Yesterday, July 17, 2007 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of the Firaxians.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Jon Shafer, was still in conversation with its government and Sid looking toward the maintenance of peace.
Indeed, one hour after Firaxian air squadrons had commenced dropping off CDs on the Australian continent, the Firaxian Ambassador to Amazon.com and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that our preorders might be delayed, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Australia from Hunt Valley makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Firaxian Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and continued expressions of hope for early releases.
The attack yesterday on the American civvers has caused severe damage to our mental and emotional sanity. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been turned upside-down. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Melbourne.
Yesterday the Firaxian Government also launched a dropoff in Poland.
Last night Firaxian forces attacked the Netherlands.
Last night Firaxian forces attacked Portugal.
Last night Firaxian forces attacked the British Islands.
Last night the Firaxians attacked New Zealand.
And this morning the Firaxians attacked Midway Island.
Firaxis has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Civilization gaming area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Insurgent Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. Always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our mods, our scenarios, and our PBEMs are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God!
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Firaxis on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Firaxian Empire.
-- Gaius Octavius, addressing a joint-session of the Civver Congress
for BTS. Then 
as everyone but the biggest market gets it! I'm sure some are ![[pissed]](/images/smilies/pissed.gif "Pissed [pissed]")
but I bet many feel like me and wanna just
and 
Everybody else's respons to Civ is "What the %#$! is this ^@%*???"
Here's another for those suffering the most:
