America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond
- Thread starter CountDVB
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An update focusing on Udall's POV (perhaps in 1990 or 1991) would be fun to see!
They're likely in the background enjoying some form of retirement. Their time in the spotlight is done and after everything, definitely quite tired
Summer 1990- Shakes & Quakes
Summer 1990- Shakes & Quakes
Hyatt Terraces Baguio Hotel, after it collapsed during the 1990 Luzon earthquake.
Hyatt Terraces Baguio Hotel, after it collapsed during the 1990 Luzon earthquake.
Summer was rolling out and as the heat was coming, so were the changes. American politics became abuzz more with the introduction of the United Citizens' Party and how well they may end up doing in the midterms. Even with most predictions being modest about the success of the UCP, the opportunity looked quite tantalizing, especially for voters who may have felt that their voices could be better represented over by the new party. Other positive news was the finalization of treaties to end chemical weapon production and to destory their current stockpiles and plans to a successor to the SALT talks. Speaking of international talks, the two Germanies would start finalizing their merger, starting off with the merging of their currencies and economies, along with plans to integrate politics and the like. Additionally, several nations like the United States have been looking into invest into the upcoming East Germany, even managing to get a tour of some locations over for some possibilities. Speculation abounds as to what it could be though many people are excited for what could be coming here. One company that was spotted of particular interest (outside of the usual suspects of restaurant franchises and retailers) was Disney itself, having been in talks with another unidentified company as of late. The Deutsche Mark would return over to East Germany and it was noted that by autumn of the year or so, East Germany and West Germany would become one unified Germany. [1]
Though over in the former second world, more changes were coming at an amazing speed. Mongolia would have its first multiparty election in its legislation. Another nation that made part of the Soviet Union would make its split, that being the Armenian SSR. More of Russia's neighbors in the area became more alert, especially since they suspected that this would leave to greater tensions with the Azerbaijani, especially if the latter decides to go over and secede. Turkey has become more supporting of the Azerbaijani in the war. This combined with Turkey's greater tensions against the Kurds of their nation has led to some experts believe that the region over in West Asia to become a greater hot spot for conflict, especially if Iran decides to get involved. Another action would be Belarus, though rather than secede from the Soviet Union, they would declare their sovereignty. This added further emphasis the desire for autonomy and began sending a clear message over to the Soviet leadership. Enough to where even the Russian leadership was planning some serious reorganization on legislation and exeuctive branches. Rumors speculated on the Soviet Union planning a major overhaul of their system or perhaps even becoming a new entity in its entirety. A bit of positive news was over on the Soviets with their computers, with the RELCOM computer network coming up along and later connecting to the greater Internet, showing a greater potential of global unity. [1]
However, speaking of Iran, the nation would deal with a massive earthquake, hitting mainly the cities of Manjil and Rudbar. With 35,000 - 45,000 killed, even more people injured and hundreds of thousands displaced, it would see various nations provide aid however they can for the injured and displaced along with potential assistance over in rebuilding the structures, given the $8 billion of damage. [2] Another even more potent earthquake would be seen over in the Philippines, striking the island of Luzon primarily. Like with Iran, various nations and organizations came together to provide aid, fueling this sense of camaraderie and support for one another, especiall in these difficult times. It also served to help reinforce ties over with the Philippines and the Americans. [3] As the nations were recovering and people still rebuilding, eyes continued remain over in the Middle East. While the conversation for Jersualem and Gaza closed the chapter over the question of Palestine for good beyond the remnants of some forces, it's been reported that some of said forces have escaped the region, heading east. Additionally, intelligence reports have speculated a growing number forces over near Kuwait.
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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_Manjil–Rudbar_earthquake
[3]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_Luzon_earthquake
Yup! You predicted what would happen with Jerusalem, @Windows95 . Definitely gonna be a bit of an interesting cultural stuff there. Hope you like the flag!
Will probably open in 1991, operated by the NARA over in his hometown.
I'm guessing Saddam is looking to invade Kuwait, just like OTL.
Nope. Saddam died in the last days of the Iran-Iraq War in the Battle of Baghdad
Well, Do the Right Thing will come out this year and likely win the awards unlike OTL, especially with its only competition also being delayed 1991. Anything besides that, especially with smaller things and whatnot?
1990- Return of the Baathists
1990- Return of the Baathists
Background- Gas Glut?
