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From the Office of the First Citizen
The efforts of General Secretary Greene to create his own private militia in District 2 is dangerous and without authorization or approval. Not only is such a group in competition with the job of the recently established Commune Security Forces, reports have streamed in that its members are abusing their power to assault and harass wasters in the district. This is unacceptable behaviour, and Greene's militia, the so called "Sons of Liberty" are to be dissolved posthaste. As a further measure, all General Secretaries are officially banned from constructing militias in peacetime, without the expressed authorization of the First Citizen. The People's Guard, Commune Security Forces, and People's Protection Service are capable of handling all matters within the Commune, and any would-be militiamen would be better served by joining one of these groups.
However, the First Citizen is not blind to the very real problems facing the brave veterans who have returned home to fine a very different world than what they left so many years ago. Many of these brave men and women now go hungry, and are unable to find work. This is no way to treat our courageous comrades. Thus the Veterans Service Committee is to be founded. This organization will provide pension benefits to veterans of the People's Guard who were honorably discharged. This organization will also seek to assist veterans in finding work in the new post-war climate of the Commune.
A census will also be carried out this year, to gather information and data on the size and capabilities of the Commune after so many drastic changes during the war and prior. Next year, following the compilation of the census, a People's Party Congress will be called, to address the many issues facing the Commune, and the great responsibilities it must undertake.
I, Bill de Groot, will announce my candidacy for General Secretary for District Two.
I shall no longer tolerate the counterrevolutionary influences of the incumbent, for he has done much to taint and destabilize our precious homeland and the economic heart of the entire commune. LONG LIVE FOUCALT, LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION !
I shall no longer tolerate the counterrevolutionary influences of the incumbent, for he has done much to taint and destabilize our precious homeland and the economic heart of the entire commune. LONG LIVE FOUCALT, LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION !
The New Districts
District 6: Murray Hill
Home to the former headquarters for American Airlines as well as many of the missions to the United Nations, Murray Hill now known as District 6 was like most of Manhattan inhabited by refugees in the immediate post-war years. As some semblance of order began to return to other parts of Manhattan Murray hill remained anarchic and dangerous for centuries devoid of little to any civilization or important buildings save the American Airlines skyscraper that was constantly being patrolled by killer robots. In the mid 2260's the Wasps moved into the area in search of fresh slaves and plunder. Establishing themselves in the region rather quickly a slave market was quickly erected and several Wasp clans settled in the area due to its proximity to the Empire State building and other pre-war landmarks. With the War of the Rubble and the slave revolt many of the wasps who once inhabited the area have been driven off. It is now mostly home to former slaves who for now at least are extremely grateful to the Commune for their freedom. Economically there is little to anything in the District that is providing jobs and fueling growth. Before the war the Wasps in the region lived off the work of their slaves as well as their wealth. Today all that stands in District 6 is the recently established People's Cannery which hires some 20 former slaves. Yet most of the District remains unemployed and idle.
District 7: Empire State Building
With the Empire State Building on its east side and Madison Square Garden on its west, District 7 was once the largest settlement for Wasps outside of Wallstreet. Once home to many renovated apartment blocks and, Wasp shrines and even clan meeting houses District 7 had been in Wasp hands for well over a half century. During the war the area suffered minor damage in the actual fighting however during the Revolution many Wasp families were killed and their property looted by reckless Commune soldiers as well as freed slaves. Today much of the area's former wealth and extravagance are gone. The Empire State Building once the tallest structure in the world has been absolutely gutted, aside from its first few floors little remains there. Meanwhile Madison Square Garden once used as a market and temple has been left abandoned. The District's people are a humbled bunch, once wealthy beyond imagination they have taken to eating rats and burning their furniture in recent months due to a lack of aid from the Commune and a lack of jobs. Most of the District's population consists of former Wasps however several dozen ex-slaves remain there some still working for their former masters or some living in the apartments of their former masters. The Commune's occupation has kept the District in check however with a lack of any reconstructive efforts and with a lack of jobs a spark is all that's needed to make the situation there violent once again.
District 8: Hudson Yards
Once home to the West Side Rail Yard hundreds of metro cars were stored within the confines of District 8 during the pre-war years. The area was also known for the massive Jacob K. Javits convention center which was utilized by the Wasps as a small slave market and armory during their time in charge. In the years after the bombs fell West Side Rail Yard attracted hundreds of prospectors and a small settlement named Subtown was established there which sold scrap from the old cars. However with the rise of the Wasps throughout southern Manhattan, Subtown was soon conquered and its inhabitants sold into another life. The Wasps did little with the area aside from utilizing its convention center and it was only sparsely populated before the coming of the Commune. However should Foucalt ever wish to make his dream of cross-Commune transport into a reality the West Side Rail Yard offers him a hub from which to start his work and although many of the cars are extremely old several are still in good order and many more could be repaired given time.
District 9: Chinatown and the East Village
Due to the Sino-American War Chinatown had been turned into a ghetto in the pre-war years its Chinese population walled in and segregated from the outside world. As the war went the area was depopulated as the Chinese there were moved to labor camps in upstate New York. However with the Great War and the end of the old order many families returned to New York City only to find their former lives in ruins. There they founded New Chinatown and ruled over much of southern Manhattan for almost 100 years before the coming of the Wasps. When the Wasps did come they did so with a vengeance and many of the people of the former city state were enslaved, incorporated or scattered to the wind. With the end of New Chinatown the Wasps completely settled the area transforming it into an extension of their own homeland near Wallstreet. With the war and the fall of the tribe as well as the decapitation of most of their leadership the Wasps living there now are somewhat in a state of shock. The world they once knew is entirely gone. Yet here in District 9 sits the largest concentration of former Wasps anywhere in the Commune and here the situation is once again desperate. Without any money from the Commune central government reconstruction efforts have been a bust. There is little to no industry in the District and few people have jobs, those that do provide basic services like running wells or working for the state owned corporations that are present in every Commune District. There is also a large concentration of former Wasp veterans here and the District is a hotspot for small skirmishes between Commune soldiers and tribals. A real effort will need to be made to integrate this area and provide its people with jobs for the Commune to ever be able to claim a true victory in the War of the Rubble.
