| QUOTE (The Union Jack @ No.13, 18th January 2006) | ||||||
 GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND NEWS BATTLE LEAVES ACCEL VICTORIOUS After a three way battle in Warzone Airspace, the forces of ACCEL and assorted allies were left victorious in what turned out to be a costly night for both the ADN and The YoungWorld. Regions such as the Pacific, Germany, The North Pacific, Equilism, Scarfaces, Invaders, USSR, and One Big Island all contributed to the ACCEL forces, while the ADN backed the forces of the Federal Commonwealth Society. Ultimately the battle concluded in victory for the ACCEL: 51 endorsements for ACCEL, 42 for TheYoungWorld, and 36 for the Federal Commonwealth Society. At the same time, forces from the Meritocracy took Warzone Australia from The YoungWorld, thus bringing two of the prized Warzone regions under ACCEL control. ACCEL member and representative of Galts Gulch, Shasarazade, commented that "TYW only controls two of the six now. Last Thursday, they had four of six". During the period immediately after the battle, the FCS forces were openly commenting on their message boards that the battle had been nothing more than a training exercise of nominal value. However, it is likely that this was simply an attempt to downplay the defeat inflicted on them in this, the first bout of battle in the ongoing struggle between GB&I and FCS. Although this has widely been proclaimed by all as a great victory for ACCEL, doubts have been raised over its significance in the long term war between Great Britain and Ireland and the Federal Commonwealth Society POPULATION RECOVERS Although in recent weeks the population of Great Britain and Irelad has been in decline, this week saw the region rise back from the 100 nations mark to 119. The declining population rate had been of concern to many in the region, especially considering the fact that the population of the region had reached an all time high of roughly 170 nations only last Autumn. Such a sudden decline was accounted for by an admitted lack of recruiting by the government in power at the time. This positive reversal co-incides with a Home Office reform of the Immigration Service. It is hoped by many that this reform will continue to maintain the population at a high enough level for Great Britain and Ireland to be able to keep its international standing. FLAME WARS ON FORUM Earlier this week, a bout of flaming (a rare event on the GB&I boards) occured as members of The Proletariat Coalition began to ridicule citizens and diplomatic staff. Prime amongst the antagonists was The Mighty Pump, a long time enemy of Great Britain and Ireland. This occured after The Mighty Pump made some comments on a recent piece in The Global Enquirer, which repeated allegations made against the RLA after the destruction of the Invaders forum last Christmas. Quickly riled, Galifornia, of Scarfaces, led much of the flaming in response to the slanders levieed at this region by Pump and his cohort. The row escalated considerably as the Mighty Pump and his colleague, Josh04, published two pieces of journalism that mocked Great Britain and Ireland and some of its citizens. However, GB&I responded with a united front and refused to bow to the same levels as the RLA agents. THIS WEEK IN PARLIAMENT The Criminal Law Bill is currently being voted on in the House of Lords. The voting stands as of this moment as 1 in favour and 1 against. This Bill seeks to re-organise and modernise the punishments that can be issued by the courts along with the procedure for criminal trials. Appeals Bill (Amended Judicial Appointments Bill) is currently in its second reading in the House of Commons. Although orginally a House of Lords piece of legislation, the Commons has seen fit to alter substantial sections of the Bill. These substantial alterations were rumoured to be the cause of a split between the previous government and the Bill's author, the Duke of Mercia. AMENDMENT TO TITLES AND AWARDS ACT BILL passed Parliament last week, as the House of Lords voted 3 in favour and none against. This Act introduces more titles to the Great Britain and Ireland honours system and places them at His Majesty's disposal. No new titles have yet been issued. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONSTATES NEWS Troubles in the West Pacific Administration Island, The West Pacific: Still smoldering from the last collapse of their government, the West Pacific Capitol currently has three thrones to rule the realm after the failure of Constitutional Committee III. However, the one who once sat to the right of the delegate, Biyah, has vowed to fight the West Pacific Triumvirate with every bit of resolve in his body. The West Pacific: Again in crisis. The Triumvirate was formed as a temporary government which would keep the region together when it became clear that the Constitutional Committee would not produce a document that would clear the choking bureaucracy and government inaction that had become synonymous with the West Pacific one year after the grand success of ConCom II. The problem, according to Core member and initial over-thrower of the second constitution, was that the region was in stagnation and needed a clean slate. After intense international pressure, (despite the support of Nasicournia), the Core folded, and every government official, revolutionary or core, was indicted for crimes against the West Pacific. Revolutionary leader Dilber left while others tried to pick up the pieces with ConCom III. After ConCom III’s failure, the Delegate, using his powers as guardian of the constitution and head of state, created the provisional government, with himself, Biyah, and TAO. Biyah then left the government on grounds that the People’s Republic of The Pacific would be installed in government positions. As a Senator of The Pacific, I can confirm that no UN nations have been ordered into the West, and the only “Pacific” nation with substantial involvement in the West is Moldavi, who has taken the loyalty oath under the provisional government and holds no ministry position. In an exclusive PNN interview, Eli confirmed that “The PRP has had no influence in the selection of or nature of the government.” There is speculation that the PRP involvement theories stems from an address by Black Adder, Viceroy of The Pacific:
Obviously, there are those who are disapproving of the provisional government. Biyah, who originally stated his preference for martial law, has stated that he would “continue and finish the concom that was so rudely stopped.” His region “The Refuge,” set up after the fall of the Core, is creating a space for a government-in-exile similar to the one that operated during the North Pacific’s UPS Rail/Great Blight/Pixiedance affair. Current supporters are Biyah, ZetaOne, The Poo Dynasty (John Ashcroft Land), Gaspo, Biteland, and Freedom and Pride. In an exclusive interview with ZetaOne and Biyah, PNN got a unique perspective inside the Government in Exile (GiE) currently being set up in “The Refuge.” Biyah stated that he left the Triumvirate “when it became obvious that Eli had every intention of using anyone that offered him support, anyone who could keep him in power, regardless of the consequences to the region. It quickly became apparent that this was not just a matter of martial law, this was a power play.” ZetaOne laid the mishandling of the constitutional committee at the feet of Eli and TAO.
The two went on to state that the goal of the GiE is to support the community of the West Pacific, to finish the third constitutional committee, and to have a re-unification of the region. However, they claimed that this was not possible as long as Eli and TAO were in office. While they did not want to embroil the region in war, they would look at all avenues to return liberty and democracy to the West Pacific. There are also several neutral parties in the West, including superstar Berhampore. Originally, he was planning on supporting the provisional government, but after ejection of members whose endorsements were over a recently imposed limit (50), he altered his signature to reflect that and refused to take a loyalty oath for the provisional government. Those taking the oath are TAO, Molavi (That Called the Vlagh), Unistrut (Timbour), The Faeyas, Lake Lanier, Fantoccini, Clockwork Isle, Enegro Montoya, and Nea-Petropolis. It should be noted that the banlist has been cleared and only two nations remain (Shasoria and Biteland). Eli noted that they would be un-banned when they took the loyalty oath. For a look into the Provisional Government, Eli granted PNN an exclusive interview in which he spoke of him motives for creating the Triumvirate and why he took the steps that he did. He insisted that “[Biyah] left the region because I was determined not to allow it to remain as a vassal state of the Nasi/ADN cartel of conquerors. When given the choice between declaring allegiance to the Region and doing the bidding of his Nasicournian masters Nasicournia won. Biyah and ZetaOne are only concerned with retaining another region for their Nasicournian Masters.” He went on to explain that the Provisional Government will be expanding with additional ministers and a governing document shortly. Eli also wished to avoid a war, and noted that “The government of The West Pacific welcomes any of its estranged citizens back providing that their allegiance is to the region and not to outsiders.” As one looks at the situation, it is difficult not to compare the current Provisional Government to the Chosen, but both sides agree that the WPT is no Core. Biyah insisted that “The Core was 12 (and then some) members of the WestPac interested in change. The triumverate is 3 in command with a few more hangers-on interested in power.” Eli noted that “The