NationStates Jolt Archive

(IC Comments Welcome, heck you can post your own if you want)

THE STATE OF THE UNION


"Madam Speaker, The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kanami."

Prime Minister Elenore Romeny entered into the freshly rebuilt Parliment Chambers. After the attack, it was rubel, but it's standing tall again. The gaint flag of Kanami was the backdrop at the head of the chambers. Behind her sat the Vice Prime Minister and the head of the R.S. Party Nancy Novoty (who is also the Speaker of Parliment)

"Thank you. Thank you very much. Ladies and Gentalmen, it's my pleasure to be in our chambers of old, rebuilt according to designe. {applause} Since the attack, it was rubel, but much like a good portion of the city, it is back in business, and can not be destroyed in spirit. This building is rock and stone, but what goes on in it, is true democracy. Democracy that can not be destroyed. {Applause} I do come to you in troubleing times, we are at our highest level of Defense, and Highest Terror Alert. Much of Carmina Gadalica is still in ruins, and the death toll is rising. In respect, I ask that we observe a moment of silence."

Everyone fell silent.

"Thank you, honerable men and women. Our State of the Uninon at this time may seem week and vunerable, but I assure you it is strong, and mighty. No enemy can deter our course in the world. Regarding the situation in the Southern Islands, I am pleased to say, RedTide2, has called for a cease-fire to be observed and for all of us to return to diplomatic negotiations. Since severing the ties, it's been speratic combat, in order to save Truce, Aurora, Corona, and Animalpolis from the clutches of our enemies. {Applause} What these Governments are doing, is showing an utter disrespect for International Law, and their own cries of Soveringty. They have proved they can neither show respect for the soverignty of their own people, nor of other states. Protected or not, that is territory owned by the people of the islands, not by Stevid, not by Independent Hitmen, HotDogs2, or RedTide2. The Global Defense Initative, has shown it does not uphold the respect for it's own charter, by backing these extermist Governments, and allowing RedTide and Stevid, to slaughter innocent civilians. And the forceful removal of Duchess Shino from her home and sovereign teritory. The Knights of the Templar are now on INTERPOL's top Wanted List, and they will remian that until the Stevid Government hands them over. What these nations are doing, is trying to undermine a free and just society in the Southern Islands. By allowing the Metas to resume their ethnic cleansing, on an island that was shortly away from becoming a full nation state. Now it has decended back into chaos. These Government are undermining a democratic society, and imposing their rule of law. Backing out now will give them that advantage, and will show Kanami is not dedicated to it's international goals. {applause} It will reflect poorly on us, whom we have sworn to be the protector of the weak in society. Karou and I, will work our hardest to ensure the Islands come out free states {Applause} Not again, will we back down to the threats of an empty alliance. {Applause} The United Nations, refuses to do anything about I.H. which is why Kanami must contiune to seek alliances that belive in being agressive in the world, in ensuring the rights and liberties of people, and not of the Government. {Aplause} Whether we are at the forefront of an Alliance, or the back, we must contiune our international affairs. Opening more embassies in more countries, to keep our ideals alive.

Here at home, it's clear why the Attack on Carmina Gadalica happend. We weren't prepared to fend it off. We should have been. If we had been, this wouldn't have happend. I propose tonight, a new proposal, for our defense systems. 22.3 Billion Kanamians will be put into creating a new ICBM defense system. {aplause} For the entire country. So that everyone may sleep easy knowing our eyes are on the sky. {applause} In addition, we need to start a gradual improvment in our defense. Enough that will keep us safe, and enough to allow our interventionist forces to work with ease. And enough that we don't bankrupt our economy. {applause} We face great dangers from juggernaughts like Stevid. Our allies are only so capable of helping us, and it's clear not many will race to our calls. In addition to my previous proposal, I ask that 125 million be set asside for new and better military technology to be developed with in the next five years. In the next 20-30 years, this Military should be stronger than ever before, but we must be caustious as to not ruin our economy to do so. {applause} It's been put through from both parties, to begin using non-convential weapons. Biological, chemical, even nuclear. But we must not sink to that level. The level of using weapons of mass destruction, that are good for nothing. {applause} Kanami will always remain a nuclear free state {applause}

