Townhall

[unmerged(33865)]

As there is not a constitutional presidential succession in case the Vice President becomes President and then dies before naming a Vice President, I hereby announce, that until revoked by my action, should I become President this term, by this action it will be deemed that I immediately appoint Michael Ludgren as my Vice President and MERL.

 

[Sterkarm]

Kazimierz, incensed after his confrontation with Cornelius Dank in the GA, is glad to see Mr. Rashaad's subtle message. At least he hopes it means what he thinks it means.

"Well said, Mr. Rashaad, well said. We have undergone a horrible tragedy this day, and I hope we can, as a nation, unite to bring down those who would see this false "revolution" overthrow the democratically elected government. If they believe that their will is the will of the people, then clearly they should rely on elections. Yet because they do not get their way, they rely solely on VIOLENCE! Democracy, not mob rule, is the government FOR the people, BY the people, and OF the people! Elections have shown time and again that the people of Eutopia want an organized government, NOT a bloody organization of warlords enforcing their rule upon whoever is weaker than them. In the following weeks, we all have a decision to make: whether to stand against these murderers or to let them destroy our nation. I, with my every conviction, choose the former, that through doing so, we may yet see a better Eutopia!"

 

[unmerged(33865)]

Let's take a look at the some aspects of the abhorent screed proclaiming the existings of the heretofore unknown organization that claimed responsibility for the heinous attack in New Lancaster City. Skip over the Malcolm X quote and what they are not, they are not reasonable people. They advocate the creation of "Revolutionary Syndicalist unions". Now "syndicalist" is not a word you run across everyday. Prior to reading their announcement, I had heard it only twice since arriving in Eutopia, and both times it was Cornelius Dank who said it. Once was when I was visiting the Eutopian Congress of Labour, and heard their recently elected President, Cornelius Dank speak glowingly of "anarcho syndicalists unions". The other time was here in the townhall, when he made this statement, where he again speaks favorably of them.

There are other striking parallels between Per Dank's previously expressed views and the wording of that document, like the way "Soviet" is used. This doesn't mean that Per Dank is the author, but if he is not, then the author is either an ardent disciple or someone out to get him. If it is an over-enthusiastic follower, let Per Dank repudiate them publicly, not merely saying that he was not involved, but whether he approves or condemns this atrocity. I highly doubt it is an enemy, as there were easier ways to eliminate Per Dank without killing hundreds of bystanders, and last I heard, a few minutes ago, Per Dank was fine, which is more than we can say about the victims of the violence that he seems to have inspired if not approved.

If Per Dank fails to publicly condemn the attack and repudiate those followers, whom he called "ideological purists" in his GA speech, then I would call on the unions of the ECL to choose a new President who can actually help make your members lives better instead of attempting to hijack that fine organization for political and perhaps revolutionary objectives.

If Per Dank fails to publicly condemn the attack and repudiate those followers, then I would call on the leader of the ESA to name another MGA to the seat that Per Dank currently holds.

 

[Estonianzulu]

Mr. Vice President, if I may. While I can agree that the acts were horrible, I must protest your statements.

Per Dank is a citizen, and as such is afforded such rights as his freedom to speek, and to have an oppinion. His views may be similar to that of the terrorrists, but that does not mean he is guilty. To throw such accusations around is dangerous both for the country and for Per Dank. If there is evidence that he is guilty, let it be examined. But neither you, nor anyone else, should sully his name with ties to these acts.

 

[unmerged(33865)]

In my comments, I invited Per Dank to speak. I did not accuse him of the atrocity, I merely pointed out the similarities between his words and those of the author of the claim of responsibility of the atrocity. I do not know if the organization that issued the claim is in fact responsible for the bombing. If he thinks I slandered him by my statements, he is free to sue. If Cornelius Dank has no connection with the author of the claim, then he has he would seem to have a better case against that person who writes such a despicable tract in a style and using a vocabulary that imitates the President of the ECL so closely.

 

[von Streusser]

A poster finds its way up at the Townhall, and at a few other places around Eutopia City. None of them are within range of security cameras of any type.

WARNING!​

Be forewarned, vigilant citizens of Eutopia, that only TERRORISTS use the following words:

SYNDICALIST
SOVIET​

Anyone using either of the above words is liable to be accused of treason, terrorism, murder, drowning kittens, or generally being a very bad person. All lawful citizens of Eutopia are immediately requested to stop using such phraseology or risk imprisonment, torture, public ridicule, slander, deportation, execution, or being kicked in the shins. I repeat: it is now a Federal Offense to use either of the above-mentioned words, and concrete proof of terrorist acts or sympathies!

