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The EFA lobbyists look back and forth from Bradstreet to Forbes. "Ah, welcome Per Forbes, please, have a seat. We were just discussing such a thing with Colonel Bradstreet here. This is convenient, I won't have to repeat myself." The delegate smiles, a thin-lipped variety.

"We've been promised a lot of things from politicians in this country over the years. A LOT. And not a lot of them follow through. If you look around this dining room, you're going to see a lot of politicos asking a lot of us for our money and support and offering a lot in return. I can speak for everyone in this room when I say, lets see some results first, and then we can talk about support.

Colonel Bradstreet, you get an article in the Constitution guaranteeing gun ownership rights for all Eutopians, and we'll support you. You keep acting in our interests, we'll keep supporting you. Same goes for you, Per Forbes. We see an article in that Constitution guaranteeing our rights, and we'll be in your corner. Contributing to your business could sound shady, but your election funds...sure...but we're not giving away our support for mere words."

* * * * *​

Michael von Streusser, clad in a sleek black four-button notch tuxedo, slid through the thick and lively crowds of Carthago Nova. Amric feels a pat on his shoulder and suddenly has a 151 over ice pressed into his hand as his old friend glides past the ECLU table and heads over to his colleagues at the Society for Good Governance. Michael sits down across from John O'Floinn and von Hapsburg. "John, good to see you! Heard you had a little adventure over the border during the recent brou-ha-ha, glad to see you made it back OK. I've got a tab running, let me get you a drink. How have you been?" He waves over a waiter who takes O'Floinn's order. As that's being taken care of, Michael reaches across the table to shake von Hapsburg's hand. "Hi there, you must be Franz von Hapsburg, right? Michael von Streusser...ex-minister, like yourself. Though unlike yourself, I'll stay an ex-minister." He laughs and takes a pull from his beer.
 
"Ahh, I don't know. I think I should return to being a judge; the coup has taken its toll, and I'm not sure if the EDP will become viable. It's meant to be the child of the CUE and the UMP, but people seem to equate 'conservative' with 'Levargist'."
"Unless you want to join? Bartender, a shot of whiskey, please."
 
O'Floinn, lighting up at the sight of his old friend, enthusiasticly resumes speaking.

"Michael! It's been too long, my friend. I've been...busy. When I escaped over the border, I thought I was getting out of a fate far more serious than a free flight to Switzerland, you know? Now, what with the convention and all...let me tell you, it's good to sit down for some food and a little conversation. I was just thinking out loud a little about an idea I have for High Court questioning of officials of the other branches. Of course, the main concern is a check on the Court. It still needs work. I'm hoping to have it ready by election time.

"Speaking of elections, I finally actually wrote a comprehensive party platform, which means we centrists can stop recycling and making quick updates to the old Moderate Party platform. But, to be honest, I'm not sure at all what to expect in the next elections. I'm working on it, though. Just out of curiosity, what's your take on my platform?"

"Enough to make your re-enter politics?" He adds with a grin.
 
The Brigadier nods vigorously and waves over a waiter. "Well, Admiral, parts probably won't be much of a problem now that we've got a combination of Russian and homebrew equipment, but of course we're always in danger of being cut off from the outside world. Frankly," he says conspiratorially, "we're a bit happy about a smaller military. We don't want to see Eutopia underdefended, but it means more pie for everyone left at the fair. Assuming the pie stays the same size, if you take my meaning.

"As for the holidays, those sound like a fine idea. It's a wonder no one's moved on them before."
 
Bradstreet smiles back at the man. He's the kind of guy he wished he had as his subordinate. Instead, he ended up with an idiot. No, this man was the complete opposite of Captain Sandbergh.

Sir, he says reaching his hand out to the head delegate, you have youself a deal.
 
Michael laughs again. "Return to politics? Join your parties, gentlemen? I appreciate the offer, but I'm getting too old for that game. Been quite busy with this Society for Good Governance here, teaching, doing some consulting work for the ECB...did a little work for Levarge too. Not to mention my home life...the wife would kill me if I tried to run for anything again, she hates my schedule as it is.

Per von Hapsburg, don't get discouraged. The most important thing is to get your message out there and keep it out there. A lot of the parties I've seen lately have very generic platforms, if you can find a way to distinguish yourself and place yourself at the forefront of the discussion, you can really take off. The prizes are ripe for the taking in this environment.

