[PASSED!] Repeal GA#663 "WA Official Merchandise"

[Tinhampton]

On the 27th of July 2023, Repeal "World Assembly Official Merchandise" became GA#675!

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This proposal has been filed to the General Assembly Repeals Board.
NOTE: at 2224 BST on the 11th of July 2023, this proposal reached quorum with Joeyist Union's approval, the 58th all told.

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Character count: 2,451
Word count: 390

Alexander Smith, Tinhamptonian Delegate-Ambassador to the World Assembly: Our office is not a communist one. Nevertheless, we do not believe that the recent resolution on this matter should stand, or at least not in its enacted state.

(OOC: The timing is a coincidence. I promised Simone on May 31st that I'd get this draft up on or around June 10th.)

Repeal "World Assembly Official Merchandise"
A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.

Category: Repeal

Target: GA#663

Proposed by: Tinhampton

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General Assembly Resolution #663 “World Assembly Official Merchandise” (Category: Free Trade; Strength: Mild) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Recognising that Article 1d of GA#663 precludes the WA Trust for Cultural Heritage (WATCH) from offering WA merchandise in any member which does not "meet [that member's] technological, cultural, social, and other requirements, norms and practices," which - given the inclusion of "other" standards - could allow member states to impose differential or even overly-rigorous requirements for WA merchandise compared to non-WA merchandise, effectively precluding its sale within their jurisdictions for as long as they persist,

Observing that it may be impossible for WATCH to meet its Article 1f requirement to "[a]rrange for retailing of WA merchandise... across all member states" if some of those member states impose such rules on the sale of WA merchandise above and beyond those necessary to provide for "the[ir] customary methods of retailing," thereby defeating the purpose and objective of offering WA merchandise at all,

Additionally unsure of the need to require that WATCH encourage members "to license (for valuable consideration)... items deemed significant to their culture for use as WA merchandise," as Article 1b does, when nothing is stopping those member states from selling and profiting from such items under their own banner and emphasising their links to their nation - rather than to the WA as a whole - and it is not made clear at all what benefit such licensing would have either to the WA (beyond fundraising as specified in Article 2) or the member state (beyond "valuable consideration," namely appropriate compensation resulting from such licensing, which may be less than the profit they would accrue from direct sales outside GA#663's scope),

Noting, in fact, that the resolution does not justify itself beyond arguing that the WA should sell branded merchandise to allow "citizens of member states and fans of the WA" to back up their support for it, as though the institution has no other means to financially support itself and its missions, when GA#17 "WA General Fund" already requires all members to make appropriate financial contributions to the WA every year while ensuring that the WA does not spend beyond its means, and

Believing that resolutions which do not adequately and appropriately facilitate the fulfilment of their goals, however lofty or beneficial to WA finances they may be, should not remain on the books...

The General Assembly hereby repeals GA#663 "World Assembly Official Merchandise."

[Tinhampton]

This space is not for sale. I need it for my old drafts.

[Simone Republic]

Naturally as DMed I am opposed. But I guess it's philosophical which side you are on and there's no right or wrong answer. I think it's cute that IC we get official keyrings and bumps and body pillows and what not, but some people may consider this an affront.

[Tinhampton]

I am still working on this. The TL;DR is that this resolution can be readily made pointless where it de-facto isn't already. Here's the explanation I offered SImone during the Discordside chat:

Article 1f says WATCH must arrange for merch to be sold "across all member states." Article 1d says WATCH can't sell merch in members where that merch doesn't meet its "technological, cultural, social, and other requirements, norms and practices."

"Other requirements" can include literally anything that adheres to WA legislation, including "you can sell WATCH merchandise but only under these very very very specific conditions that don't apply to any other goods." This is the same trap GA#127 "Conscientious Objector Act" fell into when it said that "a person may claim the right to be a conscientious objector because they are pacifist, non-interventionist, non-resistant, antimilitarist, or other reason."

How is WATCH supposed to fulfil its Article 1f mandate when member states use their Article 1d powers to stop (or effectively stop) WATCH merchandise sales? Also:

1. I find the Article [1b - correction] scheme for licensing of national symbols (etc.) to be pointless. Member states can just sell items with those symbols on themselves, and have always been able to do so, without WATCH babysitting them through the process.
2. It's unlikely WATCH merchandise will provide a great deal of WA revenue, despite the preamble's insistences, for as long as the WA General Fund resolution exists. Not even the Dallas Cowboys rely on their cheerleaders so heavily.

