Westman, Part II: The Rising
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Mechaman
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« on: October 02, 2012, 01:18:25 PM »
« edited: May 04, 2013, 11:48:45 PM by Irish Racism, the Poster »

"So, are we going to get this over fast, or not at all?  I prefer a quick execution gentlemen."

Scott Westman, August 1988


Westman, Part II: The Rising

Westman:
I mean really, I figured I done this party enough harm already.  Just put the gun to my head and get it over with.
Tobin MacMahon looks over at the young Governor and laughs.
MacMahon: No way Scott, you are of much more value alive.  That, and I don't want a mess to clean up.
Westman laughs.
Westman: Oh man just to think, I gave you the speech of a damned lifetime, and then I end up ultimately regretting it.
MacMahon: Well, the VP pick, I thought you would like tha-
Westman: The Vice Presidency is a joke, and I only fear you have made my good friend a joke as well.  I for one won't celebrate his execution.  I bid you good lucky Toby.
Westman gets up and walks out the door as MacMahon looks on hopelessly.
He throws a pen on the ground with the conviction of a Baptist, it's ink exploding all over the stone marble floor.
MacMahon: The selfish sh*thead.
Lloyd Bentsen laughs.
Bentsen: Well, I think it's safe to say that Montana will be a swing state, yet again.

Westman gets to the parking lot and into his Jeep Wrangler.
Cheap Asses, couldn't even afford a decent meeting area, he thought as he drove away from the storage room facility he agreed to meet them in Kalispell.  The two of them, MacMahon and Bentsen, had taken time out of their day to fly over to Kalispell to try to persuade Westman to take a more active role in the campaign.  Westman, feeling sorry for them, paid their travel expenses and kindly told them to go f*** themselves, something they weren't used to.
I may not be the most pragmatic person in the world, but I sure as hell ain't supporting no inevitable Titanic sinking like the 1988 Democratic ticket, he thought as he took a drag on his Marlboro Red.

While the polls had been saying that the Coalition had only recently started winning, Westman saw it happening way back. . . . . . . . in mid 1987.
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« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2012, 01:34:56 PM »

Looks good.
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Mechaman
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« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2012, 02:14:19 PM »

On a balcony:

The two men were overlooking the frozen lake on a cold early May day.  One man having silver white short hair and a red flannel shirt and cowboy jacket and the other, a quite tall man, with long flowing red hair and a Black Sabbath t-shirt and a fur coat.  The two of them were sharing cigarettes and discussing matter of great importance.
The two men, Colorado Governor Eddie Derry, the elder, and Montana Governor Scott Westman, the younger.
Derry stops smoking for a second and looks over at Westman.  Derry, who had been born in Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in the US, in the year 1920.  The son of a World War I veteran of the British Army and an American nurse, Derry would later go on, in his young adult years, to be a veteran in his own right.  First as a decorated marine in the Pacific Theater of World War II and then later as a Colonel in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.  In his long time of service he had sacrificed much for his country: his right hand, his left eye, a chunk of his right buttocks, permanent burn scars on his chest, his first and second marriages, time with his own children, and most of all the life of his best friend Michael J. Hemsworth who gave his life to save Derry from a Japanese Prison camp in the South Pacific.
There were few men in politics that Westman had known who loved his country more than Eddie Derry.
Derry: My good boy, what is it that you have brought me up here to this cold frigid land to discuss.
Westman pauses, contemplating the next words to come out of his mouth to this man who has become a mentor to him.
Westman: The people, they grow restless.  They demand quick and swift justice at the harm of our own liberties.  Yet, I must have this unpopular task of defending such liberties at great political cost.  And now, I am expected to be the leader for those who wish to stand up for such.  Most respected elder, how do I go on?
Scott Westman, who was a removed member of the Westman political dynasty, a well known family of Democratic power players, had been known for his opposition to his own party's stances throughout his career.  Hell, he was even different from his own family's positions on the issues, which tended to be more pro-business than what he was comfortable with.  Since he declared his opposition to the Defend America Act, an act that many civil libertarians around the country have opposed, he has been oft referred to as the leader of the movement.  Against his will.
Scott Westman, even though he had so far had a very successful term as Montana Governor and was talked up by many to be a likely 1992 Presidential nominee, still doubted his abilities as a leader.  Derry sensed this quite often, as Westman had expressed doubts before that he could get a coalition of Governors to make a strong lobby to stand up against the DAA.  Even now, Westman felt uncomfortable in his expected role as "The Boss" that the other members of this "faction" had affectionately referred to him as.  Eddie Derry, despite his number of years over Westman, had every confidence in Scott Westman as a future leader.
Derry: Well good boy, just remember that it's better to be a hardon than a hardoff.  Seriously I got nothing.  Except to say that you got to stop bitching about being a leader.  Nobody expects you to do it.  Your job is to surprise them.
Derry, a long time member of the Marines, retired during the midst of the Persian War.  His disillusionment with what was US foreign policy of the time led to him gaining an interest in pursuing political office.  In 1972, a few years after leaving the service, he would be elected into political office as a member of the Colorado State Senate representing Leadville and other nearby areas.  A few years later, in 1976 he would run for and get elected into the US House of Representatives running off of a platform of campaign reform and supporting Veterans Benefits.  He would stay in the US House, until 1982 when he ran for Governor.  He would win and then pursue a tenure that Westman modeled his own after.
Derry:  Well, you've got that O'Connor kid over on our side.  That has potential for some great cross over power.  Keep it up and then you just might be the head of our own successful third party.  This is very good organization you should keep it up.
Westman: Easy for you to say.  I'm pretty much telling all of these guys to go out there and run against popular well funded establishment figures in Gubernatorial races.  I don't want anyone to grow cold feet here.
Derry: We could use some more Congressional leeway.  Granted, the elections are next November, but we could use some legislative support.  You need to do some more screwing.
Westman laughs.
Westman: Doesn't help me much with Olympia, frankly.
The two men have a laugh while observing the still frozen Flathead Lake.
Derry: Damn dude, why do the Winters last so long in this state?
Westman: I don't know, something something jet streams?
Derry: I mean it's freaking May 9th and the lake is still frozen!
Westman laughs.
Westman: Well, those people have been speaking up that Global Cooling thing for years.  Maybe they got a point. . . . . .
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Mechaman
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« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2012, 08:45:25 PM »
« Edited: March 27, 2013, 01:38:06 AM by Irish Racism, the Poster »

CNN News
April 17th, 1987:


This is CNN News

This is a CNN News Alert.  A joint operation of the CIA, FBI, and NSA has uncovered the answer many have been wondering these past few tragic months.  Today, the killers of September Sixth have been revealed to the world.  This was uncovered in part by a joint warrantless wiretap of terror suspects along the Eastern Seaboard in conjunction with intel provided by "confidential sources".  We can now confirm, beyond any suspicion of doubt, that the People's Liberation Army of Derry, more popularly known by it's Gaelic name Táimid Shaorann, was directly responsible for the September Sixth attacks.  Revelations from insiders in the group to CIA officials revealed that the planning for the attack began in September of 1981, after the group was expunged by the Irish National Government due to repeated endorsements of terror attacks against rich businessmen and affluent families as a "strike against the corrupt nature of capitalism".  Since then the group has taken to expanding it's influence over various poverty stricken communities in Ireland, Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, and the various nations of the former Soviet Union.  It is estimated by Department of State officials that Táimid Shaorann has since grown into a multinational terrorist group of over 150,000.
This isn't the first time that Táimid Shaorann has made headlines.  The group is previously known for the horrific mustard gas attack of the London Underground in May of 1983 and the bombing of the French Parliament in March of 1984.  The stated objectives of the group is to, by radical action, destroy the free market economies of the West to bring forth a new International Socialist Revolution.  And six months ago, the group undertook the most ambitious terror attack in history with the nuclear attacks of New York City and Orlando, Florida.  It would seem that the Táimid Shaorann would succeed.
Until now.
While the location of Táimid Shaorann's headquarters is unknown, recent US Intelligence agencies have received a goldmine of information related to future targets for attack.  With the strength of the United States and the entire free world behind it, it would appear that Táimid Shaorann's days are numbered.
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Mechaman
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« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2012, 12:50:54 AM »

March 20th, 1956
Tammany Hall
New York City, New York:


Charlie "Charles" Shannon, the "Boss" of Tammany Hall, looks over at his visitor.
Shannon: Let me get this right, you want my unconditional support of n equality?  You want me to come out with all those bleedinghearts and commie bastards in support of this?  Ha really Estes, when did you start thinking you could ask me favors?
The guest, President Estes Kefauver, looks at him apprehensively.
Kefauver: Look, I know how hard this is to sell.  I can tell already that we're going to lose the South in this deal.
Shannon laughs.
Shannon: What the f*** are those holy rollin crackpipes gonna do?  Vote Republican!?
Kefauver ponders.
Kefauver: Of course not, they'll just vote third party!  They did it eight years ago, they'll do it again!
Shannon: Yes, and I don't see how this is my problem.  I don't live in f***in' Biloxi.
Kefauver: Damn it Charles!  Don't you get it!?  The tide of progressive change is on our side!  We need to embrace this in our platform, before the Republicans take back the black vote!
Shannon laughs.
Shannon: I don't get it.  Seriously, you "progressive" "liberal" whatever Democrats always obsessing about the n man.  He's okay, Billy Bob can't hang him anymore.  He wants voting rights, then move north.  Bunch of fairypod smoking queers in here.  Alabama wants to give dem people poll taxes?  Why is this my concern?
Kefauver: What's it going to take Charlie?
Shannon looks at the President and laughs.
Shannon: Seriously?  How about you get out of my ass?  Cos you been in it for years.
Kefauver: But reform!  We can't let a system run crooke-
Shannon: Well, you need all the help you can get in this party, don't you?  What you think you know it all (mock voice) "liberals" can do everything?  Well, haha, try running north of the Mason Dixon line without the backing of us machines Estes!  We'll see what you think of us after that, you f***in' hump!  Now, stay the f*** out of my business!
Later that week, President Kefauver would get out of Tammany's business.  And thus, in order to secure the greatest legislative accomplishment in the field of Civil Rights since the 1870's, Kefauver had to sell his soul.
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« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2012, 05:02:30 AM »

A Lesson in Folly: The Fall of the Soviet Union
Steven Gersham:


The history of the Soviet Union, a nation that started out with much promise, is perhaps one of the most disappointing in world history.  Off to a good start with mass industrialization in the 20's and an explosion of Soviet culture in the 1930's, it seemed as though the nation would truly put the western capitalist nations on notice.  Further, Soviet Russia's strong resistance to Nazi Germany's war machine in the early forties, suffering millions of lives, seemed to indicate a nation that was on a stellar rise to competing with even the United States in terms of technological and military achievement.  Short of the atom bomb, Soviet Russia and America were now equals.
Or so it would seem.
Even before the unraveling of Soviet leadership in 1945 in the wake of Stalin's death the day after Liberation Day in Berlin, there were signs of a state destined for destruction.  The most ominous of which was the Ukrainian Famine, which many argue was a deliberate attempt at ethnic cleansing through hazardous government policies.  During the famine average death rates peaked at 3,000 a day.  Deliberate or not the numbers of those dead from faulty state planning of farms can not be understated.  Stalin's execution of the Soviet General High Command months before Operation Barbarossa, leaving the massive Soviet Army under the leadership of mere Lieutenants.  One would think that a nation that could survive the era of Stalin paranoia could survive anything.
They would be wrong.
Just a day after Victory Day in Berlin, Stalin died from a sudden brain aneurism most likely brought on by alcohol and smoking.  His sudden death would result in a power struggle amongst the Soviet High Command.  Inevitably, the government would fall into the responsibility of a "Council of the Peoples", indefinitely.  Over time, the people would grow restless with the gridlock of the council and a few revolts would happen.  The most successful of these was that of Sergei Demitrov, who lead a coup that overthrew and imprisoned the council before declaring the establishment of a "Liberal Union of Common States" (LUCS) that recognized capitalism as the economic system of the Soviet Union.  His reign would last two weeks, as forces of the army, loyal to Vyalechev Molotov, stormed the Kremlin and executed Demitov on Molotov orders.  In turn, Molotov would use the guard to enforce his own reign as General Secretary of the Communist Party.  In the months that followed (January 1949-June 1949) Molotov would engage a "purge" campaign of potential enemies to cement his rule. 

When questioned about his methods, Molotov was undenying.  However, for whatever political skills MOlotov was severely lacking in tactics.
Take the Atomic Bomb.  As the reader surely knows, the first Atom Bomb was developed and tested by the United States in 1945.  Also, the Soviet Union didn't even have a basic nuclear bomb unttil 1954, despite having the blueprints on how to make one?
Why is that?

Simple, the political chaos that had occurred in the Soviet Union post World War II.

(To be continued)
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Mechaman
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« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2012, 11:27:55 PM »
« Edited: October 14, 2012, 11:42:39 PM by LARGE HAM, THE POSTER »

Fall of the Soviet Union
Cont.Sad

Nearly four years of government upheaval would take it's toll on Soviet progress.  While the Soviet Empire took years to recover from the shock of Stalin's death, the United States had taken the advantage while the USSR dealt with internal power struggles, helping pro-western nations such as China and South Korea eliminate the significant communist movements from within and without.  All momentum that was the Soviets to begin with evaporated within a four year period giving the US an untold advantage in the so-called "Cold War".  Not even Molotov, a proven strong leader, could've caught up with the advances of the US.
By the time that the USSR developed it's first nuclear bomb in 1954, the United States already had an arsenal of over 200, more than twice of what would be necessary to wipe out all major urban areas in the Soviet Union.  Americans even beat the Soviets in the Space Race, launching the first manned craft mission in June of 1966 during the Morton Administration.  The USSR would put a man in space in June of 1969, only two years before it's collapse.  Seeing the USSR as a failing empire whose death was inevitable, plans for an American lunar landing were scrapped.  To this date, there has been no attempt by the United States or any other nation to land a man on the moon.
Along with the failures of the USSR to meet the technological advances of the United States it was also burdened by the costly expenditures of military operations and aid to other nations that led to hyperinflation of the Russian Ruble, among other side effects.  In the period between 1945-1971, there had been only one international conflict where the Soviet backed faction prevailed, in Persia.  Though it should be noted that there were some conflicts, namely in Ireland with the Provisional Forces, wherein Soviet backed factions were successful post-Soviet Union.  Many historians note that the USSR was more successful in spreading it's ideals after it died than when it was in existence.  Even the current Russian state has some strong traces of the former USSR left in it, namely widespread nationalization of many industries and strong restrictions on civil liberties.
The Soviet Union came to an end on September 7th, 1971 after several years of widespread revolution in Eastern Europe by liberal and worker's rights factions.  It had seemed that the failure of the Soviet Government to keep a strong hand on it's society ultimately paved way to the momentum of it's demise.
Many a historian, when he reads the history of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, will merely nod at the series of misfortunes that prevented the rise of a non-capitalist competitor to the United States as a world superpower.  Instead, due to the chaotic nature of Soviet politics in the aftermath of Stalin's death, the US became the sole world superpower, an impressive feat for a nation not even two centuries old.  In a story as old as time, the Soviet Union's potential was never realized as conflicts of personality and an incompetent bureaucracy undid any momentum the nation once had by defeating Nazi Germany.
After the dissolution of the USSR, the Republic of Russia ordered a disassembling of all nuclear weapons in stock.  According to reports by the Russian Nuclear Association, the government destroyed 364 nuclear bombs from their nuclear stockpiles throughout Siberia.  However, an audit in 1985 revealed that in November of 1970 the nuclear stockpile inventory had a record of 380 nuclear weapons.  Russian government officials waved off the report, stating that overcounts of inventory were common pre-dissolution in order to scare American spies.  The Nuclear Disassembly team signed a document reaffirming the government's official account.  It had seemed, with the world at peace and free from nuclear disaster, officials around the world breathed a sigh of relief. . . . .oblivious to the horror that awaited them.

On September 6th, 1986, that horror became reality.
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Mechaman
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« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2012, 11:41:35 PM »

August 9th, 1987
Helena, Montana
Governor's Office

Westman:
Look Petra, I know this looks bad in hindsight but this administration's stance is firm.  Law enforcement officials in this state will continue to follow constitutional protocols when it comes to investigation.
Westman listens on in the telephone as the other person says something that sounds like a murmur to Russell Means.
Westman: No no, you listen.  The opposition bench is a joke.  A grade A laughable f***ing joke.  The joke press would have to find a picture of me violating a french poodle in order for them to make this race competitive.  Believe me, I've tried as hard as hell to make it easy for these joke parties.  I mean, this is state level politics, not national.
Means hears something about some chocolate ice cream sandwich on the other end.
Westman: Look, the opposition is already in a horrible disarray.  The Conservatives are jokes.  Total jokes.  For all of their posturing even some of them supported my "communist" Green Montana bill!  And the Republicans?  Ha!  Don't make me laugh!  They're so divided over whether they want to kill me or screw me I wouldn't be surprised if by this time next year they are voting on whether or not to merge with us or those jingoistic flag fetishing motherf***ers.
And something about a free microwave oven?
What the hell is a microwave oven?
Westman: Oh come on dude.  We have this revolutionary new information transportation technology being held hostage by the US Government and you are talking about giving tax credits to companies that make "microwave ovens"?  Jesus, Petra, I'm a pretty f***ing rich person and I don't even have that sh*t!  Mankind has survived on fireplaces and stove ovens for thousands of years-
And of course, the hardon always has to correct him.
Westman: Who gives a blue flying f*** Petra?  Way too miss my f***ing point about the ludicrousity of your proposal.  So what if the stove oven hasn't been around for thousands of years, point is that humanity has been surviving off of methods other than frying sh*t with f***in' microwaves for millennia.  And suddenly you think it's a good investment that people get these so-called "microwave ovens" because sometimes they might be too lazy to drop some butter into a pan to make a cheese sandwich?  Besides, what if the taste quality is sloppy when you reheat left overs?
Let me guess, everyone deserves a quick meal?
Westman: No no no no, call me back when you got a better use of my time Petra.  I realize it's hard to sell things that only rich WASPs in Billings fancy to people who just don't have $8,000 laying around.  Anyway, me and the team are busy discussing our state's defense forces just in case those bog bastards come busting in here.  Goodbye!
Westman hangs up the phone.
Westman: Figures.  My daughter meets this guy in college who is in ergonomic design class or some bullsh*t and suddenly he thinks he can use this government like it's his own personal piggy bank.
Means: Christ, what were you thinking giving him a direct phone number to this office?
Westman: I don't know, I figured he would give some better insight than some of these hardons have been giving over the past few months.  One would get the idea that somehow we are pro-Taimid based on all the propaganda that the nationalists have been touting lately.  I mean, didn't I say that we supported the United States Armed Forces in bringing the perpetrators of this attack to justice?
Means: Well you know what they say, if you don't support bending the Constitution whenever some crisis happens you are an evil anti-American Marxist.  Or some bullsh*t like that.
Westman: Yes, didn't this state office recently run a donation drive that raised over a million dollars to support our troops?  To give them food and water?  It's quite crazy, this idea that I'm anti-war just because I think we should hold ourselves to a higher standard.
Means: Are you implying that you are pro-war?
WEstman laughs.
Westman: Not quite.  However, when there is an impetus, such as a direct attack on American soil, I can be persuaded to come out for the troops.  I mean, a lot of the conflicts waged between 1950-1980 were mostly unjustified acts, but this?  Nuking American cities?  That's some pretty serious sh*t.
Means: Anyway, I was looking over these notes and I noticed that there is a section circled in blue ink down here. . .
Westman: Yes it is.  For good reason.
Means looks shocked.
Means: I'm sorry, I know your unorthodox and stuff but. . . . . does this seriously say "independent militia groups?"
Westman nods.  The previous year he had dealt with some militia groups in the wake of the September 6th attacks.  His first course of action was regrettably reactionary and it took a personal tour of various areas to show how sorry he was.  Having state police show up at those sites was a bit rude in hindsight and for just a brief time would've made some of the roody-toody straightlaces in the Conservative Party raise glasses of approval toward him.  He later made it up by going to the various militia compounds throughout the state and striking a personal chord with some of them.  Especially some of the impressible young women.
Westman: Yes, yes it does.
Means: But, why?
Westman: It's quite simple really dear Lieutenant.  In this time of struggle we must appeal to the populistic urges of the people, involve them in our conflict with these paganistic anti-American devils and root them from the continent.  Merely relying on the state reserves and US forces is good and all, but I truly believe that times like these are what really tests these dedicated men and women with their love of the almighty Bill of Rights.  Well that, and to gain popular support from the Proles, thus solidifying my mandate.
Means: Well of course.  The Proles.
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Mechaman
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« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2012, 12:33:28 AM »

Meanwhile
In Washington:


Vermont Representative Lawrence Coventry (R-VT) takes the podium before the assembled US House of Representatives.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As you are all surely aware the Taimid have, as the intelligence indicated, been making some incursions into Canada with bombings and roadside shootings.  Right now US forces are finally engaging them in ground to ground combat in the Canadian province of Alberta, assisted by Canadian forces.  And, as par the course, the media is just gloating about how much freer we are since we trusted in bending constitutional protocol via the so-called "Defend America Act".
To this I must ask how in the world this has really helped us?  I mean, besides the whole "well we never would've caught the bad guys with it" logic.  Sure, you could argue that not bothering to wait a few minutes to get a warrant out to inspect some choice suspects gathered by "undisclosed intel" would've been inconvenient.  Or that if we just wasted time waiting for warrants that somehow the world would end and the movie business would run out of ideas for apocalyptic blockbusters.  Fine whatever, but may I ask, out of sheer constitutional concern, why this legislation is still in effect?
WHy wasn't a sunset clause ever discussed on this bill?  Sure, there are a number of here, shaking your heads at me, wondering why this was voted into law in the first place.  Really, I don't know.  And neither do millions of concerned American citizens who think that everyday we keep this act in effect the further we get from being the nation we were, a nation with liberties envied by almost every other nation on the planet, to being a nation that the men who pulled off the September sixth attacks would be proud of.

Loud jeering.
Expected, but an unfortunate reality that we must deal with if we continue down this road.  What I find most puzzling, more so than the overwhelming support for this borderline Orwellian law, is how those of us who have taken a rational approach to it are treated as "the radicals".  That suddenly, politicians like Governor Scott Westman of Montana, who is much closer to real danger than any one of us in this room is, are treated like extremists for insisting that even in the face of invasion he will order his state's police and reserves to stand by the eternal constitutional law of this land.  Let me tell you all something, Governor Westman is the dye-in-the-wool conservative here!  You who would overturn our Fourth Amendment rights, to our rights to privacy and against unnecessary search and seizures, you are the real radicals.  This Defend America Act is a blatant bastardization of our sacred rights, as much of a violation of the Constitutional protocol as the Jacobins were of the Ancien Regime.
To call this act a "rape" of civil liberties would be too kind of an act.  Which is why, through hell and high water, someday this act will be destroyed.  Whether by the courts, or by me and my allies in the chamber  I don't care if you are Democrat, Republican, Conservative, People's Party, whatever.  You take a stance against this monstrosity, you are my brother and I will fight for you.
The Revolution has begun.  You have been put on notice gentlemen."


Lawrence Coventry walks down the podium to much jeering from all parties present.  There are a few loud cheers heard though, mostly from those of the Republicans of historical olde in the far northeast of New England and their Democratic brothers in the far reaches of the American West.
A revolution was brewing.
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« Reply #9 on: October 24, 2012, 12:54:51 AM »
« Edited: October 24, 2012, 01:07:09 AM by LARGE HAM, THE POSTER »

At that same moment
Montpelier, Vermont
Governor's Mansion
Study Room:


Vermont Governor Jim Jeffords is watching the unfolding live coverage of the statement by his state's US Representative Lawrence Coventry.  Coventry has finished his speech when Jeffords lets out a grin.
Jeffords: Haha, now we got something we can nail the bastard to the wall with.  His chances at winning the primary is now zero.  Zilch.  HE is dead in the water.
Jefford's advisor Thomas Arnold, has a grim look.
Arnold: Sir. . . .
Jeffords: I mean, where the hell does he think he's going with this?  This is a pure establishment state baby.  None of his hippie drippy radical nonsense will win over the party faithful come next summer.  It looks like I will enjoy my life as a career politician, like many before me.
Arnold: Sir. . . . look at some of his internals.
Arnold gives Jeffords a red clad dossier with the name "Coventry" on it.  Jeffords, nonplussed, opens it and looks through the paperwork.
Jeffords: Aww yes, looks like he is filing from his home in Burlington.  Very atypical.  Hmm, okay.
Jeffords flips over the basic candidate registration information for the US Senate primaries and then goes over to the next page.
Financials.
His eye gets glued to the middle of the page.
Jeffords: No!  It can't be!
But surely it was.  Over the past three months Coventry had reported excessive funds.  Well, at least funds not expected out of a three term congressman from Vermont who was outside the typical posh state party establishment.  People were groomed from birth from prestigious families to become US Senators and US Congressmen, not egoist intellectuals like Lawrence Coventry who was more fit to preaching liberal arts than he was dictating policy.
So, where the blue hell did he get $480,000 in last quarter alone?
Jeffords: Oh a mistype surely.  Tom, get this thing fixed.  Obviously, someone meant to put down "$48,000".  Looks like some of our team needs more rest before hitting the campaign trail.
Arnold looks at him with grave concern.
Arnold: Sir. . . . .I double-checked the figures myself.  The campaign finance assures me that the amount is indeed very accurate.
A look of concern, or maybe even fright, comes over the face of Jim Jeffords.
Jeffords: Huh, well is there any explanation for this?  Besides basic human err-
The door swings open as a man with a headset walks over to the two men standing in the middle of the room.  It was Opposition Research Leader Tim Niedhert.
Niedhert: Sirs.
He hands Jeffords five blown up photosheets.
Niedhert: This was taken a couple of months ago.
Jeffords looks at it.  There is a look of utter confusion on his face.
Jeffords: Yes, and what does this have to do with?
Niedhert: Nothing, at first glance.  In fact, these photos weren't originally taken by this campaign.
Arnold looks at him like he was just told there was no God and that there was absolute proof.
Arnold: Where did you get these photos?
Niedhert: These photos were taken by a press agent in July of this year.  It was taken near Flathead Lake, Montana.
Arnold: The son of a bitch. . . . . .he's supporting Coventry!
Jeffords shows the photos, which show Coventry having lunch on board a yacht with the very infamous Montana Governor, Scott Westman.
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« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2012, 01:42:01 AM »

