New Edom Bans WorldVision Song Contest

[United Ardokian Commonwealth]

Alistair Moriarty (feat. Henriette Reiter & Marianne Hartmann) - Someone Like Moriarty

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Такого как Путин - One Like Putin

Moriarty would not be outdone, he would not let any other tune but his play in someone's head ...

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Over 50,000 people packed the Alistair Moriarty Entertainment Arena once more, for another catchy tune to educate them. Elder Dance Crew stood at the back of the dimly lit stage, clad in black leather outfits and wearing aviator sunglasses.

Directors Henriette Reiter and Marianne Hartmann from the Commonwealth Directorate walked onto the stage from the sides as the music began. Director-President Alistair Moriarty slowly descended from the roof onto the stage, during the instrumental introduction.

Elder Dance Crew began to dance as the music picked up. Stepping to the left, clapping to the left. Stepping to the right, clapping to the right. Then a little back-flip. They repeated these dance steps until Reiter and Hartmann began to sing.

The world is full of poverty and oppression
A lot of countries are slaves to conservatism
The people starve and are murdered
The world needs someone like Moriarty

Moriarty joined Elder Dance Crew at the back, and would dance with them for the chorus. Stepping to the left, clapping to the left. Stepping to the right, clapping to the right. Then a little back-flip ...

Someone like Moriarty, he gives us free stuff
Education, healthcare and of course welfare
Someone like Moriarty, he grants us rights
Abortion, euthanasia and no religion

They continued dancing during the post-chorus instrumental, but slowed down for the second verse.

We see him on the news all the time
He is always honest, caring, generous and smart
With someone like him, the world will be great
The world needs someone like Moriarty

Moriarty and Elder Dance Crew picked up the speed of their dancing.

Someone like Moriarty, he gives us free stuff
Education, healthcare and of course welfare
Someone like Moriarty, he grants us rights
Abortion, euthanasia and no religion

The dancing continued in the post-chorus instrumental. They slowed down for a quieter singing of the chorus.

Someone like Moriarty, he gives us free stuff
Education, healthcare and of course welfare
Someone like Moriarty, he grants us rights
Abortion, euthanasia and no religion

Then sped their dancing back up again for the chorus at full speed.

Someone like Moriarty, he gives us free stuff
Education, healthcare and of course welfare
Someone like Moriarty, he grants us rights
Abortion, euthanasia and no religion

Someone like Moriarty, he gives us free stuff
Education, healthcare and of course welfare
Someone like Moriarty, he grants us rights
Abortion, euthanasia and no religion

Moriarty and Elder Dance Crew then danced their way off the stage, and into the audience to sign autographs and take selfies with fans during the final instrumental before the song finished.

[New Edom]

Saint Ambrose Park

Lucius paused, turned and looked at Franklin. “Alright, let me see if I understand this plan. You’re a journalist, from a country that is so unusual from the rest of the world that you don’t understand how a constitutional monarchy works, even in theory. You’ve been sent as an envoy after your country closed its embassy. You aren’t backed up by any diplomatic officials or anything. You have no idea what our country’s trade needs are even after I told you about it, and when the information is publicly available. Your credentials are a personal identification card.”

Lucius was getting a bit heated now. “Then…” he grinned fiercely in his exasperation, “You want me on this basis mind you to offer my country a trade deal on your behalf and act as your go between when I’m on thin ice already. Bearing in mind that I’m a writer and political activist, not a lawyer, diplomat, trader. And the basic idea is going to be that your country in effect wants to bribe my country into being pro-gay. This is doomed to fail, Franklin. The other nations I told you about made a bloody effort, they didn’t send one guy who has trouble even walking in a park or going to a café who intends to get someone who is virtually persona non grata to negotiate on their behalf. Your government is lazy.” He was deeply bitter about this. “You know what, you foreigners give me a case of the ass, you progressive people who just want to mock our country or try to push us around. Damn, it almost makes me imagine that the anti-gays are right. Barely. And that should tell you how much this pisses me off.”

He took a deep breath and said, “I know you mean well, but your government is what I’m really pissed off. How about this: tell them to go fuck themselves. We don’t need this kind of help. We need some kind of EFFORT.” he almost shouted.

---

“Who is Moriarty?” asked Dr. Shillito. She was sitting on the patio deck that faced the lovely pond garden at the Sharra Estate. Nearby Dr. Ashren sat smiling and watching a heron stalking frogs in one of the ponds

“Hm? Oh he’s the Prime Minister of Ardoki. He’s known for his socialism his atheism and his musical numbers,” said the little Education official with a chuckle. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh he’s put up another one—it’s odd, it’s exactly the same format as the Nihonese one, just that where that one is…er, Nihonese, the Ardoki one is atheist socialist. And there was another one just like it. Is this a thing now? Are we behind the times?” she asked, bemused.

“My dear Doctor Shillito, that is what we keep being told by certain foreigners—except our allies and trading partners of course.” Dr. Ashren said. “How was the performance, does the paper say?”

“I’m reading it on my tablet, no paper,” she said, waving it at him. “Anyway Cassandra Kazantzakis said that the dancing, lighting and costumes were very fine, the lyric rther repetitive, what did she say…’a kind of socialist mantra’.”

“I wonder if technically we’re going socialist,” he observed. “After all we’re trying for a steady state economy, co-operative approach to social services, encouragement of local economies, central banking system…” he said wryly.

“It’s quite different, Dr. Ashren. For one thing we’re a Christian state. We should go back in, I see other members drifting towards the house. Time to vote.”

“Time indeed,” Dr. Ashren said.

[Doppio Giudici]

Saint Ambrose Park

He just stood there and took it, not even removing his eyes from their contact with Lucius. There were moments where he became furious, where he wanted to scream. Those moments seemed long and his nostrils flared, there was this huge ball of rage inside him, a great inferno. Towards the end of it, he pulled out his phone and tapped it three times. It started to ring.

"New Edom sent in a team years ago to rescue some hostages, we went in too just because we should." He said, as the phone kept ringing. "We pull people out of poverty, we build temples for them, and we protect them, that is how we make friends. If you are so fed up with my state, speak to the President himself."

The phone stopped, there was a click and it started to count up by the second. A name was displayed, along with a picture. Franklin held out the phone and mouthed with his lips, "It's for you".

---

'

"I'm surprised as much as you are that they proposed this offer." Vigor, the president, stated "It seems that all the times we had them over and all the times Seth spent with them, have paid off. I think we really managed to get MInroz to loan us 10 trillion NSD. I know the Prince, he wasn't lying; they very much want to fund our war against oppression."

"Who would have thought that Muslims would be our godsend?" Kieth, the grand marshal, asked

"They must really like us, I appreciate their friend-" Vigor replied, before being interrupted.

One of the "Fist of Humanity" that was guarding the meeting stepped inside, after pushing open the door loudly. He jogged over to the president and gave him his phone, after having kept onto it in order to not disturb the meeting. The warrior then bowed and closed the door behind him, before assuming guard with the security detail from MInroz. Vigor pressed the answer button and held the phone to his head.

"Franklin, did something go horribly wrong?" He asked "You didn't get shot or anything right?"

[New Edom]

Saint Ambrose Park

Lucius looked at him a moment, then took the phone from him and said "Hello"

---

It is therefore the considered opinion of this conference's members that they are divided on the subject of whether or not to ban the WorldVision Song Contest.