[Tinhampton]

Is my proposal really that good/bad that nobody has any thoughts on it whatsoever?

[The Ice States]

Additionally unsure of the need to require that WATCH encourage members "to license... items deemed significant to their culture for use as WA merchandise," as Article 1b does, when nothing is stopping those member states from selling and profiting from such items under their own banner and emphasising their links to their nation (rather than to the WA as a whole) and it is not made clear at all what benefit such licensing would have either to the WA or the member state beyond fundraising as specified in Article 2,

Ooc: I do not believe this rises to the level of an Honest Mistake as it is probably a statement of opinion, but I think this is false. The benefit such licensing has to the member nation is "valuable consideration", specified in Section 1b.

Noting, in fact, that the resolution does not justify itself beyond arguing that the WA should sell branded merchandise to allow "citizens of member states and fans of the WA" to back up their support for it, as though the institution has no other means to financially support itself and its missions, when GA#17 "WA General Fund" already requires all members to make appropriate financial contributions to the WA every year while ensuring that the WA does not spend beyond its means, and

The WA gets even more money that way, and this reduces the need for donations, so member nations are effectively taxed less. I do not believe the claims made in the target are mutually exclusive with the reality regarding GA#17.

[Tinhampton]

Additionally unsure of the need to require that WATCH encourage members "to license... items deemed significant to their culture for use as WA merchandise," as Article 1b does, when nothing is stopping those member states from selling and profiting from such items under their own banner and emphasising their links to their nation (rather than to the WA as a whole) and it is not made clear at all what benefit such licensing would have either to the WA or the member state beyond fundraising as specified in Article 2,

Ooc: I do not believe this rises to the level of an Honest Mistake as it is probably a statement of opinion, but I think this is false. The benefit such licensing has to the member nation is "valuable consideration", specified in Section 1b.

Changed, somewhat in consultation with Mage, given my semi-new understanding of VC.

Noting, in fact, that the resolution does not justify itself beyond arguing that the WA should sell branded merchandise to allow "citizens of member states and fans of the WA" to back up their support for it, as though the institution has no other means to financially support itself and its missions, when GA#17 "WA General Fund" already requires all members to make appropriate financial contributions to the WA every year while ensuring that the WA does not spend beyond its means, and

The WA gets even more money that way, and this reduces the need for donations, so member nations are effectively taxed less. I do not believe the claims made in the target are mutually exclusive with the reality regarding GA#17.

I am not saying that 663 serves no purpose for the WA. I am saying that the purpose it does serve for the WA - fundraising for the General Fund (and humanitarian works are supported by WAGF too) - is largely superfluous when 17 exists for that exact same purpose, and the General Fund would still have adequate funds were 663 to be repealed.

[Tinhampton]

This remains a live draft.

[Wallenburg]

I think this repeal critically overlooks the harm in having member states treat objects and symbols of cultural heritage and national identity as their intellectual property, to be commodified for the sake of World Assembly proceeds.

[Simone Republic]

I think this repeal critically overlooks the harm in having member states treat objects and symbols of cultural heritage and national identity as their intellectual property, to be commodified for the sake of World Assembly proceeds.

(IC: I have stocked up on several containers of World Assembly merchandise (and I keep ordering more) that I will spend the next several years selling slowly in the Strangers Bar and the Three Walled bar).

[Namwenia]

"Hail to the Ambassador from Tinhampton. Our team had been working on a similar repeal effort building on the original language proposed by the Ambassador from Heidguadr.

We do not wish for there to be two competing proposals to help rid the WA of this legislation, so we would like to work with you on this one if you would not be opposed.

To that end, we offer up language originally used in our draft for your consideration as follows:

Arguing that cultural symbols do not belong to governments, but to the people they represent, and therefore should not be licensed;

Exasperated that licensing fees "for valuable consideration" place an undue burden on poor artists and small businesses, and instead further concentrate wealth into large corporations and commercial juggernauts;

Concerned that the WA Trust for Cultural Heritage, a cultural heritage site preservation organization intended to protect the history of our member states, would be manipulated into promoting blatant commercial enterprises to both member and non-member states;

Further concerned that the WA Trust for Cultural Heritage's mandated promotion of the export of WA merchandise to non-member states creates unnecessary commercialism of such an august and renowned organization;

We believe some of this language or a variant thereof may be helpful in boosting your arguments in favor of a repeal.

