NationStates

I’m assuming you’ve seen the repeal effort by this point, which I’m also connected with. I wouldn’t have signed on to the repeal effort if I didn’t think there were serious defects with the target. I also believe that Europeia is worthy of a commend, necessitating a replacement.

Commend Europeia

Target: Europeia

The Security Council,

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

Knowing that Europeia first began as a monarchy in 2007 ruled by King HEM, but transitioned into a democracy later that same year, a regime change which has stood the test of time with a democratically-elected Senate, the primary law-making body which has been home to many robust debates over time, and an elected head of state overseeing the diverse activities that Europeian citizens can engage in;

Lauding Europeia as its democracy has rarely been contained within the confines of elected bodies, but has often encompassed the entirety of the citizenry via regular discussions on important legal and policy issues in its Grand Hall. Citizen participation in Europeian politics can also be 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;

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;

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;

Applauding the Europeian Republican Navy, the acclaimed military of Europeia, for holding its own on the high seas since the region’s very foundation, serving as a bastion of domestic activity for the region through several operations known as “Wargames”, and participating in interregional cooperation through a bevy of operations throughout the years, such as those freeing Anne Frank and Union of the Fascist Reich from fascist control and more recently the operations surrounding Confederacy of Layem;

Admiring the innovative approach of Europeia in the field of international relations, especially in its leading role in formulating the Independent Manifesto. Since the Manifesto was announced in the mid-2010s, it has united The North Pacific, Europeia, and Balder in the pursuit of their own interests. Among other benefits, the Independent Manifesto has allowed Europeia to pursue opportunities for engagement with diverse groups across many different alignments, benefitting Europeia and the wider world in the process;

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;

Praising the impressive achievements of Europeia in the World Assembly and their prized Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, which has contributed greatly to the World Assembly Legislative League through, and thanks in part, to the many individuals who made and continue to make Europeia a heavyweight in this body such as:

• 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 due to their contributions to the World Assembly and Europeia which focused 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;

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;

Hereby Commends Europeia.

Co-authored by: Pallaith

This looks good, and I support the R+R effort, but a Europeia citizen writing Commend Euro is a bit... self-congratulatory?

Honeydewistania wrote:This looks good, and I support the R+R effort, but a Europeia citizen writing Commend Euro is a bit... self-congratulatory?

I quibble with that notion. It’s not my main there. I’m not involved with Europeian government (anymore).

I feel a bit uncomfortable with the SC affirming that it wants to become a noteworthy Europeian nation. Otherwise, why not?

Kaboomlandia, a country which focused on writing 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;

Is this intentional? I just glanced over the proposal and before giving more substantive feedback I noticed this.

Morover wrote:

Kaboomlandia, a country which focused on writing 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;

Is this intentional? I just glanced over the proposal and before giving more substantive feedback I noticed this.

It wasn’t, but I actually find that really funny. Going to change it though.

You use the word 'multiverse' 7 times in the proposal text. You may want to reduce that.

The Order of The Grey Wardens need a capital T in the

I will only support this proposal if you put a statue of my leader in your capitol.

The aspiring clause definitely needs to be changed. The SC is not a nation, and does not aspire to be amongst Europeian nations for any reason. I think you could probably just lose it, as while the Ovation and Triumph system is definitely interesting, its not really unique and how Europeia honors its members internally doesn't strike me as one of the things that makes Europeia commendable.

I would complain that the SC shouldn’t be extolling independentism over defender-aligned regions and that the resolution’s definition of independentism has not much to do with independentism. A region’s self-interests are prioritized in all relationships under independentism, rather than necessarily prioritizing friendships. Prioritizing relationships with your friends and those you have commonalities with, isn’t necessarily exclusive to your self-interest. The WA Security Council is a humanitarian body that seeks first and foremost, peace and goodwill, it doesn’t condemn regions for working closely with imperialists and invaders, but it would be nonsensical for the WA Security Council to extoll this foreign policy over those that are committed to the right of self-determination.

As for the repeal/replace effort, I would suggest that you pursue the replacement first before the repeal to ensure Europeia doesn’t lose out on its commendation over this effort. Although I understand given the strength of WALL, that it is unlikely there will be much risk of that.

