South Pacific Independent News Network

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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WELCOME TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK!
Founded in 2003, the South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information to all South Pacificans both gameside and forumside.

THE IDEA
The SPINN is committed to providing quality content on a regular basis. This content will come in the form of a variety of publications aimed at keeping the public informed, but also at providing all citizens with opportunities to share their views with others. The following publications comprise our repertoire:

• Gameplay Weekly Brief: a weekly summary of regional news, recipes and opinion columns.

• Breaking News: stories that cannot wait for the weekly news summary.

• Real News: fringe news that inform the region of what truly happens behind the scenes.

THE WRITERS
The SPINN publishes all its content anonymously, as per tradition, unless the author specifically requests to be named. If you have an idea for a new publication or wish to contribute to Random Musings, send a message to this nation so that we may hear about your ideas. We are always on the lookout for new publication ideas, such as interview formats, analytical pieces, etc.

Editorials might be published, on occasion, to share the Editorial Board's view on important issues facing the region. These pieces will also be published anonymously and are intended to reflect the view of this newspaper on the issues. No other publication reflects the views of this newspaper.

THE INDEPENDENCE
The SPINN is, as explained above, an independent news organisation. It is not affiliated in any shape or form with the Government of the South Pacific and may publish content that either supports or opposes government policies and officials, in the interest of informing the public and promoting a free press.

Should any content be inaccurate, send a telegram to this nation detailing your concerns, so that they may be reviewed and addressed.

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

Home | Gameplay Weekly Brief | Breaking News | Real News

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THE PUBLICATIONS
The full list of publications by the current iteration of the SPINN is contained in the following post. To read any publication simply click on its number.

GAMEPLAY WEEKLY BRIEF
A weekly summary of regional news, recipes and opinion columns.
#1 - 21 June 2020
#2 - 28 June 2020
#3 - 05 July 2020
#4 - 12 July 2020
#5 - 20 July 2020

BREAKING NEWS
Stories that cannot wait for the weekly news summary.
#1 - Rabbitz Elected Chair; Leaves Vacancy in the Local Council [23 June 2020]
#2 - "I mean business and want what's best for TSP" - Interview with Penguin [11 July 2020]
#3 - "You want to be able to tell a story and good graphics are an essential component in this process" - Interview with Amerion [14 July 2020]
#4 - Amerion Elected Delegate; Wins 62% of the Gameside Vote [18 July 2020]

REAL NEWS
Fringe news that inform the region of what truly happens behind the scenes.
#1 - Establishment Steals Elections; Panda and RON left out of the Cabinet [15 June 2020]
#2 - Amerion Doesn't Do Math; Campaign May Be Out of Touch [05 July 2020]
#3 - Penguin Admits to Pie Bias; Support Drops in Key Demographic [05 July 2020]
#4 - Penguins Seize Power; Both Delegate Candidates Revealed to be Penguins [17 July 2020]

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 15 June 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS | JAMES D. HALPERT
ESTABLISHMENT STEALS ELECTIONS; PANDA AND RON LEFT OUT OF THE CABINET

In a move widely expected but not any less painful, Election Commissioner Tsunamy certified the June 2020 Cabinet Election, bowing to Establishment pressure to deprive candidates Panda and RON from their fairly earned victories. They had the votes and the popularity, people were clamoring in the streets for their election, but those in power had a different idea and took serious steps to silence voters.

An anonymous voter -so anonymous that this newspaper cannot confirm if they were even a South Pacifican- said they intended to vote for Panda but "someone offered me a pie and SPIT if I didn't vote". Panda's campaign even reached the fjords of Balder, where a newspaper described his campaign as "perturbing, sadistic, and jingoistic". Panda, who ran on a platform of taking a strong stand against both allies and enemies, clearly was too dangerous to be allowed to win.

A similar fate befell RON, the perennial candidate who runs on a platform of giving more power to voters. It is obvious that such honesty and selflessness cannot be tolerated by the Establishment, who sought to undermine RON by any means necessary. These attempts included, most blatantly, the run of Imperial Frost Federation for Minister of Military Affairs, a clear attempt to divide the vote and ensure that RON would not stand a chance against Phoenix.

Panda has now filed an injunction before the High Court, asking that justice be served and that a new, fairer election be held, but even the Justices seem to have been compromised, calling the request a "mock submission". With crowds marching in Lampshade Street, wearing their protest lampshades and holding street parties with SPIT and pie, one can only hope that the Court will listen.

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. The opinions expressed in this publication absolutely (do not) reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is always published with pseudonyms, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 21 June 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS
NAKARI ELECTED PRIME MINISTER
Nakari has been elected to a second non-consecutive term as Prime Minister, winning 29-13 in the second round of voting against North Prarie. Joining her in the Cabinet are Seraph in Regional Affairs, Jay Coop in Foreign Affairs and Phoenix in Military Affairs. The campaigns focused significantly on the possibility of alliances with other defender powers and placing a greater focus on the South Pacific's defender identity, both as a source of activity and as a way to gain greater power and relevance in NationStates.

ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY CONSIDERING CABINET ADVISORY ROLE FOR THE LOCAL COUNCIL
The Assembly is considering a proposal to amend the Charter that would allow the Local Council to send a representative to sit on Cabinet meetings and contribute to them in an advisory capacity. This follows a debate on the possibility of having the Local Council elect one of their own as Minister of Home Affairs, a proposal that found certain opposition from legislators, who expressed doubt that this new position would have an effective role within the Cabinet. The Local Council ls already empowered to send a representative to the Assembly; the new proposal would allow this representative to also provide advise and represent gameside interests before the Cabinet.

