The Miniluv Messenger: TEP Liberated!

[The Miniluv Messenger]

Big Brother is watching Gameplay

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Messenger Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Cormactopia Prime

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Previous Editions

Before Re-Organization

Trouble in Paradise: Former UDL Chief Rages Against Other Defenders - 05 January 2014
Spiritus in Crisis: Exodus of Longtime, High Profile Citizens Continues - 09 January 2014
Milestone: Equilism Celebrates Tenth Anniversary - 11 January 2014
Malice is Helping GCRs Again? - 18 February 2014
Identity Crisis: The East Pacific Poised to Repeal Defender Act - 24 February 2014
April Fools? Gatesville Inc High Council Purged - 01 April 2014
Trouble in the UDL? - 03 May 2014
Operation Brave Toaster: Exposed - 18 October 2014

After Re-Organization

Long May She Reign: Balder Considers Abolishing Delegate Elections - 24 February 2015
The Boys Who Cried Wolf: Former TSP Cabinet Ministers Contest Election Results - 26 March 2015
Rogue's Gallery: Obvious Foreign Pilers Replace Declining Native Endorsements - 09 April 2015
Desperation: Stujenske Receiving Support from Dark Corners - 09 April 2015
A Mean Old Order: Latest Developments from Lazarus and Abroad - 15 April 2015
'Ello Gov'na! AMOM Declared "Emperor" of Lazarus by the NPO - 16 April 2015
Democracy in Action: Voting Underway for Lazarene Chairman-in-Exile - 17 April 2015
Arise: Lazarus Liberated by Former Chairman Kazmr - 22 April 2015
Nothing to See Here: NPO Attempts Damage Control - 23 April 2015
Boom Goes the Dynamite: The Black Riders Occupied by Native Coalition - 27 April 2015
Time of the Season: Alleged Coup Plot in Osiris - 04 July 2015
Feeder Frenzy: Conference Called on Lazarene Recruitment - 29 October 2015
Finally, Action: Unibot Banned in The Rejected Realms - 04 November 2015
West Pacific Order: NPO Emperor Pushing for Autocratic Centralization in TWP - 07 November 2015
2015 Year in Review: 10 Most Interesting Gameplay Events - 02 January 2016
Swept Away: Prolific Raider Cora Subjected to Puppet Sweep - 09 January 2016
The Fix Is In? Delegate of The East Pacific Remains Under Indictment - 16 December 2016
Vindication: Delegate of The East Pacific Ordered to be Reinstated - 04 January 2017
Stronger in Unity: Sandaoguo for Delegate of the South Pacific - 06 January 2017
The Empire Strikes Out: Attempted Subversion Against the South Pacific Exposed - 13 March 2017
Quiz: Which Original Miniluver Are You? - 30 April 2017
A Snowflake-Smashing Charm I Might Just Recommend - 26 May 2017
The Same Old Pacific Order, Part 1: Task Force Lazarus Exposed - 24 November 2018
The Same Old Pacific Order, Part 2: A Summary of Events So Far - 24 November 2018
Powder Keg: Slow Burning Crisis in The East Pacific Threatens to Explode - 29 June 2019
Highly Irregular: Viziers Responsible for Security of The East Pacific Dismissed - 05 October 2019

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Long May She Reign: Balder Considers Abolishing Delegate Elections

Rachel Eriksen: "I believe we should discontinue delegate elections..."

By Cormac Skollvaldr

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NORDIC SQUARE - Citing confusion regarding Balder's governmental system and threats to regional security -- including threats made by the author of this article, explicitly referenced in her address to the region -- Queen Rachel Eriksen, also known as Delegate Solorni, has proposed abolishing elections for Delegate and moving Balder further toward the constitutional monarchist systems of its imperialist allies. It is unclear whether the Monarch would retain special prerogatives such as the power to legislate by royal decree or command over the armed forces, or whether these powers would be transferred to the Statsminister, Balder's head of government.

This proposal is the latest in a long line of constitutional amendments that have shifted Balder's executive away from the more democratic and politically open systems maintained by most of its fellow Sinkers and Feeders and toward the constitutional monarchism popular among Balder's user-created allies. Under the original Constitution of Balder, in force from October 2011 to June 2012, the Delegate had limited executive powers and presided over a Council of State that included four elected ministers responsible for foreign affairs, immigration, internal affairs, and security. The basic laws that replaced this constitution, in force until February 2013, established the Delegate as the elected head of government with appointed, subordinate ministers.