At the start of my term as Prime Minister, I passed a bill to protect children of abuse. By initating stronger punishment for child abuse. It's done the children of this country good. However a staggering amount of children are still being abused or neglected. That is not acceptable. Too many in Social Services don't do their job in taking the child away, because they keep giving famlies multiple chances. And some over react to situations, causing a deterance in the system. Children are often too afraid to say anything because they are afraid of they will be spliting ther family aparts. Some are afraid of running for help because they fear they will be returned to their abusive parents or gaurdians. That is why I propose the opening of nation wide safe houses, where one can stay with out the fear of being returned or found. School need to pay better attention to children who are displaying the signs of abuse, and we must reward thoes that do the right thing and report child abuse. We also must protect thoes with the right intentions. call for another Good Semeritan Law. Thoes that report child abuse, with just reasons, can not and should not face civil suites. {Applause} Last year, a new law was passed that required all Adoption and Short Term Foster Parents must be certified by the nation. {Applause} This has shown a staggering decline in abuse rates from these situations. {Applause} I am also pleased to say Gay and Lesbian Parents are showing the same stability rate as Hetero parents. {Applause} A stabel family and a loving enviroment make for stong leaders of our country, and productive memebers of soceity. {Applause} Children who are caught in the middle of petty arguments between parents, and violent situations, suffer just as much as a child who is being directly abuse. This 3rd Party Abuse is staggering in numbers, and it needs to stop. We need tougher laws on Children caught in Spousal Domestic Violence, and we need better provisions on children caught in a post-divorce powerstuggle. {Applause} The Proxy Abuse Law will ensure that this happens within the next year. {Applause}.

Our Economy is not growing fast enough to meet the demands of our expanding population. The restrictions on business that were previously lifted came back with a vengance. {applause} It's understandable, with the outragous behavior practices demonstrated by Cute Bunny Corperation, and LifeWyze Industires, as well as Raven Corps, and the Griffencrest Corperation, we have come back to square one. These corperations have only fuled the hatred and fear of big business. But for every unethical business, there is another ethcial one. Ones of good social conscienceness, ones that belive strongly in the rights of workers, and less in profits. Ones that give more than expected to society. Ones that come down hard on thoes with in their ranks that violate the law. Ones that abide by the Enviromental Laws, and refuse to cut corners. For these industires that practice these, I propose a tax relife. {applause} A tax relife that will alow them to grow, and prosper. We invite good international business, to come and set up shop. {appluse} More business equals more money that comes back to our economy. We must also protect thoes that face threats from greedy corperations. By preventing hostile takeovers of smaller industires. and restricting monoply on the markets. {Applause} Small business shouldn't be forced to compete against large business.

Issues have been raised over abortion. Abortion has always been a fickled issue in this country. With every poltical party comes a diffrent polcey on how to do with the situation. We need a solid statment to create an outright ban of all abortion in this country. {Applause} The child deserves a right to live, inside and outside the womb. {Applause} But to achive this with less cricticism, we need to improve on a few things. A mother should be able to leave her baby in a safe place, such as a hospital with no questions asked. The cost of a medical treatment for labor and delivery must be reduced to a suitable ammount. Especially for young singel to-be-mothers. My adopted sister Margaret, could have easily been aborted. Instead she was put up for adoption, and now she is here with us tonight. {applause}

