What's new

News from Implaria

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Social Democrats announce presidential candidate
Westport Times

The Social Democratic Party announced that party veteran James Strickland will represent the party on the ballot coming January. After the party had already agreed upon a election programme earlier this year, focused around social issues and the nationalization of key industries, the party's choice of candidate was anticipated with some tension by many as the debates around the programme had left it unclear whether moderate or radical wings would ultimately keep the upper hand.

Naming Strickland their choice of candidate has now put the Social Democrats firmly on a path to moderation, as the former elementary school teacher is known for favoring a "safe and steady pace of reform" and famously expressed he doesn't "believe there will be a revolution" in his lifetime. However, as the choice for Strickland was reportedly made unanimous within the presidential commission of the party, some speculate that choosing a moderate like Strickland may be a deliberate ploy by more radical elements to secure the election through deception, courting disgruntled voters from the National Liberal coalition.

Strickland himself announced his nomination to the press in a small news conference in the privacy of his home, expressing his confidence that "progress and justice" could be returned to Implaria soon. "It is time for us to break the stranglehold of the bourgeoise establishment over this nation and end their ruinous exploitation of the working classes. Fair jobs, fair wages, fair politics, that's what I stand for," Strickland said.

Analysts already treat the Social Democrats as favorites to win the election, having only been defeated at the last election by the combined efforts of the previous rivals of the National Implarian Party and the Liberal Party, who rallied behind the joint ticket of now incumbent President Hart. The Supreme Court ruling in favor of womens suffrage two years ago has only served to increase the chances of the Social Democrats, who have swept up seats in congress ever since and may be well on track to winning a majority in both houses even before winning the presidency, which would give them unprecedented power to implement their socialist agenda, a prospect that has left many Implarians nervous.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
"Will veto housing bill", President says
Westport Times

In his weekly press conference, President Hart commented on the Housing Bill introduced by the Social Democrats in Congress, stating he would not allow the bill to pass and issue a presidential veto, if necessary. While it is unlikely that the housing bill would pass through the Senate, let alone both houses of Congress, it is not unprecedented for Social Democrats to find unlikely allies in anonymous defectors from the National Liberals: the most famous example being the blocking of granting war loans and preventing Implarias entrance into the Great War in doing so.

The Housing Bill foresees the creation of millions of cheap housing projects to alleviate the current homelessness crisis. To finance these homes, the Social Democratic proposal plans to take on new government debt, an adjustment from previous versions of the bills that would have been financed with new taxes but were defeated in Congress.

While the bill is undoubtedly popular with working class voters, government officials and business have expressed concerns in regards to new government debt. Concerns echoed by the President in his press conference, stating that "it is common sense to not spend money you don't have" and remarking that "Socialists like to promise people money they don't have". While acknowledging the plight of the poor, the President also said that he considered it criminal to ruin a whole nation to protect those who forgot to put something aside for leaner times.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Rioters in New Tibur dispersed by National Guard
The Implarian Eagle

Red rioters seeking to loot and pillage the city of Tibur found their dastardly plot foiled by Implarian soldiers! The rabble organized by the Social Democrats had descended upon State Parliament to take revenge for governor Atwoods unwavering defense of the rule of law. After evicting a group of squatters who threatened public sanitation and decency earlier this week, the reds had vowed to collect a blood tax from the honest and law-abiding citizens of New Tibur. Unsurprisingly choosing the shabbat to wreak their havoc, they had underestimated the resolve of Henry Atwood, governor of Kent.

Once again, Atwood relied on the bravery and discipline of our boys in the National Guard to protect public order. With swift action they dispersed the rioters and arrested hundreds of them - now waiting to serve their time in the prison whose construction they sought to prevent. In doing so the governor was able to keep his promise to the people of New Tibur: no property damage was reported and the mothers and wifes of the city can sleep sound knowing they will not fall into the hands of the red horde.

Instead of extracting their blood tithe from New Tibur, the socialists paid one themselves. As scattered like the rats they are in the face of National Guardsman, the mob, like a herd of panicked animals, cast aside all pretensions of their sacred 'solidarity'. Showing their true selfish and savage ways, they shoved each other aside, throwing the weakest amongst them on the ground and trampling two of them to death.

