[/hr]Zamastan | International | Politics | Entertainment | Lifestyle | Opinion | Business[/hr] The Tofino Times Wednesday, January 9th, 2019[/hr]VOL. XXXII .. Num. 5462 | In the News: Economic Layout -- Congressional Hall Protest -- New Naval Deployments[/hr]
CASTOVIA UNVEILS ECONOMIC LAYOUT PLAN
by AMANDA WAISTEAD, Political Editor
Tofino - President Zacharias Castovia unveiled his new year economic layout plan, which now involves an extended amount of trade deals with Gladysynthia following the ceasing of embargoes. Addressing the press at the Zian Presidential Mansion's Gaviria Room, the President also laid down fundamental plans for tax cuts for lower and middle class families, a slight tax increase for families that earn more than Z$250,000 a year, and a three cent bump in gas prices. Generally, the plan was well received by law makers, who passed approval to proceed on legislation to formulate the proposals.
Speaker of the Chamber, Foley Sakzi, said that "the President's economic plan is more attainable than the previously proposed plans in early 2018, which stimulated tax cuts for every income family, but hiked prices on produce and oil, which led to a drop in the President's approval ratings as well as a slight decrease in the economic output for that year, so hopefully and ideally bipartisan opportunity will lead to a much more desired outcome."
2019, according to economists, is set to start with high openings in stock and trading markets. Since assuming the presidency in 2016, the overall GDP and average income of Zamastan skyrocketed from the years previous, obtaining new record heights in 2016 and 2017, but the dip in 2018 is attributed to the policies passed by Congressional Hall and signed by the President.
ANTI-PIPELINE PROTESTERS BLOCK LAWMAKERS FROM ENTERING OFFICES
by ALEXANDER RODRAMIREZA, Chief Editor
Tofino, Congressional Hall - Roughly 200 people protesting the legislation of a proposed pipeline construction under the Horseshoe Bay Kamani-Zone crowded the steps of Congressional Hall on Wednesday morning, blocking lawmakers from entering their offices and the Congressional chambers. The proposal to build the pipeline would include drilling in the bay, which environmentalists state will severely damage the ecosystem in the Kamani bypass. The pipeline itself will extend off the pre-existing Tofino-Tariel Line and extend below the bay to connect with the Alanis-Providence Line. The protesters were peaceful, sitting on the steps and not using physicality aside their still-presence to attempt to keep the lawmakers out. One congressman tried entering by forcing his way through the placed protesters before turning back and exchanging verbal insults. Other congressmen and women approached with different tactics, rather striking up conversations and answering questions about the legislation whether for or against the pipeline.
ZAMASTANIAN NAVY DEPLOYS ZMS TOBIAS
by Lonnie Paraia, Military Editor
Kelowna - The Zamastanian Navy deployed the newest addition to its fleet, the ZMS Tobias. The Tobias is a missile guided destroyer and will be deployed with the famed and battle-hardened 2nd Fleet, commanded by Admiral Percy Tavoka. The fleet saw extensive action during hostilities with Gladysynthia, and is renowned for being the backbone of the Navy's defense force. Tobias is slated for sea-faring exercises and drills before being fully deemed combat-ready, though the systems aboard the ship all passed standard navy classic design and testing with only a few minor interruptions.
Summary: Delegate Advisor Law was an attempt to amend the legal code to make advisors official government roles, and both define and limit their powers. The proposal ran into some opposition due to concerns that its passage would lead to less transparency, not more. Every delegate makes use of advisors, and publicly displaying them is essentially one form of public disclosure. The concern was that by setting bounds on advisors and by making them bound by oath, it would discourage future delegates from officially appointing advisers. However, after the concerns were addressed, and when the bill ultimately reached quorum, it was passed by an overwhelming majority.
Summary: With the Security Council unanimously voting in favor of Artemis' application for a seat on the Council, Vice Delegate and Security Council Chair Pallaith presented the application to the Regional Assembly for discussion and vote. While most favored Artemis for the role, Siwale made an unexpected and high-profile declamation against Artemis' acceptance. He passionately argued that while the SC has had difficulty with activity lately, that that should not be an excuse to bring on new members with what he viewed as having questionable records. The Regional Assembly threw out this argument however, and voted nearly unanimously in favor of the confirmation.
Voter Breakdown:
Members voting Aye (19)
Dinoium
Wonderess
St George
Bobberino
Rachel
bowloftoast
bootsie
Yuno
Syrixia
Highton
Praetor
Pallaith
Great Bights Mum
Romanoffia
Chinar
Sanjurika
Loh
Sil Dorsett
Lord Lore
Members voting Nay (1)
Siwale
Members Abstaining (5)
Artemis
Owenstacey
Gladio
Crushing Our Enemies
QuietDad
Votes Discounted (1)
Haor Chall - discounted for not being one of Aye, Nay, or Abstain, without embellishments.
Summary: The Citizenship Amendment proposal is a proposal to make sure if you post on either the forum or regional message board in under 30 days, you can keep your citizenship. It currently is done via forum posts, but if passed, regional message board posts would count as well. Such a measure could substantially enlarge our citizenry, and could potentially provide a bridge between various groups within the region, allowing for a more unified TNP. Proponents of the bill feel that posting requirements should be loosened, and this is a good step towards that goal. On the other hand, opponents argue that citizenship does require activity on the forums - from voting in the RA to elections in general - and that as such, the current system where only forum activity is counted towards posting requirements should continue.
