Re: [BNW] musings, part II

[Sean Michael Whipkey <highway@cstone.net>]

At 01:37 PM 2/15/99 -0800, Erik Kjerland (S&T Onsite) wrote:
>12.  Immigration.  Nope.  Definitely not.  The Fascist Government (FG) would
>not allow uncontrolled immigration under any circumstances.  Border control
>would be increased dramatically.  Immigrants bring new ideas and are a
>definite variable the FG would want to minimize.  Unless the US has taken
>over Mexico, expect a well-defended and walled border (with mines?).  The
>significant Asian and Carribean immigration post 60's would have been
>completely forestalled by a few well-placed missiles taking out the first
>refugee's boats.  Foreigners are probably considered part of the THREAT.

I'd guess, though, it'd be more defended on keeping people OUT then people
IN.  You'd be able to get in; however, you'd have to register, be searched,
etc.  The government needs cheap labor, and people may well want to leave
on a regular basis.

>13.  Multiculturism.  Again, definitely not.  Totalitarian control of a
>large populace is far easier if that population is as homogeneous as
>possible (producing propaganda only in English is easier than English and
>Spanish and Korean etc.).  Also, keeping the populace homogeneous makes it
>easier to create enemies that the majority will hate and fear.

It'd probably go as far as to blame minorities for problems.  It looks like
those with super powers would be blamed; racism and the such would probably
pale in comparison.

>14.  The women's movement.  Definitely not.  By preventing the women's
>movement, the FG will keep 50%+ of the population from feeling empowered and
>rebellious.  Any form of rebellion against the status quo will be stopped.

No problems with that.

>15.  Mafia.  The powerful and organized Mafia of the 60's could easily
>exploit the turmoil and uncertainty of martial law.  The question is whether
>they will be far-sighted enough to recognize the economical downside of a
>fascist government, or whether they will embrace the FG in their quest for
>power.  If the Kennedy Clan is indeed running the show, they might give the
>Mob some power in the early years to help control the populace.

Now that's interesting, IMHO.  Remember that the more laws there are, the
more outlaws there are.  The Mob would find more and more customers as the
FG restricts items from the populace.

>16.  Civil rights.  Martial law = no civil rights for anyone of any race,
>color, or creed.  The civil rights movement would probably redirect it's
>efforts toward sedition at  the very least.

I'd guess, though, that everbody would be prosecuted equally, except maybe
supers.  Therefore, everyone is equal by default.

>17.  Space race.  Would the FG have the resources to finance the moon
>mission given that they are expending so much time and effort on population
>control?  If Kennedy is still president, I'd say yes, since it was a big
>issue for him.  However, justifying space travel expenditures while
>defending against the THREAT may be difficult.

Oh, definitely.  Bread and circuses - "Your sacrifices have allowed us to
put the first man on Mars!"  Underground featured a lunar prison - where
can you escape to?  Heinlein's "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" deals with a
similar place...

Of course, it was taken over by the prisoners...in both cases.  In
reference, see "Australia". :)

SeanMike

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