Northeasterners For A United Atlasia

[Blair]

x Former Speaker and Senator Blair

[Blair]

As I've always said Independence is a completely barmy option for the Northeast-whether it was 6 months ago or now. I'd even argue this is just Clyde fetishization of last years' scottish referendum and wanting to play out a campaign on here, I mean that with absolutely no disrespect towards him but it seems like we're doing this just because there's nothing left to do.

We need to think as a collective what this is going to do to the game-yes it's a game. I don't understand how you could have a different nation on the same board, using the same election board and the same regional board. There's no precedent for doing this-it's not simply merging a region or changing names-it's completely destroying nearly 10 years of stability and well relatively good progress.

I've yet to see anything other than vague generalities, and the want to 'do something' in the arguments from the yes to Independence campaign. We're going to create an independent country with what how many voters-about 20-30. Any drop of activity could see a President being elected by a handful of players.

I'm not going to stand here and say 'muh democracy' and let the referendum vote happen. It would be a dereliction of duty as a citizen of the Northeast, and a former assemblyman and senator. Atlasia needs a lot of changes, but throwing the Northeast to the dogs simply to control our own taxes is ridiculous-surely then more powerful states like New York would be free to leave since, and considering I'm the only citizen IIRC then I could vote to leave the Northeast

x Former Speaker, Senator and Assembly member Blair

[Blair]

The Common Good: A case for a United Atlasia

1- Federal Programs.

Independence would mean that Federal Programs, and Federal Dollars would no longer flow into the Northeast. These programs are vital for the Northeast, and no plan has been set up about how to cover the costs of a full Federal withdrawal. What would be lost?

-A $7.4 billion scheme to provide HIV/AIDs protection to the Atlasians.
-A $5 billion scheme to provide LegalAid to poor Atlasians
-A $300 million Civil rights Act
-A £300 million infrastructure protection bill to limit the impacts of Climate Change.
-A £600 million grant program for rural transport.

2. International Influence.

The out campaign make several suggestions about how the Northeast would remain part of the International community. Most of this is based on the assumption that the Northeast can just slide onto the International stage, this is simply a mistake.

-The Northeast would be unable to join NATO, not only would their be widespread objections from nations like Spain but also NATO reject members who have territorial issues with another member.

-The Northeast would be unable to take part in the historic Paris Climate Summit, which is set to lay down the largest global climate agreement. As part of Atlasia we'd be one of the most powerful voices-as the Northeast we won't even be invited.

-The Northeast would lose the international influence that comes from being part of, frankly one of the most powerful nations on the earth. The seat on the security council, the international prestige, the trade deals and the international brand would all be lost.

3- Defence and Security-

The out campaign claim that we'd be safe in an independent Northeast. As a former Senator and current Cabinet member I'd have to question this claim. Not only would we lose access to the immensely powerful Atlasian Army but we'd also lose access to the Ships, Special forces, Aircraft, Drones and other specialist equipment that protects us. As said above, not only would we be denied entry into NATO but the Northeast would be a shadow of it's former self

4- The Future?

What would an independent Northeast look like? That's the problem-nobody knows. The system of governance has only been vaguely outlined by the NNP, and no formal recognition has come from the Federal Government. It seems absurd for the Northeast to literally negotiate away our future whilst a New President comes to power, and whilst the ConCon tries to carve out a new future for Atlasia. Federal office holders would be forced to move regions, players with ties to Atlasia would be tempted to leave and uncertainty would hang over our game. Do we really just want to be an irrelevant sub forum board?

[Blair]

'Friends it looks like we've done. Together as a region we've banded together and made the case for a strong and united Northeast. I'd like to thank Governor Pikachu for leading the campaign, and for taking the case to the public in the debates. I'd like to thank every one who voted in the Northeast for independence, and for figures across the political spectrum, from across Atlasia who made the case for a United Atlasia. Mark my words we've send a powerful message-the Northeast is United.

I'd like to send my condolences to Clyde, who's lead a positive and energetic campaign for the Northeast. He's been a fine public servant, and has always kept the campaign positive. I say to everyone in the Northeast who voted for Independence that the journey doesn't end now-we still need you to fight for the Northeast, to ensure that we get a fair deal at the Constitutional Convention. I'm certain we're going to see great things happen in the Northeast over the next couple of months-this is a time for optimism'