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Through the Looking Glass


Michael McBride

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[b][i]One week after the events of [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=85497"]this thread[/url].[/i][/b]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/That_Bum/HansGruber5.jpg[/img]
Remus Terminus Davidson stepped up to a podium in a large room. The last few days had been busy, to say the least. After the media organizations conglomerated into MediaCorp, naming Tom Dobbs who had been thought dead, to the head, there was the usual speculation. Well, there would have been more, but Dobbs and the new MediaCorp had done a nice job squelching most of it. And, well, if it didn't make the television programs, the papers, or the radio, then it really didn't exist. There were the internet blogs, of course, but the credible news sources had outnumbered them by a lot.

As another example of MediaCorp's complete power within the nation, foreign journalists were allowed to cover the event, but only MediaCorp cameras and video were allowed to be used for stories. For today, MediaCorp was broadcasting the event worldwide for free, however after today this would change. If journalists from other countries wanted video of the event, they'd have to pay MediaCorp to use it. This was one of many new reforms passed down by the new head of the company over the past few days; along with it came the barring of foreign news agencies having their own cameras or shooters in New York... if a foreign reporter wanted a package shot, his or her news organization would have to pay MediaCorp to send a shooter out with the reporter. It was rumored that the new government was widely supportive of these new measures and planned on enforcing them nationally when they came to power.

Remus smiled out at the foreign journalists in the room, and at the bank of cameras with MediaCorp's logo on the side of them arrayed throughout the room. He was flanked by two flag poles shrouded in black cloth... they were covering the new flag of the nation underneath them. A large screen directly behind him would broadcast a message later. The IFB in his ear crackled to life, letting him know the live broadcast was about to begin. As the lights came up, Remus smiled out at the gathered reporters.

"Good afternoon. I am Remus Terminus Davidson, spokesman for this new nation. Let me be the first to congratulate you that you are the first to be standing inside the new Republic of York!" Behind Remus, both flags were uncovered and a slight breeze from the stage made them flutter regally outwards, allowing everyone to see the new flag design.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/That_Bum/RepublicofYork.png[/img]
Underneath the applause, a song rose up. It was the new [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=1vumQ4SXq4Y&feature=related"]national anthem[/url] of the Republic of York.

After the song had ended, Remus smiled. He waited for the crowd to die back down before continuing. "Ladies and gentleman, I now present to you the new leader of the Republic of York, Ahab Napoleon!" (OOC: Pronounced not like the French emperor's name, but instead like "Na-pole-leo"... the last "n" is mostly silent.) Behind him, the video screen sprang to life as the lights dimmed and Ahab's deep voice filled the room.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/That_Bum/RoYleader.png[/img]
[quote]Greetings to the world. As Remus has said, I am Ahab Napoleon, leader of the Republic of York. I regret that I cannot be present with you today, but due to security concerns with founding a new nation, I was advised to remain someplace safe. Today we formally declare our independence from J Andres and announce a new time of hope, prosperity, and truth to the world. More details on our nation, our government, and our purpose will be coming in the near future, however we will say this: Our land encompasses the entirety of the former FSA state of New York, and as of this moment, our southern border with the new United States of America is closed indefinitely. Embassies, diplomatic exchanges, trade, and such will all be hammered out within the coming days. That is all.[/quote]

Remus smiled as he looked out over the assorted crowd. "I will now take this time for questions from the foreign press. I only ask that you not pepper me with questions such as "how do you feel about our country". I will ignore you. So, who'd like to go first?"

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** Private back at D.C. in an ad-hoc meeting area**

"Why is it we're on a continent surrounded by people with similar names to late French Emperors? Think there's any possibility we'd be able to get them to sell vast chunks of land to us on the cheap like the real one did?" Caudill joked.

"Not likely, sir." Chuckled Viced President Johnson.

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Remus read the telegram aloud to those gathered at the room before answering.

"Our short-term goals include survival, which would lead us to long-term goals. Constricting ourselves simply to the American continent or continents would be foolish in our eyes. We live in a global world now, and those who choose not to be a part of it will quickly find themselves brushed aside. To directly answer the question, we will align ourselves with those we feel will help us further our goals on this continent. Regarding further relations, those would need to be hammered out between individual nations and ourselves. Blanket statements in terms of diplomacy with multiple nations tend to confuse and complicate the situation."

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The Empress read the message and sent another telegram with the questions simply bullet pointed.

" Do you have a long term economic plan?"
* What are your internal policy on drug circulation?
* Whats your views on the current Coaltion-Tahoe conflict?
* Do you have any preferance when it comes to education, IE, should it be vocational, academic, or do you belive students have the right to chose?

