Andres, linking up most, if not all, its cities and towns, by the year 2050. The final costs and expenses have not been determined, despite the fact that it had been estimated to be in the range of $50 billion - even though there are some early reports that it will rise up to $500 billion, possibly more, by that time. Edited July 2, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Raytheon announced the results of its testing of SkyTran’s proposed magnetic levitation system, Inductrack. According to its engineers, specialists, and analysts who participated in and/or witnessed the testing procedures, the tests “was a remarkable success.” According to a Raytheon team of developers and engineers who worked on the test project, Inductrack is an “[i]electrodynamic system (EDS)[/i]” in the sense that “[i]large superconducting magnet coils mounted on the sides of the train generate high-intensity magnetic field poles[/i]” and that the interaction of the “[i]current between the coils and the track levitates the train[/i]”, or so according to a report generated by the team. Moreover, the magnetic levitation system generates a force that places the weight of the [train] at a stable position and “[i]do not require the feedback control systems that EMS trains use to stabilize levitation.[/i]” However, it should be kept in mind that during the testing, it was discovered that the superconducting magnetic coils must be kept at temperatures at around 5 kelvins, as to avoid overheating, thus necessitating the installation of expensive electrically-powered cryogenic equipment to rectify the situation. Experimenting with a full-scale model of Inductrack, the Raytheon team noted that as the train moved over the track, “[i]permanent magnets induce a current in the track circuits….[/i][which] [i]generates a magnetic field that repels the magnet arrays, causing levitation and inherent stability.[/i]” Thus, as long as the train is moving above a few kilometers per hour - a little faster than walking speed - it will levitate approximately 25 millimeters above the track’s surface. One reason for this is that the track is made with “[i]a close-packed array of electrically shorted circuits…[/i][which] [i]form a ladderlike array of ‘rungs’ containing cabled insulated wire[/i]”, making levitation possible. One important component, as Raytheon noted, is that Inductrack uses a power source, such as an electrical drive system or other similar engine, to “[i]to accelerate the train until it is levitated and to overcome aerodynamic drag.[/i]” The amount of power required, the report continued, would depend on the train’s weight and its maximum speed - thus making SkyTran different from any of the existing maglev systems. To put it, the testing of Inductrack was a major success, and Raytheon, JTech, and other companies involved in the project are preparing to advance to the next step, that of charting and evaluating the possibility of incorporating the Inductrack system into a nationwide SkyTran transportation network as well as receiving financial support and investments from federal, provincial, and local governments and investors. JTech, in fact, had announced that it will file all of the necessary government grant applications on Malewicki’s behalf, taking into consideration his distaste for government bureaucracy. This development would prove to be a boon for UniModal Solutions, Inc. in its bid to build a working SkyTran system. “[i]This is a groundbreaking development.[/i]” Douglas Malewicki, founder of UniModal, stated in a press statement in the nation’s capital. “[i]SkyTran, long a dim preposition, had now become a reality![/i]” [center]---[/center] [b]HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED[/b] Much progress had been made in all facets of Project OMEGA, the ongoing effort to fortify J Andres from outside attack. Firstly, in the mainland, Bermuda, and Catalina, Project MUSHROOM is now complete. Millions of krakatoa mines had been successfully manufactured, delivered to the appropriate Army and Navy departments taking part in the overall project, and placed in bomblets in tens of thousands, if not millions, of mine launchers installed all over J Andres’s EEZ (including its overseas territories). Moreover, the data packets had already been installed in the mine launchers and is connected to the larger IUSS network. Secondly, Project RIPTIDE is reported nearly half-way complete in mainland J Andres, but has been finished in Bermuda and Catalina. A large sea wall could be seen, through satellites or at sea, stretching alongside the J Andrean coast for miles and miles. An observer sailing just outside the J Andrean EEZ would see openings at certain intervals. Bermuda and Catalina is now ringed with the sea wall and is now all but impenetrable. As for Project ULTRA, SONAR emitters had been built in the thousands on the ocean floor. So far, this particular project had been declared to be 40 percent complete in mainland J Andres, but fully completed around Bermuda and Catalina. In the case of the latter, the emitters are fully linked up to the overall IUSS network, and so on to various command centers all the way to Fort Farnum. On Bermuda, all seventeen Fortresses had been built and completed; the same went for 54 Fortresses on Catalina. 