How about giving Bill Bradley another chance. Still seeing the Republicans winning reguardless.
For a Gore Prosperous Tomorrow
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- 9/11 al gore alternate 2000s
How about giving Bill Bradley another chance. Still seeing the Republicans winning reguardless.
In my opinion a 2008 race without Obama would see a Clinton's or Kerry's victory but I don't want to question author's choice.
For a Joe Biden 2008 candidacy I think that the shortlist would be: Blanche Lincoln (Sen-Arkansas), Mary Landrieu (Sen-Louisiana), Russ Feingold (Sen-Wisconsin), Tom Daschle (Sen/ Majority Leader-South Dakota), Janet Napolitano (Gov-Arizona), Bill Richardson (Fr Gov/ Prez Candidate-New Mexico, Kathleen Sebellius (Gov-Kansas).
I would put Napolitano (Woman, Moderate, neutral in the primary, Swing State and Home State of the opponent), Richardson (Hispanic, Moderate, ally of Clinton) and Feingold (Jewish, Leftwing, neutral in the primary, Swing State) in my final three, although I fear that Biden would find Feingold too leftwing for his taste.
After four consecutive win the Democratic Establishment will think that the Clintonite Third Way, moderate, win-at-center, appeal-to-independent-and-south as the best strategy to keep the White House as it worked perfectly in the last sixteen years so probably the VP choice will be in this direction, with Napolitano, Richardson, Sebellius or one of the South Senators in pole position. Also after defeating Clinton nominating a woman could sound a good move.
For a Joe Biden 2008 candidacy I think that the shortlist would be: Blanche Lincoln (Sen-Arkansas), Mary Landrieu (Sen-Louisiana), Russ Feingold (Sen-Wisconsin), Tom Daschle (Sen/ Majority Leader-South Dakota), Janet Napolitano (Gov-Arizona), Bill Richardson (Fr Gov/ Prez Candidate-New Mexico, Kathleen Sebellius (Gov-Kansas).
I would put Napolitano (Woman, Moderate, neutral in the primary, Swing State and Home State of the opponent), Richardson (Hispanic, Moderate, ally of Clinton) and Feingold (Jewish, Leftwing, neutral in the primary, Swing State) in my final three, although I fear that Biden would find Feingold too leftwing for his taste.
After four consecutive win the Democratic Establishment will think that the Clintonite Third Way, moderate, win-at-center, appeal-to-independent-and-south as the best strategy to keep the White House as it worked perfectly in the last sixteen years so probably the VP choice will be in this direction, with Napolitano, Richardson, Sebellius or one of the South Senators in pole position. Also after defeating Clinton nominating a woman could sound a good move.
Kerry's probably in the Gore Administration and given Clinton and Gore's rivalry, I doubt he would support her in the primaries. But yeah, there are more than a few (including Obama) who think they probably won't win.
Yep, it's understandable that, with less probabilities of victory, some big names as Obama and Kerry decide to wait the next round.
District of Columbia v Heller
And yes, this gets its own thing after all! Happy Thanksgiving!
District of Columbia v. Heller
Often times, there are large landmark cases that define and set a path for the nation within the judicial system. While the Gore administration has had a fair bit over the years, including the case with gerrymandering, one of the biggest was none other than the District of Columbia v. Heller. The case revolved around the handgun ban and ordinance regarding certain other firearms within Washington DC. The case was a bit tenous as the driving force behind it was the CATO Institute, a Libretarian think tank and was doing so in order tot ry and challenge firearm bans and result in the 2nd Amendment being proven of protecting firearms rights for the individual. However, matters certainly changed over the years as the Supreme Court swung decidingly to the left, which left the Institute in a bit of a pickle as the case was being moved further on up to the Supreme Court.
Additionally, the increase of school shootings and the growing demand for gun control laws unsurprisingly brought this case a large number of views and opinions, especially with this being an election year. However, the Fair Coverage doctrine meant that the entirely thing was covered on both sides and additionally, pundits noted that for the entire issue to be decided on a court case is messed up given how it's not just about the guns, but on the details regarding everything else. When the case was being moved up, Al Gore met up with Congress to prepare some laws on gun control. Namely in background checks, safety training, licenseing and other issues such as making it illegal to wield guns while drunk. Regardless of the case, they would need to be prepared. After all, the House and Senate were still primarily controlled by the Democrats and while they and the GOP were a little more big tent than they have been in several years, there was still underlying factors. Gore noted how the driving force was the CATO Institution, driven by the Koch brothers, who had spats over with the Gore Administration's green policies.
From how it was covered, the case was divided into its two base parts. On the ban of handguns and on the equirement that lawfully owned rifles and shotguns be kept "unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger lock" violated this guarantee. That both of these things violated the Second Amendment. Within the Supreme Court cast itself, it was the second part that was decided relatively quickly. After all, the "well-regulated" part was noted and having gun be in basic safety was viewed as common sense. However, what stood out from this relatively smooth process was in arguing its inconvienence. Counteracting this argument was the presence of the US military, who was asked how firearms were kept for them. As was noted: "In the Army, firearms are stored under lock, key, and sometimes guard, and god help you if one goes missing—the post shuts down and a frenzied search bordering on a religious quest begins. After basic training, soldiers are required to go through a few hours of refresher training with practical drills before they are even allowed on a range for individual shooting qualification." As such, the notion that keeping the rifles and shotguns disassembled or with trigger locks was unconsitutional was utterly dismantled. Even "originalist" proponents were counteracted with how guns worked back then, with black powder and bullets and how they were maintained. After all, if a trained military person can do this on the field of battle following strict rules, then a citizen with basic training should be able to do it with less stringent rules.
Though that left the first part, in regards to the banning of handguns. And namely, the focus remained more on the rammifications. If they noted the 2nd amendment didn't protect it, the backlash would be massive to say the least and there would be plenty of questioning and legal problems. Of course, there was the issue of how far banning arms and what are considered arms should go. There was also the natue of the ban. The ban was in possession though examining the Second Amendment noted that while the language did note on keeping and bearing arms, nothing was mentioned on actually building or buying them.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court came down with a surprising decision for alot of people. That banning the possession of handguns was a violation of the 2nd Amendment (many people were initially confused on the emphasis at first) while the ordinance over keeping rilfes and shotguns unloaded/disassembled or trigger-locked was not a violation of the 2nd Amendment (noting the "well-regulated" part along with the historical context.)
The result was unsurprisngly startling. There was the fact that firearms used for protection of the individual were indeed guranteed by the Constitution was upheld by a liberal Supreme Court; it was something that blew more than a few minds and stereotypes. The ordinances being maintained was attempted to be appealed though the appeal would en up failing in part because of the miltiary's standards being measured.
Not long after the ruling, the Gore Administration proposed a few gun control bills. While differing in a few details, they all proposed the same basic principles: stringent background checks, high-capacity magazine limitations and licensing processes among a few others, such as dealing with drunk shooting. For the most part, it was still a bit difficult despite the ruling. Namely, some argument toward states rights and whatnot, though the 2nd Amendment was held above that, plus the fact was that so close to election year that no one wanted to jeopardize anything, especially as the past tragedies done by firearms, especially in schools, haunted the zeitgeist. After all, regulations and proper safety were part of the Second Amendment as much as being able to use those arms in the first place. Denying the responsabilities that came with the rights was a disservice and the the conditions proposed werre certainly not as stringent as the military's though a few Democrats cheekily proposed if they should apply the same sort of standards. There was enough agreement for the bills to pass, though the most noteworthy was on how people with a history of domestic abuse/animal abuse be barred from being able to purchase firearms. Other details included on pay and processing in dealing with the licensing as well as crime and fees for gunshops, shooting ranges and other places that violated the rules.
With rights came responsability and with the constitutional right of individual citizens being able to possess firearms came the constitutional-mandated responsability of being well-regulated with them. With the decision would come the hope of reducing violent crime and allowing people to best protect themselves.
