[Defeated] Ban on Forced Service

[Unogonduria]

Ya bet your nose I ain't supportin' this...

What if the Americans or the French, perhaps even the Spanish come here to enslave us again (IC hyperbolation if you're confused 'bout why I included the Americans)?!!!!!!

[Second Sovereignty]

Secondly, many member nations have and will always exist, in a politically turbulent region. Excellent examples brought forth by delegates before me are Earth's South Korea and Israel.

OOC:
A wildly reactionary government formed solely as a result of US intervention that spent no small part of its existence as a military dictatorship that slaughtered immense numbers of people on bare and arbitrary suspicion, and a literal apartheid state, are not the positive examples you think they are.

As for the rest of the argument; small numbers of people exempt from conscription because they already work for the government are not an argument for conscription. That's absurd.

[Cessarea]

"Thirdly, the proposal also fails to mention that there are exemptions that apply when it comes to conscriptions. For example, for citizens that assisted in realizing the state's interests in the international theatre through non-military means, examples include but not limited to, scientifically; economically; or diplomatically; are exempt from involuntary military conscriptions. This example proves that there exists already mechanisms of which unwilling individual to be exempted from military conscriptions. This proves that member nations with involuntary military service is not omnipotent in forcing its' citizens to be drafted, and is willfully ignorant in its' citizens desires, and would rather exercise its' non-existent fascistic tendencies to line up its' adult citizens into the nearest boot camp. This resolution is unnecessary, if it is willing to characterize this point."

"Cessarea would like to note", began Minister Feathers-of-Burgundy, raising from his seat to speak, "that such exemptions are not protected under current World Assembly law. Any given member nation is not obligated to provide such exemptions to military service, only being forced to respect Conscientious Objectors, and even then still being able to deploy them on military roles so long as they do not have to directly take up arms. Your example here is moot, for any number of nations with memberships to the World Assembly may practice heavy-handed enlistment at will."

[United States of Republicana]

Leaving a nation unable to defend its sovereignty in the event of national crisis is not a virtuous act in the name of fair labor. While conscription as default policy is abhorrent, to which we can agree, the drafting of soldiers to defend the homeland in the event that the existence of the nation is at stake is not only necessary but a good for the world. If a nation is to truly hold independence from foreign adversaries, then the nation must be able to defend its own existence and identity. Women and children, in many historic instances, would've been abused, enslaved, and even slaughtered if not for their nation calling on their young men to take up arms in their defense. Is it regrettable that this, at times, comes to a necessary conscription? Absolutely. But, is it necessary in order to defend the rights of a nation and the safety of their most vulnerable and worthy of defending populations? Unquestionably. The United States of Republicana will not sign on to any agreement that jeopardizes the safety and sovereignty of the rights and lives of vulnerable nations and populations simply to protect the cowardice of men who wouldn't willfully stand between their aggressors and their home.

[Askrieg]

Any given member nation is not obligated to provide such exemptions to military service, only being forced to respect Conscientious Objectors, and even then still being able to deploy them on military roles so long as they do not have to directly take up arms."

"It proves," Dr. Daendels rose quickly, discreetly wiping pizza crumbs off of his tie, "That there are exemptions to these governments. This resolution relies on the premise that every government practicing forced service is doing so without other mechanisms that their citizens can take, which is simply not true. If passed, this resolution will affect all nations that are doing conscriptions right." Dr. Daendels relaxes, "Besides," he continued calmly "It's not like conscription continue for a long long time, it's not corporal punishment." he sits down, clearly looking for something around his aides, most likely his unfinished pizza.

OOC:
A wildly reactionary government formed solely as a result of US intervention that spent no small part of its existence as a military dictatorship that slaughtered immense numbers of people on bare and arbitrary suspicion, and a literal apartheid state, are not the positive examples you think they are.

OOC: Personally, i do not agree with Israel's government ideals, or the history of South Korea either. But, currently, they exist, and they must protect their innocent citizen. Surely, you don't suggest that the citizens of a nation agrees, or even, supports, all of their governments' decisions, do you? Moreover, personal opinions aside, both of their government are against a literal fanatical states with even more extreme ideas of consequence if their people refuses their state wishes. Somehow, the governments' of South Korea and Israel have to be prepared against them.

[Protzka]

I Sergio Seixas Supreme Leader of the Country Federative Republic Protzka Dictatorial, I will vote against this absurd resolution, since I fear that other countries will start to conscientar us loose, something that we are not, Protzka remains firm in the purpose of remaining above any nation, thus declaring to be Supreme and Sovereign, since I reiterate that protzka respects the opinion of the other countries that vote in favor of this resolution, but Protzka has his opinion formed and once taken does not go back GLORY TO PROTZKA!!

