NationStates Jolt Archive

Introduction

For months the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth had been seeking to address the most serious of earth's problems on the proper, progressive, international stage. A modest intention! One that was only frustrated by such minor trifles as near total war in Kanendru and the prospect of Chinese invasion of the sub-continent and no small part of the progressive fringe of Asia, from Hindustan to North Yaman.

Such issues as this were not previously intended to be part of a conference on fair and important trade, and the global biosphere. But now defence and the security of the international revolution would have to be addressed. If one or two Chinese nations could at once threaten Kanendru, Hindustan, Beth Gellert, Burma, Marimaia, Vietnam, Dra-pol, Spyr, and North Yaman, then the fragility of revolutionary progress was evidently a greater issue than previously believed. Perhaps a billion revolutionaries clung to Asia's outskirts, but they were threatened by a fire of imperial nationalist regression within and a frost of politically stagnent capitalist division without.

Commonwealth Chief Consul cormade Chivo alliteratively called comrades from all the mentioned revolutionary lands, and from further afield in Africa, Europe, and Latin America, inviting them to assemble delegations at Porthmadog (Madras).

Scene of the final martial defeat of Beddgelen plebiscitic alienation and capitalism in the first Igovian Revolution, where members of The Young Igovians joined with residents to fight the Principality's police and tanks of the Royal Army, Porthmadog is now famous for cutting-edge information technology and the AShPo (August Ship-Building Porthmadog) yards that produce The Commonwealth's world-beating Wing-In-Ground-effect vehicles. Not to forget a part in the world's most productive cinema industry!

Arriving delegates are serenaded by the Porthmadog Singers Welsh Choir belting out The Beddgelen Internationale as revolutionary banners and flags from the invited and admired nations and organisations flutter in the sunny Indian sky.

Arise, you comrades, from oppression, arise, you wretched of the earth
For justice thunders condemnation, for a better world's in birth!

No more tradition's chains shall bind us, arise you slaves, no more in thrall
The earth shall rise on new foundation: we have been naught, we shall be all!

'Tis the final conflict, let each stand in his place!
The Igovian Soviet shall free the human race!

We want no condescending saviours to rule us from a judgement hall
We workers ask not for their favours, let us consult with all!

To make the thief disgorge his booty, to free the spirit from your cell
We must ourselves decide our duty, we must decide and do it well!

'Tis the final conflict, let each stand in his place!
The Igovian Soviet shall free the human race!

Following initial formalities, for which most Beddgelens don't have a great deal of patience, a range of subjects were put on the proverbial table, there after to be addressed one at a time until some sort of quorum could be reached towards multinational action in addressing the issued raised.

Make no mistake, this The Commonwealth intended to be a landmark in history, and would put its full weight behind the conference's findings. It was not a minor distraction to satisfy voters as was said to be the case with many prior conferences dealing with such issues as the environment and human rights, but was likely to dictate Igovian foriegn policy for years to come.

Igovian Soviet Commonwealth criticises, “counter environmentalism”

Speaking on behalf of the Alaric Environmental Research Co-operative, comrade Luernios of Pudukkotai, a leading member of the co-operative, has delivered an address from the Famous Green Tower at Portmeirion, which he repeats for the assembly at Porthmadog.

Luernios expressed the Commonwealth’s great concern for the reckless behaviour of foreign nations and individuals with regard to the global environment that all life must share. The speech was pre-approved by the Commonwealth Professional Civil Service, and can be taken as the official word of the Igovian state.

The address stated that many nations and persons were living in a fashion that would require several planets if all on earth lived by such an example. This, said Luernios, was not selfish, it was, in fact, nothing short of undeclared war against the responsible nations and people of the world. Nicobarese president Eustace Brown once famously stated that Mother Nature started a war for survival, and that now she wanted to quit because she was losing. The AERC replies that, in fact, the planet will survive no matter what civilisation does to it, but civilisation may not survive nature's reply.

The AERC's address was not just a repeat of early rants on the dangers of global warming. Luernios was concerned not with theories against which sceptics could argue, but, as he repeatedly and firmly stated, with the fact of decadent civilisations' attack on the world.

Suggestions that global warming is a false theory can be seen in truth to be every bit as shallow and poorly researched as they wrongly call global warming, explained the comrade from the AERC. Global dimming accounts for most if not all of otherwise seemingly viable counter-evidence to the global warming theory. Now that many nations -from Beth Gellert to Britain- are taking measures such as the introduction of low sulpher fuels, catalytic converters and scrubbers in powerstations, improving air quality noticibly, it can be seen that this dimming protected us from the worst of global warming. The truth is that global warming, far from being a baseless scare story, is worse than the most dire predictions previously allowed for.

Global dimming, Luernios explained, results from pollutant particles themselves blocking light and from their infusion with water droplets in clouds, which causes clouds to contain more, smaller droplets, reflecting more light. Reflecting light like this, according to AERC, caused the failure of African monsoons in the 70s and 80s by virtue of its impact on temperatures, which resulted in the equatorial rainbelt failing to be drawn north by the summer orientation of the earth in relation to the sun. "Your pollution killed countless people and afflicted many more in this way!" cried the speaker in tones rarely heard in Beth Gellert outside of the revolutionary Open Senates. "Imagine, now, if much of the afflicted territory had not been the responsibility of the wealthy Roycelandian empire, which was capable of shipping in excess food! In fact, the whole region would have suffered like Ethiopia!"

In the end the Commonwealth's position was all laid out. As in revolution, in air pollution there were two key aspects. They were the visible cause of global dimming, which ruined Africa's monsoons and killed hundreds of thousands and now threatened to ruin Asia's and kill hundreds of millions, Beddgelens included, and the invisible cause of the much more frequently referenced greenhouse effect, which would make global warming massively worse than ever feared, and would certainly kill everyone in alredy hot countries, and billions elsewhere. Beth Gellert was going to do something about it at home and, if other nations did not react with similar haste, the Commonwealth would come around and do it for them, removing any uncooperative elements like heartless corporations and disinterested governments...

Others around the world were starting wars over hereditary rights to dominate fellow men, over completely fictional terrorist organisations, or equally fantastical deities and other vestiges of obsolete governance or economy, the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth had resolved to stand by a wider humanity regardless of its absurd beliefs in a last-ditch effort to prevent the destruction of the species. Dramatic expression from the Green Tower, but backed up by perhaps as much as a trillion dollars worth of military industry it seemed more apropriate.

The first aspect proposed for discussion at Porthmadog, then, was pollution as manifest in the phenomenons of global warming or the greenhouse effect and solar dimming or global dimming.

To come...
The Commonwealth Professional Civil Service intended later to present speakers on:
-International security in established revolutionary states and on the issue of support for global revolutionary movements
-International trade as it related to the protection of revolutionary movements, respect for human rights at home and abroad, prosperity and stability, and the issues to be addressed in regard to the health of the global biosphere
-Minor political slants within the wider context of revolutionary progress, ranging from issues such as conservatism and liberalism to religion, and perhaps addressing the means of democratic activity, or lack there-of, within a healthy revolutionary society.

OOC: I'll post a proper reply later; just letting you know that I'm here. Just two things:

Can Malaysia send someone as well? We might as well include representatives from all of Marimaia's clients, especially one with oil wealth. Also, the way things are going, the Vietnamese representative will be from the new reformist leadership; Marimaia is currently scaring the old guard Politburo by sharing some...interestingly interpreted intelligence and various other things.

By and large, The Commonwealth will be keen to have as many potentially progressive forces along, especially delegates from Vietnam, being as the Igovians are keen to make sure that the nation doesn't stray into obscurity or suffer corruption of its progress. As developing nations it is considered especially important to make sure that they choose to become the right things.

(So yes, then. It's just that we're not about to invite the Dauphin or the Hudecian President to cause a scene, though just about any leftist or other progressive group even if not in power has a chance of getting in.)

OOC: Just letting you know I'm here, and like Marimaia, will supply a proper post soon.

Strathdonia might be interested i have still to decide how "progressive" we might actually be...

a definate tag

The Communist Revolutionary Council of St. Petersburg requests attendance.

Dr. Rev. Don Hindle, Ph.D., M.Div. is sent with a small staff to represent Quinntonian interests in this regard. He is the leading environemental scientist in Quinntonia and though he is actually born in Hudecia, is now a citezen and will represent our government in this matter.
He is the head advisor to the Prime Minister and The Council of Bishops in matters of the environment and has written two books on the rise of socialism in Asia. This includes his Masters of Divinity Thesis that was published, "Christianity- A Socialist Faith?" A graduate of MIT and Princeton respectively. His B.A. undergraduate work was a double major in Biology and Chemistry, with Political Science as a minor.
He is also President of the Quinntonian Inter-Faith Environmental Concern, where he has headed various environmental actions and lobbied for more and more environmental government action. This included his very famous "WWJD-What Would Jesus Drive?" campaign.

His presense is less than impressive, as he is fairly short and his age makes his hairline creep higher and higher. Seen a social liberal and a just left-of-right theologian.

He does get off his plane holding a Bible and dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, an homage to his time spent in Hindustan on his various sabbaticals. The T-Shirt read, "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth. And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." Genesis 1:27-28

WWJD
Amen.

In her first official foreign visit, Premier Apsara Supachai is dispatched to Porthmadog to represent Marimaia. A fervent NeoSuunist and former Governor of Taishita, Supachai is affectionately known as the 'Iron Bitch'; His Excellency has decided that it is time for her to represent her country.

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President Aung San Suu Kyi will be personally representing the Union of Burma. The leader of the first Marimaian-installed democracy, Suu Kyi has worked hard with her Marimaian allies to rebuild the country and maintain a stable democratic process; thus far, she has been moderately successful. She will be accompanied by her Marimaian liaison Vidura Dabaransi.

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Crown Prince Jamil bin Hasan will be representing the Federation of Malaysia as its constitutional monarch. The Malaysian democratic process grants him a surprising amount of domestic influence. He will be accompanied by his Marimaian liaison Sakda Theeravit.

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Nyugen Thao Hien will be representing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in his capacity as Foreign Minister. One of Dinh Xuan Lanh's cronies, he is part of the reformist faction which has gained influence with covert assistance from the Marimaians. However, as Vietnam's government is not ruled from Taishita, he will be most interested in other points of view from other nations.

Minister of Agriculture and the Environment, Uptal Singh, will be attending this conference on behalf of Hindustan.

"Beth Gellert was going to do something about it at home and, if other nations did not react with similar haste, the Commonwealth would come around and do it for them, removing any uncooperative elements like heartless corporations and disinterested governments..."

Somebody getting imperialist urges? Maybe the US can have an invasion, finally...We all get 'em, after all, it's their turn...

Despite the fact that as of late Kanendru has been.. otherwise occupied, it will send several delegations. The individuals have yet to be named, but it is known that at the very least a Kenandru environmental expert will be sent (with firsthand reports and special emphasis placed on the effects of full-scale war on the environment on the regional and global scale), a senior PLA commander and veteran of the revolutionary war, and a liaison from the Ministry of Trade and Economics.

After arriving, Apsara meets up with Jamil and Suu Kyi, exchanging various pleasantries before introducing themselves to other delegates. Apsara never fails to make a bold impression, talking grandly about His Excellency and the greatness of Marimaia. Jamil and Suu Kyi take the opportunity to meet other national representatives, as they very rarely venture outside their own territories; Sakda and Vidura stay close to their charges, making polite small talk while keeping an eye on who the client leaders are speaking to.

Hien takes this opportunity to improve Vietnam's international profile. He expounds the virtues of Dinh Xuan Lanh, calling him a great reformer and adding that Dinh plans for greater engagement with the populace. He expresses interest in the other socialist systems around Asia, stating that he wishes to learn how others have successfully interacted with their citizens.

Members of the Commonwealth Professional Civil Service and considerable crowds of Beddgelen citizens greeted delegates from all around the world, being especially pleased to see that progress has not been completely shut-out in decadent societies in the west.

The Alaric Environmental Research Co-operative, represented by the already vocal comrade Luernios of Pudukkotai, was pleased to have taken the initiative ahead of more traditional revolutionary concerns, and was keen to press its agenda to delegates from less environmentally aware states.

The Porthmadog Regional Senate was an open-air amphitheatre of sorts, made of Beddgelen granite shipped down from Orissa- Luernios made a point of saying that, "...today, this material upon which we are assembled would quite possibly have been brought down under power of sail, because why rush, pollute, and waste finite resources when there is no rush?". It was quite a grand structure, with awnings that could be extended to guard Senate-goers against environmental extremes, "...and they'll be needed a lot more often, if this conference does not inspire much change!" while much of the masonry was decorated in fantastical manner by job-sharing craftsmen with time on their hands and an artistic skin-full of powerful intoxicants. How many times a visitor had exclaimed, "A horse with wheels? Well never in my life!" or, "But this is a public building! That's pornographic!" few could count.

This was just one of untold dozens of similar facilities around The Commonwealth, which also claimed to have a hundred thousand Local Senates, as well as the Commonwealth Final Senate in Portmeirion (at Raipur).

Rarely was one filled by people from so many parts of the world. It was well used to seating Tamil, Anglo-Saxon, Welsh, Geletian, and other Beddgelens side by side in political congress, but to host comrades from Hindustan in anything more than curious observation was unusual enough, let alone to have Vietnamese, Quinntonians, and Russians* as well was terribly exciting to the locals.

Delegates may find the Igovian setting somewhat informal, in all, as they are invited to seat themselves where they wish, to talk amongst themselves, and are expected to ask for refreshments if they wish them (since BG practices community of goods and enjoys a healthy economy at the present time, nobody really has the right nor inclination to deny anybody else's reasonable requests). A few Beddgelens milling about carry huge pouches slung over their arms, from which they drink strong wines, amongst other things, while more are hidden in clouds of opiate smokes or may be seen munching on bread and cheese.

"Comrades!" Said Commonwealth Chief Consul, taking the stage towards which the roughly semi-circular steps of the Regional Senate were arranged, "We thank you for coming and for hearing-out comrade Luerios! I hope that we all can begin to address the issues that he raises on behalf of his organisation, for they warn us all that we may just a decade from now meet nothing short of doomsday. I am sorry to use such emotive terms, but I'm sure that you all understand that we have not called you here from the far corners of the world merely to enjoy tea and biscuits!

"...Tea and biscuits are available at either end of the steps, and near the top-level arch through which you entered. Thank you."

*If the Russian communists can get here, they'll be granted access, of course.

PRS Minister of Diplomacy Ling Mei arrives to represent Spyr at the conference, accompanied by a number of lesser bureaucrats eager to discuss various matters with their revolutionary comrades.

In terms of environmental issues, Spyr is able to enter the discussion with a hint of pride. Spyran energy policy has always revolved around alternatives to highly pollutant fossil fuels (though this may be due less to a detailed environmental plan as to Spyr's lack of accessible coal or oil). Spyran 'clean' energy ources have also been expanded on a massive scale overthe past decade or so, providing the direct power for modernization in neighbouring North Yaman and Tord, removing the tendency for use of 'dirty' energy which ends to be characteristic of developing nations.

In the greater scheme of things its not particularly significant, but its certainly believed to be a start.

Apsara Supachai makes a big show of Marimaia's energy production, talking about how the energy grid is maintained mostly by nuclear and hydroelectric power. She also mentions Marimaian advances in the field of synthetic fuels, and claims with great pride that Marimaia is sharing their research with burma and Malaysia in an attempt to improve the environmental state of the South Asian Community.

The Russian Communists seek asylum in Beth Gellert, as their territory has been threatened by Tsarists who posess nuclear weapons, and who now march onto St. Petersburg.

Bump?

Tsarists possessing nuclear weapons? Very bad.

IC:

Uptal Singh describes Hindustan's hybrid propulsion systems, installed on land and sea vehicles. Pebble-Bed nuclear reactor technology is also showcased, although only a few plants have been built, located near Mumbai and Calcutta.

The majority of Hindustani electricity is provided by filtered coal and gasoline-burning stations. Although they are clean, owing to advanced emissions control technology, they are due to be phased out of operation by the year 2020, provided the construction of pebble-bed nuclear reactors stays on track. Community power units, usually solar cells or wind turbines, are also a major part of the Hindustani power grid.

The Russian Communists seek asylum in Beth Gellert, as their territory has been threatened by Tsarists who posess nuclear weapons, and who now march onto St. Petersburg.

The Spyran delegation makes a formal protest against granting asylum to Russian feudalist exploiters who have taken the name 'communists'. (Given the nature of Igovian politics, 'formal protest' likely also means a bunch of Spyrans trying to express and debate their viewpoint at public meetings).

Feudal-capitalists shall always decieve those they control about the nature of socialism, painting a philosophyof productive freedom and non-exploitation as one of evil and suffering. If they did not, then the workers and the peasants they oppress would rise up and replace them with a socialist system. But one of the great detriments to the cause of world socialism hase been those who take the name of communism to serve feudalist, fascist ends. When a man such as Joseph Stalin imposes totalitarianism and imperialism and claims to be acting in the name of socialism, it is made all the easier for feudal-capitalists to maintain their deception.

The Russians who now wore the communist label were such a group. Certainly they should be protected from nuclear destruction, as should any human being, but they should not be acknowledged as having any association with socialist ideology until they have been educated an dedicated themselves to what it truly means.

-----------------
(as posted in the Red Square (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=388432&page=2&pp=15) thread)
... theCommunists had seized power through heavy armament, and now used the threat of violence to force upon the Russian denizens their ideal vision of the future: Communal farms. The citizens grumbled while plowing the fields with metal tools (the Communists preferred the “organic” approach) under the watchful eye of their newfound Communist masters, who were really long haired hippies with guns. The citizens hoped that the Tsarists would fall soon, so the Russian military could come and get the annoying Communists off their backs, and let them get back to their regular lives...

OOC: Just to point out that Apsara Supachai has fled from the conference due to the events in Marimaia; Crown Prince Jamil, Sakda Theeravit and Vidura Dabaransi have also fled.

One of the Kanendru delegates, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prakhava Singh, stood up and took great offense to the Spyran invective directed against Comrade Stalin.
While not without his share of mistakes and misjudgements, the delegate claimed that characterizing Stalin's rule as totalitarian was a misconception that played into the hands of anti-communist political forces, and should be avoided even as revolutionary-minded people continue to learn from and criticize the historical experiance of the Stalin-era USSR.