Summary: The Vice Delegate Pallaith rejected former TNP Minister of Home Affairs and former Balder Minister of Integration Andrew because it has been known that he shared confidential information with officials in Balder while serving under Delegate Tomb. Pallaith saw this violation as a possible security threat to the region, and did not clear Andrew of the Vice Delegate security check. As required by law, this matter was brought before the Regional Assembly. After some heated discussion, the RA voted to overturn the VD check and confirm Andrew as a citizen of TNP. While this may give him a second chance within the region, future administrations should carefully re-evaluate his disposition before bringing him onboard again.
Summary: There was some difficulty getting this to vote as Artemis currently serves as a Deputy Speaker. However, since Constitutional restrictions on holding multiple offices is waived for Election Commissioners, this vote proceeded without fault, and both Brendog and Artemis were confirmed.
Summary: This legislation was proposed by BMWSurfer in an effort to increase the transparency of the Speaker's office, as he is not entirely sure what the Speaker's staff actually does. While some saw it as a statement, Wonderess - the current Speaker - supports the bill as doing so may increase the connection the office has with the public. However, many wonder whether this Act is worth inscribing into law, as it does not seem necessary.
Summary: This legislation proposes to have Regional Officers (ie Ministers) submit summary reports of their actions on a monthly basis to increase transparency and aid Executive Staff recruitment. In debate, some feel the legislation poses a needless bureaucratic burden on the Executive. However, others feel that any added accountability in the Executive Branch - irrespective of how long or short the reports are - make the regional government more accessible to the general public. Some controversy was stirred over the Speaker himself proposing this legislation, where some felt his actions inappropriate and others that he had acted merely as a standard citizen.
North Pacific Army Bulletin Nov-Dec 2018
By El Fiji Grande, Minister of Communications
North Pacific Army Bulletin, November-December 2018!
Loz served from October 24th to December 14th. His brief tenure in office saw training operations, officers' tests, and notably, the West Pacific Delegate transition and deployment to St Abbaddon. After publicly resigning due to IRL military time conflicts, former Minister of Defense Zazumo returned to take the helm.
[b]To close this off, we'll be continuing our Featured Troop of the Report. Congratulations Yuno!
[/b]
World Assembly Digest
by El Fiji Grande, Minister of Communications
General Assembly
Improving the world one resolution at a time.
Repeal "On Universal Jurisdiction"
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 14,483 Against: 1,445
Final Vote (TNP): For: 539 Against: 44 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.8%
Recommendation: "On Universal Jurisdiction", while well meaning in supporting the ability of WA member nations to prosecute war criminals and those who commit crimes against humanity, possesses critical flaws that are exposed upon further review. Specifically in section three where the resolution requires prosecution, but fails to require the sharing of pertinent evidence or information that will assist the prosecution in reaching a conviction, therefore harming the ability for nations to properly prosecute criminals. Additionally, section seven prevents the World Assembly, as a collective, from claiming jurisdiction over said criminals, therefore preventing any WA based court from effectively bringing up charges and using acquired evidence in prosecuting criminals.
In hoping that a corrected replacement or equivalent proposal is draft, and in accordance with reasons stated above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this repeal.
Repeal "Preventing the Execution of Innocents"
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 9,411 Against: 6,397
Final Vote (TNP): For: 392 Against: 165 Percentage of WA nations voting: 37.2%
Recommendation: The target resolution, while intending to modernize WA legal systems and ensure innocents are not unjustly killed, possesses various flaws that may lead to its downfall. Namely, the block of limits on discovery and admission of evidence, as well as requiring cases to meet a requirement of no doubt, well beyond that of reasonable doubt. Furthermore, the resolution possesses multiple points that appear to be selected arbitrarily; including the restriction on the amount of people affected by the crimes committed and the order and separation of the discovery periods by the Division and various council associated with the case. Lastly, a criminal could avoid capital punishment by indefinitely delaying appeals and other avenues that prevent the Division from certifying the case.
In hopes of a redraft or new draft addressing capital punishment in the WA, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a close evaluation of the repeal and the target resolution, and a vote For this repeal.
For reference and sake of comparison, the Ministry gave a "No Recommendation" at the original passing of this target resoltuion, such IFV you can find in the following link: here.
International Aero-Space Administration
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 13,990 Against: 1,357
Final Vote (TNP): For: 555 Against: 37 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.2%
Recommendation: The support of development of space research is a laudable and very important goal for the World Assembly to promote and properly legislate. The proposal addresses a swath of space, engineering, and data issues that concern the way nations interact and share this information. This includes the publishing of donated research, coordination on spacecraft launches, assisting in the development of civilian space programs, and acting as an intermediary for international joint space programs. It further requires nations to coordinate flight plans for aircraft and spacecraft while not infringing on military secrecy or unreasonably requiring corporation. Lastly, and most importantly, the proposal allows for expansion upon the many topics it addresses and lays groundwork for proper space legislation in the future.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Repeal "On Universal Jurisdiction"
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 14,843 Against: 2,064
Final Vote (TNP): For: 503 Against: 44 Percentage of WA nations voting: 36.3%
Recommendation: "On Universal Jurisdiction", while well meaning in supporting the ability of WA member nations to prosecute war criminals and those who commit crimes against humanity, possesses critical flaws that are exposed upon further review. Specifically in section three where the resolution requires prosecution, but fails to require the sharing of pertinent evidence or information that will assist the prosecution in reaching a conviction, therefore harming the ability for nations to properly prosecute criminals. Furthermore, the requirement of prosecution will lead to criminals seeking out apathetic or even sympathetic jurisdictions in order to reduce or eliminate penalties all together. Additionally, section seven prevents the World Assembly, as a collective, from claiming jurisdiction over said criminals, therefore preventing any WA based court from effectively bringing up charges and using acquired evidence in prosecuting these types of criminals.