[Second Sovereignty]

OOC: [...] Moreover, personal opinions aside, both of their government are against a literal fanatical states with even more extreme ideas of consequence if their people refuses their state wishes. Somehow, the governments' of South Korea and Israel have to be prepared against them.

OOC:
This isn't NSG, and isn't the place for this debate, but, in the interests of education:

In Korea, the conflict is between a former Military Dictatorship propped up by the US so as to prevent what was an at the time popular government from forming in Korea, operated by collaborators from the prior Japanese Fascist regime, vs. the aforementioned at-the-time popular government, which was subject to a genocidal bombardment campaign and countless slaughters of civilians, and is presently under one of the most extensive sanction regimes in the world, and ever on the edge of being invaded from the southern half of the country by a state backed by one of the most powerful and horrific imperial militaries in the world.

In Palestine, the conflict is between an explicitly genocidal colonial ethnostate, Israel, and a preexisting population of Palestinians who want to be able to live in their own goddamn country and be treated like human beings, rather than as outright sub-human. I don't particularly care to defend Hamas, the group which presently engages in much of the militarized resistance activity, but the side of Israel is fundamentally the side of apartheid and genocide.

This resolution, being, in a webgame, will affect neither of these countries in reality. But they do not serve as the positive examples you think they do.

[Cessarea]

Any given member nation is not obligated to provide such exemptions to military service, only being forced to respect Conscientious Objectors, and even then still being able to deploy them on military roles so long as they do not have to directly take up arms."

"It proves," Dr. Daendels rose quickly, discreetly wiping pizza crumbs off of his tie, "That there are exemptions to these governments. This resolution relies on the premise that every government practicing forced service is doing so without other mechanisms that their citizens can take, which is simply not true. If passed, this resolution will affect all nations that are doing conscriptions right." Dr. Daendels relaxes, "Besides," he continued calmly "It's not like conscription continue for a long long time, it's not corporal punishment." he sits down, clearly looking for something around his aides, most likely his unfinished pizza.

The Minister pointed to Daendels' side, towards the remainders of a greasy pizza slice localised on top of an empty seat. Afterwards, he continued:

"I'm afraid, sir, that there is no right way to sanction conscription. No matter how you establish it, people who never asked for it will be sent to the frontlines and will be asked to shoot or die. All that, of course, at the threat of punishment back home. Or do you expect the obligatory side of conscription to never take effect? What do you believe are moral sanctions to issue against those who refuse to partake in conscription?" The Minister, theatrically tapped his chin, continuing. "Curtailing of political rights? What is that one phrase from that human science fiction movie again?" The Minister took a large stack of clipped-together papers from his desk and turned a page over, allowing all to read its title: "STARSHIP TROOPERS MOVIE SCRIPT". He analysed the paper, passing each word by with his index finger, until reaching at what he searched for. "Ah, here it is."

He harrumphed, despite having no need to clear his "throat", and announced in a bombastic narrator voice, eerily similar to one from a corny book adaptation/parody movie:

"SERVICE GUARANTEES CITIZENSHIP!" Oddly enough his voice sounded at least 4 times louder whilst saying that. Benefits of having an artificial voicebox, perhaps. He let go of the script and continued. "Humour aside, you must understand that allowing a State to impose service upon its citizens at risk of being treated as a second-class citizen or, arguably even worse, arrested is not desirable. I am not against citizens coming to the defence of a homeland they love, and a community they seek to protect, but it must be of their own free-will. Anything else is a dangerous precipice that authorises nations to send their young to die. There can be no ethical positive in allowing a State to threaten violence in order to force its citizens to commit violence on its behalf. And the alternative, removal of political freedoms or privileges, is just as bad. "

[Kreigsreich of Iron]

Against.

[Eakheoral]

The Kingdom of Eakheoral (and by extention, The Collective Nations Of Zynqoin) believes that no one individual should be forced to serve in any military against their will. Each person is entitled to the right to choose what to do with their life. Taking that choice away would strip them of that right. In response to the possible argument of "What if there aren't enough people in the military for national defense?", I would like to point out that if a nation were worth defending, its citizens would gladly take up arms to protect it.

[Second Sovereignty]

Against.

OOC:
Ladies, Gentlemen, ect, I present to you, Exhibit A.

