NationStates Jolt Archive

Friends and colleagues, it is time once again for the UN to address this most vital of all issues, world cheese production. Some time back, I composed a resolution: "The International Cheese Act". It was revised and submitted by The Sultanate of Vastiva, a world renowned producer of fine cheeses.
Here is the original draft:

Category: Social Justice


Strength: Strong


Proposed by: Yelda

Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the unequaled nutritional value of Cheese and other Dairy related products.

NOTING the responsibility of nations to provide adequate food supplies for their citizenry.

AFFIRMING the UN's role as guarantor of nutritional well being.

1. ENCOURAGES the sale or transfer of Cheese, Dairy, and Dairy related products and the free distribution of said products to those unable to purchase them at fair market value.

2. DISCOURAGES STRONGLY the sale or transfer of "imitation" Dairy products.

3. CAUTIONS AGAINST research into the production of "imitation" Dairy products.

4. CALLS UPON UN member nations to advance research into new and improved methods of Dairy production.
And here is Vastiva's revision:
International Cheese Act
A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.

Category: Social Justice
Strength: Significant
Proposed by: Vastiva

Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the unequaled nutritional value of Cheese and other Dairy related products;

NOTING the responsibility of nations to provide adequate food supplies for their citizenry:

AFFIRMING the UN's role as guarantor of well-being for the benefit of the population and thus of the member nations,

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of Cheese, Dairy, and Dairy related products between UN nations;

2. REQUESTS the free distribution of said products to those unable to purchase them at fair market value and defined as worthy of such by the individual member nation;

3. DISCOURAGES STRONGLY the sale or transfer of "imitation" Dairy products;

4. CAUTIONS AGAINST research into the production of "imitation" Dairy products;

5. CALLS UPON UN member nations to advance research into new and improved methods of Dairy production and distribution as a priority within their research budgets.

(Submitted acting as an agent for Yelda)
Obviously, we will want to work from the revised version. It was submitted as a "Social Justice" proposal. We believe that it could (and should) be reworked as a "Free Trade" proposal.
The original discussion threads may be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423239) and here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423260).
Comments?

What is meant by "immitation"? For example, does that mean Gouda Cheese not produced in Groot Gouda? Or dairy products withour dairy?

I cannot support any such resolution, Free Trade or no. It's just too cheesy for my taste.

Minister of UN Affairs
Edward Jones

What is meant by "immitation"? For example, does that mean Gouda Cheese not produced in Groot Gouda? Or dairy products withour dairy?
It was meant to refer to dairy products without dairy. For instance, "cheese" spreads that contain no actual cheese.
We could add language protecting regional and national varieties of cheese from being copied and produced elsewhere. Any suggestions?

I cannot support any such resolution, Free Trade or no. It's just too cheesy for my taste.

Minister of UN Affairs
Edward Jones
I'm sorry to hear that Mr. Jones. My government would like to offer you a gift basket of fine Yeldan cheeses anyway.

I'm sorry to hear that Mr. Jones. My government would like to offer you a gift basket of fine Yeldan cheeses anyway.

Thank you, Ambassador. I'm sure Deputy Minister Smith will enjoy them.

Minister of UN Affairs
Edward Jones

3. DISCOURAGES STRONGLY the sale or transfer of "imitation" Dairy products;

4. CAUTIONS AGAINST research into the production of "imitation" Dairy products;

Is this not covered by the insipid labelling resolution?

Is this not covered by the insipid labelling resolution?
I'm not sure that Labeling Standards addresses "real cheese" vs. "imitation cheese". It mentions "fresh" and "organic". Even if you interpreted Labeling Standards as covering imitation cheese in this way, it would only require that the cheese be labeled "imitation". The clauses you mention are meant to discourage researching, producing and selling imitation cheese. We feel that it would be best for people to enjoy the wholesome goodness of real cheese as opposed to cheese-like substances which contain no cheese at all.
My government would like to offer you a gift basket of fine Yeldan cheeses. <hands gift basket to the Ambassador from Deserted Wilderness>

My thanks for the cheese. I will query your proposals more often if such action is always met with a gift of such legendary dairy produce as Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.

Bahgum again welcomes the reappearance of the cheese debate, an issue which has the correct gravitas for the UN. However, once again, we must ask that the term cheese is to be properly and tightly defined. As, of course, in its loosest definition it encompasses not only fine assorted hard and soft dairy products, but also such varied and equally impressive items such as the full back catalogue of Magnum PI and Buck Rogers, the assorted works of Showaddywaddy, Julio Iglesias, Alvin Stardust and Cher, and car interior design of the zebra print/fluffy dice persuasion.
As you can imagine, this could be rather a large list, and wars have been fought over issues less trivial than that of deciding what is 'cheesey' and what isn't.

How dare the Nations Unies attempt this legislation, forcing our nation to provide the boorish masses with our fine cheeses, leaving precious little for our own consumption. As I stand here today, you will never get your hands on our Roquefort, our Epoisses, our Camembert … Heck, I’ll be damned if the U.N. sees a scrap of Gouda.

Shouldn't this proposal cover all or some other food products as well?

We cannot support this proposal, and I personally have noticed that some of the proposals these days are getting way too specific. Why promote cheese and dairy products over other things that are just as healthy? I just don't see the need for a proposal to single out every specific detail of foods. Why is world cheese production suddenly more important that the worlds' wheat production, or the worlds' corn production?


