The+Marshelles

[|Marcel The Shell With Shoes On] media type="skypestatus" key="kimbo0523" ARG0="balloon" height="60" width="150" media type="skypestatus" key="shaenabib" ARG0="balloon" height="60" width="150"


 * The Mar-shells: Kimberly Coverly, Shaena Singer , and Emily Rath (not pictured)**

The United States of America finds itself in a tough bind in these times. In order to reconstruct the nation, it is the main goal of this team to reunify both the North and the South. Reuinifying both sides first, makes it easier to discuss the more controversial items of reconstruction in the years to come. Reunification of both the Union and the Confederates is also the way in which America will prosper the most. If a war was to come right now, we would be an uncoordinated mess trying to fight an enemy while also fighting internally. By reunifying the men and women of our country we build the strength needed to grow physically and economically.
 * **What is the primary goal of reconstruction?**

Great! I think it's good that you guys explained //why// reconstruction is the primary goal. I like that you gave examples such as "If a war were to come right now, we would be an uncoordinated mess trying to fight an enemy while also fighting internally."

Ex-Confederate soldiers who would still like to fight for the country as a whole, will join with the Union Army to foster a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie. If the name Union Army causes any hard feelings amongst the soldiers, a new name shall be given to the Army. Since both sides were fighting for what they believed in, we find it unnecessary to throw these ex-Confederates in prison, or take any other drastic measures towards them. However, Confederates who find it necessary to take measures into their own hands and join underground organizations whose main goal it is to terrorize and harm others, will be suppressed by Union soldiers and put in Prisons separate from one another so as not to cause any further harm to society.
 * **What should be done to the ex-Confederates?[[image:marshelles-debriefing-2010-2011.jpg width="640" height="475" align="right"]]**

This idea is very well thought through. I like the idea of not punishing ex confederates unless they "take measures into their own hands". My only concern though is how can you expect ex-confederates to cooperate in joining the Union Army? It's concerns me that with union and confederate troops being put together so quickly without any transition, there troops will be unable to cooperate with one another and end up making the US army worse. Perhaps they should take some kind of oath swearing/guaranteeing their loyalty to the Union army and to fight for their nation as a whole.

Freedmen should be given as many rights as possible, while still being conscious about the feelings and intentions of the South and the reasons for which they fought the Civil War. In taking these into consideration, we find it fitting that everyone including Blacks who are literate can vote. Since it is obvious that not many of the colored citizens are not literate, it is only proper that we let them vote ONLY if they take it upon themselves to become educated. In order to do this, they must move into the Northern border states to be taught by women who are willing and capable to teach them. It has also become apparent that colored citizens are finding it hard to locate a place to live, some even causing terror amongst Southern societies. In order to solve this problem blacks shall be given land in the Border States in which they are being educated.
 * **What should be done for the freedmen?**

How will these freemen get to the north? They have no money nor jobs. They can't simply stop their lives and go to school, especially if they have a family to support. I agree that freedmen should be literate in order to vote, but who will make sure that these freedmen actually receive an education? Will the government pay for teachers? Or will it be only volunteers? Will it be required? What else will be done for the freedmen? With millions of black men freed, they have nowhere to go, no jobs, ect. What about these things? Will the government and the Union help them? It also concerns me that all these black men will simply be given land in the border states. They probably will be hesitant to leave their hometowns. And who would help them settle in the border states if they have no resources?

All white citizens are allowed to vote with the addition of literate blacks. If there are blacks who would like to vote, but are not literate, they will have the opportunity to become literate with the help of willing and able citizens. As far as who can hold office, only Moderate Democrats and Republicans. Only the moderate politicians are allowed to hold office because they are far less likely to cause any dramatic uprising or resentments against the government. Blacks are not allowed to hold office, for the time being, because there are still ill feelings between blacks and southern/ex-Confederate citizens. By not allowing blacks to hold office it removes threats of uprisings to remove blacks from power. Although black are not allowed to hold office, they are still allowed to have an input in the government by voting for the representative which will benefit them the most in the government.
 * **Who should be able to vote and hold office in the new Southern state governments?**

I think more needs to be done to educate blacks. Volunteers most likely won't be enough. And who will lead/create these literacy tests? This sort of thing can be greatly manipulated and then harm blacks and prevent them from having a say. Some sort of oath should be made by anybody holding office swearing their loyalty to a United States.

In order for states to regain full rights and representation in the government they must honor the above laws regarding the fate of ex-Confederates, freedmen, and voting policies. Along with honoring those laws, states must also willing fight for unity of the country as a whole in the case of any war. States must also support the country as a whole, as well as the citizens which reside in it. They must be supportive of the decisions made by government, and if they disagree with something, they must wait to use the ballot rather than the bullet to make a point or object. in order to determine when the states will regain full rights and representation, a Reunification Council will be created made up of half North and half South representatives. Although the council is half-and-half, they must meet a two-thirds majority in order for a state to be readmitted. Along with agreeing to readmit states, the council will also assist the states in completing any lacking steps necessary in their re-admittance to the country.
 * **What requirements must be met before states regain full rights and representation?**

I like that you not only came up with requirements for states to regain full rights and representation, but also created a council that would make sure the plan was carried out. A plan is often times ineffective unless supervised. I also like that the council has equal representation on both sides but must reach a 2/3 vote. The US has often times solved issues through compromise and this situation is no different.

With the outcome of debt in the South post-civil war, there will be a minor tax reduction in the South. A minor property tax cut will occur in southern states while labor is being restored (with new considerations on the rights of African Americans) especially on farms and plantations where produce for trade is. With more focus on labor, the agriculture production in the South will increase and flourish, and the South will be able to openly trade and sell products to the North (and across seas) and earn the South enough revenue to increase property tax once again, and be fiscally equal to that of the North. lower income tax in the south so the workers are getting more income. agricultural production will increase in the south if there is a more viable work force. then reduce taxes on the products to southerners but leave the north alone. then allow open trade between N and S and eventually the southern economy will boost up to equality with the north
 * **How should the Southern economy be restored?**

Will these tax reductions be enough? And for how long will these tax reductions in the South go on for? I like however that you not only included the fact that the South was destroyed physically but also that they would suffer hardships because all of their slaves are now free and they will now have to pay for laborers on plantations which used to be their main source of revenue.

Southern officials will be expected to collaborate with the Union in policing, governing, and rebuilding the South, so responsibility is not solely upon the North, and the Southern civilians are less likely to riot against their own authority. Only very extreme Union invasion and force will be used for violent outbreaks (especially anti-black outbreaks). However, in efforts to restore the economy through the trading of produce through the South, the North will be regulating the labor of the South to make sure labor is being executed effectively. There will also be civil labor protection in the South, so black workers will not be hassled for earning pay with their labor.
 * **What role should Union troops play in policing, governing, or rebuilding the South?**

The idea of Union officials partnering with Confederate officials is very smart. This ways the South won't feel like they're being baby-sat. How many Union troops will there be though? Will they be present in citizens everyday life? Or will they stay hidden for the most part unless the need to interfere arises? Also, for how long will they be there? I like however that the Union officials will make sure freedmens new rights and freedoms aren't being abused.

At this point in time, the United States of America finds itself in a rather un-unified state. With internal problems, disagreements, and differences, the country finds itself in a very vulnerable state which would be unprepared for any sort of war with any outside country. This group has taken upon themselves to reunite the country, to put aside the differences of recent disputes, and unify the country in order to strengthen it economically and physically.
 * **Primary Goal Re-stated**