[Kreigsreich of Iron]

Against.

OOC:
Ladies, Gentlemen, ect, I present to you, Exhibit A.

OOC: Beg pardon?

[Herten]

We must firmly express our dissent against the proposed resolution aimed at banning forced service. Our reasons for opposition are deeply rooted in our national principles and interests.

First and foremost, our nation regards conscription and coercive military recruitment mechanisms as indispensable tools for ensuring our national security and defense. These mechanisms provide us with a crucial means to maintain a strong and capable military force, one that stands as a bulwark against threats to our nation and safeguards our vital interests.

Furthermore, the concept of sovereignty is of paramount importance to us. We firmly believe that decisions regarding military service should be a matter of national sovereignty, not international prescription. Each country must retain the autonomy to determine its military service policies based on its specific circumstances, perceived threats, and the will of its citizens.

Economically, conscription serves as a cost-effective method for us to maintain a robust military force. Discontinuing these mechanisms would require significant financial resources for recruitment efforts, incentives, and maintaining a volunteer force, which may not be financially sustainable in the long term and may lead to further weaponization.

Our government also attaches great cultural and social significance to conscription. We view it as a means of inculcating discipline, a sense of duty, and a profound patriotism among our citizens. It plays a vital role in shaping our national culture, fostering a deep sense of responsibility, and promoting solidarity among our people. Moreover, we already offer alternative service options for individuals who have conscientious objections to military service. Our nation hosts national service programs that extend beyond the military sphere, encompassing civil service and community projects. These initiatives provide valuable contributions to our society. Banning forced service mechanisms could severely undermine the effectiveness of these programs.

Finally, the military establishment within our nation staunchly supports conscription, as it provides the manpower essential for fulfilling their duties and upholding our nation's security. Removing these mechanisms would be met with strong opposition from our military leaders.

In conclusion, we assert that the proposed resolution fails to account for the diverse circumstances and needs of individual member states and could potentially have adverse consequences on our national security and cultural fabric.

Regrettably, the Collectivist Republic of Herten must firmly oppose this resolution.

[The Ice States]

Furthermore, the concept of sovereignty is of paramount importance to us. We firmly believe that decisions regarding military service should be a matter of national sovereignty, not international prescription. Each country must retain the autonomy to determine its military service policies based on its specific circumstances, perceived threats, and the will of its citizens.

"Look, Ambassador, I am not addressing the rest of this as it seems too philosophical to be worth addressing, and indeed has already been responded to by other Ambassadors, but I have very little patience for 'National Sovereignty' arguments. By joining the World Assembly, your nation consented to being subject to World Assembly law; and ultimately the very reason the World Assembly exists is to restrict what activities member nations may or may not engage in. This necessarily infringes on national sovereignty; a World Assembly which gives member nations absolute national sovereignty is one which cannot do anything to achieve its purpose. 'The will of its citizens' is ultimately irrelevant when the practice you want to implement applies regardless of the will of subjects."

~Robert Desak,
World Assembly Ambassador,
The Eternal Union of Devonia and the Ice States.

[Picairn]

OOC: [...] Moreover, personal opinions aside, both of their government are against a literal fanatical states with even more extreme ideas of consequence if their people refuses their state wishes. Somehow, the governments' of South Korea and Israel have to be prepared against them.

OOC:
This isn't NSG, and isn't the place for this debate, but, in the interests of education:

In Korea, the conflict is between a former Military Dictatorship propped up by the US so as to prevent what was an at the time popular government from forming in Korea, operated by collaborators from the prior Japanese Fascist regime, vs. the aforementioned at-the-time popular government, which was subject to a genocidal bombardment campaign and countless slaughters of civilians, and is presently under one of the most extensive sanction regimes in the world, and ever on the edge of being invaded from the southern half of the country by a state backed by one of the most powerful and horrific imperial militaries in the world.

In Palestine, the conflict is between an explicitly genocidal colonial ethnostate, Israel, and a preexisting population of Palestinians who want to be able to live in their own goddamn country and be treated like human beings, rather than as outright sub-human. I don't particularly care to defend Hamas, the group which presently engages in much of the militarized resistance activity, but the side of Israel is fundamentally the side of apartheid and genocide.

This resolution, being, in a webgame, will affect neither of these countries in reality. But they do not serve as the positive examples you think they do.

Imagine being an apologist for North Korea's aggression in the Korean War. Disgusting. You should spend time reflecting on why you support murderous dictatorships.

