[DRAFT] Commend Portugal

[Canton Island]

RECOGNIZING Portugal as one of the largest and most active non-English regions to have been home to a thriving community of Lusophone nations. For over 15 years Portugal has been the foremost example of how a minority language-based region can survive, and thrive, in the broader multiverse.
PRAISING the community's efforts to turn their region into a harbour of free-speech, free-expression and tolerance as defined by a written constitution, while maintaining a functioning democratic system with fair elections.

CELEBRATING Portugal's unique culture, characterised by:

Heated political debates intertwined with relaxed banter;

An over-the-top sense of national pride which has secured its independent status, having prevailed over 3 foreign invasions;

Platinumism, the uniquely nostalgic and mystical belief that the region's founder will one day return to vanquish and solve all the problems his people face.

NOTING Portugal's approach to foreign affairs, opting to promote and celebrate goodwill towards all, generally in a cheerful way. Not only has the region united to participate in all of the World Assembly elections and events, but it also has sent a delegate to the organization since its very beginning.

CONGRATULATING Portugal's promotion of ties with all Portuguese-speaking communities, and even with many Portuguese-speaking individual Nations in all of their works and projects.

APPLAUDING the organization of multiple international cultural initiatives focused on bringing the Portuguese language and traditions to a larger audience while strengthening ties with the dispersed lusophone community abroad, as are examples:

Bi-annual Writing and Singing contests;

A regularly published magazine with artwork made inside the region;

Several satirical comics inspired by the Latin mantra "ridendo castigat mores" (one corrects customs by laughing at them).

MARVELLED by the abundance of compelling and exceptionally written stories originating in the plethora of historical and political scenarios developed by the community.

ADMIRING the innovative and novel concept behind Portugal's Map in which regional influence has a direct link to the portion of land a nation can settle.

In summary, considering that Portugal, in general, works towards the goals of the World Assembly of promoting peace and goodwill amongst all Nations and Regions, and has been a historical member of this organization.

HEREBY COMMENDS Portugal

_______________________________________

TL/DR: It is a really cool region, even if it isn't an english-speaking one. I believe that WA could be magnanimous and commend it. I leave the draft here and genuine constructive criticism is very much welcome. Thank you.

[Comfed]

I’m not really convinced that Portugal is commendable from this draft.

[Canadian Zeeland]

This u, Alentejo and Algarve?

[Outer Sparta]

Not a commendable region. Also, plagiarized.

[Alentejo and Algarve]

This u, Alentejo and Algarve?

yes, that's me with my totally legit second WA account

[Honeydewistania]

I can’t laugh at this, where’s amogus?

[Canton Island]

This u, Alentejo and Algarve?

Yes, I have two WA accounts, even three, four even. But it's okay, im Max Barry's extremely distant nephew so I can bend the rules.

[Canton Island]

I can’t laugh at this, where’s amogus?

I’m not really convinced that Portugal is commendable from this draft.

Not a commendable region. Also, plagiarized.

I made a request for CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, so far this is as constructive as a lot of TNT.

[Alentejo and Algarve]

Not a commendable region. Also, plagiarized.

I approve of it, so it's all good.

[Molopovia]

This u, Alentejo and Algarve?

For that reason alone I do not recommend voting for this to reach in quorum. Strange that they're similar, if not exactly identical.

[Frisbeeteria]

This u, Alentejo and Algarve?

yes, that's me with my totally legit second WA account

That's not something to joke about, unless you want both nations ejected. I will, however, consider it tacit approval to plagiarize the content of the prior draft.

[Westinor]

I took a quick read over the draft - I'm opposed at this stage. I don't know much about the region, and after the fiasco a couple months back, I'm not keen to discuss it again - but here are my thoughts.

RECOGNIZING Portugal as one of the largest and most active non-English regions to have been home to a thriving community of Lusophone nations. For over 15 years Portugal has been the foremost example of how a minority language-based region can survive, and thrive, in the broader multiverse.

So, if the central theme/argument or one of your central arguments is going to be that Portugal is the foremost non-English speaking region, I'd recommend making a better case than just "it is what it is". Most probably wouldn't see that argument alone is commendable - outside of it being a minority language, there isn't much of an argument made here as far as I can see. I would want to see not only an argument here for why this is a commendable thing, but also evidence that backs it up.