HIGH COURT
CAMPAIGN TELEGRAMS WITH STAMPS RULED LEGAL
The High Court has ruled that campaign telegrams sent through stamps and scripts are legal. This answers a legal question submitted by Jay Coop, asking whether the Regional Communications Act prohibited the use of mass telegrams to engage in campaigning. The ruling, written by Chief Justice Kringle and signed by Justice Nat, explains that the Regional Communications Act only applies to Regional Officials using Communications power and that a ban on the ability of citizens to campaign through mass telegrams would have been an unreasonable restriction on the right to free speech.

ROLEPLAY
ROLEPLAYERS DISCUSS THE COMPOSITION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Roleplayers have resumed their long-running discussion on the composition of the solar system. It has long been decided that the planet where all canon events happen is called Pacifica, and that it is orbited by two moons called Maxima and Minima, but there was never a definite consensus on how the rest of the system looked like. The debate, led by Qwert, has resulted in a vote on the composition of the solar system -5 rocky planets, 3 gas giants, 1 gas giant and 3 asteroid belts- and is now turning to the naming conventions for the planets.

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FOOD
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Some like it only during summer, others like it year round. However you prefer it ice cream is one of the best, most versatile desserts out there, and we'll show you how it's done. Your Chef's Tip for today? Make your ice cream in the evening, so that you can let it freeze overnight.

INGREDIENTS
• 250 grams of heavy cream
• 100 grams of condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A decent amount of your flavour of choice

PREPARATION
1. Whip the heavy cream until you get soft peaks.
2. Add the condensed milk and the vanilla extract; keep whipping until you get hard peaks.
3. Add your flavour of choice*, carefully folding it into the mix.
4. Let your ice cream freeze at least 4 hours; if possible overnight.
* Make sure your flavour is in liquid form. If it's a fruit, blend it and, if necessary, add some water. If it's chocolate, make sure it's heated until melted. Apply these principles to other flavours.

If you like this recipe, make sure to try it and share a photo of your result!

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. Recipes shared in its publications presume personal responsibility or adult supervision in the kitchen, as well as adherence to local laws. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published anonymously, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 21 June 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS
RABBITZ ELECTED CHAIR; LEAVES VACANCY IN THE LOCAL COUNCIL

Rabbitz has been elected Chair of the Assembly, defeating newcomer Royaltica with 58% of all approval votes cast according to the results certified by Election Commissioner Tsunamy.

Rabbitz ran with a platform of keeping most of the existing policies, including notifying legislator of all impending votes in all possible platforms. In addition, Rabbitz committed to ensuring high quality for all bills taken to a vote, providing graphs for all finished votes and appointing deputies and advisors as needed. Royaltica, their opponent in the election, ran under a similar campaign, with the notable addition of a proposal for a "Legislators Academy" similar, to some extent, to the existing "Assembly Mentorship Program" instituted under Phoenix.

It is possible that Rabbitz's victory could be attributed to their advantage over Royaltica in terms of name recognition and prior experience with elected and appointed office: Rabbitz has served as Local Councillor and Deputy Minister for Educational Affairs.

Rabbitz is now expected to resign as Local Councillor in order to formally assume the Office of Chair. The Local Council, as per its own laws, may call an election or directly appoint a new member to complete the remainder of the term.

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published anonymously, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 28 June 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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CABINET
NEW CABINET ASSUMES OFFICE
The newly-elected Cabinet assumed office on June 22. Prime Minister Nakari posted a statement earlier today where they thanked the outgoing Cabinet for their work and introduced the incoming team, including the advisors that will comprise the junior membership. Standing out is the appointment of Amerion as Press Secretary, with the duty of ensuring that the Cabinet adheres to its transparency goals. In addition, former candidates Qaz and Rabbitz, and former minister Warrior, have been appointed advisors.

ELECTIONS
RABBITZ LEADS PUBLIC VOTE IN THE CHAIR ELECTION
Rabbitz, former candidate for Minister of Regional Affairs, leads, as of June 21, the public vote in the ongoing Chair of the Assembly election. Rabbitz is running on a platform of keeping and enhancing the policies of past Chairs, including vote graphs, attention to proper formatting and appointing a number of deputies and advisors. They are leading 22-13 against Royaltica, a newcomer running on a similar platform, with the notable addition of a proposal for a Legislators Academy. It is unclear how many private votes have been cast and whether they might alter the direction of the public vote.

ASSEMBLY
BILL WITHDRAWAL AMENDMENT MOTIONED AND SECONDED
Jay Coop's Bill Withdrawal Amendment has been motioned and seconded. The amendment, initially proposed earlier this month, would modify the Legislative Procedure Act to allow any legislator to motion the withdrawal of any at-vote bill, provided that no objections are made in the following 24 hours and that the Chair accepts the reasons provided for the motion. This amendment was prompted by an incident where the bill on the creation of a Minister of Home Affairs position was found to be defective after it had been brought to a vote, yet there was no clearly outlined mechanism to cancel a vote.

MISCELLANEOUS
DRUGGED MONKEYS RETURNS TO THE ASSEMBLY
Former Delegate Drugged Monkeys was sighted today at the South Pacific Interregional Seaport, where they were approved for legislator status by Commissioner Roavin and promptly fitted with a new, custom-made lampshade with a banana on top. Drugged Monkeys is a former Delegate and Prime Minister who also served as the inaugural Minister of the Army, now known as Minister of Military Affairs, and was a key member of the regional leadership during the Milograd Coup.

