NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: To avoid cluttering up the forum, this thread will contain all further PINA interviews, one after the other. Previous interviews can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12256923&postcount=15), here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516626), here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516658) and here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516640).

Brahim Juillet (presenter): "...On now to our interview, and it's a pleasure to welcome Mr. Ki-Par, the mayor of Fort Ben Degly, Az-cz. Mr. Ki-Par, welcome to Ariddia. Welcome to PINA.

Az-cz is, like Ariddia, a socialist country... Tell me if I mispronounce any words, by the way. You're the mayor of Fort Ben Degly, which is refered to as the most 'international' city in the country. The most 'international' city... What exactly does that mean?"

Ki-Par: Well, first and foremost it means we have the greatest population of non-ethnic Az-czzers. The largest populations of humans, dwarves and other species can be found in our city. But it also refers to the way our city functions. For example, in Az-cz nudity is the social norm. We just don't believe in clothing. However in Fort Ben-Degly it is much more common to see clothed people. All of Az-cz is friendly and accomodating to foreigners, but in the rest of the nation assimilation is much more the standard.

Juillet: "So yours is quite a unique city. How do you explain that? Historically, I mean? How did Fort Ben-Degly come to distinguish itself from the rest of the country?"

Ki-Par: It's really more of a historical accident than anything. Although our recorded history and legends indicate that our founding gnome, Az-cz, was familiar with humans, he was familiar with humans from another planet, but that humans here weren't familiar with gnomes. So when we started making first contact with humans although we could promote trade and establish relations and what not they tended to band together in certain parts of the nation, specifically Fort Ben-Degly. After that new comers found Ben-Degly more comfortable as an international place, and so it continued to rise. It wasn't something we originally planned.

Juillet: "Interesting. What does it mean in practice, though, for Ben-Degly to be such a diverse and... different city? Is multiculturalism, the expression of cultural diversity, encouraged?"

Ki-Par: All of Az-cz encourages multiculturalism. Every city in Az-cz is happy to accomodate other cultures. The biggest difference is that there is more access to foreign things in Ben-Degly. Whether you want to eat Ariddian cuisine, learn Korean drumming, ride a bazalope or play Milchamian suicide football the opportunities are much more prevalent. And of course all of the biggest foreign events happen in Fort Ben-Degly. Even our football stadium, the Ben-Degly Pagoda, is Japanese themed.

Juillet: "Your city is an example of harmonious multiculturalism, then? Let's go into a little more detail... How is this combined with the feeling - and practice - of being a citizen of Az-cz? What role does... say, education play in combining multiculturalism and a sense of shared citizenship, for example?"

Ki-Par: The underlying principles of being an Az-czzer are respect and protection of each other. So as far as education about what it means to be an Az-czzer that's about it. Az-czzers don't place that much importance on being an Az-czzer. Of course we celebrate our history and love our native Az-czid things like kleptochase and so on, but we don't belive in the importance of the nation, per se. We view it in general as more of a historical accident. So it's not difficult to overlay multiculturalism onto that. As it turns out immigrant populations are by and large much more patriotic than native Az-czzers.

Juillet: "Really? Have you got an explanation for that? Also... To what degree is there... what you might call inter-cultural communication? Are members of different minority cultures, communities... uhm, do they interact, learn about and from one another?"

Ki-Par: The explanation behind it is that while native Az-czzers only have one culture to think about, foreign populations have two, which more strongly enables them to reflect on their Az-czidness. For the same reason Az-czzers living in foreign countries are more patriotic towards Az-cz, because they can see the qualities of their home country more strongly reflected through the prism of the other country.

As for the mixing of various minority communities, anecdotally it does occur. For example at my son's high school there is a large Japanese population. As such there are many Japanese cultural groups. One which my son participates in is a calligraphy club. In that club alongst with Japanese-Az-czzers and gnomish Az-czzers there are students from Quakmybush, Bazalonia, Italy, and Spaam. However we collect very little demographical information about these kinds of issues, so I can't give you figures about how much intercommunity mingling there is.

Juillet: "That's a fascinating subject you bring up. That of people with two or more cultural backgrounds being able to... reflect more on their own culture and identity. Regarding culture, are there any... cultural events in Fort Ben-Degly? Multicultural festivals, for example? And if so what's the general feeling about them?"

Ki-Par: If you're looking for a cultural event you can find one almost every day of the year, as the various groups put on small events and performances almost every day of the year, especially at the local universities. And there are a number of big events as well. Two of the biggest and most popular are the global drumming event in June and the global dance event in October.

Juillet: "Can you tell us a little bit more about those? I imagine they involve participants from... members of all different communities?"

Ki-Par: Both of them are coordinated by members of their respective communities. I mean, leaders of the various drumming groups and dance groups coordinate them. Both events are mostly displays for individual groups representing many different cultures, but there are also some fusion pieces mixed in. They are performed in large public spaces, so fans come and go rather than the stifling requirements of a more traditional concert setting. It also allows for greater fan participation and accomodates surrounding food stalls and other related things. Basically it's a bunch of musical groups performing from early morning to late night for the entirerty of a weekend. Basically come and see whatever you feel like, enjoy the atmosphere and then leave.

Juillet: "It sounds fascinating. Will either of those events be taking place any time soon? For viewers who may be planning on visiting Az-cz."

Ki-Par: The drumming event is only a few months off and then the dance one a few months after that. For people interested in coming to Az-cz there are plenty of events to see. If they visit the national webpage they can find links to Fort Ben-Degly and other cities, where all registered events are listed. There should be plenty to find to suit your tastes. And as we our currently gearing up to host the World Cup there is going to be even more going on in the lead up to that big event.

Juillet: "Regarding the World Cup, then... I suppose there will be matches held in Fort Ben-Degly? The 'international city' will be expecting a lot of international visitors. What exactly do the preparations for that entail? What can visitors expect when they arrive in your city for the World Cup?"

{OOC: I'd like to get this interview finished today, and continue on to the next one. There's a backlog of eighteen other scheduled interviews, and rising. ;) }

{OOC: The next interview will start tomorrow, at which point this one will be considered over.}

Ki-Par: The visitors to our city can expect friendly accomodations and plenty of events to see outside of just the world cup match. We will definitely be building an international atmospher for the event. The Pagoda is one of Az-cz's more interesting stadiums and we will be using it to showcase the world's football.

Juillet: "With the city being so multicultural... How would you, monsieur le maire, define or describe Az-cz culture? I understand that... being a sort of cultural melting pot is a key aspect, but other than that?"

Juillet (after Ki-Par answers): "Thank you, Mr. Ki-Par. I had intended to ask you about the Ariddian community in Fort Ben-Degly, but I'm afraid that's all we've got time for. Thank you for talking to us, and for some very interesting insights.

We return now to the main news, with another look at the headlines..."

{{OOC: This concludes this particular interview. The next interview will begin in just a few moments.}}

Angelic Nettles: Good afternoon, and welcome to our latest PINA interview. I’m Angelic Nettles (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Parliamentary_Channel), and with me here is Gunther Rhinehart, the new Chancellor of Kulivovia. Chancellor, thank you very much for accepting our invitation, and congratulations on your election. Before we begin this interview itself, I’ll just present you very briefly to our viewers around the world.

You come from a comfortable middle-class Kulikovian background, but you were born in an industrial city, Postovo. Your mother was a lawyer, and I believe your wife also works in the field of law? Your father was the owner of a steel works. Whether this had any influence on you, your career and your beliefs, you can perhaps tell us in just a moment. You were elected mayor of your home city when it was going through an economic crisis, and you proved your economic management skills by pulling the city through that crisis and back to relative prosperity. You continued your political career from then on, until just recently you were elected Chancellor.

Now, you’ve brought with you some strongly held and, from a Kulikovian perspective, quite radical socio-economic beliefs. Your country traditionally values social justice, but you want to ‘liberalise’ the market, and embark on a path towards more capitalism.

Ariddians, of course, rejected capitalism a long time ago. We’ve seen our neighbours in West Ariddia go from socialism to capitalism, with a variety of consequences, including tremendous economic growth but also great individual poverty, inequality and suffering. To start, perhaps, could you explain to our viewers exactly what political, social and economic policies you intend to implement, and why you feel they would be a good thing for Kulikovia?”

Chancellor Rhinehart: It's an honor to be here today Ms.Nettles. Your studio has certainly sumed up my life quite well. First off, you bring up a well noted concern which faces our nation. Times are changing and we must change too. Though, I don't plan to radically change our long standing doctrines of Socialism. I am, in fact, trying to intriduce several changes which will boost our economy which at this time is in a bit of a slump. These changes will not be Eartrh shattering in nature but a step in a different direction. A free market economy is the road less traveled in our nation's economic history. I still believe strongly in social justice and equality. We are going to try and give the market some more breathing room, though continue to monitor them. This change will allow our economy to grow, while improving the standard of living. It will also open up more jobs for our unemployed.

Nettles: "Could you give us some specific examples? For instance, what will employers be able to do more easily? What restrictions will be lifted, and what will remain in place? For example, will minimum wage laws be changed? Will employers face fewer restrictions on firing employees?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: Employers will be able to open more channels to conduct business, like the international market. For the longest time, heafty trade tariffs have hampered our market overseas. Lowering the tarriffs will allow us to expand overseas. Minimum wage, is an important topic as well. Hopefully I will recieve support from across the aisle on this one and we can raise it and relieve the pressure of those working minimum wage jobs. I am looking to imporve the image of our market to foreign investors who for a long time feared approaching our economy with the belief that they would be heavily taxed and restricted. Lifting certain restrictions will ease up on the pressure. On the topic of firing...Employers detremine under what condition to fire eomployees. Though, frivilous accusations will not be tolerated. Things that will remain in place are the moderation laws we have in place, to ensure companies do not break these new laws and regulations.

Nettles: "Moderation laws? Could you explain to our viewers briefly what those are?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: Moderation Laws can be compared to...watchdogs. They are economic laws that prohibit certain companies and corporations from conducting business with certain other corporations, preventing monopolies and unrestricted trade. I plan to let certain moderation laws stay, while lifting several other ones. This will open up to foreign investment and cooperation. They began as sort of idealogical, preventing business with capitalistic organizations and favoring more left leaning ones.

Nettles: "Interesting. Now, presumably a majority of Kulikovians support your ideas and policies. Has there been any significant concern, though, doubts, from some of your compatriots? And how do you intend to persuade people that your policies are needed for your country?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: The people are split right now, with just a slight majority in favor. Right now many in the General Assembly are skeptical of this plan. But, the economy is in a slump and the workers and farmers of our nation are feeling the burden. These new laws will lighten that burden which they carry. Right now we are on a campaign to bring this idea to the people in a way that they will accept it. Using television, newspapers, and word of mouth what we are offering is reaching the ears of my comrades and the idea is becoming more acceptable. Years ago, I would've been laughed out of the General Assembly. But now we are recieveing more praise but also people view it with suspicion, which I can't blame them. This is a step in the opposite direction, but it is a good direction. I also would like to announce that The Ministry of Economy and myself are persuing admittance into the International Trade and Commerce Association. Hopefully, that plan will be welcomed as well.

Nettles: "You mention workers and farmers. On the whole, are they among the supporters of your policy, or do most of them oppose it? Or is it very much split here too?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: They are split down the middle. The majority of the business sector is behind me and there is a slight lean in favor in the government. This campaign is to target the farmers and workers, as well as government officals. The bill to raise minimum wage and the almost certain improvement in the economy will sway them in favor.

Nettles: "You already have experience in redressing a slumped economy, of course, from your days as mayor of Postovo. Does that work quite strongly in your favour, in public opinion? And will you be drawing on that experience to apply similar measures on a national level?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: Yes, that will be working in my favor. My reputation is out there and an acceptable one. People have seen what I did for Postovo with my aggressive campaign to turn the city around. Postovo was sort of a testing ground and it passed with flying colors. So, it will work on the national scale. Through cooperation and trust these plans will work.

Nettles: "Can you tell us a little bit more, perhaps, about what happened in Postovo? What the situation was, and how you went about dealing with it? What the positive and - if any - negative consequences were?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: The previous mayor of Postovo led the city to near ruin with various scandals and mismanaged the tax money, leading to heavier property taxes as well as a plethera of other things. It was driving businesses out of the city and people were losing their jobs. My steelworks was suffering greatly and money was coming out of my own pocket to keep it afloat. I was already a member of the city council and during one meeting where the citizens were clamoring into city hall to protest his tenure in office, the mayor closed the meeting a full hour before it was scheduled to. I stood up and protested, finally storing out and that's when I decided to run for mayor. When I one after a bitter campaign I first tackled the rising tide of crime in the city. After a hard campaign crime levels went down. I cut taxes on businesses and this attracted the long departed companies to return, flooding the city with job opportunities. Several other things were done as well. The opposition will say that it created a capitalist den out of Postovo, but that is mere mudslinging.

