Having had time to think about it, my objections:
First, the United States doesn't have 'open trade' with Fenspace. Fenspace has much better trade and diplomatic relations with Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Russia and India than it does with the US. The main difference between the USA and the PRC is that the USA at least tolerates Fen tourists - most of the time, and mainly in the larger cities.
Second, the Fen economy plays by the same rules as most economies.
Third, why is Benjamin berating the United States Congress for not protecting the internal trade of a nation that it is at best neutral and at worst mildly hostile to? Why isn't he bringing this to Convention authorities - Great Justice, the Patrol, Starfleet, the Republic Navy, the SSX Base Pirates, the Sammies, the Soviets, Stellvia, AEUG or the Rangers? These are the people who're responsible for the safety of the Belt and trans-Jovian space, not the US Navy.
Fourth, why would the Congress accept this drubbing from a non-citizen and then accept his proposals, instead of patting him on the head and sending him on his way? Possibly with a persona-non-grata order on him?
Fifth, why would a nation that is at best neutral and at worst mildly hostile to the United States and its interests accept a Great White Fleet of four destroyer squadrons freely operating in it's territory?
Sixth, with all this hardware now in orbit what's to stop the United States from deciding 'okay, we've got the guns, so you're now officially a territory under our jurisdiction'?
Seventh, do you really want to start a Fen-Earth war? Seriously, as written your 'not strong military presence' would spark a war, because it's a blatant show of imperialistic force that multiple NPC and PC factions would oppose. I mean, if this passed as written I'd steer the Soviets away from exploration and towards ejecting the Navy (not to mention the Roughriders) with all due speed and by any means necessary. Is that really what you're aiming for?
Mr. Fnord interdimensional man of mystery
FenWiki - Your One-Stop Shop for Fenspace Information
"I. Drink. Your. NERDRAGE!"
First, the United States doesn't have 'open trade' with Fenspace. Fenspace has much better trade and diplomatic relations with Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Russia and India than it does with the US. The main difference between the USA and the PRC is that the USA at least tolerates Fen tourists - most of the time, and mainly in the larger cities.
Second, the Fen economy plays by the same rules as most economies.
Third, why is Benjamin berating the United States Congress for not protecting the internal trade of a nation that it is at best neutral and at worst mildly hostile to? Why isn't he bringing this to Convention authorities - Great Justice, the Patrol, Starfleet, the Republic Navy, the SSX Base Pirates, the Sammies, the Soviets, Stellvia, AEUG or the Rangers? These are the people who're responsible for the safety of the Belt and trans-Jovian space, not the US Navy.
Fourth, why would the Congress accept this drubbing from a non-citizen and then accept his proposals, instead of patting him on the head and sending him on his way? Possibly with a persona-non-grata order on him?
Fifth, why would a nation that is at best neutral and at worst mildly hostile to the United States and its interests accept a Great White Fleet of four destroyer squadrons freely operating in it's territory?
Sixth, with all this hardware now in orbit what's to stop the United States from deciding 'okay, we've got the guns, so you're now officially a territory under our jurisdiction'?
Seventh, do you really want to start a Fen-Earth war? Seriously, as written your 'not strong military presence' would spark a war, because it's a blatant show of imperialistic force that multiple NPC and PC factions would oppose. I mean, if this passed as written I'd steer the Soviets away from exploration and towards ejecting the Navy (not to mention the Roughriders) with all due speed and by any means necessary. Is that really what you're aiming for?
Mr. Fnord interdimensional man of mystery
FenWiki - Your One-Stop Shop for Fenspace Information
"I. Drink. Your. NERDRAGE!"