His name was Abraham Lincoln.
He was a charismatic and convincing negotiator, and a wise and patient leader. He knew well enough to listen to his council of advisors, of which I was the chairman. This is my story.
In the early days, it was Abe's resolve and the desire of the American people for a better life that lifted us out of our barbaric state and led to the settlement of our first village. We named it Washington, and it began to flourish.
We sent forth scouts and warriors to explore the land, and discovered we were on a very small continent surrounded by vast ocean on all sides, save the North. From there, on a clear day, we could spot land across a wide channel, and fires burning at night told us there were other tribes with whom we were unfamiliar.
I reported our findings when the survey was complete.
"I expected this report a long time ago. What's the matter?" Abe always wanted the bad news right up front.
"Chief, most of America is covered with hills and jungle. Washington is on the only grassland, and on one of only two irrigable rivers. It will take years to settle the other regions and make them productive." I watched as he furrowed his brow while this sunk in.
"What's the good news?"
"Well, we've got an abundance of silks in the central areas of the continent; more than we can ever use. Our warriors have rid the land of barbarians, and there are no other civilized tribes on the island. This gives us a defensive advantage."
"Fine. Send settlers to establish towns around the entire perimeter. Start with the north of the island - I want to keep an eye on whoever is across the channel."
"But what about the silks?"
"Forget the silks for now. The jungle is too dense, and we can't trade with anyone without first establishing some way to get across the oceans. If we're going to survive, we have to conquer the seas."
Abe was right. America was a jungle island, short on natural resources and arable land, and it was only a matter of time before we outgrew it. Getting off the continent was the only way to survive.
He was a charismatic and convincing negotiator, and a wise and patient leader. He knew well enough to listen to his council of advisors, of which I was the chairman. This is my story.
In the early days, it was Abe's resolve and the desire of the American people for a better life that lifted us out of our barbaric state and led to the settlement of our first village. We named it Washington, and it began to flourish.
We sent forth scouts and warriors to explore the land, and discovered we were on a very small continent surrounded by vast ocean on all sides, save the North. From there, on a clear day, we could spot land across a wide channel, and fires burning at night told us there were other tribes with whom we were unfamiliar.
I reported our findings when the survey was complete.
"I expected this report a long time ago. What's the matter?" Abe always wanted the bad news right up front.
"Chief, most of America is covered with hills and jungle. Washington is on the only grassland, and on one of only two irrigable rivers. It will take years to settle the other regions and make them productive." I watched as he furrowed his brow while this sunk in.
"What's the good news?"
"Well, we've got an abundance of silks in the central areas of the continent; more than we can ever use. Our warriors have rid the land of barbarians, and there are no other civilized tribes on the island. This gives us a defensive advantage."
"Fine. Send settlers to establish towns around the entire perimeter. Start with the north of the island - I want to keep an eye on whoever is across the channel."
"But what about the silks?"
"Forget the silks for now. The jungle is too dense, and we can't trade with anyone without first establishing some way to get across the oceans. If we're going to survive, we have to conquer the seas."
Abe was right. America was a jungle island, short on natural resources and arable land, and it was only a matter of time before we outgrew it. Getting off the continent was the only way to survive.
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