We look forward to further communications on this matter."
-Kaori Castro
World Assembly Ambassador
The United Socialist States of Namwenia

[Tinhampton]

I have OOCly and ICly told Namwenia that he can go ahead with his repeal first. I'm still working on this, but don't expect me to submit it until and unless it's becoming clear that the Namwenia Cut is failing at vote.

[Tinhampton]

Namwenia has withdrawn his repeal and is unlikely to submit for some time. I intend to push ahead with this in the near future, with his blessing.

[Simone Republic]

Namwenia has withdrawn his repeal and is unlikely to submit for some time. I intend to push ahead with this in the near future, with his blessing.

I still find it weird that you're from a country that advertises store merchandise in its national anthem* and would oppose this mercantile opportunity.

"Thy choicest gifts in store, On him be pleased to pour"

[Tinhampton]

I'd imagine His Majesty's Government would much rather be selling things on its own terms than those set by the UN Committee for Shiny Stuff

Anyway, look for me to submit this on Sunday 9th July.

[Simone Republic]

All answers in one go.

Fans of the WA do not imply that they are citizens of a WA state (and in fact this was spelt out specifically with an "and" in the resolution). There are sales of merchandise to non-member states (IC), so theoretically, no matter how small the amount, any income from citizens of non-WA states buying WA merchandise via WAOM reduces the burden on the General Fund on humanitarian activities.

Selling a WA body pillow to a non-WA citizen in a non-WA state means less burden on the General Fund.

I think this repeal critically overlooks the harm in having member states treat objects and symbols of cultural heritage and national identity as their intellectual property, to be commodified for the sake of World Assembly proceeds.

I think selling merchandise featuring the WA logo and having member states sell merchandise featuring their cultural heritage (say body pillows of the Simone Republic Bear or pens and keychains featuring the WA logo) is a great idea, but hey I know I don't agree with you on this one.

My argument is mainly that "the United Nations does plenty of it" and "every university and sports team does it", I am not saying that you have to agree with what they are doing.

I'd imagine His Majesty's Government would much rather be selling things on its own terms than those set by the UN Committee for Shiny Stuff

That has been debated on the TNP forums as well: the famous universities (Harvard, Stanford, what not) might well want to sell their own T-shirts and athletic gear, but not sure about some community college in a rural part of [insert random state].

Similar arguments for Manchester City or Arsenal (for those following English Premier League) compared to someone in the fifth or sixth tier of the English leagues.

Again, similar arguments for selling merchandise of famous landmarks of the US (say the Statue of Liberty) vs a famous landmark in one of the (say) small Caribbean islands. IC, the equivalent to a small Caribbean country in the WA would probably pick WATCH to sell stuff for them, the equivalent to the US would not.

[The Hinterplace]

Office of the President of Sophia & WA Affairs Ministry of the Empire of Great Britain
WORLD ASSEMBLY VOTING RECOMMENDATION

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General Assembly: Repeal "World Assembly Official Merchandise" (GA#663), by Tinhampton

Recommendation: FOR

Rationale: When considering a repeal of international law, one must consider whether keeping the law on the books would be more detrimental than keeping it. Additionally, one must consider whether the proposal looking to repeal the law is well-reasoned and accurate. This proposal believes that the target resolution does not “...adequately and appropriately facilitate the fulfilment of [its] goals" - and, "however lofty or beneficial to WA finances [it] may be, should not remain on the books.”

This proposal points out that member states would have excessive flexibility to completely ignore the production and selling of WA merchandise, the vague mentions of “valuable consideration”, and the unnecessary need for additional funds when member nations already contribute to the WA General Fund. These are well-reasoned and accurate reasons for the repeal of the target proposal. However, it also misses out on some important points of contention.

