Chimaea
14-07-2004, 14:01
There have been jubilant scenes in most major cities in Chimaea as millions have gathered to celebrate the birth of the nation's three billionth citizen, who's identity has not been revealed. A nationwide count had been established by major mass-media and a sense of euphoria has gripped the nation, so long hit with bad news of political instability and an escalating conflict in Street Island.
However not everyone is out to party. The passing of The Abortion Act has cast a shadow over the celebrations, as hundreds of thousands of protestors gathered outside Parliamentary and government buildings. The Abortion Act, which legalises government-regulated abortion, has inflamed pro-life groups who last week stormed an abortion-clinic in down-town New Sydney, destroying offices and equipment. No-one was hurt and police swiftly managed to regain control.
http://www.wadsworth.com/history_d/special_features/ext/ap/chapter31/images/protest.jpg
Police make an arrest at an abortion protest
Pro-choice and various feminist groups have welcomed the legislation, proposed by the Governor and passed on a conscience vote, and have hailed the Act as a leap in freedom and civil rights.
All this was far removed, though, from the festivities in New Sydney today as traffic was stopped and street-parties took over. The tripled Police-presense kept a watchful eye as the throngs took over all public spaces, though there were only limitted altercations and arrests.
"It seems like things have certainly sped up since my last visit here," noted visiting author Max Barry, sipping his brandy as he surveyed the scene on the street below from his penthouse apartment in New Sydney. "They tell me that the two billionth celebrations kinda fizzled. This party seems to be taking off though!"
From the heights of luxury living to the more modest suburban homes in the outskirts of New Sydney, people seem to be releasing pent-up frustrations and fears through celebration. The local councils in major cities estimate that the partying will go on for at least forty-eight hours, with the more hardcore parties lasting for as long as a week.
The event was formally recognised in a joint sitting of Parliament by the Governor's address. Lady Bryce, looking slightly tired after her visit to Street Island, thanked the people of Chimaea for "upholding democracy and the free values which make our nation a great one", whilst also warning that the future still needed work and thought. Concerns about over-population and housing and Chimaea's responsibility as a major world power were referred to in the speech which ended with the national anthem.
Whilst all citizens are encouraged to join in the celebrations, Police have warned that caution and common sense should be used to avoid the dangers that tend to haunt mass-parties. People are warned not to drink from opened bottles or drinks proferred by strangers, make sure that children are safe and to abide by the law.
However not everyone is out to party. The passing of The Abortion Act has cast a shadow over the celebrations, as hundreds of thousands of protestors gathered outside Parliamentary and government buildings. The Abortion Act, which legalises government-regulated abortion, has inflamed pro-life groups who last week stormed an abortion-clinic in down-town New Sydney, destroying offices and equipment. No-one was hurt and police swiftly managed to regain control.
http://www.wadsworth.com/history_d/special_features/ext/ap/chapter31/images/protest.jpg
Police make an arrest at an abortion protest
Pro-choice and various feminist groups have welcomed the legislation, proposed by the Governor and passed on a conscience vote, and have hailed the Act as a leap in freedom and civil rights.
All this was far removed, though, from the festivities in New Sydney today as traffic was stopped and street-parties took over. The tripled Police-presense kept a watchful eye as the throngs took over all public spaces, though there were only limitted altercations and arrests.
"It seems like things have certainly sped up since my last visit here," noted visiting author Max Barry, sipping his brandy as he surveyed the scene on the street below from his penthouse apartment in New Sydney. "They tell me that the two billionth celebrations kinda fizzled. This party seems to be taking off though!"
From the heights of luxury living to the more modest suburban homes in the outskirts of New Sydney, people seem to be releasing pent-up frustrations and fears through celebration. The local councils in major cities estimate that the partying will go on for at least forty-eight hours, with the more hardcore parties lasting for as long as a week.
The event was formally recognised in a joint sitting of Parliament by the Governor's address. Lady Bryce, looking slightly tired after her visit to Street Island, thanked the people of Chimaea for "upholding democracy and the free values which make our nation a great one", whilst also warning that the future still needed work and thought. Concerns about over-population and housing and Chimaea's responsibility as a major world power were referred to in the speech which ended with the national anthem.
Whilst all citizens are encouraged to join in the celebrations, Police have warned that caution and common sense should be used to avoid the dangers that tend to haunt mass-parties. People are warned not to drink from opened bottles or drinks proferred by strangers, make sure that children are safe and to abide by the law.