NationStates Jolt Archive

31st March 2520CE, People's Republic of Golden Rebirth
Golden Rebirth Independent Media Network

In a shock decision today, President Michael Astari announced that all public religious services were to be outlawed by criminal law.

"I find religion to be the number one cause for bigotry and hatred in our nation, ", proclaimed the lifelong dictator of Golden Rebirth and outspoken critic of spirituality, "and by relegating religion to home life I intend to curtail it.

"There will be uproar, but eventually the people will see that there is method in this madness."

Police have already started to take over places of worship, but the full legislation criminalising public displays of faith takes effect next week.

No rioting has yet occurred, but opinion ratings in the religious minority of Golden Rebirth have taken a severe hit. "Personally, I think he's done it just to hit out at the religious, " replied one citizen when questioned, "It's a known fact that our 'beloved President' despises God."

President Astari declined to comment.

(OOC: the current year in GR is 2520, but technologically it is a MT nation)

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/agrandov.jpg
THE CENTRAL STATE OF AGRANDOV
One State. One Party. One Future.

Communication

The People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

The Central State of Agrandov and the Empire under the justified control of myself, the Emperor, recognise the sovereign right of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth to alter it's laws and internal balance as it sees fit. The Glorious Empire will see no harm come to the People's Republic at the hands of barbaric spiritualists who have long been criminalised within our Empire.

The Empire will hereby guarantee the sovereignty of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth, and offers military assistance if this action leads to internal revolt or external invasion. However, actual military intervention is not guaranteed given the probability of high-priority operations for the Armed Forces in the near future.

Several independent Agrandan groups, most notably the Anti-Faith League (AFL) and the National Front for Science and Reason (NFSR) have expressed interest to the government in creating regional headquarters in the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth, although for specific details they would have to be contacted directly. The Central State of Agrandov itself wishes to further diplomatic and economic ties with the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth, should reasonable arrangements be reachable.

Signed, and awaiting your response,

Emperor Jacob Shaw,
Emperor of Agrandov.

Memo from Theocrat Charier of the Theocracy of Fluidism Viriline to President Michael Astari of Golden Rebirth:

You are officially declared an idiot in our nation (we have an actual list). Your total violation of your citizens' rights is horrifying, and the aberrations and the cruelties it will undoubtedly lead to are even worse.

We urge you to repeal this nonsense immediately. Seeing as how we have a far larger population than you with all citizens available for levy, it would be wise for you to listen.

We see no reason for the Central State of Agrandov to interfere. We will protect basic human rights.

The Holy Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus demands that you comply with one of two options.

A. Cease these pointless restrictions on the inalienable right of all persons to the freedom of concious
or
B. Allow those who do not wish to live in a nation hostile to the rights of it's citizenry to leave, in compliance with the right of all people's to the freedom of movement

These are on pain of war.

Grand Master Juan Diego de Guadelupe
Holy Father of the Catholic Church in the Empire of the Five States, Grand Master of the Holy Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus, Bishop of Port San Lucas, Vicar of Longinus and Peter, and the Patriarch of The American Privateer.

Official Communiqué
from the Office of the President of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

To: Grand Master Juan Diego de Guadelupe, Holy Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus

It has always been my belief that a nation of unhappy dissenters is a doomed nation. As such, any of those who do not want to live in a nation free of public religion are not only allowed, but are strongly advised to leave. We would be happy to accommodate transport to other nations PROVIDING that said transport is closely guarded by Golden Rebirth overseers and that NO attempt to instill dissidence in our nation is made.

I refuse to repeal the law as I believe the removal of religious influence is a necessary requirement for the prosperity of this nation.

President Michael Astari, Golden Rebirth

----

Official Communiqué
from the Office of the President of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

To: Emperor Jacob Shaw, Central State of Agrandov

Golden Rebirth is thankful for your offer of further diplomacy. We would certainly enjoy further communication with the AFL and NFSR, and are happy to discuss further diplomatic and economic ties.

President Michael Astari, Golden Rebirth

We are pleased with the decision of the Longinean Order to join us. If they invade, we will do the same. And your president will not survive such an invasion's aftermath as your government will be somewhat restructured.

(ooc: hmm, I tried to post a reply, but it ended up in the mod queue for some reason... twice (because I didn't know what was causing it not to appear the first time). oh well.

if it doesn't get approved by tomorrow I'll write a smaller set of replies, it might have been the size of the post combined with the newness of this account that got it queued... then again I don't know because it's never happened before!)

