*The after effects of Hurricane Allen, the major Category 5 hurricane that struck the Caribbean, Mexico, and the MSA in August continue to be felt. Although the Mountain States coastline suffered far less than elsewhere struck, a federal report announces that in addition to the 7 dead in Texas and 17 in Louisiana, the damage is calculated to be approximately $860 million worth - with one hurricane-spawned-tornado that struck Austin, Texas causing $100 million itself.
*President Arnoldo Martinez of the Workers’ Republic of Mexico cuts short his state visit to the Mountain States of America, where he was engaged in talks with President David Cargo and MSAmerican business leaders, when news reaches the MSA of a major earthquake in central and southern Mexico. Centered around the state of Oaxaca, reports thus far indicate that at least 300 have been killed, with an additional 150,000 left homeless.
*Falling short of profit projections over the Christmas period leads May Department Stores to announce significant staff cutbacks at a number of to-be-determined locations across the country.
*Department of the Interior reports indicate that the American bison, whose population had been recovering from its low-point of the 500s in the 18th century, has in recent years, declined. Reported at 15,000 in 1975, the latest counts put the figure at around 12,000. No clear reasons for the decline have been established as of yet. The American bison, prior to the discovery of the New World, had a population well in excess of 60 million.
*Air transportation of cargo between cities in the MSA, PSA, and USA continues to rise in popularity, marking a decline in profits for other forms of transportation, such as the railways. Although deemed in little danger of being superseded entirely, passenger transport remains an areas of uncertainty.
*In the Mountain League Baseball Championship (MLBC), the St Louis Cardinals face off against the Kansas City Royals. Having been the underdogs all season long, the Royals put up a stern fight but were ultimately defeated by the Cardinals, who lifted the Championship Cup yet again in a victory for the Missouri team.
*The Anaconda Mining Company end-of-year report suggests that ore quantities and qualities at their Montana mines is decreasing. One of the largest copper mines in the world and central to the state economy, concerns have been raised over future development plans.
*Video game arcades continue to grow in popularity, spreading from cities to smaller towns. This is partially spurred on by the release of games such as Pakkuman (rebranded as Pac-Man in North America), which exceeded their lukewarm response in the Home Islands of Japan to spread like wildfire across the Pacific States and into the Mountain States. The United States continues to ban such games as reminiscent of “decadent Oriental culture”.
*A budgetary proposal to contract the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation to develop a new fighter jet falls through when the House of Representatives votes against it. Rumours on Capitol Hill suggest the influence of PSAmerican aviation company lobbyists, or even the PS and US governments themselves, who may be seeking to sell aircraft they are retiring in the near future.
*Acceding to continued complaints by the Japanese American Citizens League, President David Cargo announces that he has utilised the power of executive order to launch a Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC), tasked with investigating the lengthy use of holding camps during the war and in its immediate aftermath.
*Standard Oil of California (SOCAL) continues expanding its gas station operations in the MSA, as well as buying up smaller wells near the border with the PSA. Concerns, both industry and political, have been raised over the rapid rise of this company, based in the Pacific States.
DECISION 1980
*Election fever rocks the Mountain States yet again, as elections are held for the whole House of Representatives, Class I Senators, and crucially, the highest office in the land - the Presidency.
Despite the major popularity of President Stassen, his successor and former Vice President, David Cargo, is unable to galvanise the nation behind another four years of Republican government. His issues began with the Republican Party itself, with scattered doubts over whether to renominate him. Although no serious challengers emerge, it is clear from the off that President Cargo’s generally vague Presidency has been largely overshadowed by his far more popular predecessor’s term in office, and has been characterised as largely reactive, rather than proactive. However he was praised by the public for his handling of a rail workers strike and reaching out to the new South African government.
Against him, after a heated primary battle, the Progressive Party selected Charles Efraim Stone, a Moderate from Colorado. The Progressive Party also adopted an old strategy of running a Progressive-Socialist ticket, with Paul Roux-Johnson as a Socialist Vice Presidential candidate.