Moving on and not wanting to get hung up in yet another Stalin - vs. - everybody else debate, an environmental expert educated in Europe named Bhattari Jantesh expressed interest in developing scientific cooperation with Marimaia and other progressive states in fuel production (they seemed especially interested in the synthetics idea, since Kanendru has no oil to speak of) and pollution control systems, of which Kanendru has woefully little. Rapidly devloping industry in the capital and other small cities across the country have virtually no technology to prevent the release of toxic gases into the air or water, having inherited the monarchy's decrepid industrial infrastructure.

Minister Ling apologizes, somewhat reluctantly, for overzealous criticism of comrade Stalin's actions... Stalin's efforts in the successful implementation of Marxist-Leninist philosophy have provided undeniable contributions to subsequent socialist development, especially given the difficulties in implementation of worldwide revolution.

[When the Spyrans call Stalin a Totalitarian and Imperialist, their tendency is to be referring to the two central Cold War differences between Spyr and Stalin's Soviets... the first being the Spyran view that Stalin tended to prioritize his own control over the greater goals of socialism, the second the doctrine of 'limited sovreignty' beneath the umbrella of the USSR... humanitarian-based criticisms have arisen in more recent years, with the arrival of stable prosperity, but Maoists would almost certainly see that as more of a consequence of Spyr's overly-technocratic socialism]

(Sorry, this is a bit disorderly. I hope it is not too difficult to follow; I added bits over a period of days, never having time to really write it all in one go.)

The Igovian Soviet Commonwealth could not immediately offer a decision on assylm for the Russians, but Commonwealth Chief Consul comrade Chivo said that they would certainly be welcome to stay on after the conference, at least in the short term, while their case was considered in more depth and put to the people. There was not thought to be any danger of Stalinist influence impacting upon the life of the Commonwealth, which had already experienced a brief dictatorship under Sopworth Igo, who was peacefully replaced by the modern democratic system.

Many Beddgelens sat about at the conference muttered in some agreement with the initial Spyrian concerns and continued to uphold a chilly atmosphere following Minister Singh's defence, with comrade Luernios of Pudukkotai -first and foremost an environmentalist, but always an Igovian, too- quipping that Stalin didn't stand in his corner alone, as, "he's always got Hoxha!"

The Chief Consul managed to contain his countryfellows in their criticism, "until the next day of the conference, when perhaps we shall address matters either of economy or democracy."

The Igovians are not much restrained in their applause for Spyrian practices in the field of energy generation, and hold their example along side the Beddgelen and the Hindustani when emploring other delegates to urgently promote similar measures in their home countries.

"However..." said Chivo, "we can not fail to recognise the legitimate concerns of some nations that are not yet so progressive in this regard."

The ISCBG recognises, he said, its responsibilities in an international context fitting a global problem. The obvious point being that some nations are heavily dependant upon fossil fuels, which is exactly the problem of course, and can't be expected to behave exactly like those more progressive states -Hindustan, Beth Gellert, Spyr, and so on- that either lacked significan fossil fuel deposits or had populations too great to rely upon domestic reserves, and as such chose early on to take a different route. Other nations must first be offered help in changing, not token help as they may have offered the third world, but real help as may save human civilisation itself.
The Igovians were desperately keen to impress upon their guests the severity of the situation they perceived. Within as little as a decade -if civilisation's current trends continued unchecked- there was, according to the Alaric Environmental Research Co-operative, a significant chance that earth's environment would have reached the point of no return, beyond which humanity's fate would be decided by a biosphere spiraling beyond civilisation's control no matter what measures were taken. If it did not happen within that time, it would be shortly there after rather than not at all. This meant that it really did make sense to expend a large part of nations' gross domestic product on aiding others... even if they didn't want it.
"Nations must abandon fossil fuel-burning power stations; scrubbing in powerstations to reduce visible pollution is simply not good enough and, without proper associated measures, actually makes things worse. Nations must deliver technical and engineering help to each other in replacing these."
But there were still wider issues and more difficult customers. Some nations earned a good portion of their wealth by exporting fossil fuels. Some of the states in Beth Gellert's own sphere of influence did exactly that. Libya, North Yaman, Venezuala, Russia, Hudecia, Al Khals, United Elias, and more, a wide range of nations, big and small, rich and poor, right and left, counted fossil fuel export at least a significant part of their economy.
Chivo wanted to discuss what the revolutionary elements here assembled could do to encourage such nations to decrease the production of fossil fuels in such nations. There had to be solutions forthcoming, for the Commonwealth would simply not tollerate produciton as continued at current rates, and would -if forced- start wars to stop production as others had in the past to own it. The Igovians tabled a number of yet unevaluated proposals for consideration in regard to fossil fuel exporting nations.
"Capitalist economies could be encouraged to invest in parts of oil-producing economies not related to the fossil fuel industry, as diversity would lessen the opposition to fossil fuel production cuts.
"Other fossil fuel producing economies could be encouraged to adopt communist economic practices, and perhaps be offered increased compensation for smaller quantities of fuels if they agree to reduce volume output. This would potentially strain stronger communist economies such as Beth Gellert's, but should -as more materials flow into subject nations relative to resources put into decreased real exports- further strengthen and diversify willing clients, as well as cutting over all production of fossil fuels."

The ISCBG was touching on the possibility of creating an international body to administer progressive help to fossil fuel-producing states in switching their economies away from this obsolete sector.

The mere mention of Josef Stalin upsets Hindustani delegates. After all, Hindustan did not help save Europe from Hitler (albeit while a colony of TBF) just to see much of the liberated land taken over and oppressed some more.

In fact, the Russian occupation and the installation of puppet governments in Eastern Europe is why Hindustan has such a large population of Czechs, Poles, and Germans.

But despite the Nepalese government's advocation of Stalin as something besides a tyrant and maniac, the flow of aid does not stop or slow down. Hindustani design bureaus promise to speed up the installation of pollution control devices and the construction of new infrastructure.

The Quinntonian delegate, Dr. Don Hindle, is obviously distressed, and will definately be making note of anyones willingness to characterise Stalin, who is really no more a Marxist than Czar Peter the Great, as anything other than a maniacal tyrant who murdered and made war on his own people, killing a reported 20 million Russians in his 'purges.'

WWJD
Amen.

The Spyran response to Chivo's statements is to call upon the power of human knowledge.

"While in some areas we are proud, in others we feel much worry. Spyran power generation avoids fossil fuel consumption... but we cannot claim the same in the field of transportation. Some of our rural public transit vehicles, and much of our military, operate on fossil fuels. These have been refined extensively, but this has not been for the sake of the environment, simply to stetch limited reserves further than they might otherwise go. We have had to deal with constraints upon our avenues of research, and clean vehicle engine design has most unfortunately been left by the wayside.

For many of our friends, other avenues have likewise been left lacking. Some may have strong coastal tides or rivers but lack hydroelectric engineers, some may have alternate fuel sources but be unaware of how they might be put to use.

In our modern world, we must fight within structures imposed by feudal-capitalism... the nation-state is limiting and divisive, and the very conception of knowledge, of truth, has been reduced like all else to the commodity form, as if it could be bought and owned. If we overcome these two great deceptive structures, then we shall achieve a great leap forward towards a better future.

We know that Hindustan has made great strides in creation of hybrid engine technologies. Were such technologies implemented in Spyr, our difficulties would be quickly solved.

We have spent much time in attempting mastry of tidal and hydroelectric generators, not just for power but also to stabilize erosion and catastrophic flooding... where there is water, we feel that one can find power without pollutants.

We are privileged to stand amongst a body of nations who are willing and ready to act. We suggest that our first action be to open up our knowledge, without restriction, to share information and observation and technology freely so that anyone can make use of it without expense. In this way we both speak to the world of this troubling problem, and at the same time offer up a myriad of solutions. It will not resolve the problem on its own, but it is a neccessary first step, laying the groundwork for more direct change.

As for fossil fuel economies... we can personally speak for North Yaman. The Yamani produce fossil fuels almost exclusively for export, as they have little need for them in their home economy. Spyr must admit to being a primary consumer of this export. However, the impetous behind Yaman's fossil fuel production is not economic but political. They export fuel to our revolutionary comrades in the Choson People's Republic of Dra-pol, and in return recieve aircraft used for their own defence. Spyr can certainly eliminate from the Yamani economy most export production through directed investment and the creation of alternative avenues, but we do not know if we could successfully seek to end an act of socialist solidarity. Until the day comes that Korean unification is at last complete, and Dra-pol itself becomes a stable region for establishing cleaner energy alternatives, we suspect that Yamani oil production will continue.*

Elsewhere, many fossil fuel producers are under the control of feudal-capitalist interests... these interests exist through exploitation. And, what better victim to exploit en-masse than those who will live in a polluted future? Unlike the peasants and proletariat of today, who can rise up through socialism, the future has no one to defend it from capitalist exploitation.
We find it difficult to believe that many will willingly give up such an ideal victim."

(*Yes, you heard it here first, folks... "Quinntonian presence in Hamhung is responsible for the hole in the ozone layer" ^__^).

(Hehe, good angle, we'll have to run that on Iskra!)

Again, most of the Igovians are impressed by the Spyrian contribution, and some choose to show it by a roudy bellow of half-drunk support. The free exchange of information and ideas is quite central to Igovian ideology, which makes a point of flouting copywrites at any opportunity and -as in Kanendru- prefers always to, "give a man the means to catch his own fish" rather than to spoon feed him like a child- as many still feel that the British tended to do during the age of empire with those Beddgelens they didn't more overtly abuse. The Commonwealth has no desire to make dependant client states of those it aids.

The Drapoel issue, especially as it relates to North Yaman and the Lyong, is indeed a prickly one. Chivo says, "...at least it is true that the [Choson People's] Republic does not burn so much oil as it imports, that is to say, yet, er, that is..." sweating a little as he stumbles to avoid making an issue of Dra-pol's stock-pilling of massive reserves of aviation and diesel fuel as if for some hard time ahead. "They do not... the Commonwealth has at least helped the Drapoel in the replacement of many coal-burning powerplants with hydro-electric and safe nuclear facilities. Er, I mean..."

It was then suggested by another comrade, who didn't bother to give her name, that other nations might help the Drapoel to do away with other sources of coal and oil consumption, such as their trains (since private transport is -as in Igovian India- a none-entity in Kurosite Korea) perhaps by taking them for scrap in partial exchange for electric rolling stock as may ultimately be powered by a grid fueled by nuclear and hydrological electricity. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth's unusual wide-gague rail network meant that it did not produce rolling stock suitable for many other places -except disused Brunel-era lines in Great Britain! (Plenty of Beddgelens, by the way, would jump to address any nation considering a radical over-haul of its transport infrastructure to suggest the use of the wider Beddgelen gague as proved in many ways superior in Britain and as would have been a global standard were it not born just barely too late).

Having begun to develop -under Hindustani influence- hybrid engines of her own, Beth Gellert would also be prepared to share research in that field, though would not dispute that Hindustani production facilities associated with the technology were better furnished for practical help, and that it currently had a good deal more experts to spare than the Commonwealth could muster.

"This" said Chivo, "seems the ideal platform and moment on and at which to promote the open nature of many Beddgelen universities and technical colleges. Infant education in The Commonwealth is a communal affair carried out within Phalansteries, but higher education is wide open to outsiders wishing to share in the Commonwealth's experiences and pursuit of human progress. This is in keeping with our belief in the increasingly tired notion of nation states, as also, I think, hinted at by our comrades from the Lyong. There are many places open -not only to exchange programmes, but a much wider audience. The Igovian education system is worth hundreds upon hundreds of billions of dollars in those primitive terms."

The foreign minister piped up once again in response to the Beth Gellertans remarks concerning the weaning off of capitalist states from fossil fuel dependance, after noting Kanendru's achievements in regards to hydroelectric power generation - and praising its erstwhile Indian comrades in Bg and Hindustan for their aid in getting there.

"Why in the world should we? In my view, and I suspect in the views of many in our party, sharing such advanced technology with enemy capitalist states would be disastrous. Certainly, it would make sense to reduce the dependance of our anti-capitalist allies and in the world generally. But, would it not be a GOOD thing to create a big of economic instability in the reactionary Russian and United Elias regimes that may precipitate revolutionary situations in these countries by allowing them to engage in foolish economic policies? The economies of our enemies are things which we should do our utmost to destabilize and disrupt, not aid, however inadvertently. Let them become dependant on their precious crude - and let their proletarians smash their corrupt autocracies when they find the world has no need for it."

There was little agreement amongst the Igovians as to how best the Commonwealth should address the different levels of revolutionary progress at work in the minds and ideologies of the world's different progressive societies. This was usually not a desperately pressing concern, but when faced with the need to co-operate internationally with those factions as still clung to the naive -according to most Beddgelens- sense of violent immediacy that had been more or less exactly as immediate for a hundred and fifty years and had led to more failed uprisings and insecure revolutions than to much else, awkward shifting was sure to result on the benches.

Comrade Luernios of Pudukkotai again spoke, saying that random individual revolutions were not immediately of concern -especially where they did not yet exist- in a time that threatened all civilisation and its progress. He insisted that the communistic spirit was ideal for the salvation of all from environmental collapse, but that, "there is no way for us to reasonably expect successful revolution in all major pre-communist states inside the few years that may remain for us to make drastic global changes for the sake of the biosphere!"

Others followed on from Luernios, taking a more general direction, "Are our comrades from the north so insecure in their ideology that the treat it as a mere possibility?" said one. "Perhaps it is an expression of their revolution's youth and the threats it faces from reactionary China" suggested Chivo, adding, "we in the stable Commonwealth understand revolution as an inevitible extension of evolution, something that need not be forced. We should engage our more excitable comrades in discussion rather than split from them in policy at the first sign of trouble."

A murmer of agreement encouraged the Consul to continue, and he addressed the delegates from Kanendru, primarily.

"We do not see the less economically and politically advanced as enemies- perhaps it is a function of your revolution's youth and the freshness of battle in Kanendru that you do not yet feel the same way? If we treat them as enemies we ask for another war. We ask for an arms race and intense militarism, citizen spies and economic collapse. Where revolution exists, those who oppose it declare themselves enemies and will be crushed. Where it has not yet begun we can not force it through blackmail!

"Igovians do not doubt that revolution must come to all, but did you of Kanendru not begin your own revolution of your own free will at your own time of choosing? The same will come to United Elias and the rest- we even have progressives from Quinntonia here today.

"This opening day of conference in Beth Gellert hopes to ensure that civilisation lasts long enough for revolution to sprout in every nation. If we do not convince the capitalists to save their societies, they will not survive long enough for revolution to take root... nor we to enjoy it."

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX happened to be watching the BBC one night, and saw this speech being played on the news.

"What rubbish!" said Queen Marie Therese, leaving to go to her nightly gambling parties.

Louis seemed a bit stunned. "Mon Dieu, with Chiisu gone, that whole region will be taken over by a red tide! And the demmed NATOns wont let me, their rightful ally, be." He lit a cigarette, and pressed the intercom.

"Yes Sire?" said the secretary.

"Tell de Launay to start rounding up the communists again, make sure to rought them up well. The last bloody thing I need after a world war is workers revolutions!"

"Yes, Sire." click.

"With all due respect, Comrade Minister, the Beddgelens are right. What we are talking about here is not a minor public health issue like smoking or drug addiction. The world as we know it is standing on the brink of ecological catastrophe. Temperatures are rising; millions of people die every year from the toxic poisons we are pumping into the atmosphere. Ice caps are melting, the ozone layer is degenerating, and even now rising water levels are submerging small indigenous communities in the far north of the American continent."

Jantesh wheeled down an overhead projector and proceeded to show a number of charts and graphs pointing towards evidence for his claim. Rising water levels, atmospheric and soil and water contamination, all graphically illustrated by a wide array of very alarming statistics.

"This is to say nothing of the Peak Oil phenomenon. Our planets fossil fuel resources, on which many aspects of production are dependant on, from fuel to plastics to agriculture, are rapidly depleting themselves. To put this is layman's terms... the less oil is in the ground, the less we can extract at one time for the same amount of labor, and at a certain points... peak oil, we call it... production will level off and then finally drop. Before we experiance total deprivation we will experiance great shortages, by reason of the fact that declining production will not be able to keep up with increases in population and industrialization, especially in the developing world."

"In short, if resource cosumption and extraction continues unabated at its current rate, we will face starvation due to decreases in food production (since petro-chemicals are key ingrediants in may fertilizers and power our farming equipment) and shortages. IF we don't experiance ecological armageddon in the interim. Comrade Minister, I respect your and your ministry's expertise in the field of trade and foreign relations.. I hope you will listen to ours in this most important discussion. Please, listen to what these people have to say."

The foreign minister respectfully nodded his head, wringing his hands in embarassment. He had obviously jumped into something which was not his forte and which he was clearly ignorant on many aspects. "Very well, Professor. Perhaps I underestimated the gravity and the seriousness of what is going on here. Our party, our society, it values dissent and the questioning of authority, and I thank you for speaking up." He was clearly alarmed at what had been said as well, but was still concerned about saving face, not wanting to look foolish in front of these many important representatives of Kanendru's allies and immediate neighbors.

Jantesh decided to continue, this time posing a question. "I believe I mentioned plastics, a field of production which is heavily dependant on petro-chemicals, and a material which is absolutely crucial to many of the things and conveniances our societies take for granted. I believe breakthroughs in this field will be another important way we can wean our planet off the consumption of petrol, and if there are any other experts on this field.. which I readily admit is not my area, I think alternative, non-petrol based methods of plastics production is one more thing we should put on the table. Notwithstanding how much we have on our plate today anyway."

While the main speakers take centre stage, Spyran delegates are quietly sounding out what support exists in Beth Gellert for sending significant assistance to the emerging republic in Al-Ahzad. The Spyrans are extremely concerned, not only because the Ahzadis are being assailed by feudal-capitalist enemies from within and without, but also because their desperation to acquire the resources needed for defence against such assault is causing them to fall under the influence of other feudalist interests, such as the French...

If the new state could be assisted in a significant fashion by the more progressive elements of the world community, then its structure would emerge, if not purely socialist or directly democratic, at least far more beneficial to its people than its current feudal neighbours. And, it might provide a foothold in the region for positive political, and even environmental, change.

As many Igovians were no doubt becoming accustomed to, the Spyrans once again made the rounds, sounding out opinions. This time, their concern seemed to be with gaining recognition for the new Tordian government, and seeing how Beth Gellert might respond should hostilities begin between the twin peninsulas of East Asia and certain imperialist interests.

OOC: Tordian? Did I miss something?