District of Columbia v. Heller
Often times, there are large landmark cases that define and set a path for the nation within the judicial system. While the Gore administration has had a fair bit over the years, including the case with gerrymandering, one of the biggest was none other than the District of Columbia v. Heller. The case revolved around the handgun ban and ordinance regarding certain other firearms within Washington DC. The case was a bit tenous as the driving force behind it was the CATO Institute, a Libretarian think tank and was doing so in order tot ry and challenge firearm bans and result in the 2nd Amendment being proven of protecting firearms rights for the individual. However, matters certainly changed over the years as the Supreme Court swung decidingly to the left, which left the Institute in a bit of a pickle as the case was being moved further on up to the Supreme Court.
Additionally, the increase of school shootings and the growing demand for gun control laws unsurprisingly brought this case a large number of views and opinions, especially with this being an election year. However, the Fair Coverage doctrine meant that the entirely thing was covered on both sides and additionally, pundits noted that for the entire issue to be decided on a court case is messed up given how it's not just about the guns, but on the details regarding everything else. When the case was being moved up, Al Gore met up with Congress to prepare some laws on gun control. Namely in background checks, safety training, licenseing and other issues such as making it illegal to wield guns while drunk. Regardless of the case, they would need to be prepared. After all, the House and Senate were still primarily controlled by the Democrats and while they and the GOP were a little more big tent than they have been in several years, there was still underlying factors. Gore noted how the driving force was the CATO Institution, driven by the Koch brothers, who had spats over with the Gore Administration's green policies.
From how it was covered, the case was divided into its two base parts. On the ban of handguns and on the equirement that lawfully owned rifles and shotguns be kept "unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger lock" violated this guarantee. That both of these things violated the Second Amendment. Within the Supreme Court cast itself, it was the second part that was decided relatively quickly. After all, the "well-regulated" part was noted and having gun be in basic safety was viewed as common sense. However, what stood out from this relatively smooth process was in arguing its inconvienence. Counteracting this argument was the presence of the US military, who was asked how firearms were kept for them. As was noted: "In the Army, firearms are stored under lock, key, and sometimes guard, and god help you if one goes missing—the post shuts down and a frenzied search bordering on a religious quest begins. After basic training, soldiers are required to go through a few hours of refresher training with practical drills before they are even allowed on a range for individual shooting qualification." As such, the notion that keeping the rifles and shotguns disassembled or with trigger locks was unconsitutional was utterly dismantled. Even "originalist" proponents were counteracted with how guns worked back then, with black powder and bullets and how they were maintained. After all, if a trained military person can do this on the field of battle following strict rules, then a citizen with basic training should be able to do it with less stringent rules.
Though that left the first part, in regards to the banning of handguns. And namely, the focus remained more on the rammifications. If they noted the 2nd amendment didn't protect it, the backlash would be massive to say the least and there would be plenty of questioning and legal problems. Of course, there was the issue of how far banning arms and what are considered arms should go. There was also the natue of the ban. The ban was in possession though examining the Second Amendment noted that while the language did note on keeping and bearing arms, nothing was mentioned on actually building or buying them.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court came down with a surprising decision for alot of people. That banning the possession of handguns was a violation of the 2nd Amendment (many people were initially confused on the emphasis at first) while the ordinance over keeping rilfes and shotguns unloaded/disassembled or trigger-locked was not a violation of the 2nd Amendment (noting the "well-regulated" part along with the historical context.)
The result was unsurprisngly startling. There was the fact that firearms used for protection of the individual were indeed guranteed by the Constitution was upheld by a liberal Supreme Court; it was something that blew more than a few minds and stereotypes. The ordinances being maintained was attempted to be appealed though the appeal would en up failing in part because of the miltiary's standards being measured.
Not long after the ruling, the Gore Administration proposed a few gun control bills. While differing in a few details, they all proposed the same basic principles: stringent background checks, high-capacity magazine limitations and licensing processes among a few others, such as dealing with drunk shooting. For the most part, it was still a bit difficult despite the ruling. Namely, some argument toward states rights and whatnot, though the 2nd Amendment was held above that, plus the fact was that so close to election year that no one wanted to jeopardize anything, especially as the past tragedies done by firearms, especially in schools, haunted the zeitgeist. After all, regulations and proper safety were part of the Second Amendment as much as being able to use those arms in the first place. Denying the responsabilities that came with the rights was a disservice and the the conditions proposed werre certainly not as stringent as the military's though a few Democrats cheekily proposed if they should apply the same sort of standards. There was enough agreement for the bills to pass, though the most noteworthy was on how people with a history of domestic abuse/animal abuse be barred from being able to purchase firearms. Other details included on pay and processing in dealing with the licensing as well as crime and fees for gunshops, shooting ranges and other places that violated the rules.
With rights came responsability and with the constitutional right of individual citizens being able to possess firearms came the constitutional-mandated responsability of being well-regulated with them. With the decision would come the hope of reducing violent crime and allowing people to best protect themselves.
Last edited:
Gore Administration- Summer2008
Summer 2008
"Well, unsurprising the Expo in Spain to be turning out so big..."
"So Bill Gates is stepping down then.."
Summer started out and with it, came the concerns of hurricane season. The hauntings of Katrina and other storms remain and so while summer maintained its view of fun and splendor, there was also a new sense of grim detemrination and preparation as a result. Additionally, the food shortages just months prior also weighed heavily in the public consciousness. As such, in the summer was the Expo 2008, an international exposition held from Saturday, 14 June to Sunday, 14 September 2008 in Zaragoza , Spain, with the theme of "Water and Sustainable Development". The exposition was placed in a meander of the river Ebro and coordinated by the Bureau International des Expositions, the organization responsible for sanctioning World's Fairs. However, the last few years have made the Expo larger and more prounounced with climate change scientists coming in and giving talks in the various areas along with neighboring areas as well. Moreover there was also the growth of the usage of the internet. Being an Atari Democrat, it was unsurprising how much President Gore pushed for the development and relevancy of the internet in these times. Steams were being held and shown on social media pages with input and comments being filled here and spread across, with sites like Facebook and collaborations like Project MAY allowed the greater spread and influence of the expo to reach common person. Additionally, with the main usage of the internet being young people, inspired them to challenge, explore and critique, the dialogue course regarding climate change to begin exploring more radical options that were not considered. Especially wiith Hurricane Gustav and Hanna coming in nearby. While hurricanes and other storms were more predictable thanks to the Gore adminsitration's satellite and the greater sense of preparedness that came with it, it was still a large burden for people to go and end up facing.
Expo 2008 official logo
However, news in the summer was also rocked by Bill Gates stepping down from his positions to focus on his charity foundation. It has been nearly a decade since the Microsoft Division. From there, there was Microsoft Operations or MicroOpps for short, in charge of developing Windows and misc and later development of Xbox and merger with SEGA. And then there was MS Applications or MSApps for short, which creates MSOffice (formerly Microsoft Office), Internet Explorer, MSN, MS Visual Studio and miscellanous products such as MSDraw (formerly Microsoft Paint). Despite the company being split into two and diverging into various routes and fields, they were still manging to do well for themselves and Gates still had a controlling position in both of them, but his retirement signaled a new era for the two successor companies as they delve into a new future. Microsoft Opperations' new OS, Windows Six, has been doing fairly well despite the delay while branching out more in their union with SEGA. They have also been more careful with purchases and aquisations since then, working to ensure to make better choices. MSApps meanwhile has found success in porting MSOffice, Internet Explorer and their other programs across the various operating systems and still shares a close relationship with MicrosoftOpps. What the future would hold is pretty hard to say. Some wonder if they would be doing more with MSN, much like how Google Docs was going out of beta-testing and thus some are wonderin if MSApps would be trying to do implement MSOffice with a web-based version.
Bill Gates in 2008
...
...
...
"Mr President! Mr President! Russia has just indicated war with Georgia!"
"Well, unsurprising the Expo in Spain to be turning out so big..."
"So Bill Gates is stepping down then.."