- Euroslavian UN Representative,
Robert Foster

We cannot support this proposal, and I personally have noticed that some of the proposals these days are getting way too specific. Why promote cheese and dairy products over other things that are just as healthy? I just don't see the need for a proposal to single out every specific detail of foods. Why is world cheese production suddenly more important that the worlds' wheat production, or the worlds' corn production?


- Euroslavian UN Representative,
Robert Foster

OOC: How else are we going to improve our stats in the Cheese Export Sector rankings, hmmm? ;)

OOC: How else are we going to improve our stats in the Cheese Export Sector rankings, hmmm? ;)

OOC: Bah! Creating resolutions to increase your UN rankings. You all should be ashamed of yourselves! ;)

We rise in objection to this proposal, and take exception in particular to the following article:

AFFIRMING the UN's role as guarantor of well-being for the benefit of the population and thus of the member nations

The ritual purity of Kawaiian cheese is NOT guaranteed by some soulless bureaucrat from the NSUN, but by our Jihi Certification Board, which labors long and hard to ensure dairy cattle in Our nation are raised in strict accordance to the HOCEK's teachings on humane animal husbandry, and their milk is processed in a ritually clean manner.

Kawaiian Cheese: We answer to a Higher Authority!

OOC: Bah! Creating resolutions to increase your UN rankings. You all should be ashamed of yourselves! ;)

OOC: Might as well do something useful with the UN... :D

OOC: Bah! Creating resolutions to increase your UN rankings. You all should be ashamed of yourselves! ;)
Would you prefer we do this to improve our Beef-Based Agriculture industry? :p

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

Bahgum again welcomes the reappearance of the cheese debate, an issue which has the correct gravitas for the UN. However, once again, we must ask that the term cheese is to be properly and tightly defined. As, of course, in its loosest definition it encompasses not only fine assorted hard and soft dairy products, but also such varied and equally impressive items such as the full back catalogue of Magnum PI and Buck Rogers, the assorted works of Showaddywaddy, Julio Iglesias, Alvin Stardust and Cher, and car interior design of the zebra print/fluffy dice persuasion.
As you can imagine, this could be rather a large list, and wars have been fought over issues less trivial than that of deciding what is 'cheesey' and what isn't.
Good point! We must provide a suitable definition of what constitutes cheese. How about:

DEFINES CHEESE AS: A food consisting of the coagulated, compressed, and usually ripened curd of milk separated from the whey.

I offer the Ambassador from Bahgum a selection of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.

How dare the Nations Unies attempt this legislation, forcing our nation to provide the boorish masses with our fine cheeses, leaving precious little for our own consumption. As I stand here today, you will never get your hands on our Roquefort, our Epoisses, our Camembert … Heck, I’ll be damned if the U.N. sees a scrap of Gouda.
The proposal only encourages the sale of Cheese, Dairy, and Dairy related products between UN nations. I'm sure there is a market for your excellent cheeses if you should choose to sell them on the open market, however.
Here, try some of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™. I'm certain that you will find them delicious. <gives the ambassador a variety pack of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™>

The Digital Network']Shouldn't this proposal cover all or some other food products as well?
No. It only covers cheese and cheese related products. Now have some of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.

I'm not sure about this proposal. You want us to eat real cheese and discourage immitation dairy products?

But Wateranan kids love their glutinous, rubber textured, pea green coloured, sour milk flavoured, immitation cheese sticks with added plastic extract ;).

You even want us to stop the research that will hopefully, within the next 10 years or so, produce a product that tastes better than the packaging it comes in?

You monsters :D.

Hmm, on second thought, maybe this idea isn't so bad after all :).

We cannot support this proposal, and I personally have noticed that some of the proposals these days are getting way too specific. Why promote cheese and dairy products over other things that are just as healthy? I just don't see the need for a proposal to single out every specific detail of foods. Why is world cheese production suddenly more important that the worlds' wheat production, or the worlds' corn production?


- Euroslavian UN Representative,
Robert Foster
I am shocked and saddened by the esteemed Representative from Euroslavia's refusal to support this effort to improve the general state of world nutrition. Cheese is the very cornerstone of any well balanced diet. Here, try some of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™ (The Cheese fit for a Mod) and please reconsider your opposition.
<hands the Euroslavian UN Representative a decorative vase filled with Fine Yeldan Cheeses™>

We rise in objection to this proposal, and take exception in particular to the following article:



The ritual purity of Kawaiian cheese is NOT guaranteed by some soulless bureaucrat from the NSUN, but by our Jihi Certification Board, which labors long and hard to ensure dairy cattle in Our nation are raised in strict accordance to the HOCEK's teachings on humane animal husbandry, and their milk is processed in a ritually clean manner.

Kawaiian Cheese: We answer to a Higher Authority!
We are deeply sensitive to the special needs for ritual purity in the production of Kawaiian cheese. Perhaps you might suggest wording which could address this issue and allow the Kawaiian people to support our proposal.
In the meantime, I offer you a gift basket of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.

The people of Iyira strongly approve of this wise and timely proposal, and would like to remind the nations of the UN that Iy cheese is a spendid delicacy known far and wide for its exotic, delicious, cheesy flavor.

However, we feel that this proposal could be improved even further. Young people in UN countries everywhere are growing up ignorant of the important role of cheese in a healthy diet. The delegate from Iyira suggests a provision encouraging governments to emphasize the importance of cheese in classes related to health and nutrition, and mandating that they make cheese a cornerstone of any program providing lunches to schoolchildren. If our children don't learn our cheesy history, it will soon be lost forever!

I'm not sure about this proposal. You want us to eat real cheese and discourage immitation dairy products?

