Edge of Europe - A Belgian Interactive AAR

[Revan529]

Indeed, the rest was Dutch Reformed

I do believe Pilon was more aware of the situation in Java than you could possibly be, seeing as he spent the better part of the 1890s there; you may preach and prance and prat on if you wish, but you speak of matters you know nothing of, and only insult a man already unjustly imprisoned for almost a year without trial; if anything is unconstitutional, it is that.

I also agree with my Veldist counterpart; they may have adopted a name and possibly even some of the practices, but they are still savages dictated by their incivility much as their kinsmen on the other islands are.

((No firearm laws that I'm aware of; don't tell me we're going to start disarming the Belgian people; that'll definitely showcase the liberalness and freedom of this government and the left ))

 

[Otto of england]

Indeed, the rest was Dutch Reformed


((Are there any (fire) arm laws?))

This is a lie Dutch reformed is barely 0.1% of the population of Java. In fact around 5-10% of Java is Animistic which by its very nature is a cannibalistic religious group.

((At 1836 start 10% are Animist and since there is extremely small immigration to the east indies from Holland coupled with small dutch population very few Dutchmen in Java and thus leading to little or no conversion from Animist.))

- Veldist Deputy

 

[TJDS]

((No firearm laws that I'm aware of; don't tell me we're going to start disarming the Belgian people; that'll definitely showcase the liberalness and freedom of this government and the left ))

((Not for now; then van Prinsterer starts to laugh like evil itself ))

 

[Andre Massena]

I do believe Pilon was more aware of the situation in Java than you could possibly be, seeing as he spent the better part of the 1890s there; you may preach and prance and prat on if you wish, but you speak of matters you know nothing of, and only insult a man already unjustly imprisoned for almost a year without trial; if anything is unconstitutional, it is that.

I also agree with my Veldist counterpart; they may have adopted a name and possibly even some of the practices, but they are still savages dictated by their incivility much as their kinsmen on the other islands are.

((No firearm laws that I'm aware of; don't tell me we're going to start disarming the Belgian people; that'll definitely showcase the liberalness and freedom of this government and the left ))

((Yes, because the ability for armed militias to murder people at will is clearly a cherished Belgian freedom

It sucks Pilon didn't win the primary, hopefully next time))

 

[Jackbollda]

((Yes, because the ability for armed militias to murder people at will is clearly a cherished Belgian freedom

((Ah, but it is, comrade!))

That filthy Fascist paper, the Ypres Times is a ridiculous and fraudulent, sensationalist mockery of a news organization!

The Communists shall defend themselves, against all Fascistic Assassinations!

Seven Found Dead, Militia Fight Suspected​

The corpses of seven adult men were found at 5:00 AM this past week, on the morning of July 22nd, floating in the River Schelde. These men, apparently killed by a variety of gun-shot wounds, were fished out of the river by a ferryman in the early hours of the morning.

It is possible that more men were killed, although only seven bodies were found.

In the growing partisan tension of the past six months, the logical assumption at this point is that the deaths pertain to the violent rivalry between right and left wing groups. The seven men seemed to come from two distinctly hostile organizations, the Garde Civile, and the Volkskring. The Garde Civile's well-known rooster insignia was found on two of the corpses, while the other five bore red armbands on their overcoats, possibly indicative of leftist or Bolshevik movements.

It is not the Enquirer's role, however, to cast blame, as the police have not yet released any statement covering the issue. An ongoing investigative task-force assigned to the issue of paramilitary organizations investigated the crime-scene that afternoon, also refusing to offer a statement.

The Belgian Police merely issued a statement asking the family members of the deceased to claim the bodies, and anybody with information about the subject to come forward and announce him or herself.

The hopes and prayers of this paper go out to the families of the deceased.

~Jan Meerjin, Junior News Editor

((I'll initiate the fighting. ))

 

[Scrapknight]

((Just be careful not to get too carried away. The last time stuff like this happened during la Beauffortisme, TH was none too happy about it. Make sure people don't get killed without approval of their characters or do anything really big, like conjuring riots out of thin air. That was probably fine, but don't take it too far.))