Summer started out and with it, came the concerns of hurricane season. The hauntings of Katrina and other storms remain and so while summer maintained its view of fun and splendor, there was also a new sense of grim detemrination and preparation as a result. Additionally, the food shortages just months prior also weighed heavily in the public consciousness. As such, in the summer was the Expo 2008, an international exposition held from Saturday, 14 June to Sunday, 14 September 2008 in Zaragoza , Spain, with the theme of "Water and Sustainable Development". The exposition was placed in a meander of the river Ebro and coordinated by the Bureau International des Expositions, the organization responsible for sanctioning World's Fairs. However, the last few years have made the Expo larger and more prounounced with climate change scientists coming in and giving talks in the various areas along with neighboring areas as well. Moreover there was also the growth of the usage of the internet. Being an Atari Democrat, it was unsurprising how much President Gore pushed for the development and relevancy of the internet in these times. Steams were being held and shown on social media pages with input and comments being filled here and spread across, with sites like Facebook and collaborations like Project MAY allowed the greater spread and influence of the expo to reach common person. Additionally, with the main usage of the internet being young people, inspired them to challenge, explore and critique, the dialogue course regarding climate change to begin exploring more radical options that were not considered. Especially wiith Hurricane Gustav and Hanna coming in nearby. While hurricanes and other storms were more predictable thanks to the Gore adminsitration's satellite and the greater sense of preparedness that came with it, it was still a large burden for people to go and end up facing.
Expo 2008 official logo
However, news in the summer was also rocked by Bill Gates stepping down from his positions to focus on his charity foundation. It has been nearly a decade since the Microsoft Division. From there, there was Microsoft Operations or MicroOpps for short, in charge of developing Windows and misc and later development of Xbox and merger with SEGA. And then there was MS Applications or MSApps for short, which creates MSOffice (formerly Microsoft Office), Internet Explorer, MSN, MS Visual Studio and miscellanous products such as MSDraw (formerly Microsoft Paint). Despite the company being split into two and diverging into various routes and fields, they were still manging to do well for themselves and Gates still had a controlling position in both of them, but his retirement signaled a new era for the two successor companies as they delve into a new future. Microsoft Opperations' new OS, Windows Six, has been doing fairly well despite the delay while branching out more in their union with SEGA. They have also been more careful with purchases and aquisations since then, working to ensure to make better choices. MSApps meanwhile has found success in porting MSOffice, Internet Explorer and their other programs across the various operating systems and still shares a close relationship with MicrosoftOpps. What the future would hold is pretty hard to say. Some wonder if they would be doing more with MSN, much like how Google Docs was going out of beta-testing and thus some are wonderin if MSApps would be trying to do implement MSOffice with a web-based version.
Bill Gates in 2008
...
...
...
"Mr President! Mr President! Russia has just indicated war with Georgia!"
2008 Russo-Georgian War
The Russo-Georgian War and Beyond
"I thought the Cold War was over, but then you realize what sort of person Putin is..."
"A new global conflict, one brought by how to live... One we need to stand by..."
"Looks like this is a new age..."
In the early days of August, just before the start of the Summer Olympics of 2008, the world became surprised when the tensions between Georgia and Russia exploded into a short war. The nature of the war was revolving around two potential sovereign states, that of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, who were wanting to seperate from Georgia. However, while the short war lasted with the regions being recognized by Russia and there being displaced people, the rammifications would be massive. Foreign policy experts of the Gore Administration noted that it was not just about two regions for Russia. It was about Russian influence. While Al Gore's influence in pushing for cleaner power and green energy had been reaching to Europe and beyond, he was being met with a road block and that was the large petrol power that was Russia. Containing large amounts of natural gas, coal and petroleum, it was little surprise that they would see Gore's call in reducing the usage as potentially problematic. Tensions between the Gore Administration and the Putin Administration had been growing over the early 2000s. The Russian leadership blamed U.S. officials for encouraging anti-Russian revolts during the Rose Revolution in Georgia in 2003 and the Orange Revolution in Ukraine a year later that were seen by the Putin administration as intrusions into Russia's geographic sphere of interest. Further accusations about trying to get Central Asian natural gas and oil came... then matters went sideways with the Exxon-Mobil Scandal. This realization that the dangers of fossil fuel burning would lead to increased CO2 levels and its connection to climate change had redefined the conversations. Climate change denial shot down, further more with the discovery that coal knew even earlier, since the 60s. There was outrage, brought about by prior years of corporate scandals and the Gore Administration transformed that anger into change. For the most part, Russia did not pay much attention to this though perhaps they did show some concern in at least investigating opportunities for their own biofuel concerns.
However the end of the Russo-Georgian War and Russia's assertation would be met with retaliation. During and after the actual war, Russia engaged in cyberwarfare in trying to sway and convince the masses it was for liberation. Georgian government websites were brought down and pandemoium ensues weeks after the actual fighting stopped. The Gore Administraton condemned the attacks and led the world to do the same in trying to do so. The reactions were expected though the Americans did note that some nations, like Germany and France, were hesitant in blaming a guilty party. It was a reminder that Russia still had some prominent sway over in Europe and that Russia still saw the Americans as a threat. That NATO was a threat to Russia's goals of maintaining hegemony there. However, the Americans did get one surprising ally in regards to blaming hostilities onto Russia, and it was none other than Iran. Sure, Iran was subtle about it, but their inclusion was surprising. Since the end of the United States' sanctions against it and an introduction to the Western market, attitudes were shifting. More notably though, was Iran's growing cultural change. At the same time, the matter was one of pragmatism and of ambition. Iran had been growing more well-off and working on reforms. Their relations with the US had been growing more cordial over time. However, there was the ambitious side of Iran... one that sought to grow their influence over in the Middle East and Central Asia. It was a gamble to be sure though their growing bonds with the US was working and it was not as if they were in dire straits with Russia. Most of the western nations did not see reason to aggravate tensions with Russia, but the United States, it was a matter of not just principle, but of pragmatism. Who's to say this would stop Russia from whenever they may try next? That for them, if they went against Russia's wishes, would they instigate violence.
The Gore Administration, beyond leading the charge to condemn Russia, also used the opportunity to showcase the dangers of cyberwarfare and how the United States would need to be prepared to combat a new age where misinformation and propaganda would be weaponized. While the Pentagon and the various information organizations would begin undergoing reforms to update their cyber security, the Gore Administration would invite the heads of various companies and social media groups for future coordination and dealings on the matter. It was a surprising time of unity between everyone within the nation. Meanwhile abroad, tensions continue to sour between the Untied States and Russia though some of it was allievated in the Olympics. However, some questioning regarding Gore's past with a certain petrol mogul, Armand Hammer, was brought up during the need for discussions. It was a subtle jab and perhaps an attempt at hypocrisy at Gore, though Al Gore did not let it get to him. Instead, he reaffirmed his convictions and noted on his own changes and growth as a person, hoping to improve. He questioned whether Russia was doing the same, as Gore expressed concerns on Russia's own issues with political corruption, vast economic disparity and growing human rights violations and that a matter of priorities was in order to secure the safety and well-being of everyone. With this sincerity came the obvious counterattack; that for all of Russia flexing its muscles, it was a deeply flawed state who spent its time messing with their neighbors and trying to assert its hold on them rather than improving the quality of living and making light of the Medvedev Doctrine. Additionally, the US had begun emphasizing growing relations with China during the Olympics. There was concerns about whether China would begin siding with Russia or the US, so the US pushed more, knowing they were at the disadvantage. Gore's commit to climate change rang true, plus, the administration's history had served it well and there was a signal for real hope and change outside of realpolitik.
However, the big questions were coming, and that was whether sanctions should be put on Russia, especially during such times. The Americans and EU debated this along with the Americans bringing along others for discussion, including some key players within the Middle East and even China. As for the Georgian refugees, Gore managed to broker a commitment with Prime Minister Harper of Canada to try and take in some of the Georgian refugees to settle if they so desired, a decision met well by their voters for the most part. The sanctions were not taken lightly and perhaps for the first time, it was under a different tone. The Gore Administration saw no future in fossil fuels, seeing them as a crutch or necessary evil that ought to be worked to be rid of. They did not have much interest if any regarding fossil fuels. The only interest they had was in lithium and it was mainly for the development of rechargable batteries in the hopes for vehicles while also expanding into other hroizons for renewable energies. For many nations, the USA remaining on this trend provided the possibility of a US being less keen on its economic neoimperial ways of being. For others, it meant dealing with them would be harder since they wanted different reasons and the same accusations wouldn't work.