In hoping that a corrected replacement or equivalent proposal is draft, and in accordance with reasons stated above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this repeal.
Repeal "Preventing the Execution of Innocents"
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 7,199 Against: 9,737
Final Vote (TNP): For: 167 Against: 408 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.2%
Recommendation: The Ministry is nearly equally divided about this repeal. Among Ministry members, there is a majority objection to the practice of capital punishment, but the GA has elected to maintain this punitive option for member nations. GA#443 Preventing the Execution of Innocents (the target of this repeal) was passed to maintain checks and balances, and to create a WA body for sober second thought and review of such cases before executions may take place. The objective being to prevent innocent persons from being executed by overzealous, careless, or corrupted judiciaries. Noble in that cause, GA#443 also has its flaws and is perceived by some as too complex and invasive. As the Ministry vote is nearly equally split, the deciding factor must be the likelihood of passage of any replacing legislation, should the target be repealed. While this repeal makes a competent case in pointing out the flaws in the target, it is the opinion of the Ministry that the pursuant replacement would be unlikely to pass, leaving no protections whatsoever against unsound verdicts leading to the execution of innocents in a criminal context. At present, it is the belief of the Ministry that even a flawed legislation that saves innocent lives is better than no legislation at all.
For this reason, The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Intersystem Space Stations Programme
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 7,652 Against: 7,988
Final Vote (TNP): For: 209 Against: 337 Percentage of WA nations voting: 36.9%
Recommendation: This proposal is a bit convoluted and not very clear in its intent. It fails to cite any parameters for the proposed project and gives only vague indications of the project's eventual benefits to member nations. Without these things, the project has the potential to become a vast and costly white elephant in space, indefinitely hemorrhaging funds into the nearest singularity. Most problematic is the requirement to a mandatory, open-ended spend for all WA nations, many of whom have no interest in space exploration at all. This lack of clarity in authorship, and perhaps an ambition that has outpaced practical realities, renders the project difficult to envision, and the proposal difficult to support.
For this reason, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Security Council
Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.
Commend Xoriet
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 14,443 Against: 2,222
Final Vote (TNP): For: 536 Against: 46 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.3%
Recommendation: Xoriet is a hard working contributor to the greater Nationstates community, and one who had a crucial role in The East Pacific and the East Pacific Sovereign Army (EPSA). They led its golden age and helped make it one of the preeminent militaries of its time between 2014 and 2015. They are also a nation that provided guidance on treaties with other regions, including TNP, and helped set new harassment policies around NationStates. Furthermore, the commendation itself is well written and spotlights a positive community contributor.
In accordance with the reasons presented above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Liberate the Coalition of Fascist Nations
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 4,008 Against: 10,470
Final Vote (TNP): For: 125 Against: 411 Percentage of WA nations voting: 35.8%
Recommendation: This proposal represents the culmination of a series of ideologically driven offensive liberation attempts to an inevitable triviality. Where once liberations of this nature targeted overtly racist regions that celebrated historic atrocities, and had wide support within the Ministry, this proposal relies heavily on hyperbole in an attempt to equate the mundane with the Machiavellian. Coalition of Fascist Nations is an insignificant region, not actively campaigning, hosting roughly 80 nations, and posing no threat to the wider community. Some may find their political position offensive, and those individuals are well within their rights to support liberation. It is the opinion of the Ministry, however, that an indiscriminate use of this important and powerful tool will ultimately render the tool ineffective.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.
Commend The Church of Satan
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 7,815 Against: 8,349
Final Vote (TNP): For: 288 Against: 278 Percentage of WA nations voting: 37.5%
Recommendation: Because this proposal reads more like a grocery list of government positions rather than citing accomplishments, the initial response might be to reject it. Taking a deeper read, however, it becomes apparent that Church of Satan has made significant contributions in leadership, to a variety of regions over time, and across the spectrum of the WA. The varying demands of each of those posts, within markedly different realms should not be overlooked. There is clear evidence here of a dedication to knowledge and the development of the sort of soft skills that led to CoS being elected to leading positions in region after region. One does not simply walk into The Rejected Realms and garner respect. It is by the years of commitment and hard work, abilities acquired, challenges encountered, lessons learned, that CoS has been able to instill in each region touched, a sense of pride, and so for TRR. This sort of long term, adaptable, get-the-job-done dedication is worthy of acknowledgement.
For this reason, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Repeal "Liberate The East Pacific"
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 15,074 Against: 1,767
Final Vote (TNP): For: 488 Against: 45 Percentage of WA nations voting: 35.3%
Recommendation: "Liberate The East Pacific", while a well written and humorous piece of legislation that has blessed these hallowed and secure halls for some time now, has appeared to have lost meaning in accordance with the raider princess being usurped latest election results. The new regime lead with changes in the hue of their official government documents; changing from an autocratic pink to a more democratic green as well as transforming the emigration process to be more shudders cosmopolitan friendly. Furthermore, despite everyone's hopes, TEP was never turned into a Black Hawk or West Pacific puppet state. As a result, the region has moved on and is not currently experiencing the various issues raised in the liberation.