75 out of the planned 200 Fortresses had been successfully built alongside J Andrean coast. On Bermuda and Catalina, the anti-aircraft guns are in place, the krakatoa mines in position on the beaches, and pillboxes and Czech hedgehogs stored deep inside the Fortresses’ storage rooms. On the mainland, workers are busy placing the krakatoa mines on the beaches and affixing the anti-aircraft guns in place. The Czech hedgehogs and pillboxes are currently being produced, delivered, and are being placed in the completed Fortresses. As for Projects FIREBIRD and ATHENS, Bermuda and Catalina is fully fortified against outside aggression. The anti-aircraft flak guns - 75mm, 90mm, 120mm - and missile launchers has been established in place and are now fully online. The same goes for RADAR installations, bases, pillboxes, and bunkers. Krakatoa mines are now embedded alongside Bermuda and Catalina’s roads and highways; trenches, tunnels, minefields, electric fences, and barbed wire intersperse the entirety of these two territories; booby traps are in place; and thousands of batteries are in position. In the mainland, it is a work in progress for the most part, reaching approximately 37.4% completion for ATHENS, but is now fully completed in FIREBIRD. J Andres is now protected against air and missile attacks. Project EAGLE EYE is currently a work in progress for J Andres and its territories. The existing IUSS network is being updated and upgraded; it is nearly half-way complete around Catalina and is being connected to Fort Farnum. [quote][b][u]UPDATE (J Andres)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: 40% Project ULTRA: 40% Project FORTRESS: 37.4% Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: 37.4% Project EAGLE EYE: 67.3% [b][u]UPDATE (Bermuda)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ULTRA: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FORTRESS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project EAGLE EYE: 52% [b][u]UPDATE (Catalina)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ULTRA: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FORTRESS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project EAGLE EYE: 43.8%[/quote] Edited July 3, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] [b]BREAKING NEWS![/b][right]May 8, 2028[/right] ENDOR CUIDAD - Josef Mercton, the former President and up then the King of J Andres, passed away yesterday. He was seventy-four years old. The aging King died peacefully in his bed at his residence in Endor Cuidad, surrounded by his family, relatives, and friends. [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Joseph_Stalin.jpg/401px-Joseph_Stalin.jpg[/img][/center][center][i]The final photograph of Josef Mercton, taken in early 2028[/i][/center] Born in Fort Farnum on February 25, 1954 in what was once the state of Rhode Island in the first United States of America, Josef Mercton grew up in a high-class family. Raised in a true military tradition by his family, Mercton attended the University of Rhode Island, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Ideologies. He went on to attend the Fort Farnum Military Academy, located on the fields of Fort Farnum itself, where upon graduating in 1976, he was drafted into the Rhode Island Colony Militia. Upon becoming Commander of Fort Farnum in 1980, Mercton went to play an increasing role in the secession of Rhode Island in December of that year that brought forth the collapse of the first United States. With the formation of the first Maritime Republic of J Andres in September 1981, Mercton became a General in the newly-formed J Andrean Army, where he led the infant nation to ultimate victory by 1982, becoming its first President. [center][img]http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20061022133824/cybernations/images/4/4d/Stalin_02.jpg[/img][/center][i][center]Mercton shortly after being nominated to the position of the[/i] [first] [i]President of J Andres, in 1981[/center][/i] As President, Mercton led J Andres to prosperity during the 1980s, where he promoted the rise of democracy in the nation, which until then had been ruled as a dictatorship. He also led J Andres to victory in several more wars that ensued during the 1980s as J Andres was getting on its feet. Upon losing the election in 1986 for the first time, Mercton was crowned King on December 25, 1986, in the midst of the Red Revolt as to prevent a Communist takeover of J Andres that had occurred during that year. From onwards, he was known as King Josef I (short for [i]His Majesty, General Josef the First, King of J Andres and it‘s Empire[/i]), a title he would retain for the rest of his life. In the course of the 1990s to the 2010s, Mercton witnessed the expansion of J Andres, both in power and land, as well as its decline and collapse. During that time, his son and current President of J Andres Richard Mercton was born via an accelerated age growth program initiated by JTech. The King went into quiet retirement after the establishment of the Republic of New