Some members propose that there should be a ban on the WorldVsiion Song Contest because it is inherently part of modern progressive world culture, and therefore anti-religious, anti-Edomite. This view of this group is that the ban should be agreed to by Their Majesties, signed and encouraging of a finalization of the legislation.

Some members of the group propose that there should be no ban, but rather censorship of the offending material. This view, in particular endorsed by dr. Ashren of the Ministry of Education, recommends that Their Majesties should not sign the ban but should deal with the matter by censorship.

The third view proposed by Dr. Maria Shillito of the Ministry of Culture is that the matter requires further study. Mr. Glaber of the Intellectual Party has suggested that a fact a commission, such as was done fo the National Elections Commission which finally enabled us to put our constitution into effect..

Colonel Steven Horvath, Countess Lavnia Nabal and Count Alexander Domris stood nearby as the King and Queen took turns reading their copies of the report a little later. Count Domris, a young handsome man in a Royal Cavalry Guards uniform, suppressed a yawn. Countess Nabal glanced at him.

'Well that was useful," said the king, tossing the report down. "Still up to us."

Queen Mara said, "I like option three." she looked up and smiled. "I think that we should nto rush into any decision making on this at all."

"Really/" King Elijah said dubiously. "I wonder. I like the second point of view. And I'm seriously tempted by point one, and so should you be, frankly. i don't see the merits of this contest. Do you remember how Carpathia and Moldova threatened to invade us over this issue? How the Anarchist movement felt it reasonable to spread terrorism in our country? But most importantly, my dear Mara, it concerns me that the advocates of this lifestyle, the earnest ones i mean, are so utterly incomeptent and uncaring. I am not forgetting how the STonewall Alliance responded even to those who wanted their help, let alone our country. All the people pushing for us to accept the contest want is for us to change our way of life because it makes them uncomfortable--and so they can undermine us and weaken us." He shook his head. "I will accept further study though, I think that it is the best solution."

"It is our recommendation then," said Queen Mara, looking up at Colonel Horvath, "That the Chamber of deputies form a committee to examine the contest and other such content more thoroughly. Further study is recommended."

[Doppio Giudici]

Grand Resort
Liberius, Doppio Giudici

Vigor didn't recognize the voice, so he was very worried something had gone horribly wrong. It was likely that Franklin had been detained for torture or interrogation, that's what happened to a lot of DG messengers. However, it could be that Franklin was stopped and someone wouldn't take his clearance card. Whatever the case, Vigor was in becoming a little to old for this kind of work; he much preferred to be a vice-president but he was next in line and was overqualified. Seth was dead and after two years as president finishing off a term, everyone voted to keep him locked to a desk answering phone calls and getting on planes to talk to people. Keith got up and walked slowly outside the room, closing the door. He then walked outside to arrange the continuation of the war-effort

"This is Vigor, President of DG." He stated "Is something terribly wrong? What can I do you for?"

---

Grand Resort
Liberius, Doppio Giudici

Outside the building stood several different generals, who were all retired because of budget cuts. Each of them still had the loyalty of 10,000 men and they all still had clearance to the gear that had been there. There , while a prince from MInroz looked on; Keith signed each contract one at a time. When he was done, he took a step back and stood by their trusted ally.

"We expect the same quality we got when you were part of the Armed Services, you are to be deployed first thing in the morning." The Grand Marshal declared "You will crush the enemy. You will grind them into dust. We expect nothing less of the "Gortsad" army group. Speak to every general you can, I want the all 2 million of the army group back in the chain of command. Everyone is getting paid, everyone is going to do their part. God bless you all, you will make us proud; I can feel it in my bones."

One of the generals turned to the prince, while the others watched and soon copied his actions. He bowed, and they followed; before he spoke up.

"Blessings to you, may your children be as many as you wish." He said "May your fields be fruitful and your weapons many. I will see to it that my men will not only be tattooed with the flag of the liberated, but your flag was well."

They then all faced the Grand Marshal and crossed their arms across their chest diagonally, a salute he returned.

[New Edom]

Saint Ambrose Park

"My name is Lucius Nimrod; I represent the Freedom Group here in New Edom, sir. I don't know if you are aware fo us, but we are trying to establish freedom for LGBTQ people here. I'm sorry I'm not familiar with your proper title of address. Franklin is here with me. He has told me that he was appointed by your government to negotiate with my own government. He has advised me that he wishes me to be his go between to establish some kind of trade treaty with yoru country, and that hopefully this will influence my government to remove the Morality Act laws that oppress lGBTQ people here.

'Sir, Franklin strikes em as an honest man. However I am in no position to really help him. I'm not sure what exactly he wants from me. We'v'e talked several times and it is most unclear. I am not an expert in trade. I am an advocate for change who is not popular in the circles of power. And Franklin claims to not understand the functions of my government at all. I apologize for goign on like this, but i wanted you to understand that he is here and he is alright. My impression is that he is a godo man with the best intentions, but I think under the present circumstances that his mission is doomed to fail unless there is a more clear understanding of what is expected. I would appreciate help if it can be given of course"

[Doppio Giudici]

Saint Ambrose Park

He put his legs up on the table, turning his head to the side with the phone held against his head by his shoulder. For a few seconds he felt bad putting his legs on the table, but then he convinced himself he could just wipe it down after this conversation. No one would really know, it wasn't a big deal.

"Okay, let me tell you a little secret" Vigor said "Franklin actually is slightly better at getting across what is in his head then other people from here, so we assumed he would be better to understand as he wouldn't accidentally leave information out. If you his friend have no idea what he is talking about, I don't find it likely anyone else in your area will."

He rubbed his beard and looked up at a painting on the wall, one of Seth. This room had brought them great allies, people who were just as weird if not weirder then they were. They were Asians, people that his own didn't trust after the two Han Wars. How could you trust someone who looked like the people who nuked you? Yet it had happened, it had slowly made progress and became what it was now. Their helicopters had been used by the NTA for years and years, before being sold to people who were once enemies; that was the force that allowed this current war to continue again. There was other allies, they had died off; no one could explain how. That had shaken his truth in others, they they could provide a stable nation to trade and be close to.

"You can be understood by your own people, correct?" Vigor asked "I'm not exactly with that many other options that don't involve bailing out, or some degree of harsh measures that likely ruin your image of us."

[New Aeyariss]

OOC: Sorry for shitty post; I am damn tired and in a hurry; but I do not want to keep Edom waiting any longer due to health issues.