Later that night
Helena, Montana
Governor's Study Room:


Scott Westman sat in his study room at his mansion pondering the matters of the day.
And getting absolutely sh*tfaced.
He sat on the couch in the room looking at the television in front of him.  The news of the day was playing.  Yes, it had seemed that after a few months of fighting in the bitter Siberian cold American forces were close to getting to the Taimid base in the region.  Months of fighting, and over 50,000 lives.  And minimal cooperation from the Russian state.  Typical.
Westman wouldn't be surprised if the Russkies actually let the Taimids move in there free of charge in the first place, security over there sucked so much.  The Russians didn't give a damn about the evils committed by these infidels, these devils.
Within hours of the world news of the Taimid's actions against the US, the heads of Taimid Shaorann fled at full speed out of the Republic of Ireland in preparation of a long drawn out war with the US.  Given the gravity of the situation and their own clear disregard for their own cousins in America, showing such tact to avoid destroying the Irish countryside in an inevitable war with the massive US army (and their British allies) was a rare show of mercy from the Taimid Shaorann.  Because, everyone knew that the Irish government had too little power to even suggest deporting the Taimid leadership.
Such is life.
Westman takes a huge swig from his bottle of dark 100 proof rum.  He was in no mood to be sober tonight.  Nor was he in a mood to make love to his wife Caroline.  Or to any other woman for that matter.
It had been awhile since he had a self-pity party.  The last time he had done so was in April 1981 after his good friend Ted Kennedy died.  A man that he admittedly loved even more than his wife, Ted's niece Caroline.  Though, to Westman's mind that wasn't so hard.  He could probably love bowling more than his own wife.
Westman just wondered what the hell he was thinking when he ran for this job.  What was he thinking when he got this job.  Why did he decide to do this, become Governor?  He would've had such an easy time in the Senate occasionally making waves while also getting to live the high society.  Everybody and their grandmother would want him if he was a US Senator and he would've had none of the affectionate weaknesses he had got as Governor.  Removed from all the chaos, he wouldn't be forced to face the grim realities of the post September Sixth world.
And that reality was that Taimid Shaorann were going to attack and kill innocent Montanans.  It didn't matter if he had 10,000,000 strong with assault rifles or just him and some buddies with their cap guns, innocent people were going to die.  He just knew, in his heart, this was inevitable.
The inevitability of this existed even before the recent war operations in Alberta when Canadian troops requested the help of some of the United States Reserve forces.  The Crane Government, obviously too tied with waging a full scale war in the middle of f***ing Siberia to divert resources towards the good neighbor to the north, politely declined and told them to pick themselves up by their bootstraps.
Which meant pretty much that the only thing standing between Taimid Shaorann and Westman's beloved Big Sky state were the bloody Canadian Army.
Westman, just thinking about it, started chugging the remains of the rum bottle down his throat.  Every single last drop he swallowed, no matter how much it burned.
Maybe if he drank himself to death, he wouldn't have to bear the brutal witness of those barbarians mowing down his beloved fellow Montanans.  Maybe if he were to eviscerate his own mind to oblivion through painful drink, he would leave the fate of millions in the hands of Russell Means, his trusted and proven Lieutenant Governor.
And damn the sure as hell hangover that will happen tomorrow morning when he wakes up, making him wish he had never touched a glass of alcohol in his life.
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« Reply #11 on: November 02, 2012, 01:59:56 AM »

State Legislatures
A National Overview
1980-1990:


The nineteen eighties, the decade that began with the worst Democratic losses in the 20th Century, was a momentous time for political analysts and historians.  Throughout the decade there would be a series of massive losses and gains for the major political players of the time.  There were also seen, especially in many Southern states, the rise of strong third parties that rivaled the strength of the two parties due to strong voter dissatisfaction with the two major party choices in 1980.  The Constitution Party, the most successful of these ventures, would have more congressional seats than the Democratic Party after the Election of 1980.  That party, and the split off "Conservatives" faction, would appeal to the right wing populism that at the time was at nearly record level approval levels after nearly fifty years of the "New Deal" consensus.  Ironically, some of the strongest voting segments for Democrats from 1932-1980 would make some strong overtures to these third party populists, most notably blue collar Catholics in the Midwest.  The "Moderate Reform" Coalition, which consisted of a large number of liberal and moderate Republicans and some left wing Democrats, would win a fair number of congressional seats and state legislature seats.  Notably, in the state of Connecticut the State Senate Pro Tempore from 1981-1984 was a member of the Moderate Reform Coalition.
However, despite the anti-Democratic leans of the early eighties, there were still some significant gains for the Democrats even before 1986.  A lot of these gains were at the state level, not the congressional level.  While the national party was losing seats left and right in 1982, a number of state level Democrats swept offices in some traditionally Republican western states.  In Montana the Democrats would come back from landslide losses in 1980 to gain 9 seats in the House Chambers (getting the party up to 38 House Seats from just 29) and 6 in the Senate Chambers (from 11 seats in 1980 to 17 seats in 1982).  Two years later, Montanans would elect former Scott Westman as Governor along with 18 more House Representatives and 9 more State Senators, perhaps one of the most dramatic shifts in power on the state level in an otherwise pro-Coalition year.  Nor was Montana the first place to shift dramatically Democratic either, as Colorado had begun to do so a few years earlier.
Edward "Eddie" Derry, a well respected army general, ran for Governor in 1982 and managed to win in an otherwise Republican year by campaigning against what he saw as "Unconstitutional Graft" in the Governor's office.  The previous Republican administration had signed into effect a law that would in theory allow policemen to randomly inspect passersby for ID.  Anywhere and at anytime.  The reaction against such a law was swift, as Derry would be elected with over 50% of the votes cast amongst a field that included the Republican Lieutenant Governor Tom Harden and Constitution Party Congressman Tom Tancredo, who made waves for coming out in support of abortion for minorities to keep poverty and crime rates down.  As civil libertarian activism became more common, Democratic gains only increased in the West on the state level until 1986 when the Democratic wave gave the party control of many State Legislatures they hadn't held since the 1950's.

More to come later.
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« Reply #12 on: November 16, 2012, 10:03:00 PM »

Chapter 2: Heresy

Montpelier, Vermont
State Capitol:


Democratic State Senator Jack Layton is out having lunch at Todd Latham's Weggie Veggie Grill.  He is about to throw away his trash when he feels a hand on his shoulder.  He looks up and sees a man with a black leather jacket and some cop shades on looking down at him.
The Shaded Man: It is time Jack.  It is time.
Jack Layton throws his trash away basketball style and follows the man to a black Volvo with tinted windows.  He goes into the back seat as the Shaded Man drives down Main Street and off into the outskirts of town.  Layton, curious as to the chain of events, inquired of the man:
Layton: Excuse me, good sir.  Look, I was told that whoever this was had some vital information for me regarding the upcoming elections.  Something about helping us find important donors for this upcoming year and to help pass our own Environmental Stimulus bill in the Senate.  Now, no offense, but this is getting creepy.  Creepy as hell.
The Shaded Man, who was now a shade red, looked back at Layton and said, in a most gravelly voice with a tinge of irritation:
The Shaded Man: Listen Mr. Layton.  Your position in this is non-negotiable.  You agreed to see The Boss.  Once you agree, in writing, to see The Boss there is no ifs, ands, or buts.  Frankly, you should be more thankful, considering his position and your much lessor one, that he is even interested in helping you out!  Do you realize what you're up against here?
Layton, shocked at the lack of manners and politeness from the Man in the Shades, looked at him shocked eye.
Layton: Look, no one said this would be easy.  I'm a Vermont Democrat for goodness sake.  A Vermont Democrat from an unpopular wing of the party that many would accuse of being Closet Commies.  I already am facing an uphill battle, just on the nature of politics alone.  Now please, good sir, I don't mean any offense at all or to damage the good nature of The Boss as you call him.  But please, I need to know where I'm going.  It's not like I can just suddenly drop off the face of the Earth you know?
THe Man in the Shades looks back at him and winces.
The Man in the Shades: Okay, sh*t.  Look, what's your clothing size?
Layton looks at him weirdly.
Layton: Medium Turtlenecks with a variety of multicolored size 32 Waist Jeans.
God does the fashion styles of today suck, thought the weathered Man in Shades.
The Man in the Shades: Okay, any preferred toothpaste brands?  Deodorant?
Layton: Okay, look. . . . . .I'm usually a patient and understanding man, but seriously what the hell does this have to do with any of this-
Suddenly the car radio turns on and there is a loud Wise Guys meets Alberta voice coming out of it, The Boss:
The Boss: Listen f****t, I'm providing you everything you need to reach higher office.  Granted, being a maple syrup loving frog I imagine it's kind of hawd for you to become President one day.  Well, at least you won't be in a position to be Vice President either.  I wish I was in your position frankly.
Hmm, that voice sounds familiar.  Like, I'm sure I heard it on the tv a few times on the evening news or some newsreel.. . . . . . .  .
The Boss: Fact of the matter is, both of our interests coincide.  In fact, I am finding the future of this Senate race to be in my own goddamn interest.  Sure, I may not ever get into the habit of being an organic vegan milk drinking poof like some of the old f***ers who live over there are.  I mean god, who would want to live in Vermont anyways?  Talk about a crusty old place full of cruddy overrated cow milk.  But, enough about that.  You see Jack, I am very f***in interested in this f***ing little pisshole state of yaws because it holds the motherf***ing numbers to the jackpot.  Yes Jack, believe it or not your Forevermore One Party Grand Old Fart White Anglo Saxon Protestant state holds the goddamn key to my own plans for the future.  YOu think this is purely about what I want?  Well it's not.  It's about the future of this goddamn country and nothing is going to stop me or my damned millions from saving it.
Who talks like a mobster apparently.  And is very rich.. . . . . wait a minute.
The Boss: I got friends in both sides.  Both sides, just waiting to strike against the corrupt hierarchy in this nation.  If one head is cut off, another will grow.  With that said, I must warn you that what I am going to offer you in two day's time isn't an easy proposition.  Hell, it's never easy to betray your own party, no matter how f***ed up it is.
It was then that Jack Layton realized who the voice was, who the tough talking Boss really was.
Layton went forward and pressed a com button on the radio, nodding understandably and saying in a tone of great understanding and wisdom acquired-
Layton:. . . . . . . Westman.
There is silence for about thirty seconds.  Then suddenly, a much calmer and wiser voice pops out of the radio.
Westman: It is I, oh dear disciple.
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« Reply #13 on: November 16, 2012, 10:59:45 PM »

"hawd", "yaws"? Is Westman now a Kennedy?
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« Reply #14 on: December 09, 2012, 02:29:25 AM »

William Westman Estate
Near Lake Erie, NEw York:


The car stopped in front of a large mansion near Lake Erie.  Jack Layton got out of the backseat of the car and came face to face with the large imposing figure of Scott Westman.  With him was a woman who looked to be in her early 30's beside him.  A pale woman with light black hair, who had a lot of resemblance to Westman.  Probably a cousin of his.
Westman walks up to Layton and extends a hand out to him.
Westman: Welcome Mr. Layton.  The house has been abuzz about you.  Come in there is much to be discussed.
Layton heads towards the mansion as the woman locks arms with Westman as they approach the house.  Layton opens the doors and is directed towards a private wooden studio room with drinks.  In the room are several other men who seem preoccupied with drink and talking about various subjects.  Layton looked around and recognized a few of them.  In the corner playing writing on a notepad in a black trenchcoat and some sort of brim hat was former Maine Congressman Thad O'Connor, a Republican.  In the middle of the room reclining on a couch in traditional black and red flannel was elder Democratic statesman Eddie Derry of Colorado, who seemed to be having the time of his life talking to two raptured colleagues about his war experiences.  The two listening, both Republican congressmembers: one an early thirties California Republican from the LA metro area named Jason Bottom who was in motorbike gear, and the other an early forties Republican from North Dakota named Robert Deese who was fiddling with a glass of fine whiskey.
Lot of Republicans here for a Democratic Governor.
Layton then looked over near the bar in Westman's comfy lodge room and then became slackjawed in shock.  He can't believe who was there.
It was Vermont Congressman Lawrence Coventry. . . . . who was running in the GOP Primaries against Jim Jeffords for the US Senate Seat.
The same race that Layton was running for.
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« Reply #15 on: December 09, 2012, 02:49:28 AM »

WW Estate
Cont:


Layton went over to the bar and sat down next to Coventry.  Layton looked over a the longhaired intellectual and opened up conversation.
Layton: So. . . . . how's it going?
Coventry looked over at Layton, and laughed.
Coventry: Oh good you know.  Just running for higher office.  Don't want that embarrassment in office much longer.
Layton takes a long drink.
Layton: Tell me about it.
Coventry looks over at Layton, inquirly.
Coventry: Well, what're you doing here?  Does Westman want you to run for Governor or something?
Layton had a humorous smile on his face.
Layton: Well actually, I'm running against Major Derrick.
Coventry looks at him wide eyed and then laughs once more.
Coventry: Man, Scott really has a hardon for Major, doesn't he?
Layton: It would appear that way.  Here's to us, may justice win.
The two Vermonters click glasses and down their drinks.
Coventry: It's really going to suck if I run against you Jack.
Layton: What makes you so certain you will win over Jeffords?
Coventry: Well.. . . . . . in today's climate anything is possible.
Westman comes into the room with the gorgeous brunette woman in skintight black catsuit on his arm.  Westman takes a seat on a loveseat couch and the woman with him props down on his right thigh, putting an arm possessively around him.  Whoever this woman was, she was quite intimate with Westman.
Westman surveyed the room, and then began to speak.
Westman: Gentlemen, welcome to my family's humble abode on the Great Lake Erie!  Now I know some of you might've had long drives and airplane rides over here, that's understandable if you want to wind down.  The goal of the next few days is for a few days of relaxation and company here at this good old estate!  What we're about to talk about, that's merely secondary.  Sure, it pertains to your political futures and what we want to see happen these next few years, but I believe more in pleasure than business.  As some of you may already know, this gorgeous beaut is Katherine.  . . . whose technically my aunt but more like a cousin to me.  Me and her are going to catch up on old times (Westman flashes her a grin), though you are more than welcome to contact me or schedule time with me anytime this week while you rest from the duties of officiating.  However, I want to devote most of my energies and passion this week to Katherine, whose company I missed greatly over the past few years.  If you are wanting for some company, Katherine knows a few of her college buddies whom you can parlay your stresses, insecurities, and passion onto.  Now, onto business.
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« Reply #16 on: December 10, 2012, 12:57:15 AM »

The Speech:

Scott Westman then began to speak up:

Gentlemen, I must say that I am much thankful to be in the presence of all of you here today.  And how happy I am that you made this long journey all the way to upstate New York just to hear me speak to you about the challenges that lie ahead for this nation.  If this turns into some sort of rant or I seem to be scatterbrained at anytime in the next ten minutes or however long this is, allow me to apologize in advance.  In moments like this, I don't rehearse my lines in preparation for what must be said.  Because, this issue that we are all here today to confront is something that is above such.
Today, the issue I find myself forced to face is how do we go on as a nation with the current indemnities committed against our Constitutional law process?

It seems that we are now faced with two very grave threats.  One from without. . .. . . . the other from within.
Those from without have made their intentions plainly known.  They wish to reduce this nation to it's proverbial ashes, to rip asunder the American dream in a hail of atomic fire.  They have proven in the past that they are willing to go to the greatest low, to bring out the Harbinger of Humanity out against this nation that they have claimed is the source of Great Injustice around the world.  That we should apologize for the advantage and opportunity this nation has provided to generation after generation of poor huddled masses.  Mighty strong words coming from a group of radicals who didn't think twice about killing millions of innocent people through atomic fire.  It is quite clear, from the scale of devastation wrought, that the existence of nuclear weapons is a much graver threat than the Taimid could ever hope to be.  As long as humanity lives with the Scourge of Hiroshima, our future is a dark one.  Mankind will never know peace until these weapons are all destroyed, and all exploration into this dark territory is discontinued.
In the wake of this grave threat, men in power have taken this time to put themselves in the position they've always wanted: Godhood.  They have in effect put themselves in the positions of effective legal deities by stripping us of the right to warranted searches.  No longer will police men need to issue warrants to search your home, they can do it now by simply tapping into your phone lines.  This victory for the forces of statism is just the beginning of a long and awful slippery slope.  America is a big rock, and they have made the first kick down the hill.  In their rush to power, these zealots have used the great vehicle of fear to gain momentum for their acts.  They have, Democrats and Republicans, have effectively done more damage to this nation than the Taimid could ever be capable of.  The Taimid have destroyed two great American cities, these lawmakers have broken the American spirit.  They have, through their voting, proven the enemy right about us.  Our children might one day wake up slaves n the land that we once knew as free.