Core's objective was to seize the power inherent in a feeder region, namely The West Pacific, for the glory of the ADN and Nasicournia. The Provisional Government holds no allegiance to these outside influences, as it is a movement to return control of The West Pacific to its Citizens.” Both sides appear to want a peaceful and harmonious West Pacific, but with so little agreement on policy (foreign or domestic), this journalist sees a bumpy road ahead for any chance of re-unification. With the Met and Pacific issuing statements of support for the provisional government, it is probably not long until other major NS regions take sides. One thing is certain, no one wants a war, and if cooler heads and logic prevail, the West Pacific can become a harmonious Pacific once more. Written by Sir Paul ACCEL Elections A spate of elections are currently taking place within the Alliance of Conservatives, Capitalists and Economic Libertarians. Nominations have beguns for the positions of Secretary of World Affairs, Secretary for Administrative Affairs, Secretary of Commerce, Head of the Court of Arbitration, Chairman of the ACCEL and Secretary General of ACCEL. Trial Begins in Liberalia: Science and Discovery, (aka Julio Trigman, aka Admiral Janeway) has been formally placed on trial before the Preliminary Court of Liberalia, charged with various infringements under the Liberalian Judicial Code. This follows mounting pressure launched several regional officials that Science and Discovery must be made to provide answers as to his role in the recent overthrow of democracy and attempted coup in the United Federation of Planets. Although, S&D has insisted that this was carried out by a friend, with whom he left control of the regional forum after his brief break from NS, some high-ranking Liberalians, including Foreign Minister Farlane and Security Minister Northern Sushi are sceptical. The charges follow what are alleged breaches of the Judicial Code, which has not been fully ratified under parliament yet, but will be within the next days. S&D is charged with: Breach of Section A1 of the LJC: Use of Profanity Breach of B3: Lying Before Parliament Breach of B4: Slander Breach of C1: Failure to Disclose Puppets Breach of D2: Acting Against Democracy Breach of D3: Abuse of Power The following request for trial was made by Foreign Minister Farlane earlier today.
It should be noted that this vote is the only vote in Liberalia’s history not to have been declared by all who voted. There have been 9 votes cast: 3 Yes votes, 3 No votes and 3 Abstinence votes. Only six votes have been accounted for. The Guardians Council of Liberalia has order a hearing into the viability of this case in the Preliminary Court of Carops before it is submitted before to Guardians Council for full trial in the High Court. One of the five Guardians, Four Hectares, has resigned from the case, as he feels that his RL friendship with Science and Discovery would make his sitting over the proceedings inappropriate. The credibilty of a further member of the council, Haelhan, is being discussed after he openly admitted to disliking Science and Discovery in Parliament. As such the following Guardians will be presiding over this hearing and any subsequent trial: Guardian Ardalia Guardian Carops Guardian Loslakia Guardian Haelhan (possibly..) The hearing has begun in the Preliminary Court of Liberalia. We will bring you further progress as it comes. By Northern Sushi ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMENTARIES, COLUMNS AND ARTICLES The World Today, Part One of Four BY THOMASIA, ORGINALLY PRINTED BY PNN The World Today A Four Part Series on NationStates This four-part series will examine some of the trends in NationStates in light of their history, politics, and some of the ideas that have commonly arisen from these events and philosophies. As much concern has been made, these articles are an effort to push the debate forward on what could be done and what might be done to revitalize the larger world. There is no one solution to these issues, but the suggestions that follow are the opening discussion in a debate that will become crucial for every nation and region. Forgive my overly colloquial style, but my writing, much like my thoughts tends to function like a narrative. As someone who had consciously made a decision to remove myself from the NationStates world at-large for the relative security of my home region, the Meritocracy, I did not know what to expect from the international scene. The names and even a good number of the players were recognizable from an earlier phase, but the institutions were not wholly familiar. So, my journey through the NS world taught me a few things, both good and bad about our world, and I would like to share them. On a positive note, there is still a great deal of interest and enthusiasm in the game. Despite the fact that NationStates