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*** Ishikawa Airport; The Entry

Ishikawa airport was an enormous building, built on order of Maki Kojiro himself, to make a good impression on foreigners who landed there by one of multitude of planes that were serviced by that airport each day. Enormous field located on the outskirts of the Ishikawa was guarded from all sides by a high concentrate wall with motion detectors and guard towers - each of them equipped with a proper HMG ready to take down unwelcome guests, some were fitted with sniper positions - was one of least imposing elements. To enter to the airport itself, however, one had to walk between legs of massive statue of Chosokame no Yorimoto in full samurai armor standing with his legs wide, before entering into strange construct mixing classical Wenchuani architecture, European neoclassicism and modern engineering methods. This building perfectly explained the thought of the Nihonese, with Nihon being seen as bridge from east to west; thus, not being afraid to borrow from either Wenchuani civilisation / sinosphere and accomplishments of the Westerners. Inside the airport, one would see plenty of paintings portraying scenes from Nihonese history; Admiral Yi, now proclaimed Emperor Nyhong, leading the ships against Emperor Yongle and sacrificing himself to save the new nation which took the name after him. And when he on the one wall fought the sea battle in gulf of Fujian, on the opposite wall Chosokame no Yorimoto led his Samurai in battle of Shimazu against forces of the pagan emperor Go - Jimmu, winning Nihon for Christ and establishing Chosokame Bakufu, a shogunate that lasted until his descendants degenerated. Then on the other wall Takeda Daichi overseen building of the modern Nihon, establishment of parliament and preparations for first war with England, which Nihon won in 1854, 24 years after the rapid modernization begun. Finally, last piece of art portrayed the soldiers of Kaigun Rikusentai arresting corrupt politicians in 1989; the night when Maki Kojiro came to power and end of May Crisis.

But yet, those works of art were disgusting for Fukui Kaoru; for he despised everything about post - Shimazu Nihon, belonging to sect called blue flowers society, being a cult of Kenshinkamiryu - ancient pagan deity in Nihon, now regarded as demon by the current Christian population. The diety was portrayed as dragon of loyalty and war, worshiped by tanzists and portrayed to be homosexual and having lust for human men. Pagan legends spoke that he traveled disguised as a young warrior, who challenged the bravest samurai; those whom he defeated were raped by him, and if somebody defeated him, he allowed himself to be raped. Many of LGBT individuals in Nihon now were returning to worship of this idol... And he was still out there, ordering them to rape and kill in his name.

He met his friends before entering, and marched in, almost vomiting at sight of a cross that was placed on Chosokame's armor. There was nothing he detested more than Christianity, and what he believed in drove him to hating them, willing to prove himself to his god. For him Christians long ago stopped being humans, and became a targets to be raped and killed, his degenerate form of lust driving him forward to complete his goal. As he walked he silently recited mantras to his deity, asking him to ensure him safe entry into New Edom so he may prove himself worthy to him.

The passageway through the security went smoothly, after all, the group had nothing that would indicate they are something else than normal tourists; their plan was to conduct reconnaissance and obtain all the items that they needed inside New Edom, using the fact of recent civil war. After boarding the plane, they headed for Finberg, knowing that they will probably not return - but not only will their brothers win rights to do whatever they please with whoever they please, but also their deity will be pleased...

[The Resurgent Dream]

The New Edomite Foreign Ministry

Elizabeth Corbulo smiled, looking thoughtful. "Musical artist, that's a nice way to say singer and musician all at once, I suppose. Now you must try a little of everything, I hope you will find things to your liking." When she was complimented, she said, You're very kind, but I'm afraid that's pure luck, I don't own or wear many clothes normally. I'm an Edenist. It's a popular minority here in our country, people who believe that were are wiped clean of the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. In recognition of this, we are not bound to wear clothing, but only do so out of politeness or for the need to protect ourselves or be hygienic. It is of course not done for the sake of provocation or enticement to desires outside of marriage, which."

"And it is something we are easing out of our culture,' said Dr. Aphek with a glance at her. "It is an old fashioned approach, a tribal one that we discourage now. The Heir is particularly against it,' he added firmly. "Though...our Queen is a strong advocate of it, and of course I have nothing personally against Edenism. What Miss Corbulo said about enticing desires--we have found foreigners tend not to understand and find it hard to NOT see nakedness as sexually arousing, and it is a sin to encourage others towards sin. The more we have tourism and trade with the outside world, the more we must adapt." Looking at Dobbs, he said, "We are an old civilization, but a troubled one. Plagued by civil wars until very recently. I don't know if any of you heard the song performed by one of our popular fol rock groups recent, they made a music video of it, but it demonstrates something of what our patriotism is like. Can we play that for our guests, Miss Corbulo?"

"Certainly, sir," she said. turning on a television on the wall to show the video

(OOC: Sorry for the delay. Back now.)

"Well..." Mizzi says, looking at the other woman carefully, "I'm sure that works for you. Most women would kill for your figure." Mizzi adjusted herself on her own generously proportioned posterior. "There's nothing like a lady with curves."

Dobbs listened to Aphek with a studied neutrality. He simply nodded. "I understand." He watched the video with much the same expression. Mizzi actually started humming along and Goldfarb looked slightly frightened but, again, it was Dobbs who spoke when it was over. "I think I'm getting a good sense of things here. This sort of thing is exactly my mandate, cultural engagement and all of that."

"They're very...ecumenical..." Goldfarb tossed in.

"I could work with them," Mizzi said. "If you could..."

Dobbs held up a hand to her. "It is quite good. Is it typical of New Edomite music?"

[New Edom]

The Foreign Ministr
Fineberg, New edom

Mizzi seemed to be enjoying the music, and this was noted pleasantly by the Edomites.

"I'm afraid I'm a bit old fashioned," said Dr. Aphek. "I have a taste for things like old fashioned jazz, big band music, and of course our native folk music I listen to with great pride. My driver's had this on the radio or a CD a few times I think."

Elizabeth Corbulo glanced at him with a smile. "But yes," she said, looking back at Dobbs, "It is popular among a lot of people, especially the youthful. Heavenly Days is a very popular band, and they speak for a generation of people. Ordinary citizens who have struggled to have a sense of hope for the future."

"But Miss Goldfarb, you don't look like you enjoyed it very much. Is there something about it that bothered you?" asked Elizabeth Corbulo. "The ecumenical approach of it, I agree might disturb some people but it has been an element of popular culture that we think is building bridges..."

[The Resurgent Dream]

The Foreign Ministr
Fineberg, New edom

Mizzi seemed to be enjoying the music, and this was noted pleasantly by the Edomites.

"I'm afraid I'm a bit old fashioned," said Dr. Aphek. "I have a taste for things like old fashioned jazz, big band music, and of course our native folk music I listen to with great pride. My driver's had this on the radio or a CD a few times I think."

Elizabeth Corbulo glanced at him with a smile. "But yes," she said, looking back at Dobbs, "It is popular among a lot of people, especially the youthful. Heavenly Days is a very popular band, and they speak for a generation of people. Ordinary citizens who have struggled to have a sense of hope for the future."

"But Miss Goldfarb, you don't look like you enjoyed it very much. Is there something about it that bothered you?" asked Elizabeth Corbulo. "The ecumenical approach of it, I agree might disturb some people but it has been an element of popular culture that we think is building bridges..."

"No, no, no. I liked it," Goldfarb said hurriedly. "There's just a lot going on."

Dobbs briefly placed a hand on her shoulder. "Our differences are what make life interesting, aren't they?It's a shame we don't see more New Edomite music back home. I think there might be something of a market for it."

"I'd actually like to meet some New Edomite musicians, artist to artist," Mizzi added excitedly. "There's no one thing I can say is totally new to me but the overall effect, the way the elements mix...." She grinned and hummed part of the song again. "It's in my head."

Dobbs shook his head bemusedly but he didn't contradict her. "I've always found artists were the same the world over. But I suppose we should get down to business." He straightened in his chair and folded his hands in front of him as if to signify a shift. "What can you tell us of your government's thinking on the WorldVision Song Contest? i understand it's very much an evolving situation."