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FOOD
SPINN-STYLE PIZZA
Melted cheese, hot tomato sauce and whatever toppings you want. Pizza is a classic dish that anyone can make. There are many recipes that you can use, but here's our own recipe for an 8-slice pizza. Your Chef's Tip for today? Let the dough take its time to rise before kneading.

INGREDIENTS
• 200 grams (1.5 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 125 mililitres (0.5 cup) of water
• 26 mililitres (2 tbsp) of olive oil
• 9.5 grams (1 tbsp) of instant dry yeast
• 1.5 grams (1 tbsp) of sweetener
• 3.5 grams (0.5 tsp) of salt
• Tomato sauce (at taste)
• Grated mozzarella cheese (at taste)

PREPARATION
1. Mix the dry ingredients.
2. Add the wet ingredients and mix until you form a dough.
3. Leave the dough in an oiled bowl, covered, to rest for 50-100 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven at 180ºC (356ºF).
5. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it is soft and doesn't stick. Add some flour is necessary.
6. Roll and shape the dough on your tray or stone.
7. Let the pizza cook in the oven for 15 minutes.
8. Take the pizza out of the oven and add the tomato sauce, grated mozzarella cheese and toppings of choice, in that order.
9. Put the pizza back in the oven and let it cook for another 15 minutes.

If you like this recipe, make sure to try it and share a photo of your result!

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. Recipes shared in its publications presume personal responsibility or adult supervision in the kitchen, as well as adherence to local laws. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published anonymously, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Bodapool]

You spinn me right round, SPINN.

[The Church of Satan]

I really like the addition of recipes to each issue. ^_^

[Bormiar]

What's the context behind the satire at the start?

Anyways (other than the satire), this reads a lot like a foreign update, whereas The Southern Journal contains a lot of opinion articles. That seems a bit backwards, considering that SPINN is the independent newspaper. Maybe you can try to get someone to voice their opinion on a controversy?

Here's an old logo of yours, if you'd like to use it:



Edit: Note the motto, "Not just news, but insights". Opinion articles, editorials, commentaries-- not just updates. The Southern Journal has an opinion article on defender moralism and even TRT published an article on a TSPer's defender bloc idea, so it's not as though you don't have ideas. Maybe you can find someone who disagrees with what the other newspapers are publishing.

[Independent News Network]

What's the context behind the satire at the start?

It's a running joke that RON (Re-Open Nominations) rarely wins elections. Panda (also known as Pencil Sharpeners) ran an interesting campaign for MoFA in the recent election. You can see it here: https://tspforums.xyz/thread-8321.html

Anyways (other than the satire), this reads a lot like a foreign update, whereas The Southern Journal contains a lot of opinion articles. That seems a bit backwards, considering that SPINN is the independent newspaper. Maybe you can try to get someone to voice their opinion on a controversy?

SPINN isn't trying to compete with the Journal, we're trying to make things work at our own pace. Right now an important part of our content is aimed at giving the RMB regular updates on forum events, which is why we have the news section. If you check our dispatches, you will see that last week we began taking opinion column submissions, and on Wednesday we published our first column. Things are happening, but the idea is to make sure we do things that are sustainable, rather than hit the ground running and get tired shortly after.

[The Church of Satan]

I secretly root for RON.

[Qvait]

RON is the chosen one!

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 05 July 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

Home | Gameplay Weekly Brief | Breaking News | Real News

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REGIONAL SECURITY
CRS ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF A CORAL GUARD
The Council on Regional Security (CRS) announced on June 26 the creation of the South Pacific Coral Guard. Described as an "important form of defense in the region", the Coral Guard will be allowed a higher endorsement cap -85% of the third highest endorsed CRS member- and will be counted on for coordination in the event of a regional security crisis. Members of the Coral Guard will be required to have served at least 6 months in the Assembly or 2 terms in the Local Council, and must be vetted by the CRS.

REGIONAL SECURITY
CRS SETS A DYNAMIC ENDORSEMENT CAP
The Council on Regional Security (CRS) announced on June 26 a change in the way the endorsement cap will be set. Instead of a fixed number that is updated on a periodic basis, the CSS announced its decision to implement a "Dynamic Endorsement Cap" set to 85% of the lower endorsed CRS member at any given point in time. This change ties the endorsement cap to the degree to which the region endorses CRS members and allows citizens to obtain higher levels of endorsements over time.

HIGH COURT
COURT TAKES CASE ON LOCAL COUNCIL VACANCIES
The High Court has admitted a case on the filling of vacancies in the Local Council. The legal question, prompted by the resignation of Rabbitz from the Local Council following their election as Chair of the Assembly, asks whether the Council is legally required to fill vacancies that occur when less than half of the term remains. Based on the record of prior cases, and assuming no unforeseen delays, a ruling should be expected around the second or third weeks of June.

MISCELLANEOUS
DISCUSSION STARTS ON A UNIFIED DISCORD SERVER
Roavin has started a discussion in the Operations Center about the possibility of unifying all regional servers into a single, unified server. Currently there are individual servers for each ministry, as well as servers for other government initiatives such as the Office of World Assembly Legislation (OWL). The idea, which reportedly is being discussed by the Cabinet, would simplify server management, though there are concerns about the ability of ministers to manage the channel distribution for their individual ministries.

