Pages: 1 ... 12 [13] 14 15

The North Pacific
Posts: 215 Views: 47163

Wintermoot
  • Regional Stability Squad
  • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
  • Founder succession... then we could really have a monarchy!
    I would assume that such a mechanism wouldn't prevent a democratic election of a successor if that's what the region wants, just like democratic forum elections determine TNP's in-game delegacy. :P
    1 person likes this post: Comfed


    I went all the way to Cassadega to commune with the dead
    They said "You'd better look alive"
    Wintermoot
    • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
    • Posts: 19,453
    • Karma: 9,677
    • Weather: ❄️
    • Regional Stability Squad
    • Pronouns
      He/Him/His
      Orientation
      Demisexual
      Wintreath Nation
      Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter
  • Of course, of course, that too!
    I happen to be a regional founder as well, and one of the decisions that I have made is to strip the WA delegate of their powers, and let WA nations pick their delegate by endorsing, thereby keeping the delegate out of politics.
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Wintermoot
  • Regional Stability Squad
  • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
  • That's cool! If you don't mind me asking, what is your region? That sounds like a cool way to turn the delegacy into a competition without putting the region in danger...do you have a lot of interest/competition among nations wanting to be delegate?

    Here in Wintreath, the delegate is a Thane (Vice-Minister)-level position, which is elected by Citizens here on the forums. There's the default WA role that the game grants the nation with the most endorsements, and then we have a separate "Elected Delegate" role I give to the legal delegate...that way, an illegal delegate wouldn't have any power over the region page.
    1 person likes this post: taulover


    I went all the way to Cassadega to commune with the dead
    They said "You'd better look alive"
    Wintermoot
    • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
    • Posts: 19,453
    • Karma: 9,677
    • Weather: ❄️
    • Regional Stability Squad
    • Pronouns
      He/Him/His
      Orientation
      Demisexual
      Wintreath Nation
      Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter
  • Ah, well, my region isn't what you would call "big" or "relevant"... if you want to see it it is here.
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter
  • TNL is out! There is also a lovely dispatch!














    [h][/h][h][/h]Editor's Note

    [h][/h][h][/h]Editor's Note

    by Gorundu, Minister of Communications



    Issue XXXI of The Northern Lights is the first issue to be published in over half a year. This issue's focus is outside TNP, with events, people and relationships in the wider NationStates, and particularly Gameplay, community, being explored from a TNP perspective.  It is our continued goal for The Northern Lights to be a recognized forum to discuss the things that affect NationStates communities and TNP's place in it. As always, no views espoused in this or future Issues represent the official TNP government stance unless otherwise stated.



    Gorundu

    TNP Minister of Communications

    [h][/h]A TEP Story: Interview with Libertanny, Delegate of TEP

    by Gorundu, Minister of Communications

    Today I'm joined by Libertanny, who was just recently elected Delegate of The East Pacific in an unusually a election. Welcome, Libertanny! How are you going?



    Hello Gorundu! I would say that I am doing rather well. I wasn't sure what to expect after being elected, but it seems similar to being Vice-Delegate, you just have to sign papers more often and answer to more pings. I am, for sure, positively surprised how few little changes in Cabinet and election of new Delegate boosted Cabinet's and Executive's activity by few times.



    Well, those pings are the price you have to pay :P

    If you don't mind, let's wind back a bit. How did you make your start on NationStates?




    Well, my start in NationStates is highly linked to another game I played - AtWar. I was one of founders of Bushido Order and one day, one of members pinged us on Discord saying that he found a cool game (NS). We joined it and became Got Issues Players. We did not care about the fact that half of us were in TWP and another half in TNP. All we cared about was bragging with stats. Almost a year after that, Bushido Order was disbanded and I joined NS (again). I started my journey from Roleplay - committing genocide on my streets. It worked, it brought a lot of attention (lol). I  then RPed for a while, until I sent a long brief on RMB and RMB RP situation to the Delegate. They hired me to EPNS. 2 weeks after that I proposed repeal of EPNS Act, formation of the Ministry of Information and as it has succeeded, I was appointed Minister of Information. Soon after that, Fedele took over and I was appointed Minister of Propaganda (sick times), which then evolved into being one of two Second-in-Commands of The East Pacific. In the meantime I served in almost every executive body. I left TEP due to incident that happened on 16th of December 2018. I came back around June of 2019 and I have been here since then.



    Wow, that's a colorful career in a short time! What made you decide to come back in 2019, and how different was it from when you left?



    In The East Pacific we have a saying, which I would say is highly linked to Todd - "You are here forever". There is some kind of truth, that even if you leave, you are missing something in your life. It's an addiction that is hard to get rid of. Speaking of Todd McCloud, he played an important role. After incident in 2018, he was the one who contacted me and told me story about one of former Delegates. They got a second chance in TEP and became a Delegate one day. Maybe it was his story? Maybe not. (Editor's Note: We believe the story is referring to Der Fuhrer Dyzsel, a former member of Empire who participated in its coup of TEP, but later was legitimately elected Delegate) But I've always had that story somewhere in my mind. So why I came back was probably the motto and story Todd told me. I then stayed in TEP as Fedele and Co welcomed me warmly. Ironically, I then became one of biggest people in opposition to his administration. I took what he offered and used it against him.



    I think the main difference was in me. That break changed me - I stopped being an annoying teenager and became a more stable person. Which had a huge impact on my career, people started trusting me more. Speaking of differences in TEP - everything seemed different. Executive was dead, Fedele had his people in Magisterium, they were already preparing for what's to come. Thankfully, there was more people than me who noticed it. I would say that I started building resistance against Fedele from first days since I came back, whilst at the same time actively VCing and 'making friends' with Fedele and his people.



    Well, we all know what happened after that...when you made it back to the Executive under Marrabuk's Delegacy as MoFA, what were the first things you did?



    I would say that the first steps was trying to find out what I am even supposed to do. I was appointed MoFA, as I had some experience with dealing with FA and I had contacts all around NS. But I had frankly no idea, what to do as MoFA. First contacts with other MoFAs were terrible - everything seemed so serious and so professional. But I managed to break the ice and start making 'friends' with other officials, to the point that sometimes talking FA stuff was the minor part of conversations. I think the first real steps were total reorganization of MoFA server and structure of Ministry - abolishment of Deputy Minister of FA, introduction of four-level hierarchy (Junior Diplomat, Diplomat, Senior Diplomat, Minister) alongside introduction of spheres (overseen by Seniors). In a longer run, I'd say it pretty much paid off. The idea has also evolved to the point where MoFA is not lead by just the Minister, but by "Inner Circle" - a Council of Seniors, Minister and Delegate.



    Speaking of contacts around NS, did you build any relationships outside TEP before Fedele's coup and then becoming MoFA?



