[PASSED] Commend Europeia

[Tinhampton]

Keep it. Europeia, and r3n in particular, are the pioneers of Independent gameplay.

(Also, "the the World Assembly?")

[Comfed]

As for why we wouldn’t extoll independentism, I find myself irrevocably opposed to the notion it’s not commendable. The Security Council has changed, the prevailing orthodoxy has changed. It’s not now, if it ever has been, that defenderism is the only admirable thing that one could do in the world of Gameplay.

I don't think being 'defenderism', or holding any other ideology commendable. Defenders are commended for the action of defending. Inherently subscribing to or creating an NS ideology in my view is also not worthy of commendation.

I would say that while holding an ideology is not in itself commendable, Europeia pioneered the ideology of Independence and really is still to this day arguably the Independent region. That is what I would say is commendable, and not merely the fact that they hold such an ideology.

[Saint Tomas and the Northern Ice Islands]

I don't think being 'defenderism', or holding any other ideology commendable. Defenders are commended for the action of defending. Inherently subscribing to or creating an NS ideology in my view is also not worthy of commendation.

I would say that while holding an ideology is not in itself commendable, Europeia pioneered the ideology of Independence and really is still to this day arguably the Independent region. That is what I would say is commendable, and not merely the fact that they hold such an ideology.

Well the pioneering of the ideology being commendable should be elaborated on, and more evident in the draft.

[Anne of Cleves in TNP]

Full support.

[The Ice States]

Nice draft! Good luck!

[The Orwell Society]

Support! Great one, Hulldom!

[The North Polish Union]

I don't think being 'defenderism', or holding any other ideology commendable. Defenders are commended for the action of defending. Inherently subscribing to or creating an NS ideology in my view is also not worthy of commendation.

I would say that while holding an ideology is not in itself commendable, Europeia pioneered the ideology of Independence and really is still to this day arguably the Independent region. That is what I would say is commendable, and not merely the fact that they hold such an ideology.

Its only commendable if the ideology itself is commendable, which in this case it is not and the author has made no attempt to show that it even could be.

Self-commendations do tend to be prone to these sorts of blind spots, however.

[Quebecshire]

Self-commendations do tend to be prone to these sorts of blind spots, however.

Maybe if you call it that a few more times, it will actually become true.

[Hulldom]

Updated the independence sections to hopefully address both concerns about that clause.

[The Ice States]

Applauding the Europeian Republican Navy, the acclaimed military of Europeia, which has held its own on the high seas since the region’s very foundations, has been a bastion of domestic activity for the region through several operations known as “Wargames”, and international cooperation through their participation in a bevy of international operations throughout the years, such as those reclaiming Anne Frank and Union of the Fascist Reich from the fascist menace and more recently the operations surrounding Confederacy of Layem;

Maybe it's just me, but the word "menace" gives a kind of sarcastic/exaggeration tone, which I don't think this should give off at all when talking about fascists. Just replacing "the fascist menace" with "fascist control" or something similar would fix this.

While derided in certain corners, “Independence” has proven to be a bedrock of the foreign policy sphere since its foundation in the mid-2010s, uniting Europeia, Balder, The North Pacific, and others in the pursuit of their own interests without respect to dogma. Sustained adherence to the Independent Manifesto has also allowed Europeia to pursue diverse opportunities for engagement with many groups across many different alignments, benefitting Europeia and the wider world in the process;

Benefitting Europeia how? "Uniting Europeia [and various region] in the pursuit of their own interests without respect to dogma" is Commendable enough, and the sentence after that seems vague honestly.

Appreciating too that Europeian foreign policy interests also extend to ensuring a level playing field for recruitment by regions and that the landmark Arnhelm Declaration of Recruitment Standards provided an interregionally-agreed upon curb to recruitment from other regions which do not inherently exist in the multiverse;

"inherently exist in the multiverse"... what??? UCRs absolutely exist, and it would "inherently" have to exist in the multiverse to, um, do anything. I completely agree with Goobergunchia. Just use something like "other regions outside of those created by godly beings", or even just "other regions" and possibly replacing "curb to" with "agreement on".

which is affiliated with the World Assembly Legislative League

I think this detail is unnecessary -- just being a member of an interregional organisation is relatively ordinary. If, on the other hand, you are referring to Europeia's contribution to WALL, then you should add more detail on their contribution there in my opinion.