The electoral race is drawn out and filled with debates, but with a poor mid-term performance hanging over the head of the Republican campaign, the electorate is drawn to Stone’s charm offensives, while his fiery outbursts are cleverly directed by his campaign staff towards debates and speeches. Attracted to a more dynamic brand of politics, the polls place Stone ahead of Cargo from the early stages of the race. Running on a platform of a firm stance against the PSA and USA, pledges to fight urban poverty, and supportive of public works projects, the Stone campaign gains further momentum. Although the Cargo campaign regains some ground late on by playing on the extremely vague military policies of the Progressives, at a time when debate over the Treaty of Saint Paul is only intensifying, it is too little, too late.
At the polls, the result soon emerges - Charles E Stone - President-Elect of the Mountain States of America. In a victory speech at City Park in his hometown of Denver, Colorado, the President-Elect was joined by his wife, Alanna Stone, and his eldest child, 20 year old daughter Lilly, a student in college. He reaffirmed his commitment to the America people, congratulated President Cargo on a well-fought campaign, and pledged to continue in the lineage of the great Progressive Presidents of the past, ending with campaign slogan - “A Mountain Man for the Mountain States”. His younger child, 19 year old Edward Stone, was not present, having left college to join the Mountain States Marine Corps.
*Throughout the Stassen and Cargo governments the Republican Party has held a majority in the Senate - no longer. The Class I Senatorial elections see the Republicans only lose seats - crucially in Montana to the Progressives, marking a major breakthrough in that previously staunchly Republican state; in Colorado, and in Missouri, which becomes a major Progressive state again. Nonetheless, they hold onto seats in Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas, leaving their total at 12.
It is not all plain sailing for the Progressives, though. While they may share a ticket and a coalition with the Socialists, in the legislative races there is little holding back. In a particularly shocking race, the senior Progressive Hard Left Senator for New Mexico is ousted by a Socialist candidate, marking New Mexico as the only state presently fielding two Socialist senators. The Progressives remain two seats short of a total majority in the Senate, but their agreement with the Socialists gives their combined caucus a bare majority.
*In the House of Representatives, where previously there had been no clear majority but a left-leaning coalition of Progressives and Socialists consistently worked together, the post-election situation merely exemplifies the situation. The Republicans lose seats to both the Progressives and Socialists, although the Progressives fall five seats short of an overall majority with 41 seats. The GOP remains close behind with 35 seats, while the Socialists pick up their greatest number of seats in several electoral cycles - 14 seats.
In notable battleground states, former President Harold Stassen aids Republican hopes in his native Minnesota, seeing two of the state’s 9 representatives turn blue. In Oklahoma, the electorate turns out for the GOP in a major way, breaking with its Senators. Socialists make major gains in Texas and New Mexico, primarily from Progressive candidates, while Progressives return the favor in Louisiana, increasing their position to 5 of the state’s 8 representatives.
International News
*George Wallace, President of the United States of America, is re-elected for a third term in the White House with 99.8% of the vote in an 89.3% turnout election, despite his paralysis from the waist down following an assassination attempt in 1972. His campaign pledges, echoing those of the past, continue to promise “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever”.
*In the aftermath of the election, protests and rioting in several US cities, particularly in the South, continue. Racially motivated and charged, the violent proceedings are repeatedly broken up and dispersed by National Guard units, mobilised by Executive Order, leaving indeterminate numbers of dead in their wake. Vice President John C Stennis reportedly condemned the rioting as being incited by enemies of the state, including the Black Liberation Army, the Cubans, the Mexicans, and the Japanese. Accusations are also levelled at the Mountain States of America, although for the less severe charge of “condoning” rather than “aiding and supplying” terrorism. No official response has been announced.
*The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip burns down on November 21st, killing 85 people, the worst disaster in Nevadan history. After a swift intervention by the Pacific States federal government, reconstruction contracts are granted to a small handful of zaibatsu-associated businessmen, many of whom it is remarked upon in Mountain American newspapers, have reportedly close ties to top-ranking Pacific States officials.