    My main FA experiences during before coup were experiences before December 2018. Serving as Minister of Information, then Minister of Propaganda and then Chief Minister of Comms (second-in-command) I have been reaching out to people mostly regarding events, newspaper and other stuffs of that kind. There was a moment when we were even working on inter-Pacifican newspaper - the idea, however, died. I made a few contacts in the NPO, TNP and TRR mostly. During my journey after December 2018, I also met new people in TNP, Gay and TRR, as I have been in these regions for a moment. Most of contacts I made were mostly due to me actively talking on foreign Discords. I have then used these contacts before coup, whilst working on resistance. I was getting notifications from other regions on how they perceive TEP and Fedele's actions. After becoming the MoFA, it was a total boom. I rapidly got in touch with most of friends of TEP, but I have also started reaching our to new regions, meeting even more people. The list of "cool people I met" would probably make a long list. Just to list a few? Most of Senators in NPO; Kuramia, Dax, Pichto, Peeps from Europeia; Syr, Holdac from TNP or Andy, Appleberry, Helvetics from Thaecia. The list is really long, as there are many awesome people in NS.



    I'm sure these people will all appreciate your shoutouts :P

    If you have to pick however, who would be the one or two people that you would say have influenced you the most?




    Frankly, I would say that people that influenced me the most are all former or current TEPers. I use to call Mecovy (former EPNS Editor) my "first and main Mentor", but there was also Queen Yuno and Aelitia Astor, that all played important roles. I cannot forget about Atlae and Tretrid, who helped be build my first Ministry. All these 5 people helped me a lot during my first steps in Gameplay, which I consider to be abolishment of EPNS and creation of Ministry of Information. There's also a loud shoutout to Xoriet, who serve with awesome advice and Grey, who tried to teach me R/D. Most recently, it was Bachtendekuppen, who influenced me a lot. So probably as I said, all of these people were or are TEPers.



    What would you say were your proudest achievements in your roles as Minister of Information and MoFA?



    My proudest achievement in all of my GP career is the Ministry of Information itself. I wasn't really sure what and why I am doing, but with advice from people mentioned above, I have managed to do a huge change. We had EPNS, which served as newspaper body. Taking advice and talking ideas with Yuno and Aelitia, I proposed the repeal of the EPNS Act (as I stated, it was too restricting); I built a new Ministry from scratch (with help from Atlae and Tretrid). During the best stage of this Ministry (when it was called Ministry of Propaganda), it had around 23 workers and several tasks: doing newspaper, doing informational dispatches, being a hut for coders and designers, doing text editing, preparing regional TGs and probably few more I'm forgetting. So that is my proudest achievement. Building "My Little Empire" from scratch. The fact that it was then successfully abolished and ruined by Fedele very rapidly is whole another story.



    Speaking of MoFA, that is probably the creation of "My Second Little Empire". I reorganized the Discord server, introduced new liberalized FA Policies and most importantly, introduced a four-level hierarchy, which is still in place today. The hierarchy is split into 4 levels: Junior Diplomats (who serve as right hands of Diplomats), Diplomats (who oversee regions), Seniors (who oversee whole spheres) and Minister. This idea has also naturally evolved enough, to change the whole leadership of Ministry. It's no more the Minister's playground. Our FA is now lead by "Inner Circle" - a Council made of Seniors, Minister and Delegate. All leadership job is done by team as a whole and so are taken all decision. Ministry of FA is an example of perfect teamwork and how it pays off in a longer run.



    Is there an article you're most proud of that was published during your time as Minister of Information? Or do you love all of them equally?



    Haha. I would say that I love them all equally, as it was another example of teamwork. What is, however, worth noting is that there was a moment when we had an additional RMB Newspaper! That was for sure what we were all proud of, especially since it made RMB interact with Government (i.e. answering in polls for newspaper needs). Such interaction paid off, as RMBers started applying for Citizenship and joining Ministry of Information!



    Alright then. Let's move on to the future now. What are you most excited about doing, now that you're Delegate?



    That'd probably be introducing the "more original" ideas from my campaign. Firstly, that is Bureau of Public Affairs, which is supposed to be a channel between Region (Residents and Citizens) and Government. As a part of that idea, RMB RP and Forum RP are allowed to elect / select their representatives to the Cabinet. There is also few other tasks, but all of them are aimed towards Government interacting with the Region more. Second thing would be the idea, that started during Marrabuk's administration - formation of Consortium. As of now, we have already began planning stage of it. But from less practical and more theoretical things, I'm excited about having a possibility to work on betterment of our region as Delegate.



    I was quite amazed to notice a while ago that TEP is a treatied ally with every feeder and sinker, except for Lazarus (which I believe TEP intends to negotiate a treaty with soon). As MoFA during the negotiation of a quite a few of those treaties, obviously you had a lot to do with them. Why did TEP decide on this FA approach, and do you believe it's better to have as many allies as possible?



    Firstly, I would like to make it clear, that I for sure do not support the approach of "let's make a treaty with everyone around us". Treaties are to be well-thought and they need to be beneficial for both sides. Many treaties were made before I probably even knew about Gameplay. As for the recent ones, I would not say that this is anything of an approach or FA target / policy. It's simply the fact that both sides were interested in a treaty and we decided to pursue for them. From TEP's position, it's also rather easy to become "friends" or "treated allies" with many regions. We are known for being neutral diplomatically and unaligned militarily. So conflicts of interest are rather non-existent. The only restriction, I would say, is the fact that a treated ally, or any region we are establishing relations with, has to accept our general approach to GP - "You are independent and sovereign, we won't interfere in your internal or foreign affairs, unless asked to. But we require the same from you."



    Speaking of general approach to GP, how much attention would you say TEP pays to the NSGP community, and when does TEP choose when to listen to or ignore what NSGP has to say?



    I would say that we pay attention to NSGP. I can't say if it's little or much attention. I would say, that we are rather up to date with things, but we don't see a need to participate or have a stance in the 243rd conversation about a coup of region X.



    When do we listen to NSGP? Probably never. NSGP is full of manipulation and we also don't go with the mainstream. If we find some topic important, we always try to get more background and information, to see the whole picture and have a neutral stance (as in - not manipulated by any side). We, however, rather rarely share our opinions, as we have more important tasks than dealing with NSGP dramas.



    Of course, TNP ourselves have been an ally of TEP for quite a while now. How would you say we have been as an ally during your time?



    The North Pacific has been an awesome ally, from what I heard (mostly). I myself haven't had too much of an interaction with TNP, except for hosting Paradoxical'20 together. But hearing a lot from Marrabuk, I was painted a picture of TNP as an awesome ally. The best example would probably be TNP reaching out to us and proposing is to use their tools, without expecting anything in exchange or trying to show, that "North is the better Pacific". It is common that people tend to become arrogant as the power comes. I haven't noticed or heard anything of that kind regarding TNP - it tells a lot about the region. What I am hoping for is for sure more events, we enjoyed first edition of Paradoxical a lot.



    Thanks for the flattering comments! Last question - who do you think was the best Delegate of TEP and the one you will look up to the most?



    I would say that every Delegate did something I can support. Yuno's administration was very liberal towards how Ministers organize their Ministries. Marrabuk boosted regional unity. Fedele actively interacted with Residents. That's the recent examples. I would say that most of TEP Delegates were awesome, and I will look up not to people, but to their ideas.



    Hehe...I was kind of expecting that you wouldn't just name one person. Anyway, that's all we have time for! Do you have any parting words?



    I guess I do. I'd like to order a release of your newspaper with your signature on it! And thank you for the interview.



    Thanks for coming too! Hope you have a great day, and a great Delegacy!



