NationStates Jolt Archive

Honourable delegates,

It may have come to the attention of some of you in these hallowed halls that my nation has submitted (http://www.nationstates.net/page=UN_proposal1/match=common) a draft repeal of the following resolution:

UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTION #30
Common Sense Act II

A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.
Category: Human Rights
Strength: Significant

Proposed by: Fantasan

Description: : Far too many civil injustices occur each and every day in courts around the world. Frivolous lawsuits plague innocent homeowners and businessmen, who have done nothing wrong but earn enough money to become a target of an opportunist.

Lawsuits on the basis of idiotic negligence on the part of the victim shall henceforth be dismissed in the courts of UN member nations, as they violate the civil liberties of those being sued.

Idiotic neglegence shall be defined as such:
1:Burning oneself with a hot beverage, such as coffee.
2:Injuring oneself while using a tool in a reckless or improper manner, such as without safety gear or for a purpose the tool is obviously not supposed to do.
3:Consuming a legal product which is either high in fat or damaging to the body, such as fast food or tobacco.
4:Any injury incurred during the commission of a crime, such as cutting yourself on a broken pane of glass while burglarizing a home.

This proposal will lower the tax burden on all citizens, it will make the jobs of Judges and Juries easier, and will help restore a modicum of common sense to the world.

Votes For: 8,627
Votes Against: 4,776

Implemented: Fri Sep 12 2003

I freely confess that the text submitted was the product of an unconventional approach to legislation crafting, involving as it did very little sleep and not a little rice wine. As such, it does tend towards a somewhat high-flown form of rhetoric. Should the current draft fail to reach quorum then I wish to solicit your wise counsel as to how to improve the chances of achieving a successful repeal.

The text as it stands:

Repeal "Common Sense Act II"

A proposal to repeal a previously passed resolution
Category: Repeal
Resolution: #30

Proposed by: Dashanzi

Description: UN Resolution #30: Common Sense Act II (Category: Human Rights; Strength: Significant) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The United Nations,

REGRETFULLY ACKNOWLEDGING that individuals may be reckless, irresponsible, ignorant and/or foolish, and

SOBERLY MINDFUL of the potential for the waste of time and resources represented by such individuals,

NONETHELESS REMAINS AGOG at the chutzpah exhibited in crafting a resolution that seeks to legislate against stupidity, yet which simultaneously fails to account for the myriad factors involved in personal decision-making, and furthermore

RAILS MOST FURIOUSLY at those who seek to undermine the lofty goals of this institution by assailing it with such egregious trivialities and alarmist pettifoggery, and consequently

RIGHTEOUSLY PURIFIES the UN statute of this most disingenuous resolution by

REPEALING United Nations Resolution #30: Common Sense Act II.
Perhaps a less zealous approach would appeal to delegates?

Anyway, I am here to request your support and, if need be, your wisdom.

Benedictions,

It is the greatest thing ever devised by the mind of man and I have approved it.

A thousand thanks, dear Felix!

This is the most wonderful piece of legislation that I have seen thus far. I love it.

In the name of the Emperor,

As much as I agree with it, toning down the language in the proposal a bit might help its chances of passing. And I hope it does, because it's sorely needed.

Congratulations to Minister Gao on an excellent proposal. I'll definitely support this fine effort to rid the UN lawbooks of yet another of this body's piss-poor early efforts at writing legislation.

HotRodian UN Representative
Accelerus Dioce

It may surprise some, but our delegation finds the style of this proposal eminently suited to the subject matter. We will be asking our regional delegate to approve it and look forward to supporting it as it progresses to passage (or at least bashing the humorless stuffed shirts who will get all huffy about it.)

Hurlbot Barfanger
Ambassador to the United Nations

Normally I would oppose the use of such emotive language as anything other than a joke, but it almost seems appropriate, given the target of the repeal.

Besides, anyone that can use agog in a full sentence deserves some credit.

I like the Dashanzi delegate's style, but I wouldn't favour a repeal of the Common Sense Act.

Christelle Zyryanov,
Ambassador to the United Nations,
PDSRA

This repeal is, quite frankly, a bit of a waste of time. Why don't we repeal something that actually does damage, besides making the UN look silly?