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OPINION | AUPHELIA
THERE HAVE TO BE RULES

The rules and standards of etiquette for the Regional Message Board (RMB), set forth by the Local Council, are meant to keep the RMB clean and promote representation of the vibrant swathes of culture we seek to be a meeting place for. Whether they be teenage lesbians and their K-Pop obsessions, librarians of keen intellect from the American Midwest, or charmingly kind sharks from the UK, our RMB is meant to be open to them (and no, that does not mean these three exceedingly narrow categories of people are the only ones allowed). However, in order to create an environment conducive to stimulating discourse, there have to be rules.

I see far too often that there will be nations who see the RMB as nothing more than a dumping ground for their every stray thought or instant reaction to seeing a post, be it merely a quick action or fleeting emoticon, perhaps just a single 'lol'. They don't bother to elaborate. They don't seek to add something to their post that could lead to further interaction in a meaningful way. If they forget to add something to the post, do they take advantage of the convenient edit tool? Frequently, the answer is no. Instead they will make an entirely new post and do what is known as a double post, with two of their posts in a row on the RMB with no one else having spoken between them. This disregard and disrespect for the message board we all share is very inconsiderate. All it takes is a minute of self reflection and thought to make a half decent post, but even that is too much for some. Behaviours like these are how we end up with hundreds of posts every day, a flood of meaningless chatter that does nothing but turn away those who lack the time to wade through the rising waters of posts, not willing to risk drowning in the deluge.

The LC isn't here to punish you or take away your rights. It is here to ensure everyone is able to have a good time and have a bit of fun or even a nice conversation with a total stranger whose path you would never cross in your life. Personally, I have met so many people in the course of my time in this RMB that have helped change the way I see the world, broadening the variety of ethical and ideological lenses through which to view the events around me. Of course, not every day is going to hold a life-changing event, but even casual conversations deserve some modicum of effort. You owe it to the person you are conversing with and, more than that, you owe it to yourself. The rules are here to help guide nations young and old to treat each other with respect and compassion. Double posting isn't respectful when an edit will suffice. Posting one word or an image isn't respectful when your partner deserves more. We aren't asking for much of you all. We aren't here to be the quality police, suppressing anything that doesn't meet our exacting standards. We simply seek to create guidelines through which a community can grow strong and connected.

If you feel we are not accomplishing this task to your satisfaction, please, let us know. The only voice you have is the one you use, and I implore you to use it: ask questions when you are in doubt, make a case for change where you see a wrong, and most importantly, please vote. Use your power to change the RMB for the better, though please consider not only what is best for you, but what is best for those around you. The RMB is a wild, beautiful place with many different people, but they all deserve respect.

Auphelia is a Local Councillor and a first-time guest writer for the SPINN.

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FOOD
POTATO SALAD
Boiled potatoes, a custard-like dressing and your mayo of choice. What's not to like about a good, homemade potato salad? Your Chef's Tip for today? Salt and sugar quantities are referential; always add them to taste.

INGREDIENTS
• 4 extra large potatoes
• 4 slices of bacon
• 2 eggs, beaten lightly
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of milk or cream
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

PREPARATION
1. Boil the potatoes; make sure they have been rinsed, but not peeled.
2. Peel the potatoes -this should be easy, once they are boiled- and cut them into chunks.
3. Fry the bacon to your desired crispiness and set aside. Do not drain the pan.
4. Mix in a bowl the beaten eggs, the sugar, the salt, the milk or cream and the white vinegar.
5. Pour the mixture into the pan with the bacon grease, cooking on low heat and stirring until you obtain a custard consistency.
6. Crumble up the bacon and add to your mix.
7. Add the mix to the potatoes and let it cool.
8. Add in mayonnaise and mix, once the potato salad has cooled.

If you like this recipe, make sure to try it and share a photo of your result!

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. Recipes shared in its publications presume personal responsibility or adult supervision in the kitchen, as well as adherence to local laws. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published anonymously, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Independent News Network]

Real News, We Promise | Year 18 | 05 July 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

Home | Gameplay Weekly Brief | Breaking News | Real News

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ELECTIONS | JAMES D. HALPERT
AMERION ADMITS TO NOT DOING MATH; CAMPAIGN MAY BE OUT OF TOUCH

Amerion, one of the two candidates to succeed Somyrion as Delegate of the South Pacific, made a possibly fatal gaffe when they admitted to not doing math.

The gaffe took place during an impromptu town hall, where the Admiral General was asked questions by senior government officials; Minister of Foreign Affairs Jay Coop asked them for help in solving a Navier-Stokes equation, while Chief Justice Kris Kringle asked them how long they would take to solve Fermat's Last Theorem. Rather than directly answering the questions, as any Admiral General would, Amerion simply said "I don't do math", since they "have people for that".

Experts are already wondering if this gaffe could prove fatal for Amerion. The moment has already been seized by the RON campaign, which released a statement today saying that "this only proves that, beyond the graphics and all the fanfare, Amerion's platform has little regard for the struggles of regular folk who need to do math by themselves". A survey ran by renowned elections expert P. Hony shows that 43% of the electorate are disturbed by the revelation that Amerion doesn't do math, while only 29% are undisturbed by the revelation.

It is clear that the Amerion campaign will have to take steps to regain the public's trust in time for the crucial forum voting round.

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. The opinions expressed in this publication absolutely (do not) reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is always published with pseudonyms, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Independent News Network]

Real News, We Promise | Year 18 | 05 July 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS | JAMES D. HALPERT
PENGUIN ADMITS TO PIE BIAS; SUPPORT DROPS IN KEY DEMOGRAPHIC

Penguin has shocked voters across the political spectrum when they revealed, while answering a question about endotarting, that they have been pushing "very hard" to force South Pacificans to "embrace pie over cake".

