NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This was first proposed by New Leicestershire. It was submitted a couple of times by NL and later submitted by the Palentine UN Office. It has never been (seriously) telegrammed for, but regularly picked up 30 - 50 approvals on its own. NL is no longer in the UN, Felix is, so Felix will be handling the drafting and submission from here on.

The old drafting thread is here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534708

If you made a suggestion in the old thread and I said I would implement it but haven't, just remind me.

Durable Goods Distribution Act
category:Free Trade
strength: Strong
The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role that the trade of durable goods plays in the global economy;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the role that the sale of these goods plays in providing manufacturing jobs;

NOTING the beneficial effect that these goods have on people's daily lives by making numerous home and business related activities less labour intensive, more efficient and more enjoyable;

DEFINES, for the purposes of this legislation, "durable good" as a manufactured good primarily marketed to private consumers that yields services or utility over time rather than being completely used up when used once. Examples of durable goods include, but are not limited to, automobiles, home appliances, home furnishings and fixtures, business equipment and electronic equipment.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of durable goods between UN nations;

2. ENCOURAGES all nations to increase their citizens access to durable goods by creating favourable business environments for retailers who market these goods;

3. REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricting the trade of durable goods, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

4. DECLARES that nations may apply reasonable restrictions on trade in the following cases:

- to ensure the stability of industries supplying essential products (such as military equipment or other items vital to national security);
- in times of severe economic crisis, where such measures are required to ensure a stable supply of durable goods;
- to collect revenue for the sole purposes of economic recovery following severe collapse;

5. DECLARES it the right of nations to impose cultural, safety, environmental, ethical or other regulations on durable goods and their manufacture, provided any such regulations are administered in a non-protectionist manner;

6. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-UN nations to prevent price dumping;

7. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation.

Greetings. I am certain that all delegations are pleased to see the return of the Durable Goods Distribution Act. I have been tasked to finalize drafting of this legislation, bring it to quorum and to see it passed.

I will entertain questions and commentary at this time.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

You don't include it in your definitions, but wouldn't guns count as durable goods by your definition?

Might I suggest you remove the words "towards non-UN nations" from 6? As it stands the article doesn't protect against UN member nations who initiate dumping practices. Also, while a resolution can stop UN members from using protectionist practices on non-UN members Douria generally interprets UN laws that don't explicitly define actions towards non-UN members as not requiring any such action. You can kill two birds with one stone, allowing the limited protection against dumping by UN member nations, and simplifying your wording.

You don't include it in your definitions, but wouldn't guns count as durable goods by your definition?
The term "include, but are not limited to" is used intentionally so as to give the UNFTC the ability to define what is or isn't a durable good. I would not place firearms in the durable goods category myself, but that would be for the UNFTC to decide. The definition and accompanying list of examples was left open-ended for a reason.

Might I suggest you remove the words "towards non-UN nations" from 6? As it stands the article doesn't protect against UN member nations who initiate dumping practices. Also, while a resolution can stop UN members from using protectionist practices on non-UN members Douria generally interprets UN laws that don't explicitly define actions towards non-UN members as not requiring any such action. You can kill two birds with one stone, allowing the limited protection against dumping by UN member nations, and simplifying your wording.
The sole purpose of Article 6 is to remind UN nations that their dealings with non-member states are their own affair and that the UN will not interfere in those dealings.

As for price dumping by UN states on other UN states, that would be kept to a minimum anyway. The UNFTC has the authority to "arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation" and that would include price dumping.

I may consider adding a line to Article 4 addressing price dumping by UN members. I'd like some opinions from other delegations on that matter before doing so, however.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

We of the Affiliatated States Of Progressivists Congress would rather see more consideration and work towards a 'fair' trade act. The past history of other 'free' trade agreements in our opinion have not been fair, and not very free. The currently proposed Act does have merit, but #5 is troubling to the ASP Congress:

5. DECLARES it the right of nations to impose cultural, safety, environmental, ethical or other regulations on durable goods and their manufacture, provided any such regulations are administered in a non-protectionist manner;

especially the item in bold. Who is to determine what is or is not a non-protectionist manner? The UNFTC? There are other questions of a similar nature about much of this act.

