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I can see any other plans I had for tonight are now shot to hell, heh, because some people have chosen to speak out publicly, via ShoutBox or otherwise, about a still-as-of-yet-only-proposed joining of USA and Poland in an alliance. Tempers and emotions are clearly flaring over the issue due to Spain's staunch support of us (in our battles for Azores, for instance) in the past and our current support for Spain in return. Former President
Liquid HOMICIDE has said that a referendum is the only fair way to proceed and former President 
Khaled Ibrahim has left USA in disgust over the issue.
This matter was brought before Congress in the wee hours the morning today, about twenty hours ago, and has been debated throughout the day, with strong opinions on either side. For my own part, I wouldn't have a problem with joining the new alliance, as all of the countries involved are either our allies or we're neutral with them, but cautioned (as many in Congress have) that our relationship with Spain must be considered.
I realize that in the numbers game, Poland and the UK and Sweden (the latter two of which were persuaded to join the new alliance and leave Sigma before USA was even approached) are greater than Spain, but frankly, I really like Spain and want a continued good relationship with them (not to mention the fact that we should probably stick by the other, smaller countries of Sigma, considering we're one of the main founding members of that alliance). It's still too early to tell what's going to become of this in the end, however.
I'd also like to note that I voted No on the premature impeachment proposal because discussions are still ongoing and Congress hasn't even voted on the new proposed alliance with Poland+others yet. If the President joined Poland's new alliance against a majority opinion of Congress, that would be the time to consider impeachment.
It should also be noted that Spain has proposed a national referendum over the perceived slight. The two options on it are to join ALPHA or simply stand alone. They're not afraid to stand alone for their beliefs and although I think our President wouldn't like me saying so, I admire that and would like to see USA do the same (namely, reject Poland's alliance). It may not be the wisest move, however (hello, invasion of USA!), so it might not be the one I ultimately choose. Not sure. Like I said, discussions are ongoing. Thanks for reading.
UPDATE July 10, 2012 (Day 309): Following five major Polish MUs waging war against Spain in direct violation of the Polish President's promises and orders, President Pfeiffer has officially declined to join Poland's new alliance.
UPDATE July 11, 2012 (Day 310): The Polish-led alliance has been dubbed Omega ; of note is how, in that article, they state the countries decided to quit the alliances they were in, not "we approached them each individually and eventually turned them over to our side," heh.
UPDATE July 12, 2012 (Day 311): Another alliance emerges, called UNICO , whose members include our neighbor Canada.
UPDATE July 21, 2012 (Day 320): Article about all new alliances with comparative stats.
Here are some articles that have been published about the issue; I've posted some comments on most of these as well:
1. Super-short explanation by President Pfeiffer of current facts.
2. The White House Press Release created in response to ShoutBox conversations and other rumors.
3. Former President and Secretary of State Khaled Ibrahim's take - He remains one of USA's most vocal opponents of the proposed measure.
4. A conspiracy theorist's take on what's going on (no offense, I just say that because it seemed appropriate due to Wreckbeard's comments about a cover-up).
5. The former Secretary General of Sigma weighs in as well.
6. An article on relationships that I found funny/informative.
7. One citizen's opinion on this whole situation.
8. Discussion on sUSA forums if you'd like to join a discussion about it.
Until next time, sAmerica,
~Astra
Previous article:
Blog About Congress: Days 281-284 (13 years ago)
About the game:
USA as a world power? In E-Sim it is possible!
In E-Sim we have a huge, living world, which is a mirror copy of the Earth. Well, maybe not completely mirrored, because the balance of power in this virtual world looks a bit different than in real life. In E-Sim, USA does not have to be a world superpower, It can be efficiently managed as a much smaller country that has entrepreneurial citizens that support it's foundation. Everything depends on the players themselves and how they decide to shape the political map of the game.
Work for the good of your country and see it rise to an empire.
Activities in this game are divided into several modules. First is the economy as a citizen in a country of your choice you must work to earn money, which you will get to spend for example, on food or purchase of weapons which are critical for your progress as a fighter. You will work in either private companies which are owned by players or government companies which are owned by the state. After progressing in the game you will finally get the opportunity to set up your own business and hire other players. If it prospers, we can even change it into a joint-stock company and enter the stock market and get even more money in this way.
In E-Sim, international wars are nothing out of the ordinary.
Become an influential politician.
The second module is a politics. Just like in real life politics in E-Sim are an extremely powerful tool that can be used for your own purposes. From time to time there are elections in the game in which you will not only vote, but also have the ability to run for the head of the party you're in. You can also apply for congress, where once elected you will be given the right to vote on laws proposed by your fellow congress members or your president and propose laws yourself. Voting on laws is important for your country as it can shape the lives of those around you. You can also try to become the head of a given party, and even take part in presidential elections and decide on the shape of the foreign policy of a given state (for example, who to declare war on). Career in politics is obviously not easy and in order to succeed in it, you have to have a good plan and compete for the votes of voters.
You can go bankrupt or become a rich man while playing the stock market.
The international war.
The last and probably the most important module is military. In E-Sim, countries are constantly fighting each other for control over territories which in return grant them access to more valuable raw materials. For this purpose, they form alliances, they fight international wars, but they also have to deal with, for example, uprisings in conquered countries or civil wars, which may explode on their territory. You can also take part in these clashes, although you are also given the opportunity to lead a life as a pacifist who focuses on other activities in the game (for example, running a successful newspaper or selling products).
At the auction you can sell or buy your dream inventory.
E-Sim is a unique browser game. It's creators ensured realistic representation of the mechanisms present in the real world and gave all power to the players who shape the image of the virtual Earth according to their own. So come and join them and help your country achieve its full potential.
Invest, produce and sell - be an entrepreneur in E-Sim.
Take part in numerous events for the E-Sim community.