District 6: Murray Hill
Home to the former headquarters for American Airlines as well as many of the missions to the United Nations, Murray Hill now known as District 6 was like most of Manhattan inhabited by refugees in the immediate post-war years. As some semblance of order began to return to other parts of Manhattan Murray hill remained anarchic and dangerous for centuries devoid of little to any civilization or important buildings save the American Airlines skyscraper that was constantly being patrolled by killer robots. In the mid 2260's the Wasps moved into the area in search of fresh slaves and plunder. Establishing themselves in the region rather quickly a slave market was quickly erected and several Wasp clans settled in the area due to its proximity to the Empire State building and other pre-war landmarks. With the War of the Rubble and the slave revolt many of the wasps who once inhabited the area have been driven off. It is now mostly home to former slaves who for now at least are extremely grateful to the Commune for their freedom. Economically there is little to anything in the District that is providing jobs and fueling growth. Before the war the Wasps in the region lived off the work of their slaves as well as their wealth. Today all that stands in District 6 is the recently established People's Cannery which hires some 20 former slaves. Yet most of the District remains unemployed and idle.
District 7: Empire State Building
With the Empire State Building on its east side and Madison Square Garden on its west, District 7 was once the largest settlement for Wasps outside of Wallstreet. Once home to many renovated apartment blocks and, Wasp shrines and even clan meeting houses District 7 had been in Wasp hands for well over a half century. During the war the area suffered minor damage in the actual fighting however during the Revolution many Wasp families were killed and their property looted by reckless Commune soldiers as well as freed slaves. Today much of the area's former wealth and extravagance are gone. The Empire State Building once the tallest structure in the world has been absolutely gutted, aside from its first few floors little remains there. Meanwhile Madison Square Garden once used as a market and temple has been left abandoned. The District's people are a humbled bunch, once wealthy beyond imagination they have taken to eating rats and burning their furniture in recent months due to a lack of aid from the Commune and a lack of jobs. Most of the District's population consists of former Wasps however several dozen ex-slaves remain there some still working for their former masters or some living in the apartments of their former masters. The Commune's occupation has kept the District in check however with a lack of any reconstructive efforts and with a lack of jobs a spark is all that's needed to make the situation there violent once again.
District 8: Hudson Yards
Once home to the West Side Rail Yard hundreds of metro cars were stored within the confines of District 8 during the pre-war years. The area was also known for the massive Jacob K. Javits convention center which was utilized by the Wasps as a small slave market and armory during their time in charge. In the years after the bombs fell West Side Rail Yard attracted hundreds of prospectors and a small settlement named Subtown was established there which sold scrap from the old cars. However with the rise of the Wasps throughout southern Manhattan, Subtown was soon conquered and its inhabitants sold into another life. The Wasps did little with the area aside from utilizing its convention center and it was only sparsely populated before the coming of the Commune. However should Foucalt ever wish to make his dream of cross-Commune transport into a reality the West Side Rail Yard offers him a hub from which to start his work and although many of the cars are extremely old several are still in good order and many more could be repaired given time.
District 9: Chinatown and the East Village
Due to the Sino-American War Chinatown had been turned into a ghetto in the pre-war years its Chinese population walled in and segregated from the outside world. As the war went the area was depopulated as the Chinese there were moved to labor camps in upstate New York. However with the Great War and the end of the old order many families returned to New York City only to find their former lives in ruins. There they founded New Chinatown and ruled over much of southern Manhattan for almost 100 years before the coming of the Wasps. When the Wasps did come they did so with a vengeance and many of the people of the former city state were enslaved, incorporated or scattered to the wind. With the end of New Chinatown the Wasps completely settled the area transforming it into an extension of their own homeland near Wallstreet. With the war and the fall of the tribe as well as the decapitation of most of their leadership the Wasps living there now are somewhat in a state of shock. The world they once knew is entirely gone. Yet here in District 9 sits the largest concentration of former Wasps anywhere in the Commune and here the situation is once again desperate. Without any money from the Commune central government reconstruction efforts have been a bust. There is little to no industry in the District and few people have jobs, those that do provide basic services like running wells or working for the state owned corporations that are present in every Commune District. There is also a large concentration of former Wasp veterans here and the District is a hotspot for small skirmishes between Commune soldiers and tribals. A real effort will need to be made to integrate this area and provide its people with jobs for the Commune to ever be able to claim a true victory in the War of the Rubble.
The 30th Year of Revolution 2325
The Thirtieth Anniversary of the Revolution is a remarkably bleak affair within the Commune. Although Foucalt and his followers had won a great military and moral victory over the Wasps the Commune was struggling more than ever. Comrade Soros's absence has put a great strain on the state's economy. The failure of the party to invest even one Foucalt into rebuilding DIstricts 6-9 and to provide jobs for hundreds of veterans as well as thousands more ex-slaves and wasps is taking the state down a path towards disaster. As Foucalt celebrates the 30th anniversary of his brain-child he finds that his people are ever more reliant on imports from the DCC and Riker's Island brought in through the Kingdom of Savoy. The cost of these massive imports is bleeding the treasury dry and the failure to secure enough goods to meet the needs of the 20,000 or so people now residing in the Commune has also given rise to a large black market in which caps are traded for goods at real market value. Pressure to liberalize the economy is mounting outside of the party, as the failures of a centrally planned economy with no one steering it become ever more apparent by the day. Within the party however all is not well either, many Christian Communists, Vaulters by birth are annoyed that Waster religions such as the Lazarites and the Children of Atom have been allowed to practice freely while they must still hide their faith in the shadows. In recent weeks the Office of the First Citizen has been flooded with letters demanding the right to practice their faith freely and to reestablish the Chapel in Vault 191.