The Delegate of Balder was first legally referred to as Monarch by the Instrument of Government Act (February 2013), though the term length and powers of the Monarch remained substantially similar to the powers of the Delegate under previous law. In May 2013, the term length of the Monarch was doubled from three months to six and for the first time the Monarch was empowered to legislate by royal decree. Finally, in July 2013, the Monarch became regional head of state and many executive powers were transferred to the newly created office of the Statsminister. Nonetheless, the Monarch retained the power to legislate by royal decree and command over the armed forces.

Many citizens of Balder have expressed support for the Queen's recent proposal, including Crown Prince (Vice Delegate) North East Somerset, Statsminister The Iron Rebel, and Riksdag Speaker Aaron Astoria, as well as several members of the Riksraadet, Balder's cabinet. "Given the current climate of NS and the various threats certain undesirable people have made against Balder I support the delegate position being more secure," the Statsminister said. He added: "[W]ho in Balders (sic) history has been a better or more elected Monarch than Rachel?"

Not everyone was happy with the proposal. Fuzzy, former Riksdag Speaker and current member of the Royal Council, Balder's game-side security council, opposed the proposal. "I like the idea of making the Statsminster (sic) take a much more central position and see the monarch step back. I don't like the idea of a non elected delegate though, whether it's for 'stability' or not. I continue to think that permanently handing it over to one person would be dangerous, and go against who we are as a sinker, regardless of how central a role the monarch/delegate plays. It was and always will be a powerful position, and should be an open one. "

"Oh not this again," said former King and current Integration Minister Zander Cerebella, recalling his opposition to a similar proposal made by the Queen in early 2014. Responding to claims that contested elections for Monarch are rare, the former King noted that "[i]t is extremely difficult to run against a cult personality and to convince people that someone else deserves a chance, or in my case another. In addition it is also hard to run for election when the majority of the active electorate shouts 'support' for someone before you even get the chance to throw your hat into the ring." These comments offended the Queen and set off a war of words between the former King and the Statsminister, though it should be noted that many comments in support of the proposal focused on personal support for or trust of the incumbent Queen, Rachel Eriksen, rather than political pros and cons.

This is not the first time that Rachel Eriksen has taken controversial steps as Queen. As noted, Eriksen proposed eliminating elections for Monarch in early 2014, a proposal ultimately rejected due to opposition by Fuzzy, Zander Cerebella, and now retired former King Charles Cerebella, among others -- including some supporting the current proposal. Eriksen also used her power to legislate by royal decree in August 2014 to first dissolve the office of Statsminister just days prior to its next scheduled election, then to appoint Zander Cerebella following heated debate regarding the power of the Monarch to alter or suspend constitutional laws by royal decree. It is unclear whether this latest controversial proposal will pass the Riksdag, though it enjoys more support than the Queen's earlier proposal.

[Zenya]

*yawn*

[Cormac Stark]

*yawn*

I know Balder's not that interesting, really, but no reason to be so rude about it.

[Zenya]

Nah. I didn't bother to read the article.
Your name and the title was enough to establish that its just crap because you're a little cranky at Rach.

Gameplay journalism is really ruined by this stuff, where you know before you read that there is a clear conflict of interest that establishes that there is a personal agenda at work...

There is no reasoning with you though. You're a perfect little caterpillar, Cormac. And its just those pesky little everyone else's in gameplay that stop you from becoming the beautiful butterfly you know you should be.

[Cormac Stark]

Nah. I didn't bother to read the article.
Your name and the title was enough to establish that its just crap because you're a little cranky at Rach.

Gameplay journalism is really ruined by this stuff, where you know before you read that there is a clear conflict of interest that establishes that there is a personal agenda at work...

There is no reasoning with you though. You're a perfect little caterpillar, Cormac. And its just those pesky little everyone else's in gameplay that stop you from becoming the beautiful butterfly you know you should be.

I like how you didn't even read the article, assume I'm grinding an axe, and then have the audacity to talk about "a personal agenda" when you didn't even read the article and are only commenting in this thread out of a personal dislike for me. Don't complain about my personal agenda when you're only even in this thread to pursue a personal vendetta.