*The aftermath of Hurricane Allen continues to cause chaos in Haiti. High winds and flash flooding have left more than $400 million in damages, with 60% of the coffee crop destroyed, 220 people killed, and 835,000 left homeless. Compounding the situation, the Tonton Macoutes, a right-wing, Duvalierist militia, wreaking havoc in the countryside. Their reign of terror in rural areas outside of government control grows ever worse. Cuban aid is sent to assist with rebuilding in the aftermath of the storm.
*President Anastasio Somoza of Nicaragua remains defiant, holed up in the capital of Managua, as Toledanist Sandinista rebels continue their advance. The situation is dire, but generous Italian military aid (shipped in primarily through Italian-friendly Costa Rica under the auspices of the San Jose Compact) and the presence of Fascist military advisers allows the regime to hold out for now.
*Mountain States and Commonwealth technicians and engineers are brought in to assist the Workers’ Republic of Mexico’s Comisión Nacional del Espacio Exterior as it begins work on a new project. Critics in the PSA and USA condemn the project as an obvious attempt to gain weapons of mass destruction. Others more impartial observers believe it to be a first foray into peaceful space exploration. However political debate inside the MSA questions to what extent assisting in any rocketry program might violate the present understanding of the Treaty of Saint Paul. For the time being, the project’s goals remain speculative.
Mountain States of America
Motto: None
Map: http://i.imgur.com/XdRSari.png
Date: Q4 1980
Population: 46,379,782
Capital: Kansas City
Government:
Executive power vested in the Cabinet, headed by the President. The President is chosen by indirect elections every four years by the Electoral College, running with the Vice President on the same electoral “ticket”. The Cabinet is chosen and serves at the President’s pleasure, and is confirmed by the Senate.
Popularity: 75/100 (+35 newly elected)
President: Charles E Stone (P-M) - Smyg
Vice President: Paul Roux-Johnson (S) - OYID
Secretary of State: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of the Treasury: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of Defense: [none appointed or confirmed]
Attorney General: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of the Interior: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of Agriculture: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of Commerce: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of Labor: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: [none appointed or confirmed]
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: [none appointed or confirmed]
Next Presidential Election: Q4 1984
Legislative power vested in the Mountain States Congress, divided into the Senate (upper chamber) and the House of Representatives (lower chamber). The Senate is chosen by staggered elections every 2 years, divided into 3 classes which are chosen every 6 years. The House of Representatives are re-elected as a whole every 2 years.
Mountain States Senate
President pro tempore: ???
Senate Majority Leader: Nathan Hanlon (P-H) - Snacks
Senate Majority Whip: XXX
Senate Minority Leader: Franklin Weeks (R-M) - Maddox
Senate Minority Whip: XXX
Progressives: 14
—Progressive Moderates: 5
—Progressive Liberals: 2
—Progressive Hard Left: 2
—Progressive Conservatives: 5
Republicans: 12
—Republican Moderates: 5
—Republican Conservatives: 3
—Republican Liberals: 3
—Republican Neo-Conservatives: 1
Socialists: 4
—Socialist: 3
—Socialist Workers: 1
Mountain States House of Representatives
Speaker of the House: Anthony C Nordquist (P-L) - Gesar
House Majority Leader: XXX
House Majority Whip: XXX
House Minority Leader: Matthew J Carpenter (R-C) Coinneach
House Minority Whip: XXX
Progressives: 41
—Progressive Moderates: 10
—Progressive Liberals: 14
—Progressive Hard Left: 11
—Progressive Conservatives: 6
Republicans: 35
—Republican Moderates: 12
—Republican Conservatives: 13
—Republican Liberals: 4
—Republican Neo-Conservatives: 6
Socialists: 14
—Socialist: 10
—Socialist Workers: 4
Next House of Representatives Election: Q4 1982
