Newspaper Clippings

[Coin]

Administration in Crisis: Calls for Roux-Johnson Resignation Grow
Vice President and Leftists Abandon Coalition; Impeachment on the cards?

It is all there: backstabbing, betrayal, the lone tyrant ruling by decree: High political drama to rival even Ancient Rome has KC in a frenzy. With his Vice-President abandoning him and the leftist Progressives of the cabinet - apparently without the knowledge of the centrist factions of the Progressive Party - resigning, and yet more leaks linking the Haitian Plan the administration denied all along with the President's own hand, now the i-word is mentioned. Impeachment.

To all who questioned the wisdom and feared the consequences of a socialist-led coalition, the facts seem obvious. An attack on MSA soil by US fascists due to a President's leaking of sensitive information. An economy and budget in crisis. Neighbours openly critical of Roux-Johnson. Leaked, administration approved plans to intervene abroad for mining interests and to hold a head of state hostage. And a hypocrite socialist president abandoned even by his closest ideological allies.

Conservative Republicans, hard-line Socialists, Progressives and liberal Republicans alike all now call for Roux-Johnson to step aside or be impeached. Writing in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma Representative Carpenter today called for:

'The President to do the only honorable option and resign. He has lost the confidence of all the MSA, and this unelected Socialist would shame himself by clinging on any further as even those who supported his stance on Haiti now abandon him.'

[Flamelord]

Progressive Moderates leave Cabinet

As the Haitian Papers scandal continues to have it's influence felt, with it's aftershocks perpetuating across the MSA and wreaking a deadly toll upon government support and the Administration as a whole, many were left wondering, as the Progressives resigned from the Cabinet en masse, why the Progressive Moderate members had remained with the government. That question was answered today as Claire Edwards and Mathias Oliver held a press conference this afternoon, after reportedly delivering their resignation to President Roux-Johnson.

Speaking to the press, Oliver said that they 'could no longer condone the activities of President Roux-Johnson', speaking in regards to the Haitian Papers Crisis, as well as the recent declassification of OSS documents that resulted in retaliatory bombings by the United States. Such events have only further served to incur public ire, and it is believed that the backlash from the recent attack was what prompted the resignation.

When asked why they had stayed, when the other members of the Party had been resigning, Edwards had this to say. "We felt we owed it to President Stone to stay, to try and see out the term that we had been appointed for. Roux-Johnson was his Vice President after all, and I guess you could call it a sense of personal loyalty as a result. But this has gone just two far, and the two of us decided that we couldn't support the Administration any longer."

The two refused to comment on future plans, but Oliver did say that he 'hoped President Roux-Johnson would do the right thing."

Certainly, impeachment is a pretty big step, for any government, and some must question whether the sins of this Administration, still in it's relative infancy, have done enough to warrant it. But that is the way that the winds seem to be blowing, and unless the President can turn the tide of public opinion against him, it may be the inevitable end of this drama. [/quote]

[Coin]

Blood On His Hands: Why Roux-Johnson Must Go

By Representative Matthew James Carpenter
Published in The Oklahoman

To say that I, like millions of my fellow Americans, viewed Roux-Johnson's accession to the presidential office with profound dismay is to put it mildly. After the tragic death of a newly elected president, the country was faced with a crisis of government and legitimacy. What it needed was level-headed, bipartisan and responsible stewardship. What the American people got was an unelected, hot-heated and unsuited socialist in the most powerful office in the land, abetted by a confused Progressive party.

Since that fateful accession, the coalition has lurched from crisis to crisis, failure to failure.

Failure to even propose a budget to tackle our deficit. Failure to propose any legislative agenda. Failure to pass legislation on air defence that all can see is sorely lacking. Pardoning leftists with alleged criminal links. Sending socialist propagandists into our schools. And double dealing on Haiti which now seems certain by an administration collapsing under the weight of its own deceit.

The Haiti scandal is not alone on the list, but it lays out clearly all the coalition's flaws. Obstinacy in the face of questioning. Stubborn refusals in the face of bipartisanship. Hypocrisy and betrayal of allies. Attempted censorship of the media. Confusion of government and national interest.