I joined Europeia over a year ago, invited through the soft power Europeia wields throughout numerous spheres, something perhaps overlooked but probably hard to sufficiently describe. Some other thoughts:

The Lauding clause feels out of touch in my mind, Arnhelm was in its death throes when I became a Euro citizen, and with the debate around it's closure and lack of appetite for any replacement, the way this clause is written is like putting lipstick on a pig. I've heard about the CA and looked through some of Arnhelm's history, and it isn't wrong for people to be prideful of these, but to not acknowledge the current structure of governance, actually to provide a narrative that runs counter to what government systems exist, is perhaps disingenuous.

With the Believing clause about regional media, I think the culture and power that polling holds in the region is impressive and notable. With the diversity and frequency of polling showcasing how robust Europeian democracy really is.

About Independence in the Extolling clause, my understanding is that the "middle way" that Independence allows for has created almost uncountable opportunities for co-operation in liberations and defending endeavours. With Europeia being one of the architects and arguably the poster child of this flexible ideology, the region is responsible for the breadth of other regions that label themselves as such or by other names that achieve the same effect. I believe this is more notable than describing the general system of how Europeia approaches treaties (especially as to how this system has had not insignificant problems in the recent past).

I agree with OSI about the Aspiring clause, I think it is more reasonable to be "Inspired" by these nations, than to "Aspire" to become one. Otherwise that's all my comments from a first reading.

The Acclaiming clause has a nation tag instead of a region one for "Europeia"

Self-commendation. Opposed.

Honeydewistania wrote:You use the word 'multiverse' 7 times in the proposal text. You may want to reduce that.

The Order of The Grey Wardens need a capital T in the

Noted there on the latter point. Even my re-readings yesterday didn’t catch that repetition so, good.

Free Algerstonia wrote:I will only support this proposal if you put a statue of my leader in your capitol.

Right away!

One Small Island wrote:The aspiring clause definitely needs to be changed. The SC is not a nation, and does not aspire to be amongst Europeian nations for any reason. I think you could probably just lose it, as while the Ovation and Triumph system is definitely interesting, its not really unique and how Europeia honors its members internally doesn't strike me as one of the things that makes Europeia commendable.

I might just nix the clause entirely. This definitely is right at 5,000. The system’s inclusion was something I’ve always found neat and interesting about Europeia, but point taken.

Unibot III wrote:I would complain that the SC shouldn’t be extolling independentism over defender-aligned regions and that the resolution’s definition of independentism has not much to do with independentism. A region’s self-interests are prioritized in all relationships under independentism, rather than necessarily prioritizing friendships. Prioritizing relationships with your friends and those you have commonalities with, isn’t necessarily exclusive to your self-interest. The WA Security Council is a humanitarian body that seeks first and foremost, peace and goodwill, it doesn’t condemn regions for working closely with imperialists and invaders, but it would be nonsensical for the WA Security Council to extoll this foreign policy over those that are committed to the right of self-determination.

As for the repeal/replace effort, I would suggest that you pursue the replacement first before the repeal to ensure Europeia doesn’t lose out on its commendation over this effort. Although I understand given the strength of WALL, that it is unlikely there will be much risk of that.

I’m aware of what independence is. After all, I am only the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The North Pacific. In all seriousness though, my point there was more “Euro’s unique spin on it. How Euro interprets it and breathes life into it.” I see no reason to change it.

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.

Lastly, I’m not part of the school that accepts replacements and then repeals and that’s not starting now. I am confident we can get the votes needed to pass this when the time comes.

Fhaengshia wrote:I joined Europeia over a year ago, invited through the soft power Europeia wields throughout numerous spheres, something perhaps overlooked but probably hard to sufficiently describe. Some other thoughts:

The Lauding clause feels out of touch in my mind, Arnhelm was in its death throes when I became a Euro citizen, and with the debate around it's closure and lack of appetite for any replacement, the way this clause is written is like putting lipstick on a pig. I've heard about the CA and looked through some of Arnhelm's history, and it isn't wrong for people to be prideful of these, but to not acknowledge the current structure of governance, actually to provide a narrative that runs counter to what government systems exist, is perhaps disingenuous.