They will not be missed.
 

Josepania

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 31, 2006
Messages
7,648
Location
Los Angeles
Capital
Palmira
Nick
Jose
You must be registered for see images


Office of the Knight Chancellor of the Lands of St. Joseph
Sacred Palace of the Knights - Hierosolyma, the Lands of St. Joseph
The Order of St. Joseph
In the highest dignity on behalf of the Grand Master of the Knights.
(Top Secret)
(Secret)
(Confidential)
(Restricted)
29 / 08 / 1920
Markings are in red. Unmarked documents are unclassified.

• • • • •

The Knights of the Lands of St. Joseph condemn the brutal suppression of the poor and the workers, whose calls for decent wages, food in their stomachs, and a roof over their heads mimic the plight of the mother of Christ the Liberator and his father, our Patron Saint Joseph, in their efforts to find a place to give birth to the Messiah of the Workers. The greed of certain politicians and businessmen is appalling in the eyes of our Lord, and their comparisons of the downtrodden to animals fit to be slaughtered and scattered by soldiers is revolting to men and women of faith everywhere.

It is with these strong feelings in our minds that we, on behalf of the Grand Master and good Catholics everywhere, warn the Implarian government to cease its willful ignorance of the discontent and disgruntlement boiling beneath the surface, and to systematically and decisively address the plague of poverty and inequality wreaking havoc amongst the working people, those who our Lord and Savior took into his arms and declared shall inherit the earth. Failure to do so will only bring more death and destruction, and will allow the malicious mischief of Satan, working through the human sins of greed and gluttony, to bring further misery to Implaria, and more radical resistance to such evil will inevitably follow.

We remain, Brothers and Sisters in Christ the Liberator,
Knight Chancellor Orlando Blanco
Knight Commander of Foreign Affairs

• • • • •
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Construction of Hazel Creek district on hold
Westport Times

The Hazel Creek Housing Syndicate, a public organization founded by numerous labor organizations for the purpose of building a new affordable housing district, has announced the project to be on hold indefinitely. This decision was made in the wake of the national homelessness and unemployment crisis, which according to a spokesperson left the project with too few prospective tenants and its backers with a severe shortage of funds to allocate to the project.

Hazel Creek, located on the northern edge of the Westport urban sprawl, was envisioned as a model settlement for the working class. Envisioned to provide housing for 5000 people, it would sprawl along a main axis consisting of a park around the eponymous Hazel Creek, with housing blocks on bith sides. A model house constructed in early planning phases to convince city hall displays the economic red brick architecture that was to be applied in the district, as well as the semi-communal use of space with private family apartments combined with shared kitchen and communal living rooms, that would have provided affordable yet decent living conditions.

While the future of Hazel Creek remains uncertain, the Syndicate has stressed the project was not abandoned. The delay is indefinite, but considering investments already made and the general need for housing, the organizers of the project envision it will be picked up again once the economy improves.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Coroner report on deaths in New Tibur riot released
New Tibur Report

The state coroner has released his report on the deaths of two rioters during the breakup of protests against evictions this Saturday. According to the Coroner the deaths are ruled to be "likely accidental".

While the report states the two men had suffered gunshot wounds, the Coroner has ruled them "not fatal" and suggests that pre-existing conditions were the real reason the men died. "It is possible the men suffered heart attacks as they engaged law enforcement in a fight," the report reads.

It is furthermore suggested that possible intoxicants may have contributed to their deaths. "Both men were likely drunk and possibly under the influences of cocaine and opiates, as these substances are known to be widely consumed amongst radical socialists and the homeless population," the report speculates.

Commenting on his own report, the state coroner added that "while tragic, I don't think that law enforcement or National Guard are in any way to blame."
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Our martyrs compel us forward!
The Red Flag

Once again, the bourgeoise have proven their disdain for the lives of the workers. They have gunned down two of our own on the open streets of New Tibur and they did so with impunity, without fear of consequences. Governor Atwood is confident that he can murder our comrades and that the government of President Hart will sit idly, thanking its bloodhound for a job well done.

But those who think the working class can be cowed into submission by acts of violence know little of our lifes. They know not that every day is already a struggle to survive for the proletarian. They have forgotten that the terrors they have visited upon our class in the past have done nothing but steel our resolve. We marched to strikes despite the murders of the past. They couldn't stop the 40 hour week, they will not stop the election of a new president either and they will certainly not be able to stop the revolution once it is coming.

Atwood sees the workers as animals, to be worked to the bones and then carted off to the butcher once they have outlived their usefulness. Like animals he expects them to behave when challenged, too. The governor is sure he can provoke us into a fight in Kent.

Our martyrs are not forgotten. A whole country will mourn the men who gave their lives during the protest in New Tibur last Saturday. Their sacrifice compels us forward, obliges us to fight until no man, woman and child is without a roof above their head. We will fight on until we have given purpose to their sacrifice, until they haven't died in vain.

But we will not charge headfirst into battles the likes of Atwood wants us to fight. We will choose our own battlegrounds and right now, the battle where we can defeat the ruling class the most effectively is the upcoming elections. Not just the presidential election in January, but a number of senatorial and communal elections as well. Let our votes be the weapons that avenge our dead.

Atwood things he can prevent our victory by forcing his state into chaos. Let him see that a working class fighting a war is more disciplined than he's expecting.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
New Transthaumantic Cruise Liner Christened
Westport Times

Westport United Shipyards christened its latest cruise liner today, naming the ship intended for the Transthaumantic route the Comet. In a big ceremony at Westport harbor mayor Greene had the honor of naming the ship which was handed over to the Free Implarian Shipping Company.

With a length of nearly 250 meters and a displacement of almost 50.000 metric tons, the Comet is amongst the largest ships ever built, a tribute to Implarian technological expertise and diligence. On each journey across the Thaumantic, the Comet will be able to accomodate a staggering 2400 passengers.

For the men and women who built the Comet, however, the conclusion of their years of work comes with a notable drop of bitterness: the order books of Westport United Shipyards are empty. After the end of the Great War the market for shipbuilding collapsed, the economic downturn furthermore negatively affecting domestic demand and with Implaria the target of punitive tariffs from major European powers, foreign orders are far and few in between. Without any outstanding contracts, many workers will now face unemployment.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Socialists sue state of Kent
Westport Times

Following the declaration of an emergency measure by the governor of Kent, banning public gatherings for the foreseeable future, the Social Democratic Party has filed a lawsuit. Arguing that the measure is an unwarranted and unlawful attack upon constitutional rights, the Socialists demand the measure revoked and governor Atwoods use of the National Guard against protests be stopped.

Representing the Socialists in court will be Emilia Roth, the famous left-wing lawyer who won the case for women's suffrage before the Supreme Court. Roth has already stated that she was willing to drag this case before the Supreme Court as well, should the State Court of Kent prove "unreasonable."

In a press release announcing the lawsuit Roth elaborates that, in the eyes of the Socialists, Atwood was abusing his powers to harass political opponents. Seeing as how a presidential election is approaching that could see a political ally of Atwood unseated, this violation of the rights of Implarian citizens was especially grave.

With the funeral of the deceased protesters taking place this weekend, the timing of the lawsuit may also be considered a warning to Atwood not to disturb the ceremony that will see the participation of hundreds of members if the Social Democratic Party.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Famous Aviator missing over Thaumantic
Implarian Weekly Review

Aviation pioneer Michael Merck had many firsts in Implaria to his belt. Here he is in his plane as the first man flying over the Santee mountain range.

Confident in his abilities, he wanted to be the first man to cross the Thaumantic on his own, too. Together with his brother he had managed the perilous journey earlier this year, but they hadn't been the first team to do it.

Merck believed his Westwing BP-7 capable of the journey. Starting on a field near Westport, he wanted to reach Auraria and celebrate his new record with a team of journalists eagerly awaiting his arrival.

But Merck never came. Already two days overdue, he was declared missing over the Thaumantic and has likely perished. Implaria mourns her trailblazer who fell like Icarus to his hubris.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Funeral of Socialist Protester Peaceful
Implarian Weekly Review

Governor Atwood took no chances last weekend when hundreds of Social Democrats flocked to the city of New Tibur. Once again he called upon the National Guard to protect the peace in the capital of Kent.

