The Acta Publica

[Lumine]

Mr. GM, has the FDA approved COVID vaccines for children ages 5-11 as they recently did OTL?

It has not, as, based on precedent from my earlier tenure, this is a decision that depends on the incumbent Administration (and thanks for bringing it to my attention), via the Attorney General as the direct superior of the FDA.

The last formal decision made on this subject took place on January 25-26, with AG Truman - aside from formally approving the use of the Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines - issuing in the following directive:

DoJ and its associated agencies will move forward with tests for children 12 and under with all due haste.

Thus, it is up to the Administration - via the Attorney General - whether the FDA should approve vaccines for children.

[Lumine]

Wanted to let people know that, although RL has delayed the coming update, the administration has been making requests and these have been answered. Still unsure whether I'll have to tackle international or national stuff first as there's a lot out there, hoping to get them out very soon.

If there are requests or questions in the meantime, don't hesitate to ask.

[Lumine]

On the seventeenth year since the founding of the REPUBLIC,
under the Presidency of Scott and the Vice Presidency of BattistaMinola

NEWS UPDATE / INTERNATIONAL

Atlasia First?
President Scott enjoys large crowds for his inauguration speech,
Lays out a personal vision with potential international consequences,
Experts and analysts debate the future of Atlasian foreign policy

NYMAN - Republic of Atlasia - Following his recent victory in the October 2021 Presidential Election and after a long career in politics and public service, Senator Scott was sworn-in as President of Atlasia at the beginning of this month in a highly-planned day, including the delivery of an inauguration speech which has had no shortage of reactions, particularly as international events continue to move. Enjoying a healthy attendance for his speech accounting for COVID restrictions, the new President charted out a course which, while promising engagement in issues such as Taiwan, took on a strong tone regarding what many described a "pro-Atlasian" (or "Atlasia First") tone, criticizing previous trade policies, promising a policy of goodwill towards the international community and rejecting what the President considered to be the imposition of democracy on countries that reject it, all while vowing to "buy Atlasian" and "hire Atlasian".

Domestic reactions aside, the speech was of great interest to several foreign governments, many of which have been directly affected over Atlasian action - or inaction - over the course of the past five years. Supporters of protectionism, non-interventionism and/or the importance of national sovereignty (as opposed to greater international integration) were quick to defend and praise the speech, with an anonymous third-world diplomat saying: "It is an inspiring example of a leader focusing on the right priorities, on his own country." On the opposite side, supporters of the more internationalist and/or multilateral point of view, free trade, or a more hawkish approach were less than pleased with the speech, with an anonymous European diplomat stating: "Atlasia reaffirms, yet again, that it is less than interested to fulfil its international responsibilities."

How the President's new vision for Atlasia will be implemented in the coming weeks and months remain to be seen, but whether friend or foe, it is certain that governments and experts alike wonder about the true implications of the inauguration speech.

NEWS UPDATE / INTERNATIONAL

4th Taiwan Strait Crisis (I)
President Xi doubles down as Chinese navy tightens blockade,
President Tsai remains defiant, but experts warn of imminent shortages,
Atlasian sanctions lead to renewed trade war between Nyman and Beijing

TAIPEI - Republic of China - What had been so far a diplomatic crisis between the Republic of China (also known as Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China is increasingly escalating every day, and the beginnings of involvement and/or intervention by other countries have led international policy experts to describe the current set of events as the 4th Taiwan Strait crisis, echoing the comparatively much more benign - yet still tense - crisis that took place during the last years of the United States of America, back in 1996. A major move was recently undertaken by the White House under the new administration, as almost two weeks ago an oil and steel embargo was placed against Beijing, explained by President Scott as an initial set of sanctions designed to bring President Xi to the negotiating table. A known supporter of Taiwan in spite of his dovish views, recently elected Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was quick to praise President Scott, and, after imposing limited sanctions of his own, has vowed to lobby other Asian nations to diplomatically support Taiwan while warning a war "could be an unmitigated disaster for us all".