The last few years have not been well over for the fossil fuel industry. The exposure over the impact of fossil fuel usage on the climate along with the attempts at suppressing that information to maintain profits have become a larger influence on global and domestic policy than most people expected. With the US having focused over to phasing it out by various means (expanding nuclear power, changing infrastructure to reduce petrol usage, etc), various other nations began doing the same. Coal was difficult though becoming more possible thanks to nuclear along with investigation into other power sources, including tidal and geothermal. Beyond energy generation, its usage in the production of steel was also being examined on viable alternatives. If nothing else, coal was looking the most likely to be phased out, though work remained, especially in less developed countries though the focus remained on the current using nations.
Petroleum and natural gas meanwhile were a little more complicated. Natural gas had a plentiful number of uses, numerous to where even if some of its current uses were eliminated, it could shift to other ones or perhaps take over some. Beyond domestic heating and power generation, it could be used as transportation fuel, ammonia and hydrogen production and various other aspects. As such, it could be shifted around and find new usage during the transition phase. In fact, various natural gas processing locations and operations began work on switch of focus to remain relevant, especially to possibly replace petroleum. Petroleum, while quite important over with its usage in fuels for global transportation and other uses such as in plastics, was also targeted to be phased out over time. While this would be a long time aways, the progress was still happening and it would be having rammifications on many nations.
For some nations, such as with Iran, it would be about expandng and diversifying the economy into many sectors while focusing on renewables and infrastructure. Growing ties with the Americans were helping here. However, for other nations, things were complicated. OPEC would be one of the biggest hit here as they now had to balance the seemingly impossible tightrope with balancing prices. What didn't help matters was how the oil price problems of the 1970s had forced people to earlier start facing these problems and recognize the need to transition from dependence of oil, with the Americans' case over in 1985 (around the same time the Saudis slashed the prices) cementing the necessity to accelerate the endeavors. Unsurprisingly, OPEC became quite nervous as the clock was now ticking. They would need to start shifting their economies away from heavy petrol export dependence. But that was easier said than done; many of them relied disproportionately on their oil and while they did not need to shut down on the spot, they would be facing an uphill battle to do so. Moreso, it would require massive amounts of investment and changes over how they did things... and many were unsure if they would actually be able to do so.
Baathists Reborn
The Baathists have lost their way since the 1960s, especially with Saddam and Assad creating their own subideologies from them and being based on themselves. However, what happens to such an ideology when the leader in the center of it all is gone? Iraq lost against Iran over in their war and Iran would help set up a new but still secular state over in Iraq. Not all of the army bowed their heads in defeat though, as numerous groups of them including some escaped commanders would flee south, seemingly disappearing over into outskirts and hide. All but unable to do anything but see the world change in front of them. Pakistan, the last prominent bastion of "Islamism" would collapse in their war against Afghanistan and India, their people having their faith in the idealogy practically broken and the nation on life support from the United States as and the Americans trying to find a good long term solution. Afghanistan manging to modernize more with the coordination of their two major parties and the growing smaller parties. Israel and Jordan successfully creating an agreement with most of the West Bank going to Jordan while Gaza becomes an autonomous state and Jerusalem an international city. All while the Middle East petrolstates have been rocked by the changing economic direction in accelerated rejection of fossil fuels.
As such, the remnant forces who escaped Iraq now had to face this new future and figure their place. Saddamism was cast now to the ground and destroyed and Assadism proved to be little more than loyalty to the ruling family over in Syria. "Where did things go wrong?" they asked themselves. However, as time went by, the forces began regrowing and rebuilding themselves. They would secure some attention from Afghanistan, discussing ideology, means and the way forward with the National Revolutionary Party and the PDPA. They were inspired and they began going back to basics with their ideals of a pan-Arab secular state. Additionally, they had to take account the new order of the world along with the current status. The Soviets were having to change themselves or fall apart as seen with the loss of their sphere while the Chinese have done the same and even the Americans began their change and dealing with problems. Meanwhile, Arabia remained divided between various states despite their commonalities and many of them under the control of sharifs and emirs under absolute monarchy, a situation that they viewed as a slight. As such, from the shadows, they began regrouping, preparing and regrowing. The Baathists would fight once more for their dream or die trying. And what better time since pan-Islamism would become all but discredited with its role in Pakistan's decline and defeat.