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"Currently dairy is the number one export of the Republic, we'd like to see that changed to something a little more sustainable. We're not talking about completely pushing out dairy of course, but perhaps minerals in the Adirondacks or natural gas, something of that sort, can come up and be our number one while dairy still remains strong. In terms of drug circulation, "hard" drugs that are addictive are illegal, however marijuana is legal if bought through a state-licensed grower. We are, at this time, choosing not to issue a statement on the Tahoe-Coalition War, though I'm sure MediaCorp will be covering it all. We plan on revamping our education system to ten years of academic education and then students head on to vocational school."

Edited by Pravus Ingruo
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[quote name='Sargun' date='16 May 2010 - 04:35 PM' timestamp='1274042105' post='2300234']
"What exactly is 'diary' and how does one export it?"
[/quote]

"Well, a diary is usually something you keep your private thoughts in and I have heard a girl named Anne Frank made quite a bundle exporting hers."

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[quote name='Pravus Ingruo' date='16 May 2010 - 07:34 PM' timestamp='1274056431' post='2300660']
"Well, a diary is usually something you keep your private thoughts in and I have heard a girl named Anne Frank made quite a bundle exporting hers."
[/quote]

OOC: There's a joke that Hellen Keller was Anne Frank and vice-versa and I was tempted to do it but nobody would get it.

IC: "Very well."

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[b]PRIVATE[/b]

Richard Mercton grinned as he watched the news channel. The busty news reporter lady wasn't the only source of his joy and pleasure, but the fact that a new nation had been formed out of the now-former J Andrean protectorate in New York. So to say, the negiotations had succeeded. An aide stepped into his office and made to walk over to the President's desk, but Richard put up a hand and signaled that he already knew.

As the aide excused himself and left the office, Richard dialed Mickey Bethesda. "[i]Mickey, make an announcement to the world regarding this. Let them know that J Andres officially recognizes the Republic of Yor--you know what to do.[/i]"

[b]OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE FOREIGN MINISTRY[/b]

"It is with pleasure that J Andres formally and officially recognizes the Republic of York. We welcome our new neighbor to the world, and look forward to working together with them. Starting immediately, J Andres will withdraw all military forces from the region that used to be the former New York.

With that out of the way, the Republic of York is welcome to apply for an Embassy in Endor Cuidad, our capital, in accord to our SPEED program."

[b]PUBLIC ACTIONS[/b]

Indeed, tens of thousands of Army and Kommissazul troopers received orders from their respective commanders and generals to withdraw from the former New York, now the Republic of York. The withdrawal proceeded in a timely fashion and was completed in a remarkably short time; beginning with Fort Orange (Albany) and culiminating at New York City, the J Andreans turned over control of the empty military bases, installations, and barracks over to the new government.

[center]---[/center]
In response to Remus's question, a J Andrean reporter of the Anchor Times cleared his throat. "[i]I have a couple of questions, sir. Firstly, would you be interested in a military and/or economic alliance with J Andres? Secondly, where is your national capital located in? This might seem like a stupid question, but then the only stupid questions are these that are unasked, heh.[/i]"

Edited by JEDCJT
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Remus smiled at the questions before continuing. "First, I would like to thank the J Andres government for all their help throughout this process, including their help with security during this difficult transition period. We are forever indebted to you for that. In regards to your questions, relations with J Andres are something that we do hope to pursue. I can't speculate on details now, obviously, but I certainly would say that a military treaty of some sort may be on the table. In terms of your second question, our capital will be located in Syracuse. It is in the central part of the country and well protected from the outside should any... unpleasantness arise."

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After a little time to get over the slight laughs had the the cost of two North American Leaders in the privacy of their own chambers, Caudill put on his public face and walked out before the cameras of the press again.

[quote name="Press Release"]

The United States welcomes the Republic of York to the world stage, though I have mentioned it briefly in another speech, I have not yet directly welcomed them. At this time, I correct that. Howdy neighbors. You have our full recognition and we welcome you to establish an Embassy in D.C. at your convenience. By the way, if you ever want to come home to the fold, just get us a public referendum showing popular support. Otherwise, we wish you the best on your independence and hope to have the relations that should be had among former member states of the Old Union.

[/quote]

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"Mr. Davidson," the journalist from Gosree Times asked,"Is not the system of censoring you have established in the Republic of York rather too oppressive? Are you not worried that the restrictions you place on foreign press could be reciprocated on your own journalists in other parts of the world?"

Edited by king of cochin
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[quote name='king of cochin' date='17 May 2010 - 06:44 AM' timestamp='1274093046' post='2301118']
"Mr. Davidson," the journalist from Gosree Times asked,"Is not the system of censoring you have established in the Republic of York rather too oppressive? Are you not worried that the restrictions you place on foreign press could be reciprocated on your own journalists in other parts of the world?"
[/quote]

"Censorship?" Davidson laughed, "Hardly. We are merely providing a manner in which MediaCorp is to make money from foreign competitors who wish to report from inside our own country. If any state wishes to pass a law concerning that foreign press must do something similar in their countries, we would not be opposed. It is every nation's sovereign right to do that."