Far from being deterred, the People's Republic of China has doubled down on its actions, with state media launching blistering daily attacks on Atlasia for "daring to intervene in an internal Chinese matter", and/or warning that China will not be humiliated by Nyman. President Xi himself has seemingly used the developing crisis to cement his once weakened hold on power, having the Chinese Communist Party approve several resolutions extending Xi's tenure, praising his ideology, condemning "Taiwanese separatism" and "Atlasian meddling", and, according to Atlasian political scientist Jonathan Tench, "elevating Xi to a level of power and influence not seen since Mao." In addition to this, opposition activist to the CCP have denounced the disappearance of perceived critics of the regime regardless of whether their criticisms relate to Taiwan, including some of the few surviving Hong Kong opposition leaders, and the famed Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who had recently accused a high ranking CCP politician of sexual abuse.

In Taiwan itself, these recent developments have been a harsh tightening of the naval and aerial blockade, with various acts of ongoing cyber-sabotage further disrupting domestic life in the island and helping prevent its ability to remain well supplied. President Tsai has also refused to back down to any of Beijing's private or public demands, and as a result her approval ratings continue to climb into a sky-high rate. Still, Taiwanese officials and diplomats have raised the alarm regarding China's increasingly successful efforts at strangling Taiwanese trade and supply, warning shortages could be imminent. Privately, while the ability of Taiwan to survive a blockade has never been fully tested, some believe the island could only hold out for a few weeks or months at best should the blockade become a long term effort by the PRC. With the crisis growing day by day, many wonder whether the Chinese efforts should be likened to a house of cards - and thus liable to fall apart -, or whether they are more sustainable than they appear to be.

NEWS UPDATE / INTERNATIONAL

Middle Eastern Woes
Iraq on the brink of civil war amidst post-election clashes,
The Taliban and the Afghan government remain locked in costly stalemate with no end in sight,
Despite a collapsing economy, Bashar al-Assad may be on the brink of victory

BAGHDAD - Iraq - Held under a new electoral system, the results of the October 2021 Iraqi parliamentary election have pushed the exhausted nation into yet another period of strife, which, due to the increased role of private militias, could very well expand into a renewed civil war. With the electoral contest having almost collapsed due to the fiercely nationalist (anti-Iran, anti-US) cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's decision to boycott the election (then reversed at the last moment), preliminary results showed a very strong result and an unexpected victory for his Sadrist Movement, with the pro-Iran Fatah Alliance experiencing a major setback. Unwilling to accept the result, the pro-Iran parties and militias have gone to the streets to protest the election - which is not yet certified as recounts extend across several weeks - while claiming massive fraud. While al-Sadr - who cannot serve as PM - continues to demand the withdrawal of the few remaining Atlasian troops and the establishment of a Sadrist-led national government (under the threat of forming a strong "national opposition"), incumbent PM Mustafa Al-Kadhimi was wounded in a drone strike recently, an attack which many believe was ordered by the pro-Iran parties.

KABUL - Afghanistan - The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks against the old US has also marked the twentieth anniversary of the ongoing war in Afghanistan, a conflict that many contend has not really stopped ever since the Soviet-led invasion in 1979. With the international presence and Atlasian involvement having been drastically scaled back in recent years (but not fully removed), it has fallen to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its western-trained Afghan National Army to contain the Taliban, who have not shown any signs of being willing to stand down despite ongoing casualties and thousands of prisoners being held by the Kabul government. Following recent local successes, the Taliban have cemented their control over large rural areas just as the government continues to dominate in urban centers, leaving a number of regions to be contested in bitter, deadly skirmishes, guerrilla warfare and terror attacks. Thus, even after twenty years both sides remain locked in this ongoing stalemate with no end in sight, with experts ruling out a Taliban defeat barring an unprecedented return of international forces, and also dismissing a defeat of the Islamic Republic due to its material advantages.