Outside of the Commune few things of great importance happen throughout the year. However one interesting rumor does reach the Commune towards the end of July, when several Institute traders tell of a war being waged in the north between their country and a Kingdom known as Springfield. News also reaches of the Commune of great flying machines sighted to the south, said to look like great leaden spheres rumors spread that the end times are coming.
With all of this happening around him Foucalt spends the year focused on a few project. With the realities of the past year sinking in he concludes that something must be done to aid the Commune's veterans. To this end he forms the Veteran Service Committee, formed from retired generals and their families the Committee works as a branch of the First Citizen's office. In the first year of its existence it provides aid to veterans in need. Arranging many of them with jobs in the state security services and helping them buy state subsidized housing, in the District of their choice the lot of many veterans improves gradually over the year and although the economy continues to suffer within the Commune for veterans and their families things are looking up.
Meanwhile Foucalt also has his administrative staff sent to out to conduct a census on the entire Commune, the first one in almost a decade and a half the results are surprising to say the least. Over the past 15 years they find that the Commune has almost doubled in size, now home to some 22,000 citizens. They have also find that demographically Vaulters have continued to fall behind the Wasters with the former inhabitants of Vault 191 now making up only a quarter of the Commune's total population. Yet within the Waster population there are shades and differences from District to District. With distinctions made for old wasters (pre-War of the Rubble people), former Wasps and former slaves.
[VSC formed, +20 Agents FIDA, + 30 Agents PPS, +50 Agents CSS, Veteran mental health crisis persists but Veterans are doing much better over all, full census results in stats once updated]
With the peace now secured and the military occupation of the former Wasp territories reaching its second year Grand Marshal Daniels spends the majority of his time during the year turned to the plight of veterans. He utilizes his contacts in District 3 and within the other organs of the state to get many of his former men jobs at the expense of Wasters and other undesirables. His efforts bear fruit and in culmination with the VSC Daniels does a lot to improve the lives of his men.
Lenin Soros, absent from his job for almost half a decade finally pays for his laziness. He is found murdered in his beachside apartment in District 5 one morning by one of his staffers and in the half hearted murder investigation that follows no suspects are named. Few know who is responsible for the act but some suspect actors within the government. All the truly matters however is who will take his job now that he's gone as it is essential for the prosperity of the Commune in the coming years.
[Soros murdered]
In District 2 General Secretary Wallace Greene is cowed by the mob violence of last year, mostly perpetrated by his auxiliary policing force known as the Sons of Liberty. His first move of 2325 is to disband the militia and to severely punish some of its more notorious members. In doing so he destroys his greatest bastion of support within the District and thus fatally weakens himself politically which paves the way for De Groot's triumph on election day in late September.
[Wallace Greene out of a job, Sons of Liberty disbanded]
Within District 4, General Secretary Coughlan also spends much of his time correcting the mistakes of last year. Easing off of his grand housing project, he allows many of the Commune's former tenants to return home should they like, most people take him up on that offer and by the end of the year the newly made buildings stand empty. However this is not all Coughlan does during the year, he also attempts to found the Commune Construction Company which is quickly incorporated into the already existing Commune Building Corp. based out of District 5. With a local office soon established in District 4, Coughlan spends much of the District's budget for the year on rebuilding District 4. A gargantuan task and one that had been attempted many times before work proceeds well and many of the wounds of the past seem to have disappeared by December.
[+10% satisfaction District 4]
Jeremy Reed now head of the Foreign Intelligence and Defense Agency does his utmost during the year. Working with just 15 agents under him, for most of the year, his options are rather limited however he makes due with what he has. Using criminal networks and those already working with the Commune on the ground in Nova Roma he manages to expand the Commune's cells there throughout the year. As the months roll on Reed learns much about Nova Roma's society and its political system, all of this information will be useful once the final conflict comes to pass.
The famous Groomfield, greatly relieved that some information was saved from the Library hardly takes a break to celebrate his successes this year, before blowing the dust off an old project and getting back to work. After convincing his boss to turn over the majority of the Collective's scientists and engineers to his control Groomfield reignites Project Dawn. His civil infrastructure project to bring lighting to the whole Commune. Utilizing what the teams once learned in District 2 (which now has an ample supply of electricity at least for the time being) Groomfield and his team manage to build several huge, new fission reactors using spare parts found in the thousands of defunct fission reactors found around Manhattan. The reactors are moved to District 3 and over the course of the year a grid is made and power is brought to the entirety of the District not just the former UN building. Meanwhile in District 4 Groomfield's teams are also hard at work and after building just one of their massive reactors the teams manage to bring the District online both which makes the place a bit less hellish as fire will no longer be required to provide light in its subterranean neighborhoods.
[+10% satisfactions Districts 3 and 4, +1 Influence Groomfield]
After 3 years on the front Colonel De Groot, once a prestigious farmer returns home to his farmstead in District 2. He is welcomed back with a large parade and many of his neighbors turn out to see him and congratulate him on his achievements. His wife and family are also delighted for his return however De Groot is no longer a man who is satisfied to simply farm and raise his family. The war has changed him, after donating several months of army backpay to the VSC (for which local vets are thankful) De Groot announces his intention to run against General Secretary Greene in a rare challenge against a sitting General Secretary. Labeling his opponent a counter-revolutionary and a radical De Groot leads a highly polarizing campaign against his opponent. That said the Colonel's words bear fruit for him and in September's elections he defeats Greene handily. Supported mainly by the wasters of District 2 and many veterans General Secretary De Groot will face a tough challenge leading the Commune's most important District as well as its most populated and diverse one.
