Southern Journal - Issue XXVII: PM Powers, Missing Cabinet

[Belschaft]

At no point in time has any proof been presented to suggest that anything happened after July the 27th or to substantiate any claims that my version of events is not accurate.

You've admitted to conspiring to commit electoral fraud, to undermine the elections of the Coalition. That's all the proof that's needed, but we have additional proof anyways. I don't know why you're so focused on when you (allegedly) stopped the conspiracy. The crime was that you conspired in the first place.

I dispute that such occurred. The very logs that Cormac presented as "proof" of this conspiracy show that I am in the process of investigating election fraud, and am discussing countermeasures that could be taken if it can't be proven to the satisfaction of the courts but to the satisfaction of those investigating.

[Solorni]

If only TSP had thought crime laws. Then you'd get Bel for sure!

[Kringalia]

I dispute that such occurred. The very logs that Cormac presented as "proof" of this conspiracy show that I am in the process of investigating election fraud, and am discussing countermeasures that could be taken if it can't be proven to the satisfaction of the courts but to the satisfaction of those investigating.

How about we all get honest. You didn't like seeing Unibot and Glen elected to the Cabinet, and refused to believe that the region could ever elect someone who is so against your political stances. You then tried to bring people into the region, to get them out and repeal all the measures we adopted.

The logs do not show any "investigation". They show you saying just what I have repeated:

[15:05] <Cormac> The reason I ask is it's possible there's stacking happening, but equally possible Glen and Unibot are just persuading natives of their views.
[15:09] <Cormac> Not that I'm dismissing it, by any means, but there needs to be actual evidence.
[15:12] <Cormac> Looking at the election results myself, I see almost identical voting for Unibot as for Glen-Rhodes, and for God-Emperor as for you. With a blend of people who would be classified as "natives" and people who would (fairly or unfairly) be classified as "external influence" voting for both sides.
[15:16] <Bel> Possible, but improbable. Including them defender imports make up a third of their vote, and another third is people who have never posted in the Assembly and who do not seem to have WA's. Of the whole group, two thirds of them have joined since Glen and Uni showed up.
[15:17] <Bel> Of the whole group just one of their votes was in TSP before the Milograd coup.
[15:19] <Cormac> "Before the Milograd coup" is now over a year ago, so that isn't that surprising. And how long has Glen been here now?
[15:19] <Bel> Later 2013
[15:19] <Bel> *late 2013
[15:20] <Cormac> I'm not saying it isn't happening, I'm just not sure what can be done about it. TSP's laws are rather lax in this regard - WA isn't needed, minimum activity requirements aren't mandated - so unless it can be proven these people are from elsewhere they aren't doing anything illegal.
[15:20] <Bel> I'm more interested in the four nations without WA's who have never posted in the Assembly
[15:20] <Bel> Oh, stacking is legal so long as citizenship applications are accurate
[15:21] <Bel> And it's too late to deal with this *now*
[15:21] * Cormac nods
[15:21] <Bel> The question is what happens in the next four months?
[15:21] <Bel> bbl, dinner
[15:21] <Cormac> Okay
[15:35] <Bel> bck
[15:41] <Cormac> WB. Sorry, was afk too.
[15:42] <Bel> Proving stacking is dificult, but I'm fairly sure it's going on
[15:42] <Bel> Unless you think that Unibot could get elected to Cabinet in TSP without it?
[15:42] <Bel> This is fucking Unibot we're talking about
[15:43] <Cormac> Well, he's currently a vote behind God-Emperor. But with newer natives who don't know him, I think it's possible.
[15:44] <Bel> I'm fundementally doubtfull of "newer natives" who don't have WA's
[15:45] <Bel> That's the thing that's making me really suspicous
[15:48] * Cormac nods
[15:50] <Bel> Extend that to; "Newer natives who don't have WA's and don't post in the goverment areas"
[15:51] <Cormac> Yeah, that is odd. But not impossible if they TG campaigned.
[15:52] <Bel> Possible, yes.
[15:52] <Cormac> Regardless, what are you thinking about doing about it?
[15:52] <Bel> I've been talking to Todd. The general idea is to slowly move reliable people into the region over the next few months
[15:52] <Bel> We wouldn't need many, just 2-3 trustworthy and reliable people from TEP, Balder, Osi
[15:53] <Bel> Counter stack essentially