England under John Fitzgerald Kennedy in April 2011. However, he would be thrust back on the throne with the reestablishment of the second Maritime Republic of J Andres in 2016 under the leadership of his son, Richard Mercton. In 2020, Josef I went back to retirement once again when J Andres collapsed once again and was incorporated into New England. Despite his estrangement from Richard, which had occurred sometimes prior to 2017, Josef nevertheless supported his son during the National War of Liberation in 2025, which led to the third establishment of J Andres - with Josef as its King once again. Prime Minister Ben Richards declared a week of national mourning as crowds of sobbing mourners lined the streets of Endor Cuidad, Mercton, Providence, Annan, Richards, along with many other cities and towns. Flags across the nation were placed on half-mast, the same went for J Andrean embassies in many countries. In an emotional address to the nation, in front of a crowd of some 300,000 mourners that had gathered in the capital, a teary-eyed Richards stated that “[i]the death of our beloved King, a wondrous figure who had played so much role in J Andres - indeed, one who made J Andres the way it is now - is a terrible blow to all of us. The passing of King Josef is something that we will never truly recover from, but also something that we must move on as to remember his legacy. Only through that can we truly show an example for not only for the J Andrean people and government, but also future generations to come.[/i]” Richards went on to say that through King Josef is now home in Heaven, with the Lord, “[i]he will never be forgotten, for he will always be in our hearts. God bless Josef Mercton, amen.[/i]” President Richard Mercton could not be reached for comment, but it had been stated that Richard is grieving. It did not escape anyone’s attention that the passing of Josef Mercton occurred two days after the third anniversary of the War of National Liberation (which had occurred on May 5, 2025). J Andrean citizens - which were New Englander citizens at the time - had mourned the death of Adrik Annan, the longest reigning President of J Andres, in 2016, the assassination of New Englander President John F. Kennedy in 2017, and the murder of Robert Kennedy in 2024. In many ways, May 7, 2028, marked the beginning of a new era in J Andres. With the throne vacant, the question is now surfacing about who would become the successor of Josef I and even about what to do with the monarchy itself. According to the royal family, the funeral is set to be held on May 11th, in Endor Cuidad. The King will be buried at Fort Farnum, his birthplace. Edited July 7, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Josef Mercton, the first President of J Andres and until then, the King of J Andres, was buried on the grounds of Fort Farnum in a solemn ceremony that was attended by members of the royal family as well as relatives and friends, a total of one hundred. President Richard Mercton choked back tears as a priest administered his blessings to Josef Mercton as he was being lowered into the ground. Prime Minister Ben Richards, Foreign Minister Mickey Bethesda, Minister Joel Brunel, along with others, looked on solemnly. With the King’s passing, the question regarding his royal successor to the throne and even the Monarchy itself now arose and was becoming an issue, not only in the royal family, but also in the nation’s political and social fabric. Newspapers and journals across the nations held headlines such as “[i]IS RICHARD MERCTON THE NEXT KING?[/i]” and “[i]WHO WILL BE THE NEW KING/QUEEN?[/i]” The last part posed interesting questions: will J Andres have an queen, or will it continue to have a king? This remained to be seen, much less resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. However, what is clear despite the uncertainty and speculation is that President Richard Mercton, being Prince of Endor Cuidad, would be the next in line to take up the throne and thus become the new King, as per the Order of Succession, which states that the crown would fall to the eldest child of the reigning monarch. However, what is not clear of whether Richard Mercton will accept the throne, due to his current position in the J Andrean Government, or even if he will retain it. Several political commentators, talk show hosts, and journalists have speculated several possible outcomes: Richard Mercton would resign from the office of the President, bequeathing all presidential powers to the Prime Minister, and become the second Monarch; he would merge the presidency and monarchy together and create a new government structure/post; or he would simply declare the throne vacant, appointing no successor, and remain President. [center]---[/center] MERCTON - Any lingering debate about who the City of Mercton, formerly Boston, was named after, was finally dispelled when the city’s Commune passed a resolution dedicating the city in “[i]the honor of Josef I, J Andres’s King[/i]” and announced the city was to be “[i]dedicated to Josef Mercton, who served as our nation’s first President and King…and will reflect the monumental role[/i] [Josef] [i]Mercton played in J Andres’s history.