DAMASCUS - Syria - Finally, in Damascus, beleaguered Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has held onto his regime at all costs in what amounts to one of the deadliest wars of the 21st Century (ten years and on), has enjoyed something of a break recently as a number of Arab nations have decided to either recognize his government or reduce its hostility to Assad, who has emerged as a survivor against his once strong internal rivals. Although the Syrian economy is in steady decline - some would say collapse - and Syrian society is reeling both from draconian policies and a conflict that has killed over 600,000 people and displaced millions, Assad has consolidated control over most of the country, leaving only the North (separately held by the independent opposition, the Turkish occupation and its allies, and the Kurds) to be dealt with. Whether the newly gained recognition is a result of lobbying by Russia and Iran (who appear to sense victory for a client regime of sorts) or a show of realpolitik is unclear, but it signals yet another step for a "victory" of sorts for the recently reelected President.

NEWS UPDATE / NATIONAL

The Cult of R
Far-right prophet "R" continues to grow his following,
"R" aligned groups claim responsibility for August protests,
Other far-right and far-left movements gain traction on the internet

NYMAN - Republic of Atlasia - It was only a few months ago that the Labor Party National Convention was almost disrupted by a number of right-wing Facebook groups, all of which appeared to subscribe to a complex set of conspiracy theories surrounding the hotly contested February 2021 Presidential election and the supposed illegitimacy of a now-former President. At the time, there were warnings that such groups may have been motivated from a disinformation campaign via social media orchestrated by the so-called "R", who appeared to be blaming high-ranking Labor politicians of attempting to destroy Atlasian democracy and, so they claim, the "Atlasian way of life and the purity of its essence".

Initially dismissed as cranks, their existence has reportedly concerned local authorities in states like California, Georgia and New York after a manifesto was disseminated across the internet, in which "R" aligned groups - including the Jack D. Ripper Brigade - claimed responsibility for the mysterious August protests at the Governor's Mansions of New York and Georgia. Aside from hailing "R" as a prophet for democracy who will herald the reappearance of a so-called "messiah", said groups also claimed the unbroken set of Labor victories "a threat to democracy", and attacked all parties (right and left-wing alike) for being willing collaborators to this political streak.

It is not, however, just the followers of "R" who have gained traction and increased visibility in different social media platforms, but radical groups in general. Ongoing vaccine and mask mandates, and the recent approval of vaccines for children older than five have fueled COVID-denial or anti-vax groups, just as the heated political situation in Lincoln has inspired countless small groups (pro or anti-independence, pro or anti Wulfric, and so on) to speak out on their increasingly radical beliefs. There is even talk among hard-left activists regarding their own version of "R", an as of yet unnamed prophet come to deliver true liberation for the masses. With at least the "R" followers having already staged their first protests, and these groups expanding rapidly across Facebook and TikTok, many wonder - particularly in law enforcement - what comes next.

NEWS UPDATE / REGIONAL

A House Divided
Lincoln split over recent political events,
Citizens complain about ongoing scandals and past debates,
Governor promises a "New Deal for Lincoln", signaling a political shift

NEW YORK CITY - Lincoln - Although no region has escaped controversy or political conflict in recent weeks, with examples such as the South being recently taken to the Supreme Court over The Southern Heartbeat Act, many cite Lincoln as "ground zero" for political strife, quoting a number of past and present events that, at least according to some, have resulted in an increasingly polarized citizenship, many of which are fiercely critical of some or even most of the region's leading politicians. With the aftermath of the secession referendum already leaving the region divided into different camps, the formation of a new pro-regionalist movement of sorts appeared to suggest the makings of a consensus of sort, which failed to materialize.

Instead, the region has experienced tense weeks as Lincoln Speaker Wulfric has been on the center of controversy, both due to his relentless efforts surrounding the Ban McDonald's Act (a personal cause of his) and a recent scandal regarding comments that were condemned by several leading politicians. Far from being a contained issue, this has even resulted in prominent Frémont politicians taking the floor at the Lincoln General Court to deliver speeches, attempt to vote, or generally disrupt proceedings, bringing further attention into the state of politics in the region. With the Ban McDonald's Act now gone and Speaker Wulfric seen as politically weakened, Governor KaiserDave has signaled an interest to shift Lincoln politics into a different direction, promising a "New Deal for Lincoln" based around a new political partnership with the DA.

