[Forum Game] The New World Order

[Somberg]

 

[Sithlent]

An excerpt of the last minutes of the 1992 ABC 20/20 interview between Senator-Elect Simon Prescott and Barbara Walters

Walters: ...So, let's get straight to the case: Mr. Prescott, were you or were you not involved in your brother's assassination attempt?

Prescott: *pauses for a brief moment* Barbara, I will say this and I will say this only once, I was not – in any way, shape, or form – involved with my brother's attempted murder of President Long, n-nor would I ever, and I mean ever try to kill such a noble man.

Walters: So you are saying outright that you had absolutely no involvement in your brother's plot?

Prescott: Like I said before, absolutely none. My brother was estranged from me and my family for weeks, even months before any of this mess happened. He had...a series of mental issues and my mother tried to help him, but it was impossible for him to cope with the changes. I didn't know that he was a part of the Aryan Nations, I did not know that he had purchased a revolver, and I certainly did not know that he would attempt to kill our President-elect.

Walters: Thank you, Mr. Prescott.

Prescott: No, thank you, Barbara. It is time that the American people finally know the truth about this horrible deed my brother has committed.

 

[Noco19]

Inaugural Address
Jimmy Rex Long; XLII President of the United States of America
​

"My Friends and Fellow Americans,

Today, we celebrate a victory, not of one man, not of one party, but of Democracy, the fundamental framework of our blessed United States, and of the core principles we cherish: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Like so many that came before us, like our Founders so long ago, we as Americans stand at a time of choice, our generation tasked with the reevaluation of our Nation and how our values mature to meet with this modern age. Just as our Founding Fathers knew, change, not for its own sake, but for the betterment of America, was our path, necessary for the endurance of freedom for every citizen.

And in this time of decision, I have been blessed by the support of the American people, and given the responsibility to represent this beautiful country, as a symbol for positive change at home, and our interests abroad. In this time, perhaps more than any, we must as a Nation come together to prove the supremacy of love, love of our homeland and its people, our unity surpassing whatever divisions are placed upon us, divisions reinforced by agents of hate, the very same who would open fire into a crowd just to prevent the democratic will of the people. Our Nation has gone far, but there exists much ahead, large steps to be taken for the renewal of America.

On behalf of the Nation, I salute my predecessor - President Bush - for his service, and although we do not share the same political affiliation or ideological beliefs, it is important that one not succumb to undue partisanship nor mean-spirited rivalry, as we are all Americans. I would also like to think the millions unnamed, servants to our ideals who have worked against depression, fascism, and communism, and most recently, racial hatred, all antitheses to the American way of life.

These next four years shall be a time of return, the end of the erosion of our state institutions, of our economy, and our open society, the reversal of our drift away from policies that are not in defense of the People; now is the time for a bold renewal, democracy acting as the central engine to address the issues apparent within this Nation, artificial inequality, intolerance, and the entrenched benefit of the top over the many. In a world so increasingly connected as ours, the line between domestic and foreign grows ever loose, and it must be that America act as the face of the Free World in all aspects, the example for all other Nations in our practices, in our strength, and in our respect for human life.

A New Age descends upon us in the fall of Communism, and in this vacuum must be filled the principles of love, inclusiveness rather than exclusivity, honor and peace the twin virtues in all dealings with our international partners. But just the same, we cannot forget that first and foremost, our mission is for America, to promote goodwill to those that seek it, and protect our interests from those that would exploit it. Perhaps never have we been so positioned to shape the course of history since the Second World War, taking the hand of those we once saw as enemies, and helping them towards a path of prosperity, and this duty cannot be shirked, no can it be allowed to be threatened, undermined by a weakening of our own economy and our values due to dealings and policies that focused on prioritizing the interests of the wealthy or advantaged instead of the many. It will require a strong foundation to play our integral part in the world, and to protect American interests at home.

So let today be a day of celebration of the very idea of America, an idea forged through revolution and renewed through two centuries of challenge, tempered by the by the knowledge that, but for fate, we, the fortunate, and the unfortunate might have been each other; an idea ennobled by the faith that our Nation can summon from its myriad diversity the deepest measure of unity; an idea infused with the conviction that America's long, heroic journey must go forever upward.

And let tomorrow, and every day after, be filled with energy, resolve, and above all else, compassion for America and its People, doing the work that must be done for the betterment of our Nation. As Scripture reads, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not," and with this call to service from the People and from God, I say now to you all, these four years will be done so that you, our children, and our grandchildren may live in a greater and more prosperous Nation than we were born into.