The World Assembly Trust for Cultural Heritage (WATCH) was established by GA#287 “Cultural Site Preservation”; GA#434 “Preventing the Illicit Trade of Cultural Artefacts” sets the standards for the preservation of cultural artefacts, as well as grants WATCH other noble and much-needed powers. The target resolution grants WATCH frivolous commercialism oversight and provision 1b of the same allows and encourages member nations “...to license (for valuable consideration) their own national symbols, important books and works of art, and other items deemed significant to their culture for use as WA merchandise…”. This goes against the whole point of WATCH, which is to preserve those very same artefacts. This provision could be read to mean the artefacts themselves. Even in the case that these “national symbols”, etc., are facsimiles, it would be ignoble to brand them with WA aegises and would debase the importance and significance of these artefacts.

Lastly, this is very little to no consideration of benefits to member states for producing and selling WA Merchandise. Do all of the profits go to the World Assembly - and if they do, would the loss the member states take for producing and selling WA merchandise be considered a part of their contribution to the WA General Fund?

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This recommendation was written by The Hinterplace, the Prime Minister of the Empire of Great Britain. Sophia concurs. If you liked this, please upvote our recommendation dispatch here!

This resolution will be at vote between the major updates of July 23rd 2023 and July 27th 2023.

This recommendation was jointly issued between Sophia and Empire of Great Britain. This does not mean that the President's opinion of this resolution was influenced by what Empire of Great Britain believes. Under the Constitution, the President must always cast their vote in line with the interests of Sophia, not some other region; this recommendation reflects the sincere beliefs of all regions involved.

[Simone Republic]

If this is repealed, I'll introduce a new resolution that is purely WA branded merchandise and drop the WATCH bits. So it is purely an IC licensing model of the WA logos and other emblems for use as souvenirs, T-shirts, etc., with the management and the proceeds going to the General Fund.

[Cherfully Candid People]

The CCCP supports dis repeal resolution due to several concerns raised by Tinhampton regarding di practicality and effectiveness of di original legislation. Di requirements set out in GA#663 for offering WA merchandise in member states may lead to complications and disparities in di availability of such merchandise. It's important to ensure equal access to WA merchandise for all members without imposing overly-rigorous or differential requirements.

Furthermore, di need to require WATCH to encourage members to license items deemed significant to their culture for use as WA merchandise may not serve a clear purpose. Member states should have di freedom to sell and profit from such items under their own banner, without necessarily involving di WA in di licensing process.

Di resolution also points out dat di WA already has mechanisms in place, such as GA#17 "WA General Fund," to financially support itself and its missions. In light of dis, di necessity of GA#663 to financially support di WA through merchandise sales is questionable.

As a proponent of practical and effective legislation, mi believe dat resolutions should be well-justified and appropriately facilitate di fulfillment of their goals. If a resolution does not serve its intended purpose or may cause unnecessary complications, it's important to consider repealing it to maintain a clear and efficient legislative framework.

In conclusion, mi support di repeal of GA#663 "World Assembly Official Merchandise" based on di concerns raised by Tinhampton. Mi trust dat di General Assembly will make an informed decision in di best interest of di World Assembly as a whole.

One love,
Amanda Dadá

[Wallenburg]

"As this repeal addresses none of the concerns my office has with the target, and insinuates principles directly contrary to a desire to address those concerns, we are voting against this."

[States of Glory WA Office]

"As this repeal addresses none of the concerns my office has with the target, and insinuates principles directly contrary to a desire to address those concerns, we are voting against this."

Neville: Ah, yes, the 'I support a repeal but only for the "right" reasons' approach. This is totally a very pragmatic way of looking at things and totally not misplaced idealism that will only backfire eventually.

[Sierra Lyricalia]

"As this repeal addresses none of the concerns my office has with the target, and insinuates principles directly contrary to a desire to address those concerns, we are voting against this."

Neville: Ah, yes, the 'I support a repeal but only for the "right" reasons' approach. This is totally a very pragmatic way of looking at things and totally not misplaced idealism that will only backfire eventually.

"Eh, nothing wrong with a protest vote where the outcome is already well assured. Principles aren't entirely useless, even in this here joint."

[Wallenburg]

"As this repeal addresses none of the concerns my office has with the target, and insinuates principles directly contrary to a desire to address those concerns, we are voting against this."

Neville: Ah, yes, the 'I support a repeal but only for the "right" reasons' approach. This is totally a very pragmatic way of looking at things and totally not misplaced idealism that will only backfire eventually.

