[PASSED] Star Gazing Day

[Goobergunchia]

This proposal has achieved quorum! Based on the current queue, this proposal will be at vote beginning 12:00 AM EDT September 13, 2023 / 04:00 AM GMT 13 September 2023.

World Assembly Ambassador from the United Socialist States of Namwenia, Pat McDonald, approaches:
"After reviewing the fantastic idea from the Ambassador for the great state of Dixionconderoga, I reached out directly to see if they would like to collaborate on a more robust version of their proposed 'Star Viewing Day.' They declined to contribute beyond the original proposal, but said that if others wished to continue this in the future, to continue onward without them.

To that effect, I would like to present to you an updated, spiritual successor entitled, 'Star Gazing Day.' As this is fully based upon the proposal originally presented by Dixionconderoga, I believe they deserve co-authorship credit for their fantastic idea and have presented it as such.

I look forward to discussion on this proposal."

Revision 3:

Star Gazing Day

Category: Environmental | Strength: All Business - Mild

Recognizing artificial light pollution as the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting directly resulting from most modern, industrialized societies;

Acknowledging that excessive artificial light pollution minimizes the visibility of celestial objects such as neighboring planets, moons, or stars;

Noting that gazing into the night sky is an ancient tradition from time immemorial universally acknowledged by nearly all sapient cultures;

Therefore, the following shall be enacted:
1. The date following the approval of this proposal, as determined by the calendars widely accepted in each member state, shall henceforth be known as Star Gazing Day.

2. The World Assembly urges member states to minimize artificial light usage, except wherever necessary, beginning at sundown on Star Gazing Day.

3. The World Assembly further encourages sapient citizens of member states to take time during the evening on Star Gazing Day to look out into the sky and enjoy the splendor of the heavens.

4. If there are existing regional, national, or local holidays that occur concurrently with the date selected for Star Gazing Day in a member state, the World Assembly encourages member states' celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

Co-Author: Dixionconderoga

Code: Select all

[i]Recognizing[/i] artificial light pollution as the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting directly resulting from most modern, industrialized societies;

[i]Acknowledging[/i] that excessive artificial light pollution minimizes the visibility of celestial objects such as neighboring planets, moons, or stars;

[i]Noting[/i] that gazing into the night sky is an ancient tradition from time immemorial universally acknowledged by nearly all sapient cultures;

Therefore, the following shall be enacted:
[list=1][*]The date following the approval of this proposal, as determined by the calendars widely accepted in each member state, shall henceforth be known as Star Gazing Day.
[*]The World Assembly urges member states to minimize artificial light usage, except wherever necessary, beginning at sundown on Star Gazing Day.
[*]The World Assembly further encourages sapient citizens of member states to take time during the evening on Star Gazing Day to look out into the sky and enjoy the splendor of the heavens.
[*]If there are existing regional, national, or local holidays that occur concurrently with the date selected for Star Gazing Day in a member state, the World Assembly encourages member states' celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.[/list]

Revision 0:

Star Gazing Day

Category: Environmental | Strength: All Business - Mild

Recognizing light pollution as the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting directly resulting from most modern, industrialized societies;

Acknowledging that excessive light pollution minimizes the visibility of celestial objects such as neighboring planets, moons, or stars;

Noting that gazing into the night sky is an ancient tradition from time immemorial universally acknowledged by nearly all sapient cultures;

The World Assembly hereby declares that June 15 shall henceforth be known as Star Gazing Day.

The World Assembly non-bindingly urges member states to minimize artificial light usage, except where necessary for emergency or medical purposes, beginning at sundown on Star Gazing Day.

The World Assembly further encourages sapient citizens of individual member states to take time during the evening on Star Gazing Day to look out into the night sky and enjoy the splendor of the heavens.

