WanderingProfessor
Banned
But if CountDVB's comments are any indication, the UCP might do better than expected.
America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond
- Thread starter CountDVB
- Start date
Yeah, but as a buisnessman, Perot would likely not want to go and do business with a tarnished brand and given the time, would be easier for political insiders to do reforms rather than rely on an outside force.
Additionally, ITTL Askew actually would become a large supporter of SATMIN rights during his time as Vice President, mainly he would have a main hand in handling the AIDS epidemic and additionally, his interaction with SATMIN people, especially those of color, would remind him of his desegregation efforts back as a New South governor and this have him change his perspective. As such, Askew is actually more to the left here than he is OTL.
WanderingProfessor
Banned
Since Paramount owns Marvel in this universe, it means that they'll create Marvel-themed attractions at their amusement parks especially once TTL's MCU gets rolling in the 90s.
1991- The Ukrainian Referendum
1991- The Ukrainian Referendum
A Referendum of Independence
Out of all the nations that were voting to leave, Ukraine was the one most people looked into, because they, along with Azerbaijan, were the most on the fence. While the latter would end up leaving due to a growing closeness with Turkey and suspected irredentist movements that was leading to growing friction between them and Iran, Ukraine was a bit more fascinating. While they were one of the bigger influences toward pushing for the "confederation" based model of government that would become the SUSR, they were still rather cautious if not skeptical on the whole ordeal. Many would attribute this due to the past history Russia has had with its Eastern European neighbors, especially with Belarus and Ukraine. Both of these nations have been more part of Russia proper rather than their own state and Ukraine in particular has a past of trying to go and create their own state, including prior to the formation of the Soviet Union.
As such, perhaps it wasn't as big as a surprise when Ukraine would decide to rather try and hold a referendum over on whether or not to be independent.
As many people as possible was encouraged to go ot and vote over whether or not for Ukraine to finally be independent. It was all meticulously counted and double-counted to make sure. The general concensus was that it would most likely pass because of historical reasons. While relationships have improved considerably, especially because of the economic reforms and liberalization of certain aspects during the reforms, more than a bit of bad blood remained and Ukraine wanted to test if their people truly wanted to be fully independent of Russian influence.
Gorbachev could not do anything to stop it though noted some concerns regarding some potential territory issues, mainly that of Crimea. However, when the results got back, things were a little more interesting than expected.
While Ukraine did ultimately vote to leave, it was closer than expected. However, the truly interesting part was the distribution of who wanted to stay and who wanted to leave. While the western half was very insistent on leaving, it was fairly more split over on the eastern side of the country though still edging out closer to independence. However, one region of the nation was very much for remaining... Crimea.
Enter the Tatars
Even at their most optimistic, with Crimea, it was likely to be a close call, maybe 55% at most. It was somewhat unsurprising that they would vote to remain over in the SUSR, though their gap was larger than that of the others, showing that they were pretty serious on the matter. While the other parts of the nation could potentially settle for not being with Russia, the gap with Crimea meant that it was a big enough matter that it may need to be taken seriously over their faith.
However, matters were complicated even more with a wild card of a people: the indigenous people of Crimea, the Crimean Tatars.
Back in 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union would condemn the removal of Crimean Tatars back from their homeland. The whole ordeal being declared inhumane, it began a process of the Crimean Tatars slowly coming back to their homeland. However, the growth of various activists and leaders such as Yuri Bekirovich Osmanov and Mustafa Abduldzhemil Jemilev were promoting for the Crimean Tatar people to have a say on the matters, trying to speak to both sides on the matter. However, the two men had different approaches and ideals, with Jemilev have a seperatist approach compared to Osmanov's more reconciliatory approach regarding resettling the Crimean Tatar people. Both of their parties were in a quasi-competition and would get the spotlight shined on them thanks to various groups in the media, foreign and domestic, pointing it out.
Especially given how the predominance of the people voting to remain in Crimea were Russian and there was some growing tension growing there with the Tatars coming in to their homeland. And each side saw an opportunity to go for their advantage. Ukraine appealed to the Crimean Tatars and noted their shared past of having dominated with Russia and extending an olive branch of peaceful prosperity in their homeland, with some would-be legislators even considering an "autonomous territory" deal with them.
Meanwhile,the Russians had their own reasons for wanting Crimea, primarily because it was the site of the Black Sea fleet for them and thus, an improtant strategic point. The fact that a majority of the people there in Crimea would want to remain over with the SUSR is also a considerable point to take. However, there was also the issue of the Tatars to consider, especially now that attention was brought to it. There was also the Ukrainian popuation there and of course, others who would've preferred just staying in Ukraine. And so they were forced to go to the table to negotiate to try and nip this situation in the bud.
Cracking Crimea
The Russians, being the de facto head of the SUSR and Gorbachev was somewhat stuck on the situation. Ukraine meant alot over to Russia and has historic and tradtional ties. However, at the end of the day though, Gorbachev and his growing faction believed that it was up to the people of Ukraine to decide what they wanted to do. While they were an influence in the treaty becoming more confederal in execution, the fact they kept pushng for it while the other nations were more okay with the original plan gave the notion that they were really wanting more to be independent. It was the end of the USSR, but moreso than that, it was addressing that issues and thought patterns that led to the USSR collapsing in the first place, mainly an inability to change and moving on from the troubles that haunted them since the days of the Tsardom. Gorbachev and the transitional of Ukraine were discussing potential solutions to the issue on the matter.
Ukraine was not willing to give up Crimea, at least without compensation and the Russians knew that paying could upset the populace. More aggressive actions were immediately taken off the table for it. Another idea was on possibly ceding some land over to Russia from Crimea in exchange and have them live there but while the eastern oblasts, mainly the Luhansk & Donetsk oblasts, were the ones that did have the biggest suport for remaining, it was still not even half the population. Additionally, they did not show much interest in actually breaking off from Ukraine itself. Of course, as tensions were increasing on the matter, someone proposed a simple solution.
Dividing Crimea.
Between a roughly Ukrainian west and a Russian east, with the former becoming a state for the Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars and the latter becoming one for those who wihed to remain. It was simple enough though it would no doubt require efforts on both sides to cooperate. Neither side was entirely happy about the situation, but they did not have many other options. The Crimean Tatars were willing to accept this under the condition that they also get Bakhchysarai, the city that held Crimean Khans' palace and the only major monument left due to Soviet destruction. The Russians agreed though they also wanted Sevastopol, or at least most of it, as they were willing to divide it up, just as long as they got the bigger share. This was a pragmatic choice and despite a bit of tension, it would be agreed.
To help further ease up, Ukraine and Russia offered to help settlers from Ukraine's side to move to Russia itself even regarding funds and transportation. Given the growth going on with the cities, a fait bit of people took up on the offer. All while Russia's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Ukraine's Autonomous Oblast of Qırım would be born. Despite the tenseness, both nations used to try and move forward with their relationships, avoiding much if any bloodshed.
Crimean Consequences
While nothing serious came out of it, it did establish a tension between Ukraine and the SUSR. Soon afterward, they would begin communicating more with their neighbors, especially Poland, on alliances and economic support. They along with Europe in general began sending aid over to the Ukrainians moreover. While Ukraine struggled with te decision, they would join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, though they would destory only most of their supplies. Additionally, they would keep the infrastructure of design and production it inherited from the USSR, though it would be utilized primarily for nuclear power creation. Many claimed that the Crimea situation made Ukraine more cautious on trusting Russia. After all, while Gorbachev did possess a very good reputation in Ukraine, they had to think of the long term. At the same time, they welcomed in the growing Crimean Tatar population from across the world, notably from Uzbekistan and Turkey.
Russia meanwhile did walk away rather unscathed and relieved violence did not occur though did note this damage relations with Ukraine for a bit. Not to mention having to make sure the splitting was done well and the population was as well. Granted, Russia and the SUSR's growing economic opportunities did intrigue people to go more to the mainland, not just from Crimea, but from also the border regions of Ukraine and Russia. President Askew did congratulate Gorbachev on peace and offered assstance if need be. Some of this did come in how some of the people took the offer to immigrate to the US.
Despite the tensions, the hopes were that matters could continue to settle and become peaceful.