But Wateranan kids love their glutinous, rubber textured, pea green coloured, sour milk flavoured, immitation cheese sticks with added plastic extract ;).
GASP! You allow your nation's children to consume imitation dairy products? I believe this illustrates just how far out of hand this imitation cheese matter has gotten!

You even want us to stop the research that will hopefully, within the next 10 years or so, produce a product that tastes better than the packaging it comes in?

You monsters :D.

Hmm, on second thought, maybe this idea isn't so bad after all :).
Here, you really need to savour the wholesome goodness of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™. I trust that you will find them to be far superior to any of the so-called imitation cheeses. <hands the representative from Waterana a deluxe assortment of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.>

The people of Iyira strongly approve of this wise and timely proposal, and would like to remind the nations of the UN that Iy cheese is a spendid delicacy known far and wide for its exotic, delicious, cheesy flavor.

However, we feel that this proposal could be improved even further. Young people in UN countries everywhere are growing up ignorant of the important role of cheese in a healthy diet. The delegate from Iyira suggests a provision encouraging governments to emphasize the importance of cheese in classes related to health and nutrition, and mandating that they make cheese a cornerstone of any program providing lunches to schoolchildren. If our children don't learn our cheesy history, it will soon be lost forever!
Splendid suggestion! I'll work in something about cheese being emphasised in nutritional education. Of couse we could change course at this point and write a proposal mandating health and nutritional education in the schools..........Nah.

Here, have some of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™. Enjoy!

Would you prefer we do this to improve our Beef-Based Agriculture industry? :p

Bob Flibble
UN Representative
Excellent point Representative Flibble! I see you are a man who recognizes the importance of promoting trade in dairy products.

Have a generous helping of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™. <hands Bob Flibble a case of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™>

Can this be used to force the elimination of Soy "Milk" products as a dairy imitation?

If so, count AP in.

Note: How is Vastiva these days

i like cheese :) cheese is good :) a cheese samwich with cheese in it tastes lots better than if you dont put cheese in it :) everybody should have lots of cheese :) im gonna vote for this :)

[Someone taps the speaker on the shoulder and reminds him that his nation doesn't belong to the UN.]

oh never mind :(

The Armed Republic of Independent Birmingham wholeheartedly disagree with any idea of this proposal, as it is far too narrow, and a good opportunity has been missed to make this a wider reaching proposal that would truly affect the world in which we live.

-

A.R.I.B. Minister for Agriculture and Food

The Cascadian Dept. of Health and the Enivroment, which is also charged with food safety and education, feels that this proposal will help educate the public on the many benefits of eating cheese and other dairy propducts. We would like to suggest that Yeldan UN Mission also promote organic cheese and buying cheese from family and employee-owned farms that treat their workers fairly and equally. We would also like to give Yeldan UN Mission a basket of Cascadian cheese. Thanks for writing this resolution.

Revised version:
Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the unequaled nutritional value of Cheese and other Dairy related products;

NOTING the responsibility of nations to provide adequate food supplies for their citizenry:

DEFINING CHEESE AS: A food consisting of the coagulated, compressed, and usually ripened curd of milk separated from the whey.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of Cheese, Dairy, and Dairy related products between UN nations;

2. REQUESTS the free distribution of said products to those unable to purchase them at fair market value and defined as worthy of such by the individual member nation;

3. DISCOURAGES STRONGLY the sale or transfer of "imitation" Dairy products;

4. CAUTIONS AGAINST research into the production of "imitation" Dairy products;

5. CALLS UPON UN member nations to advance research into new and improved methods of Dairy production and distribution as a priority within their research budgets.

6. ENCOURAGES all nations to institute health and nutritional education programs within their public school systems. Said programs should emphasize, but not be limited to, the importance of Cheese in a healthy diet.

Can this be used to force the elimination of Soy "Milk" products as a dairy imitation?

If so, count AP in.
Yes, I believe you could interpret it that way and ban (or at least restrict) the production of these products within your nation.

Note: How is Vastiva these days
I have not spoken with Vastiva in some time.

Here, enjoy some of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™!

i like cheese :) cheese is good :) a cheese samwich with cheese in it tastes lots better than if you dont put cheese in it :) everybody should have lots of cheese :) im gonna vote for this :)

[Someone taps the speaker on the shoulder and reminds him that his nation doesn't belong to the UN.]

oh never mind :(
UN member or not, you still need cheese! <hands the representative from Ormlanda a gift basket of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™>

The Armed Republic of Independent Birmingham wholeheartedly disagree with any idea of this proposal, as it is far too narrow, and a good opportunity has been missed to make this a wider reaching proposal that would truly affect the world in which we live.

-

A.R.I.B. Minister for Agriculture and Food
No Cheese For You!

The Cascadian Dept. of Health and the Enivroment, which is also charged with food safety and education, feels that this proposal will help educate the public on the many benefits of eating cheese and other dairy propducts. We would like to suggest that Yeldan UN Mission also promote organic cheese and buying cheese from family and employee-owned farms that treat their workers fairly and equally.
I will try to work words to that effect into the next revision.
We would also like to give Yeldan UN Mission a basket of Cascadian cheese. Thanks for writing this resolution.
Thank you for the wonderful cheeses! In return, I offer a selection of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™ for your enjoyment.