As this takes place, Speaker Wulfric continues to be a target of his political rivals, which now include a Senate resolution against "Wulfricism" and the bombastic House Committee on Un-Frémontian Activities. For their part, voters and citizens have intense feelings about recent events, and several viral videos have been recorded of citizens giving their very strong opinions. Thus, and among other instances, people have been recorded burning a Wulfric effigy outside of a local McDonald's restaurant, defending the Speaker as a "champion" and calling on Frémont politicians to "go back to California", people shouting various offensive slogans against prominent politicians of all parties, and so on. For local state or city journalists, perhaps the most alarming sign is the perceived anger in many voters or citizens, many of which remain bitter over the referendum, the recent strife, and past issues such as the previous shutdown.

Whether a sense of political calm can return to the region remains very much to be seen.

[Lumine]

On the seventeenth year since the founding of the REPUBLIC,
under the Presidency of Scott and the Vice Presidency of BattistaMinola

NEWS UPDATE / INTERNATIONAL

4th Taiwan Strait Crisis (II)
As blockade continues, Taiwanese navy fights back,
China reeling from international sanctions, Taiwan asks for international supply,
President Tsai and President Xi keep up the harsh rhetoric, but are there hopes for negotiation?

TAIPEI - Republic of China - As the 4th Taiwan Strait Crisis is on its fifth month since the sudden start of a PRC-led blockade, the conflict continues on an uneasy balance, not yet shifting either towards a compromise solution or towards full escalation and a resulting war. Following a particularly effective cyber-attack against Taiwanese government installations back on New Years Eve, President Tsai was alleged to have given an unofficial order for the Taiwanese navy to start firing back, if not against the official PRC vessels, at least against the private blockading vessels. Although this rumor has been steadfastly denied by Taipei, there are countless reports and civil recordings of night sea battles involving live ammunition. There are no reports as of lately regarding a direct battle between PRC and ROC vessels, and intelligence operatives suggest the Taiwanese navy has succeeded in sinking or damaging several private blockade vessels, somewhat easing up the strain of the blockade.

Still, it is clear that the pressure from the blockade - which forces the Taiwanese to supply their island at night - is not something that can be resisted forever. Although President Tsai and her government continue to put on a brave face whilst encouraging citizens to avoid waste and, if possible, plant their own crops for private consumption, shortages are now a reality, it is said the Republic of China is only weeks away from serious disruption in terms of food availability. On the other side of the coin, and despite similar bluster displayed by President Xi - recently enshrined by the CCP into a historic leadership role -, experts believe the People's Republic of China has been substantially hurt by the partial Atlasian embargo. Furthermore, yet another wave of COVID-19, this time spearheaded by the Omicron variant, has recently hit Beijing and other key cities as locally transmitted cases start to appear, causing fears of yet another military-enforced curfew to stop the virus.

Although most academics don't have hopes of a quick resolution to the conflict, a minority of experts - such as Atlasian political scientist Jonathan Tench - are quoted as believing that the crisis is bound to be resolved sooner rather than later, either via a military conflict in case of escalation, or either Beijing or Taipei giving up the fight should they find it impossible to enforce or resist the blockade. Signs of it can be found, first, on a most recent speech by President Tsai, quoting the example of the Berlin airlift during the Cold War and urging Asian allies and Western nations to either assist to lift the blockade or to keep Taiwan supplied to avoid disaster; and by a slight change in rhetoric from Chinese state media, which has seemingly moved from demonizing Atlasian President Scott to chastising Nyman from not allowing a diplomatic solution to the Chinese "reunification" process.

