NationStates Jolt Archive

The following is a fictional news article. It is posted with the consent of the player who "owns" the NS nation of North Minnesota.


The Milwaukee Journal
(NS = September 2010)

Milwaukee, Tessen --

As political corruption and decreasing individual freedoms increase social tensions, North Minnesota is experiencing one of its most violent interludes in decades (including the peaceful years of US statehood) with almost 200 people reported dead in riots that erupted over the past week.

Martial law was declared over the weekend in Ramsey and Hennepin counties when fighting broke out between the growing anti-government majority and police. Both law enforcement and National Reserve Guard units have been struggling to suppress the unrest since. Some areas are not yet under control.

Since the nation broke away from the United States over four years ago, governmental support has undergone a gradual reversal. Promises made, have been tossed aside, and although democracy continues to rule, it is becoming less and less representational. Foreign political predictions have already begun to rumor either the collapse of the young independant government, or the abandonment of it's signed constitution in favor of the radical minority that has been gaining support for decades.

The Tessen-based newspaper, the Oshkosh Herald, reported that 158 people had died, although this figure could not be confirmed. A woman who wished to remain unnamed, from the town of Anoka near St. Paul where some of the initial fighting erupted, told The Aldean Tribune at least 30 people had died.

"Soldiers and police with guns just began shooting at the mob. They didn't even try to resolve it peacefully," she said.

Nearly a hundred miles away in northern North Minnesota, citizens gathered at a controversial dam construction site last Tuesday to demand that work be stopped, according to an eye-witness account.

The homes of about 60,000 North Minnesotans will be lost, along with most of the area's arable land, as part of the Visage National Hydropower Project -- a building project that will involve building a $3.75 billion dam on a tributary of the Mississippi River. Another eye-witness said he saw about 100 armed police trying to drive the demonstrators away. He said that by Friday the crowd at the dam had swelled to over 50,000.

One man was beaten to death by police, two young girls were shot, and at least fifty people were wounded in the suppression, he said. The details, however, could not be confirmed.

Government authorities have so far denied the dam riot had been more than a peacefully-suppressed gathering. According to a local journalist, the government has issued an order banning reporting on the incident. The governmentally funded national media outlets seem to have complied. All national media reports have supported the government's claims.

Outside the major North Minnesotan cities, protests are increasingly rampant as social and political tensions escalate. Violent protests, eye-witness accounts, and postings on foreign internet message boards have become increasingly frequent.

Government and corporate corruption, workers laid off as jobs flee the country, intense urban water rationing, increased military spending, research in weapons of mass destruction, and most recently, the banning of all philosophical and artistic studies are prominent among the reported causes.

http://aldea.bravelog.com/index.php

-Tessen

Anyone interested in participating in an RP resulting from this news story? :)

-Tessen

"Get a better grip on your media ya liberal wanke...I mean what a tradegy, yes thats it..."

-High Judicature Mikial Zakrufs
Head of the Mikosolf Directorate

OOC:

A Few Rich People, you do realize that the above article is purely ficticious and created based solely upon events here within Nation States. Neither historical events, nor current realistic condictions have any bearing on the creation of this article.

What I'm trying to do, is look to illicit creative individuals interested in playing this out within the context of the Nationstates game. Therein lies the invitation.

Oh, and -- realistically -- I'm actually the direct opposite of any liberal mindset. I'm not sure where you've come up with that idea. ;)

-Tessen

The following are a few headlines seen in the last two NS months of the following paper. They depict the intensifying events in Tessen and North Minnesota. All headlines are in chronological order.


The Milwaukee Journal (Tessen newspaper)
(NS = November 2010)

- North Minnesota riot kills 34
- Tessen reporter killed in North Minnesotan town
- Tessen calls for North Minnesota WMD and nuclear disarmament
- Reports of police brutality in North Minnesota increase
- North Minnesota denies reports of social injustice
- United States warns North Minnesota; Seeks to regain wayward state
- North Minnesota government support falling rapidly
- North Minnesota resistance gains momentum
- North Minnesotan political commentator killed
- Assassination attempt on North Minnesota political leader fails
- North Minnesota refugees flock across the Mississippi into Tessen
- Religious leader speaks out against North Minnesotan politics
- Bishop missing
- Minneapolis bishop's body found in river
- Artist arrested and beaten in North Minnesota
- Poll supports North Minnesotan incorporation within Tessen borders
- Tessen warns North Minnesota of military intervention
- North Minnesotan Resistance bombs local media headquarters
- Tessen calls for Aldean support against North Minnesota
- Bomb explodes in Tessen mall; 14 killed
- Tessen mobilizes military; increases funding
- Anthrax scare in Tessen and The Edward
- Citizens plead for international help


Region of Aldea website:
http://aldea.bravelog.com/index.php

-Tessen

bump

The Holy Empire of the Order of Dalraaen sends our prayers and condolences to those involved with the fighting. We urge both sides to come to a peaceful agreement and wish to express our growing concern for the situation.