    [h][/h]The Power20: How not to rank players

    by Bormiar, Deputy Minister of Communications; Officer of WA Affairs and former Media Officer of The Rejected Realms

    To readers who have not yet heard of "NationStates Today", the newspaper reports on common events such as elections on top of recording podcasts with popular figures. The gameplay-centric organization frequently affiliates itself with other regions in cross-promotional agreements. It has hosted election debates in Thalassia, The Leftist Assembly, and Lazarus.



    NationStates Today hosts a biannual publication entitled the "Power20", the product of a panel of experienced players' interpretation of the most influential. The publication has been heavily vilified, which begs the question: "Why don't players like the Power20?"



    The paper is known for skewing towards members of regions such as Osiris and the West Pacific, and the latest Power20 is no better than the rest. The graph in the next page shows Power20 members by affiliated region (some are members of multiple):





    Region affiliation is determined by the descriptions provided, as the article states that "the panellists were also asked to provide reasoning for each choice, which was used to determine descriptions". The only exception is Kuriko, where her influence can be presumed as heavily part of her role as 10,000 Islands delegate.



    As can easily be seen in the above graph, Osiris, The West Pacific, Karma, The Black Hawks, and Balder have a substantial skew in members (though readers of the Power20 would not find this surprising whatsoever). While bias cannot be concluded from this information alone, members of regions such as The East Pacific, 10000 Islands, The North Pacific, The Rejected Realms and Lazarus should be immediately confused, given that all of those regions have immensely influential, active players. Even further, the delegate of 10,000 Islands wasn't even credited for that as a source of influence; r3naissanc3r, an incredibly important member of The North Pacific was credited first for creating automated tools for Balder and Europeia; and Frattastan's influence in the Rejected Realms was briefly noted as "a major voice in policy". Why does a single sinker somehow have more hyper-influential members than three other GCRs, combined? Why is over half of the Power20 members credited for work in Osiris, The West Pacific, Balder, or The Black Hawks?



    Bias can only be determined if the results do not match reality, or if the methodology is provably designed to favor a certain result. A strong case can be made for both. First, the North Pacific's member on the panel, Madjack, was never sent the link to vote. A note from Wymondham states that this was due to "an unforeseen family emergency", though that did not affect any other panelist, and Wymondham originally didn't even know that there was a TNPer on board. McMasterdonia immediately confirmed that no member of the North Pacific's cabinet said they were asked to participate, which is questionable considering the panelists were mostly made up of high-level government members. While real-life is a valid excuse, it does not make the list any better at expressing the opinion of the North Pacific. Second, many of the regions "neglected" by the most recent Power20 have large militaries, significant diplomatic sway, a large playerbase, and high-influence players who control them. It seems unlikely that many of the North Pacific's extremely prominent members (and yes, this author and publication potentially harbors unintentional bias), who could influence a large military, the most World Assembly votes in the world, and all the prestige and sway of a GCR, would not appear on the Power20, aside from McMasterdonia. This is more surprising upon considering that the delegacies of Osiris and the West Pacific were considered prime reasons to place Rigel and Bran Astor, respectively, on the list (neither had been on the previous list). Upon first glance-- and first deep dive -- it seems clear that the list is biased.



    However, NationStates Today's definition of "an influential individual" is... murky. "An individual who has been actively influential in the GP community in the last 6 months or who could have been actively influential in an impactful way, if they chose, in the last 6 months". The definition seems innocent, but "community" is extremely ambiguous and not defined. It could mean the broader gameplay world, regarding the less noticeable powers who are not active within the gameplay forums or discord, such as a region-builder in any GCR or a leader of an isolationist military, in which case there would be no reasonable claims of bias. "Community" more likely means the influences within the gameplay forums and discord, indirectly -- but most likely directly -- present. These are the players who influence the perceptions and gameplay of other players in their community. GCRs which are less involved in this NSGP community are free from their networking grasp, and free (mostly) from the Power20. That's why such an odd focus has been made on the position of NSGP admin (referring to the discord server). That's also why there's a skew towards regions whose members involve themselves in NSGP, such as Osiris and The West Pacific. Disregarding the Madjack snafu, the list is not biased, simply useless for determining true gameplay prominence.



    Therein lies the problem with the Power20. The Power20 focuses almost entirely on a subgroup within gameplay of players who network, appeal to, and manipulate other members of that subgroup within gameplay. Gameplayers within that subgroup are known to like the Power20 because it appeals to their community, and gameplayers distant from it criticize it relentlessly.



    Why don't players like the Power20? It's just not written for them.



    So if it probably won't be reasonable to me as a North Pacifican, is there any good reason to read it? Nope! :)

    [h][/h]Europe: Elections, Fraud and Secrets

    by Canibull, Reporter for The Northern Lights

    On 26 May 2020, the Government of Europe issued an executive order, Cabinet Order 2020, that saw the Home Secretary, Feria-Alkaline, stood down from office. The basis: Feria-Alkaline's importation of foreign votes into the European Parliament.



    Three days earlier, on May 23, Feria-Alkaline admitted to contacting private real-world friends and convincing them to create World Assembly nations, in the hope of securing the passage of the Defence Office Act 2020. Authored by Regnum Italiae, the act would have seen the creation of an additional Cabinet position that served to bolster Europe's defences against, ironically, foreign intervention.



    Imperium Anglorum, Europe's World Assembly Delegate and de facto leader since late 2016, stood opposed to the passage of the Defence Office Act for a series of reasons. From Feria-Alkaline's perspective, the act was neither necessary nor redundant, and so the Home Secretary resolved to support the executive's position.



    "It's never a bad idea to have 'the Man' on your side," Feria-Alkaline told the Northern Light.



    The man in question, however, did not return Feria-Alkaline's blasé approach.



    Otherwise, Feria-Alkaline has described her actions as a demonstration of Europe's electoral weaknesses. She strongly argues that vote rigging needs to be criminalised entirely, and that it has not been due to administrative complacency. When the Northern Light declared her a martyr, she did not reject the title.



    Cabinet Order 2020 included screenshots highlighting Feria-Alkaline's crimes. Feria-Alkaline argues that these screenshots were manipulated. Imperium Anglorum denies any such manipulation.



    On the surface, the case is rather transparent. But through its seeming simplicity, it invites speculation, and if readers are wondering how such came to pass, they can find some explanation within the confines of this article. Europe, like any region in NationStates, is not without its secrets.



    Europe is one of NationStates' oldest user-created regions, founded in 2002.  Renowned for its contribution to the World Assembly, its professional legislature and its refusal to institute an endorsement cap, it has played part in the game-wide conflict against the notorious Confederation of Corrupt Dictators (CCD).



    The Northern Light is repulsed to print anything remotely associated with CCD, but for once the region's antics actually do shed light on an important feature of Europe's governing laws. In 2018, CCD attacked Europe and installed Foucaults garden as World Assembly Delegate. The following update saw Imperium Anglorum take back the delegacy.



    This transference of power was, in fact, legal. Proudly, though obviously at the risk of foreign interference, Europe conducts elections for its World Assembly Delegate every twelve hours. This approach is unique to amongst all regions of note within NationStates.



