Newswatch

History of Autoduelling in Canada

2010: Learning a lesson from the United States' failure to keep the Free Oil States in the Union, Canadian officials begin bargaining with comparatively oil-rich Alberta and the Northwest Territories. In exchange for a guarantee that what oil remains will keep flowing, Alberta is given a larger voice in national policy, and the Territories are given providence status. Upset at its loss of political clout, Quebec announces it is seceding to form a separate nation. A brief, but bloody, civil war ends with the signing of the Treaty of St. Lawrence.

2012: Grain blight hits Nebraska, and spreads to the Canadian prairies late in the year. Like America, Canada is spare immediate disaster because of stockpiles of food.

2017: Food riots hit Canada. The national government, unable to maintain order, turns Ottawa-Hull into the countries first Fortress town; only governmental employees are allowed in or out.

2018: American cycle gangs move freely into Canada, joining a number of Canadian-based gangs. More fortress towns develop.

2019: Montreal overrun and looted by loose confederation of 14 cycle gangs. Before they reach their stated goal of burning the town to the ground, however, inter-gang squabbling cuts short the attack. Other cities tighten their defences.

2021: The national authorities regain control, but provinces have more power than in the past. US and Canada negotiate a Free Trade Agreement, eliminating many tariffs.

2023: Following a US Supreme Court ruling, "death sports" are also legalized in Canada.

2026: Autoduelling reaches Canada. Several providence's push for legalization, while others - notably Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick - are opposed.

2028: Alberta "preference poll" election results in a landslide for autoduelling supporters. Added pressure from that powerful province tips the balance, and autoduelling is legalized in Canada. Individual provinces may outlaw duelling, but the expense of enforcement is also that provinces responsibility.

2029: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reaches agreement with major American networks, providing tapes and occasional live feeds of Canadian autoduelling in exchange for broadcast rights o American action.

2030: Autoduelling second in Canadian TV rating to hack hockey. Nova Scotia abandons attempts to enforce anti-autoduelling statutes and repeals then all across the board; duelling now illegal only in Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island.

2031: Canadian manufacturers begin to offer weapons, amour and other duelling equipment as factory options.

2033: Crime statistics show cycle gang activity much reduced. Highway mortality rates are also down - experts claim that drivers are now more cautious and polite than in the "good old days".

50 Years Ago Today

The Computerized Car Is Here!

An advanced Buick model called the "Quester" has 14 microcomputers that do everything from adjusting the car's suspension to setting the seat, pedals, and steering wheel for each individual driver.

The General Motors "Aero 2000" dashboard readings are projected onto the lower portion of the windshield so that the driver need not take his eyes off the road. Other features include a rear-view television monitor, replacing the mirrors; and a navigation system based on a system used by the US Coast Guard.

-Tuscon Citizen, 6/26/84