As an elected official of the people of Montana, I have sworn a duty to uphold the laws and customs of this land.  I consider the highest custom of this land to be constitutional law.  This (pulls out a pocket US Constitution) is my guiding force in life.  People call me a radical because I put my faith in this and not in unelected cabinet officials and special interest bought federals who are far removed from their constituents.  Even as the forces of terror come close on my state's boundary, I. . . . . and the million strong citizens of Montana will stand our ground in honor of this nation's supreme document.  I took the oath of office, I swore to defend the US Constitution against all threats, both foreign and domestic.  And I have prayed to my God, everyday since the Defend America Act passed, that he would restore our Democratic Republic.  If terror strikes my state, I will not bend the law, I will not waver on American character.  We will fight them as better men, even to the last.

Some of you assembled, are probably in safer spots.  Well you are most blessed.  However, like I said there are graver threats than mere physical dangers presented by our foreign enemies and vendetta stricken terrorist cells.  Defend America was only the beginning.  Mark my words, the staties will be back and they will strike again.  They will use this war as a blank check to advance upon a most radical agenda of constitutional rollbacks unseen since Woodrow Wilson's presidency.  Some say that to oppose this is to surrender to our enemies, a symbol of great weakness.  If standing up for our values is considered to be weakness, I shudder to think what is thought of as "strength" now days.

This will be a long road.  And the opposition is organized.  And as you can see, the opposition is across party lines.  Members of both parties, most of your partymates in fact, have taken up with the Crane agenda of lesser freedoms and more benefits for the ruling state.  Phillip Crane's America is one that sees fit to crack the whip of tax oppression on those who can't afford to pay.  Phillip Crane's America is one that exponentially increases the weapons of mass death in an era when there are no superpower enemies of America besides it's government!  Phillip Crane's America is an America where the federal government plays the moralistic leviathan and dictates to the states social policy.  Phillip Crane's America is an America that wants to overturn our Bill of Rights bit by bit, which is shown quite clearly by his advocacy of televangelism christianity on the masses.  In an era when America is alone in the field of superpowers, Phillip Crane's America is an America that still goes around the world playing policeman and telling people what to do while turning a blind eye to the suffering in our own nation.  This is an America that I oppose with every fiber in my being.  Even the Democrats are little more than pro-Crane charlatans now days who act like they care about the working poor.

If they think they can win through organization, they are wrong.  For they no longer have that advantage.  We must, this liberty coalition, be like a machine.  For, it is only with machine like efficiency and thrust that we will overcome the state agenda and return this nation to proper working order.  In a few years, we will make Tammany Hall regret the day it won that 1950's court case.  We do have one advantage over them.  While they are separated into many urban areas and only have strength in one party, ours will be a large collective unit, a national organization of Democrats AND Republicans.  Through this, we will have waged a two pronged attack on the system, making our machine hard to kill.
The establishment wants to fight dirty?  Well I'm game.
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« Reply #17 on: December 11, 2012, 04:24:35 PM »

Great timeline series so far! I have two questions regarding the first part of the timeline that may seem a bit off topic at this point though. First, how did the U.S. get involved in the Persian War? Second, did the Republicans pick up Congress during the 1958 midterms due to the Recession of 1958 and how did President Estes Kefauver's last two years in office turn out if that happened?
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« Reply #18 on: December 13, 2012, 10:00:36 PM »

Great timeline series so far! I have two questions regarding the first part of the timeline that may seem a bit off topic at this point though. First, how did the U.S. get involved in the Persian War? Second, did the Republicans pick up Congress during the 1958 midterms due to the Recession of 1958 and how did President Estes Kefauver's last two years in office turn out if that happened?

There's no such thing as a dumb question.  And frankly, this isn't dumb at all.  Cathcon asks these types of questions all the time and I actively encourage people to do so.

Anyway, don't remember the Congressional layout but I would probably have to say that yes the Recession did help the GOP in 1958 (like IRL except for the Democrats).  Democrats had strong gains in the beginning of the 1950's (mostly in '50 and then '52) due to Republican division that brought them back up to around 62 seats in the US Senate and around the same proportionwise in the US House.  1954 saw some very small losses due to y'know mostly reaction against a President (like usual).  So probably down to say 61 seats in the Senate and maybe about 58-59% representation in the House.  In 1956, the Democrats do lose seats despite it being a good year for them, though most of these losses were in the South due to some Democrats becoming "Independent Democrats" in opposition to Kefauvers stance on Civil Rights.  However, machine bosses in the North, after getting Kefauver to give up on machine reforms for the rest of his term, were able to muster enough blue collar turnout in the north to lessen the blow.  In some border states, thinking Tennessee, Missouri, West Virginia, Maryland. . . . Republican gains occur due to the infighting between stalwarts and the dixiecrats.  Democrats lose a number of seats, probably down to 54 seats in the Senate and down to 54% in the House.
I think originally I had the Republicans gaining Congress in 1960, but after reading this question I think a slight revision might be in order (since that pattern happens for the Democrats in 1968).  Yes, I woudl say that Republicans do win in 1958, due to the recession, and get some solid gains in mostly the western and midwestern states.  In a few states, Democrats lose virtually all seats outside of urban areas (I'm thinking maybe Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and maybe even Ohio/Pennsylvania) and Republicans even win some seats in the traditionally Democratic Solid South (strongest gains in the Dallas and Houston areas of Texas and southern Florida).  Democrats lose 10 seats in the Senate, bringing them down to 43 seats (very low for the time period) and lose a buttload of representatives that brings down the number to somewhere around the neighborhood it was in after the 1946 Elections.  However, some Dixiecrats do return to the party, thus lessening the blow, but not really by much at all (since a large number of them were essentially conservatives with a Democratic Party registry, on other issues besides Civil Rights).  This makes Kefauver's last two years essentially a lame duck period (though many critics say that of his presidency outside of the CR debate and some tax reforms) with little done except deficit reduction talks.  Kefauver and the conservative congress come to a compromise. . . . . . . a combination of gas taxes and import duties would be increased (to the chagrin of the free trade lobby), the upper income tax bracket would be maintained at 80%, while congressional conservatives would win the day on decreased entitlement spending (mostly urban beautification, free housing programs, and foreign military expenditures).  The result was a two year period of budget surpluses and reduced involvement in the Vietnam Conflict which seemed to be dying down as support for Ho Chi Minh was going down in the North Vietnamese government (and US covert ops were actively supporting rivals in Minh's government to depose him).
And then in 1960, due to large Dixiecratic dissatisfaction with the liberal Democratic establishment, the Republicans were able to win the Presidency with the ticket of Charles Percy/Thurston Morton.  Due to vote splitting, Republicans were even able to win highly unlikely victories in some southern states, the most notably being Louisiana.  The liberalism of James Roosevelt turned off many traditionally Democratic conservatives in many states, though the nomination of John Kennedy as the VP was able to keep Catholic voters in line in the North.  The Percy/Thurston years were generally favorable to the Republicans, who were able to hold a majority of the Senate (though not as strong as Democrats were, with only about 56% at most in 1964) and the US House (Republicans reached their 1946 numbers in 1964, when many northern Democrats protested the national ticket and voted GOP due to their Civil Rights preferences).  These years generally saw a subdued conservatism, with little focus on enforcing morality but more on what Morton supporters called "pragmatic conservatism".  That is, the advocacy of polices that were proven, by statistic analysis, to lead to increased civic growth and participation (ie, lower taxes to help businesses thrive and for urban areas to likewise benefit from the burgeoning economy).  However, there were some problems, like the foreign policy of the time.
In the 1960's there were two Soviet backed conflicts that involved the West: One in Ireland, where the Soviets were supporting Republican radicals in the northern part of the isle to take over the government and then force a referendum, at gunpoint, on the Irish National Government to consider unification under a socialist republic.  The other was in Iran, where radical "pro-democracy" supporters and a sizable faction of the Iran military revolted and established, with Soviet help, a communist republic in the mountainous regions of the country.  Though the revolutionaries held a sparsely populated part of the country and didn't have influence on Iran's domestic oil production, the Morton government got involved in the conflict due to fears of it spilling over into nearby Iraq (pretty much, the Domino Effect all over again).  US forces got involved in early 1964 and were there until 1970, when the Kennedy Administration saw the removal of land forces in Persia.  The Communists ultimately failed in Iran, as the Soviet Union fell. . . . . and a radical Shi'a government ended up taking it's place. ... . . and ultimately ended up killing the Shah and his family.  Just when it looked like Morton's legacy would be vindicated. . . . . . .. . .
But yeah, that's all I got for now.
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« Reply #19 on: December 13, 2012, 10:19:30 PM »

Awesome stuff man.
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« Reply #20 on: January 02, 2013, 02:31:24 AM »

Later, that night:

Westman lied in bed with his loving cousin snuggling against his chest.  Kathleen is stroking his chest hair as the moonlight falls on the affectionate relatives.
Kathleen: Very sweet speech, dear.  I feel the wheels of change rolling.
Westman picks up a cigar from the nightstand next time him and lights it.  He takes a big puff of it and pats Kathleen's head with his other hand.
Westman: Don't use such bullsh*t metaphorical language.  I said what needed to be said and I got the reaction I needed.  It's official now.  This is so on.
Kathleen: YOu do realize the risk, the challenges you will be facing?  If this goes through?
Westman: What'dya mean?
Kathleen laughs while she curls her head sideways against Westman's sternum to face him in the eye.
Kathleen: Scott, honey, you're not that much of a mountain west bumpkin to think you can just walk in here and form your own operation do you?
WEstman chuckles.
Westman: Why not, I got the cash and the family name.  Might as well use it for a good cause.
Kathleen: You're such a damn fool sometimes Scott.  This might be the worst mistake you ever made.  Well, besides marrying that little Kennedy girl.
Westman sighs.
Westman: Look Kathy.. . . . . . . . you don't understand.  Me and Caroline we-
Kathleen: Got married so she could have sex.  Cos obviously, that wasn't a problem.  For you.
Westman puts down the cigar and pulls Kathleen up further on him until her forehead is level with his chin.
Westman: Kathy, how can you say such a thing?  To imply that I'm only driven by sex!
Kathleen: Well it's true!  YOu can't possibly love that little trollup, what with the amount of screwing you do.  You are a textbook case of a horny toad who doesn't know when to quit.
Westman: No I'm not.  If I was so driven by sex, why is it my dear, that I have so resisted the primitive urge to take you right here, right now?
Kathleen laughs.
Kathleen: Easy. . . . that is probably illegal.  Or at least high discouraged.
Westman: Wrong, otherwise I would've never dated a teenager if law was such a factor.  Or society.  I have refrained because of your father and the promise I made him so long ago.  But, I say even after all these years I've lost a mind for carnal knowledge of you.  I much prefer us like this: pure, wholesome, loving.  Let ours be a relationship built purely on emotional love, the presence of one another in hard times, a hand to hold onto, a shoulder to lean on.  You wonder why I keep coming up here Kathleen?  Well, I guess it's because with all the stress in the world, all the failures of my marriage, it all goes away when I'm here with you.  I love you Kathleen, always have always will.
Kathleen pulls herself up further to come face to face with Westman.  She leans down and gives him a passionate kiss before laying back down beside him.
Kathleen: Well, you won't believe what they've been discussing.
Westman: What?
Kathleen: Well, word is that there are negotiations to make Long Island the newest state in the Union.
Westman: Seriously!?
Kathleen: Well, you know with the bomb going off and the radiation poisoning, there is a consensus that having Long Island leave would put less stress on resources for the state government.
Westman: So, who stands to lose from LI statehood?
Kathleen laughs.
Kathleen: Democrats, big time.  We lost about 500,000 voters in New York City, we probably lost about 120,000 or so in Brooklyn.  New York stays a state and the citizens of upper New York and Long Island will outnumber what remains of the urban Democratic presence.  If LI becomes a state, it will most likely be a strong Republican state, thus giving them more votes in the House and Senate.  Outside of Brooklyn, Democrats are quite weak there.  New York would be even more out of reach, given the loss of Brooklyn to go with Long Island.  We would in effect be losing most of the gains so far this decade.
Westman: Well, bummer.
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Mechaman
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« Reply #21 on: February 05, 2013, 10:41:34 PM »

A July Day
WW Estate
Near Lake Erie:


Scott Westman looked over the vast lake with his close confidant Thad O'Connor of Maine.
Westman: You know Thad, one day all of this could be yours.  We are blood after all.
Thad, who had spent the last few months getting wasted, high, and sexed out of his life at Westman's Flathead Lake residence, laughed at that.
O'Connor: I won't lie, it's pretty damn creepy to think of myself as related to you.  After all. . . . .
Westman laughed.
Westman: Thad, did you not see me and Kathleen last night?
O'Connor: Yeah, but you were always a real natural at that Scott.
Westman stubs out his cigar against the railing on the balcony overlooking the lake.
Westman: Tell me dear O'Connor, is it a sin to love your Cousin?
O'Connor laughs.
O'Connor: Not at all.  After all, I love you.
Westman chortles with laughter.
Westman: I've been getting that a lot lately.  None of it from my wife.
O'Connor: Only fools seek the company of marriage.
Westman: YEs, and I am the biggest of them.  I got plenty of need of f***ing, I got plenty need of offspring, I got none of marriage.  Yet I've done it, twice in my life.
O'Connor: Well to be fair, you were kind of forced into the first one.
Westman: Hell yeah I was man (kicks over beer bucket near table).  They took girls getting pregnant back then seriously.  Sh*t, Catalina was only a child when we were married.  And her father, the bastard, was pretty much endorsing pedophilia.  I was the oldest goddamn 18 year old.  She was the youngest damned 14 year old in the world.  And why?  Because I took her to the spot I took every girl. . . .I took her to the mountains.  Frankly, the sex was way better with the Indian girls.
O'Connor: Hard to believe though. . . . . .just 2 decades ago. . . . . we weren't close to what we were doing now.  You the righteous freedom fighter, the protestor or wars whether Democratic or Republican.  Me, just a tool in Morton's immoral wars.
O'Connor looks around real quickly to see if anybody is watching.  Westman pulls a bag out of his jacket and shrugs.
Westman: Damn it Thad, nobody's watching.  What's more, nobody cares.  They're all either out boating, taking their wives out to eat in town, or getting their dicks wet from one of the "saloon" women.  We're probably the only two motherf***ers here actually.
Just then Lawrence Coventry comes out.
Coventry: Westman.
Westman makes a curt nod.
Westman: Damn it Larry, call me Scott.  This isn't a f***in' battleship.
Coventry: Okay, Scott. . . . . . you were telling me about your boat collection?
Westman laughs.
Westman: You mean my grandpa's?
Coventry nods.
Westman: Aw what the Hell.  Give us a few minutes.  Old friends catching up on lost times.  When you're old as me, sometimes talking about the good ole days helps.  Especially now with those Gaelic motherf***ers bombing post offices in Whitefish and our government responding with all out town searches.  O'How many weed arrests were there that week?  Bastards.  Our time will soon come though.
Coventry nods before going back inside. . . before suddenly being stopped by Westman.
Westman: Whoa sh*t, dude.  I almost forgot.  We about to smoke man.  You want some.
Coventry looks over at Westman.
Coventry: Well, I don't know.  I mean, what if somebody is. . .
Westman: Larry, my grandad's been dead for a decade, his grieving widow, my step grandmother is in some fancy smancy nursing home and the only aunt who still lives here is Kathleen. . . . . and she's pretty biased towards me.
Coventry laughs.
Coventry: So. . . . do the drugs relax your outlook on incest?
Westman cackles.
Westman: Of course it does man.  They make it sound so evil.  Really, tonguing your technical aunt isn't incest.  Only squares think like that.
Westman prepares the joints for all three of them, hands the other two men lighters, and then looks over at them.
Westman: Well gentlemen, ready when you are.

Thirty Minutes later:

Westman:
Truth is man, I never loved either of my wives.  I never loved Catalina, nor did I love Caroline.  Especially not Caroline.  I only ever got married cos I wanted to f***.  Catalina married me cos she wanted to f***.  Caroline married so she could f*** without feeling guilty.  So really all three of us saw our marriages as excuses to f***.  We're like this Holy Trinity for people who marry to f***.  Cos seriously, Jesus man, I must've nailed about a hundred or so fine birds when I was with Catalina.  My biographers twenty years from now will no doubt lie and say it was true love, but I won't.  Hell dude, some of it was illegal bait.
Coventry looked at Westman, who had been going on a weed induced rant about his relationships with both his late first wife and his current as well as his innumerable sexual episodes, with a look that combined reverence and disbelief.
Coventry: Scott, I find it quite incredible you didn't literally f*** your own brains out.  That much sex can't be healthy.  You're like this inconceivable combination of sex addict and politician.  Well that, plus your lust for firearms, explosives, and mind altering drugs makes me wonder how the blue bloody hell you managed to get into office not just once in a freak occurrence for US Senate, but now as a Governor?
Westman looks blank eyed at Coventry.
Westman: Sh*t if I know bro.
Sh*t if I know.
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« Reply #22 on: February 06, 2013, 09:51:19 AM »

Washington News
Breaking
11:05 PM, EST
July 19th, 1987:


This is Breaking News from Washington:

At 10:55 PM EST, Secretary of State Christian Mattingly and his family were moved by Secret Service convoy to an undisclosed location.  At the moment nothing is confirmed, but there is speculation that Mattingly was moved in response to threats by Taimid agents against him and his family.  At the moment, all the Crane cabinet members have officially classified all schedule papers till further notice.


