NationStates Jolt Archive

In a recent agreement between the Reich and Rome, the area of land which formerly contained metropolitan New Orleans (New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Chalmette, Harahan, etc.) is to be repopulated by German, French, Dutch, English, Spanish, African, and various other ethnic groups of the Reich.

The area of land once held the original population of New Orleans, but the people were relocated South due to the constant threat of hurricanes and the flooding of the city. Now a barren area, the Reich offered to repopulate it, improve the levee system to a nearly incapable-of-breaking strength, and create a "Twin City" with Roman New Orleans.

Decided by the Reichskanzler to be its own autonomous territory, the "New Orleans Reich", as it has been affectionately called by Reich High-Command, will actually be one massive city -- a joining of the former territory with the new territory and sharing no definite borders. However, Roman New Orleans and Reich New Orleans will each have their separate governing systems, but Reich High-Command is contemplating submitting an offer to Rome which would change this to a single government, elected by the populations of each city.

In theory, New Orleans will become its own country, with its own police force, its own laws, and its own economic system. The original culture of New Orleans will be retained, the old street cars put back into service, the ferries put back into service, etc. Furthermore, the Reich will be funding housing expansions which will increase the living capacity well into the nine-million population range in the old territory alone. Including Roman New Orleans, the city is expected to grow to over fifteen-million citizens.

The once ghost-town will again become a booming metropolitan area with cultures from around the world in one single space...

OOC: Should we do the meeting for New Orleans in New Orleans itself or somewhere else?

Rodin Hartian flew in to the City of New Orleans to take a look around. Having struck a deal with the North Germanians to form a new country based in New Orleans, the Emperor wanted to take a personal tour of what would later become the envy of the entire world.

"This city is too happy to be bogged down in politics," said Hartian to himself, witnessing the vibrant atmosphere of the city's inhabitants. "The Republic will serve it nicely."

He then paid a visit to the Old City, a term that had become common since the Romans moved the city from the mouth of the Mississippi. Most of the buildings were desolate and abandonned, but Hartian didn't see despair but hope. It'd need a lot of work- the levees badly needed repair, and a lot of the foundations needed to be rebuilt if they were going to be able to withstand a Category 5 Hurricane. He also had visions of a monorail going through the heart of New Orleans, being "an elevated subway" that would compliment the city's transit system but also provide a rapid transit system that could potentially survive a hurricane.

He smiled. New Orleans was one of the crown jewels of the Roman Empire, and while he disliked the thought of giving up complete control over the city, he knew the city had outgrown him. "This city won't be just the Crown Jewel of the Roman Empire," he said to himself, "this city will be the Crown Jewel of the world."

Reichskanzler Kübler, travelling in his personal transport jet and followed by two Bf-16 stealth fighters landed at New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, old New Orleans as the Romans called it. When he stepped out, he saw that the revitalized airport was bringing in new citizens from all over the world to fill the empty houses and apartments the city contained.

"I hope Herr Hartian holds as much hope for this city as I do.", he thought to himself.

As der Führer walked through the two-thirds vacant city, he was followed by four OS bodyguards. The man was not concerned with an assassination, as he had just given millions of people an opportunity for a new life. Several hours later, an armored car drove the Reichskanzler to the French Quarter where life was most booming in the old city.

The street cars were moving once again, people were walking through the streets and visiting stores, buying luxuries and things of interest. Notably, the Voodoo shops had opened back up. Many people wished to shake der Führer's hand and thank him for the opportunity he had given them. Now, it was time to meet with Rodin Hartian.

Reichskanzler Kübler made his way to an elegant restaurant in the French Quarter and waited for the Roman leader to meet him.

A few minutes after the Reichskanzler arrived, Rodin Hartian- dressed to the nines in his best suit- arrived at the restaurant with members of the Praetorian Guard (OOC: his bodyguards) to greet the Germanian leader. He wore a brimming smile, full of confidence that history would be made today.

"Reichskanzler Kübler, it's great to see you," said Hartian to Reichskanzler Kübler, giving him a nice, hearty handshake. "Would you like anything to drink? I'll pay for this round."

Kübler, looking very pleased and happy with Rodin, replied, speaking in a pretty heavy accent. However, he did his best to speak English clearly.

Reichskanzler Kübler: "That is very gracious of you, Herr Hartian. Perhaps a change of pace... what is this 'Bloody Mary' that I hear so much about in this fine city?

"I am very eager to hear your plans for New Orleans and I would also like your input on when our police and military should leave the city, and who is to govern it. I have little experience with the local politicians and it seems to me we will have to be very careful about choosing a man, as his competance will be tested hourly every single day."