Thank you, and God Bless you all."
_

CABINET OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

President - Jimmy Rex Long
Vice President - John Kerry

Secretary of State - Robert Schwarz Strauss

Secretary of Treasury - Robert Reich

Secretary of Defense - Colin Powell

Attorney General - Janet Reno

Secretary of the Interior - Bruce Babbitt

Secretary of Agriculture - Bob Kerrey

Secretary of Commerce - Ronald Brown

Secretary of Labor - Mario Cuomo

Secretary of Health and Human Services - Sidney Barthelemy

Secretary of Education - Richard Riley

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development - Henry Cisneros

Secretary of Transportation - Federico Peña

Secretary of Energy - Hazel O’ Leary

Secretary of Veteran Affairs - Jesse Brown

White House Chief of Staff - Leon Panetta
- White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy - Patricia Allen

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency - Kai Midboe

Director of the Office of Management and Budget - Alice Rivlin

Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy - Lee Brown

United States Trade Representative - Marcy Kaptur

___

Press Secretary - George Ambrose

 

[Bonecracker(NL)]

((You can go and imagine the victory speech I'm gonna edit in here already. But I just noticed the ICs I made and tried to post on the wifi of the hotel didn't come through. So, I'd like to apologise for the apparent lack of activity.

I'll retun home on the 7th))

 

[bakerydog]

"I'd like to thank the people of Cincinnati for electing me as your Representative to Congress. The workers of Ohio deserve representation in Congress that adequately protects their livelihoods as well as the future of our children. I hope to build upon Bill's previous work and get some change done in Washington."

 

[EasternBloc]

"Da future is here! We are going to make great changes to dis state, on crime, corruption, and violence. Believe me, it's going to be amazing, and we're going to do it together!"

-Excerpt from Senator Bill Swerski's Victory Speech

 

[Somberg]

 

[Fingon888]

Opening of 1993

​

President Long gave his first address to the nation as the 42nd President of the United States of America on the cold day of January 20th, 1993. A slight, near freezing rain fell on the people who gathered there to see the President who had three months ago nearly been struck down before his time. There had been no attacks since the assassination attempt and almost twenty arrests have been made in Idaho, Florida, and North Carolina of Aryan Nations members. The new President's address focused on hope and change in the new world and was seen by many across the country as a success. Going into office off the back of an electoral landslide and a failed assassination attempt left President Long very popular in the public eye and with both houses of congress under Democratic control many people foresaw the President passing through many new initiatives. The budget deficit was still a major issue, as was the issue of abortion restrictions imposed by the Reagan and Bush presidencies, family leave controversy, and the looming monster of the North American Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA had largely been negotiated by the Bush administration but due to the complex nature of the agreement and opposition within his own party (notably the new Senator from Illinois and the Ohio Representative Michael White won their primary largely on opposition to NAFTA) the trade agreement had been shifted off until after the election. President Long would be tasked with the final negotiations of NAFTA and the decision on whether or not to push for its implementation. Marcy Kaptur, now former Congresswoman from Ohio, was almost immediately dispatched to meet with the representatives from Mexico and Canada, as well as the vast team of Democratic Party and establishment trade experts.

Much of these concerns would be quickly overshadowed the following day. Two trucks pulled onto the Capitol Grounds and ten men attempted to approach the Capitol with AR-15's. The Capitol police attempted to stop the would-be attackers and a firefight ensued in which nine Capitol police were killed and 16 wounded. After the ten men were either dead or wounded, the police moved in to apprehend any survivors. One man had been wearing an explosive belt and ignited it when the police reached the group of men. In the blast all of the attackers were killed and another 4 policemen and 12 more wounded. The Aryan Nations claimed responsibility for the attack in retaliation for the arrests made in the weeks following the Election Night attack.

((Alright the real meat of the game has started. You may propose legislation and partake in the activities of your position. Anyone who is not seated may send orders that you can do as a private citizen. Noco, you have some heavy crises on your hand, and it is now time for you to respond. This period will last until Thursday night at least.))

​

 

[bakerydog]

"In memory of the heroes who died defending the Capitol Building I propose the following Capitol Memorial Bill:

((Main Points Listed, I'm assuming at least a few months have gone by since the attack))

~A monument of independent design to those fallen during the Capitol Attack will be erected on Capitol Grounds as a reminder of those who did their duty to the Nation and protected their countrymen.
~To ensure the families of the fallen may not suffer any undue hardships as a result of the attack, The Capitol Memorial Fund will be created and open to donations from the public.

