NationStates Jolt Archive

This is not the time and place for this conversation, if you wish we can continue this in PM if you like, as I think this is getting off-topic.

That should have been your first and only line in your post.

Back on topic, folks. Back on topic.

I shall hunt down and destroy the nations who voted against this proposal.
:mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :mp5:

Be warned, Cluichstan voted against and they have a frakking Death Star.

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

Be warned, Cluichstan voted against and they have a frakking Death Star.

Yes but Retired WerePenguins voted for it and we have FLASH BLONDE, SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE! He's a walking arsonel of Murphy's Law.

Tzor Red Brown

Well I voted against and I'm the world champion at tying laces together

Minyos at it again...at least I haven't gotten any more hate mail from him.

The resolution "Climate Refugee Commission" was defeated 6,693 votes to 5,162.

*hands Cluich a champagne bottle*

Do the honors.

Ladies, gentlemen and other assorted beings,

I’ll be very brief.

A majority of votes have been cast against the proposal I brought before you. Such is the nature of the United Nations’ democracy. While I regret the result, I am confident I have done everything in my power to campaign in favour of the proposal, and, like Sisyphus of old, to continuously push the boulder of fact and truth back up the slippery slope of misunderstanding and misreading. I have explained this proposal tirelessly, often – but not always – to ambassadors and governments who were not interested in understanding.

Based on my extensive observations, those of you who have voted against this proposal may be divided into several categories.

First, there are two who genuinely disagree with the contents of the text, and who actually understand what the text is about. These people have made some effort at least to grapple intelligently with the issues at hand. Some agree with the aims and intents of the proposal, but believe this is not the best and most effective way to attain those aims. I respect their opinion and thank them for their comments and suggestions, even if I must regret that sometimes minor differences in opinion may have led the proposal in its entirety to be thrown out.

Then there are those who understand the contents and effects of the text, but who have taken the position that, even if they may be partly responsible for the plight of climate refugees, they are firmly opposed to facing the responsibility and consequences of their actions. Obviously, I find it somewhat more difficult to respect this position.

Lastly, we have those who – to put it politely – have no idea what they’re talking about. Based on my observation of numerous discussions outside the halls of this august Assembly, I must report, regretfully, that this category has been by far the most numerous. It ranges from those who claim that this proposal is all about “global warming”, to those who claim that it will force a swarm of refugees upon their nation, to those who believe that the CRC will be entitled to force refugees to emigrate to a certain country they may not wish to find themselves in. All of these are claims I have heard again and again. All of them are, of course, rubbish, and come from a misreading of what the proposal clearly and explicitly states. I have been able to contact some of those who held these mistaken beliefs, but the numbers were staggering.

It is one thing to be defeated by informed opponents casting an informed vote. It is quite another to be defeated by people who, by lack of will or lack of ability, have cast their vote against this proposal on the sole basis of their own misunderstanding of the text. As you may imagine, it is exceedingly frustrating.

It is also a sad reflection upon the state of this illustrious organisation. One government, which I contacted via private message, and to whom I explained in patient detail that this proposal was not about “global warming”, replied simply that global warming was “all a lie”. Ladies and gentlemen, it is appalling that such illiterate idiots should be empowered to represent entire nations and regions, and to cast a vote in the name of billions of individuals. It is my experience that many in this great Assembly lack both the commitment and ability to fulfil their solemn duties as is expected of them by the countless individuals they represent. It is disgusting that the fate of these United Nations should rest, even in part, in the hands of those who are too lazy or simply incapable of making an informed, educated and rational decision.

I must also note with sadness that a significant number of governments informed me they would not be voting for the proposal, for one single reason: that it contained no mandating clause, and merely urged nations to adopt a certain form of behaviour. Of course, the proposal did contain a strong mandating clause, and I was able to inform some voters of that, but I cannot help but wonder how many failed to support this proposal, despite agreeing fully with its aims, based solely – here again – on their misreading of the text.

Finally, to finish on a more positive note, I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to all those who supported this, including those who voiced constructive criticism and pointed out areas of possible improvement in the hopes of bringing effective assistance to those who need it most.

I would ask you all now to consider the issues we have been debating when you return home to your own governments, and urge them them to do likewise in formulating your nation’s future policies.

Ladies and gentlemen, honoured representatives,

Thank you very much.


Christelle Zyryanov,
Ambassador to the United Nations,
PDSRA

Although I disagreed with your proposal, I'd like to thank you for your civility.

Nonetheless, I am still going to have some champagne.

I don't suppose the Ariddian delegation feels much like celebrating, but if they'd stop by the Strangers' Bar I'll be honoured to make sure they don't have to lift a finger or pay for a thing.

Their whole debate was a textbook example of knowing your subject and sticking to it, ignoring red herrings and maintaining a level of politeness and patience that leaves me awed -- particularly given some of the performances on the offsites.

It was pure gallantry, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to see it.

Dicey Reilly, wrongfully President of Ardchoille.

*Aram Koopman sprays Christelle Zyryanov with champagne*

I don't suppose the Ariddian delegation feels much like celebrating, but if they'd stop by the Strangers' Bar I'll be honoured to make sure they don't have to lift a finger or pay for a thing.

Their whole debate was a textbook example of knowing your subject and sticking to it, ignoring red herrings and maintaining a level of politeness and patience that leaves me awed -- particularly given some of the performances on the offsites.

It was pure gallantry, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to see it.

Dicey Reilly, wrongfully President of Ardchoille.

Thank you very much.

And I could use a drink after all this, yes...


Christelle Zyryanov,
Ambassador to the United Nations,
PDSRA

Retired WerePenguins would like to offer our sincere appologies to the delegation from Ariddia. And with that I'll be off. I have to head back to my vacation spot in Key West (oops I meant my undisclosed island location) and tell them the news that the resolution failed to pass. Flash will take over in my absence ... he thinks he's the official delegate so don't tell him otherwise.

Tzor Red Brown

There's no need to apologise, but thank you all the same. And thank you for having supported this.

I think I may want a holiday after this too...


Christelle Zyryanov,
etc...

you can't have an economy in an uninhabitable world

We can, and do. Krankorians have evolved to the point where we breathe the vacuum of space and eat meddlesome Japanese children.

We can, and do. Krankorians have evolved to the point where we breathe the vacuum of space and eat meddlesome Japanese children.

OOC: Damn, I love this nation! http://209.85.48.8/9854/48/emo/roflma.gif

*snip the magnanimous, eloquent and justly chastening concession speech*

Ambassador Zyryanov,

Although I opposed you on this resolution, I wish to express regret that the majority of the opposition suffered from what I've come to call "Title Syndrome", or in its most contagious and inflammatory state, "Titleitis".

Your tireless and steadfast promotion of this resolution was an inspiration, despite my disagreement, and that is exceedingly rare in my experience here.

As such, it is my honor and privilege to bestow upon you the title of Honorary Minister of Debate. This grants you Minister-level credentials whenever you visit Intangelon (only one title is higher -- Magister -- and by Intangible law, no foreign citizen can hold it, even as an honorarium), and all the rights, privileges and respect that title confers.

In addition, the Intangible Progress (our representative body) has awarded you the Intangible Medal of Discourse, which is granted to those who show forthrightness, determination, passion, and patience in the service of legislative deliberation. In the history of Intangelon, it has been awarded only twice: to Regional Magister Joanna Novakis, our former regional founder, and Poet Magister Andrew Partridge, whose impassioned plea for reason virtually brought the Intangible Civil War to an end.

HENCEFORTH, AMBASSADOR CHRISTELLE ZYRYANOV SHALL BE KNOWN AS DEBATE MAGISTER CHRISTELLE ZYRYANOV IN THE HALLS, HEARTS AND MINDS OF INTANGIBLE CITIZENS EVERYTWHERE.

As Ben Royce bows and steps aside for Intangible Magister Jubal A. Harshaw to present the medal, he whispers into the Ambassador's ear...

By the way, the medal comes with a G100,000 prize and a lifetime no-reservation-needed bungalow at the Briard Beach Resort.

Congratulations, and thank you.

Benjamin "Benji" Royce
UN Minister

Ambassador Zyryanov blushed as she accepted the medal.

"Thank you. I... don't really know what to say. I'm touched, very touched, and very grateful. Thank you very much indeed."

Well, fancy that... It was an unexpected end to a rough and sometimes surprising ride.

"'Tis a good plan, and I'm going to cop it from you, Mister Royce." Wolfgang reaches into his jacket pocket. "Here are two free Super Galactic Traveler tee em Class tickets for a fabulous cruise aboard the Starship Titanic of Guardian Cruise Lines. Thank you for proving that even people with contrary ideas can be civil, nice, intelligent, and organized."

Zyryanov's blush deepened.

"Erm... thank you. Very much. Hopefully now more debates will be as civil, and centre on intelligent discussion.

Thank you again. This is... very unexpected."

The Wolf Guardians;12434279']"'Tis a good plan, and I'm going to cop it from you, Mister Royce." Wolfgang reaches into his jacket pocket. "Here are two free Super Galactic Traveler tee em Class tickets for a fabulous cruise aboard the Starship Titanic of Guardian Cruise Lines. Thank you for proving that even people with contrary ideas can be civil, nice, intelligent, and organized."

Outstanding, Mister Zero-Thirteen! I've never had a problem with the "copping" of goodwill.

Outstanding, Mister Zero-Thirteen! I've never had a problem with the "copping" of goodwill.

"Glad to hear you agree. More people in the world should think in such a fashion," Wolfgang replied, whilst handing Royce his own pair of SGT Class tickets.