[New Edom]

The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

“Well,” said Elizabeth Corbulo to Mizzi, “I’m sure we can arrange something. I think Mr. Dobbs is correct, artists are probably similar the world over…though…” she considered a moment then shrugged and lifted her hands and turned to Dr. Aphek, who was beginning to talk.

“The government thinking on the WorldVision Song Contest..” said Dr. Aphek. He crossed his legs and considered the matter a moment. “Well now that’s a thing to discuss. Mind if I smoke by the way/” he offered them cigarillos, slim brown and aromatic, from a golden case from his jacket pocket.

“Well, the Chamber of Deputies voted to ban the contest under the Morality Act, which is the basis of all our laws concerning social interactions of most kinds, but with a slim majority. This means that there were some who voted to not ban it, and some who abstained or were not present. The Chamber of Deputies was established under our new constitution, and there is a coalition governing it right now.

“New Edom has a strong executive in the Monarchy. We have two co-monaarchs, King Elijah IV and Queen Mara I. If I am boring you with explanations you already know about, please stop me. Now the Monarchs appoint ministers of state such as myself and govern according to the laws as agreed by the Chamber and as advised upon the practice of by our judiciary. So when a vote is taken in the Chamber, it then goes before the desk of the Monarchs, and they decide if we are to make it law. If they do not agree, then it must go back to the Chamber and another vote must be taken or further study made of the matter.”

“As the song suggest,” he sighed, “We are recently recovered from being in a state of civil war, so this constitution is still rather new. This is the first really controversial moral issue that we have had to deal with. So the King and Queen have asked that a committee review the matter to advise them on whether or not they should approve this ban.”

Aphek (if they did not object puffed his cigarillo away from the group and said, nodding, “That’s the basic legal situation. The Morality Act is a binding factor in our society. General consensus on it is a general agreement of values that helped bring us peace. It cannot be assaulted lightly.

“The problem some have suggested—some from foreign quarters…is that there is enough good in the contest to allow it to continue, perhaps with censorship. But I’m afraid that that misses the point. What might be just an irritation to segments of a population in a nation that was entirely prosperous, had a long tradition of liberal democracy and dissent in a peaceful way could be a disaster here. Why do you realize that until very recently in our country homosexuals were still sent to penal battalions just for admitting they were homosexuals? We have to be careful. So…we are tudying the matter.”

[The Resurgent Dream]

The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

"We'll talk later," Mizzi said hurriedly as Aphek began to talk. She took the opportunity to pop a little piece of cheese into her mouth. Of the three Caldans, she seemed to be enjoying herself the most.

Dobbs listened carefully as Aphek spoke. He shook his head at the suggestion that he might know all of this, although he knew a great deal of it. "I was briefed on your country, doctor, but I always prefer to hear how people see their own government and society. There are often interesting differences when compared to even the informed foreigner." He listened to the rest of the speech impassively and, if he found any such interesting differences, he kept them to himself. He paused and took a drink before speaking. "One might say that this very controversy has revealed that there are many in New Edom who do not find the Act entirely compatible with their values and their identity. One might, while being mindful of the dangers of tinkering with basic laws after so much unrest, even argue that there are some in New Edom who find themselves more ostracised than united by some of the mandates of the Act." He gave a worldly shrug and spread his hands as if to dismiss everything he'd just said. "One might. Her Majesty's Government, of course, is not interested as such in your internal affairs so much as in understanding and cultural engagement globally and with New Edom in particular. Take, for instance, the issue of public nudity. It's considered rather immoral many places and I'd be lying if I said most Caldans didn't look a bit askance at it. But I haven't been horrified by anything I've seen. Instead, I can appreciate the views and culture of the Edenist faith community and, if anything, I have a better understanding of my values by being able to compare and contrast them with others. Perhaps it might be the same with WorldVision? New Edomites do share the world with many people who do not share their values on some things."

Dobbs paused to let that sink in and then shrugged again. "You can take that for what it's worth. There will be no ultimatums or stridently worded letters. You certainly won't have to endure any campy musical numbers by Prime Minister Welton, if only because the man's a dreadful singer. Genocide and slavery are the norm over vast regions of the Earth. We're hardly going to launch a moral crusade over WorldVision."

"Our cultural interest in New Edom goes beyond WorldVision anyway," Goldfarb added with an earnestness and directness one couldn't imagine in a more seasoned diplomat like Dobbs. "There's really not much you'd call hard diplomacy in our mission. The core of Caldan foreign policy is building bilateral, long-term, government-to-government and people-to-people relationships."

"Don't invite a boy up to the treaty signing room before the third date?" Mizzi said with a wink.

Dobbs sighed. Goldfarb blushed and focused her attention on some small sausages. "What's in these? Are they beef?"

[New Edom]

The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

Dobbs spoke a while, touching on some ideas and proposing some ntoins that seemed to be an attempt at a balm. Dr. Aphek, listened with a relaxed air, his legs crossed, and now and then commented.

“Well, you sound like a wise man. Yes, there are some concerns some have about marginalized people. Those foreigners who do tend to not care at all about the majority of the people. It’s interesting by the way that some governments—those of the Free Republic of Lamoni, the republic of Adiron, the Imperium of Arbites, the Shrailleeni Empire, the Empire of Ghant, the Commonwealth of Novitera, have pursued good relations with our country in spite of very different ideologies. aS you say it takes all sorts to make a world, does it not? Though..” he chuckled, “”some of our people, our clergy, and even some of my fellow Council of Ministers colleagues would take a dim view of my saying that, but they don’t have my portfolio.”

When he touched on nudity as a subject, Corbulo said, “Yes, we run into trouble with that sometimes. You know, we compromise a great deal with foreign countries. Nudity is holy. It is a crude medical sounding word for the holy state of Edenism, to so many of our people. Even Intellectuals such as myself, we pride ourselves in our natural crated state. We have very low issues with pornography, with adultery and with fornication, because the human body holds few mysteries. We have generally better athleticism, people are less vain and prideful.”

Dr. Aphek shot her a glance during this speech but went on smoking and said nothing to interrupt her.

“Of course we are not all agreed on this—some want us to entirely modernize, homogenize, become like other cultures and wear clothing all the time save for bathing and swimming perhaps.” Elizabeth Corbulo sipped her fizzy water. “It is a hardship for some of our travelers, who have to find compromises or simply practice the faith only in private areas. It would be a nice idea if other countries had more understanding of our ways."

At this Goldfarb spoke up earnestly, and this almost seemed to disconcert the Edomites, for they became a bit still. Then Elizabeth Corbulo said a little quietly, “I think I understand your meaning, but could you elaborate a bit on that?”

Fortunately Mizzi spoke up again, breaking the ice a bit.

Elizabeth Corbulo blushed and gasped a laugh at the remark, and dr. Ahek blinked then burst out laughing.

“Ha, yes indeed,, how…extraordinary…” he managed, shaking his head.

Then Goldfarb spoke up and he said, “Ah, they’re actually capybara, my dear lady, from the King’s own farm. You’ll find that they’re more like good lean pork sausage, really, but the spices are unique to our country I believe.”

