NationStates Jolt Archive

Two women were sitting at a sidewalk café in Woodstock one morning. Neither of them had to work their job at a customer service center for the Portland Iron Works, so they were just chatting about everything and anything.

"I hear the national team missed out on World Cup qualifying again."

"Again? Won't Marshall be out of a job?"

"Marshall died months ago, remember?"

"Oh, right. What about Wilson?"

"I don't think the IFF will can him."

All of a sudden, a woman named Louella Soames came running up to them.

"Oh my God, Linda, Kate, you'll never GUESS what I heard?"

"What now, Louella," Kate asked. She was used to Louella running her mouth, as she was the call center's resident gossip.

"The President has been dating a secret service agent."

Linda Gibbs rolled her eyes. The last thing she cared about was anyone's personal life, and politics was a bore to her.

"Now, Louella," Linda said.

"Think of it," Louella insisted. "The President is dating a man.

Kate rolled her eyes. Parliament passed a bill at Sarzo's behest conferring the benefits of marriage onto civil unions so that the country wouldn't have to deal with the dicey issue of gay marriage. It was a situation that allowed churches to keep their traditions of marriage and allowed same-sex couples to receive full legal rights that were previously incumbent upon marriage.

"I don't see why that's such a big deal," Kate said. "Sarzo can date whoever he wants."

"But why doesn't he just come out with it? Why does he have to keep it a secret?"

Linda pulled out a copy of that day's Woodstock Daily Mail. She turned to page 18 and showed an article to Louella. She hrmphed and walked away, clearly not able to get a rise out of her co-workers.

But she was right about one thing. The country would soon have a lot to digest.

*bump*

tag

[OOC: The events mentioned in this RP were set up by this post (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7415448&postcount=5).

Just letting everyone know.]

definite TAG.
BTW Sarzonia, I backed you for victory in the U21 WC thread!

definite TAG.
BTW Sarzonia, I backed you for victory in the U21 WC thread!

Another *tag* i'm afraid, but interesting RP outline...

definite TAG.
BTW Sarzonia, I backed you for victory in the U21 WC thread![OOC: I saw that. Thanks! :)]

[OOC: This is going to be set just after the ministerial dinner in Pacitalia where I introduced Jay Tyler.]

Sarzo was pacing his private office in the Gray House. The day he knew would come eventually was still not one of his favorite events. A President who was as intensely private about what went on in his life would suddenly throw that privacy to the wind and make the identity of his significant other known to all Sarzonians -- and to the world.

He waved his arms frantically, looking at Chief of Staff Charlene Baker with a desperate grimace.

"Damn, why do I have to do this," he asked.

"Because we need to prevent the Daily Mail from running stories with innuendos about your love life," Baker said. "It's a shame they're resorting to printing such filth because the Mail used to be such a great paper."

Sarzo sighed. That off hand comment didn't help his state of mind during a period when he'd have to give a speech. Not with SNN and all the news outlets in Sarzonia covering it. Not when foreign press from several countries were in attendance.

Finally, Jay Tyler walked in. He was holding two pieces of paper. One of them was the speech he was delivering from Sarzo's speech writers. The other was his resignation letter from the secret service. The man who would become Sarzo's significant other would need the protection of his soon-to-be former employers.

"Jay, thank God," Sarzo said.

"Don't worry, Mike, you'll do great," Jay said with a smile that was meant to reassure Sarzo. Sarzo took a deep breath.

"I sure as hell hope so."

Jay opened the piece of paper that was to be Sarzo's speech and handed it to him. Sarzo scanned it with a slight grimace.

"Thirty seconds," called press secretary Harlan Tolliver.

"Here goes everything," Sarzo mumbled. He slowly walked out toward the press room. As he arrived, flashbulbs popped and video cameras shined their nearly blinding lights at him.

Why do those lights have to be so damn bright, Sarzo thought. I'd like to see a little bit when I turn 50.

"My fellow Sarzonians, members of the international press corp, and interested friends. For a long time, I have not made any announcements about my private life or about the events within it. As you know, until very recently, I have been a confirmed bachelor.