John, the platform looks pretty good. A little basic, but definitely among the most detailed I've seen so far. A lot are just coming out and saying 'we're conservative' or 'we're liberal', and people are looking for strong stances on issues. As for a High Court questioning of other branches...the key is checks and balances. For every power one branch has, another branch must be able to prevent them from abusing it. That's what we're all about. The people are demanding checks, transparency, and accountability of individual members of the executive branch. The Trumangate scandal was surprisingly quiet among government circles, but among the public it was HUGE. It really exposed the fact that ministers were not accountable to anyone, really, if they could give nuclear equipment to rogue states through mob connections and the President didn't even know? That's why we're really big on this proposal to vote for individual ministers."
 
The_Hawk said:
The Brigadier nods vigorously and waves over a waiter. "Well, Admiral, parts probably won't be much of a problem now that we've got a combination of Russian and homebrew equipment, but of course we're always in danger of being cut off from the outside world. Frankly," he says conspiratorially, "we're a bit happy about a smaller military. We don't want to see Eutopia underdefended, but it means more pie for everyone left at the fair. Assuming the pie stays the same size, if you take my meaning.

"As for the holidays, those sound like a fine idea. It's a wonder no one's moved on them before."
"Well sir, still 2/3 of the Navy consists of Western Equipement and a part of the Airforce as well but though the need may be lessened it is this very important in my opinion. It's almost more horrible to have men killed in peacetime by their own equipement then in times of war by enemy fire." Tulp smiled after the pie comment.

"Well sir I have done a bit of politicing and I can tell you, that pie will not be as big with this size of the military. Eutopian Politicians may be a bit sleepy but there are some hardballs among them. Besides, less vessels, less oppertunity to rise through the ranks. And do you think that they will keep all the current bases open? Nah I personally think a gradual increase of the military would be the best. When the Government get's more money through for example the Western Eutopian recourses then we can increase the military as well. If that happens soon we can keep the bases open. Anyway I want the AFSF to know that it can alsways call me or visit me, for you or others the door is allways open, when it needs something."
 
Forbes was not surprised about either the EFA's scepticism or Col. Bradstreet's involvement. Still, he understood what it was like to have promises made and never kept.

"Very well, gentlemen, I shall do my best to ensure that Eutopian citizens finally have the right to own firearms. Americans have it, why can't we?" Mr. Forbes then turned to address the Colonel, "Colonel Bradstreet, I believe we also have something to discuss. We obviously both have an interest in seeing the Constitution giving protection of Eutopians' gun rights, perhaps we should work together on it?"
 
Bradstreet was caught off-guard by Per Forbes. He had heard him speak at the Conservative Convention. Good speaker, very persuasive, a man who was straight forward, his type of man.

Well, Per Forbes. I certainly agree we have something very much in common. Why don't we discuss these?
 
"First I'd like to set up a basis for our proposed gun rights article.

I. Any and all citizens deemed competent shall be allowed to own and bear personal firearms. Such weapons include, but are not limited to:
a. handguns
b. semi-automatic rifles
c. shotguns

II. An additional permit and further background checks shall be required for the following types of firearms:
a. fully automatic rifles
b. machine guns
c. sub-machine guns

III. Outlawed types of weapons/ammunition for personal use include:
a. rocket or grenade launchers
b. armor-piercing bullets
c. any and all types of weaponry/ammunition using gas as a weapon

IV. Competency is defined as being mentally and physically able to safely handle a firearm in order to pass a state firearm competency test.

What do you think of that," asked Forbes as he showed the paper to both the EFA representatives and Colonel Bradstreet.
 
The EFA reps have a look at the document and frown. "Well, Per Forbes, I don't know if you're familiar with previous firearms legislation in the country, but as far as I know it still stands. Licensing regulations and all that...but this looks more like legislation than a Constitutional right. Something booming, with gravitas, that people can look at the document and go 'Oooooh!' or get all worked up about, that's what we're after.

Like 'The National Assembly shall pass no law abridging in any way the rights of the people to own and bear firearms.' Now THAT is a Constitutional right!" The rep looks very pleased with himself.
 
"Ah, now I see where you're coming from. Yes, even as I wrote it I was thinking more about legislation than a Constitutional article. But, I shall save this for a later time," Forbes explains as he puts the piece of paper in his pocket.