[Hulldom]

Applauding the Europeian Republican Navy, the acclaimed military of Europeia, which has held its own on the high seas since the region’s very foundations, has been a bastion of domestic activity for the region through several operations known as “Wargames”, and international cooperation through their participation in a bevy of international operations throughout the years, such as those reclaiming Anne Frank and Union of the Fascist Reich from the fascist menace and more recently the operations surrounding Confederacy of Layem;

Maybe it's just me, but the word "menace" gives a kind of sarcastic/exaggeration tone, which I don't think this should give off at all when talking about fascists. Just replacing "the fascist menace" with "fascist control" or something similar would fix this.

While derided in certain corners, “Independence” has proven to be a bedrock of the foreign policy sphere since its foundation in the mid-2010s, uniting Europeia, Balder, The North Pacific, and others in the pursuit of their own interests without respect to dogma. Sustained adherence to the Independent Manifesto has also allowed Europeia to pursue diverse opportunities for engagement with many groups across many different alignments, benefitting Europeia and the wider world in the process;

Benefitting Europeia how? "Uniting Europeia [and various region] in the pursuit of their own interests without respect to dogma" is Commendable enough, and the sentence after that seems vague honestly.

Appreciating too that Europeian foreign policy interests also extend to ensuring a level playing field for recruitment by regions and that the landmark Arnhelm Declaration of Recruitment Standards provided an interregionally-agreed upon curb to recruitment from other regions which do not inherently exist in the multiverse;

"inherently exist in the multiverse"... what??? UCRs absolutely exist, and it would "inherently" have to exist in the multiverse to, um, do anything. I completely agree with Goobergunchia. Just use something like "other regions outside of those created by godly beings", or even just "other regions" and possibly replacing "curb to" with "agreement on".

which is affiliated with the World Assembly Legislative League

I think this detail is unnecessary -- just being a member of an interregional organisation is relatively ordinary. If, on the other hand, you are referring to Europeia's contribution to WALL, then you should add more detail on their contribution there in my opinion.

Thanks for the comments! These are generally helpful, but I do want to respond to some stuff. Numbers correspond to the section you snipped.

1. Well taken.

2. I kind of assumed some nebulous benefitting them by simply allowing them to interact with all sorts of people if their interests allowed”. Glad to hear that’s coming along though, it’s kind of tricky.

3. Inherently exist in the multiverse=GCR. The goal there was to dance around saying GCR. “Other regions” would be fairly incorrect because while signatories to the Arnhelm Declaration don’t recruit from each other, it was meant to be a true curb on UCR recruitment from other UCRs. I like the way that’s worded now.

4. Europeia is, in some ways, the bedrock of WALL. Sure TNP brings votes and has the history, but Europeian enthusiasm when the thing is humming is kind of unmatched. Parts of this, mind you, is also to note Europeian accomplishments to it because their work has been (1) instrumental in the past year in reviving it and (2) in founding it too.

[The Ice States]

3. Inherently exist in the multiverse=GCR. The goal there was to dance around saying GCR. “Other regions” would be fairly incorrect because while signatories to the Arnhelm Declaration don’t recruit from each other, it was meant to be a true curb on UCR recruitment from other UCRs. I like the way that’s worded now.

Fair enough!

4. Europeia is, in some ways, the bedrock of WALL. Sure TNP brings votes and has the history, but Europeian enthusiasm when the thing is humming is kind of unmatched. Parts of this, mind you, is also to note Europeian accomplishments to it because their work has been (1) instrumental in the past year in reviving it and (2) in founding it too.

The part in question does not say this at all -- it just says that Europeia is a member of WALL. I don't at all doubt that Europeia's contribution to WALL is, in fact, commendable, but you don't say in the proposal that they contributed besides just being a member!