"I am here today to announce to you that I now have a relationship with a man I have come to know in his previous capacity as a secret service agent, as a friend, and now, as my partner. I am announcing here that I now have a First Partner, as it were. My now-former secret service agent, Mr. Jay Tyler."

Murmurs began throughout the assembled press corp and flashbulbs popped.

"Jay and I love each other very much. We hope to bring a new era of peace and prosperity to the Incorporated States of Sarzonia together. Ladies and Gentlemen, your First Partner, Mr. Jay Tyler."

Now it was Tyler's turn to be nervous. He deliberately walked out to the podium where Sarzo was standing and the two men embraced for all the world to see. Clutching each other tightly, the men looked out at the video cameras and the flashbulbs popping and beamed a smile that was meant to show the world how happy they made each other.

Official Statement from The Proletariat Commonwealth of The Island of Rose:

You're gay? I would've never thought it. Hell, I hope your relationship goes smoothly. You know Sarzo, you never seemed like a gay man to me. Then again, all the gays here fit the stereotype, heh heh. Anyway, I hope you two have a long and lasting relationship. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to bang my wife.
-President Sergei Ilyanov of The Island of Rose
http://img107.exs.cx/img107/8470/PresidentSergei.jpg

President J.L. was stunned speechless by the revelation of Mike Sarzo's sexual orientation. A moment later, however, he shrugged, and thought, No reason we can't still be friends.

(OOC: Are you gay IRL? You don't have to answer that if you don't want. And if the answer is yes, it won't change my opinion of you)

bump

http://img107.exs.cx/img107/8470/PresidentSergei.jpg

Isn't that Boris Yeltsin?

President J.L. was stunned speechless by the revelation of Mike Sarzo's sexual orientation. A moment later, however, he shrugged, and thought, No reason we can't still be friends.

(OOC: Are you gay IRL? You don't have to answer that if you don't want. And if the answer is yes, it won't change my opinion of you)[OOC: Yes, I am.]

[OOC: Yes, I am.]

(OOC: I never knew that. As I said, though, it doesn't change my opinion of you at all. I still consider you my friend, both IC and OOC. :))

I commend your courage in telling the world the truth, Mike. I certainly hope that you and your significant other enjoy a successful and happy life together. On behalf of all Roach-Busterians, I extend to you my most heartfelt congratulations, and the best of wishes for the future.

-President J.L.

*Tag*

Statement from the Office of the Grand Duke

I extend my personal congratulations to President Sarzo and Mr. Tyler. It is challenging enough for love and dedication to survive in the world today, it is unfortunate that certain societies exclude certain people due to their sexual orientation. As long as two people love, cherish, and honor each other I cannot judge and I cannot condemn. Their lives, beliefs, and feelings are there own. People must not be made to feel guilty or ashamed of who they are. A man can no more change the face of moon than change who he really is.

May your lives be filled with happiness and peace. I wish you both all the joy in the world.


Sincerely,
Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/reg.jpg)

In Parliament revelations today about the homosexuality of one of the UKIN's oldest and dearest allies brought a hues and cries of condemnation from the fringe Loyal Monarchist Party while the governing Conservative Party and the Opposition voiced their 'unreserved happiness for a great leader of his people, President Mike Sarzo.' The Prime Minister, Oliver Yardmouth, even went so far as to initiate proceedings within the House of Assembly to officially censure the LMP.

"The Member for Yawlington [Mr Hewitt, leader of the LMP] has spoken words that are unbecoming of a deputy of this House, or any other civilised person," Mr Yardmouth declared.

The King himself was much irritated by the ventings of his supposed defenders. "Never has our name been so besmirched than by those ruffians," His Majesty swore against Mr Hewitt and the LMP. The King has supported gay rights and marriage initiatives even before his second son, HRH Prince Edward, announced he was gay last year.

This has been Sarah Plehven for INBC 1.

OOC: Gay. Need an online buddy? ;)

Linfield Hannon doesn't care. He himself is a bisexual and ended up with a woman.

IC: Pacitalia commends President Sarzo and his partner on having the courage to stand up against the pressure and proudly proclaim their love life.

