NationStates Jolt Archive

Johnson Elected; Promises Sweeping Reform

Kevin Wood
Columnist, Jutsham Post
February 17; 4:30 PM
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http://www.bornpower.de/rockefel/nelsonrock.jpg
Johnson addresses the nation shortly after securing the presidency

Within the next month, the page will turn and a new chapter will open for the Republic of Tallenpoint. Unlike the previous three chapters, however, this one promises to be different. Earlier today, with an electoral margin of 210-53, Daniel Johnson secured the total number of electoral votes necessary for election. After many months on the campaign trail, with the an exceptional amount of mudslinging coming from the Carpenter camp, it appears that the nation is finally ready for a change. The resounding victory by Johnson truly exemplifies how fed up people were with the Carpenter presidency as a whole, from their strict isolationist tendencies to their overbearing military presence.

Addressing the nation earlier, Johnson swore to uphold the principles that got him into office. One line that was heard often throughout his speech was "Ladies and Gentlemen of Tallenpoint, you trusted what I assured you of when you elected me. I will not let you down." Among numerous items, the key sticking points among Johnson's promises should raise the standards of life for even the lowliest citizens. First and foremost, Johnson swore to "integrate our nation into the international community and economy". Most economists predict that Johnson intends to drastically cut tariffs within his first few months in office, encouraging international trade and investment. Furthermore, Johnson pledged to "reduce the size of [Tallenpoint's] armed forces to no more than is necessary for homeland defense," which, although interpretable, generally indicates massive slashes in the military budget, which saw extreme funding during the first term of Carpenter. Although it was originally expected for this money to go towards a welfare program of some sort, Johnson has recently moderately adjusted his stance towards welfare due to the advice of his top economic aide, Edwin Smith. Now, most economists predict the money to go towards funding a better public education system among the nation, as the current system is severely lacking.

Johnson also stated that he was "looking forward to this opportunity to best serve his constituents," as previously during his tenure as a senator he "felt as if [his] voice had been squelched by the majority party." Widely considered a moderate candidate, Johnson was able to achieve widespread popularity due to the fact that he appealed to both sides of the fence, despite their major differences. Johnson, however, is considered to be a man of the people, and this contributed much to his appeal. He was able to steal roughly forty-three percent of the Christian Workers Union vote from Carpenter, while maintaining ninety-four percent of the vote from the Conservative Party. Carpenter, who is a devout Episcopalian, was not able to hold on to his religious edge against Johnson, a Baptist, which surely played a role in how the Christian Workers Union voted. The nation of Tallenpoint, which is far and away Christian dominated, has opted this time for a less devout leader, and while his faith still influences his decisions, such as his opposition on issues such as abortion and stem cell research, he makes his faith much less noticeable when the public eye is upon him. The recent polls show that the people of Tallenpoint believe this will make their nation appeal more to the international community, and they voted accordingly.

Only time can tell what the future holds for Tallenpoint. As the nation continues to expand in an unpredicted spiral of economic and population growth, and the new president takes office, the nations of the world will begin to take note of a new nation in their midst.

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Fedala International Newspaper
Fedor I Endorses Tallenpoint's Daniel Johnson

Strengthening the Second Empire's relationship with regional neighbors has been Fedor's priority since the dramatic end to the War of Golden Succession, and the resurgence of Tallenpoint onto the international 'scene' has brought Fedor the opportunity to make new friends and perhaps new allies. This is especially so taking into consideration the polarization of Greater Dienstad after the war, between the Second Empire and the Holy Empire[1]. Consequently, Fedor has announced his endorsement of Daniel Johnson and has expressed his interests in increasing diplomatic relations with Tallenpoint. To this effect, His Imperial Majesty has declared intentions of flying to Tallenpoint and meeting with President Johnson over the establishment of close-to barrier-free trade and perhaps the inclusion of Tallenpoint in the Fedala Accord (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=554863) - counting already on six, and soon a seventh, members. This is the first time Fedor will fly to a foreign nation in Greater Dienstad since the beginning of the War of Golden Sucession; Fedor I has not even flown to the Empire's greatest ally, Hailandkill[2]. In this sense, this is quite a political milestone for the Second Empire of the Golden Throne and goes much for proving that the Empire is not only interested in acquiring new territories, but also making new regional friends.