Perhaps more information about the UNFTC itself is called for. What nations will representatives come from? Will these representatives be elected by their nations? Will there be a true cross section of the entire UN?

Mahatma Kane Jeeves
Prime Minister of The ASP

The past history of other 'free' trade agreements in our opinion have not been fair, and not very free.
Which other free trade resolutions do you take issue with? GFDA? NERA? One of the others?

Who is to determine what is or is not a non-protectionist manner? The UNFTC?
Of course! What other body would make such a determination?

Perhaps more information about the UNFTC itself is called for.
It was established 16 Nov, 2005 by United Nations Resolution #130 Global Food Distribution Act (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9945882&postcount=131).

What nations will representatives come from? Will these representatives be elected by their nations?
OOC: That's not how committees work in the NSUN. They spring to life fully staffed by UN Gnomes as soon as the resolution passes.

Will there be a true cross section of the entire UN?
Yes, I would imagine that the UNFTC represents a true cross section of the UN.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

For the record, we remain obdurate in our opposition to Clause 3 (and thus the entire principle of the proposal). We are also a little bemused as to how one is supposed to tell if a measure is being "administered in a non-protectionist manner", since it is not at all clear to us that it is possible to tell the difference.

We are also a little bemused as to how one is supposed to tell if a measure is being "administered in a non-protectionist manner", since it is not at all clear to us that it is possible to tell the difference.
Let us be thankful that we do not sit on the UNFTC, for it is they who are charged with making that determination. Would you like to suggest alternative wording?

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

Let us be thankful that we do not sit on the UNFTC, for it is they who are charged with making that determination. Would you like to suggest alternative wording?

Given our distaste for the proposal in general, no, we wouldn't.

Given our distaste for the proposal in general, no, we wouldn't.
Ah. I understand. Would you like a vodka? I have some in the freezer.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

this is a corrupt and dispicable attempt to mandate economic prejudice. disguised as a lot of flim flam retoric.

it is a trojan horse for attempting to force everyone to try and make everything begin and end with symbolic value. this has NOT proven a "way forward" for your planet earth. it did advance the evolution of tecnology dramaticly for aproximately one century, but has also caused that century to end a state of real and immediate danger to its very web of life upon which all life, including that of your planet's sentient life form, that is to say, your entire selves, reguardless of idiology or economic theory or geographic location any individual or nation might otherwise subscribe to.

hopefully we are merely stating what is obvious to anyone of responsible maturity.

we find it remarkable how many of the human population of planet earth, remain how ignorant, of where the very air they breathe comes from and of the reality of their dependence, identical to that of all life forms their world is shaired with, upon it. which is, though in particular plant life, the complex interdependency of all life providing that stability.

we are not saying this in opposition to access to durable goods. there are other and better ways of achieving this however. do not buy the big lie that there are no other alternatives then slavery, tidium or brutality to monetary based economics.

certainly positive incentives and rewards need to exist, but creating an illusion of a false reality as a way of doing so, is not freedom, but an even sneakier form of slavery. that is what equating symbolic value with real value does.

high tec, low stress, quasi-potlatching, driven by the engine of REAL prestege and gratification, instead of the pseudo-gratifications of gratuitous accumulation and austintation is quite possible.

nor are such possibilities limited to what is known, or even a little bit familiar.
what is being proposed in the guise of access to durable goods, amounts in reality, to no less then the collective suicide of all life, or at least the currently sentient species of life, on planet nation states "earth".

=^^=
.../\...

this is a corrupt and dispicable attempt to mandate economic prejudice. <rest snpped>Leetha stands, clapping wildly.

Bravo! Bravo! We don't know what the hell the Cameroi delegation just said, but it was couched in such vehement enthusiasm that it is to be applauded.

We've registered our opposition to this bill in the past...damaging effects to both importing and exporting nations, carte blanch to evil, mega-corporations, tying the financial hands of nations, blah blah etc. etc. We're still trying to track down those nifty, smokeless candles.

Ah. I understand. Would you like a vodka? I have some in the freezer.Would that be true vodka or some of the fruity abominations the kids are drinking these days?

Leetha Talone
UN Ambassador

The law is snazzy and well-written. Just one question though, can you give examples in regular English of a durable versus non-durable good? I think I get it but my head hurts from all that drinking with Darth (forget his name right now) and Glog when we were in the other thread. A car can both be durable and/or non-durable? And if so, why care one way or the other?

Sorry if I sound fuzzy right now, just need a little clarification is all.

hooah! oh my head hurts.

Would that be true vodka or some of the fruity abominations the kids are drinking these days?
Comrade Ambassador Talone, it is regular vodka served ice cold. Flavored vodkas are an affront to common decency and the individuals who consume them are obviously deranged.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

can you give examples in regular English of a durable versus non-durable good?
Durable goods include automobiles, appliances, business equipment, electronic equipment, home furnishings and suchlike. They are "hard" items, things that last a long time.

Nondurable goods would include clothing. cosmetics, food, cleaning products, office supplies, packaging and containers, paper and paper products and things of that nature that are used up after one use or are discarded after a short time.
A car can both be durable and/or non-durable?
Automobiles are durable goods.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

this is a corrupt and dispicable attempt to mandate economic prejudice. disguised as a lot of flim flam retoric.

it is a trojan horse for attempting to force everyone to try and make everything begin and end with symbolic value. this has NOT proven a "way forward" for your planet earth. it did advance the evolution of tecnology dramaticly for aproximately one century, but has also caused that century to end a state of real and immediate danger to its very web of life upon which all life, including that of your planet's sentient life form, that is to say, your entire selves, reguardless of idiology or economic theory or geographic location any individual or nation might otherwise subscribe to.

hopefully we are merely stating what is obvious to anyone of responsible maturity.

we find it remarkable how many of the human population of planet earth, remain how ignorant, of where the very air they breathe comes from and of the reality of their dependence, identical to that of all life forms their world is shaired with, upon it. which is, though in particular plant life, the complex interdependency of all life providing that stability.

we are not saying this in opposition to access to durable goods. there are other and better ways of achieving this however. do not buy the big lie that there are no other alternatives then slavery, tidium or brutality to monetary based economics.

certainly positive incentives and rewards need to exist, but creating an illusion of a false reality as a way of doing so, is not freedom, but an even sneakier form of slavery. that is what equating symbolic value with real value does.

high tec, low stress, quasi-potlatching, driven by the engine of REAL prestege and gratification, instead of the pseudo-gratifications of gratuitous accumulation and austintation is quite possible.

nor are such possibilities limited to what is known, or even a little bit familiar.
what is being proposed in the guise of access to durable goods, amounts in reality, to no less then the collective suicide of all life, or at least the currently sentient species of life, on planet nation states "earth".

=^^=
.../\...
I advise all of you who stand oppossed to this Resolution to rally behind the words of the Cameroi delegation. Let this be your battle cry! Shout it from the rooftops and let it echo across the valleys and hills!

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

I advise all of you who stand oppossed to this Resolution to rally behind the words of the Cameroi delegation. Let this be your battle cry! Shout it from the rooftops and let it echo across the valleys and hills!

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

Are you trying to make the opposition lose their voices Felix?

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

Comrade Ambassador Talone, it is regular vodka served ice cold. Flavored vodkas are an affront to common decency and the individuals who consume them are obviously deranged.

In this, we can but agree with the wisdom of Comrade Felix.

We of the Affiliatated States Of Progressivists Congress would rather see more consideration and work towards a 'fair' trade act. The past history of other 'free' trade agreements in our opinion have not been fair, and not very free. The currently proposed Act does have merit, but #5 is troubling to the ASP Congress:

5. DECLARES it the right of nations to impose cultural, safety, environmental, ethical or other regulations on durable goods and their manufacture, provided any such regulations are administered in a non-protectionist manner;

especially the item in bold. Who is to determine what is or is not a non-protectionist manner? The UNFTC? There are other questions of a similar nature about much of this act.

Perhaps more information about the UNFTC itself is called for. What nations will representatives come from? Will these representatives be elected by their nations? Will there be a true cross section of the entire UN?