Had you read the article, you may have noticed that I gave a detailed history of constitutional changes to the executive in Balder and that I noted both supporters and opponents of Rachel's proposal. I stuck to facts rather than inserting my own opinion of the proposal into the article.

If you're not even going to bother to read the articles, kindly do us all a favor and shut up.

[Zenya]

Personal vendetta? xD Dude I don't even know you haha, we've never had a conversation outside of your TCB ramblings for like the 2 days you were on that bullcrap and suddenly you flatter yourself by thinking I care about anything you do? You wish I gave a damn xD

But yeah, I don't read articles on Balder when the author has stated multiple times that they want Balder couped and threatened the Crown Prince of Balder multiple times that they will coup Balder.

I was just yawning.

[Sedgistan]

Zenya, if you're not going to read the article, there's no need to post. *** Warned for spam, and flamebaiting with that butterfly comment ***

[Zenya]

Zenya, if you're not going to read the article, there's no need to post. *** Warned for spam, and flamebaiting with that butterfly comment ***

Fair enough ^_^ I was commenting on the actual paper itself and the journalistic integrity of the article, which I thought was allowed in newspaper threads. Thank you for clarifying.

[Unibot III]

I don't see what there is to complain about, Zenya, in terms of an article; abolishing delegate elections is a big deal and there is support and opposition for the matter in Balder.

[Pergamon]

I am very pleased to hear that Queen Rach is going to create similarities with our harmonious revolutionary ideals, at least when it comes to electing a delegate.
Although further steps are needed to fully embrace the joys of the harmonious revolution, but I have no doubts that this move will be beneficial for the region itself.

[Cormac Stark]

I am very pleased to hear that Queen Rach is going to create similarities with our harmonious revolutionary ideals, at least when it comes to electing a delegate.
Although further steps are needed to fully embrace the joys of the harmonious revolution, but I have no doubts that this move will be beneficial for the region itself.

You do know Lazarus does elect its Delegate, right?

[Pergamon]

We elect, yes. But this is only a benevolent move of the Chairman himself. Either way, if we elect or not - the next Chairman is appointed by the previous one. For usual the one with the most votes will be appointed. But to be honest, this only relies to the Chairman himself.

[Solorni]

Why does the many citizens who support it get 1 paragraph, while the minority of two citizens who oppose it get two large paragraphs? One for each

[Belschaft]

Rach has my conditional support for her eternal reign, so long as she fulfills her promise to make me an Archduke.

[Klaus Devestatorie]

I don't have a problem with it.

[KaelThas Quilor]

The NPO has the same thing, and they didn't even have public support when Franco took over.

Personally, I'm against it, but if the Balderian public supports it, why the hell not. Have new election with that as the main issue, if the pro-eternal monarchists win, then hey, let her be Queen until resignation. Works for me. The citizens have the right to change their own system however they want.

[The Iron Rebel]

Nice job with the alterations to my quote for your twisted purpose.

[Benevolent Thomas]

Nice job with the alterations to my quote for your twisted purpose.

Could you provide us with your unaltered quote with context? If your accusation is true, posting your quote here could actually prove that the author has twisted your words and would decrease the overall legitimacy of the author and this publication.

[Jakker]

I personally enjoyed the article. It's an interesting shift for Balder, but not unexpected. I am not saying I don't personally like Rachel or think she hasn't done a lot for Balder, but the move is rather troubling to me. It makes sense now because Balder has depended heavily on Rachel for a while for activity and leadership, but does this make sense long term? It seems like this is more "Let's make Rachel the life long ruler of Balder because she has earned it and people love her." What about when Rachel burns out and someone else is put in charge? I doubt the support will be as prominent.

Also, the dependence on Rachel in Balder has negatively affected her and the region in my outside opinion. How many times has she told the region that she needs people to step up? Multiple times by my count. This move, to me, might just make things worse. Rachel won't be able to sustain this forever. And finally, I can resonate with the notion of how much it sucks when people have already decided who will win an election before it has started. I'm sure the idea doesn't help motivate people to do more for the region. Yet, if that feeling is already in place, this move will only put a name to what is already there.

[Glen-Rhodes]

If this happens, who among us would be surprised if Solorni was no longer that permanent delegate?

[The Iron Rebel]

Nice job with the alterations to my quote for your twisted purpose.

Could you provide us with your unaltered quote with context? If your accusation is true, posting your quote here could actually prove that the author has twisted your words and would decrease the overall legitimacy of the author and this publication.