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=398608

While the main speakers take centre stage, Spyran delegates are quietly sounding out what support exists in Beth Gellert for sending significant assistance to the emerging republic in Al-Ahzad. The Spyrans are extremely concerned, not only because the Ahzadis are being assailed by feudal-capitalist enemies from within and without, but also because their desperation to acquire the resources needed for defence against such assault is causing them to fall under the influence of other feudalist interests, such as the French...

If the new state could be assisted in a significant fashion by the more progressive elements of the world community, then its structure would emerge, if not purely socialist or directly democratic, at least far more beneficial to its people than its current feudal neighbours. And, it might provide a foothold in the region for positive political, and even environmental, change.

In Hindustan, the government is already sending quite a bit of support to Al-Ahzad, in the form of military hardware, economic aid packages, and military and economic advisers.

Any Spyrian aid would probably be well-recieved.

(Sorry that I haven't lately been terribly focused on this. Feel free to bring up issues or ideas of interest to your own revolutionary factions, of course. I might come back to bring up new issues, later, or I may be distracted by working-up more details on the revised military or my 3rd evolved state of Igovian theory :) )

The conference continued at an unsteady pace, and delegates experienced a casual Beddgelen hospitality that offered them bunks in dormatories at various of Porthmadog's Pantisocratic Phalansteries or bedrolls on the very steps of the partially open-air Regional Senate.

In the surrounding city, activity was increasing significantly. Soviets were helping to organise the erection from remains of demolished private buildings a mock-up of the Chapel of Atonement that was first erected -in Paris- in apology for the execution of Louis XVI. In remembrance of the original's razing during the Paris Commune rather than in representation of any rescinded guilt at an ancient murder, this mock chapel would be torched on the fifth of May, and ale would be had.

Portmeirion -like other cities- saw similar scenes as a replica of the Place Vendôme's Victory Column was put together for ceremonial destruction on the 12th of April. This used melted-down elements of stockpiled Principality weapons rather than guns captured by Napoleon.

Around Porthmadog's Regional Senate, delegates may have noticed the lowering of the Beddgelen flag, its bars replaced by the simple red field of the more universal banner of global revolution that the Final Senate had finally agreed to adopt once again.

As out to sea the red fluttered over a newly launched Nibiru Class light carrier assault ship created CA-23 CS Concorde, one might almost be forgiven for thinking that the Commonwealth was adopting a fad aimed at deliberately taunting the French reactionary regime during tensions of that entity's jingoistic creation.


...But that was probably only if one considered that the communards' stand for liberty in France at Concorde on the 23rd of May 134 years ago bore any relation to the decision, made at a time that threatened to see the Beddgelen navy preventing a French imperialist assault on Asia, to give to the Igovian warship CA-23 the name Concorde.

Perhaps the monarchists would tell themselves that they felt no slight by celebration of defiance to the Republic's army. Or perhaps being regarded in their light would just make it all the more infuriating

Over the course of the conference, Spyr's delegates outline several initiatives which they see as key future roads for the 'progressive bloc' (rather, the SSRC + Beth Gellert).

1) Noninterference: Spyr proposes that the Five Principles of Zhou Enlai become the cornerstone for relations between revolutionary states... ut that this caveat applies only so long as those states do not regress into feudal-capitalist or totalitarian-despotic states. It is the duty of progressives to advise each other on percieved flaws, provide means to corect them, and should a consensus of progressive nations find it neccessary, to interfere in order to preserve popular progressive policies.

2) Korean Unification: Spyr calls for all progressive nations to acknowledge that Korean unification under the CPRD is inevitable, but also that it is the duty of Dra-pol's progressive allies to both build up the CPRD and ensure that unification occurs peacefully, with a minimal cost to the Korean people, and not neccessarily on a short-term schedule.

3) Holy League: Spyr calls for a recognition by progressive states that the Holy League (France, Estenlands, Tsarist Russia, possibly Italy) be declared the ultimate political regression, and that efforts be made to contain them and prevent them from enslaving further populations. Key to this would be active operations against French units attempting to enter the Asian region for their war against Tord, support for Lavrageria in the face of Estenlands dominance, and continuation of the Hindustani policy of support-without-strings for Al-Ahzad in contrast for the support-with-chains offered them by the French.

4) Sino: Spyr levels a simple accusation at the Sinoese: that their war on Xiaguo is motivated, openly, by the fact that Xiaguo did not actively persecute communists and considered implementing national social welfare programs. While niether Chinese state is particularly progressive, the Xiannese have slowly shifted in that direction, and are more likely to continue on that path should they emerge victorious. Spyr calls for political and economic support for Xiaguo from progressive states, including export sale of war materiel. There is some veiled hinting that troop buildup around Kanendru & northern India might force Sinoese troops to guard a second front, weakening their northward thrust.

5) Quinntonia: Unlike the forces of fascism or feudalism, Quinntonia is not an immediate menace to the progressive bloc. In fact, at its core, Christianity is simply socialism, wrapped in a blanket of theism (like wrapping a steak in a web of fat.... still delicious, but it'll clog your arteries to hell in the end). So long as they continue to travl parallel to progressivism, and do not succumb to feudal-fascist lures, they should be related with according to mutual acceptance of the Five Principles and the the norms of "seeking common ground while reserving differences" and "do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire".

6) Former Marimaia: With many nations drooling from their fanged maws at the prospect of carving up our former aly, we must remember this: As evidence after the Fall has proven, the NeoSuunist regime was a corrupt criminal organisation based on covertly fascist principles, whose leaders lived in total opulence while their people suffered economic downturn. That regime was not, nor could ever be, an ally to progressive nations. Our allies were the PEOPLE of Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. And it is our duty to relate with them by the Five Principles, to assist them when asked in following a progressive course, and to protect them from opportunistic imperialism.

7) Venezuela: With the recent explosion of criminal activity in South America, and bourgeoning fascist NeoSuunism in Peru, it is more vital than ever for a concerted effort in strengthening the progressive jewel of South America, and in supporting socialist action to uplift the surrounding peoples and defend them from bandit cartels and fascist dominance.

The Kanendru delegation easily agrees to points 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. They express alot of reservations about five, scoffing at the idea that the Quintonnian government represents anything related to 'socialism' in even the vaguest sense of the term. They acknowledge that Quintonnian imperialism is not the MAIN threat to the progressive states and the people of the world (that would be, in their view, the Sinoese fascists and the Holy League), but insist that Quintonnia is still a vicious, imperialist theocratic state that oppresses women and religious minorities* and keeps the Korean peninsula artificially divided through their puppet government and out-and-out armed force. Frankly, the proposition sounds like a whitewash.

There are also certain reservations about 4, understandably given Kanendru's past relations with Xiaguo as puppets of Xiannese imperialism prior to the revolution and devastation by the Xiannese army afterwards. The CRK (Communist Republic of Kanendru) hates the Sinoese fascists as much as anyone else and would be willing to allow their territory to be used for actions that aim to stop their expansionist march, but are set against anything that aims to STRENGTHEN the Xiannese state; though not against defending its people from Sino's aggression.

*I sort of assumed this, working under the assumption that Quintonnia bases its laws and legal system more or less from the Bible. If that's wrong and Quintonnia is actually fairly progressive in domestic social policy, then scratch that part.

The Hindustani delegation pretty much agrees with 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7.

As for 2, Hindustan unique in the fact that military support was given to the ROK in resisting the initial Drapoel invasion, the government would like to wait and conduct a referendum on Korean unification. The Hindustani delegation, therefore, requests that point two include reference to a peninsula-wide referendum where a majority (more than 50%) of voters in South Korea is required to join the north and south. As for Quinntonian Dra-pol, the government would like to see a similar referendum take place before unification.

And as for 4, Hindustan does not think it wise to support the government of either China. After all, it was Xiaguo who attacked Nepal. While the Xiannese administration is more agreeable than the Sinoese junta, its only by the smallest margin, and bankrolling one of the Chinas will only make the other one hate you. The prospect of fighting Sinoese troops, especially with the military still recovering from the high losses sustained in fighting the Xiannese army, is not inviting to say the least.

The delegation attending the conference would prefer that the conference call for a temporary cease-fire at the current front lines, and give its support not to one of the Chinese governments but rather to the Chinese people themselves. After all, war doesn't benefit anyone. The delegation proposes that the Sinoese and Xiannese governments be asked to hold referenda, observed on one side by a nation closer to Xiaguo, and on the other a nation closer to Sino, where a simple majority of voters in both countries is required to unify the country under a yet-to-be-determined provisional authority.

As the Strainists continue their stealthy drive to become second most popular political wing in the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth, Beddgelens pick over their generally well received points.

Firstly, the matter of noninterference is found to fit fairly well with Igovian practice in the main, but does provide a good opportunity for the voicing of some bubbling movements in Beddgelen politics. The major growing force in this regard is usually linked to the yet unsolidified 3rd evolved state of Igovian Theory, and calls for active intervention against elements deemed regressive compared to a modest global standard (one far behind Igovian or Strainist, or even other SSRCP systems).
A lesser movement is beginning to speak critically of the state of the Drapoel revolution, which is some two generations older than the Beddgelen and yet evidently less evolved. Generally this is dismissed by arguments stating that the Igovians have been able to learn from earlier Suloist and Kurosite experiences, and that the conditions for revolution in Dra-pol were less than ideal given the nation's then pre-industrial and wartorn state. Some call for more direct involvement in the progress of the Kurosite revolution, but their voices are drowned out by dissent and impracticality. Certainly it has been traditionally accepted that the revolutionary founders of the CPRD were robbed of space, resources, and comrades due to outside intervention.

(As luck would have it, CCC comrade Chivo stepped forth at about that point to indicate that the speakers were drunk on Southern Comfort and should throw some cold water over their faces before continuing with an actual point in mind. Gimme a a second.)

It would eventually come out during the conference that the ISCBG was over the course of just the last year becoming much more forward in its global policy applications... that more or less meant that nations of revolutionary interest were now crawling with GSIC teams as well as the usual private comrades interested in spreading and sharing revolutionary ideas. Portmeirion would all but admit that Gelert Sentinels special forces were on the ground in a massive range of nations. Laos and Vietnam were seeing active military protection of their previously betrayed revolutionary ideals as forces previously based at Singapore moved through the former Prosperity Sphere's back garden, trying hard to convey the belief that followers of the likes of Suun and Trotsky had unwittingly [best not to incite mistrust or violence] alienated the masses from their own historical roles by advocating representation, which, as every Igovian knows, is a denial of participation. Libya seethed with Indians and Celts beating people over the head with their own Green Books,though without lingering long on the religious element there of; Venezuala's Igovian embassy was a regional centre for observation of the revolution and threats to it; there were in Lusaka some three thousand Soviet Marines applying armed force to the popular return of Derek Igomo, sub-Saharan Africa's ambassador of emancipation; and a great many Beddgelen Igovians wandered Europe, latching on to both increased social awareness in the UK and to a more basic public reaction to growing continental absolutism.

Of course, none of this really ammounted to aggressive meddling in the progress of other revolutions, or the delegates from Kanendru would certainly have been amongst the first to raise that issue. It was perhaps a sign that the Commonwealth was struggling to contain its own revolutionary passions, and that progress in foreign countries would be best embraced quickly and seriously, sure of a helping hand from the sub-continent.

One speaker responded to the Spyrians' first proposals by saying that yes, it would be best if revolutionary groups could more easily share in the support they might give to one another. Perhaps some sort of regular or constantly open council would be a prospect worth discussing. A sort of on-going equivalent to this unique gathering.

Certainly consultation that put Kurosites in direct contact with the revolutionary world beyond Korea would say much for the future of point two.

Beddgelens were rather more straight-forward on the issue of the Holy League. On-going celebration of the tragic Paris Commune highlighted Igovian feelings towards the collapse of European society, and one would be hard pressed to find a Beddgelen asserting that anyone else (besides perhaps the Sinoese Junta) represented a greater call to arms than did the Holy League.

This point carried the ill-disciplined tongues of the Beddgelen speakers on to talk of Britannia. Many attending said that the British absolutely must be engaged in positive terms, both as a traditional bastion of -all be it modest- social progress in spite of frequent continental regression and as a strategic lever. The UK, for example, was well placed in terms of the Strait of Gibraltar, while at the other end of the inarguably useful Mediterranean seaways lay United Elias, a state hardly compatible with revolutionary progress but one with which London managed to maintain rather better relations. People like Graeme Igo himself ventured that London was potentially the best vector by which to interact with the world's fourth and final cornerstone of superpower (assuming BG, the USQ, and Sino to be the rest).

To China, well, there was potentially a greater problem. Xiaguo had never been wildly popular in Beth Gellert, where trust for the Chinese was traditionally low- usually they were planning something, most Beddgelens thought, however their social progress had been cautiously well received. Whether or not the Xiannese could be trusted was certainly an issue, but it rather melted away when contrasted with the prospect of a billion-plus vessels for the pursuit of the Sinoese military junta's twisted dreams and Sinoese forces stationed on Vietnamese, Kanendru, Drapoel, and Lyongian borders and united with the disorderly Russias under their weak reactionary leadership.

CCC comrade Chivo said, "Though we speakers are sure that a great many Beddgelens will seethe at the idea of arming a Xiannese war effort, none can see a better alternative for the prevention of really unthinkable tradgedy in Sinoese victory."

Even half-way progressive peoples had to do something to check the monsterous Liu.

Quinntonia is, in Beth Gellert, seen through eyes tinted in both the manners described by Spyrian and Kanendru delegates. Some working on the 3rd evolved state of Igovian Theory have been pondering the evolution of religious life as it applies to Quinntonia and Beth Gellert alike, proposing that Quinntonians exist at the third stage of modern religious evolution while Beddgelens are stumbling into the fifth (but that is a matter for another day!). Others dismiss this theorising in respect of actual events as have caused similar scorn to that expressed by the Kanendru Maoists. Some say that this lack of quorum in the Commonwealth is probably best for preventing serious hostilities being waged against the powerful Quinntonian state!

As to the former Marimaia, much has been said already. It is true that Beth Gellert harbours a number of Neo Suunists -not always Marimaians, but Beddgelens impressed by the theory, much as there are Igovians, Marxists of all sorts, and [a growing number of] Strainists, but they are few enough that the Madras-Porthmadog Revolutionary Conference has yet seen none attending. Increasingly, the fallen regime is regarded as another apology for a want of real progress after the social distress and unrest of the last few centuries. Igovians continue to work in Vietnam and Laos especially.

Finally, Venezuala. Beth Gellert encourages other revolutionaries to join her in trading well for that nation's resources in hopes of keeping-out the Roycelandians, Quinntonians, and others who would probably as well look elsewhere for cheaper oil as fight for Venezualas. Igovian warships frequently visit the region to remind Venezualans that they are not so isolated as may appear, and to remind potential aggressors the same. Already, Beddgelens are encouraging comrades to volunteer in Venezuala, with many already trained and experienced workers choosing to take belated 'gap years' when their sectors slow at home, going to help Venezuala put into action those social programmes so often promised and poorly delivered.


(sorry that went on so long, I thought of breaking it up, but just knew that if I only addressed some issues now, I'd leave the others in Word for weeks and they'd just pass into obscurity :) )

"Comrades, we do not wish to suggest that we accept the Quinntonians or Xiannese without question... our goal shal never change from the ideal of global revolution. It is a historical certainty that revolution shall occur... it shall occur in Hamhung and South Korea, bringing about reunification wether political arrangements exist or not. Revolution shall occur in Quinntonia, as the progressive sentiments throw off the shackles of theocracy. And revolution shall be rekindled in China, regardless of what entity claims to rule it. Our duty is to stand fast against the forces of counter-revolution, so that the revolutions of the world might have time to take root and blossom. And the chief enemies of all revoutions are the feudalists and the fascists.

Our great concern for China is both for its people and for revlutionary movements across the world. The Xiannese, should they be victorious, would be unpredictable at best, an enemy at worst... but the rebirth of revolution in China has been delayed, and we fear that it shall not come about before this current war is concluded. Thus, given two terrible choices, we must consider the consequences: We do not support a Xiannese victory, rather we support a Sinoese defeat.

The warlord Liu has made clear his agenda... he is the incarna of counter-revolution, he lives for the destruction of all that is progressive. Should he achieve dominance, all of China shall be enslaved to this goal, and we, comrades, shall be next marked for annihilation. This too may emerge from Xiaguo, but there it is just a chance. With Sino, it is a certainty."

OOC: Mind if I send in a candidate, say my Minister of SE Asian affairs?

OOC: Well, people aren't excluded on nationality- there are Quinntonians here, but it is strictly a gathering of progressive/revolutionary/leftist organisations and individuals. In this event we are not interested in engaging with regressive or static elements.
So, members of a government that is not interested in improving itself in a socialistic or communal manner will not be entertained, but progressive individuals or organisations would be, if that makes sense.

"Comrades, we do not wish to suggest that we accept the Quinntonians or Xiannese without question... our goal shal never change from the ideal of global revolution. It is a historical certainty that revolution shall occur... it shall occur in Hamhung and South Korea, bringing about reunification wether political arrangements exist or not. Revolution shall occur in Quinntonia, as the progressive sentiments throw off the shackles of theocracy. And revolution shall be rekindled in China, regardless of what entity claims to rule it. Our duty is to stand fast against the forces of counter-revolution, so that the revolutions of the world might have time to take root and blossom. And the chief enemies of all revoutions are the feudalists and the fascists.

Our great concern for China is both for its people and for revlutionary movements across the world. The Xiannese, should they be victorious, would be unpredictable at best, an enemy at worst... but the rebirth of revolution in China has been delayed, and we fear that it shall not come about before this current war is concluded. Thus, given two terrible choices, we must consider the consequences: We do not support a Xiannese victory, rather we support a Sinoese defeat.

The warlord Liu has made clear his agenda... he is the incarna of counter-revolution, he lives for the destruction of all that is progressive. Should he achieve dominance, all of China shall be enslaved to this goal, and we, comrades, shall be next marked for annihilation. This too may emerge from Xiaguo, but there it is just a chance. With Sino, it is a certainty."


"Neither Chinese superpower is a respectable nation. Should Xiaguo come out on top, a situation that looks increasingly improbable, we will be faced with an unstable entity that is barely fit to command an automobile, much less a nation! The state of affairs will not be much different should Sino emerge the dominant Chinese power, and this outcome looks more likely by the day. What we need to do is stimulate counter-militarist movements in Xiaguo and Sino. Through such a massive engagement, it is inevitable that the Chinese people will soon tire of war.

