NationStates Jolt Archive

Please support the UN Proposal: Project Final Stand. It takes a stand for the environment, also it does so in a very simple fashion that can benefit us all.

-BD

The Holy Empire of Gethamane will not endorse, vote in favor of, nor speak highly of this proposal.

There are two obvious problems with the proposal, as written:

A) It sounds as if the UN will be collecting taxes. While Gethamane is still new, we understand that tax collection by the UN is a "no-no."

B) Secondly, we admit to be a little frightened by the idea that "a minister," from somewhere within the UN, will "disperse this money in different areas throughout the world." Who will be doing this? And what criteria will be used to decide where the money goes?

** The Representative of Gethamane stamps "Veto" on his copy of the proposal, and slips it into the paper-shredder he has taken to keeping next to his seat **

The Holy Empire of Gethamane will not endorse, vote in favor of, nor speak highly of this proposal.

There are two obvious problems with the proposal, as written:

A) It sounds as if the UN will be collecting taxes. While Gethamane is still new, we understand that tax collection by the UN is a "no-no."

B) Secondly, we admit to be a little frightened by the idea that "a minister," from somewhere within the UN, will "disperse this money in different areas throughout the world." Who will be doing this? And what criteria will be used to decide where the money goes?

** The Representative of Gethamane stamps "Veto" on his copy of the proposal, and slips it into the paper-shredder he has taken to keeping next to his seat **


I see your concerns, and I can understand why you are skeptical. However...hear me out.

Tree Facts:

1.) Trees beautify our surroundings, increase property values, and help save energy.

2.)The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.

3.)One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.

4.)There are about 60-to 200- million spaces along our city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy costs. (This is for each nation)

5.)Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 - 50 percent in energy used for heating.

6.)Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent.

7.)The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams.

8.)In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.

9.)Nationally, the 60 million street trees have an average value of $525 per tree.

***This information has been compiled from a number of sources within the U.S. The United States is very closely related (in size) to many nations on NS, so I would argue that this information is very relevant.***

SOURCES:
-U.S. Department of Agriculture
-Management Information Services/ICMA
-National Wildlife Federation
-USDA Forest Service
-Greenpeace
-The National Arbor Day Foundation

-----------------------------------
This information is mainly about what TREES CAN DO FOR HUMANS...I havent listed how they make homes for SO many different species...OR the rate at which the rainforests are being destroyed.

I personally believe this isnt a matter of "taxes" per say, rather, giving back to mother earth what we have taken. We all live in this world together, and I am disgusted that we are so concerned about money. Let us work together to restore the Earth to its prestine goodness!

Secondly, I said minister, or ministers...AKA Cabinet of some sort. And do not think that this means the person will have control of these billions of pounds. The person will be closely watched.

Any other questions?

-BD

The Holy Empire of Gethamane values its forests deeply for what they provide for us and for the rest of the environment. We also feel that all nations should protect their environment to the best of their ability. Finally, we appreciate your respect and devotion to the environment.

However, it should be noted that the UN has already passed resolutions protecting the world environment.

Furthermore, this is a matter of taxes as the UN is banned from collecting taxes from Gethamane's (or any other nation's) citizens.

Finally, many issues must be considered when suggesting that a Cabinet be formed. Primarily, criteria cannot be decided later when it comes to how this money will be distributed. If you want it to be decided later, then this proposal should not grant this Cabinet the power to disperse the income.

The Holy Empire of Gethamane values its forests deeply for what they provide for us and for the rest of the environment. We also feel that all nations should protect their environment to the best of their ability. Finally, we appreciate your respect and devotion to the environment.

However, it should be noted that the UN has already passed resolutions protecting the world environment.

Furthermore, this is a matter of taxes as the UN is banned from collecting taxes from Gethamane's (or any other nation's) citizens.

Finally, many issues must be considered when suggesting that a Cabinet be formed. Primarily, criteria cannot be decided later when it comes to how this money will be distributed. If you want it to be decided later, then this proposal should not grant this Cabinet the power to disperse the income.

With all due respect, I suppose it can TECHNICALLY be taxes, however, as I have stated, and as many of my cohorts feel, we do not see it as taxes. We are simply giving the Earth BACK what we have TAKEN from her. The longer we use the world as a big resource shop, the closer we get to hell. (My personal view obviously)

As far as the cabinet goes, that is certainly debatable, I feel that with the right attention towards the "group" (it doesnt have to be a "cabinet" necessarily) that this proposal COULD work. In fact I did not make it clear within the proposal HOW the "group" would be chosen. This is still negotiable within the proposal...shall it be appointments, elections? Who knows, that is another problem for another time though. Right now we are worried about getting the proposal up for resolution.

-Respectfully,
-BD

The Holy Empire of Gethamane has made its views clear. And while we support the concept of protecting the environment, we cannot in good conscience back this proposal as is.

However, we wish to commend Brad-dur, as well as their cohorts, on their efforts, and suggest that the proposal be redrafted to address these concerns as well as concerns of other nations, should they have any.

Finally, the Holy Empire of Gethamane offers its Ministery of International Affairs: Legal Bureau as a resource for redrafting this proposal, should Brad-dur wish to pursue such action.

I gracefully accept your offer and will gladly take any suggestions you may have AND furthermore be please if Gethamane would proof read the final draft before it goes up as a proposal.

Brad-dur respects the fact that Gethamane has a different view point, and also has the ability to debate in a very respectable calm fashion. I commend you! *Tips Hat*

-Prime Minister of Brad-dur

As a little FYI regarding this proposal, there's nothing wrong with it from a moderation point of view - until it appears multiple times in the proposal list. Barad-dur, three posts of this proposal under various titles is borderline spam and I'd suggest you restrict yourself to one posting of the same proposal at a time.
One copy of the proposal remains in the queue.

Sorry, but on review,

Trees may be trees,

...

But taxes is and are, taxes.

- The Rep of Komokom.