He altered it to sell his point about paranoia and to make the supporters less significant in comparison to the detractors. Because after all in order to continue his campaign against Balder he needs to make sure we look stupid and dysfunctional. I've seen this threats, and I've seen how he talks to members of Balder who agree with Rachel or NES and disagree with him.

My full statement: http://i.imgur.com/Q2cw4x5.png

[Rifty]

Just for the record...If people were referring myself to a butterfly I would be pretty damn happy! Instead I got 3 pictures of strawberry lube on snapchat last night - A tear rolled down my cheek.

In any case - Best of luck to you CormacBae. <3

Can't say there is any surprise in the decision to decrease democracy in Balder especially after some of the conversations I had with Rach and some ideas I had at the time. At the end of the day we can both agree that being a Sociopath sounds like good fun - so yeah.

Best of luck to Rach in her quest to decrease the standard of democracy in her little collective of Fanyboys.

[Yao]

It's Literally Hitler when Lazarus does it.

Hail Queen Rachel!

[Solorni]

Obviously, this article misplaces the focus and intentionally misleads people as noted by the responses of Jakker in particular. Here is my speech on the matter:

Balder today stands at a crossroads. Ever since the creation of the Statsminister position, Balder has been more confusing to people new to the region and to those outside of it. The leader of one of our allies recently required that I explain our system of governance and who exactly controls foreign affairs. This confusion is harmful for our continued political development as it hampers us both externally and internally.

Furthermore, recent developments outside Balder have increased the danger to our region. Cormac and others have threatened to take over the region and purge us. It is a great risk to us that the delegacy can be used to greatly harm what we have built. Thus, using my experience with political science and nationstates I have been pondering the solution to fully solve this crossroad and move us into the future.

It has been proven that an absolute monarchy in Balder is not viable in the long-term as it tends to discourage players from investing here and it lives and dies with the absolute monarch. As it can be seen in cases with The Pacific and Empires of Earth is that while they may have great initial success the long-term success is more questionable. Thus, this is not a great path for us to choose. Although they have stability, they lack growth and the players produced by democracies.

It is in my opinion that we should choose a middle path that secures our future, gives us the best chance of success and is rooted in reality. Thus, I believe we should finish our current trend of becoming a constitutional monarchy. This will enable us to give greater focus to the Statsminister position, secure our future and be able to pursue our aims fearlessly. Thus, I believe we should discontinue delegate elections, thus keeping our monarch securely in place and place the full emphasis of politics on the Statsminister. It is my belief that with an enlightened guardian and democracy when it comes to governance that we’ll establish the greatest system possible as we obtain the best of both worlds.

We must also streamline our legal system and produce more guides as to how things work in Balder. It is vital that we make Balder easier to understand and allow for greater participation. By developing this system we can continue to ensure libertarian values without risk, and recruit to our cause and move fearlessly into the future. This is in my opinion the way forward that ensures both stability, success and demonstrates Balder as a leader in the GCR world.

It really isn't about having a system dependent on me. Absolutism and autocracy do not really work in the long term to the same degree as other systems. This is the idea that one can fully secure all the functions that are most dangerous to a region, and performing those roles to a high degree while placing the emphasis of the politics on a position where if the wrong person is elected that they won't endanger the region. Balder has a history of relying on its delegates, and generally when we have poor delegates the region falls into steep declines while with good delegates it ascends. To me, it makes more sense to have strong, proactive delegate on the gameside to avoid this type inconsistent governance. I wish to make it more consistent and further be able to both secure liberty and opportunity in ways that other regions can't while establishing a political system that produces.

It is well known that I have a strong libertarian streak when it comes to governance, a great belief in equality and a belief in civil rights. I despise banning people or having to take strong authoritarian action. In this sense, securing our future in this way allows us to build our politics further than any region without having to strip people of their citizenship when they oppose the ruling party or to crucify people for posting about internal Balder matters. It allows for greater trust between members and an avoidance of the fear about whether that new member is here to take us over.

Finally, it is the political system which is important. I think it is rather difficult to be able to have a strong political atmosphere when you have a delegacy position and then a confusing Statsminister position. However, as I have established, when a delegate has so much responsibility already they tend to be inconsistent and also that absolutism does not yield strong long term results. Thus, in my opinion this is the perfect middle path in which we can have both security and a rocking political system built for the long term.