[Electrum]

Centralis Herald - Entertainment Section - Alexandra Dupree

Worldvision 44: Electrum entries controversial - though for the reasons you mightn't expect

It's been an odder edition for Electrum: The continuing descent down the rankings for Electrum is all but assured after Network ENN sent the band "Will Gray and co." singing a love song. Although they were a punk band, there has been rumours that Network ENN specifically chose the song because of the sexual orientation of their lead singer, Will Gray. Indeed, at the very end of the song, Will Gray kisses that lover he was trying to get a reply from -- his boyfriend. In front of millions across the multiverse, the two men kissed. It seems like Network ENN has gone to the length to 'sabotage' (as described by some quarters) Electrum's chances of winning to make a political statement in supporting LGBT rights. Although the government broadcaster is bound by legislation to remain impartial and apolitical, Network ENN is strenuously denying these accusations. Indeed, this song does indeed fit the theme of Electrumites sending quirky songs to WorldVision, from classical to piano ballads, from rap to disco.

Although Network ENN has the sole right to send entries for Electrum, the same cannot be said for the Electrum Diplomatic Offices. Indeed, as Gertrude Pullman has been the only one signing up for the skeleton-administration nation for quite a while, she has become the de facto decider and performer for the offices. Except for that one time where the Diplomatic Offices sent an anti-communist song, it has always been Gertrude Pullman singing or crooning about how the youth need to pay attention (and love romantically) their elders, or songs about how other nations suck, or songs mainly bagging out on the youth. This time, in a shocker, Gertrude Pullman did the unthinkable to capture the youth's attention -- sinking down to their level and collaborating with famous (for all the wrong reasons) Worldvision celebrity Comptoniqua La'Trill to send the song "Juicy Ass."

The song, "Juicy Ass" is a puerile and immature song, probably written by the Lactatian Comptoniqua La'Trill whose name gives it away. This gives yet more ammunition for certain nations, which have banned the WorldVision song contest yet another reason to continue the ban. Although the song is distateful, it must be admitted that it has a great tune, superb lyrics and instrumentation -- but this beauty will probably not be seen by the likes of New Edom, and that Nihon nation.

[New Edom]

New Edomite National News Report

Opening bars of Pictures at an Exhibition play as a globe spins with pins popping up on various points of the world. Split screen images of natural disasters, celebrations, military actions, elections, royal ceremonies, celebrity events are showin, occasionally with New Edomite news anchors talking about them, and then fades to a news desk.

A raven haired woman with olive skin, dark brown eyes with a rosebud mouth, a slim nose and a statuesque figure sat behind a news desk with the New Edomite flag imposed over a silhouette map of the Allied States of New Edom behind her. “Good evening,” she said, looking up with a smile. It was clear that above the waist at least she wore nothing but a gold cross on a chain, though her image was pixelated for those nations censoring such an appearance. “I’m Lavinia Tuller, and this is a NENN Evening News."

"Recent entries in the Worldvision Song contest included yet another call for homosexual rights, inciting another rally by members of the Free Congress which led to the purging of two music stores in Sterry and Calafia yesterday. Student groups have also clashed at Fineberg University. The Vice-Chancellor has threatened to restrict movement and conversation in common areas if decorum is not maintained. he has said "this is a place for higher learning, not a gathering of street gangs."

"However the most controversial was a recent entry in the contest from Elctrum by shock performer Gertrude Pullman," she said with obvious distaste pinching her mouth.

“Today we have a special guest in the studio, Dr. Simon Melchizedek, who is a senior professor at Fineberg University and an author of a number of books including Stories on Stage: The Rise of the Music Video among others. He is a celebrated academic focusing on how the arts affect social change. Welcome Dr. Melchizedek.”
“Hello Mrs. Tuller, it’s nice to be ehre,” said Dr. Mechizedek with a smile. He was a pleasant looking man wearing green and blue wavy body paint over a frame in good shape for a man in his sixties, with greying short dark hair and a distinguished arrangement of laugh lines around his face and eyes.

“Doctor, you’re wearing the latest fashion in body paint! May we assume that you are doing this in honour of the King’s birthday?” asked Lavinia with a smile.

“You may, Mrs. Tuller, and I recommend Jacobi’s, which does the best body painting in Nass if you head down that way.” He said amiably.

“Well, some people are really buzzing about the latest entry in the WorldVision Song Contest from Electrum Diplomatic Office’s outrageous shock entrant Gertrude Pullamn. Do yo have any thoughts on this?” Lavinia asked him.

“I want to caution people against taking this entry too seriously or interpreting it too literally. Gertrude Pullman is a definite eccentric, but she also has something of a message as many clowns and comedians do. I think she is being outrageous because she is trying to offend not moralistic people but youth obsessed culture and glamour obessed modern culture.”

“That’s interesting…because some people have said tha the stripping, which is a deliberate lascivious offense in the eyes of edenists here, the parodying of er, lactation, and the bondage and discipline elements are an encouragement to promiscuity,” said Lavinia Tuller.

“No, I don’t’ think so at all,” said dr. Melchizedek firmly. “but you’d have to review Pullman’s career a bit. A lot of what he is doing is an attack on the popular culture of Worldvision itself. Contrary to what the Free Congress and Christian socialists are saying here, the average entrant is a glamorous young person singing about their personal woes, their love affairs and their desire for admiration. So in a sense what she is doing is parodying that. The latest video with all the old ladies twerking and middle aged fellows acting like male exotic dancers is typical Gertrude Pullman. The message,’ eh said with a chuckle,”is that the actions are not inherently sexy or glamorous.”

“How interesting. So if you were making a recommendation to those voting for banning the contest, what would you say to them?” asked Lavinia.

“I would say that maybe if the contest had genuine variety—that it included say more classical, jazz, gospel entries, that it would be more worth looking at, but in a way Gertrude Pullman acts as a reminder that it’s basically just a poularity contest. I think we might be better off without it.”

“Thank you Doctor Melchizedek. And we’ll be back after these messages with a look at the royal festivities in Padan for the King’s birthday after a word from Bird City Fun World in Nass, Teman..”

[The Resurgent Dream]

The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

Dobbs spoke a while, touching on some ideas and proposing some ntoins that seemed to be an attempt at a balm. Dr. Aphek, listened with a relaxed air, his legs crossed, and now and then commented.

“Well, you sound like a wise man. Yes, there are some concerns some have about marginalized people. Those foreigners who do tend to not care at all about the majority of the people. It’s interesting by the way that some governments—those of the Free Republic of Lamoni, the republic of Adiron, the Imperium of Arbites, the Shrailleeni Empire, the Empire of Ghant, the Commonwealth of Novitera, have pursued good relations with our country in spite of very different ideologies. aS you say it takes all sorts to make a world, does it not? Though..” he chuckled, “”some of our people, our clergy, and even some of my fellow Council of Ministers colleagues would take a dim view of my saying that, but they don’t have my portfolio.”

When he touched on nudity as a subject, Corbulo said, “Yes, we run into trouble with that sometimes. You know, we compromise a great deal with foreign countries. Nudity is holy. It is a crude medical sounding word for the holy state of Edenism, to so many of our people. Even Intellectuals such as myself, we pride ourselves in our natural crated state. We have very low issues with pornography, with adultery and with fornication, because the human body holds few mysteries. We have generally better athleticism, people are less vain and prideful.”

Dr. Aphek shot her a glance during this speech but went on smoking and said nothing to interrupt her.