Nettles: "Do you think, Chancellor, that Kulikovia - or more specifically the policies you intend to implement - may be an example for other countries? A... Well, what would you call it? A semi-socialist country with elements of a free market? Is there going to be a... 'Kulikovian Way' which may be an international model, or is that not something you've considered at all?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: A well spoken point. I feel that both ideaologies can co-exist. A Socialist nation with moderated capitalism. Hopefully, other nations will take from this. It is possible to make the economy prosper without sacrificing everything we believe in. "The Kulikovian Way" has a nice ring to it. I have considered that factor may time in the past.

Nettles: "All right, well that brings us on to other issues. Your role as Chancellor doesn't limit itself to economic reforms, of course. Could you tell us about policies you intend to implement in other fields? Perhaps we could start with Kulikovia's international relations and role in the world. What's your opinion on the current situation in that regard, and what are your intentions?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: I intend to scale back on our individual role on the world stage. Our plan is to get more involved in the UN as well as INTERPOL. The old doctrine of supporting wars of liberation is out dated and a threat to our security. While I fully support nations struggling against right winged oppressors we have to be realistic. Too many young men and women of our armed forces have died in meaningless wars in Hataria, the Burnsian Desert, and several other operations. Our military has a good track record but with underfunding, poor leadership, and indesiciveness has harmed us greatly. We will look before we leap into wars of liberation. Sending thousands of troops just won't do in this day and age. Wars are smaller, more complicated and we must adapt to these new tactics. Increased funding to the UN, providing peacekeepers, and working in the various other departments of this international agency will prove to be invaluable in improving our image around the world. As well as working close with INTERPOL. Our war on drugs, terrorism, and crime will be like a hammer, coming down on those who do committ these illegal acts. We already have funding and staff with the agency and are doing some great things already. Cooperating instead of meddling will be the cornerstone to our successful policy abroad.

Nettles: "So, a greater emphasis on diplomacy, on international cooperation, and focusing any use of force on perceived threats to Kulikovian security? What about specific bilateral relations? Will you be revising any of those? Moving away or closer to specific foreign nations?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: That is correct, the days of war hawks are over. It will resemble American President Roosevelt's 'Speak softly but carry a big stick' but we will use force only as a last resort. Our current alliances will stand. The nations we deal with have been trustworthy allies and it has been an honor to share the same planet with them

Nettles: "What about domestic policy, now? What will the key aspects of your policy be within Kulikovia, apart from economic reform?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: Education is the core of my domestic policy. Our young people are the future of our nation and we must do everything we can to prepare them for that role. Education has been lacking in the past. Schools already take a test every few years to see where they stand. Now, the old doctrine cut funding to schools scoring low on the exam which is just foolish. I will reverse that doctrine and increase funding to school that are struggling. Building more schools, libraries, and other institutions will help to impove our young people so that they can go out and make a difference. A good education and after school programs will help keep them from the arms of street gangs and underground fascist organizations which have plagued our nation for years. My parents stressed education and when I was a child, I shrugged it off but later on in life I came to realize that they were right. An educated people is the cornerstone to a better nation.

Nettles: "A focus on education has been an essential policy in Ariddia too. Did your campaign focus strongly on this issue? I don't suppose many Kulikovians object to your suggestions?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: Education was one of the main pillars of my campaign and policy while Chancellor. An overwhelming majority of people support my plan for education, as well as officals from the opposition parties.

Nettles: "With political consensus, those policies shouldn't be too difficult to implement, then." (smiles) "What about other aspects of domestic policy, Chancellor? Health care, justice, the environment..."

Chancellor Rhinehart: (Smiles) I hope they will all be recieved well by the General Assembly. Our current healthcare programs are going strong and the policies set fourth by my oredacessor, Gregor Dantes don't need any reform and hopefully will never need any. The Kulikovian Conservation Act, a bill introduced at the end of Dante's administration is just now being introduced into the House of Deputies and is expected to pass. Justice is one thing that needs some polishing. The crime rate in our cities has increased over the past few years. More and more of our young people are being drawn into gangs and drugs. I will persue an end to this trend with great vigor and will remain unrelenting in halting it. Underground Fascist organizations are also a great damper on our nation. There is a slavic majority in our nation witha Germanic minority which I am a part of. The old regime of Chancellor Botha, several decades ago stained the Germanic reputation. This fear and hatred has been a breeding ground for these terrorist organizations which seek to bring back the old regime. This cannot be allowed and the leaders and sympathizers will be brought to justice. I plan to use tactics similar to the one's I used in Postovo on a national level

Nettles: "Which were... what? Combining education and a tough stance on crime? Was that successful in Postovo?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: Exactly! That's what my approach was. It worked in Postovo and it will work across the nation. Educating our young people, improving standard of living, and maintaining a tough stance will all work. By cutting the head off the snake we will help to severly cripple these gangs and organizations. By denying them poor, undereducated and hopeless young people they will have nothing to sustain them, and with the authorities hounding them at every turn.

Nettles: "Thank you, Mr. Chancellor. I'd like to ask you now, briefly, about Opposition political parties in your country. You've made clear what your views and policies are on a variety of issues. In what way do Opposition parties differ from these views? We've seen that there's consensus on education reforms. Are there important political disagreements on certain issues? And if so what do Opposition parties suggest? Obviously I can't ask you to speak in their name, but... This is for our viewers to have some idea of the political debate and ideas within Kulikovia."

Chancellor Rhinehart: Well, the Democratic Socialist Party wishes to continue most of the already existing policies set by Dantes. I plan to change and add on to many of them. The People's Revolutionary Party are a more radical party which would ban any free market and blindly support wars of liberation. The Islamic Union looks to increase religion in our nation as well as other domestic policies. All in all I have encountered moderate resistance from the other parties but for the most part they see that change is needed. Our biggest opponent is the PRP which are completely opposite from my beliefs and those of the Judiciary Party, the party of which I belong to. They are the loudest critics of my policies and resist them at many turns. But, they have moderate power in both houses and their support is waining. In the past, they were powerful but now they are not what they once were.

Nettles: "Since you mention religion... Could you tell us a little about Kulikovian culture, and values? The place of religion in Kulikovian culture would be just one aspect of that, of course. Are there values which are considered traditionally, fundamentally Kulikovian, and which play an important part in... society, politics, everyday life?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: We support seperation of church and state and both groups respect that and rarely meddle in each others area. The majority of citizens are Russian Orthadox, then Lutheran, then several other denominations, and finally: Muslim population. I can't think of anything "Kulikovian" about the religions of our nation.

Nettles: "What about other aspects of Kulikovian culture? Or isn't there anything that immediately springs to mind as 'typically Kulikovian', or as a core Kulikovian value?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: The core value is equality. It is a guiding force in our culture. We truly are a nation without gender barriers or racial barriers. The economic barrier is crumbling and nearly non-existant. We have a rich history of struggle and hope which endures to this day.

Nettles: "And by 'a rich history of struggle', you mean...?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: Our nation has existed for hundreds of years. We have endured monarchs, civil war, reconstruction, fascism, a cultural revolution, and changes for the better. We have done great things to advance the cause of Socialism. The media, literature, society are all rich. It's a culture which I'm proud of

Nettles: "And I'd really like for us to go into all that in great detail, Chancellor, but we're limited by time, so I'm going to ask you simply two questions. The first would be, what do you consider to have been the most important event or events in Kulikovian history? And, for the benefit of our viewers who would like to find out more, where can they go for further information on Kulikovia's... history... society, culture?"

Chancellor Rhinehart: The most important event in Kulikovian history would be considered the Halloween Riots. Several decades ago, before the civil war. The fascist regime of Chancellor Botha ruled with an iron thumb. The opposition, known as the Worker's Congress waged a desperate campaign against them. There was a scheduled protest on Halloween night but a strict curfew was created. Anyone caught outside would be detainned or possibly killed. Two young boys didn't know about this curfew and went outside at night to trick or treat. A security guard for the party fired upon the two boys, killing them. An angry mob gathered and a violent riot spread throughout the city. Most of Jonensberg, the capital fell to the resistance. But a week later, the army moved in and killed several hundred people, crushing the riot but igniting a civil war. This event triggered the revlolution which toppled the old regime and ushered in a new age for our nation. People can learn more about our nation by traveling to our nation, surfing the net, or read up on books. I want to thank you for giving me the chance to talk on this show today.

Nettles: "Thank you very much, Chancellor, for talking to us here on PINA.

That concludes this interview. We return now to the news, with Mélanie Dupré."


{{OOC: Next interview will begin in a few minutes.}}

Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9): “. . . and that’s it for the news, but with us for this evening’s interview is General Edmund Duke, Head of the Military Council in Elves Security Forces. A nation which, I would imagine, most Ariddians don’t know all that much about. You’ll be helping us rectify that, General. Good evening, and thank you for accepting this invitation.

To begin with, and so that our viewers understand what your role is in ESF. . . What exactly does being the Head of the Miltary Council entail? What is the Military Council?”

General Duke takes in a deep breath, and slowly exhales before starting. "Well, the Military Council is a group of nine officers who have risen above the rank of Captain, who basically run all things concerning the military here in the ESF. In order to obtain a spot on the council, you must either have previous combat expierence or be recommended by your superior officer. The Great Leader then decides whether or not you are to be placed on the council, if you are approved, you serve a five year term, after which you are either replaced or have the Great Leader renew your term.

As for what exactly my role is, it's quite simple. I have the power to declare war, institue a draft if neccassary, and promote soldiers to higher ranks. The majority of my service is spent deciding which officers deserve promotions and medals. However, I do get quite busy when there is a state of war, as you can imagine."

Dupré: "To clarify, what exactly is the Council's function, or power, in relation to government? You say the Military Council has the authority to declare war. Indepedently from... approval from any civilian authority?"

Duke "That is correct. Our government is structed so that the Military Council runs itself and the entire arms forces. Now in theory, it is possible for the Great Leader to temporarily take control over these functions in a time of extreme crisis, but that has only happened once in the over 10,000 years that a solid government entity has been established in the ESF. That occasion was when both the Senate and the majority of the Council has been assisinated by a rebellious group. But that is an entirely long and other story to tell."

Dupré: "Well, it seems your country has a unique structure of government. Could you tell us a little about the different... uhm, branches of government, how they're chosen, and what their duties are?"

Duke "Why certainly. We have a small legistlative branch that handles criminal cases and disputes between the citizens. There are only three levels to it though: city, region, and then the highest court, the Court of Elune. Cases only make their way to the Court of Elune if the ruling will drastically impact the way of life in the ESF. As to date, there have only been fourteen cases to ever make it to our highest court, eight of which established certain rights that we now take for granted.

Then there is the Senate, which is the citizens main representation in the government. The Senate draws up laws and ammendments to laws already in place. Once a majority, above sixty percent, agress on the proposal, it is then sent to the Great Leader to either approve, send back to the Senate for ratification, or dissallowed. More often than not, the proposal is passed, and there is little fuss about it.

Finally, there is the Great Leader. They are the key proponent to our government. As you can tell, they have their hands in just about every part of the system. Apart from the powers I've already mentioned, he or she also has the power to commision the secret forces of the ESF into action, and power of all foreign relations when not at a state of war with said nation. However, since the Raynor family was able to procure the Great Leader power, most diplomatic negotations are dealt with in the embassy or by a member of the Military Council. And seeing as how our current Great Leader is the young Tobias, I see no problem with this. I believe that he should be able to still have a bit of a normal life before being completely bogged down with this power. Of course, that could just be my likeness for the kid, and me being his Elune Father talking."

Dupré: "His... 'Elune Father'"?

Duke "Eh, it's kind of like what you would call a godfather. Basically, upon his birth, Florence, his mother, and Zeratul, his grandfather, choose me to be his guardian if anything should happen to them that they would not be there for him. As it so happens, his mother went insane and Zeratul is just now recovering from an assisination attempt. So I have been taking care of the youngin for the last couple of years, and have relegated some of his duties to trusted officials until he decides to quit his footballing career, and fully take up his proper place in the government."

Dupré: "I see. You mentioned the Raynor family having secured the function of Great Leader. I take it it's hereditary, then. And, at least in theory, the Great Leader wields significant power. Is this well accepted by the people in general? What kind of political debate exists within the ESF?"

Duke takes a sip of water and clears his throat again.
"In a way, I suppose it is hereiditary, though it was not designed to be that way when the Elders* formed the ESF governement long ago. As a general rule, the Great Leader is supposed to put the rights of and wants of the citizenry ahead of their own agenda when weilding their power, thus keeping the majority of the public content with the system of government we have, with them having some representation with the Senate. However, there was one instance not too long ago, that a tyrant was able to get the Great Leader position. His name has been wiped from the records, and whenever he is referenced, we use the name "The Forsaken". He did away with both the Senate and Council while in office, and opressed the citizenzry with house arrest, using the armed forces to do so. He had threatened to kill anyone who rose against him, and was planning a large scale invasion of many of the regions key nations. Luckily for the ESF and our region, he was killed in a bizaare incident, while vacationing on a tropical island.