OOC EDIT: look above :P

Official Declaration by His Majesty's Government of the Kingdom of Bavaria

I will first begin this missive by stating that it has forever been the position of His Majesty's Government that each state has a right to conduct affairs within its own realm as it would see fit to do, and that for another state to intervene in purely internal matters is not only most improper, but also a blatant attack on the international system as it is known and understood. Thus let no one believe that we mean to threaten the government of Golden Rebirth in any way, nor would we encourage any other state to do the same.

Now, that having been said, we feel we must make clear our total, complete, and utter opposition to the recent anti-religious laws forcibly imposed by the administration of President Astari. While we admit we do not know enough of the situation in that country to make a fully informed judgment on the matter, we believe it safe to say that any measure that completely outlaws public displays of religious is immediately suspect.

For throughout our history, we have observed neighboring states restrict religion and destroy the role of churches in public life, ostensibly for the sake of the public welfare. Yet what is it it that inevitably replaces the old organised faiths? Ultimately, as was the case with Soviet Russia, worship of the state and the deification of the ruling party followed. People's traditional culture and faith were crushed, and all for what? Nothing apart from the government's attempt to control every aspect of citizens' lives.

But we do not find that such is the case with the Rebirth government, at least not as of the present time. We earnestly hope and pray that the government will soon see the error of its ways and realize that their policy of enforced secularism and the complete divorce of religion from the public sphere causes more problems than it solves. Bavaria has had complete freedom of religion since the establishment of the constitution in 1818, and our experience has been one of relative domestic tranquility. While most of the nation remains faithfully Catholic, yes, those who choose to believe differently are not prosecuted or discriminated against in any way. In fact, Bavarians are generally agreed that religion offers more benefits to society than problems. After all, if the churches were gone, who would perform all of the charitable functions that they do? Or who would offer a reasonably-priced, high quality alternative to public education? These are all concerns that we hope President Astari has considered.

On behalf of His Majesty King Maximilian III of Bavaria and his government,

Count Leopold von Hohenberg
Foreign Minister of Bavaria

The Holy Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus demands that you comply with one of two options.

A. Cease these pointless restrictions on the inalienable right of all persons to the freedom of concious
or
B. Allow those who do not wish to live in a nation hostile to the rights of it's citizenry to leave, in compliance with the right of all people's to the freedom of movement

These are on pain of war.

Grand Master Juan Diego de Guadelupe
Holy Father of the Catholic Church in the Empire of the Five States, Grand Master of the Holy Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus, Bishop of Port San Lucas, Vicar of Longinus and Peter, and the Patriarch of The American Privateer.

Official Response from The President of The American Privateer
We are glad to support the leadership of the faithful of half of our nation in this action. We wish them the best of luck, and urge them to attempt to resolve this peacefully, as they shall be needed should the invasion of The American Privateer commence.

We are pleased with the decision of the Longinean Order to join us. If they invade, we will do the same. And your president will not survive such an invasion's aftermath as your government will be somewhat restructured.

We urge the leadership of Fluidism Viriline to not threaten the Execution of the "President" of PRGR as it shall only further the views of the Radical-Atheists that those of us who embrace faith are little more than barbarians.

Official Government Communication

The government of the Republic of Svestovia fully supports President Astari in his decision to outlaw public religious services. Understanding that whilst this is not something our government would do, we support the right of a nation to manage its own internal affairs.

We also deplore the declaration of violent intent by Thecrat Charier of Fluidism Viriline and the Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus. We believe that such threats only undermine the diplomatic process before it has even fully initiated.

André Bonnaire
Minister of Foreign Affairs

12 April 2520CE, Alpha City, Golden Rebirth
Golden Rebirth Independent News Network

Seven civilians were killed and three others seriously injured as the Golden Rebirth police force forcibly took hold of the First Church of Golden Rebirth in downtown Alpha City.

The church, which is now being stripped of its religious imagery, will be converted into a non-discriminatory medical clinic, as per President Astari's belief that "all seized buildings must be reused for the public good". However, many civilians are outraged at what they call a needless loss of life.

"They were ruthless... bloodthirsty, even, " said one eye-witness, "It's obscene. I'm going to take my children tomorrow and we're going to leave the country... on foot, if necessary."

However, President Astari, in a rare public speech, denounced the police force responsible.

"It is the last thing this nation needs, to have minor criminals practically issued the death penalty by overzealous police.

"I assure the international sector that a full inquiry is underway, and those that took part in this unlawful killing will be brought to justice."