[Hulldom]

That should hopefully be fixed now.

[Toonela]

Here's some minor suggestions to take or leave at your discretion:

Knowing first that Europeia began as a monarchy in 2007

"Knowing that Europeia first began" flows a bit better, I think.

Assuring the multiverse that Europeia practices inclusion in other ways that participation in government,

". . . in other ways than solely participation in government,"

Praising the impressive achievements of Europeia in the World Assembly, as part of their prized Ministry of World Assembly Affairs,

Hmm. Is "part" the best word here to modify "impressive achievements"? I'm not sure what exactly you're going for, but maybe try "results of their prized . . ."? It's a bit unclear to me.

[Hulldom]

Here's some minor suggestions to take or leave at your discretion:

Knowing first that Europeia began as a monarchy in 2007

"Knowing that Europeia first began" flows a bit better, I think.

Assuring the multiverse that Europeia practices inclusion in other ways that participation in government,

". . . in other ways than solely participation in government,"

Praising the impressive achievements of Europeia in the World Assembly, as part of their prized Ministry of World Assembly Affairs,

Hmm. Is "part" the best word here to modify "impressive achievements"? I'm not sure what exactly you're going for, but maybe try "results of their prized . . ."? It's a bit unclear to me.

It’s 2 AM as I see these so bear with me.

First two are definitely well taken. Last one will have to take a look at in the morning when I can focus more definitely.

[Unibot III]

Hi Hulldom -

I think the draft has improved with the past editing, I will share a few thoughts. Mileage may vary.

Acclaiming regions in the universe which exude stability, provide opportunity, and prove to be implacable on the interregional stage and recognizing that Europeia is one of them;

Is "implacable" the word you intended to use here? It reads like you intended "irreplaceable." Implacable in this context means you are insatiable on the world stage, which is a bit strange.

Lauding Europeia as its democracy has rarely been contained within the confines of elected bodies, but has often encompassed the entirety of the citizenry, as seen through the long and storied histories of the several iterations of the Europeian Citizens’ Assembly and later by allowing national leaders in Europeia to run its capital city of Arnhelm via its City Council;

Might be useful to pull up a date for the foundation of the Citizens' Assembly and City Council. I recall the former being fairly old and dates could help establish that Euro was not only experimenting in local government but breaking new ground while doing so.

Believing that democracy cannot function without a robust media sphere, something that Europeia recognizes, encourages, and prizes, with the Europeian Broadcasting Corporation providing Europeians and others news, commentary, and analysis in both text and auditory formats in concert with private outlets such as The Europeian Research Institute, The Panda’s Pen, and others;

I find this sentence structure a little difficult to follow. I know what you're saying, but I think the combination of three words after "something that Europeia" breaks the flow of the sentence as it transitions into the substance of the clause.

You have a unique kind of writing style in that your clauses often follow with a preamblatory clause (that expresses the WA's values) then a sub-preamblatory clause (that expresses how the subject shares its values). This can cause issues for your resolution if others feel that the WA shouldn't be identifying with a particular value (e.g., republicanism, the Independent Manifesto, free press) but I think it will be largely a noncontroversial approach for most parts of your resolution and I encourage you to write in your individual style, but be conscious of the challenges it can pose both to your draft's structure but also substance. Perhaps something like this may work:

Believing, as does Europeia, that democracy cannot function without a robust media sphere, Europeia launched (...in 20SOMETHING...) the Europeian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) providing Europeians and others news, commentary, and analysis in both text and auditory formats in concert with private outlets such as The Europeian Research Institute, The Panda’s Pen, and others;

Assuring the multiverse that Europeia practices inclusion in other ways than solely participation in government, such as through promoting diverse perspectives on existence through the successful “Women in NS” Symposium and the Project Moirai series run in Europeian regional media, both of which honored female world leaders and provided a forum for them to discuss issues unique to their experiences participating in world affairs, and the annual EuroPride celebrations celebrating LGBTQIA+ national leaders of Europeia;

I find that first subsentence a little off, as I don't think the multiverse was concerned that Europeia only practiced inclusion in government. I think in your original draft you may have had this clause immediately beneath the local government clause, then when you added the media clause, it broke the sentence contextually.