“Of course we are not all agreed on this—some want us to entirely modernize, homogenize, become like other cultures and wear clothing all the time save for bathing and swimming perhaps.” Elizabeth Corbulo sipped her fizzy water. “It is a hardship for some of our travelers, who have to find compromises or simply practice the faith only in private areas. It would be a nice idea if other countries had more understanding of our ways."

At this Goldfarb spoke up earnestly, and this almost seemed to disconcert the Edomites, for they became a bit still. Then Elizabeth Corbulo said a little quietly, “I think I understand your meaning, but could you elaborate a bit on that?”

Fortunately Mizzi spoke up again, breaking the ice a bit.

Elizabeth Corbulo blushed and gasped a laugh at the remark, and dr. Ahek blinked then burst out laughing.

“Ha, yes indeed,, how…extraordinary…” he managed, shaking his head.

Then Goldfarb spoke up and he said, “Ah, they’re actually capybara, my dear lady, from the King’s own farm. You’ll find that they’re more like good lean pork sausage, really, but the spices are unique to our country I believe.”

'I've never had pork,' Goldfarb commented, eyeing the capybara for a moment before taking one and chewing it thoughtfully. 'Just don't tell my mother,' she said conspiratorily, grinning at Mizzi, who couldn't help but laugh.

Dobbs seemed to take the distraction as a chance to abandon drop the somewhat more tense line of discussion he'd been pursuing with Aphek. 'I think this has been a fairly productive discussion. I'd like to see more cultural interaction between our nations. I certainly think Mizzi here is rather interested in sharing her talents with your country. And, perhaps in the future, we might have some sort of royal visit going one direction or the other. That sort of thing always goes over well.'

[New Edom]

The Foreign Ministry

The Caldans' merriment over the meal was enjoyed by the Edomites as well, and the capybara was indeed like tender young pork, but leaner, and was subtly but nicely spiced and flavoured. Elizabeth Corbulo winced a moment realizing that of course with a name like Goldfarb...but there were few Jewish people in New Edom though Semitic people were teh dominant race.

Dr. Aphek replied to Dobbs, "If you like we can discuss the possibility of tourism and further cultural exchange. Certainly the young lady," he smiled at Mizzi, unable to keep a sweeping glance from her svelte lush hips, so prized in New Edom, "Would be welcome to tour our music festivals and places of entertainment. I would be glad to have my staff organize something with our Ministry of Tourism and coordinate that." He gave a friendly slight bow of the head to her. "We are also of course interested in trade, and if you would like to exchange trade delegations, that would be very welcome."

Basil Jerome, who had said little, began to explain further New Edom's trade and commercial concerns. New Edom, he said, was very concerned with the latest infrastructure development for communications, modernization of agriculture (articular further explorations of urban farming systems), green energy technologies, educational systems which would include software and access to online teaching systems, marine exploration systems, and a number of services including insurance, banking, legal services and international transport systems. This, he explained, was a potentially competitive market, for while they were trading with other nations in these areas, the economy of the Region of the Cornellian Empire was in flux.

What New Edom had to offer was largely industry and agriculture. Industry included the oil and gas industry, manufacture of metal based wiring and circuitry, chemical manufacture for pharmaceuticals, manufacture of petroleum byproducts, and agricultural products such as millet, barley, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, bulgar wheat, olives, grapes, stock fish, capybaras for meat and leather, mutton and lamb, goat products and a few luxury market items. (the luxyr market was largely devoted to exotic pets such as tropical fish and some fine leather products) Jerome did not bore everyone with this but made a reference to the general items in question and provided Dobbs and his staff with a flash drive that contained the information in greater detail as a break down of the GDP of New Edom.

The delegation were also provided some information about tourism including questionnaires and details which could be reviewed by the Caldans' government at a later date though a quick review was possible with questions if they so desired.

"As far as a royal visit goes, what did you have in mind?" Dr. Aphek asked a trifle cautiously.

Corbulo stepped in at that moment. "I think the Minister means that we do not know muc about the etiquette surrounding such events for your country. Would there be great offense if any visit on our nation's part was conducted by the Heir?"

"Ah yes, the Heir,"s aid Dr. Aphek hiding his relief at the good suggestion. "An excellent suggestion. The Heir is the most perceptive, charming and sweet natured of young women, and yet bold of mind and already with an excellent instinct for delegation."

[Umbreria]

WorldVision Crucified for Jesus?
by Marienne Carver

In the world of talent shows and musical events, few are so popular, or so widely known, as the WorldVision Song Contest, a multinational forum of talent and expression looked forward to by literally billions of people worldwide. Musical acts from around the world are represented, and it is seen as an open forum of artistic expression and talent.

Except in New Edom, apparently.

In the Allied States of New Edom, freedom of expression is apparently a foreign concept, as is freedom to be anything but a straight, Christian nudist.

I'll explain in a minute.

You see, readers, New Edom is a deeply religious society. Now there's nothing really wrong about that. More than ninety percent of Umbrerians polled ascribe to one religion or another, but we know it is not right for one man to force his views on his neighbor, no matter how strongly held those views may be. This country was founded on the belief that a freeborn man has a right to live his own life in his own way, free of compulsion by church or state.

Not so in New Edom, where one must be a professing Christian in order to be a commissioned military officer, or hold public office of any kind. Which specific forms of the Christian faith must be held to, if any, I do not know. Such a law is so conceptually foreign to the Umbrerian mindset.

New Edom was only recently embroiled in a brutal civil war, which ended ten years ago as of this writing and was regional, political, tribal, and religious in its divisions. When it ended, the bunch leading the way forward was the monarchists, who lived up to their name and installed a king. Said king promptly married his cousin, a woman rumored to be just slightly insane, and has presided in the years since over the opening and closure of "reeducation camps" for gay people, among other, equally wonderful things.

Much of law in the A.S.N.E. is based on what is known as the Morality Act, a legal document which is every bit as horrifying as the name implies. Under the Morality Act, it is illegal to be gay. Not illegal to engage in gay sex or gay marriage, though one imagines these are covered by extension. It is illegal to be of a certain sexual orientation. How they presume to know is beyond me, but it is the law in the Allied States, and to make matters worse? The penalty for violators ranges from a fine, to exile, to death.

No, that was not a misprint. Death. They might decide to kill you, and their law says that's okay. Apologists will point out that this has never been done, but to me that does little to take from the horrifying fact that such an injustice is codified as law in the first place.

Oh, the nudism part. I almost forgot. You see, there are many Edomites who seem to think walking around bare-ass all the time brings them closer to God or something.

I have no words.

Back to WorldVision. While previous incarnations of the contest have been aired on A.S.N.E. television stations before without comment, the so-called Council of Churches got a little upset about having to see performances which support ideals other than their own. Of note, they complained about WorldVision '41, in which the Sari band Monday Morning sang a song which, according to the leaders of the Council, supports homosexuality.

Maybe they were hoping to see videos of naked people singing hymns? I don't judge. This girl has her own fetishes.

Presumably shocked and indignant at having to see people disagree with their worldview, the Council decided to whine to their friends in the local legislature about banning the contest, banning local advertisement of the contest, and trying to pretend it isn't even happening.

I am simply floored by the maturity of their response. It reminds me of my nephew when he doesn't want to hear something. He closes his eyes, covers his ears, and screams just as loud as he can.

