JFK Lives

[President Mitt]

Tomorrow, tomorrow, an update, tomorrow, it's only a day away! 

So much for that

[President Mitt]

But seriously Deeds, you cannot simply just give us that snappy jingle and forget about the update.

[President Mitt]

Bumpity Bump.

[President Mitt]

[President Mitt]

Whats going on with my man Rudy Giuliani?

[President Mitt]

I bump thee.

[President Mitt]

[President Mitt]

On January 29, 1991, in his State of the Union Address, President Chiles declares that, “The State of our Union is strong, and getting stronger.”  Following the Address, Hatfield makes the first visit to Moscow by an American President since the Hatfield ultimatum.  During his meeting with Soviet Premier Vitaly Fedorchuk, Chiles pushes for a more open relationship between the two countries, both politically and economically.  Fedorchuk, however, is unresponsive to the offer.

On March 8, the Senate begins debate on the High Performance Computing and Communication Act of 1991.  Also known as the Gore Bill, after Senator Al Gore (D-TN), the legislation would create the National Information Infrastructure and begin funding of the National Research and Education Network (NREN).  Primary opposition to the HPCA came from conservatives who were worried about the high costs attached to the HPCA.  Senator Richard Shelby (D-AL) claimed that, “This would plunge our nation deep into debt, from which we would take a long time to recover.”  Eventually, though, the HPCA passes the Senate, 57-36, on April 25, and the House, 227-184, on May 16.

On June 18, Justices Spottswood William Robinson III and Byron White both announce their retirements.  To replace them, President Chiles nominates Harry T. Edwards of the DC Circuit, and Stephanie Kulp Seymour of the 10th Circuit.  They are both confirmed without controversy.

On July 15, 1991, President Chiles, in a speech to a joint session of Congress, calls for an invasion of Panama to overthrow Panamanian leader, general, and dictator Manuel Noriega.  In the speech, Chiles gives four reasons for invading Panama: protecting Panamanian and American citizens, defending democracy and human rights in Panama from Noriega, fighting a serious drug trafficking problem in Panama, and protecting the integrity of the Torrijos-Hearnes Treaties, which Chiles claimed was being threatened by Noriega.  On July 20, by a vote of 60-36, the Senate grants Chiles the authority; the House follows on July 24, 309-104.

On July 26, the invasion, named “Operation Just Cause”, begins.  28,000 American troops attacked strategic installations such as the civilian Punta Paitilla Airport in Panama City, a PDF garrison and airfield at Rio Hato, where Noriega also maintained a residence. U.S. Navy SEALS destroyed Noriega’s private jet and a Panamanian gunboat.  During this attack, one Navy SEAL and two American soldiers were killed.

By August 2, the only objective remaining for the Americans was the capture of Noriega.  He had taken residence in the Vatican Embassy since July 31, but the Americans, on August 4, managed to force him out.  He surrendered, and was extradited to Miami.  Guillermo Endara, who had attempted to overthrow Noriega, then living in hiding, was sworn in as president by a judge on the night preceding the invasion. The casualties were 20 on the American side, and around 200 Panamanian casualties.


Manuel Noriega following his arrest

In a speech on September 10, 1991, President Chiles, reacting to a report finding that nearly 13% of Americans lives below the poverty line, announced a series of initiatives on education and job creation to lower that number.  Despite reservations, the House passes the Education Opportunity Act of 1991, which would provide monetary scholarships to low income people attempting to go to University, on November 20, 227-204.  The Senate follows on December 12, 53-43. 

On January 15, the House passes the Employment Jumpstart Act of 1992, which provided funds for unemployed people to seek education in the career field of their choice for three years, 220-212.  On February 9, the Senate passes the EJA, 50-42.  Shortly after signing the EJA, President Hatfield begins campaigning in earnest for his reelection.

You mean President Chiles right?

[President Mitt]

You guys would be surprised how hard it is to stick to something. I know I wouldn't have been able to get as far as Ben has.