Washington 2017: The U.S. Political RP IC-Volume II (OPEN)

[Prolieum]

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

"I don't believe that," Appleby answered, frankly, but surprisingly openly. "Believing in someone up top writing a story for us to play out is just a way for people to try to convince themselves that everything has a meaning when it's randomness that rules."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

She stopped momentarily from running her hand, looking at him, before returning to the mindless activity.

"Everyone needs a way to cope with life. Whether its belief in something greater, or in something like randomness and chance. Both are just ways of coping in my opinion, one just has an image of a god instead of a dice."

[Prolieum]

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

Appleby shrugged, and turned to briefly survey the Gossamer Condor. "Rolling the dice is coping, same as hitting the bottle, or the needle. Recognizing that it's all dice is just waking up."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

"Good to be speaking with one of the awake ones."

She decided to finally read the description of the plane, connecting the details mentioned with the actual one in front of her.

[Alozia]

Rep. McCroskey's District Office,
Greenpoint, New York

"Yes." John replied. "I'm willing to admit that it's not an easy choice to be made with the emergence of the Progressive Party, but there are certain factors that sway me towards the Democratic Party."

"Firstly, Progressive Party's leadership or - to be more specific - Mayor Walton. With a member of a family that has not only made it's wealth through dubious means, but continues to do so today at it's helm I can't help, but be cautious of it's intentions. I don't mean to sound like a Johnson by any means, but the background of the party's unquestioned leader must be considered. Secondly, and I don't want you or anyone else to take it the wrong way, but through my experience as a staffer working for a progressive Democratic Congresswoman that is Nicole Smith I have first hand experienced the progressive side of the Democratic Party and learned that it is still worth fighting for."

[Prolieum]

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

The corner of Appleby's mouth twitched in what could have been the first fraction of starting a grin. Comfortable with the silence, he took a few steps back into the hall for a broader view.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Meeting a Concerned Constitutent

Brooklyn District Office
Greenpoint
New York

---

"Of course it is and it shall remain that way until each and every member of the Democratic Party's left wing dies. I think we all share the same concerns of the Progressives, along with others. I will not cover up what I have said...I have made my sentiments, my critique of them, public and I stand by them. And I am glad that you have remained steadfast. An important trait for a Congressperson."

She felt as if she was rambling on, probably as she was. So taking a mint into her mouth and rubbing her leg again, she offered a difficult yet interesting question to the young man opposite of her.

"If I decided to remain in office, would you primary me? Or be willing to do so?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

Josephine remained entranced with her back and forth motions between the description and the plane, before noticing that her guest was no longer by her side. She turned and found him a few steps behind, speaking with a neutral tone.

"On to the next?"

[Prolieum]

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

"World War II is that way," Appleby indicated, clarifying the statement by pointing with his right arm, and following it with action by starting to walk that way, slowing his pace to avoid pulling away from the older woman.

[Puertollano]

(Image)
Peter Amaras
@ConservativeRevolutionary

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Poor Joh Stansky has been reduced to sneaking into press conferences to try to get attention. Socialism and socialists fail every time!

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#SadSocialist #AttentionHound #Loser #FailedPolicyFailedPerson #TrumpedInTrenton

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Joh Stansky @GiveJohaGo! Fighting for the right of healthcare is not trying to get attention, Amaras. Trying to get attention is screaming about transgender people 24/7.

[Alozia]

Rep. McCroskey's District Office,
Greenpoint, New York

John sighed. This question was one that he was pondering for a while, but couldn't find an answer which would satisfy every party involved.

"I'm not going to lie that this would be... a serious challenge for my candidacy to overcome, if I were to run in this scenario, especially since I feel that it could prove very destructive and unproductive for both of us. In order to criticise you on many issues I would have to compromise my values and that's not something I feel comfortable with."

What he was about to say next wasn't that easily for him, knowing well the consequences his words might bring.

"So, to answer your question - no. Having to wait for a couple of years would be painful for me, especially knowing that I might miss the opportunity to become the youngest elected Member of Congress, but in order to maintain integrity, be it in terms of my political views or my respect towards you, I feel like this would be the mature and correct decision to make."