    When pressed, Imperium Anglorum recounted his rise to power as Europe's World Assembly Delegate. He fought a hard campaign against his principle opponent, Jenesia, in 2015, advocating for regional reform. Such reforms included the creation of a clear law code, the creation of a constitution, a more active role for government, and a restart of recruiting efforts.



    Imperium Anglorum has described his initial attempts to see these reforms carried as "overly ambitious". A week after his election, he lost his delegacy to Jenesia. After a period of months, he returned to the post and began his reforms at a more measured pace. From this point onwards - late 2016 - Europe saw an unprecedented population boom, the effects of which are still felt today.



    Alternatively, Feria-Alkaline has existed within Europe since the nation's founding. She served for three terms as First Deputy Commissioner during 2018 before rising to Secretary of the Home Office in September of that year at Imperium Anglorum's invitation.



    Interestingly, September was not the first time Imperium Anglorum had offered Feria-Alkaline the Home Office. On 13 February 2018, Imperium Anglorum wrote to Feria-Alkaline over Discord concerning the retirement of then-Home Secretary Jenesia (the same Jenesia that had given Imperium Anglorum a run for his money back in 2015):

    "I don't know who to replace [Jenesia] with that I can pretty reasonably trust [for the position of Home Secretary] other than you."



    Perhaps Imperium Anglorum faced similar concerns when considering the addition of a Defence Secretary.



    In any regional government, loyalty is arguably the most important quality of a regional officer. Sometimes this can come at the expense of the democratic process.

    "The cabinet is comprised of Imperium Anglorum and, well, Imperium Anglorum's cronies," said Feria-Alkaline.

    "The only thing elected by the people is the commissioners."



    When a movement surfaced to increase the authority of these commissioners by way of the Commission Reform Act 2018, Imperium Anglorum opposed it. The reform act failed to carry.



    Feria-Alkaline has also drawn the Northern Light towards some of Europe's more authoritarian legal provisions. The Government Act 2017 includes a clause on statuary interpretation, which reads:

    "Interpretation of statutory law will be vested in a 'European Council' composed of three persons: the Founder, the author of The Basic Law, and the current Delegate."

    "Which is EuroFounder (inactive), Imperium Anglorum (author of The Basic Law), and Imperium Anglorum again," said Feria-Alkaline.



    This clause came as a surprise to the Northern Light, but Feria-Alkaline was unfazed. She contends that no one really knows how Imperium Anglorum's power is codified, since Europe's laws and constitution are so difficult for the ordinary person to interpret.

    "This **** doesn't make sense to me and I've been here for three years and Home Secretary for nearly two," said Feria-Alkaline.



    That said, Imperium Anglorum alerted the Northern Light to his many publications explaining Europe's laws.

    "If others in Europe have ideas to simplify our laws or make them clearer, I would be happy to cooperate with them in doing so, as I have in the past," said Imperium Anglorum. 



    While Feria-Alkaline paints a bleak, almost dictatorial, image of Imperium Anglorum's Europe, the World Assembly Delegate has hit back strongly, attacking Feria-Alkaline's credibility.



    "I did not intend to dismiss Feria before the Defence Office act's irregularities became known," said Imperium Anglorum.



    Nonetheless, he and Feria-Alkaline suffered past disagreements.

    "Since the creation of the Moderation Committee, we have disagreed repeatedly on the enforcement of RMB moderation regulations. In one case, I asked for and received her recusal from a moderation case, as she was involved in an exchange."

    "But in most cases, consensuses emerged on the committee."



    Imperium Anglorum also alerted the Northern Light to an incident from September 2018 involving Feria-Alkaline and Aweland from the region, supplemented with legitimate evidence.

    "Two days after Feria was appointed as Home Secretary, she claimed to have 'accidentally' banned Aweland from [Europe]. She apologised to him both publicly and privately, which I had recommended."

    "I am not entirely sure that she in fact gave the apology, but she admitted on 13 May 2020 that her claim of 'accidentally' banning Aweland was a lie."

    "However, this did not induce me to dismiss her almost two weeks later, as I then believed that such unlawfulness would not be repeated."



    Some might argue that for Imperium Anglorum to hold such a belief indicates a certain level of nativity. Feria-Alkaline had performed unlawful acts in the past, including importing votes to secure the passage of Statutory Revisions Act 2018. The same tactics that were used this May were used in 2018.



    Feria-Alkaline has claimed that Imperium Anglorum had a vested interest to see the passage of the revisions act. Imperium Anglorum has denied being aware of the importation, and has in any case argued that the May importations were to his benefit too.

    Furthermore, Feria-Alkaline has expressed concern with Imperium Anglorum's leadership presence.

    "[He] is conspicuously not around much," she told the Northern Light.

    "The man's so ******* distant it's like being ruled by a wall."



    Feria-Alkaline also contended that Imperium Anglorum was now more involved in the General Assembly of the World Assembly than he was in Europe's government. To date, Imperium Anglorum has authored a total thirty World Assembly resolutions, making him one of the most prolific legislators in NationStates' history.



    The Northern Light had no difficulty in reaching Imperium Anglorum for an interview.



    Several other nations also offered their interpretation of Imperium Anglorum's delegacy, confirming Feria-Alkaline's beliefs. These nations requested anonymity for their own safety. Feria-Alkaline also expressed concern:

    "I prefer not to endanger my friends."

    "I know a few who, after this debacle, have begun to more vocally disapprove of Imperium Anglorum, but always in side servers."



    It is even Feria-Alkaline's opinion that the European government is scared of its leader, whose addiction to power knows no bounds.



    Both Feria-Alkaline and Imperium Anglorum were asked to describe Imperium Anglorum's five-year delegacy in one word.

    "Long," was Feria-Alkaline's immediate response.



    Imperium Anglorum declined to comment, declaring the question "unhelpful".



    Regardless, Europe is an undeniably successful region, and whatever its politics it remains a close friend and ally of The North Pacific. The Northern Light was pleased to conduct this inquiry, and looks forward to working with both Imperium Anglorum and Feria-Alkaline in the future.



    For now, Feria-Alkaline intends to remain in Europe and work productively to "close the loopholes" she has uncovered.



    Imperium Anglorum has given his assurances to the Northern Light that legislative actions are being taken to unequivocally criminalise the importation of votes into both Europe's elections and Parliament.



    The Northern Lights: Beauty in Truth

    Publisher: Prydania :: Executive Editor: Gorundu



    The Northern Lights is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Except where otherwise indicated, all content does not represent the views of the Government of The North Pacific.



    Index of issues
    « Last Edit: July 28, 2020, 10:43:26 PM by Comfed »
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Wintermoot
  • Regional Stability Squad
  • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
  • Thank you for the update!