If there are existing national or local holidays that occur concurrently with Star Gazing Day in individual member states, the World Assembly encourages member states celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

Co-Author: Dixionconderoga

Revision 1:

Star Gazing Day

Category: Environmental | Strength: All Business - Mild

Recognizing light pollution as the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting directly resulting from most modern, industrialized societies;

Acknowledging that excessive light pollution minimizes the visibility of celestial objects such as neighboring planets, moons, or stars;

Noting that gazing into the night sky is an ancient tradition from time immemorial universally acknowledged by nearly all sapient cultures;

Therefore, the following shall be enacted
1. The date following the approval of this proposal, as determined by the calendars widely accepted in each member state, shall henceforth be known as Star Gazing Day.

2. The World Assembly non-bindingly urges member states to minimize artificial light usage, except where necessary for emergency or medical purposes, beginning at sundown on Star Gazing Day.

3. The World Assembly further encourages sapient citizens of individual member states to take time during the evening on Star Gazing Day to look out into the night sky and enjoy the splendor of the heavens.

4. If there are existing national or local holidays that occur concurrently with date selected for Star Gazing Day in individual member states, the World Assembly encourages member states celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

Co-Author: Dixionconderoga

Revision 2:

Star Gazing Day

Category: Environmental | Strength: All Business - Mild

Recognizing light pollution as the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting directly resulting from most modern, industrialized societies;

Acknowledging that excessive light pollution minimizes the visibility of celestial objects such as neighboring planets, moons, or stars;

Noting that gazing into the night sky is an ancient tradition from time immemorial universally acknowledged by nearly all sapient cultures;

Therefore, the following shall be enacted:
1. The date following the approval of this proposal, as determined by the calendars widely accepted in each member state, shall henceforth be known as Star Gazing Day.

2. The World Assembly urges member states to minimize artificial light usage, except where necessary for emergency or medical purposes, beginning at sundown on Star Gazing Day.

3. The World Assembly further encourages sapient citizens of individual member states to take time during the evening on Star Gazing Day to look out into the night sky and enjoy the splendor of the heavens.

4. If there are existing national or local holidays that occur concurrently with the date selected for Star Gazing Day in individual member states, the World Assembly encourages member states' celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

Co-Author: Dixionconderoga

[Saint Tomas and the Northern Ice Islands]

navel gazing day when?

[Tinhampton]

Was June 15th chosen out of a sorting hat?

[Namwenia]

Was June 15th chosen out of a sorting hat?

OOC: More or less. Tried to pick a date that would be after, if submitted in the next few weeks, when this would show up in the queue for a vote. So that if approved, Star Gazing Day would occur some time after the vote instead of being a date that already passed. I am more than open to suggestions on better dates.

[Tinhampton]

Was June 15th chosen out of a sorting hat?

OOC: More or less. Tried to pick a date that would be after, if submitted in the next few weeks, when this would show up in the queue for a vote. So that if approved, Star Gazing Day would occur some time after the vote instead of being a date that already passed. I am more than open to suggestions on better dates.

Star Gazing Day will most likely be an annual, rather than a one-off event - do keep that in mind!

[Namwenia]

OOC: More or less. Tried to pick a date that would be after, if submitted in the next few weeks, when this would show up in the queue for a vote. So that if approved, Star Gazing Day would occur some time after the vote instead of being a date that already passed. I am more than open to suggestions on better dates.

Star Gazing Day will most likely be an annual, rather than a one-off event - do keep that in mind!

OOC: Of course! Which is why mid-year also feels like a good date anyway! See, I'm convincing myself that it's a solid date

[Second Sovereignty]

"What, exactly, is a 'June'? And when is it meant to take place?" Raxes pauses for effect. "Which, is to say, that, timekeeping varies wildly between societies, and divisions of the year, or the length of the year itself, vary depending on the specifics of one's planet. And if you are meant to synchronize time between multiple, or, say, the reaches of space, the matter becomes ever more difficult. If you wish to assign a particular day the status, consider the date of passage; otherwise it is best to allow Member-States to set their own."

[Kenmoria]

(OOC: On some minor grammatical points, each preambulatory clause, the ones beginning with ‘recognising’, ‘acknowledging’, and ‘noting’, should end with a comma or semicolon rather than a full stop. You are also missing your full stop after the clause beginning with ‘The World Assembly non-blindingly urges…’. As that demonstrates, numbering your active clauses from 1 to 4 would make it easier to refer to them.)