CELEBRATING Portugal's unique culture, characterised by:

Heated political debates intertwined with relaxed banter;

Heated political debates intertwined with relaxed banter doesn't seem all that unique to me - this tends to be a characteristic of most regions. This is probably worth cutting out unless there's something exceptional you can add.

An over-the-top sense of national pride which has secured its independent status, having prevailed over 3 foreign invasions;

"Over-the-top" doesn't feel like a great descriptor, at least in the way it is presented here. Could you elaborate on how the region has prevailed/which invasions it repelled? The first bit also doesn't really connect to the second bit because of that absence - if the natives managed to prevail without much outside help or through mobilizing help in a timely fashion, then it'd make sense that they'd have a sense of national pride over this.

Platinumism, the uniquely nostalgic and mystical belief that the region's founder will one day return to vanquish and solve all the problems his people face.

Perhaps amusing, but filler. It would be fine in a list, but the rest of the list, as I have pointed out, is rather weak.

NOTING Portugal's approach to foreign affairs, opting to promote and celebrate goodwill towards all, generally in a cheerful way. Not only has the region united to participate in all of the World Assembly elections and events, but it also has sent a delegate to the organization since its very beginning.

This doesn't feel particularly commendable to me - having a WA Delegate since a region's inception isn't particularly impressive, and is standard for most larger regions. Participation in events - which ones? - that doesn't result in winning or some impressive achievement also doesn't feel very commendable. If there are results from the region's approach to FA - perhaps an extensive ring of allies or international connections - that would put teeth on that argument, but as far as I know/can tell that isn't the case.

NGRATULATING Portugal's promotion of ties with all Portuguese-speaking communities, and even with many Portuguese-speaking individual Nations in all of their works and projects.

Can you provide particular communities/projects? This is rather vague.

APPLAUDING the organization of multiple international cultural initiatives focused on bringing the Portuguese language and traditions to a larger audience while strengthening ties with the dispersed lusophone community abroad, as are examples:

Bi-annual Writing and Singing contests;

A regularly published magazine with artwork made inside the region;

Several satirical comics inspired by the Latin mantra "ridendo castigat mores" (one corrects customs by laughing at them).

I'd specify more here - names and characteristics are important, especially if a majority of people are not familiar with these events. Is this open to outside members, and is it particularly popular? What makes this impressive, outside of it being a celebration of Lusophone culture?

Overall, not thoroughly convinced - I think this draft can be improved. Even in an improved state, I'm not sure I'd be ready to support a commend - but with the somewhat barebones/less detailed form this is currently in, perhaps I'm just missing something.

[Scalizagasti]

RECOGNIZING Portugal as one of the largest and most active non-English regions to have been home to a thriving community of Lusophone nations. For over 15 years Portugal has been the foremost example of how a minority language-based region can survive, and thrive, in the broader multiverse.

Like West said, you need to expand on this. What is Portugal doing that makes them so successful? Do they have significant cultural events? Do they partner with smaller Lusophone regions? etc. More evidence is needed, and I think you should definitely go more in-depth with this point.

PRAISING the community's efforts to turn their region into a harbour of free-speech, free-expression and tolerance as defined by a written constitution, while maintaining a functioning democratic system with fair elections.

Not unique.

Heated political debates intertwined with relaxed banter;

Not unique.

An over-the-top sense of national pride which has secured its independent status, having prevailed over 3 foreign invasions;

Getting invaded isn't a commendable feat. Was there any significance of these invasions?

Platinumism, the uniquely nostalgic and mystical belief that the region's founder will one day return to vanquish and solve all the problems his people face.

This is an interesting piece of regional culture, but not really something commendable by itself.

NOTING Portugal's approach to foreign affairs, opting to promote and celebrate goodwill towards all, generally in a cheerful way. Not only has the region united to participate in all of the World Assembly elections and events, but it also has sent a delegate to the organization since its very beginning.

Not unique. Most regions have WA delegates and promote goodwill.