Next Senate Class I Election: Q4 1986
Next Senate Class II Election: Q4 1982
Next Senate Class III Election: Q4 1984
Political Parties:
Progressive Party
—Progressive Moderates [Social Liberalism, Progressivism] - Jose Marquez Smyg
—Progressive Liberals [Progressivism, Trade Unionism] - Anthony C Nordquist Gesar
—Progressive Hard Left [Democratic Socialism, Leftist] - Nathan Hanlon Snacks
—Progressive Conservatives [Neoliberalism, Centre-rightist] - Orval Scott Litos
Republican Party
—Republican Moderates [Social Conservatism, Centre-rightist] - Franklin Weeks Maddox
—Republican Conservatives [Conservative, Rightist] - Matthew J Carpenter Coinneach
—Republican Liberals [Social Conservatism, Centrist] - Christopher Miller RinKou
—Republican Neo-Conservatives [Neoconservatism, Firm Anti-fascism] - Leanna J Freeman ykl
Socialist Party
—Socialist [Socialism, Leftist, Trade Unionism] - Philip Donovan OYID
—Socialist Workers [Far Left, Pro-Mexico, Toledanist]
Minor Parties:
Workers’ Revolutionary Party [Toledanist, Trotskyist, Anti-Mexico]
Constitutionalist Party [Nationalism, Paleoconservatism, Rightist]
Communist Party USA [Communism, Marxism, Anti-fascism]
Greater United American Way Party [Pro-PSA, Pro-Japan, Militarism, Statism]
American People’s Unity Party [Pro-USA, Pro-German, National Socialism, White Supremacism]
States: 15
Montana
Population: 786,690
Senators:
Republican-M - Class II
Progressive-M - Class I
Representatives: 2
1 Republican - 1 Republican-N
1 Progressive - 1 Progressive-M
Overview: Source of some of the largest copper deposits in the world, as well as gold, silver and coal mining. Lumber felling also a source of income.
Wyoming
Population: 469,557
Senators:
Republican-M - Class I
Republican-C - Class II
Representatives: 1
1 Republican - 1 Republican-N
Overview: Produces coal, natural gas, oil and uranium, supplemented by agricultural efforts, including livestock, grains, and wool.
Colorado
Population: 2,889,964
Senators:
Progressive-C - Class I
Republican-N - Class III
Representatives: 6
3 Republican - 1 Republican-M, 1 Republican-C, 1 Republican-N
3 Progressive - 2 Progressive-C, 1 Progressive-M
Overview: Contains substantial gold and silver mines, as well as natural gas and oil drilling. Machinery and industry also present in large concentrations. Cattle and dairy also common.
New Mexico
Population: 1,303,302
Senators:
Socialist - Class II
Socialist - Class I
Representatives: 3
1 Progressive - 1 Progressive-H
1 Republican - 1 Republican-C
1 Socialist - 1 Socialist
Overview: Home to substantial Hispanic population, as a result of Latin American immigration from allied countries. Also holds some of the largest concentrations of Asians in the MSA, a combination of those who fled the war on the Pacific Coast, and more recent immigrants. Growing gang violence and organised crime in urban areas. Substantial copper and uranium mines, as well as oil and natural gas drilling. Agricultural produce includes chiles, pecans, potatoes, and livestock.
North Dakota
Population: 652,717
Senators:
Republican-M - Class III
Republican-L - Class I
Representatives: 1
1 Republican - 1 Republican-M
Overview: Primarily an agricultural state, producing cereals, buckwheat, corn, and oilseeds.
South Dakota
Population: 690,768
Senators:
Republican-M - Class II
Republican-C - Class III
Representatives: 1
1 Republican - 1 Republican-C
Overview: Primarily an agricultural state, producing livestock, corn, wheat, and soybeans. Also holds tourism draws, such as Mt. Rushmore.
Nebraska
Population: 1,569,825
Senators:
Republican-C - Class I
Republican-L - Class III
Representatives: 3
3 Republican - 1 Republican-M, 1 Republican-C, 1 Republican-N
Overview: Primarily an agricultural state, producing livestock, corn, and soybeans.
Kansas
Population: 2,363,679
Senators:
Progressive-C - Class III
Republican-L - Class I
Representatives: 5
3 Progressive - 1 Progressive-M, 1 Progressive-C, 1 Progressive-L
1 Republican - 1 Republican-M
1 Socialist - 1 Socialist
Overview: Shares the capital city with Missouri. Outside of the thriving urban centre, primarily an agricultural state, producing livestock, wheat, soybeans, cotton, and more.