[Second Sovereignty]

Imagine being an apologist for North Korea's aggression in the Korean War. Disgusting. You should spend time reflecting on why you support murderous dictatorships.

OOC:
The last time I interacted with you, you made a bizarre and offensive sexual comment about me, and now you want to turn around take a moral high ground over some historical perspective?
Go someplace you're wanted, and leave me the hell alone.

[Picairn]

OOC:
The last time I interacted with you, you made a bizarre and offensive sexual comment about me, and now you want to turn around take a moral high ground over some historical perspective?
Go someplace you're wanted, and leave me the hell alone.

Why are you lying? Asking whether you are planning to stalk me is not "sexual". Now if you could stop lying, that'd be swell.

[Askrieg]

"I'm afraid, sir, that there is no right way to sanction conscription. No matter how you establish it, people who never asked for it will be sent to the frontlines and will be asked to shoot or die. All that, of course, at the threat of punishment back home. Or do you expect the obligatory side of conscription to never take effect? What do you believe are moral sanctions to issue against those who refuse to partake in conscription?" The Minister, theatrically tapped his chin, continuing. "Curtailing of political rights? What is that one phrase from that human science fiction movie again?" The Minister took a large stack of clipped-together papers from his desk and turned a page over, allowing all to read its title: "STARSHIP TROOPERS MOVIE SCRIPT". He analysed the paper, passing each word by with his index finger, until reaching at what he searched for. "Ah, here it is."

He harrumphed, despite having no need to clear his "throat", and announced in a bombastic narrator voice, eerily similar to one from a corny book adaptation/parody movie:

"SERVICE GUARANTEES CITIZENSHIP!" Oddly enough his voice sounded at least 4 times louder whilst saying that. Benefits of having an artificial voicebox, perhaps. He let go of the script and continued. "Humour aside, you must understand that allowing a State to impose service upon its citizens at risk of being treated as a second-class citizen or, arguably even worse, arrested is not desirable. I am not against citizens coming to the defence of a homeland they love, and a community they seek to protect, but it must be of their own free-will. Anything else is a dangerous precipice that authorises nations to send their young to die. There can be no ethical positive in allowing a State to threaten violence in order to force its citizens to commit violence on its behalf. And the alternative, removal of political freedoms or privileges, is just as bad. "

Dr. Daendels' eyes narrows, apparently eyeing The Minister. In his heart, a familiar Askrieg envy grows. He longs to have that fantastic artificial voicebox. He rises once more.

"Minister, though we share interests in old-school film, it is seem we are at an impasse. The way i see it, through Askrieg history, it is much better to have the choice, shoot or die. Because the grim alternative is that we, along with our families and other citizens, will die. Askrieg in all its' history exist in a perpetual state of political tension. We have witnessed wars break of reasons as simple as the price of cheeses. It is imperative that every citizen of Askrieg is prepared of that.

Which brings me to my next point. The proposal also fails to mention that conscription ensures every citizen has at least basic knowledge and skill for national and self defense. We teach them how to shoot, how to fight, how to protect their families and loved ones. We develop their unit cohesion and brotherhood of arms. If our government falls, when social order is no longer, conscription gives them the skill to develop society from the ground up, and if they choose to, continue the fight and carry on.

Minister, i understand that we may not agree with each other. However you must understand the value that conscription brings. To take that away from the citizens of the world would simply not beneficial."

"Perhaps," the Doctor drops his shoulders and relaxes, "we can discuss the benefits of conscriptions further at a later time. Maybe you can bring that fabulous artificial voicebox of yours."

Dr. Daendels sits down.

[Xolaya]

IT IS the decision of the Central Command of the Democratic State of Xolaya to cast its vote in the World assembly against the resolution in debate.

The resolution, in its intent in neutralizing all self defense abilities of the free nations of the world, in its intent to present all wholesome nations and peoples like lambs to the slaughter to all the despotic and evil forces not members of the world assembly, is a work of masked vile intent and would be catastrophic if ever allowed to pass. It is necessary for even the most free nations, to call upon its citizenry to arms in the interest of national defense and self-determination. No nation's volunteer army stands a chance against a similarly powerful nation's conscripted army.

We are very pleased to see that the resolution is failing by immense degree, showing the international community's sane and rational opinions. We condemn The Second Sovereignty, and its Communist plot against the good nations of the world.

[Mechanocracy]

After much debate, the Confederation of Mechanocracy has come to an agreement- Voting against the proposal.