is in its fourth year, players still find this universe compelling enough to devote substantial amounts of time and effort to their appointed regions and organizations. It has been my great fortune to know some of these players both in the context of the game, and beyond that, and I feel myself immeasurably enriched by their presence. Together, it is they who make this game, and they remain as dedicated as ever. With all that enthusiasm, the logical expectation that one might have is that all is well in the NS world, but this is not the case. Although we are nowhere near a crisis, the number of players is slowly declining, and activity is coming to a halt. The Invader/Defender conflicts that were the primary engine of development for the better known organizations in the game have begun to collapse. Thanks to a fiercely protective rule set, and superior organization on the part of the defenders, they are becoming victim to their own success as Invaders are forced into more and more disparate groups, with ever decreasing chance of success. One of the most successful organizations in the history of this game, the Alliance Defense Network, will surely feel the consequences of this reduction. Although their organization is secure and stable, without purpose, one wonders how long they will continue their vigilant defense against shadows of an enemy. A commonly held joke in Defender circles is that if it were not for the spies they placed within the Invaders, they would have no leadership at all. It is funny because it is true, but it is equally true that a conflict with only one side will surely end. Each of the Feeder regions seems to have stabilized under their respective leadership groups. Although there may certainly be strife from time to time, as we witnessed in The West Pacific over the last week, the same groups of people will remain entrenched in power, battling over the particulars of how their power will be used with one another, and admitting only a trickle of new members into that elite. Such conservatism provides security, but it has also fostered a mindset that encourages political withdrawal by the Feeders, and instead of exhibiting leadership in the world, the general trend is for the Pacifics to simply content themselves with local activity, and make the game about the battle for endorsement counting and backroom haggling. In the larger world, outside a few well-known regions, and rare success stories, the picture is considerably less encouraging. Regions are disparate and have little means of meaningful contact betwixt one another. Embassies are occasionally sent, but interest is evaporating as the modes of conflict have become severely restrained and the benefits to contact and cooperation, beyond the obvious role playing aspects, are marginal. There are many worthwhile endeavors out there, but fewer each month, and the universe of NS begins to collapse upon itself. In short, the world finds itself at a crossroads. In my last article, I spent some time speaking to the conference between the leading nations about what could be done. Nothing was concluded that day, but it is a problem we cannot afford to neglect. If we are to take action to enliven this world, the discussion needs to begin immediately, and we cannot hesitate to act. However, to do that, we need to understand some of the alternative viewpoints out there. The second installment of this series examines some of those, as we continue this strange odyssey ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTRAS - PLEASE CLICK FOR BETTER DETAIL  Mr. Cameron imploring remaining Tory Party voters (Boris and Doris May, aged 101 and 107 respectively) to stay the course, in typical Geldof style  Smoking - a hobby for all to enjoy --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source for NationStates News: Pacific Press Extras from Private Eye |
| QUOTE (GBI Military Times @ Volume 1 Issue 3) |
| Great Britain and Ireland Military Times Serving The Troops Throughout The Empire As approved by the Ministry of Defense  Top Stories Affecting GBI Military Forces WARZONE AIRSPACE VICTORY GBI, ACCEL Seize Warzone after FCS, ADN Attack In a battle which will be remembered as a Historic battle in a group of regions known for it's training skirmishes, Warzone Airspace was seized just days ago from the FCS-ADN joint military by Great British and Ireland military forces, backed by the ACCEL military as well as other military powerful nations such as Gats Gulch, Scarface, The Pacific and Germany.  