Office of the Game Moderator/Atlasian Mustelid Post Gazette

[Badger]

BREAKING NEWS: LARGE EXPLOSION AT GTO HQ---TERRORISM SUSPECTED!

(AMPG-Nyman) A large explosion occurred moments ago at the Global Treaty Organization headquarters in downtown Nyman. Reporters were notified minutes beforehand that the building was being evacuated after receiving a bomb threat. Employees were seen rapidly fleeing the area moments before the blast. The scale of damage observed to the GTO building and grounds appears considerable. No information regarding casualties are available, though AMPG staff report some bystanders are injured and ambulances are arriving on scene.

More to follow as this story develops.

[Badger]

"REALITY OR NOTHING" ORGANIZATION CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING OF GTO.

MULTIPLE INJURIES CONFIRMED AT BLAST SITE; HEAVY DAMAGE INFLICTED TO GTO BUILDING.

(AMPG--Nyman) The Atlasian Mustiled Post Gazette has received a telephone message from a person claiming to represent the previously little known organization "Reality Or Nothing" and claiming its group's responsibility for this morning's apparent bombing attack at the Global Treaty Organization headquarters. AMPG staff have not yet confirmed the veracity of this claim, but has learned from multiple GTO staff members that the bomb threat received minutes before the blast was likewise from a caller identifying themselves as a member of Reality Or Nothing. Copies of the message are being provided to law enforcement before public publishment later.

Current reports of injuries claim at least a dozen people injured, with several transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals. There are no confirmed deaths at this time, though not all GTO staff have been accounted for.

Police have cordoned off multiple blocks around the blast site, but observers confirm the GTO headquarters appears to have suffered significant structural damage, particularly on the side including the main public entrance.

More reports to come as information develops.

[Badger]

AMPG EXCLUSIVE: R.O.N. MESSAGE CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR GTO BOMBING REVEALED!

(AMPG) The Atlasian Mustelid Post Gazette has transcribed the message received by a caller purportedly representing the organization Reality Or Nothing and claiming responsibility for today's bombing of the Global Treaty Organization headquarters in Nyman. The message, received only several minutes after the explosion is as follows:

"Message from the Nyman Section of Reality Or Nothing

We would like to announce that the recent explosion at the GTO Headquarters was the work of two of our agents.

Atlasia has a choice. It can accept Reality or it can prepare for a wave of terrorist attacks and political violence aimed at bringing down the State. We shall have Reality or you shall have Nothing.

Reality Or Nothing regrets any civilian casualties resulting from our campaign of ultimate liberation, but lays the blame squarely at the foot of the Atlasian Establishment. It is our duty to resist them, by any and all means necessary."

A government spokesperson declined to confirm that RON was indeed believed to be responsible for the bombing, saying: "The investigation is obviously in the beginning stage and the law enforcement community is keeping all avenues of inquiry open".

Little is known of this new organization or its aims. Previously unknown, RON only recently made its first public announcement through its spokesperson, longtime Atlasian leftist political figure Al "Realpolitik" Widdershins. Neither Al nor any other identifiable RON official could be contacted by press time for comment or confirmation of responsibility for the bombing.

SEVERAL SERIOUS INJURIES CONFIRMED.

GTO BUILDING "ALMOST ONE-THIRD DEMOLISHED".

An spokesperson for Nyman Emergency Services stated the GTO headquarters appears to have suffered significant and fundamental structural damage. "The whole from third of the building is nearly blown away. The other parts are standing for now, but its making clearing the rubble and searching the building touch and go to say the least."

There are over a dozen confirmed individuals hospitalized for injuries as of press time, including at least 3 in critical condition. There are no confirmed deaths, however. It appears larger casualties were largely avoided by quick evacuation of the GTO building after a bomb threat was phoned in at approximately 10:00 this morning, about 10 minutes before the explosion occurred.

Officials decline to speculate as to the type or placement of explosive device used, but AMPG reporters have spoken to several eyewitnesses who report the blast came from or immediately by a truck parked near the main building entrance.

[Badger]

GTO BOMBING VICTIM DIES.

Woman is First Confirmed Death in Attack.

(AMPG) Hospital authorities have confirmed that a 53 year old Nyman woman injured in Tuesday morning's bombing of Global Treaty Organization headquarters has died of her wounds. Nyman Metro Hospital's media liaison told reporters this morning that 53 year old Millicent Cooper died overnight as a result of head trauma and other injuries inflicted in the explosion. Cooper was transported from the bombing site by ambulance after the attack and had been previously listed in critical condition.

