Here is a map I posted for MotF 201, crossposted from there. It was made in a day, so it's not very thought out.
link is here:
https://imgur.com/a/qjQzNpZ
MotF 201: Abandon Big Ben
“I will return” -Douglas MacArthur, leaving the port of Astoria for the last time
“He didn’t” – Scott Pilgrim Narrator
Trouble at the Top : A Look Inside Alaska
-Tim Allen, The People’s Review, August 5th, 2016
As I get off the American Airlines plane, cold air whips my face. Slowly walking down the stairs, I am greeted by a blonde man in military uniform. He introduces himself as my guide to the private and guarded hotel I will be staying at. I am in Anchorage, the capital of the United States of America, known by many throughout the federation as Alaska.
Ever since the independence of North Slope, Alaska has withdrawn inwards, shunning modern technological advancements and sciences. Only around 20% of the population have personal computers, and of these almost all live in cities. For a country so close to the Federation, few benefits can be seen, as most of the population lives in overcrowded housing centers in the major areas, such as the Capital.
I am ushered from the deserted airport along wide, treelined avenues to the government district, with its modern buildings. My hotel is a shining tower of steel and glass, built recently and never booked. Smiling guards inform me that I am to stay in the building until the time for a tour, putting me effectively under house arrest. The guards at the doors, members of the All – American – Security – Division (AASD) are tasked with general security in the republic, except when in conflict with the sheriffs, who retain much power in the rural and backward countryside. The AASD was created in the 50’s to keep the native population under control and has grown to the main security force in the decades since. I go to my room and wait, looking out over the city.
It’s clear to see where the government sops and the civilians begin, by the line of wooden and brick houses and shacks spreading out to Cook Inlet. This is how most Alaskans live, just as they have since they moved here 7 decades ago.
The next day I get invited to take a tour of the government premises, as uniformed men (All men, strangely) showed me the industrial might of Alaska. A wiry, raven-haired figure introduces himself as Doctor Ronald Reeves, assures me that the might of Alaska is the greatest in the world.
“Here we see the great factories, producing arms for our great nation. Brave Americans spend each day working here, under ideal conditions (They are not), fueling our wonderful economy (It is not). See our might! See our power! One day we
will return, and when we do, those red-blooded Americans oppressed by the commies down south will reach us with open arms! I assure you; you too may be freed from socialist oppression when the time comes. Many immigrants come from all over the oppressed world, seeking faith and the true American way (statistics show that 82,000 people have left Alaska over the years, mainly due to poor government treatment). If only the rest of the world could follow the American way!”
The factories I see are not producing civilian goods, foodstuffs, or amenities for the beleaguered population. Instead, they create tanks, midgit submarines, and guns for when the “war of liberation” comes to the federation. Despite some allegations of WMD’s in the Alaskan interior, few in the federation are worried about the prospect of war with the “Alaskan reactionaries”, believing that “they wouldn’t know a rifle if it shot them in the face.”
At the end of my trip, I am honored to see the Independence Day celebrations, held on July 4th of every year. Thousands of flags are brought out, guns are fired, and a long column of perfectly orderly soldiers marches past. Following the parade, a great party is organized, as all streets are closed and neighbors gather to drink, shoot, and burn effigies of Floyd Olson and Henry Wallace. This goes on into the late night, where what seems to be the whole Alaskan air force fly’s overhead, detonating fireworks of red, white, and blue over the people. Watching the spectacle of fireworks, Terrence Regan, a senator from the state of Kenai turns to talk to me. He extolls the virtues of the American way, namely the three F’s (Faith, Family, and Freedom), and as the explosions diminish, he makes his closing remarks.
“See, this is what separates us from those dammed R*dskins and Commie N*****-lovers. We have freedom, we have strength, we have intelligence, and we show it.”
What are my thoughts about the United States of America? It’s certainly an interesting place. I wouldn’t want to go there for vacation, but it serves as an example of history, a slice of the past, if you will. Their values may be different than what you would see here, and any LGBT or African-Americans certainly wouldn’t want to go there, but for those who can, it’s quite the experience.
Enough is Enough – Native Leaders call for Federation Action against Alaska – May 3rd, 2016
Our native land, our culture, our friends and families are being erased from the earth, says congressman Aqakuktuq, speaking on behalf of “all native Alaskans under the oppressive boot of Alaskan government.” Speaking to ambassador Orrel in Tanan, Aqakuktuq pleaded yesterday for the Federation to take economic action against Alaska.
“Our culture is being systematically destroyed, and we do nothing but give warnings and stern letters! Reports continue to send in confirming mistreatment of native’s in cities and widespread discrimination and ‘Americanization.’ What are we to do?”
Ever since its independence in 1972, North Slope has stood as an antithesis to Alaska, proving that an oil republic in the far north can be committed to peace and prosperity. Despite the falling price of oil, mean income and happiness has steadily increased, with drug addiction and violent crime decreasing. This stands in stark contrast with Alaska, which continues to harass and discriminate against natives. While officially racial discrimination was outlawed in the 1997 court ruling on civil rights, it has been not generally accepted. Many native Alaskans have fled over the thousand-kilometer border between the two nations, and have been welcomed with open arms by the North Slope government, which promises to “accept all the oppressed and beaten-down, and give them a new life.” Even this border is getting tenser, as Federation garrisons have been established on all major roads leading between the two countries.
“The story of the Oil Republics, is one many may have heard in the Federation and beyond.” Says Aqakuktuq. “For those of us with the Sagavanirgtok Spirit, it is a story of how an backwater land can rise to prominence. It is a story of hope of life. But this tale is also a warning, for the Alaskan republic is a sign of how backwardness leads to tyranny and hatred, which tears people apart. I hope president Palin can hear what we have to say, and I pray that she will stop the oppression of our people.”
Only time will tell if Ms. Palin will acquiesce to these demands, but it seems likely that tensions will remain high with Alaska for the foreseeable future.