Issue Eight (10/13)

Day 1,423, 21:38 Published in USA USA by Michael Raab
The Washington Herald
Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
Day 1,423 (October 13, 2011)
21:39

Table of Contents:
Introduction Article: What's up? I'm back!
I've been gone-ish for a bit, here's what you can expect
Main Article: Interview with a Two-Termer (so far)
My second interview with President Auctoritas
Sports: Big XII?
How can they become even more of a powerhouse?
Concluding Article: Kosovo
*Like


Introduction Article: What's up? I'm back!
By: Michael Raab


To start off, I'd like to say thank you to all of the people who voted for me in the Congressional Elections, because you helped me to my first term as a U.S. Congressman. I'm sure it's obvious, but I'm loving it. Other things have been going on that have prevented me from writing on eRepublik as often as I had before. For starters, I've had some horrible things going on at school. Things like term papers, JROTC responsibilities, and the PSATs. Now, all of that stuff may hinder my writing ability, but I've had some major writer's block recently and that really doesn't help a writer. Not to mention, I run a column at the School Paper, which has been growing in popularity by the week.

Either way, I'm back. The last thing I really have before I'm home free and down the eRepublik writing stretch is the PSATs on Saturday. After that, I'll be providing you with what I promised in my Original Issue, fun news with a twist.


Main Article: Interview with a Two-Termer (so far)
By: Michael Raab


I woke up at 7:00 to the sound of my alarm clock. As I opened the drapes, I saw the magnificent sight called the D.C. skyline. At 7:45, I exited my apartment building wearing a suit (which includes US Flag and Federalist Party lapel pins), carrying a briefcase in one hand and a thermos of coffee in the other. As I got into my Land Rover, deja vu hit. I remembered the last time I interviewed the President, and any anxiety I had disappeared. I am now more prepared and I have multiple government positions under my belt. I was ready. I drove up to the White House and was immediately escorted by Secret Service Agents to the Oval Office. When I walked in, that familiar face had the same familiar smile... "Welcome Back!" he said.

*Note MR indicates Michael Raab & AA indicated President Auctoritas.

1. MR: How would you describe the elections? (classiness etc.)

AA: Morrigan ran an excellent campaign. While we might not agree on all issues, her team ran it hard and true.

2. MR: What would you like to accomplish that you didn't get to do in your first term?

AA: We came |-| this close in Spain. It would've been nice to finish the job, but instead I think peace would be preferable. We started a baby-boom project but it just started to get traction at the end of the term. We need to get this thing going for real. It will be fun to get a new generation of people into erepublik to enable a stronger future.

3. MR: Last term, Spain was our target, what about now?

AA: I am not sure. As soon as Spain and Poland accept out peace proposal, I think we will find a way to help our brothers in South America. I think Brazil and Argentina have been doing all the heavy lifting down there with no support for far too long.

4. MR: Which allies are the Most "Essential" to the eUSA in your book?

AA: All allies are essential in my book. ONE has a core of the most powerful countries in erepublik. In order to defend ourselves, we all need to fight together under the ET banner.

5. MR: Nostradamus Time. How do you predict the world will be after your 2nd Term? (borders etc.)

AA: I think the USA will be invaded at least once. Not sure how deep if at all they will penetrate. I expect ONE to conquer all smaller nations and control the Balkans and Baltic areas handily, unless ET can garner enough support to secure these areas.

6. MR: Albania & Kosovo, what's your standpoint?

AA: I am happy to see any country join erepublik. We need all the new blood we can get. Good for those people to finally have a place to call home.

7. MR: Scenario time. Albania & Kosovo are created. A day later, Serbia and FYROM swallows them up... now what?

AA: Yeah, it's sad how aggressive ONE is with other nations. They do not respect sovereignty at all. It's the characteristic of their gameplay. I prefer to consider every country free, with exceptions only occuring in extreme cases.

8. MR: Europe... what are we doing to help out?

AA: Europe is and always will be a quagmire because Poland, Spain, Serbia, and Hungary are powerful and coordinate well. Someone told me recently that Poland carries ONE and can win any battle they choose to...not good. How the USA has been helping should be clear.

9. MR: In your mind, is Military Action the best type of Action?

AA: Unfortunately, after the admins neutered the econ module, it is all we are left with.

10. MR: Are Interviews boring after a while?

AA: Nope, I just don't know if my statements are clear or concise enough to be considered news-worthy. I like to have fun and hope you all do too.

As I drove back home with my thermos of coffee empty and a Presidential coin for my military coin collection, the secure feeling of living in the greatest nation on the ePlanet came surging through my viens. God Bless America.


Sports: Big XII?
By: Michael Raab


I like to be very "to the point" with my stories. What make the Big XII BIG? Further more, what makes them XII? So far the Big XII contains the following teams in NCAA Division I FBS Football...

Big XII
• Baylor University
• Iowa State University
• University of Kansas
• Kansas State University
• University of Missouri
• University of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma State University
• University of Texas
• Texas A&M University (😉
• Texas Tech University

(😉Note, Texas A&M will join the SEC effective of July 1, 2012

For all of you playing along at home, the Big XII has only 10 teams. Now, if anyone is going "Wait, wait... TCU is joining next year!" Yes, you are right, they are, but that still only makes 10 teams due to the fact that Texas A&M is leaving. Now, why is the Big XII only made up of 10 teams, that's just silly. It makes even less sense when you realize that the Big 10 has 12 teams. Well here my solution...

My Big XII (😉
• Baylor University
• University of Houston (*😉
• Iowa State University
• University of Kansas
• Kansas State University
• University of Missouri
• University of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma State University
• Southern Methodist University (**😉
• University of Texas
• Texas Christian University
• Texas Tech University

(😉If I were on the Big XII Board
(**/**😉 My additions

There it is, 12 teams in a conference called the Big XII. Now, why those two teams to add? Well, both teams have shown great growth over the recent years in their respective conferences. Not to mention, both coaches are great at recruiting, and having Big XII membership would only help. Post your praise or objections to My Big XII in the comments. If you are so inclined, post your own Big XII.


Concluding Article: Kosovo
By: Michael Raab


I'm gonna keep this short...


As stated in the section above with President Auctoritas, if Kosovo were declared independent, Serbia may swallow it up within a few hours. The same thing may happen to Albania, but we'll deal with that when the time comes. To all Americans out there, if Serbia does attack, I would like to see the we do something about it.

If Americans can run successful attack adds when running for office, we can defeat Serbia. I think I speak for every American when I say that I'm sick and tired of Serbia. This may be the only time I'll ever swear in an Issue of this paper, but I fucking hate Serbia. Actually, that goes for all ONE Nations.

"Men, this stuff that some sources sling around about America wanting out of this war, not wanting to fight, is a crock of bullshit. Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to defend your homes and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because you would not want to be anywhere else. Third, you are here because you are real men and all real men like to fight. When you, here, everyone of you, were kids, you all admired the champion marble player, the fastest runner, the toughest boxer, the big league ball players, and the All-American football players. Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all of the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor will ever lose a war; for the very idea of losing is hateful to an American." - General George S. Patton

So... let's kick some ass... American Style.