"Now, I believe that I could work along the lines of what you've just said, perhaps, 'The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches shall make no law, proclamation, ruling, or order violating in any way, shape, or form the right of Eutopian citizens to own and bear firearms.' How does that sound?"
 
Perhaps changing it from "Legislative, Executive and Judicial" to "All Federal Government Agencies, Organizations or Commissions and Provincial Governments subject to this Constitution, shall ..." and continue from there.
 
Hawkeye1489 said:
Perhaps changing it from "Legislative, Executive and Judicial" to "All Federal Government Agencies, Organizations or Commissions and Provincial Governments subject to this Constitution, shall ..." and continue from there.

Ah, that is most excellent, Colonel, will prevent the High Court from turning it into a battle of semantics.
 
Van Ewen frowns. "You're a fine politician, Per President, but frankly you haven't told me where you stand on anything, or answered my question. We're not talking about what people might believe they have a right to, we're talking about what rights are actually enshrined in the document being drafted, and it is the position of the ECLU that maximizing civil rights under a democratic form of government is the best way to guarantee that the people get the administration they want."

"You are quite correct, I haven't. To be honest I am a bit unsure myself. I believe in the right to free speech, freedom of religion, assembly, and the typical freedoms we used to take for granted under the September Constitution. The closest thing we once had to a great document. It still had flaws, but it wasn't bad. I did however feel that taking the teeth out of the federal government made it more difficult for government to work. However, I also feel that government has gotten a bit to nosy about jumping into people's every day lives.

It is a quandary that has had me puzzled for some time, to be honest. Yes, I am not giving you concrete answers, but that is because I just don't HAVE any. I am seeking guidance about this whole thing. That is why I approached you folks. I wish to be further educated so that I will KNOW better how to approach the whole freedom versus government issue. Freedom is important, but a responsible, responsive and USEFUL government for the people is also important."

Amric nods to Von Streusser as the drink is given to him.
 
Woody ducks out of the convention and seeks out the ECLU crowd at Carthago Nova. He spots Stile Van Ewen.
"Hi, Ms. Van Ewen? I am Woodrow Park. I just proposed an amendment to the draft constitution that would eliminate the death penalty. It was seconded by a moderate and a socialist, so I think it has a good chance of being included in the version that gets voted on in the referendum. Obviously, if your organization could make sure more convention participants speak for it or vote for its inclusion, its prospects would be better.

By the way, I love the way your outfit goes with the color of your eyes."
 
Van Ewen blushes. "Why, thank you, Reverend. Certainly, the ECLU would like to see the death penalty abolished, or at the very least severely limited. As the Gonzaga case makes clear, there is almost no limitation on a judge in choosing to sentence a convict to death. The list of countries where battery will secure you a death sentence is a short and not very happy one. Perhaps a column on the issue would be in order? We enjoyed the one you wrote on the monarchy."
 
Woody smiles at the ECLU legal eagle. He had his JD, but had not even studied for the bar exam, much less represented anyone, except himself once about a parking ticket.

"That column on the monarchy was a sermon I gave earlier in the month. Besides believing in God, I also believe in recycling. :) Peer's lets me run one every quarter, so I will pick from among the next dozen for the next issue. Sermon topics depend on the lectionary, that this the church's schedule of scripture readings, as well as inspiration. I will keep your suggestion in mind, but I can't promise anything.

Thank-you for taking the time to speak with me."

He pays for his iced tea and leaves both a tip and the restaurant.
 
Seemingly miffed at not having been solicited, the Coalition Against Drug Crimes representatives rise and leave. Their spot is quickly occupied by lobbyists from the Eutopian Business Association.
 
O'Floinn, noticing the turnover, bids farewell to Michael von Struesser and the other SGG representative then heads over to the EBA table.

"Good evening, gentlemen. Given that I'm a former Chairman of this fine association, I think you're well aware of my stance on capitalism and the rights of businessmen.

"No specific proposals yet, but my basic goals for next term will involve encouraging businessmen to manage themselves as much as possible without governmental inteference and generally trying to promote stability in the capitalist system. I'll be opposing any severe right or left wing motions that would destroy management-worker relations. Is this the type of agenda you'd like to see being pushed?"