"Repeals are forever, mister Robert. Seeing as the Namwenian office introduced an excellent repeal to the same target three days before the Tinhamptonians introduced theirs, it is rather unpragmatic to vote in this decidedly inferior alternative repeal."

[Tinhampton]

Repeal "World Assembly Official Merchandise" was passed 10,360 votes to 3,024. (77.41% support)

WAOM is the first resolution of 2023 to be repealed. In the past year, no repeal has gotten over 70% support with TNP opposed (and the one that got anywhere near 65%+ was supported by IA; this wasn't).

For: 10,360: Kethania (628), Tepertopia (610), Altys (495), Overthinkers (445), Lenlyvit (290), Fooooooooo (258), Malphe II (223), Treadwellia (222), Le Libertia (205), Mechanocracy (203), Typica (176), Socialist Platypus (169), Stuun (116), South Boston Irishmen (112), Vinslott (108), New Asden (99), The Glorious Hypetrain (94), Witchcraft and Sorcery (85), Deims Kir (78), Verdant Haven (74), Suomalainem (71), The Salaxalans (69), Ramelia (69), Vancouvia (69), Student Loan Debt (67), Aerlion (64), Wintermoot (62), Marim Grunzy (61), Lesser Velutaria (60), The Earths people (60), Long Live The Henrarchy (56), Mikeswill (51), 9006 (49), Oogway (45), Vobron (38), Bearded Dragones (36), Densaner (28), Shanlix (27), Sanctaria (27), Bethersontonia (25), Parkplace (25), Moukden and Kirin (24), France Europe (23), Tostandia (23), Magical Girl Emi (23), Indusse (22), Cruciland (22), Lamoni (22), Gideon (21), Gran River (21), Tinhampton (20), Mark (20), NewTexas (19), Holy Anderele (19), Felix Femboi (19), Flemingisa (18), TheMothman (17), Eshington (17), Lorthos (16), Isaris (14), Kingdom of Englands (12), Lennonia (12), Kiev-Russ (11), Astoreus (10), Eutania (10), Jiguo (10), Cobra Sahara (10), Haaton Prime (9), Aura Banitia (9), Reino do Brazil (8), Acroticus (8), Brocklandia (8), The Voltarum (8), Canadian North California (8), Siluvia (8), The Bolivian Socialist Falange (8), Madrocea (7), OmegaShenron (7), Phydios (7), Thee Imperium 0f Man (7), Awesomeness (7), The Scarfish (7), San Lumen (7), Landbang Rkipo Islands (7), The Scottish Republic (7), Greater Cuba (6), Vennos (6), Jibuti (6), Hydroponic Nation (6), Comunist Land1 (6), Lurusitania (6), Oi Barbaroi (6), Malenkia (6), The Greenlandic North (6), Kartunesia (5), Darth Krayts Galactic (5), Asase Lewa (5), The Greastest Nation (5), Dolor Mortis (5), Quasi-Stellar Star Civilizations (5), Markus Sarasti-Varis (5), Chalistine (5), Voxija (5), Wadelhelpia (5), The Soviet state of Svalbard (5), Ulissebuerg (5), Reactorland (5), Great Libertona (5), Jeeves Land (5), The Ruby Ranch Republic (5), Lysset (5), Kingdom of Castille (4), Kolloquia (4), The United Arab Democracy (4), Blazekinland (4), Wabacha (4), Weirdiron (4), Toriniall (4), Jarrett Van Hees (4), The Dao (4), The Krovx Belgian Air Forces (4), Coders (4), Stratocratic-Anarchy Oceanic Empire (4), Hipearia (4), South Sulphur (4), These North American States (4), Aanlin Mra (4), One Small Island (4), Velvoinka (4), Gatchina (4), Magnus Gallus (4), The Warpstorm (4), Island of Avalon (4), ColdHeartedBastards (4), Gregandua (4), Untecna (4), 11 Templar Knights (3), Sciabledents (3), British Arzelentaxmacone (3), Von Zeischter (3), Radio TV Solutions (3), Pulastan (3), Soviet Union Empire (3), Seanat (3), The Flyin (3), The United Kindom under Socialist Rule (3), The Great Mandalore (3), Mancel Rictor (3), Pirates and Buccaneers (3), Darapima (3), Setinia (3), Kater Cas (3), Kalmarth (3), Chodean Kal (3), Kylarnatia (3), Imperial Holia Myzkaaria (3), Polandorus (3), Tarainya (3), The Immortal Fire Nation (3), Reapertorium (3), Trash Heap (3), Golanchia (3), Saab Minivan (3), Improper Classifications (3), The Isles of Bermuda (3), Liechteinshtain (3), Cyrisk (3), Addy And Arielle (3), Redshirts (3), Norvis (3), Voxena (3), Tricorniolis (3), Arthulia (3), COOL RATS WITH MACHINE GUNS (3), The OP (3), Zombiedolphins (3), Midshire (3), Heneraton (3), Czechostan (3), East Ustoslavia (3), PnGlaggleland (3), Stahlliongrad (3), Kleinekatzen (3), The Utes (2), The United Commonwealth of New England (2), The Ancient World (2), The Commonwealth of Rylandia (2), New Laikland (2), The Supermarine Spitfire (2), Chazmaelia (2), Direct Democratic Greece (2), Vicinaleneo (2), Apocalypse Borg (2), Movovia (2), Akiniad (2), Charliston (2), Fereoh-Kling (2), United Countries of North America (2), Raccquesi (2), Lacmhacarh (2), Dracos - Haven (2), Dolphinicus (2), Metalicraftian Empire (2), Union of Noovistian (2), Torvien (2), The Campbell Nation (2), Utopiaana (2), DoubleCross (2), Polenika (2), The Spanish Coast (2), Nordmain-Ostfalen (2), T-bet (2), Char Aznable Neo Zeon (2), Transsobor (2), Djeeta (2), Imperial Felchah (2), GraySoap (2), Dytarma (2), Homalia (2), Ochyro (2), Fleroviam (2), Iaroslav (2), Shady Trees (2), Sneyland (2), The Good Nation Of Americana Christening (2), Nea Athena (2), Kinnies (2), Making Catgirls Real (2), Xeknos (2), Dorchester and Sussex (2), Nibion (2), Mini Orchs (2), New Taters (2), Kelzay (2), Sedgistan (2), Lehqhbraot (2), Theoscafia (2), Nouveau Strasbourg (2), Brazil FS (2), Habonim Dror (2), The Crystal Skulls (2), The Grand Kingdom of Elsweyr (2), North Tanah Melayu (2), Memestw (2), Dracolia (2), CrossVegas (2), Adeiatic (2), Funktropolis (2), Kincones (2), NinjitsUtopia (2), United Lammunist Republic (2), North Texia (2), The Neolithic German Empire (2), Gandoor (2), Joeyist Union (2), Avios (2), NiCrawlosis (2), The Akasha Colony (2), The Baraia (2), Sarzville (2), and (3,485) individual member nations.