But we cannot support either side, as each outcome is as bad as the other. With Xiaguo...if there's one thing that we can learn from them its that they take one step foreward one day, two steps back the next. And with Sino, at least we know what kind of regime we'll be faced with. Between Xiaguo's incompetence and Sino's ridiculousness, all we can do is help the common Chinese people to tear down these dual oppressors and build a government for themselves."

There was another, major, French secret service mission underway...dont worry, it will not see one brave Gaul wondering into that ghastly den of red maniacs.

Instead, it was nothing but a satellite transmission to the TV sets of Asia of a event soon to happen in Paris. The Revolutionary Conference had gleefully prepared that sacred Church to the honor of HMCM Louis XVI for destruction...yes, they still have news in France. At the sight of the Church, and upon the ascertainment of its present intent, poor Princesse de Lamballe, Lady in Waiting to Queen Marie Therese, fainted dead away.

So, His Most Christian Majesty wanted to let these chaps have a view of what was going on in Europe: in about a week, heavily proclaimed already, there would be a massive march of the Holy Leauge, in glory. To celebrate the dismemberment of a savory democracy---King, Tsar, and Caesar would march under the Arc de Triumph in all their regalia, bearing the fruits of their reactionary conquest of Lavrageria. It would be something that had never been seen. A Bourbon, Romanov, and Ceasar marching united under a great golden cross, to the sounds of trumpets and kettle drums. Paris would ring for the occasion.

No doubt, some regimes would show the parade to bolster their subjects against the Ancien Regime...nevertheless, it would be a bright day for rose
colored feudalism.

((Sorry to butt in guys. Its just, well, with my halting in Tord and general mellowfication, I got to terrorize you revolutionaries somehow!!! I have to. I mean, lets face it, I am sure no one hates the other more than a King and a revolutionary. I just wanted to see the reds reaction to the greatest display of Reactionary Aboslute Monarchy, well, ever. I figure real soon IRL, mayhp a day or two, Ill link it no worries))

The Call Up (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8449750#post8449750)

A response to, well, something.

Chen Shui Bian, head of the Opposition Party DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) and former President of the ROC has decided to attend the conference after hearing of it through the diplomatic network. Under the current reign of martial law, he is accompanied by two government representatives who told vaguely to "keep an eye on him".

After almost two years of living under virtual house arrest for protesting against the Sinoese stranglehold on the politics of Taiwan, a chance to travel was as good as gold. He had obtained a travel permit to talk about "environmental issues" but the years of house arrest had not softened his vehement hatred of the Sinoese and Zhang's conservative administration. They can imprison my body, but not my spirit he thought.

He planned to drop a bombshell at the meeting. Not literally, but it would be close enough.

(OOC: Now, can someone offer to remove his coat?)

There was another, major, French secret service mission underway...dont worry, it will not see one brave Gaul wondering into that ghastly den of red maniacs.

Instead, it was nothing but a satellite transmission to the TV sets of Asia of a event soon to happen in Paris. The Revolutionary Conference had gleefully prepared that sacred Church to the honor of HMCM Louis XVI for destruction...yes, they still have news in France. At the sight of the Church, and upon the ascertainment of its present intent, poor Princesse de Lamballe, Lady in Waiting to Queen Marie Therese, fainted dead away.

So, His Most Christian Majesty wanted to let these chaps have a view of what was going on in Europe: in about a week, heavily proclaimed already, there would be a massive march of the Holy Leauge, in glory. To celebrate the dismemberment of a savory democracy---King, Tsar, and Caesar would march under the Arc de Triumph in all their regalia, bearing the fruits of their reactionary conquest of Lavrageria. It would be something that had never been seen. A Bourbon, Romanov, and Ceasar marching united under a great golden cross, to the sounds of trumpets and kettle drums. Paris would ring for the occasion.

No doubt, some regimes would show the parade to bolster their subjects against the Ancien Regime...nevertheless, it would be a bright day for rose
colored feudalism.

((Sorry to butt in guys. Its just, well, with my halting in Tord and general mellowfication, I got to terrorize you revolutionaries somehow!!! I have to. I mean, lets face it, I am sure no one hates the other more than a King and a revolutionary. I just wanted to see the reds reaction to the greatest display of Reactionary Aboslute Monarchy, well, ever. I figure real soon IRL, mayhp a day or two, Ill link it no worries))

As the French broadcast is viewed by the few Hindustanis with sattelite TV sets, the general reaction is a string of obscenities directed at the parading monarchs, perhaps followed by dishes of curry and Bedgellen alchohol, and complaints about "don bloody magnet'scopes don' pickup don bloody football."

"Hey ho, Communisms got to go!"
"You say you wanna revolution? HELL NO! You say you wanna revolution? HELL NO! YOU SAY YOU WANNA REVOLUTION?!?!? HEEEELLL NOOOO!"

Countering the leftists with their own tactics, a rugged band of protestors stood outside of the Beddgellen conference. Armed with guitars, signs, and defiance, they marched in the hundreds against the gathering of leftists. A Rock concert celebrating capitalism was held, and fiery speeches denouncing Communism were given.

(Excerpts)

"Communism tries to eliminate the one thing that seperates man from animal: God!"

"If you take away the motivation for work, who will?"

"Humans aren't ants! You can't pay everyone in the same profession the same amount, no matter how lazy they are! It's madness!"

"Welfare only steals from the hardworking and gives to the lazy!"

"Oh yeah, I'll absolutely love to hand over every element of my life to a bureacracy! That's just spiffy!"

OOC: Russia united with Sino? Are you mad, BG? They would have to kill every last Russian man, woman, and child to do that.

"Hey ho, Communisms got to go!"
"You say you wanna revolution? HELL NO! You say you wanna revolution? HELL NO! YOU SAY YOU WANNA REVOLUTION?!?!? HEEEELLL NOOOO!"

Countering the leftists with their own tactics, a rugged band of protestors stood outside of the Beddgellen conference. Armed with guitars, signs, and defiance, they marched in the hundreds against the gathering of leftists. A Rock concert celebrating capitalism was held, and fiery speeches denouncing Communism were given.

(Excerpts)

"Communism tries to eliminate the one thing that seperates man from animal: God!"

"If you take away the motivation for work, who will?"

"Humans aren't ants! You can't pay everyone in the same profession the same amount, no matter how lazy they are! It's madness!"

"Welfare only steals from the hardworking and gives to the lazy!"

"Oh yeah, I'll absolutely love to hand over every element of my life to a bureacracy! That's just spiffy!"

OOC: Russia united with Sino? Are you mad, BG? They would have to kill every last Russian man, woman, and child to do that.

Such protests would be pretty much ignored by the Hindustani delegates. After all, Hindustan is a very spiritual place, and freedom of religion is a very important right. To say that the 'godless communists' in Hindustan were godless would be a rather large error.

And to say that the government controls a person's life in Hindustan would also be quite inaccurate. While government participation is high, the concept that people are slaves to the state is ridiculous. In fact, the majority of businesses in Hindustan are privately owned. Small businesses, such as the innumerable bicycle and motorcycle mechanics, radio repairmen and vendors, fishermen, and farmers, are all controlled by whoever works in them. The government provides a market and subsidizes the smaller workers. Large industries are owned by the government, and are renowned for having some of the best working conditions to be found in factories.

The blatant butchery of a Beatles classic does not get by without reprimand, however, and Hindustani delegates often try to correct the musicians' lyrics, occasionally breaking out their sitars and performing traditional Indian pieces, having mistaken an anti-communism protest for a gathering of street musicians.

When it comes to pissed-off songs in Hindustan, The Clash fills that niche very nicely. As opposed to ripping off Beatles songs, without much oomph to begin with, Hindustanis can crank the volume and put on their London Calling, or Sandinista, when revolutionary fervor needs an outlet.

Luckily, the Kanendrun's remembered to bring along their own ideological artillery - a punk rock band of Kanendrun expatriates from Beth Gellert called Kalash, four angry asians with mohawks and guitars who're down with the RC, the CPK, and the People's War. Well known for wearing hammer and sickle patches prominently on their leather jackets and defacing private buildings for fun (usually in the more capitalistic countries they tour), the band along with some more traditional musicians and folk singers of Kanendru have managed to schedule an after-show for the conference participants and anyone else who happens to wander in. Coincidentally, it appears to have been booked at the same time as the "capitalist rock show" being put on by the Armandian protestor at a venue nearby.

As for matters of foreign policy, the delegates have come to the conclusion that they will aid in any action designed to undermine and defeat the Sinoest, but will not countenance aid or arms shipments destined for Xiaguo departing from their territory. It is hoped that this would be an acceptable compromise that could simultaneously help hold off fascism on the Asian continent while placating anti-Xiannese sentiments at home.

"Perhaps global revolution would be as easily achieved as the sharing of basic educational material in pre-revolutionary communities." Said one Beddgelen hearing the confused ramblings of the protestors.

Being in no great rush to conclude the conference, which, for all any Igovians minded, could continue for weeks, Beddgelens were happy to take some time to consult with the protestors.

Commonwealth Chief Consul comrade Chivo appeared on a balcony just above one of the gates that lead through the phalanstery and to the senate and asked the protestors, "Why are you sat out here in the dirt? Senate gates aren't locked to the people, you know! Or were you rapscalians educated back in the old school system?"

If they would come inside, the protestors would be confronted by Beddgelens baffled at the assertion of God over men, especially when not more than a couple of percent of them were descened from anyone who had ever been Christian. Some had Hindu ancestors, others Buddhist or Jainist, and many from lines that had never been anything other than pagan or atheist. Why on earth should they surrender thousands of years of liberty to some abstract notion of devinity? "Are you not democrats?"

Beddgelens had gone from their ancient faiths (where they had any) some times to Catholicism and then Protestantism -some missing the former of those two entirely, thanks to the British- and had in the revolution adopted the idea of Man as a species over all. That was now falling away, too, for no individual wanted to submit his freedom to the higher aim of his species being. The protestors, if they were really interested in confrontation with new ideas, would be challenged to justify their Crusader attitude against the world's free-minded people.

The even more wildly absurd and innacurate chants about an economic system that the protestors clearly knew exactly nothing would be delt with later and less seriously. That was just gaping ignorance, the crusader attitude was one that had killed millions and tortured billions through history.

Quinntonian women are allowed any rights that men are, though in some churches, they may not be ordiained, that is the decision of that particular church. Also, Religious minorities are not oppressed in any way, though aethiests are taxed at a slightly higher income tax rate, 2% higher. This is to defray the costs of their own social welfare, which is paid for by the Christian portion of the population.
You see, our head of state is actually the Council of Bishops, and they exercise veto power over our parliament, though they can not introduce new bills of their own. You see, Quinntonia does not actually have any but the most basic social programs. Because you see, over 98% of the population in my nation is Christian, and they all tithe, which means that the various church bodies get about 1.1 trillion Q/USD/year and so they control and fund social programs, and so, the ones that do not tithe get to use these services, and so the government collects some cash from them to defray these costs.


WWJD
Amen

Measurable proof of Beth Gellert's greater democratisation (relative to Quinntonia) then. Popular rule, not semi-popular representation!

In breaking news, State Senate meetings have almost fully backed proposals for the deployment of Igovian forces and military aid assets to, "the Dra-pol-Lyong-Manchu region" so as to boost Xiannese defences against Sionese aggression. If these proposals pass the Final Senate -a last chance for dissenters to put their case before enactment- then Beddgelen fleets will sail for the Lyong-Drapoel sea, with orders to engage Sinoese targets of opportunity. This does not quite constitute a full declaration of war, but is only one step short.

Yamani officials present at the conference have voiced their support for the Igovian move into the Northern pacific area. The Yamani strainists present at the revolutionary council have been making it apparent that the Socialist Federal Dominion supports Xiaguo, if only because it seems the most progressive of the twin Chinas. _Taiwan is also meantioned as a possible uniting force in China, though many think that the island nation is too controlled by Sinoese aggresive tactics.

Beth Gellertian forces would recieve a warm welcome in North Yaman, the administration wanting to thank any support of the north asian revolutionaries.

Spyran delegates put forward a simple plan for 'first-tier participation' in the Chinese war, which does not involve combat operations at all. The Spyrans have done a simple calculation: Sino and Xiaguo are roughly military equals. Therefore, as the progressive northern states (Yaman, Dra-pol, Spyr) demilitarize their border with Xiaguo, it is thought that the southern progressives (Beth Gellert, Hindustan, Kanendru) should substantially reinforce their northern borders, with forces including those capable of advancing in offensive operations. Even if an attack is not made, Sino will be forced to keep troops guarding the South while the entirety of the Xiannese army engages him in the North. And, should the Sinoese ignore the buildup, any further action will be able to commence with all preparations complete.

The Quinntonian delehate puts forward a proposal for greater Quinntonian involvement, what kind of involvement would the regions powers be confortable with?
Do we, as a region have a goal in mind for this conflict?
What will constitute a victory? The fall of Sino, the end of aggression?
WWJD
Amen.

Wearing a Go back to the Status Quo T-shirt under his coat, Chen takes a seat at the table. Only permitted to talk about environmental issues, he waits his so-called "assistant" places a document onto the table detailing the central government's stance on world affairs.

Excerpt:

"We believe the world's ire at the Sinoese is misdirected and unneccesary. Progressive nations must tolerate the beliefs of others, be they democratic or not. The warm relationship between Sino and Taiwan shows it is possible for a democracy to have a good and productive political-economic relationship with a nation that is not.

With regards to history, it was the Xiannese who launched a strike against the state of Nepal. It was the Xiannese who threatened Korea. It was Xiannese aircraft and ships that engaged Canadian vessels in the Pacific. Xiaguo has proven itself to be a nation willing to project it's power against international interests.

However not once have the Sinoese projected military power in an offensive manner outside China aside from the global effort to defeat the former Bonstock. Why? Because Sinoese doctrine supports the reunification of China. Their isolationism stems from this fact. Sino is not a threat to the outside world because a United China occupies their sights."

(OOC: More coming on the Neo-Sunnists and environmental protection)

Spyran delegates put forward a simple plan for 'first-tier participation' in the Chinese war, which does not involve combat operations at all. The Spyrans have done a simple calculation: Sino and Xiaguo are roughly military equals. Therefore, as the progressive northern states (Yaman, Dra-pol, Spyr) demilitarize their border with Xiaguo, it is thought that the southern progressives (Beth Gellert, Hindustan, Kanendru) should substantially reinforce their northern borders, with forces including those capable of advancing in offensive operations. Even if an attack is not made, Sino will be forced to keep troops guarding the South while the entirety of the Xiannese army engages him in the North. And, should the Sinoese ignore the buildup, any further action will be able to commence with all preparations complete.

Spyran delegates are reminded that an attack into southern Sino would be very likely to fail, given the circumstances. Not only would Bedgellen, Hindustani, and Kanendruan troops be attacking a well-entrenched enemy, but they would also be facing, at best, an enemy with roughly equal numbers, probably a notable numerical superiority, and with the intent to use WMDs on attacking forces.

HDF troops already number some 250,000 in Bihar and West Bengal, and another 50,000 in reserve could be moved from the Arabian Sea coast to the Northeast.

In addition to the three vessels already deployed to Lyong, the HN will send another one of its Type 42s, along with a Delhi class destroyer and four Brahmaputra class frigates.

The Igovians again find much to agree with in the Spyrian proposal, but fear that the aggressive Sinoese may choose to attack the southern progressives if they perceive a threat in the making. While Beth Gellert would be unlikely to face a direct threat, the same could not be said for Kanendru and possibly even Hindustan. The progressive parties must be secure in a decisive quorum before taking any action in conflict with Sinoese interests. With that in mind, however, most are inclined to push other parties to make a hard-line the one on which they agree. The Commonwealth would certainly be prepared to deploy resource-intensive defence systems to Kanendru (and perhaps Hindustan) if those nations are both found to support the basic Spyrian plan.

Several Beddgelens make mildly disapproving gestures as Chen speaks of Taiwanese democracy, and a few let out chuckles at the apparent implication that they should think ill of the Xiannese for engaging the Hudecian reactionaries in battle.

One comrade said in response to Chen's apologies for the Sinoese junta and his nation's relations with that regime, "Of course it is possible to have relations with the Sinoese, much as it would be easy to buy Elian oil or to have the French king around for tea. It just happens that we as civilised people are not prepared to drown the working people in black crude or to encourage their back-breaking bows before Louis, and something similar is the case in our regard of the Sinoese dictatorship. Some of us are prepared to think on alternatives and make petty sacrifices rather than to take the easy way." He finished with the folding of his arms as he sat back and looked at the ex-President, one eyebrow slightly crooked.

OOC: Crusader attitude? They are simply protesting against Communism's attack on religion, which is basically the atheist version of a "crusader/jihadist" attitude. And keep in mind that these aren't distinguished political debators. It's a rabble of determined protestors, so don't expect a fully civilized, rational debate.

IC:

A young, slightly gray haired man with an eager grin and a cowboy hat yelled back at Chivo.

"Come inter yer filthy little Commie bastion, built by a hulking, uncaring bureacratic mess five years late and with the labor of workers made lazy by the fact that they get the same benefits no matter how long it takes? At the expense of those who cannot get a job because of the sheer inefficiency of dat durn pinko system? Hell no! I like it right here outside, thank you very much."

George W. Bush grinned, and leaned back against a tree.

This vacation from A Team work ain't as borin' as I thought it'd be...

"Oh yeah, and what in the name of Sam Houston are you talking about, giving up liberty for an abstract notion? Have you not heard the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? I see you're the ones in need of some education, pardners. God commands us to aid our fellow man in any way we can. Is that limiting our liberty? He commands us to be moral, upstanding beings. Is that limiting our liberty? No. Because if there were no restrictions, no moral bonds to keep the human animal from fallin' inter madness, then all freedom would be lost in an orgy of violence and destruction. God's teachin's help us preserve the freedom of others."

"Of course we are democrats. That is linked to the idea of God giving us our own free will! You better rephrase that question, pardner."

"A Crusader attitude? A CRUSADER ATTITUDE?!?! You have the Crusader attitude, 'cept it's an atheist version. A system that actively denies morality and God, that actively opposes the religious beliefs of others fits well inter that category, good sir."