[Namwenia]

"What, exactly, is a 'June'? And when is it meant to take place?" Raxes pauses for effect. "Which, is to say, that, timekeeping varies wildly between societies, and divisions of the year, or the length of the year itself, vary depending on the specifics of one's planet. And if you are meant to synchronize time between multiple, or, say, the reaches of space, the matter becomes ever more difficult. If you wish to assign a particular day the status, consider the date of passage; otherwise it is best to allow Member-States to set their own."

"The differences in calendars between different member states was not an issue that had been considered when preparing this proposal. The proposal has been updated to reference that Star Gazing Day shall be the date following the approval of this proposal based on the calendar of the individual member state. If that is not sufficiently clear, please let me know and the language can be adjusted."
-Theodosia Kwon
GA Affairs Chief for World Assembly Ambassador Pat McDonald
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

(OOC: On some minor grammatical points, each preambulatory clause, the ones beginning with ‘recognising’, ‘acknowledging’, and ‘noting’, should end with a comma or semicolon rather than a full stop. You are also missing your full stop after the clause beginning with ‘The World Assembly non-blindingly urges…’. As that demonstrates, numbering your active clauses from 1 to 4 would make it easier to refer to them.)

"Thank you, grammatical and stylistic suggestions have been incorporated into an updated version of the document."
-Theodosia Kwon
GA Affairs Chief for World Assembly Ambassador Pat McDonald
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[Namwenia]

"As noted above, all ambassadors should have an updated version of this proposal now. We hope it addresses some of the concerns brought forward as we feel this could be a fun celebratory date for all of us to remind us to reduce light pollution while also giving us a moment of peace to gaze at the stars.

Thank you."
-Theodosia Kwon
GA Affairs Chief for World Assembly Ambassador Pat McDonald
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[Namwenia]

"I would like to remind everyone that, while kind of light and extremely mild, this exists. Please let us know if there are any ways we can improve the accessibility or language of this proposal to set aside a day for us to gaze at the stars."
-Pat McDonald
World Assembly Ambassador
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[New Anarchisticstan]

Suggestion for date: 10 August
Why? This. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids# ... ar_culture
A reference to "Saint Lawrence's Night". The night in which shooting stars appear (they are actually meteor showers, but don't be such a party pooper!).

Some Catholics refer to the Perseids as the "tears of Saint Lawrence", suspended in the sky but returning to Earth once a year on August 10, the canonical date of that saint's martyrdom in 258 AD.[31] The saint is said to have been burned alive on a gridiron, and this tradition is almost certainly the origin of the Mediterranean folk legend that the shooting stars are the sparks of that fire and that during the night of August 9–10 its cooled embers appear in the ground under plants, and which are known as the "coal of Saint Lawrence".

It is very popular knowledge in countries like Italy.

[Namwenia]

Suggestion for date: 10 August
Why? This. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids# ... ar_culture
A reference to "Saint Lawrence's Night". The night in which shooting stars appear (they are actually meteor showers, but don't be such a party pooper!).

Some Catholics refer to the Perseids as the "tears of Saint Lawrence", suspended in the sky but returning to Earth once a year on August 10, the canonical date of that saint's martyrdom in 258 AD.[31] The saint is said to have been burned alive on a gridiron, and this tradition is almost certainly the origin of the Mediterranean folk legend that the shooting stars are the sparks of that fire and that during the night of August 9–10 its cooled embers appear in the ground under plants, and which are known as the "coal of Saint Lawrence".

It is very popular knowledge in countries like Italy.

"While we appreciate the recommendation, because the World Assembly represents such a large variety of nations from across various planets, the current language was written with the intent to allow the individual member states to select a date after approval based on their own calendar, however they may define time units.

Thank you and I know the Ambassador would love any additional comments on the proposal."
-Theodosia Kwon
GA Affairs Chief for World Assembly Ambassador Pat McDonald
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[Team Leo]

2. The World Assembly non-bindingly urges member states to minimize artificial light usage, except where necessary for emergency or medical purposes, beginning at sundown on Star Gazing Day.