On the other hand, it's obvious that the Empire needs new friends. Despite alliances with Hailandkill and Athiesism, the former has drooped into isolationism - dealing with its own internal post-war political problems - while the latter has completely disolved into what can only be described as anarchy, much like Theohuanacu. Another major imperial ally, Mekugi, has also recently decentralized and is now ruled by a number of cartels and proxy mafias run by foreign governments, such as Juumanistra. Space Union, unfortunately, has recently come at odds with the Empire, after the anomosity between APOC[3] and NATO[4]. And so, the Second Throne has been left alone in the region and abroad, while the Holy Empire continues to count on the strength of Independent Hitmen. Although, ultimately, the Fedala Accord is the Empire's new strength, including the nations of Damirez and Vetaka - both of which are located in Nova, which is next to Greater Dienstad - the former is also allied with Stevid and Independent Hitmen; the political web is difficult and the Empire is in dire need of new friends. The issue is not entirely military-related, as an all-out regional war is unlikely to break-out again in the coming years, however, the economic supremacy of the Empire is at stake without open markets. As a consequence, friendly governments are favorable in order to ensure friendly trade; one of the principle priorities of the Fedala Accord.

It's interesting to note that Tallenpoint's politics are not entirely condusive to a friendly relantionship between itself and the Empire, despite Fedor's apparently willingness to approach the small republic. Although the Empire considers itself fairly liberal in regards to personal liberties, a government in which the people have no participation has natural limits. Open, democratic governments are counterproductive for the security of the 'state', especially as the Empire's population grows. The Weigar rebellion during the War of Golden Succession, as well as the uprising in Sarcanza, go long ways in measuring the difficulti of keeping control of massive populations. On the other hand, imperial propaganda portrays Tallenpoint as an unimportant and weak republic, militaristically speaking, given its small military and Johnson's promises of reducing the size of the armed forces. Through this, it seems as if the imperial government is interested in using the nationalism embedded in most of the population to illustrate the empire's supposed 'superiority'. Despite some differences in political ideology, however, the two nations can find much in common. For example, the Empire too went through a 'de-deification' era during the War of Golden Succession, and although the majority of the population is still deeply devout to the Church, the importance of religion in government is now almost none. Furthermore, the Empire does have liberal tendencies, including the legalization of marijuana during the War of Golden Succession[5], legalization of homosexual marriage and integration of foreign nationalities in the national school system. On the other hand, the Empire's senate remains dissolved, after Jonach I did so in 2014[6], and there have been no indications that Fedor will bring it back.

But regardless, the issue remains an interesting dilemna, and we all can agree that greater cooperation in Greater Dienstad should be the true priority. With the empire reconstructing, most are fed up with its decision to invade Theohuanacu and most are looking for reconciliation with Stevid and Independent Hitmen, while many are looking forward to the Empire's disintigration from NATO and intigration into the Fedala Accord. Perhaps Fedor's decision to go to Tallenpoint will increase favor for him both abroad and at home.

- Danek Ta'híern


Notes [all in-character!]:
1. Imperial military sources and anonymous reporters suggest a quasi-demilitirzation of the Inter-Guffingfordi Border, between Stevid and The Second Empire, despite the increase in tensions over the Empire's invasion of Theohuanacu (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=547674).
2. During the war, most meetings took place inside the Empire, close to the frontlines, due to Fedor I's active participation in commanding available units.
3. Which Space Union belongs to.
4. Which, at the time, the Second Empire belonged to; the Second Empire has announced its intentions of leaving NATO, in favor of making the Fedala Accord its sole international affiliation/alliance.
5. Mostly as a morale lifter for the troops, who smoked it anyways.
6. All dates are 'imperial' and follow the Gregorian calendar, but is a few years ahead.