Exceptionally lawful citizens are requested to not use any of the words in the recent press release by the Friends of Durruti. In so doing, these citizens will take a great burden off the Federal Police, allowing them to promptly apprehend and convict only the guilty parties in the ECB attack. This warning and request applies double to all Federal employees, ministers, and members of the General Assembly.

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY!​

​

​

 

[unmerged(33865)]

Per Mofaz forthrightly and publicly criticized my comments about Per Dank. Some posters have appeared that use skillful but inaccurate parody to do so anonymously. However, the poster was long enough to enable analysis to identify the author.

It is good to learn at 'Ms.' Sue D. Nym, the previous Editor-in-chief of the Scuttlebutt, which claimed that 'she' is "a person as fake as her paper" is alive and still has command of 'her' skills. I would point out that 'she' could easily get 'her' old job back at the Scuttlebutt, but I assume that a "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" maxim would rule that out, which is a shame now that 'her' replacement, Pnom de Plume, is dead, killed in the bombing, the natural reaction to which the poster chooses to make light of. By prior agreement, the Scuttlebutt would have run 'her' article, but then it might not have been taken seriously. Therefore one has ask if 'Ms.' Nym gone over to the dark side and is a willing participating of 'her' own free will, or has 'she' been paid, abducted or otherwise coerced into applying 'her' skills in this way? If 'she' can get free of 'her' captors, FLEA would like to speak to her. So that 'she' doesn't take that the wrong way, we are happy to have that meeting in say, Tilapia, so there would be no risk of exchanging one set of captors for another. Depending on what information 'she' could provide, we would be willing to propose a wide ranging immunity for a list of other suspected offenses, but confirmation of that would have to come from the Commissioner of Justice.

There are two fallacies in the poster. Everyone is free to use "Syndicalist" or "Soviet" however they want as often as they want. We are still searching for clues about the Eutopian Central Bank bombers and those who assisted them, so naturally we will examine carefully anything purported to be related to it, like the claim of responsibility. It was analyzed and is still being analyzed, but the fact that I had heard Cornelius Dank use the word "syndicalists" twice BEFORE the bombing when no else seemed have done so seemed noteworthy, so I mentioned it. If that was the sole link, then it could be a coincidence, which is why I mentioned another link, not that the word "Soviet" was used, as it is common short-hand way of referring to Russia between 1918 and 1990, but rather it use in the less common way as specific organizational structure under a worker's regime.

Again, as I said before, these word choices could have been made by someone who was, to quote Per Dank's GA speech, an "ideological purist", who was either inspired or misguided by Per Dank's earlier rhetoric to commit this atrocity. Per Dank may have some idea about who that might be, if so, the provincial authorities, FLEA, or the security wing of the MDIS would appreciate learning of his thoughts. My prior comments suggested that if Per Dank's words could have influenced such a deranged individual, then there would have been a possibility that words to the contrary might cause the leaders of this to re-think their means and objectives, but further study leads me now to doubt that possibility. Those directly involved have pretty much severed their ties with the civilized world, and for them, there is probably no going back. However, Per Dank could probably influence their potential recruits, either encouraging them or discouraging them. Despite the wishes of the group that claimed responsibility for the bombing, the United Provinces of Eutopia is still a free country, so Per Dank can choose how he wants to shape his public pronouncements. Based on that, we are equally free to associate with him or not. For me, the choice is clear.

 

[von Streusser]

A chorus of worried murmurs breaks out throughout the townhall, and an aide, after Loic's latest speech, hustles up behind him on the stage. Within range of the mic, he says quietly "Sir, maybe you should go rest, you've worked yourself so hard after the bombing..."

He guides Loic from the podium and whispers in his ear. "Sir, you just declared that only the previous Scuttlebutt editor could possibly use parody, and that a member of the General Assembly, who just so happens to be part of our governing coalition, is probably guilty of treason based on the fact that he has used words that appeared in that press release. Sir, anyone could have used those words, and we have no evidence someone in the government was involved. I want to get the scumbags as badly as you do, but the people need to know that their leadership, especially the leadership in charge of law enforcement, hasn't lost its grip on reality...or the Constitution. Lets go back to work, find some real evidence, and *then* start bandying accusations around. In the meantime sir, I do mean it...maybe you should get some rest." The aide sincerely looks a little bit worried.

-vS as NPCs

 

[unmerged(37832)]

I am sick and tired of accusations and suggestions that I am somehow involved with the attack because of my political views. You know, I might expect this kind of wildly reckless and irresponsible speculation from Kazimierz, but not from the director of MIDA, and certainly not from someone in my own coalition. For shame. Don't try to cover up your incompetence in apprehending those responsible with baseless accusations!