There has been talk domestically in Our Republic of doing something about this. I have heard rumors of sanctions, though this is not likely, and more plausible talk of pirate broadcast into Edomite homes by ships offshore in international waters. There is even talk that President Stroman may seek to make a state visit to the A.S.N.E.

With her wife, of course.

I would write more, but I feel I have said all that needs to be said, and my girlfriend wants ice cream. Until next time, readers, this is Marienne Carver, saying goodbye.

[The Resurgent Dream]

The Foreign Ministry

The Caldans' merriment over the meal was enjoyed by the Edomites as well, and the capybara was indeed like tender young pork, but leaner, and was subtly but nicely spiced and flavoured. Elizabeth Corbulo winced a moment realizing that of course with a name like Goldfarb...but there were few Jewish people in New Edom though Semitic people were teh dominant race.

Dr. Aphek replied to Dobbs, "If you like we can discuss the possibility of tourism and further cultural exchange. Certainly the young lady," he smiled at Mizzi, unable to keep a sweeping glance from her svelte lush hips, so prized in New Edom, "Would be welcome to tour our music festivals and places of entertainment. I would be glad to have my staff organize something with our Ministry of Tourism and coordinate that." He gave a friendly slight bow of the head to her. "We are also of course interested in trade, and if you would like to exchange trade delegations, that would be very welcome."

Basil Jerome, who had said little, began to explain further New Edom's trade and commercial concerns. New Edom, he said, was very concerned with the latest infrastructure development for communications, modernization of agriculture (articular further explorations of urban farming systems), green energy technologies, educational systems which would include software and access to online teaching systems, marine exploration systems, and a number of services including insurance, banking, legal services and international transport systems. This, he explained, was a potentially competitive market, for while they were trading with other nations in these areas, the economy of the Region of the Cornellian Empire was in flux.

What New Edom had to offer was largely industry and agriculture. Industry included the oil and gas industry, manufacture of metal based wiring and circuitry, chemical manufacture for pharmaceuticals, manufacture of petroleum byproducts, and agricultural products such as millet, barley, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, bulgar wheat, olives, grapes, stock fish, capybaras for meat and leather, mutton and lamb, goat products and a few luxury market items. (the luxyr market was largely devoted to exotic pets such as tropical fish and some fine leather products) Jerome did not bore everyone with this but made a reference to the general items in question and provided Dobbs and his staff with a flash drive that contained the information in greater detail as a break down of the GDP of New Edom.

The delegation were also provided some information about tourism including questionnaires and details which could be reviewed by the Caldans' government at a later date though a quick review was possible with questions if they so desired.

"As far as a royal visit goes, what did you have in mind?" Dr. Aphek asked a trifle cautiously.

Corbulo stepped in at that moment. "I think the Minister means that we do not know muc about the etiquette surrounding such events for your country. Would there be great offense if any visit on our nation's part was conducted by the Heir?"

"Ah yes, the Heir,"s aid Dr. Aphek hiding his relief at the good suggestion. "An excellent suggestion. The Heir is the most perceptive, charming and sweet natured of young women, and yet bold of mind and already with an excellent instinct for delegation."

"I would love that," Mizzi said enthusiastically. She wriggled a little in the chair and reaches for another bite of capybara. "I'm always looking for new sounds to incorporate. I have more of a pop hip-hop sort of sound myself but so do sh..lots of Caldan artists. And maybe I could play here sometime?"

"I'm sure we can work that out with our hosts," Dobbs said gently. "You might need to be a bit mindful of local customs, of course." Then he turned to Jerome and nodded, listening carefully as the other man discussed New Edom's trade needs. "The Caldan Union is an increasingly post-industrial economy, We should be able to help with banking, insurance, international transport, all that sort of thing. Of course, with service industries more than with goods, we'll need to study your local rules and regulations for all of that. With the exception of oil and certain proprietary weapons system, Caldan international trade is almost all trade between private sectors so we'd be looking to negotiate a relatively general legal framework for that, but I'm sure the trade team can handle all the details of that. As for the visit, the heir will be quite fine. It is certainly not below Her Majesty to receive a crown princess."

[New Edom]

Quality Bay, New Edom

WorldVision Crucified for Jesus?
by Marienne Carver

In the world of talent shows and musical events, few are so popular, or so widely known, as the WorldVision Song Contest, a multinational forum of talent and expression looked forward to by literally billions of people worldwide. Musical acts from around the world are represented, and it is seen as an open forum of artistic expression and talent.

Except in New Edom, apparently.

In the Allied States of New Edom, freedom of expression is apparently a foreign concept, as is freedom to be anything but a straight, Christian nudist.

Prince Enoch sighed and put the tablet down. He sat, tired, in his white terrycloth bathrobe at a table on a patio, and looked down to where his beautiful red haired foreign mistress, Jessica McKay, lay tanning on a pink towel wearing a small bikini...but not too small. Enoch was a man who liked his tan lines.

He then clucked his tongue in annoyance. One of his male servants, a young man with a member like a flamingo's bill had emerged onto the lower deck and was about to start wet vacuuming the pool of leaves and other debris. Enoch picked up the phone. "It's me. Yes. Get whoever the blaspheming hell is down there on the pool deck away. My lady is out there tanning, she doesn't need to see some idiot wandering around like Adam, I've told you about that. Don't apologize, get it done."

He read on.

I'll explain in a minute.

You see, readers, New Edom is a deeply religious society. Now there's nothing really wrong about that. More than ninety percent of Umbrerians polled ascribe to one religion or another, but we know it is not right for one man to force his views on his neighbor, no matter how strongly held those views may be. This country was founded on the belief that a freeborn man has a right to live his own life in his own way, free of compulsion by church or state.

Not so in New Edom, where one must be a professing Christian in order to be a commissioned military officer, or hold public office of any kind. Which specific forms of the Christian faith must be held to, if any, I do not know. Such a law is so conceptually foreign to the Umbrerian mindset.

New Edom was only recently embroiled in a brutal civil war, which ended ten years ago as of this writing and was regional, political, tribal, and religious in its divisions. When it ended, the bunch leading the way forward was the monarchists, who lived up to their name and installed a king. Said king promptly married his cousin, a woman rumored to be just slightly insane, and has presided in the years since over the opening and closure of "reeducation camps" for gay people, among other, equally wonderful things.

The phone rang. He picked it up, observing that the servant straightened touched his headset, noticed Jess, looked up at Enoch, and then fled quietly. Enoch hid a smile, and was distracted from this by the voice on the phone. It was the Press Secretary of the Palace calling him.

"Yes, I'm reading it now. Yes, they go the dates wrong. That is good, it makes her look stupid. Well...you know i doubt the average libertine country really cares about that. Try to keep the volume down about it. What we don't want now is worrying the rest of the Region over this, right? Anyway it's contradicted by the Caldan visit. Well..." he listend to the press Secretary talking bout the Jedorians. The Jedorians, across the border to the north, were very worried about New Edom lately in regard to New Edom's support for the Theocratic Council down in Ashab.
It didn't help that the Duke was gay, married to another man, and that they two men had an adopted daughter. Whom the king and Queen had met. "What a sweet little girl!" the Queen had told everyone on her return from Strana Mechty.