OOC: Like RB said, this doesn't change my opinion of you. I can say I knew a couple days earlier since you sent me that telegram. Dude, you're a great person and a great RPer, it's good to have you as an ally and friend. Keep chugging along, bro. ;)

Isn't that Boris Yeltsin?

Yes that is in fact Boris Yeltsin. Putin is my Vice President and his wife is Sergei's wife :)

*bump* for more international coverage (and questions from foreign press?!)

[OOC: Yes, I am.]


OOC: Sarzo rocks. I should really do something similar with my leader...hmm....

OOC: What would you like me to say?

"Mr Sarzo, Sanctaphrax News Broadcasting Corp, will this new relationship affect your job at all? Are gay rights an issue at all in Sarzonia, and will your relationship affect that?"

Dear Mike:

We never would have guessed it, but we applaud your decision to "come clean" with the world and your people. As you know, I am getting ready to wed your former ambassador to Mauiwowee, Ms. Harriet Levine, and we would be honored if you and Mr. Tyler would agree to attend the wedding as special guests of honor and serve as my groomsmen. We can think of nothing more fitting.

Sincerely,
'Lude

P.S. forgive the exceptionally informal nature of this letter. However, due to the personal nature of your announcement and my request, Harriet and I felt that formality should, for once at least, be left at the bargaining table - We are your friends first, your allies second.

OOC: What would you like me to say?[OOC: Not sure... if you have a question like you'd be from a media outlet, go ahead and fire one off. You don't HAVE to do one though.]

"Mr Sarzo, Sanctaphrax News Broadcasting Corp, will this new relationship affect your job at all? Are gay rights an issue at all in Sarzonia, and will your relationship affect that?"

"That's a very good question," Sarzo responded. "Sarzonia has long been a model in the international community for equal treatment for all of its citizens. In fact, our legally recognized relationships are what used to be called civil unions. Marriage in this country is solely a religious trapping. This announcement will likely have no effect on that.

"The relationship will not affect my job in any way. It might benefit me by keeping me from being too much of a workaholic that it causes my health to become an issue. I'd been pouring so many hours into the Presidency that it was affecting my health. This gives me a little bit of a new lease on life."

Mr Sarzo, River-Rise Daily, Sanctaphrax are also pro equal marriages, do you have a message to other nations who are anti equal gay rights?

"We have historically been at odds with countries who are anti-gay in the past. If those countries discriminate against their people, we are not very quick to establish relations with them or conduct trade with them.

"In the case of one country, Challenger II, when that country announced that it was planning to exterminate gays, we prepared a full military response that was called off when that country rescinded its policies.

"My message to anti-gay nations is clear: If you want a working relationship with the Incorporated States of Sarzonia, we will not look favorably upon anti-gay legislation."

To the nation of Sarzonia

The Grand Republic of Fultonia must condemn this act and the immorality that the situation creates. As a leader you are to exemplify moral conductand this wicked lifestyle will bring death and condemnation to your people. We urge you to break this relationship and find a more suitable partner in life.

Respectfully,
Minister of Foriegn Affairs Wheatly

----------------------------------------------------------------
Secret Communique to the nation of Sarzonia

I congratulate you on your strength of will and courage. I must say that as long as it is a civil union I approve. My religious views prevent me from supporting gay marriage, but then I wish my own nation would create civil unions for all people. Whether woman woman, man man, or man woman, and leave marriege up to the churches. I apologize for the official repsonse my government has given but I have been unsuccesful in aleviating the blurring of religion from my government while in office. I wish you two many years of happiness.

With Greatest Wishes,
President of the Grand Republic of Fultonia Andrew Jefferson

IC:

The Guilds is suprised at the revelation, but does not see any reason to find cause for concern in it, your personal life is your own. Thus we wish you the best of luck in this relationship.

Regards,

The Guild of External Affairs,

OOC: Rather brave of you to say you're gay in RL like that if you ask me, especially with people like DA etc existing :).

Jay and I would be most honored to accept your gracious invitation. Since Harriet previously asked me if I would give her away, as is the standard wedding custom for a father of the bride, I ask if I can have Senior Vice President for External Affairs Mark Lorber do those honors.

We look forward to celebrating your union with Ms. Levine and her ascention to serve as Queen of Mauiwowee.