[/i]” The national government in Endor Cuidad made no comment as of recently, though several Commune members praised this move, of which one Nationalist Party senator (Mary Gallagher of Solanger, Massachusetts) stated that “[i]it was a noble aspect to do, a fitting tribute to the King.[/i]” Since Boston was renamed Mercton after the War of National Liberation in 2025, a heated debate emerged between two groups, one supporting Richard Mercton and one in favor of Josef I, regarding whom the city was named in honor of. One group maintained that the city was named after Richard Mercton due to his decisive role in the war that brought down the despotic Federated States of America (and New England as well) and reestablished J Andres as the third Maritime Republic. The pro-Josef group, in contrary, maintained that it was actually the King that J Andres’s largest city was renamed after, due to his decisive role in J Andres’s establishment and early history as well as his considerable influence over J Andres, it’s government, people, culture, and tradition. The recent decision of Mercton’s city Commune to resolve the question for once and for all in favor of Josef I was a defeat for the pro-Richard group, which maintains that it was “[i]actually a setback, not a defeat[/i]” and vowed that it will continue to believe that Mercton was actually named after the Prince of Endor Cuidad. [center]---[/center] [b]HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED[/b] In mainland J Andres, Projects RIPTIDE AND ULTRA has been declared half-complete (at approximately 50 percent). A large majority of the seawall had been constructed parallel to the J Andrean coast, and many parts of the wall is currently under construction. More emitters are currently being installed in the seafloor and configured to the overall IUSS network and to the wider J Andrean military communication grids. As for Project FORTRESS, 22 more Fortresses were completed in the mainland (making for 97 total so far), and work has been begun on the ninety-eighth one. Engineers and construction workers are hard at work establishing more anti-aircraft guns - and missile launchers and sites as well - in place on the Fortresses and planting thousands of krakatoa mines not only on the beaches but also the country’s roads/highways and strategic areas. Production of Czech hedgehogs and pillboxes continue, and as they are completed, the materials are brought to the newly-completed Fortress for storage. Yet more anti-aircraft flak guns and missile launchers are being built, as krakatoa mines are being laid, trenches being dug, barbed wire placed all around, booby traps being established, and electrified fences being installed in place. RADAR installations continue to be built and many are being put online. Upgrading and updating of the IUSS network around mainland J Andres have been completed, and is currently a work in progress in Bermuda and Catalina, reaching an estimated 60 percent completion in the case of the former and approximately 52.8 percent in the latter. [quote][b][u]UPDATE (J Andres)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: 50% Project ULTRA: 50% Project FORTRESS: 48.9% Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: 48.9% Project EAGLE EYE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] [b][u]UPDATE (Bermuda)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ULTRA: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FORTRESS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project EAGLE EYE: 60% [b][u]UPDATE (Catalina)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ULTRA: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FORTRESS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project EAGLE EYE: 52.8%[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pikachurin Posted July 8, 2010 Report Share Posted July 8, 2010 "On behalf of the people of Disparu, we would like to express our most heartfelt condolences for the Andrean people. May the legacy of Josef Mercton never be forgotten." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maelstrom Vortex Posted July 9, 2010 Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 (edited) Condolences to our good Andrean friends for their loss. The President would have attended, but wasn't aware of the passage of Mr. Mercton. Edited July 9, 2010 by Maelstrom Vortex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 (edited) "We thank our allies in Disparu and the United States of America for their condolences. Josef Mercton shall never be forgotten, indeed." [center]---[/center] [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - Domestic Affairs Minister Brian Wilfork outlined a new national agenda: health reform. For so long, J Andres had maintained a health care system that was based directly off the first United States of America, a system that was continued under New England and the Federated States. However, it was a system of which redundancies, imperfections, flaws, and loopholes became apparent as time went on - of which was largely neglected by the governments of New England and the Federated States. To