I feel very grateful she is here with us, along with my mother, Alexis Romney. {Applause} My mother who raised me and my older siblings by her self. {Applause} And now has taken on a new daughter. {applause} Too often children in our world go vastly ingnored. They become lost in the suffel of Darwinism and social contracts. No one is around to nurture them take care of them, guide them in life. One woman decided to do something about that. By starting up the World Youth Council {Applause} which is the forefront for all youth. Not just the poor and downtrodden, but all kids from all walks of life. Young leaders of our world, and inspiring youth. She is here tonight in the upper balcony, Lucill Allen. {Applause} Life can hit us hard and quickly. In an instant we can be thrown into situations we aren't prepared for. People can rise to the occasion. Princess Tomoyo Mikanu has proven her self to be a nobel leader, freind and ally. She has put her life in jepordy for her nations intrest and to help promote ours. She went as far as to sneak into the Stevid Capital and claim to be the half-sister of the Prime Minister {Laughter and applause} She cooperativley spent a week in a Jail Cell
as a result, and she has never felt better. {Applause} Another nobel mention is Empress Kinimoto of Magic Sorcery, who could not be here tonight. She has faced endless persecution and shunning in the world. She stood up to a leader who stole poltical power from her, much like our founder Yasashii Himura stood up to a powerhungry leader. She also took the throne from her late parents and is an aspiring and brave girl. {Applause} Last but not least, our faithful comerads from Aqua Anu. Queen Mikaux Akoowa, and her daughter Subaru, have faced their share of heavy criticisim and threats. They have stood by us in war and peace. They rule their nation with respect and dignaty. {Applause} We have brave soldiers fighting for us every day. Air Force Piolt Yukiko Kinimoto who sacraficed her self to draw the AA fire in the Last Hanover War {applause} Pilot Mike McKnight, who in his Black Widow, protected many piolits, he was awarded the Air Hawk Medal. {applause} And now he's already fought against the insurgencies on Truce, Corona, and Aurora. Pvt. Alexandra Dumass, who took a bullet protecting another private. {applause} And our admirals on the sea. Ladies and Gentalmen of Parliment, Distingushed Guests and fellow citizens. Our state of the Uninon is Strong. Good night and God Bless."

OOC: Nicely done. I didn't read it all due to lack of time, but it's good and I just may post my own. :)

EDIT:

State of the Empire Address


“Mr. Speaker, the Lord Governor of the Dominion Commonwealth of the Democratic Constitutional Monarchy of the Secular Empire of Maraque.”

The expansive chamber laden with gold and marble accents was filled to capacity as all 572 members of the Imperial Congress filled the chamber to hear the annual State of the Empire Address by the Lord Governor. The only noticeable difference was the addition of the Dominion Commonwealth flag placed beside the Maraquean flag. As is customary, the Vice Empress Helena Norris was sat behind the podium, along with the Lord Governors entire cabinet.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed members of Congress. I thank you all for attending.

I’d like to begin tonight’s speech about my decision to break away from a two-century old tradition of a non-income tax state. For more than 2,000 years, our nation has survived and thrived without ever imposing on the pockets of the Maraquean people, but late last year I asked the Imperial Congress for permission to change that law, and they responded in kind by voting in favor of my legislation to enact the first ever income taxes this nation has ever seen. Starting next month, citizens who earn upwards of 45,000 maras per year will start paying 1% of their income to the nation, in order to better serve the people with more quality social programs and services, among other things. The system implemented has been created so the more you earn, the more you contribute to the tax system. Some believe this is an unfair tax on the wealthy; I say it is a fair tax, simply because the more you earn the more money you can afford to contribute to the system, and in the end you will be rewarded for your contribution by the higher quality services your tax maras will bring. The fiscal year starting February 2nd, a total of budget of $10.2 trillion maras has been put into the Social Welfare system, which will go towards helping the poor and homeless find jobs, homes, and give them the necessary monetary opportunities to better themselves and their families so they too have a chance at the Maraquean Dream.

Another important issue at the forefront of our nation is Healthcare; due to our new income tax system we’ve been able to significantly improve the short term and long term care you are receiving free of charge at all of our hospitals nationwide. We’ve been able to hire more doctors and nurses, and have the funds to offer basic universal healthcare to all of our citizens; something we were simply unable to do before. I proposed a budget of $8.3 trillion maras to the Imperial Congress, and it has passed with no opposition in all three chambers.

And now I’m going to talk a little bit about Education. Education has always been a very important part of our nation’s history; Maraque is after all the home where many of the worlds greatest scholars came from, and that in part has to do with our historical emphasis on education. Education in Maraque couldn’t be any better; we’ve constantly been rated among the most intelligent people on the planet by the United Nations, and we’ve received international accolades for our top-rated and prestigious universities, as well as our teachers and professors who have done a fantastic job teaching our future generations of citizens. The bill I proposed to the Imperial Congress consisted of a contribution of $15.3 trillion maras towards education; about a quarter of our total national budget, because without education our nation could never thrive as much as it has, and will continue to do. Our schools and universities have better supplies and teachers than ever before; more and more people are taking advantage of the universal healthcare we’re yet again now able to offer our citizens, rather than going to a private university, because they are now seeing the benefit of a free education verses one you pay for.