[De Groot is now General Secretary for District 2]
In District 6 James Stanton continues to manage his cannery but is also able to spend a lot of time over the year working on the SPH or the Society for the Preservation of our Heroes. Reaching out to friends and comrades of his from his time in the service, the Society grows massively over the year. Over 300 veterans join and chapters of the organization are established in Districts 1-6. Instead of focusing on getting these men jobs or houses, the SPH focuses on more basic aid, utilizing membership fees food is bought and distributed to those in need. At bi-weekly meetings old friends in arms are able to meet and talk about their experiences in a way they can't at home and the whole thing transforms into a sort of social club. James Stanton is quickly elected as President of the Society and in his speeches to the men he speaks about how great the SPH is and surprisingly all the members are heartened by this message.
[+2 influence James Stanton]
Down south in the Wallstreet Republic skirmishes break out into open warfare as the Phantom along with the Anti-Communist Block Militias attempt to destroy the Maoist hideouts within the area. These efforts go about as well as they did last year, with the veteran guerillas make short work of the slaves. Pressure begins to mount from many civilians in the area to end the violence as few have known peace since the end of the war and are sick of the killing. Meanwhile the Albino attempts to recruit several former members of Riley's Rangers to come to the newborn republic and help it get established. Due to his connections with those in the DCC a few do come over the course of the year however they are appalled by the anarchy in the so called Wallstreet Republic and with the lack of a real government don't know what to do other than shoot the occasional looter. Meanwhile reports begin to circulate in the Republic of ex-slaves selling themselves back into slavery in order to provide for their families as they run out of caps to pay for things like food and other necessities.
While the non-human duo do their thing Mao continues his own struggle against the Commune. With Chinatown now in Revisionist hands Cao makes that area the center of his campaign for the year. Recruiting several ex-wasps from the area many "ancient'' Chinese "artifacts" are smuggled into the Republic throughout the months, much to Cao's liking. In the Republic itself Cao also continues his recruiting efforts, utilizing Roman funds as well as home-made propaganda he manages to recruit many slaves desperate for work and soon the People's Army swells to dwarf the forces of the Anti-Communist Block.
[-20 men Anti-Communist Block, -5 men GCRIA, 50 or so former rangers arrive in the Republic, +60 men GCRIA]
In Long Island City, Lazarus and his followers see some success for the first time in many years. Utilizing seeds brought to them by the Elijahns and the additional resources now available to them in their new home, the first efforts at large scale agricultural production begin in earnest. Rubble is cleared and several farms pop up in the outlying areas around the town. Former insurgents also take up arms once more to protect the town against tribal raids and by the end of the year it seems as though the settlement might have some sort of future. In late December a ship arrives carrying more Elijahns, their cargo remains a secret however to all aside from Lazarus.
On Roosevelt Island, Mr. Alexander Roosevelt continues his own efforts to make the island habitable. Utilizing the efforts of some twenty or so slaves Andersen has a small farm established on the north side of the island which utilizes most of its fresh water, but also provides a steady stream of food for the island's small population. Attempts to recruit former Wasps go alright however with a population of around 50 Roosevelt Island is being stretched to the max of what its natural resources can support.
[+10 Raiders]
The Opening of the People's Party Congress
In early 2326, the 31st year of the Revolution, The First People's Party Congress was convened in the old UN building, to tackle the serious issues facing the Commune. Officials called together included the General Secretaries, the heads of FIDA, PPS, and CSF, the Marshal of the People's Guard, and several officials from the Office of the First Citizen, obviously including the First Citizen himself. The objectives of the Congress were threefold:
- Establish a plan of Reconstruction for the new districts, to make them economically viable and reduce potential uprisings in the area.
- Appoint a new President of the Worker’s Council, to oversee the economy of the Commune and the aforementioned Reconstruction.
- Formulate a response to increased calls for liberalization in both religion and economics.
"Comrades despite our victory over the villainous Wasps, the ultimate representation of the corrupt Bourgeoisie, we face greater issues than ever before. The new districts have been incorporated politically, but economically they remain in shambles, and if we do not make a serious effort to improve them, they will become a hotbed of dissent and terrorism that will make the Troubles look like minor civil disobedience. This matter is only exacerbated by the inactivity and subsequent murder of Comrade President Soros. A new President of the Worker's Council is dearly needed to oversee the reconstruction of the new districts and assist the economy as a whole on the path to recovery. Finally, we must respond to the mounting calls for liberalization. The prior emergency toleration of the Atomists and Steadfast in the tumultuous times of war has given vigor to other religious groups who also want toleration. The economic malaise we have recently suffered from is also leading to calls for economic liberalization, and an end to the centrally planned economy.
Comrades, it is our responsibility to address these issues here at the First People's Party Congress. A unified and well informed plan of action is needed to turn the Commune onto a path of peace and prosperity in contrast to the chaos and uncertainty of the past few years. Let us begin by hearing the input of our gathered officials on the matter of Reconstruction in the new districts."
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Jimmy Coughlan put in a bid to next address the room, and was received.
"Gentlemen, I would like to put in a bid as next President of the Workers' Council. I believe that my experience in administrative positions throughout the Commune would aid me greatly in this endeavor, and I believe that I could do a lot to build a better Commune, both in the figurative sense, and in aiding in Reconstruction."
"Gentlemen, I would like to put in a bid as next President of the Workers' Council. I believe that my experience in administrative positions throughout the Commune would aid me greatly in this endeavor, and I believe that I could do a lot to build a better Commune, both in the figurative sense, and in aiding in Reconstruction."