There's a few other 'inclusive' events from the past, thinking like 2013, but I can't quite put my finger on it. They were major events for Europeia, my memory isn't as good as it once was. But I think it would be a good idea to run through the Embassy and old media posts if you haven't already to research these initiatives. One thing that does come to mind was an EBC Radio Broadcast that Euro launched on harassment with Astarial.

Applauding the Europeian Republican Navy, the acclaimed military of Europeia, which has held its own on the high seas since the region’s very foundations, has been a bastion of domestic activity for the region through several operations known as “Wargames”, and international cooperation through their participation in a bevy of international operations throughout the years, such as those reclaiming Anne Frank and Union of the Fascist Reich from fascist control and more recently the operations surrounding Confederacy of Layem;

Is it really acclaimed? Always seemed to me candidates in Europeia spent more time talking about renewing the ERN than applauding it. I'm mostly kidding.

The "wargames" phrase is a little strange here - is that Euro's word for tagging?

Admiring the innovative approach of Europeia in the field of international relations, wherein Europeia has taken a leading role in the formulation of the theory of action known as “Independence” via their role in the formation of the Independent Manifesto. While derided in certain corners, “Independence” has proven to be a bedrock of the foreign policy sphere since its foundation in the mid-2010s, uniting Europeia, Balder, The North Pacific, and others in the pursuit of their own interests without respect to dogma. Sustained adherence to the Independent Manifesto has also allowed Europeia to pursue diverse opportunities for engagement with many groups across many different alignments, benefitting Europeia and the wider world in the process;

Oh this poor clause. I think its gotten longer as edits have been made to respond to me and others. It's better than the original clause, but I would raise more issues with it.

The use of "Independence" versus Independentism is confusing for non-GPers because it's a noun that isn't identifiably a political movement (as it lacks an -ism), it's like calling a political belief "Lamp" and then repeating over and over again that your region believes in Lamp. Lamp has been so good for us. Extolling the virtues of Lamp. Lampism makes it clear that the subject is an ideology. The other issue with "Independence," of course is it is a misnomer, actual independence is about state autonomy - internal and external sovereignty - but "Independence" argues that state sovereignty should be limited to the interests of that region and then identifies what those interests are without much discussion on why that is. It's about telling you what you should do.

The Independence Manifesto is also not a 'theory of action.' I mean, read the document, it makes a set of declarations about what an "Independent region" is. It never for a moment ruminates about the full consequences of these policies for the region or the international sphere. "Theory of action" is stretching it.

My bigger problem with this clause though is the use of "respect to dogma." That phrase comes directly from the Manifesto. In this case, the "dogma" it is referring to is humanitarian principles - the same principles that the WA routinely commends and practices itself in passing WA Liberations. Internally, it's not consistent for the WA to chide idealism as dogmatic in one resolution, then praise it in the next, and practice it regularly itself.

The new draft also makes a declarative statement that Independentism is the "bedrock" of the foreign policy sphere, when you could make the same argument that Defenderism is the "bedrock" of the foreign policy sphere given the prominence of recent multilateral organizations and the strength of that network of alliances.

Here's my suggestion:

Admiring the innovation that Europeia has shown in the field of international relations, especially in its role in the creation of the Independent Manifesto. This political movement has unified major regional powers, including Europeia, Balder, The North Pacific, and others in the pursuit of their own regional interests. Sustained adherence to the Independent Manifesto has also allowed Europeia to pursue diverse opportunities for engagement with many groups across many different alignments, benefitting Europeia and the wider world in the process;

It cuts the text of some of its extraneous comments and I think it would be more readable for a non-GPer.