As for the debates, in truth, there are not that many, apart from a few journalists at the Elven Times who have opposing opinions. For the most part, the public is too concerned with their local football clubs and the national team to pay too much attention to the goings of the political system."

Dupré: "You raise several interesting issues here; let's see if we can look at them in more detail. Do you feel... Well, is there no concern within ESF society, or within the government, that this lack of popular interest in politics, in political debate, in how the country is run and in issues which affect people's every day lives... that this lack of interest may not be entirely healthy for the country? Have there been any attempts by the government to increase people's participation in the decision-making process, and in... the overall debate of ideas?"

{{OOC: And a BUMP.}}

Duke "We do not feel that this lack of interest is harmful for the country. In fact, the government is rather content to leave it as it is for now, with every time before that interest in the political system peaked, it was shortly followed by revolution. You have to understand that the ESF prefers lack of interaction of it citizens with the government. We come from a clan based orgins, where heriditary leaders vied with each other for greater control of the country, until the Elders* decended upon the clans and created the basis for the government we have now. And since the 10,000 years since, every single time the citizenry becomes over involved in the government, there is conflict. Thus, those who do seek political interests are usually hired by the governement to further advance the country.

I know that this sounds like a horrible way to go about running a country, but with our troubled past, it the way best suited for us. And it is not as if the government is out to further their own ends and live the populace high and dry, our primary goal is to keep our citizens safe,secure, and happy. If we are not pursueing these ends, then there is enough pressure from the indvidual high ruling families to quickly rectify the error in the ways."

OCC: The Elders were a group of three elves who gave up their eyesight for the power to see the future. Their abilities to do so put fear in many of the clans back at that time, and they used this fear to forge together what would eventually lead to a national government.

Dupré: "And has this always worked well? It sounds as if there might easily be protests... pressure, from some people in the country at least, or from the international community. Do the high ruling families always fulfil their task as expected of them?"

Duke "It has for the most part. The international community encourages us to change to more of democratic society and have more political debates inside the country, but they are too afraid of our military to force us to. Besides, from where I stand, the way our government is run is up to us and not interloopers. As long as the ruling families aren't bickering over some pointless matter, they fufill thier duties without much fuss. But it all trully boils down to the Great Leader. If they do as is expected of them, the system works without a hitch, and the country runs like a well oiled machine. It's when the Great Leader starts to falter and look after their own whims when things begin to go ary."

Dupré: "Two points here, General. Well, questions. What about dissent within the country? Is there any? Has there been recently? You also say that your armed forces keep you safe from any foreign meddling... Is there actually a serious threat from any outside force? Do you know of... countries which may - seriously - attempt, or consider attempting, or... uhm, wish they could consider attempting military action against ESF?"

Duke "Their is no dissent within the country. That's what I'm trying to tell you. We are a sports driven society, not a politically driven one. When not obsessed with our local footy teams, we strive for higher learning and greater personal production in our trade. The few dissenters that arise usually choose to leave the country rather than cause any conflict. The most recent major case of dissent was when Rosemary Angelotic lead an uprising, trying to retake the place of Great Leader from the Raynor family. This was settled by the Raynors granting Rosemary semi-rule over Longview, and had a temple constructed in honor of what the Angelotic house did for the country before the Raynors gained power.

The main threat from foriegn powers comes from within our own region, where political conflicts arise over many things, some wars even have been started because one teams footy squad lost to another countries. The power we have the most conflict with is Makaar, who ironically are a Monarchy themselves, but think that we should change to a democracy. It is fortunate then that are military power is soo advanced, that these threats are idle, and can not be enforced through military force. Perhaps there is something else you would like to know more about that does not involve our complexity in the government and political ideas of the populace?"

Dupré: "Yes, I was just coming to that. I'd like us to give our viewers a fairly comprehensive understanding of your country. You say that football is a... national craze. What else would you say are the main... well, defining elements in ESF culture and society?"

Duke "Well let's see. There is the relgion and of course the wine. A bottle of wine is required at every meal, even if it is not to be drunk. It's just a tradition of ours, no one really knows how it started though. If you are in the mood to get some, the Travesian Vineyards always have the best wine, from any year, something in the soil makes the grapes turn it out better. As far as religion goes, most of the country are devout followers of Elunism. There is a small sect of people who follow Taoism, and the High Priestess allows this due to no diety being worshipped. Besides the footy obsession, those are about the biggest talking points of ESF culture."

Dupré: "Could you tell us briefly what Elunism is about?"

Duke "Elunism is basically a religion where the followers try to live their life as close to possbile as Elune herself did. To be kind, generous, never idle, never judgemental, to respect everyone, and so on. To this day, no one has been able to follow exactly in her footsteps, but we do try. It is said that if anyone can, that they would have their immortality restored and be given a place in the Havens to be as a god. Whether there is any truth to this, will have to be found out if and when another coming of Elune occurs. Until then, we will do our hardest to be like her, and pray for her blessings and forgiveness when we err."

Dupré: "Very interesting; thank you. I believe you yourself have an Elune son? What does that entail? Is it in any way similar to being a godfather in the Christian religion?"

Duke "Quite similar, if not exactly the same. Though there is no baptism or anything of that sort. The parents merely pick a person to be the Elune father, and that is that."

Dupré: "I see. Finally, General, let's talk a little about you, in person. You're Head of the Military Council, of course, but as a General you've never been desk-bound. You've been a man of action, sent on perilous assignments. Well, for one thing, is this common for an officer with your rank?"

Duke "Oh you have it quite wrong my friend, I do spend time at my desk, most of it trying to figure out new ways to get recruits. All those deeds were back when I was a mere corporal and sergeant. Those were days of stress in the ESF, back in the war periods. It was killed, be killed, or have a friend save your arss. So to answer your question, not it is not common for an office of captain or higher to be sent on such deeds or be soo invovled, but I do like the responcibilities. I take it that those posititions as that I am trusted and respected by my peers, and that is something that we all need a little more of."

Dupré: "I see. Thank you for clarifying that. Before we end this interview, is there anything further you'd like to add? Anything you'd like to say to our viewers around the world?"

Duke "Aye, there is one thing, Live Long and Prosper."

Dupré: "Thank you very much, General, for talking to PINA. And may you also enjoy prosperity and long life.

That's it for today's interview. Back to an overview of the news..."

{{OOC: Next interview coming soon.}}

Pareesa Rahmati: "Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I'm Pareesa Rahmati (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Pareesa_Rahmati), and with me for our interview today is General Jack Valkare of Steel Butterfly. General, thank you very much for agreeing to this interview.

Very briefly, I'd like to present you to our viewers, and if I leave anything out feel free to add it. You have the title of Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military; you'll be able to tell us whether that means you really have free reign for military operations, or whether there are civilian authorities above you. You fought alongside your soldiers in a civil war a decade ago, and you've been... could we say an active soldier as well as a military leader? Today we'll be talking about you, about your role in Steel Butterfly, but also about your thoughts on your job, and on war in general.

First, though... You're often described as a great war hero. I'd like to ask you: What is a war hero? How do you define one?"

General Jack Valkare: Well first of all, Ms. Rahmati, I am the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military for the entire Orion Empire, not simply the planet of Steel Butterfly. Second, fate’s made me a man of war. I’d like it better if history did not.

As for “hero,” I can’t really judge it objectively…but to be complimented by your own men is the greatest honor a leader can receive. I fight with my men as you pointed out; I don’t play chess with their lives from behind a desk. I think anyone who does the same deserves to be a called a hero. Putting your own life, as a soldier, in harm’s way, so that millions others won’t have to, is the most heroic thing I know.

Rahmati: "Your courage, of course, is recognised and respected by your soldiers and compatriots. But do your superiors never question the wisdom of your taking part in dangerous action? Who are your superiors, for that matter? So that our viewers can understand how military and civil hierarchy function in the Empire."

General Jack Valkare: I report directly to Emperor David Bivens himself, and I advise him on military matters, which he then decides to carry out or not. I am also in command of the Imperial Marines, one of the three divisions of the Imperial Military. The Fleet and Mobile Infantry are the other two. As Supreme Commander, I oversee all three.

Rahmati: "And, as your only superior, how does the Emperor feel about you going into the line of fire? Are you often in the line of fire?"

General Jack Valkare: Needless to say he doesn’t like it much. Still, since the Civil War I haven’t been in the line of fire. During that war, the Emperor was not yet the Emperor, and military engagements since then haven’t quite been on the scale which requires it.

Rahmati: "Let's talk about those military engagements. What is the general military policy of the Empire? When does the Empire use its military, and how?"

General Jack Valkare: The first priority of the Imperial Military is, of course, defense. The Orion Sector is a massive expanse, holding many civilian and military-inhabited planets, as well as planets housing massive technological or industrial complexes. All of these need protected and defended at all times. In addition, Imperial Space, while not interfering with any inter-galactic travel routes, still needs patrolled around the clock by border ships.

Rahmati: "Does that involve armed conflict? And is the Empire's military policy purely a defensive one?"

General Jack Valkare: Oh, no. At the moment we are engaged in an expansion campaign against a handful of planets just across the Orion border. The Empire has full offensive capabilities, in ship-to-ship, ship-to-planet, planet-to-ship, and ground combat abilities.

Rahmati: "I see. Could you tell us about that, General? Why an expansionist campaign?"

General Jack Valkare: It’s really not something to be publically discussed, (last part of the post after the title pic (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12191131&postcount=2)) however I will say that as the Empire grows in population, so does the number of supplies which it needs, as does the number of mouths it needs to feed. Expansion isn’t exclusive to the Orion Empire, however. Many governments practice it. Nor is it necessarily a bad thing. Life under Imperial rule is vastly improved for many of these populations we commandeer. Many of the main Imperial planets, as well as much of the Orion Sector itself, were acquisitions in an expansionist campaign years ago.

Rahmati: "Now, that of course raises serious ethical issues. There's very little public debate on this topic, is there? But have you any way to measure what the population's views may be on expansion, both in the homelands and in annexed territories? Do you face resistance movements from colonised peoples, for example?"

General Jack Valkare: Lack of debate aside, there is quite a small dissension rate among Imperial citizens in general, including opinions on expansion. What’s good for the Empire is good for its citizens, and the people realize that. As far as those being annexed, resistance differs from acceptance to armed resistance, however none of them possess military power or technology which rivals that of the Empire. This is good, as it cuts down on casualties they are able to case, and casualties that we need to cause in order to subjugate them.

In addition, those conquered do gain Imperial citizenship, upon swearing to the Emperor. The Imperial standard of living is quite high, and the GDP per capita is through the roof compared to most of our economic peers. If they give their word, they reap the benefits, and it’s better for all parties.

Rahmati: "In your view, General. But doesn't the fact they resist you encourage you to rethink some aspects at least of that expansionist policy? You say you have a "need" to use violence to subjugate colonised peoples. But there would be no need if you sought alternatives to colonisation. And international opinion, of course, generally condemns colonialism. If imperial expansion is first and foremost a matter of increasing production, such as food production, has your government ever considered alternatives?"

General Jack Valkare: Violence only “needs” to happen when they resist, you see. We’re improving their lives, and if they don’t see it that way, it’s unfortunate, but not unfortunate enough for us to stop. We’re not colonizing them. We’re incorporating them. They end up no less that every other planet within the Empire.

As for expansion itself, there are many reasons for engaging it in. Production is one. Tactical locations are another. Opposition prevention is a third. However, what is beneficial for the Empire is never weighed against public opinion. The Orion Sector has been in relative isolation for nearly a century, and opinion either for or against the Empire is rather lacking.

Alternatives are considered and usually put in place in addition to expansion.

Rahmati: "I see. I'd like to ask you a few questions on that.

Is there any access, within the Empire, to works and ideas developed on the theme of colonialism by people outside the Empire? In other words, are... "autonomy", "self-determination"... uhm, "cultural genocide" words you're likely to hear - at least among intellectuals - in the Empire?

One could also argue - and perhaps you can tell us whether some have argued - that production and tactical interests or needs could be met by bilteral agreements and treaties with neighbouring territories, without having to occupy them. Leaving aside for a moment important humanitarian concerns, wouldn't it be more cost effective to come to an agreement with such peoples - especially from a position of strength - rather than engage in all the costs of invasion, occupation, rebuilding, building new infrastructure, and so on?"

General Jack Valkare: Ah…so you do not approve?

Ms. Rahmati, the Empire is not some crack-pot dictatorship intent on taking away our people’s rights while taking over the galaxy or some nonsense. We have opposition. We have unrestricted reading. Political rights and civil rights do not go hand in hand. You can have one, the latter, without the other.

