NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is the thread for my national newspaper, The Roman Free Press. This is meant to give an insight into my nation that I can't really do elsewhere RP-wise, and I'll be covering everything from politics, society, economics and even sports (hey, I can't be "serious" all the time :D). Feel free to add comments or write something yourself- as long as it pertains to the article(s) in question and/or my nation as a whole. (http://www.geocities.com/vicendum/vicendumspotlightrome.html)

IC:

December 12, MMV
The Empire at a Crossroads
(Editorial)

To the casual observer, the history of the Roman Empire is filled with contradictions. What was once the Empire that vociferously banned contraceptives and abortion under Augustus became the Empire that vociferously supports them now. What was once the Empire known for its brutal treatement of prisoners, its autocracy and- by our standards anyway- its blatant disregard for human rights became the Empire that champions the just treatment of humans and all the fundamental elements of human rights. To those who really know the Empire, these changes cannot be dismissed as contradictions, but rather part of the evolutionary process as the Empire updates its own fundamental values of honour, equality and fairness to the present day.

Of course, one of the biggest revolutions in Roman history has been the development of democracy. For most of its history, Rome has operated under the pretenses of democracy, as institutions such as the Roman Forum, the Senate and the Tribune of the Plebs have existed since the foundation of the Republic in 509 BC. However, as we all know, until Keylusus II's radical reforms in 1912, the real power always fell to dictatorial-like figures, embodied to that point since 31 BC as "the Emperor".

However, since Keylusus granted citizens the right to elect their Emperor, real democracy is still an institution that the Romans have yet to perfect. Keylusus himself didn't do much else after effectively transforming Rome into a real republic, as he consistently failed to really grant Rome's far-reaching Dominions any real effective power, fearing that decentralization would lead to the Empire's ultimate dissolution. Paul XII took steps in this direction, granting the Dominions effective taxation rights, but it wasn't until Rodin Hartian's laws of 2003 that granted the Dominions regional autonomy where the Dominion issue was adequately addressed. Some observers felt Hartian went too far, while others believed he didn't go far enough. Hartian has been on record as saying that finding the "delicate balance" is a "dauting task for any politician, not just the Roman ones," but, predictably, the reaction is mixed.

The issue has the potential to be "the" hot topic once the 2006 election campaign rolls around, as Hartian's chief opponent, Consul Gnaeus Valerius Maderia (a strident Roman nationalist), is running on a platform of "increased states rights", akin to the early development of the United States of America. Maderia- who married an American model and has studied American history extensively- has proposed other American-type institutions to be used in the Roman Empire, chief among them being the US' controversial "Electoral College" system that would raise each of the Dominions to an equal status in the Empire, a move some critics are saying turns the Empire into "an alliance of states instead of a solitary state". Of course, Maderia has promised other reforms, such as creating a "unified" code of rights for the overall Roman Constitution, no doubt caught on the heels of the ugly dispute in Utah over laws that Maderia described as "backward" such as the dictatorial-like presence of the Church of Latter Day Saints in the Utah government, the only Dominion where the Dominion Prefect is not elected by the people.

Currently, Romans are divided on the Dominion issue, and the differing numbers in the various polls on the subject have indicated that most Romans have yet to formulate an opinion on the subject. Most respondents say they need Maderia to better explain his plans, something the Consul says he will do in the coming months when the election campaign heats up.

Whatever the case, the next Emperor will need to solidly resolve the Dominion issue, as the future of the Empire depends on it.

OOC: For the record, the sports stories come from my video games and are *supposed* to be fictional (though I do use real players since that's what the games give me). Any similarities to real events are purely coincidental.

Also, for hockey, the hockey club based in Rome is technically just called "Rome HC", but it's been given the "unofficial" nickname "Gladiators" since that's how the team began. I've also organized hockey like soccer, with the Stanley Cup tournament being the equivalent to the Champions' League.

IC:

Sports

Gladiators end slide, beat Greens

The Roman hockey team ended a four-game slide in Premium play on Tuesday after defeating the Bovianum Greens 7-6 on a hat trick from Lucius Appius Remanderanus and a last second goal from Eric Lindros. Lindros' goal came almost four minutes after newcomer Peter Forsberg netted the tying goal, spoiling a hat trick from Bovianum's Fl. Alessandrus Tamorus. John Madden and Aki Berg also scored for Rome, while the Greens also got goals from P. Cornelius Drusus, Ti. Rafelus Smatta and Alberto Alberici.

