The Roman Emirate
18-12-2005, 06:07
OOC: This is RomeW. I'll be holding elections soon and I created this and another puppet (SenatusPopulusqueRomae) to represent the differing factions. This one is more democratic socialist (akin to Canada's New Democratic Party) and represents Rome's extensive Muslim population (mostly in the Arabian Peninsula and Indochina). Based on the NS Earth.
IC:
Riyadh, Roman Emirate (OOC: E Arabia, E Hadharamut)
Ali al-Tabin was nervous. As Emir of Rome's most influential Muslim Dominion, he already carried a lot of weight in the Empire as a whole, but he knew that today he'd be making history. He'd be the first major Muslim candidate in a Roman election, and, if elected, he'd become the first Arab since Phillip The Arab all the way back in the 3rd century to become Caesar of the Roman Empire.
When his name was called to the stand, he took a deep breath and began his speech:
"Hello. To some of you, I need no introduction, but to the rest of you, I am Ali al-Tabin, Emir of the Roman Emirate, and today I am announcing my intention of running for the Office of Caesar in the 2007 Roman Imperial elections.
"Now, I know that for those who don't know me you may be a little apprehensive about supporting a guy like me. We hear too often in the news about 'Islamic fundamentalists' who are out to destroy the world and convert everyone to Islam. Let me tell you that none of them are real Muslims, for a real Muslim does not openly attack and hurt other people, Muslims or not."
He was energized after that statement. He then continued.
"Rather, Islam is a faith of equality, of tolerance and of charity. We are a people of inclusion, a people who strive for the common man. Most Muslims know and practice this, and it is this temperment that I hope to bring to the Imperial Throne should I be elected.
"As you already know, my opponents- the incumbent, Rodin Hartian and Consul Gnaeus Valerius Maderia- are very well known for their business dealings, and while I agree with them that it is vital for the Roman economic engine to work, I believe they are wrongheaded in their direction. While millions live in luxury in Italy, millions more live in Burma, Malaysia, Siam, and Arabia who are in poverty, and while Hartian has done some things to improve our lot from the waste of Paul's reign, he simply does not go far enough. Our regions are still among the poorest in the Empire, and for what? So the patricians can enjoy their oil for their needless SUV's?
"Of course, the plight of the poor is not one that is limited to Muslim areas. Just look at Rome itself, see all the homeless people, stranded because some patrician kicked them to the curb, maybe even spitting on them while they're at it. Look at the streets of Los Angeles, where gangs still proliferate in Watts and Compton because they need to steal to get what they need. Look at Colonia, where the workers must work in their factories for 12 hours a day while their bosses laugh in their suits at all the soot they get on them. Need I go on?"
He paused to take a deep breath before continuing.
"Simply put, the poor in Rome have been underserved for too long and it will be my duty to make sure our wealth gets to them. The taxes for the rich and the corporations will be raised so that our workers can have a higher minimum wage. Upon election, I will also commission many public buildings, with the intent of giving the homeless free homes.
"I shall also introduce legislation making English and Arabic official languages in the Empire. Latin is spoken by only 51% of the Empire's citizens, while English and Arabic make up another 45% combined. It is time that both are recognized in the Empire.
"That will be a minor point. 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.
"Thank you. The floor is now open for questions."
(OOC: Wherever there's a Romance language I just substitute it for Latin since they're essentially the same (plus a lot of Roman NS territory is Spanish anyway). This shall be done press-conference style).
IC:
Riyadh, Roman Emirate (OOC: E Arabia, E Hadharamut)
Ali al-Tabin was nervous. As Emir of Rome's most influential Muslim Dominion, he already carried a lot of weight in the Empire as a whole, but he knew that today he'd be making history. He'd be the first major Muslim candidate in a Roman election, and, if elected, he'd become the first Arab since Phillip The Arab all the way back in the 3rd century to become Caesar of the Roman Empire.
When his name was called to the stand, he took a deep breath and began his speech:
"Hello. To some of you, I need no introduction, but to the rest of you, I am Ali al-Tabin, Emir of the Roman Emirate, and today I am announcing my intention of running for the Office of Caesar in the 2007 Roman Imperial elections.
"Now, I know that for those who don't know me you may be a little apprehensive about supporting a guy like me. We hear too often in the news about 'Islamic fundamentalists' who are out to destroy the world and convert everyone to Islam. Let me tell you that none of them are real Muslims, for a real Muslim does not openly attack and hurt other people, Muslims or not."
He was energized after that statement. He then continued.
"Rather, Islam is a faith of equality, of tolerance and of charity. We are a people of inclusion, a people who strive for the common man. Most Muslims know and practice this, and it is this temperment that I hope to bring to the Imperial Throne should I be elected.
"As you already know, my opponents- the incumbent, Rodin Hartian and Consul Gnaeus Valerius Maderia- are very well known for their business dealings, and while I agree with them that it is vital for the Roman economic engine to work, I believe they are wrongheaded in their direction. While millions live in luxury in Italy, millions more live in Burma, Malaysia, Siam, and Arabia who are in poverty, and while Hartian has done some things to improve our lot from the waste of Paul's reign, he simply does not go far enough. Our regions are still among the poorest in the Empire, and for what? So the patricians can enjoy their oil for their needless SUV's?
"Of course, the plight of the poor is not one that is limited to Muslim areas. Just look at Rome itself, see all the homeless people, stranded because some patrician kicked them to the curb, maybe even spitting on them while they're at it. Look at the streets of Los Angeles, where gangs still proliferate in Watts and Compton because they need to steal to get what they need. Look at Colonia, where the workers must work in their factories for 12 hours a day while their bosses laugh in their suits at all the soot they get on them. Need I go on?"
He paused to take a deep breath before continuing.
"Simply put, the poor in Rome have been underserved for too long and it will be my duty to make sure our wealth gets to them. The taxes for the rich and the corporations will be raised so that our workers can have a higher minimum wage. Upon election, I will also commission many public buildings, with the intent of giving the homeless free homes.
"I shall also introduce legislation making English and Arabic official languages in the Empire. Latin is spoken by only 51% of the Empire's citizens, while English and Arabic make up another 45% combined. It is time that both are recognized in the Empire.
"That will be a minor point. 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.
"Thank you. The floor is now open for questions."
(OOC: Wherever there's a Romance language I just substitute it for Latin since they're essentially the same (plus a lot of Roman NS territory is Spanish anyway). This shall be done press-conference style).