[Lumine]

On the seventeenth year since the founding of the REPUBLIC,
under the Presidency of Scott and the Vice Presidency of BattistaMinola

NEWS UPDATES / INTERNATIONAL

Paflagonian Transition to Democracy (II)
President Narriman recieves aid package and battles Kummerspeckite militias,
PM Zeller forms majority government by breaking Paflagonian Unity,
CDP and CC take part in coalition cabinet, Weltschmerz made Deputy PM

WÜRSTBURG - Paflagonia - In recent days, and after a parliamentary deadlock caused by the October 2021 elections in Paflagonia (the first since the overthrow and death of Field Marshal von Kummerspeck), the Zeller acting cabinet has been finally replaced by a new majority cabinet as a new government was sworn-in by President Kurt Narriman. Having gained a strong plurality in the elections, Narriman's party Civil Coalition could seemingly either seek a unity government with the Paflagonian Unity coalition, or seek a compromise with the far-right New Dawn. Prime Minister Wolfgang Zeller chose neither, and after weeks of talks the former Colonel succeeded in splitting the coalition apart by enlisting the conservative Christian Democratic Party (CDP). It's unofficial leader, businessman Norbert Weltschmerz, is to become Deputy PM of a government holding 26 out of 50 legislative seats.

In the meantime, President Narriman has made a point of thanking President Scott and the Republic of Atlasia for a recent aid package of $100 million dollars (Paflagonia Support Act), which is intended to help the nation overcome the effects of the pandemic, civil war and economic strife which have set back the small Central European nation for years. However, not all is well. Although Narriman's government had seemingly succeeded in breaking the back of the pro-Kummerspeck militias and/or remaining units, new militia groups have formed on the countryside to oppose the government, and have already staged their first (albeit unsuccessful) attacks. Thus far New Dawn has carefully avoided any public association with the militias, but many suspect them to be linked. Others have gone as far as to blame Moscow or Budapest of funding the revels, but no evidence of it has been uncovered at the moment.

[Lumine]

On the seventeenth year since the founding of the REPUBLIC,
under the Presidency of Scott and the Vice Presidency of BattistaMinola

NEWS UPDATES / INTERNATIONAL

Sabre-rattling in Ukraine?
As Ukraine moves closer to NATO membership,
President Zelensky accuses Russia of mobilizing troops on its border,
Asks Europe and NATO to protect Ukraine against foreign intervention

KYIV - Ukraine - It has been a few difficult years for Ukraine, both due to the unprecedented domestic political instability that has most recently resulted in the unlikely Presidency of actor-turned politician Volodymyr Zelensky; and due to the external conflict with Russia which resulted in the separation of Crimea and an ongoing separatist rebellion in the eastern part of the country. Although fears of a large scale war in Eastern Europe back in 2016 proved to be wrong once Atlasia and Russia negotiated a treaty to address the North Korean crisis - involving Atlasian recognition of Crimea, to Kyiv's dismay -, the international situation is seemingly escalating once again. While the separatist war goes on, and despite a feeling of disappointment towards Nyman, President Zelensky has undertaken active moves to establish closer ties to Europe and NATO both, seeing the later as the one possible road to preserving Ukrainian territorial sovereignty.

Though pleased by the 2016 arrangement, Moscow has been particularly displeased by Zelensky's renewed attempts to get Ukraine to form part of NATO, describing it as an "unacceptable act of aggression" and, most cryptically, a "red time" in terms of its relationship with Ukraine and the West. This has led to an escalation of rhetoric between Moscow and Kyiv, with the former accusing the Ukrainian government of preparing another war in the Donbass against the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics; and the latter denouncing Russia for allegedly mobilizing thousands of troops in the Russo-Ukranian border, which they feel is the prelude to an eventual invasion or a partial occupation of the Donbass region. Although European leaders - including new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz - have spoken in favor of Ukrainian membership of NATO and denounced Russian mobilization, the situation is seen as very much fluid.

[Lumine]

On the seventeenth year since the founding of the REPUBLIC,
under the Presidency of Scott and the Vice Presidency of BattistaMinola

NEWS UPDATE / INTERNATIONAL

NAFTA to be renegotiated?
Following President Scott and SOS Transit's comments,
President López Obrador and Prime Minister Trudeau signal public interest,
Observers wonder in what direction the treaty might go next

MEXICO CITY - Mexico - Perhaps few commercial agreements in recent decades have been as controversial as the North American Free Trade Agreement, better known as NAFTA. Before and after its signature in 1994, it has been equally lauded for promoting economic growth and free trade in the North American continent and for the consequences of competition for workers in several key industries. Even before its ratification it fueled up political uprisings, ranging from Ross Perot's quixotic presidential campaign in the late United States of America, to the weakening of the PRI's government machine in Mexico, to Jean Chrétien's unsuccessful last minute bid to alter the treaty. And just as the political and economic struggle between free trade and protectionist has heated up in the last decade, so has the debate regarding NAFTA's status, its benefits and downsides, and what its future should be.