    I always thought the Power20 was particularly cringe for an interregional publication, because it's gameplayers giving each other pats on the back based seemingly on their popularity with the panel doing the voting. Of course that's how most award shows are, but...well, I think those are cringe too. :P
    2 people like this post: taulover, Comfed


    I went all the way to Cassadega to commune with the dead
    They said "You'd better look alive"
    Wintermoot
    • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
    • Posts: 19,453
    • Karma: 9,677
    • Weather: ❄️
    • Regional Stability Squad
    • Pronouns
      He/Him/His
      Orientation
      Demisexual
      Wintreath Nation
      Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter
  • People are only talking about the Power20 article... personally I liked the one about Libertanny.
    « Last Edit: July 29, 2020, 04:12:34 PM by Cromwell »
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Wintermoot
  • Regional Stability Squad
  • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
  • I bet the Power20 article has sparked large amounts of drama with the gameplayers. :P

    I thought the Libertanny article was good, it's just that TEP also did a Libertanny interview in their dispatch as well as an article on their campaign and election, so maybe I'm on Libertanny overload. :P
    1 person likes this post: taulover


    I went all the way to Cassadega to commune with the dead
    They said "You'd better look alive"
    Wintermoot
    • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
    • Posts: 19,453
    • Karma: 9,677
    • Weather: ❄️
    • Regional Stability Squad
    • Pronouns
      He/Him/His
      Orientation
      Demisexual
      Wintreath Nation
      Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter
  • You bet it has - read the gameplay forum.
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter

  • The Spotlight - Interview with Prydania

    by Chinese Rebel, Reporter for The North Star

     

    Chinese Rebel: Well everyone, here we are with our Delegate Prydania. I have a few questions I'd like to ask. Let's start from the beginning - How did you get started in NationStates?

     

    Prydania: So I got started in NationStates like so many do, as a teenager who was interested in politics and history.

     

    I was in my grade twelve year of high school and I had just finished with Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. And I stumbled upon NationStates. I was still thinking about a passage form Nineteen Eighty-Four that explained that the totalitarian INGSOC regime had built a statue to honour Oliver Cromwell. Something about a socialist Britain that found common cause with Cromwell was very interesting, so I created Inglo-Scotia. It was a Britain expy whose government was a mix of Orwell's INGSOC regime and Cromwell's British republic.

     

    I can't remember where I spawned, but I quickly joined the Lexicon where I met Eluvatar. That was back in 2006.

     

    Chinese Rebel: That is such a long time ago! How did you eventually make your way into The North Pacific's government?

     

    Prydania: I came to TNP full time in the summer of 2017. I had some bad experiences with game play and regional government in my last region, Taijitu. I had been there for nine years by that point, but it ended in a very explosive way.

     

    So I decided I only wanted to be part of RP in TNP. No government stuff. Problem was I was a good enough RPer to be made a RP mod! And that got some attention from the GP community. I had to turn down multiple offers to be Minister of Culture. I finally accepted when Minister of Culture MadJack resigned in the final two weeks of Ghost's last term. I agreed to fill in. And Fiji, who succeeded Ghost, convinced me to stay on. I ended up staying on as Minister of Culture for a year. And then enough people who I respected in GP convinced me to give a run at Delegate a try. And here I am!

     

    So I got started in TNP government through slow, eventual capitulation to peer pressure! Not a good look for a teacher, I admit, but I'm glad I did. I'm proud of what I've been able to do as both Minister of Culture and as Delegate.

     

    Chinese Rebel: That is an extremely interesting experience! So for most of your time in government you have been Minister of Culture. What did you oversee and accomplish in that position?

     

    Prydania: Regular publication of the Roleplay Reel magazine. We set up and ran a number of cultural events with regions such as Greater Díenstad, XKI, and the other Pacifics. We ran fantasy football, which was a huge success. And we successfully resurrected the Lennarts. Not to mention getting a RP map included in the 2019 Democracy Day reward package!

     

    Chinese Rebel: So now that you are Delegate, what has been your most challenging problem so far?

     

    Prydania: So that's an interesting question! This is my first shot at being Delegate in my long time spent in NationStates, but that long run in the game has given me a good idea of what the position entails. My good friend Sovereign Dixie was a multiple time Delegate or Taijitu, and I served as his Vice Delegate for one of those terms.

     

    So I decided to run for Delegate it TNP with a pretty good idea of what the job would entail. As such most of the trials of the office haven't bothered me too much. I knew what I was signing up for, essentially.

     

    I would say the biggest problem I've had is dealing with what I didn't expect. TNP is a very large region with a lot of moving parts. Of course as Delegate I oversee many of those moving parts but even so. It seems like a lot of people, both inside TNP and outside, are of the belief that I'm the guy who can snap my fingers and address whatever problems they have. I've been inundated with requests about the Civil Defence Siren and embassies and "grand initiatives" random players dream up in their spare time since I was sworn in.

     

    The trials of the Delegacy- working to accomplish goals I want to see accomplished- I'm fine with those. I knew what I was getting into.

     

    Being the point man to absorb everyone's random thoughts or grievances, however, has taken some adjustments.

     

    Chinese Rebel: Of course, there will eventually be a time when you are no longer Delegate. What do you plan to do then?

     

    Prydania: I plan on focusing on my roleplay. Both as an active participant in the roleplay community and with my duties and lead RP mod.

     

    Chinese Rebel: One thing I've been wondering - did you ever consider joining the NPA?

     

    Prydania: No. I had a few unremarkable stints in the Taijitu army but military gameplay isn't really my cup of tea. That being said, working with Rom as my Minister of Defence and the rest of the NPA has been an enlightening experience. The work those guys and girls put into the Army is incredible.

     

    Chinese Rebel: Now, as a Delegate, I'm sure you've looked to past Delegates for inspiration. Who was the delegate when you first arrived and do you think they did a good job?

     

    Prydania: I arrived in the summer of 2017, and the Delegate was Ghost. I thought he did an amazing job, despite being hampered with the RMB drama that was kicked up just before his term started. I have a lot of respect for Ghost, and it's been an honour. Both to kick off my Minister of Culture career under his Delegacy and to have him on board as my Minister of Foreign Affairs.

     

    Chinese Rebel: And who was your favourite Delegate?

     

    Prydania: A lot of them are quite good. McMasterdonia's ability to be everywhere at once was something to admire. McM has also been a great mentor for me in both the Delegacy and earlier in the Ministry of Culture. Fiji provided calm, stable leadership that I personally see a lot of myself in. Ghost is that special sort of leader who can just get you to do anything after a pep-talk! Siwale did a lot for the RP community and the RMB, which I think speaks a great deal to his character because he's not really part of either community. Yet he went the extra mile for both communities.

     

    Those would be the favourites of mine since I've been here, but if I had to pick one? Geeze...I would go with Fiji because I tend to jive with his leadership style and it's one my own is closest to.

     

    Chinese Rebel: Well, unfortunately, that's all we have time for. Thank you for joining us in this interview, Prydania!

     

    North Pacific Army Bulletin - June 2020

    by Gorundu, Lieutenant of the North Pacific Army

     



    Leadership

     

    Minister of Defence: General Rom

    Deputy Ministers of Defence: Colonel Robespierre and Colonel BMWSurfer


     



    The North Pacific Army and The Black Hawks wait for orders to enter Liberty Nations Alliance during RaiderCon

     

    So what has the North Pacific Army been up to these days, you ask. Well, curious reader, let me tell you the answer - a lot! We started the month of June with an occupation in SECFanatics, courtesy of an invitation from our friends at The Black Hawks, to stop them from spamming all those pesky embassy requests.