begin off with, the lack of universal coverage (of which all citizens should receive health care) ensured that a fragmented health system would take root in the country, of which competing and conflicting private-owned health facilities largely failed to take in account the health needs of the overall population. This, coupled with rising medical costs and the inherent bureaucratic corruption (in systems such as Medicaid and Medicare), conspired to bring about an increase in the death rate and medical debt. Indeed, after the 2025 uprising that brought about the collapse of the Federated States, it was discovered that as much as 15 percent of ex-American citizens were completely uninsured, and that up to 30 percent of citizens were 'underinsured', of which they were not receiving insurance that would be adequate to their health needs. And there were many other problems regarding the system that needed - and needs - addressing. And Prime Minister Ben Richards aims to do so. During his first year as Prime Minister, Richards had worked together with his cabinet and leading health care strategists, specialists, and analysts to come up with a working health system that “[i]would be responsive to citizens’ needs[/i].” He also submitted the plan to Commune senators for debate and modifications. He entrusted Wilfork the task of announcing such plan to the public. The plan, titled the "[i]National Agenda Regarding the Health Care System[/i]”, set a timetable of five to eight years, from 2029 to around 2037, and will take effect from January 1, 2029 onwards. According to Wilfork, it expanded health care coverage to all lawful citizens, regardless of their income, age, and eligibility. It mandated the reform of health care institutions, such as Medicare and Medicaid, with the intent of eliminating “high-risk waste and corruption”; it eliminated deductibles in health care institutions and replaced it with a 'co-payment system', of which modest payments would be made to chronically-ill patients; it required all lawful citizens to buy supplemental insurance that would help cover out-of-pocket costs and expenses; it called for the establishment of a “National Health Safety Net Fund” as to pay for treatment for citizens with low-income and these that cannot afford to purchase insurance; and in the interests of helping citizens to receive insurance, the plan reduced insurance premiums. In addition, the plan - also called the [b]National Health Reform Act[/b] - pruned all unnecessary and/or inefficient institutions, organizations, and programs with the goal of streamlining, if not reducing, government bureaucracy in regards to health care by 2037. Hundreds, if not thousands, of federal, provincial, and local programs would be affected this way. For this purpose, funding to such institutions, organizations, and programs would be cut off and such institutions would be closed down. Paradoxically, the plan strove to eliminate bureaucracy by creating more bureaucracy for it gave the federal, provincial, and local government increased powers to oversee the implementation of the health care reforms, as well as regulate and oversee the overall health care system. Indeed, the [b]Office of Health and Human Services (OHHS)[/b] was established in the Ministry of Domestic Affairs for the purpose of implementing the health care reforms as mandated under the Act; it is also to “[i]improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of the people of J Andres as well the Maritime Republic itself.[/i]” The OHHS will also be responsible for providing guidelines and recommendations that doctors must follow in regards to drug prescription and education. All public and private health institutions and organizations will be responsible to the OHHS in implementing the reforms as under orders by the federal government. Though J Andres is far from establishing a full universal health system, it is nevertheless well on the way to doing so. Under the plan, all lawful citizens must purchase compulsory health insurance in addition to supplemental insurance. The way the new system would work is this: all public and private institutions and organizations are required to enter into discussions with the federal government annually regarding the funding of the health care system. A deduction would be made from all employees’ paychecks (5.25% on earned income, capital, and winnings, and 3.95% on pensions and allowances). The federal government will contribute about 40% in funding the health care system, the provincial and local governments 40%, the public and private health institutions and organizations the remainder. Under the new system, once it is to be fulfilled by 2037, citizens will have the freedom to choose where to receive medical care; they will be able to choose their own medical providers (doctors, dentists, etc). This is because they can reclaim a proportion (between 70% and 80%, up to 90%) of what they pay to their medical providers. The plan, naturally, received considerable acclaim and support in the ranks of the Anchor Party but faced a barrage of criticism from the Nationalist Party, which holds the highest number of seats in the Commune after the Anchor Party. Nationalist Party leader Roger Ahmadinejad, also Direktor of the Kommissazul, stated that a “[i]new era had dawned upon J Andres, that of burden. Through this initiative, we will be placed in a position where this country will be unable to properly defend herself or assert the protection of her interests around the world because of the trade-offs involved.