In observance of moving on, while not attempting to demean the artistic flair of the previously passed legislation, and in accordance with the evidence presented above (jokes aside), recommends a vote For this repeal.
Condemn The Pacific
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 14,006 Against: 1,866
Final Vote (TNP): For: 540 Against: 37 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.5%
Recommendation: The last time The Pacific was condemned, the current regime (the New Pacific Order) apologized for their actions and subsequent conduct in the 2015 coup d'etat of Lazarus. As a result of the apology, the international community repealed the condemnation and attempted to start anew with the NPO. Unfortunately, recent events, including previously covered up events following the 2015 condemnation, have revealed to the international community that its trust in the NPO was misplaced and those apologies were hollow. Recent events include, the infiltration and espionage of Osiris and Lazarus by Feux and A Mean Old Man, and the forced exile of Topid from St Abbaddon. Furthermore, various NPO officials have been directly involved in coups in The North Pacific, The South Pacific, and Lazarus and concealing the true identity of a player who committed vandalism and destruction of various regional forums. The Pacific's resident regime of the New Pacific Order has proven to be aggressive, disrespectful of regional sovereignty, and willing to pursue their own agenda at any cost without fear of repercussion.
In accordance with reasons stated above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the condemnation of The Pacific.
Condemn Macedon
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 13,732 Against: 2,249
Final Vote (TNP): For: 509 Against: 45 Percentage of WA nations voting: 36.9%
Recommendation: Macedon is an ancient region who was among the first imperialistic regions in the NS community. In accordance with actions they committed during their active existence, they were condemned under the very first Security Council Resolution (SC #1). The reason for existence of this second condemnation is to expand upon the first, specifically in detailing the actions Macedon committed which warranted the original condemnation. These actions including using puppets to undermine other regional governments and overthrow sitting governments, invading and forcing out natives from their home region, passwording and refounding regions to prevent natives from reestablishing their community, and attempting to take over and/or refound France, Belgium, and Greece. Furthermore, the actions Macedon committed against Belgium helped pave the way for the creation of Liberations in the SC.
In hopes of maintaining proper SC history while providing context to historical resolutions and in accordance with the facts stated above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
[
Commend Bachtendekuppen
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 10,113 Against: 5,726
Final Vote (TNP): For: 384 Against: 183 Percentage of WA nations voting: 37.4%
Recommendation: It is undeniable that Bachtendekuppen has made significant contributions to The East Pacific as delegate, mediator, diplomat, mentor, and archivist. The ongoing good work cited in the proposal is laudable and should be celebrated. Also notable is Bach's significant contribution to the treaty between TEP and The North Pacific, forming a long standing alliance between the regions, further strengthened by Bach's continued diplomatic efforts. This is a highly regarded player, and a respected diplomatic force in the wider world.
For this reason, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Repeal "Condemn Macedon"
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 12,625 Against: 5,035
Final Vote (TNP): For: 397 Against: 167 Percentage of WA nations voting: 37.6%
Recommendation: This repeal is the coup de grâce in a strategy to repeal and replace previous Security Council ruling SC#1, but while taking a slightly different route: Passing first the replacement, then seeking the repeal afterwards. SC#1 was written in the infancy of the Security Council and was without precedent in terms of its structure. The result was a less than comprehensive resolution that failed to provide detail and context to the offences of the target region. The replacing resolution SC#269 accomplishes that, and in doing so renders SC#1 redundant - little more than a curiosity of a bygone era. While care should be taken against wanton revisions of the historical record of both the GA and SC, in this case the repeal of SC#1 poses no threat, and its replacement actually enhances our understanding of that period in our shared history.
For this reason The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Condemn United World Order
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 13,062 Against: 1,762
Final Vote (TNP): For: 462 Against: 43 Percentage of WA nations voting: 34.0%
Recommendation: This is a Roleplay condemnation, and since they aren't that common, some explanation: A condemnation of this nature is designed to acknowledge both the outstanding roleplay of the nominee, as well as their contributions to the community while out of character. The form the nomination takes, either condemnation or commendation, will often be determined by the role. In the case of United World Order, the role is one of an insidious and villainous nation (in character) guilty of numerous atrocities and crimes against humanity. This condemnation is an extension of that roleplay, and an acknowledgement from their peers of outstanding dedication and commitment to their character. Out of character, UWO is an accomplished RPer with a history of high-quality roleplay for over 5 years. Respected in the community, UWO has always been approachable and willing to help new RPers with advice and feedback, and, has been an upstanding member of our allies Greater Dienstad for some time.
For this reason, The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this proposal.
Repeal "Commend Solorni"
Status: At Vote
Delegate's Vote: Against
Recommendation: There is strong historical precedent within the NationStates community, that commendations of players discovered to have engaged in out-of-character (OOC) misconduct ought to be repealed, as a means of isolating these players and protecting the community. Such repeals have occurred a few times in the past, and The North Pacific has consistently voted in support of them. The need for these repeals arises, largely, due to the unwillingness of NationStates' administration to adequately address OOC actions occurring outside of the main NationStates website. It is also an unfortunate consequence of NationStates' harmful rules for handling OOC misconduct issues, that these repeals must be written from an entirely in-character (IC) perspective. As a result, repeals of this kind are difficult to write, with the authors having to waltz around the rules in order to disguise what the resolution really is about: condemnation of OOC misconduct.