President Scott gave an indication of this in recent weeks, as he announced his intention to pursue a renegotiation process for NAFTA alongside Secretary of State Wxtransit, wanting to start talks with Canada and Mexico at the earliest possible time and citing, in what many interpreted as a desire to perhaps tone down some aspects of the treaty, the need to make it "muturally beneficial to all workers". Last week, on the occasion of a visit from Prime Minister Trudeau to Mexico City, he and President López Obrador were asked by journalists on a press conference on whether the treaty should be renegotiated. To the surprise of some present, both Trudeau and López Obrador expressed their willingness to hold talks, and in later public statements they announced that an Atlasian proposal was now being waited upon with great interest. It is, however, speculated that López Obrador may be far more enthusiastic than Trudeau to substantially alter the treaty, which might result in some interesting dynamics.

[Lumine]

On the seventeenth year since the founding of the REPUBLIC,
under the Presidency of Scott and the Vice Presidency of BattistaMinola

NEWS UPDATE / NATIONAL

Gun rights drama in Nyman
Congressional debates over the AWB become highly controversial,
Pro and anti-repeal protesters gather daily outside the Capitol,
Fallout from "filibuster" tactics to influence Presidential race?

NYMAN, Atlasia - Less than two years after it being signed into law by former President Pericles, the Federal Assault Weapon and Automatic Weapon Ban Act of 2020 continues to make dramatic headlines following the most recent legislative attempt to repeal it. Despite debate on the measure having lasted less than a week, debate has proved to be unusually spirited and antagonistic, with pro and anti repeal positions clashing on issues like fundamental rights, implementation of the bill, and perhaps most unexpectedly, legislative tactics and their legitimacy in the current Senate. Although an apparent majority for the repeal exists, the attitude of current senators is by no means strictly tied to partisanship, reflecting the odd dynamic of gun rights within the nation and how one can find left, center or right-wing officeholders in support or against the repeal.

Former President Pericles has been at the forefront of the debate on account of his firm opposition to the repeal, resulting in a series of amendments, tabling votes and other measures which opponents have branded as similar to the legislative filibuster, an infamous parliamentary tactic in the late United States senate. So heated has the discussion become that President Scott's recent announcement that he would not seek reelection has been linked to the nature of the legislative debate and its tactics, to the point in which there are already proposals on the floor to alter the Senate rules. Even citizens have jumped into the debate with harsh arguments of their own, ranging from whether the ban has been effective or not to whether gun ownership constitutes a right, a concept derived from Atlasia's heritage associated with the former United States, or whether it is more of a privilege or a limited right.

And as prominent Atlasians debate the matter, Capitol Police have gotten used to rising numbers of protestors gathering near the Capitol every day to voice their opinions, often coming to blows while either lionizing or ridiculing the most prominent voices in the debate. Across the nation, pro-gun organizations have started to gather in large public protest to demand the repeal, having been previously thwarted in attempts to do so due to the 2020 and 2021 lockdown measures. And although local governments have been careful not to issue orders which directly contradict the law - as then Southern Governor MB unsuccessfully tried to do in 2020, becoming a folk hero of opponents to the ban -, it is clear some states and/or cities have not been enthusiastic to comply with the law, much like others have implemented it to the extreme. A dramatic move is already in progress within the South Chamber of Delegates, which is debating, among other similar bills quoting a legal controversy in Frémont, a piece of legislation declaring the current ban null and void in the South.

Whether the repeal succeeds or not, it is clear the public reaction will be intense.