Cooper, known as "Millie" to family and friends, was a senior manager in the GTO accounting department for 17 years. She is survived by 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 siblings. She was preceded in death by her husband who died of cancer in 1999. The family has declined public statement at this time. AMPG sources among both emergency responders and eyewitnesses claim that Cooper was outside the building when the bomb detonated, but was apparently still close enough to have been hit by shrapnel and debris, as were several others in the immediate vicinity.

Cooper is the first confirmed death from Tuesday's bombing, for which unidentified callers have claimed responsibility on behalf of the organization Reality Or Nothing. RON's participation in the bombing has not yet been confirmed or denied by either government investigators or RON officials. Thus far at least 15 others were also hospitalized for injuries. Several of those injured have been released after treatment, though at least 2 still remain in critical condition.

[Badger]

GTO EXPLOSION WAS TRUCK BOMB

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF DETONATION

(AMPG-Nyman) Government investigators confirmed this morning that Tuesday's terrorist attack at Global Treaty Organization headquarters in Nyman was the result of a large truck bomb detonated near the main building entrance. An ATF spokesman told reporters at a press conference their investigation has "concluded with certainty" that the blast stemmed from a truck parked outside which detonated nearly ten minutes after a bomb threat was phoned in to building security. The spokesman declined to rule out any additional explosive detonations inside the building, saying that could not be ruled out until a more therough examination of the dangerously unstable building interior could be completed.

The Atlasia Mustiled Post Gazette has obtained exclusive images of the truck and subsequent explosion taken from a nearby security camera.



Police and federal officials declined statement regarding potential suspects, stating that while no one has been taken into custody as yet they are "still exploring all avenues of investigation". Officials likewise refused to confirm whether they have determined the organization Reality Or Nothing is indeed responsible for the attack as anonymous callers to the GTO building and AMPG claimed before and after the explosion.

Tuesday's bombing has killed at least 1 and hospitalized 15, plus nearly demolishing the GTO headquarters. Three more of the victims were released from the hospital in the last 24 hours, while 2 others were upgraded from critical to serious condition. Another Nyman man remains in critical condition. Police also report there are still several individuals reported missing and believed to have possibly been at or near the GTO building Tuesday morning.

[Badger]

"PERSON OF INTEREST" SOUGHT IN GTO BOMBING

(AMPG) Federal and state law enforcement agencies have announced they are seeking a missing Interior Department employee as a "person of interest" in last week's bombing of Global Treaty Organization headquarters in Nyman. Authorities believe Colin Hart Nickell, 28, of Alexandria, VA "may have important information" regarding the bombing. Spokespersons emphasized that Nickell was "not necessarily a suspect", and anyone with information needed to immediately contact police rather than take matters into their own hands. The spokesperson declined to state where Nickell's last known whereabouts were, or whether he was believed to belong to the organization Reality Or Nothing, which antonymous callers claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly blast.

Early this morning FBI and ATF agents executed a search warrant on Nickell's home where he lived alone. Authorities declined to state what was sought or found on the premises other than to confirm Nickell was not present. Nickell was employed as a truck driver for several years with the Department of Interior, and was last seen leaving his workplace in a work truck for deliveries. Interior staff reported Nickell and the truck missing Tuesday evening when he failed to return to work and apparently failed to make any of his appointed deliveries that day. A source close to the investigation refused to confirm that Nickell's truck was the one used in the GTO bombing, but did say "the images on the security tape show a truck that is consistent in model and appearance to the missing Interior Department vehicle Nickell drove".

Little is known of Nickell accordingly to co-workers and family who described him as somewhat solitary over the past few years. No ties to terrorist or political extremist groups are known, though at least one acquaintance and one co-worker each indicated that for over a year Nickell had expressed increasing frustration over the political situation in Atlasia stating "strong measures needed to be taken because the system was broke". The same source added, though: "But he never talked about doing anything violent. He never seemed the type you could picture blowing stuff up". A review of criminal databases in the region show only Nickells only had minor traffic infractions, a 2002 underage drinking conviction, and a 2005 disorderly conduct citation.

Cooper Funeral Expected to Draw Crowds as Other Victims Recover:

Meanwhile, the funeral for bombing victim Millicent "Millie" Cooper is scheduled for tomorrow morning only blocks from the GTO bomb site. Nyman police report they will have numerous officers assigned to assist large crowds expected to appear. The last reported missing individuals have been located and discovered not to have been injured at the site. The last remaining bomb victim in critical condition has been upgraded to serious, and family members report doctors say the unidentified Nyman man is expected to survive. Another two victims in serious condition have been upgraded to stable status, thus it appears Cooper is likely to be the only GTO bombing related fatality.