Art Webster
UN Ambassador

This repeal is, quite frankly, a bit of a waste of time. Why don't we repeal something that actually does damage, besides making the UN look silly?

Art Webster
UN Ambassador

The UN is silly. It's an international organisation is an online game. A game within a game, where people pretend to run nations and pretend to vote on absurd little bits of legislation like, for instance, all the issues.

This is well within the spirit of the game, and the community that has build around its tiny, silly core.

If only I were a delegate.

The UN is silly. It's an international organisation is an online game. A game within a game, where people pretend to run nations and pretend to vote on absurd little bits of legislation like, for instance, all the issues.

This is well within the spirit of the game, and the community that has build around its tiny, silly core.

If only I were a delegate.

No, I meant that the only real damage CSAII does is make the UN a bit silly. This is normal, like you said, so why should it be repealed when we have better things to vote on in the five days it would take for this to be voted on at the GA?

Normally I would oppose the use of such emotive language as anything other than a joke, but it almost seems appropriate, given the target of the repeal.

Besides, anyone that can use agog in a full sentence deserves some credit.
My thoughts exactly.

Quite honestly, I support this repeal and dearly hope that it passes for the sole reason of the wonderfully amusing language used. The fact that the original legislation is in fact rather silly is only a secondary concern, and gives me the leisure to support the repeal on unimportant terms. I give you my fullest support in getting this 'well'-written piece of legislation passed into permanence.

Ran Daverson
UN Representative

This repeal is, quite frankly, a bit of a waste of time. Why don't we repeal something that actually does damage, besides making the UN look silly?

Art Webster
UN Ambassador

The resolution in question causes many member nations to be positively harmed by unduly restricting the types of cases that can be decided by its judiciary. While the Republic of Krioval has noticed the position of Ceorana to be one of UN-restricted national courts, we are forced to question the logic of maintaining such a flagrant violation of every form of sovereignty imaginable.

"Common Sense Act II" does nothing well and many things poorly. So-called "frivolous" civil lawsuits should certainly be defined and restricted as nations see fit, as they deal neither with civil freedoms or international relations.

(Lord) Jevo Telovar
United Nations Ambassador
Republic of Krioval

I like the Dashanzi delegate's style, but I wouldn't favour a repeal of the Common Sense Act.

Christelle Zyryanov,
Ambassador to the United Nations,
PDSRA

Well then, it's a good thing this is a repeal of Common Sense Act II.

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

OOC::D

The UN is silly. It's an international organisation is an online game. A game within a game, where people pretend to run nations...


...this ...., er, ... is a game?

[gets hat]

I always liked what CSII tried to do, largely because I have no small amount of vemon for pointless lawsuits. However, I feel that Fantasan deserves no less than overinflated rhetoric being used to remove his law. It's deliciously ironic for those of us who remember him.

The UN is silly. It's an international organisation is an online game. A game within a game, where people pretend to run nations and pretend to vote on absurd little bits of legislation like, for instance, all the issues.what about my dainty littel feet? r they not real??? (http://www.elfonlyinn.net/d/20040213.html)

Well then, it's a good thing this is a repeal of Common Sense Act II.


Concision, dear. Concision. And when laws have the same name, we refer to them by the same name. It helps keep things confusing.

Christelle Zyryanov,
Ambassador to the United Nations,
PDSRA


OOC:

I always liked what CSII tried to do, largely because I have no small amount of vemon for pointless lawsuits. However, I feel that Fantasan deserves no less than overinflated rhetoric being used to remove his law. It's deliciously ironic for those of us who remember him.

Yes, I rather like CSII itself, but I had very little respect or liking for the player Fantasan, and if CSII is to be struck down, this is a great way to do it. ;) So I'm hesitant, but I'll probably vote against the repeal.

what about my dainty littel feet? r they not real??? (http://www.elfonlyinn.net/d/20040213.html)

OOC: You really frighten me sometimes, Hack. :p

Still OOC: I freakin' LOVE this proposal! The insane language alone brings tears to my eyes. Like a few others have already said, normally, I don't like that sort of thing, preferring more subdued terms in proposals, but this is just too rich. I mean, c'mon...it "RAILS MOST FURIOUSLY" and "RIGHTEOUSLY PURIFIES." That's bloody genius! We have to get this on the books.