This short-period war would change everything...
-------------------------------------------------
This was a sudden thing, but I had to do it. Also, you think Gore would lead to place sanctions on Russia or no?
"I thought the Cold War was over, but then you realize what sort of person Putin is..."
"A new global conflict, one brought by how to live... One we need to stand by..."
"Looks like this is a new age..."
In the early days of August, just before the start of the Summer Olympics of 2008, the world became surprised when the tensions between Georgia and Russia exploded into a short war. The nature of the war was revolving around two potential sovereign states, that of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, who were wanting to seperate from Georgia. However, while the short war lasted with the regions being recognized by Russia and there being displaced people, the rammifications would be massive. Foreign policy experts of the Gore Administration noted that it was not just about two regions for Russia. It was about Russian influence. While Al Gore's influence in pushing for cleaner power and green energy had been reaching to Europe and beyond, he was being met with a road block and that was the large petrol power that was Russia. Containing large amounts of natural gas, coal and petroleum, it was little surprise that they would see Gore's call in reducing the usage as potentially problematic. Tensions between the Gore Administration and the Putin Administration had been growing over the early 2000s. The Russian leadership blamed U.S. officials for encouraging anti-Russian revolts during the Rose Revolution in Georgia in 2003 and the Orange Revolution in Ukraine a year later that were seen by the Putin administration as intrusions into Russia's geographic sphere of interest. Further accusations about trying to get Central Asian natural gas and oil came... then matters went sideways with the Exxon-Mobil Scandal. This realization that the dangers of fossil fuel burning would lead to increased CO2 levels and its connection to climate change had redefined the conversations. Climate change denial shot down, further more with the discovery that coal knew even earlier, since the 60s. There was outrage, brought about by prior years of corporate scandals and the Gore Administration transformed that anger into change. For the most part, Russia did not pay much attention to this though perhaps they did show some concern in at least investigating opportunities for their own biofuel concerns.
However the end of the Russo-Georgian War and Russia's assertation would be met with retaliation. During and after the actual war, Russia engaged in cyberwarfare in trying to sway and convince the masses it was for liberation. Georgian government websites were brought down and pandemoium ensues weeks after the actual fighting stopped. The Gore Administraton condemned the attacks and led the world to do the same in trying to do so. The reactions were expected though the Americans did note that some nations, like Germany and France, were hesitant in blaming a guilty party. It was a reminder that Russia still had some prominent sway over in Europe and that Russia still saw the Americans as a threat. That NATO was a threat to Russia's goals of maintaining hegemony there. However, the Americans did get one surprising ally in regards to blaming hostilities onto Russia, and it was none other than Iran. Sure, Iran was subtle about it, but their inclusion was surprising. Since the end of the United States' sanctions against it and an introduction to the Western market, attitudes were shifting. More notably though, was Iran's growing cultural change. At the same time, the matter was one of pragmatism and of ambition. Iran had been growing more well-off and working on reforms. Their relations with the US had been growing more cordial over time. However, there was the ambitious side of Iran... one that sought to grow their influence over in the Middle East and Central Asia. It was a gamble to be sure though their growing bonds with the US was working and it was not as if they were in dire straits with Russia. Most of the western nations did not see reason to aggravate tensions with Russia, but the United States, it was a matter of not just principle, but of pragmatism. Who's to say this would stop Russia from whenever they may try next? That for them, if they went against Russia's wishes, would they instigate violence.
The Gore Administration, beyond leading the charge to condemn Russia, also used the opportunity to showcase the dangers of cyberwarfare and how the United States would need to be prepared to combat a new age where misinformation and propaganda would be weaponized. While the Pentagon and the various information organizations would begin undergoing reforms to update their cyber security, the Gore Administration would invite the heads of various companies and social media groups for future coordination and dealings on the matter. It was a surprising time of unity between everyone within the nation. Meanwhile abroad, tensions continue to sour between the Untied States and Russia though some of it was allievated in the Olympics. However, some questioning regarding Gore's past with a certain petrol mogul, Armand Hammer, was brought up during the need for discussions. It was a subtle jab and perhaps an attempt at hypocrisy at Gore, though Al Gore did not let it get to him. Instead, he reaffirmed his convictions and noted on his own changes and growth as a person, hoping to improve. He questioned whether Russia was doing the same, as Gore expressed concerns on Russia's own issues with political corruption, vast economic disparity and growing human rights violations and that a matter of priorities was in order to secure the safety and well-being of everyone. With this sincerity came the obvious counterattack; that for all of Russia flexing its muscles, it was a deeply flawed state who spent its time messing with their neighbors and trying to assert its hold on them rather than improving the quality of living and making light of the Medvedev Doctrine. Additionally, the US had begun emphasizing growing relations with China during the Olympics. There was concerns about whether China would begin siding with Russia or the US, so the US pushed more, knowing they were at the disadvantage. Gore's commit to climate change rang true, plus, the administration's history had served it well and there was a signal for real hope and change outside of realpolitik.
However, the big questions were coming, and that was whether sanctions should be put on Russia, especially during such times. The Americans and EU debated this along with the Americans bringing along others for discussion, including some key players within the Middle East and even China. As for the Georgian refugees, Gore managed to broker a commitment with Prime Minister Harper of Canada to try and take in some of the Georgian refugees to settle if they so desired, a decision met well by their voters for the most part. The sanctions were not taken lightly and perhaps for the first time, it was under a different tone. The Gore Administration saw no future in fossil fuels, seeing them as a crutch or necessary evil that ought to be worked to be rid of. They did not have much interest if any regarding fossil fuels. The only interest they had was in lithium and it was mainly for the development of rechargable batteries in the hopes for vehicles while also expanding into other hroizons for renewable energies. For many nations, the USA remaining on this trend provided the possibility of a US being less keen on its economic neoimperial ways of being. For others, it meant dealing with them would be harder since they wanted different reasons and the same accusations wouldn't work.
This short-period war would change everything...
-------------------------------------------------
This was a sudden thing, but I had to do it. Also, you think Gore would lead to place sanctions on Russia or no?
He has until January 2009, remember?
Plus, it’s likely his successor, regardless of political party, will follow a similar approach
Gore Administration- Autumn 2008
Autumn 2008
"I feel almost a little sorry for whoever has to fill in President Gore's shoes... he'll go down as one of the best."
"Hopefully the next president can deal with some of these worrying new economic troubles. What are the banks doing?"
"That was crazy over in Pakistan"
The leaves changing color seemed more fitting this year as the elections were coming up. The political landscape had changed drastically since Gore first took office; political gerrymandering was removed and there was a greater sense of bipartisanship than ever before. On the other hand, both parties were beginnign to struggling with growing factions. In the GOP, the neoconservatives were desperate to cling onto power as the green conservatives were taking on center stage, plus there was the gradual shift toward the center, moderates becoming preferred. In the Dems, the more progressive and socially liberal were rising for the need of more drastic actions against larger companies as well as progressive liberties. More than a few politicians have begun taking note of this and are wondering what the future as the people are heading to go and vote. Much had changed since the removal of political gerrymandering and it led to more voting stations being propped up to deal with the voters. The polls were split though some were predicting a victory for the GOP, if namely because of people looking for a change after 16 years of Democrats. Meanwhile, there was an increased sense of urgency over House and Senate seats though predictions indicated they would likely remain a Democrat majority. The Russo-Georgian War became another discussion point regarding foreign policy regarding Russia's aggressive behavior and the undertones of fossil fuel-based motivations. Some have eve begun combining the growing green movement with patriotism, noting that gas was of the past and Americans always built the future and said future would be built on green policies, renewable energy and ecological repsonsability. It would be the American Way. Meanwhile, the Gore policy was also ramping cyber secruity after the cyberattacks on Georgia by Russia and reviewing some of the older legislature regarding computera and the digital age that would likely be in need of some serious updating. Digital Millennium Copyright Act and COPPA were among the acts that were being revisited and plans were being made to try and update them for the new more digital world. The former was done to give greater respect to the first amednment and fair usage while also trying to respect copyright. However, it also became noted that because of how quick the internet was growing and how much work would be needed, that anything otuide of brute force could possibly be used and even then, the brute force would be crude and ineffective, as noted how Mr. Rogers would end up in part of the discussions in updating the rules, noting his own court cases on making sure shows could be taped along with how somethign similar could be done for the internet. COPPA meanwhile was trying to be updated for more efficiency and respect, with some people laughing at the antiquated language in the bill. It sparked a trend regarding how out-of-touch certain politicians were on how the internet worked along with the more serious matters on ignorance though it did lend Gore more credence, both in his past as an Atari Democrat and present for his Digital Cabinet, which had been expanded a bit to include consultations on social media developments. Furthermore, the copyright talk had grown to develop into growing criticisms and complaints at the copyright system in the US or at least its tendency to favor large companies. This i turn added to a growing anxiety as some economists were predicting a potential recession over in the next few years.