"Capitalism and religion have helped society prosper greatly, unlike capitalism. Just look at the standard of living rankings for the world---the more free market a country is, the nearer it is to the top. The exact opposite goes to you Commies. <OOC: I'm basing this on RL statistics, by the way. It was a UN study. Socialist nations tend to have smaller rich-poor divides, but the poor in capitalist nations are still better off.>"

"Accusing us of an attitude that kills millions? OH YEAH!?! How about the fact that at this very conference you politely host a group of delegates that actively sing the praises of Joseph Stalin? A man who slaughtered twenty million of his own people! HIS OWN PEOPLE! YOU CALL US CRUSADERS?!? YOU SAY NOTHING WHEN SOMEONE PRAISES A MURDERER, BUT ACCUSE US OF A CRUSADER ATTITUDE?!?!"

Tremendous applause erupted from the rowdy crowd, as rock bands entitled "Rage Against The Communist Machine", "Wealth Of Nations, Bitch", and "Adam Smith's Avengers" began to play an intense array of anti-communist songs, such as "It's All About The Benjamins" and "Stalin, Lenin, and Marx---Triumvirate Of Evil". They pumped up their more efficient and cheaper speakers (created as a result of free trade and competition ;) ) and blasted out their tunes to drown out the Kanendrans.

The Hindustanis that did join in were welcomed, as various elements of the crowd began to disperse and interact with the people, to show them the wisdoms of capitalism. Of course, their rhetoric would be far less fiery than Dubya's.

Hindustani delegates try to explain the fallacy of what the protesters are talking about, and talk about how they must be living in some kind of alternate universe, as their supposed 'evils of communism' don't really exist.

Hindustan was never a friend of the USSR, and always enjoyed buying the latest Soviet hardware off of Balkan or African countries. It seems as though protesters are simply making a lot of noise and ruckus about nothing. Bible-thumpers are not terribly popular, and the occasional disparaging remark about everything done 'in the name of Christ' is thrown out. Furthermore, some protesters are accused of being followers of Jesus Christ in name only. The Hindustani delegates are amazed at how those who claim to be Christians seem to absolutely love the idea of children laboring in textile mills. "If it wasn't for us, " says one Hindustani, "antiretroviral medications for Africa would cost four to five times more due to your intellectual copyright laws. You are making a lot of noise and trouble over nothing. For example, look at the comparative standards of living in Beth Gellert and Russia..."

The anti-communist bands, as well as the Kalash, are constantly critiqued by the Hindustanis, trained in music as part of the educational curriculum. Songs are ridiculed as being 'ridiculous,' and bands are heckled as "lacking substance, primitive thrashings on electric guitar that, while acceptable under some circumstances, are not supported by meaningful subject matter or originality, in essence, simply no good."

Hindustani delegates try to explain the fallacy of what the protesters are talking about, and talk about how they must be living in some kind of alternate universe, as their supposed 'evils of communism' don't really exist.

Hindustan was never a friend of the USSR, and always enjoyed buying the latest Soviet hardware off of Balkan or African countries. It seems as though protesters are simply making a lot of noise and ruckus about nothing. Bible-thumpers are not terribly popular, and the occasional disparaging remark about everything done 'in the name of Christ' is thrown out. Furthermore, some protesters are accused of being followers of Jesus Christ in name only. The Hindustani delegates are amazed at how those who claim to be Christians seem to absolutely love the idea of children laboring in textile mills. "If it wasn't for us, " says one Hindustani, "antiretroviral medications for Africa would cost four to five times more due to your intellectual copyright laws. You are making a lot of noise and trouble over nothing. For example, look at the comparative standards of living in Beth Gellert and Russia..."

The anti-communist bands, as well as the Kalash, are constantly critiqued by the Hindustanis, trained in music as part of the educational curriculum. Songs are ridiculed as being 'ridiculous,' and bands are heckled as "lacking substance, primitive thrashings on electric guitar that, while acceptable under some circumstances, are not supported by meaningful subject matter or originality, in essence, simply no good."

OOC: First of all, they are not specifically referring to Hindustan, which is a moderately socialist country (from what I hear). Second, they don't accept the viability of the BG system (I don't, but I let it slide as he probably doesn't accept the viability of my system. All points of view are allowed in AMW.) as successful, so they view the success as temporary and false at best.

IC:
A young, beady eyed man with brown, spiky hair and small spectacles stood up timidly. His name was Dr. Sikorsky, one of Russia's youngest PhD holders in medicine.

"Followers in name only? Having children in textile mills? Ridiculous! Not a man or woman here even fractionally supports that! And intellectual copyright laws are necessary. After all, if no one could earn a profit off of developing medication, they wouldn't make it in the first place! How do you expect people to pay the gigantic costs of R&D without anything? Besides, capitalists in general make exceptions for such dire situations as Africa, which, by the way, could be solved by a healthy mix of faith, capitalism, and investment."

George W. Bush applauded Sikorsky heartily, and then began to speak again.

"Livin' standards in Russia and BG? You want us to compare? Russia's entire culture and economy were corrupted by a Communist regime that to this day refuses to stop clinging on to parts of the Russian government. Even despite that, a massive economic boom is occuring, with an 8.6% rate of GDP growth! Beth Gellert, on the other hand, will soon see the eventual degradation of the economy that occurs in every Communist system as soon as the revolutionary fervor runs out and people turn back ter their normal behaviors. Y'all can't sustain a revolution forever."

The rock bands were infuriated by the Hindustani's criticism, and further rocked on, mixing in lyrics praising capitalism to the tune of "Little Mac's Confession". (OOC: Check it out on Overclockedremix.com, by the way.)

"Followers in name only? Having children in textile mills? Ridiculous! Not a man or woman here even fractionally supports that! And intellectual copyright laws are necessary. After all, if no one could earn a profit off of developing medication, they wouldn't make it in the first place! How do you expect people to pay the gigantic costs of R&D without anything? Besides, capitalists in general make exceptions for such dire situations as Africa, which, by the way, could be solved by a healthy mix of faith, capitalism, and investment."

The idea that problems brought on by centuries of imperialism followed by a rough transition to self-rule that still has many nations struggling to get off the ground, coupled with massive mortality rates from HIV/AIDS and sicknesses that would earn perhaps a few days off from school in industrialized countries, could be solved how Mr. Sikorsky suggests, is considered highly simplistic. First of all, most of Africa, South America, and other human-rights hotspots, so to speak, generally invest very heavily in Christianity. Faith is in no way lacking. As for capitalism, well, mabye if capitalism didn't often amount to decreasing the standard of living rather than increasing it, it would be effective. And as for investment, Hindustan and Beth Gellert already invest massive sums in aid programs around the world, funding industrialization and promoting responsible economic practices. Perhaps, it is argued, Russia could contribute some of its revenues to more worthy causes than weapons research.

The idea that problems brought on by centuries of imperialism followed by a rough transition to self-rule that still has many nations struggling to get off the ground, coupled with massive mortality rates from HIV/AIDS and sicknesses that would earn perhaps a few days off from school in industrialized countries, could be solved how Mr. Sikorsky suggests, is considered highly simplistic. First of all, most of Africa, South America, and other human-rights hotspots, so to speak, generally invest very heavily in Christianity. Faith is in no way lacking. As for capitalism, well, mabye if capitalism didn't often amount to decreasing the standard of living rather than increasing it, it would be effective. And as for investment, Hindustan and Beth Gellert already invest massive sums in aid programs around the world, funding industrialization and promoting responsible economic practices. Perhaps, it is argued, Russia could contribute some of its revenues to more worthy causes than weapons research.

"Ah! But my friend, you are wrong on many levels. First of all, many nations once under the yoke of imperialism have prospered. HIV/AIDs must be combated with greater rights for women, better abstinence education, and of course medical treatment. As for lacking faith, I was not referring to our poor brothers living in Africa. I was referring to the dictatorial leadership of those nations, which cares nothing for the words of Christ. Capitalism would not decrease the standard of living! It can only increase it. You see, what is needed is first, that reasonable, stable, democratic regimes be established, not nutcase warlords. Secondly, capitalism must be encouraged on an every man scale! That is why Beth Gellert and Hindustani efforts, despite their nobility, continue to achieve no results! Foreign investment must be poured into private corporations, so that the common man may actually begin to own a piece of the nation's wealth, and not be stripped bare every time a famine comes around. You see, capitalism works best with the advent of small businesses! As for Russia's investment practices, the advent of a gigantic Royalist power bloc in Europe forces us to build a powerful military."

Chivo almost went back into the Senate when he realised that the demonstrators were actually just out to create conflict like a gang of skinheads looking for somebody off-colour, but as he turned the Commonwealth Chief Consul noted a glimmer of the same realisation in the eyes of comrades approaching from the Phalanstery's dormatories. Taking several of them to be drunk, Chivo supposed that letting them take his place in engaging the rabble would probably only lead to said rabble being seriously hurt, which really wouldn't help anybody in the long run.

He sighed and turned back to the balcony and called a response down to the prat in the hat.

"Well, comrade, I don't have any documentation to hand, but to the best of my knowledge, this palace was built in good time, though -if it is alike to others in the Commonwealth- not in any undue haste as saw the Principality put up many structures without serious attention to their functionality, and certainly it was built primarily by the labours of those who now call it home.

"The benefit to the people involved was not a weekly wage packet given to bribe them into productivity for some alien cause, but instead in direct personal gain resulting from the work being done. You seem to be protesting under the common misconception of communism as a machine that makes men faceless. In truth not only is this quite wrong, but it is a criticism more properly applied to a capitalist economy.

"As to inefficiency, well, yes, there is some of that in our society, but for well over a hundred years we have seen that responsible communal economics are actually quite able to strip away the greater waste and inefficiency of capitalist economies and representative dictatorships. And so what of it? Our inefficiency is not measured in human suffering or environmental devestation, so where there is sloth there is sloth. I hear that it is a sin, but we care not for the ill effects of a relaxed life.

"As to your God, well, I see no case to answer. 'God commands...' you say? That is enough for us to dismiss him. Beddgelen communists will not be commanded by God any more than they will be governed."

Chivo had to deny himself the luxury of quoting Proudhon, being the Commonwealth Chief Consul and consulting as a professional diplomat associated with a wide range of idealists, not all of whom thought of themselves as anarchists as such. He listened to the strange man's continued speaking.

"Democracy, you've heard of it, then? It is popular rule, not popular representation; it is government by the people, not for the people. It is what we have in Beth Gellert, and what some of our revolutionary comrades here" he gestured behind himself towards the Senate, "also seek to apply. It is not what goes in Russia, Quinntonia, or Europe. It is certainly not slave to God's command!

"Our system a crusade? That is an impossibility. We are absolutely unable to force the Igovian system upon others, for it is, as I have said, one of popular rule. Where God may dictate to anyone and a government may rule in his name or represent in that of the people, communism requires the willing participation of all. How would we launch a crusade except by example? Do you mistakenly think the Commonwealth Trotskyist?..." Chivo sucked the cool evening air through his clenched teeth, white but slightly twisted, realising that a political bias had just dashed out between them. A handful of Beddgelens were still Trotskyists (or Trotskyites) in the fashion of the first revolutionary government of Sopworth Igo in the 1980s. He was officially supposed to take their views into account whenever he spoke in his legal capacity, but was increasingly inclined to forget as their numbers dwindled and his own liberal attitudes ossified.

Still, his shrowded point more or less stood. The larger body of Commonwealth strength was never going to move in a Trostskyite or similar manner, criticising the idea of leadership by example as opposed to that by force. Was that the light in which the protestors viewed the modern commonwealth? Still seeing it in the glow of the bloody revolution that brought Sopworth to power and allied Portmeirion with Moscow for a few short years before glasnost in Russia and communism in Beth Gellert? Still fearing some red octopus reaching its arms around the globe to replace elected dictators and the diluted freemarket with armed dictators and centralised economy? A shame, and perhaps best addressed by a holiday leaderless communal Beth Gellert.

Chivo went on to point-out that delegates who had spoken well of Josef Stalin had met with little approval in that stance. Almost no Beddgelens thought well of Stalin's works (almost certainly less Stalinists inhabit Beth Gellert than live in Russia or even other capitalist states, if we talk in RL context, again, then Stalin has recently been indicated as quite likely to fare well in an election in Russia if he were alive today), having been communally educated by those who understood that Stalinist national or governmental leaders were the same type as any others in the capitalist world. The Consul did allow himself a famous quotation at this juncture, saying -in a jab at Stalinists and westernised parliamentarians alike-, "'The party is not concerned with perpetuating itself. Who wields power is not important, providing that the herarchical structure remains always the same.'

"Say nothing we certainly have not. Recent Beddgelen history witnesses the over-throw by words and popular will of an essentially Stalinist leadership. If your accusation carried any truth, you would have been killed for making it, or cast into a prison camp.

"We do not defend Stalinism- we engaged it with no less resolve than we met its ideological and systematic brother, the Prince's Parliament."

Chivo noted as a soft chilly breeze picked-up, that the demonstrators sung of Adam Smith in tones that seemed to expect that the economist's works would be new to Igovians. Funny, he thought, considering that even the Marxists -let alone the Igovians- had taken account of his ideas.

Beddgelens would almost uniformly turn their faces towards the nearest Hindustani when the topic of African famine was broached by the capitalists. Some leaned forward expectantly, thoughts of the Equatorial rain belt's failure due to air pollution and the resulting million-killing Ethiopian famine juxtaposed with others of Hindustani versus capitalistic environmental drives. Capitalism was starving millions of Africans and threatening the same for hundreds of millions of Asians -Beddgelens included- while arrogantly implying that the struggling Africans should open their arms to that very ideology in order to save themselves. It stank of Inquisitional pleas for the heretical to save themselves in death. Sexual abstinence was something that Beddgelens were quite happy to take the lead in decrying as utterly stupid, a total failure, rampantly undemocratic, and down right unenjoyable; and they were usually much more concerned with the Pope's efforts to tell poorly-educated Africans surrounded by the virus that condoms don't really work.

OOC: (Yawn) BG, I'm going to sleep now, so I'll respond tomorrow. Ah and just keep in mind that the views expressed are a mix of serious argument and humor. I think it's becoming a tad too much of a thinly veiled OOC debate, which is likely my fault.

I will say it again. The new government will not threaten security in India. You know what will threaten Indian sovereignty? Sino, aggresive, and millitarily capable of srategic attacks can wipe out small countries around. Xiaguo has been engaged in serious warfare with our neighbor, our brother. And if SIno suceeds, you all must remember, where will the passive, defensive government of the Chinese be? " noted Prime Minister Lin.

The official Taiwanese position is treated to some ridicule... a small island within range of obliteration by a Sino willing to do just that can hardly be expected to present an unbiased opinion.

It is pointed out that Sinoese participation in the war against Bonstock involved documented war crimes in the Maropian Coast, and an attempt to annex Singapore following collapse of the Federal Republic, with the actual fighting against Bonstock occuring without Sinoese presence.

It is also noted that accusations of Xiannese attack against Hudecians are rather ludicrous, as Hudecia launched a surprise assault on Dalian, and Xiaguo responded with a defensive action to repel them.

Finally, it is said that Xiaguo is guilty of grave crimes, such as in Kanendru... but Sino, without warning, systematically exterminated all Igovians within its territory, and put to death hundreds of its own citizens for merely believing that workers have a right to the fruits of their own production... something those victims shared in common with Spyr, North Yaman, Tord, Dra-pol, Beth Gellert, Hindustan, and Kanendru... all of which share borders or proximity with China. The Xiannese have made errors in the past, which will hopefully be rectified in future, but the despot Liu is an incorrigible murderer. Will his 'Unified China' end when he has imposed his bloodthirsty rule on Xiaguo? Will it end when Taiwan is fully absorbed into his dictatorship? And, the unclear borders with Russia, India, Pakistan, Central Asia, Lyong... will these too be claimed as part of a 'united China'? What about the areas puportedly visited by Zheng He... proven to have left sailors on the African coast, and possibly to have visited South America? What about the areas dominated by Chinese diaspora? Singapore, Jakarta, the west coast of North America... almost any given Western or south Asian city across the globe?
And those nations who once looked to China as centre of culture and civilization: Spyr, Korea, Japan?

Liu's 'dream' of a united China is not a limit on his expansion. It is an excuse for his imperialism which can be shifted to fit any circumstance he wishes.

It becomes evident, however, that Spyr does not dream of overthrowing Sino through war, merely of stopping them and limiting them. The Chinese people has proven itself to have revolutionary spirit in the past, and so Sino ust be checked until that spirit is revived once again to overthrow the tyranny from within.

It is quietly suggested, perhaps jokingly, that the Beddgelens get Chen's minders piss drunk, so he might speak his mind more freely.

The protesters outside are quickly ignored by the Spyran delegates... in Spyr, goernment policy tends to be directed by educated public debate... educated being a rather important aspect. If the protesters outside move beyond spouting statements that have no basis in reality, then the discussion might be see in a better light.

French Satellite singals went full bore down onto Revolutionary South/South-East Asia. Broadcasting with such strength that most channels on Televisions that had 'static' would pick up the transmission. His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX had insisted upon it, since he could not directly break the Asian Revolutions at the moment, he was determined to issue them a challenge. And so, the transmission:

A quiet dawn rose over the streets of Paris. Hardly a breeze seemed to shake the great banners adorning the capital: fleur-de-lys, the golden laurel, and the Wingertian eagle all hung proudly over the thoroughfares. The Eiffel Tower had a massive, gold plated crucifix mounted on the top spire, looking down over the huge gold plated fleur-de-lys which adorned its sides. The Bastille was preparing to fire a full salute, the shiny cannons could be seen being put into position.

Today was the day long awaited. Lavrageria, a pagan and satanic democracy, had been laid low by the combined might of King and Tsar. Through valiant efforts, the savages were bested on their own soil, their hotbed of chaos ordered and secured beyond doubt.

The Holy League was victorious. Vested by the power of Holy Mother Church, supported by the might of His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, His Imperial Highness Wingert I, and Imperator Caesar Maximus, this League of reactionism had disposed of the pathetic secular and mob-ish movements on the Continent…replacing them with the luster of crowns and religiosity of the Ancien Regime.

In Paris, now, the dawn had given way to a bright and warm spring morning. The streets were absolutely flooded with people. Many French, some Roman, some Estenlandian, and thousands of others who had traveled from around the globe to see the Sun of God rise once again. Indeed, Paris Police were amazed at the amount of foreign supporters of the Ancien Regime, perhaps themselves more fanatical than even the most Gallic Frenchman. The King had declared this a holiday (only one notch below the Kings birthday, Easter, and Christmas), and since it was the feast day of St. Michael, God’s avenger, the entire set of circumstances seemed uncannily providential.