Oklahoma
Population: 3,025,290
Senators:
Progressive-C - Class II
Socialist - Class III
Representatives: 6
5 Republican - 3 Republican-M, 2 Republican-C
1 Progressive - 1 Progressive-H
Overview: Hosts the largest concentration of Native Americans in the MSA, as well as a growing Hispanic population as new immigrants make their way north from the border states. Substantial aviation industry interests, as well as oil and natural gas. Largely secondary agricultural sector, including livestock, dairy and wheat.
Texas
Population: 14,229,191
Senators:
Progressive-H - Class I
Progressive-M - Class II
Representatives: 27
11 Progressive - 6 Progressive-H, 3 Progressive-M, 2 Progressive-L
9 Republican - 4 Republican-C, 2 Republican-M, 2 Republican-N, 1 Republican-L
7 Socialist - 5 Socialist, 2 Socialist-W
Overview: Most economically powerful state, producing substantial oil and natural gas. Also home to livestock farming, fisheries, and some crops including cereals and cotton. Has seen growing Hispanic population as immigration (legal and illegal) from allied Latin American countries increases.
Minnesota
Population: 4,075,970
Senators:
Progressive-L - Class I
Progressive-M - Class II
Representatives: 8
5 Progressive - 4 Progressive-L, 1 Progressive-M
2 Republican - 2 Republican-L
1 Socialist - 1 Socialist
Overview: Substantial agricultural producer, including sugar beets, sweetcorn, poultry, and lumber.
Iowa
Population: 2,913,808
Senators:
Progressive-L - Class II
Republican-M - Class III
Representatives: 6
3 Republican - 3 Republican-C
2 Progressive - 1 Progressive-C, 1 Progressive-L
1 Socialist - 1 Socialist
Overview: Substantial agricultural producer, including livestock, dairy products, corn, and other crops.
Missouri
Population: 4,916,686
Senators:
Progressive-C - Class I
Progressive-C - Class III
Representatives: 9
6 Progressive - 3 Progressive-L, 2 Progressive-C, 1 Progressive-M
2 Republican - 1 Republican-L, 1 Republican-M
1 Socialist - 1 Socialist
Overview: Shares the capital city with Kansas. Gateway transportation hub between the USA and MSA. Home to substantial aviation industry, as well as light manufacturing and lead and limestone mining.
Arkansas
Population: 2,286,435
Senators:
Progressive-H - Class II
Progressive-M - Class III
Representatives: 4
3 Progressive - 2 Progressive-H, 1 Progressive-L
1 Socialist - 1 Socialist-W
Overview: Strong Southern identity, yet also home to substantial black population. Notable for production of cotton, lumber, automobiles and bauxite.
Louisiana:
Population: 4,205,900
Senators:
Progressive-M - Class II
Socialist-W - Class III
Representatives: 8
5 Progressive - 2 Progressive-M, 2 Progressive-L, 1 Progressive-H
2 Republican - 2 Republican-M
1 Socialist - 1 Socialist-W
Overview: Substantial black population, primarily from post-war refugees and illegal immigrants from the USA. Remaining French influence from colonial era. Has substantial fishing, livestock and agriculture sectors, in addition to industrial sectors producing paper, petroleum and chemicals. Also notable for its film industry (the Hollywood of the South).
Economy:
Finance: Mountain Federal Reserve Bank based in Kansas City issues the Mountain States Dollar (MSD), derived from the old US dollar.
Services: 36.1% GDP, 26.7% labour force. Substantial spread over the sector; main contributors include real estate, aviation, tourism, and transport. 85% private, 10% joint-venture, 5% state-owned.
Industry: 43.9% GDP, 39.1% labour force. Primarily based in mining (copper, gold, silver, coal, sulphur, etc), and oil and gas drilling. Slightly lesser contribution from manufacturing. 70% private, 20% joint-venture, 10% state-owned.
Agriculture: 20.0% GDP, 29.2% labour force. Increasingly dominated by large companies and businesses. Improving mechanisation also leading to falling employment in this sector. 95% private, 5% joint-venture.