Socialists had gathered to say farewell to some of their own, killed in the protests against eviction of a shantytown in the city. Seen as petty criminals by most of the country, the two men are considered heroes by the reds. Amongst the men eulogizing the dead was also the presidential candidate of the Social Democrats, James Strickland.

To prevent a repeat of the incident, Atwood has banned all protests until the date of the presidential election. The crafty Socialists evaded the ban by holding their ceremony on private property, inside a New Tibur union hall.

Whatever the Socialists may or may not have had planned for that day, the strong response of the governor and the presence of hundreds of armed soldiers in the streets of New Tibur prevented any further violence. The dreaded day of the funeral remained a quiet one.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
World Eugenics Congress in Westport
Westport Times

Specialists in the eugenic sciences have arrived in Westport from all over Europe at invitation of the Implarian Eugenics Society. During the three days of meeting and discussion, the scientists want to exchange ideas on how to grow the booming field of eugenics, increase the influence of their science over policy making decisions and also educate each other on the latest developements in their field. Nearly one thousand experts are expected to partake in the event, including President Hart who will adress the eugenicists at the opening ceremony.

Key topic of the congress this year is "Eugenics in the fight against poverty", as the head of the Implarian Eugenics Society, Ernest Schmitt elaborates: "Eugenic science is, perhaps like no other science, predisposed towards providing us with the tools necessary for a succesful fight against poverty. It can help us weed out undesirable traits that predispose towards poverty and organize reproduction of our race in such a manner that the unhealthy tendency of the poorer classes towards overreproduction is culled. I'd go as far as to say that, without eugenic policy, the appalling plight of poverty will remain for all future."

The gathering of scientists in Westport is not without its troubles, however. As the polarization of the political landscape in Implaria has steadily increased, the Implarian Eugenics Society has not remained unaffected. A growing segment of its member had been subscribing to socialist ideas that argued eugenics could not succesfully be implemented under capitalism and that only a planned economy would unlock their true potential for mankind. The rift between left and right came to a head with the expulsion of left-wing members from the organization earlier this year. A conflict which may resurface during this years congress with foreign eugenics societies still containing sizeable socialist membership that may voice their displeasure, as well as the possibility of outside protests from the left.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Famous artist found dead - suicide says police
Westport Times

In the early morning hours of this wednesday, police found the lifeless body of Maurice Zoellinger in his apartment. Zoellinger was well known as artist of some renown, though his latest turn towards Dadaism had been mired in controversy and saw many of his erstwhile fans turn away from him. His embrace of the young Dadaist movement had been attributed to his love affair to the Gallian baroness de Olympes, a generous supporter of the radically anti-traditional Dada, whereas Zoellinger had previously been known for realist landscapes

Police has ruled the death of Zoellinger a suicide. The artist was found with a gunshot as likely cause of his death. The weapon was grasped firmly by the deceaseds hand, while copious amounts of Opium as well as a suicide note were present on a table in the room. According to people close to Zoellinger, the artist had been struggling with drug addiction for a while now and was deeply disturbed over his inability to free himself from his vice.

Requests for a publishing of the suicide note, made after rumours surfaced the note was written as a dadaist poem, were rejected by police.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
The Kentian Governors Decadent Sexuality Uncovered
The Red Flag

While his goons murder workers in the streets of New Tibur, governor Atwood has decided to take a vacation to Implarias playground of the rich and powerful. Indulging them in the excesses and vices that come with obscene wealth is one of the many ways that the bourgeoise elites maintain their influence over politicians like Atwood. Saner societies would call this bribery, but Implaria files it under 'good times'. And all involved are certain that, what they do on Artemisa, stays on Artemisa.

But our Proletarian brothers on the tiny tropical island have eyes and ears all the same. They take note of every crime done to their people by the Implarian upper crust and they have a long memory. According to sources on the island, Atwood has often and regularily visited the island and he tries to keep what he does there hidden. For he doesn't limit himself to gambling and drinking, but his visits to the island have the purpose of sating his unnatural sexual desires.

Atwood prefers boys and he prefers them young. The younger, the better.