Mike Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

[OOC: I'm pretty down-to-earth IRL, so no biggie on the lack of formality. :)]

*bump*

TAG for later response.

Sarzo sent the following response to Fultonia's foreign affairs minister Wheatly:

We are weary of people like you espousing your misguided "morality" in an attempt to snub your nose at people for whom they love. You have no right to tell me what kind of relationship I may have with the person I love. You seem to forget much of what is in the Bible with respect to the way you treat other people.

And I find it immensely ironic that you choose to sign your tripe with the word "respectfully." You have no respect for me or my people, and I have no respect for you or those in your government who espouse such views.

He then sent the following highly encrypted message to President Jefferson:

I thank you for your separate message of support. My statement regarding your foreign minister's comments does not reflect my opinion of you or your country as a whole. We are glad there are some in Fultonia who are fair-minded.

My best wishes to you Mr. President.

Ever since President Mike Sarzo announced he was gay, we've had to execute 241 people. Freedom of speech is a cherished right in RB, but when someone insults the First Lady or any national leader that is a friend of President J.L., they are summarily executed. 241 people denouncing J.L.'s friendship with Sarzo because of Sarzo's sexual orientation have been rounded up, driven to federal prisons in black vans with tinted, soundproof windows, and tortured for several days non-stop before being killed.

Dear President Sarzo:

On behalf of the people of Norleans, and specifically of New Orleans, we'd like to invite you and Mr. Tyler to serve as grand marshalls for the Krewe of Ra, the premier Krewe, at next year's Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. If you're coming out, you should do so in style and there is no better place than Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Sincerely,
Duke Huey P. Long III

bump

Jay and I would be most honored to accept your gracious invitation. Since Harriet previously asked me if I would give her away, as is the standard wedding custom for a father of the bride, I ask if I can have Senior Vice President for External Affairs Mark Lorber do those honors.

We look forward to celebrating your union with Ms. Levine and her ascention to serve as Queen of Mauiwowee.

Mike Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

[OOC: I'm pretty down-to-earth IRL, so no biggie on the lack of formality. :)]

We welcome the idea of Mr. Lorber doing the honors.

OOC: I really do plan to RP the marriage at some point, we just had a pile of "royal wedding" threads there for a while, I'm waiting till I can spend some time on something that isn't all over the place. Probably in the next RL month or so.

Dear President Sarzo:

On behalf of the people of Norleans, and specifically of New Orleans, we'd like to invite you and Mr. Tyler to serve as grand marshalls for the Krewe of Ra, the premier Krewe, at next year's Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. If you're coming out, you should do so in style and there is no better place than Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Sincerely,
Duke Huey P. Long III

Mr. Tyler and I would be very much honored to serve as grand marshalls at the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. I have always wanted to attend and I am sure Mr. Tyler would enjoy the opportunity to let his hair down, so to speak.

Mike Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

Mr. Tyler and I would be very much honored to serve as grand marshalls at the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. I have always wanted to attend and I am sure Mr. Tyler would enjoy the opportunity to let his hair down, so to speak.

Mike Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

Awesome, if there is any particular design you'd like for your float, let us know. In the meantime, we've secured the Rice House for your visit.

Duke Long

*bump*

To: Duke Long
Norleans
From: President Mike Sarzo/First Partner Jay Tyler
Sarzonia
Subject: Thanks

The Rice House would be great for us. We will contact you shortly with the idea for a float in the parade. We greatly appreciate your support.

== Communique to the I.S.S. ==


TO: President Mike Sarzo, The Incorporated States of Sarzonia
FR: President Ahmed Byrnashty, The Dominion of Greenmanbry
SU: Congratulations


President Sarzo, I congratulate Mr. Tyler and you on behalf of the government and people of Greenmanbry on your recent announcement. I am a strong supporter of gay marriage, and most of the Dominion's people are very understanding and considerate when it comes to this subject. May you lead a long, prosperous life, and please stop being a workaholic. Take it easy, man! I'm sure you have earned a long vacation by now!