I imagine when things settle down, yeah. Though as for superhero adaptations and whatnot, that’ll be interesting in the direction of what’s coming.
WanderingProfessor
Banned
DC will probably do it as well.
The biggest difference that an alternate MCU has from its OTL counterpart is that it has the rights to all of its characters much like the Marvel Movie Universe of the Hensonverse and the Player Two Start trilogy which means that the Avengers will exist in the same universe as the X-Men and the Fantastic Four like in the comics. Not to mention that the Guardians of the Galaxy will never become prominent since the modern version wasn't created until 2008 and it's likely they never come into existence though perhaps some of its OTL members show up elsewhere. Ant-Man and the Wasp will be founding members of Earth's Mightiest Heroes since they did play a key part in its formation and because Edgar Wright will never come up with an Ant-Man movie with Scott Lang which means that Black Widow and Hawkeye appear in another movie. It would probably run until the 2010s when the actors get too old to play the characters. Nick Fury will be based on the classic white incarnation as opposed to the Samuel L. Jackson version from the pages of Ultimate Marvel. Also, this MCU will use the AfterWar Marvel Universe as the basis for it's characters and stories like the Eternity Gems and the spider that bit Peter Parker being infused with the Vita-Rays.
Also, Paramount owns Marvel and they would build Marvel-themed attractions in their parks assuming if they acquire them like in OTL.
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As for a Marvel Cinematic Unvierse, that probably won't be a thing for a long while. t's only 1991 heading to 1992 after all. And yeah, Paramount will probablu make Marvel-themed attractions and so on.
WanderingProfessor
Banned
That's just an outline for what TTL's MCU could look like. They have the rights to all the characters and the resources to do it not to mention that the superhero film landscape is different from OTL so there wouldn't be say Batman and Robin or Blade.
1991 Overview
1991 Overview
1991 was quite the busy and memorable year to say the least. In the United States, it would see the Askew Administration begin to oversee the transition of the United States from the Cold War to beyond it. He would also begin to oversee some of the final steps that his predecessor had laid down and the hopes that he would see it through if he were elected for the next term. While he did follow up on alot of what his predecessor began doing and continuing it, he also went on his own route and followign what some of the newcomers are doing. For example, he would sign a bill that would establish postal banking over for the United States, a bill that was pushed foward by newcomer House Rep Bernie Sanders of Vermont. It was not a far-off thing and in fact, a similar system did exit until the 1960s, though now it was being returned, a launch by some of the new blood, seeing it as a positive alternative for for-profit banks and would enable people to better save and handle their money. Other places such as Germany had their own systems like it and the US returning it would inspire Canada to begin a movement to restore a modern form of it. Many saw that this was likely the result of increasing funds among people as well as a growing concern about the potental unchecked power of banks while others wanted an alternative to have basic services and not pay fees. This would lead to an increase in employment among post offices. Beyond this, it was a continuation of the previous developments laid so far, such as expansion and updates of education and other fields. Meanwhile, reelection is coming up and it is expected that Askew will have a fair chance of winning reelection though beyond the traditional competition from the GOP, there was also the Unizens becoming a growing political party and many wonder what the impact would be.