CONGRATULATING Portugal's promotion of ties with all Portuguese-speaking communities, and even with many Portuguese-speaking individual Nations in all of their works and projects.

APPLAUDING the organization of multiple international cultural initiatives focused on bringing the Portuguese language and traditions to a larger audience while strengthening ties with the dispersed lusophone community abroad, as are examples:

Bi-annual Writing and Singing contests;

A regularly published magazine with artwork made inside the region;

Several satirical comics inspired by the Latin mantra "ridendo castigat mores" (one corrects customs by laughing at them).

This is good and what I was talking about earlier. You should try and go more in-depth with these cultural events. How have they brought the NS lusophone community together?

MARVELLED by the abundance of compelling and exceptionally written stories originating in the plethora of historical and political scenarios developed by the community.

Needs elaboration. Worldbuilding isn't necessarily commendable on its own.

ADMIRING the innovative and novel concept behind Portugal's Map in which regional influence has a direct link to the portion of land a nation can settle.

What is so innovative about this map? Why should other NS players take interest in it? This needs a lot more explanation.

[Molopovia]

RECOGNIZING Portugal as one of the largest and most active non-English regions to have been home to a thriving community of Lusophone nations. For over 15 years Portugal has been the foremost example of how a minority language-based region can survive, and thrive, in the broader multiverse.

Like West said, you need to expand on this. What is Portugal doing that makes them so successful? Do they have significant cultural events? Do they partner with smaller Lusophone regions? etc. More evidence is needed, and I think you should definitely go more in-depth with this point.

PRAISING the community's efforts to turn their region into a harbour of free-speech, free-expression and tolerance as defined by a written constitution, while maintaining a functioning democratic system with fair elections.

Not unique.

Heated political debates intertwined with relaxed banter;

Not unique.

An over-the-top sense of national pride which has secured its independent status, having prevailed over 3 foreign invasions;

Getting invaded isn't a commendable feat. Was there any significance of these invasions?

Platinumism, the uniquely nostalgic and mystical belief that the region's founder will one day return to vanquish and solve all the problems his people face.

This is an interesting piece of regional culture, but not really something commendable by itself.

NOTING Portugal's approach to foreign affairs, opting to promote and celebrate goodwill towards all, generally in a cheerful way. Not only has the region united to participate in all of the World Assembly elections and events, but it also has sent a delegate to the organization since its very beginning.

Not unique. Most regions have WA delegates and promote goodwill.

CONGRATULATING Portugal's promotion of ties with all Portuguese-speaking communities, and even with many Portuguese-speaking individual Nations in all of their works and projects.

APPLAUDING the organization of multiple international cultural initiatives focused on bringing the Portuguese language and traditions to a larger audience while strengthening ties with the dispersed lusophone community abroad, as are examples:

Bi-annual Writing and Singing contests;

A regularly published magazine with artwork made inside the region;

Several satirical comics inspired by the Latin mantra "ridendo castigat mores" (one corrects customs by laughing at them).

This is good and what I was talking about earlier. You should try and go more in-depth with these cultural events. How have they brought the NS lusophone community together?

MARVELLED by the abundance of compelling and exceptionally written stories originating in the plethora of historical and political scenarios developed by the community.

Needs elaboration. Worldbuilding isn't necessarily commendable on its own.

ADMIRING the innovative and novel concept behind Portugal's Map in which regional influence has a direct link to the portion of land a nation can settle.

What is so innovative about this map? Why should other NS players take interest in it? This needs a lot more explanation.

Ah, I've finally figured out what was off about the whole thing. Just needed way more content/explanation

[Varanius]

Gonna be honest, thinking about a commended Portugal just makes me want to raid them

[Bhang Bhang Duc]

I made a request for CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, so far this is as constructive as a lot of TNT.

And that’s what should be applied to this draft.

Anyway, there’s nothing you’ve written that makes the nominated region stand out from the crowd. Basically it’s either filler or you’re attributing qualities to them that are not commendable.

Gonna be honest, thinking about a commended Portugal just makes me want to raid them

Down boy.

