A Brave New World Part 3

[D'Artagnan59]

To: Alaska
From: Quebec

So long as Alaska does not use Quebecois land to ship to Canada, yes.

 

[EQandcivfanatic]

Multi-Regional News​

POPULAR CAPITALISM: A STUDY. Lanzhou, China. Over the past forty years a new ideology has emerged internationally, changing the thoughts of intellectuals and average workers alike. Termed in its strictest sense as "popular capitalism" it goes by a variety of names from country to country. The origins of the new ideology are stated to have been from an obscure economist in Virginia during the 1940s and the postwar recession which took place there. He theorized that perhaps companies, not governments, should be the ones to provide for the worker. The popular capitalists' existence stems from the overall failure of international governments and the socialist cause to provide any sort of relief in the form of health care, safety laws, or minimum wages. Ultimately the various unions across the world, legal and illegal, began adopting the concepts of popular capitalism for promoting their own ends. The core of popular capitalism rests in two key concepts. First, that companies, not governments, should provide the "workers' rights," so long desired by the working classes. Second, that those companies, in order to prevent exploitation, should be equally owned by all of its workers. From here ideological thought varies from the radical to the conservative. Conservative popular capitalists suggest that current national governments should be used to reform the corporations and assets, and there should be varying shares of companies held by ranking of the individual workers' value to the whole. Moderates agree that national governments should be used in reform of companies, but that all workers should be granted a completely equal share in the companies in which they work. The most radical element, and thus far, the largest, are the ones who believe that full revolution is called for and that national governments should be outlawed, and all standing companies should be reformed for the betterment of the workers. The intellectual types and political movements based on popular capitalism generally adhere to moderate or conservative thought. The radical side of things is the one which is increasingly popular among illegal unions and within the poorer parts of most industrialized nations. Only time will tell if popular capitalism has what it takes to shake the foundations of the world.

North American News​

A GREAT LEAP FOR HUMANITY! Cape Menendez, Florida. The governments of Florida and Mexico officially confirmed the formation of the United Gulf Space Exploration Agency this year, and have begun a whole new chapter in mankind's history. A device, equipped with radio broadcasting equipment, was launched outside Earth's atmosphere on April 24 of this year. Scientists at Cape Menendez have reported successful contact with the device, termed a "satellite" by observers. The Un Poco, as it is affectionately called by members of UGSEA, continued to broadcast from orbit for the remainder of the year, and have confirmed the channel from which to hear the broadcast on personal radios. The President of Florida has announced that this is a great step forward in his nation's history and for humanity as a whole. Great Powers around the globe are scrambling to respond to this, and expressions of concern have emerged from capitols from Richmond to Paris to Lanzhou. Floridians and Mexicans alike swell with pride in knowing that they, not anyone else, are the first to truly escape the Earth and have established the first foothold in space.

ERUPTION DESTROYS SMALL NEW FRENCH COMMUNITY. St. Helena, New France. Tragedy struck in the nation of new France on May 18 of this year, as the tranquil Mount St. Helena erupted into volcanic status, destroying the local community of the same name. The town, with its economy based on tourism from Mexico and China, was fortunately in a slow time of year, as few tourists were killed and many seasonal residents were away. Unfortunately, the town was virtually wiped off the face of the map along with around four thousand people. The New French military responded to provide aid, but the ecological and property damage to the region has been extreme at the least. (-4 Population)

FLORIDIAN ELECTIONS. Saint Augustine, Florida. The launching of the Un Poco into orbit officially sealed the Freedom Party's victory in this year's elections, showcasing the economic strength and political influence that Florida has achieved in recent years. The Floridian President has stated that under Freedom Party leadership the economy will continue to thrive and the nation will continue building strong ties with Mexico and the other nations of the Caribbean coast. (+1 Stability for Florida)

FOX ELECTIONS. Fox Falls, Fox Republic. The Fox Republic has seen a regime change as the moderate coalition the Third Way has collapsed and elections have brought to power a different political force. Ideological disputes between the right and left have led to the splitting of the moderate coalition along conservative and liberal lines. The conservative Traditionalist Party ultimately won out with promises of maintain isolation from foreign politics and keeping the Fox Republic out of any foreign entanglements. (-1 Stability for Fox Republic)

MEXICAN ELECTIONS. Mexico City, Mexico. As in Florida, the radical success of the launch of Un Poco has led to overwhelming political capital for the reigning Freedom Party. Unlike Florida, however they have still faced a tough electoral fight against the conservative Triumph Party. The Triumph Party has called to question the military policies of the Mexican government claiming that expenditures in Florida is a waste of government resources when threats such as the Socialist Union and France still could bring about the end of the Mexican way of life. Unfortunately for them, this political ploy has backfired as the criticism of the program has caused the enthusiastic Mexican people to turn away from the conservative cause for now.