[15:13] <Bel> I have some legal questions I need submitting
[15:13] <Cormac> Aye, I'll move a nation in and re-apply soon.
[15:14] <Bel> Good
[15:14] <Bel> I can probably strike down the TRR on legal grounds as soon as we have the people in to prevent it coming back
-
[15:18] <Cormac> Sorry, my cat managed to find a magical key that literally shut down my computer. I think he was sending me a message.
[15:18] <Bel> Heh
[15:18] <Cormac> Anyway, are you sure you want the TRR treaty stricken? The problem now is that if it goes away, that doesn't mean the TNI treaty is coming back anytime soon. Even if they would agree to re-ratifying it, the Assembly is going to be too irritated to re-ratify it, imo.
[15:19] <Bel> Not yet. In a months time when we have the people in place.
[15:19] * Cormac nods
[15:19] <Bel> Anyway, I've messaged Cerebella asking him to hold of revoking the treaty
[15:20] <Cormac> This should look fairly normal for me, I've been a citizen of TSP before. I'd definitely prefer my involvement not to be mentioned to other participants. I'm okay with not knowing who they are either.
[15:29] <Bel> I'm going to be doing 1-1's with people I trust
[15:29] <Bel> That way if shit leaks I take the can
[15:29] <Bel> The other people in TSP will be insulated
[15:31] * Cormac nods

What these logs show is precisely what you have been accused of doing: not investigating electoral fraud, which you should have done through the proper channels anyways, but rather importing votes to achieve your own goals, and planning on abusing your position in the High Court to strike down the TRR Treaty, for political purposes.

[Cormac Stark]

- BREAKING NEWS -

Belschaft is pressing defamation charges against Kringalia, Escade, Unibot, Glen-Rhodes and Cormac Stark, over their continue accusations of his participation in Operation Brave Toaster.

We will expand shortly.

I would love to know how charges against me in a region in which I don't even reside, let alone maintain citizenship, are going to work, or why I'm supposed to care. I have no intention of being involved in this case -- though I wish all the best to Kringalia, Escade, Unibot, and Glen-Rhodes, who are far more dedicated to The South Pacific than the traitorous, jaywalking airgangster Belschaft ever has been or ever will be.

[Belschaft]

- BREAKING NEWS -

Belschaft is pressing defamation charges against Kringalia, Escade, Unibot, Glen-Rhodes and Cormac Stark, over their continue accusations of his participation in Operation Brave Toaster.

We will expand shortly.

I would love to know how charges against me in a region in which I don't even reside, let alone maintain citizenship, are going to work, or why I'm supposed to care. I have no intention of being involved in this case -- though I wish all the best to Kringalia, Escade, Unibot, and Glen-Rhodes, who are far more dedicated to The South Pacific than the traitorous, jaywalking airgangster Belschaft ever has been or ever will be.

You maintain an account on TSP's forums and thus fall within it's legal jurisdiction.

[Zaolat]

than the traitorous, jaywalking airgangster Belschaft ever has been or ever will be.

Have you went and joined Lazarus?

[Kringalia]

I would love to know how charges against me in a region in which I don't even reside, let alone maintain citizenship, are going to work, or why I'm supposed to care. I have no intention of being involved in this case -- though I wish all the best to Kringalia, Escade, Unibot, and Glen-Rhodes, who are far more dedicated to The South Pacific than the traitorous, jaywalking airgangster Belschaft ever has been or ever will be.

You maintain an account on TSP's forums and thus fall within it's legal jurisdiction.

Uh, no. Only residents can defend themselves in the Court, which leads to the conclusion that only residents can be sued in the first place, since facing a suit without the legal right to self-defense would be a gross violation of due process.

[Cormac Stark]

You maintain an account on TSP's forums and thus fall within it's legal jurisdiction.

If that's true, okay, though others in TSP's IRC channel didn't seem to think that was the case. Regardless, I don't reside in TSP nor do I have any intention to reside in TSP in the future, so I don't at all care if I'm charged with defamation. I know I didn't defame you, and my opinion of me, as usual, is the only one that matters.