Johnson to meet with Macabee Leadership

Lance Goldsmith
Columnist, Pembrington Daily News
February 22; 2:20 PM
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http://www.dyslexiaassociation.ca/gallery/famous/Nelson%20Rockefeller.jpg
After being confronted, Johnson admitted that he was in talks with Fedor I about a potential meeting

After much speculation about a potential meeting between Daniel Johnson, President of Tallenpoint, and Fedor I, Emperor of the Golden Throne of The Macabees, first reported in the Fedala International Newspaper, Johnson finally admitted that such a meeting was in the works. According to Johnson, although "not all of the details are finalized," a "preliminary plan" is in the works that would bring "Fedor I to Pembrington for a meeting with Johnson." Such a move would have obvious political implications, and it would be a big change for the nation of Tallenpoint which had lived in isolation before Johnson. Many people within the Republic feel that any sort of economic deal with the Golden Throne could potentially reap the nation large benefits, for just as Tallenpoint has a potent quaternary industry, and a developed tertiary sector, her primary and secondary industries are lacking. Within the Empire of the Golden Throne, many economists see the potential for a strong trading partner that would compliment Tallenpoint's growing economy well. Distinguished economist Alfred Winchester stated that "an economic deal with the Golden Throne would allow the [Republic's] economy to grow exponentially." Furthermore, he also believes that "such mutual investment and consumption would allow the Republic's ties within the global market to become noticeable," which in theory would "allow the Republic to focus her efforts into specialized fields in accordance with the law of comparative advantage."

Political scientists have taken note as well, and most are in favor of strengthening relations with the Empire of the Golden Throne. For one, Yan Zhang pointed out, "The Empire was by far the first nation to contact us when we were emerging from perpetual isolationism, and this counts for something." He was also intrigued by a possible position in the Fedala Accords, which was founded by The Macabees. He speculated that "involving the Republic in such an alliance would certainly ease the burden on the national forces when Johnson completes his downsizing project," if Johnson could "get the resolution through Congress." The prospect of having a much larger nation with such proximity as an ally and friend is certainly one that can not be ignored, and Johnson is sure to explore all his options.

When asked about how he felt about the differences between the Republic and the Empire, Johnson said that "all the issues can be easily worked through." On previous occasions, especially on the campaign trail, he has been quoted as stating that he "would pursue diplomatic relations even with absolute monarchs," as it meant that they were "actively pursuing international relations," a major change from the past that was one of the foremost pledges of Johnson's campaign. He also named several monarchies that have been allied with considerable success in the past, and stated that "any conclusion come to now will be much less formidable than a fully charged alliance, making the differences even more minute."

The current state of international relations in Tallenpoint is currently a ball of yarn, and to discover what it holds, you must unravel it. At this point and time, every time you read an inch, another mile of yarn is added. The same can be said of this current drama with The Empire of the Golden Throne of The Macabees. With any luck, the ball will unravel soon.

OOC: Thanks for responding!

The Empire sends congratulation to Tallenpoint's Johnson

Maarja Kask writing for the Berliner Morgenpost

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As Chancellor Glogauer hopes to be off on yet another foreign trip soon, this time to another little-known but promising nation, it is interesting to see his recent actions Mugandan and this adventure to Tallenpoint(with other diplomatic ventures still in the oven) in the context of the brewing scandal over the involvement of German troops in various black-ops inside communist dictatorships. Clearly, the Chancellor wants to put on his friendly face... at least to the right people.

The coalition government, which can be impolitely but accurately called the Konservativ-Liberalen and pals, has recently come under fire for persuing what has been called by the shrillest voices "the unilateralist policy that left the Empire friendless in both wars". Leaving aside the fact that during the First World War Germany led a powerful alliance and during the Second we were a rallying point for the free nations of Europe, these accusations simply do not hold up under scrutiny. The KLP have been active in expanding the geopolitical role of the Deutscher Sprachbund and have also invested greatly in rebuilding Germany's relations with our little brother, Poland, culminating in this weeks opening of an enormous monument to the Polish Army in Exile during the Second World War in Upper Silesia.

But Glogauer now wants to expand relations outside traditional areas, to avoid the already-brewing accusations of Germano-centrism in his foreign policy. Germany's new friends for the 2st century must nonetheless present a suitable face. France is still out in the cold, then. But Tallenpoint's Daniel Johnson is a man with promise: he is a Protestant with a reformist message, an emphasis on education, and a desire to interact more openly with the world. He is cutting down Tallenpoint's military spending, but we in the Reich should remember that our conscription system, however admirable, is quite abnormal. So now all he needs is an estate somewhere east of the Oder ("von" included) and a relative with an Iron Cross and he could pass for any of the many faces of Neupreussen!

The KLP is already sounding out the idea of a state visit and extensive talks. Poland's Mr.Katzinski recently decided to get on the same wagon. Whether the Lithuanians are interested remains to be seen.

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