Beyond having gone back to basics, they learned from their mistakes and observed what has worked so far and what could be modified. Afghanistan was something of a good model as the NRP mellowed somewhat and worked decently with the PDPA. Even Turkey provided some influence there, even with the Turks' increasing unstabiltiy with the Kurds and the growing frustration of the Europeans and Americans in regards to that. And there were some opportunities for them to go and select. Yemen had just reunited and was on shaky ground. The end of the Islamist government in Pakistan sent shockwaves among those similar-minded over in Saudi Arabia, further stroking strife within the popualce against the House of Saud, already in trouble due to the concentration of wealth among the nobility, increasing the resentment and frustration among the people. Even with Islamism's downfall, this did not make the frustration go away and indeed, instead new outlets would be needed for the outrage of the people. It was a unique opportunity that the Baathists saw. However, they could not do anything as they were now... they would need a new base to establish themselves... and one nation got their interest... Qatar.
Situation in Qatar
Qatar was one of the minor nations in Arabia not absorbed by the House of Saud, over on a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf and next to the United Arab Emirates. Like their neighbors, they have become rich and powerful through their fossil fuel sources, that of petroleum and natural gas. They were also under an absolute monarchy that enforced sharia law over in the people of their nation, with everything they came with that. Qatar, like the various other nations, were becoming increasingly treated with scrutiny, primarily because of the human rights concerns regarding the treatment of the South Asian migrant workers. This investigation was part of a greater trend of reporters investigating more misdeeds and controversies all across the world, which began over in the late 1980s. Qatar also nearly underwent a coup in the 1980s when the Emir of the time Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani would choose his son, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to be his successor rather his brother, Suhaim bin Hamad Al Thani. Suhaim in response planned a coup over against his brother in 1985, having his own weapon cache and supporters in the north, though would die of a heart attack before he could put his plan into action. Some of Suhaim's sons meanwhile would be imprisoned some time after. This was due to their assassination attempt on Ghanim Al Kuwari, the Minister of Information and Culture, blaming Kuwari for not being prompt with medical attention. Ironically, one of Suhaim's sons would end up replacing Kuwari as Minister of Information and Culture in 1989, that being Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.
Meanwhile, Hamad had been leading the Supreme Planning Council, who's role was to establish Qatar's basic economic and social policies. Unsurprisingly, this role became alot more difficult due to the need to shift away from petroleum exporting in the long term. This in spite of the fact that the nation would need to rely on it for further growth and modernization efforts in the nation. Hamad's job was growing more frustrating since he was not the one in charge. This was adding some growing antagonism over with his father. Qatar was doing pretty well for most part, but there were cracks that could be exploited by potential groups. Not to mention that they were relatively small and could possibly be dealt with, if needing the help of the proper leadership or at least the symbol in order to do so.
And from near Kuwait, forces began heading south and east over to Qatar...
Autumn 1990- German Reunified
Autumn 1990- German Reunified
1990 Day of German Unity, with flags of German states at the Reichstag building in Berlin
1990 Day of German Unity, with flags of German states at the Reichstag building in Berlin
After weekof hard work and before that, the long decades, Germany was finally reunited. Back in September, the two German states along with the four occupying powers from back during WW2 would sign the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany in Moscow. It was the final major step over toward German reunification. Over in early October, East Germany and West Germany finished their processes & were now one unified Germany once more, granting yet another symbol of the oncoming end of the Cold War. While many questions remained, such as the need for financial assistance over in the former East Germany along with adjustment for both sides regarding politics, it was still alot of good news. Indeed, the eastern part of Germany was being welcomed back into the fold with many coming in for various opportunities. [1] Perhaps the biggest surprising one was none other than the Walt Disney company. After scoping out some land and working some deals, it would be announced: the revival of the EuroDisney project. However, it would be a different approach. It would not be a hands-on direct project like they planned, but it also wouldn't be how Disneyland Tokyo was run by The Oriental Land Company. Here, Disney would co-operate the park with a very successful German company, Mack Rides. The idea of working with Mack Rides came from back during the original project planning, when the team visited Europa Park, a very successful theme park is in its own right. As such, when interest returned in a EuroDisney, they can back to this and would hammer out a deal. The site chosen would be over in East Germany. While places like near Berlin or within Bradenburg were considered, climate was also needing to be considered regarding warmth and the like. Ultimately, it would be near Möckern and Loburg that would become the sight for the new park, dubbed "Disneyland Europa", with the hope of helping to establish more work there. While the details were done and Mack Rides further scoping, they were also working more with Disney's European division and one major influence would be the European Disney comics over when coming up with the layout. Overall, with Germany now one, it was looking to be a wonderful way of ending the year.