     

    And what’s that? It’s the smell of fresh, new blood in the air! After a successful hold that saw 18 NPA soldiers deployed among over 100 total pilers, two of our newest Privates were promoted to Private First Class (PFC). Soon after, a joint tag raid on June 6 with the Europeian Republican Navy and East Pacific Sovereign Army, hosted by ourselves, saw three of our PFCs joining in to hone their skills in the art of tagging, taking 34 regions with two teams even as update variance threatened to thwart our plans.

     

    Of course, all this raiding doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about our defender friends! On June 13, we hosted the Rejected Realms Army, South Pacific Special Forces and East Pacific Sovereign Army in a joint detag run, efficiently taking down the eyesore non-NPA graffitis from 45 regions in three teams.

     

    But alas, nothing can beat what’s to come at the end of June. On the 29th, under the cover of a sleepy minor update, the NPA and The Blacks Hawks snuck out during a regular tagging run to capture this year’s RaiderCon target: Liberty Nations Alliance. We swiftly restored order to the chaotic, crumbling region, taking action decisively to suspend its Constitution and eject the troublemakers. Again, 18 soldiers were deployed as part of an over-100 coalition occupying force to maintain order.

     

    In the ensuing RaiderCon festivities, much fun was had, whether it’s listening to RaiderVision entries, beating the Puzzle Hunt in impossible time, or laughing at the cringeworthy entries to the meme contest. But the show-stealer came from our newly minted General BluieGamer, who claimed victory in the triggering contest, beating out The Black Hawk’s finest, including fellow General Jakker in the finals! Of course, the bragging rights were immediately claimed by Minister of Defence Rom, and as a reward, we expect Bluie to be leading a lot more missions in the coming months :)

     

    Regional Assembly Highlights - June 2020

    by Cretox State, Deputy Speaker

     

    Speaker: St George (MadJack)

    Deputy Speakers: Robespierre, Crushing Our Enemies, Cretox State, and Bobberino

     

     

    Current Business

     

    The only current outstanding business for the Regional Assembly from the month of June is the Court Amendment Act.

     

    -~-

     

    Court Amendment Act by McMasterdonia

     

    Summary: Proposed by former Delegate McMasterdonia, the Court Amendment Act would attempt to modernize the Court's operations to be more in line with the region's present needs. In its form as of writing, the bill would shift Justices to being appointed by the Delegate and confirmed by the Regional Assembly on a rolling basis, with each Justice serving six-month terms. The bill is currently being revised and discussed, and will likely be submitted at some point in the future.

     

    Status: Proposed

     



    Passed

     

    The proposals that have passed through the Regional Assembly in the months of June and July thus far are the Confirmation of Dreadton, Sil Dorsett and Eluvatar as Election Commissioners, the Confirmation of Dreadton as Prosecutor in The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan, and the Lessening Repeating Work (LRW) Bill.

     

    -~-

     

    Confirmation of Dreadton and Sil Dorsett as Election Commissioners

     

    Summary: Nominated to the Election Commission in early June 2020 by Delegate Prydania, Dreadton and Sil Dorsett had both garnered acclaim for their previous work on the Election Commission. A week after the opening of debate on the subject, both nominees were deemed to have responded to questioning satisfactorily and a motion for a vote began. Both Dreadton and Sil Dorsett were later confirmed by near-unanimous majority Regional Assembly vote, and were admitted to the Election Commission.

     

    Results:

    Dreadton:
    51 Ayes | 1 Nay | 4 Abstentions

    Sil Dorsett: 51 Ayes | 0 Nays | 5 Abstentions

     

    Status: Confirmed as of 21 June 2020

     



    Confirmation of Dreadton as Prosecutor in The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan

     

    Summary: Dreadton was appointed in mid-July 2020 to serve as Prosecutor in the criminal case The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan. A vote was quickly opened and scheduled to run for the shortest possible duration of three days. Dreadton was confirmed by majority vote at the conclusion of the voting period.

     

    Results:  31 Ayes | 6 Nays | 7 Abstentions

     

    Status: Confirmed as of 23 June 2020

     



    Lessening Repeating Work (L.R.W.) Bill by Gorundu

     

    Summary: Initially brought before the Regional Assembly by Praetor in mid-July 2019, the L.R.W. Bill was revived and revised by Gorundu in mid-March 2020. The bill sought to implement a preferential voting system for Judicial elections, and passed the Regional Assembly by majority vote.

     

    Results: 30 Ayes | 5 Nays | 13 Abstentions

     

    Status: Passed as of 1 July 2020

     



    Confirmation of Eluvatar as Election Commissioner

     

    Summary: Eluvatar was nominated to the Election Commission by Delegate Prydania in mid-July, 2020. Eluvatar has previously served on the Election Commission, and the confirmation was expected to pass easily.

     

    Results: 37 Ayes | 2 Nays | 4 Abstentions

     

    Status: Passed as of 27 July 2020

     

    [h][/h]

    Failed

     

    -~-

     

    Two proposals have failed in the Regional Assembly since the last update, being Wonderess' Security Council Application, which failed to reach a two-thirds majority Regional Assembly vote, and the Delegate's Report Bill, which failed to reach a majority.

     

    Wonderess' Security Council Application

     

    Summary: After applying to the Security Council on the first of May, Wonderess failed to be recommended for admission. The Regional Assembly then began a discussion to examine the proposition of upholding or overturning the Security Council's decision.

     

    Results: 37 Ayes | 42 Nays | 12 Abstentions

     

    Status: Failed as of 25 June 2020

     

    [h][/h]

    Delegate's Report Bill by RocketDog

     

    Summary: The Delegate's Report Bill was originally introduced to the Regional Assembly a year ago during El Fiji Grande's term as Delegate as a way to clarify when the executive administration was to give reports on its activities. After a period of dormancy for many months, discussion surfaced again in late March of 2020 and after a few revisions the bill was later passed by the Regional Assembly and vetoed by the Delegate. On 14 July 2020, the bill has been brought to vote again after further revision.

     

    Results: 9 Ayes | 23 Nays | 19 Abstentions

     

    Status: Failed as of 21 July 2020

     

    World Assembly Digest




    General Assembly

    Improving the world one resolution at a time.

     

    Rights Of The Employed

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 11828 Against: 10133

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 330 Against: 365 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 76 Against: 45 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 116 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 169 Against: 23 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    Despite being written with the commendable goal of fighting workplace discrimination, "Rights of the Employed" is marred by several glaring issues which leave it unable to achieve its lofty goals. Though ostensibly intended to ensure "a range of rights" for workers, the proposal inexplicably omits freelance workers and most contractors from benefiting under its clauses. The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs finds it troubling that the first thing a resolution against workplace discrimination does is discriminate against certain types of workers.

    Additionally, some of the proposal's language is questionable at best. For example, the legislation places the burden on the employee to prove to their employer the need for breastfeeding at work, which is unacceptable for what should be obvious reasons. On the subject of breastfeeding, the proposal mandates that "a private, safe, hygienic and ventilated area in [the] workplace, separate from any toilets" exists solely for breastfeeding, which is unrealistic for many small businesses. Furthermore, the proposal's heavy-handed banning of "intimidating behavior" is wholly incompatible with certain professions built around experiencing such. We recommend that the authors revise their work, and cannot, in good faith, recommend voting For this proposal.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the resolution, "Rights of the Employed".