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[quote name='Pravus Ingruo' date='18 May 2010 - 12:28 AM' timestamp='1274122666' post='2301378']
"Censorship?" Davidson laughed, "Hardly. We are merely providing a manner in which MediaCorp is to make money from foreign competitors who wish to report from inside our own country. If any state wishes to pass a law concerning that foreign press must do something similar in their countries, we would not be opposed. It is every nation's sovereign right to do that."
[/quote]

"Sir, the issue of hiring cameras from MediaCorp could of course be a measure of business value, but what about your policy that all news stories have to be vetted by MediaCorp before transmitting? Is that not a clear cut case of censorship? This policy means that any news contrarian to MediaCorp's policies could be suppressed."

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"Once again, sir, you assume MediaCorp's purposes are far more nefarious than they actually are. The purpose of vetting is, once again, a business decision. If a foreign competitor is going to get a story on MediaCorp's home soil before MediaCorp gets it out, well, the home team wouldn't look very good then would it? It is merely a security measure for MediaCorp to ensure they get local stories out first, before any foreign competitors who might be in the country."

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[quote name='Pravus Ingruo' date='18 May 2010 - 06:16 AM' timestamp='1274143547' post='2301712']
"Once again, sir, you assume MediaCorp's purposes are far more nefarious than they actually are. The purpose of vetting is, once again, a business decision. If a foreign competitor is going to get a story on MediaCorp's home soil before MediaCorp gets it out, well, the home team wouldn't look very good then would it? It is merely a security measure for MediaCorp to ensure they get local stories out first, before any foreign competitors who might be in the country."
[/quote]


"I see. Thank You sir, and one last question from Gosree Times. How would this "policy" be implemented with reference to print journalism, who communicate with their home offices via internet or ordinary communications network?"

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[quote name='king of cochin' date='17 May 2010 - 08:50 PM' timestamp='1274143816' post='2301719']
"I see. Thank You sir, and one last question from Gosree Times. How would this "policy" be implemented with reference to print journalism, who communicate with their home offices via internet or ordinary communications network?"
[/quote]

"All stories must be review by a MediaCorp representative, no matter what the medium."

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[quote name='Pravus Ingruo' date='18 May 2010 - 07:04 AM' timestamp='1274146451' post='2301757']
"All stories must be review by a MediaCorp representative, no matter what the medium."
[/quote]

"So does MediaCorp control all communications networks within Republic of York. Forgive me if this sounds rude, but what access does MedaCorp have over the commercial telecommunications networks in York? For example, if a citizen from York or a journalist in York were to make call outside this nation, surely they can send news without being vetted by MediaCorp? And won' the same be the case with communications through email, chat and other media on Internet?"

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"You are confusing private communication lines with commercial communication lines. I will correct your discrepancy. MediaCorp does not tap private phones lines, private phone conversations, or private e-mail address. In terms of journalists within York, anyone in York who is a citizen and a journalist works for MediaCorp. Foreign journalists are required to have their stories reviewed by a MediaCorp representative. Foreign journalists who do not have their stories reviewed, no matter what the medium, will be expelled from the country. Is that simple enough for you? There really isn't a whole lot to understand." Davidson looked down for a moment, smiled and then looked back up. "I've just been told that your news organization's application has been denied for a failure to agree to follow our nation's laws. After this press conference, you will be escorted to the airport and placed on a plane back to the Kingdom of Cochin. I've sincerely hoped you enjoyed your stay."

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The Republic of Finland has placed New York on the "Watch List", issuing a warning to all travelers heading to it to be aware of strict censorship laws and corporate monopolies funded by the government of New York.

"The Republic of Finland condemns this blatant act of monopoly and government corruption. The only way the government of New York could be more in bed with Mediacorp is if they were literally in bed with each other, though due to the strict censorship of what stories are allowed in or out of the nation of New York, this could possibly be true, we have no real way of knowing." -Foreign Affairs Office

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Daivdson looked strangely at the reporter from the Kingdom of Cochin, choosing to leave before the conference was over, but he waved a hand and a man in a black suit and sunglasses came forward, smiling slightly, tapping the man on the shoulder and asking him to follow him out. As this occurred, a new telegram came in, this time from the Republic of Finland. After reading it aloud to the gathered reporters, Davidson smiled again.

"We join the Republic of Finland in placing this "New York" on our Watch Lists. Obviously they are not to be trusted if they are so sneaky that they do not even exist on any map. We shall endeavor to find where this "New York" is post haste so we can advise our citizens not to travel there." He paused for the laughter in the room to die down. "I will assume that the good people in the Republic of Finland's Foreign Affairs Office meant the Republic of York, and it is fully within their right to place us on such a list. However, this is not government funded monopoly. The government does not provide a single cent of funding to MediaCorp, in any of its forms. If you prefer to keep calling a competitive advantage censorship, you are free to do so, even though you are wrong. In regards to members of our government and members of MediaCorp sleeping together, it would not surprise me if it happened. I mean, have you seen some of our anchors? They are hot."

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