Let me ask you: would you expect Muslims to stop practicing their religion after the attacks on the World Trade Center? I should hope not. So why do people expect me to be "sensitive" by not expressing my political opinion? As any rational person not consumed by blind emotion can probably see, this has nothing to do with a credible link with the Friends of the Durruti and I. It has to do with people from all over the spectrum, both "progressive" and conservative, taking advantage of the oppurtunity to silence someone they've never been too fond of. It's no secret that my ideas and my union activity have made me unpopular with a certain segment of the population, and this is the work of those pursuing the Zhdanov doctrine, that ideas that are "objectively harmful" should be suppressed.

But some have shown more admirable conduct in this incident. Some have kept a cool head and recognized these insults to my character for what they are. And I thank you for that. Let us stand together against these assaults on free speech by those who claim to be fighting to defend freedom. An attack one citizen's free speech is an attack on everybody's free speech.

 

[Estonianzulu]

Now, Per Dank, remember that the Vice President also has his right to speek freely. He may have been a bit harsh, and I agree that it may have been foolish and irresponsible to jump to the conclusion he jumped to.

That being said, he can say what he wishes. You can choose to respond and argue his accusations as is your right. I do not wish to see Eutopia divided, now of all times. Though we may disagree, we should put aside our differences and work to help those who have been hurt by these vile attacks. Im sure even though you may think their goal is noble you can agree that violence does not solve anything.

 

[unmerged(37832)]

Of course I stand opposed to this violence. I wouldn't have been so upset if I was in support of it. Imagine how you'd react if you were accused on more than one occasion of supporting terrorism. But then, I haven't called for Loic's resignation because I dislike what he's said.

 

[unmerged(33865)]

I have had a request from Hedgar Joover, the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Administration for funding for one thousand additional FLEA agents. They are somewhat overworked at present, and this is despite cancelling vacations and adding overtime, the former of which will create bigger shortages later, and the latter is budgetarily inefficient, as it is better to get additional staff than to pay time and half. We are investigating taking steps to increase the number of agents in both the short and long term, including increasing the academy class size, but this will require additional funding, by more than a figure that rounds to zero in the budget. I will raise the matter with the President and the budget committee so that when the administration submits a budget, this will be included.

A budget has not been submitted to the GA this term, and last's term's budget was not approved, so we are working on a carryover budget that is in need of some updating. The administration had thought that there was a compromise worked out to implement a VAT to fund increases to both social programs and military modernization, and had planned to submit a budget consistent with that after the VAT passed. However it failed, and I understand that a modified or trimmed down version is to be submitted sometime after the voting on the new Commissioner of Justice clears the General Assembly, which could take three rounds of voting if the first candidate, who appears well qualified, should fail to get six affirmative votes. The revised VAT will have to be debated, and it might not pass. Even if it does, it delays the process of adding agents. Therefore, I believe that it would be in the best interest of law abiding citizens for the General Assembly to pass a supplemental appropriation bill for FLEA as soon as possible. Something like the following:

Supplemental Appropriation for Federal Law Enforcement (SAFFLE)

The legislature hereby authorizes an increase in funding for the Federal Law Enforcement Administration (FLEA) of 100,000,000 ducat per year (0.3 billion ducats per term).

The above figure is not all for salaries, but also standard benefits and equipment. If actual costs run differently than projected, an adjustment will be made to budget when submitted. There has been a significant rise in the number of requests for weapons permits, indicative that people think that they need to protect themselves. Help FLEA restore peoples' confidence, by funding them adequately.

 

[unmerged(37832)]

The following flier is distributed:

The time has come to mobilize working people for their own agenda. Let us end subservience to the power of the privileged few. The ECL will be organizing the "Million Worker March" on the Capital to demand a six hour work day. The demonstration will begin at the ECL headquarters in Eutopia City and end outside the General Assembly, hitting ENU along the way. The new date is set for [OOC: March 15].

 

[unmerged(33865)]

"Any large organized march on public streets is considered a parade and must have a parade permit. I happen to know that the St. Vincent de Paul Society had already secured a parade permit for their annual procession in Eutopia City on (OOC: March 15th) that date as that is the Saint Day of St. Louise de Marillac. Here is some information on her."
Loic reads:

Louise, born near Meux, France, lost her mother when she was still a child, her beloved father when she was but 15. Her desire to become a nun was discouraged by her confessor, and a marriage was arranged. One son was born of this union. But she soon found herself nursing her beloved husband through a long illness that finally led to his death.