God bless,

Ahmed Byrnashty
The Dominion of Greenmanbry

To: Ahmed Byrnashty
President, Dominion of Greenmanbry
From: Mike Sarzo
Presidentm Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Subject: Thank you

Jay and I give our sincere thanks to you and to Greenmanbry for your congratulations. Once things settle down, he and I intend to take a well-deserved vacation to a warm climate far away from the responsibilities of state.

To: Ahmed Byrnashty
President, Dominion of Greenmanbry
From: Mike Sarzo
Presidentm Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Subject: Thank you

Jay and I give our sincere thanks to you and to Greenmanbry for your congratulations. Once things settle down, he and I intend to take a well-deserved vacation to a warm climate far away from the responsibilities of state.

You're always welcome to vacation in RB.

Make it a double. You can come to Pacitalia anytime, my friend.

(OOC: Though maybe you should wait until we find the leader of Anubisyrria :()

Secure Transmission
Prime Minister's Office

Needless to say, I fully support you in your endeavor, Sarzo. Your courage in making your choice a public announcement can only be admired. I wish you and First Partner Jay a long and happy relationship on behalf of the Granzian people.

Take care,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Granzi/PMBolash.jpg
Terri Bolash
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Granzi

TO: President Mike Sarzo and First Man Jay Tyler
FROM: PM Cowlquape Pentephraxis
SUBJECT: Holiday
We believe that you have worked too hard, for too long. Therefore as our present to you and your husband, we have granted you this voucher, 2 weeks at the presidential suite at the River-Rise Banderbear Hotel. It will shortly be renamed the Sarzo suite and we would be honoured if you would come and officially open it.

To: Cowlquape Pentephraxis
Prime Minister, Sanctaphrax
From: Mike Sarzo
President, Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Subject: Attendance at the suite

Jay and I would be most honored to attend and be part of the opening of the newly-renamed Sarzo Suite and I am personally grateful for the opportunity to get some rest. Please contact my personal secretary, Becky Davis, to make the arrangements.

*bump*

TO: Becky Davis, secretary of Mike Sarzo
FROM: Cowlquape Pentephraxis, PM of Sanctaphrax
SUBJECT: Holiday in Sanctaphrax
Ms Davis,
I was told to contact you with regards to Mr Sarzo coming for a holiday in Sanctaphrax, for the renaming of a new suite. Could you please inform when he will be available and for how long? Please respond ASAP as we have to notify various people as to the date of renaming the suite.

To: Cowlquape Pentephraxis
Prime Minister, Sanctaphrax
From: Becky Davis
Executive Secretary to the President
Subject: Sarzo's availability

After consulting with the President's schedule, I am able to inform you that he will be available for a vacation in three NS weeks [RL time is a little tricky since I've got a couple of RPs planned with Sarzo staying in Woodstock, but we can do an RP within the next couple of days if you have one in mind]. I have spoken with him and Jay and they would be happy to arrive at that time.

If this is not suitable, please contact my office and we can make other arrangements. President Sarzo definitely needs a vacation.

OOC: I have, i'll TG you my idea.

IC:
TO: Becky Davis
FROM: Cowlquape Pentephraxis
SUBJECT: Mr Sarzo's vacation
3 weeks is fine, we will make security arrangements.

Now if you excuse me, I'm going to bang my wife.[/i] [OOC: Typical straight guy response! :p]

[OOC: Typical straight guy response! :p]


I guess the joke effect is lost now, but looking back, I should have said I'm off to bang your ambassador. ;)

reference bump

ooc: Whoops, hmm... seemed offensive oocly as well, sorry if you were offended Sarzonia, I'll delete the post.

OOC: I appreciate that, thanks.

Tim, could you delete the quote from your post?

Huh? Oh, well, I guess that means that Krioval's not the only one after all.

~ Commander Raijin

Done and done.

President Sarzo (and Jay)

We note some potentially nasty or offensive things may have been said about you recently. It seems the offenders have apologized and realized their errors, but we were wondering if it might not still be a good idea to take the offenders down into the French Quater and get them drunk at Pat O'Brians and then have a few hookers beat the hell out of them on Canal Street just to let them know how important the king of a Mardi Gras Krewe is.

Just wondering,
Duke Long,
New Orleans, Norleans


;) :D