 

[ThunderHawk3]

((Just be careful not to get too carried away. The last time stuff like this happened during la Beauffortisme, TH was none too happy about it. Make sure people don't get killed without approval of their characters or do anything really big, like conjuring riots out of thin air. That was probably fine, but don't take it too far.))

((It's been largely unapproved so far and I've been quiet about it because I've been a little ill.

At the moment, I do feel like the rising national chaos would be a natural consequence of the chain of political assassinations we've been seeing, but as we're presently under martial law, rioting and fighting in the streets is not appropriate ATM. Keep doing it and I'll get uppity, and as Scrapknight says, remember that you can't create riots, seize towns, kill other characters, etc. under the thread's "making stuff happen" rules.

I still need two platforms.))

 

[ThunderHawk3]

The 1909 Parties​

​

​

National Democratic Party Leader: Pierre Savarin ((Scrapknight))

Anti-Military/Secularism/Laissez-Faire/Free Trade/Full Citizenship [2+2+2+1+2=9]​

Spoiler

Free Trade:
Experience has shown us that free trade is the only way forward for our country. Whenever we have had a tariff, it has brought economic ruin upon our factories. Workers lose in a protectionist system because they lose access to cheap foreign goods. Businessmen lose because they cannot access the raw materials they need, as protectionism here invites protectionism abroad. The government loses because it drives down overall economic productivity, decreasing its overall revenue instead of increasing it. The only winners are aristocrats and other entrenched members of the ancien regime who cannot keep their landholdings productive with the flood of cheap goods and industrial activity free trade will bring us. For the vast majority of Belgians, free trade is the only way.

Laissez-faire:
Similarly, free markets will bring us back to an era of increased productivity. With government out of the way, industry and business is capable of doing great things. But that is not all, a free market makes for a free people. Anyone should be able to try their hand at business without having to deal with unfairly subsidized competitors or even government owned businesses. This will allow for the kind of upward mobility that opportunity that Belgium should be all about. Furthermore, our businessmen are constrained and our fellow citizens in Africa are harmed by the Regent’s monopoly on Congolese trade. Let us truly privatise the colonies, rather than allowing the Regent’s family to steal all the wealth from good Belgians and Africans! The royal Congo companies must be dissolved and auctioned off to private interests immediately.

Full Citizenship:
If there is one overriding principle that makes one a Liberal, it is this. The political freedoms of the people must be protected and zealously expanded. But this should not just be for those born in Belgium, it should be for all who find their way here. We must make it so that more people wish to come to Belgium and that when they arrive they are treated fairly. We are not only a country of Flemings and Walloons; we are a country of Germans, of Beninese, of Congolese, of Americans and Englishmen and Finns. All are welcome in Belgium, and we must ensure the law treats them fairly.


Secularism:
It is time to bring about the separation of church and state. Belgium has long been a liberal nation, and while we have usually had a pluralistic policy, we have also seen moralist governments. We should be maintaining the peoples' right to religious freedom and the only way to do that is through secular using government. The state religion is a relic of the past and should be abolished.

Pro-Military:
We must do what is necessary to win the war and ensure our independence. We will not allow this time of war to allow the military to supplant civilian rule of the country, but at the same time we must stand united to ensure our survival. After the war, we shall assess our situation and act accordingly.

Other Issues:
Republicanism: The National Democratic Party is a republican party, dedicated to peaceful reform of the Constitution on republican lines. We will continue to pursue republican reform, bearing in mind the referendum that was conducted showing a strong majority in favor of Belgium becoming a republic.

Property Rights and the Flemish Revolt: The recent nationalizations by the Ministry of Flanders are illegal and should be returned to private hands immediately. We also will retake Batavia from the secessionists as soon as circumstances permit.

Constitutional Change: A constitutional convention is more necessary now than ever, considering the failure of the King to unite the country and the changes forced at gunpoint upon by the Flemish rebels. We demand a Constitutional Convention at the conclusion of the war.