As for colonization, once again this is not the case. For an Earthen reference, I’d point you towards the Roman Empire instead of that of the British. Still, the reference is rather shallow, for Earthen standards cannot be applied to Orion.

“Autonomy” is considered a privilege as far as the Empire is concerned. You see, the planets we incorporate are typically of a far lesser technology level. Much as a child has no legal right as opposed to a parent, nor do these subsidiary planets have a right to self rule when that comes in opposition to the Empire’s right to do whatever necessary to provide for it’s people. You will not see us warmongering to bring cultures and governments under our rule that are on equal standing.

As far as “cultural genocide” is concerned, the concept itself is selfish at best. To attempt to hold onto ones culture, shielding it from others, is blatantly ignorant. Who’s to say that your culture is better when faced with an alternative? In addition, there have been numerous times over the years when the Empire has been changed for the better by incorporating aspects of another society into our own. We are not above self-improvement, and neither should our annexed territories be when faced with a technologically superior and economically more powerful alternative.

In regards to treaties and agreements instead of incorporation, it would be effective on one matter, but not the others. What’s stopping those governments from dealing with other, larger nations as well? What’s stopping those governments from allowing our political enemy’s soldiers to establish a base in our backyard? Annexation is effective on all matters.

Obviously those conquered aren’t ecstatic about the concept, and I supposed I wouldn’t be either in such a situation. Ultimately, however, dissenters disappear as the guard cracks down and new generations are born into Imperial rule, fully realizing the extent of the opportunities for personal, economic, and social growth set before them. Opportunities which, without a doubt, outweigh those available had they remained sovereign.

Society cannot be ruled by the elderly and the ultra-conservative, both afraid of change and alteration. Progress is required, no, demanded in order for success to be achieved. In falling under Imperial rule, who really loses? The former regime? Perhaps…but then again, all the people under that regime win. Which is more important?

Rahmati: "The question isn't whether or not I approve, General. I'm here to put to you the views held by many people on these sensitive topics, and to give you an opportunity to express your own views to our... uh, viewers in return.

In many societies, the consensual view held now is that military might alone is not justification for annexing foreign societies. They would argue that forcing one's culture onto other people is not only wrong, it is ignorant. It comes from a warped perspective which imagines hierarchies between cultures, and imagines that all should ultimately "evolve" in the same way as technologically and militarily more powerful ones. You mention economic might. Has it occured to you, for example... and, uhm, what would you say to the idea that... that a 'primitive' society with a self-sufficient economy may see no need whatsoever for what you may call 'economic development' - for monetary exchanges, increased production and... well, consumer consumption? 'Growth' itself is a culturally subjective concept, which belongs to a linear rather than cyclical or 'permanent' view of time... a linear view which includes the equally culturally subjective notion of progress.

We can discuss all these issues if you like, General, but to take one specific one, you say that 'progress' is what enables a society to 'succeed'. If you apply this view to annexed peoples, by force... What is your definition, General, of 'progress'... and, even more importantly perhaps, of 'success'?"

General Jack Valkare: Military might alone is not what makes Imperial rule superior to the individual world or even continent-governments of the annexed states. However, if it is military might that we use in order to open the eyes of the people, who have no doubt been blinded by their former regimes, then so be it.

Many societies call this ignorant? Well then I call them ignorant in return for attaching their situations to ours. Had it not been for a policy of expansion, for over two millennia, the Empire would not be what it is today. Had it not been for a few nations joining together to overpower the others, and then a few planets joining together and overpowering the others planets, the entire Orion Sector would be fractured into hundreds of tiny nations, constantly warring with each other and open for foreign invasion.

Long ago my people realized that by joining the greatest leaders, smartest minds, and most creative people of all the nations together, you would get more stability, better production, and increased national might.

“Progress,” Ms. Rahmati, is many things. Peace is progress, and by adding their people to the Empire, and instilling following generations with Imperial pride instead of secular nationalism, you sacrifice a bit of conflict now for many years of peace in the future. Economic prosperity is progress as well, and while you assume that these less advanced societies have working economies, many of them live in poverty, teaching scientific falsehoods in under-funded schools. The Empire offers education, both formal and practical. Efficiency is also progress, and ties in with economics as well. Some of these people farm in acres, using animals or land-based vehicles for their work. Meanwhile, the Empire has superior crops, superior machinery, and superior methods.

Progress in all of these societal benchmarks enables personal success. In a generation, any of these conquered children could have to potential to grow up and become corporate big-shots, doctors in advanced fields of medicine, or industry pioneers. In addition, they could introduce their cultural music, art, drama, or other fines arts to the Empire as a whole, or even study to become regional governors, working for the Empire itself.

It’s truly the exchange of a lifetime. We gain more culture from the added societies, and they gain advancements and opportunities they could only dream of before.

Rahmati: "You raise some interesting points, General. The fact remains, of course, that colonised people cannot withdraw from what you impose upon them, and from the fact that you see and treat them through your subjective values and not their own. Now that our viewers have heard your perspective, though, they can make up their minds. Feel free of course to add anything else you'd like to say on this matter.

To finish on this particular issue, though, before moving on to something else... How exactly are these annexed territories governed?"

General Jack Valkare: The Empire realized two things long ago. First of all, people respond better to leaders which represent their own society as opposed to a foreign ruler. Second, it is impractical and unnecessary for one man, the Emperor, to govern each and every aspect of each and every planet.

The Emperor himself typically makes broad decisions, leaving the specifics up to his appointees. For instance, he decides if we go to war or use military action, but leaves the technicalities and the tactical situations up to me, merely demanding updates along the way. Likewise, he treats the appointed planetary governors the same, which are always appointed from the people who actually live on the planet. The only other appointed positions are the Imperial Regional Judges, who preside over the law in the Emperor’s absence.

In other more-regional positions, such as town mayors, police chiefs, local magistrates, and whatnot, there is always an election. Democracy doesn’t interfere at the local level, and politics don’t get in the way of production. It also allows the people to have input on what affects them on a day to day basis.

Rahmati: "And, I suppose, does this make matters run more smoothly?

On this point, so as not to remain just in theoreticals, I'd like to ask you what the Empire would have done, in practice, had it been the one to colonise Ariddia. Since many people in Ariddia are watching us, this might make your answers more meaningful to our viewers.

Wymgani - Indigenous Ariddians - had (and many still have) a form of society in which 'progress', in a material sense, was meaningless, never conceived of. There is no money. The economy is closer to what's traditionally called a 'gift economy', with reciprocal gifts, and especially sharing, on the basis of need. Production is limited to satisfying those needs. Now... Had the Empire colonised, what would have been your approach? Would you have forced Indigenous Ariddians into a radically foreign economic model? And, if so, what would you have done if they'd resisted?"

General Jack Valkare: Oddly enough, we have dealt with a somewhat similar situation in the past. There is a planet known official as Orion III where a humanoid feline race lives on. However, it is in a system neighboring that of the planet Steel Butterfly, the Imperial Capital, and therefore needed to be possessed by the Empire for security reasons.

The cat-race on this planet is known as the Worthens, and they are a far-primitive, nature-worshipping people. We had to go to great lengths, setting up cloaked space stations around the planet after clandestine observational teams were sent in to analyze the culture.

I’m a General, Ms. Rahmati, and while I’m well versed in life enough to talk to you about theory and whatnot, I’m not a politician or a cultural scientist. I’m sure a similar approach would have been taken to your indigenous people, but I can’t really talk specifics.

If I may ask, Ms. Rahmati, what did your people do with this indigenous society?

Rahmati: "A fair question. Although 'my people' would be all Ariddians, including Indigenous. About one third of Ariddians today are Wymgani.

After initial colonisation, most Wymgani were left to themselves. Ariddia was annexed via a Treaty signed with some Wymgani, which guaranteed traditional Wymgani ownership of the land. That was not always respected, though, and there was conflict over land, with many Wymgani being dispossessed.

There was never any coherent, lasting policy to integrate or forcefully assimilate Wymgani into settler society, but as the number of non-Indigenous Ariddians grew, and they spread over Wymgani lands, that obviously had consequences for Wymgani.

Today, Wymgani land rights are recognised, and almost the entire country officially belongs to Wymgani communities. There have been great efforts for reconciliation, and trying to undo the damage inflicted on Wymgani societies. Culturally... Well, there are many varied cases. Some Wymgani are urbanised; others live more 'traditional' lives in the forests.

I'm not Indigenous myself, so I can't really give you an Indigenous perspective on this issue.

Now, as you've said, you're a soldier, so let's move on to issues which directly concern you, General. First of all, could you tell us how you came to be a soldier?"

General Jack Valkare: There are various military academies of prestige throughout the Empire. I myself went to the Esthar Military Academy on Esthar VIII thanks to rather advanced grades in highschool, but there is also the Monarch Officer’s Academy for most officers and the Orion Military Academy for everyone else.

All soldiers are trained in basic tactics and history as well as physical fitness and basic training, making Imperial soldiers some of the most well-rounded at least in the galaxy. If you ask me, or any Imperial historian, you’d probably hear that is because of the increased role the military has played in the modern Empire. It’s a fair assessment.

Service has become more than an acceptable option after schooling, even become quite lucrative for some, like myself. After graduating from EMA as a Marine, I took up the role of a tactical officer aboard the starship Calamity. Due to some unfortunate circumstances and field casualties, I gained a field promotion from marine captain to lieutenant colonel, bypassing major altogether, within months of being posted on the ship. While this was removed shortly after, since field promotions are only temporary, and I was given the official title of major for my work in the crisis, it paved the way for my quick promotion.

As a colonel then for the Empire’s former regime when the Civil War broke out, I chose to join the Resistance instead, and I was quickly promoted to the Resistance military’s second in command, given the rank of General. After my superior fell, I was given command for the final year, and led the pivotal battles against the planets Steel Butterfly and the oft-misnamed planet Steel Moon, winning the war for the Resistance. As the co-leader of the Resistance, David Bivens, became Emperor, so was I rewarded with my service by being named his military right hand.

Rahmati: "And what led you to choose to enter the military in the first place?"

General Jack Valkare: I was a smart kid, Ms. Rahmati. Considered “gifted” through school and the like. But I was a trouble-maker…a delinquent. I kinda half-decided to enter the military. In the Empire it’s truly a fine option. My mother pulled some strings…she was a very influential woman…and he got me into EMA.

EMA turned me around real well and real quick. I excelled at sports and tactics, and was chosen early on for a Command path. I owe a lot to the military, and every day I’m thankful for it.

Rahmati: "I see. Thank you.

Now, I'd like to ask you about your thoughts on war... and, more specifically, how you cope with it as a soldier. Unlike most people, of course, you have first hand experience. There are a variety of views on war, but no-one would say that it doesn't involve suffering, death, destruction... horrors that many people, perhaps, would rather not think about.

As a soldier - and a high-ranking one at that, but an active one... how do you cope? You've probably witnessed some terrible things. I've worked with humanitarian agencies; I've experienced the aftermath of wars. How do you deal with that, and keep going, as a soldier?"

General Jack Valkare: You said it yourself. Most people would not want to have to think about the horrors of war, and we allow them not to. All of us in the Imperial Military are lucky that we do not live in a society that demeans veterans like others we have witnessed.

I’m not sure if you’re aware of the situation around the Orion Civil War, but the brave men who landed on Steel Moon saw things far beyond the typical horrors of war. Genetic experiments were involved in the fight…most of them failed, mutated creatures otherwise unidentifiable. Still, whether that is harder than fighting against a man who two years ago was a co-patriot is debatable.

You have to keep yourself numb to it, Ms. Rahmati. I don’t want to think about the horrors. I can’t let them haunt me like that. Sometimes I wonder what it does to me…as a person…but I can’t think of that either. I send men to their deaths…and I cannot afford to bring emotions into the equation.

As a soldier, you truly have to believe in what you’re fighting for. Otherwise your mind wanders…starts asking questions…and takes you down a dark path. I’d be content never fighting again as long as I lived, but as a soldier, not fighting when you are called to is selfish. It’s our duty to fight so that those who can’t don’t have to. Being a soldier is perhaps the most selfless profession I can imagine.

Rahmati: "Thank you very much, General, for giving us your view, and first hand perspective, on that. We're running out of time, unfortunately, but is there anything else you'd like to say to our viewers, on any topic?"

General Jack Valkare: There’s so many things I could get on a soapbox about, but I’d resent other cultures preaching to me about mine, so I’m going to save that for my own people.

I want to thank you for letting me speak on these matters. It’s a rare opportunity for someone of my position to be able to voice an opinion without critics saying that it’s propaganda or politically charged. An international media outlet, such as PINA, gives me the forum I desire, and I thank you for it.

Rahmati: "You're welcome, General Valkare.

That concludes this interview. We return now to today's news, with Mélanie Dupré..."


{{OOC: Next interview starting soon.}}

Robert Choi: "Welcome to today's interview. I'm Robert Choi (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Robert_Choi), and with me is Elenore Romney (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Elenore_Romney), Prime Minister of Kanami. Prime Minister, thank you for being here with PINA.