Now let’s talk about Defense. Yes, I am fully aware that defense is quite the sensitive subject in Maraque, because we’ve went so long without an active military without ever needing one, but in this dangerous world there are just too many enemies out there that want to murder our women and children, our mothers and fathers, our grandmothers and grandfathers, our aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Terrorism is not something we can tolerate, and it is something we will not tolerate. Just this past year we got a wake up call, when the now non-existent Fourth Holy Reich launched an unprovoked attack upon our capital, Super City, destroying 22 skyscrapers and murdering thousands. The attack did not go unanswered; within minutes of their attack, we initiated a nuclear strike upon their capital, destroying it and essentially the nation itself. One could say we used excessive force, I say we used appropriate force, because no one messes with Maraque and expects us to sit back and pretend like nothing happened. Instead, for the first time in our nations history, I asked the Imperial Congress to accept a proposal for a $2.5 trillion mara military budget, and it passed. Once that hurtle was done for, we waited and waited as people flooded in from across the country signed up to join the Armed Services. To date, we have approximately 30 million servicemen and women in the Armed Services, and we thank each and every one of you for your decision to potentially sacrifice your own life for your country. Now, if we ever face a ground invasion – a short pause – we will be prepared to fight back.

My next subject of discussion will be Law and Order. Maraque is a peaceful society; we pride ourselves in our extremely low and sometimes completely non existent crime rates. With my new Law and Order budget we will see a slight increase in the 66 million men and women in our police force, as well as better equipment to help serve the people who will need emergency help on those rare occasions it does happen. Some federal prisons have been demolished because of the lack of need, and others have been renovated to give minor offenders the dignity they deserve even behind bars. Also relating to Law and Order was my executive decision to ban the death penalty; something many did not approve of. My reason behind this executive order was a result of the recent execution of Saddam Hussein, and seeing how badly and gruesome it truly was. I do not believe any Maraquean citizen should have to go through the torment and inhumane act of execution, and I hope I am supported behind my decision to give reparations to all the living families’ of federally executed victims.

Now I will talk a little about the economy. As you all may know, the country went into a small recession following my decision to implement an income tax. This was an unavoidable negative effect of my decision, and I still stand by my decision to implement an income tax, because I knew that eventually, with the help of my economic advisors I could turn the economy around and I have done so, because our economy is now at its highest point in its history and it is growing at a steady pace of roughly $340 billion per year. It also is benefiting all people, not just the wealthy, unlike the economy of the United States which benefits a few. Also with my efforts to give corporate giants less power, we’ve improved the working conditions that many Maraqueans are subject to every single day, and forced these power hungry corporations that are only driven by profits to give their employees better pay, better healthcare, and better respect because if it wasn’t for them these big, useless CEOs and other higher ups wouldn’t be able to receive their multi-million mara bonuses each year, on top of their immensely high incomes to begin with. We’ve also implemented a 60% profit tax on corporations that earn more than $10 trillion maras in a given year after expenses, because we believe if they earn enough money to achieve a profit of that high an income, they should contribute to the society that works for them, and that they serve.

Public Transportation is very much unchanged except for the fact that we’ve now got more buses, taxis and other services on the road to make sure our citizens get where they’re going, when they need to be there. Our train services have been upgraded, and we’ve now lowered the cost of these services too so you can now afford to travel more often, and starting soon all of these services will be absolutely free.

Social Equality is one of our society’s most prized positions. What would Maraque be without social equality? Certainly not the progressive nation it is today. With the new Social Equality budget we are making sure people of all walks of life are getting the proper treatment and equal opportunities they deserve. We’re using the funds to make sure uncooperative conservative provinces such as Hythoria do not violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that our nation was founded on, because a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an act against the nation, which is considered treason, the absolute highest offense a citizen could commit.

I thank you all for coming tonight, and listening to what I have to say. I look forward to the year ahead, and what it may bring. May you all have a great night, and may the glorious Empire last forever."

thank you

OOC: I honestly have to say that is really well done Kanami. I must post on here with my own national address.