War Policy: The National Democrats are committed to all measures needed to win the war and would support a National Government if need be. All measures must be taken as needed to obtain victory. Belgium shall fight to the last, and shall seek peace with honor should the worst come. With us in the government, it never shall.

Colonial Reform: The continuous revolts in the African possessions are a matter of great concern. We must find a way to create a truly stable form of government in the region. The National Democrats are willing to take into consideration any and all proposals to reach an agreement with the native leaders to lay down their arms.

Belgian Social Union Leader: Kristina van den Berg ((Belgiumruler))

Pacifism/Secularism/State Capitalism/Protectionism/Full Citizenship [3+2+0+0+2=7]​

Comrades!

To many lives has been lost because of greed, imperialism, and war! I believe it's time to take a pacifist course, we must end the gas attacks from the previous war. Our men are killed in war, our children are calling for their fathers, our women are weeping for their men. A war like this should never happen again. We must give our colonies certain freedoms, we must allow them to vote and enjoy the same rights as Belgians, to prevent Fascists using them for uprisings. The Belgian Social Union will stand this election for healthcare to the ones who are wounded, mentally or physically, by war. The Belgian Social Union will fight for solidarity, we will enact Social Reforms, and we will counter the Fascist threat. The Freedom of the people is at stake thanks to Fascism, Nationalism and Militarism. It’s time that a true pacifist government is elected in Brussels, to prevent any other war from happening. The Belgian Social Union will make sure this will all happen. Democracy! Freedom! Equality!

Conservative Christian Leader: Xavier-Pierre Florian Thaddée ((Syriana))

Pro-Military/Moralism/Interventionism/Protectionism/Full Citizenship [1+0+1+0+2=4]​

At long last, peace is blossoming over the battlefields of Europe. The Great War, as it is so-called, was a gargantuan struggle for survival, from which we escaped solely by wise statesmanship, bold strategy and personal courage. Even so, the damage has been done; the centennial generation has suffered extreme hardship and sacrifice in the name of their country. But if the wounds of the war can never truly be healed, then at least they can be prevented from reoccurring. The victors of Versailles are now the masters of Europe. We are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to shape the world for the munificence of mankind, and for Belgium. The Union offers itself to this great mandate. We must labour, together, to rebuild this nation. And then, once we have achieved this necessary resurrection, we can lead Belgium to her rightful place in the sun, to the envy of her fallen foes and the laudation of all nations.

Spoiler

The Ten-Point Policy Programme

1. The liberation of Batavia from unlawful rebellion;
2. The restoration of the Constitution via excising additions imposed by force and intimidation;
3. A raft of legislation to reward and support the brave men who fought for Belgian liberty;
4. A national commission on the condition of the Empire to strengthen governance and migration;
5. The provision of a statue of law and government pertaining to the new territories of Picardie and Champagne;
6. A new Alliance-lead order on the continent for the preservation of peace, prosperity and serenity;
7. A grand tour of the aforementioned states to perpetuate the spirit of solidarity between the victorious nations;
8. The recovery of the Armed Forces to vouchsafe the defence of Belgium, her new territories and her old overseas possessions;
9. A secondary line of fortifications spanning the southern border of the new territories providing for the protection of the Kingdom;
10. Closer cooperation of the Kingdoms of Belgium and the Netherlands in prelude to eventual political and military integration.

National Objectives

Pro-Military

It was only because Belgium placed sufficient trust in the Defence Staff, and developed immense military capacities, that she was able to weather the Great War without more serious consequence. The homeland was spared the brunt of invasion and occupation only because thousands of men were dying in the fields of Flanders to hold the French at bay. At the end of this titanic struggle, the Armed Forces are weak and weary. The corps are depleted and far from maximum utility. They must be reconstituted to their natural strength, both for the maintenance of our overseas territories - particularly the liberation of Batavia - but also for the security of the Kingdom. Our fallen foes may yet rise to challenge us once more; we must be ready to repel their intrigues. Furthermore, those men who served in the Great War, or continue to serve now, must receive the fullest munificence from the State in recognition of their patriotic sacrifice.