Chief Secretary Hadley Kirov gave a response to the motion of Coughlan,
"Comrade Coughlan, your bid is noted, however, as I already stated, our first point of discussion is the matter of Reconstruction. A President of the Workers' Council will be appointed once a plan of Reconstruction is determined, to carry out the operation as the Congress will have deliberated for it."
"Comrade Coughlan, your bid is noted, however, as I already stated, our first point of discussion is the matter of Reconstruction. A President of the Workers' Council will be appointed once a plan of Reconstruction is determined, to carry out the operation as the Congress will have deliberated for it."
Coughlan addresses the business of Reconstruction in response to this:
"In terms of Reconstruction, I would start by opening an office of the Workers' Building Corporation in each of the New Districts to facilitate identification of reconstruction needs and then begin the actual physical process of reconstruction. The WBC is experienced with reconstruction already do to the troubles we've seen in District 4, so they should be able to get a good start on that part of the process. To aid them in this endeavor I'd think that temporary jobs should be supplied to the citizens of those districts effected by the war. Most of these citizens are out of jobs, and work in construction also ties in nicely to infrastructure and scrap collection purposes. In the past I have used a temporary merger of scrap collection and construction employment to make reconstruction efforts at least partially self-sustaining. That being said, the concentration of industry especially in District 1 needs to change in order for the long-term economic viability of these outer Districts to be positive.
To that regard I would propose expanding the rail infrastructure between Districts 1 and 8 in order to form the backbone of industrial and civilian transportation within the Commune. In conjunction with this, a shipping industry could be established or expanded along the coasts of Districts 5 and 8, where shipping was originally concentrated back before the Great War. Expanding offices of necessary functions such as the People's Bank and the Body Collection and Disposal Enterprise to all new Districts should also be a priority.
It might be necessary to organize a specific enterprise focused towards producing industrial important goods such as wiring, cement, and replaceable parts for machinery, things which may also be needed in reconstruction. I would propose that within Districts we formalize neighborhoods separating antagonistic groups away from each other. These neighborhoods would work towards their own reconstruction, and work gangs would be formed out of them. This way the people living there are focused towards working to their own benefit, and are kept from fighting between each other so readily. This is especially important with slaves and ex-slavers.
These are my opening thoughts. We need to expand the everyday governing functions to these places in order to really incorporate them into our government. Competent administrators are also needed to oversee and run these administrations. Since District 4 is finally looking better, and much of the reconstruction efforts are nearing a close there, I would be willing to volunteer members of my staff to go to these new Districts and arbitrate with the people living there, and also to work through the reconstruction efforts.
Thank you."
"In terms of Reconstruction, I would start by opening an office of the Workers' Building Corporation in each of the New Districts to facilitate identification of reconstruction needs and then begin the actual physical process of reconstruction. The WBC is experienced with reconstruction already do to the troubles we've seen in District 4, so they should be able to get a good start on that part of the process. To aid them in this endeavor I'd think that temporary jobs should be supplied to the citizens of those districts effected by the war. Most of these citizens are out of jobs, and work in construction also ties in nicely to infrastructure and scrap collection purposes. In the past I have used a temporary merger of scrap collection and construction employment to make reconstruction efforts at least partially self-sustaining. That being said, the concentration of industry especially in District 1 needs to change in order for the long-term economic viability of these outer Districts to be positive.
To that regard I would propose expanding the rail infrastructure between Districts 1 and 8 in order to form the backbone of industrial and civilian transportation within the Commune. In conjunction with this, a shipping industry could be established or expanded along the coasts of Districts 5 and 8, where shipping was originally concentrated back before the Great War. Expanding offices of necessary functions such as the People's Bank and the Body Collection and Disposal Enterprise to all new Districts should also be a priority.
It might be necessary to organize a specific enterprise focused towards producing industrial important goods such as wiring, cement, and replaceable parts for machinery, things which may also be needed in reconstruction. I would propose that within Districts we formalize neighborhoods separating antagonistic groups away from each other. These neighborhoods would work towards their own reconstruction, and work gangs would be formed out of them. This way the people living there are focused towards working to their own benefit, and are kept from fighting between each other so readily. This is especially important with slaves and ex-slavers.
These are my opening thoughts. We need to expand the everyday governing functions to these places in order to really incorporate them into our government. Competent administrators are also needed to oversee and run these administrations. Since District 4 is finally looking better, and much of the reconstruction efforts are nearing a close there, I would be willing to volunteer members of my staff to go to these new Districts and arbitrate with the people living there, and also to work through the reconstruction efforts.
Thank you."
Shortly after the proposal made by General Secretary Coughlan, Marshal Daniels gives his own address
"In terms of the process of reconstruction, I agree with many of the points brought forward by General Secretary Coughlan, but I feel there are several points I must bring forward. The first being that should we desire to expand our sea-based shipping, it must be accompanied by the appropriate expansion of our own naval forces,as otherwise our merchant vessels would be targeted by groups seeking to do us economic harm. We have already seen some of the effects of such an attack when the mobsters launched their failed attempt at a blockade against us. Next is that I believe the General Secretary's plan of dividing certain groups hostile to each other within Commune may actually increase the chances of additional internal conflict and cause more resentment among these segments of the population. It is my belief that the divide the Secretary proposes we attempt to enforce would happen naturally without any needed interference, and any initial tensions could be defused with the proper application of security forces. Lastly, I would like to make clear to everyone that the issue of Reconstruction involves not only the economic improvement of these Districts but also ensuring the establishment of law and order in these areas as well. While currently, the People's Guard is fulfilling this role in the former Wasp territories it cannot be expected to do so in the long term and as such I purpose that reconstruction efforts be accompanied by significant expansion, in terms of both personnel and equipment, of the Commune Security Force and People's Protection Service.