Unemployment: 5% (1.7% frictional, 3.3% structural)
Credit Rating: AA
Outlook: Positive
Government Budget
Treasury: 200 credits
Surplus: -15 (315 Revenue - 330 Expenditure)
Revenue: +315
Tax: +275 credits
Income Tax: +110
—Working Class - Somewhat Low: +48
—Middle Class - Somewhat Low: +36
—Upper Class - Moderate: +26
Social Insurance: +82 credits
Corporation Tax: +55 credits (550 Private Sector/10) [rounded up]
Trade Tariffs: +28
USA: +6 credits
PSA: +6 credits
Canada: +6 credits
Mexico: +10 credits
Public Corporations: +40
Post Service: -10 credit (+0 profit - 10 running cost)
State-owned industry: +30 credit (+50 profit - 20 running cost)
State-owned services: +20 credits (+40 profit, -20 running cost)
Mountain Federal Reserve Bank: +10 credit (+20 profit, - 10 running cost)
Public Housing: -10 credits (+20 profit, -30 running cost)
Expenditure: -330 credits
Defense: -20 credits
—Army: -10
—Navy & Marines: -5
—Air Force: -5
Social Protection: -49 credits
—Pensions: -11
—Income Support: -12
—Housing Subsidies: -8
—Family Allowances: -7
—Food Stamps: -5
—Orphans: -3
—Disability: -3
Health: -50 credits
—Health Insurance: -37
—Hospitals: -9
—Wages: -4
Education: -40 credits
—Public Schools: -23
—Private Subsidies: -6
—Colleges & Universities: -5
—Wages: -6
Public Order: -17 credits
—Police: -4
—Police Wages: -2
—Courts: -3
—Court Wages: -1
—Prisons: -4
—Prison Wages: -1
Infrastructure: -44 credits
—Road Maintenance: -9
—Railroad Subsidies: -10
—Airport Subsidies: -5
—Water Costs: -10
—Water Imports: -10
Industry: -9 credits
—Subsidies: -3
—Loans: -4
—Regulation: -2
Agriculture: -21 credits
—Subsidies: -15
—Loans: -5
—Education: -1
Energy: -50 credits
—Subsidies: -10
—PSA Imports: -17
—USA Imports: -14
—Canada Imports: -9
Government: -14 credits
—State: -6
—Local: -4
—Administrative: -2
—Wages: -2
Veterans: -9 credits
—Pensions: -4
—Education: -2
—Rehabilitation: -2
—Loans: -1
Science & Technology: -12 credits
—Defense: -5
—Health: -3
—General Science: -2
—Agriculture: -1
—Energy: -1
Culture: -5 credits
—Art: -1
—Music: -1
—Humanities: -1
—Literature: -1
—Other: -1
Debt Interest: 0 credits
Debt: 200 credits (50 owed to USA, 50 owed to PSA, 100 owed to domestic banks)
Interest rate: 20% per annum
Interest Payments: 0 credits per annum
Debt Ceiling: 400 credits
Private Sector: +550
Major Industries:
Power: +40 credits
Telecommunications: +50 credits
Transportation: +60 credits
Oil and Gas: +120 credits
Mining: +90 credits
Manufacturing: +60 credits
Agriculture: +100 credit
OTHER: +30 credits
Trade Unionism and Labor Rules
Trade Unions: 42.5% working population unionised.
Right to organise and collectively bargain protected by legislation. Child labour laws in place. Right to strike protected and largely unlimited; with no ballot required, no limits on supporting strikes, and no limits on flying pickets.
Congress of Industrial and Agricultural Organizations - Represents 20.7% working population. Progressive Party aligned, particularly the Liberal faction. Draws support from primarily from agriculture, with less representation in oil, mining, manufacturing, etc. Solid backing from service and public sector workers.
Workers’ International Union - Represents 21.8% working population. Socialist Party aligned, spread across the whole spectrum. Strong representation in industry, especially oil and natural gas, mining, and manufacturing of all sorts.
Minimum wage in place set by federal government, must be raised by Congress. States may set their own minimum wages in accordance with federal law.