[The Orion Islands]

“The people of New York are already taxed enough, any tax increase is to be limited to no more than 3 percent on any tax bracket.”

"Three percent is barely anything, seven percent"

"And remind me, what is the tax rate now in this state for the top bracket?"

[The Orion Islands]

"Mr. Anderson, have you spoken with anyone in New Jersey. If they approve, I will talk with the leaders of the State Assembly to see what we can do."

[Tallahassee News Station]

"Three percent is barely anything, seven percent"

"And remind me, what is the tax rate now in this state for the top bracket?"

"Come on, the Governor doesn't know? That's not good at all. "

[Greater Arab State]

John F. Kennedy Airport, New York City, New York State

After landing and going through security Kramer proceeded to gather his luggage and after scouring the internet for the address of Mr. Lotto hailed a cab and went to Manhattan.

Manhattan, New York City, New York State

After the drive had concluded Senator Kramer proceeded to exit the cab after paying the fare with an additional tip. Shortly after he then looked over and adjusted his suit before walking up to the door and knock gently upon it.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

“The people of New York are already taxed enough, any tax increase is to be limited to no more than 3 percent on any tax bracket.”

'Should a point-3 percent increase work and not get destroyed in the Senate?"

“Us Republicans recognize that our State has increased obligations and thus need to raise taxes as long as any and all tax increases are kept within 3 percentage points I can convince he Senate not to destroy it. A 7 percent increase is totally unacceptable.”

[Dentali]

"Mr. Anderson, have you spoken with anyone in New Jersey. If they approve, I will talk with the leaders of the State Assembly to see what we can do."

"I've spoken a small amount with Governor Hotchkiss but with the current shutdown she is unable to meet for a bit. Seriously? You will support the plan?
New York doesn't need to do much mainly just voice support and enthusiasm for the route, NYC already has all the needed infrastructure."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

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Speaker Wayy moved her hair back, before speaking.

"Well, we should make sure everyone knows our tax rates are, then making sure we push for better reform, especially on the wealthy."

She turned to the Republican leader.

"For all the time you remind us about your Senate control, it certainly seems like you are worried you might lose it if you don't mention it."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

She followed him, looking over some of the other exhibitions and the passing people, before unable to take the silence much longer.

"Is this your favorite place in Washington?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Meeting a Concerned Constitutent

Brooklyn District Office
Greenpoint
New York

---

She raised an eyebrow at his comment about being the youngest member elected, smiling. Turning backward to serve herself some water, she touched her leg, before turning around quickly. The cup was still in her hand and she raised a finger at the man.

"Is that your selling point? Being the youngest member elected?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Scotty Marlowe @BeamMeUpScotty Just finished meeting with the new host of Late Night Tonight. I am very excited about this new era for the show and I know it will continue in making a societal impact in this country. Very excited for you all to meet her!

[Alozia]

Rep. McCroskey's District Office,
Greenpoint, New York

"It's more of a thing I can personally take pride in rather than a major selling point." John replied. "My selling point should be my policies, although representation matters as well. I think that Congress should be representative of the general population, not only when it comes to age, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done to achieve that."

[Tallahassee News Station]

Dudley Turns One
A little over a year after the strike originally began and six months after the bill to end it we look at the aftermath

As the summer months begin, and the Reed administration completes its tumultuous first half year the effects of its first piece of signature legislation signed by the President's hand are shown in the steady continuation of a promising trend, and new revelation of what could be daunting news to many.

On the roads, consumers don't have much to complain about. Gasoline prices, which obliterated past records over the increasingly dragged on Dudley strike, have continued their fall over the most recent months, with the cost per gallon occasionally seeing odd burps in spikes or dips but trending continually downward and now within striking distance of dropping below three dollars per gallon as a national average. This follows along with recent drops in the global oil price per barrel which saw a less dramatic increase than U.S. domestic gas prices during the strike. While not universal, petroleum production in the United States has continued to climb upwards out of the Dudley gulf, with many companies hiring on new employees after employment cuts usually said to be responding to the Dudley tax's passage but alleged by critics as being targeted at striking workers were made. While all major oil producing states have had production at least partially recover from strike time lows some have seen a faster rebound than others with the state of Montana leading the way. Recent legislation from Governor Doug Stephens in Montana gave in state oil producers exemptions from state taxes in the amount they paid in the Dudley tax among other changes angering some environmental groups but seeing results in ramping up production. Several other major oil states have been discussing similar legislation with some state legislators in Texas petitioning Governor Kiser to call a special session to let the state pass such a bill.