VIRGINIAN REGIMES CHANGE AMID ELECTIONS. Richmond, Virginian Empire. The Virginian government faced fresh political turmoil this year as King Henry III passed away, ending a particularly long reign over the empire. Virginia's declining status as a premiere North American power and the growing civil rights movement struggling to bring change to the treatment of the nation's Negroes have led to a heated election. The unions and popular capitalists have at last come out in support of the civil rights movement, and some are threatening strikes to bring infrastructure to a halt. Inflaming the situation among the upper classes is the fact that the new King Curtis II is believed to be dangerously liberal having a modern education. Business reactions against the civil rights and popular capitalists became increasingly extreme throughout the year, leading to hundreds of injuries and several deaths over several incidents. The reigning Conservative Party has once more returned to power, pledging to keep a lid on internal dissent, but the Liberal Party has risen up with the cause of reform and the close election was nearly won by them. (-1 Stability)

Central/South American News​

RED CROSS MAKES BREAKTHROUGH IN EL SALVADOR. San Salvador, El Salvador. A medical researcher working with the International Red Cross in El Salvador has announced a vaccine for the dreaded disease of polio. El Salvador once had the highest rate of polio throughout the world, but through extensive experimentation, the Red Cross has announced that it has very nearly eradicated the disease from the small Central American nation. The International Red Cross has announced that it has been in talks with medicinal companies in Shanghai, Mexico City, and Marseilles about global distribution of the new vaccine. (+1 Standard of Living for El Salvador)

CHILEAN ELECTIONS. Santiago, Chile. Elections in Chile were mostly a quiet matter this year, until a charismatic leader arose for the opposition United Liberal Front, challenging the conservative Safety Party. Over the course of the year, grass roots support was obtained to build up the national trust and support for the elections, but alas, it was not enough. The Liberals were narrowly defeated by the Safety Party which continued to promise to maintain ties with Pacific Ocean trading partners, particularly Mexico and China. (-1 Stability for Chile)

European News​

EARTHQUAKE STRIKES ITALIAN TOWN. Lioni, Italy. Lioni and several other surrounding communities in southern Italy were struck by a massive earthquake and its aftershocks in late November. Lioni was essentially razed in the earthquakes while the other towns survived with varying degrees of damage. The Italian military and the International Red Cross responded quickly to the region, providing aid and sustenance to the beleaguered people. The local economy has been essentially wrecked by the devastation and thousands are confirmed dead or missing in the worst earthquake in recent European history. (-7 Population, -1 EP for Italy)

FRENCH ELECTIONS REAFFIRM POWER. Paris, France. As standard for the French Empire every ten years, a new series of elections has been held for Consul, and as it has been every election since 1940, only the Lisist Party exists on the ballot. While some seats have changed hands in Congress and the Imperial Senate due to retirements and career changes, overall the nation remains in the same hands, as Consul Megret is sworn in for another ten years as leader of the French nation. In the shadows of Paris and the slums of mainland France however, the popular capitalists have risen, and it's believed that they may have been behind the particularly low turnout for voting which was recorded this year. Rumors exist that they have sponsored and unofficial boycott of France's "sham electoral process" in order to gain more popular support for their own cause.

ORTHODOX PARTY MAINTAIN HOLD IN RUSSIAN ELECTIONS. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. The Russian Orthodox Party, thanks to its absolute control of Russian mass media, and alleged intimidation tactics, continues to dominate the Duma and control the Presidency. The Orthodox Party continues to maintain its policies of restoring powers to the Tsar as well as cementing Russia as the world's foremost power once more.