And I have to get myself some of that rice wine, apparently... :cool:

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I support this wholeheartedly.

The resolution in question causes many member nations to be positively harmed by unduly restricting the types of cases that can be decided by its judiciary. While the Republic of Krioval has noticed the position of Ceorana to be one of UN-restricted national courts, we are forced to question the logic of maintaining such a flagrant violation of every form of sovereignty imaginable.

"Common Sense Act II" does nothing well and many things poorly. So-called "frivolous" civil lawsuits should certainly be defined and restricted as nations see fit, as they deal neither with civil freedoms or international relations.

(Lord) Jevo Telovar
United Nations Ambassador
Republic of Krioval

Don't get me wrong, Ceorana would like to see this one go and would oppose it on the GA floor. But really, why repeal this? There are plenty of other resolutions that are much worse and should be of greater priority to repeal.

Art Webster
Ambassador to the United Nations

Don't get me wrong, Ceorana would like to see this one go and would oppose it on the GA floor. But really, why repeal this? There are plenty of other resolutions that are much worse and should be of greater priority to repeal.

Art Webster
Ambassador to the United Nations

Ambassador Webster, if Your Excellency is suggesting that repealing a bad resolution be held up only because there happen to be worse in force, I am concerned. There will always be resolutions that one considers inferior to others, and consensus being difficult to establish in many cases, I believe that one is best grounded in sound legislative policy by considering every resolution, whether forward or repeal, on its own merits.

Krioval opposes "Common Sense Act II" because it imposes undue restrictions on a national judiciary without supporting any positive aspect of society that could not be promoted by different and better means. While there are fewer things worse than a nation claiming that a UN resolution allows for the denial of rights to its populace, one of those things is a nation claiming that a UN resolution *forces* the denial of rights. We believe "Common Sense Act II" to be dangerously close to doing exactly that, and for that reason, we support its repeal.

(Lord) Jevo Telovar
United Nations Ambassador
Republic of Krioval

The nation of Ardchoille FLORIDLY and WITH JOYOUS ABANDON supports this repeal, GUSHINGLY ADMIRES its legislative style and EMPHATICALLY URGES similar mellifluous loquacity upon neophyte drafters.

I seem to recall a Repeal using "APOPLECTIC WITH RAGE"... always found that charming.

I seem to recall a Repeal using "APOPLECTIC WITH RAGE"... always found that charming.

The idea was tossed about for a while, but I don't think it was ever actually done.

Minister Gao, this repeal is absolutely brilliant.

I spat coffee onto my monitor when I read "NONETHELESS REMAINS AGOG".

As a result, the monitor has stopped working.

I'm suing, of course. The View Sonic corporation will rue the day it didn't make its monitors coffee-proof.



Magister Jubal Harshaw
Intangelon/Greater Seattle

I seem to recall a Repeal using "APOPLECTIC WITH RAGE"... always found that charming.

OOC: That was Gruen's, if I remember correctly.

Thanks to all for their kind words. The repeal currently has the support of 36 delegates and will (I think) hit the front page of the proposals list at the next update. Regrettably, I am unable to participate in any telegram campaign, but any delegate wishing to do so themselves meets with my blessing and gratitude.

Should quorum elude us, then...

The nation of Ardchoille FLORIDLY and WITH JOYOUS ABANDON supports this repeal, GUSHINGLY ADMIRES its legislative style and EMPHATICALLY URGES similar mellifluous loquacity upon neophyte drafters.
... I believe inspiration shall be near at hand.

Benedictions,

* ooc: Keeping this fresh in people's minds before we hit the Xmas break: I would very much like to get the repeal to vote some time in January. However, I simply don't have the time to engage in telegram campaign; my NS participation is erratic at best. So, this is a public - and no doubt quite cheeky - appeal for assistance in campaigning. And, naturally, I'll take on board any suggestions for improvement.