Adjudicator Valerian Taurinos
Administrator of Foreign Affairs
Holy Empire of the Order of Dalraaen

The nation of Tessen thanks the Order of Dalraaen for their concern, and wishes them the best of health.

-Tessen

The following is the transcript of the latest Presidential address given to the people of North Minnesota by President Jackson Hannover on November 17, 2010. It also serves as a continuation of news events in the escalating conflict between Tessen and her neighbors, North Minnesota.


8:30 PM CST

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Today the very freedom we sought to uphold when we chose to seperate from the United States has come under attack. Today, our neighbors across the Mississippi River have chosen to invade our borders. Today we must put aside our disagreements and come together in defense of our great nation.

Many untruths have been said of North Minnesota in the past six months. They have been said in an effort to undermine our identity and chosen freedoms. As an independant nation, strength and success do not come easy. They come at a price. While we hold no ill-will against our Aldean allies nor our Tessen neighbors to the east, despite the stories we have been told, we can only continue to strive towards proving them wrong. Freedom of Speech is one of our most treasured freedoms, as is it within the borders of Tessen. We respect the views of our neighbors, but we must also stand up when those views are taken too far.

Challenge is at our doorstep. But we must not let her in. We must endeavor to defend this great nation, even when it comes at the hand of our misguided neighbors. Their words can challenge the stability of our hearts and minds, but they cannot touch the foundation of North Minnesota. They cannot dent the steel of Minnesotan resolve.

Today, we have been invaded. I have authorized the mobilization of our troops and put into action our military response plans. Our military is powerful, and we are prepared. While military action must now be taken, rest assured that your government continues to do all that it can to resolve this peacefully. I pray that our Tessen neighbors realize that as well, and join with us to strengthen our ties of alliance, not challenge them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress, my Cabinet, and all our governmental leaders who have joined me in strongly condemning these verbal and now military attacks upon our borders. On behalf of the Minnesotan people, I want to thank the many international world and regional leaders who have called to offer support and assistance. Together we will stand firm in the face of misguided evil.

Tonight, I ask all of you for your prayers. Prayers for our troops; prayers for the safety of your friends and neighbors; and prayers for those who have chosen to challenge our freedoms and beliefs upon our own soil. May we find strength in the arms of a greater power, and may his watchful eye see us through this with as little harm as possible.

Today is a day when all Minnesotans from every walk of life, political viewpoint, and cultural background must unite in our resolve for peace and justice. We've helped stand down enemies and challengers before, and we can do so again. Let us remember this day, not for the actions that will follow, but for the healing that must result. May we strive not for victory, but for justice and all that is good in the world.

Pray, and may this conflict be short.

Thank you. Good night, and god bless North Minnesota.

END 8:35 PM CST

OOC:

Anyone is welcome to respond or particpate politically. Bump, to those interested in taking sides in a small-scale conflict. ;)

-Tessen

The following is the begining of a timeline involving the sequence of events within this North Minnesotan conflict. Once again, it is posted with the consent of the NS player of North Minnesota, and the direct result of off-site roleplay.


November 15, 2010:
Tessen President Mitchell, with the support of the United States, issues an ultimatum to North Minnesotan President Jackson Hannover for him and his leadership to step down from power or face military occupation. The ultimatum is to last for 48 hours. Two days later, President Hannover has continued to refuse voluntary abdication. Military force is determined to be appropriate.

Morning of November 17, 2010:
North Minnesotan weather: SUNNY & WARM (50-60 degrees F)

Tessen military troops cross the borders into North Minnesota in two waves of rapid movement: From Hudson, Tessen (20 miles from the North Minnesotan capitol city of St. Paul) along the former US Interstate I-94; and from Superior, Tessen into Duluth, NMN directly across the river in the north. A stronger concentration of troops crosses the border at Hudson. Both invasionary forces face little ground opposition, but semi-heavy air combat does take place near the Hudson forces. NMN ground-based anti-aircraft is moderate.

The United States, also seeking to topple the government of their former errant state, sends limited military units into North Minnesota's western borders with the US states of North and South Dakota. They are to occupy and secure NMN western border. Additional US reserve units stand in reserve should there be the unlikely need of reinforcements.