 

[99KingHigh]

((Come now Fingon, The Aryan Nations couldn't find a tree in the Amazon. ))

 

[Fingon888]

Russia In Crisis

Secretary of State Robert S. Strauss would be a pivotal player in the Russian crisis of 1993​

Boris Yeltsin upon becoming the first president of the Russian Federation introduced massive privatization and economic shock therapy to turn Russia into a free market economy. A small group of men had purchased vast amounts of industry and capital creating a new rising class of oligarchs in the Russian economy. In the privatization large amounts of wealth was lost and the Russian GDP was in free fall. The GDP was already at half the amount it was in 1989 (GDP of the Russian SFSR, not the USSR as a whole) and the country was nearing an economic crisis. Upon entering office President Long was informed that Yeltsin's economic team was a mixture of homegrown capitalists and appointees by the Bush administration. President Long quickly tasked Secretary of the Treasury Robert Reich in forming an economic team to advise Yeltsin on ending the shock therapy and introduce a more regulated and Keynesian economic system in Russia. Secretary of State Robert S. Strauss led the team to Moscow where they met with Yeltsin and his economic team repeatedly, but the Russian President had staked much of his political career on the success of privatization. Yeltsin would prevaricate on the American proposed reforms for almost a month and Strauss was increasingly becoming convinced of the failure of his mission.

However, Strauss received a call from the Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation, Ruslan Khasbulotov. Khasbulotov agreed to meet with the American economic delegation and quickly agreed to unite the Supreme Soviet in a push to implement the American reforms. Khasbulotov and Yeltsin had been at odds over the powers of each other's positions and Khasbulotov used his platform to push for the increasingly popular reforms. Yeltsin's approval rate continued to plummet as his opposition to the American backed reforms became toxic. In June Yeltsin, under immense pressure from the thousands of Russians being plunged into poverty by the devastation to the welfare system and the hyperinflation of the ruble, would relent and begin to slowly enact some of the American policies, bringing in Strauss and the team. Yeltsin would implement massive reforms to the Central Bank of Russia, which would bring down inflation, and reintroduced large social spending hikes. The loss of industry support however, kept the economy from bouncing back and Khasbulotov attempted to use the power of the Supreme Soviet to re nationalize the key heavy industries, such as automobiles, military arms, and construction. At the same time the growing oligarchical class turned against Yeltsin and threatened to pull all backing from him, which would result in him losing all control over the Government. Yeltsin attempted to reverse his own reforms in response, but his own staff refused to cooperate at the orders of Khasbulotov and vice-president Alexander Rutskoy. President Yeltsin resigned the next day and Alexander Rutskoy was appointed acting President of the Russian Federation. Rutskoy cooperated with Khasbulotov to nationalize most heavy industries and by the middle of October, 1993, the GDP had stabilized and began to rise. Khasbulotov and Rutskoy worked together on creating a new constitution for the Russian Federation that clearly separated the powers of the parliament and the presidency, creating a system in Russia of a strong parliament and a weak presidency. The de facto ruling man of Russia entering the latter part of 1993 was firmly Ruslan Khasbulotov and Strauss was recalled to the United States, leaving his economic team in Russia to help Khasbulotov guide the economy further.

((This is a mini to get some more activity. Keep working on any bills you want to introduce people.))

 

[jeeshadow]

Senator Alyssa Walker gave this short statement in support of Legislation she proposed in the US Senate

"It is often very difficult for employees to get job protected leave in case of family or medical emergencies. This is something that must end. As such, I propose the following act to deal with these circumstances. I urge members of this body on both sides of the aisles to support this legislation!"

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

((Just linking the Wikipedia article as that is much simpler))

 

[Sithlent]

"My fellow Senators, we have learned from recent events that we need greater gun control laws in this nation to protect any more individuals from being ruthlessly killed. As such, I propose this bill in Congress:"

Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act

 

[EasternBloc]

"In memory of the heroes who died defending the Capitol Building I propose the following Capitol Memorial Bill:

((Main Points Listed, I'm assuming at least a few months have gone by since the attack))

~A monument of independent design to those fallen during the Capitol Attack will be erected on Capitol Grounds as a reminder of those who did their duty to the Nation and protected their countrymen.
~To ensure the families of the fallen may not suffer any undue hardships as a result of the attack, The Capitol Memorial Fund will be created and open to donations from the public.