Der Führer lit a cigar and a finely-dressed waitor delivered the red drink to him. Kübler looked at it inquisitively after having his first sip.

OOC: Can I ask what your thoughts are on Ray Nagin? He's the only local politician from New Orleans that I know, but I do like the guy.

"A fine choice" started the Emperor, who also made a similar effort to enunciate his English through his Latin accent, "can we have one Bloody Mary and one Roman red wine, please?" The waiter then promptly brought the two their drinks.

"Getting to the political situation," continued the Emperor, "we envision a bottom-up approach, to give the people the maximum power. All persons aged 18 and over get to vote for a leader and a Legislative Council that will oversee the city's operations.

"We should draft a Constitution that protects the liberties and freedoms of New Orleans and that properly enshirnes the city's festive spirit. Our best approach would probably be a government that interferes very little in public life, since that would put a damper on celebrations.

"I believe the buildings and levees must be renovated and redone to be able to meet a Category 5 Hurricane. We cannot afford a levee break, because then the whole city will drown.

"Furthermore, I believe that we should create and/or protect the barrier islands off the coast of Louisiana so that the city can have a better 'natural barrier', for there's only so much we can do in the city.


"I also envision a monorail-type system that can provide rapid transit to New Orleans but is also elevated in some way so as to guard against flooding. It should provide rapid transit across the city and to the suburbs, as well as to the housing districts so that the residents can be evacuated quickly in an emergency.

"Finally, I think that the French Quarter should receive a large entertainment venue that will meld the cultures of the Reich and Rome together, to serve as a reminder to New Orleans over who gave them their gift of nationhood."

He sipped his wine and waited for the Reichskanzler's response.

OOC: I like Nagin. He's one of the few politicians who tried to do anything whatsoever. Even the Louisiana governor crapped out. My thoughts on Michael Brown and George Bush on this matter are too profane to put in a NationStates post, however.

I respect the mayor of Chicago a great deal as well. He sent 30 tankers full of gasoline, and despite the fact that FEMA, under command of Michael Brown, turned them around and told them to go back to Chicago, the generosity is much appreciated by me and the rest of the city of New Orleans.

IC:

Reichskanzler Kübler: "Brilliant, Herr Hartian. Naturally, I will give well over a trillion Reichsmarks to the strengthening of the levees and canals to protect against these hurricanes. Quite troublesome, I must say.

"I agree with everything you have said, but would like to add on. I am willing to give 'grants' to all musicians, painters, writers, and other artists of New Orleans to help fill the city with culture. Each musician and other artist will undergo a simple test to ensure they actually are artists, and in exchange for restoring the former culture of the city and occasionally representing the images of the Reich and Rome, they will be given roughly 35 000 units of their own currency annually. This is in addition to what they may make from selling their work.

"This monorail idea of yours is quite to my liking. The problem of elevating it, that I see, is that the water may destroy the supports, perhaps causing more damage than if it was on the ground. But we should leave our engineers to deal with that problem.

"In the horrible case that the city does actually flood, despite our best efforts, we should have rescue teams ready. To augment our ability to protect the city, some efficient evacuation system should be constructed.

"If only we could destroy hurricanes..."

OOC: Okay good. I was thinking of suggesting Nagin- he'd make a good leader for the Republic of New Orleans.

LOL. I understand the resentment of Bush and Brown- it saddens me that they were paid for their work.

IC:

Hartian let out a laugh. "Ah...Mother Nature. The one thing us Emperors cannot stop. Though that won't stop us from trying.

"Your idea about the musicians is very interesting, but I think we should let the public decide. Imagine- a yearly festival where the public decides who gets to win the contracts to represent the city. It would also be a tourism bonanza.

"The idea of elevating the monorail is to ensure that it can still operate even when flooded, because it will also serve as an evacuation tool. Our engineers will need to figure out how best to raise it, since it's of no use to us on the ground.

"We should have rescue teams ready, I agree. I believe in creating a team- the New Orleans Coast Guard if you will- that will serve the primary purpose of being the emergency response team for the city, as well as to co-ordinate law enforcement and medical services for the city. I also believe that once a year- in April, right before the start of hurricane season- the emergency response should be tested to ensure their efficiency for the upcoming season as well as to address any concerns that we may see in their response capabilities.

"We will also be committing some 100 million sestreces (OOC: $1 trillion US) over ten years to the levee and emergency response project, for it is vital for New Orleans to be ready for any disaster."