Middle Snu
09-02-2007, 04:08
History
When the going gets tough, the smart get out. That was the idea behind the Southwestern National Union's colonization plan. As ice descended on the United States, the powerful labor union decided that the time had come to leave Earth. Over a period of many years, it used union fees and a variety of dirty tactics to finally build three fleets aimed for the stars: Forward, Middle, and Rear.
At long last, Forward fleet was ready to depart, filled with some 1 million union members. Then disaster struck. A fuel explosion left Forward crippled, its delicate jump drives damaged. After much politicking and debate, the Middle SNU fleet was sent out, eventually forming a viable colony. Those assigned to Rear Fleet were not so lucky: the union went broke, and the ships were eventually auctioned off for cash.
Yet the men and women of the Middle Snu fleet were busy colonizing their new world, which they had named Esperanza. Spreading and breeding quickly, they formed a bustling, innovative society and even took the stars.
Culture
Middle Snu is a very diverse state, and retains most of its American influences. However, because it embraced large numbers of Hispanics into the colony, a strong Latino culture exists as well. The dominant language is Spanglish, which was formalized in the year 2148.
Politics
Snu politics are determined by the Union itself. Serving as a minimalist government, the Union collects "membership fees" (essentially a poll tax) from every citizen who can afford them, but generally keeps its expenditures to 10% of the GDP. Appointments are decided by the virtually all-powerful President, who is elected by a popular vote every 10 years. The current President is Señor Raul Heronsburg.
When the going gets tough, the smart get out. That was the idea behind the Southwestern National Union's colonization plan. As ice descended on the United States, the powerful labor union decided that the time had come to leave Earth. Over a period of many years, it used union fees and a variety of dirty tactics to finally build three fleets aimed for the stars: Forward, Middle, and Rear.
At long last, Forward fleet was ready to depart, filled with some 1 million union members. Then disaster struck. A fuel explosion left Forward crippled, its delicate jump drives damaged. After much politicking and debate, the Middle SNU fleet was sent out, eventually forming a viable colony. Those assigned to Rear Fleet were not so lucky: the union went broke, and the ships were eventually auctioned off for cash.
Yet the men and women of the Middle Snu fleet were busy colonizing their new world, which they had named Esperanza. Spreading and breeding quickly, they formed a bustling, innovative society and even took the stars.
Culture
Middle Snu is a very diverse state, and retains most of its American influences. However, because it embraced large numbers of Hispanics into the colony, a strong Latino culture exists as well. The dominant language is Spanglish, which was formalized in the year 2148.
Politics
Snu politics are determined by the Union itself. Serving as a minimalist government, the Union collects "membership fees" (essentially a poll tax) from every citizen who can afford them, but generally keeps its expenditures to 10% of the GDP. Appointments are decided by the virtually all-powerful President, who is elected by a popular vote every 10 years. The current President is Señor Raul Heronsburg.