And as if that were not enough, Roux-Johnson showed us all what a real leak that is dangerous to national security looks like. Out of a desire for shameless political gain, or an attempt to deflect attention from Haiti, or perhaps just sheer naivety, he released information on MSA work to destabilise the US in the past.

The results were obvious. An attack on our home soil by the USA, killing MS American boys just doing their job. Dozens of more moderate figures in the US tortured and killed. Confidence abroad in our security services fatally compromised; war closer than since the armistice on the North American continent.

This hypocrite of a President has blood on his hands. If he doesn't go willingly, Congress may have no choice but to act in defence of our republic's legitimacy.

[Rising Phoenix]

"Are you blind? We cannot leave the country in the hands of a Socialist"
Progressive-Conservatives take a different course of action

This morning Orval Scott publicly addressed a crowd of curious Progressives gathered near the offices of the Secretary of the Treasury to confront Robert Eskolm - one of the few cabinet members who have not abanoned their position despite the recent wave of resignations. Although those gathered near the government building expected Eskolm, it was Scott who greetted them with a speech, the full lenght transcript of which will be quoted below:

"I am sure, my fellow Progressives, that you are curious as to why my friend Eskolm has not resigned yet. But the question you should be asking yourselves is: Why would you want him to resign? As Secretary of the Treasury he possesses one of the most important responsabilities owed to you, the public. He must make sure that government funds are properly allocated and that national reserves are safeguarded against wasteful spending and corruption. It is thanks to his skillful administration that funds are not being given freely to publicly-funded propaganda in schools. It is thanks to him that our nation's reserves have not been depleted yet.

[Brief pause, Scott clears his throat]

What my fellow upstart Progressives who resigned do not understand is that by taking this course of action we have effectively let a radical Socialist with free reign in the matters of this nation. In attempting to distance themselves from the administration they have effectively empowered it to do as it pleases! Even if it is only for a day, imagine the damage a completely Socialist cabinet could do to this country. Imagine the financial misnamagement and the social havok. I dare even say that among those fanatics are supporters of that defunct ideology -- Communism. And you want these ideologes a chance to run our country? You honestly believe that this President will not try to scar our nation while he can? Forgive me, ladies and gentlemen, but are you blind? Cannot you see that we cannot leave the country in the hands of a Socialist?"

An applause ensued and other Progressive-Conservative figures made their presence known next to Orval Scott, among them the Secretary of the Treasury Robert Eskolm. "I'm not giving the treasury over to the commies. That's for sure." Floyd Ramsey, the other important figure among the P-Cs, simply smiled and saluted the crowd.

[Gesar]

Nordquist Calls for Calm, United, Decisive Action
Vice President turned PNC Chair Remains Determined Progressive Advocate Amid Turmoil

By Alfred Bolin, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Speaking with reporters at the Progressive National Committee headquarters following another Thursday luncheon, Anthony Nordquist claimed he has no more desire to slow down his involvement in daily political life than he does ending the new tradition he's set at the Savoy Hotel and Grill. “First off, let me assure you all that I have no intention of letting my friends in the Capitol see the last of me. There's too many people I just wouldn't feel right seeing get off the hook that easily,” he said with a slight smile before answering any questions.

With his trademark poise, that smile stayed on the recently-resigned Vice President's face as the questions turned to the withdrawal of the majority of his party from the President's cabinet. Pressed for further explanation of his own actions, Nordquist paused only for an instant, replying with a slight nod. "I stood by President Roux-Johnson, a man I was growing to become friends with, as the Republican Party and partisan media attacked him with everything they have. I would continue to do so, were I confident that he has the good sense to act according to the will of the American people.” Raising a hand for silence, he pressed on. “Mr. President, if you're listening, I ask you as a colleague to swallow your pride and step aside. Not for the sake of the Coalition and Congress, but for the people who put their trust in you.”