Presdiential candidate John McCain, the predicted favorite to win
Meanwhile, in international affairs, it seemed things were dying down beyond what was going on over in Russia. The Middle East had begun settling down though both Palestine and Israel had been actively avoiding the question of Jerusalem for a while. While the older officials were not willing to give it up, the growing tension was on contrast to the growing sense of unity between the Israeli and Palestinian youth and was signalling a shift toward perceptions. Terrorism had been going down as there were fewer funding than ever and there was the growing consensus on the last major source of funds. However, this did not mean that there were not other problem states. Over near the end of the fall, Lashkar-e-Taiba, one of the last prominent Islamic terrorist groups based in Pakstain, began a series of attacks on Mumbai though they would be caught and neutralized due to efforts of Indian authorities along with American and Iranian backup. This did bring up the question of Jammu and Kashimir up front regarding the two nations with some plans being to hold elections to decide the fate of the region, including it forming its own seperate nation. It was a growing issue given how both China and the USA were working together to try and enforce a peaceful outcome between the two on this, especially as Pakistan had been burning its goodwill with the US and China as of late and were trying to rebuild the bridges as a result. It was an overall reminder there was still work to be done.
Map of targets of 2008 Mumbai attacks. Only Taj Mahal Hotel and Leopold Cafe targets were successful
"I feel almost a little sorry for whoever has to fill in President Gore's shoes... he'll go down as one of the best."
"Hopefully the next president can deal with some of these worrying new economic troubles. What are the banks doing?"
"That was crazy over in Pakistan"
The leaves changing color seemed more fitting this year as the elections were coming up. The political landscape had changed drastically since Gore first took office; political gerrymandering was removed and there was a greater sense of bipartisanship than ever before. On the other hand, both parties were beginnign to struggling with growing factions. In the GOP, the neoconservatives were desperate to cling onto power as the green conservatives were taking on center stage, plus there was the gradual shift toward the center, moderates becoming preferred. In the Dems, the more progressive and socially liberal were rising for the need of more drastic actions against larger companies as well as progressive liberties. More than a few politicians have begun taking note of this and are wondering what the future as the people are heading to go and vote. Much had changed since the removal of political gerrymandering and it led to more voting stations being propped up to deal with the voters. The polls were split though some were predicting a victory for the GOP, if namely because of people looking for a change after 16 years of Democrats. Meanwhile, there was an increased sense of urgency over House and Senate seats though predictions indicated they would likely remain a Democrat majority. The Russo-Georgian War became another discussion point regarding foreign policy regarding Russia's aggressive behavior and the undertones of fossil fuel-based motivations. Some have eve begun combining the growing green movement with patriotism, noting that gas was of the past and Americans always built the future and said future would be built on green policies, renewable energy and ecological repsonsability. It would be the American Way. Meanwhile, the Gore policy was also ramping cyber secruity after the cyberattacks on Georgia by Russia and reviewing some of the older legislature regarding computera and the digital age that would likely be in need of some serious updating. Digital Millennium Copyright Act and COPPA were among the acts that were being revisited and plans were being made to try and update them for the new more digital world. The former was done to give greater respect to the first amednment and fair usage while also trying to respect copyright. However, it also became noted that because of how quick the internet was growing and how much work would be needed, that anything otuide of brute force could possibly be used and even then, the brute force would be crude and ineffective, as noted how Mr. Rogers would end up in part of the discussions in updating the rules, noting his own court cases on making sure shows could be taped along with how somethign similar could be done for the internet. COPPA meanwhile was trying to be updated for more efficiency and respect, with some people laughing at the antiquated language in the bill. It sparked a trend regarding how out-of-touch certain politicians were on how the internet worked along with the more serious matters on ignorance though it did lend Gore more credence, both in his past as an Atari Democrat and present for his Digital Cabinet, which had been expanded a bit to include consultations on social media developments. Furthermore, the copyright talk had grown to develop into growing criticisms and complaints at the copyright system in the US or at least its tendency to favor large companies. This i turn added to a growing anxiety as some economists were predicting a potential recession over in the next few years.
Presdiential candidate John McCain, the predicted favorite to win
Meanwhile, in international affairs, it seemed things were dying down beyond what was going on over in Russia. The Middle East had begun settling down though both Palestine and Israel had been actively avoiding the question of Jerusalem for a while. While the older officials were not willing to give it up, the growing tension was on contrast to the growing sense of unity between the Israeli and Palestinian youth and was signalling a shift toward perceptions. Terrorism had been going down as there were fewer funding than ever and there was the growing consensus on the last major source of funds. However, this did not mean that there were not other problem states. Over near the end of the fall, Lashkar-e-Taiba, one of the last prominent Islamic terrorist groups based in Pakstain, began a series of attacks on Mumbai though they would be caught and neutralized due to efforts of Indian authorities along with American and Iranian backup. This did bring up the question of Jammu and Kashimir up front regarding the two nations with some plans being to hold elections to decide the fate of the region, including it forming its own seperate nation. It was a growing issue given how both China and the USA were working together to try and enforce a peaceful outcome between the two on this, especially as Pakistan had been burning its goodwill with the US and China as of late and were trying to rebuild the bridges as a result. It was an overall reminder there was still work to be done.
Map of targets of 2008 Mumbai attacks. Only Taj Mahal Hotel and Leopold Cafe targets were successful
I just want to know if future presidents would wage war on North Korea and finally end that regime.
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Would that depend on what happens in China itself? Could there be an in on NK if China gets distracted internally?
Probably not. NK ain't worth the trouble. It would take nothing less than China collapsing and even then, China's downfall would take the global economy with it.
2008 Elections
2008 Election Results
After 16 years of presidental Democrat dominance, the voters decided it was time for a change. Besides, with the greater sense of bipartisan cooperation and the growing consensus of environmental awareness and social progress, there was less pressure to vote. At the same time, with the end of politicla gerrymandering, it was also a test for some of the new departments and electoral systems. It was not without drama as there was some news on faulty machines, more limited voting times or other minor issues that some have speculated is part of a pattern to dissuade certain voters or make it harder for minorities to vote. For the most part, such considerations were downplayed though some were looked into in the event of some serious rulebreaking.
For the House and Senate, it went somewhat as expected. A few politicians retired and some lost their seats. Overall, the Democrats made some slight gains, on seats that had become vulnerable, but who's elections were in 2002. The most infamous of this was the downfall of Senator Mitch McConnell, who earned himself the dishonor of being the least-liked politician within the United States. His considerable defeat at the hands of his Democrat opposition after the Republicans failed to remove him in the primary was considered a turning point and unsurprisingly, McConnell's reactions were ridiculed by and large. To some, it also was considered a large nail in the coffin of the prominence of second-wave neoconservatives. While some retained their seats either by shifting alliances or being flexible enough to hold their seat down, it was showing the Republican party was in a time of serious transitions though others note it would lead to the remaining reactionary elements trying to fight back by whatever needs. Similar reactions were going on in the Democrats though namely in a growing power struggle between the more moderate Democrats/Blue Dogs and the increasing progressive presence. While the Green Party did overall grow in prominence and popularity, they also had some of their prominent members go to the Democrats to try and continue Al Gore's work in the party and mixing in with the growing voice for more radical social change such as wage increases, legalizing gay marriage on the federal level and decriminalizing drugs and ending the Drug War.