Appreciating too that Europeian foreign policy interests also extend to ensuring a level playing field for recruitment by regions and that the landmark Arnhelm Declaration of Recruitment Standards provided an interregionally-agreed upon curb to recruitment from other regions which do not inherently exist in the multiverse;

I think you may have used "interests" here in the sense of "priorities." But it makes it sound like the WA is appreciative that it is in the interest of Europeia to care about recruitment standards. The final subsentence too is not clear, because if you're a non-GPer and you don't know that Arnhelm was Europeian, the relevance of the declaration is assumed. The use of the word "curb" here as a noun rather than a verb is a bit unusual, and the last bit about "inherently exist in the multiverse" is a clunky way to say UCR - I didn't actually know what you meant until I read it a few times.

The issue with the SC Rules is, as always, that to make language decipherable for non-GPers, you're at risk of making it in indecipherable to everyone. Perhaps something like this may read cleaner:

Appreciating too that Europeia has sought to level the playing field for recruitment by regions with its landmark Arnhelm Declaration of Recruitment Standards which provided an interregionally-agreed upon moratorium on recruitment outside of Feeder and Sinker regions;

Mousebumples, a nation commended largely for their work in the World Assembly, contributions which specifically focused on medical equality among member states,
Maowi, a sloth-filled domain that was also commended largely on the back of their contributions to the World Assembly, but which focused instead on social justice and mentorship of aspiring authors, and
Kaboomlandia, a country which focused on righting the wrongs of the past—specifically by removing the recognition this august assembly bestowed on nations removed from this plane of existence by a fearsome and mysterious figure from the heavens;

Controversial opinion, but I think I'd leave out the biographies. This is a commendation of Europeia, not Mouse, Maowi, or Kamboomlandia. Listing their names is fine to me.

Extolling Europeia’s pride of place as a leader among its peers as a shining beacon of stability, a land of hope and opportunity, and as an international bulwark and wishing to afford it the highest honor this assembly can bestow;

My suggestion is leave out "and as an international bulwark" because the clause starts to become a run-on, and I'm not sure what an international bulwark means in this context anyways.

One thought would be to use "polar star" rather than "shining beacon." The latter is a bit overused rhetorically, the former expresses an ideal that other regions try to emulate, which I think is fitting for Europeia.

All in all, a nice effort on you and your co-author's part. Cheers.

[The North Polish Union]

The clause about independentism still makes no effort to show that the ideology itself is anything special enough that the authors of it deserve positive recognition. I can dream up any number of ideologies in my head which, if put into practice, would likely be deserving of condemnation.

Indeed, Europeia's ideology is a purely self-serving one motivated out of self-interest and little else. While Europeia may be able to make a compelling argument that this is an ideology which has benefitted themselves, one is still left to ask whether the SC should be commending pure and open selfishness.

The ERN clauses note some of the ERN's good actions, but remains silent in its complicity in a number of raids that have led to SC liberations. Attempted whitewashing of this behavior doesn't change the fact that it happened or that there are plenty of current players whose regions have been harmed by the ERN.

This nominee ultimately is undeserving of a commendation, the other issues with the author aside; and the fact that they currently have one doesn't change that.

--

Self-commendations do tend to be prone to these sorts of blind spots, however.

Maybe if you call it that a few more times, it will actually become true.

I eagerly await someone finding a regional C&C successfully authored by a citizen of the target region. Happy hunting!

[Varanius]

It is absolutely baffling to me why anyone would waste their time opposing this to the degree NPU does, knowing that the proposal will pass anyway. Truly, few things seem as futile. This proposal will pass, and it will pass overwhelmingly. Throwing a tantrum in the thread isn’t convincing anyone, and it certainly isn’t convincing anyone that actually matters to this proposal’s passage. I look forward to seeing this eventually at vote, and I look forward to seeing it inevitably succeed. It’s quite nice, being on the winning side. Some people here should try it some time….

[Hulldom]

Re: Unibot, a lot of it is useful food for thought. The rewrite of the independence clause in particular I may take another look at, but I like the way the proposal is worded now. If others have similar concerns, I’ll look back at it and consider whether or not to give the ideas another spin.