While answering a question about endotarting, Penguin said that they "can't force [South Pacificans] to endorse me anymore than I can force the people of TSP to embrace Pie over cake - and believe me I try VERY hard on that". This admission has been met with dismay by legislators across the political spectrum, including some who hoped that Penguin could help bridge the gap between supporters of cake and pie. A legislator who spoke on condition of anonymity said, in between practicing before the mirror how to best furrow their brow, that the Cake Bakers Union, one of the most powerful dessert unions in the South Pacific, had spent a significant amount of flour to secure Penguin's support.

The RON campaign has already issued a statement on this revelation, saying that "Penguin's words have shown that none of the major candidates are true champions of democracy" and that "no South Pacifican should be forced to pick a dessert". A survey by renowned elections expert P. Hony shows that Penguin's support among members of the Cake Bakers Union has plummeted from 32% earlier this week to 3% following this revelation, while some political commentators have wondered what exactly has Penguin been doing to "force" South Pacificans to prefer pie over cake.

There has been no statement from Penguin so far on the effects of this in the future of their campaign.

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. The opinions expressed in this publication absolutely (do not) reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is always published with pseudonyms, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Tinhampton]

Are you sure that the title of your second article is supposed to be AMERION ADMITS TO NOT DOING MATH; CAMPAIGN MAY BE OUT OF TOUCH?

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 11 July 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS
"I MEAN BUSINESS AND WANT WHAT'S BEST FOR TSP" - INTERVIEW WITH PENGUIN

Penguin is one of two candidates who have advanced to the gameside round in the election to succeed Somyrion as Delegate of the South Pacific. They are a former Vice Delegate who currently sits on the Council on Regional Security and the Legislator Committee. Penguin agreed to sit with the SPINN and answer some questions about their candidacy, their ideas for the region and why they have the necessary experience to serve as Delegate.

You have just advanced to the gameside round. How do you feel about that?
Honestly? I'm very surprised that I get to move to the next round.

Now that the campaign moves to gameside, it is possible that some nations might not be familiar with you. How would you introduce yourself to them?
Oh that's a definite. I try my best to be active on gameside and I know I can do so much better with it. I would hope that they would see my campaign and they would see me and know that I'm more than just a pretty nation, psychotic dictatorship or not. I do what I always do: "hi, how are you, I'm Penguin(Pies) -I like Penguins and Pies- and I'm open to get to know just about everyone".

Your campaign has a noticeable lack of graphics, especially compared to Amerion's. Was that a conscious decision on your part?
In comparison to Amerion? Yes. Everybody knows that he is THE graphics king and I have nowhere near the skills he does so instead of embarrassing myself, I chose to go simple because I have a different set of skills to showcase.

Is that why your campaign highlights your extensive record in the region, not only as a citizen but also as a government official?
Kind of. While I applaud Amerion for his diversity and responsibilities in other regions, I'm strictly a TSP homebody. Now while I know that this can be looked on in different ways and I think both sides have their pros and cons, to me TSP is home and serving TSP in any way I can is the only goal.

You have served as Vice Delegate, Minister of Regional Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and you currently sit on the Legislator Committee and the Council on Regional Security. How do you think all these positions have prepared you for the role of Delegate?
While I don't claim to know the ins and outs of everything that happens in the region or in NS because I don't think anyone really can, I think it gives me a pretty good understanding of the responsibilities and requirements to be the Delegate. As I stated in my campaign, I liken the role of Delegate to the role of the Queen. The position is a figurehead and I like to think that it brings stability. I would like to bring hope and openness and welcoming to all in the region and our friends. TSP may not be where you started, but we hope it's where you'll stay.

You have been asked about your stance towards the fledging Office of World Assembly Legislation (OWL) and the promotion of defender values. Do you expect to take positions on those issues? If so, to what extent?
I mean, my understanding of OWL is the region is asked for their opinion on WA votes and gives advice to the Delegate. I have always been under the impression that the Delegate votes as the region votes. So whatever the region decides, if elected, would be my stance. And as for the defender values, I mean the Delegate has no real power in that regard. That would be more towards the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister of Military Affairs. I wouldn't make decisions without consulting those who need to be consulted because again the Delegate is a figurehead. We just get to sit there and look pretty and smile and wave.

How would you balance the idea of the Delegate as a figurehead that brings stability with your role as a legislator?
They are one and the same really. You can't be the Delegate without being a Legislator. However just as the Queen keeps her opinions private, the Delegate must keep their personal opinions private as well depending on the situation. They have to remember that they speak for the region in most cases whether they want to or not.

Does keeping your opinion private include abstaining or casting private ballots?
It does. And this is where it gets tricky because how our constitution is set up one needs to vote in the Assembly a certain amount of times a month depending on how many votes there are. That's something I'm actually going to have to check the legalities of (and check out what previous Delegates did) so thank you for bringing that to my remembered attention.

Recently there have been some discussions on integrating the gameside and offsite communities. Do you have any thoughts on the state of the region and what can be done to keep it united?
I feel like I want to start a buddy system, really take RMBers and pair them with Offsiters and work towards getting to know each other. I think a lot of it has to do with not being comfortable in an environment one isn't used to. And it can be hard to try and break into a community that is already established. If we had some kind of buddy system I think that might go in the right direction of breaking barriers. Kind of like an exchange program but everyone also gets to stay where they start.

There have also been discussions about the Local Council's moderation policies. Do you have an opinion on those rules and the recent articles for and against them?
While I appreciate that the LC has a sometimes difficult job, I'm not as informed on this topic as I would like to be to make a statement. It is on my list of things to read more on and I would like to talk to the current LC members. I understand they have an election coming up as well.

