"Like Petroleum Combusts to Drive Automobiles,
Power Combusts to Drive Prosperity"
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Power Combusts to Drive Prosperity"
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The hushed murmur of chatting politicians was silence by the strike of the Speaker of the Senate's gavel. The bill known as The Emergence Act was 32 votes or more from bringing the nation of Vermark into the light of international politics, trade, culture, and the many other things a vastly interconnected world has to offer. It was arguably one of the most influential political actions the government of Vermark has made or ever will make. It was a day of much excitement for Vares.
"Voting on The Emergence Act will now begin. Please cast your vote now," declared the Speaker.
At this time, those senators who had their positions solidified did not hesitate to punch in the decision they so desired. Broadcast news channels immediately projected the count to their viewers like sportcasts displaying the score of a football match. "Yea 19. Nay 22," read the broadcasts. The votes began to trickle in slowly after the quick rush of the early decided.
"Yea 24. Nay 27."
A group of politicians sitting to the left of the Speaker who sat in square in front of the semicircle of wooden seats with more than one hundred years of use. These politicians, three men and three women, talked quickly. They made up a small cohort of Moderates who tended to be left-leaning, but regardless of the position, these six always voted the same. The discussion stopped and was followed by nodding in consensus. They turned to cast their ballots.
"Yeah 30. Nay 27."
The President and the Prime Minister looked towards each other and smiled. This was policy they submitted jointly, which has been more common-stance then in past years, now that both entities belong to the same party. They need two votes more to become one of the most important duos in Varish history. Interestingly, the President and Prime Minister were both Progressive Party members. This was interesting because their largest opposition in Parliament came from the Progressive Party. The belief of these Progressive Party legislators was that international involvement would distract the government from running the welfare state that was, in their liberal opinion, driving the Utopia that was Vermark. The "Executive Duo" and the Conservatives saw this as an opportunity to accelerate the economy and bring even more prosperity to Vermark. Though, the Conservatives wouldn't mind much if the welfare state was in fact harmed by The Emergence.
Regardless of political sentiment and narrow-sighted predictions, Vermark did have something to offer the world. Though not necessarily profitable, the Scholarship that gave rise to Vermark still existed today, and Vermark had the ability to fill a niche as the world's educator. The University of Videnhagen was centuries old and home to the brightest minds of Vermark. If Vermark were to open its borders, it could possibly become home to the brightest minds of the world. And that had significant political and economic benefits. Vermark truly was on the cusp of something very ground-breaking.
"Yea 30. Nay 30."
Murmurs spread around the hall. Broadcasts buzzed with exclamations. It couldn't get closer. It truly was a historic event. Even if the law were to fail, it would still be historic and grand.
Two men suddenly became the most powerful in Vermark. Perhaps, more powerful then the Executive Duo. Both were members of the Moderate party. Both were, at this point, extremely nervous. One, nodded along as an adviser whispered in his ear and whipped sweat from his forehead. He finally nodded one last time and pursed his lips. He cast his vote.
"Yea 31. Nay 30"
More murmuring commenced. More excitement brewed on television. President Niklas Jamesson and Prime Minister Michelle Reedman felt some relief, but were still extremely giddy in anticipation. The Act rested in the decision of just one senator.
This Senator, Senator Henrik Hanssen, felt this enormous pressure come down on him as his adviser talked to him. He wasn't listening, of course; there were too many things in his head to be listening. Future campaigns, popularity with colleagues, personal legacy, and most importantly the future of his home country, swirled in his head like fruit in a smoothie blender. He tuned back into his adviser in time for him to hear the basis of what he was saying: Vote Yea. He took a moment, leaned forward, and exhaled heavily. The backlash from Progressives and their allies in the media would be harsh, should he vote in favor. However, deciding against would mean certain punishment from the conservative movement that's arisen to counter the existence of the welfare state. It would be unlikely for him to win another election if he voted against. However, he thought about Vermark's future if this Act was implemented. He pictured Videnhagen being the host of international expos. Vermark leading military coalitions against evil dictatorships. The respect that Vermark would gain from foreign lands. That respect, was ultimately a commodity called power. Like petroleum combusts to drive automobiles, power combusts to drive prosperity. Senator Hanssen cast his vote.
"Yea 32. Nay 30"
The chamber erupted with relief. President Jamesson and Prime Minister Reedman looked at each other briefly, then embraced each other. The path to Varish prominence on the world stage had begun.
To the People of Vermark and Nations of the World:
Today, the Parliament of Vermark made a historical decision that put Vermark a step forward toward a higher level of prosperity. The Emergence Act was passed today. This act allows Vermark to enter the vast world of international trade and politics. I believe that this new ability will drive Vermark into a bright, successful future. Ultimately, the people of Vermark can expect an improvement in their quality of life as a result of this law.
The are many exciting things forthcoming for the nation of Vermark. One of my first actions as leader of this now worldly state will be to apply to the World Assembly and begin to form an international presence through that institution. Also, Vermark will soon be opening its doors to a vast array of options. Trade deals, alliances, and embassy exchanges are all in Vermark's future.
However, the most exciting part of this act is what the individual may now do. The consumer will soon have access to a wide variety of foreign products. People of other nationalities and tourists will soon bring business and economic vitality to Vermark. Entities like the University of Vermark and businesses like SciCorp will now be given the opportunity to expand abroad and will have the potential to be world power-houses.
The opportunities are literally endless. I look forward to Vermark's bright future as a result of The Emergence Act.
Sincerely,
Nicklas Jamesson
President of the Social Republic of Vermark