On another matter to do with Hanover and the Southern Islands, i haven't been able to post because of time. You can assume i agreed to the cease-fre (which you may have already done). Attending a conference may be difficult but i will try to post. But in the long run it is safe to say i will withdraw all forces in and around truce island simply because i need them elsewhere. The Golden War of Succession is now extremly demanding on military resources and i can't waste them on taking a few little islands with a motive to simply annoy you....bad for the economy y'know.

State of the Proletarian Union

The General Assembly Building in the capital of Jonensberg, Kulikovia was a massive and old building which underwent reconstruction and renovation projects over the last decade. It was modern but still appeared in its' prestine order from hundreds of years past. The room was large with balcony seats which were all filled with politicians, citizens, important figures, as well as other people of interest. The newly elected Chancellor Gunther Rhinehart took to the podium. To his right, Premier Johannes Koehler, head of the Judiciary Party and Vice Chancellor. To his left, Alexsandr Tolokoff, Speaker of the Assembly.

"Mr.Speaker, the Chancellor of the Worker's State of Kulikovia" The whole room erupted into clapping and cheering as the bright young Chancellor emerged up to the podium. His air of confidence showed as he proudly took the podium.

"Good evening citizens of Kulikovia" he began, calming himself "As well as our members of the Senate and House of Deputies" Rhinehart introduced the important people and made several ice breaking comments to loosen up the feeling in the room.
"I want to begin by saying that as the newly elected Chancellor of this great nation I want to take a moment to give thanks to Gregor Dantes and his tireless work to further our nation" the crowd cheered once more as the former Chancellor stood and waved to the crowds of people "He has been a champion of the proletariat. The Iron Champion in fact. I wish to continue his great legacy and doctrines. But also, we wish to bring about change. Our economy has entered a period of decline. Affecting the everday lives of us all. To stimulate the growth of our economy and create more jobs for the jobless, I will be introducing several bills into the Assembly that will loosen the chains on the private sector, allowing for a more free market. Only by doing this will our economy jump back to its' feet. For too long we have stuck to stingy and outdated doctrines about economic matters. The time for change is now and I can only see a bright future for us all!"
The crowd errupted into a cheer once again.

"Our healthcare system and retirement plans also need some reform. Our elders are the ones who forged this nation and they deserve to live out the rest of their lives without the worry of financial burdens. Also, more money shall be diverted to the Ministries of Education, Health and Welfare, and Economy to further bolster our people. The youth of today are the future leaders of tomorrow and their education is paramout to keeping them off the streets and on the right track. Education is thee most important part of my new policies. We must better ourselves before we can go out and better outhers."

"I also want to talk about Defense and the military. Our military has suffered defeats and scandals in Hataria and the Burnsian Desert. Both campaigns were mismanaged and underpowered. With cooperation from opposition leaders we are hopeful to pull back our military from various conflict zones abroad. The age old doctrine of supporting wars of liberation are old and we must look to the new. No longer can we send our young men and women to die for a cause that they need not die for. We will scale back operations and work more with the United Nations. But, the doctrine still stands but now we will be more wise on where to intervene."

Chancellor Rhinehart continued for awhile longer, discussing religious rights, social welfare, reform, and several other topics. As the address ended, he departed the stage with the words "Through unity of the Proletariat we shall prevail". The citizens were optimistic about the future as we walked away. Cheers of grateful people followed him.

Very intresting, thank you to all

Parliament, House of Commons

“The House now recognises Prime Minister David Conroy”

Conroy stood up to the jeers of the Conservative Party but the overwhelming cheers from the Conroy Party. He was to address the commons on the current major agendas the country was facing at this time, both at home and over seas.