Against: 3,024: Gorundu (972), Imperium Anglorum (436), Rayekka (97), New United Common-lands (55), Romanovskaya (36), Octal (28), Kartof (25), Nova Cyanis (24), Baloo Kingdom (19), Equa Lib (18), Ignilacrim (18), Fransmany (13), Atomtopia (12), Castriba (10), Maurnindaia (10), Leoland3 (9), Splena (8), Ko-oren (8), DeMoNiC sAtAn (7), Merulla (7), Valeania (6), Acelandia (6), Brovloand (6), Vegaga (5), The Palentine (5), Princess Luna (5), New Delfos (5), Tiber and Rione (4), Wobbegong (4), Angladen (4), Emir Bria Baninialle (3), Greater nihon empire (3), Phoenicia- (3), Rust Islands (3), Lycantine (3), Providemist Seclusa (3), Knootoss (3), Lower Slobbovia (3), Flor-Fina (3), Koshashiy (3), Balamara (3), Hustlertwo (2), Corpacatia (2), Astronia (2), The Cienordia (2), Hetairaea (2), The 2nd Facepunch Republic (2), Kingdom of Faye (2), Yumerthia (2), TheSovietUnion (2), Mabanarlan (2), President Pro Tempore (2), Maiseau (2), Paeliopolis (2), Kolecharna (2), The Terren Dominion (2), Galactic Powers (2), Experience Eternal (2), Silver-Tree (2), Chemgota (2), Desertiania (2), The Kingdom of the Kekistan State (2), and (1,087) individual member nations.