I am shocked and saddened by the esteemed Representative from Euroslavia's refusal to support this effort to improve the general state of world nutrition. Cheese is the very cornerstone of any well balanced diet. Here, try some of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™ (The Cheese fit for a Mod) and please reconsider your opposition.
<hands the Euroslavian UN Representative a decorative vase filled with Fine Yeldan Cheeses™>


One thing that I dislike is the fact that you aren't addressing certain concerns over this proposal, and are offering them cheese for their approval. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I commented, hoping for an explanation on why we should promote cheese over everything else. If its only to push UN nations up in the rankings for the cheese export sector, then I have absolutely no reason to support this, as we shouldn't do so for such a reason.

As a non UN member I welcome this proposal. The more cheese the merrier. We in the Domain of Kei have a healthy cheese industry and are usually 98% cheesier than the rest of the nations in my region. Gladly would we accept the free and open market for our cheese as well. The fine ambassador of Yeldan UN Mission ought to be congratulated on the foresight of this proposal. As a gift of appreciation please accept this this gift basket of the fine cheese and wine assortment of my nation.<gives Yeldan UN Missions Ambassador basket>

Kei
"My Butt is infinitly cuter than Yuri's"

OOC: THanks, this thread is much more entertaining than the current resolution up for vote. :D

Thanagaria, as the number one cheese producer in it's region, would like to extend a sincere boon of gratitude towards the fine nation of Yeldan for it's brilliant proposal, and if it is accepted forvoting, I will support it vehemently.

Having said that, a majority of U.N. delegates (namely those with poor cheese exports) will oppose this proposal as fervently as I support it. Therefore, I suggest we create an organization, unafilliated with the U.N., that would promote the manufacture and distribution of fine, quality cheese as opposed to imitation cheeses.

Speaking of fine cheeses, it would be much apreciated by this delegate if he could sample but a taste of the world famous Yeldan cheese, and offers in return for this gracious gift a selection of our delicious Thanagarian variety.

In regard to your proposal's wording, I would suggest you define imitation cheeses as, "all products advertised as cheese but not meeting the criteria set forth by the aforementioned definition for authentic cheese."

I thank you for your ear, and hope that you take kindly to my words, Mr. Delegate.

We are deeply sensitive to the special needs for ritual purity in the production of Kawaiian cheese. Perhaps you might suggest wording which could address this issue and allow the Kawaiian people to support our proposal.
In the meantime, I offer you a gift basket of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.

Our concern is with the automatic assumption among many NationStates that the NSUN is the final guarantor of well-being. This assumption encourages hubris on the part of the UN, which We have seen in the recent rash of poor resolutions.

In the interest of preventing an international incident through unwarrented discourtesy, Our Conclave of Friendship would like to offer the services of a few of Our otaku to see whether and how Fine Yeldan Cheeses™ can be Jihi Certified. We note that if certification can be obtained, it will open a large market for the Yeldan cheesemakers. Kawaiian cheese is unfortunately rather expensive, and Our people would gladly welcome more economical imports provided they don't violate Our ritual purity codes.

The Holy Empire of The Jeffers will not support this proposal nor any like it. It is a waste of U.N. time for such proposals to even be considered.

Originally Posted by Yeldan UN Mission
The proposal only encourages the sale of Cheese, Dairy, and Dairy related products between UN nations. I'm sure there is a market for your excellent cheeses if you should choose to sell them on the open market, however.Here, try some of our Fine Yeldan Cheeses™. I'm certain that you will find them delicious. <gives the ambassador a variety pack of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™>
Why thank you, they're very-
Hey wait. This wouldn't have anything to do with your UN rankings, would it?

But in all seriousness, you're absolutely right. This proposal only encourages members of the UN to take action. There aren't any clauses that actually mandate anything. To be honest, I couldn’t support a resolution such as this, as it simply does not back up the position it takes with any sort of enforceable regulations. It’s simply a piece of paper stating what the UN feels “would be really swell.”

One thing that I dislike is the fact that you aren't addressing certain concerns over this proposal, and are offering them cheese for their approval. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I commented, hoping for an explanation on why we should promote cheese over everything else. If its only to push UN nations up in the rankings for the cheese export sector, then I have absolutely no reason to support this, as we shouldn't do so for such a reason.
Well, how about this then:
Revised Version v2.0
Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role of proper nutrition in maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of all persons;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the importance of proper nutrition in the growth and development of children;

NOTING the responsibility of nations to provide adequate food supplies for their citizenry:

DEFINING FOOD AS: Material, usually of plant or animal origin, that contains or consists of essential body nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals, and is ingested and assimilated by an organism to produce energy, stimulate growth, and maintain life.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of food products between UN nations;

2. REQUESTS the free distribution of said products to those unable to purchase them at fair market value and defined as worthy of such by the individual member nation;

3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food;

4. ENCOURAGES STRONGLY the removal of all sales taxes levied on food;

5. CALLS UPON UN member nations to advance research into new and improved methods of food production and distribution as a priority within their research budgets.

6. ENCOURAGES all nations to institute health and nutritional education programs within their public school systems.
Free Trade. Strong or Significant?

As a gift of appreciation please accept this this gift basket of the fine cheese and wine assortment of my nation.<gives Yeldan UN Missions Ambassador basket>
Thank you very much Ambassador! In return, I offer you a deluxe assortment of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.
OOC: THanks, this thread is much more entertaining than the current resolution up for vote. :D
You're welcome :)

Thanagaria, as the number one cheese producer in it's region, would like to extend a sincere boon of gratitude towards the fine nation of Yeldan for it's brilliant proposal, and if it is accepted forvoting, I will support it vehemently.

Having said that, a majority of U.N. delegates (namely those with poor cheese exports) will oppose this proposal as fervently as I support it. Therefore, I suggest we create an organization, unafilliated with the U.N., that would promote the manufacture and distribution of fine, quality cheese as opposed to imitation cheeses.