BLOODSHED IN UKRAINE. Kiev, Ukraine. After the Orthodox Party's electoral victory in Russia, reports filtered out across the world of extreme violence in the Ukrainian capitol of Kiev. The Orthodox Party is alleged to have sponsored wide-spread demonstrations against the Ukrainian government, calling for that nation's immediate reunification with the Russian Federation. President Kuchma has blamed the unrest on militant Russian espionage, attempting to undermine the Ukrainian nation. He has demanded that Russian cease their attempts to destabilize Ukraine and the military has been mobilized "to prevent further disturbances." Local Russian military forces have also been mobilized as the borders have effectively closed as the crisis continues to mount.

African News​

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS. Capton, South Africa. Recent inspections of the South African military by high ranking government officials have suggested that as of late, the navy has been keeping its equipment in particularly fine shape. Ships seem to be in better condition than since the departure from the New Englander empire. Several local munitions industries have even sprung up, providing the military with quality weapons and ammunition. (+1 Naval Equipment Quality for South Africa)

MALI ELECTIONS. Timbuktu, Mali. The government of Mali faced a difficult year as the conservative regime found itself swept out of office. Charges of secretly supporting smuggling from Nijeria and alleged corruption in government led to a wave of popular support against the regime. The liberal Party for Democracy has risen to power, and has pledged to lift restrictions upon the press as its first order of government after their triumphal victory over conservatism.

Middle Eastern News

Asian/Pacific News​

CIVIL DISORDER IN CHINA. Shanghai, China. China's great coastal cities such as Hong Kong and Shanghai were wracked by rioting and civil disorder over the course of the year as local populations struck out in orgies of looting and theft. To make the situation worse, it is believed that hundreds may be dead from overzealous police and military reaction to the disobedience. Local politicians and economists blame the riots upon worsening housing conditions, the displaced farming populace from the countryside as mechanization grows, and an unusually hot summer. The Chinese federal government made no official response to the incidents, allowing them to run their course as the local leaders dealt with the problems. (-1 Stability for China)

Hot Movie Reviews​

1812
Producer: Beria Productions
Running Time: 125 minutes
Summary: This landmark piece is the first film made since Beria Production returned from Crimea to exclusively film in the Russian Federation. This film, given access to historical sites by the Russian government, portrays Napoleon's defeat by the Russians at Moscow, and the eventual arrival of Russian troops in Paris, ending the war. The film has reached some notoriety and has been banned by the French Censor Board in western Europe, particularly due to its "unfair and biased display of great heroes of mankind."

The 1980 Report of the People's Cause
Producer: SUSA State Films
Running Time: 168 minutes
Summary: The first of the Socialist Union of South America's yearly report films to be shown in full color, the 1980 Report is notable for its quality production showing the various fields and works of the Socialist Union. Noted for showing the population the great mines, farms, and towns which have been built throughout what was once known as the Amazon Rainforest, the production is truly a testament to the productivity of the Socialist Union's people and laborers. Outside the Socialist Union of course this film has been shown as propaganda for the socialist cause, but has been widely ignored by most populations.

The Sounds of Music
Producer: Modern Roman Cinema Productions
Running Time: 114 minutes
Summary: The first popular musical motion picture since the late 1950s, the Sounds of Music has become a great hit throughout the Republic of Italy. Focused upon a musically oriented family in southern Germany after it was annexed by France as a result of the Second World War, it discusses their escape from French oppression. The movie excels in showing how one family would put a happy face on as they dealt with all the horrors and atrocities that France inflicted upon the German people. Ultimately the movie ends heartwarmingly as the family makes its escape across Switzerland into Italy.

Into the Heart
Producer: Patriotic Cinematic Productions
Running Time: 88 minutes
Summary: Filmed throughout French Africa, this film focuses on a French big game hunter striving for his biggest quarry yet, a feared rhino. He faces opposition from evil Chinese poachers simply after the rhino for their own indecent and immoral purposes. Leading his stalwart band of heroes and local natives in awe of his prowess, the French safari defeats the dastardly Chinese and manages to claim his noble prize in the hunt. This film is noted for its massive financial success throughout Europe, particularly in mainland France.

Montezuma Street Blues
Producer: Desert Sunset Productions
Running Time: 91 minutes
Summary: This movie is the latest work of the Mexican cinema, which gained a great boost following the relocation of several New Englander companies from San Juan a few years ago. The film revolves around stock traders on the notorious Montezuma Street in San Diego. A story of lies, deceit, and betrayal, the movie shows how entire fortunes can be won or lost in a single day in Mexico's financial capitol.

