Name Change for America:
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WASHINGTON, DC (REUTERS: 12/18/98, 12:25P EST)--World leaders reacted with stunned silence as Congress pre-empted the impeachment proceeding to conduct a vote on a formal name change for America. There will be a vote later today, or tomorrow, or Monday, or next week, or next year, depending on the war with Iraq.
"This is unprecedented," said Tony Blair, Prime Minister of England.
Congress is now debating a formal motion to change the name of America. Two suggestions have been forwarded from committee: Partisan States of America, or Un-united States of America.
"Many Americans have been asleep at the switch," said Representative Ed Markey of Massachusetts. "They haven't been diligently watching C-Span, so they haven't been aware of these suggestions. Congress is going to attempt to have this wrapped up as fast as possible BEFORE the impeachment vote, if possible."
Reuters polled 3500 random phone callers and web users. Results of that poll overwhelmingly indicate that Americans favor leaving the name unchanged.
Congress, however, is unfazed.
Senator Jerry Calwirth (D) from Idaho said that the name change is more reflective of a country that has a true lack of unity on current affairs. He thinks his vote will be for Partisan States, but hasn't totally made up his mind.
As he tell Reuters, " I was very disappointed that the Republican leadership choose to publicly attack our President for his IRAQ decision. Right or wrong, we used to all be Americans. If the new millennium brings more of an open public forum and partisanship to all of America's issues, then we should let the world know that we are not always going to be the United States of America. Anyway, if we're going to change it, I kinda like the ring to Partisan; it rolls off my tongue."
The stock market, at 12:09, after the announcement that the impeachment vote was yet again moved out, was up 109.39. Analysts indicated that it doesn't affect corporate earnings, and that the rally was due to the relief that Congress was finally working on some real issue.
In Washington, President Clinton announced the US Government would veto any name change. Minutes later, the President reversed his decision. "We've tried everything to come together on this agreement, however I plan to vote along party lines, depending on the choice presented to me.
The President indicated that the administration will initiate a policy of "constructive engagement" with Congress to attempt to ward off any delay in the decision in lieu of returning to the impeachment process.
Reuters News
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