For most people though, it seemed things were business as usual and in the 2008 Presidental Election, it was a close one. Surprisingly enough, winning more votes, albeit by a slim margin, was none other John McCain and Mitt Romney, John McCain will become the 44th President of the United States of America. President Gore congratulated his successor and would later privately have a discussion with him regarding some advice Gore insisted. One of which was on the continuation of the Digital Cabinet, something which McCain not only agreed upon, but expanded. While he kept most of the people (some decided to retire), he also brought in people more focused on security. McCain acknowledged Gore's passion on computers and the importance of the internet, having become more prominent in the last 8 years and will likely more so in his tenure, so he needed to be informed. Additioanlly, talks were held regarding Russia. McCain and Romney both were of the opinion that Russia was the primary threat to the United States, citing the aggressive behavior over in Georgia along with the growing concern of cyberwarfare. It would be a new age to be sure.
Presidental victor John McCain shaking hands with Mitt Romney
After 16 years of presidental Democrat dominance, the voters decided it was time for a change. Besides, with the greater sense of bipartisan cooperation and the growing consensus of environmental awareness and social progress, there was less pressure to vote. At the same time, with the end of politicla gerrymandering, it was also a test for some of the new departments and electoral systems. It was not without drama as there was some news on faulty machines, more limited voting times or other minor issues that some have speculated is part of a pattern to dissuade certain voters or make it harder for minorities to vote. For the most part, such considerations were downplayed though some were looked into in the event of some serious rulebreaking.
For the House and Senate, it went somewhat as expected. A few politicians retired and some lost their seats. Overall, the Democrats made some slight gains, on seats that had become vulnerable, but who's elections were in 2002. The most infamous of this was the downfall of Senator Mitch McConnell, who earned himself the dishonor of being the least-liked politician within the United States. His considerable defeat at the hands of his Democrat opposition after the Republicans failed to remove him in the primary was considered a turning point and unsurprisingly, McConnell's reactions were ridiculed by and large. To some, it also was considered a large nail in the coffin of the prominence of second-wave neoconservatives. While some retained their seats either by shifting alliances or being flexible enough to hold their seat down, it was showing the Republican party was in a time of serious transitions though others note it would lead to the remaining reactionary elements trying to fight back by whatever needs. Similar reactions were going on in the Democrats though namely in a growing power struggle between the more moderate Democrats/Blue Dogs and the increasing progressive presence. While the Green Party did overall grow in prominence and popularity, they also had some of their prominent members go to the Democrats to try and continue Al Gore's work in the party and mixing in with the growing voice for more radical social change such as wage increases, legalizing gay marriage on the federal level and decriminalizing drugs and ending the Drug War.
For most people though, it seemed things were business as usual and in the 2008 Presidental Election, it was a close one. Surprisingly enough, winning more votes, albeit by a slim margin, was none other John McCain and Mitt Romney, John McCain will become the 44th President of the United States of America. President Gore congratulated his successor and would later privately have a discussion with him regarding some advice Gore insisted. One of which was on the continuation of the Digital Cabinet, something which McCain not only agreed upon, but expanded. While he kept most of the people (some decided to retire), he also brought in people more focused on security. McCain acknowledged Gore's passion on computers and the importance of the internet, having become more prominent in the last 8 years and will likely more so in his tenure, so he needed to be informed. Additioanlly, talks were held regarding Russia. McCain and Romney both were of the opinion that Russia was the primary threat to the United States, citing the aggressive behavior over in Georgia along with the growing concern of cyberwarfare. It would be a new age to be sure.
Presidental victor John McCain shaking hands with Mitt Romney
Gore Administration- Overview 2008
2008 In Review
The final year of the Gore Administration was marked with significant changes, likely showing that the upcoming new decade would be defined by new policies though also a motivation to build upon what Al Gore did. No greater case was this for than for environmental protections and responsabilities. The droughts and fuel shortages that started the year off seemed like diluted microcosms of what sort of dystopian future could await the world if they did not live up to the diligences needed to do. Under normal circumstances, it would serve to further unify the planet together to combat the climate change that was going on and how to limit and counteract the influence it could have on humanity. However, Russia's involvement in Georgia's affairs was a bitter reminder in the geopolitical climate that not every nation is willing to cooperate, at least in the terms of equality. This shaking of the pot agitated certain radicals on the end. While technically working toward similar goals, the means were not as similar. Realpolitik, the word that came to defined some decades prior returned, but now came back though with a different context. Realpolitik is defined as "a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations." It was why dubious deals were made and why strange bedfellows came to be. However, the Gore Administration in its last years would begin to challenge this approach, namely in the limits of its applications. After all, Gore got his rise into his political status through alliances and help from groups that were not on his camp, recalling what was said on the support of Armand Hammer to the Gores. Yet, the Exxon-Mobil Scandal changed everything. After all, even practical principles or ends were motivated by ideology, morales or ambitions. Exxon-Mobil was motivated by profit and self-preservation. Yet, in their attempts to maintain their hold, they were also endangering the lives of many people and maintaining a system that would only become more difficult to change as the window of opportunity to make necessary changes were shrinking. That from a long-term perspective, realpolitik positions would often result in impractical means, compromised goals and other failures. As such, the ideala of maintaining realpolitik were becoming more difficult and tarnished. Some were advocating for forceful means; after all, politics and economics would mean jackshit if the world was going to get screwed. Others meanwhile maintained faith in the system for the most part, some even doubling down for the most part due to the successes of the Gore Administration though still openly acknowledged the problems needed in trying to get everyone needing to do what was needed to do.
While the environmentalist message went from a secondary message to a primary one, other issues remained prevelant. Foreign policy had been relatively quiet beyond improving relations with China until Russia's spat with Georgia, one that was coated with political muscle-flexing and underseated with a fear of irrelevance in the growing post-USSR age. Cybersecurity became a larger and more prominent discussion point as the new internet whiz kids were being looked to to try and help establish new rules to protect themselves in a world where the Internet would grow more powerful, more available and more versatile. Cyberwarfare would become a revived facet in the media, seen in a growing number of literature, television and unsurprisingly video games. In fact, some have begun tying in foreign policy with the environmentalist message, especially once the sides were being reviewed under a microscope. Russia, the powerful petrostate relied on exporting fossil fuels and tried to bully the rest of Europe into tolerating its belligerent behavior by being the primary lifeline of petrol and natural gas. As such, the call to switch to renewable energy and more environmentally friendly policies to wean off of fossil fuels became increasingly louder and more frequent. The Green parties and their allies in Europe and over the Western World were becoming louder and meanwhile, the formerly neutral nations were getting behind it, seeing this as a way to stave economic neoimperial policies. Corporations for the most part have been doing all right and many have observed that American auto companies have been slowly bouncing back after Gore's new policies and them taking advantage of the investing in green to get to them to try and get up. However, as the environmentalist messages became mainstream, it would be follwoed up with the more fringe ideas and radical thoughts.