CNN:

Larry King:
Hello, you are watching CNN.  This is Larry King, stepping in for Mike McCauley's usual duties.  He is currently at home recovering from food poisoning.  As those of you tuning in might be aware, Veterans Affairs Secretary Christian Mattingly, and his family, have been moved to an undisclosed classifed location via Secret Service convoy.  This, not surprisingly, has raised a lot of questions about a possible terror plot by the Taimid to strike at the heart of American government.  At the moment, the government has ordered a press freeze on schedules and appearances.  If I trust my premonition, we should hear an update from the White House in two days time.
This incident does bring to mind the question of how safe we really are.  According to the US Government, virtually all nuclear weapons and stockpiles in the world have been accounted for.  After September 6th, how can we rest in peace?  The nuclear weapons used on that day were unaccounted for, unaudited, and very unpredicted.  How many more nuclear bombs are unaccounted for?  How many more are missing from outdated Soviet audits?
(coughs)
Surely, the government must not think us so foolhardy as to sit back and just wait for them to talk.  There needs to be something said about this most recent relocation of Secretary Mattingly and the recent press freeze.  If there is a significant threat to this American government, or to the people of these states, it is the duty of the Administration to let us know without causing undue panic.  For we are all in a very fragile state, with wide powers given to government to search via phonetap and electronic communication at a whim.  We should not take what has happened very lightly, nor should we ignore the responsibilities and duties we have in our military engagements with Taimid forces in Canada, Russia, Ethiopia, Australia, and wherever else they may appear.  As the world's only remaining superpower it should be our natural duty to be on our guard and protect liberty the world over.

WW Estate:

O'Connor:
The bastard isn't even pretending to be non-biased now.
Westman: Damn right.

Back in CNN Studios:

King:
Surely we must be alert for what happens over the next few weeks and months.  But, for another news story.  On the shores of Lake Erie near Buffalo, New York-
Westman: Dear god.. . . .  .
King: There is the estate of the renowned William Westman, who came to be known for his staunch defense of Tammany Hall as a US Senator in the 1930's-1940's as a political opponent of FDR.  Later on, with a World War at hand, the two would join forces and unite the New York Democratic Party against the growing clout of the Republicans in the state.  Later on, he would become the US Secretary of Commerce and then would go onto be the longest lasting US Ambassador to Great Britain in history.  While in Britain, the Irish Catholic William "Willie" Westman would be an invaluable friend and ally to King George VI and then later his daughter Elizabeth.  So high did the British Royal Family hold Ambassador Westman that many Labour Party leaders throw out insinuations of the Family being controlled by the "corporatist" Westman, who was open about his support of Conservative Party politics and his dislike of Labour politics.  After the last of his daughters was born, Westman decided to resign his post and return to America to raise his family.
Westman: Is there a story he's going to make here?  Or is it just bullsh*t reminiscing?
Coventry: I know right?
King:-I wonder how he would react today if he knew that over the past few days-
Westman puts his face in his hand.
Westman: God, I need another drink.
As Westman gets up to pour his glass, the news goes on-
King:-that his daughter Kathleen would be having negotiations over the sale of this lavish estate to the city of Buffalo-
Westman looks over at them in disbelief.
Westman: What the fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu. . . .
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Mechaman
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« Reply #23 on: February 06, 2013, 10:31:53 AM »

A Few Minutes Later:

Westman:
Kathleen!  What the hell?
Kathleen looks back over at Westman as he's following her down a hallway in the Estate.
Kathleen: Listen Scott, the state is defunding the homeless program.  I thought that we could sell off the land and use it for a new shelter for Buffalo/Lake Erie.
Westman: Are you high?
Kathleen: Your grandfather would've done the same thing.  Don't give me that tone of voice.
Westman: Sorry aunt, I just would've liked to have been informed on this.  I am after all a cosigner!
Kathleen: What the hell do you care?  You're hardly ever here!  You just come here to get away from your wife anyhow. . . . .
Westman takes her into a nearby room, where North Dakota Republican Robert Deese was laying down on a bed reading a book.
Deese: Scott, what's going on-
Westman waves his arm over at him in a dismissive way.
Westman: Robert, can you give us a few minutes alone?
Deese: What the hell man?  This is my room!
Westman: Can it Deese, this is my room.  I am the millionaire estate owner here, not you!
Kathleen: You watch it buster!  This is my estate, through inheritance!  You are a mere witness!  That's okay Robert, we'll go somewhere else.
Kathleen grabs Westman by the hand and takes him into the master bedroom down the hall.  The one they share.
Kathleen: You dare question me?  You dare abuse your authority where it doesn't belong?
Westman: Kathy. . . . I-
Kathleen: I love you goddamn it!  Why can't you understand that?  But no, you'd rather put on this happy shiny face to the world while living in misery!  Why?  Because you are too scared!
Westman seemed taken aback.
Westman: I'm scared?!  Big words coming from you!
Kathleen slaps Westman.  Hard.
Kathleen: All of my life, all I wanted was you dear cousin.  But no, you, despite your easy tendencies towards breaking the law for leisure have refused me.  Repeatedly.  When so many other women could give a damn about you, and just use you.  Like that harlot of a wife of yours!  Why oh why should I keep this painful reminder of our dysfunction?  Why oh why!?  What point is love without making love?
Westman: Kathy, it's different.  Look, I promised your da-
Kathleen: F*** my father!  If you truly felt as you say you do about me you would abandon all fears and judgement of society!  You would thrust headlong into the passion that comes so naturally to you with those who you care a lot less about!  Goodnight Governor!  Have fun sleeping by yourself!
Westman rushes out of the room as the door slams behind him.
Westman: Women!
Deese looks weirded out by what he just heard.
Westman: What the hell you looking at man?
Deese: Nothing.
Westman: Damn right nothin.  Going back upstairs.
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« Reply #24 on: February 09, 2013, 05:05:35 PM »

Somewhere in the Ozark Mountains:

Mattingly:
Can someone tell me what the f*** we're doing in the middle of Bumf**kistan, MIssouri?!
Secret Agent Robin L Cattero looks at Mattingly with a look of sour contempt.
Cattero: They happen to have the best damn fried catfish in this area.  Besides my mother grew up around theese parts!
Mattingly: Oh really?  Isn't that quaint.  You realize how pissed off my daughter Jessica is at me?  how about my wife?
Cattero: Sir, this is a National Security Risk issue.  We have to hide you guys in a place they would never guess.
Mattingly: Looking at how depressing this part of the country is, I would hope they would never guess I would be here.  Oh hell, they might not even come here even if they did know.
Cattero: Well, you're someone who actually matters sir.  We can't afford you walking around everwhere with your mouth running looking to get shot.  Unlike that one Montana guy.
Mattingly has a small chuckle.
Mattingly: Oh yes, Westman.  That asshole doesn't give a damn.  He's the type of the guy who just loves the attentionwhoring.  Even if it resutls in him getting a gun in his face.
Jay Rockefeller: Yeah, and he also has a bunch of sh*t up his nose.  Too ideologically driven.  Too blind to reality.  Thankfully for us, he's a Democrat and the more he talks the more it makes serious Demcorats like Moynihan look bad.
Mattingly: Well, I for one don't enjoy being taken all the way to f***in Missouri just to hide from some people.  Where's Phil anyhow?
Rockefeller: Somewhere in the Rocky Mountains.
Mattingly: Damn, they really didn't want to take any chances with him!  Well, at least there is clear skies out there.  This just looks and feels depressing.  Holy hell man, how is it that hot outside?
Cattero: It's only eighty five degrees outside.  It's the middle of July!
Mattingly laughs.
Mattingly: Feels like a hundred and five!  Feels like my skin is melting off my face and the stomach acids are boiling me alive!
Rockefeller: Well I guess if you're from Michigan where it's always 72 degrees outside in this time of year you would think this is buring up.  Each summer that passes it seems, only seems to keep confirming all those that talk about Global Cooling.
Mattingly: Are you kidding me?  Global Cooling?  These past few summers, when everyone was screaming their heads off about the world cooling have been some of the most pleasant summers I've ever had!
Cattero: Probably because those summers are cooler, Chris.
Mattingly: OH and you talk about Winters!  WEll what about last winter when Detroit didn't even get snow!  Or me not needing to even wear my heavy winter gear in 1985?  In the Winter!
Rockefeller: Yes yes yes, of course.  But again it's called "Global" Cooling, not just "Michigan Cooling."  My man, you must be prepared for the certain calamity that faces this nation and this world when natural gas prices will have to naturally go through the roof in response to-
Mattingly: Spare me the Rockefeller Republican bullsh Jay.  This is merely a Ponzi Scheme to trick people into Nuclear Energy!  After all, if the world is cooler, you might not even need "cooling towers"!
Rockefeller: God, you're helpless.  Wnat another drink fellas?
Other two guys: Yeah sure.
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