In essence, it was a tale of two teams that were having similar seasons, although in Rome's case, it's been troubling. For most of the game, the Gladiators played from behind against a Bovianum team that had been more focused than it had been all season, displaying their typical slow start that has become the team's worrisome custom all season. It wasn't until Remanderanus scored his first goal of the game at 17:23 of the first that the Romans got on the board, and that was after Bovianum's Drusus and Alberto Alberici scored to put the Greens up 2-0. The Greens held two other leads in the game- 4-2 and 6-5- that the Gladiators showed resilience in overcoming, but while the Greens were up to their usual tricks in not being able to put away the Romans, the Gladiators were still not the team many hoped they'd be.

"We had that rough start, no question," said Remanderanus after the game. "It's been our story all season- slow starts keep us getting in holes. Simply put, we can't be playing catch-up all the time."

"It's finally good to get a win," said Gladiator head coach Quintus Cornelius Martius, who may have preserved his job with the win. "We've been getting so close recently that this victory tastes even sweeter, though we know our work is cut out for us."

The win gives Rome 27 points, 15 behind the surprising Parma Night Blues, one point ahead of Belgrade and two ahead of Bucharest, all of whom were idle. By the end of tommorow, Rome might be in third, as Belgrade will be in tough against a fast-skating Parma team, but Bucharest should have no problems disposing of lowly Torino.

Nevertheless, the result was a positive step for the Romans. The win ended a four-game slide that dated back to the end of October, when Rome beat Torino 6-5, and while it may not be enough to catch Parma, it's an important step in securing second place and a spot in the Stanley Cup group stage for next year, which would make up for Rome's early exit from the Cup competition earlier in the year. It was also good that the Romans displayed an urgency they've been lacking at key times this season, and that Rome finally got a goal from Madden, who's been a disappointment so far this season, and that Berg and third-liner Tyson Nash all got points, easing Rome's dependency on its top line. Still, with a 15-point gap to close and the season nearing the halfway mark, the Gladiators may have put themselves in too deep a hole to get out of.

The Swords Are Raised- Election Time Looms

The months are getting colder, but the election race is only starting to heat up.

Just recently, Ali al-Tabin, the Emir of the Roman Emirate, announced his intentions to run later in 2006 in the elections for the Office of Roman Caesar, bringing the number of major candidates to three after Roman Consul Gnaeus Valerius Maderia made a similar announcement earlier in December.

That politicians such as al-Tabin and Maderia announced their intentions to run is not surprising, since the Imperial Elections are no laughing matter. We all know that in the run-up to the election date as many as 7,000 candidates could be registered for the vote, and that most of those 7,000 candidates are just fringe politicians out for publicity or "the quick thrill". Given their already high-profile status, their announcements are clearly meant to delinate them from the "quick thrill" candidates and position themselves as major threats to the incumbent Rodin Hartian, although the voters- ultimately- may have different ideas.

What makes this election campaign different is precisely the presence of al-Tabin, who, if elected, would become the first native Arab to become Roman Emperor since Philip The Arab in 244. His primary objective is to give Rome's significant Muslim population a voice, but his speech attempted to position him as more of the voice of all of Rome's disaffected peoples, not just the Muslims. "(Muslims) are a people of inclusion, a people who strive for the common man," he said in his announcement, finishing with "the major part will be to help the poor of the Empire, because it is time somebody did; and I wouldn't be a good Muslim if I didn't." He made many references to the plight of the poor and the inattention they receive from Maderia and Hartian, and while most of his appeal was emotional, he did correctly state that poverty in the Empire are still at dangerously low levels, not just in the Muslim areas but even in places like Rome and Los Angeles, where homeless people and gangs abound.

Of course, how successful either al-Tabin or Maderia will be depends on how much the public has lost faith in Hartian. Recent public opinion polls put Hartian's approval rating firmly at 55%, and while it's lower than a high of 66% after the 2001 election, it's still a firm indication that Maderia and al-Tabin have a lot of work to do if they expect to sway public opinion their way. Fortunately for them, they have time- they just need to use it.

Tommorow: A preview of the candidates

(OOC Note: Rümayyia=Empty Quarter, E. Hadharamut.)

As promised, The Campaign Guide to the Roman Election (http://www.geocities.com/vicendum/candidates.html), compiled by F. Joannes Mulsus, a Political Science Professor at the University of Rome.

Today will also mark the start of the campaign tours. The candidates can be found at:

Rodin Hartian- in New Orleans
Valerius Maderia- in Rome
Ali al-Tabin- in Riyadh

Azimeth: "There is no sense for you to be dragged into a conflict that will only result in death"

Azimethian King Hofstria I shocked the world today when he formally asked his many allies to disregard their allegiance to his nation in light of the invasion threat by Tyrandis. The reasoning behind the decision is that the King believes there is only one outcome- the destruction of Azimeth- and he feels that there is no sense in risking the health of his allies' nations with the outcome quite clear.

