NationStates Jolt Archive


Vote AGAINST the UN Space Consortium

Etanistan
26-02-2004, 18:38
The Muppet Show of Etanistan has voted against this proposal for two reasons:

1. The corporation system of purchasing shares seems ill-defined in terms of the goals of the proposal. In a corporation, share holders buy their shares and expect that these shares will increase in value and perhaps offer dividends. What benefit is there to buying shares in this new UN organization? Will the shareholders with the most shares simply get to colonize larger parts of the moon or reap more of the resources from the moon? Or do they simply obtain a more powerful vote on international lunar projects? This resolution is unclear on exactly what the new organization would do or why it is necessary to sell shares in the new organization.

2. While it is unclear exactly WHAT powers are granted to nations who purchase shares, it is clear to us that the corporate shareholder model is ill-fitted to the goals of the resolution. Equating power with economic power is not a move FORWARD in international relations. If the goal of this resolution is to move away from a solar system in which wealthy nations control the fates of less wealthy nations, than the shareholder model is extremely counterproductive. It will merely create a new form of imperialism in which wealthy countries continue to be more powerful.

We urge other UN members to vote against this resolution. While the idea of cooperative space exploration is a favorable one, we would propose a rotating board of member nations so that all nations have a term in power regardless of the wealth of their nations.

- Kermit D. Frog, Minister for Education and Public Relations, Muppet Show of Etanistan
imported_Xile
26-02-2004, 19:06
I agree with you mostly, here is what I said in a previous post...see if they parallel.

UN Space Consortium....

A novel idea, but I will quickly and without remorse vote against it. Giving power to any nation (as by the sell of stock) on such a universal and opportune surface as the moon is a mistake. Power over such a place could give a nation military presence that we would be unable to check. Although the idea is great in an ideal society, subversion and manipulation of such a board could produce cataclysmic results.

It is with the cautiousness of a responsible leader that I will reject this proposal. If anyone wishes to rectify any mistakes that I have made in my assumption or to disagree with me on any point feel free to do so.

Also, I don't know if anyone addressed this (I got tired of reading when everyone was saying the same thing...) but as a way for less economically blessed nations to get in on a space exploration program, how does it do so when stock must be bought? It works in theory, but I don't believe the sell of stock should be factored into the equation. If we want to let everyone benefit from space exploration, why don't we just make it universally open with nations who can contributing funds, instead of selling stock and giving nations part "ownership" in such a venture?
imported_Trekkers
26-02-2004, 19:21
Though the idea isnt bad, I must vote against for.. Just thought Id put my 2 cents in.....
Emperor Matthuis
26-02-2004, 19:27
I voted for it, and it will win