The 15th Northeast Brigade landing in Warzone Airspace Involved in the battle for Warzone Airspace were the following units: HMS Great Britain HMS Dreadnought HMS Anson HMS Leviathan 15th Northeast Brigade At press time, a petition was being prepared by the Ministry of Defense to present the GBI Battle Forces with a Warzone Airspace medal. New Minister of Defense, CIC named by the new PM With the new term comes new commanding officers for the GBI Military. Upon the election victory of North East Somerset of the Liberal Independant Party, The Cabinet was released. Olde Delaware, the CIC was named to an unprecedented 2nd term as Minister of Defense. When asked about becoming leader of the MOD again, the Minister responded: "Whatever I can do for GB and I I will do. I love this region and I pride myself of being one of it's most active and one of it's longest members. As the MOD was being settled in, the MOD announced the new commander in chief. Taking over for Olde Delaware would be King John of Gililand, one of the longest serving members in His Majesty's military as well as one of it's finest. "I chose Gil for his hardworking skill, his dedication as well as his activity with the Armed Forces." Said the Minister of Defense. Gililand soon adapted the role of First Sea Lord, a title which former commander Olde Delaware turned down to take the name 'Field Marshal' inresponse to his command of the 15th Northeast Brigade. Is the Minister Dating? Minister Vanderberg seen with unknown female  Photo snapped by GBI Military Times Reporter Chad Singleton Minister of Defense Eric Vanderberg was spotted this week at the Derby between Manchester United-Manchester City soccer clubs. But he was not alone, sources close to the Minister say that the female companion with Vanderberg was that of American actress Eliza Dushku. As the GBI Military times reporters got close to her, the Minister as well as Ms. Dushku were seen leaving in a furious pace and getting into a vehicle with MOD Plates. |
| QUOTE (Jack_Tarr @ Jan 20 2006, 09:23 PM) |
| That unknown female is pretty hot eh? |
| QUOTE (The Sovereign @ 28/1/2006) |
| The Sovereign Proudly unendorsed and independent! GB&I troops defend the GRA! Today GB&I troops have drawn up defensive positions in the region of Global Right Alliance against feared invader attacks. The deployment of GB&I troops was swift and efficient and more are still awaiting in reserve to be deployed in the near future if the need arises.  GB&I soldiers in GRA talking to the locals. The crisis that precipitated such military action was caused after the President of the GRA was struck down from on-high by a bolt of lightening, few could explain the freak incident although the NS high-priest of “Moderism” said it was the immense powers of the Mods from on high. The untimely death left GRA leaderless as curiously enough Northern Chittowa, General of the GRA Armed Forces, was struck down in a similar incident. The result was that a leaderless GRA was left open to forces of pirates and invaders who quickly moved into the area sensing blood. However the invaders had seriously underestimated the strength of the GRA and her allies, including GB&I, who fortified the region’s defences helping to establish Figure as an interim Delegate. GB&I forces will remain in the region to help secure stability and any GB&I forces not current in the GRA should report there at once. An age of two-party politics dawns! FDP MPs awaiting access to the commons. The founder of the FDP (Free Democrat Party)- Loyal British Columbia- yesterday once again welcomed a new age of two-party politics that he said was now truly upon GB&I with the election of the first FDP MPs to Parliament. While the FDP MPs had stood in the election unopposed LBC still announced it to be a triumph for democracy in GB&I that real competition to the LIP had finally entered Parliament- something lacking in GB&I ever since the demise of the HGSPP. While the current FDP contingent in Parliament is small- only consisting of two MPs, LBC and NBFC- the FDP announced it as significant point in the history of their party. However despite the by-election ending several days ago FDP MPs have still been unable to speak in the commons, LBC said he hoped that he and NBFC might be able to enter the house soon and start implementing true two-party politics in GB&I. LBC also expressed a great eagerness to get back into the political fray from which he has been absent for so long.  LBC and NBFC relax after being elected to Parliament. Outside of Parliament the FDP has become a hive of activity with a policy forum meeting inside FDP HQ. The policy forum consists of FDP members and several prominent guests including Westmorlandia, R3n and Zeon-X; LBC also suggested others guests might be invited at a later date. The FDP are furthermore nearing agreement upon their constitution with the membership already reviewing a current draft version, LBC said: “with policies being agreed and our constitution nearing completion soon the FDP will be able to precisely say just what it has to offer GB&I, already it can offer them perhaps the greatest gift of all… choice!” Certainly it seems the FDP membership are increasingly optimistic about their hopes for the next election. Before