[Badger]

Unemployment Rises Again; Growth Remains Sluggish

(AMPG) Government figures show Unemployment increased in January to 9.1%, up a tenth of a percent from the previous month. Likewise, the annual rate of GDP Growth slowed from an already sluggish 0.3% to 0.2%.

Government economists claimed the recently passed federal economic stimulus program has not yet had time to filter down to the job market, with funds barely reaching the few "shovel-ready" projects in the few intervening weeks. "Once [the stimulus] starts kicking in, jobs will be free and readily available to all---er, that is if we follow up with sufficient subsequent stimulus measures". Other economists were critical of the stimulus's effect on the national economy. Said one University of Chicago scholar: "The job of the government isn't to ensure employment, its to fund national defense, border security, and a court system----um, and university research grants too, of course. Everything else is clearly unconstitutional!".

[Badger]

Due to traveling and the Super Bowl, the GM will be largely out of office until Monday.

[Badger]

GTO BOMBING "PERSON OF INTEREST" DETAINED

Federal authorities have confirmed that Colin Hart Nickell, a person sought during the last week for questioning in relation to the January 25th bombing of Global Treaty Organization headquarters in Nyman, has been detained by law enforcement. Spokespersons confirm Nickell was found attempting to cross the Canadian border in upper New York state. Comment was declined regarding whether Nickell was speaking with authorities, and likewise refused to confirm or deny rumors Nickell was wearing a disguise when located.

A government spokesperson insisted at this point Nickell was merely detained for questioning as "a person of interest" in the bombing. "It is important to note that currently we refuse to define Mr. Nickell as a suspect, and he is not at this point under arrest or charged with any crimes."

Nickell, 28 of Alexandria, VA, is a former truck driver for the Department of Interior who disappeared along with his work truck the morning of the GTO bombing. Eyewitnesses state Nickell was driving an ordinary pickup truck rather than a delivery truck of the type reported missing, and there is no word as to whether the missing Interior Department truck has also been located.

[Badger]

AMPG WEEKLY NEWS ROUNDUP:


NICKELL CHARGED IN GTO BOMBING:

(AMPG-NYMAN) Federal authorities have formally charged Colin Hart Nickell with being driver of a truck bomb which exploded January 25th in front of Global Treaty Organization headquarters in Nyman, killing 1 and seriously injuring over a dozen in addition to heavily damaging the structure itself. The Atlasian Justice Department has indicted Nickell on a variety of counts including murder, distruction of government property, terrorism, and criminal use of an explosive device. Nickell, 28 of Arlington, VA, has entered an not guilty plea through appointed legal counsel and is currently being incarcerated without bail pending trial for which no date has yet been set.

In arguing for Nickell to be remanded without bail, government attorneys claimed at arraignment that the defendant has admitted to being involved in the recently labeled terrorist organization Reality Or Nothing, and that forensic evidence establishes the truck used in the bombing was the same one Nickell left the Interior Department with as an employed driver only a few hours before the explosion. Attorneys stated Nickell is a flight risk as he was caught at the Canadian border attempting to leave the country with a clever disguise presented to the magistrate:



Justice Department spokespersons declined to comment as to whether they believe Nickell acted alone in the bombing, or how much--if any--direct material support Reality Or Nothing is believed to have contributed to carrying out the attack.

NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE IN CHINA:

(AMPG-BEIJING) Negotiations continue on in the ongoing dispute over efforts of forces in the Chinese government to remove financing for Atlasia's national debt. SoEA Hashemite and GTO Ambassador Ben remain locked in what have been described as "tense" negotiations with PRC Politburo leaders. Details on the negotiations have been limited due to the tightly restricted release of information by both sides.

The crisis became public just before Christmas when it was learned the Chinese government was considering a measure to slash or even eliminate current financing of the Atlasian national debt, of which the PRC controls approximately a fourth. The news set off initial panic on Wall Street followed by sluggish decline as negotiations wear on. "It's litterally Chinese water torture" one trader opined. "The worst fears and drops stopped when the government entered negotiations, but since then people are reluctant to invest or make big trades not knowing the result of talks will be. It's not too great an effect yet, and we'd universally much more want a good result later than a bad result now, but if negotiations carry on another 6 weeks it could start to have a measurable effect not just on the ANSE, but even the overall economy."

AMPG sources have determined that there are apparently at least two competing factions in the PRC leadership--"moderates" led by Politburo Secretary Quan, and "neo-nationalists" led by Premier Han--in disagreement over whether to implement the financing cuts, with no decision apparently yet reached. Much of the internal debate reportedly deals as much with the byzantine labyrinth of domestic Chinese politics as it does foreign relations or economic policy. Whether Atlasia's government can affect matters in the waining weeks of President Fritz's Administration remains to be seen.