[KaelThas Quilor]

my opinion of me, as usual, is the only one that matters.

This explains so much.

[Belschaft]

You maintain an account on TSP's forums and thus fall within it's legal jurisdiction.

Uh, no. Only residents can defend themselves in the Court, which leads to the conclusion that only residents can be sued in the first place, since facing a suit without the legal right to self-defense would be a gross violation of due process.

I suggest you read HCLQ1404, wherein the Court defines The Coalition's legal jurisdiction.

[RiderSyl]

I know I didn't defame you, and my opinion of me, as usual, is the only one that matters.

10/10 signature quote material.

[Southern Journal]

Issue III
Brief News, Good News

Contents

• Belschaft Files Defamation Charges
• Henn Elected Minister of the Army
• SCO – The Future of Roleplayed TSP?
• It's a Matter of Survival

Belschaft Files Defamation Charges
by Kris Montresor

Belschaft filing defamation charges

On Thursday Belschaft filed five defamation charges, due to the continued accusations of his involvement in the conspiracy know as Operation Brave Little Toaster. Belschaft was involved in an attempt to import votes to the South Pacific,allegedly due to his fear that Unibot and Glen-Rhodes would use their positions in the Cabinet to bring the region closer to the defender side. Due to his actions, he was recalled from all his government positions, but further criminal charges were not pursued, following his decision to go on a self-imposed exile.

Following his return to political activity, including candidacies for Minister of the Army and High Court Justice, his credentials have been questioned by different individuals, due to his involvement in Operation Brave Little Toaster. In particular, one of his proposal threads in the Great Council was derailed with a debate on his participation in the Operation, and whether that constituted treason. Belschaft has argued that since he was never formally charged, no crime or wrongdoing was committed. His opponents argue that there was wrongdoing, and the lack of charges were due to the fact that his recalls and self-imposed exile were considered enough punishment at the time.

Following an ultimatum on Wednesday that he would file charges if his accusers did not withdraw their statements, on thursday he filed defamation charges against former Delegates Escade and Kringalia, former Foreign Minister Glen-Rhodes and former citizen Cormac Stark. This move has been sharply criticized by the defendants, who argue that defamation cannot apply if Belschaft did commit the actions of which he has been accused. The process, which would be the first criminal trial since Coalition v. Milograd in 2013, is scheduled to continue once Justice elections finish next week.

Note: Belschaft later clarified to the Journal that his actual position is that his actions were not criminal, and that the reluctance of those who oppose him to press charges, even if they continue to question him, prevent him from being exonerated in a court of law, hence the defamation charges he filed.

Henn Elected Minister of the Army
by Kris Montresor

Minister Henn talking with the Southern Journal

General Henn has recently been elected Minister of the Army, following a close race against newcomer Darkstrait, and amid intense criticism on the Special Forces, due to a discussion in the Great Council about its chronic lack of new recruits and the possibility of demilitarisation. Both Henn and Darkstrait vowed to revive the military and work hard on recruitment, though presumably voters opted to trust in Henn and his previous record of experience, against the enthusiastic yet unexperienced Darkstrait.

While Henn won a comfortable majority of 20-13, his campaign was the focus of some minor controversy, due to the brief attempt of Belschaft to run a joint campaign with him and serve as co-Ministers of the Army. This was rejected by several prominent figures, including Election Commissioner Kris Montresor. Belschaft eventually decided to simply support Henn, once it was confirmed that the legal question he had submitted on the matter of joint candidacies would not be reviewed in time for the beginning of the voting period.

Henn returns to the Cabinet after having served one term as Minister of Regional Affairs, and subsequently being promoted to General of the Special Forces, where he served alongside QuietDad and under CrimsonTideFan, who was recently recalled as Minister due to his severe inactivity. When consulted about his election, Henn thanked the South Pacific "for the opportunity to place me in such a controversial position, and I hope I can live up to expectations." He has the challenge of reviving the Special Forces and convincing detractors that it is possible to have an active and unaligned military.