Speaking of fine cheeses, it would be much apreciated by this delegate if he could sample but a taste of the world famous Yeldan cheese, and offers in return for this gracious gift a selection of our delicious Thanagarian variety.

In regard to your proposal's wording, I would suggest you define imitation cheeses as, "all products advertised as cheese but not meeting the criteria set forth by the aforementioned definition for authentic cheese."

I thank you for your ear, and hope that you take kindly to my words, Mr. Delegate.

Ambassador, thank you for your kind words and sage advice. I offer you a decorative vase, filled to the brim with Fine Yeldan Cheeses™.

Our concern is with the automatic assumption among many NationStates that the NSUN is the final guarantor of well-being. This assumption encourages hubris on the part of the UN, which We have seen in the recent rash of poor resolutions.

In the interest of preventing an international incident through unwarrented discourtesy, Our Conclave of Friendship would like to offer the services of a few of Our otaku to see whether and how Fine Yeldan Cheeses™ can be Jihi Certified. We note that if certification can be obtained, it will open a large market for the Yeldan cheesemakers. Kawaiian cheese is unfortunately rather expensive, and Our people would gladly welcome more economical imports provided they don't violate Our ritual purity codes.

We would be honored to recieve your otaku and will give them full access to our cheese production facilities.

The Holy Empire of The Jeffers will not support this proposal nor any like it. It is a waste of U.N. time for such proposals to even be considered.
No Cheese For You!

Why thank you, they're very-
Hey wait. This wouldn't have anything to do with your UN rankings, would it?

But in all seriousness, you're absolutely right. This proposal only encourages members of the UN to take action. There aren't any clauses that actually mandate anything. To be honest, I couldn’t support a resolution such as this, as it simply does not back up the position it takes with any sort of enforceable regulations. It’s simply a piece of paper stating what the UN feels “would be really swell.”
You accept our gift of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™ and then insult our proposal?
No More Cheese For You!

Bravo on this proposal, good sir. I find it no more self serving and idiotic than others found debated in these hallowed halls. And furthermore will cause less harm than most proposals or resolutions that have passed. ;) One question, good sir. What cheese would you recommend to be served with Old Crow or Wild Turkey? :confused:
Excelsior,
Sen Horatio Sulla
UN Ambassador
The Evil Conservative Empire of the Palentine

P.S. Pehaps to get wider support, you should seek out some help from the beef based industry. After all, nothing beats a grilled Angus Burger with Chedder Cheese and cold Iron City to wash it down. :D

The Adnarian Democratic Republic support this idea.We need to support our cheese industry.
William Jacques,
Prime Minister,
Robert Jones,
Foreign Minister and President,
Adnaria.
Adam Field,
Minister of Agriculture

Bravo on this proposal, good sir. I find it no more self serving and idiotic than others found debated in these hallowed halls. And furthermore will cause less harm than most proposals or resolutions that have passed. ;) One question, good sir. What cheese would you recommend to be served with Old Crow or Wild Turkey? :confused:
Excelsior,
Sen Horatio Sulla
UN Ambassador
The Evil Conservative Empire of the Palentine
Ambassador Sulla, thank you your kind words. I believe I would serve a Smoked Cheddar with either of those whiskies. Here's a case of it. <hands Sen Horatio Sulla a case of Yeldan Smoky Cheddar™>

P.S. Pehaps to get wider support, you should seek out some help from the beef based industry. After all, nothing beats a grilled Angus Burger with Chedder Cheese and cold Iron City to wash it down. :D
We have reconfigured the proposal as a Free Trade proposal covering all food. I'll post the revised text again.

Revised Version v2.0
Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role of proper nutrition in maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of all persons;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the importance of proper nutrition in the growth and development of children;

NOTING the responsibility of nations to provide adequate food supplies for their citizenry:

DEFINING FOOD AS: Material, usually of plant or animal origin, that contains or consists of essential body nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals, and is ingested and assimilated by an organism to produce energy, stimulate growth, and maintain life.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of food products between UN nations;

2. REQUESTS the free distribution of said products to those unable to purchase them at fair market value and defined as worthy of such by the individual member nation;

3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food;

4. ENCOURAGES STRONGLY the removal of all sales taxes levied on food;

5. CALLS UPON UN member nations to advance research into new and improved methods of food production and distribution as a priority within their research budgets.

6. ENCOURAGES all nations to institute health and nutritional education programs within their public school systems.
Supporters of Beef-based Agriculture and Trout Fishing, as well as Cheese Exports, should find this to their liking now. It will promote free trade in all areas of food production. Soda and Pizza Delivery as well, if you consider those to be foods.

The Most Serene Republic of Love and esterel is really reassured that our estimable collegue Yeldan decided to extend his proposition to food in general instead of cheese in particular!!!

maybe you will be interested in adding a clause dealing with eventual problem than can happen, as BSE (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovine_spongiform_encephalopathy
or the Asian Flu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_flu

maybe you will be interested in adding a clause dealing with eventual problem than can happen, as BSE (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease)
Well, no. It's a "Free Trade" proposal. Its purpose is to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce. As such, we're already stretching it by including clauses 2, 5 and 6. A clause dealing with BSE would belong in a proposal dealing with food safety, which I suppose would go in the "Social Justice" category.

As the U.N. delegate from the nation of Thanagaria I am impressed by your maturity and intelligence in changing this proposal to include all foods. I feel that this proposal is much more acceptable to those with low cheese sales.