Federal Minimum Wage: 70% Living Wage, 20% for tipped workers
Retirement Age: 66
Life:
Health: Fully subsidised universal healthcare, based around a compulsory social insurance plan. Hospital standards are high and provide comprehensive healthcare to most of the population, although waiting times and inefficiencies are high. Majority of hospitals privately owned and run. Health issues faced by the population primarily include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other non-infectious disease. Growing instances of drug abuse-related illness. Abortion rights fall under the right to privacy (Doe v. Wade), and is permitted until viability (except for health reasons). Average life expectancy: 76.
Housing: Urban population continues to grow due to mechanisation of substantial agricultural sector. Particularly in southern cities (NM, OK, AK, LA, TX), overcrowding is growing and standards of living are slipping, resulting in inner city poverty. Seriously falling standards of living continue to affect the Native American population.
Water: Clean, safe water provided to ~100% of population. Reservoirs throughout the country, primarily in the Missouri River watershed. Imports some fresh water from Canada to meet demands (20-45%, depending on needs).
Electricity: Net power importer. Exports oil, natural gas, and coal to the PSA and USA to meet their energy needs, while importing cheaper electricity in return due to treaty limitations on MSA power production capacity. MSA-based stations produce 30% energy needs, 30% from PSA plants, 25% from USA plants, 15% from Canadian plants. Processes Mexican oil and coal into energy and derivative products, which it sells back to Mexico (65% Mexican energy needs). Energy demands rising.
Education: 97.3% literacy. Universal primary education. 73% secondary enrolment rate, capacity to handle 90%. 21% university enrolment rate, capacity to handle 39%.
Transportation: Extensive transport links throughout the country. Air transportation services domestic and international passenger and cargo flights. Most common services to Mexico, the Caribbean, Australasia, the PSA and USA. Unofficial national carrier is Transcontinental & Western Air (TWA). Highways connect states all across the nation, with high private car ownership. Extensive privately owned rail services, primarily taking cargo throughout North America, with most private operators maintaining some passenger lines, despite declining profits.
Religion: 76% Christian (42% Protestant, 33% Catholic), 16% Unaffiliated, 8.4% Jewish, 0.6% Other
Ethnicities: 65.2% White, 19.1% Hispanic, 13.6% Black, 1.1% Asian (incl. 0.4% Japanese-Americans), 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Other
Crime: Crime is growing (5%), especially in urban areas. Rising fastest is violent crime (56% of reported crimes). Most common crimes are theft, robbery, and assault. Petty crime such as shoplifting and pickpocketing remains low. Prostitution remains illegal in all states so far. Drug related crimes are also on the rise (17%). Speculation is growing that organised crime from Latin America and Asia (via the PSA) is spreading in the MSA.
Enforcement: States operate their own police services. Federal level coast guard, army, navy, air force, and marine corps. Military limited by Treaty of Saint Paul to “a force incapable of waging offensive war against its neighbours and disturbing the balance of peace”. This has been interpreted as prohibiting ICBMs, nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, amphibious craft, and strategic bombers - a view supported by neighbours. Often made/coerced to purchase US/German and PS/Japanese military equipment, often in outdated formats.
Navy: Largely refitted late-war ships, supplemented with some ships bought from Mexico. 60 ships - 1 battleship, 6 destroyers, 6 frigates, 5 corvettes, 8 fast attack craft, 10 mine countermeasure craft, 4 small submarines, 20 misc ships. Marines (7,500 active, 500 reserve) see limited use due to perceived limitations on amphibious warfare.
Air Force: Primarily supplied by McDonnell Aircraft, an almost entirely fighter-based force. No dedicated bombers, only fighter-bombers at best. Some 400 aircraft, 200 of which are combat aircraft. Remainder includes AEW, trainer, and transport.
Army: 170,000 active servicemen, 10,000 main reserve, 20,000 secondary reserve. Largely outdated small arms purchased from USA/PSA. Armored components better matched through indigenous development, though presently lagging 7 years behind neighbors.
Intelligence: Most intelligence work done by four main agencies - the Office of Strategic Services (under the Presidency), the Armed Forces Security Agency (under the Defence Department), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (under the Justice Department), and the Mountain States Secret Service (under the Treasury Department).