“Thank you Mister Speaker and I’d like to thank you all for attending this Parliamentary this evening. First I’d like to start with the main agenda that this country faces and is on everybody’s minds- the Golden War of Succession against The Macabees and her allies and more recently the Merkar Republic just to the South East of Safehaven. Regarding the war on the front against the Merkar Republic I can safely and truthfully say that the war in that theatre is well in our favour for the moment. We have invaded the island of Bigtoa and are now pushing forwards to get an even greater foothold on the enemy’s territory. The landings were conducted by XX Corps- the Irish Armoured Tank Division and seventy units of 42 Commando Royal Marines, 2 Commando Royal Marines and 12 Commando Royal Marines who support the main army infantry and light tank attack after the initial invasion. The invasion of Bigtoa was a success and we hope to add to it with a day or so. Concerning the front with the Royal Navy 3rd Fleet things could be going better as I am told by the First Sea Lord, the main bulk of the 3rd Fleet is moving to engage the enemy’s own armada that it has assembled after the Kentagi Point Harbour raid while Splinter Fleet Bigtoa is sitting at anchor while the RFA drop off the needed supplies for the ground forces. However both fleets have to keep tight formations because of the huge enemy submarine presence and I regret to say that we are losing ships at a rate of 1:1 or 2:1, it depends on the skill of our crews and the enemy’s. To try and counter the harassing submarines the Admirals have decided on an all out ASW war on the submarines near Bigtoa- I will update the House when casualty figures come in.

Regarding the situation around Hanover and Kanami, I am pleased to report that a ceasefire has been agreed upon and the fighting has come to an end. We believe that the fighting will not erupt again because on the strain on resources both sides have to put into the war effort. Kanami has spent literally billions upon billions of their currency to just keep them in the fight while only a third of our defence budget has been used to fight Kanami. However I sent the 2nd Fleet in to show Kanami what they were dealing with and ordered the invasion of Truce Island to bring her back to the negotiation table. Either through arrogance, negligence or principles, Kanami declared war on Stevid which wasn’t quite what we wanted. Kanami immediately lost ground to Stevid and her allies and thus were shoved on the defensive right from the word go. Stalemates ensued and we resorted to attacking the Kanami capital city with conventional ICBM warheads in a bid to show Kanami our raw military strength and power thus forcing them to ask for a ceasefire. As you all know it had little effect, while the capital city was heavily damaged in the attack the replied in kind with a bombing run on our capital city itself, breached the fortress walls and bombed the docklands harbour where several Hanover Class Cruisers were under construction.
This stalemate continued and in the end it was us, ironically, Stevid and her allies that asked for the ceasefire and not Kanami. The enemy held us at bay long enough for other issues over seas to make us focus our attentions elsewhere, however now the ceasefire is accepted and a conference being readied I have ordered the 2nd Fleet back to Stevid for re-supplying and I have ordered that ALL troops be removed from Truce Island. The evacuation is happening as we speak.

The major news at home which also linked to the conflict against Kanami is the appearance of the Knights Templar on the INTERPOL hit list. As all of you before me in the House are well aware we do not recognise INTERPOL, International Courts or the activities of both and thus are usually immune to their direct intervention. We are however are shocked at the behaviour and radical steps the Templars are instigating on truce Island and have asked them to cease the religious killings. Kanami supports us in our denouncing of the Templars activities and likewise with our own allies but Kanami wants more, they informed INTERPOL and they have put pressure on this Government to hand over the Knights Templar to INTERPOL security operatives- these is where this House has divided opinions… I have already told the House, the country and the Templars that, although they were acting unlawfully in Truce, I would not turn them in.” {{Sporadic Jeering}}

[i]“Order in the House!”

“All of us can agree that the Knights Templar sect of the Church has done this country many great favours. Thanks to them the Satanic terrorist group RED Cell has been all be wiped from the face of the Earth and the fear they invoke to religions still band in this country keeps radicalism and illegal practising at a bare minimum. There is still a lot of intolerance because of them I will admit. When we let the Muslims and Hindis back in nearly half a year ago there were numerous cases of rioting in which the Templars were involved in crushing before it spread out into other communities. The Templars have done many wrong things but they are more good than evil- without them this country’s terrorist and religious problems would be rampant.

Other reason why I can not hand them over is because we, the government, have no control over them. Politics and religion in democracies stay well away from each other unless there is a common interest of ideologies or conflicting ideologies. So far both sides have got on well. However I can only request things of them, I cannot order them to do anything- only the Grand Master, the Pope and God apparently have this authority, and as a practising Christian myself I respect their solitude from Politics. The Templars are powerful and this country would do well to remain allies with their cause rather than appose it.

Thank You.” {{Cheering and Jeering for either sides of the House ensue until the Speaker of the House announces the beginning of Prime Minister Question Time}}