The Red Flag doesn't just have hearsay to base these accusations on - sorry, governor, you might have to rethink suing us for slander. As the technology of photography makes technological leaps each year, some of our own on Artemisa found themselves with the means to capture one of Atwoods liasions for posteriority. Out of respect to the moral senses of our readers we will not publish these pictures, but we do have them, in case evidence is needed for the courts.

We have few hopes that Atwoods crimes against the youth of Artemisa will be pursued by the authorities. The Gomorrha of Implaria has built its economy on bribes and selling out their own people. However, we will make sure that every man, woman and child in the country knows this, that a vote for Atwood or his political allies is a vote for the brutal defiling of a young boys life.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Government seeking renegotiation of punitive tariffs
Westport Times

The Presidents office has announced that the government is seeking to renegotiate a number of tariffs placed upon the Implarian Federation following its neutrality in the Great War. By lowering or outright abolishing punitive tariffs placed upon the country by the victors of the war (as well as a few of the defeated powers) President Hart hopes to reinvigorate industrial production that has hit an all time low this year. A strategy his office has called "a much more sensible antidote to poverty than redistribution."

Hart furthermore expressed his belief that foreign nations may finally be willing to withdraw from their position in regards to the tariffs issue, because of the hardships the recession in Implaria has caused and the threat of socialism that arose with it. "I believe the European powers watch very carefully what happens in Implaria in particular and Westernesse in general," the President elaborated on request. "They understand that a Socialist government in Implaria is in no ones best interest and I believe they will cooperate with us to prevent it, but punish the nation as a whole even harsher if we allow it to happen."

Thusfar, no foreign government was available for comment upon the issue.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Catholic Church torn over Kent Governor
Westport Times

Accusations of homosexuality and pederasty levelled against the governor of Kent by his Social Democratic opposition have caused lasting fractures between his supporters. The Tiburan Catholic Church in particular seems to have been shook by the revelations, which come at an inopportune time for the governor, who is on vacation and has been unable to be reached for comment.

A number of prominent priests in the state of Kent and beyond have condemned the governor, arguing that such behavior was impossible to reconcile with a good christian life and was furthermore violating the sanctity of the office. An open letter signed by a hundred priests from throughout Implaria calls upon the governor to step down and "repent his sinful ways", urging the governor to take a leave from politics to "find his way back to god".

However, others in the Catholic church have voiced continuous support for Atwood. One of the most prominent voices being the Bishop of New Tibur, Louis Benedict Taft, who reportedly gave a sermon urging the faithful not to "believe in slanderous lies", stating that he saw no reason to believe the words of "enemies of civilization, faith and family". Taft accused the catholic priests who took a stance against Atwood of "abusing their position", arguing that the signatories of the open letter were all known communist sympathizers belonging to the Liberationist Catholic current.

Kent is a majority catholic state and the influence of priests and bishops in their communities reaches deep. Whichever group prevails in the internal struggles of the church may well decide the fate of Atwoods next reelection campaign.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Government "in negotiation with several powers" regarding tariffs
Westport Times

According to the office of the president, the government of the Implarian Federation is in negotiation with several powers regarding a reduction of tariffs. While details are scarce at this point, the President said he was confident that a far-reaching deal could be struck that would help to reinvigorate Implarian industry and bring back the booming economy of the great war years. "Our partners overseas have been very receptive thusfar," the President commented, stating that there was a general consensus that Implaria should return as equal partner to the global stage.

Pressed for more information, such as the identity of the nations involved, President Hart cited confidentiality and the early stage of the negotiations. "The upcoming elections make all powers involved cautious, of course," the President stated, warning that a Social Democratic victory at the polls may negate the entire progress made thusfar. He reminded the public that it was Social Democratic "obstinence" that was to blame for the current recession and said that the only way to ensure an economic upswing was to reject the socialists during the election.