SCO - The Future of Roleplayed TSP?
by Kris Montresor

Logo of the Southern Cooperation Organisation

While the South Pacific once had a vibrant roleplaying community, in recent years this had not been the case, and several attempts to revive the forum section now known as Treasure Island ended up in failure. This has recently changed, with a new generation of enthusiastic roleleplayers coming to the South Pacific, keeping Treasure Island as one of the most active sections of the forum and slowly forming a system of alliances and international relations.

There are several such alliances, like the Inter-Pacifican Space Agency and the Southern Socialist Union, but one of the most organised and successful alliances so far is the Southern Cooperation Organisation, an alliance for democratic nations formed in late 2013 by Kringalia and Awesomiasa as a bilateral cooperation forum, but only recently turned into an international alliance. While the other alliances are loose discussion and coordination forums, the SCO already has a Charter and is actively processing accession applications, with its Southern Council recently discussing the legal ramifications of the recent Sporaltryan War, given the multiple allegations of war crimes having been committed.

So far the SCO has considered five accession applications, and has also elected a Secretary General, Carlo Bazzoli of Kringalia. These development could improve even more the state of Treasure Island, providing new dynamics to the international system that has been developing. It remains to be seen if the growth of the SCO will lead to any confrontations with alliances like the Southern Socialist Union, which was one of the main players in the Sporaltryan War. However, this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for roleplaying in the South Pacific, and ultimately for the diversification of involvement opportunities for newcomers and veteran members alike.

It's a Matter of Survival
by Feirmont

The World Census Contest was organised by the Ministry of Regional Affairs

Lowest Crime Rates, Most Authoritarian, Best Weather. These are but three of the 71 possible World Census categories compiled each day. A friendly way for nations to compare each other. But for 28 nations, it's a matter of survival.

On February 5th, and after lengthy preparations, the World Census Elimination Contest began, hosted by noted citizens ProfessorHenn and Aramanchovia. The rules are simply: move a nation to South Pacific Ejection Contest, don't answer any issues, and the nation placed last on each Census is ejected from the region. Leaving, at the end of 27 long days, a sole survivor.

While locked in the region, participating nations will be playing games, having discussions, and even trying to guess what the next census will be, in hopes of winning a one-day immunity.

[Southern Journal]

Belschaft has withdrawn his defamation charges against Kringalia. In his brief statement, he told the High Court that Kringalia had acted upon bad information (supplied by Cormac Stark, when he revealed Operation Brave Little Toaster) and had shown no malicious intentions so far.

Cormac Stark, Unibot, Glen Rhodes and Escade are still facing defamation charges, which should be addressed once the new High Court convenes, later today.

[Cormac Stark]

Belschaft has withdrawn his defamation charges against Kringalia. In his brief statement, he told the High Court that Kringalia had acted upon bad information (supplied by Cormac Stark, when he revealed Operation Brave Little Toaster) and had shown no malicious intentions so far.

Cormac Stark, Unibot, Glen Rhodes and Escade are still facing defamation charges, which should be addressed once the new High Court convenes, later today.

In case anyone was wondering, I continue not to care. Best of luck to Unibot, Glen-Rhodes, and Escade in defending themselves against these frivolous and scurrilous charges though. It's a sad day when loyal citizens of The South Pacific have to defend themselves against defamation charges brought by someone who would already have been charged as a traitor if TSP's laws made sense.

[Kringalia]

It's difficult to navigate through the nonsense that Escade has been posting, but I think she intends to file treason charges.

[Common-Sense Politics]

I hope TSP will be able to come to a measured and amicable resolution of this latest episode in a long-standing conflict.

[Escade]

The South Pacific is a beautiful place and a home to many.

[Southern Journal]

Cake and Pie, Problems in the MoRA?
by Feirmont

With the near-recent appointment of Feirmont to Deputy Minister of the Minstry of Regional Affairs, there has been some worry about a pro-cake and pro-pie rift in the Ministry, the Onion reports.

The debate of Cake versus Pie is a long time, hard fought debate with neither side budging one way or the other. Minister of Regional Affairs Kringalia has openly expressed his position as pro-Cake; having started the Church of Cake in the South Pacific to which he is currently a Bishop.