Meanwhile, the film industry was also reflecting on its own upcoming trends and phenomenon. The successes of The Dark Knight and Iron Man was showing that comic book films could not just be profitable, but also very impactful in their storytelling and meaningful in their story and morals. While The Dark Knight continued to show the everlasting popularity and importance of Batman, namely as he combatted the most dangerous and manic version of the Joker for the soul of Gotham as well as showing the difficulties in dealing with crime families. Additionally, it included some suprising references over to Metropolis. It also reemphasized the importance of being Bruce Wayne, given his charity work and developments play an important secondary role (including that a former Wayne executive, one who took Wayne Enterprises into military work, was the one who worked with the Joker after he was fired for going against company policy.) Interesingly enough, the dangers of the military-industrial complex was further examined in Iron Man. Starring Robert Downey Jr as the titular hero,it has Tony Stark confront his company's past legacy as a former arms manufacturing facility (back under his father Howard Stark) after being sold out by his older cousin and former confidant, Morgan Stark, who's final words to Tony was that he was the "top brass", a reference to his name. Morgan was characterized as a brilliant but entitled man who preferred easy ways (which is noted in his gambling addiction and his ties to the military) rather than radical development that was needed; an embodiment of the unsavory aspects of scientific development in the USA and critique of the 80s Reagan military build-up. Tony escaped his captivity by working with Ho Yinsen, a Chinese scientist also kidnapped somewhere within the Middle East, that he created the Iron Man armor, a powerful weapon to protect people yet also emphasizing Tony's work in renewable energy and the film has even framed Tony and Morgan's struggle as that for America's soul, noting Tony's Iron Man triumph over Morgan's Brass armor as signaling the triumph of the better way in a display of hope. The superhero films also gave attention to the comic books. Marvel currently had the Secret Invasion plot, where the heroes tri to discovery which of them is actually a Skrull agent, sent to sow chaos on the world and used as a convienent way to excuse/justify uncharacteristic behavior or phenomenon. It was also being used as a retelling of the Death of Mar-Vell, who was given an even more heroic death after a somewhat surprisingly successful comic run and setting up for Ms Marvel to take his stead and truly shine in ways he couldn't. DC meanwhile was unleashing their ultimate work in Final Crisis. Headed by Grant Morrison, it was described as the Book of Revelations for the DC multiverse and was being used for a reboot of the DCU, done in order to take advantage how comic books were being taken more seriously. Beyond the superhero films, there were plenty of other successful films. Dreamworks showed what they could really do with Kung-Fu Panda, Quantum of Solace brought a return of James Bond in a time where epsionage was becoming more interesting, especially in a time of the need for cyberwarfare. Meanwhile, WALL-E came out on top against Disney's animated film, a surprisingly and quirky cult classic kown as Mothastra. Based on yet another one of Thurber's works, it was based on a short story known as "The Moth and the Star", about a moth seeking to fly to the stars while his fsmily instead got burnt on the flames of lamps. Here, the film expanded on the story on that of dreaming big, going through hardship to achieve and that even in failure, one may succeed. The film also became known for returning the phrase "Per aspera ad astra", Latin for "through hardships to the stars" to the popular lexicon, becoming a tagline of the film and even a saying of the main moth character. While quirky and lovable, it did not do as well as WALL-E though still better than the Narnia adaptation, which while good, was not as well-recieved.
For video games, Nintendo's big hit of the year was Super Smash Bros Brawl for the Nintendo Wii. It had a return of old characters, but also some new ones, if in exchange for some old ones not appearing. Some notable replacements included Young Link being replaced with Toon Link. However, Brawl would get a running joke regarding "Rare women" in regards to the RARE company's representation within Super Smash Bros Brawl and most of them being women. It included Krystal (likely due to a sequel to Dinosaur Planet having come out on the Nintendo Wii), Kameo the shape-shifting elf from Kameo: Elements of Power (due to the sequel), Joanna from Perfect Dark (mildly controversial given the sort of game), Banjo & Kazooie (who's games have Nintendo Wii remasterings along with a third game in dev known as Banjo & Kazoothree), and King K. Rool. However, the big surprise was none other than inclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog within the game, likely as a result of grandfathering a deal between SEGA and Nintendo, though also because Nintendo and Microsoft's current positive relationship. The game was rumored to have Snake make an appearance though some have noted the rumors were likely more due to Joanna's inclusion in the game. Other Nintendo games included the new Animal Crossing game, a new Mario Kart game and a few others, including Megaman 9. Sony meanwhile has been recooperating from their bad luck streak, but little signs of it ending. Persona 4 was released onto the Playstation 3 and while faring better than its prequel, it was still not as good and the surprise news came in releasing Persona 4 onto the Xbox 360 months later. While they did also cope from losses, they also began getting more feedback on Persona 4 and were taking note of it. ATLUS meanwhile was considering perhaps even one day bringing it to Nintendo though these are just mere rumors for the time being. Some Sony exclusive games still did quite well though, such as God of War: Chains of Olympus and Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty. Xbox 360 continued to do very well with its union with SEGA. Sonic Adventure 3 came out and began turning the conventions. This included Dr. Eggman waking up the sealed entity known as Dark Gaia to cause havoc on the world, his ambitions being to let Dark Gaia begin wrecking the world while he would rebuild his forces after his latest "setback" and then offer his services to rebuild the world in exchange for global domination. The game also followed in its predecessor games to have multiple characters in dealing with the Gaia Crisis in differing approaches. The eight playable characters being Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadows, E-123 Omega, Rogue and surprisingly Blaze the Cat. Despite this, the game actuall has four "playstyles" with the two characters having subtle differences per play style: Sonic and Shadow play much like they do in Sonic Adventure 2 albeit with a few more differences in tricks and stats, Tails returns in his Cyclone walker with his section being a run-and-gun much like the previous game and the same with Omega. Knuckles and Rouge focused on exploration and treasure-hunting in expansive levels while Amy and Blaze meanwhile have platforming levels using their unique tricks to navigate. The characters' stories are different, depending on their goals. Sonic and Shadow (by order of GUN) are trying to reach the Gaia Temples to activate them, Tails and Omega are assisting by combating Eggman's robots and gathering intel, Knuckles and Rouge go to investigate (Knuckles because of how the Master Emerald detected the awakening and Rouge by GUN as well) and find out more on the Manuscripts while Amy and Blaze go out to help out (Blaze goes because her nation got endangered by Dark Gaia while Amy goes to save Sonic.) More notably was a day and night system, with certain characters playing at day and others at nights during the stage. Other Sonic games that came out was Sonic Riders Zero Gravity and SEGA Tennis Superstars along with other SEGA games such as Golden Axe and Yakuza 2. Meanwhile, Wrath of the Lich King would be released over for World of Warcraft, introducing the new Death Knight hero class as the characters try and fight as the Hero class against the Lich King and his forces. Beyond the new class, new rumors on potential new races were speculative abound.
The final year of the Gore Administration was marked with significant changes, likely showing that the upcoming new decade would be defined by new policies though also a motivation to build upon what Al Gore did. No greater case was this for than for environmental protections and responsabilities. The droughts and fuel shortages that started the year off seemed like diluted microcosms of what sort of dystopian future could await the world if they did not live up to the diligences needed to do. Under normal circumstances, it would serve to further unify the planet together to combat the climate change that was going on and how to limit and counteract the influence it could have on humanity. However, Russia's involvement in Georgia's affairs was a bitter reminder in the geopolitical climate that not every nation is willing to cooperate, at least in the terms of equality. This shaking of the pot agitated certain radicals on the end. While technically working toward similar goals, the means were not as similar. Realpolitik, the word that came to defined some decades prior returned, but now came back though with a different context. Realpolitik is defined as "a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations." It was why dubious deals were made and why strange bedfellows came to be. However, the Gore Administration in its last years would begin to challenge this approach, namely in the limits of its applications. After all, Gore got his rise into his political status through alliances and help from groups that were not on his camp, recalling what was said on the support of Armand Hammer to the Gores. Yet, the Exxon-Mobil Scandal changed everything. After all, even practical principles or ends were motivated by ideology, morales or ambitions. Exxon-Mobil was motivated by profit and self-preservation. Yet, in their attempts to maintain their hold, they were also endangering the lives of many people and maintaining a system that would only become more difficult to change as the window of opportunity to make necessary changes were shrinking. That from a long-term perspective, realpolitik positions would often result in impractical means, compromised goals and other failures. As such, the ideala of maintaining realpolitik were becoming more difficult and tarnished. Some were advocating for forceful means; after all, politics and economics would mean jackshit if the world was going to get screwed. Others meanwhile maintained faith in the system for the most part, some even doubling down for the most part due to the successes of the Gore Administration though still openly acknowledged the problems needed in trying to get everyone needing to do what was needed to do.