Official Declaration by Theocrat Charier:

Mr. President, I believe that Hitler too spoke about justice. Hitler also wanted to do away with religion, and see where that led. And to the government of The American Privateer, while you speak wisely, an act of humanitarian intervention now may prevent future bloodshed.

While we view public services as a good thing, we would recommend that you fund them on your own rather than seeking to take over houses of worship. It would be cheaper- much cheaper -than the war we are very wiling to fight.

Let's compare numbers. Your entire population is 7 million. We have 40 million, and we are willing to conscript one quarter of them- ten million- to restore basic rights to your land. Also, our economy is strong, while yours is described as a basket case. Also, from what I've heard, defense gets little funding in your country, while for us it is a priority. You could not win a war against us.

Now, will you restore the right to worship to your nation or not? We would like to hear a yes, or we will be forced to remove one more tyrant from the map and replace him with a political opposite from his nation.

Official Communiqué
from the Office of the President of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

To: Theocrat Charier, Fluidism Viriline

I feel that your attitude towards our nation's politics very... disheartening, and doubt the majority of the international community echo your warmongering statements. Furthermore, it is only public worship that has been banned. Private worship - that is, worship in closed residential quarters - is still allowed, albeit frowned upon.

As you highlighted in your last communiqué, a war, if unaided, would be very damaging to Golden Rebirth, and as such I would rather a compromise be made. However, at this stage I refuse to repeal the law on public worship.

President Michael Astari, Golden Rebirth

(OOC: This reminds me of myself when I started out RK)

To President Astari:

Our nation has historically had to fight for its survival, and as such, we have evolved into a very militaristic culture. We would be willing to fight to protect the right to public worship.

I find your foolishness astounding, and i am sure there are many in your nation who would love to see you fall. We have no interest in running your place, but surely you are interested in keeping it?

Official Communiqué
from the Office of the President of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

To: Grand Master Juan Diego de Guadelupe, Holy Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus

It has always been my belief that a nation of unhappy dissenters is a doomed nation. As such, any of those who do not want to live in a nation free of public religion are not only allowed, but are strongly advised to leave. We would be happy to accommodate transport to other nations PROVIDING that said transport is closely guarded by Golden Rebirth overseers and that NO attempt to instill dissidence in our nation is made.

I refuse to repeal the law as I believe the removal of religious influence is a necessary requirement for the prosperity of this nation.

President Michael Astari, Golden Rebirth

Official Message from the Holy Order of the Knights of Saint Longinus
Please understand, that we shall be sending in Knights of the Order to the Catholic Churches within your nation. Said buildings are, by their very nature, sovereign territories of the Roman Catholic Church and all Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope.

Therefore, as the head of the Longinean Catholic Church, in full communion with Rome, I must warn you that any attempts to dismantle the Catholic Churches in your nation shall be seen as an assault on the Sovereignty of the Catholic Church across the globe, and shall be considered an Act of War.

St. Elmo Naval Base
Several large Troop Transports left the naval base, their knights on board. All of them wore their gleaming white tabards over the heavy body armor designed for them. At their waist hung swords of all shapes and sizes, each one best suited to the method of fighting that the individual knight preferred. Over their shoulders where SA80 Assault Rifles.

In the hold, the Tomahawk motorcycles and lances of the knights where located, ready for use as necessary in defense of the churches.

All in all, three divisions of 16,000 men where dispatched as Guardians of the Church.

BREAKING NEWS

16 April 2520CE, Golden Rebirth
Golden Rebirth Independent News Network

Lifelong President Michael Astari has been taken to hospital after a failed assassination attempt left him with a severe, but not fatal, shot wound to the arm.

The shot was fired by a 32-year old Robert Gardner, well-known civil rights activist, who has been immediately apprehended and is awaiting questioning.

It can only be assumed at this stage that the assassination attempt was a direct result of the President's decision last month to criminalise public worship, which has led to international uproar and threats of war.

Letter from Theocrat Charier to President Astari:

My Fellow Ruler,

I am sure that this assassination attempt must have done something to open your mind to your foolishness. Now here is an ultimatum. If the law is not repealed by tomorrow, or I receive an outright refusal before then, we shall invade. However, unlike the Longinean order, we shall place not only some houses of worship but the entire country under our control, and your survival of the aftermath will not be guaranteed. Think on it.

Sincerely,
Theocrat Charier

Official Communiqué
from the Office of the President of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

To: Theocrat Charier, Fluidism Viriline

The President has decided that it is in the public interest to repeal the law with immediate effect, HOWEVER he has made it clear that this has only been done to prevent a war, and NOT a decision he wished to make.