The parade would be transmitted across the world, serving several capacities: the first, a show of unequivocal solidarity amongst the worlds crowned heads, secondly it gave thanks to God for his favor, and lastly it was an occasion to show off the gloire and majesty (no pun) of the Holy League and its member monarchs.

Suddenly, from the Place Louis XV (formerly Place de Concord), a sort of shaking began. The onlookers were scared, the earth itself seemed to heave and groan under the divine assault---it was kettle drums.

A troop of five hundred drummers, dressed in plain white tabards emblazoned with a single red cross (symbol of the Holy League) began their march in unison from the Place, massive bronze kettle drums strapped to their shoulders. Bud-dom! Bud-dom! Bud-dom! Marching in perfect unison, as was their thunderous drumming, they led the parade. It was a solid beat, designed to flood the onlookers with a vision of strength; some ladies did faint.

They went a bit down the way, when the next group came forth, the ultra-elite 1st Swiss Regiment of the Royal Army. In red, gold and silver their uniforms were blinding. They were tall, strong, with fierce faces. Their rifles were made of mahogany, their bayonets were silver. Their tri-corner hats were made of kevlar coated steel, and all bore small golden fleur-de-lys appended to them. They too marched in perfect unison, although the decibels they produced were no where near as loud as the drummers.

Then came, to the sound of fife and drum, the Royal Dauphin Corps, in blue and white, led by le Dauphin Charles-Louis-Xavier, riding his great brown stallion. The crowd exploded, tulips were thrown before the feet of the marching Corps, with cries of “Long live our beautiful Prince!” and “When do we get more darling grandchildren?” The Dauphin never failed to smile and wave to members of the crowd, blowing kisses to the ladies whose looks demanded it. It took a while for the Corps to pass, being forty thousand strong regardless of their compatriots that remained to monitor the situation in Lavrageria.

For a moment, after the Corps passed, there was silence. One man alone marched forward next. His uniform was blue, and on his tabard were displayed the fleur-de-lys, the golden laurel, and the Wingertian eagle. He was the Herald of the Kings. With a voice like thunder, he proclaimed:

“Make way! Make way for the Lords of the West! They are come in victory, and they are glorious!”

Following this spectacular herald came a thousand trumpeters, their instruments made of silver and of the finest craftsmanship that could possible be found. As one they stopped after the herald had made his proclamation. With a noise like the wind of heaven, and the challenge that St. Michael continuously declares to the Satan, the trumpets let forth their sweet revelry, cascading through the blocks of Paris.

Verily then, it came to pass: three horsemen, mounted upon the greatest white chargers in existence, slowly trotted forward. In the middle was His Most Christian Majesty, Louis XX. He was dressed in the manner of Charlemagne, with his forefather’s hand of justice in his right hand, Charlemagne’s sword on his bejeweled belt. The crown most majestical, in the possession of the Kings of France since Clovis, sat upon his head.

On his right rode His Imperial Highness Tsar Wingert I. He wore armor of solid gold, and looked like a relic from the days of Ivan Grozny, the Terrible. His great broadsword was strapped to the armor, and he provided gravitas to Louis’ amiability (already, Louis had been given the title “Louis the Well Beloved”, at least, in Versailles). On the left rode the newest, but by no means least, member of the Holy League. Imperator Caesar Maximus, Dominus Romanorum. His golden laurel shone like the stars, and his attire was breathtaking, the purple robes of antiquity conforming to his modern will. He was grinning, this his stunning debut on the International stage.

As the Lords of the West rode forward, the people threw roses before their august bodies, the horses golden shod hooves soon felt no cement but fragrant petals. As if compelled to, as the three monarchs passed, the onlookers---overwhelmed by the sheer glory of the occasion---prostrated themselves flat upon the ground, in waves. These mighty Princes did not even glance at the crowd, but held their heads high, looking towards the sole source of their power, God Eternal and Mighty.

Deafening shouts of “God save the Kings!” were heard, along with “Long live their Majesties, Praise God, and Their Majesties Crusade!” Of course, being in Paris, there was always the ubiquitous “Vive le Roi!”

There was a second set of three horsemen as well. In the middle sat King Iroji of Russia. (Damn you for that name, AC!), dressed in the manner of Wingerts vassal…his crown was a lot smaller. Nevertheless, this must have been a tremendous moment for that Romanov, marching in glory with the Suns of God. On the right of the Russian King sat Grand Prince Massad of Al-Ahzad, in his medal decked uniform, and sterling silver sword of peerage previously granted to him by HMCM Louis XX. And to the left was none other than Chiisu Suun, dressed in the manner of a French Marquis---after all, not but three hours earlier had His Majesty Louis XX invested Chiisu as the first Marquis de Beaumont, and the stunning post of Gentlemen of the Bedchamber in the Ordinary (this post was prized simply because it gave the holder a direct link with the King himself at all times, something very rare).

In a open white carriage behind the monarchs, rode the three Queens who served their husbands. Marie-Therese de France was stunning, gowns and three foot tall wig accentuating her irresistible beauty. Also in the carriage was Grand Duchess Jillesopone, the proud mother of two new royals, the Bourbon-Wingerts. She held the precious children in her lap, and the scent of roses flowed over her as praise defined.

After the Queens came Regiment after Regiment of French Royal Army elites, Praetorian Guards, and the Knights of Wingert.

As the Grand procession passed the Bastille, a one thousand gun salute was fired (of course fifty at a time) the cannons reverberating through the souls of the amazed spectators.

Then came the greatest photo opportunity in the history of man. The three monarchs, in their full regalia, preceded by drummers, elite soldiers, and heralds the like of which had perhaps never been seen passed under the Arc de Triumph. Hundreds of thousands of cameras flashed, the Bastille continued its earth shaking salute of cannons, and ten Cardinals (and Orthodox Bishops) of Holy Mother Church, on either side of the Arc, sprinkled holy water on the Princes as they passed. This would be an image burned permanently into the minds of all who witnessed it.

The audience screamed with joy, hundreds of the ODSE’s crème de la crème Dassault Rafale-C’s flew over, at the very moment the monarchs exited the Arc. People were right, this was no nostalgic celebration: it was as if the very hand of God had delivered back to earth the Ancien Regime, its power and glory increased a hundred fold.

After this breath taking parade had navigated the route, it arrived the Cathedral of Notre Dame. There a Te Deum Mass, the grandest of all masses of the Catholic Church, was sung. Officiated by the Grand Almoner of France, Cardinal de Rohan, it included no less than 10 choirs, and 3 full orchestras. The three monarchs kneeled on velvet cushions in front of one of the largest Crucifixes in the world, the light being admitted so as to make the Princes luminescent.

“O God, We Praise You! O God, Defend Our Kings! O God Most High, All Praise and Glory Are Yours, Now And Forever!”

Whereupon all the church bells in the Kingdom of France were rung with gusto, the cities exploded with joy, and a week long celebration gratis from the King commenced. The Ancien Regime had returned from the past, with a momentum stronger than modernity could have ever anticipated. The sounds of choirs, trumpets, kettle drums and salutes had just begun

Yamani officials find the Christian blocs emphasis on the 'god-less red communists' rather laughable, especially as most Yamani believed in a whole host of gods! With Lyong animism now the state religion of North Yaman, many of the government officials are themselves part of the priestly system. Following in millenia old traditions, the judges, teachers and a host of other federal jobs are part of one of the five priest orders. Freedom of religion is practiced in the socialism as well, allowing very small minorities of other asian religions and the rare Tordian Church christian to practice their beliefs in peace. This is in juxtaposition to the conservative Christian nations, like Elkazor, where aetheists and non-Christians alike are rounded up and slaughtered.

As much of the Imperial Family were a cross between Taoist-Buddhists, and Christian Lutherans. They have remained on their own seperate sideline as the government has made it clear. A separatio between the State and the Church is the only way to keep a balanced government.

Not in the Ancien Regime.

Despite the French King's rather pitiful efforts to convince Beddgelens that they ought to care about him, most Igovians never see the pointless display of decadent ego-boosting. Some still think that the Commonwealth ought to depose the European absolute monarchs, perhaps next Tuesday or something, but the majority continue to be more interested in the domestic and the Chinese.

Around Beth Gellert, commemoration of the events of 1871. Being already three-days old, the generally low key celebrations were building up to another popular movement for the abolition of the Army, Navy, and Air Force as Igovians prepared to remember the 30th of March's declaration by the Paris Commune that the National Guard would become the sole armed defender of the movement. It was then quite possible that the progressive past that France tried to deny would yet save its heroic and all conquering military from obliteration by some godless communists from south Asia...

The French broadcast is an interesting diversion for many who see it in Spyr, though rather odd... even as a symbol of historical glory, it has little direct impact: when it comes to feudal splendour, Europe was wallowing in the mud while Asian millions bowed to the Dragon Thrones. One would have expected glorification to be of a technical nature, where historical precedent might lend them some support.

The position of Suun and Massad in obvious vassalage to Louis is noted as unusual... neither has been generally thought as one to kowtow in such a public manner. Several eyes squint in search of Tian amongst the royal spouses, hoping that Chiisu's one redeeming quality has not also been cast aside.

The French broadcast is an interesting diversion for many who see it in Spyr, though rather odd... even as a symbol of historical glory, it has little direct impact: when it comes to feudal splendour, Europe was wallowing in the mud while Asian millions bowed to the Dragon Thrones. One would have expected glorification to be of a technical nature, where historical precedent might lend them some support.

The position of Suun and Massad in obvious vassalage to Louis is noted as unusual... neither has been generally thought as one to kowtow in such a public manner. Several eyes squint in search of Tian amongst the royal spouses, hoping that Chiisu's one redeeming quality has not also been cast aside.

OOC: Don't worry, Tian's in there somewhere; most people do seem to forget about the poor boy though....

I probably shouldn't tip my hand so publicly, but all I will say is keep your eye on Chiisu; he has grander plans than being Peru's kingmaker.

Chen seemed to ignore the criticism of his speech. He had notes to rebut them, but he really couldn't be bothered, maybe because he agreed with some of it. He had some more notes to get through as well.

"Only genetic engineering of subsistence crops can save Africa. Several Taiwanese biotech/agro companies have agreed to donate a percentage of their harvests to starving Africans. These have been genetically fortified with Vitamin A and B12 in an effort to combat malnutrition" Chen said off another sheet of paper.

"Taiwan AgroFoods wishes to enquire about the possibility of a joint effort with Agrocompanies in other parts of the world."

Broadcast from Africa: Derek Igomo on the world revolution

The big, friendly, familiar Mr.Derek, known often as Africa's revolutionary leader, appeared thanks to the foreign-built TV studio near New Lusaka City and the accomodation of Igovians prepared to show his transmission on a big screen. He appeared against a distinctly cheap-looking studio wall, walking stick clearly in his large clumsy hands, dressed in his Presidential green uniform, military though it looked, and began to speak in his deep, characteristic tones, starting with a warm laugh as he looked beyond the camera.

"Friends in India... I am sorry that I was unable to join you. I would have sent my friend, Secretary Miyanda, but I'm afraid that he is busy being broken-out of prison by Beddgelen commandos. You may know, I hope, that the people's rule of the United African Republic [of Lusaka] was... after just two decades of hard-won independence from Roycelandia, recently taken by soldiers in a dastardly coup d'état while I visited London... working to get arms to defend it [the Republic] from Al Khali invaders.

"As in Russia at the beginning of the... last century..." Igomo sometimes paused, always speaking slowly. It was ordinary for him to confuse listeners by slightly odd manerisms in his speech, but his pace was certainly hurt since the stroke that almost crippled him. "...the free, revolutionary people of our country... their spirit was subverted for a nationalist war, and they died by thousands... to defeat the 'enemy', but both people remained under the... yoke of military dictators.

"I am speaking, today, about something that I think is happening... in the world, a historic storm that I think... is coming."

The icon seemed distracted by something out of shot, and waved away what was an unseen offer of water.

"Now, I have come back... to Lusaka, and the people are fighting the abducters of their power, instead of fighting the Al Khali... people, or the West... Zambians. We are helped... by soldiers from Beth Gellert, and the Hindustanis... too, have offered us help. And we will win.

"The reactionary... imperialists of the world have taken advantage of our people's struggle to attack others. In Gabon, United Elias has attacked the already... reduced Republic, knowing that Lusaka can not properly protect it. Our soldiers are trying to prevent... the capture of towns and villages... but if the enemy use force, we will be too few... to stop them.

"In Al Khals, the dictatorship... pretends to be democratic, but it speaks always for the people, not with them, and President Qottar does anything to retain power, accepting only Prime Ministers who will support him. The dictatorship was weakened by failure against Lusaka, and now does... desperate things to... retain power. There are bombings every week, and Al Haqiqa Al Khals tells us that religious fanatics have a global reach... and plan to kill us all... who do not agree. This, I say, is a convenient government plan... they accuse the Islamic Progress Party of association with the fanatics... this is, yes, convenient... because... the IPP are the opposition party to... Qottar's puppet AKKR party. They... would not support attacks on the people, when the people are the only way... by which they can take power.

"The Al Khali government threatens to spread its war across the world as a means to gain approval from... the west... and because it is in their interests to see the Middle East... Islamic homelands... in conflict... so that Al Khali oil is more valuable... and Qottar is seen as a crusader... against terror that will consume the earth. But he is making it. When his power is secure and his country is rich, maybe he will try again to take Zanzibar from the Lusakan people. We have much to fear, and we do not want the... climate... of fear. It serves individuals, not... the masses.

"This must all... mean something for Al Azhad and that... area... we are already seeing their new leaderships consorting with the European... royal dictators." Igomo inexplicably laughed after saying, 'royal dictators' before continuing.

"Those... royal...ists are in command of a big... situation in Lavrageria. I think... we can see that... the people of Hia...Itakchi are about to throw themselves on the fire that burned... Paris and Kronstadt and temporarily... took to Lusaka. Those people have not been beaten, but have been surrendered to the lions unbroken. I am... sure that they will resist.

"In South America... there is trouble... and who can say when Roycelandia or the power-hungry Suunists will... attack the people of Venezuala?

"In Asia... Kanendru and Tord have joined the revolution... and... will Sino become the... next Bonstock? Beth Gellert and Russia may be falling-out over Putin's megalomania... and the collapse of Marimaian authority is as if the Bolsheviks fell to the true Soviets instead of murdering them.

"I say that the masses of the world are finally coming to the brink of... their destiny. In Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, the people are either raising themselves up or are being ruthlessly assaulted by those who would keep them down.
"With decisive action now... we will have it all our way! Friends... help Lusaka!.. Defend Gabon! Smash Liu's Junta! Defy... Qottar's lies! Save the Azhadi revolution... from subversion! Encourage the free people of Hia'Itakchi! Protect the Venezualans' revolution! Support... the Beddgelens' chastisement of Putin! If we do not do these things, men like Liu, Putin, Qottar, Elias, Wingert, and Louis will keep six billion under their heels!"

Igomo only departed from the studio as gunfire began to sound in the background and the President was helped from his seat by men wearing the bright green uniforms that bore the gold emblem of the Lusakan Revolutionary Alliance Corps 17th Division Vultures.

Notably, the African leader had made no mention of food shortages in his nation. He was totally disinterested in genetic engineering, being fully aware that Lake Tanganyika held the answers to specifically Lusakan problems born under General Tendyala's regime, and that hunger in wider Africa would never been resolved if industrial pollution continued to disrupt the vital rain belt. Igomo was not inclined to ask for handouts from nations causing shortages in the first place, and always said that it was easy to give a hundred dollars to a man from whom one had stolen a thousand.

Igomo's address is met with enthusiasm, and Hindustan re-affirms its comittment to the global progressive movement.

As Hindustani paratroopers are deployed to Lusaka, advisors sent to Al-Ahzad, and tanks fielded in Colombia, the government calls for an increase in collaboration between socialist-bloc nations in order to further common goals.

tag

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The Spyran delegates give Igomo's broadcast much applause, save for the security attache... the man sits quietly scribbling in a notebook, rumpled uniform left open in a typical display of SRA discipline. If anyone was looking over his shoulder, they would be treated to a page of crude stick-figure drawings depicting the removal of Chen's minders... hidden trap-doors, laxative laced cupcakes, and coincidental abduction by aliens seem to have been considered.

http://s9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/
AMW Forum, now, let's post up statistics and the current list of, AMW. Also, we can list new nations, discuss current issues, provide brief summaries of our rp's.

REGISTER WITH YOUR NATION'S NAME!

[OOC: _Taiwan, I can't remember far enough back... Chen los power when he was defeated in a popular election, yes?]

[OOC: _Taiwan, I can't remember far enough back... Chen los power when he was defeated in a popular election, yes?]

OOC: A somewhat corrupt election (with Sinoese influence), yes.

Her Majesty Queen Marie-Therese of France was pestered by journalists, bowing and scurrying for posistions near the Royal Body as she departed High Mass at the Chapel Royal, Versailles. Followed by a bevvy of courtiers (His Most Christian Majesty was currently taking the waters at Vichy) she glowed in a blue velvet dress lined with sapphires, and a pearl dusted wig/creation decorated with little gold fleur-de-lys, about 3 feet tall.

"Majesty! Your Highness!" one bewigged newsman asked (of course, all news in France was filtered from State owned RNN) "Your Radiant Majesty! What does Your Majesty have to say in regards to this grotesque address made by 'Brother' Igomo, who slurs as if drunk, impinging your Awesome Husbands honor and implied threats against the Holy Leauges righteous mission?" Following the query, the reporter threw himself flat upon the ground, glee on his face.

Queen Marie-Therese giggled for a bit, putting a silver screen fan -studded with sapphires to match the dress- in front of her face for politeness sake, before answering the question in true 'Queen of France' style:

"Let him eat shit."

Putin was outraged at Igomo's speech.

"WHAT?!?! He puts me in the same league as the royalists! Who does he think fought against them? Who does he think finally brought democracy to Russia? Who does he think made the heart wrenching choice to sacrifice men to fight and die for Lavrageria's democracy? Who does he think brought the British in to ensure that Louis and Wingert didn't devour Lavrageria whole?!? That little @$$hole! I want him dead! You hear me?!? DEAD! HOW DARE HE INSULT ME?!? HOW DARE HE INSULT RUSSIA?!? WE HAVE FOUGHT TOOTH AND NAIL TO ACHIEVE FREEDOM, AND HE PUTS IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS LIU?!? AS WINGERT?!? CALLING ME A MEGALOMANIAC, WHILE HE SPOUTS OUT RANDOM NONSENSE AS IF IT WAS GOSPEL?!? FALLING OUT WITH BG OVER MEGALOMANIA? WHAT THE F*** IS HE TALKING ABOUT?!? All I did was to stop receiving military aid, for diplomatic reasons! I'M SAVING THEM MONEY! THIS F**IN' IDIOT HAS NO F***IN' idea about---wait, this thing's on...? Oh, sh---"

Apparently, Putin had been unaware that the mike had been left on after his weekly radio address.