I really disagree with this section of the proposal. Why should WA nations only use light for emergency and medical reasons, when there are various ways in which light is used, (Examples include flashlights and carlights). It is not really a suggestion, I am just disagreeing with this part of the proposal.

If there are existing national or local holidays that occur concurrently with date selected for Star Gazing Day in individual member states, the World Assembly encourages member states celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

Should be changed to:

If there are existing national or local holidays that occur concurrently with the date date selected for Star Gazing Day in individual member states, the World Assembly encourages member states' celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

[Hulldom]

I'll gave you the advice I was given when I last attempted to do something to regulate light pollution, probably not a good idea as you inevitably will get bogged down in minutiae that don't matter.

[Anne of Cleves in TNP]

Recognizing light pollution as the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting directly resulting from most modern, industrialized societies;

Acknowledging that excessive light pollution minimizes the visibility of celestial objects such as neighboring planets, moons, or stars;

“Mr. McDonald, light pollution is a major problem, but why focus on a relatively minor consequence of it? Think about how it impacts CO2 levels in the atmosphere!”

Noting that gazing into the night sky is an ancient tradition from time immemorial universally acknowledged by nearly all sapient cultures;

“And…? What additional merit does this bring in regard to dealing with light pollution? Or is it just a statement that only justifies star gazing? It’s not like anyone needs to use the starts to navigate or celebrate a crucial festival/holiday anyway.”

Therefore, the following shall be enacted:

3. The World Assembly further encourages sapient citizens of individual member states to take time during the evening on Star Gazing Day to look out into the night sky and enjoy the splendor of the heavens.

“Who needs an international day for star gazing when citizens can just star gaze on their own time? On a more silly note, at least force them to take time for star gazing rather than only encouraging them. A little bit of authority over the citizens can’t hurt the World Assembly…right?”

“For these reasons (excluding the lack of authoritarianism in operative clause 3), I am opposed to this proposal entirely.”

Lady Charlotte Schafer, Minister of Clevesian WA Affairs

[Namwenia]

2. The World Assembly non-bindingly urges member states to minimize artificial light usage, except where necessary for emergency or medical purposes, beginning at sundown on Star Gazing Day.

I really disagree with this section of the proposal. Why should WA nations only use light for emergency and medical reasons, when there are various ways in which light is used, (Examples include flashlights and carlights). It is not really a suggestion, I am just disagreeing with this part of the proposal.

If there are existing national or local holidays that occur concurrently with date selected for Star Gazing Day in individual member states, the World Assembly encourages member states celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

Should be changed to:

If there are existing national or local holidays that occur concurrently with the date date selected for Star Gazing Day in individual member states, the World Assembly encourages member states' celebration of the spirit of Star Gazing Day on a separate, nearby date.

"Artificial light is not prohibited, merely asked to be turned off during Star Gazing Day to minimize light pollution during this fun event. I appreciate the recommended language edits. We will make them."

I'll gave you the advice I was given when I last attempted to do something to regulate light pollution, probably not a good idea as you inevitably will get bogged down in minutiae that don't matter.

"Ultimately, you may be right, but this is not that. This is a light-hearted holiday proposal to remind us of the issues of light pollution and give us all a brief moment to just look into the cosmos. Think like an Earth Day on certain planets."

Recognizing light pollution as the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting directly resulting from most modern, industrialized societies;

Acknowledging that excessive light pollution minimizes the visibility of celestial objects such as neighboring planets, moons, or stars;

“Mr. McDonald, light pollution is a major problem, but why focus on a relatively minor consequence of it? Think about how it impacts CO2 levels in the atmosphere!”

Noting that gazing into the night sky is an ancient tradition from time immemorial universally acknowledged by nearly all sapient cultures;

“And…? What additional merit does this bring in regard to dealing with light pollution? Or is it just a statement that only justifies star gazing? It’s not like anyone needs to use the starts to navigate or celebrate a crucial festival/holiday anyway.”

Therefore, the following shall be enacted:

3. The World Assembly further encourages sapient citizens of individual member states to take time during the evening on Star Gazing Day to look out into the night sky and enjoy the splendor of the heavens.