long it is expected leadership elections may be upon the FDP- although LBC pointed out that if the current draft constitution is accepted the Chairperson must be elected first. Rumours have been circulating the FDP HQ that LBC might be considering not standing for the FDP leadership election and instead may opt for the position of Chairperson, LBC made the following statement to the media on the rumours: “I am neither ruling myself in or out of any FDP leadership elections. My decision will ultimately depend on who else is interested in standing for the position of leader as well as how much time I feel I can give to job, it is important that in our early stages the FDP has a competent leader who is also active within GB&I- who that will be awaits to be seen.” Certainly FDP HQ is currently a place of action which LBC hopes will help propel the Free Democrat Party to future election victory and add more MPs to their current number. |
| QUOTE (The Global Enquirer @ 28/1/2006) |
28th January 2006 The Global Enquirer Fleet sees action off GRA GB&I troops scramble to help allies as delegacy sits vacant by Westmorlandia All available soldiers and sailors of the Great British and Irish Armed Forces were rushed to Global Right Alliance last night as Dipes, President of GRA and sitting delegate, was ejected from the UN for rule violations. An interim delegate, Figure, was appointed and won the delegacy with support from all the regions of the Quad Alliance and several defender groups. Pirates and German raiders were seen in the area looking for an opportunity to strike, but were never able to match the combined endorsement count that GRA and her allies were able to muster.  The GB&I fleet massing off the coast of Global Right Alliance GB&I were alerted to the danger at 7.35pm by South Land, and the First Sea Lord gave the order to move two hours later. The GB&I contingent included HMSs Dreadnought, Great Britain, Langrie and Leviathan, along with 15th Northeast Brigade. GB&I forces not yet in place have been ordered to proceed to GRA at the first available opportunity to ensure that Figure retains the delegacy over the weekend. However, the endorsement count may already be too high for any invader groups to pose a serious threat in the short term. The action comes swiftly on the heels of the ACCEL success in Warzone Airspace, in which GB&I forces were also successfully involved. Dipes's ejection from the UN came as a surprise to those within the region, even those who were aware that he had been holding two delegacies simultaneously. But even more surprising was the simultaneous ejection of the UN nation of Northern Chittowa, General of the GRA Armed Forces. He is not thought to have been breaking any rules at the time. Senior GRA officials have suggested that the Unholy Legion, recently tried for treason in GRA, may have tricked the moderators into believing that Northern Chittowa had been multying. |
| QUOTE (The Opposition Orator @ Issue 1, 28/1/2006) | ||||||||
| THE OPPOSITION ORATOR SHOE BANGING AT OPENING SPEECH  NES and the offending shoe Today, much of the region was shocked at the low conduct of the Prime Minister, North East Somerset, during the first and last conference of the Opposition Party. Throughout the speakers address, he was noticed removing his shoe and banging it upon the table in order to show his protest at the Declaration of Foundation that was being read out. Fortunately however, the speaker was unaffected by this display of misbehaviour and continued to detail the plans of Opposition Party. However this only infuriated the frustrated Prime Minister who was twice heard to threaten the new party and its agenda, growling into his microphone:
and
He finally rose to shout at the speaker (unjaded and unafraid by this near-brutish display of government force) that:
Of course, the Opposition Party was quick to point out that its agenda was entirely within the limits of the law and as such issued the defiant sentiment of:
It has since been surmised by the Opposition Party that the Prime Minister will carry out his threatening gestures by attempting to undermine any members of the Party in their respective positions.  NES in a calmer mood, reviewing his troops before dispatching them to the Global Right Alliance |
| QUOTE (The Global Enquirer @ 29/1/2006) |