The new PNC Chair was then asked what the departure meant for the Progressive-Socialist Coalition, and answered in the affirmative that the National Committee would “continue to work with our historic partners to the left, despite the objections of the Wallace House,” and that further partisanship on the right during the calls for Roux-Johnson to step down would only “deepen the divide that we now need to bridge.” Taking a moment to digress to one of his previous comments, he declared, “I won't join any calls for impeachment until the President is given a chance to do the right thing and end his term with the dignity his office should carry.”

“What's truly important here is that for every step backwards it looks like we're taking, we put forth the effort to take two more forward,” Nordquist explained when asked about his own concerns. “Whatever comes next for the Wallace House will require decisive action and coordinated, tripartisan effort. More importantly, it requires level-headed thinking about what's best for the country instead of the rash hostility the people of the Mountain States shouldn't have to expect from Kansas City. The republic for which our men and woman have fought so valiantly is under threat, but let's remember the lessons of our past. A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

As the call for unity shifted into a further discussion in regards to his thoughts and plans for the current situation, however, it would seem that even the so-called Lion of the North was not above offering a bit of mild constructive criticism towards his fellow Progressive Party members. After the recent comments made by Congressman Orval Scott (P-KS) were brought up, Nordquist took another pause, gaze turning towards the reporter who asked the question. “Permission to speak frankly?” He asked with a light laugh. “I've found that you all enjoy that. Orval Scott is a good representative of the people of Kansas and a better man, but quite honestly, I'm confused. Red-baiting and what I'm positive was a mistake of his part when he compared our Socialist partners to 'fanatics' and 'commies' aside, I'm led to wonder if the rest of his caucus shares the same view.”

The Vice President then refrained from pointing out that Secretary Eskolm serves, as per the Constitution, at the pleasure of President Roux-Johnson alone. “Regardless,” he concluded, “I'm quite confident that Congressman Scott and Secretary Eskolm will join the rest of the Progressive Party in taking a firm, united stand with the rest of Kansas City in defending the well-being of these Mountain States. No further questions.”

[Gesar]

KENT WILLIAMS CALLS FARMERS 'FREELOADERS'; PROGRESSIVE LIBERALS FIRE BACK
House Majority Leader Wise, former Vice President Nordquist calls comments "irresponsible" and "ignorant, to say the least"

KANSAS CITY- As party lines begin to blur and contention over the liberal-backed Comprehensive Agriculture Reform Act heat up, Kent Williams, Progressive Representative for Missouri...

[Flamelord]

Congresswoman Miura assigned to Education Subcommittee

As successive crises continue to rock the Roux-Jonhson Administration, the business of government continues. Speaker of the House Jeanette Johnson, the Progressive Moderate from Missouri, recently announced that Representative Karen Miura, a Progressive Conservative from Colorado, was going to be appointed to the House Education Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. This comes on the heels of recent discord within the Progressive Party, over the vairous crises ongoing.

Political pundits have.....

[Rising Phoenix]

"LIBERALS DESPERATE, RESORT TO MUDSLINGING"
"Just goes to show you how insecure they are" - William of Missouri says

After failing to address the concerns of House member William of Missouri, House Majority Leader Wise resorted to mudslinging and name-calling, even going as far threatening to force the Speaker of the House to intervene.

[...]"Just goes to show you how insecure they are" - William of Missouri says, "I though the House was a place to discuss with civilized men, seems I was wrong after all."...

[Snacks]

Alcoholism on the rise among Political Science students.

"Scott's Cirrhosis" takes nation's universities by storm.

State health services and hospitals across the MSA have been reporting a sharp increase in rates of temporary liver damage, cirrhosis, sudden liver failure, and drunk-driving deaths across across the country, a trend which has solely affected university students in political science program. Educators and doctors are blaming a bevy of new drinking games that have sprung up following recent political kerfluffles centering around Progressive Congressman Orval Scott, in which speculation and political analysis is combined with binge-drinking fueled by party games and an urge to steel themselves for reworking thesis papers on party power dynamics.