“Who needs an international day for star gazing when citizens can just star gaze on their own time? On a more silly note, at least force them to take time for star gazing rather than only encouraging them. A little bit of authority over the citizens can’t hurt the World Assembly…right?”

“For these reasons (excluding the lack of authoritarianism in operative clause 3), I am opposed to this proposal entirely.”

Lady Charlotte Schafer, Minister of Clevesian WA Affairs

"While there is not a definitive need to be told to look into the sky, this is a suggestion for an intended to be fun holiday to remind us to try to minimize light pollution. We do not necessarily disagree with a need to curb emissions or further restrictions on light pollution. However, that is beyond the scope of this proposal."

"Based on the comments provided, an updated proposal has been posted."
-Pat McDonald
World Assembly Ambassador
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[Anne of Cleves in TNP]

-snip-

"While there is not a definitive need to be told to look into the sky, this is a suggestion for an intended to be fun holiday to remind us to try to minimize light pollution. We do not necessarily disagree with a need to curb emissions or further restrictions on light pollution. However, that is beyond the scope of this proposal."

"Based on the comments provided, an updated proposal has been posted."
-Pat McDonald
World Assembly Ambassador
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

“Alright then. If you want to focus on star gazing, then go ahead. Also, thank you for clarifying that this international holiday is for fun and is by no means a requirement.”

Lady Charlotte Schafer, Minister of Clevesian WA Affairs

[Namwenia]

"We would like to once more remind members of this body that this fun proposal has been slightly amended recently and will hopefully be submitted this week if there are no further comments or questions.

Please let our team know if you have any comments."
-William Knuchel
Chief of Staff of World Assembly Ambassador Pat McDonald
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[Portzania]

"While the proposal for worldwide energy saving and cuts on light pollution is great, I''d like more elaboration on "emergency purposes" . While we support such a day where our citizens can look away from their phones and look at the night sky with their family, does this apply to factory/labor workers of any kind, who need light to work in such conditions? Furthermore, due to our economic and social issues, we use generators to nearly power every home, out of necessity. Would these regulations apply to such a thing?"

- General Raissa Carvalho
President of The Theocratic Federal States of Portzania

[Namwenia]

"While the proposal for worldwide energy saving and cuts on light pollution is great, I''d like more elaboration on "emergency purposes" . While we support such a day where our citizens can look away from their phones and look at the night sky with their family, does this apply to factory/labor workers of any kind, who need light to work in such conditions? Furthermore, due to our economic and social issues, we use generators to nearly power every home, out of necessity. Would these regulations apply to such a thing?"

- General Raissa Carvalho
President of The Theocratic Federal States of Portzania

"Thank you for the follow up.

The intent of the proposal was for artificial lights to be shut off and only operational during emergency situations for the evening of 'Star Gazing Day,' with the hope that operations which are not 24-hours would be given a chance to slow down, stop work, and allow sapient individuals an opportunity to enjoy looking at the night sky with family and friends.

However, as the language about emergency situations has become a sticking point, I believe a mild update is in order as now seen in the main post.

I thank you for your suggestions and comments."
-William Knuchel
Chief of Staff of World Assembly Ambassador Pat McDonald
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[Namwenia]

This has officially been submitted. Hopefully, we can come together for this fun proposed holiday based on a previous submission by another member state.

Thank you.

[Namwenia]

The Delegation to the World Assembly from the United Socialist States of Namwenia has prepared a bulletin on the topic of Star Gazing Day.

[Kenmoria]

This has officially been submitted. Hopefully, we can come together for this fun proposed holiday based on a previous submission by another member state.

Thank you.

(OOC: The proposal doesn’t seem to be getting much support. Did you campaign for it? If so, how?)

[Namwenia]

This has officially been submitted. Hopefully, we can come together for this fun proposed holiday based on a previous submission by another member state.

Thank you.

(OOC: The proposal doesn’t seem to be getting much support. Did you campaign for it? If so, how?)

OOC: Not really. I am still fairly new at putting out proposals and trying to garner support; I am honestly not sure exactly how to campaign for it apart from putting out info here, making a bulletin. I will re-up this at some point in the future, so plan to get smarter about how to campaign for it.