But this was not the only major developments. Another would be the retirement of William Brennan, the oldest Supreme Court member of the time and thus giving the chance for President Reubin Askew to pick the next major candidate over for the Supreme Court. Askew's list was not too different than that from his predecessor and was looking through to see who would be able to do so. After a bit of a while of discussion, the new Supreme Court Justice would be announced: that being former Attorney General Stephen Gerald Breyer. It was noted that Breyer, while considering being Attorney General once more for the Askew administration, declined there, leading to believe that he was pursuing the chance to try and become a Supreme Court justice. It was a relatively easy process to go through the Senate. Others were wondering when the other elderly Justice, Thurgood Marshall, will resign and who President Askew would put in to take his place. Another bit of news coming over from the Askew Administration was reinforcing the 1960s' Clean Air Act, having done so to focus on urban pollution and other damaging emissions, which also included focusing even more on the emissions from various vehicles. Outside of the US, developments included Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to lessen Cold War tensions and reform the USSR. Over in South Africa, they begin ending segregation of libraries, trains, buses, toilets, swimming pools, and other public facilities. And perhaps in parallel to what has been happening, the Premier of North Korea would meet with the President of South Korea, leading to some hope of them also reuniting at some point in the future.[1]
However, despite the successes, there was a fair bit of trouble. The civil war in Sri Lanka would keep raging on. Meanwhile, the civil war in Lebanon would keep raging on over because of the Syrian occupation there. An all-out attack by Syria would be attempted though the Israeli air force would retaliate over in attacks. Despite rumors that they may not attempt to do so, Israel would get involved and Aoun would begin to receive even more support against the Syrian occupation though there was also talks on how to finally end the long civil war, especially given Syria's interest in the region and the sectarian violence over. Israel maintained a presence and was looking into discussions with its neighbors on potential solutions. including even talks with Jordan and Iran, the former that plans were being discussed also for a formal and official peace treaty between them. Africa would also see its own strife as Liberian president Samuel Doe would captured by the rebel leader Prince Johnson and killed in a filmed execution, showing worse troubles over for the Liberian Civil War. There was also the beginnings of the Rwandan Civil War, which would see the brutal conflicts regarding the Hutus and the Tutsis be brought about and raising concern over the need to get involved by the various nations, especially with the concern that matters would worsen over time. Overall, it would seem that the troubles would not be stopping and that the major powers would need to focus and keep an eye due to the growing concerns on how bad things could get. [1]
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[1]- Phrasing and information from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990
Also, something for ya'll!
Credit: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Didn't_Start_the_Fire
Yeah, not that good in writing lyrics
:
We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No, we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it
Birth control, Ho Chi Minh, Richard Nixon back again
Moonshot, Woodstock, Watergate, punk rock
Begin, Reagan, broke Canal & Poland visit from Paul,
Revolution in Iran, Rebels in Afghanistan,
Falkland fights, Equal rights, Udall medicare for all
Exxon sins, Iran wins, ASIMTAFE, GOP chafe
Peres-Hussein brand new chart, Pakistan breaks apart,
Rock and Roller Cola wars, I can't take it anymore
We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
But when we are gone
It will still burn on and on and on and on
And on and on and on and on...
Credit: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Didn't_Start_the_Fire
Billy Joel - We Didn't Start The Fire Lyrics | AZLyrics.com
Billy Joel "We Didn't Start The Fire": Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio Joe McC...
www.azlyrics.com
Yeah, not that good in writing lyrics
: We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No, we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it
Birth control, Ho Chi Minh, Richard Nixon back again
Moonshot, Woodstock, Watergate, punk rock
Begin, Reagan, broke Canal & Poland visit from Paul,
Revolution in Iran, Rebels in Afghanistan,
Falkland fights, Equal rights, Udall medicare for all
Exxon sins, Iran wins, ASIMTAFE, GOP chafe
Peres-Hussein brand new chart, Pakistan breaks apart,
Rock and Roller Cola wars, I can't take it anymore
We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
But when we are gone
It will still burn on and on and on and on
And on and on and on and on...
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