Before we begin, I'll introduce you briefly to our viewers. Feel free to add anything I may leave out. You had a difficult childhood, losing your sister and your three brothers. You've been your country's ambassador to the United Nations, but you resigned over a resolution preventing any ban of nuclear weapons, and over what you called the UN's 'dictatorial' policies. You're a member of the Republican Socialist Party. You favour strong social policies, and more participation of citizens in political life. Your party is opposed to abortion, but in favour of the death penalty; you'll be able to tell us whether you share those views. You signed the International Fair Trade Agreement - of which Ariddia is a signatory - but then withdrew from that agreement. Again, you'll be able to explain to us why.

You've increased funding for education, and have begun to look at possibilites for environmentally cleaner energy. Most notably, perhaps, you remain firmly opposed to legalising alcohol and drugs, since these were responsible for the deaths of your four siblings.

Your positions on Kanami's international policies are also noteworthy, and we'll come to those in just a moment. First, though, Madam Prime Minister, is there anything you'd like to add to this brief portrait?"

"You summed up that up very nicely, that is pretty much me in a nutshell so you can fire away with any more questions."

Choi: "Well let's start, perhaps, with your decision to sign the IFTA, and then to withdraw from it. Can you tell us what motivated your decision, on both occasions?"

"Well with IFTA we recived an invitation, and it seemed appealing because it strognly supported fellowship in trade amongst member nations, and the rights of workers, of which I'm strongly for. However the decision to pull IFTA there are a few reasons. For starters IFTA is nearly a binding contract, once you are with them you are expected to stay with them and them only. Kanami has many trading partners so that simply could not work for us. I was also paticullarly vexed the fact they would not encourage ecnomic pressures against Allenea for the overwheliming support of LifeWyze Corp, of which I strongly disturst. To me it semeed like an alliance that was pro- isolationist, instead of pro-openess."

Choi: "IFTA... The International Fair Trade Agreement does indeed bind signatories to trade only amongst themselves. By withdrawing, through, you've established that Kanami cannot trade with any IFTA signatory. Is that, on the balance of things, something that's acceptable to you?"

"That's perfectly fine with me. If every nation was apart of IFTA I would be scared right about now, but there are plenty of nations willing to trade."

Choi: "All right. Since we're on the topic of Kanami's relations with the outside world, let's talk about the UN. Here, too, Kanami has withdrawn under your Premiership. You've accused the organisation of being 'dictatorial'. What exactly are your objections to the United Nations... or at least to being a part of it?"

"There's a lot of things I don't like about the U.N. the dictorial policey is the complete lack of soverignty of a nation . You would think that if they are enforcing their resoulutions they would take action against U.N. Members that violate their resolutions but they don't. When I appealed to the U.N. to take action against the United States of Independent Hitmen, I got brushed off, simpl as that. They madate yet they don't enforce. Secondly, my time I saw it as a beurecratic marry-go-round. Resolutions would pass and then be repealed within a month. Of course the Allowment of Nuclear weapons I thought was the most dangerous resolution ever passed, because nuclear weaopons are the most dangerous weapons ever made."

Choi: "But all UN resolutions are enforced. So I'm not too sure what you're refering to here, Prime Minister. Regarding 'bureaucracy'... Do you believe the concept of repeals itself is faulty? How would you advocate bringing positive change to the way the United Nations functions?"


OOC: It's accepted, in the UN forum, that compliance is mandatory and unavoidable. How exactly it's done is unclear; most refer to "UN gnomes" who rewrite countries' laws and somehow ensure enforcement. In any case, if a country remains in the UN, game mechanics, rules, and accepted RP etiquette all state that means they're in full compliance.

"The only way I think the remedy the situation is for either the U.N. to change, which seems unlikely or otherwise simply pour over each and every resoulution to make sure the loop holes and problematic clauses are worked out. I wouldn't say abolish the repeals system, but it's hard to say. Kanami really doesn't care much where the U.N. goes, seeing as we aren't a member."

Choi: "I see. Now, on the issue of Kanami's international role, you advocate interventionist policies, to 'restore order' in foreign nations, and you want to actively spread democracy and your nation's 'beliefs'. Can you clarify these various points? What do they mean in practice?"

"Well Kanami does belive in being an interventionist, especially when called upon for help. We want to spread the word of freedom around the world and the way of a just and fair society, especially in unstable parts. Ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away, it just fans the flames of the problem and becomse a hot bed for un civilized activity. Terrorism is obviously a big one. But if a nation takes that step to help, then that nation can become stable and effective in the world, and it can likely start a chain reaction of postotive things. You know like they say a smile is contagious, good deads are contagious too. Obviously we can't get involved in everybody's conflicts but we can chose what we can do. I should also mention a lot our desires date back to that of our founder and first leader. She was very devoted to her cause and she wanted what we had for everyone in the world."

Choi: "Before we look at what Kanami's interventionist policies entail, in practice, and whether there's any controversy around them, could you tell us more about the country's founder, and her legacy?"

"Certianlly. Our founder Yasashii Himura was a girl very wise beyond her years. Only 14 when she founded Kanami, I know that sounds very unbeliveable but 9/10 historians agree she was that age. 16/20 at least agree she was in her mid-late teens. She was a lonly orphan wondering the streets, taken by a benevolent teacher and taught everything you can teach, including democracy, of the old Roman Empire. Mind you democracy was still pretty experimental in the world in 1805. After long time of preaching she gatherd a strong and loyal group of followers traveld far and wide and settled in our great land. She established a stabel central government, that would be free for peoples most basic rights. She established relations with Aqua Anu our most loyal ally, and retired and lived out her life. Yasashii is one of the most inspirational people in history, and she chose our national motto to be a coin for all people of the world to use, and that is why Kanami wants to be the interventionist."

Choi: "All right. So you believe Kanami has inherited universal values, which you have... what, a right, a duty to export? How do you intend to do this, in practice?"

"Answer the call when someone asks. Be a freind to thoes in need, protect the weaker and help them to become strong."

Choi: "But that's theory, Madam Prime Minister. Principles. In very concrete, practical terms, what do you mean by 'protect the weaker and help them to become strong', for example? Economic counselling? Political advisers? Miltary aid? Is this about military issues, and if so how do you decide when to send Kanami's military forces somewhere?"

"What ever it takes. If they need military, then military councel. If Legal, poltical, econonomic, whatever. If I may cite an example, following the Kuronan Strom Crisis, Kurona had temendous debt with insurance, fortunatley our selves with others helped relive them of the national debt. If a nation is clearly unstable, and asks, we will willfully if we can manage, send out troops, such as Princstable, which sadly no longer existst as a state. If civilans are being masacered by military personal we'll send troops, but we do have to chose our battles carefully."

Choi: "So you mostly send assistance at the request of a foreign country. To what extent do you intervene in the affairs of foreign nations without or against their consent, then?"

"If I, or any member of my cabinate feels a situation in a foreing country severly endangers Kanami National Security, or Kanami intrests, such as messing with our allies nation, or if say Kanami citzens were purposefully being singled out by the government and being unfairly treated, then we would go with out consent. That was the reason Kanami forced invaded the Hanover Island Chain, which belongs to Stevid. Because of the history of our two nations which has been frosty, and because of Kanami intrest in the area, namley the southern Islands which have been under our protection, we feel a justification. Naturally it's a rare occurance to march in with out consent because that consitutes invasion and war. "

Choi: "Indeed. You also mentioned upholding values, such as democracy. I assume that means offering support to democratic governments. Is there any other aspect to this policy?"

"Mostly it does mean offering support to democratic nations, or in some scenarios having to establish a democratic government, which Kanami hasn't offically done in it's history."

Choi: "'Officially'?"

"The most we have done is stabalize a government."

Choi: "I see. Let's move on to other aspects of your policy. Your party officially supports the death penalty but opposes abortion. Do you personally share those views? And if so, could you explain why?"

"Well my party is very much activist on thoes. I can't speak for the rest of the party but I can speak for me. Now to be honest when I first started into polotics, I was so-so on Abortion, I really didn't have much of an opinon. But when my mother adopted my younger sister Margaret, I began to feel strongly about it. Poor Margaret wasn't prepared to come into the world. Her mother wasn't mature enough to raise a child, her father really didn't show any support, and was sent to an orphange. However she was bullied so she ran away, and my mother found her, and took her in. I love Margaret, as though she was a sister by birth and I know she'll go far in this world. If she was aborted she wouldn't be here, I wouldn't have the pleasure of being her big sister, as a counciler. Naturally I was the youngest and my two brothers and sister were killed so I've never known the luxry of being a role model. And I've seen the joy and happiness Margaret brings to my mother, joy and happiness I haven't seen since the death of my sibilings

Now as for the death penalty, there are some wicked people in this world that shouldn't be allowed the potental to rome the streets again. I once talked with an inmate on death rowe, he was a child predator harmed a lot of children. This may suprise you but he didn't appeal his case, he didn't try to get off it, he felt he was getting what he deserved. He told me, If I were a parent, I wouldn't want me to walk the streets again I asked him then if he came to terms of what he did, why not ask for a Grace? And he told me, It's like driving a car at a 100 miles per hour, with no breaks, and your bearing down on a child. No matter what you do, no matter how hard you try you can't stop and you cant avoid it. And it was a shocking analogy from a man who had been down that dark path. The fact is, you can't cure everyone, and you can't lock everyone up forever.

Now I can quote my party leader Nancy Novoty, she said There is a diffrence between killing a pure unborn person, and killing a mass murder. But thoes are her belifes. But are there thoes in the party that support abortion but oppose the death penalty? Absotlutely. Anyone can go either way."

Choi: "Well, you mention some interesting views on sensitive issues. But before we go into those... Will you be trying to legislate at all on these topics, while you're Prime Minister?"

"Indeed I will, be adressing these issues."

Choi: "And would it be indiscrete to ask what you have planned?"

"Well, at this time Kanami allows abortion for rape, incest, or to protect the mothers life. Well I really don't feel this is good. I know bearing a child isn't easy, emotinall of financially so I will need to find ways to work this out. The only exception I think we should make is danger, but I really think the danger has to be presnet, and it has to be the mothers choice. There are mothers who honestly have given their life to give birth and that is a nobel cause. Of course if it's a still birth, or miscarriage you can abort the fetus. It get's kind of complex and the decision of the bill rests in Parliament. The death penalty, I think we do need to improve in thoes areas. We naturally want to make sure we don't send an innocent person to death, and if we do, we should be responsible and fess up to our mistake and give just compensation."

Choi: "On that point... How do you compensate a person you've killed? And, for that matter, how can you be certain you will never execute an innocent person? Do you think it's possible?"

"Not the prisoner, we can't compensate a dead prisoner, but we do compensate the family and we clear the prisoners name of any wrong doing. But the fact is we can never guarantee that we may never execute an innocent man, just like you can't gurantee me it will be sunny all week. When calling for the death penalty, the prosocution has to have a very firm air tight case with plenty of evidence and multiple eye-witnesses with firm continuity, and no biase. 9/10 times there should be DNA evidence as well, and finger prints."

Choi: "Some would argue that, since the risk of executing an innocent person always exists, there can be no justification for retaining the death penalty. That the possibility of taking an innocent person's life is so awful that it cannot be allowed."

"Im aware of the arguments that exist against, but let's not turn this into a debate hour."

Choi: "It's up to you, Madam Prime Minister. We can talk about other issues if you prefer, but we can also look at each point and issue more in depth."

"I would like to move on."

Choi: "Very well. If there is more you'd like to add on these issues, to clarify your position for viewers, we can at any time.

For now... As we've said, you're a member of the Republican Socialist Party. Do you describe yourself as a socialist? And if so, what does that mean, for you? You've also been looking at environmental concerns, so... Social issues, environmental issues... How important are these to you, and can you give us examples of policies you consider important in these fields?"

"Um you could say I am a socialist, but not a Marxist Socialist. I belive in firm Social values and justice, such as welfare, and other Government assitance, but I also belive in a free economy. Business has always had a bit of a bad rap, when the documentry Roger&Me came out in the 80's, it was a fire storm, it angered a lot of law makers and people because of the actions being done by G.M. in the 80's, with the downsizing. Now if it was because the coorperation was on hard times I don't think it would have been nearly as impacting but G.M. was raking in millions of dollars a year! So we got strict on business. Then A Civil Action came out, more strictness. We really didn't want greedy cooperations doing these things. Since taking office I've tried to allow business to practice more freely, as along as they are in the boundries of ethics, and senisble practices.

The state of the enviroment, global warming is a serious threat. We need to solve this problem, and there is far too much trash. The state of the enivroment is declining around the world and it has me really concerned."

Choi: "And... on the issue of the environment, do you think there are concrete measures you can take, to make a difference? Maybe even make Kanami a... sort of international model?"