The Onion recently discovered the newly appointed Deputy Minister, Feirmont, is an open pro-pie supporter.
“I don’t see me loving pie over cake as being a major problem,” said Feirmont. “The reality is pie is gaining more and more ground in the South Pacific. Kringle and I may not agree, and it’s hard for me to keep lines of communication open with him because I know he likes cake so much, but I don’t believe it could cause a rift.”

However, there is growing unrest with the staff of the Ministry. The Onion managed to get an interview with some of the staff members, all of whom wished to remain anonymous.

“I can’t follow a Minister, let alone a Deputy, who can’t see that cake is all around better than pie. If our new Deputy can’t see that, then I’m not sure I can work with him.”

“I have proven time and time again that pie is better than cake; even using math to prove my point. Math never lies. I will stand behind the new Deputy Minister.”

When approached about the subject, Kringalia issued an open statement.
“There would have to be a Deputy Minister in the first place. I believe he has just been dismissed, due to his recently discovered pro-pie views.”

[Southern Journal]

BREAKING NEWS
CABINET DECLARES BELSCHAFT A SECURITY THREAT

Belschaft is no longer a Citizen of the South Pacific

The Cabinet has released a statement declaring Former Delegate Belschaft a threat to the security of the region, and announcing that his citizenship is being revoked. This comes days after heated discussions in the Assembly and repeated calls for Belschaft to face treason charges, due to his past behaviour and recent confrontational stances, where he has defended his actions and denied any wrongdoing.

The five-paragraph statement opens by saying that the Cabinet sometimes has to take difficult decisions, to ensure the safety of the region, and then describes all the reasons why Belschaft is being declared a security threat. His orchestration of the infamous Operation Brave Little Toaster is referenced, but apparently his reappearance in regional politics and lack of repentance were catalysts for this decision. The statement closes by highlighting that public pressure had no role in this decision, and that only regional security was discussed.

Initial reactions to this decision have been skeptic, with some in #the_south_pacific wondering whether the removal was justified, or if it should even be legally permissible. Others have raised concerns over the effects of this decision over the pending charges that Belschaft filed against four citizens, wondering if the plaintiff's loss of citizenship might invalidate the charges. Belschaft himself called his removal a "blatant circumnavigation of the legal system", and may be likely to appeal the decision to the Assembly, where a 75% vote in favor would be required to overturn it.

We will continue informing as the situation develops.

[KaelThas Quilor]

As I've said in the other two threads:

I/I am

-think it's a mistake (not sure its justified either)
-not really in a place to judge at the end of the day

[Belschaft]

As I have been saying for months, I deny that anything I did was in any way whatsoever illegal. I continue to demand that my accusers bring charges against me so I can be exonerated in a free and fair trial.

This blatant attempt to avoid the judicial process of The South Pacific is contrary to the very founding principles of the region.

[Kringalia]

Trying to unduly influence elections is also contrary to the very founding principles of the region.

[Ynys Prydain]

Congratulations to the Cabinet of The South Pacific on one of the most sensible decisions I've ever seen it make.

[KaelThas Quilor]

Trying to unduly influence elections is also contrary to the very founding principles of the region.

To play devil's advocate (my favorite thing in NS, regardless of side), if he did that, wouldn't it be even more true to the principles of TSP to give him a trial - if he's guilty, then it proves how effect TSP's democractic system is. And if he's not - well...then isn't he not guilty?

Also, just out of curiosity, what is the margin of vote the Cabinet needed to pass this removal legally (is it 2/3, majority, unanimous, etc?) and if it isn't unanimous, what was the for/against number (I'm not asking for names, I'm just wondering the stats of it)

[Ambrella]

Trying to unduly influence elections is also contrary to the very founding principles of the region.

To play devil's advocate (my favorite thing in NS, regardless of side), if he did that, wouldn't it be even more true to the principles of TSP to give him a trial - if he's guilty, then it proves how effect TSP's democractic system is. And if he's not - well...then isn't he not guilty?

Also, just out of curiosity, what is the margin of vote the Cabinet needed to pass this removal legally (is it 2/3, majority, unanimous, etc?) and if it isn't unanimous, what was the for/against number (I'm not asking for names, I'm just wondering the stats of it)

The statement said it was unanimous. It only required a majority.