A small amendment I shall probably make:

RIGHTEOUSLY PURIFIES the UN statute of this abomination by

An aside: I can't take all the credit for righteous purification; a certain fellow by the name of Marlowe was the inspiration. Which makes me wonder if there's some way to proclaim the resolution IMMOLATED IN STEEP-DOWN GULFS OF LIQUID FIRE ... or perhaps that's going a mite too far.

Merry Xmas, everyone. *

However, I feel that Fantasan deserves no less than overinflated rhetoric being used to remove his law. It's deliciously ironic for those of us who remember him.

I concur wholeheartedly, and support this proposal as I have previous repeal attempts, going back to the Tisonican attempt which led to the initial clear ruling banning repeals. Your vocabulary, representative from Dashanzi, is commendable.

[Lord] Michael Evif
Goobergunchian UN Ambassador
Sponsor, "Outlaw Pedophilia"

Too much rice wine and very little sleep sound like better methods of making legislation than many other forms. It certainly beats gnome committees. There is sound judgement in many parts of this legislation so we hope it is not contested too much.

Rex Smiley, Commonalitarianism Representative

I always liked what CSII tried to do, largely because I have no small amount of vemon for pointless lawsuits. However, I feel that Fantasan deserves no less than overinflated rhetoric being used to remove his law. It's deliciously ironic for those of us who remember him.

While belatedly skimming through some old threads, Ambassador Ahlmann spots this comment. For some reason, she finds herself softly singing a part of a song by the mythical Gilbert and imaginary Sullivan...

"...To let the punishment fit the crime, the punishment fit the crime...."

Too much rice wine and very little sleep sound like better methods of making legislation than many other forms. It certainly beats gnome committees. There is sound judgement in many parts of this legislation so we hope it is not contested too much.

Rex Smiley, Commonalitarianism Representative

What?

* ooc: Back from the dead once again. There's a small possibility that I may be able to do something with this in March. I wonder, do any of the newer forum dwellers have any comments to offer? Like: where do I insert the phrase 'alarmist pettifoggery'? *

*equally OOC: I've got to say no. I really can't see His Royal Wordiness going for this one, since he was very taken by CSA2 on his trawl through human rights legislation. Besides, he'd nitpick the one line of justification in the repeal, since it's slightly inaccurate*

Like: where do I insert the phrase 'alarmist pettifoggery'? *
Replace "trivialities" with it?

where do I insert the phrase 'alarmist pettifoggery'?

I have no idea, but I will guarantee my support if you can manage to smoothly work it in.:p

I seem to recall a Repeal using "APOPLECTIC WITH RAGE"... always found that charming.

You're thinking of a famous quotation:

"INCENSED" and "ANGERED"? Don't you think you could use language that's a bit more emotive, mayhap? How about "APOPLEPTIC WITH RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION" and "IMBUED WITH THE LORD'S OWN FURY"? It might play well with the voters, y'know.

RAILS MOST FURIOUSLY at those who seek to undermine the lofty goals of this institution by assailing it with such trivialities and alarmist pettifoggery,
Will this suffice?

http://209.85.48.8/9854/48/emo/roflma.gif

Will this suffice?

That would do admirably, god sir. I applaud your word smithing skills. I would not have been able to put together something so refined and indignant all at once.

<stands up and applauds in stunned amazement>

My good sir, I stand in complete solidarity with you on this proposal. It is not often I see such eloquent use of the English language. My old English professor would offer to wine, dine and have his way with you...oddly enough he offered to wine, dine and have his way with me too...that aside, this is a finely crafted proposal and the use of advanced language is extraordinarily appropriate.

Please accept my envious congratulations and my undying support. If you are ever in our capital city of Hawking please allow me the pleasure of buying you dinner.

Regards,

Sir Thomas B. Lynniston, KCB
Ambassador to the United Nations
Commonwealth of Schwarzchild

I am once again humbled by the kindness and generosity of my fellow delegates.

It is my intent to submit this proposal in the coming weeks, the timing dependent on convenience and conditions.

Benedictions,

Even if I supported Common Sense Act II, I would vote for this just so it would be in the permanent records.