With the Believing clause about regional media, I think the culture and power that polling holds in the region is impressive and notable. With the diversity and frequency of polling showcasing how robust Europeian democracy really is.

About Independence in the Extolling clause, my understanding is that the "middle way" that Independence allows for has created almost uncountable opportunities for co-operation in liberations and defending endeavours. With Europeia being one of the architects and arguably the poster child of this flexible ideology, the region is responsible for the breadth of other regions that label themselves as such or by other names that achieve the same effect. I believe this is more notable than describing the general system of how Europeia approaches treaties (especially as to how this system has had not insignificant problems in the recent past).

I agree with OSI about the Aspiring clause, I think it is more reasonable to be "Inspired" by these nations, than to "Aspire" to become one. Otherwise that's all my comments from a first reading.

Noted throughout here, but some slight comments:
1. The inclusion of Arnhelm wasn’t intentional and it certainly wasn’t meant to be “lipstick on a pig”. Part of my philosophy on regional commends/condemns is that they need to express what’s unique about the region and, really outside the feeders, I don’t recall any (I very well could be wrong here, my knowledge is always imperfect) region that has had anything quite like the CA or Arnhelm. Any region can, I honestly believe, that most regions and players can do large parts of most commendations. And yes, the work has to be commendable, but the best commends point out commendable parts of the nominee’s history that are worthy of note and unique.

2. That’s well taken. If you have an idea as for putting that in I’d be glad to hear it.

3. I would disagree with parts of this. I understand that I could have been a bit more, hm, precise here. (Thinking about it, and I’m thinking through things as I type this, I might split the two clauses for a whopping three FA clauses!)

As for “not insignificant problems”, I’d argue that these were not problems that were solely Europeia’s fault.

4. Well taken on OSI’s note as above.

Quebecshire wrote:The Acclaiming clause has a nation tag instead of a region one for "Europeia"

Noted. Hate BBCode sometimes.

The North Polish Union wrote:Self-commendation. Opposed.

Remind me of this the next time someone in the raider sphere commends/condemns someone they’re intimately familiar with. I’ll be happy to entertain that objection the moment the wider Council agrees upon etiquette of going into a nominee blind and not a moment sooner.

[Just because it’s easier to do things this way.] All of the above should have been fixed minus NPU’s comment.

Hulldom wrote:

The North Polish Union wrote:Self-commendation. Opposed.

Remind me of this the next time someone in the raider sphere commends/condemns someone they’re intimately familiar with. I’ll be happy to entertain that objection the moment the wider Council agrees upon etiquette of going into a nominee blind and not a moment sooner.

You're literally a citizen of Europeia, which you acknowledge earlier in the thread. I haven't been involved in Slavia's government for some time now. Good to know I can start writing their commendation at my earliest convenience

The North Polish Union wrote:

Hulldom wrote:
Remind me of this the next time someone in the raider sphere commends/condemns someone they’re intimately familiar with. I’ll be happy to entertain that objection the moment the wider Council agrees upon etiquette of going into a nominee blind and not a moment sooner.

You're literally a citizen of Europeia, which you acknowledge earlier in the thread. I haven't been involved in Slavia's government for some time now. Good to know I can start writing their commendation at my earliest convenience

And if they were commendable, you may even be successful

Full support, Hulldom.

Hulldom wrote:

Fhaengshia wrote:I joined Europeia over a year ago, invited through the soft power Europeia wields throughout numerous spheres, something perhaps overlooked but probably hard to sufficiently describe. Some other thoughts:

The Lauding clause feels out of touch in my mind, Arnhelm was in its death throes when I became a Euro citizen, and with the debate around it's closure and lack of appetite for any replacement, the way this clause is written is like putting lipstick on a pig. I've heard about the CA and looked through some of Arnhelm's history, and it isn't wrong for people to be prideful of these, but to not acknowledge the current structure of governance, actually to provide a narrative that runs counter to what government systems exist, is perhaps disingenuous.