Louise was fortunate to have a wise and sympathetic counselor, St. Francis de Sales, and then his friend, the Bishop of Belley, France. Both of these men were available to her only periodically. But from an interior illumination she understood that she was to undertake a great work under the guidance of another person she had not yet met. This was the holy priest M. Vincent, later to be known as St. Vincent de Paul.

At first he was reluctant to be her confessor, busy as he was with his "Confraternities of Charity." Members were aristocratic ladies of charity who were helping him nurse the poor and look after neglected children, a real need of the day. But the ladies were busy with many of their own concerns and duties. His work needed many more helpers, especially ones who were peasants themselves and therefore close to the poor and could win their hearts. He also needed someone who could teach them and organize them.

Only over a long period of time, as Vincent de Paul became more acquainted with Louise, did he come to realize that she was the answer to his prayers. She was intelligent, self-effacing and had physical strength and endurance that belied her continuing feeble health. The missions he sent her on eventually led to four simple young women joining her. Her rented home in Paris became the training center for those accepted for the service of the sick and poor. Growth was rapid and soon there was need of a so-called rule of life, which Louise herself, under the guidance of Vincent, drew up for the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (though he preferred "Daughters" of Charity).

He had always been slow and prudent in his dealings with Louise and the new group. He said that he had never had any idea of starting a new community, that it was God who did everything. "Your convent," he said, "will be the house of the sick; your cell, a hired room; your chapel, the parish church; your cloister, the streets of the city or the wards of the hospital." Their dress was to be that of the peasant women. It was not until years later that Vincent de Paul would finally permit four of the women to take annual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. It was still more years before the company would be formally approved by Rome and placed under the direction of Vincent's own congregation of priests.

Many of the young women were illiterate and it was with reluctance that the new community undertook the care of neglected children. Louise was busy helping wherever needed despite her poor health. She traveled throughout France, establishing her community members in hospitals, orphanages and other institutions. At her death on March 15, 1660, the congregation had more than 40 houses in France. Six months later St. Vincent de Paul followed her in death.

Louise de Marillac was canonized in 1934 and declared patroness of social workers in 1960.

Comment:

In Louise’s day, serving the needs of the poor was usually a luxury only fine ladies could afford. Her mentor, St. Vincent de Paul, wisely realized that women of peasant stock could reach poor people more effectively, and the Sisters of Charity were born under her leadership. Today that Order continues to nurse the sick and aging and provide refuge for orphans. Many of its members are social workers toiling under Louise’s patronage. The rest of us must share her concern for the disadvantaged.

"It seems like a worthy enough occasion, although it is apt to be much smaller. Please check with the city hall to make sure your parade route and theirs do not conflict."

(OOC: there are St. Vincent de Paul Societies in the US, Ireland, Australia, India, and other countries today. They were active throughout France until the revolution, and thus would have been present in the Franco-phone provinces in Eutopia orginnally and then spread.)

 

[unmerged(33865)]

While I am glad to see the increased output of the Eutopian Today newspaper, as that will increase the employment of deliverypers, I must take issue with comments about the portions of the government that went to the secure facility. The issue before the most recent one contained the following apparently written by former President Al'Aeshir:

My administration saw the passing of the bill to create a secondary government location. Something Josephus Locke Sergei was vocally against. Yet he and the cabinet and the general assembly have hared off to this secret location instead of taking care of the business of actually RUNNING the country!

His sentiments weren't really news, as something similar had already been broadcast by former President Talbott:

After the tragedies that have befallen our nation in recent weeks, one shouldn't expect the same number of tourists to be gawking around the Capitol District. But it's not just the tourists and the pedestrian traffic, it's the people who work there that are missing. Lots of staff, some of the civil servants, a majority of the General Assembly, and even the Speaker himself, reassigned, whisked away off to some undisclosed location in the caves of Topa Bora.

They disappeared Dunbar, my friends, all in the name of "security."

I would remind both of them of the following: The government employs specialists in many fields, and would usually be foolish to ignore their advice about matters directly in their area of comptence. If the purchase of the Inter-Provincial Highway System is ever approved, and we want to build the propsed extension to Uxbridge, we will need a bridge over the Conder River. Should I as MIDA design that bridge? Of course not! I am a lawyer, not an architect or civil engineer.

The same goes for security matters. When the head of your security force, and I am talking about the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Service, General Marcus Levarge, tells you that for reasons of security, that the President and Vice President should not be in the same location, and that enough of the government to secure its functioning should go to a secure location, then you should follow that advice. (Either that or replace the advisor, because if you aren't going to use his expertise, what are you paying him for?)