* ooc: Would anyone be interested in campaigning for this? I think it's ready to go.*

I can send a few. Maybe in a couple of weeks I'll have more time and could do the entire campaign myself but right now I'm kinda busy in RL.

We are mildly opposed to this. Why there is little common sense in the UN as it is and you want to repeal what little is left?

REGRETFULLY ACKNOWLEDGING that individuals may be reckless, irresponsible, ignorant and/or foolish, and

Quite true, we see their resolutions all the time. On occasion they come to a vote. This will not be one of those occasions, I should point out.

SOBERLY MINDFUL of the potential for wasted time and resources on such individuals,

Also true, we do spend a lot of wasted time when such resolutions come up to the floor of this body. Sometimes I just take the first flight to Key West until the day after the vote is finalized because I tend to vote rather quickly on the inane resolutions before the floor. So it's not entirely wasted.

P.S. I'll probably vote for it anyway.

Uses alarmist pettifoggery, agog, and chutzpah. Plus it kills a crappy resolution.

Me likey.

As much as I agree with it, toning down the language in the proposal a bit might help its chances of passing. And I hope it does, because it's sorely needed

I would be inclined to agree. The language is a bit to snarky and sarcastic, which although appealing makes the proposal seem like a joke proposal (like the one it's repealing:D ). Certainly, though, I support this repeal.

I'd also re-write the first clause:

REGRETFULLY ACKNOWLEDGING that certain individuals may be reckless, irresponsible, ignorant and/or foolish, and

Totally minor change, but that sentence bugs me without it.

Well, we must admit that the language is a bit on the unconventional side....

All the more reason it ought to be entered into the hallowed halls of this august body, in our view. Even though it must be admitted that its likelihood of passing is somewhat impaired thereby. Still, it can always be attempted... and a rephrased repeal introduced later by some party who "agrees in spirit" with this resolution....

If we might extend a couple of minor contributions to this already excellent piece of prose?

SOBERLY MINDFUL of the potential for wasted time and resources on such individuals,

This might be better stated "potential for waste of time and resources"--and might be more interestingly continued "represented by such individuals" or "that such individuals represent."

NONETHELESS REMAINS AGOG at the chutzpah exhibited in crafting a resolution that seeks to legislate against stupidity and in doing so fails to account for the myriad factors involved in personal decision-making, and furthermore

Mayhap "stupidity, yet which simultaneously fails to..."?

To make it a really good dig, one might also rephrase the end thus: "myriad factors involved in the exercise of individual free will" (or even "free will and enterprise"--no reason to restrict this to private citizens, now is there?).

RAILS MOST FURIOUSLY at those who seek to undermine the lofty goals of this institution by assailing it with such trivialities and alarmist pettifoggery, and consequently

Ooh--good place for an "egregiously," right before "assailing"; and maybe a "superfluous" before "trivialities" (or put "egregious" instead, if you don't like it in the first position). Also, might "most furiously" be better served by replacement with "acrimoniously"?

RIGHTEOUSLY PURIFIES the UN statute of this most heinous resolution

While "heinous" sounds good, "most heinous" sounds a bit... "Bill-and-Ted-ish"? Perhaps replace "heinous" with "disingenuous"--always a good word, as it will require most to reach for their dictionaries. (It might be possible to find a place for "heinous" elsewhere, should its retention be considered desirable... not sure where, though.)

(We would love to be able to recommend the replacement of "righteously purifies" with "fumigates"--but one would not wish to see this piece of legislation as being viewed as "over-the-top".... :D )

The delegate for Kula Kangri hopes that the people of his small, mostly vertical but exceedingly verbose nation have been able to contribute positively to the crafting of this legislation in their own small fashion.

Many thanks, Ambassador. The proposal has been modified to incorporate some of your suggestions.

Benedictions,

I support this resolution whole-heartedly. Language aside, all it really does is abrogate a resolution that never should have passed anyway, since it's purpose should not be within the jurisdiction of the UN (it isn't international in scope). We should recognize the judiciaries of individual nations' right to determine which cases are worthy and unworthy of consideration. _That_ is common sense.