Unfortunately, in the case of the repeal in question, the attempts for rule compliance have resulted in a resolution containing assertions that are at best exaggerations, and at worst outright falsehoods. The problematic claims are found in two clauses, "Disgusted..." and "Disturbed...": In these clauses, the resolution takes allegations of misconduct by the commended nation, previously published in Europeia's investigation, and elevates them into statements of fact. This is despite the fact that Europeia themselves acknowledge that there is not sufficient evidence to prove these allegations. To make matters worse, by asserting the entire career of the commended nation to be the result of OOC misconduct, the resolution grossly misrepresents even the number of these allegations. The implication of the clauses is that the commended nation routinely and consistently resorted to OOC misconduct, possibly in a majority of their interactions throughout their years-long NationStates career. There is simply no evidence to support that there has been misconduct at this scale.
It is worth taking a moment to contrast this resolution with previous repeals of commendations for OOC reasons: All of them had to cite IC arguments, in order to overcome the unfortunate confines of the NationStates' rules. However, none of them had to resort to unproven assertions of OOC misconduct. This is the first resolution to do so. Supporting this resolution sets a dangerous precedent for future resolutions attempting to address OOC misconduct. Not only is this resolution not conducive to establishing an effective protocol for how the community should deal with cases of OOC misconduct by commended players, but it damages what progress the community has already made in that regard.
Because of all of the above, The North Pacific must oppose this resolution. The North Pacific would vote in favor of an alternative repeal resolution that addressed the above shortcomings. But as it stands, The North Pacific recommends a vote against the current resolution.
VECTEEZY
\The North Star:Lighting The Way To The Truth
Publisher: Siwale :: Executive Editor: El Fiji Grande :: Managing Editors: Dinoium, Bobberino
The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and by the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.[/small]
Posted by: Libertas Omnium Maximus - 12-23-2018, 04:37 AM - Forum: IDU Olympiad
- Replies (146)
Olympic Committee
Establishment
The IDU Nation of Libertas Omnium Maximus establishes this Olympic Committee for the exclusive purpose of organizing and running the IDU Olympics, which shall be held at a time that the Committee sees fit. The Committee may select its own members with no minimum or maximum required memberships. The committee shall operate independant of The IDUSA, the IAC, or any other IDU affiliated organizations.
Chair (President)
The Olympic Committee shall be presided over by a CHAIR, who is elected by a popular vote of all member-states. The CHAIR holds no more power than any other member-state aside from its ability to cast a tie breaking vote on any deadlocked matter and to accept new member-states. It is also the chairs duty to make an itinerary which should be addressed in its intirety before the Committee sessions conclude. Any member-state may call for a Chair election so long as it is at least 30 days after the most recent election. Until an initial vote is held, Libertas Omnium Maximus will be serving as the CHAIR.
Voting Procedure
Any member-state may propose a Solution addressing one or more topics on the itinerary or to elect a new Chair. This motion need not be seconded however. If it is not discarded, the chair should make an anouncement notifying the committee of this vote and giving them a minimum of 120 hours to vote yay or nay. If the motion receives a majority of the votes cast, it is adopted as a Solution. A solution may be overridden at anytime through standard voting procedure.
Conclusion
In the event that all items on the itinerary have been addressed (via Solutions), the Committee should be adjourned. Each itinerary item is not limited to one Solution, but as many as the Chair deems necessary. The Chair may wish to step down to hold a vote for next session’s chair at this time. If applicable, the host nation or session Chair should open signups for the Olympiad at this time.
Re-convening
The committee shall reconvene at a time the (new, if applicable) Chair sees fit at least 2 months after the conclusion of the prior Olympiad. Membership shall carry over as shall status however, Host City bid/no bid will reset at this time.
Harry Potter and the Festival of Friendship A NationStates Community Event Event Discord
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Sponsored by [region]The North Pacific[/region], [region] The East Pacific [/region], [region]The West Pacific [/region], [region]Europeia[/region], [region]Greater Dienstad [/region], and Escade's Event Services Dates: Saturday December 22,2018 - Tuesday January 1,2019
This festival is an end of the year celebration with a Harry Potter theme for the NationStates community. All players in good standing are welcome to partake While the theme is based around J.K. Rowling's epic universe - the festival is to celebrate the end of 2018 and the beginning of a new year!
Festival attendees choose a Hogwarts House to be sorted into and then play to compete in team and individual events including trivia contests, dueling bot, battleship games, art competitions, writing competitions, New Years wishes, a Yule Ball roleplay mystery and other activites TBA!
Preview of Events and Activities
First stop! Take the custom NS edition Buzzfeed Quiz to get sorted into your House! Houses will earn points and the the House with the most points at the end of the festival will earn the House Cup and shout outs on the event dispatches, posts and regional WFEs!
