[BNW] musings, part II

["Erik Kjerland (S&T Onsite)" <a-erikkj@microsoft.com>]

More thoughts:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks!

Erik Kjerland

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