"I am asking you, as a holder of many pledges, to disregard any formal alliances you have tied with Azimeth," read the statement. "There is no sense for you to be dragged into a conflict that will only result in death. This will not be combat, but extermination." Soon after the announcement was made, Japan announced it would withdraw its support as asked, while the Layartebian Empire announced that its decision "was still pending".

"Clearly I'm shocked," said Political Scientist F. Aurelius Camosane of the University of Rome. "You build alliances to protect yourself from invasions like this one, yet, when Azimeth is faced with that very situation, it tells its own allies to 'buzz off'. Why build an alliance then? Is this really a way to run a nation?"

"He's giving up," added Ti. Claudius Marsane, also a Political Scientist at the University of Rome. "If I were an Azimethian I'd be in armed revolt against the King, because quite clearly Hofstria has admitted defeat before the war even begins."

The Imperial decision in Rome, however, has not been forthcoming, with the Emperor Rodin Hartian declining comment. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said that he does not expect the Romans "to get directly involved with the conflict," but failed to elaborate.

Roman Senator Marries A Goat, Replaces Him In Senate

Education Minister Claxtus Farelli announced today that he has married his pet goat Seneca in a secret ceremony, also announcing his resignation in favour of Seneca.

"All years, decisions really from goat," said Farelli in his resignation speech, with a caveman speech unlike his usual demeanour. "Seneca smart. Me fail. Me quit."

Farelli's fellow Senators were quick to throw their support behind both Farelli and the goat. "I've seen Seneca. He doesn't talk but he's very capable of communicating through his actions and grunts," said Foreign Minister Jomo Marea. "Yes, he eats my shirt too many times, but I think he's still the brightest goat I've seen."

"Claxtus couldn't live with the embarassment any longer," said Emperor Rodin Hartian. "It was beating at him how Seneca was upstaging him, and it's really not his fault- Claxtus just didn't learn anything and the goat did. We had to initially pick Claxtus since the public at the time would have hated us for picking a goat, but we feel that in a liberal society such as Rome, our population will understand this new decision and know that it is what is best for Rome."

Consul Valerius Maderia only had this to say in response: "Maybe Caligula was on to something when he nominated his horse for a Senate position."

With files from the Roman Free Press Wire Service

We've all been fooled!

Claxtus Farelli announced today that yesterday's announcement that he was stepping down in favour of his pet goat was an April Fool's Joke.

"No, I'm not marrying my goat nor is he becoming the Minister of Education," said Farelli in a press conference today. "I am remaining as Education Minister."

Farelli said he planned on this announcement the minute he conceived the joke- pulled off extremely well- yesterday, but says he was "compelled" to issue a clarifying statement when he received lots of calls and E-Mails from people who didn't get the joke.

"The idea was a lesson in critical thinking and reading," said Farelli. "Don't believe everything you read- be critical of it. Especially when it's being issued on April 1."

The Roman Government- who was in on the joke- also had very little to add. "All we can say is that this was all in good fun and that, yes, politicians do have a sense of humour," said Emperor Rodin Hartian. "We're not always serious."

Very funny Rome, haha.

But now the Bjornoyan presses (and the Bjornoyan people) think that the Roman Minister of Education is a goat-f*cker. Now we need to refix this 'misinf' and tell the people the Roman Minister of Education, entrusted with propogating the truth is merely a liar...

Very funny Rome, haha.

But now the Bjornoyan presses (and the Bjornoyan people) think that the Roman Minister of Education is a goat-f*cker. Now we need to refix this 'misinf' and tell the people the Roman Minister of Education, entrusted with propogating the truth is merely a liar...

You believed it? Wow. I didn't think you did.

I prefer "clever" over "liar"...think about it: this *was* a case in critical thinking. I don't want to come off as patronizing, but this is an extremely far-out story, and the fact it was released April 1 should ring some bells. You are right though, it is a minefield for those who wouldn't get the joke, however.

I didn't believe it, but the Bjornoyan presses did. This sorta story is a great distraction.

I didn't believe it, but the Bjornoyan presses did. This sorta story is a great distraction.

Darnit! I tried so hard...stupid other E2 people for not reading it! At least I got the presses, but they're not exactly real :(.

Well, now the presses can say they were fooled and can report the truth now- that this was just a joke. Though this does fit in a weird way with how you run your country.

Darnit! I tried so hard...stupid other E2 people for not reading it! At least I got the presses, but they're not exactly real :(.

