FCT, Small is Relative.

Thomas Barclay wrote:
...snip...JTL
 It would surely be elite
> and rarer for PAU, IF, RH, FCT (size reasons), various independents.
...Snip...JTL

Tom,
     The FCT is constantly put down as being small, one must remember
that the economy of the state of California is the seventh to ninth
(I cannot remember exactly) in the world.   IF the precident continues
the FEW planets occupied by the FCT would be quite rich and VERY 
independent. (It's the Texas influence, combined with the California
wealth.)

     It is also the the only real opportunity to create a reasonable 
power base within the game background that has not been defined.
(It is also possible that the FCT may be a confederation (like 
Canada) rather the massive central government of the USA.

Bye for now,
John L.