The LRT Platform

[Breneir Itravilatx]

[glow=yellow,2,300]La Renaixençâ Talossán (LRT)
The Talossan Renaissance

A Vision of Unity, Harmony and Progress[/glow]

50-word party statement: The Talossan Renaissance calls for a revival of engagement with nations sharing our ideals and a common destiny because we can ill afford to squander national potential in isolation. The LRT affirms a Talossa within an interdependent world and that is open to progress strengthening its identity and traditions.

The LRT does not proclaim itself the party of experience in the halls of Abbavilla but the party of ideas and vision to represent the depth and breadth of diversity that our beautiful nation encompasses. We seek to implement ideas (with the help of like-minded parties such as the CRO) within the scope of three areas:

• National engagement in external affairs
  
• Inter-Talossan integration
  
• Cultural enrichment programs
  

This engagement in external affairs begins with the Republic, our prodigal brethren, who we must deal with in a manner of respect and comity. Therefore:

A re-empowered Distain, working in concert with a Prime Minister who is looking outward, will also serve as the Minister of inter-Talossan Affairs, a new ministry which would be formed (working in conjunction with the Foreign Affairs ministry), and spearhead efforts to intensify the project toward further integrating the Kingdom with all members of the Talossan diaspora (Berber or non-Berber, squirrel-lover or squirrel-hater alike). The Distain will also serve as head of the Peace, Development and Security Commission (PDSC), which will report monthly to the Ziu, on current and developing trends in areas outside of Talossa that are now or may in the future affect the vitality of our nation and for the general knowledge of the Kingdom.

This revived engagement means that we will need Justice and Immigration ministries that are dedicated toward enacting policies that make the course of inter-Talossan cooperation easier. These ministries will coordinate efforts to formalize relations (including official recognition) and ratify a Universal Talossa Act that recognizes a common citizenship agreement for all citizens of the both the Kingdom and the Republic acknowledging our shared heritage.

This revived engagement also entails educating the world on why we Talossans are so damn proud to be Talossans by exporting our culture and national interests to the greater world. Therefore:

The Foreign Affairs Ministry will work to ensure passage of recent draft legislation for Talossa’s entrance into the United Nations and will seek to develop a donation fund (in conjunction with the Finance Minister) which will further our nation’s ability to assist (albeit in a small manner) in humanitarian means. The Foreign Minister will also serve as a member of the PDSC. Passage of ‘the sense of the Ziu’ resolutions such as the suggested “Saffron Act” will be at the forefront of our efforts as we publicly proclaim Talossa's solidarity with any people who are yearning for freedom.

LRT'ers are all about change as you can see but we recognize that when something works tinkering may not be necessary and we must commend the RUMP for their efficient caretaking in some areas. Therefore:

We would continue the work of the Finance Ministry as it develops a currency and a monetary policy.

We would continue the work of the Immigration Ministry as it has done an admirable job in making the intake process of new citizens efficient and has greatly enriched the complexity and diversity of our nation. Though a LRT Immigration Minister would oversee a process that is free of subjective censorship (in violation of covenant rights) and would with the input of all citizens implement a code of ethics that represents what the entire community views as a fair-minded but fully enlightening intake process.

We would continue the work of the Defense Ministry as it works to fend off the fiendish machinations of the Canucks (with their pancreas-devastating 'maple syrup') and add to his/her portfolio the task of fighting one of the gravest threats to our nation: apathy.

The Culture Ministry would continue the laudable tradition of TalossaFest with the addition of a Talossa Film Festival and would also seek to create a Hall of Honorary Talossans highlighting the fact that Talossanity can be found in all peoples throughout the world and throughout time. TalossaFest would also include an annual Maypole Festival.

The Justice Ministry would be tasked with investigating the feasibility of establishing ‘Courts of First Instance’ at the provincial level so that local affairs can be adjudicated closer to their occurrence and not tie up the High Cort.

Talossanity and zaniness are as two sides of a coin and so we would also seek to implement the following measures:

Confusing Alexander Davis. As the Captain of the Zouaves has fondly pointed out on several occasions, confusing S:reu Davis seems to be a right of passage among new citizens. We embrace, and encourage others to embrace, this pastime of making Alex go, "huh?"

The Ministry of Silly Walks which has long remained dormant and hidden away, unused, shall be reinstated, and will do what no other ministry has ever done, get some work done.

The LRT stands for a Talossa that is united, that is engaged in the world and that is harmonious. It is time to break with the tired and dishonorable tradition of isolation. Our people deserve better. The world would be better.

[Dréu Gavárþic'h]

Beautiful S:reu Party Leader! After much waiting it has finally arrived!
The platform has been updated at KOT.net (http://kingdomoftalossa.net/index.cgi?lingo=&page=LRTplatform)

[Owen Edwards]

A most impressive platform. I think especial note should be taken by voters of the propositions regarding the Foreign Ministry - recognizing that even an e-nation must join with the martyrs of this world - the Defense Ministry and its stance on apathy, and the Culture Ministry, which should be in so many ways the hub of pan-Talossan activity.