Interventionism

In our current economy, ravaged by the exigencies of war, it is only pragmatic to ensure that the people are safeguarded from dispossession and listlessness. Economic policy must cultivate recovery and encourage employment without subsiding inefficiency or promoting dependence. I hope to tread the path between austerity and indulgence, supporting our native industries without rendering them subservient to the State. I intend to balance Christian ethics with established theory to produce an economic plan that is hard-headed, not hard-hearted.

Moralism

This is a Christian nation; the overwhelming majority of our citizens profess the Christian faith. Therefore, it is only democratic to reflect these values in government. My public policy shall be evolved by Christian virtues: benevolence, humility and compassion. Likewise, the constitutionally-enshrined national church must be defended, not least for its valuable public works. But while I champion the Church, it is not my intention to foster disrespect or intolerance toward those of diverse persuasions.

Full Citizenship

Let this be established from the onset: I was not born in Belgium. I am of Polish origin and naturalised Belgian citizenship. Yet no one could say that my heritage has conflicted with my loyalty. I have served this nation - my country - for nearly six decades. I have perpetually fought in her defence and sustained her interests and advancement. Until the mid-1800s, there was no such thing as a 'Belgian' - why discriminate now? Particularly after the bloodshed of the Great War, it is essential that new Belgians be ready to take up the rifle and fill the ranks. Moreover, encouraging immigration shall naturally bolster emigration, both to the new territories of Picardie and Champagne and to the overseas territories of Africa and Batavia, strengthening our holds here.

Protectionism

As we labour to encourage recovery and employment, we must shield our debilitated industries from foreign competition and undercutting. The war has taken its toll; they must be given time to recuperate. With the German juggernaut on our doorstep, we cannot allow the markets to be flooded with cheaper manufactures which will curtail recovery and subvert prosperity. As such, certain barriers against external trade must be maintained for the good of the commonwealth.

Liberal Democratic Leader: Jules van der Wyngaert ((DensleyBlair))

Pro-Military/Secularism/State Capitalism/Protectionism/Full Citizenship [1+2+0+0+2=5]​

The LDP has not submitted a platform.

Belgian National Front Leader: Philippe-Auguste de Broqueville ((G.K.))

Jingoism/Moralism/State Capitalism/Protectionism/Limited Citizenship [0+0+0+0+1=1]​

Belgian National Front is a young movement born in the blood of the Great War. For us Fascists, the battle does not stop - the victory against France, Austria and Russia was won, but the battle against those who keep Belgian Nation in chains goes on. The so-called "democratic" parties offer "freedom" and "democracy", but their "freedom" applies only to the capital and to all those socialist firebrands that got rich by their parasitism on those really poor and miserable. Capitalism and socialism failed to solve the moral and economic crisis of the post war Belgian society and both failed to deliver more than promises. The conference in Versailles gave Belgium way too little for the sacrifices its people made, and the French threat is still alive in the south, while these "democratic" politicians ignore the threat to our security, ignore the misery of all hard working Belgians and drown themselves in British, German and French money.

Fascism, on the other hand, has a solution. A solution that brings a new age for all Belgians, new age of cooperation between classes for the good of nation, new age of reintroducing the moral values our fathers hold dear before the Savarinists and Leeuwists poisoned the minds of people, a solution for the modern age of progress. We are the third way, we despise both democratic capitalism for its disgusting and inhuman cynicism and selfishness and Marxist socialism for its pathetic pacifism, atheism and the doctrine of class struggle, seeking to unnaturally divide people into classes. We believe that only authoritarian leadership can salvage Belgium from those two evils - a strong, decisive leader surrounded by the best of the nation with the necessary power is a historically proven way to lead a nation. Democracies all over the world always fell, sooner or later. Why, you ask? Democracy itself is rotten in the core. Aside from the obvious ineffectiveness, the idea of all people participating in leadership is absurd and always leads to downfall of the system and the nation. Every single Belgian has his or her place in the society - farmers, workers, labourers, teachers, soldiers, clergy, aristocracy and capitalists alike - if you are a true Belgian willing to work for the good of us all, you are one of us and a true Fascist. No such man will ever again feel the misery of poverty, no such man will have to worry about the well being of his family, for fascism takes care of every true Belgian.