"I mean, it started off small", a University of Texas TA, speaking on condition of anonymity told us, "we'd do a shot every time
he [Scott] said something that totally contradicted established Progressive policy. Then it was finishing your beer every time you heard him talk about freeloading businesses. Then this week I... I'm not even sure but I think I agreed to drink a handle every time some Prog-Con fluff piece talked about "William of Missouri". Next thing I remember I was waking up in the hospital.

There's indeed been a great deal of speculation regarding Congressmen Scott lately, but the wildest is in regards to the reason no student was willing to give their name: "Orval Fortyhands".

"It's quite possibly the stupidest fucking drinking game these kids could sic on their livers, and that's saying something," according to Dr. Luther Sullivan of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. "This kids, they get together and decide that one of them's said something that sounds totally unlike themselves, usually because they've all been drinking. They duct tape a giant bottle of malt liquor in each hand and if he wants to use his hands again he has to down them. That Scott asshole is going to give these kids liver cancer. I saw one the other day so drunk that...

The Shallot is a work of satire. Though they may include accurate discussion of actual events, it does not claim that facts stated in its articles are correct.

[Rising Phoenix]

"SPOT THE LIBERAL" GAME BECOMES POPULAR AMONG YOUTH
By the "Missouri Onion"

Contrary to popular mythology, alcohism is not en vogue these days. In fact, what kids consider "cool" and "hip" does involve politics - but not in a way you'd expect.

The new game "Spot The Liberal" or ("Liberal Spotting" in some states), involves kids starting to pronounce political opinions in crowded public places. "It starts innocently enough. You shout things everyone likes. Then when people's attention start to wear out you yell something totally out of place." A collegue student who wishes to remain annonymous says. "If they ignore you or don't care they aren't Liberals. If they get starking mad though you can be pretty sure they are."

While many parents see the game harmless fun or others even think of it as a way of getting acquiainted with politics early, others see it as a dangerous pastime. Ms. Newell's, a native from Nebraska, views the game in a negative light: "My son was playing 'Spot The Liberal' at the dentist's lobby when suddenly this angry man throws his shoes at him. It's a good thing we were at the dentist because that brute could've gotten my son seriously disfigured." The man in question was unfortunately not reachable for comment, however one particular witnesses who happened to be a minor reported that he seemed "Butthurt".

Editor's note: The Missouri Onion is a work of hilarious fiction. Any resemblance to reality is purely coincidential and unintended, however truthful it may be.

[Huojin]

TREASURY SECRETARY ESKOLM RESIGNS - CALLS DECISION TO STAY "A MISTAKE"

The Wichita Eagle

KANSAS CITY- With his decision to remain in government widely criticized, Robert Eskolm, lately Secretary of the Treasury, today announced he was stepping down from office, and retiring from public life. Reportedly having had his fill of politics, the former Kansas Governor is expected to return to...

SCOTT-RAMSAY CLIQUE OUSTED AS CONSERVATIVES CUT TIES TO LOOSE CANNONS

The Denver Post

KANSAS CITY- Their backing of former-Secretary Eskolm called "misguided", Progressive Conservatives today voted to replace Senators Orval Scott of Kansas and Floyd Ramsey of Colorado as Caucus Co-Chairman. In their place, "Prog-Cons" rallied around a new Chairperson and Party stalwart, Congresswoman Karen Miura (P-CO). The Congresswoman hailed the move as a "victory for common sense politics"...

"OUT NOW" SHOUT CROWDS IN KC

Houston Chronicle

KANSAS CITY- Beyond the legislating and law-making of Capitol Hill, crowds continue to mill not far from Wallace House, calling for President Paul Roux-Johnson's resignation or impeachment. Increasingly frustrated, crowds carrying banners and flags marched towards...

[Huojin]

MOSKIN RESIGNS: CABINET EMPTY FOR ROUX-JOHNSON

The Times-Picayune

New Orleans- With the on-going unrest on Kansas City, Secretary of the Interior Brendan Moskin opted to take leave of the capital and return to his home in Louisiana, where has remained since the en masse resignation of most of the Cabinet. Today, after much deliberation and speculation, he left his home in the suburbs to announce his resignation from office.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation from the post of Secretary of the Interior. There is much that I have done, and much I still hope to do, to help the American people... But these actions cannot be carried out in the face of such public distrust for government. I hope..."