[/i]” The Communist Party praised this move, saying that it was a step in the right direction in representing the will of the people. The Social Traditionalist Party in turn did generally the same, but was vocal in its criticism that the health reform system was not “[i]radical enough.[/i]” In conclusion, Wilfork expressed confident hopes that “[i]the health care system in J Andres will be improved, in comparison to its predecessors that J Andrean citizens will enjoy the full benefits of a health care system that they deserve…Under this plan, citizens will enjoy full and prosperous lives with the knowledge that the system will be behind them.[/i]” Edited July 9, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2010 (edited) [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - In a controversial decision, President Richard Mercton opted not to ascend to the throne and thus become King as mandated by the Order of Succession. Instead, he decided to declare the throne vacant but proclaim himself Regent. This way, he could take over the powers of the monarchy and still retain all his presidential powers. To the president’s apparent surprise, this prompted an outcry of protest all over the nation, particularly peaceful demonstrations in Mercton, Providence, and Endor Cuidad, as J Andrean citizens objected to what they called the 'hollowing out of the monarchy.' This illustrated the high degree of popular support and adoration for the monarchy, a symbol of unity, stability, and honor since it was instituted in 1986. Joining in this outcry was the royal family; Josef Mercton’s widow, Queen Ambrielle Lanier, voiced disapproval at her son’s decision and urged him to “[i]reconsider[/i] [his] [i]actions[/i].” News reporters, journalists, bloggers, TV show hosts, and political commentators all voiced varying, and even opposing, opinions on President Mercton’s move. For instance, popular show host Stephen Colbert of the [i]Colbert Show[/i] ridiculed Mercton’s decision, deriding it as “[i]a greedy move on Richard’s part to garner more power for himself[/i].” However, Bill O’Reilly of the [i]O’Reilly Show[/i] insisted that it was a “[i]sensible course of action, as Richard Mercton was torn between two responsibilities.[/i]” If he left the presidency to become Monarch, O’Reilly explained, “[i]it would probably lead to a power vacuum and compound the existing situation as it is today.[/i]” If, however, he remained the way he was doing now, O’Reilly continued, “[i]the situation would never be resolved.[/i]” Several more show hosts and newspapers were more neutral in their assessment of the current issue. Prime Minister Ben Richards generally supported the President’s move, saying that it was a “[i]compromise that was necessary to help resolve the question regarding the monarchy.[/i]” True, some will not be happy by this, Richards acknowledged in a speech to the nation in Endor Cuidad, “[i]but that’s how it goes on. You cannot please everybody.[/i]” [center]---[/center] ENDOR CUIDAD - Direktor and Nationalist Party leader Roger Ahmadinejad announced in a televised speech that he had received consent, probably from President Richard Mercton, to increase the size of the Kommissazul from 70,000 to 100,000 troops. Approximately 30,000 troops are to be conscripted into the Kommissazul in a period of two to four years, to be concluded by 2032. The Kommissazul - formed from the Anchor Security Inc., a former security firm of the Federation of Industry - will launch recruitment efforts to garner as much recruits as possible, targeting these coming from affluent and well-educated families and backgrounds. The Anchor Party expressed alarm and concern regarding the decision of Ahmadinejad, leader of the Nationalist Party, to increase an already formidable paramilitary force to a vast size. Anchor Party officials, and even some Nationalist, Communist, and Social Traditionalist senators, raised the terrifying prospects that Ahmadinejad could use the Kommissazul to give the Nationalist Party leverage against its rivals in the Commune. But such sentiments were unfounded, Ahmadinejad reassured in a speech later. He may be a security advisor and Direktor of the Kommissazul, yes, but he would never use a government organization against anyone in such a “[i]flagrantly illegal way.[/i]” Ahmadinejad went on to state that he did not have the final authority over the Kommissazul; President Richard Mercton did. “[i]I’m fully aware that people are questioning my credibility, that some are even calling me a crook.[/i]” Ahmadinejad continued, waving his hands around a bit. “[i]Well, I’m not a crook. I’ve earned everything that I’ve got.