29th January 2006 The Global Enquirer Tit for Tat in the WestPac Berhampore launches admin war with moderation controls and bans by Westmorlandia A West Pacific forum Administrator opposed to the new Charter made full use of his powers yesterday by dramatically demoting the delegate from the Admin group on the s8 forums. Berhampore also put Eli and many of his supporters, including a number of foreign diplomats, on the moderator preview system. In a strongly worded statement, the move was condemned by Warrior Thorin, Consul of the Meritocracy as a 'gross abuse of power'. Only supporters of the delegate were subject to the restrictions, leading many to denounce them as a form of political censorship. "And they talk about Freedom of Speech," said one citizen of the Pacific, spitting into the ground.  Berhampore's men sealing the service entrance to the WestPac government buildings In response, Eli brought forward the launch of the new West Pacifican forums that had been under preparation since the declaration of the Triumvirate earlier this month, abandoning the s8 forums to their fate. Lanier, ROOT Administrator of the s8 forums, is currently absent. As a supporter of Eli's government it is presumed that he will take back the s8 forums on his return, but they are now generally thought to be of historical value only. Berhampore's actions followed a period last week when a number of Eli's opponents were temporarily put on moderator preview themselves. The justification used at that time was that the offenders were flaming and trolling, and in particular had called the delegate and his supporters Nazis. Eli also supported the suspension of one of his own Ministers, That Called the Vlagh, who posted the now-notorious Hitler smiley, pictured here:   Winnipeg directs the construction of the new home of the West Pacific government as Eli looks on The action taken by Berhampore was of a greater extent, with many members of the Pacific and the Meritocracy having their posting rights limited and at least one member being banned. However, there was no suggestion that all of them had posted inappropriate comments at any time. Berhampore's supporters instead justified the restrictions on a legitimacy basis. "That board is the rightful home of the West Pacific community and if Berhampore uses his special position to return it to them, more pwoer to him," thundered the Voice of Xha'dam in the Meritocratic Senate Hall. Despite not addressing the issue of political censorship, the justification is common currency among opponents of the new government. Activity on the s8 forums, which was at an all-time peak over the last week, has now dropped dramatically as the old West Pacific divides itself between the new forums and the Refuge, the home of the self-styled "Government-in-Exile". With Eli controlling the delegacy of the West Pacific it will remain to be seen whether the opposition will be able to sustain themselves, or whether, like the Pacific Army before them, they will eventually fade to irrelevance.  The Dalai Lama was kind enough to grant an audience to fellow-exile Biyah Struggle for moral authority widens the NS rift as parties cry forum destruction With many of those that had criticised the administration of the West Pacific forums under Eli's regime now congratulating Berhampore, and with those that had supported Eli condemning the most recent upheaval, it would seem that partisanship is taking precedence over principle in the West Pacific dispute. The buzzword of the moment, "hypocrisy", has been given yet another good airing. The lines have now been drawn. Backing Eli are the PRP, the Meritocracy and ACCEL. Against him are the defender establishment of the RLA and the ADN. Whatever action is now taken in relation to the crisis it will be praised or criticised according to where one's allegiances lie, and unbiased analysis will be hard to come by. Each side believes itself to have the overall moral advantage, and therefore each side will fight its corner at every point. The specific ethics of minor skirmishes, such as Berhampore's escalation of the admin war and his breach of trust, have become subordinated to the overall moral position.  Using hidden cameras, the Global Enquirer gained access to the opposition's war council But if one thing is clear, it is that Eli must be rueing his decision to retain Berhampore as an Administrator. Berhampore had been a vocal critic of the new government but was allowed to keep his Admin status because to remove it would have further inflamed the divisions within the community. But if Eli thought that forum Administration could remain respectfully above NS politics he was very much mistaken. Warrior Thorin said in his recent statement that the restrictions imposed by Berhampore "remind [him] swiftly of the recent forum destructions which have occurred abroad throughout NS". While to state any exact equivalence would undoubtedly be hyperbole - no posts appear to have been deleted - the actions come at a time when forum attacks are at the top of the news agenda, and will undoubtedly increase yet further the wariness of Administrators to give other members of their regions the same responsibility. This is another grey day for NationStates. Abuse of administrative powers is surely a retrograde step in the evolution of NationStates, blurring actions within the game with those without, eroding the happy facade of governments and civilisations on which this game relies. |