[OYID]

A day that shook the world.

[Coin]

Political Stagnation Gives Way to Economic Recession

By Lars Stoimenov, The Houston Chronicle, October 14th, 1981

KANSAS CITY - Climbing up to a year after the Coalition took office, and with a third figure from the administration now expected to assume the highest office in the land since then, few would give a positive review to the Progressive-Socialist government thus far. The opinion poll ratings tell their own story. But now, the MS American economy has entered recession, with tax receipts down by one credit.

Though attention has been on Haiti, on defense, on scandal after scandal and political high drama, the cost of inaction on the economy has been laid bare. The MSA has entered a recession while the government has failed even to pass a budget. Slowdown in the energy sector, influenced by declining foreign relations with all neighbors, is the chief cause of the economy shrinking. Though not yet serious, it places huge pressure on the government to act now - the deficit is forecast to increase, and interest payments will skyrocket.

Analysis of figures paints a grim picture. By the Mid-Terms, MSA national debt shall be at the least a staggering 280% of Q1981 levels, and the debt ceiling will be long passed. The long-anticipated budget is expected to be published soon, but the numbers present the huge challenges facing the MSA's finances.



These numbers alone would be bad enough; but with increased spending commitments to the agricultural budget under the direction of the Progressive Party, it looks worse still.



When asked for comment, House Republicans were quick to state that the recession was of no surprise, considering the circumstances.

The Progressives claimed that our warnings on the economy were just scaremongering. In the Senate, I worked long and hard on a package that would have helped stimulate the economy and eradicate our deficit. It was dismissed out of hand. Now the fiscal crisis that faces our country is worse than it was, and it's all due to a lack of action. National debt fell during the Stassen years, and now it's being allowed to get a chokehold on our economy again, if we don't do something fast.

Strong words from Senator Clayton about the coalition are, of course, nothing new. But we discussed the issue with a rather more moderate figure among the conservative Republicans, Representative Norman Warner - a well-known proponent of Republican economic policies, and he was equally damning.

We've spoken of the need for a budget to deal with the economy since the start of this year. The Progressives didn't respond: all they did was propose and force through the House with barely a debate more agricultural subsidies increasing our deficit by 16 credits per annum.

We called for it once before, now we'll call for it again. The government needs to cut unnecessary, wasteful spending on extra subsidies. They need to realise that our health service could by much more efficient. They need to see the sense in encouraging exports to our allies, to get us out of this recession.

Isn't it impossible for any bipartisan work to be done in the present congressional environment though - even on such an issue as this?

I'm hopeful, don't get me wrong. But I just have no idea what on earth the Secretary of the Treasury was up to for 9 months, when we've got no inkling of what the Federal government will do about this crisis that will, sooner or later, hit the pockets of ordinary Americans. Our deficit is in itself unsustainable - we need to deal with it, and I and the Republican Party as a whole will push the coalition to present a feasible budget as soon as possible. I look forward to the appointment of a cabinet that will perhaps be more active than the last, economically speaking.

Questions aplenty. But by "encouraging exports to our allies", one assumes the temporary lowering of export tariffs with the Mexican government proposed initially in the Senate, and recently raised by Representative Carpenter in his cross-border trip to Mexico, is the idea. But the Progressives are known to be wary of spending cuts to social services, let alone tax cuts, and the question now is - where will the axe fall, and how much will ordinary Americans have to pay in taxes to deal with the financial inaction of the government?