Owen Edwards
LRT Party Whip
LRT Culture Spokesman

[Deleted]

Though a LRT Immigration Minister would oversee a process that is free of subjective censorship (in violation of covenant rights) and would with the input of all citizens implement a code of ethics that represents what the entire community views as a fair-minded but fully enlightening intake process.
___

How is this in violation of covenant rights?

[Breneir Itravilatx]

"Second Covenant. No law shall exist abridging the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication except in case of public order or morals. Censorship shall never exist in Talossa; every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the libelous abuse of that right."

[Deleted]

Oh Breneir, you and your misreading of the Covenant:

Second Covenant. No law shall exist abridging the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication except in case of public order or morals. Censorship shall never exist in Talossa; every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the libelous abuse of that right."

If you have a such a problem, bring it to the Cort.

[Breneir Itravilatx]

Very well.

[Sir Alexandreu Davinescu]

owenfsf said:

A most impressive platform. I think especial note should be taken by voters of the propositions regarding the Foreign Ministry - recognizing that even an e-nation must join with the martyrs of this world - the Defense Ministry and its stance on apathy, and the Culture Ministry, which should be in so many ways the hub of pan-Talossan activity.

I take issue with one particular bit of this... characterizing Talossa as an "e-nation." This is a common mistake made by new citizens or foreigners, but it bears correcting every time it arises: Talossa is not an e-nation or a micronation or a play-nation or anything else like that. Current policy and general consensus holds that Talossa is a nation-state with all rights and responsibilities therein. Just FYI.

[Owen Edwards]

Then a point of immigration law I was questioned over is entirely illogical. I was questioned over my membership of "other" micronations.

E-nation was indeed the wrong term, for which I apologize. Nor would I characterize Talossa as a "play-nation" (that is to say, where we are undertaking this endeavour entirely on the basis of roleplaying potential - which I for one am not).

I think it is, however, fair to accept the PRACTICAL, if not CONSTITUTIONAL, title, of micronation. We must accept it so as to understand our place in the world; our unique strengths, and our unique weaknesses.

Owen

[Trotxâ]

owenfsf said:

I think it is, however, fair to accept the PRACTICAL, if not CONSTITUTIONAL, title, of micronation. We must accept it so as to understand our place in the world; our unique strengths, and our unique weaknesses.

Thanks for the clarification.

The better way to say this would be, "A vote for the LRT is a vote to reduce Talossa to a Micronation!"

What a great slogan! Thanks, Brenéir!

Thanks!

Sir T

[Owen Edwards]

I thought we weren't meant to be roleplaying - yet here we are, pretending to be partisan asses.

Let's not play these games, people. Let's achieve something magnificent here - a nation communing primarily via the internet, without weaponry, without even the poison of political words. A nation that shows itself emotionally and politically mature enough to give the sort of insight not available to entirely physical nations with corrupted political establishments.

[Breneir Itravilatx]

Trotxa,

I want to thank you for reading our platform even if you did indeed fail to comprehend it.

Breneir

EDIT: Well said Owen.

[Sir Alexandreu Davinescu]

owenfsf said:

Then a point of immigration law I was questioned over is entirely illogical. I was questioned over my membership of "other" micronations.

Some people use "micronation" to refer to Talossa... some people actually believe it to be one. But in fact it is not, the questioning of various individuals aside.

owenfsf said:

E-nation was indeed the wrong term, for which I apologize. Nor would I characterize Talossa as a "play-nation" (that is to say, where we are undertaking this endeavour entirely on the basis of roleplaying potential - which I for one am not).

I was not implying you used the term play-nation, only referencing another misnomer.

owenfsf said:

I think it is, however, fair to accept the PRACTICAL, if not CONSTITUTIONAL, title, of micronation. We must accept it so as to understand our place in the world; our unique strengths, and our unique weaknesses.

To admit to that practical definition is to admit to the definition as a whole, I believe. Ever since the disaster of trying to assume the practical role of micronation, with the founding of LOSS and involvement with such things, Talossa has taken a strong isolationist stance with regards to micronations, in stark contrast with these selfsame entities. Most micronations spend all of their time naming things and bickering with other "bug nations" (as Robert I infamously called them, among even unkinder sentiments). Talossa has stood proud and ignored the gnats as best it might over the years, and as such it is the oldest among those entities which some call "micronations". But it is this very distinction which helps make us a true nation. We know we are a country, regardless of whether or not anyone else knows it. But to begin to act like we are a micronation instead, out of some microrealpolitik, will only lead us to begin to act like one.

[Owen Edwards]

I don't think recognizing practical standing equates to any methodology of behaviour, beyond the very fact of practicality. I am in fact suggesting the LRT's platform supports greater "nationstate" behaviour; the moral and further support of other nations in need, for example.

[Dréu Gavárþic'h]

You know...I find it funny that we LRTers were very respectful when you guys put out your platforms and congratulated you, and then when we put out ours, you immediately attack it. And we're the ones being accused of playing dirty...