[/i]” However, the Nationalist Party leader’s statement did little to soothe concerns and suspicions, and indeed, several Commune senators, show hosts, and journalists even began calling for Ahmadinejad to resign from the post as Direktor of the Kommissazul, even taunting him to “[i]do it if you are truly sincere in your words, as you apparently try to portray yourself as such.[/i]” Edited July 9, 2010 by JEDCJT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2010 [center][/center][center][img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o29/forestfufighting/anchortimes.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center][size="4"]The National Newspaper of J Andres[/size][/center][/b] ENDOR CUIDAD - The Commune passed a new law. After deliberations, the [b]Traffic Ticket Violation Act[/b] was passed into law due to the cooperation between the Nationalist and Communist parties over the objections of the Anchor Party. The Act basically adopted a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy in regards to traffic tickets. Under the Act, any citizens (aged 18 and older; these aged 17 and lower will have their tickets forgiven but will have their violations put on their records) that had received traffic tickets three times or more from May 6, 2025, will be liable for arrest and criminal prosecution on the local and provincial level. Any citizens that had received traffic tickets three times or more, at all, under the Federated States of America and New England prior to May 6, 2025, will be forgiven in the sense that their violations will be removed from their records, but a stricter ‘one strike and you’re out’ system have been established for a period of five years, until 2034, for that specific criterion of people. Under such system, any citizens that receive one traffic ticket will be prosecuted under the full extent of the law, including but not limited to imprisonment and/or execution, depending on the severity of the offense. The Act, to officially enter into effect on January 1, 2029, also set the official classification of the traffic violations that merit a traffic ticket. It defined minor violations such as non-moving violations, defective or unauthorized vehicle equipment, seat belt and child-restraint safety violations, and insufficient proof of license, insurance, or registration as a misdemeanor, punishable by law up to five years in a state prison, followed by up to two years in a correctional facility, and a $1,000 fine. Next, traffic violations such as willful disregard of public safety, hit-and-run incidents, bodily injury or damage to property, and as such, were classified as a felony, punishable by law up to fifteen years in a federal prison, up to five years in a state correctional facility, and a $5,000 fine. Any traffic violations that causes death or destruction to public property will be punished with the full extent of the law, including but not limited to execution. To try citizens arrested under the Act, a special judicial system had to be established on the local and provincial level separate from the normal judicial system, to be overseen by the federal government (the Ministry of Justice). As such, local and provincial [b]People’s Courts[/b] were established. Generally similar to the dreaded New Englander People’s Trials, the People’s Courts were to be endowed with appropriate powers to try and sentence violators arrested under the Act. Their decisions were to be final and binding, and cannot be appealed. However, critics - especially these from the Anchor Party - lambasted the People’s Courts as a “kangaroo court” that will undermine the fair justice system already established in J Andres and “[i]destroy the people’s trust in democracy and fair justice.[/i]” Prominent businessman Hiram Cabot Lodge lamented that J Andres “[i]was slowly reverting back to a dictatorship.[/i]” [center]---[/center] ENDOR CUIDAD - In addition to passing the Traffic Ticket Violation Act into law, the Commune also drafted and approved the passage of what it termed the [b]National Unemployment Rectification Act[/b]. Formally named the ‘[i]Resolution to Resolve the Issue of Unemployment[/i]’ but known as [b]NURA[/b], the Act sought to reduce the already-low level of unemployment in J Andres by creating the [b]National Employment Office (NEO)[/b] in the Ministry of Domestic Affairs with the task of “[i]resolving the issue of unemployment within an allotted time frame.[/i]” The NEO was endowed with appropriate powers by the federal government to operate at the local, provincial, and federal level to reduce unemployment through a combination of demand-side and supply-side solutions. To begin off, the NEO sanctioned the establishment of several public works programs all over the country, most particularly the [b]Public Works Administration (PWA)[/b]. The PWA was generally a job guarantee program, of which the government sought to address the problems of inflation and unemployment as to create full employment and guarantee price stability. In other words, unemployed persons could find work and receive a sort of wages working on public works projects, such as building or repairing roads, highways, bridges, dams, etc - basically similiar to the Works Progress Administration in the first United