One particular point of note: no, Europeia ran actual things they deemed “Wargames” as in intra-ERN way to gin up activity.

As for the raids, NPU, I included what I have been asked to include. I’m not going to expressly overrule my co-author. If you believe it’s purely “whitewashing” of raiding, well, the Against button will be there at vote.

[Toonela]

Last one will have to take a look at in the morning when I can focus more definitely.

Gave the changes a skim. Looking good! Best of luck with the resolution.

[Quebecshire]

The ERN clauses note some of the ERN's good actions, but remains silent in its complicity in a number of raids that have led to SC liberations. Attempted whitewashing of this behavior doesn't change the fact that it happened or that there are plenty of current players whose regions have been harmed by the ERN.

This is sort of disingenuous and contradictory absurdity has been par for the course for your friends’ crowds for awhile now, so it makes sense you’re getting up to speed on their methods. It is an upgrade from your usual conspiracies in terms of rhetoric, I suppose.

I look forward to your ongoing and practiced (lack of) concern for the sanctity of other communities.

[Malicious NPU]

It is absolutely baffling to me why anyone would waste their time opposing this to the degree NPU does, knowing that the proposal will pass anyway. Truly, few things seem as futile. This proposal will pass, and it will pass overwhelmingly. Throwing a tantrum in the thread isn’t convincing anyone, and it certainly isn’t convincing anyone that actually matters to this proposal’s passage. I look forward to seeing this eventually at vote, and I look forward to seeing it inevitably succeed. It’s quite nice, being on the winning side. Some people here should try it some time….

Leaving aside any discussion about whether the claims made here will be correct, the level of self-assured smugness it took to write this post is alarming, even for the GP community. Were I in a region that had diplomatic relations with TWP I would take a moment to consider what sort of impact the condescending attitude of TWP's Minister of Foreign Affairs would have on the viability of future relations should any sort of obstacle crop up.

As for the raids, NPU, I included what I have been asked to include. I’m not going to expressly overrule my co-author. If you believe it’s purely “whitewashing” of raiding, well, the Against button will be there at vote.

This is really a non-answer. Europeia's participation not just in raids, but in raids that have required SC liberations, is a matter of public knowledge. Surely you and your co-author ought to be able to work together on a way to attempt to explain how such actions don't detract from Europeia's commendability, given that you almost certainly had already worked together to create a first draft. I would be very surprised indeed if, having assisted with the initial draft, the co-author is now unavailable/unwilling to further cooperate on drafting.

The ERN clauses note some of the ERN's good actions, but remains silent in its complicity in a number of raids that have led to SC liberations. Attempted whitewashing of this behavior doesn't change the fact that it happened or that there are plenty of current players whose regions have been harmed by the ERN.

This is sort of disingenuous and contradictory absurdity has been par for the course for your friends’ crowds for awhile now, so it makes sense you’re getting up to speed on their methods. It is an upgrade from your usual conspiracies in terms of rhetoric, I suppose.

I look forward to your ongoing and practiced (lack of) concern for the sanctity of other communities.

Observing that the SC has in the past declined to commend regions whose aggressive military actions necessitated a Liberations Resolution is a statement of fact. It is hardly contradictory to point out that fact, since it remains fact regardless of my own personal actions in R/D.

Clearly you have an abundance of time to post nonsensical rhetoric in an attempt to protect the reputation of a region that you would've been decrying as raiders-in-all-but-name had you only started playing NS a few years earlier than you did. And yet, you and everyone else here have yet to find an example of a regional Commend written by one of the region's own citizens. I certainly have yet to find one, and not for lack of looking.

Oh well, try again I guess

[Fachumonn]

Support for repeal & replace.

[Hulldom]

Bumpedy bump.

Edit: Talked to someone and have adopted (in good part) the Unibot comment on the Independent Manifesto, which I hope is clearer. Additionally, reworked the Lauding clause a bit.

[WayNeacTia]

Not seeing any real reason to give Euro more reasons to toot their own horn. The original commendation is fine, if they are to have a commendation. I fully support the repeal, but no dice on a replacement….