All seized buildings will remain owned and operated by the State; all Catholic Churches will remain under the uncontested protection of the Longinean Guardians of the Church until they make a move to withdraw.

It has also been decided that, in addition to an embargo on Fluidism Viriline trade, all Fluidism Viriline nationals currently in Golden Rebirth will have immediate deportation status attached and transport to any available mediating nations will be arranged. All travel to and from Fluidism Viriline for any reason will be immediately cancelled.

Authorised Interim Spokesperson Ami D'Arcy
on behalf of President Michael Astari, Golden Rebirth

President Astari,

That is good enough. We hope you learn from this foolishness. You came very near to a messy- quick, but messy- end.

-Theocrat Charier

Imperial Diplomatic Communication

Her Imperial Majesty's Government wishes to express our great pleasure that it was possible to resolve this issue without excessive violence. While actions in the PRGR by President Astari were perhaps unnecessary, the harsh actions initiated by the International Community, including a direct threat of invasion made by Fluidism Viriline, were disturbing to say the least.

It is the Empress's opinion that those involved in this dispute were too quick in resorting to the sword where diplomatic finesse would have done quite nice in its place.

It is also the general opinion in Romandeos that Golden Rebirth it right to take its present actions against Fluidism Viriline, including deportations, and halting international travel.

~ Imperial Diplomatic Representative John Garrett

Private Communication

For: Authorised Interim Spokesperson Ami D'Arcy
From: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
RE: Presient's Health
Encryption: Secret

Madam Spokesperson,

I am terribly saddened to learn that somebody has attempted to assassinate President Astari, though it is perhaps true he brought this on himself by what he has done recently.

I am simply contacting you to inquire as to the President's health, and to ask if there is anything we can do to assist in his recovery.

In addition, I am contacting you to let you know that, so long as the law put in place by President Astari stays repealed, the Imperial Federated States will have no problem helping you prevent an unjust invasion. If you feel any state involved in this dispute means to invade you, let us know, and we shall gladly launch a peacekeeping mission. This would consist of some Romandeosian troops in the area, to prevent any violence.

Regards,
HIM Empress Taunja I

Official Communiqué
from the Office of the President of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

To: Theocrat Charier, Fluidism Viriline

The President has decided that it is in the public interest to repeal the law with immediate effect, HOWEVER he has made it clear that this has only been done to prevent a war, and NOT a decision he wished to make.

All seized buildings will remain owned and operated by the State; all Catholic Churches will remain under the uncontested protection of the Longinean Guardians of the Church until they make a move to withdraw.

It has also been decided that, in addition to an embargo on Fluidism Viriline trade, all Fluidism Viriline nationals currently in Golden Rebirth will have immediate deportation status attached and transport to any available mediating nations will be arranged. All travel to and from Fluidism Viriline for any reason will be immediately cancelled.

Authorised Interim Spokesperson Ami D'Arcy
on behalf of President Michael Astari, Golden Rebirth

Letter from North Lines
As a Cruise Ship Line within The American Privateer, we would like to offer us the NL North-West Passage, a Voyager Class Cruise Ship, as an intermediary point for the transportation of Fluidism Viriline people out of your nation.

From Theocrat Charier to North Lines:

We would greatly appreciate that and will pay the cost of transport.

To Golden Rebirth:

If any of our citizens are made to surrender land they hold in your country, we request that they be compensated properly.

Of interest: Before anybody asks, we were not involved with the assassination attempt. We would have invaded openly.

Ami stepped up to the podium. It was the first time she'd ever made a public speech before - President Astari was not the type of man to hand off public speeches to his lackeys.

As a man constitutionally expected to serve the same purpose as an entire government would in most nations, President Astari never appointed any officials, but instead "asked" "favours" of those closest to him, to do the jobs he couldn't.

Ami was one of those people, a person that happened to be close enough to the President when he was hospitalised to be "asked" to serve as his mouthpiece until he could return to service. She had already written a few letters, to people she had never had correspondence with, to make his wishes clear. But now she had to address the public.

Grabbing the microphone with one hand, no script in the other, she only had a second to notice the "ON AIR" signs above her, one for radio and one for television, before they lit up, and outside, she could hear a nation's silence.

---

"Ci.. citizens of Golden Rebirth. I am Ami D'Arcy, authorised spokesperson for President Michael Astari.

"As you are aware. the decree forbidding public worship, that was only signed into law a few weeks ago, has been repealed.