Road to Lanzhou
Producer: Golden Palace Films
Running Time: 103 minutes
Summary: This film is a modern fictionalization of one of the great documentaries of the twentieth century, showing the horrors of Korea's invasion of China as well as the devastation caused to China by the warlords and the communist uprising. The new film takes a new route upon this, showing the same with modern cinema budgets, as well as revolving around a central cast of characters which travel across the country, avoiding execution by the communists to make it to their freedom in Lanzhou, behind republican lines. The movie has been a financial success throughout much of the Pacific region, even in Korea, despite the characterizations of the Korean holdouts the main characters encounter throughout their journey.

The Sports Page​

WORLD CUP. Caen, France. Returning to France after over a decade of other locations, the World Cup has arrived on the European continent once more as the final game was played between the French team and the Italian one. The game was greatly contested and tensions were high between Italian and French friends, resulting in a fight which led to the death of two people, beginning the tarnishing of the event. After Italy's close 3-2 victory over the French team, a riot broke out in the stadium as the French fans attacked the Italians and other foreigners who arrived to view the game. Hundreds were injured during the course of the riots, but fortunately no further fatalities were inflicted upon the populace.

NEW HOPE FOR THE OLYMPICS? Geneva, Switzerland. Talks have resumed over the possibility of the reformation of a International Olympic Committee since the last one was disbanded by the French government in Copenhagen in 1957 for allegedly being used to plot against Lisist rule in Europe. Unfortunately a majority of nations have not yet provided support for the revival of the games just yet, as no Great Powers have offered their support, and France continues to remain silent on the matter. Sporting enthusiasts continue to hope that this old tradition may soon be restored.

The Diplomatic Pouch

OOC

I know there may be disputes about Popular Capitalism and the ideas it expresses, as in the feasibility of it all. I'm aware there's flaws, and if you can think of solutions to the flaws go for it. I have put it out there as a foundation for what could emerge in the span of this NES. Also, I'd like to point out that an idea doesn't actually have to be feasible for it to gain a following among the masses.

Nations will be confirmed for reservations and the like when orders are actually sent in for the next update on Friday. Furthermore, I will be contemplating changing the domestic development rules over the next week, and searching for possible alternatives which maintain a reasonable cost for each stat.

World Map

See front page for current world map.

 

[Karalysia]

OOC: You've basically just described syndicalism more or less.

 

[EQandcivfanatic]

@Karalysia: Bah! Stop ruining it for me. Though it's possible that you're right since my knowledge of syndicalism extends solely to Kaiserreich, and there all I do is kill syndicalists.

 

[Crezth]

OOC: You've basically just described syndicalism more or less.

OOC: I think this system moreorless eschews trade unions actually and focuses on the corporate culture. It's not communal like syndicalism and really the best way I can describe it is as "enforced welfare capitalism."

I think it's very closely related to syndicalism but still different enough as to be distinct (nevermind the fact syndicalism might actually be an inappropriate term as this theory is not French in origin).

 

[Karalysia]

OOC: I think this system moreorless eschews trade unions actually and focuses on the corporate culture. It's not communal like syndicalism and really the best way I can describe it is as "enforced welfare capitalism."

I think it's very closely related to syndicalism but still different enough as to be distinct (nevermind the fact syndicalism might actually be an inappropriate term as this theory is not French in origin).

It's close enough , since I would imagine these companies are all run via co-operatives with direct workplace democracy and workers rights where each worker has a vote. There's really no substantive difference if trade or labor unions play a role or not. I would imagine that rather than networks of trade and labor unions forming the basis of economic and societal organization it would be networks of these "companies" which in essence function as labor unions as they represent the workers interest and aren't driven by profit motive. So the nomeclature might be diffrent but this is basically syndaclism.

The ownership of companies by workers is pretty much the hallmark of all left wing ideolgies including socialism, but most specifcally emphasized by syndaclists and anarcho-syndaclists, the three groups that EQ has describribed is the diffrence between syndaclists, who want workers ownership of all companies but restrict their activities and reforms to economic sphere, and the anarcho-syndaclists who want the workers owenership of companies to be the foundation to organize not just economic activity but also society notably the abolishment of national government (the withering away of the state that communism speaks of)

 

[carmen510]

From Chicago
To all Canadians or Quebecois

All peoples (Especially English-speakers) seeking a more prosperous life are welcomed within the fair city of Chicago, and will have a more favorable immigration status when considered for entry.