What are you looking forward to now that the campaign moves to the RMB?
I guess getting to showcase myself a little bit more and showing that again I'm not just a pretty nation -I have things to offer and even thought I may be quiet and unassuming, I mean business and want what's best for TSP.

Do you have any final words for whoever might be reading this interview?
Vote Penguin for Delegate! But in all seriousness either one of us would be a great choice. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your consideration of my candidacy.

Thank you for your time. Best of luck in the gameside round.
Thank you and have a wonderful whatever time it is where you are!

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published anonymously, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 12 July 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS
AMERION AND PENGUIN RUN TO SUCCEED SOMYRION AS DELEGATE
Amerion and Penguin are running in the election to succeed Somyrion as Delegate of the South Pacific. Amerion is running on a platform of strengthening the region's WA efforts and bridging the gap between gameside and offsite. Penguin has highlighted their years of experience in the region, including in executive office, and has promised to be a steady and trustworthy presence. The election will consist of a forum voting round and a subsequent gameside voting found, with the top two candidates of the first round.

ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY RESUMES DEBATE ON WHISTLEBLOWER ACT
The Assembly has resumed its debate on a proposed Whistleblower Act. The bill, which has not yet been motioned to a vote, would make revealing the identity of a whistleblower a crime of espionage. The bill, which was proposed following the alleged disclosure of a whistleblower's identity during the recent Cabinet election, would protect whistleblowers from facing any repercussions for reporting illegal actions. While legislators have expressed support for the bill, some have expressed over classifying the outing of whistleblowers under espionage, rather than as a separate crime.

MILITARY AFFAIRS
SPECIAL FORCES REPORT 251 OPERATIONS SINCE JUNE 27
The Special Forces have reported having participated in 251 operations since June 27, an average of 21 operations per update. This was communicated in the second weekly report that has been published since Phoenix assumed the office of Minister of Military Affairs. The report, written by Omega, listed 106 defences and 145 detags, operations that were conducted alongside fellow defender partners The Grey Wardens, the Rejected Realms Army and the Ten Thousand Islands Organisation.

ROLEPLAY
QWERT ANNOUNCES NATION SHOWCASE WEEK
Qwert, one of the more prominent participants of forumside roleplay, has announced the second ever Nation Showcase Week, an event where gameside roleplayers will be encouraged to expand on their worldbuilding according to themes set for each specific day. Themes often range from sharing news to detailing each nation's government, history, artwork and even its geographic features. While the event has been announced, there are no specific dates for it yet.

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FOOD
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies, soft and fresh out of the oven? SPINN has a cookie recipe that will bring that image to life in your kitchen. Your Chef's Tip for today? The bottom of your cookies can burn quickly, so check your chookies constantly once they are in the oven.

INGREDIENTS
• 300 grams of all-purpose flour
• 220 grams of granulated white sugar
• 200 grams of chocolate chips
• 187 grams of butter
• 11.5 grams of baking powder
• 10 mililitres of vanilla extract
• 6.5 grams of baking soda
• 3.5 grams of salt
• 2 grams of granulated instant coffee
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk

PREPARATION
1. Mix in a bowl the butter and the sugar until they are well integrated.
2. Add to your mix the egg, the egg yolk and the vanilla extract.
3. Mix the flour, the baking powder, the baking soda, the salt and the coffee; then add them to the previous mix.
4. Add the chocolate chips and intetgrate them with the mix, which should not be wet or too sticky at this point.
5. Take the dough and form balls according to your desired cookie size*, then cover them with plastic wrap and let them cool in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven at 150ºF (302ºF).
7. Place your dough balls on a tray and bake them for around 10 minutes, until they have formed cookie-shaped circles and are soft to the touch.
8. Take your cookies out and let them cool down.
* A ball that weighs 15 grams gives you a small cookie; 30 grams gives you a medium-sized cookie; 60 grams gives you a large cookie.

If you like this recipe, make sure to try it and share a photo of your result!

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OPINION COLUMN | JAY COOP
THERE SHOULD BE RULES. WHO SHOULD BE THE ARBITERS?

Not too long ago, a member of the Local Council authored an article in defence of the institution, arguing that the body exists to enforce the rules of the Regional Message Board (RMB) and maintain order. The Local Council exists today because of the institution's codification in our region's Charter and laws, but do we need the Local Council to enforce the rules of the RMB?

My answer is no. The Local Council's existence today was born out of an attempt to give power to the gameside but, in reality, the institution imposed a divide within the community that is the South Pacific. Contrary to what others have stated, there is only one community in the South Pacific. I strongly deplore rhetoric that claims otherwise and condemn them as factionalist attempts to divide the South Pacific, regardless of the origin of this rhetoric on either the RMB or the forum. You will never hear me say "gameside community" or "forum government" because I reject the assumptions made by those terms.

One may ask if the Local Council doesn't exist, who shall make and enforce the rules? Well, the South Pacific's forum and Discord server are subject to the enforcement of the Community Standards, and a team of moderators exist to enforce these standards. It's not a glorified role, and these people are supposed to be apolitical in their position as moderators. They are not elected but are instead appointed based on trust as longtime citizens of the South Pacific in good standing. These are the people who can replace the Local Council and who are trusted enough to moderate the RMB sensibly.

Forming the Local Council was a mistake to begin with, and I support any legislation in the Assembly that seeks to abolish the institution. We have rules in the South Pacific, but should the Local Council be the arbiters of these rules when it comes to the RMB?