"I wholly support dis recognition of da people who died in da attack on da Capitol Grounds. It is my duty as a patriotic American do support it, and I encourage all other true Americans to do da same."

 

[bakerydog]

"In the interests of the citizens of Ohio and the United States I hereby propose a federal crime bill overhauling much of the current justice system as well as the penalties for those who commit acts of abuse, murder and terrorism:

Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

I believe in the 2nd Amendment, but as we have seen there are those who would wish to take advantage of the constitution and take it upon themselves to harm others. It is prudent to deny terrorists access to assault weapons before more tragedies occur.

((I would like to note that this version will have two significant changes: First the three strikes provision will be removed, and second under this changed bill inmates will be allowed to seek higher education))

 

[Noco19]

Press Release from President Long​

"A great evil has committed now two nationally-regarded tragedies since my election, not a new force, but one that has plauged our Nation since its inception, a malignant tumor that has hidden away in recent years under different names, different faces, and different words, but we all know its name - racism and racial divide. Hate has manifested in the minds of several disturbed figures who believe that they must enforce their ideology through force of arms. I am sure for many, this seems a novel sight for your nightly news, but for many Americans, this has been an ongoing struggle; for our minorities, they have been the subject of this campaign for generations upon generations.

As President, it is my duty to uphold our values and laws, and above all else, we purport ourselves as a Nation of equals, a Nation of multiple parts coming together to weave the beautiful fabric of the greatest Nation of Earth. I will not stand idly by while hate groups try every means possible to divide us, as a public servant and as a proud American. But we must not meet hate with hate, violence with violence, and from this must come a time of unity, bridging together of every American, to establish a clear and concise avenue towards a better, more equal America.

In that pursuit, I announce the creation of the One America Initiative, a plan which I hope will set the stage for myself, and future leaders, for a proper analysis of and solution for the racial divides within this Nation."

Spoiler: One America

Executive Order 12834 of January 25th, 1993
President's Advisory Board on Race

​

Spoiler: One America

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), and in order to establish a President's Advisory Board on Race, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.Establishment.
(a) There is established the President's Advisory Board on Race. The Advisory Board shall comprise 7 members from outside the Federal Government to be appointed by the President. Members shall each have substantial experience and expertise in the areas to be considered by the Advisory Board. Members shall be representative of the diverse perspectives in the areas to be considered by the Advisory Board.
(b) The President shall designate a Chairperson from among the members of the Advisory Board.

Sec. 2.Functions.
(a) The Advisory Board shall advise the President on matters involving race and racial reconciliation, including ways in which the President can:
(1) Promote a constructive national dialogue to confront and work through challenging issues that surround race;
(2) Increase the Nation's understanding of our recent history of race relations and the course our Nation is charting on issues of race relations and racial diversity;
(3) Bridge racial divides by encouraging leaders in communities throughout the Nation to develop and implement innovative approaches to calming racial tensions;
(4) Identify, develop, and implement solutions to problems in areas in which race has a substantial impact, such as education, economic opportunity, housing, health care, and the administration of justice.
(b) The Advisory Board also shall advise on such other matters as from time to time the President may refer to the Board.
(c) In carrying out its functions, the Advisory Board shall coordinate with the staff of the President's Initiative on Race.

Sec. 3.Administration.
(a) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Department of Justice shall provide the financial and administrative support for the Advisory Board.
(b) The heads of executive agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide to the Advisory Board such information as it may require for the purpose of carrying out its functions.
(c) The Chairperson may, from time to time, invite experts to submit information to the Advisory Board and may form subcommittees or working groups within the Advisory Board to review specific matters.
(d) Members of the Advisory Board shall serve without compensation but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).

Sec. 4.General.
(a) Notwithstanding any other Executive order, the functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, except that of reporting to the Congress, that are applicable to the Advisory Board shall be performed by the Attorney General, or his or her designee, in accordance with guidelines that have been issued by the Administrator of General Services.
(b) The Advisory Board shall terminate on September 30, 1998, unless extended by the President prior to such date.

Jimmy Rex Long
The White House,
January 25, 1993.

___

A Flurry of legislation would arise in the First 100 Days of the Long Presidency:

Payroll Tax Reform Act of 1993 - Removes $250,000 income cap on payroll taxes, ending its regressive structure

National Voter Registration Act of 1993

Omnibus Budget Act of 1993 - Changes: Include 42% bracket for income above $350,000; change corporate bracket for over $18.33 million to 40%, include corporate tax bracket of over $25 million subject to 41%; greater expansion of Earned Income Tax Credit for poorer Americans

Health Security Act

National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 - Establishes AmeriCorps

 

[MastahCheef117]

Allan Parker Washington issued a brief statement on 29 January, 1993, chiefly in response to the recent terror attack and the attempted assassination of the President-elect.