"Well we have made some serious efforts, for starters, not using pestacides and herbacides galore, and not stuffing food full of artifical organisims. Also we've made efforts to widly produce hybrid cars and electrict cars. Public transportation has also, and the list is going on and on. A lot of these contributions were made by Prime Minister James Scott who was actually a Green Party Member. He did many great things to improve the enviroment. He was a really great leader and the air in Kanami hasn't been cleaner."

Choi: "And so presumably you'll be continuing his policies... expanding on them perhaps. One last question, Prime Minister. Your opponents in the Democratic Party have criticised your views on direct democracy. Could you explain to us exactly what those views are?"

"Really giving more voice to the people. Basically it also allows people to sort of Govern themselves and also aid in writing a bill if they really wanted. Allows them to voice their concerns to Parliament about a certain issue, or ask questions. The opposing party doesn't like this. They feel a represenative government is the best way to go and stay. But I disagree. "

Choi: "And do you hope to implement this in practice, and make it a lasting element of Kanami's political, government system? What do the people themselves think?"

"I certianlly hope it's lasting. I belive if people are more involved they can form a better nation. And the people seem to like it as well. They feel they have a part in their country, and therfore it makes society better."

Choi: "Madam Prime Minister, we're going to have to leave it at that. Thank you very much for talking to us here on PINA.

We return now to the day's news..."


{{OOC: Next interview coming soon.}}

"Oh my pleasure."

Angelic Nettles: "Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Welcome to our latest interview here on PINA. I'm Angelic Nettles (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Parliamentary_Channel), and this evening I'm honoured to welcome His Royal Highness King Aelkyn of Altanar. Your Majesty, good evening, and thank you for talking to us on PINA."

King Aelkyn: "Thank you for having me, Angelic. I'm pleased to have this opportunity to reach your viewers."

Nettles: "There are various things for us to talk about, Your Majesty, but before we go into specifics, could you clarify the current situation in Altanar? You're known as a reformist, and your reforms are not accepted by everyone."

King Aelkyn: "I would be happy to explain the situation. Under my leadership, our government is trying to implement democratic reforms, such as limiting the power of noble families and removing them from the political process, and expanding the size of our elected legislature so that more citizens, and more political parties, can have a voice in governing our nation. These attempts are not sitting well with traditionalists in our nation, nor is it sitting well with the nobles themselves. This has led to the current situation we have now, as they are attempting to resist those reforms through use of force."

Nettles: "When you say 'use of force', you mean, specifically...? How serious is the situation?"

King Aelkyn: "The current situation on the ground is very complex, and changes by the minute, but I will try to summarize. When we first implemented the reform plans, specifically removing the nobles from our Legislature, they began plotting to assassinate my wife and her unborn child, and myself. They also planned to dose my father with mind-control drugs, and use him to gain control over the throne. Their plans were discovered, but before we could arrest them, a group of rogue nobles with ties to a separatist movement assassinated most of the other nobles. They are currently leading a revolt in our southwestern provinces. In addition, another noble is attempting to lead a revolt of his own in his home province. We have them boxed in, though, and are confident of being able to achieve victory quickly. The only delay is the fact that we are trying to minimize civilian casualties and property damage as much as possible. The nation is quite unsettled in some areas, but overall we retain control of the situation."

Nettles: "I see. The reaction of these nobles seems - to put it mildly - rather extreme. Had you foreseen anything like this? What happened while the changes were still being considered, and hadn't been implemented yet?"

King Aelkyn: "We expected them to react somehow, but not in such a brutal fashion. There has been tension between the nobles and the government for some time, but nothing this severe until now. As far as what happened before the changes were implemented, there had been increasing discontent among the people that part of their taxes were going to support the nobles. A large part of that discontent was due to the fact that the nobles chose to live a lavish and decadent lifestyle, and contribute little back to the nation. That offended many people, which led us to implement a plan to cut off the nobles' access to tax revenues."

Nettles: "I see. So it was an issue of funding, as well as participation in government? Was any thought given to some sort of middle-way or negotiation, Your Majesty? Or was that impossible, for some reason?"

King Aelkyn: "Negotiations would have been....somewhat difficult. The nobles were not willing to give up their control of the Legislature, or their revenue stream. Previous proposals to do so had been made by my predecessors, only to be shelved when the nobles promised massive resistance. We had little reason to believe things would be different now, as the nobles, through control of the Senate, had been shooting down almost all attempts at reform legislation that were made, both during my father's reign before me, and during my own as well. Since we could not achieve the needed reforms through the Legislature, it was necessary for me to intervene."

Nettles: "So you decided to make a 'clean sweep'. Do you still think that was the best decision, Your Majesty, in view of the consequences? And do you think the conflict will soon be settled permanently?"

King Aelkyn: "I do believe, even with the consequences we are seeing now, that this was the correct decision. People in Altanar were extremely discontent with the nobles. If we had not taken these steps now, Altanar would have faced far greater unrest if we had done nothing. As tragic as the current events are, what we are facing now is due, in large part, to previous governments sweeping the matter under the rug, rather than taking the bitter medicine of addressing it. These are all really issues dating back all the way to our Unification period, which were never resolved until now."

Nettles: "Could you explain that to us, Your Majesty? How issues during Unification have had far-reaching consequences, up to today?"

King Aelkyn: "The Unification period was the period when my ancestor, King Olen, first unified all of the petty kingdoms, principalities and bandit states that occupied the Altan plains into a single nation. In order to secure the cooperation and alliance of most of the leaders of those mini-states, Olen had to come to a certain understanding with them. They continued to tax and rule in their respective areas, but pledged allegiance to Olen and agreed to come together in a single nation. That was the beginning of the nobility in Altanar as we have it today. As time went on, however, our people matured past tribalism and clannishness, and developed a single, unified identity and self-vision. They were Altanari, not Lukishans, Starians or any of the other original kingdoms. Our nobility, unfortunately, has not shared this vision, and has proven to be most resistant to the idea of a unified, democratic and modern state. In essence, the promises Olen made to the people that became our nobility were a devil's bargain. They secured their cooperation, as long as the nobility got their way, but when the people began to demand a truly democratic state, these understandings would come back to haunt us. Succeeding Kings were reluctant to address the issue, precisely due to the kind of unrest we are seeing now. But I don't like to hide from hard choices."

Nettles: "What will the function of the nobility - if any - be now?"

King Aelkyn: "The nobility, what is left of it, will be confined largely to a ceremonial role. It is important to remember, though, that most of the nobles are now either deceased, or guilty of treason. Under those circumstances, the role of the nobility is going to be practically nonexistent."

Nettles: "I see. Your Majesty, your opponents have criticised you for, as they put it, destroying Altanar's 'traditional values'. Do you know what they may be refering to, other than their own traditional function? And, to you, what are Altanar's values, if any?"

King Aelkyn: "Well, they certainly want to maintain their position. But worse, the traditionalists use that phrase as a codeword of sorts for 'isolationism'. For many years, Altanar was a very isolated nation. It is only very recently that the country has been opened up to the international community. We've had a large increase in immigration, and been exposed to other ways of thinking as a result of this. The people that oppose these great changes the most are the ones that fear change the most. They want Altanar to be a land of one religion, one homogenous population, one way of thinking. Most of us, however, are smart enough to realize that diversity strengthens us, not the other way around."

"As for what I view Altanar's values as being, an easy way to sum that up would be to simply quote our national motto, which translates to 'fortune favors the bold'. We aren't a nation of fearful people, and should not act as such. But I would go even deeper than that. At the time of Unification, Olen drafted a set of concepts which have since come to be known as the Altanari Way. The Way revolves around the concepts of cooperation, tolerance, compromise and coming to greater understanding through educating oneself about people that are different from you. This set of beliefs was believed by Olen to be the only way a nation such as Altanar could survive. I have always believed these ideals represent Altanar at its best."

Nettles: "And your policies have embodied that approach. Would it be correct to say you've tried to bring Altanar into the world, and the world into Altanar?"

King Aelkyn: "I would say so. Nice turn of phrase, by the way - we may need to start using that as a motto. But in truth, I cannot take all the credit for these efforts. My grandfather, Cebratha, and my father, Cianar, during their reigns, began to lay the foundations for what we are doing today."

"We definitely do want to bring Altanar into the greater international community, though, and vice-versa. Anything that does not grow stagnates and eventually dies. That is as true for nations as anything else."

Nettles: "But would you consider your policies are essentially a continuity of those of your father and grandfather, or would you say what you're doing is, in many ways, quite new for Altanar?"

King Aelkyn: "I would say my policies are a continuation of the spirit of what my grandfather and father brought to our nation, but designed to fit the rapidly changing and modern nation we are becoming. Altanar is, in many ways, a very different nation now than it was ten years ago. So, indeed, a lot of what we are doing is new for our nation."

Nettles: "And indeed, some of your policies have been very new. You've brought Altanar into the United Nations, for example. Which, I suppose, should be seen as just one element in a broader whole in terms of foreign policy?"

King Aelkyn: "Absolutely. Previous governments, to a lesser or greater degree, were more concerned with keeping the international community at arms' length. We are reversing that trend, by establishing a diplomatic corps, opening embassies in other nations and offering other countries the chance to do the same, by opening up our markets to trade, and by participating in the United Nations."

Nettles: "As a member of the United Nations, what is Altanar's general position? Have you got a specific approach to international issues within the UN? When you cast your vote on resolutions, for instance."

King Aelkyn: "Our approach to international affairs is simple: Altanar wants to establish warm and friendly relations with as many nations as possible, to facilitate education, understanding and trade. We feel that even in the case of nations some would consider 'rogue', it is better to try to work with such nations rather than isolate them. As for our stance in the UN, we take the stand that unless legislation is truly comprehensive and covers a matter that requires and can be aided by international legislation, it should not be passed. Our foreign policy is simple, but we think it's effective."

Nettles: "And when you say 'effective', could you give us some idea of its effects so far?"

King Aelkyn: "In the arena of trade, we have been able to sign several trade agreements with other countries, and international corporations. This has done a lot to improve the economic situation in our nation. In the UN, we have been active participants in the legislative process, and from what I understand, we've had a good amount of success working with other nations to promote a good balance between respecting the culture and sovereignty of other nations, and in addressing pressing international issues that require intervention. And on the foreign affairs side of things, we've expanded our presence on the international stage, and have many friendly nations that are willing to help us in times of crisis."

Nettles: "You've also reformed the country's immigration laws..."

King Aelkyn: "Yes, we have. Specifically, we've implemented a program to give people seeking refugee status expedited immigration, and assistance with housing, medical care, education and employment to help them integrate and become productive and happy members of our society. It's actually a wonderful program. I've seen some of the arrivals when they first reach Altanar, and then a year later. The difference we're able to make in their lives is remarkable. And they become such enthusiastic and productive members of our nation. It really strengthens both us and them."

Nettles: "And has this been consensual, on the whole, or have you faced political opposition on this front too?"

King Aelkyn: "There has been some opposition to the new immigration initiatives as well, but it comes from the same people who oppose our other reforms - xenophobes and traditionalists. They are thankfully a relatively small part of our population, as will hopefully become apparent soon."

Nettles: "And have your immigration policies been successful? You've provided refugees with housing, education, and financial support to give them a start in their new life. I assume you've been keeping track of their progress. How have they been faring in Altanar?"

King Aelkyn: "Our analysis indicates that most of them are faring well. This program has only been in place a few years, so we don't have long-term statistics available yet. But judging by what data we do have, we'd say the program has been a success. Over 80% of the people that have come to our country through this program so far have chosen to stay, based on our tracking of entry and exit visas. And our data also indicates that of the ones who do stay, 87% of them choose to apply for Altanari citizenship. I consider that a pretty strong vote of confidence."

Nettles: "One last question, Your Majesty. Are there any other reforms you're currently considering but that you haven't begun implementing yet?"

King Aelkyn: "Indeed, there are. This is the beginning of a great process of democratization and populist empowerment for Altanar. Once we are done, Altanar will be a nation governed under an elected Legislature, with an elected Prime Minister who will have the power to guide the nation. Ideally, once that happens, I will assume the role of an observer, who only acts as a protector of the Constitution and the rights of the people, and not as essentially an absolute monarch."

Nettles: "Significant changes indeed. It sounds as if the task you've set out for yourself will be a long one. Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for being here today and talking to us at PINA. Before we end this interview, is there anything you'd like to add?"

King Aelkyn: "I hope that this interview has helped educate your viewers about my nation. We've found that bringing other nations to our doorstep has enlightened us, and hope that other nations have the same experience with Altanar. And of course, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to interview me."

Nettles: "Thank you, Your Majesty. That concludes our interview.

Back to the main studio, and to the latest news, with Mélanie Dupré..."

{{OOC: Next interview coming soon.}}

Angelic Nettles: “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Welcome to today’s PINA interview. I’m Angelic Nettles (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Parliamentary_Channel).