States of America during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The NEO also required that all unemployed persons, wherever they were, report to the nearest PWA office. Local police, Stasi, Kommissazul troopers, and even Neighborhood Watch members, were authorized to scour the cities, towns, and countryside for any homeless or unemployed persons and compel them to report to the PWA. While PWA and other public works programs were being formed, the NEO lobbied for the abolishment of the minimum wage and the curtailment of the government-sponsored trade unions, arguing that it would make the labor market more flexible by enabling people to sell their labor at the going price more efficiently. According to several NEO analysts, long-term economic growth can be guaranteed by the increased supply of goods and services, which in turn requires more workers, thus increasing employment. They insisted that through such policies, J Andres can create more jobs and reduce unemployment as to further propel its powerful economy; to this effect, the NEO also called for tax cuts on businesses (which in fact had already been done) and the reduction of government regulation. Of course, as with all government acts, resolutions, and proposals, the Act as well the NEO’s recommendations faced criticism and opposition, predictably from trade unions and businessmen. “[i]What the NEO is proposing is lunacy![/i]” A member of the Mercton Trade Union exclaimed to the [i]Anchor Times[/i]. “[i]They want to cut off the safety net that minimum wage had provided for the people and their generations for years and to weaken our powers and influence! This is clearly a plot by businessmen to shackle us to their machines like they once did back in[/i] [the first United States of America in] [i]the nineteenth century![/i]” Dozens of trade union leaders and members echoed this sentiment, one saying that “[i]the government wants to reduce regulation by creating more regulation![/i]” and that “[i]it was an obvious attempt to socialize J Andres, not only its economy, but its society and their values that they hold dear to![/i]” And so on. However, there were supporters too, the most prominent of them being, ironically, the Federation of Industry. According to Executive William Gates, the Federation supported this move “[i]due to the opportunities that[/i] [the federal government] [i]is giving to business and different organizations to further J Andres’s development in the economic sense.[/i]” But, of course, the Federation as well as several businesses would support that because of the promised tax cuts and lessened government regulation. The elimination of minimum wages, according to one economic report, “[i]would actually help rather hinder J Andres, for businesses can now spend more time training their employees and increase their productivity; it would help small and large business alike; reduce industrial-economic inefficiencies that would otherwise lead to unemployment, poverty, and rises in prices; include more [groups of] people into the labor force; and promote education from among potential employees.[/i]” The list goes on. Debate have now begun in the Commune regarding the implementation of the NEO’s proposals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEDCJT Posted July 15, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 15, 2010 [b]HIGHLY-CLASSIFIED[/b] More progress had been reported to the appropriate branches of the armed services regarding Project OMEGA, particularly in Projects RIPTIDE, ULTRA, FORTRESS, ATHENS, AND FIREBIRD. New portions of the sea wall have been built as it is being lengthened and strengthened as time passes. More SONAR emitters have been placed in the seafloor and is reported to be approximately 60 percent completed. Alongside the coast of mainland J Andres, 119 out of 200 Fortresses have been built and are currently being staffed by appropriate defense personnel. FIREBIRD is reported "59.4 percent complete" as some more defenses are being installed in place and put into operation. In both Bermuda and Catalina, engineers and workers are hard at work placing the IUSS network in place on the seafloor and linking them up to J Andres's defense network. [quote][b][u]UPDATE (J Andres)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: 60% Project ULTRA: 60% Project FORTRESS: 59.4% Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: 59.4% Project EAGLE EYE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] [b][u]UPDATE (Bermuda)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ULTRA: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FORTRESS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project EAGLE EYE: 74% [b][u]UPDATE (Catalina)[/u][/b] Project MUSHROOM: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project RIPTIDE: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ULTRA: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FORTRESS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project FIREBIRD: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project ATHENS: [i][s]100%[/s][/i] Project EAGLE EYE: 68%[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.