Mahatma Kane Jeeves
Prime Minister of The ASP

I am drafting anotherFree Trade Resolution (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=543744) to include a WTO or a UNTC (UN Trade Committee) or something similar.

Based upon the wording of this resolution and it's clear bias to Capitalist nations along with some of the opposition commentary already made...

Evoinia rejects the resolution.

Are you trying to make the opposition lose their voices Felix?

Bob Flibble
UN Representative
Of Cour...what I mean to say is...certainly not, Comrade Ambassador Flibble. We welcome all voices to our debate threads, even those misguided ones who voice dissent.

I am drafting anotherFree Trade Resolution (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=543744) to include a WTO or a UNTC (UN Trade Committee) or something similar.
It is considered rude to advertise your proposal in another's discussion. If we were discussing my thoughts on electricity-based interrogation procedures you wouldn't just walk up and change the subject to some sensory deprivation technique you had developed, would you?

Based upon the wording of this resolution and it's clear bias to Capitalist nations along with some of the opposition commentary already made...

Evoinia rejects the resolution.
You are behind the times, Comrade Doctor Renault. The People's Democratic Republic of Yelda has itself embraced capitalism and the Yeldan people currently enjoy the benefits of a market economy. Why don't you see for yourself? (http://z11.invisionfree.com/Antarctic_Oasis/index.php?showtopic=637) Perhaps after viewing our recent successes, the people of Evoinia will wish to join us.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

Comrade Ambassador Talone, it is regular vodka served ice cold. Flavored vodkas are an affront to common decency and the individuals who consume them are obviously deranged.


But... I like grapefruit vodka...

You are behind the times, Comrade Doctor Renault. The People's Democratic Republic of Yelda has itself embraced capitalism and the Yeldan people currently enjoy the benefits of a market economy.

I am proud to say that my country is progressing towards communism, and expects to get there within the next few decades (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541703).


http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9931/julienquanbkl6.jpg
Julien Quan,
Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations,
Ariddian Isles

It is considered rude to advertise your proposal in another's discussion. If we were discussing my thoughts on electricity-based interrogation procedures you wouldn't just walk up and change the subject to some sensory deprivation technique you had developed, would you?


Well I would eb annoyed because you would have changed the subject to something irrelevant.

I am actually supporting your resolution with a SIMILAR resolution which are both about free trade etc - so no, if you did to me what I did to you, I would not be offended.

If you are, my apologies.

I will be submitting this either during the Ban International Trafficking vote, or immediately after. If you have any suggestions (other than "don't submit it!"), now is the time to make them.

I indeed still encourage you to assign the limited protection of retaliatory tariffs against UN member nations that participate in "dumping".

I will of course support the proposal as-is, but would feel much more comfortable with that language adopted.

We are glad that the change from "Free Trade in Durable Goods" to the harmless-sounding "Durable Goods Distribution Act" doesn't hide any agenda or mislead people as to the true nature of this proposal or what it does, and doesn't oh no, not at all, and in fact the substantial changes do indeed merit the much milder name. I'm right chuffed about that, yes.

Durable Goods Distribution Act
category:Free Trade
strength: Strong
The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role that the trade of durable goods plays in the global economy;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the role that the sale of these goods plays in providing manufacturing jobs;

NOTING the beneficial effect that these goods have on people's daily lives by making numerous home and business related activities less labour intensive, more efficient and more enjoyable;

DEFINES, for the purposes of this legislation, "durable good" as a manufactured good primarily marketed to private consumers that yields services or utility over time rather than being completely used up when used once. Examples of durable goods include, but are not limited to, automobiles, home appliances, home furnishings and fixtures, business equipment and electronic equipment.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of durable goods between UN nations;

2. ENCOURAGES all nations to increase their citizens access to durable goods by creating favourable business environments for retailers who market these goods;

3. REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricting the trade of durable goods, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

4. DECLARES that nations may apply reasonable restrictions on trade in the following cases:

- to ensure the stability of industries supplying essential products (such as military equipment or other items vital to national security);
- in times of severe economic crisis, where such measures are required to ensure a stable supply of durable goods;
- to collect revenue for the sole purposes of economic recovery following severe collapse;