[Lumine]

On the seventeenth year since the founding of the REPUBLIC,
under the Presidency of Scott and the Vice Presidency of BattistaMinola

NEWS UPDATE / NATIONAL

Atlasia battles the Coronavirus (X*)
Omicron wave hits Atlasia, vaccination rate contains it partly,
Death toll climbs to 200,000 as unvaccinated are hit the hardest,
Anti-vax minority clings on despite impact of Immunization Act

NYMAN, Atlasia - Having already raged for more than two years, the Covid 19 pandemic continues to hit the world as its latest iteration, the highly infectious - but apparently less deadly - Omicron variant grows and expands at an exponential date only a couple of months since its detection. Nations already beleaguered due to the social, economic and political impact of the pandemic and associated measures have been forced to undertake renewed measures to contain the spread, resulting in a return of restrictions and/or lockdowns in nations that can still afford it, and a tightening of current restrictions against the unvaccinated in much of Oceania and Western Europe. Atlasia is no stranger to this, having gone from a relatively calmer pace in mid 2021 - seemingly beating the second wave via mass vaccination efforts - to a steady rise in cases following Omicron's arrival, signaling another tough phase in the fight against the seemingly never ending pandemic.

Atlasia has been no stranger to this, with the Omicron variant arriving in early December and leading to a marked spike in cases (not so much in deaths) across the nation. In a global context in which almost 5,000,000 people have perished, the Atlasian death toll currently stands at 200,000 (having experienced a sudden jump in the last couple of months), a number which public experts warn might be exponentially higher were it not for the vaccination campaign. Indeed, the Republic of Atlasia took a particularly strong stance on the matter, authorizing several different vaccines for use, recently allowing children to be vaccinated, and in what is perhaps the most politically controversial measure, enacting several measures to ensure the vaccine remains mandatory via the  Immunization Act of 2021. Around 75% of the population is fully vaccinated and another 10% has received at least a single dosage, but reducing the remaining 15% of unvaccinated Atlasians has proven most difficult, even with the measures of the Immunization Act. Indeed, there are many reports in social media of anti-vax citizens refusing to comply with act, choosing to take the weekly tests instead, or, in some cases, falsifying or paying for said tests.

As a result, a number of academics have made the case that the rise in the death toll is disproportionally affecting said unvaccinated Atlasians, which, according to recent studies, may be several times more likely to die from COVID (findings which have nonetheless been contested by anti-vax organizations). Ultimately, public health experts seem to agree - if for very different reasons - that Atlasia and other nations stand at the crossroads in terms of how to deal with the pandemic, depending on whether Omicron's highly contagious nature leads to eventual herd immunity or whether it signals yet another destructive step. Thus, public officials may face key decisions on whether to re-institute or dismiss lockdown measures, tighten or loosen restrictions on the unvaccinated, returning or not to the use of masks, and so on. For now, a measure of dissent against current restrictions can even be seen in examples like the Southern Chamber of Delegates, after the introduction of a bill - alongside one regarding the now repealed Mask Mandate Act - calling the Immunization Act of 2021 nullified in the region.

*Peanut's "First Pandemic Update" (March 17th, 2021) is retroactively considered to be part IX of the pandemic updates.

[Pericles]

According to CDC data, while 20% of all those 5 and over in the rl United States are unvaccinated, this is just 15% of those 12 and over and just 13% of adults. This is presuming that unvaccinated means having received no vaccine dose. Therefore, I was surprised at the number 20% being used here, what is that referring to? Does that mean that Atlasia has a worse vaccination rate than the rl United States? Secondly, I'm not sure why we wouldn't be doing significantly better-we don't have the same level of social mistrust and polarisation over vaccines, and vaccine mandates have had an effect in other countries in boosting the vaccination rate.

[Lumine]

According to CDC data, while 20% of all those 5 and over in the rl United States are unvaccinated, this is just 15% of those 12 and over and just 13% of adults. This is presuming that unvaccinated means having received no vaccine dose. Therefore, I was surprised at the number 20% being used here, what is that referring to? Does that mean that Atlasia has a worse vaccination rate than the rl United States? Secondly, I'm not sure why we wouldn't be doing significantly better-we don't have the same level of social mistrust and polarisation over vaccines, and vaccine mandates have had an effect in other countries in boosting the vaccination rate.