NMN President Jackson Hannover addresses the nation in the evening, calling upon unity in the face of invasion. It is yet uncertain how well his words are recieved. Tessen newspapers have noted strong lack of NMN support for Hannover. North Minnesotan media, however, strongly supports him.


TESSEN/ USA MILITARY PLANS:
Limited simultaneous air and ground assaults to decapitate the government and military as fast as possible, while attempting to bypass Minnesotan military units and cities in most cases. The assumption is that superior Tessen mobility and coordination will allow Tessen to attack the heart of North Minnesotan leadership in St. Paul and destroy it in a short period of time, thus also minimizing civilian casualties and damage to the national infrastructure. It is also assumed that the elimination of the national leadership will lead to the collapse of the loyal segments of the NMN military and the growingly corrupt regime, and much of the population will support the invaders once the political stronghold has been loosened.

Occupation of cities and attacks on peripheral military units are viewed as undesirable distractions.


November 18, 2010:
North Minnesotan weather: SUNNY & COOLER (40-50 degrees F)

By early-morning, the Tessen ground forces entering from Hudson, Tessen have neared the moderately defended Twin Cities (St. Paul, Minneapolis). Moderate fighting ensues outside the city of St. Paul. The Tessen advance is held off for a day.

In the north, after a limited arial assult, the northern NMN city of Duluth surrenders to Tessen forces (geographically, both cities are across a river from each other). NMN airforce resources are suppressed in the area and the crucial Duluth Airforce Base is easily captured. Many NMN military units nearby -- including most of those stationed at the Air Force Base -- refuse to take up arms against the invasionary force. By nightfall, the Duluth area is occupied peacefully with less than a dozen deaths total on both sides.

While North Minnesota does posess them, as of yet, neither WMD's nor nuclear weapons are employed by North Minnesota troops.


OPPOSING FORCES:
North Minnesota:
Military Manpower: (nation-wide) 132,600 personnel

Army: -- 35,000 -- (24,000 combat)
Marines: -- 9,600
Navy: -- 8,000 (decline combat)
Air Force: -- 65,000

Tessen:
Invasionary Manpower: 50,800 personnel

Army: -- 40,000 -- (30,000 combat)
Marines: -- 8,000 -- (5,000 combat)
Navy: -- 1,800
Air Force: -- 1000

MILITARY DEATHS (thus far):
North Minnesota: -- 37
Tessen: -- 23
USA: -- 5
-

As follows is the continuation of timeline of the above timeline....


November 19, 2010:
North Minnesotan weather: RAIN (30-40 degrees F)

Friday begins on a wet note, with rain dampening the North Minnesotan landscape. In the north, Duluth, NMN is firmly under the control of the Tessen army, with the surprising cooperation of the NMN troops stationed in the area. On the western border of the country the US occupational forces have faced little opposition and have easily moved into NMN territory. The rain however does slow their advance, but it is quite clear by now that any speed is unnecessary.

The Hudson invasion force near St. Paul, however, is a slightly different story. Ground combat continues, as the Tessen troops advance slowly on the capitol city. Damage is moderate, and deaths on both sides are minimal. Here again the rain does lessen the fighting, and for the most part grounds any air combat. By evening, the Tessen forces have entered the city, and have little trouble securing the area.

November 20, 2010:
North Minnesotan weather: COLD & WINDY (30 degrees F)

With the Tessen army easily inside St. Paul, most NMN troops have laid down their weapons, with many giving aid to Tessen military and security actions. There has been some looting and burning prior to the Tessen arrival in St. Paul, but for the most part, the NMN troops and police forces inside the city (Minneapolis included) have been working at preserving the peace rather than opposing the invaders.

Upon arrival at the capitol, much of the leadership is gone, having either disappeared into hiding or been killed. Those that remain in control are generally those who had not supported the corrupt leadership. North Minnesotan President Jackson Hannover, however, is found dead in his office -- apparently murdered. In the absense of all higher officials, NMN Chief of State Mary Kiffmann is filling the presidential role.

By evening, St. Paul has come under Tessen control, with the nearby city of Minneapolis surrendering peacefully to the liberation forces. Some governmental offices and locations in the Twin Cities area have been sabotaged as the corrupt officials fled, but for the most part, those that have remained were able to secure the government without further incident.

Popular support does indeed seem to favor Tessen, and without further incident, the North Minnesotan government falls under the peaceful control of the Tessen/ US occupational forces. The four-day conflict is over, and NMN is under new (temporary) management.


MILITARY DEATHS (total):
North Minnesota: -- 46
Tessen: -- 29
USA: -- 6