With me is Strom Gunderson, President of the Republic of Ironwell, and I’m honoured to be able to talk to him here in the Grand Forum, home of Ironwell’s Senate.

Mr. President, good evening, and thank you for being here with us. There are many things for us to talk about, but first, if I may, I’ll introduce you briefly to our viewers around the world. You were born into a working-class background and grew up in a mining town. You served in the police force in your home town, then on the national level, fighting with determination and effectiveness against gangs, organised crime and corrupt colleagues; you earned the nickname “Lion of Coal Harbour”.

You later entered politics, and were elected President just one year later, standing for the the People's Conservative Party of the Republic. You’ve since been re-elected, and are beginning your second term in office.

First of all. . . Well, would you like to add anything to that?”

"Well Ms. Nettles, you seem to have got me in a nutshell. First off I want to welcome you and your viewers to my nation. I've actually been lookng forward to the interview for quite some time now and am glad you came. Our senators have always taken a special kind of delight in taking the president to task here in the Grand Forum. I welcome the respite, however brief it will be."

Nettles: "Are you sure it will be a respite, Mr. President?" (smiles) "Now, you're a member of the Conservative Party. But you've surprised your supporters by backing policies one wouldn't think of as typically Conservative: social justice, same sex marriages... Could you tell us, first, why you agreed to be the candidate of the Conservative Party, and whether you still have the party's support?"

"It wasn't intention to get into politics initially, you know? I had always planned to just simply retire after my policing career and laze about fishing and being a dull old man in general. But over time I made a lot of friends and associates in the party and became more active. Next thing you know I'm in an auditorium full of people with my name in banners. The party needed a good candidate for the election, and I felt there was a bit more I could do for my nation so it was a good fit. While the party still supports me, there have been a few recent poins of contention."

Nettles: "Specifically, Mr. President? I understand it was the party that approached you, but was the Conservative Party closest to your own ideas? Notwithstanding 'points of contention'?"

"Without a doubt. The Conservative Party of the Republic believes in protecting both the safety and the rights of all citizens. Historically they've maintained a strong commitment to the safety and security of our nation by supporting the armed foreces and our police. Apart from the law and order aspects, stiff sentincing for serious crimes and all the usual aspects you'd expect a old cop like me to agree with, other parts of the platform have held some appeal to me as well. I found that the Conservative policies toward our economy, even before I became poltically active, were more well rounded than the other parties. The Liberal Democrats want to choke out our businesses by slanting the balance of power in the workforce to the labour unions and by over regulation of the private sector. The Transnationalists on the other hand slant to the other extreme, they would turn our nation into a corporate run state if given the chance. The Socialist Alliance wants to outlaw private enterprise entirely and if the Republican Reform Coalition could pick one platform for more than two years at a time they might actually begin to make sense. Our party walks the the more balanced road of allowing business to prosper and run the way the want provided they do not harm anyone and with as much regulation as necessary, but no more. My father raised me with a good, solid work ethic and I found that in general, the Conservative message holds true to the values of hard work and self-determination."

Nettles: "You have, however, implemented social policies, which aren't exactly in line with what your party traditionally stands for. Is this, perhaps, due to your working class background? To your sense of justice as a former police officer? Making sure that people have a fair chance? Or simply economic sense?"

"The social justice iniatives my government had put forth are, largely shaped by my experiences as a policeman. Unlike many people in the government I have had first hand experiences with the effects that policy can have on people. I spent over 30 years trying to solve the problem of crimes in our country. But before, I could only react to them. Now, now I have a chance to try and solve the underlying social problems that cause them in the first place. We surprised a lot of people when we recently legalized prostitution two years ago for example. I took a lot of heat for it on the street and especially here in the Grand Forum, it was only by the support of most of the Liberal Democratic caucus that the motion even passed. These women weren't hardened criminals preying off of society. Most of them were runaways and other lost souls, by criminalizing it we just locked them into an endless spiral of disease, drug addiction and abuse. I jsut grew tired of picking up the same girls time and time again, most of them unable to get any help from anywhere at all. But now it takes place in the 'Red Houses' as we call them, the workers are all state licensed and regualrly tested. And the results have been astounding, the rates of social disease and drug problems have dropped dramatically on the streets. The ones who need help are able to get it without fear and violent reprisal from pimps and other crude thugs."

Nettles: "That's a very interesting comment - and policy -, Mr. President. What reactions are there to it in Ironwell now, now that the effects of this specific policy have been seen? Is it generally accepted as... well, being effective, having achieved practical results? Or do some people question that, or maybe oppose it on principle?"

{{OOC: Bump}}

{{OOC: BUMP. There's a long waiting list, and I'd rather not have people wait too long, so we really do need to get on with this interview. If there's no reply by tomorrow I'll have to move ahead to the next one.}}

OOC: Dreadfully sorry, a bevy of RL commitments got in my way.

"The initial storm of controversy have passed, the Red Houses see the odd picketer here and there but nothing like it used to be. For the most part I believe the public has accepted the move, it seems to have been unexpected boon to our long suffering tourism industry. A few motions have been chambered in the Senate to repeal it, seven by my count. But not one has made it's way to my desk yet. The more socially progressive initiatives, well you're absolutely right Ms. Nettles, have never exactly been my party's calling card. Perhaps it's one of our failings, we've become to old, too complacent, too attached the ideas, and the scars, of the past. That's why I have a lot of hope in our young people, every day they're bringing in new ideas while holding true to our founding ideals."

Nettles: "Adapting to the times, then, without forgetting what, to your party, are the essentials. I see. Is it for a similar reason that you supported the legalisation of same-sex marriage? And how well was that accepted?"

"It was slightly less contentious than the legalization of prostitution. In our Republic we've always been very open about love in all it's forms. There were protesters, people marching in the streets. But it was an important thing to do. My support for homosexual unions is only fairly recent. In the last few years or so, in fact. I grew up in a tough town, became a cop, was by all facets a 'manly man' so to speak. Gays were the last thing on my radar, until I met Marcus Bradley. He was a soldier in our army who had lost his leg in a battle and written a book. I had the chance to meet him on his tour across the nation and he had his, well his boyfriend, I guess you'd call it, with him. And I saw they way they looked at each other, into each other's eyes. And I recognized it, not at first mind you. It was the same look that I saw in my dear, sweet wife's eyes when she looked at me. And I also saw his wound, this man lost a limb in the service of the Republic. He was ready and willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our founding ideals, greater than the policies, the laws and the governments that change over time. 'A Republic shall stand forever enshrined in the lands of Ironwell. Where all citizens stand equal in protection, rights, and responsibility under the law.' Arturo Tartarus made this Declaration of the Republic in 1718 at the founding of our Republic. As President it is my solemn duty to defend the Declaration of the Republic and the Articles of Constitution that take their roots inside that founding promise. I had no other choice but to stand for those Republicans whose rights were being impinged."

Nettles: "Inspiring words. Two questions on that point, before we move on. Do you see Ironwell at all as an international model in this regard? In other words do you think other countries, perhaps even led by Conservative governments, may hear you and think about your position on this? And, second, might your opponents not say - as I assume some did - that Arturo Tartarus, the author of the Declaration, had never intended his words to be interpreted in this way?"

"While serving as an international benchmark wasn't quite on my list of objectives as President, I hope I and my nation can do what we can. If we can show that it is possible to preserve the vital traditions of the past while remaining compassionate and dedicated to the rights of all citizens, then perhaps we've done some good here. As to your second question, it has come to mind on a few occasions. While it would be arrogant to presume what a man, long since passed would think nowadays and to speak for him. I think we can keep to the spirit that lingers on, in the words they left us and the deeds that form a part of our national legend. Some who opposed this measure, and others have made that exact same point that you touched upon. To which I counter with this, in all the writings, in all the orations, in all the deeds of Tartarus, where did it say that we should restrict the freedoms of our fellow Republicans? While I will not speak for the man, I will do my best to maintain the clear legacy of equality for all that he left behind."

Nettles: "I see. Now, Mr. President, there are also other types of policies for you to work on. And since we have viewers from around the world watching you today, could you tell us about what Ironwell's foreign policy is, and will be, under your presidency? Will it be different from that of your predecessors?"

"We have been more, let we say, active in our foreign relations as of late. After the Second World War, our nation withdrew itself from the world. The scars of that conflict ran deep in our hearts and on our land itself, the nation needed time to mourn its losses. I think it's time we became more active on the global scene, my party and the Senate agree as well. There are currently over a thousand of our fighting men and women in the besieged region of Pasamica and Pacificain, backed up by 13 warships. We've joined Interpol and are planning to send our assistance to the International Red Crystal. We've been alone from the rest of the the world, it's time to see what it has to offer again, and for the world to see what our Republic is made of. Our policy is simple. We will give aid where we can, strength where it is needed, and a voice for those who have none."

Nettles: "So you intend to play a fairly active role on the international stage. Ironwell is also a member of the United Nations. Will that be an important factor in having a stronger voice internationally?"

"Most definitely. The UN is a perfect way for our nation to join the rest of the global community in working for a better world. There we can make our case heard and, perhaps more importantly, hear what others have to say. While many say the UN is an outdated, bloated, inefficient morass. I think there's time to turn it around, and besides. Without the UN, where will the world meet?"

Nettles: "And when you say 'turn it around', what have you got in mind? Are there specific policies you've set for yourself within the UN?"

"We don't have anything set in stone yet, but I am in constant consultations with the recently formed Senate Committee on the United Nations. We're hoping to press the UN to be more active in areas where I could be. We are hoping to have the global community to pursue a policy known as Right to Protect. It means that the UN should be able to, in cases of clear genocide, ethnic cleansing and other unconscionable crimes against humanity, intervene to stop the monsters of the world from having their way."

Nettles: "For the time being, it seems unlikely the UN will ever have any sort of military force. Have you considered parallel alliances, outside the United Nations?"

"We have, the deployment I mentioned is an joint effort with the nation of Vetatka. And we're making new military alliances with new nations every day."

Nettles: "I see. To conclude, Mr. President, let's talk a little about other aspects of Ironwell, its society, and your other policies perhaps. Is there any such thing, in your opinion, as values, maybe cultural values, specific to Ironwell? And if so what would they be?"

"Our nation's most defining asset would be our hard work ethic. Since the beginning of the Republic, and the Empire that preceded it, we have always been a strong, resolute people. No matter the hardship we will square our shoulders to the task ahead. But we're not all as serious as things seem from the outside. Humour, especially political satire, is large part of life our Republic. Recently the host of Seven Fish Wives, a comedy show on RBN, took me to a donut shop for a little sketch of theirs. Most national leaders might object to pointed jokes over last nights crullers, but I feel it's important to not take one's self too seriously. Or else you'll simply lose your perspective."

Nettles: "That's an interesting viewpoint. Thank you, Mr. President. Before we end this interview, is there anything further you'd like to say, to our viewers around the world?"

"There is, I would welcome the world to come and see our Republic, while she may not have the natural beauty most globe trotters look for, ours is a land of quiet resolve and unyielding strength. Our cities hold many mysteries and a sort of hidden beauty. Other than that, it has been more than worthwhile speaking with you today Ms. Nettles."

Nettles: "Thank you very much, Mr. President, for talking to us here in the Grand Forum in Ironwell.

That's it for today's interview. We return to Rêvane, where Mélanie Dupré has the latest news."

{{OOC: Next interview coming up shortly.}}

Mélanie Dupré: "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this evening's PINA interview. I'm Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9). With me here in the studio in Rêvane are Counselor-Minister Governor Ray McKeen and Governor Olivier Derrod, both of Cafundéu. Gentlemen, good evening, and thank you for being here.

This evening's interview will also be a debate between the two of you, since you are, I think we can say, political rivals, and you have divergent views on a number of issues. You'll have the opportunity to ask each other questions, in addition to answering mine.

I'd like to start by introducing you briefly to our international viewers.

Governor McKeen... You have numerous functions in Cafundéu. You're close to the emperor, and you're part of the national government, specifically being Minister for International Relationships. You represent your country in the United Nations. You're also governor of the Titã state. Outside the sphere of government, you're very active and influential in business, and you head several major companies. You're reportedly the richest man in the country. In fact, one of your tasks is to oversee meetings between members of the government and leaders of businesses; perhaps you can tell us more about that in a moment.

Governor Derrod, you are, I think it's fair to say, an opponent of the Emperor. You're the governor of the Espinal State, and you favour the abolition of the empire, to be replaced by a republic. You're the leader of the Comando Republicano Espinalense, which is primarily a political party; you'll be able to tell us whether you see it as being more than that.

Before we begin, is there anything either of you would like to add about yourselves?"