I trust that the First Citizen and all other members of this Congress take my statements into account and give serious consideration to each of them."
"In terms of the process of reconstruction, I agree with many of the points brought forward by General Secretary Coughlan, but I feel there are several points I must bring forward. The first being that should we desire to expand our sea-based shipping, it must be accompanied by the appropriate expansion of our own naval forces,as otherwise our merchant vessels would be targeted by groups seeking to do us economic harm. We have already seen some of the effects of such an attack when the mobsters launched their failed attempt at a blockade against us. Next is that I believe the General Secretary's plan of dividing certain groups hostile to each other within Commune may actually increase the chances of additional internal conflict and cause more resentment among these segments of the population. It is my belief that the divide the Secretary proposes we attempt to enforce would happen naturally without any needed interference, and any initial tensions could be defused with the proper application of security forces. Lastly, I would like to make clear to everyone that the issue of Reconstruction involves not only the economic improvement of these Districts but also ensuring the establishment of law and order in these areas as well. While currently, the People's Guard is fulfilling this role in the former Wasp territories it cannot be expected to do so in the long term and as such I purpose that reconstruction efforts be accompanied by significant expansion, in terms of both personnel and equipment, of the Commune Security Force and People's Protection Service.
I trust that the First Citizen and all other members of this Congress take my statements into account and give serious consideration to each of them."
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A relative newcomer to the political scene, Bill de Groot gives a short but passionate speech :
It has been more then 250 years since Maoist forces atom bombed these former United States of America, and liberated those who survived from capitalism and oppression, thus leaving us to reshape the world and society in a form as we saw fit.
Like our ancestors in the 19th century, we must follow a path of industrialization and modernization. Recent efforts by Mr Groomfield to get electrical power to the people have been largely succesful. To archieve success and to ensure a socialistic future of the Commune, reconstruction in the new, ravaged district must start swiftly and with utmost efficiency to ensure economic viability. While it is not exactly the topic at hand, this reconstruction must be in conjunction with a greater restructuring and refining of the Commune. I propose we establish certain zones for state funded and controlled industries to be established, with the repair of the docks and establishing the Commune as a major trading hub on the Eastern Seabord. Like the British, Americans, Germans and Chinese before us, we must strive to become the workshop of the world, and in turn, a major powerbroker in the region.
In order to do this, we must use every available resource we have. Industrialization and economic growth, and in turn, rebuilding, should be our primary goals. As such, I must voice my support for most of the plans of General Secretary Coughlan, barring his plans for social segregation. We must strive to integrate all groups of the Commune into one identity and one nation, and we must not keep dividing ourselves further, lest we regress to those petty struggles often fought in New York before the establishment of the Commune. As for the given example, Slaver and Slave, now both equal, should be working together, not seperate.
It has been more then 250 years since Maoist forces atom bombed these former United States of America, and liberated those who survived from capitalism and oppression, thus leaving us to reshape the world and society in a form as we saw fit.
Like our ancestors in the 19th century, we must follow a path of industrialization and modernization. Recent efforts by Mr Groomfield to get electrical power to the people have been largely succesful. To archieve success and to ensure a socialistic future of the Commune, reconstruction in the new, ravaged district must start swiftly and with utmost efficiency to ensure economic viability. While it is not exactly the topic at hand, this reconstruction must be in conjunction with a greater restructuring and refining of the Commune. I propose we establish certain zones for state funded and controlled industries to be established, with the repair of the docks and establishing the Commune as a major trading hub on the Eastern Seabord. Like the British, Americans, Germans and Chinese before us, we must strive to become the workshop of the world, and in turn, a major powerbroker in the region.
In order to do this, we must use every available resource we have. Industrialization and economic growth, and in turn, rebuilding, should be our primary goals. As such, I must voice my support for most of the plans of General Secretary Coughlan, barring his plans for social segregation. We must strive to integrate all groups of the Commune into one identity and one nation, and we must not keep dividing ourselves further, lest we regress to those petty struggles often fought in New York before the establishment of the Commune. As for the given example, Slaver and Slave, now both equal, should be working together, not seperate.
First Citizen Foucalt leaned forward, to speak for the first time since the Congress was convened.
"The plan laid out by Comrade Coughlan is a good one, though I acknowledge and share Comrade de Groot's concern about enforcing segregation in the new districts. I believe we can see from the currently growing divide between Vaulters and Wasters in the old districts, that promoting and entrenching ethnic divides is counterproductive to the unity of the Commune in the long run.
The remainder of Comrade Coughlan's plan should be used as the guideline for Reconstruction in the new districts, expanding the WBC, incorporating the economy, and promoting recovery. Though plans to create a large scale rail network are obviously a long ways off at present.
With this guideline for Reconstruction established, I believe we should move on to determine a new President of the Worker's Council. We are dearly in need of having said position filled following the departure of Comrade Soros."
Chief Secretary Kirov nods and addresses the Congress.
"Then the manner in which Reconstruction will be conducted is established. Thus we move on to selecting a new President of the Worker's Council. Comrade Coughlan has previously placed his name forward as a candidate for the position. Are there any other nominations, or objections to the current nomine?"
"The plan laid out by Comrade Coughlan is a good one, though I acknowledge and share Comrade de Groot's concern about enforcing segregation in the new districts. I believe we can see from the currently growing divide between Vaulters and Wasters in the old districts, that promoting and entrenching ethnic divides is counterproductive to the unity of the Commune in the long run.
The remainder of Comrade Coughlan's plan should be used as the guideline for Reconstruction in the new districts, expanding the WBC, incorporating the economy, and promoting recovery. Though plans to create a large scale rail network are obviously a long ways off at present.