     

     

    Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 18256 Against: 1803

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 696 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 126 Against: 6 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 189 Against: 7 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 193 Against: 8 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments" is a well-suited replacement of the recently-repealed "Ensuring Safe Syringe Use" - not only does the replacement cover up all the issues that the repealed resolution had while still maintaining the integrity of the legislation, it also has a far broader scope so as to ensure proper sterilization of all susceptible medical instruments and not just syringes. The topic it is on is an essential area of legislation in ensuring that the spread of disease through improperly sanitized equipment in medical settings is minimized, and it legislates on this topic very effectively.

    For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal, "Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments".

     

    Language And Education Rights For Deaf Individuals

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 17814 Against: 1221

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 692 Against: 38 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 161 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 171 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    Over the years, the General Assembly has sought to protect the rights of all people to enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities afforded to their peers, regardless of categories like race, gender, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, international law has not afforded deaf and hard of hearing individuals this protection until now. "Language and Education Rights for Deaf Individuals" seeks to remedy this deficiency, by guaranteeing deaf individuals the right to an equal education, freedom from discrimination, and the ability to fully participate in society through recognition of non-audial languages. The proposal displays good writing, and effectively legislates on an important topic.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote proposal, "Language and Education Rights for Deaf Individuals".

     

     

    Regulating Desalination

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 11930 Against: 6378

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 300 Against: 389 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 27 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 103 Against: 66 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 166 Against: 34 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    Written with the goal of curbing the possible negative environmental effects of desalination, "Regulating Desalination" naturally legislates on a very narrow topic. However, this limited scope does the proposal more harm than good. For starters, the legislation's clauses are quite weak, and do not take advantage of the proposal's narrow topic to effectively regulate desalination. The issues posed by desalination are not limited to waste products harming ecosystems; rather, they include risks to human health, which are not covered by the proposal, and ocean-specific issues such as the intake and destruction of animals and eggs. Additionally, the proposal fails to address the potential commercial applications of waste products, nor does it effectively address the financial issues plaguing desalination in water-scarce areas or encourage water conservation measures. It is our belief that a proposal on such a narrow topic must take full advantage of its limited scope. Otherwise, it may as well be rewritten to regulate water treatment or land-based industry in general.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the proposal, "Regulating Desalination".

     

    Supporting And Valuing The Humanities

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 15221 Against: 3197

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 638 Against: 58 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 128 Against: 31 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 161 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    Supporting and Valuing the Humanities is a proposal that firstly notes the importance and rightful mention of the humanities within the halls of the WA, coming after GA# 475 which spoke on the importance of the Natural Sciences. This resolution not only speaks about the humanities' importance, but takes steps to ensure their presence and usage in member nations' curriculums. Funding is offered for those nations who may not be able to support such curriculum with their own national budget through the World Humanities Fund. Such funding has been given concrete objectives to ensure that no money is being improperly used. These funds are not limited to only governments, but are extended to non profit entities who help further the mission of this proposal.

    Built into the proposal is the formation of the Department of External Auditors, which ensures funds are being responsibly allocated to avoid wasteful spending and ensures transparency when it comes to the use of funding.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the proposal, "Supporting and Valuing the Humanities".

     

    Standards On Police Accountability

    Spoiler
    Status: Failed

    Final Vote (World): For: 7075 Against: 10160

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 195 Against: 457 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 46 Against: 73 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 70 Against: 84 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 133 Against: 37 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    While the proposal reveals the noble intentions of its author, "Standards On Police Accountability" does not achieve the goal its title suggests. Potentially its most significant problem is the fact that the proposal does not mandate that bodycams and onboard cameras ever be turned on, providing nations with a major loophole. Secondly, the proposal defines "police force" and "law enforcement officer" in a way that is overly broad and includes institutions (e.g., intelligence services) that are not intended to be included. Lastly, the proposal jeopardises the safety of undercover officers by requiring them to wear bodycams.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the GA proposal, "Standards On Police Accountability".

     

    Fair Arbitration Act

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 13157 Against: 2532

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 549 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 129 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 151 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    "Fair Arbitration Act" (GA) fulfills an important role in comprehensively regulating arbitration agreements, which are agreements that mandate the resolving of legal disputes by an independent arbitrator, rather than a court of law. The proposal seeks to ensure that these agreements are only valid when they serve the public good, and accomplishes this effectively by prohibiting all such agreements with respect to matters of antitrust violations, civil rights, consumer goods, and employment. The proposal sees to it that arbitration agreements will only apply between two parties of relatively equal bargaining power, and will never unduly interfere with the ability of an individual to seek legal action over alleged wrongdoing. The proposal nicely complements prior resolutions passed by the General Assembly, by ensuring that individuals can enforce their rights in court.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Fair Arbitration Act".

     



    Security Council

    Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.

     

    Commend Crushing Our Enemies

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 15370 Against: 5135

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 599 Against: 79 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 89 Against: 23 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 112 Against: 49 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 170 Against: 20 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    "Commend Crushing Our Enemies" is a well drafted resolution that recognises the substantive work that Crushing Our Enemies (also known as "General COE" has undertaken during their time in NationStates. Their tireless efforts have included vastly improving The North Pacific's internal security, laws and policies, publications, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions as a whole. Crushing Our Enemies is one of the modern founding fathers of The North Pacific and his contributions are too numerous to mention in a single resolution. Crushing Our Enemies has a proven record of valuing regional sovereignty, military service, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. In addition to his contributions to The North Pacific, Crushing Our Enemies has helped to develop a culture of professionalism and responsibility in The Black Hawks and ensured compliance with international law following the use of the military weapon "Predator". Crushing Our Enemies is a very deserving candidate as is reflected in the resolution.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting FOR the resolution, "Commend Crushing Our Enemies".

     

    Commend 9003

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 13882 Against: 4806

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 605 Against: 61 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 58 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 115 Against: 41 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 173 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    Commend 9003" outlines a most eloquent and refined set of rationales for the favorable recognition of 9003 by this most noble World Assembly. A truly cultured nation, 9003 is most deserving of this pinnacle of honors, as exemplified by its everlasting commitment to the collection of "artwork" in the form of cards from across NationStates. The proposal articulates two fine reasons for why 9003 is to be commended, those being its noteworthy history of tasteful card collection and its storied history of involvement with both the North Pacific Army and the forces of Mordor. Special emphasis is placed on the nation's role as Deputy Guildmaster of the North Pacific Cards Guild, and its hosting of Olympic Games for art. In the opinion of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, both this proposal and this nation will undoubtably age as befitting a bottle of fine wine.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the Security Council proposal, "Commend 9003".

     

    Repeal Liberate Iran

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 16861 Against: 2416

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 606 Against: 58 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 57 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 134 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 110 Against: 74 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

     

    Recommendation:


    [No Recommendation]

     

    Commend Apulita

    Spoiler
    Status: Failed

    Final Vote (World): For: 4153 Against: 11716

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 112 Against: 529 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 20 Against: 105 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 43 Against: 103 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 75 Against: 100 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

     

    Recommendation:


    "Commend Apulita" is a resolution that seeks to recognize a prominent native of the Warzone regions for their lengthy tenure as Delegate of Warzone Europe and for their supposedly invaluable influence in keeping the region stable. If Apulita is commendable, this resolution does not make the case. The resolution misrepresents the influence The North Pacific (TNP) had in protecting Warzone Europe which at the time Apulita was Delegate was a protectorate of Equilism, a treatied ally of TNP. TNP deployed to the region a number of times when the region was under threat and TNP's support of Apulita served to dissuade regions from toppling Apulita. The proposal additionally falls into the trap of just listing positions (eg. Senator, President, etc. ) without specifying what exactly Apulita did in those positions.