Edit: I spy with my little eye an R2(a) illegality. I’ll leave it to the OP to find it as they’ve done very little so far, just copy and paste.

[Ofiussia]

It makes me really happy that someone who is not a resident of Portugal has saw what this region has to offer. Portugal is one of the greatest non-english speaking Regions, and the greatest lusophone one. I know that some things might not be particulary commendable, but after the Draft I expect that the WA Team helps Canton Island finishing the draft of Commend Portugal.
This commendation is not for us, it's for it's members, past and future. I hope you understand it.

[Ofiussia]

Gonna be honest, thinking about a commended Portugal just makes me want to raid them

Only if the Commendation passes, otherwise don't...

[NorthPortugal]

One thing that is important here: how many Portuguese-speaking regions do you know that are one big community?

The problem is that Portugal is not an Anglophone region, but a Lusophone region. I've seen many proposals for the Security Council that are ridiculous and many agree, and when a region with a different culture tries to gain recognition you say it's illegal and other stuff that you made up. And saying that if you want to raid them, it is a disrespect.

Leave these things aside and see that having a region that has a large community and a large culture asking for recognition is already a great event for that community. Leave all other ideas aside and learn what the region has to offer. I lived in that region and I'm prond of that and I support this proposal.

[Lenlyvit]

One thing that is important here: how many Portuguese-speaking regions do you know that are one big community?

The problem is that Portugal is not an Anglophone region, but a Lusophone region. I've seen many proposals for the Security Council that are ridiculous and many agree, and when a region with a different culture tries to gain recognition you say it's illegal and other stuff that you made up. And saying that if you want to raid them, it is a disrespect.

Leave these things aside and see that having a region that has a large community and a large culture asking for recognition is already a great event for that community. Leave all other ideas aside and learn what the region has to offer. I lived in that region and I'm prond of that and I support this proposal.

They're not making up the fact that the proposal is illegal, I myself see an R2(a) violation like BBD does. It doesnt matter what language a region speaks, nor does it matter if a region is a minority. There isn't much commendable content in this proposal that stands out from the crowds of other regions, and in fact many regions have these same exact things.

There are tons of bilingual regions in NS, there are tons of old minority regions, yet the content needed to be considered commendable is high. I'm not saying Portugal isn't commendable, but it shouldn't be commendable just for the fact that it's a minority region.

[Wrapper]

I spy with my little eye an R2(a) illegality.

I myself see an R2(a) violation

Enlighten us all, please, because if I can't spot it after reading through it twice, I doubt the author can find it.

[Honeydewistania]

I will not support a draft that’s been ghostwritten by the delegate of the region. Write your own proposal please, or this is as good as a self commend

[Outer Sparta]

One thing that is important here: how many Portuguese-speaking regions do you know that are one big community?

The problem is that Portugal is not an Anglophone region, but a Lusophone region. I've seen many proposals for the Security Council that are ridiculous and many agree, and when a region with a different culture tries to gain recognition you say it's illegal and other stuff that you made up. And saying that if you want to raid them, it is a disrespect.

Leave these things aside and see that having a region that has a large community and a large culture asking for recognition is already a great event for that community. Leave all other ideas aside and learn what the region has to offer. I lived in that region and I'm prond of that and I support this proposal.

I don't think you know that this proposal isn't well-written. I also don't see how Portugal is a commendable region and of course the author just copy and pasted without doing any original work.

[Bhang Bhang Duc]

I spy with my little eye an R2(a) illegality.

I myself see an R2(a) violation

Enlighten us all, please, because if I can't spot it after reading through it twice, I doubt the author can find it.

It’s here Wrapper:

Platinumism, the uniquely nostalgic and mystical belief that the region's founder will one day return to vanquish and solve all the problems his people face.

As a region’s founder is a nation, this makes the use of the word “his” illegal.

[Wrapper]

Enlighten us all, please, because if I can't spot it after reading through it twice, I doubt the author can find it.

It’s here Wrapper:

Platinumism, the uniquely nostalgic and mystical belief that the region's founder will one day return to vanquish and solve all the problems his people face.

As a region’s founder is a nation, this makes the use of the word “his” illegal.

I'm a bit out of practice, obviously.