-BG-
The protestors began to disengage from the debate, more content to protest and party than to prattle on endlessly. They were here to protest, not debate and argue. So they prepared for one, final, dramatic night of Rock and Roll, celebrating capitalism, freedom, and religion.

While no major speeches are made on the subject, there is much muttering on the Holy League and NATO/Russia.

"The Western democracies and modernized dictatorships are posessors of great might in military and industrial terms... they are fertile beds for the natural revolution as envisioned by comrade Marx, with the accumulated capital to accomplish a true communist transformation. They have much in common with us, both that they are aware of and that they arent, and it is vital that we befriend them. The feudalist Holy League seeks to regress its people into the darkest ages of human development, the natural foe of both the Progressive nations and the 'Western' powers... we must stop their spread and push them back into oblivion at all costs. Currently they seek to make peace with the West, to secure immunity in Europe and the Americas, so they might enact their schemes to bring feudalism back into Asia and carve their foes up piecemeal. Though it would seem an awful thing to stand against peaceful intentions, those intentions are in fact the first stage in a campaign of brutality, and must be opposed as such."

While some three thousand Beddgelen GSIC-lead fighters struggle with their foreign comrades to subdue the last of Lusaka's military junta and sounds of support for Igomo's address gradually receed, attention is turned with the Spyrians to Europe.

It is not an area in which Igovians feel that they have much influence on an organised political level. Certainly Britain continues in her tradition for accommodating continental progressives exiled or hunted by reactionary regimes in Europe, but London is already deeply demonized by the actively regressive world... it is thought unlikely that their influence will win-over the present government, and while the United Kingdom is kept at arms' length, it is hard to imagine other NATO states being drawn dangerously close to the Holy League. Of course, the primitive nature of the false representative democracy of the parliament means that the drop of an electioneering hat could take power from the potentially progressive element and surrender it to greedy reactionaries.

Beddgelens by and large grudgingly approve of the Hindustani example of its various economic and military deals with the British such as may keep the masses approving of ties with the progressive world as opposed to looking towards the authoritarian for economic stability.

Similar issues are raised with Latin America in mind, as some studies indicate an alarming proportion of electorates prepared to accept authoritarian domination in exchange for long-desired financial security.* Meddling there and in Africa seems to be on the increase, and many call for more direct action on an even wider front than implied by the Lusakan President.

Except for a tiny minority -many being recent Russian refugees- most Beddgelens don't put much stock in ideas on the need for rampant industrialisation in an immediately pre-revolutionary community: an idea most Igovians attribute to Bolsheviks reacting to the very un-Trotskyist military failure of the Paris Commune, and as such dismiss as a revolutionary hijack.

Many of that minority were already distracted, discussing the stupid protestors in Porthmadog and wondering why Beth Gellert didn't have a Cheka or some sort of Patriot Act enforcement agency.

"We're probably not free enough." Said one passing Igovian.

CCC comrade Chivo could be seen faffing about with a projector, by which he would eventually display a scrawled itinerary of sorts.

-Closeness with western representative democracies/modernised dictatorships against Holy League (nb. not going well in Russian experiment: hierarchy self-perpetuating, paranoid)

-Help in reducing oil-producing socialist economies' reliance on fuel exports; promoting renewable/nuclear electricity generation; share efficient technologies in revolutionary world

-Baghdad pain in arse re. Suez access rights while engaged in activity contrary to dictatorship's aims; no bright ideas

-[and he continued to scribble away]

(*I've always seen this as a potential problem, as it is all too easy for vaguely capitalist AMW nations to claim influence in NPC nations by claiming favourable trade terms. It is harder for the Commonwealth to offer prosperity without fostering radical change that would be more likely to be called as interference with NPC nations. In Nigeria right now, capitalistic forces are taking advantage of realistic problems resulting from the NPC nation's leaning towards those very capitalistic systems, where the solution would be just as well found in more radical revolutionary change.)

OOC: Capitalistic forces in Nigeria? You mean the Mafia? Oh, and what do you mean "Russian Experiment failed"? What were you expecting, that Russia becomes a utopian socialist paradise overnight just because of military aid? It was a mutually beneficial partnership, I admit, but nothing more. And I still fail to see how your democracy is "direct." You have a "Final Senate", do you not? Does that not entail representation? And why do you despise representative democracy so much? I mean, if the people's will is carried out, does it matter whether it is direct or representative?

"Encourage nuclear energy generation for third world nations? What if these third world nations decide to use their nuclear capabilities for non-peaceful means?"

OOC: Is anyone going to offer cupcakes to his minders?

Most Beddgelens will say: "The worst result would be that Igomo woulld decide to nuke the Roycelandian empire. Worst comes to worse, we'll have a revenge nuke on our hands. Thousands die. Without it? Millions starve. But they're only blacks, so who cares?

Igomo cares.

"When large nations such as the Sinoese hold to policies of nuclear first strike, then we have no reason to be concerned about Africa's own atomic threat. Nuclear war is stupid, it is awful, and it will kill us all, but until a global standard of disarmament comes into effect it would be hypocricy to deny Africa technologies which we ourselves enjoy.

On an entirely related note, how 'bout some major SSRC-Igovian ABM development ?"

Igovians, by and large, agree that such defensive and potentially taxing efforts as ABM systems might be worth co-operating over. Beddgelen systems have seen combat use, most notably in defence by just four SC-400 Red Sky batteries of Drapoel cities attacked with mainly short range ballistic missiles. While their coverage was insufficient in such small numbers to provide for reliable nation-wide defence against the sort of saturation attacks launched, the Red Sky systems were deemed successful in their own right.

Military Soviet representatives on hand quickly begin to disagree about what the prospect of co-operative ventures will mean for involved nations. Many say that efforts should be geared towards widespread use of systems like CS-500 Arawn to protect participant peoples against probably the most likely missile threats from near-by China.
Others though point out that Dra-pol was not attacked by Chinese but by western missiles, that Quinntonia has (correct me if I'm wrong, Q.) one of the largest nuclear capabilities on earth and that it has recently thrown up its own shield from behind which potentially to strike. Also that Russia likewise has considerable capabilities and would be perhaps capable of attacking from beyond the ideal defensive envelope of present systems and is the scene of the world's most recent martial nuclear event, and that United Elias has used fuel-air explosives on population centres and as such could not be confidently said to be none-threatening in mass-destructive terms. Roycelandia's capabilities and stomach for such things as nuclear war are not well known, but with France and the Estenlands both nuclear capable, many Igovians are already trying to dismiss short and intermediate range defences as a waste of potentially great combined resources.

Another can't help pointing out that any more ambitious ABM system would probably either leave the Commonwealth shouldering uneaven shares of the potential project's expense, or else would risk crippling smaller SSRC states.

As a side note, the nuclear incident was as a result of a rogue Tsarist kingdom, not the democratically elected government.

OOC: Quite so, AC, but that doesnt help... after all an entire battlegroup of the Russian navy went rogue and attacked near Lyong. Even if your elected government could be trusted not to use its weapons, that government doesnt seem to have control over its own military systems.

IC: Spyr backs a longer-ranged ABM program... simply, it is theorized, Sinoese NBC ballistic capacity is massive. No system, no matter how perfected, will stop all Sino's missiles in a full attack. [OOC: I believe Sino has substantial stockpiles of nuclear, bological, and chemical warheads, possibly rivalling equivalent US/USSR capacities, though his military numbers have always appeared a tad high so I'm not certain in an AMW context] So, a system designed specifically to counter China would fail, and leave other dangers uncountered. A more universally applicable system might be able to achieve fuller effectiveness against smaller arsenals, such as the French, and could be rigged to provide some anti-Sino defence.

On matters of cost, the Spyrans come forward with a few suggestions.

"Beth Gellert and the SSRC are not impotent in of themselves, but they need not be the only states involved. Progressive-leaning states such as Venezuela might assist in a very minor capacity... and, as the progressive states don't tend to use ballistic missiles as a major strategic weapon, there is limited risk in sharing the project with other nations. Sujava, also endangered by Sino and southeast asian imperialism, would have use for such a technology. With the little dog Chiisu humping madly for his own Holy League throne in Japan, the Ringist Shogunate of Oshima & Izu must now fear assault by european monarchies. In Turkey, the moderate democracy is surrounded by Elian conservativism and Wingert's feudal lusts, and Lavrageria is in an even worse position. Surelythey might have interest in being part of a great project of this importance.

And the Quinntonians... they already have a system. It seems to work. And as much as capitalism seeksto deny it, knowledge is free anduncommodified, slipping through even the hardest chains of ownership. Let us ask them, on both state level and to individuals within their projects who might have interest in the sharing of truth with us. By keeping in mind the illusory nature of national borders, the fluidity of information, and the human capacity for cooperation, suddenly a daunting task can be seen within our reach."

The Hindustani delegation is interested in such an expanded ABM system as well. While HS-200 batteries can engage ballistic missiles, including WS-1 rockets and a wide variety of other munitions, they are in short supply. The Hindustani delegation proposes that the current ABM grid be integrated with a pan-asian system. The state arsenals could build 10-15 more HS-200 complexes relatively quickly, effectively doubling the overall ABM coverage and at the same time introducing modifications in guidance, warhead, and propulsion.

Chen points out that it is infinitely cheaper and more effective to develop systems that circumvent ABM than to build an ABM system itself.

The Hindustani delegates implore Mr. Chen to please share with the conference what he means. The idea of an anti-ballistic missile system is to defend against hostile NBC weapons while not maintaining a nuclear arsenal of your own. Hindustan, for one, does not want to bear responsibility for destroying planet earth and/or committing mass murder of an entire population.

"No ABM is perfect, and it would be virtually useless against the thousands of MIRVs which some nations posses. Thus MAD is the most effective way of ensuring nuclear safety. Offense is the best form of defense."

(Some of you do/may already know, but in Lavrageria there are revolutionary rumblings on the increase. There's a few pages already in the thread, but for specifically revolutionary matters check the posts marked as occuring specifically in Hia'Itakchi (AKA Minsk). I thought that I should just advertise it a bit before it's all over, since at the moment it's pretty much only involved with forces that presumably are going to try to crush it, and this seems like the best place to start.
Linky: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=405187 )

"No ABM is perfect, and it would be virtually useless against the thousands of MIRVs which some nations posses. Thus MAD is the most effective way of ensuring nuclear safety. Offense is the best form of defense."

OOC: While officially the Strainist Party has disavowed nuclear or biological armaments as acceptable weapons, there exist factions within it who couldn't agree more. While Spyr herself may never build an arsenal, backroom deals may see bits of Tordian uranium start dissaparing from cargo manifests, headed for parts unknown...

Though Beth Gellert was now essentially at war (without having bothered to make it official), one would hardly know it by talking to a resident of southern India, nor by walking its streets. Beddgelens were more interested in what they were hearing from South America and eastern Europe, where communes were appearing like specks of rain on the paving stones of the world. Talk was of how we might be sure that they would not dry-out, and the answer seemed to be in a great flood after the revolutionary tide.

For some time had the Igovians been entertaining themselves with commemoration of the progressive movements occurring during and after the Franco-Prussian war, the 134th anniversary of which hadn't seemed especially significant until the sailing of a fleet comprised of warships named such as Concorde, Communard, Blanqui Courbet and Delescluze, bound for New Caledonia, to where had been deported into servitude many thousands of persons sympathetic to the Paris Commune.

Now most were keen that this little conflict come to a satisfactory conclusion before the anniversary of that most infamous bloody week arrive with late May, fearing that certain soldier-sailors of a modern and openly Blanquist sort of pursuasion would on that occassion pass from revolutionary duty to excited revenging against the French authorities. The Commonwealth and its whole Igovian movement could probably do better without that sort of reputation and indeed the character as might allow tolleration of presently unfashionable Leninist dogma.

(This sort of worry in the Commonwealth soon blows away any enjoyment in engaging with reactionaries such as those dolts gathered in protest outside the senate and replaces it with somebody taking up in alarm at the perceived association by another of Blanquists with Bolsheviks and popular arguments erupt -mostly amongst the boisterous celts- with the more pro-active revolutionists answering criticism -real or imagined- with accusations of hypocritical witch-hunting by those trying apparently to mark them as usurpers of the mass movement.)

Still, in time, new points would be made. It was a generally believed condition of the Commonwealth's shared ideals that -in the best of circumstances- borders would all but collapse in the world as they had between Beth Gellert and Victoria & Salvador. That Putin's imagined United Nations would pale beside an international association of people, not of politicians.

Beth Gellert had never really been at ease with ideas of its nationhood. For centuries it simply didn't exist, southern India being a land of ever changing kingdoms and of shifting and modestly democratic tribes to which petty monarchs bent their knees in fear. Next it was conquered and classified, unified on European maps and theoretically but not often practically in alien administration. Independence had maintained a state for little more than one generation out of more than a millenia of Beddgelen history in southern India before the first Igovian revolution destroyed the central government and set about making war over internal divisions that its own maps never recognised. Now Beth Gellert was a Commonwealth that sung an international anthem and flew a flag of world revolution. Anti-nationalism was as much -almost inarguably more- of a Beddgelen obsession and tradition as the opposite was in Sino.

And now, today's Beddgelens -the Igovians- salivated to the scent of their fancy's maturity on the final stage. They couldn't help being distracted by the prospect of something epic coming to fruition as the barricades went up around Hia'Itakchi, the fleet sailed against the French empire, and the Neo-Anarchos emerged in South America. Nationalised industry and social welfare were losing their lustre when seen in foreign lands up for judgement against revolutionary standards: who cared for the merits of the Social Progress Party next to the experience that was direct democracy flourishing in the Americas? The same sort of progressive as was apt to worry about a centre-right threat to Britain's national health service when communal ownership was striving to take permanent root in a besieged European city, no doubt.

Only a few Beddgelens kept quiet. They were minority Bolsheviks (a contradiction in terms though that may have been for anyone who spoke enough Russian, it was a reference to their ideology) fuming at their impotence in this climate, and career soldiers married to the forces. The Igovians were speaking of something new, something global. A General Council of the Communards...

...General Council of the Communards...

OOC: The Spyran dream of what the SSRC is supposed to be...

OOC: Not so fast, BG. I may be leaving soon, but I'll be damned if I let the world get painted red. Internationalism, Communism, Atheism...It's the degradation of rationality, of independent cultures and strengths, and an attack on the very moral foundation that holds the world together. This General Council Of Communards isn't going to have an easy time if I have anything to say about it!

OOC: It is democracy, equality, civility, and freedom... it hardly touches culture except that which is an implement by which power is wielded over others and disguised as culture. Still, it's hard to explain the basics of progress to someone who gets offended by criticism of a church or a dead guy who may not have existed.

OOC: It is democracy, equality, civility, and freedom... it hardly touches culture except that which is an implement by which power is wielded over others and disguised as culture. Still, it's hard to explain the basics of progress to someone who gets offended by criticism of a church or a dead guy who may not have existed.
But freedom to a point where it violates other peoples' freedom is another matter. Drugs, no moral standards, relativism, etc. You think fear of law is what keeps society together? You think people gain their morals from their government? You think laws are what keep society from collapsing? Think again.

Also, your economic system (communism) simply doesn't work. Notice how the poorest nations in the world are the most socialist? (In RL) And the richest are the most capitalist? Notice how China's economy grew immensely when they became capitalist? The fact is, Communism takes away incentives and efficiency. People do not work harder when they don't have to. Soviet economic systems didn't fail just because they were opressive. They were senseless! I believe the best example is my father's. He lived in Communis Poland, and managed to get a job in a construction yard. He was eager to work, and wanted to start at once.

You know what they told him?

"Czy sie stoji, czy sie lezy, pensja sie nalezy."
Rough Translation: If you're lying down or standing, you still get paid.

Read the Communist Manifesto. Every worker in the same field gets paid the same. No matter what. And the less you do, the less effort it takes to get the same benefit.

Ah, and inefficiency. Look at any monopoly in the world, my friend. I think a good example would be...Standard Oil. Basically, they bought out all their competitors by being ruthless and efficient. However, once they became the only oil corporation (well, practically) they had no competition, and did not improve their products. In a system of competition, each side is constantly trying to one-up the other, with better prices and better products. This also applies to the workplace. Each corporation wants the best workers, and competes over them by offering better wages and benefits.

For a better, more in-depth analysis of the whole thing, read The Communist Manifesto, Wealth Of Nations, and this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticisms_of_Socialism

OOC: Wow, what the heck? I thought that maybe I was giving you too little credit by commenting too often when intoxicated, but now knowing that I make more sense after thirteen pints than you do apparently sober (?) I shan't any longer have to worry about that.

The first bit of your last post is a pretty good argument for the system in place in the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth and against all the rest. Well done.

Then to associate state capitalism with community of goods or with communist economy in any none-revisionist manifestation... what? Have I read you in a 1960s propaganda comic?

Even Adam Smith doesn't agree with the sort of monster multinational trash you're talking. Blimey.

Okay, this perhaps wouldn't be so harsh were I not full up on Czech lager and cheap local ales, but I would still want to have you understand how wildly far removed you are from engagement with the interests of those you believe yourself to be arguing against.

You've at least noticed that all bar a handful (it's not like we have Cheka or NSA to round them up) of Beddgelens scorn or outright despise Bolshevism and Marxist-Leninist dogma, right?

You sound more like a Trotskyite or other state capitalist than a conservative capitalist type as you may claim to be [how do I make a frowning emoticon...]

OOC

AC / BG >> Ay ay ay, could we perhaps have an out of character political debate thread in the Ns modern world forum? While it is important to talk politics IMO, it does detract from the purpose of this IC thread.

That being said, this is one of the greatest threads I've seen on NS in a long while - it shows just fine what RP can be without flourishing guns left and right. I'd just like to say that Neo-Anarchos will of course join the conference once it has consolidated a foreign ministerium of sorts :)

I'd really like to just post now, but it'd be weird to post a delegation without having written an introduction post about NA ;)

OOC: Wow, what the heck? I thought that maybe I was giving you too little credit by commenting too often when intoxicated, but now knowing that I make more sense after thirteen pints than you do apparently sober (?) I shan't any longer have to worry about that.