Much of law in the A.S.N.E. is based on what is known as the Morality Act, a legal document which is every bit as horrifying as the name implies. Under the Morality Act, it is illegal to be gay. Not illegal to engage in gay sex or gay marriage, though one imagines these are covered by extension. It is illegal to be of a certain sexual orientation. How they presume to know is beyond me, but it is the law in the Allied States, and to make matters worse? The penalty for violators ranges from a fine, to exile, to death.

No, that was not a misprint. Death. They might decide to kill you, and their law says that's okay. Apologists will point out that this has never been done, but to me that does little to take from the horrifying fact that such an injustice is codified as law in the first place.

Oh, the nudism part. I almost forgot. You see, there are many Edomites who seem to think walking around bare-ass all the time brings them closer to God or something.

I have no words.

Back to WorldVision. While previous incarnations of the contest have been aired on A.S.N.E. television stations before without comment, the so-called Council of Churches got a little upset about having to see performances which support ideals other than their own. Of note, they complained about WorldVision '41, in which the Sari band Monday Morning sang a song which, according to the leaders of the Council, supports homosexuality.

Maybe they were hoping to see videos of naked people singing hymns? I don't judge. This girl has her own fetishes.

Presumably shocked and indignant at having to see people disagree with their worldview, the Council decided to whine to their friends in the local legislature about banning the contest, banning local advertisement of the contest, and trying to pretend it isn't even happening.

I am simply floored by the maturity of their response. It reminds me of my nephew when he doesn't want to hear something. He closes his eyes, covers his ears, and screams just as loud as he can.

There has been talk domestically in Our Republic of doing something about this. I have heard rumors of sanctions, though this is not likely, and more plausible talk of pirate broadcast into Edomite homes by ships offshore in international waters. There is even talk that President Stroman may seek to make a state visit to the A.S.N.E.

With her wife, of course.

I would write more, but I feel I have said all that needs to be said, and my girlfriend wants ice cream. Until next time, readers, this is Marienne Carver, saying goodbye.

...this is Fineberg Radio 2, with the real news that NENN doesn't want to hurt your feelings with.
In the world of the foolish and uneducated from abroad, we have more support for the WorldVision Song Contest, yet another person whp doesn't want to be washed in the blood of the lamb or stand in the light of wisdom saying things about New Edom that are inaccurate and stupid. Miss Marienne Carver...and I say "Miss" with an effort...says...big shock...that we are mindless fanatical barbarians who are not worth spitting on, and why? Because we are intolerant of sodomy and lesbianism. Not of homosexuals themselves--just the practices of them. But the Bible says after all that the wicked imagine themselves righteous.

Well, Miss Carver, it's not much of a shock to discover that you yourself are a lesbian, and that your president is a lesbian too. Let me advise you, friends, brothers and sisters, don't welcome the foreign media that wants to undermine the Morality Act. Don't welcome foreign leaders trying to persuade us that our way of life--which after all helped provide the healing of our nation's wounds--is wrong. You remember what the Bible says: if your right hand offend you, cut it off. If your right eye offend you, pluck it out. I'm Cyril Amyas, and this is one of the favorite marching songs of the End Times Church: Am I a Soldier of the Cross..."

Prince Enoch sighed and turned the tablet off. Caught between the overzealous on the one side, provocative foreign journalists and media people on the other. He needed a swim.

[New Edom]

The National Chamber of Deputies
Morality Act Committee
Fineberg, New Edom

'The WorldVision Song Contest's advocates have suggested that there is no moral guidance in the contest. But looking at how the events are coordinated, teh values of the hosting nations and the general approval of libertinism it advocates, I would like to strongly recommend against approving of it,' said Dr. Marius Campion.

"Dr. Campion, how can you in conscience say that the contest has no merit?" Lucius Glaber said, shaking his head. "this entry is artistically beautiful, whatever you think of the morality of it. Erane has produced a remarkable musical talent, and whatever one might think of the particular moral views on the one hand, on the other it is an appeal to the idea of love and kindness, which are virtues i would hope would be universal to all cultures."

"That makes it worse,' said Sarah Carmel firmly. "Listen to this:

Kristian Dowling is a 16 year old male artist. He recently rose to prominence through youth talent shows in Ethane, and many people felt he was ready to compete against adults at the World Hit Festival. Throughout his school career, he has been very musically talented, which is shown through his musical choice in subjects. He has just completed his GCSE'S before coming here to compete. At 12 years old, he started to travel around Ethane to compete in talent shows, as many teachers and his parents felt that he had to get himself out there, as he loved singing, and he was so good at it. At the age of 14, he was spotted by a small record studio called Kitsune, which helped him to start developing music. He has since been developing music and going on tours when he is not studying at school. He is about to go on a tour after the World Hit festival, going to 28 separate venues across Ethane in 2 months and 3 days. After this tour, he will be releasing his first album, called O.K, which he feels conveys many personal messages to his fans, and shares many secrets with people that he has never shared before. He is a keen advocate for gay rights and marriage, as he is gay himself, which has been strongly criticised by many people in the church he attended when he was younger. He moved to a more accepting church 2 years ago, and was a keen supporter, along with his new church, in the gay marriage bill, which legalised gay marriage in Ethane. He feels strongly about many issues, and uses his songs to convey these messages. He was chosen by a panel of judges which selected him as the most promising act in Ethane, and they also obviously selected him to represent Ethane at this festival.

"This young man," she said sharply, "Is an ambassador for the homosexual agenda." she slapped her hand on the table. "But let me make one thing absolutely clear: this entry from Kasanova-Koratica is one of the very very worst. Not only does it mock Edenism, but it is shockingly blasphemous. Listen to this if you can without losing your lunch:
I can fist you on the floor cuz I, I'm perfectly chaste and pure
I'll lick that hot hole, just the way you want to have it
All I can think of is showing peeps my butt, but don't touch

And he can whip me like a horse and I scream in agony, it's okay
Then I'll tease your wee-wee, make it a big-ee
As long as it's outside me, it's okay

You want to take it up the rear, if that's what you want it's what I'll do, happily now
Lick me hard like that and I'll play with yours, all I want to is to worship with you, orgasm too

I believe in God
You tight-laced peeps, this song's for you
Get a little loose, just don't screw
Oh I believe in God
I believe in God..."

"Enough," said Dr. Campion loudly.

"It could be argued that there are sects of Edenists on Peregrino that have the same perspective of a similar one,' said Dr. Christina Delmar, the leader of the Christian Social democratic Party. "Throughout history there have been many perspective on Christianity. I'm not sure I'm convinced at the immorality of this entry."

"Let me convince you then," said Sarah Carmel. "This country has had a lot of lewd entries and drug advocating entries. This latest thing is nothing new. This is not a nation sending missionaries out to convert people to Edenism; it's a nation that tolerates perversion and twisting of biblical understanding. We tolerate the Peregrinos; we don't give them national programming to peddle their heretical nonsense. No more committee reviews; I want a motion put forward to request that the king and Queen give us a response by the end of this week. If they do not, I will invoke the constitution and demand that the vote be brought forward again to ban the WorldVision Song Contest and anything like it from our airwaves."

Lucius Glaber shifted in his seat. "I will agree to that. Let's get this over with."

'This is just a matter of law, of routine," agreed Dr. Campion. "Let us present the King and Queen with a letter to that effect."

Dr. Delmar nodded slowly. "Very well then. We will have our staff draft one--send it to Their Majesties by tomorrow."