Language aside, all it really does is abrogate a resolution that never should have passed anyway, since it's purpose should not be within the jurisdiction of the UN (it isn't international in scope).

We regret we must disagree with this assessment; a cursory glance at any recent debate in this forum will reveal that stupidity is truly international in scope!

Language aside, all it really does ...

My dear fellow! You may be new, but really! In the NS UN, "language" is never "aside"! (Considers giving links to many extended debates over usage, apostrophes, etc; decides nah, too laz -- er, busy.)

-- John McGonnagle, Secretary for Situations Like This.

Many thanks, Ambassador. The proposal has been modified to incorporate some of your suggestions.

We are wholeheartedly pleased and honored to have been of service in this noble venture, and are gratified at the result you have achieved. We hope that this will be put forward soon, and will be more than happy to add our support to it.

If nothing else, it should generate a few good yuks.

Though we will probably laugh ourselves right off our precarious montane perches should it actually pass.... :D

We will support this, so long as in debate people don't confuse your being humorous with their being so.

-- George Madison
Legislative Director
Quintessence of Dust Department of UN Affairs

My government will support this and (OOC: if it isn't too late... I haven't checked yet...) will ask our region's delegate to approve it.

Alfred Devereux Sweynsson MD,
Ambassador to the United Nations
for
the Protectorate of the St Edmundan Antarctic
(and still required to wear this bloody penguin costume!)

We will support this, so long as in debate people don't confuse your being humorous with their being so.

-- George Madison
Legislative Director
Quintessence of Dust Department of UN Affairs

Given the stringency of the condition Director Madison has attached to his approval, I believe I have just spotted a fine example of the rare and wild Ringing Disendorsement.

-- Dicey Reilly, wrongfully President of Ardchoille.

* ooc: A little note to inform you all that I intend to submit this in just over a week's time, all being well. *

Dear friends, this repeal has once again been dusted off, buffed up and presented to the UN assembly for approval. Forty-nine approvals have been garnered thusfar, with sixty-four still required for quorum.

A reminder of the text:

Argument: The United Nations,

REGRETFULLY ACKNOWLEDGING that individuals may be reckless, irresponsible, ignorant and/or foolish, and

SOBERLY MINDFUL of the potential for the waste of time and resources represented by such individuals,

NONETHELESS REMAINS AGOG at the chutzpah exhibited in crafting a resolution that seeks to legislate against stupidity, yet which simultaneously fails to account for the myriad factors involved in personal decision-making, and furthermore

RAILS MOST FURIOUSLY at those who seek to undermine the lofty goals of this institution by assailing it with such egregious trivialities and alarmist pettifoggery, and consequently

RIGHTEOUSLY PURIFIES the UN statute of this most disingenuous resolution by

REPEALING United Nations Resolution #30: Common Sense Act II.
I would be most grateful if delegates would look favourably upon it - click here (http://www.nationstates.net/page=UN_proposal1/match=common) to approve.

Benedictions,

I have given this proposal my support and, should it reach quorum, will vote to have it enacted.

Good day.

Eros Tatriel
UN Rep. for Subistratica

This is something we wholeheartedly support. The original resolution is one we have had problems with since joining this body and this repeal, in our opinion, is overdue.

Good work...hopefully it comes to a vote.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
His Very Royal Highness, Prince Dirk Koller, P.Aff.M.
Deacon Prince & Heir-Apparent of The Constitutional Monarchy of Relikmere
Head of Financial & Constitutional Affairs
Ambassador to the United Nations
Member in the Highest, Royal Order of the Deaconate

Friends, we have quorum! O, happy day! To the Strangers' Bar for a rice wine toast!

Benedictions,

Friends, we have quorum! O, happy day! To the Strangers' Bar for a rice wine toast!

On me, of course. The tab's not getting any lower.

~Dr. Jules Hodz

* ooc: As this thread is pretty lengthy now (mostly thanks to my ramblings), it might be best to start a new thread for the 'at vote' discussion, assuming a whole bunch of approvals don't disappear in the ether. Would a passing mod be so kind as to lock this thread when the time is right? Cheers. *