With this guideline for Reconstruction established, I believe we should move on to determine a new President of the Worker's Council. We are dearly in need of having said position filled following the departure of Comrade Soros."
Chief Secretary Kirov nods and addresses the Congress.
"Then the manner in which Reconstruction will be conducted is established. Thus we move on to selecting a new President of the Worker's Council. Comrade Coughlan has previously placed his name forward as a candidate for the position. Are there any other nominations, or objections to the current nomine?"
de Groot rises once again
I do nominate myself for the position. I consider it a most important matter that someone capable such as Mr Coughlan gets into the position, yet it must not go uncontested. While I am relatively new to administration, my brief stint as military governor of the new districts has shown me as hopefully capable and able for such a task.
I do nominate myself for the position. I consider it a most important matter that someone capable such as Mr Coughlan gets into the position, yet it must not go uncontested. While I am relatively new to administration, my brief stint as military governor of the new districts has shown me as hopefully capable and able for such a task.
GM Note: Stats updated to include the census results and all other turn results. Orders due Saturday, October 22nd.
First Citizen Foucalt watched Coughlan, waiting to see if he would respond to de Groot's nomination, but he seemed uninterested, and so Foucalt addressed the Congress once more.
"Then the choice for President of the Worker's Council is between Comrade Coughlan and Comrade de Groot. While the valuable service of Comrade de Groot is noted and appreciated, his experience as an administrator is fairly limited. Comrade Coughlan has overseen District 4 for several years now, and District 5 before then. Both districts under his supervision saw a growth of their economy and stability, showing his capabilities as an administrator. Thus I consider him the superior candidate to be selected as President of the Worker's Council. An election can be held in District 4 to determine his replacement as General Secretary."
Chief Secretary Kirov nods and rises again.
"Then with that matter settled, we move on to the final topic of the Congress, the matter of liberalization, both in the contexts of economics and religion. Should the Commune be liberalized, and if so, to what extent? If not, then how should we deal with those who campaign and pressure for further liberalization?"
"Then the choice for President of the Worker's Council is between Comrade Coughlan and Comrade de Groot. While the valuable service of Comrade de Groot is noted and appreciated, his experience as an administrator is fairly limited. Comrade Coughlan has overseen District 4 for several years now, and District 5 before then. Both districts under his supervision saw a growth of their economy and stability, showing his capabilities as an administrator. Thus I consider him the superior candidate to be selected as President of the Worker's Council. An election can be held in District 4 to determine his replacement as General Secretary."
Chief Secretary Kirov nods and rises again.
"Then with that matter settled, we move on to the final topic of the Congress, the matter of liberalization, both in the contexts of economics and religion. Should the Commune be liberalized, and if so, to what extent? If not, then how should we deal with those who campaign and pressure for further liberalization?"
Bill de Groot grabs a scribbled piece of paper and proceeds to give a speech :
Comrades,
This issue is by far the most important. While an economic policy has mostly been established by the first issue of this Congress, it is now we decide the ideological and moral path the Commune should take.
I shall commence with the economy. Like the Soviet Union before us, we stand at a crosspoint. It is now we could show strength, and enforce socialism in all its tenets, or show capitalist weakness. I advocate for a state controlled economy. A free market economy led to the downfall of democracy and the rule of the people in the Commune. Corporations formed and eventually controlled the whole state. The United States of America had progressed to the last state of capitalism, and had enslaved its people in return for monetary gain of the few.
To prevent this we must retain state control over the major industries and corporations. However, we should not repress the common man. Limited economic freedom (smaller businesses not exceeding a certain size, ensuring fair competition and affordable goods) is essential for the growth and strengthening of the economy. Not to create an elite, but to match supply and demand. We must not become rigid and rusted. It is the duty of the state to protect the people of the Commune from capitalism, yet not suppress the people of the Commune .
I move on to religion. Since time immemorial religion has had significant influence on the people of the world, the United States of America, and now the Commune. It is time the Commune clarifies its policy on organized religion and how it should be regulated. I think it is most essential the Commune retains her state policy of Atheism, yet tolerates religion, if it has peaceful and does not obstruct government policy. It is thus I must vouch for the toleration of those Christians and their that reside in the Commune. Non peaceful religion must be heavily cracked down upon, most notably the man known as Lazarus and his cult.
President of the Worker's Council Jimmy Coughlan voiced his own opinion as well:
"I do not disagree with General Secretary De Groot. We must tolerate nonviolent religions, while maintaining our own atheist views. If we did not tolerate them, we would alienate our own people in our drive to form their opinion for them. Similarly, we must not let our citizens hold power over each other, indebt themselves to each other, or create corporations that destroy individual responsibility while promoting inequality. We must maintain our control over the industries that fuel our people. However, we cannot allow ourselves to limit the innovations of our citizens while we do this. Our greatest engineer, Comrade Groomfield, has been allowed to flourish because the Commune recognizes his gifts and that he is able to provide for many of our needs. If an individual petitions to have a state recognized business, then we should investigate that business and determine if it should be allowed to exist; if it performs a worthwhile service or product that does not endanger any citizens or work against the laws and wishes of the state. These are my personal beliefs on the matter."
"I do not disagree with General Secretary De Groot. We must tolerate nonviolent religions, while maintaining our own atheist views. If we did not tolerate them, we would alienate our own people in our drive to form their opinion for them. Similarly, we must not let our citizens hold power over each other, indebt themselves to each other, or create corporations that destroy individual responsibility while promoting inequality. We must maintain our control over the industries that fuel our people. However, we cannot allow ourselves to limit the innovations of our citizens while we do this. Our greatest engineer, Comrade Groomfield, has been allowed to flourish because the Commune recognizes his gifts and that he is able to provide for many of our needs. If an individual petitions to have a state recognized business, then we should investigate that business and determine if it should be allowed to exist; if it performs a worthwhile service or product that does not endanger any citizens or work against the laws and wishes of the state. These are my personal beliefs on the matter."