From the Free City of Chicago
To the Fox Republic and Sauk Kingdom

We wish to formalize trading agreements between our respective nations so that we may be able to exchange our goods and services freely. Would this be agreeable to your respective governments?

From the Free City of Chicago
To New England

As always, our city is open as a conduit of trade between the Eastern Seaboard and the West. We would like your government to guarantee the independence of our nation from external threats, in order to ensure that such trade may continue uninterrupted.

From the Free City of Chicago
To Louisiana

If you are in need of economic assistance, we will gladly give loans to be used for the improvement of infrastructure and industry, provided that such loans will be repaid (with a reasonable amount of interest) and that all restrictions on free trade between our nations are removed.

From the Free City of Chicago
To New France

We send our condolences to people of New France, for the tragedy that befell St. Helens. We would gladly offer economic assistance to expedite full recovery from this disaster.

 

[Ninja Dude]

Could my stats get fixed please? Dynamite update by the way.

 

[Adrogans]

Well that didn't start well...diplomacy later.

 

[Crezth]

It's close enough , since I would imagine these companies are all run via co-operatives with direct workplace democracy and workers rights where each worker has a vote. There's really no substantive difference if trade or labor unions play a role or not. I would imagine that rather than networks of trade and labor unions forming the basis of economic and societal organization it would be networks of these "companies" which in essence function as labor unions as they represent the workers interest and aren't driven by profit motive. So the nomeclature might be diffrent but this is basically syndaclism.

The ownership of companies by workers is pretty much the hallmark of all left wing ideolgies including socialism, but most specifcally emphasized by syndaclists and anarcho-syndaclists, the three groups that EQ has describribed is the diffrence between syndaclists, who want workers ownership of all companies but restrict their activities and reforms to economic sphere, and the anarcho-syndaclists who want the workers owenership of companies to be the foundation to organize not just economic activity but also society notably the abolishment of national government (the withering away of the state that communism speaks of)

OOC: You're missing the point and assuming things I did not say.

There is a world of difference between the workers having power and rights come first and a workplace where the workers are enumerated several rights but still function as cogs in a machine.

The preservation of the corporate culture is important because chief among these motivations is the drive for profit, which still remains cardinal. The corporations do not exist to give the workers right, but to make a profit - it just happens that these corporations also exist of, by, and for the worker.

It is worthy to note the industrialist's role is not eliminated here, as in syndicalism. It's a sort of communal feudalism, where every group strives for profit and self-perpetuation in competition with other groups.

 

[qoou]

WORLD CUP. Caen, France. Returning to France after over a decade of other locations, the World Cup has arrived on the European continent once more as the final game was played between the French team and the Italian one. The game was greatly contested and tensions were high between Italian and French friends, resulting in a fight which led to the death of two people, beginning the tarnishing of the event. After Italy's close 3-2 victory over the French team, a riot broke out in the stadium as the French fans attacked the Italians and other foreigners who arrived to view the game. Hundreds were injured during the course of the riots, but fortunately no further fatalities were inflicted upon the populace.

That's my Europe .

Edit:
EQ... are you sure those formulas for increasing Education, Living Standards, and Infrastructure are ok? It would take me 20k EP to increase my education level... and 20k is a lot, y'know?

IC:

From Russia
To Italy

We are saddened by the calamity that has struck Italy. Russia will send aid to the poor Italians who have been left without a home.

From Russia
To Ukraine

We have repeatedly made clear that in no way was the Russian government involved in the recent violence in Kiev. Perhaps you ought to make sure your citizens are cared for, rather than seeking conflict with your neighbors.
Also, please remove your forces from our border. It would be a pity if they were to accidentally cross the border, and in so doing leave many a Ukrainian child without a father.

From Russia
To Beria Productions

We are glad to hear that you are enjoying your return to Russia, and can only hope that your friends in Crimea will soon decide to join you.

 

[Adrogans]

From Italy
To Russia

We thank you for your support and condolences due to this tragedy.