Bravo, Representative.

The Republic of Andreas Potens wishes to make known our excitement over this potential resolution. As consumers of some of the finest cheeses of the world, we welcome the opportunity to expand our tasting horizons. As such, we do not necessarily feel that any other foods need to be added to this proposal, save maybe some exquisite wines to drink with our cheese...

<Offers a bottle of our finest 1987 Caecubum Cabernet Sauvignon to the author.>

Originally Posted by Yeldan UN Mission
You accept our gift of Fine Yeldan Cheeses™ and then insult our proposal?
No More Cheese For You!
Haven’t you ever heard of constructive criticism? We try to highlight a valid concern with your proposal, and you slight us over it? Fine! We don’t need your non-stinking cheeses, anyway!


…I’m terribly sorry, that remark was over the line. I’m sure that Yelda’s fine cheeses are as offensive to the olfactory senses as any proper cheese ought to be.

By the way, does article three allow exceptions for food bans placed due to medical concerns? Many countries have food trade restrictions in place due to concerns over the content or preparation of foods made in different countries, so does article three only extend to economically motivated food restrictions, or does it affect all restrictions on importation of food?

Well, no. It's a "Free Trade" proposal. Its purpose is to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce. As such, we're already stretching it by including clauses 2, 5 and 6. A clause dealing with BSE would belong in a proposal dealing with food safety, which I suppose would go in the "Social Justice" category.

no pb if you are not interested with our suggestion

but we think it's time for the UN to get rid of these obsolete and useless "categories"

there is no reason why a proposal can't be in the same time:
-human rights and moral decency
-global disarmamant and international security
-human rights and recreational drugs use and moral decency
-free trade and social justice
and so on

By the way, does article three allow exceptions for food bans placed due to medical concerns? Many countries have food trade restrictions in place due to concerns over the content or preparation of foods made in different countries, so does article three only extend to economically motivated food restrictions, or does it affect all restrictions on importation of food?

We commend the esteemed representative of Greater Boblandia for pointing this issue out, as it affects Us in particular. While Our nation is a firm believer in free trade, would this article be interpreted as prohibiting a NationState from imposing religious-based restrictions on food imports? We reserve the right to require all such imports comply with our jihi ritual food purity code, after all.

Thank you for the cheese. We have noticed you have put in a clause for the education of people about making good eating choices. Can you please add a clause to help support organic foods and buying foods from family and employee-owned farms that treat their workers fairly and equally?

As the U.N. delegate from the nation of Thanagaria I am impressed by your maturity and intelligence in changing this proposal to include all foods. I feel that this proposal is much more acceptable to those with low cheese sales.

Bravo, Representative.
The Republic of Andreas Potens wishes to make known our excitement over this potential resolution. As consumers of some of the finest cheeses of the world, we welcome the opportunity to expand our tasting horizons. As such, we do not necessarily feel that any other foods need to be added to this proposal, save maybe some exquisite wines to drink with our cheese...
I thought it might make more sense to just go ahead and include all food groups. If the Cheese resolution had passed (which it most likely wouldn't have) then someone else would have written one for Beef Based Agriculture, Trout Fishing, etc. Why not just cover all foods with one resolution?
<Offers a bottle of our finest 1987 Caecubum Cabernet Sauvignon to the author.>
Thank you Ambassador Dashing. In return, I offer you a bottle of Yeldan Raspberry Mead™.

By the way, does article three allow exceptions for food bans placed due to medical concerns? Many countries have food trade restrictions in place due to concerns over the content or preparation of foods made in different countries, so does article three only extend to economically motivated food restrictions, or does it affect all restrictions on importation of food?
We commend the esteemed representative of Greater Boblandia for pointing this issue out, as it affects Us in particular. While Our nation is a firm believer in free trade, would this article be interpreted as prohibiting a NationState from imposing religious-based restrictions on food imports? We reserve the right to require all such imports comply with our jihi ritual food purity code, after all.
Both of you have raised very good points here. What if we re-wrote Article 3 thus:
3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food. Exception will be made for trade restrictions which are in place for legitimate Religious, Cultural or Medical concerns;

no pb if you are not interested with our suggestion

but we think it's time for the UN to get rid of these obsolete and useless "categories"

there is no reason why a proposal can't be in the same time:
-human rights and moral decency
-global disarmamant and international security
-human rights and recreational drugs use and moral decency
-free trade and social justice
and so on
That would lead to someone writing the Grand Unified Resolution Of Everything. Really, I think it's best to leave the categories as they are. Besides, it would require a major re-coding of the game so it's not going to happen.

Can you please add a clause to help support organic foods and buying foods from family and employee-owned farms that treat their workers fairly and equally?
I'm still thinking about that one. I just honestly have not come up with a way to add wording to that effect yet.

3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food. Exception will be made for trade restrictions which are in place for legitimate Religious, Cultural or Medical concerns;
Sounds good.


Originally Posted by Yeldan UN Mission
That would lead to someone writing the Grand Unified Resolution Of Everything.
Actually, our current working theory is that writing such a resolution is the way one actually beats NationStates: the Nation Simulation Game.

Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role of proper nutrition in maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of all persons;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the importance of proper nutrition in the growth and development of children;

NOTING the responsibility of nations to provide adequate food supplies for their citizenry:

DEFINING FOOD AS: Material, usually of plant or animal origin, that contains or consists of essential body nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals, and is ingested and assimilated by an organism to produce energy, stimulate growth, and maintain life.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of food products between UN nations;

2. REQUESTS the free distribution of said products to those unable to purchase them at fair market value and defined as worthy of such by the individual member nation;

3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food. Exception will be made for trade restrictions which are in place for legitimate Religious, Cultural, Medical, or Ecological concerns;

4. ENCOURAGES STRONGLY the removal of all sales taxes levied on food;

5. CALLS UPON UN member nations to advance research into new and improved methods of food production and distribution as a priority within their research budgets;

6. ENCOURAGES all nations to institute health and nutritional education programs within their public school systems.
It needs a new title. I was thinking of calling it the "Free Trade of Food Act", but that doesn't really sound right. Any suggestions?

My one concern is that if it focuses solely on 'food' (the end product). Therefore it places no focus on agriculture -- which is the science of growing the food in the first place.

This advantages developed nations, which have ready agribusiness and products to market, and disadvantages nations which need to still develop agricultural output.

It does not, for instance, restrict export tarriffs on farm equipment or fertilizers which might be needed to produce local crops.

Thus, the "haves" can easily continue to force the have nots to buy their end product, rather than try to develop local production capacities -- which would possibly reduce global energy consumption needed to transfer food around the world rather than grow it in your (relative) back yard.

Furthermore, there might be exceptions made to prevent or restrict trade in endangered species of plants or animals. While it's wonderful that people would be able to afford to eat the last of a species on the planet, there might be people who would wish to prevent their extinction.

I would heartily recommend the following change from:
1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of food products between UN nations;
...
3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food. Exception will be made for trade restrictions which are in place for legitimate Religious, Cultural or Medical concerns;

4. ENCOURAGES STRONGLY the removal of all sales taxes levied on food;
To:1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of food products, livestock and seafood stocks, agricultural plants, seeds, bulbs, roots, etc., and related agricultural equipment, supplies and technology between UN nations;
...
3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on said products. Exception will be made for trade restrictions which are in place for legitimate Religious, Cultural, Medical, or Ecological concerns;

4. ENCOURAGES STRONGLY the removal of all sales taxes levied on food and agricultural products;

What to Call It?
Here's something that maybe someone with a bit of programming experience could give a whirl in the future. For now, I've made it 'longhand' to show what sorts of elements go into naming. Note, this is simply how my own head words, based on marketing background & lingusitic studies.

Optional prefix modifying noun/adjective: UN +

Optional prefix adjective (0 or 1):
Global
International
World
Worldwide
Optional core noun (0 or 1)*:
Agriculture
Food
Produce
Optional adjective (0 or 1):
Agricultural
Optional active nouns or noun phrases (0, 1 or many**)*:
Commerce
Exchange
Fair Trade
Free Trade
Distribution
Development
Optional suffix noun (0 or 1):
Act
Agreement
Committee
Program
Project
Treaty
* Needs either a core noun or active noun.
** Possible Joiners & Conjunctions (as needed):
,
and (or) &

So for examples:
UN Food Program
World Food Program
UN Worldwide Food Program
Global Food Fair Trade Act
UN Food Free Trade Act**
Agricultural Fair Trade & Development
International Agricultural Commerce Act
International Food Fair Trade, Distribution & Development Program
UN Global Food Fair Trade & Distribution Program
International Food Fair Trade Exchange
** A bit ironic; you have to be careful, because people can call it "(Food Free) Trade" instead of "Food (Free Trade)"; hence why I prefer "Fair Trade." It infers matters are conducted fairly for the best interests of both parties. "Free" Trade is somewhat oxymoronic unless someone is dumping on a market, which can have deleterious effects on local markets unless it is for short-term famine or disaster crisis relief.

Of course, you could invert some ordering with various other grammatical structures such as a preposition (of, for, etc.):

Global Free Trade for Food
UN International Distribution of Food Program
UN Program for Global Food Distribution

I'm still thinking about that one. I just honestly have not come up with a way to add wording to that effect yet.

What about this?

CALLS UPON ALL UN member nations to promote the buying of food and other food and agricultural products from small businesses and employee-owned companies in order to help relieve poverty in local areas and help make sure that workers are treated fairly.

Food is food. The best way to get this resolution by evil conservative, capitalist swine(like myself )is to keep it focused on free trade and lowering tarriffs. I have sympathy for agriculture, but the best way would keep agriculture as a seperate resolution.
Excelsior,
Sen Horatio Sulla

feel free once again to be interested or not with my suggestion, do you think you can include some basic regulation about Genetically modified food?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food

Made some changes.
The Global Food Distribution Act
Category: Free Trade
Strength: Strong
Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role of proper nutrition in maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of all persons;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the importance of proper nutrition in the growth and development of children;

NOTING the responsibility of nations to provide adequate food supplies for their citizenry:

DEFINING FOOD AS: Material, usually of plant or animal origin, that contains or consists of essential body nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals, and is ingested and assimilated by an organism to produce energy, stimulate growth, and maintain life.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of food products between UN nations;

2. REQUESTS the free distribution of surplus food and food products to those unable to purchase them at fair market value and defined as worthy of such by the individual member nation;

3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food. Exception will be made for trade restrictions which are in place for legitimate Religious, Cultural, Medical, or Ecological concerns;

4. ENCOURAGES STRONGLY the removal of all sales taxes levied on food;

5. CALLS UPON UN member nations to advance research into new and improved methods of food production and distribution as a priority within their research budgets;

6. ENCOURAGES all nations to institute health and nutritional education programs within their public school systems.
I would like to thank The Kingdom of Listeneisse for help in choosing an appropriate name for the proposal. I also added your suggestion referencing Ecological concerns to article 3. I'm not sure about expanding the proposal to include agriculture, farm equipment, etc. I think thats best left to a future resolution.