States have a duty to protect their constituents, and while conscription into military service may seem to contradict that duty, it is through conscription that they can provide for the safety of broader society against foes who wish for their annihilation. While it is the opinion of this robotic body that more large-scale regulation of when war can be declared can and should become more tightly regulated by the General Assembly, denying states the ability to defend themselves and their constituents is unreasonable and irrational.

[Elyreia]

“The Principality of Elyreia, after having seen the arguments made for both sides of the debate, and including historical analogies as well as taking into consideration prior legislation addressing parallel issues that this proposal seeks to bridge - as well as those statutes that enshrine the right to those issues as well as the one at hand - will formally place our stance on Opposition to the proposed amendments.

“One could make an argument that in some societies, the very concept of employment to afford things such as rent, utilities, or food could be considered “forced” upon the employee else they would face undue hardship without such incomes to afford living expenses. We see this no differently - there are plenty of options to avoid active military service already in place that to outright ban it’s use would be akin to arguing that capitalist economies should be banned for forcing people into employment to be housed, fed, and clothed. The right to a nation’s sovereignty and self-defense will always be at odds with one’s right to privacy and self-determination, but in this case there are alternatives that create ample opportunity to avoid the very thing this proposal seeks to ban.

“The only thing forced is that the citizen in question must be inconvenienced for a period of time, where they shall be provided food, housing, clothing, trade skills, and income in exchange for their time - not so different than any other form of employment.”

-Korus Vaelans
Āeksio of the Elyreian Foreign Corps
WA Delegate

[Cessarea]

“The Principality of Elyreia, after having seen the arguments made for both sides of the debate, and including historical analogies as well as taking into consideration prior legislation addressing parallel issues that this proposal seeks to bridge - as well as those statutes that enshrine the right to those issues as well as the one at hand - will formally place our stance on Opposition to the proposed amendments.

“One could make an argument that in some societies, the very concept of employment to afford things such as rent, utilities, or food could be considered “forced” upon the employee else they would face undue hardship without such incomes to afford living expenses. We see this no differently - there are plenty of options to avoid active military service already in place that to outright ban it’s use would be akin to arguing that capitalist economies should be banned for forcing people into employment to be housed, fed, and clothed. The right to a nation’s sovereignty and self-defense will always be at odds with one’s right to privacy and self-determination, but in this case there are alternatives that create ample opportunity to avoid the very thing this proposal seeks to ban.

“The only thing forced is that the citizen in question must be inconvenienced for a period of time, where they shall be provided food, housing, clothing, trade skills, and income in exchange for their time - not so different than any other form of employment.”

-Korus Vaelans
Āeksio of the Elyreian Foreign Corps
WA Delegate

"I will point out merely one thing, Delegate Korus." Began Minister Feathers-of-Burgundy in a weak voice, entering the room while sat on a hovering metallic chair, with couches and arms for his comfort. "The... graciousness of your nation in offering alternatives to military service is not mandated by World Assembly legislation. Some, Delegate, are very much interested in properly forcing their citizens into war. Being a Conscientious Objector is, unfortunately, not an easy matter, and many may simply be deemed to not have sufficient reason to avoid active combat roles. In the end, nations of the WA are authorised to send people who do not wish to fight into war."

The Minister floated around the room, willing his chair closer to his assigned Delegate's desk. With the bottom of his floating throne, he smashed the chair that stood in the way, and cursed his aide for not removing it as he had requested. Finally, he concluded:

"With that said, Delegate, this mere 'inconvenience' can and does cost lives. This inconvenience destroys families. This inconvenience provides marketable skills for dead bodies. Be thankful that your nation recognises the immorality of sending conscripts into real warfare, for that is not a clarity enjoyed by many nations of this Assembly." As he said that, he eyed around the room, silently judging the present Delegates.

Dr. Daendels' eyes narrows, apparently eyeing The Minister. In his heart, a familiar Askrieg envy grows. He longs to have that fantastic artificial voicebox. He rises once more.

"Minister, though we share interests in old-school film, it is seem we are at an impasse. The way i see it, through Askrieg history, it is much better to have the choice, shoot or die. Because the grim alternative is that we, along with our families and other citizens, will die. Askrieg in all its' history exist in a perpetual state of political tension. We have witnessed wars break of reasons as simple as the price of cheeses. It is imperative that every citizen of Askrieg is prepared of that.

Which brings me to my next point. The proposal also fails to mention that conscription ensures every citizen has at least basic knowledge and skill for national and self defense. We teach them how to shoot, how to fight, how to protect their families and loved ones. We develop their unit cohesion and brotherhood of arms. If our government falls, when social order is no longer, conscription gives them the skill to develop society from the ground up, and if they choose to, continue the fight and carry on.