From Italy
To France

We are as ever glad to see your stability continue.

 

[ZeletDude]

To: Italy
from: Crimea
Though we are not large nor powerful we will send as much aid as we can.

To: Russia
from: Crimea
Will you guarantee our independence as we are both republics.

 

[Adrogans]

From Italy
To Crimea

Financial Aid is not required, though we thank you for your sympathy.

 

[Crezth]

To: Italy
From: France

We would like to renew the bonds of friendship present in our membership in the Co-Axial Pact. We aid our friends, and in so doing we will be at liberty to provide aid and support to our dear friends in Italy.

We cannot make such a move unilaterally as it is not France's organization, but ours.

 

[Adrogans]

From Italy
To France

We will of course gladly renew the Pact and are more than willing work together.

 

[Crezth]

From Italy
To France

We will of course gladly renew the Pact and are more than willing work together.

To: Italy
From: France

Verily, this is welcome news. As per the terms of our old agreement, we are obliged to ask what sort of economic support Italy will need in these trying times. We do not suspect it will be much, as Italy is mighty, but nonetheless the concerns of one are the concerns of all.

 

[Justo]

To: Italy
From: France

Verily, this is welcome news. As per the terms of our old agreement, we are obliged to ask what sort of economic support Italy will need in these trying times. We do not suspect it will be much, as Italy is mighty afraid of France, but nonetheless the concerns of one are the concerns of all.

OOC: Fixed it for ya.

@EQ Great update 0 lets get this started.

IC: To: Florida
From Mexico

Mexico would like to congradulate our friends in Florida for our momentus accomplishment. The sky is no longer the limit.

We hope to continue our glorious success with continued space adventures.

 

[ChiefDesigner]

NAME RECTIFICATION LAW PROMULGATED
Wide-ranging legislation on use of language to take effect this year

SINJING (JESSELTON): Sweeping language legislation was signed today by President Huang Geng, after passing by a 37-vote margin in the Kwokkui. Proposed by the ruling Popular Alliance, this legislation not only outlines a standardized romanization system for the Mandarin, Cantonese, Minnan and Hakka dialects, but issues a number of changes in the translation standards used in foreign media. Most notably, Borneo will now use a transcription of its official Chinese name in foreign documents; the name of the country in Chinese, the Nanyang Republic (南洋民&#22283, will be used as the official name of the country in all foreign publications.

The new romanization systems, developed by the Nanyang Linguistics Commission, describes a system called "Tongyong pinyin", capable of rendering the sounds found in all Chinese dialects in common use in that country.

"Rectification of names" forms a central tenet of Confucian culture. In one of the most famous passages in the Analects, Confucius was asked what his first action would be were he to be made an advisor; his response was "to rectify names." He replied that the use of false names represented the living of public lies; that the living of public lies made a sham of the political system; and that a sham political system meant the deterioration of civil order and public refinement. For this reason, it was vital to use proper language and terminology in all things.

Kuching Morning Post, April 22, 1980​

----------


In Western media, the name of the ruling party of Nanyang (Borneo) is rendered as "the Popular Alliance". However, this is a dangerously misleading translation.

In Chinese, the Popular Alliance uses the name 親民聯盟 (Cinmin lianmeng); while the phrase 聯盟, or "lianmeng", indeed translates to "Alliance," the phrase 親民 "cinmin" can only be understood with reference to Confucian doctrine. The first line of The Great Learning (大&#23416, a Confucian text dating from the 10th century, states: 大學之道在明明德，在親民，在止於至善. Translated, the phrase reads: "What the Great Learning teaches is to illustrate illustrious virtue; renovate the people, and to rest in the highest excellence [1]. The connotations of this are clear; the Popular Alliance has, through the use of language, positioned itself in the paternal role of national tutor and patriarchal guide for an entire nation...

- Khomski, Avram N. : The Political Use of Language (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1966)​

[1] Legge, James. Confucian Analects, The Great Learning, and The Doctrine of the Mean (New York: Dover Books, 1971; o.p. 1893).

 

[Haseri]

To Mexico and Florida
From Turkey

We offer a hearty congratulations for your breaking of the bonds of Earth.

To Italy
From Turkey

We too offer our sympathies, and offer any help you wish.


Also, condolences to New France in their recent tragedy.