5. DECLARES it the right of nations to impose cultural, safety, environmental, ethical or other regulations on durable goods and their manufacture, provided any such regulations are administered in a non-protectionist manner;

6. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-UN nations to prevent price dumping;

7. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the interpretation of this legislation. Such arbitration may include, but is not limited to, disputes involving alleged price dumping by UN members upon UN members, disputes involving alleged violations of Articles 3, 4 and 5 of this legislation, and disputes involving the interpretation of the terms and conditions of this legislation.
Changes in red. Comments?

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

Good to go friend. Sorry for my late reply.

To note though, I'm still pretty fervently anti-gnome(in regards to the commission), but more gnomes just means more gnomes to kill.

This has been submitted for a trial run. As far as I'm concerned the Resolution is ready and will be submitted again, with full TG support, sometime Sunday.

Once again,old boy, you've my support and can count on my vote when this comes up for vote here in the festering snakepit...err....general Asembly.
Excelsior,
Sen. Horatio Sulla

here in the festering snakepit...err....general Asembly.
Excelsior,
Sen. Horatio Sulla

I think you were right the first time.:p

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

This received over 50 approvals without a telegram campaign. Barring any unforeseen developments I will be submitting it again Sunday.

Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky
Chairman, Yeldan Committee For State Security

Try this:

7. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the implementation of this legislation. Such arbitration may include, but is not limited to, cases involving alleged price dumping by UN members upon UN members, [...] alleged violations of Articles 3, 4 and 5 of this legislation, and disputes over the interpretation of the terms and conditions of this legislation."Interpretation" was pointed out twice, making the final passage kinda redundant. So I changed the first instance to "implementation."

The word "dispute" was being repeated unnecessarily, and read kinda awkward, so I fiddled with the language to make it run smoother.

Yes, that is better. I'll put that in the submitted version.

Mikitivity would support this proposal should it reach quorum.

Final draft:
Durable Goods Distribution Act
category: Free Trade
strength: Strong
The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role that the trade of durable goods plays in the global economy;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the role that the sale of these goods plays in providing manufacturing jobs;

NOTING the beneficial effect that these goods have on people's daily lives by making numerous home and business related activities less labour intensive, more efficient and more enjoyable;

DEFINES, for the purposes of this legislation, "durable good" as a manufactured good primarily marketed to private consumers that yields services or utility over time rather than being completely used up when used once. Examples of durable goods include, but are not limited to, automobiles, home appliances, home furnishings and fixtures, business equipment and electronic equipment.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of durable goods between UN nations;

2. ENCOURAGES all nations to increase their citizens access to durable goods by creating favourable business environments for retailers who market these goods;

3. REQUIRES the elimination of protectionist devices restricting the trade of durable goods, including but not limited to tariffs, duties, subsidies, subventions and quotas, within eleven years;

4. DECLARES that nations may apply reasonable restrictions on trade in the following cases:

- to ensure the stability of industries supplying essential products (such as military equipment or other items vital to national security);
- in times of severe economic crisis, where such measures are required to ensure a stable supply of durable goods;
- to collect revenue for the sole purposes of economic recovery following severe collapse;

5. DECLARES it the right of nations to impose cultural, safety, environmental, ethical or other regulations on durable goods and their manufacture, provided any such regulations are administered in a non-protectionist manner;

6. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-UN nations to prevent price dumping;

7. AUTHORIZES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate any trade disputes which may arise concerning the implementation of this legislation. Such arbitration may include, but is not limited to, cases involving alleged price dumping by UN members upon UN members, alleged violations of Articles 3, 4 and 5 of this legislation, and disputes over the interpretation of the terms and conditions of this legislation.

Marayevkohara K. D., Head of the Ministry of Trade in Charlotte Ryberg would like to make a short statement in relation to the UN Proposal:

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/3073/imagesdu6.jpg

"I'm very happy for this proposal to be resolution soon. I say, go for it!"

Marayevkohara K. D.
Head of the Ministry of Trade