Spoiler

Economic/Trade policy: State capitalism/Protectionism/Corporativism

Fascism seeks to control every single aspect of the national affairs, economy being the crucial one. We refuse the Marxist theories of central planning and workers owning the means of production, but we refuse the doctrines of liberal capitalism, too. Instead, we seek to keep the factories, manufactures and shops in the hands of Belgians, as we believe that private property benefits the nation the most. However, a strong state supervision especially in the key areas such as heavy industry or banking is needed. No single man will be allowed to threaten the interest of our nation by mere profiteering! The profit of the nation is the highest goal for all fascists and for all true Belgians, and together, all the men and all the corporations must work together in harmony under the eye of the state to achieve such profit and bring Belgium to glory. Yet, the capital of the foreigners poses a threat to such plans. Therefore, all the property of foreign companies on Belgium will be returned to the hands of our nation, while the products of locals will be shielded by the leadership from the foreign competition.

Military policy: Jingoism

War. Fascism was born in one, Fascism is an ideology of a warrior, not one of a coward. War makes the life of a man worth living, after all.

We do not fear it, we embrace it. When a war breaks out, only cowards and our women weep - true men and true fascists put a smile on their face, rifle on their back and march forward to the enemy. And when the enemy is trampled, his city burns and his wife mourns, then we come back with the laurels on our heads, bringing another great victory for the fatherland, fascism and for the king. Boys will become men, men will become heroes. The stories will be told about Belgian bravery. There will be wars in the future - in Europe, Africa, Americas, Asia. And we cannot wait to fight! We fight with courage and joy for our cause and country!

Citizenship policy: Limited Citizenship

Belgium is a one nation under God - it does not matter whether you speak Dutch or French, whether you are Walloon or Fleming, you are Belgian, one of us, a brother by blood. Fascism despises all the regionalism present as cancer in our politics, and we seek to destroy the rotten regionalist system imposed on us by that foreign capitalist dog Vanderhoof. Only unitary, strong Belgium can thrive, and no terrorists or fat cats will stand in our way.

Foreigners have brought only perverted morals and strange customs to Belgium. So many have passed through our history, contributing so little to the good of our nation. How could they, when they don't belong here? Therefore, in the future, no Belgian shall lose his job to a foreigner - the current immigration system benefiting the capitalists and all kinds of foreign trash has to be radically changed to benefit Belgium, no one else. Furthermore, BNF opposes all attempts to grant political rights to the French on occupied territories and the natives in colonies.

Foreign and colonial policy: Strength, autarky and place in the sun

Belgium came victorious from the Great War, but the efforts of our men on the front were betrayed by that Bolshevik Burke and his goons, resulting in that joke of a treaty of Versailles. Belgium got a feeble piece of land in Congo, and de Iure no lands in the mainland as the occupied territories are to be "returned". I say treason! France lost, Belgium won, and the people of Belgium should not benefit? How big was Burke's pay check in French Francs for this act of treason? Not only he has to pay, but France has to pay. The treaty needs to be renegotiated stripping France of the remaining African possessions and the occupied territories must be annexed, same as the southern part of Netherlands to ensure our safety.

Belgian Empire has grown in the last years, but it's not enough. Belgium deserves to dominate the seas and far away coasts on all continents, and the fascists are ready to fight for that. Belgian Africa should stretch from the west to the east coast and perhaps even to the Mediterranean, our holdings around Java should be enlarged, too, new territories in the Americas should be acquired. Colonies are a vital source of wealth for our nation, and the Fascists wish to see the wealth, along with might of our empire, grow.