The first bit of your last post is a pretty good argument for the system in place in the Igovian Soviet Commonwealth and against all the rest. Well done.

Then to associate state capitalism with community of goods or with communist economy in any none-revisionist manifestation... what? Have I read you in a 1960s propaganda comic?

Even Adam Smith doesn't agree with the sort of monster multinational trash you're talking. Blimey.

Okay, this perhaps wouldn't be so harsh were I not full up on Czech lager and cheap local ales, but I would still want to have you understand how wildly far removed you are from engagement with the interests of those you believe yourself to be arguing against.

You've at least noticed that all bar a handful (it's not like we have Cheka or NSA to round them up) of Beddgelens scorn or outright despise Bolshevism and Marxist-Leninist dogma, right?

You sound more like a Trotskyite or other state capitalist than a conservative capitalist type as you may claim to be [how do I make a frowning emoticon...]
Excuse me? How is my argument about the importance of religious faith as a glue to hold society together an argument supporting an atheistic, drug legalizing, relativist state?

Ah, and the economic arguments still stand. Whether its state controlled or community run, what will happen to one that doesn't work? Nothing. That's the fundamental flaw that applies to any communist economy. People are lazy bastards, its a fundamental truth of life.

I'm not a state capitalist or a Trotskyite. I believe that people should work for their money, and the government should keep its nose out of the economy. While your government doesn't interfere with the economy, it operates on the ridiculous assumption that people will simply share goods and act like nice little worker bees simply because they are willing to overlook their own self interest.

Alright, I'll cut the OOC banter. It's just that me and BG seem to be having a never ending debate...

OOC>>

AC>> Which is good - But please keep it to our AMW political forum so it doesn't disrupt the thread! Thanks! (And do keep me posted on your oil prices, BTW ;))

(Yeah, yeah, but there's no point getting in a last jab about how nothing in an economy not run by the blackmail of a slave-driving elite discourages laziness when it's clearly not true. Still, yes, if you want to argue that you can take it up somewhere else. It has no bearing on this thread which is disinterested in disinformation.)

With war in the South Pacific and the arrivial of two new states in the Commonwealth hardly old news, the General Council of the Communards -accepting for the first time delegations from West Bengal and Jharkhand- made yet another quite historic declaration. This was perhaps less epic in itself, but was received as quite symbolic.

The Igovian Soviet Commonwealth was planning to phase-out its preferential trade processes presently operated with the Choson People's Republic of Dra-pol after the recent leftwards swing in Beth Gellert finally enabled quorum on a series of low-level condemnations of the Korean Communist Party's isolationism and many Dra-poel laws perceived as authoritarian and contrary to swift revolutionary progress. Portmeirion was instead to shift such concessions to a number of new areas. These were namely the two new states of Jharkhand and West Bengal, which were horribly under-developed compared to existing member states; the Filipino revolutionary communes, which were likely to face great pressure in the near future; possibly the Itakchi commune, but only if it becomes possible to reach that assaulted community; and the United African Republic of Lusaka, which though lead by a relatively hierachical government was overtly popular there and in the Commonwealth, was -unlike Dra-pol- transparent, and was thought generally more conducive to and accepting of social progress (as implied by the ruling party's name and seen in contrast to Tendyala's regressive alternative).

It appears that the Council is keen to see Lusaka stand especially firm in light of badly declining Soviet-Roycelandian relations following the Coral Sea incident, and the Soviet Commune is known to be advertising its surplus Nibiru Class assault carriers around the world, targetting nations such as Lusaka, which almost certainly would need favourable economic conditions to support such ships...

Some worried that the decision would hurt the growing case for closer Commonwealth association with other Shining Sphere nations in the Lyong; and still others voice concern over the results of a potentially weakened Drapoel economy, claiming that past hardships had lead to the Republic lashing-out in desperation. But this decision was the will of the people based on advice as to the Commonwealth's increasingly stretched means, and so it would pass.

Revolucíon! Neo-Anarchos joins the conference!

After long hardships, and revolutionary processes still not concluded in parts of the nation, the federate syndicalist communes of Neo-Anarchos join the conference! Comprised of Columbia, Guyana and Venezuela(with Ecuador and Suriname expected to join any time soon), the revolution spearheaded by anarchist labour unions has finally hit the streets and plains of South America.

A sprawled mix of somber, black-clad men and women, colourfully dressed hippies, drably dressed industrial workers and peasants as well as some youthful neo-subculturalists; made up the delegation. Chiefly on their agenda was the defense of the Neo-Anarchan revolution - interference as generally seen as authoritarian and uncouth in the nation, but at the very least humanitarian and perhaps less altruist aid was sought in the spirit of brotherhood.

Also, social equality, defense of the environment(among this a call for sustainable power generation and the push for a shift in dietary habits in the world) and of course the abolishment of hierachy and authority in government; were on the agenda for this foreign council.

With war in the South Pacific and the arrivial of two new states in the Commonwealth hardly old news, the General Council of the Communards -accepting for the first time delegations from West Bengal and Jharkhand- made yet another quite historic declaration. This was perhaps less epic in itself, but was received as quite symbolic.

The Igovian Soviet Commonwealth was planning to phase-out its preferential trade processes presently operated with the Choson People's Republic of Dra-pol after the recent leftwards swing in Beth Gellert finally enabled quorum on a series of low-level condemnations of the Korean Communist Party's isolationism and many Dra-poel laws perceived as authoritarian and contrary to swift revolutionary progress. Portmeirion was instead to shift such concessions to a number of new areas. These were namely the two new states of Jharkhand and West Bengal, which were horribly under-developed compared to existing member states; the Filipino revolutionary communes, which were likely to face great pressure in the near future; possibly the Itakchi commune, but only if it becomes possible to reach that assaulted community; and the United African Republic of Lusaka, which though lead by a relatively hierachical government was overtly popular there and in the Commonwealth, was -unlike Dra-pol- transparent, and was thought generally more conducive to and accepting of social progress (as implied by the ruling party's name and seen in contrast to Tendyala's regressive alternative).

It appears that the Council is keen to see Lusaka stand especially firm in light of badly declining Soviet-Roycelandian relations following the Coral Sea incident, and the Soviet Commune is known to be advertising its surplus Nibiru Class assault carriers around the world, targetting nations such as Lusaka, which almost certainly would need favourable economic conditions to support such ships...

Some worried that the decision would hurt the growing case for closer Commonwealth association with other Shining Sphere nations in the Lyong; and still others voice concern over the results of a potentially weakened Drapoel economy, claiming that past hardships had lead to the Republic lashing-out in desperation. But this decision was the will of the people based on advice as to the Commonwealth's increasingly stretched means, and so it would pass.

The Hindustani Parliament wholeheartedly supports the Bedgellen adoption of West Bengal and Jharkhand, and restates it commitment to development on the Subcontinent. Aid money, as well as advisors and heavy equipment, can be diverted to the states as soon as the call goes out.

Parliament also applauds the decrease in Igovian support (at least on the military level; Hindustan doesn't want to see Dra-pol starve) for the Hotan regime. Criticism of the nation's crippling militarization and authoritarianism is stepped up, and transparancy is called for.

Derek Igomo is praised some more, but Hindustani delegates at the conference are sure to voice their concern that increased global left/right polarization could spell disaster for 'non-aligned' states, Western Sahara's new Polisario government being the example used. But on a less relevant note, Hindustani delegates also echo HDF interest in the surplus Igovian carriers.

[OOC: Actually, given that Polisario was founded by Marxists and in RL continues to view the nomadic-tribal Saharawi communal government as its model, Western Sahara will probably look like an Igovian-NeoAnarchan little brother even if it turns around tomorrow and declares Hitler a national hero.

... maybe a bad example...]

Comrade Chivo -origin unknown- stood and made himself known to the assembly, clearing his throat with a purposeful resonance.

"Comrades, this conference has drawn-on and been dragged through its share of mud. I should like to forward a proposal that we make now its last order of business a major step in preparation for a more purposeful and effective successor.

"I propose that we agree to convene a second assembly of world progressives, and that we now decide where to establish it and with delegations from what societies.

"If my comrades here agree that a fresh start is needed now that much of the revolutionary world has come to accept that Neo-Suunist and Kurosite doctrines are not really inducive to progress, and that other changes have passed in the world, I should like to give my own opinions on the prepatory elements mentioned. First, I would propose that any second conference be held in an extra-Indian progressive state, and second I propose that only functioning societies send representation to what I hope might be a more practical discussion of what is to be done. I would propose invitations be extended to my own Beth Gellert, to Hindustan, Spyr, Neo-Anarchos, Lusaka, North Yaman, and perhaps to Tord, though my knowledge of their nation is bare."

(OOC: Essentially, then, I'm proposing a new thread with better organisation and a bit of background work done here. Perhaps we could work out some sort of structure for dealing with each issue. Possibly an itinerary could be agreed in advance, then each point discussed in turn so that we don't get side-tracked. Whether we'll need to elect an assembly chair (who would of course be subject to recall by popular demand!) to clarify when speakers are wandering away from the matter at hand I'm not sure, being really relatively inexperienced in this sort of format. I'm hoping that the next conference will just be nations or cohesive RP entities that can actually carry through policies in RP, that it'll be closed, and that it might make us all better understand each other's societies and maybe lead to some formalisation of how we do business and how close or far apart we really all are. Chivo would have mentioned Kanendru, but I think he may have gone inactive? Oh! And there's the Polisario... I haven't been following that, lately, no idea what's going on there.
If anyone's interested, I'd like to use the rest of this thread to sort it out IC and OOC.)

The Neo-Anarchan delegation applauds Chivos proposal. Authoritarian, and therefore Reactionary, elements; can not even come close to discovering a truly free world... At least not before they relinguish power and accept that a person can only govern her or his own life..




OOC

Well, you know I'm game for some anarcho-communist goodness! That being said, I consider it very authoritarian to have a thread that is -only- for progressive nations, and other players should be allowed to post comments for conference statements that are available to the modern world at large!

That being said, I think it'd be great if we had a sensible conference that took one progressive subject at a time - I volunteer Bogota or Miraflorés as hosting city; and the chair should of course be subject to popular judgment if it allowed the discussion to f*ck up.

/Tias.

The Hindustani delegates also give their support to a new conference, somewhat upset about the present one's lack of progress.

South America would be fine, although it would stretch the limits of Hindustani transportation (at least as far as getting there quickly goes), and Parliamentary delegates might need to bum a ride from their Igovian neighbors.

OCC: How's this for an itinerary:

1. Relations with non-communist (or at least not so progressive, given the fact that Hindustan isn't exactly communist) states
2. Response to the new imperialism
3. The Progressive Bloc and China
4. Renewable energy sources, responsible and fair economic practices
5. Militarization in the Progressive bloc; how much is enough?
6. Indian Unification (to an extent, don't want to frighten China)

OOC: How 'bout you call it the Fourth International?

OOC

While the nations that are now Neo-Anarchos have a capable military, it would not be enough if Peru, Roycelandia and Spain decides to waltz in; so I may have to drop my recommendation of South America.

That being said, Neo-Anarchos will want the point of social equality(that is, both income/goods equality and efforts against discrimination of all sorts, sexism, homophobia etc.) on the agenda.

If any of you creates the thread all of a sudden, do post the link here or TG it to me.

The United African Republic has communicated its desire to attend the next assembly, and further has offered Zanzibar Island as a possible location. Traditionally a relatively affluent part of Lusaka, part of the island has been used in the past as a Soviet naval base and now is well protected by Beddgelen Marines already in country since freeing Secretary Miyanda and helping to bring-down Tendyala's junta. The Republic intends to send delegates to the conference wherever it is placed.

Miyanda himself is likely to attend, being about the most popular of the Republic's public figures.

Lusaka opposes any move to name the gathering in the fashion of a Marxist International, since that doesn't make any sense given the relative lack of Marxists likely to be involved.

Several Lusakan Secretaries have drummed-up a bit of popular support for their nomination of India's Graeme Igo as chair of the next assembly, possibly in part because that might keep him from fighting for the floor himself.

-the Lusakan part supports but is likely to have little part in the proposed item on Indian unification

-agrees that militarisation of the progressive bloc is an important issue in need of address

-wants renewable energy and associated environmentalism to be on the agenda, especially as Africa struggles on with the difficult process of industrialisation

-is interested more generally in making responsible, fair, and realistically strong economic practice an issue for international consideration

-isn't much interested in China, but generally considers that defence against its leadership's international ambition is an important part of the militarisation issue

-specifically, Lusaka wishes to put an item to propose the establishment amongst civilised nations with progressive regimes of a global peace-keeping and humanitarian organisation. The International Security Union? Lusaka & others to contribute large numbers of peacekeepers and aid workers to operations funded, deployed and supported primarily by wealthier states

-response to new imperialism is considered by Lusaka to be associated primarily with the above item and with militarisation

-regarding relationship with less-progressive states and the general issue of social equality, Lusaka has much interest owing to its own condition of maintaining government and placing social progress and equality as its prime responsibility; the Republic recognises that at most there are perhaps only two modern societies existing without conventional government of some form and so does not expect to feel at odds with the assembly based on its own government. Social equality is certainly an issue to address, and the Social Progress Party views a lack of it anywhere on earth as a crime against humanity

With South America looking like not such a great alternative after all, Mumbai endorses Zanzibar Island as the new proposed location for the conference.

Lusaka is certainly one of Hindustan's closer associates and one of the most important states on the African continent (OCC: incidentally...it would be good to get some RPers into eastern africa, so at least we have more than six nations in Africa), and perhaps a progressive-bloc conference there could incite pro-democracy movements elsewhere in the continent, especially west and northwest Africa.

OCC: This might be a good time to type a little bit about Hindustan's government, which I admit is very vague:

You have all probably heard me refer to Parliament at one time or another. Parliament is more or less the mouthpiece of the local councils, where delegates from said councils go to Mumbai and voice their council's concerns. The local council is a type of regional legislative body ranging in size from a few hundred to tens of thousands of constituants. The local council meets a few (one or two) times a year by default (the local council can be postponed by a simple majority down vote, and can likewise be called into session extra times by a simple majority vote in favor). Attendance is not mandatory, as it is not Hindustani philosophy to force politics on anybody, but there is usually a fairly high turnout and those who don't go one time generally attend meetings at other times. The council sends a representative (who can be recalled at any time if they do a bad job) to Parliament, where they represent their council's interests.

Parliament is used to present and discuss legislation, but has very little power in and of itself. Considering that Hindustan, by nature more or less, is a fairly left-leaning place, legislature usually passes the council vote by a comfortable majority. A simple majority of council votes are needed to pass a piece of legislature, but a third of council votes can call another round of voting on it.

Hindustan hasn't yet developed communal living, so there is still private ownership, but what one might call the Hindustani national spirit promotes sharing and consultation. A sort of 'transitional socialism,' if you will.

I hope this has taught you something. I don't exactly claim to know what my nation does when it comes to government besides that its friendly with the progressives and is a nice place, content with itself (but which can become extremely unhappy and bothersome when rubbed the wrong way.)

A majority of Neo-Anarchan foreign councils endorse Zanzibar as a new location. The combined military presence of Bedgellan and Lusakan soldiers combined with the relative distance to fiercely anti-progressive nations who may start sh*t in the area makes the location suitable.

Sometime Earlier

As news of the Bedgellen decision to begin lessening support for the Drapoel reaches the PRS delegation, a muffled argument breaks out between the young delegation head and one of her older attaches, culminating in the older man muttering a Lyongese archaism about 'communion of Heaven and Nature' and walking off to find a stiff drink.

And Now

The Spyran delegation also supports the location at Zanzibar, as it seems as fitting as any other, though there are some complaints about the apparent security concerns.

"Are we dogs to cower in caves at even the thought of risk? We are Progress, we are Humanity... even if the regressive despots were to attack, they would only hasten their inevitable defeat at the hands of the world's united peoples."

The Spyrian commentary incited in assembled Beddgelens a small ripple of, "Oh dear, no, we must be reasonable about this" quickly drowned out by a much roudier rising from a number of Geletians amongst the total. One went so far as to cry as he drew a daggar to flash about, "Yeah! We should hold the damn thing in Paris!"

OOC: All right, if nobody minds, I'm going to start the new thread, but don't intend to start the conference right away. I'm just going to start putting in the background of the Igovian delegation's selection and such.

If you feel the need to make OOC comments on it, I'd prefer they be made in this thread, which is drawing near to its conclusion. We'll continue to use it to hammer out a few details before business actually begins at the next assembly.

I'll come back to place a link, shortly.


Edit: Bam! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8973983#post8973983)

OOC: As this has been relegated to the OOC thread...

Would you guys mind if Sienna Brown, (named after an actual friend of mine, not just two random colors) Senate Minority leader, and head of the Liberal Alliance, the leftist minority opposition in Russia. She represents a broad spectrum of leftist Russians (mainly moderate socialists, with a few Bolsheviks and BG-stylers tossed in), and if you want to support leftist movements without resorting to violence, here's your chance.

OOC: Well, NA points out that it could be called un-democratic to deny anyone access, but I fear that allowing in bodies that can't affect immediate reforms will potentially drag the conference back into ideological theorising and rhetoric. I rather hope that the second assembly will lead to agreements between established societies, and it certainly will deal with some issues that won't matter to an unrealised revolution.

I don't know, does anyone see what I'm trying to get at, there?

I'd suggest a second assembly more akin the the International, accepting organisations that may be short of realisation in their homelands, to discuss specifically how to co-operate on a sub-state level and how to help progressives in the politically primitive world, but I don't know that it's going to matter to AC's nation anyway given how soon he's leaving. Again, I wouldn't want that to snag the second assembly.

OOC: Sure, I don't mind. Just thought it might be fun to RP a few raging leftists---and piss of my friend by caricaturing her online... ;)

I was only acting in character, mind. It's not *really* like the anarchans want to debate progressive politics with French and Roman loons when they could be, well, progressive. Also, NA won't oppose the current system, because they too recognize that real political reform is needed, not discussions and fisticuffs.

Also, we should have this first convention for the progressive governments(or lack of same, teehee!), and no one else. Then, we could have a second communist(or anarcho-communist, if Neo-Anarchos has any say in the matter) congress, for all the socialist movements, parties etc. regardless of whether they sit in parliament or opposition.

Agreed.

Plus, one wonders if a caricature might be less than ideally suited for a serious progressive debate.