However, the true example of change came internationally. The Cold War officially ended with the signing of START I and the New Union Treaty, which would see the beginning of the transition of the USSR to the SUSR, a confederated republic with a greater sense of autonomy among the constinuent countries. While the details and the minutae were still being hammered out, especially in balancing matters like elections, representation and the like, the reforms and effort put in by Gorbachev seemed to indicate that the doom of nuclear destruction and paranoia is being phased out and ending. At the same time, as one thing ends, more things begin. The states that refused to remain over with the SUSR would go off on in their own directions. Some, like the Baltics, would pursue peace, but also work on their own alliances and goals together. Others would go and end up in wars from tensions that have been boiling up prior, much like the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan or the growing conflicts in Georgia. Efforts are being made to try and find solutions to these without too much bloodshed. Meanwhile, in a bold and daring move, the Punjab region of India seceded and would even annex Pakistan, namely what was left of it, the other part of the Punjab, to create the Republic of Khalistan, a Sikh homeland, though would be open and supportive of all faiths. They would soon also annex Sindh into making it into an autonomous territory, done to have access to the sea while Sindh would benefit from the oncoming American investment and financing. India meanwhile would suffer political shockwaves from this as they would be forced to try ad confront the issues coming from this, but also the necessary economic changes to tr and adapt, though getting help from the SUSR here with the success of their NEP 2.0 along with other scientific knowledge and investment is providing plenty of assistance there. China has been observing the situation and taking a few notes for their own sort of reforms, especially with how Yugoslavia has been falling apart from ethnic strife and it becoming a matter of "when" rather than "if" regarding international involvement, including the likelihood of peace missions there. Ethiopia has seen the end of the Derg's power, but the struggle has become complicated with the questionable legitimacy of the front, especially in their demand of ethnicity-based parties and their clashes against other parties, including the monarchists. And of course, other various movements and political actions across the world; the Labour party have resurrected the idea of further devolution of powers for the Scottish, after the failure in implementation in 1979 due to the low turnout and was shelved due to more concerning matters. This time though, there appears a greater amount of support for the notion. Cuba will have strong relations with the SUSR, but the reforms have made them a bit nervous and while relations with the Americans have become alot better thanks to President Udall's efforts and continued with President Askew, they have begun making plans to further amicable relations.
Films meanwhile continued to be a bit mixed, even as the controversies regarding Hollywood and third-wave feminism have been quieting down, at least for the time being and leading to the beginning of "decentralization" of the entertainment industry within the United States. The film of the year would be the delayed Dances With Wolves, though while having been fairly successful, it would face some serious competition. While one of the first big rivals was the psychological horror film known as Silence of the Lambs, the surprise was none other than Beauty and the Beast, Disney's next big hit and a long-awaited adaptation. One of the positive news was on Howard Ashman, who would come out and be supported by the company. Having dodged a close call with AIDS, he has noted to be excited to be working on the next big Disney film, an adaptation of Aladdin, with the team apparently planning to visit Baghdad even for research on the development. Others noted that it would note some of the growing in-fighting within the House of Mouse, prominently the butting of heads between Katzenburg and Henson. Disney would also release the film The Rocketeer, a rather fun film that paid homage to the two-fisted tales and the visual effects along with the art. While the film did modestly well in the theater, Henson would help supplement this by using connections with TSR and create a boardgame based off of The Rocketeer, which would expand over to be an homage to the old-school pulp stories of yesteryear. It would also include other characters of the time there as well as inspirations or promiennt roles such as Nick Carter. Other notable films included, JFK, Hook, and The Addams Family. Meanwhile, video games would see more growth and interest with the rise of SEGA and the release of their hotshot rebellious speedster of a hero, Sonic The Hedgehog, stopping the plans of Dr. Eggman. Beyond his rebellious streak and having an attitude, the environmentalist themes of the game were subtle yet ntoed. Other ground-breaking releases including Street Fighter II, Final Fantasy IV, Mega Man 4, and The Legend of Hyrule: A Link to the Past. Music would see the continued growth of grunge and other more underground genres with pop music's decline. Meanwhile, the world mourned the loss of legendary musician and SATMIN+ icon Freddie Mercury, dying of AIDS related complications. This would lead to a resurgence of popularity for his music as well as the surprise for various people on Freddie being multi and would inspire others to be more confident in themselves. Other releases including the Nevermind album by Nirvana and the mainsteam rise of hip-hop, especially borrowing elements of what is going on in the world.
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I just thought.....maybe Arlen Specter throws his hat into the ring for 1992
WanderingProfessor
Banned
It appears that the media of TTL's 1990s will be largely similar to our own with some visible changes given that you mentioned Dances with Wolves and The Rocketeer. Mercury too also died under the same circumstances too.
Well, for the time being, yeah. It is hitting the highlights, but already differences. We’re not getting a Terminator franchise for starts and things will got different for the likes of TMNT.