Posting a screen cap of your Buzzfeed Quiz results will earn your House 10 points
Ways to get House points by Monday 12/31/2018 midnight:
On the NS Forums:
~ Submit decent entries into the Golden Snitch Writing Contest (5 points for each decent entry, 25 points for the best according to our esteemed judges)
~ Create beautiful artwork representing your House (and all members) in the Fantastic Art & Where to Find It contest (15 points if artistically pretty)
~ Write decent RP posts in the Yule Ball Role Play (10 points per fleshed out post)
On the Event Discord
~ Take the Buzzfeed Sorting Quiz and post your results in the house-points channel (10 points per individual player)
~ Win the HP Trivia Rounds answering questions about the books, the movies, and the prequels! (20 points per round winner, 5 points for second place)
~ The highest duel hits (pinned) and most duel hits in the Discord Room of Requirement (10 points for highest hits and 25 points for best dueler)
~ Winners of the fantasy and Harry Potter themed Cards Against Humanity Games (10 points to each winner)
~ Winners in the Wizarding Battleship (20 points to each member of the winning team) (5 points to each player)
~ Wizarding Chess duels with bracket ranking. (5 points per completed chess game, 10 points to winners, 50 points to the grandmaster)
~ Complete the Quest for the Last Time Turner (20 points to the first to compete the quest, 10 points to each quest completer)
~ More activites to be announced!
On Discord:
- #the-leaky-cauldron - discuss the books (characters, plots, favorites, unfavorites), fan fiction, the movies, the prequels and everything else that makes us love this amazing series!
- #the-goblet-of-fire - the games channel for HP Quiz Bowl, & Cards Against Muggles - a Harry Potter themed CAH deck (for mature players)
- #the-quibbler - channel for spam games and music, etc
- #floo-network - for voice chats with your fellow festival goers
Posted by: Libertas Omnium Maximus - 12-20-2018, 05:33 PM - Forum: Fun & Games
- Replies (38)
IDU Tower
The object of the game is simple, each player "builds" a new level onto the tower by describing (a couple of words will do. i.e. Law Office or Dentist) their level. The level must start with the last letter of the last word of the former level. In your answer, list the prior level. The game doesn't ever need to end. Just get creative and have fun! In the event that the tower does get so large that all conceivable level names are used up, just start a new tower with "Lobby" and then a level starting with "y".
NOTE: Try to avoid ending everything in the letter "e". It is tempting to slap the word "store" on the back of everything but I imagine that it will result in a lot of "Elephant Care Center"s. They aren't any fun for anyone.
Not very good with the lorem ipsum of setting up an RP, so I'll just go straight to the point.
The Trivian/IDU Baseball Classic is a competition which I have been planning to do annually along with the IDUFC.
Hence its name, Trive will be hosting.
It will be run on leaguesimulator as always. The tournament requires 16 teams. If this quorum is not reached until 00:00 March 1st 2019, there shall be no group stage.
Skill settings will be set to "semi random" in this first edition, and to "random" in all following editions.
Each team shall have, initially, 10 points to distribute between offense and defense. You can have up to 16 total distributable points by filling optional RP data. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF POINTS ONE CAN HAVE IN A SINGLE STAT IS 9.
Application script:
Nation:
Three-letter acronym:
Team kit: (Shirt style and colour, shorts colour)
Team mascot (+2):
Team roster (3 opening pitchers, 3 relievers, 1 closer, 2 of every field position) (+2 if clubs listed)
Team nickname (+2):
Offense stat:
Defense stat:
Additional notes:
------------------------//-------------------
Trive will apply with the following stats:
Nation: Trive
Three-letter acronym: TRV
Team kit: Black shirt with white centered vertical stripe, black shorts
Team mascot (+2): Lynx
Team roster (3 opening pitchers, 3 relievers, 2 closers, 2 of every field position, use M for mains, use a non-main as DH) (+2 if clubs listed):
Opening pitchers: Terry Dzagoev (Kamchatka White Bears), Hu Wey Long (Seoul Thunder), Yuri Kagawa (Nippon Blue Jays)
Relievers: Boris Hudders (Uralsk BC), Markus Yubany (Vladivostok Mariners), Dmitry Vintovka (Yakutsk Rats)
Closers: David Thomas (Yakutsk Rats), Dmitry Lee (Pyongyang Union)
Catchers: Thomas Fannenberg (Ryukyu Islanders), Yan Gomes (M) (Samara Anchors)
1B: Bruno Oliveira (Yakutsk Rats), Marcos Takeda (M) (Yekaterinburg Emperors)
2B: Aleksandr Ulianov (M) (Moskva), Aleksey Novoseltsev (Kamchatka Astros)
SS: Vladimir Sadykov (DH) (Kamchatka Blue Jays), Lukas Pavlyuchenko (M) (Novosibirsk Foxes)
3B: William Miron (M) (Kamchatka Blue Jays), Georgiy Pelyovin (Novosibirsk Foxes)
LF: Charles Miller (M) (Kamchatka Blue Jays), German Yuryev (Vasco da Gama)
CF: Liam York (M) (Los Angeles Dodgers), John Yakovlev (Alaska Dreamcast)
RF: Makar Tsaplin (M) (Sakhalin Islanders), Sierra Moskova (Novokuznetsk Admirals)
Team nickname (+2): White Army, Trivian Elite, Imperial Batters
Offense stat: 8
Defense stat: 8
Additional notes: We're going to win.
Voting is now open! All nations that submitted an entry to any category are permitted one vote per category.
