Senators, peoples of the Democratic Republic of Michigamme, I, Albert Bearclaw, Senator from the Province of Wisconsin, of the Conservative Party, propose legislation to declare a state of open war against the Empire of America.
Jacob Martell looked up at the charismatic senator with some disgust. The man was mad. It was well and good that the Empire of America had declared war on Mexico, but why should they of Michigamme get involved? Of course, the man was a conservative nutcase, so perhaps that explained it.
This is necessary, in my humble opinion, as if he was ever humble, Jacob thought, because the offending nation, that is to say, the Empire of America, has immediately and without provocation, declared war on the Holy Mexican Empire. While admittedly, they do have grievances against the Empire of Mexico, this does not justify a war of wanton aggression.
And indeed, if we let the American Empire overrun the Empire of Mexico, there is little telling what they might do. For example, our western friends of the Lakota Federation have been near constantly involved in disputes with this American Empire. If the Mexicans are overrun, the Americans, without fear of a flank attack, may immediately attack them.
And thats not even mentioning ourselves! The Empire of America has grievances against us, numerous ones, unjustified, but there nonetheless. I have no doubt that once they defeat the Mexican Empire, then they will turn on us at some point or another. Michilimakinac Point is within reach of their armies. The whole of the Sault province has the danger of being invaded from across Lake Erie, Ontario, and the Ohio River. Wisconsin has a dangerously unguarded flank to the south where Illinois is poised to plunge into it.
And of course, once America attacks us, Britain will join in the fight; they have no love for us and would dearly like to regain the Hudson Bay all for themselves, the better to invade the Independent Republic of Quebec.
People of Michigamme, this is our time! Our advisors have suggested that we might be able to defeat the Americans in a few months. All of the Great Lakes are in our grasp! Will you falter in courage? Or will you join me in declaring that the American Empire CANNOT STAND!?
Cheers rang throughout the hall, but Jacob Martell was not among them. He sourly looked about at his comrades rising and applauding, and reach behind himself to cover his head with the hood of his robe. He rose, and the hall hushed.
The chair recognizes Jacob Martell of the province of Michilimackinac, Progressive party.
He cleared his throat and began speaking from where he stood with a loud, clear, ringing voice.
My comrade from Wisconsin raises a good point. American aggression does threaten us. Murmurs raced through the hall. He was known as THE pacifist. Why would he suddenly advocate war? But this is no reason to march to war ourselves. The murmuring stopped. War heaped on war does us little good. Isnt it ironic that to prevent war, my comrade calls for war? Calls for the same war as he supposedly is wanting to avoid, as a matter of fact. A few chuckles rose here and there, but most continued their listening silently.
People of Michigamme, what, exactly, would a war gain us at this time? Nothing. We would send off thousands to die. Indeed, we would kill thousands of their men, but to little purpose. We would perhaps gain a little more land to be fought over during the next war, but why does this matter? No, we should not enter this war, the only one to gain from it would be the arms manufacturers.
People of Michigamme, I ask that you stand up for the right, and OPPOSE THIS SENSELESS WAR!
He sat down, pleased with the applause. However, he noticed that the applause he had garnered was rather less than that which Bearclaw had generated.
A few more hours of debate followed, and then by the end of the day, it had not yet come to a vote. It was to be decided tomorrow.
He walked with the long file of Senators leaving the room. He mentally calculated in his head. There were 28 Conservatives in the Senate. 24 Nationalists. His thoughts momentarily turned to the disgusting Nationalists, and he mentally flamed them for a little while, then returned to the matter at hand. 40 Progressives, thank all the gods. 8 Independents. He could count on the Progressives to vote against it... and the Nationalists and Conservatives to vote for it. Damn them, they would have 52 supporters they could count on.
There was only one option. Filibuster.
* * *
Attached is how I envision the world at this point. Add or remove territories to your nation as you see fit.