Although I didn't actually account for the differences in age groups, current numbers (which consider the population total, not just adults) are still an improvement compared to the OTL US. If only 63-64% are fully vaccinated there, over 70% are in Atlasia. And if c. 75% have recieved at least a dosage there, 80% has recieved one here. And though vaccination is naturally less political and controversial than it is in the US, there has been some political criticism of related measures - particularly the mandates - which, combined with backlash from certain groups to previous policy, would probably play a role.

Having said all that, I do find the number of vaccinated adults in the US surprising, in the sense that it is higher than I envisioned. I may adjust the update numbers accordingly, but there's still a significant minority group which remains unwilling to take the vaccine.

(Thanks for bringing it to my attention!)

[Lumine]

I'm still unsure on how to process the current shenanigans in the South (because sh*tposting or not, actions have consecuences, and though no legal expert, I suspect some of the stuff that has been posted could be considered illegal or an actual crime) but in the meantime, I might as well formally address something that I think has been in extremely poor taste:

CLARIFICATION / GAME MECHANICS

Assassination / Players

The Office of the Pontifex Maximus does not, under any circunstances, acknowledge the validity of players proclaiming fellow living Atlasians to be dead. Neither does it acknowledge any player-posted news addressing or giving validity to such attempts.

It wasn't funny to proclaim a player - Spark in this case - dead before, and, considering what he has recently posted, it sure as hell isn't funny now, so please cut it out. I'll think of how to rule and/or act regarding the Southern events while I consider the next follow-ups to current storylines.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Taking sh*tposting seriously is a Pandora's box that would probably break the game if vigorously pursued, but I guess we'll see what happens.

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

Taking sh*tposting seriously is a Pandora's box that would probably break the game if vigorously pursued, but I guess we'll see what happens.

If you need to sh*t, use a toilet.

[Continential]

I apologize to you and I'll admit that this is in bad taste after what I've heard through Western Democrat. I'll take responsibility for this and I feel genuinely bad that I did this and if I had known, I wouldn't have done this. I don't care if you think this apology is in some way fake, I feel genuinely bad.

I'll repost this as I don't want this to be deleted when I delete the thread but I'll take full responsibility for starting the Spark death drama.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

[WD]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

It’s a f***ing meme, lol.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

It’s a f***ing meme, lol.

We seem to have struck a nerve!

[Attorney General, LGC Speaker, and Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

Respectfully I would suggest you conduct your official business, such as certifying the election results on the voting booth thread, rather than be concerned with a meme that is quickly losing its staying power.

[Continential]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

Respectfully I would suggest you conduct your official business, such as certifying the election results on the voting booth thread, rather than be concerned with a meme that is quickly losing its staying power.

This isn't a meme, this is a movement.

[Mr. Reactionary]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

Respectfully I would suggest you conduct your official business, such as certifying the election results on the voting booth thread, rather than be concerned with a meme that is quickly losing its staying power.

This isn't a meme, this is a movement.

A bowel movement.

[S019]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

Respectfully I would suggest you conduct your official business, such as certifying the election results on the voting booth thread, rather than be concerned with a meme that is quickly losing its staying power.

This isn't a meme, this is a movement.

A bowel movement.

Haha very funny

[Joseph Cao]

If a public statement acknowledging LT's win is necessary, because I see no reason to take those events seriously, I'll do that. But I do agree on Spark.

Too little too late. You stood back, stood by, and fiddled while Atlasia burned. I don't want your pathetic public statement when you realize you're bound to lose your "good government voters." The insurrectionists are your base.

Respectfully I would suggest you conduct your official business, such as certifying the election results on the voting booth thread, rather than be concerned with a meme that is quickly losing its staying power.

This isn't a meme, this is a movement.

A bowel movement.

Haha very funny

S019, noted arbiter of humor.

Anyway let's not clog up Lumine's thread any further, shall we?

[Pericles]

On what day in 2020 was the first Covid case recorded in Atlasia?