Turn XI: God Bless America (Spring 2065)
Map
Stats:
In the span of six months, the status quo has been drastically altered. Three states have vanished, allowing for a consolidation of SEATO and UCA power.
UCA’s consolidation, however, pales in comparison to SEATO’s. The SEATO states have agreed to begin the process of unification, finding ways to divide power equitably among themselves while gradually ceding power to a central government. There are plenty of government policies and structures to be finalized, but it is apparent that unification is on the way. The new
Atlantic Federation allows the powers to speak with a unified voice.
This is rather pertinent, given SEATO is technically occupying some of UCA’s territory in the south of Texas. Some may saber rattle, but it is clear that whoever strikes first will certainly stand to lose. SEATO forces are more numerous on land and sea, and enjoy parity in the skies, but do not have enough of an edge to guarantee victory. UCA has some of the country’s most popular politicians within its ranks, helping secure it valuable political capital beyond its borders. It is of course hard to quantify the power of each alliance’s intelligence forces, but there is no doubt each could bring catastrophe upon the other’s internal security. And with the wild card of the Internationale able to tilt the balance either way, risking exposing one’s flank makes an offensive even more unwise.
But perhaps there is another way to resolve all the issues all at once. With the destruction of the Mandate and New Frontier, the last autocracies in America have disappeared. An oligarchy remains in Chicago, but with the most vicious violations of human and political rights drastically reduced, the UCA and SEATO powers clearly have more in common than they do differences.
As it stands, most UCA states are starved for long-term economic growth given their lack of seaports. Eliminating the “us” and “them” in American politics would be an excellent way around this problem, as there is a chance to command the economic power of the whole.
Whether the UCA states folding into SEATO, a brand new state forming, or several new states forming, the message seems to be clear: the warring states era is coming to an end. The time has come to rebuild a newer, stronger America(s) on the top of the ashes of the old.
With the recent introduction of a Secession Amendment in Washington, D.C., which proposes allowing every county not under the de facto control of the federal government to become formally independent upon submitting a written (separate or jointly with other counties) declaration to the President and dissolves every state government pending reorganization where applicable, the goal of reunification is within reach. The smashing success of the Columbian federal elections, as symbolic as they were, illustrate America is ready to reunite under a central government with effective power across the continent.
Announcements:
I would like to formally move this game into the long-awaited Convention phase. The map and stats were cropped to reflect this (though if you for some reason need info off either you may ask). Despite the possibility for tension over the Nueces Crisis, I don't think anyone wants yet another war.
Rather than focusing on spending, each state should begin the process of unification. It is not required that every alliance unify, nor that members only unify with their alliance; this is freeform unification. You do not join a larger unit at your own peril in the next game, however.
One of the issues looming over this process is the rump government in D.C. A Constitutional Amendment requiring two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the state legislatures to pass, the UCA states in theory have just enough Congressional seats (assuming independent-minded Congresspeople don’t vote for it anyway) and state legislatures (under the full control of the independent governments) to prevent passage. On the other hand, Acting President Grey’s enormous powers under the 28th Amendment allow him to do such questionable things as appoint new Governors (and by proxy, Senators and state legislatures) to nuke obstruction. It might be tempting to attempt obstruction to gain concessions, but the federal government’s new direction is recognition of reality, with or without the UCA powers.
The time has come to undo the Divided States of America trope.