What about this?

CALLS UPON ALL UN member nations to promote the buying of food and other food and agricultural products from small businesses and employee-owned companies in order to help relieve poverty in local areas and help make sure that workers are treated fairly.
I'm just not sure that fits into a "Free Trade" resolution. It sounds more like "Social Justice".

Food is food. The best way to get this resolution by evil conservative, capitalist swine(like myself )is to keep it focused on free trade and lowering tarriffs. I have sympathy for agriculture, but the best way would keep agriculture as a seperate resolution.
Excelsior,
Sen Horatio Sulla
I agree. I'm going to keep this one focused on food. We can look at a proposal dealing with agriculture at a later date and incorporate the suggestions of Listeneisse and Of Cascadia.

its a stack of cheese really :sniper:

3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food

does "trade restrictions" include subventions that some rich Nations allows to their agriculture?

Love and esterel had always been a strong opposant of "rich nation suventionned agriculture"?
We think these subventions are undermining the development of developing Nations.

(in real world, USA, European Union and Japan give large amounts of money as subvention to their agriculture => we think it's a barrier to free trade)

My thanks to the Yeldan UN Mission for the friendly amendments, and we understand that a second resolution might focus on spurring worldwide agricultural production.

3. MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food

does "trade restrictions" include subventions that some rich Nations allows to their agriculture?

Love and esterel had always been a strong opposant of "rich nation suventionned agriculture"?
We think these subventions are undermining the development of developing Nations.

(in real world, USA, European Union and Japan give large amounts of money as subvention to their agriculture => we think it's a barrier to free trade)
No, I intentionally choose not to mention subventions or subsidies. Many nations see subsidies as an "internal matter" and a legitimate policy choice for protecting their domestic food producers. I agree with you that from a Free Trade standpoint it would be desirable to eliminate subsidies. However, I doubt that there would be very much support for doing so.

I'm considering running this through the proposal queue without a TG campaign to gauge the level of support. If there are no more suggestions I will do so later tonight or maybe tomorrow. If any of the UN regulars would like to rip it to shreds before I submit it, now's your chance.

If any of the UN regulars would like to rip it to shreds before I submit it, now's your chance.

I'd only want to rip it to shreads if there is chocolate hidden inside :).

The proposal sounds good as is, and I'll see if our delegate can be persuaded to endorse it when you submit it.

Friends and colleagues, it is time once again for the UN to address this most vital of all issues, world cheese production. Some time back, I composed a resolution: "The International Cheese Act". It was revised and submitted by The Sultanate of Vastiva, a world renowned producer of fine cheeses.
Here is the original draft:

And here is Vastiva's revision:

Obviously, we will want to work from the revised version. It was submitted as a "Social Justice" proposal. We believe that it could (and should) be reworked as a "Free Trade" proposal.
The original discussion threads may be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423239) and here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423260).
Comments?

Being the a Delegate of New Orleans...what do you think my response will be....




SIDE BAR I like it. Just don't have the time to do it...400 I need, that will help those poor bastards.

Will vote for...but wont talk in the debate.

Friends and colleagues, it is time once again for the UN to address this most vital of all issues, world cheese production. Some time back, I composed a resolution: "The International Cheese Act". It was revised and submitted by The Sultanate of Vastiva, a world renowned producer of fine cheeses.
Here is the original draft:

And here is Vastiva's revision:

Obviously, we will want to work from the revised version. It was submitted as a "Social Justice" proposal. We believe that it could (and should) be reworked as a "Free Trade" proposal.
The original discussion threads may be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423239) and here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=423260).
Comments?

Being the Delegate of New Orleans...what do you think my responsibly will be....




SIDE BAR I like it. Just don't have the time to do it...400 I need, that will help those poor bastards.

Will vote for...but wont talk in the debate.

Submitted as "Global Food Distribution Act".

Approved.

I'd only want to rip it to shreads if there is chocolate hidden inside :).
Well, chocolate is food. :)

The proposal sounds good as is, and I'll see if our delegate can be persuaded to endorse it when you submit it.
Will vote for...but wont talk in the debate.
Approved.
Thank you! I appreciate the support. I'm going to need to start a new thread for this eventually. The beginning of this one is a little cheesy. I'll probably do that after this one leaves the queue but before I re-submit it.

No, I intentionally choose not to mention subventions or subsidies. Many nations see subsidies as an "internal matter" and a legitimate policy choice for protecting their domestic food producers. I agree with you that from a Free Trade standpoint it would be desirable to eliminate subsidies. However, I doubt that there would be very much support for doing so.


Yeldan UN Mission, i will mention real world because this is a really important matter.

In real world, i’m living in a nation member of the European Union, and even if i personally like the process of European integration, i really think sometimes things are going crazy:

Half of the budget of the European-Union administration goes to subventions to agriculture!
And I’m not applauding USA or Japan here, as these countries have exactly the same policy.

If you ““MANDATES the removal of all tariffs, duties and trade restrictions on food””
=> developing Nation will not be able to compete freely against massively-subventionned developed nation agriculture
=> The fragile economy of many developing nations will crumble

So if you want to free international food trade, you have to, in the same proposition, regulate strongly agriculture subventions in developed Nations

If your proposition doesn’t aim the collapse of developing nation agriculture => you don’t have the choice, sorry

We believe that it is neccissary to place point of orgin on cheese.