[Huojin]

Passing of the Torch: Inside Wallace House

Andrew Hayes, The Kansas City Star
October 12th, 1981

It’s a windy day in October, as up on Capitol Hill the windows of Wallace House rattle quietly in their frames. The building is eerily quiet, with most staffers having gone home, and most politicians nowhere within a mile of this place. Even the cleaners, having done their duties, are all packed away. Those solitary few who remain sit silently in their offices, stapling and re-stapling reports, neatly stacking blank paper, and straightening pens. From down the halls, one of only a few sounds can be heard within the President’s Offic - a discussion in low voices. Paul Edward Roux-Johnson, the 42nd President, is polishing a speech with his Director of Communications. After the scandalous ongoings in recent months, the protests on the Hill only a few hundred meters away, and the resignation of his entire cabinet, this man, the President of the world’s greatest democracy, is preparing to resign.

Just weeks ago it was unclear how this confusing series of events would come to an end. A few Cabinet Secretaries remained in office, the President’s tour, the “Campaign to Defend Democracy”, had just come to a screeching halt, and so on. That all ended for certain when a few days ago, after considerable pressure inside the House of Representatives to put off filing a resolution, five members of Congress took the step and called on Congress to impeach the President. After that, the President’s fate was all but sealed. What had been whispered and probably planned for days soon came fully to fruition. And now here we are. Lone reporters wandering through an empty building. The hallways of power in this country, the home of every President since the end of the war. And now one is about to leave - not by force of arms or internal rebellion, but because of the popular will. Not a gun will be levelled, nor a shot fired, yet this man, this President of the Mountain States, is about to resign from office. That, my friends, is the true virtue of democracy. That even in a world where the light of liberty has almost gone out in its entirety, the political will of the people - not in revolution or revolt, but in peace - can see the most powerful man in the country removed from office. The light of liberty shines on today, my friends - for one brilliant moment, undimmed in the face of all the evil that now dwells in the world. And let this be said of President Roux-Johnson - he did not do that legacy dishonor. He fought to remain while he could, and he railed against his political opponents and the establishment he himself had joined - but he showed his respect for our democracy, and our country, in the end.

———

Oath administered by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Michael F Cooke, on the balcony of Wallace House.

COOKE: Having fully signed and submitted her letter of resignation to the Mountain States Congress, effectively immediately, we are now ready and able to administer the Oath of Office to Ms. Nelson.

Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.

[Ms Nelson does so, also placing her left on the George Washington Inaugural Bible.]

"I, Joanna Caroline Nelson, do solemnly swear,"

NELSON: I, Joanna Caroline Nelson, do solemnly swear,

COOKE: "that I will faithfully execute,"

NELSON: that I will faithfully execute,

COOKE: "the office of President of the Mountain States,"

NELSON: the office of President of the Mountain States,

COOKE: "and will to the best of my ability,"

NELSON: and will to the best of my ability,

COOKE: "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the Mountain States,"

NELSON: preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the Mountain States,

COOKE: So help you God?

NELSON: So help me God.

COOKE: Congratulations, Madam President.

NELSON: Thank you.

———

Within the hour of making his speech, the Honorable Paul Edward Roux-Johnson gave way to the 43rd President, and our first female President - Joanna Caroline Nelson. The former President Pro Tempore of the Mountain States Senate, President Nelson’s people swarmed into the building, and like a weakened heart suddenly infused with blood, the voices of aides and secretaries, of politicians and petitioners, soon filled the hallways once again; restoring life and vibrancy to Wallace House. Some of the older hands had been around during the McGovern Presidency, a handful during the brief Stone Presidency, but more were newcomers to the office - fresh-faced and optimistic, eager to seize this chance to restore the nation.

President Nelson inherits a rocky legacy. A populist President, gunned down in his prime. The first Socialist President, ousted by scandal and intrigue. A nation reeling from hostilities with the East and tangling in near-economic warfare with the West, hemmed in on all sides by opponents and isolated from our allies. An economy in recession, and a government tainted by associations made over the past year. There are many who doubt this Montanan ex-Senator’s ability to unite the country and guide us out of these tough times, but there is also a sense of hope in the air - that we may, in the next three years, see an America transformed. Only time will tell what this President’s legacy will be, in this Year of Four Presidents.

———

Coming Soon - a transcript of President Nelson's Inaugural Address, and an interview with the Star.