Best New IDU Film
'His Numbering Clock' by [nation]Conternia[/nation]
'A Wall' by [nation]Libertas Omnium Maximus[/nation]
'The Letter' by [nation]Gnejs[/nation]
'Urrth'hro True, Night-Hunter: The Case of the Silver BereWolf' by [nation]Bears Armed[/nation]
Best IDU Classic Film
'The Boarding-School' by [nation]Laeral[/nation]
'Ludos Labyrinthos' by [nation]Libertas Omnium Maximus[/nation]
'Artos of Nutwood' by [nation]Bears Armed[/nation]
'Gewehr' by [nation]Shuell[/nation]
'Sobre Una Estrella Fugaz' by [nation]Lauchenoiria[/nation]
Best Actor in an IDU Film
George Benson from [nation]Libertas Omnium Maximus[/nation]
Olivier Beauvais from [nation]Laeral[/nation]
June Peters from [nation]Lauchenoiria[/nation]
Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film
'Cheese Curds: Inside the Toboran Cheese Industry' by [nation]Tobora[/nation]
'What the Janitor Saw' by [nation]United New England[/nation]
'What's In A Name?' by [nation]Laeral[/nation]
'Life in Iffurrien' by [nation]Bears Armed[/nation]
Posted by: Libertas Omnium Maximus - 12-10-2018, 03:51 AM - Forum: Planners' Office
- Replies (7)
Olympic Committee
The IDU Nation of [nation]Libertas Omnium Maximus[/nation] establishes this Olympic Committee for the exclusive purpose of organizing and running the IDU Olympics, which shall be held at a time that the Committee sees fit. The Committee may select its own members with no minimum or maximum required memberships. The committee shall operate independant of The IDUSA, the IAC, or any other IDU affiliated organizations.
The Olympic Committee shall be presided over by a CHAIR, who is elected by a popular vote of all member-states. The CHAIR holds no more power than any other member-state aside from its ability to cast a tie breaking vote on any deadlocked matter and to accept new member-states. Any member-state may call for an election so long as it is at least 30 days after the most recent election. Until an initial vote is held, Libertas Omnium Maximus will be serving as the CHAIR.
With the approval of the Senate, Europeia officially declared war against the New Pacific Order (NPO) on November 26, 2018. A war in NS is very different in comparison to their RL counterparts. There’s a lot less bloodshed and a lot more words flung around at the opposition. To get a better idea of the future of this war, Rachael sat down with Altino and Sopo, Pharaoh of Osiris and President of Europeia respectively, and two major leaders of the war against NPO.
More than anything, this is a war of ideologies. The ideology of Francoism, which labels UCRs as inferior to GCRs and a stain on the NS world. Francoism is the governing ideology of NPO and they have used this ideology to justify their sabotage of regional stability in UCRs and GCRs alike. To give a better insight on Francoism and it’s dangers to NS is Johnny Costello.
What the Hell is a War?
Interview By: Rachael
Rachael: For newer players to the game, what are NS Wars like?
Altino: Well, this is my first NS War! I've only been playing NS for a couple of years, I think your guess is as good as mine. Osiris and Antipac are handling this war in particular on a few levels, but the most important one has been the PR stage, which on a forum based game is I think the loudest stage we have to offer. Are there WA shenanigans and military plans going on? Yes, of course. But the part of this war that's been the most consuming is in informational integrity while fighting an enemy that is not concerned about what is true. Antipac is spending time trying to get the truest version of this story out to Pacific natives so that they can decide their own loyalties and respond to their governments' actions in the way that they deem most appropriate. That's a bit of a grind, but we're doing it. It's sad to see natives being banned from their own region for asking the wrong questions, but they were only going to be NPO indoctrinated anyway. Better to go ahead and ask their questions now, then move on to regions that handle their business with a bit more integrity.
Rachael: What's more important in an NS war? Pen or sword?
Altino: That depends on the War. Take TBH's attempt to return Topid to St Abbaddon, for example. The Pen was certainly important, and TGs sent out by both NPO and Topid brought in a few extra pilers for both sides to subsidize their holds - and had TBH taken St Abbaddon, the Pen would have been their weapon of choice when the battle was inevitably brought to the World Assembly. At the end of the day, though, that was a pile-off. No amount of screaming on either side would amount to anything if they didn't have the numbers. Our current situation, however, began with information, and information is our greatest weapon in it.
Rachael: What do you expect from this war?
Altino: I expect NPO to either realize that it cannot exist as a deceitful, subversive state with its hands in everyone's cookie jars anymore or die trying. NPO has thought itself invincible for over a decade and spent years infiltrating our regions, getting caught, saying sorry, and hitting the refresh button on their whole routine. No one in their government should be trusted. They treat their citizens as expendable, while at the same time pressing NPO loyalty into all of their minds. They preach about the superiority of GCRs and danger that Userites pose to us, while infiltrating and attempting to control the GCRs themselves. If we gain nothing else from this war, I hope to create a NS where this kind of destructive duality can no longer exist and that all GCRs will unite together against it.
Rachael: Why did you feel it was important to bring Osiris into this war?
Altino: Osiris had to be brought into the war to protect itself. As long as NPO is allowed to go on believing that it's entitled to the Sinkers - that we are property of the Feeders - we will never be safe. NPO has abused every GCR in the game, and for our own independence and in support of the sovereignty of our fellow GCRs, neutrality wasn't an option. Sitting idly by will only allow NPO's cycle to continue. We cannot let that happen.