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. Recipes shared in its publications presume personal responsibility or adult supervision in the kitchen, as well as adherence to local laws. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published anonymously, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Bormiar]

Jay Coop: Given that the medium in which this was posted suggests that it is written for laypersons, could you define the extent of the local council's power, its purpose, and how it divides the community? I know that roleplay and RMB communities tend to be distant from the off-site government community; how is that a bad thing? Additionally-- unless your educated testimony is your evidence-- do you have any examples? I think this article is a great idea, but it reads as a manifesto or thesis. But that may be what you're going for.

[Qvait]

Jay Coop: Given that the medium in which this was posted suggests that it is written for laypersons, could you define the extent of the local council's power, its purpose, and how it divides the community? I know that roleplay and RMB communities tend to be distant from the off-site government community; how is that a bad thing? Additionally-- unless your educated testimony is your evidence-- do you have any examples? I think this article is a great idea, but it reads as a manifesto or thesis. But that may be what you're going for.

Thanks for your questions, and yes, you could say this was a manifesto as it was a tirade against the Local Council. With regard to how the Local Council divides the community, this stems from the fact that a member of the Local Council was elected in March with open contempt toward the use of Discord and the forum and a few vocal supporters who defended this contempt during the election. As for contempt toward those who favor using the RMB, I've seen one instance in recent memory where a legislator claimed that TSP has a "forum government" and decried its alleged destruction. I won't name names but, in both cases, both people know who they are.

The regional charter explains the role of the Local Council:

V. THE LOCAL COUNCIL

Establishing home rule for the in-game region residents.

(1) The Local Council will be the local government of the in-game community, composed of three or more residents of the South Pacific, and will represent the interests of all players in the region, moderate the Regional Message Board, encourage activity on the gameside, and administrate itself on issues unique to the in-game community.

(2) The Local Council is entitled to self-administration within its jurisdiction on local issues, but may not pass laws or regulations that contradict this Charter or constitutional laws. To that end, the Assembly may not enact any law, nor the Cabinet deliver any directive, that is solely related to an issue local to the in-game community.

(3) The Local Council may not be denied the authority to run regional polls, create and pin Dispatches, and to suppress messages on the Regional Message Board according to a standard moderation policy. However, it may not alter the regional flags or tags, and may not send out mass telegrams, without the approval of the Delegate.

(4) To help promote inter-governmental relations, the Local Council may send a representative to the Assembly whose term must not exceed the Local Council’s. The method of selection will be decided by the Local Council.

[The Church of Satan]

It seems to me a method with which the forum-side players can go on about their business without having to pay much attention to the RMB as well as being able to safely wash their hands of anything the Local Council might screw up. I can see how one might perceive the Local Council as an inherently divisive thing. Frankly it isn't necessary either. Everything it does can be done by just engaging with the in-game part of the community.

On the other hand I can see the appeal of the idea. It brings what the forum-based part of the community does to the RMB. It's not an inherently bad concept.

[Kringalia]

It seems to me a method with which the forum-side players can go on about their business without having to pay much attention to the RMB as well as being able to safely wash their hands of anything the Local Council might screw up.

To be fair, the idea behind the Local Council was to allow gamesiders to elect their own local government and let them make whatever laws and regulations best suited them.

[Independent News Network]

Good, Insightful and Timely | Year 18 | 14 July 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS
"YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO TELL A STORY AND GOOD GRAPHICS ARE AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN THIS PROCESS" - INTERVIEW WITH AMERION

Amerion is currently in the lead to succeed Somyrion as Delegate of the South Pacific. They are a former Chair of the Assembly who currently sits on the Council on Regional Security. Amerion agreed to sit down with the SPINN to discuss their candidacy, their fondness for graphics and the policies that they would implement as Delegate.

You have been in the region for a while, but some might still not be familiar with you. Who exactly is Amerion?

Supreme Leader. Admiral General of the South Pacific Special Forces. Auphelia-lite.
Take your pick. <3

You have already had a prominent career in Lazarus. What drew you to the South Pacific and get involved so much that you are now in the lead to become Delegate?

Aumeltopia! When I returned to NationStates in 2018, I was deciding which region to make my new home and what drew me to the South Pacific was my partnership with Aumey when we were both in Lazarus.

Your campaign stands out for its use of graphics. Why do you think they are worth the effort not only in a campaign, but also in informative posts?

I believe that as with every mode of communication, you want to be able to tell a story and good graphics are an essential component in this process. Visually guiding the reader through the various elements of your narrative makes for a more enjoyable read and can, in my experience, be more compelling.

There tends to be contention about the role of the Delegate and how involved they should be in policy and politics. How do you see the role of the Delegate vis à vis the Cabinet and the Local Council?

I'm not sure if there is indeed much contention on the role of the Delegate. I think it's widely accepted by most if not all that this is a ceremonial role occupied by seasoned citizens who maintain the trust of the community not to go a tad itchy-finger and 'accidentally' banject a certain fluffy back and white animal from our region.

On a serious note, owing to the largely impartial role of the Delegacy, individuals who wish to effect change or actively lead the region in any given direction should instead seek office in the executive branch or in the Local Council as these are areas where actual decisions are made. The Delegate is more so a complementary role to these established institutions. They should, when appropriate, support the government in implementing various policies. For example, using the considerable influence and reach of the Delegacy to promote intra-regional integration or lending weight to a diplomatic effort. Anything which could be possible construed as active policymaking is best left to the dedicated officeholders who are elected for that very purpose.