"However, that is to be the last act of President Astari in government."

Ami could already hear the crowds of Astari supporters drawing surprised breaths by their television and radio sets.

"He died in hospital five minutes ago... under suspicious circumstances. He never named a successor."

Private Communication

For: Authorised Interim Spokesperson Ami D'Arcy
From: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
RE: Presidential Succession
Encryption: Most Secret

Madam Spokesperson,

It seems obvious to me what must be done here. Golden Rebirth must not be left to fall in to anarchy.

I was not originally my nation's monarch. I was an elected official who served her king loyally, until he was killed by a deadly plague, and I was forced to take his place. I suggest you act similarly here.

Declare that you are assuming the Presidency of the People's Republic before it is too late. I will give you support.

He named you his spokesperson when he was hospitalized. Yes, this is likely a largely convenience-based choice, but to appoint you he must also have been willing to trust that you would be capable. I urge you, do not betray his trust.

Regards,
HIM Empress Taunja I

To: Your Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
From: Ami D'Arcy

I am not sure whether I could take on such a burden. I am still quite unsure of how I managed to get into such a high position in the first place.

I am, however, thinking of holding an election - PRGR's first - to find a successor. Since there is no physical Constitution, such an act would be feasible.

If there was an election, it is highly likely that the candidates would be very similar to the late Astari politically. (Most of the other-minded would-be candidates left years ago on his "if you don't agree with me, then go" ticket.)

I will however assume the position of interim President until a decision on how to nominate a successor can be reached. Please let me know of your opinion on this.

Thanks for the correspondence,

Ami

Private Communication


For: Authorised Interim Spokesperson Ami D'Arcy
From: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
RE: Presidential Succession
Encryption: Most Secret

Madam Spokesperson,

Interim Presidency sounds good compared to no Presidency, but I would still like to suggest something more solid instead.

Elections would be a good idea, but I would see to a Constitution first, while keeping a hold on things as Interim President in the meantime. Also, when the new elections take place, you might stand as a candidate, because it is pretty much pointless holding elections if everybody is the same.

If you need it, that peacekeeping mission can still be launched.

Regards,
HIM Empress Taunja I

To: Your Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
From: Ami D'Arcy

Thank you for the promise of a peacekeeping mission. So far, I do not feel that the country is threatened by anything other than internal affairs, and thus I do not feel it is needed yet; however, this situation may quickly change.

Ami

-----

20 April 2520CE, Golden Rebirth
Golden Rebirth Independent News Network

In a sudden move today, Ami D'Arcy, one of the late President Astari's top friends and his appointed Spokesperson during his brief and tragic stay in Alpha City Hospital, has declared herself Lifelong President of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth.

Although she has no legal authority to do so, the circumstances involved mean that few are likely to rebel, especially as she has promised that she "will stay true to President Astari's plans for the nation", with the notable exception of his hardline (and some would say foolish) stance against religion, which she has condemned as "deliberately stirring up foreign relations for little to no benefit to the country".

Among her plans for the country are the introduction of a formal Constitution, the rebuilding of Golden Rebirth's heavily tarnished international image, and the reconstruction of the economy, which has been in a sorry state ever since the times before the nation's founding.

She has however also decided to deregulate her government somewhat, employing a small team of advisors for foreign relations and internal affairs. "I could never take hold of this country alone," she said, in her speech to the people. She will, however, remain the sole de jure authority on all state affairs.

Private Communication

For: Her Excellency President Ami D'Arcy
From: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
RE: Peacekeeping
Encryption: Most Secret

Madam President,

No thanks are necessary. It was my pleasure to support you. If you are at all interested, we would potentially welcome an open alliance.

Regards,
HIM Empress Taunja I

Letter from North Lines
As a Cruise Ship Line within The American Privateer, we would like to offer us the NL North-West Passage, a Voyager Class Cruise Ship, as an intermediary point for the transportation of Fluidism Viriline people out of your nation.

Official Communiqué, Presidency of the People's Republic of Golden Rebirth

Consider your offer accepted. Permission will be granted for the cruise ship to dock at any point on the southern coast, and guards will be assigned to escort those departing to it.

President Ami D'Arcy

Official Letter from Theocrat Charier to President D'Arcy:

Well, it appears that little has changed politically in your nation. Congratulations anyway. You're moving up in the world, and you look like you may make smarter choices than your predecessor.

To: Your Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart
From: Ami D'Arcy

An open alliance would be most acceptable. Please let me know if any further discussion is required.

Ami