"I have, for the entirety of my time as a public servant, dedicated all my energies toward not only increasing the prosperity of the American citizen, but also making his life a safer one ... even after having made the transition back into being a private citizen, I feel it my duty to speak out against the terrible crimes that have been perpetrated upon the people of this great nation. The action that nearly took from us the life of President Long, and the terrible tragedy that occurred on the grounds of the Capitol itself, reminds us that there will always be those seeking to destroy the nation as it now stands. This republic has stood the test of time. We have weathered a dozen recessions and depressions and have witnessed the rise and fall of empires. When the free world, in desperation, called on us to join the fight against tyranny, in all forms -- we came. The United States has existed for one sole purpose: to ensure that the God-given rights of liberty, and equality before the law, shall never be infringed by any government or man.

"The men that committed that dastardly act of terrorism just a few short days ago remind us that tyranny is never too far from our doorstep. We must always be vigilant, and never let our guard down. Though evil does permeate many corners of the world, we must also remember that the good will always overshadow that evil -- if we are prepared and willing to do the right, and see our job through to the end. The great throngs of tyrants and dictators all throughout the pages of history have met their final undoing at the hands of one simple fact: that tyranny cannot last forever.

"I pray that my fellow Americans embrace one another with the kindred spirits of liberty and brotherhood, and, if I may do so humbly, quote the great words of Daniel Webster, uttered all those years ago: 'Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable.' Thank you, and may God bless the United States."

 

[aussieboy]

OOC: May O still sign in for the next elections?

 

[TJDS]

Name: Clem Buskell
Born: May 5, 1961 (33)
State: Washington
Party: Democratic

Clement 'Clem' Ulysses Joseph Buskell was born in Seattle, Washington to Bill Buskell and Jenny McLyn, two Canadian émigrés who moved to Seattle after Bill wqs offered a job there. He was the youngest of the family and grew up in the shadow of his brother's physical achievement and his sister's popularity. It was this that made Buskell turn to books and knowledge early in life, which would greatly help his academic carreer. He would begin his studies in economics and political science & philosophy at Wasingthon University, but was eventually offered a scholarship at Harvard, where he would finish his studies and work till 1985, when he was asked to run for Wasingthon 43rd Legislative District, a Democratic safe seat, in the 1976 state election. In the State House of Representatives, Buskell quickly rose through the ranks of the Democratic caucus, partly thanks to his credentials as economist and able administrator, but also thanks to his close alignment with the state house leadership. This landed him his first major public office as Majority Whip in 1989, following the resignation of his predecessor after an expenses scandal. His next promotion came in 1992, after the previous House Majoriry Leader chose to run for higher office, leaving his office vacated for Buskell. This promotion came at a time when the State Speaker's influence began waning in the party caucus. Thus Buskell used this to his advantage by becoming defacto Leader of the Democratic State Caucus, but he has his eyes set on higher office. He therefore announced his intention to run for Wasingthon's 7th Congressional District, the most Democratic district of the Pacific North West and of the West Coast outside the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles.

State Representative for the 43rd-Seattle District (1986-1996)
State House Majority Whip (1989-1992)
State House Majority Leader (1992-1994)

((This is my new character for 1994))

 

[Fingon888]

((Sorry for my lengthy absence, life took a short turn towards being very busy for a little while, but I will be back on IRC tomorrow to answer you guy's questions and whatnot. In the meantime I will now open up voting on the bills we have. All players may vote on all bills (aside from the budget) simply put your position and your state. I'll give you guys a sample ballot.))

Payroll Tax Reform Act of 1993: Yea/Nay/Abstain
National Voter Registration Act of 1993: Yea/Nay/Abstain
Health Security Act : Yea/Nay/Abstain
National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993: Yea/Nay/Abstain
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act: Yea/Nay/Abstain
Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act: Yea/Nay/Abstain
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993: Yea/Nay/Abstain
Capitol Memorial Bill: Yea/Nay/Abstain

Omnibus Budget Act of 1993: Yea/Nay/Abstain

[State]

[Position] ((President/Congressman/Senator/Cabinet Member/House or Senate Leadership Position/Unseated))

The vote will end Wednesday at 5 PM EST