While the environmentalist message went from a secondary message to a primary one, other issues remained prevelant. Foreign policy had been relatively quiet beyond improving relations with China until Russia's spat with Georgia, one that was coated with political muscle-flexing and underseated with a fear of irrelevance in the growing post-USSR age. Cybersecurity became a larger and more prominent discussion point as the new internet whiz kids were being looked to to try and help establish new rules to protect themselves in a world where the Internet would grow more powerful, more available and more versatile. Cyberwarfare would become a revived facet in the media, seen in a growing number of literature, television and unsurprisingly video games. In fact, some have begun tying in foreign policy with the environmentalist message, especially once the sides were being reviewed under a microscope. Russia, the powerful petrostate relied on exporting fossil fuels and tried to bully the rest of Europe into tolerating its belligerent behavior by being the primary lifeline of petrol and natural gas. As such, the call to switch to renewable energy and more environmentally friendly policies to wean off of fossil fuels became increasingly louder and more frequent. The Green parties and their allies in Europe and over the Western World were becoming louder and meanwhile, the formerly neutral nations were getting behind it, seeing this as a way to stave economic neoimperial policies. Corporations for the most part have been doing all right and many have observed that American auto companies have been slowly bouncing back after Gore's new policies and them taking advantage of the investing in green to get to them to try and get up. However, as the environmentalist messages became mainstream, it would be follwoed up with the more fringe ideas and radical thoughts.
Meanwhile, the film industry was also reflecting on its own upcoming trends and phenomenon. The successes of The Dark Knight and Iron Man was showing that comic book films could not just be profitable, but also very impactful in their storytelling and meaningful in their story and morals. While The Dark Knight continued to show the everlasting popularity and importance of Batman, namely as he combatted the most dangerous and manic version of the Joker for the soul of Gotham as well as showing the difficulties in dealing with crime families. Additionally, it included some suprising references over to Metropolis. It also reemphasized the importance of being Bruce Wayne, given his charity work and developments play an important secondary role (including that a former Wayne executive, one who took Wayne Enterprises into military work, was the one who worked with the Joker after he was fired for going against company policy.) Interesingly enough, the dangers of the military-industrial complex was further examined in Iron Man. Starring Robert Downey Jr as the titular hero,it has Tony Stark confront his company's past legacy as a former arms manufacturing facility (back under his father Howard Stark) after being sold out by his older cousin and former confidant, Morgan Stark, who's final words to Tony was that he was the "top brass", a reference to his name. Morgan was characterized as a brilliant but entitled man who preferred easy ways (which is noted in his gambling addiction and his ties to the military) rather than radical development that was needed; an embodiment of the unsavory aspects of scientific development in the USA and critique of the 80s Reagan military build-up. Tony escaped his captivity by working with Ho Yinsen, a Chinese scientist also kidnapped somewhere within the Middle East, that he created the Iron Man armor, a powerful weapon to protect people yet also emphasizing Tony's work in renewable energy and the film has even framed Tony and Morgan's struggle as that for America's soul, noting Tony's Iron Man triumph over Morgan's Brass armor as signaling the triumph of the better way in a display of hope. The superhero films also gave attention to the comic books. Marvel currently had the Secret Invasion plot, where the heroes tri to discovery which of them is actually a Skrull agent, sent to sow chaos on the world and used as a convienent way to excuse/justify uncharacteristic behavior or phenomenon. It was also being used as a retelling of the Death of Mar-Vell, who was given an even more heroic death after a somewhat surprisingly successful comic run and setting up for Ms Marvel to take his stead and truly shine in ways he couldn't. DC meanwhile was unleashing their ultimate work in Final Crisis. Headed by Grant Morrison, it was described as the Book of Revelations for the DC multiverse and was being used for a reboot of the DCU, done in order to take advantage how comic books were being taken more seriously. Beyond the superhero films, there were plenty of other successful films. Dreamworks showed what they could really do with Kung-Fu Panda, Quantum of Solace brought a return of James Bond in a time where epsionage was becoming more interesting, especially in a time of the need for cyberwarfare. Meanwhile, WALL-E came out on top against Disney's animated film, a surprisingly and quirky cult classic kown as Mothastra. Based on yet another one of Thurber's works, it was based on a short story known as "The Moth and the Star", about a moth seeking to fly to the stars while his fsmily instead got burnt on the flames of lamps. Here, the film expanded on the story on that of dreaming big, going through hardship to achieve and that even in failure, one may succeed. The film also became known for returning the phrase "Per aspera ad astra", Latin for "through hardships to the stars" to the popular lexicon, becoming a tagline of the film and even a saying of the main moth character. While quirky and lovable, it did not do as well as WALL-E though still better than the Narnia adaptation, which while good, was not as well-recieved.
For video games, Nintendo's big hit of the year was Super Smash Bros Brawl for the Nintendo Wii. It had a return of old characters, but also some new ones, if in exchange for some old ones not appearing. Some notable replacements included Young Link being replaced with Toon Link. However, Brawl would get a running joke regarding "Rare women" in regards to the RARE company's representation within Super Smash Bros Brawl and most of them being women. It included Krystal (likely due to a sequel to Dinosaur Planet having come out on the Nintendo Wii), Kameo the shape-shifting elf from Kameo: Elements of Power (due to the sequel), Joanna from Perfect Dark (mildly controversial given the sort of game), Banjo & Kazooie (who's games have Nintendo Wii remasterings along with a third game in dev known as Banjo & Kazoothree), and King K. Rool. However, the big surprise was none other than inclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog within the game, likely as a result of grandfathering a deal between SEGA and Nintendo, though also because Nintendo and Microsoft's current positive relationship. The game was rumored to have Snake make an appearance though some have noted the rumors were likely more due to Joanna's inclusion in the game. Other Nintendo games included the new Animal Crossing game, a new Mario Kart game and a few others, including Megaman 9. Sony meanwhile has been recooperating from their bad luck streak, but little signs of it ending. Persona 4 was released onto the Playstation 3 and while faring better than its prequel, it was still not as good and the surprise news came in releasing Persona 4 onto the Xbox 360 months later. While they did also cope from losses, they also began getting more feedback on Persona 4 and were taking note of it. ATLUS meanwhile was considering perhaps even one day bringing it to Nintendo though these are just mere rumors for the time being. Some Sony exclusive games still did quite well though, such as God of War: Chains of Olympus and Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty. Xbox 360 continued to do very well with its union with SEGA. Sonic Adventure 3 came out and began turning the conventions. This included Dr. Eggman waking up the sealed entity known as Dark Gaia to cause havoc on the world, his ambitions being to let Dark Gaia begin wrecking the world while he would rebuild his forces after his latest "setback" and then offer his services to rebuild the world in exchange for global domination. The game also followed in its predecessor games to have multiple characters in dealing with the Gaia Crisis in differing approaches. The eight playable characters being Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadows, E-123 Omega, Rogue and surprisingly Blaze the Cat. Despite this, the game actuall has four "playstyles" with the two characters having subtle differences per play style: Sonic and Shadow play much like they do in Sonic Adventure 2 albeit with a few more differences in tricks and stats, Tails returns in his Cyclone walker with his section being a run-and-gun much like the previous game and the same with Omega. Knuckles and Rouge focused on exploration and treasure-hunting in expansive levels while Amy and Blaze meanwhile have platforming levels using their unique tricks to navigate. The characters' stories are different, depending on their goals. Sonic and Shadow (by order of GUN) are trying to reach the Gaia Temples to activate them, Tails and Omega are assisting by combating Eggman's robots and gathering intel, Knuckles and Rouge go to investigate (Knuckles because of how the Master Emerald detected the awakening and Rouge by GUN as well) and find out more on the Manuscripts while Amy and Blaze go out to help out (Blaze goes because her nation got endangered by Dark Gaia while Amy goes to save Sonic.) More notably was a day and night system, with certain characters playing at day and others at nights during the stage. Other Sonic games that came out was Sonic Riders Zero Gravity and SEGA Tennis Superstars along with other SEGA games such as Golden Axe and Yakuza 2. Meanwhile, Wrath of the Lich King would be released over for World of Warcraft, introducing the new Death Knight hero class as the characters try and fight as the Hero class against the Lich King and his forces. Beyond the new class, new rumors on potential new races were speculative abound.
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