STOCKS DOWN, BUT NOT OUT; INFLATION REMAINS LOW:

(AMPG-NEW YORK) The ANSE's wild fluctuations in past months apparently have come to an end for the moment, but traders remain cautious pending the outcome of ongoing Sino-Atlasian talks regarding continued financing of the national debt. In the last several weeks the ANSE Index has dropped by approximately 4.8% to its current level of 671.41, with trading described as "sluggish, but stable" over the last week.

In other economic news, government statisticians announced the annual rate of inflation remained at 1.0% in January, prompting yawns and ennui from assembled reporters who drew the short straw in deciding which intern would have to cover this press conference.

[Badger]

You've got a help (new SoIA)

NOW GET TO WORK, YOU TWO PUNKS!

PM's already exchanged and plans being implemented as of about two hours ago. But thanks for the "encouragement".

[Badger]

I will be leaving for a Florida vacation tomorrow for a week. I'll still be checking in periodically on the wife's laptop, but I obviously might not be on as much.

Have fun, play nice, and try not to break the game.

[Badger]

I will be leaving for a Florida vacation tomorrow for a week. I'll still be checking in periodically on the wife's laptop, but I obviously might not be on as much.

Have fun, play nice, and try not to break the game.

If you find some emails from me on your wife's laptop pay them no mind.

If I didn't know you were gay, I'd almost be jealous.

[Badger]

NEGOTIATIONS IN CHINA REPORTEDLY NEARING END:

PRC POLITBURO REPORTEDLY NEARING DECISION ON DEBT FINANCING

(AMPG--Beijing): Reports this week indicate the PRC leadership is nearing a decision on the ongoing internal battle over whether to slash Chinese funding of the Atlasian national debt. Insiders familiar with the labyrinth world of Politburo politics state the leadership seems poised to allow the new Tmthforu Administration the opportunity to "make its best offer" to avert further financial crisis. Newly sworn SoEA Ben is reportedly travelling to China in the coming week to resume, and potentially conclude, negotiations he was orignially involved in as GTO Ambassador of the Fritz Administration.

Reports to follow as the story develops....

[Badger]

We need to cut Medicare Spending, Iraq/Afghan Operations and Military Spending.

     Given that we don't have Iraq/Afghan operations, it's rather disturbing that we spend anything at all on them.

Interesting note. I've raised this question at multiple points, including specifically in the Budget Process Committee discussions. To this point no one has pointed out to me, despite repeated requests, anything in Atlasian history showing our government made a firm and decisive break with RL policy/military activity in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm not swearing that hasn't happened, but merely no one has pointed it out to me despite repeated requests.

Until then--and if this post doesn't produce it nothing will--I'm assuming Atlasian activity and spending in both theaters matches RL.

[Badger]

We need to cut Medicare Spending, Iraq/Afghan Operations and Military Spending.

     Given that we don't have Iraq/Afghan operations, it's rather disturbing that we spend anything at all on them.

Interesting note. I've raised this question at multiple points, including specifically in the Budget Process Committee discussions. To this point no one has pointed out to me, despite repeated requests, anything in Atlasian history showing our government made a firm and decisive break with RL policy/military activity in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm not swearing that hasn't happened, but merely no one has pointed it out to me despite repeated requests.

Until then--and if this post doesn't produce it nothing will--I'm assuming Atlasian activity and spending in both theaters matches RL.

     Nothing explicit, but the Foreign Policy Review Act of 2010 seems to suggest fairly normal relations with both Afghanistan & Iraq.

True, but that has to do with relations with the government. I imagine RL relations with the Afghanistani and Iraqi leadership would be considered similarly. Also, simply not specific at all re: termination of military ventures there. Thanks for providing this PiT, but if this is all there is then the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (and their attendant spending) continue as per RL until the government decrees otherwise.

I can't believe this hasn't been touched on previously. What were you guys all debating about in 2006 and when the surge occurred? For that matter I can't believe I didn't inquire about this while a Senator.

[Badger]

We need to cut Medicare Spending, Iraq/Afghan Operations and Military Spending.

     Given that we don't have Iraq/Afghan operations, it's rather disturbing that we spend anything at all on them.

Interesting note. I've raised this question at multiple points, including specifically in the Budget Process Committee discussions. To this point no one has pointed out to me, despite repeated requests, anything in Atlasian history showing our government made a firm and decisive break with RL policy/military activity in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm not swearing that hasn't happened, but merely no one has pointed it out to me despite repeated requests.