You have promised to support existing projects and implement some new ones. How would you work with the Office of World Assembly Legislation (OWL) to support its goals?

I believe OWL is a fantastic program led by exceedingly qualified individuals and although in its infancy, the Office has a great deal of potential to become a core pillar in our region. The role of the Delegate is to represent the will expressed in the democratic vote of South Pacificans who made their views known in the OWL discussions (or the Cabinet, when the matter pertains to a foreign policy issue). This devolution of power to OWL began under our sitting Delegate, Aumeltopia, and I intend on continuing the practice.

Between Somyrion's Endorsement Days and the recent creation of the Coral Guard by the Council on Regional Security (CRS), the promotion of an endorsement culture appears to be a focus of our security institutions. What specific steps would you take to further those goals?

I would like to first distinguish something, if I may. While the efforts of the Council in recent months have publicly been centred on the endorsement culture of the region, it should be noted that the body is first and foremost a security institution and its priorities are set accordingly. The Delegacy, therefore, has an important duty to help the Council improve the security of the Coalition and Endorsement Days have been a critically successful element in this equation. We have had the good fortune to observe significant improvements in the endorsement numbers across the board and the successive rise in the static endorsement cap is evidence of this process. I expect that the implementation of the South Pacific Coral Guard will substantially help improve our security situation with more nations holding greater numbers of endorsements and influence. As for any future steps, I expect that these will be discussed in the future with the Council on Regional Security and any other relevant institutions.

Every now and then there are suggestions for the incorporation of a gameside representative to the Cabinet, while others suggest that the Local Council is not exercising its powers fairly. Do you think there is place for compromise and unity between the gameside and offsite communities? Or are these disagreements natural and beneficial?

I have said in the past and I believe it is worth repeating that we should as a region-at-large acknowledge that we have all made a conscious decision as to where we wish to spend our time in NationStates. Whether it be the RMB, Discord/forum, or perhaps both in equal measure, we should appreciate that each has value to all. While we most certainly can and should work towards the greater integration of our communities, such efforts should be voluntary rather than forceful; in that the government should create opportunities and clear avenues for individuals to get involved further in areas where they had previously not been present. At the end of the day, however, there will always be those members who have never stepped foot in the RMB and have no desire to, vice versa for Discord.

As to the two issues you have mentioned, I'd like to address them one by one:

(1) I do not think there is anything fundamentally wrong with having a gameside representative in Cabinet. It certainly couldn't hurt. However, if it is to be so then we first stipulate that the representative have passed all the necessary security checks, i.e. vetted and cleared by the Legislator Committee. The Cabinet often discusses sensitive security matters so any member privy to its discussions should be properly accredited.

(2) With regards to the claim that the Local Council is not exercising its powers fairly, I would say that this is the benefit of holding regular elections. If members are not satisfied with the direction the Local Council is heading in or how the Council has acted then I encourage them to put either themselves or others who share their concerns forward. Elections offer a wonderful opportunity for a wide range of alternative viewpoints and visions to be represented. The community will decide which of these to give its support and I look forward to seeing this process unfold once again.

You have proposed to create a publication called the Delegate's Digest. What would its goal be and how would it look compared to other publications such as this one or the Southern Journal?

I think, as with future security plans, this is a question which I am unable to give any clear answer at the moment. If elected, I will no doubt be speaking to the Minister of Regional Affairs as to which areas of communication I can possibly be of use. It has been noted in the past that the Southern Journal is a serious news orhanisation rather than a mouthpiece of the government. Perhaps one direction the Delegate's Digest could go in is a state media publication. All of this is yet to be determined and I look forward to the possibility of future discussions on the matter.

What are you looking forward to in these final days of the campaign?

Resolving the cake vs. pie debate.

Do you have any final words for whoever might be reading this interview?

Vote Amerion for Supreme Leader! ^_^
Or else.

Thank you for your time. Best of luck in what remains of the gameside round.

Thank you!

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published anonymously, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

[Whole India]

Its really greatful to have private new network in TSP. My salutes to you

[Independent News Network]

Real News, We Promise | Year 18 | 17 July 2020
SOUTH PACIFIC INDEPENDENT NEWS NETWORK

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ELECTIONS | JAMES D. HALPERT
PENGUINS SEIZE POWER; BOTH DELEGATE CANDIDATES REVEALED TO BE PENGUINS

South Pacificans were astounded to discover on July 16 that Amerion, the frontrunner in the race to succeed Somyrion as Delegate, is a penguin, casting into doubt the legitimacy of the ongoing election and bringing into question the intentions of penguins towards the region.

The crisis started when Local Councillor Auphelia pointed out that Amerion looks suspiciously similar to a puffin. Penguin, a fellow candidate, panicked at this revelation and admitted that Amerion might be their long lost sibling. Amerion was not immediately available for comment, but this only prompts more questions. Did Amerion know that they were a penguin? Is this a conspiracy to turn the South Pacific into a penguin dominion? How far does this go?

Amerion is currently leading the Delegate gameside round with 62% of the vote, but even if they were not, Penguin holds the remaining 38%, which means that either way a penguin would end up in control of the ban button. Sources close to the Amerion and Penguin campaigns claim that the public has "nothing to fear from what's coming". With the notable absence of perennial candidate RON, it is clear that the South Pacific is at risk of falling into a penguinship from which it may never recover.

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 whose goal is to provide good news, insightful commentary and timely information for the citizens of the South Pacific. The opinions expressed in this publication absolutely (do not) reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is always published with pseudonyms, unless is the author requests otherwise. The SPINN is in no way, shape or form associated with the Government of the South Pacific.