But the rising tide of gas has not lifted all boats. Yesterday several major coal producers announced a new round of layoffs as the steepest announced yet as it becomes increasingly difficult for profit to be gained from the heavily polluting fuel, which due to being more "dirty" than other fuels in its carbon releases is taxed more heavily per megawatt than other fuel sources under the RDDA. While the pain is hitting in coal producing areas nationwide some spots are being hit harder than others. Indiana is at the top, or bottom, with the largest projected job loss of any state with the new layoffs. The two largest coal producing states in the U.S. in West Virginia and Wyoming have seen less major cuts after initial losses with experts weighing in that the near monopoly coal has on energy production in those states is insulating it from some effects though the consensus is that this will not last. Investors applying for permits for new power generation facilities have seen a boom in both states looking to take advantage of the situation and take market share from formerly almost invulnerable monopolies, while promising new jobs as older institutions struggle to hold on.

Total coal employment has been declining for decades and represents a small fraction of the total U.S. working population. The total coal industry employs under 100,000 people in the United States, comparable to the number of Americans employed in nail salons and about half as many as work in car washes. While coal job losses can be devastating on a local level it only has a minor impact on the country as a whole in job numbers, but is a major contributor to an area that affects almost all Americans in electricity costs. Household electricity costs have been increasing in the United States over the past decade and through the Winston administration and while behaving more erratically over the last year with fits drops and jumps through the recession, Dudley strike and RDDA the general trend has shown an acceleration in average costs but not one that is evenly distributed. Power generation in the United States is heavily segregated by region and by state and while producers are shifting in the types of electricity generation they are choosing to invest in, major power generation plants are durable goods and transition times are not rapid. Different energy profiles have meant different effects in future growth, employment, and cost spikes. Wyoming and West Virginia while managing to preserve some jobs have seen some of the largest percentage increases in electricity costs along with Kentucky, though initial costs were below the U.S. average. Isolated Alaska and Hawaii keep the highest prices of any U.S. state, but are moving in opposite directions, with Alaskan prices increasing modestly and prices in Hawaii bucking the national trend completely to actually decline significantly after the RDDAs passage, though the prices had spiked higher than any other U.S. state during the time of the strike. While the general trend towards increase has been mostly universal in the contiguous U.S., some states have weathered better than others, with Washington state pulling through mostly unaffected despite passing a state level carbon tax as well, with neighboring Idaho and Oregon also well situated. Both Washington and Idaho have nudged past Louisiana to claim the nation's first and second cheapest electricity prices respectively.

But most of the country are still looking at increased prices in their futures if they haven't already now, and it's starting to look like a bad time to be paying more for air conditioning. Climatologists are predicting that the summer of 2017 will be one of the hottest ever on record as many Americans have already experienced with some June days going into the triple digits in many parts of the United States. While some may argue that the high temperatures show the risk of climate change and the need to cut pollutants others are going to be spending more to keep those temperatures down. Talking about the weather might not be an escape from politics any longer as champions on both sides of climate issues are likely to start pitching their own narratives to the American public, and which one will fit better with the voting population will have to be seen.

The man who unwillingly gave his name to the act for his part stays where he was when the strike started as Governor Dudley of Arizona despite intense campaigns to force him to resign. He is currently rated as the most unpopular Governor in America.

[Dentali]

Congressman Glen Anderson
@AndersonPA17

I would like to applaud the leadership of President Reed in breaking the Dudley strike, getting gas prices under control was vital to every American citizen.

[Tumblrena]

Sam McGareth
@Five-Oh

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BIG LEAGUE win for Hawaii with Dudley bill! Proud to serve! Electricity costs too high now low low lower! What a deal!

Sam McGareth
@Five-Oh

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Cannot stop now! Now Governor's turn. Need more investment in solar grid and energy. Must make changes or opportunity wasted. Step up time for Hawaii!