Implarian industry had been at an all-time high during the Great War, owing to Implarian neutrality and a leveraging of ties to all sides in order to maximize trade. However, as the war dragged on, pressure on Implaria to participate in the war mounted and an attempt to enter the war on the side of what turned out to be the victorious powers was thwarted by a congress resolution led by the Social Democrats - a political move that was severely punished by the participants of the Great War, who have maintained punitive tariffs on Implarian products ever since in order to stifle Implarian industrial dominance.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Social Democrats win Ravenbridge
Westport Times

With a narrow margin of only half a percent, Social Democrats have managed to defeat their National Liberal competitors in yesterdays senate election in the district of Ravenbridge. Incumbent senator Harvey Harris has conceded defeat to his left-wing challenger Rory Feinman, but commented that it were "a dark day for Implarian democracy", warning that this defeat "should be a call to action for all of us righteous Implarians". Harris blamed lack of action from the federal government for his loss, saying that it wasn't a vote against him personally, but against federal failure to combat this years devastating drought in the state of Arvum. "The citizens of this district are fine people and they have a right to be angry. It's despicable that socialist demagogues could exploit this anger for their own ambitions."

It is the first defeat for a candidate of the National Party in the district for over 50 years.

Feinman meanwhile celebrated his hard-won victory with supporters in the food packer union hall. He commented that he would work with his comrades to help secure the presidential election in January, which would allow the Social Democrats to "really aid the people of Arvum," as Feinman phrased it. Until then, however, Feinman would also try to secure a tripartisan short-term aid package in congress. "The people of Arvum can't wait until January and we need only a few of our opponents to realize once again that the lifes of our fellow countrymen should come before any partisan considerations."

With the victory in Ravenbridge, the National Liberal lead in congress has further evaporated, leaving the Social Democrats only two members short of a majority. A majority they could easily earn before the Presidential election, which would have the Socialists enter the final leg of the race riding high and with the prospect of far-reaching change in all of Implaria.
 
Last edited:

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
"No new taxes" promises President
Westport Times

President Hart reiterated a pledge during an election rally to introduce no new taxes if reelected. "This is not the time to throttle the economy," the President argued, warning that Social Democrats will "tax you all into oblivion" and that the Implarian middle class was considered an "enemy" by the socialists, who deserved to be robbed of its income by his political opponents.

The question of tax raises has been on the forefront of political debate in the last days, following new predictions in regards to government debt. Social Democrats argue that government bankruptcy or further cuts in government spending would hit the poorest disproportionately and suggested additional taxation of what they call "ultra-rich". A stance that has drawn harsh criticism from the President, who claims Social Democratic plans would actually target the middle class most heavily and that economic growth, not taxes, was the key to solving the debt crisis.

Pundits and opinion polls suggest that the attacks from the President landed. Having been hard pressed to set his own agenda for the reelection campaign and to stem the growing popularity of his left-wing opponents, the tax debate seems for the first time in the election year have won back a few points of likely voters for the National Liberal coalition. It remains to be seen wether this is a turning point for Harts campaign or just a temporary setback for the Socialists.
 

Socialist Commonwealth

Establishing Nation
Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
4,690
Location
Germany
Capital
Svetograd
Nick
Revy
Textile Workers Strike in Kent
Westport Times

Textile workers in the state of Kent have walked out today as negotiations regarding pay rise and employment guarantuees broke down. Employers cited the ongoing recession as an argument for refusing to meet the demands of unionized workers, who insisted on a 2.5% increase in pay and guarantuees that there will be no layoffs for at least a year, arguing that the textile business was still profitable and particular in Kent has been largely spared from the effects of the economic downturn.

With both sides refusing to back down, factories have come to a standstill and picket lines erected across the state. Industrialists have accused the Labor Union of staging an illegal political strike, arguing that the recent negotiations were just a pretense and had been conducted in bad faith. "The union refused to move but an inch from their position. It is clear they want to destabilize the state ahead of the elections to help the Socialists," a spokesperson for the textile manufactory association said.

The United Textile Laborers Union has rejected the claims, insisting that the current strike is but a regular labor dispute. However, the Union has also emphasized that they do, indeed, endorse Social Democratic candidate James Strickland. They furthermore warned that, despite the economic hardships in the country, their war chest was well maintained and that they were ready for a long strike, should the employers refuse to meet their demands.

Meanwhile there have been rumours that the state government might get involved if it follows the argument that the strike was an illegal politically motivated one, as the Atwood government has been quick to use military force to enforce stability in the past. On the other hand, Atwood is still suffering from the fallout of allegations of pederasty leveled against him, with some analysts suggesting he may prefer to remain calm for the foreseeable future.
 
Top