Ray McKeen: "First, thanks for inviting us to come, I think that this will be a good debate that will show the people what we are defending. About me, you've already said my goverment functions, as a counselor, representative of the United Nations and governor. But, in fact, all these functions are linked to each other. Most of the governors are couselours too, and, as the Counselor-Minister of International Relationships, I would be a natural choice for the United Nations job. In the business area, I have some sucessful companies, and this is normal in my country, as many big companies are controlled by one or two persons, who can dominate a whole sector of the economy. Besides that, I'm a strong candidate for the Head Counselor job, which will be decided in a public election next year, and my main rival is the Counselor-Minister of Finances Asano Pender. I have good acceptance of the population and I'm very honest."

Olivier Derrod: "Oh, sure. You are very honest. I'll ignore this comment. You say that is common for a counselor to be a governor, and I'm sure you know why. Because the Emperor has a huge influence in the elections, controlling even the final results. He says that he opened these state elections to give a bit of democracy to the people, but we all know that this is only a method of control. The people need to elect the main leader of the nation. I know that he was going to make Sabrina Tarlatti win the elections for the Espinal State governor, but he realized that the people would know that something was strange in the elections if she wins, as I had more than eighty percent of the public preference. I'm sure that I'll have many things to say about the criminal that is you. About me, I surely am an opponent of the Emperor, and I'm proud to say this. I'm leader of the CRE, and I assure you that this is only a political party. I defend the peace. I have no big influence in the business sector as McKeen has, and I know that this is a disadvantage. The country needs an elected leader, and to be less independant of the big companies, and I'm trying to do that. I think that I'm slowly being sucessful, as the Emperor truly fears me."

Ray McKeen: "I doubt that these are your true plans. The CRE is an army, that's the truth. Once you get the control of the nation, which I doubt that you will, Cafundéu will become a dictatorship. The people know that Doutor Careca can't be trusted, and they understand that the Emperor is the best option for them. About the Emperor, you're wrong. He doesn't control the elections, the people are free to choose who they want to be the state leaders, and he doesn't fear you. I can name at least ten people who the people like more than you, and this includes the Emperor, his daughter, me and even Asano."

Olivier Derrod: "This is what we'll see, Ray. This is all, Dupré. Thanks for accepting us. Today Cafundéu will discover who is the real villain."

Dupré: "Well, I'm hoping we can keep this a civil discussion. Now, there are a lot of issues for us to talk about, but you bring up the question of elections, of government and democracy. What are your views, each of you, on this? If Cafundéu a democracy? Specifically why, or why not? And do you believe it should be, or not?"

McKeen: "Of course Cafundéu is a democracy. I'll tell you why. We have an Emperor, but the monarchy was chosen by the people. It was the people who chose Albieri Van Tocco as their first Emperor, when the country was a corrupt republic. It's clear that the monarchy improved our country in many sectors, especially the economic. Our republic failed. The corrupt governments have no place here. And the country must continue with the same government style, as it is the best. The Emperor's family as the main leaders, the counselors chosen by him, and the government and city leaders chosen by the population. A fair system, and I'm sure that most of Cafundéu's citizens agree with me."

Derrod: "They don't agree with you, Ray. They want changes. Of course I can't deny that Albieri Van Tocco was loved by Cafundéu's citizens, and was a good leader, that why Cafundéu became a monarchy. But Hector Van Tocco's situation is completely different. We have a century of monarchy, things change. Nowadays the Emperor doesn't have a positive image for the people, everybody wants the republic. Another thing that I must add is that Cafundéu is far from a democracy. You said that our republic was corrupt. Okay, nothing is perfect. But the Empire is much worse. The big companies and the Emperor control everything. The media, the states, the elections and the population in general. Bribes are common, our citizens can't do what they want, and the elections are a lie. This isn't a democracy, and the best thing to do is to allow public elections for a new president."

McKeen: "The people don't want the republic, Careca. They prefer the monarchy, they like the Emperor's style. Your comments about the public preference aren't true, as your comments about the Emperor's influence."

McKeen: "And I would like to explain how the elections work in Cafundéu. The Emperor is an hereditary title. He chooses the twenty Counselor-Ministers, who will help him to rule the country. There are two kinds of elections. The first is the regional election, where the people choose the mayor of their city and the regional commander. The regional commander controls the region, a small part of the state. After two years, the national election happens. There, the population chooses the state governor and the Head Counselor. The Head Counselor is the second most important person of the government, and the state governor commands its respective state. After two years, the regional election happen again. A great system."

Derrod: "Of course the people want the republic Ray, that's why I became a governor. The public polls about the people's preference are fixed by the Empire, according to their own preferences. Nothing is true in them. And you know it."

Derrod: "Nothing more to add."

Dupré: "So the State governor and Head Councilor are democratically elected. We'll come back to the issue of republic versus monarchy in just a moment. First, to clarify: How much authority does the elected Head Councilor actually have? Enough for Cafundéu to be considered democratic? Same question regarding the authority of State governors."

McKeen: "I know that Doutor Careca will say the opposite, but the Head Counselor and the State Governor have sufficient power in their hands. The Head Counselor substitute the Emperor in case of illness and in travels and is the main representative of the government in the official council and in the senate. He has the power to submit proposals directly to the senate, and can create temporary measures at any time. Of course he has some limits and doesn't have powers that the Emperor has. For example, he can't judge any citizen, he can't interfere in the States, he can't choose the other counselors, and he can't make projects with the government budget. The Emperor can do all these things. About the State Governors, they can do whatever they want in their states, unless it is prohibited by our constitution. You can even note that some states have different laws, but they all have similar styles. So, the people choose a person that can represent them and make the changes that they want."

Derrod: "Of course the Head Counselor has power, but the fact is that the Head Counselor has to be a Counselor-Minister. And the Ministers are chosen by the Emperor. So, in fact is the Emperor who chooses his right hand, as he gives the people twenty alternatives for Head Counselor- and they choose one of them. In the end, the Head Counselor defends the Emperor and will follow his rules. About the State Governors, most of them are counselors and other people related to the Empire, but we can see some that don't defend him, as in my case. So, the State Governors have more freedom, and can make some changes in the State. Unfortunately, we have to follow our constitution, which is extremely strict and prohibits most of the social reforms that I want to make, and that the Emperor can interfere in our decisions. This without forgetting that most elections are controlled by the Emperor. So, we can have leaders wanting changes, but they are prohibited to do so."

Dupré: "That brings us back to the question of republic versus monarchy. Governor McKeen, you say a republic would lead to corruption, and wouldn't be popular. Governor Derrod, you say a republic is what the people want, and that it would be more democratic.

Tell me, both of you, do you think it's possible Cafundéu may one day be a republic? If so, how do you think the transition will happen, and what might be the consequences be?"

McKeen: "In the current situation, no. For this change, something really serious must happen in Cafundéu, like a scandal, a war or if the republicans control most of the states, a thing that I don't see happening in the near future. With the time, maybe this can happen, but won't be a good choice. I think that the style of the next emperors, the next being Alicia Van Tocco, can change the people's ideas. This process will probably happen in peace, as the transition from republic to monarchy happened. The consequences will be the return of the political dispute between parties, which will lead to corruption and will harm the citizens, who will be involved in this battle. Just see the example of Estresse Intenso. It just got its independence three years ago, but in fact that happened more than thirty years ago. Estresse Intenso was composed by three states, called Island State, Acropolis State and Coral State. Their governors, Rogério Landau, Mirko Fastso and Valéria Silveira, started to break their links with the Empire, even without the preference of the majority of the people. They started to create their own laws and avoid the Emperor's interference. They became a problem. After nearly thirty years of a slow process of independance, they got it, but they became an anarchy practically, a dangerous place with no order. The Acropolis and Coral States became the Independant Region of Estresse Intenso, where the president tries to control the island. And the Island State became the Landau Institute, the only safe place in the nation. We don't want that."

Derrod: "I agree that our current situation prevents a change, and the only way to do a fast change was doing that in the same style of Estresse Intenso's one. I could do that, but I don't want. I want to see the entire Cafundéu as a republic, not only Espinal. And I don't want to see our economy losing with the transition, as Estresse Intenso did, breaking the links with the Empire and losing all the financial support, having no money to control and improve the new country. So, I'm trying to get the support of the population. I think that in twenty years, Cafundéu's citizens will ask for a change, and act to see this change. Not with a war, but showing it in the state elections, in a way that the Empire couldn't interfere. If the huge majority of the people choose a republican governor, the Empire won't be able to fix the results. With the State Governors in our side, the Senate will be ours, and we'll be able to minimize the Counselor-Ministers' influence, weakening the Emperor. He can try to stop us, but if he try to remove one of our politicians, another will took his place. And someday the Emperor will understand that there's nothing more that he can do, and will give up. Just hope that the people understand this soon. With the republic, we'll have the right to make the changes that we want, and to pay the consequences for them, of course. But the people will be able to help in the politics, and this is extremely important."

Dupré: "So you both agree that no sudden changes can or should take place in the short term. Governor Derrod, you say that change will become inevitable through, quite simply, the electoral process. If there is strong popular pressure for a republic, through the ballot box, peacefully, do you both think the imperial government will accept that? Or will there be resistance?"

McKeen: "Well, er... if the people choose State Governors with republican ideas, surely the Senate, which is composed by two politicians for state chosen by the Governors, will be able to introduce a plebiscite or something like that to try to introduce the republic. Surely this would happen. So, the discussion is if the people would choose the republic. Is simply that. Will they adventure themselves to the same path of Estresse Intenso or stay with a solid government that improved the country and the people's lives? If most members of the government defend the republic, the Emperor will have to understand it. But at the moment, most than seventy-five percent of the government members defend the Emperor and the monarchy."

Derrod: "Like Ray said, the path for the republic would be something like that. But, just to clarify, this isn't the same thing that Estresse Intenso did. Returning to the matter, of course the Empire will try to stop this, trying to control the elections and interfering in the states. But with the people against him, it will lost the control. The Emperor won't be able to stop the republican Governors, as the people will support who they chose. He'll have only two choices left. Or he will accept the transition and give up, or he'll repress this transformation with violence and with totalitarian powers. For me, although the country has a good military power, the second option is highly unlikely, as the Empire's members have an ideal of peace and respect for the people and for other countries, and wouldn't want to repress and harm their own citizens. So, they'll accept the change in name of the peace. In the politics field, they'll resist until the end, trying to stop all the possible transformations in the constitution."

Dupré: "Thank you for those views. Now, to finish with this particular issue, before we move on to something else... Governor McKeen, you mentioned the next empress, Alicia Van Tocco. Presumably she too would be opposed to a republic, but do you think her rule will be significantly different, in any way, from that of the current emperor? Also, if there were to be a republic... presumably there would have to be a president. Governor Derrod, this question is mainly for you. How might the president be chosen? Is it a function you'd be interested in yourself?"

McKeen: "Well, Hector will probably stay for a long time, as he isn't old. About Alicia, I can tell her style according to what she makes in her state, as she is the Governor of the Juta State, the most important of the nation. She approves most of her father's ideas, who is an example for her. But she has some new ideas, she calls it modern ideas, and already started to talk about them. Most of the characteristics will stay, as the focus on economy and the good laws for the companies. But she'll probably increase the workers' rights and increase the relationship with foreign countries, as she is trying to do in Juta. Of course she'll continue defending the monarchy, as she knows that this is the best style. She also is impulsive and unpredictable, so we can never guess exactly what will be her decisions. He will also have the help of her daughter, Fernanda, and of her brother, Rodrigo, who have similar ideas. About the republic... I won't discuss this, as I think that this won't happen. But I can't see Doutor Careca as a president."

Derrod: "The princess is a female and more beautiful version of her father. She'll continue with the same style of the Emperor, helping the big companies and creating new laws for them. Will give benefits for them without thinking about the people, trying to improve our economy. But, as Ray said, she is unpredictable, so maybe I can be wrong. About the president, he would be choose with public elections. But, as I said that Cafundéu wouldn't become a republic too soon, I can't say who would be more suitable for the job."

Dupré: (smiles) "You don't foresee yourself as President then, Governor Derrod?"

Derrod: "He, he, I'm not worried about this. My goal is to transform Cafundéu in a republic, to improve the country. Yes, sometimes I think about being a president, but this isn't an objective. If Cafundéu becomes a republic, no matter who the president will be, I'll be happy."

McKeen: "Of course you want to be a leader, stop with this lie! You became Governor of Espinal thinking about that, and you'll try to take the control of Cafundéu. And I'm sure that your army will try to help you. I just can't believe that you don't want an important role in the government!"

Derrod: "Of course I prefer to stay in the government in an important role, but I think that will not be as a president. And stop with comments about my inexistant army."

McKeen: "The Empire will soon discover everything about your army and your party's details, we're investigating that, you know it. We'll know what have you done to be the governor."

Derrod: "And you, McKeen, what have you done to become a Counselor-Minister? Maybe I should remind you about the Said Reshid's case?"

McKeen: "Nothing was proven. Let's respect the program and continue with a peaceful debate, okay?"

Derrod: "Okay. It was you who started."