Domestic policy: Moralism, monarchism, authority, traditions and modernism

Fascism is a unique combination of the old and the new. The old world's tradition of monarchism, Catholicism and patriotism are joined hand to hand with our futurism, technological progress and new, revolutionary ways of government. The government must be based on strong leadership to guide us all to brighter future, to supervise the cooperation between classes and to lead our brave warriors to battle. Fascism offers such leadership for the good of us all, for the good of strong, independent Belgium, for the good of new, fascist Belgium.​

-------------------------

Player Actions Needed:
I got no platform from the NDP or LDP. I used an old platform for the NDP. and I have no platform whatsoever for the LDP. I also found portraits for people who did not provide me with portraits - if you don't like them, PM me new ones.

The 1909 General Election has now begun. VOTE! I need your vote for the Belgian National Front, the National Democrats, the Belgian Social Union, the Conservative Christian Union, or the Liberal Democratic Party. Please vote for the party, not the candidate. The coalition that receives at least a majority (above 50%) of the votes will be able to form a government.

As always, remember to bold your votes or they might not be counted.

If you are a Fleming, you get as Minister of Flanders: Samuel Vanderhoof ((Dadarian))

If you are Wallonian, vote for Minister of Wallonia: Johann Wolff ((Thoctar)) or Jean di Picardie ((sealy300)).

If you are Brusselaar/Brusselois, vote for Minister of Brussels: Pieter Hendrickx ((Jack LEagle)) or Amedee Dupointe ((Andre Massena))

Sample Ballot:

Region: Wallonia
Party: Any Party/Abstain
Minister of Wallonia: Johann Wolff ((Thoctar))/Jean di Picardie ((sealy300))/Abstain

Region: Flanders
Party: Any Party/Abstain

Region: Brussels
Party: Any Party/Abstain
Minister of Brussels: Pieter Hendrickx ((Jack LEagle))/Amedee Dupointe ((Andre Massena))/Abstain

As a reminder, there are no independents under the d'Hondt method.

Polls will close in two days, at 8:00 PM PDT 5/15 (Thursday). I think that's 3:00 AM GMT, 5/16, assuming June doesn't decide to run against May for the current month.

 

[Revan529]

Region: Flanders
Party: BNF

~ Pilonist Deputy who has voting rights, at least for now

 

[Dadarian]

Region: Flanders
Party: NDP

~ A known Vanderhoof-funded Deputy from outside Ghent

 

[Andre Massena]

Region: Brussels
Party: BSU
Minister of Brussels: Pieter Hendrickx

I believe Monsieur Hendrickx should take his father's place as Minister of Brussels ((oops, perhaps I didn't make this clear))

Long live socialism and the working class! May any party win this election besides the vile fascists.

((Yikes, Kristina van den Berg looks like my mom ))

-Amedee Dupointe

 

[G.K.]

Region: Wallonia
Party: BNF
Minister of Wallonia: Abstain

Today, I cast my vote for the only true opposition party. BNF despises the Leeuwist and Savarinist regime controlling Belgium, and will do everything possible to bring this perverted regime to its demise through parliamentary means or through the wrath of common Belgians.
I also want to say that I abstain from elections to the Wallonian Parliament, as none of the candidates nor the institution itself deserves the respect of any man, and I call upon all fascists to do the same. Do not support regionalism or either of these corrupt capitalists or Bolsheviks running for the office!

 

[99KingHigh]

Region: Flanders
Party: CCU

Léon-Philippe van de Werve, "the New Beauffortist," Baron of Lichtaert and of Rielen, Baron of Schilde, Count of Vorselaar, Minister of Defense

 

[Jack LEagle]

((By far too much random mirdering is going on...))

((That's the reality of a fascist contest for power))

 

[Jack LEagle]

Region: Brussels
Party: BSU
Minister of Brussels: Pieter Hendrickx

Pieter Hendrickx

 

[Revan529]

SEE LEO FROST’S LATEST FILM!​

BLOODY VERDUN!​

In the latest film by Belgium’s premier director, Private Gamelin and his squadron are subjected to the greatest horrors to ever be shown on the silver screen, and in the long existence of life; surviving carpet-bombings, charges over the tops, and the reckless of their commander (who bears a striking resemblance to our own Supreme General), film made yet captures the horrors of war with quite the earnestness and the candidness as Leo Frost’s latest masterpiece does; the desperation and the depression amongst the men, the long waits, and those piqued moments of fear, are encapsulated into this hour and sixteen minute epic, which is set on the third, and bloodiest, day of the brutal battle of Verdun.