Home Again
Thomas tried to keep his head down, he could hear bullets snapping and whistling as they flew around and over him. Somewhere in the distance he heard someone screaming. His fear had consumed him, swallowing him whole he couldn't move, couldn't think. He looked down and saw his knuckles white as they gripped tightly around the stock and barrel of his GM-47. Suddenly the earth seemed to explode under him, the chunk of concrete rubble he was hiding behind was turned into splinters and Thomas landed on the ground pinned by something. Around him he could see debris falling in all directions and some one calling for a medic.
His head was swimming but suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his left arm and looked to see it impaled on a piece of jagged rebar. He had been blown by the concussion of a plasma grenade back and was now stuck. The flesh and bone in his arms were mangled and he couldn't feel his forearm or his fingers. To his right he saw a Wasp charging out over the rubble towards him, swinging an ax maniacally and screaming something about the free market. Dropping his GM-47 he unholstered his Red Devil and fired three shots. The Wasp dropped only an arms length away from him a devilish smile on his lips.
Suddenly he was awake. Anna his wife bent over him shaking his body. "Thomas wake up! Thomas!!! Oh Thomas it happened again." He hugged her, his one good arm wrapped around her frail figure while he tried to move his other arm before forgetting it wasn't there. He felt cold sweat trickling down his face and felt it stinging his eyes. Pressing his face into her nightshirt he felt his throat begin to tighten as he let out a choked sob. The pair cradled each other through the night as each one prayed for the relief of daybreak.
Thomas tried to keep his head down, he could hear bullets snapping and whistling as they flew around and over him. Somewhere in the distance he heard someone screaming. His fear had consumed him, swallowing him whole he couldn't move, couldn't think. He looked down and saw his knuckles white as they gripped tightly around the stock and barrel of his GM-47. Suddenly the earth seemed to explode under him, the chunk of concrete rubble he was hiding behind was turned into splinters and Thomas landed on the ground pinned by something. Around him he could see debris falling in all directions and some one calling for a medic.
His head was swimming but suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his left arm and looked to see it impaled on a piece of jagged rebar. He had been blown by the concussion of a plasma grenade back and was now stuck. The flesh and bone in his arms were mangled and he couldn't feel his forearm or his fingers. To his right he saw a Wasp charging out over the rubble towards him, swinging an ax maniacally and screaming something about the free market. Dropping his GM-47 he unholstered his Red Devil and fired three shots. The Wasp dropped only an arms length away from him a devilish smile on his lips.
Suddenly he was awake. Anna his wife bent over him shaking his body. "Thomas wake up! Thomas!!! Oh Thomas it happened again." He hugged her, his one good arm wrapped around her frail figure while he tried to move his other arm before forgetting it wasn't there. He felt cold sweat trickling down his face and felt it stinging his eyes. Pressing his face into her nightshirt he felt his throat begin to tighten as he let out a choked sob. The pair cradled each other through the night as each one prayed for the relief of daybreak.
Lazarus walked around the small town together with the Ambassador to New York, Jose Lopez. Jose Lopez was a not very tall man but strong looking, wth broad shoulders, pitch-black hair and close-set brown and friendly eyes. He wore fine clothes that were quite alien to the people of New York, and Lazarus himself had been given an Elijahn priest suit in bright colours, with exotic feathers and even some gold. Together with the suit came a headdress with many feathers from birds unkown to almost all. Quite difference from the normal official suit he wore, which was black with the Mark of El Oman in dark red.
"So tell me Lopez, how do you like you accomodations and New York in general?" Asked Lazarus whilst they passed a group of warriors who hailed the Prophet as he walked by.
"They are not quite as luxurious as I'm used too, but it certainly could be worse," He said and continued after a short pause, "The arrival of several from my homeland certainly helps due to the goods they bring which I hope has made your life more enjoyable as well."
"It has indeed, and even though the taste was quite alien to me, the thing you can make from is amazing and I'm glad it exist. It must be rare, right ambassador?" Lazarus asked.
Lopez laughed and then said: "Not really Lazarus, it is quite common that the citizen under the protective wing of Elijah can enjoy these everyday." He began and then asked: "We have heard quite a lot of the Commune on the other side of the river, but we know little about them. Can you explain to me what it is."
"I can indeed," Lazarus began, "It is a state following a queer form of government in which everybody are supposed to be equal, as it they call it. I know little about their state structure but they use their secret police to hunt any and all who are critical of the regime and just recently ruined a perfectly well state. Many refugees live here."
"Interesting," Said Jose Lopez as the two of them walked on.
"So tell me Lopez, how do you like you accomodations and New York in general?" Asked Lazarus whilst they passed a group of warriors who hailed the Prophet as he walked by.
"They are not quite as luxurious as I'm used too, but it certainly could be worse," He said and continued after a short pause, "The arrival of several from my homeland certainly helps due to the goods they bring which I hope has made your life more enjoyable as well."
"It has indeed, and even though the taste was quite alien to me, the thing you can make from is amazing and I'm glad it exist. It must be rare, right ambassador?" Lazarus asked.
Lopez laughed and then said: "Not really Lazarus, it is quite common that the citizen under the protective wing of Elijah can enjoy these everyday." He began and then asked: "We have heard quite a lot of the Commune on the other side of the river, but we know little about them. Can you explain to me what it is."
"I can indeed," Lazarus began, "It is a state following a queer form of government in which everybody are supposed to be equal, as it they call it. I know little about their state structure but they use their secret police to hunt any and all who are critical of the regime and just recently ruined a perfectly well state. Many refugees live here."
"Interesting," Said Jose Lopez as the two of them walked on.