I was asked to write a short editorial listing the policies and goals of my party, the RUMP. That was Dreu's first mistake -- I very rarely succeed in writing anything short. See, I've already spent three sentences and said absolutely nothing. He said 100-300 words, and I'm now through a whole bunch of them and have gotten nowhere, and haven't even touched on the topic I am supposed to be writing about (other than mentioning it, now twice). So, with what little words I have left myself, let me just say that the RUMP stands for keeping Talossa rockin'. We changed our name (as is our wont) so that it is obvious to everyone that the revitalisation of the Kingdom, especially through a commitment to our culture, and to a resurgence of Cestourhood, are our big goals. Other than that, which we have always stood for, we also stand for, well, more of the same. We of the RUMP have put in motion many of the grand plans we had for our Kingdom, such as postage and currency, provincial activity resurrection, and strong and continued growth through immigration of dedicated interested Talossans from all over the world. Okay, that has to be more words than I was asked for.
The Most Honourable Ma la Mha, Baron Tepistà (Hooligan
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Recently, a new statute, "The Schiva Doctrine on Pan-Talossan Affairs Act" was proposed within the Republic of Talossa. Authored by Minister of Immigration Miestrâ Schivâ, this act would be a huge step for relations between Talossa and the Republic. The questions is:will it be a step forward, or a step backward?
This doctrine is certainly a broad one. In a few paragraphs, it declares that neither Talossa nor the Republic are a continuation of the one founded by King Robert I, but rather that both are "legitimate successor states," before continuing on to state the meat of the doctrine: " a non-negotiable precondition that any discussion of political unification of Talossa must take place in the framework of discussing a wholly new constitution and legal framework which would supersede and extinguish both the current Kingdom and Republic of Talossa." The doctrine goes on to suggest a manner in which this discussion could be conducted, and vows friendship regardless on behalf of the Republic, but the true substance is in the abovesentence. This doctrine, when it is passed (as it appears it almost certainly will be, since it faces little or no opposition) will have legally binding force within Republic law upon the representatives of that body.
For some time, there has been occasional quaking by one person or another within Talossa for reunion. In fact, most Talossans favor the return of the Republicans. The only difference is the manner in which they desire that return. Some are willing to make amendments to the OrgLaw or similar concessions to the interests of the Republicans, while others believe no special treatment should be accorded to them. I am of the personal belief that we must admit that they had just cause for departure (as illustrated in this month's Oracla), and we should accordingly make allowances for an easier readmission to the country in the interests of all involved. At the same time, we are a country of laws and a proud nation, and we should not abandon either our laws or our pride.
From this perspective, then, the Schivâ doctrine is a very good thing. It will eliminate the half-measures being proposed by either side in their desire for reunion. I am confident that Talossa will not abandon the OrgLaw or the monarch, to be chips on a bargaining table in a scrabble for some unworkable mixture of elements. Instead, we will be locked into the status quo. Talossa is thriving and walking forward into the future with a hearty gait, and the doctrine will ensure that one continuous state, the Kingdom of Talossa, unbroken from 1979 until now, will be the tread we walk.
One tangent to this should come with some of the rhetoric seen surrounding this discussion in the Republic. On occasion, reference has been made to "surrender" should a Republican return to Talossa. Attempts have come about to characterize such reunions as "defeats," in fact. I for one feel that the exact opposite is true. The departure of the Republicans is one of the most prominent factors leading to the departure of King Robert I. Their efforts and speeches paved the way for the later victory of the CLP, which used the laws of the land to settle a heavy slab of defeat down upon the tyrant in laying a road to primacy. It took only a short time before the way was made.
It is time for our brave soldiers for the future, those Republicans who left their homeland in the name of freedom, to return to the country. They deserve and should receive the welcome of heroes, as they bear tradition and history with them. Some regrettable actions
took place, but now is the time of reunion. And the doctrine will make sure that the half-measures and vacillation so often engaged in will no longer take place. By trying to throw a bar over the door, it will instead throw it open. And I say: "Welcome! Welcome!"
The Right Honourable Alexander Davis
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In the most recent election, the Viensità Ciumisâ Cézembre or CRO: The Cézembre Reunification Organization have proved beyond a resonable doubt that if a group does not put out a bunch of sometimes annoying advertisements, there will not be a surge in party interest. While the experiment with a hands off technique has resulted in fewer seats in the current legislative body, it has in turn made the caucus easy to manage.
X. Pol Briga
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So, our election season is over. There’s been some mild unpleasantness, some surprise results (and some not so surprising), and a repeated winding up of Alexander Davis - I am sure everyone has something they can be pleased about.
The major fallout from the election is a simple majority for the RUMP, meaning a potentially one-sided Ziu in the upcoming term. Such a resounding re-election may well be taken as a mandate for “conservative” policies (as we Talossans classify these things) - though I suspect it is rather its proven dedication to the country, as opposed to the newer advent of much of the opposition.
Indeed, the most vital task facing the opposition parties - most especially the LRT, as the largest party other than the RUMP - is to build a record of political competency so as to pose a very serious challenge to the RUMP next time round.
The other item of serious interest this election involved our present system of an open ballot. This allowed us to watch certain very surprising votes as they came in: Seneschal de Winter voting for the DPD (dissatisfaction with both the RUMP and LRT, whether due to their policies or their behaviour in the run-up the election), and the Conta and Sir Fritz voting for the LRT. These votes, all from established Talossans, for new parties consisting of callow faces, have ensured that provincial government was certainly not a complete RUMP landslide.
Paralleling these results was the publication of the latest Oracla, charting the Secession crisis and looking at those Old Growth Talossans remaining in the Kingdom. Its discussion of party strangleholds and the idea of default voters certainly rings true today.
There, one also saw the roots of the DOTT’s party statement: “Our history is clear: We embrace a King who wins our hearts and minds, but force a King on us, and we rebel. The option to elevate someone who's earned the throne—that's all we want. Blood isn't enough: character and accomplishment should count for something! Defend the throne!”
One cannot help but draw parallels. If the RUMP is called to act in its role of superpower with its customary responsibility and sense of duty, in curious parallel to the actions of Ben Madison and his power bloc, then, equally, the LRT has had firmly thrust upon it, ideologically as well as literally, that most obtuse of titles: His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.
Owen Edwards
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I, Tony Weckström, the Royal Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, and founder of the DPD would welcome all Talossans, new and old, to join the DPD for a brighter future for Talossa.
The DPD's political views can be read at the appropriate website.
http://kingdomoftalossa.net/index.cgi?lingo=&page=Parties
Kind regards,
Tony Weckström