It is this film, more than any other work before, that envisions the moodiness and dread of this age, this era of martial law and fear of police state, this loathing of war and hate, and longing for the impossible dream of happier times (with, perhaps, the sole exception being Frost’s previous epic, the Iron People) is a clarion call of this generation lost in despair and the aftermath of war.

Unlike the cautious idealism of Frost’s last work, Bloody Verdun, a pessimistic tour de force condemning hatred and warfare. This political statement is made ever more obvious in light of the start of the parliamentary elections, which includes the Supreme General himself.

We suggest everyone with a strong heart to watch this film, but please, keep the children at home; the brilliant use of stereos create piercing shrieks and violent explosions, and it may frighten the poor things.

 

[TJDS]

Region: Flanders
Party: BSU

Pastor Gerrard van Prinsterer

 

[Andre Massena]

SEE LEO FROST’S LATEST FILM!​

BLOODY VERDUN!​

In the latest film by Belgium’s premier director, Private Gamelin and his squadron are subjected to the greatest horrors to ever be shown on the silver screen, and in the long existence of life; surviving carpet-bombings, charges over the tops, and the reckless of their commander (who bears a striking resemblance to our own Supreme General), film made yet captures the horrors of war with quite the earnestness and the candidness as Leo Frost’s latest masterpiece does; the desperation and the depression amongst the men, the long waits, and those piqued moments of fear, are encapsulated into this hour and sixteen minute epic, which is set on the third, and bloodiest, day of the brutal battle of Verdun.

It is this film, more than any other work before, that envisions the moodiness and dread of this age, this era of martial law and fear of police state, this loathing of war and hate, and longing for the impossible dream of happier times (with, perhaps, the sole exception being Frost’s previous epic, the Iron People) is a clarion call of this generation lost in despair and the aftermath of war.

Unlike the cautious idealism of Frost’s last work, Bloody Verdun, a pessimistic tour de force condemning hatred and warfare. This political statement is made ever more obvious in light of the start of the parliamentary elections, which includes the Supreme General himself.

We suggest everyone with a strong heart to watch this film, but please, keep the children at home; the brilliant use of stereos create piercing shrieks and violent explosions, and it may frighten the poor things.

A random Thaddeeist deputy walks out from the theatre where he saw Frost's latest film

What a piece of horse dropping. Pure and utter slander of our Great Commander. I shall have to encourage my fellow Thaddeists to boycott the film.

 

[DensleyBlair]

((I've been really quite busy lately, and I'd actually set this afternoon aside to write a platform – though it seems I'd have been too late anyway. I'm assuming that the LDP policies listed are from the National Government, but as a reference, Jules' policies are Pacifism/Secularism/Interventionism/Free Trade/Full Citizenship. I'll be able to get you something with more substance later.

On a similar note, might I ask that you give a more definite deadline for platforms in the future? I've been caught out this time by assuming I had more than 24 hours, though had I known I imagine I could have at least got something done for you.

In the meantime, however...))

It is my pleasure to announce that the Liberal Democratic Party and the National Democratic Party will be forming a coalition for the coming term. I trust this will be verified by M. Savarin soon, and also wish both of our parties the best in the coming years.

I also wish to take this opportunity to assure Gen. Thaddée and Mme. van der Berg that their respective letters have been noted, though I am currently very busy and have therefore, regrettably, been able to attend to them sooner.

Party: LDP
Region: Flanders

The Rt. Hon. J. B. H. van der Wyngaert
Viscount of Sint-Niklaas​

 

[Scrapknight]

Indeed, the National Democratic and Liberal Democratic Parties will be forming a coalition.

I apologize for my extended absence - my beloved wife has been very ill, and I do not wish to leave her side, but serving the nation demands it on occasion.

Region: Wallonia
Party: NDP
Minister: J. Wolff

- Pierre Savarin