Rachael: What was the biggest event that led you to believe going to war was best?
Altino: If NPO had been more inclined to honesty, I would not have bothered them. Frankly I'm an easygoing person, I prefer to work within my own borders, and with so many friends in NPO, I would like to be able to take the path to forgiveness. When pressed, though, NPO has spouted a constant stream of lies and misdirections. You can't convince me that you won't be dangerous to my region in the future if you won't admit that you were dangerous in the first place. They just kept telling lies, and then more evidence would come out to refute what they were saying, and at a certain point the lies themselves became aggressions that had to be reacted to. Rachael: For newer players to the game, what are NS Wars like?
Sopo: Honestly? This is the first one I've really been involved with. The last war that I really recall even thinking about was between The New Inquisition and The Founderless Regions Alliance, where TNI essentially just raided FRA-associated regions. I've never seen anything like this particular conflict, and the various avenues in which it has been fought this far have already surprised me. We've seen a lot of commitment from multiple regions now against the NPO and because of the passion behind it, I don't expect this war to be like any of its predecessors.
Rachael: What's more important in an NS war? Pen or sword?
Sopo: In this case especially, I would say the pen. We can't reasonably raid the NPO. A lot of this war will be fought by informing NPO citizens of what their government has done and convincing them to leave. The propaganda coming out of the NPO thus far has been strong, and they've avoided putting it in places easily accessible to the NS community at-large, making it harder to counter. We have to convince everyone, whether it be NPO citizens or people who doubt the justness of this war, that we are in the right and that the NPO can't be allowed to move past this without serious concessions.
Rachael: What do you expect from this war?
Sopo: I expect a lot of proxy battles over regions such as St. Abbaddon and other regions that might be important to the NPO. I expect a condemnation of The Pacific and other WA/SC moves to name and shame the NPO. I expect continued diplomatic pressure on the NPO, not only from regions at war, but also from regions who have made demands that have not yet been met, such as Lazarus and The North Pacific. Many regions not actively engaged in war have nonetheless decried the actions of the NPO and canceled treaties or closed embassies. We need to continue to build the pressure. I expect a lot of scapegoating and insincere apologies from the new NPO emperor and his government as the citizens of NPO and high ranking officials continue to shirk any responsibility and blame us for finally calling out their insidious behavior.
Rachael: Why did you feel it was important to bring Europeia into this war?
Sopo: Europeia is a strong, democratic UCR at the forefront of Independence. We are exactly the kind of region that the NPO wants to bring down and subjugate. We've seen how they've treated our friends and allies, such as The North Pacific and The Black Hawks. While empowering Francoist rhetoric and labeling us as "userite subversives," they have been the true subversives all along. They have weaponized their Francoist ideology against UCRs and GCRs alike. I couldn't sit idly by and allow their behavior to go unpunished when it is clear threat to our region and all we hold dear.
Rachael: What was the biggest event that led you to believe going to war was best?
Sopo: The discussion of war began with the NPO's declaration of war against The Black Hawks, as it put us directly into their line of fire. While that along with their past behavior and continued anti-UCR rhetoric and actions was enough on its own, we had no choice when the subversives in Osiris were revealed. That was the real nail in the coffin, and, as it turns out, was only the first in a deluge of revealed misdeeds. Though our treaty with Osiris ended earlier this year, the NPO's actions there proved what a real and present danger they are to NationStates.
Why the Hell is a War?
Written By: Johnny Costello
The Political ideology we all love to hate, hate to love and my word is it mind control if I ever saw it. Corrupt classlessness and this idea of revolution can all spark this notion in most minds that dunk their toes into political debacles.This ideology is known as Francoism, the founding political belief that now runs the New Pacific Order. Francoism is the belief that User created regions exist solely to exploit the Game created regions of natural resources, better known as nations, or actual people who play Nationstates with all of you. The August Revolution, the pivotal turning point in the NPO founding of the political belief system know exclusively as Francoism. While we now know Francoism by the terms; feederites, userites and…. circle jerk?
While circle jerk may be a laughable term now used by former Consul Pergamon, a leader in The Pacific; it may not be the term intended to describe Francoism. Francoism is, contrary to the idea of saving the feeder regions, a toxic and spiraling ideal that could change the fate of gameplay as we know it. The Pacific says that we as opposers to their beliefs are a danger to their survival, and consequently we are; but no doubt is Francoism a danger to our survival as well. If The Pacific has their way we'll have no userites left to explore interregional political simulation and will consequently hold any upward movement in creating your own dream here in Nationstates to a solid halt before even reaching the planning stages.
The Pacific further has held no dignity in supporting their ideals on the world stage. This is proven by the Pathos flooded statement given by Pergamon who said, “I do not want to save any PR, I do not want to save any face. Go dancing in circles and continue to masturbate like you would do anyways.” Not many logical arguments have this emotional driven explosion from a regional leader which only suggests the fundamentals of this ideology is a hindrance to the growth of the Nationstates community and a net loss to the community this game intends to create.[/hr][/hr][/hr]
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Regional Assembly Highlights![[Image: obamapissed-1000x640-469x300.jpg]](http://bwcentral.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/obamapissed-1000x640-469x300.jpg)
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While the theme is based around J.K. Rowling's epic universe - the festival is to celebrate the end of 2018 and the beginning of a new year!![[Image: doMsK8g.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/doMsK8g.gif)
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