The secure facility was already built and paid for, it was equipped with excellent communications gear, so the administration and the General Assembly could continue to function with part of their members there without any addtional cost beyond the cost of getting there and back. If it wasn't used, Josephus and I would have had to split up anyway, so there would have been similar transportation costs in any case. The GA completed the vote for the new Commissioner of Justice, with a record high (for this term) eight out of nine MGAs casting votes, so maybe putting 5 MGAs in there where they can't wander off will mean fewer problems with achieving a quorum. In the executive branch, Josephus and I have been able to communicate adequate while he was there. Therefore, for these reasons, I believe these reports are somewhat misleading, particularly the suggestion that the use of secure location is hindering the government from functioning.

Professor Talbott is probably correct that it sends the wrong signal, but this signal has been amplified by these reports. It may well be time for everyone to come back, although as Vice President, I will tend to avoid being the same place as the President for a while longer, because the source of the attack has not been eliminated. There is an additional benefit to having used the secure facility. We can evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, and correct any flaws that the temporary residents may have noted. As such, this has been better than any test, and will hopefully result in improvements for such a time as the facility would actually be needed.

The government, in conjunction with key cities and provinces, is taking steps to better protect certain public buildings against future attacks of this nature, namely implementing the 'ring of steel" in our capital. Other steps are in planning or coordination phases. These steps take time to complete, while the secure facility was ready and available immediately after the attack. Thus, in the view of our security experts, it was the right short term solution. The administration and the General Assembly are of course entitled to create commissions to investigate whether the advice was sound and whether the facility was a worthwhile expenditure of public funds. Former President Talbott is an MGA and so could call for such an investigation if he wished.

 

[unmerged(37832)]

Today is the day of the Million Worker March! We hope to see many workers today for the Million Worker March, which will be begining outside the ECL headquarters in Eutopia City. Bus transportation can be provided by the ECL in New Lancaster, Jacobia, Gloriana, St. Brendanstown, Neuwestbaden, Hurteau, and Chateauvallon.

 

[unmerged(33865)]

Won't the bus drivers be working more than a six hour day today because of the march?

 

[Estonianzulu]

The recent bill, calling for a 25% tax hike on civilian firearms is a, in my opinion, foolish thing to do. It will harm the economy, and the citizens of Eutopia. I will explain.

First, the economy. If ENDTech's monopoly on firearms is officially ended, we can expect to see a rise in private weapon's industries. An immediate tax will harm these budding industries and drive many away from the field. This is a great number of jobs that could be created that will be destroyed by this tax.

Second, the citizens. Legally purchased personal firearms are used for three reasons. One, recreational shooting. The tax will harm the gun range industry, but that is a marginal effect. Two, self-defense. Legally purchased handguns can be used to stop criminals. Now of all times is not a good time to lower the number of legally purchased handguns used for self-defense. The government has already proven that it can't protect everyone all the time.

The job of the police is not to protect people from criminals; it is to catch criminals when they break the law. Handguns can be used to protect citizens, especially now that times are hard. Raising taxes will make it more difficult for citizens to purchase weapons. It will make the black market rise, guns will be cheaper if they don't have a 25% tax on them because they are illegal. So, I would not be surprised if the number of unlicensed weapons rose.

Third, some citizens in Eutopia hunt for their food. Can they be forced to pay a 25% tax on their main tool for sustenance? Is that fair? I think not.

 

[Amric]

I also have a bit of an issue with the VAT. Why should ALL jewelry/gems be given a 25 percent tax? There are those who are poor who buy wedding rings, and why should they be punished for buying such and adding 1/4 more to the total price of engagement/wedding rings? Doesn't seem very fair and equitable to those who want to purchase such items. Granted a 10,000 ducat ring SHOULD be taxed. But not a measly 1000 ducat ring, or less. That is just punishing those who cannot afford truly luxurious rings to be unable to purchase inexpensive ones as well. This part of the VAT ought to be re examined.

 

[Josephus I]

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT:

Per O'Floinn will chair the independent investigation into the ECB bombing. I have chosen him because, although a member of the opposition, when he was CoJ he showed impartiality when doing his duty. O'Floinn's first task will be to pick two (2) other members for the investigation. To keep this as independent as possible, no member of the government will have a say into who O'Floinn picks. From here on it's responsibility.

I instruct all government services to cooperate 100 percent with the investigation. When complete, the group will submit its findings to the Cabinet.

Thank you

Josephus