With the Believing clause about regional media, I think the culture and power that polling holds in the region is impressive and notable. With the diversity and frequency of polling showcasing how robust Europeian democracy really is.

About Independence in the Extolling clause, my understanding is that the "middle way" that Independence allows for has created almost uncountable opportunities for co-operation in liberations and defending endeavours. With Europeia being one of the architects and arguably the poster child of this flexible ideology, the region is responsible for the breadth of other regions that label themselves as such or by other names that achieve the same effect. I believe this is more notable than describing the general system of how Europeia approaches treaties (especially as to how this system has had not insignificant problems in the recent past).

I agree with OSI about the Aspiring clause, I think it is more reasonable to be "Inspired" by these nations, than to "Aspire" to become one. Otherwise that's all my comments from a first reading.

Noted throughout here, but some slight comments:
1. The inclusion of Arnhelm wasn’t intentional and it certainly wasn’t meant to be “lipstick on a pig”. Part of my philosophy on regional commends/condemns is that they need to express what’s unique about the region and, really outside the feeders, I don’t recall any (I very well could be wrong here, my knowledge is always imperfect) region that has had anything quite like the CA or Arnhelm. Any region can, I honestly believe, that most regions and players can do large parts of most commendations. And yes, the work has to be commendable, but the best commends point out commendable parts of the nominee’s history that are worthy of note and unique.

2. That’s well taken. If you have an idea as for putting that in I’d be glad to hear it.

3. I would disagree with parts of this. I understand that I could have been a bit more, hm, precise here. (Thinking about it, and I’m thinking through things as I type this, I might split the two clauses for a whopping three FA clauses!)

As for “not insignificant problems”, I’d argue that these were not problems that were solely Europeia’s fault.

4. Well taken on OSI’s note as above.

Much better, I have no problems with the Lauding clause now.

For polling, there are many far more knowledgable than me, from memory there are typically midterm and end-of-term polls for both the Senate and Executive, a variety of polls on contentious issues, as well as the Census. I'd say something like Europeia's polling propensity empowers citizens to be active contributors at all stages of its well established democracy.

With the FA clauses I guess we'll agree to disagree, but I have nothing really against FA clauses one and three. And yes, I agree other regions had no insignificant part with the repeals and whatever it was with the star and gear one, but I don't particularly think that these "unique methods" are commendable. After all if Europeia really ensured that regional relationships were for the long term there would have been fewer embassy closures (and fewer embassy openings too). The Senate had given far too much discretion to the Executive in regards to this, but that's dirty laundry long since cleaned. Regardless the inclusion just strikes me as odd, I hardly think being cautious with embassies/treaties is unique/commendable.

The honours system Euro has is interesting, and definitely make a case for players to get involved. A little hasty wording shouldn't really nix the idea, but if this draft is up against the character limit then shrugs not everything can fit (as much as a radio section would also be nice ).

Fhaengshia wrote:Much better, I have no problems with the Lauding clause now.

For polling, there are many far more knowledgable than me, from memory there are typically midterm and end-of-term polls for both the Senate and Executive, a variety of polls on contentious issues, as well as the Census. I'd say something like Europeia's polling propensity empowers citizens to be active contributors at all stages of its well established democracy.

With the FA clauses I guess we'll agree to disagree, but I have nothing really against FA clauses one and three. And yes, I agree other regions had no insignificant part with the repeals and whatever it was with the star and gear one, but I don't particularly think that these "unique methods" are commendable. After all if Europeia really ensured that regional relationships were for the long term there would have been fewer embassy closures (and fewer embassy openings too). The Senate had given far too much discretion to the Executive in regards to this, but that's dirty laundry long since cleaned. Regardless the inclusion just strikes me as odd, I hardly think being cautious with embassies/treaties is unique/commendable.

The honours system Euro has is interesting, and definitely make a case for players to get involved. A little hasty wording shouldn't really nix the idea, but if this draft is up against the character limit then shrugs not everything can fit (as much as a radio section would also be nice ).

For polling, I know how it works of course. I think it’s laudable. If anything, I worry not about how to phrase it so much as I wonder if mere consistent polling about government really is all that commendable.