Well, now the presses can say they were fooled and can report the truth now- that this was just a joke. Though this does fit in a weird way with how you run your country.

Indeed it does, lol. I'd be so confused if I lived in Bjornoya. Oldthink... pains ungoodwise. Rome prolefeed-lit is plusfun!

Indeed it does, lol. I'd be so confused if I lived in Bjornoya. Oldthink... pains ungoodwise. Rome prolefeed-lit is plusfun!

Very Orwellian of you. How is this being presented? As a slight against democracy?

Very Orwellian of you. How is this being presented? As a slight against democracy?

Partly that, and partly to increase the Bjornoyans' universal condescending view of all foreigners. We're not the 'we're the ubermensh, die sub-humans!' type, but more of the 'need to help and enlighten poor little (insert nationality) brother' pre WW2 America type.
But mostly as a startling distraction from what's really going on.

Roman Free Press, March 28, 2008 Daily Minute

Current Events

City of Rome may get red light cameras

City of Rome officials announced today that an official proposal was brought to City Council from debates at the Roman Forum to install red light cameras as the City's busy intersections. City officials have estimated that over 500 injuries and/or deaths on the roads last year were due to a result of red light runners, and the public outcry over the City's poor driving conditions pushed Council to action.

"We take personal safety very seriously," said Traffic Coordinator Councilor P. Claudius Smallacus. "We have seen how successful similar programs have been in other jurisdictions around the world and feel that it is time to implement a similar program here in Rome. The public also feels strongly about such an action, adding a much-needed urgency to the proposal."

Council says it will vote on the proposal next week, with implementation due for May.

Bengal Procuratorial Elections slated to begin next week

Elections for the Procurator of the new Roman province of Bengal are expected to commence next week, Army officials confirmed.

The Roman Army- already stationed in the region in Goa and in the Bismarck Archipelago- entered Bengal after the government collapsed as a result of the chaos that ensued after Cyclone Mala struck Chittagong, Bengal's second-largest city. The Army reported skirmishes with rebel groups shortly after arrival, but also reported that there were no civilian casualties and that combat operations were minimal, with much of the Army's work being in a peacekeeping and infrastructural repair mode. Emperor Valerius IV Maderia announced that the country was formally annexed to Rome last week and promised elections, a promise that is came to fruition today.

Since the announcement over 136 candidates registered for the elections, with the front-runners expected to be Abdul Nondi- the former disaster operations chief- and Mohammend Nasari, the government deputy instrumental in bringing the Romans to Bengal. P. Cornelius Tyusus, the Legate of the Bengal Legion, is the acting Procurator and will serve in that function until the elections are finished.

Business

Quaestor considers multi-level marketing ban

A proposal to ban multi-level marketing operations ("MLMs") within the Roman Republic put forward by the political advocacy group Romans For Responsible Business (RFRB) that gained considerable traction within the Roman Forum is being considered for implementation by Roman Quaestor Cornelia Bruta Compisia, who also serves as the Imperial Quaestor.

"They're really no better than pyramid schemes," said M. Aemilius Crana, president of the RFRB. "Yes, it's technically true they're not pyramid schemes but the idea- constant and infinite recruiting- is the same."

Should Compisia be successful the Republic would be the first Dominion to officially ban MLMs as a legal business model. Similar proposals have been brought forward in previous years in not just the Republic but in other Dominions as well, but none have elicited the kind of response the current proposal has received. The proposal comes months ten former agents of MarketCorp., a stock trading firm based out of Carson City, Nv., won a C1 million settlement after a judge ruled MarketCorp. had deceived them about their earning potential. The ruling- upheld on numerous appeals- came to the same conclusion as Crana did, that MarketCorp.'s system worked so close to a pyramid scheme that the success rate of each agent worked out the same way, with the only truly successful agents being at the top.

However, do not expect a decision soon. Compisia said any law would have to be "carefully worded" so that franchises- a similar business model- do not fall under the same category. "We can't be outlawing legitimate businesses," Compisia explained, "so we must be careful."

Life

Romans have no one to blame but themselves for sleep deprivation

Bob Narin, a native of Vancouver, RC, says "by my estimation, I'd be lucky to get four hours of sleep a night". Narin works at the Vancouver Docks offloading cargo from ships and works a variable schedule- some days he works eight hours, others twelve, and sometimes just four (but never more than 42 hours a week)- and always gets home at decent hours, but forgos sleep for leisurely activities such as watching T.V. or going to the local pub with some of his friends. "Yeah, I could get more sleep if I wanted to," said Narin, "but then I wouldn't be able to do everything I want to do."