New Country Profile: Republic of Khalistan
New Country Profile: Republic of Khalistan
ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਦਾ ਗਣਰਾਜ [Khālisatāna dā gaṇarāja]
Flag of Khalistan & Emblem of Khalistan (The SIkh Khanda)
ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਦਾ ਗਣਰਾਜ [Khālisatāna dā gaṇarāja]
Flag of Khalistan & Emblem of Khalistan (The SIkh Khanda)
Motto: Sarbat da bhala "May everyone prosper"
Anthem: Khālisatāna dā gīta "Song of Khalistan"
Capital: Amritsar, Lahore
Largest City: Karachi
Official Language: Punjabi, Hindi-Urdu, English
Regional Languages: Sindhi, Saraiki, Pahari-Pothwari
Ethnic Groups: Punjabis, Sindhis, Saraikis, Others
Religion: Sikhism [Special status], Islam (majority), Others
Demonym: Khalistani
Government: Federal parliamentary republic
Legislature: Khalistani Congress [Upper House- Senate, Lower House- National Assembly]
Currency: Khalistani rupee
National Facts:
- Despite being founded in the name of the faith, Sikhism is technically not the offical state religion. That said, Sikhism holds a special place over in Khalistan. Over in the Khalistani constitution, the government supports Sikhism and also encourages Sikhism teachings and traditions. It alsoa ssists in the building of Sikh temples and the nation is recognized as being founded for being a homeland for the Sikhs while also promising freedom of religion to all followers of all kinds.
- Amritsar was chosen due to its significance in Sikhism to become the nation's new capital though there were concerns over regarding Lahore. Ultimately, a compromise was made. Amritsar would become the executive and judicial capital while Lahore would be the legislative and administrative capital of the nation.
- The head of state of Khalistan is the president.
- Sindh holds the status of "Special Autonomous State", having a large bit of homerule though still participate in various federal affairs and election.
- Khalistan was inspired by Ireland regarding its electoral model. The President of Khalistan is voted in a direct democracy via instant-runoff voting (or as known in the US and here, ranked choice voting) while the legislative elections uses the single-transferable vote model for the Senate and National Assembly.
- While Islam was the majority religion during the found of Khalistan, trends showed a growing conversion rate from Islam over to Sikhism. This has been attributed to a variety of factors, mainly the disillusionment with the faith as caused by the Islamist regime of Pakistan combined with the support of the Sikhs in the region. Another factor is said to be a sense of national pride and the creation of a distinct identity.
- Hindi-Urdu remains an official language while the nation transitions to Punjabi as the first official language of Khalistan. As such, it is predicted that Urdu will be demoted to a regional language within the next couple of decades or so.
- Sindhi is the official langage over in the "Specal Autonomous State of Sindh" alongside English and Punjabi.
- The golden-yellow represents joy and clearing of the mind, referring to the new beginning. White represents peace and prosperity while the deep blue refers to the warrior past of the Sikhs. The colors were also chosen from that of the Nishan Sahib and including the khanda.
- Beyond their newfound close relationship with the United States, Khalistan has been pursuing peaceful relations with many nations within the Anglosphere due to the shared history, especially Canada and the British. Other nations they have increasing positive relations include Israel, out of solidarity of creating a homeland for their faith.
- Economy could best be described as a potential mixed economy, with inspiration coming from the German social market economy among other factors. It is unknown which direction economically will go though it does possess many public services, including a universal healthcare system based off of the British NHS and American NBH. Additionally, the idea of worker-managed employment, inspired by that of the Israeli kibbutz or the Yugoslavic system was being considered.
- Americans and Khalistanis have been discussing if a second port city for Sindh could be done, mainly by investing and enlarging the city of Keti Bandar.
- Many of the former Zia-ul-Haq regime are wanted over to face war crimes over in Khalistan.
- Khalistan's presence in the American sphere has led to the rise of the awareness and popularity of Sikhism in the US.
- They were able to make cordial ties with Afghanistan surprisingly quick, as they were just wanting reassurance in that the Pashtun lands were Afghanistan's, a term which was agreed upon. Meanwhile, relations between them and India remain... frosty and complicated though not hostile.
- Khalistan has become one of the fastest growing sites of the technology sector, thanks to US investment.
- The remaining nuclear development of Khalistan has been geared toward a singular usage in power generation.
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Instant-runoff voting - Wikipedia
Single transferable vote - Wikipedia
Difference is one is majoritiorian and other is proportion based
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Yup, SUSR will get one when transitional period ends there or so. And of course a flag!
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