Until then--and if this post doesn't produce it nothing will--I'm assuming Atlasian activity and spending in both theaters matches RL.

     Nothing explicit, but the Foreign Policy Review Act of 2010 seems to suggest fairly normal relations with both Afghanistan & Iraq.

True, but that has to do with relations with the government. I imagine RL relations with the Afghani and Iraqi leadership would be considered similarly. Also, simply not specific at all re: termination of military ventures there. Thanks for providing this PiT, but if this is all there is then the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (and their attendant spending) continue as per RL until the government decrees otherwise.

I can't believe this hasn't been touched on previously. What were you guys all debating about in 2006 and when the surge occurred? For that matter I can't believe I didn't inquire about this while a Senator.

     Perhaps more relevantly, we also have a free trade agreement with Iraq, per the Omnibus Trade Reorganization & Wiki Consolidation Act.

What are trade relations with Iraq in RL? Again, any tariffs that may be in place have nothing to do with lack of diplomatic and/or military support of the Iraqi government. I appreciate the info, PiT, but I don't see a free trade agreement as indicative that Atlasia withdrew its military forces from Iraq and/or Afghanistan.

Again, it seems strange but apparently true that repeated successive administrations and senates have merely assumed Atlasia stopped any significant military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, when in fact nothing of the sort was officially done.

Might be an interesting and long overdue subject for senate debate, no?

[Badger]

News Flash: Economy Still Stinks.

(AMPG--Nyman): Government economists announced today that the national unemployment rate continues to rise, hitting 9.2% in March, up from 9.1% last month. The annual rate of economic growth rose to 0.4%, double February's figures, but still low enough that the economy is still under immediate threat of recession economists warn.

Stocks have remained "stablish" on market analyst opined. But, the expert further warned: "It's kind of like stabilizing in a coma after suffering a major stroke. The immediate danger is gone, but there's still no signs of life."

More news to follow after the GM's birthday bash this weekend.

[Badger]

Dunka Shein (or however its spelt). Its tomorrow, but the drinking party starts shortly.

[Badger]

We need to cut Medicare Spending, Iraq/Afghan Operations and Military Spending.

     Given that we don't have Iraq/Afghan operations, it's rather disturbing that we spend anything at all on them.

We also set up Medicare and Medicaid to essentially be abolished nearly two years ago.

(I'm also genuinely curious as to what Jbrase thinks the current tax rates are.)

No, don't blame JBrase. I've been meaning to adjust deficit levels to account for the Fiscal Responsibility Act, but haven't got around to it yet. That's my slowness, not his.

I've also wondered about the Medicaid/Medicare thing in light of Atlasia's version of health care reform being passed. Though despite these same spending categories being proposed at the time, this was never brought up by ANYONE on the budget process committee last year, was it Marokai?

[Badger]

so, do we need to do anything else for Medicare and Medicaid to be phased out, or is there any problem if we just stop funding it? 

I think in terms of Medicare and Medicaid the funding is being changed to a new national health care system. The labeling of spending subcategories should change; in terms of the money spent, well, probably so---but I'm not yet sure how.

Input on this Marokai? As well as any critics of this "socialized medicine"?

[Badger]

This thread seems to have been unsticked. Could that be rectified please?

[Badger]

BREAKING NEWS: ATLASIA AND CHINA COME TO AGREEMENT:

Stocks Rise On Reports of "Nominal" Financing Cuts

(AMPG--Beijing): PRC and Atlasian representatives today announced an end to the debt financing crisis that paralyzed world markets for months. In a joint communique the parties announced China will live up to its obligations to reduce its financing of Atlasians annual budget deficit by reducing its purchase of Atlasian government securities by 2.1%. As part of the announcement it was revealed Atlasia will reduce its tarriffs on rubber, tire, and processed iron from 35% to 25%.

Wall street has reacted with favorable excitement with the announcement; industries affected by the reduced tariffs and unions have reacted angrily. More analysis to follow.

[Badger]

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Folks, as its become painfully obvious over the last month that real life has overtaken my ability to do this job--let alone at the level of activity I expect of myself--I will need to hand over the reins of GM. Ergo, I will resign effective either June 1, or when President Tmthforu's nominee is confirmed, whichever comes first.

Sorry for the absent month, and Dave Bless Atlasia.

Oh, and while I'm not leaving Atlasia, I won't be that active in the immediate future either. Just please PM me when elections and JCP conventions are going on, k?

[Badger]

You will be missed, my friend.  You have been an excellent GM.

Seconded.

Thank you both. I'm actually pretty proud of the work I did, up until the last few weeks when I became woefully absent.