Putting this to bed, I think more goes into Euro’s relationships than quite many think. And I don’t think the numbers are necessarily indicative of how things operate or normally go. (Some communities break off due to disagreements, others pass into the history books. Not always big bustups!)

As for the honors system, I do think it is worth it but this draft is, by my own calculations right at the end of drafting about ~4,950, which would put this at about 4,700. I would like another clause, but uhhh not entirely sure how I can truly handle radio IC beyond the way I did in the extant media clause.

Hulldom wrote: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;

Anything of note besides fash bashes?

Hulldom wrote:Prizing the unique methods involved in Europeian foreign policy such as their emphasis on friendship and mutual interests before a formal relationship is formed. This method ensures that Europeia retains and remains a steadfast friend, often with tangible socio-cultural, political, or military links to other regions, thus allowing Europeia to form partnerships with a diverse array of regions from the imperialist The Land of Kings and Emperors to the stalwart defenders of The Order of the Grey Wardens;

(1) You have an extra space after "regions".

(2) Partnering with LKE is Condemnable, not Commendable.

Hulldom wrote: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;

"[O]ther regions which do not inherently exist in the multiverse" is confusing. Maybe "other regions which do not inherently have a right to exist in the multiverse"? (Although I don't like the implication that some regions do have such an inherent right.)

Goobergunchia wrote:

Hulldom wrote: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;

Anything of note besides fash bashes?

Hulldom wrote:Prizing the unique methods involved in Europeian foreign policy such as their emphasis on friendship and mutual interests before a formal relationship is formed. This method ensures that Europeia retains and remains a steadfast friend, often with tangible socio-cultural, political, or military links to other regions, thus allowing Europeia to form partnerships with a diverse array of regions from the imperialist The Land of Kings and Emperors to the stalwart defenders of The Order of the Grey Wardens;

(1) You have an extra space after "regions".

(2) Partnering with LKE is Condemnable, not Commendable.

Hulldom wrote: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;

"[O]ther regions which do not inherently exist in the multiverse" is confusing. Maybe "other regions which do not inherently have a right to exist in the multiverse"? (Although I don't like the implication that some regions do have such an inherent right.)

Rifling through this.

Re: the military. They’ve definitely done other ops. These are the ones they wanted to be included. There are definitely others, but they thought these would be the least objectionable.

Re: the second. Noted and the point is ideological range.

Finally, not entirely sure I like that revised wording. It was trying to say “regions that aren’t feeders” while dancing around that because, y’know, the rules.

Hulldom wrote:Finally, not entirely sure I like that revised wording. It was trying to say “regions that aren’t feeders” while dancing around that because, y’know, the rules.

That language would be legal.

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.

Lastly, I’m not part of the school that accepts replacements and then repeals and that’s not starting now. I am confident we can get the votes needed to pass this when the time comes.

A commendation is for extraordinary activity. As you’re aware, the central tenet of independentism is that a region act only within its self-interest.

There is nothing extraordinary about following your self-interest. It’s neither commendable nor condemnable. It’s expected.

The work that defenders have undertaken to liberate occupied regions and defend against invasions is frequently recognized as commendable by this Assembly because it is beyond strictly the interests of those involved, but a humanitarian commitment to peace and self-determination.

I see no issue with commending an Independentist region, but see no justification for why the WA would extoll an ideology that believes you should be primarily concerned with what is best for you — an ideology, too, that has been used to justify Europeia’s support for many invasions of other regions, including those that the WA Security Council has liberated!

Obligatory bump.

Prizing the unique methods involved in Europeian foreign policy such as their emphasis on friendship and mutual interests before a formal relationship is formed. This method ensures that Europeia retains and remains a steadfast friend, often with tangible socio-cultural, political, or military links to other regions, thus allowing Europeia to form partnerships with a diverse array of regions from the imperialist The Land of Kings and Emperors to the stalwart defenders of The Order of the Grey Wardens;

I don't think being in partnerships with these regions is commendable. If you insist, you should spare more characters explaining how this has benefitted the wider world/commendable.

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.