Narin is not alone. A recent University of Parma study contends that while the average Roman gets six hours of sleep- two less than what is recommended by doctors- they only do so out of choice. "It's amazing how many times we come across people who say they didn't get enough sleep last night because they just happened to chance on their favourite movie before they got to bed, or decided that Thursday was great for partying even though Friday is still a work day," said Pietro de Angelis, who coordinated the study. "Romans do it to themselves."

The study, however, doesn't let the Roman Government completely off the hook, since it reiterated a stance long held by scientists that shift work is detrimental to health since it upsets what scientists term "the biological clock". Current Roman law forbids employers from requiring employees to work another shift ten hours after their last one and defines overtime after 170 hours are worked within a month but there are no other provisions regarding scheduling. "Research has always contended that if 'shift work' is required then employees should only 'change shifts' once a month, because it takes the body two weeks to adjust to a new clock," continued de Angelis. "Yeah, current laws allow one to still get eight hours of sleep a night but if those eight hours are 'outside' when the body likes to sleep that person won't sleep a wink- even if they wanted to."

Sports

Cruz gives Inter Milan narrow victory over Kilmarnock

World No. 1 Inter Milan needed an injury time goal from Julio Ricardo Cruz to snatch a 2-1 victory from Scottish Premier League minnows Kilmarnock. Ronaldinho, in his first game for Inter, canceled out a first-half Danny Invincible strike with a shot from distance in the 76th minute but while Inter received the spoils, it was their heavy underdogs of an opponent that carried much of the play. After the game, the Inter fans all gave Kilmarnock a standing ovation for their brave display, and Inter themselves gave their opponents their due credit.

"It's easy to underestimate an opponent just because they're a low profile team like Kilmarnock," said Inter captain Javier Zanetti after the game. "They played better than us and maybe they deserved the victory more than we did." Zanetti however cautioned the Inter faithful from taking too much out of this game, contending that the team has "a lot of work left to do still. They deserve the credit but we were sluggish out there tonight. We know we can play better and we have to be if we are to be serious title contenders."

Although it's early in the season, Inter's No. 1 ranking could be in jeopardy as this weeks sees No. 2 Manchester United in what should be a routine victory away to AEK Athens, as well as No. 3 AIK, No. 4 Vitesse and No. 5 Nottingham Forest at home to Leeds, Modena and Villareal respectively.

The day's only other action saw Guadalajara earn a 2-2 draw against German side TuS Koblenz after a wonderful free kick by captain Ramón Morales just before the halftime interval and a Sergio Santana strike just after halftime canceled out two early Koblenz goals by Philipp Langen and Noureddine Deham that had given the home side a deserved lead. Guadalajara manager Efraín Flores said after the game he was "satisfied" with his team's performance, although he said his team "wasted an opportunity."

"We had many more chances in the second half but couldn't get that third goal," Flores explained. "I'm happy with the draw but we really could have had more. Koblenz manager Uwe Rapolder said the game should serve as a "reminder" for his team not to underestimate the opposition. "We let our guard down after going up 2-0 and we can't do that if we expect to win games. We should be lucky to have this draw."

Game 1 without Ward goes tonight

Tonight against the San Jose Sharks marks the Buffalo Bills' first Central Cup game without longtime captain Aaron Ward since the Bills acquired Ward for a minor league prospect in a 1992 deal with the Winnipeg Jets. Ward was traded in the offseason for seven prospects from the Raleigh Musketeers as the Bills made it clear they intended to get younger this season after four straight years of subpar performances.

"Aaron was a special hockey player for which there can be no replacement," said coach Randy Cunneyworth, "but we had to move on. We knew we had to make drastic changes and we did, even though it's unfortunate we had to let go of a player of Aaron's calibre."

As for tonight's adversaries, the Sharks, Cunneyworth stated he expected his team to be "ready to play", despite squaring off against a team many feel have surpassed the Bills. "We may have made some changes but we're still very good," said Cunneyworth, "the Sharks won't have an easy game against us tonight."

Candidates named for Roman Consulship

Over 500 candidates have officially entered their names in the running to replace Emperor Valerius IV Maderia as Consul of Rome in one month's time. Even though Valerius was elected Emperor he still holds on to the position until the next Consul is formally elected and coronated on May 15.

Despite the numbers, there are four clear front-runners: centrist independent Gn. Aemilius Tana, L. Marcus Carnasus (head of the Roman Liberal Party), M. Claudius Maderia (Valerius' brother and the SPQR candidate) and D. Acilius Ieste (head of the Progressive Conservatives). Gaius Julius Antonina, the head of the Roman Homosexual Alliance, is also in the running for the position.