    Additionally, it should be noted that simply reigning as Delegate for an extended period of time in one's native region is not a commendable feat on its own and as such this proposal relies far too heavily on that one subject.

    Thus, for the reasons outlined above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote AGAINST the resolution Commend Apulita.

     

    Repeal Condemn Vandoosa

    Spoiler
    Status: Failed

    Final Vote (World): For: 4007 Against: 11916

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 409 Against: 232 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 19 Against: 78 with percentage of WA nations voting: 22

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 22 Against: 103 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 26 Against: 128 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

     

    Recommendation:


    Repeal: 'Condemn Vandoosa'" makes a well-formulated and straightforward case for why its target resolution would best be repealed. The target resolution in question (SC#188), a condemnation of the now-defunct Vandoosa, is largely obsolete at this point. The proposed repeal notes the depreciated nature of the target resolution (especially considering that the nation in question has since been refounded under a new name), and highlights several deficiencies in its clauses, such as the overinflated description of the nation's actions alongside numerous errors, which the author of the target themselves attested to.

    For these reasons, The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the Security Council proposal, Repeal: 'Commend Vandoosa'

     

    Commend The Salaxalans

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 13640 Against: 2763

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 555 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 84 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 114 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 142 Against: 8 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    The Salaxalans is one of the most dedicated players in the game, dedicating over eight years to their home region of Spiritus. Over this time, he has spent six years as delegate, furthering the community around it and thrusting the region onto the international stage. "Commend The Salaxalans", gives a superb demonstration of this dedication, and shows how Spiritus would not be the region it is today if not for The Salaxalans' leadership, amongst other various accomplishments. Among these accomplishments includes the dispersion of the "potato" meme amongst NationStates, a meme so widely popular that it was recognized by Max Barry, superb leadership through both Z-Days and N-Days, and becoming the first-ever Vice WA Secretary-General.

    For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote FOR the at-vote proposal, "Commend The Salaxalans."

     

    Condemn Australian rePublic

    Spoiler
    Status: Passed

    Final Vote (World): For: 9371 Against: 4794

    Final Vote (TNP): For: 499 Against: 76 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

    Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

    Final Vote (Balder): For: 78 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

    Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

    Final Vote (Europe): For: 85 Against: 32 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

    Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

    Final Vote (Europeia): For: 136 Against: 20 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

    Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

     

    Recommendation:


    A focused and well-written proposal, "Condemn Australian rePublic" (SC) makes a thorough and humorous case for why its target is to be condemned by the Security Council. The nation in question, Australian rePublic, is one of the game's most prominent issue authors, with a full seventeen (17) published issues to their name, and a consistent presence in the "Got Issues?" subforum. While the seemingly logical decision would be to commend the target for their lasting efforts rather than condemning them, the proposal's author blends the meta with the in-character to build a compelling argument that is pleasing to read and feels entirely appropriate in its conclusions. Additionally, the fourth wall in our office went missing shortly after one of the "missions" mentioned in the proposal, and we want it back.

    For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Condemn Australian rePublic".

     

    The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

    Publisher:
    Prydania :: Executive Editor: Gorundu :: Managing Editor: BMWSurfer, Bormiar

     

    The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.

     

    Index of Issues
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter

  • The North Pacific and The South Pacific recently announced a joint festival! Full of fun and games, A Drop in the Ocean 2 comes four years after the original Drop in the Ocean. Coordinated by Minister of Culture Syrixia and Minister of Regional Affairs Seraph (Erinor). Now, they’re back and with the same goal: to celebrate strong TNP/TSP relations and all the things that make GCRs great! A lot has happened during this time, but with TNP/TSP relations still going strong, A Drop in the Ocean 2 is sure to be a lot of fun!

    A Drop in the Ocean 2 will have what every NS festival requires: games, competitions, lectures, releplaying and much more. Since TSP hosted last time, we’ve made a subforum on the TNP forums for all the necessary celebrations. We also have our own Discord server just for this event. We’re super excited to kick this off, and anyone who so desires is welcome to take a look.

    Links:
    FESTIVAL SUBFORUM: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/forum/5002545/
    DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/tsGD2Vv
    1 person likes this post: Wintermoot
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Wintermoot
  • Regional Stability Squad
  • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
  • Thanks for the update!

    It seems that TNP has a history of people coming from regions they didn't have a good experience in and rising to becoming delegate...in that respect it reminds me of El Fiji Grande. But I suppose that's because TNP seems to be much more peaceful than most other regions, and probably does a better job of developing talented people, too.


    I went all the way to Cassadega to commune with the dead
    They said "You'd better look alive"
    Wintermoot
    • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
    • Posts: 19,453
    • Karma: 9,677
    • Weather: ❄️
    • Regional Stability Squad
    • Pronouns
      He/Him/His
      Orientation
      Demisexual
      Wintreath Nation
      Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter
  • Thanks for the update!

    It seems that TNP has a history of people coming from regions they didn't have a good experience in and rising to becoming delegate...in that respect it reminds me of El Fiji Grande. But I suppose that's because TNP seems to be much more peaceful than most other regions, and probably does a better job of developing talented people, too.
    No more peaceful than UCRs with founders  :P

    Though I gotta say not every newcomer who runs for delegate has “talent”.
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
    Wintermoot
  • Regional Stability Squad
  • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
  • No more peaceful than UCRs with founders  :P

    Though I gotta say not every newcomer who runs for delegate has “talent”.
    We both know that having a founder doesn't necessarily make for a peaceful community, and not having a founder doesn't necessarily make for an unpeaceful community. :P

    I certainly agree, but TNP does seem to have its share of people who wouldn't have reached their full potential in the region they were in before.
    2 people like this post: Comfed, taulover


    I went all the way to Cassadega to commune with the dead
    They said "You'd better look alive"
    Wintermoot
    • The Greyscale Magi-Monk
    • Posts: 19,453
    • Karma: 9,677
    • Weather: ❄️
    • Regional Stability Squad
    • Pronouns
      He/Him/His
      Orientation
      Demisexual
      Wintreath Nation
      Logged
    Comfed
  • Village Drifter
  • I imagine us being a stable meritocratic democracy would have something to do with that.  :)

    We have a philosophy of (and this is posted as me, not expressing my region's official views) promoting whoever seems to be doing the best job. We have a very new member who has just been promoted to deputy minister of Home Affairs by virtue of activity and going the extra mile for the ministry.
    1 person likes this post: taulover
    « Last Edit: September 18, 2020, 02:39:51 AM by Cromwell »
    Comfed
    • Posts: 29
    • Karma: 13
    • Village Drifter
    • Logged
     
    Pages: 1 ... 12 [13] 14 15