Minister, i understand that we may not agree with each other. However you must understand the value that conscription brings. To take that away from the citizens of the world would simply not beneficial."

"Perhaps," the Doctor drops his shoulders and relaxes, "we can discuss the benefits of conscriptions further at a later time. Maybe you can bring that fabulous artificial voicebox of yours."

Dr. Daendels sits down.

"I'm afraid that my voicebox - and the rest of my body for that matter - is no longer quite impressive, Comrade. The doctors say it's fatigue. I frankly did not know Artificials could become fatigued. Neither did them, apparently. Perhaps this Assembly has been trying my circuitry." He said, gently rubbing his neck as he did. Maybe his malfunction was not that unwelcome; Daendels' comments towards his voicebox had been... quite concerning.

"As for your arguments... offer voluntary training courses. None of what you described is exclusive to conscription. Does a nation need to force into service its citizens for the sake of 'preparing' them? If you find it absolutely necessary, instil obligatory training courses for citizens that have concluded General Education - or... I suppose one could call it High School? - so as to prepare them in the use of weaponry and on the ways of war. Obligatory service, however, is needless for the benefits you have described."

[Elyreia]

"I will point out merely one thing, Delegate Korus." Began Minister Feathers-of-Burgundy in a weak voice, entering the room while sat on a hovering metallic chair, with couches and arms for his comfort. "The... graciousness of your nation in offering alternatives to military service is not mandated by World Assembly legislation. Some, Delegate, are very much interested in properly forcing their citizens into war. Being a Conscious Objectors is, unfortunately, not an easy matter, and many may simply be deemed to not have sufficient reason to avoid active combat roles. In the end, nations of the WA are authorised to send people who do not wish to fight into war."

The Minister floated around the room, willing his chair closer to his assigned Delegate's desk. With the bottom of his floating throne, he smashed the chair that stood in the way, and cursed his aide for not removing it as he had requested. Finally, he concluded:

"With that said, Delegate, this mere 'inconvenience' can and does cost lives. This inconvenience destroys families. This inconvenience provides marketable skills for dead bodies. Be thankful that your nation recognises the immorality of sending conscripts into real warfare, for that is not a clarity enjoyed by many nations of this Assembly." As he said that, he eyed around the room, silently judging the present Delegates.

"I'm afraid that my voicebox - and the rest of my body for that matter - is no longer quite impressive, Comrade. The doctors say it's fatigue - I frankly did not know Artificials could become fatigued. Neither did them, for that matter. Perhaps this Assembly has been trying my circuitry." He said, gently rubbing his neck as he did. Maybe his malfunction was not that unwelcome; Daendels' comments towards his voicebox had been... quite concerning.

"As for your arguments... offer voluntary training courses. None of what you described is exclusive to conscription. Does a nation need to force into service its citizens for the sake of 'preparing' them? If you find it absolutely necessary, instil obligatory training courses for citizens that have concluded General Education - or... I suppose one could call it High School? - so as to prepare them in the use of weaponry and on the ways of war. Obligatory service, however, is needless for the benefits you have described."

Korus hums softly as they cross their ankles, brow furrowed in contemplation at the delegate's words. The additional arguments, made to an additional delegate, help to draw a total picture, and draws Korus's thoughts to an appropriate response. They gesture gracefully with an arm to Minister Feathers-of-Burgundy, "Your words carry with them the wisdom and weight that someone of your experience deserves.

"My opposition stems on behalf of the very things you state, this is true. In the Principality, our post-secondary mandatory service is more akin to a part-time job as disaster relief and survival skills training, with only the final two years being concerned with weapons or combat. However, had I chosen otherwise, I could have avoided the last two years of combat training, or even avoided the entire process altogether." They steeple their fingers in thought, "A luxury not every nation provides, as you correctly stated. All said, I feel the response would be to mandate allowing such provisos and alternatives, rather than outright prohibition on the entire service itself."

They set their hand on the desk before them, "Thus, the Principality will remain in Opposition to this proposed legislation, but would gladly welcome the submission to this House an amendment addressing the concerns noted - lack of alternatives to service outside conscientious or religious objectors, and guarantees of non-discrimination tied to any remedies therein."

[New Sparkia]

Why the hell do you guys want forced labour

[Thurmondd]

Forced labour is free labour. We can let other people break their backs, while the money rolls in for us.