The politics of grievance demands ever-fresh grievances. I think the general idea is to try to provoke a fight?

And by the way, congratulations to the Seneschal!  Dama Miestră Schivă, UrN is about to become the first poster on this Witt to pass a thousand posts (16% of the total posts on Witt)!

With her prolific energy and frequent participation, she's left everyone else in the dust over the past two-and-a-half years.  My own humble self and Etho are second and third-place, respectively, with 600 and 500-odd posts.  Rookie numbers!

Here's another impressive stat: if you add up the total posts of the 50 least prolific posters, you still don't surpass the Seneschal's total (and that's not even counting the 33% of accounts with zero posts)!  That kind of dedication takes a truly special person.  Well-done, D:na Seneschal!

One of the bills on the recent Clark includes a provision requiring His Majesty to abdicate the throne if a referendum -- immediately to follow -- succeeds.  It doesn't seem unreasonable for someone to take their time and carefully consider such a decision, after sixteen years of service to their country.

I don't think any gathering is going to be called because no one has any business for this group.

Quote from: Þon Txoteu É. Davinescu, O.SPM on April 21, 2021, 09:10:14 PM

Quote from: Sir Alexandreu Davinescu on April 21, 2021, 08:06:31 PM
I'm not upset... Far from it! I think it's important to set out exactly what you guys see as the terms of this "compromise." There had been a lot of high talk about ending the arguments over the role of the monarchy, finding a compromise for "generations of Talossans," and so on. But it turns out that it really just means that you get what you want now, and you'll come back for more very soon. That's fine, I'm just glad that the cards are on the table.

You know what affects "generations of Talossans"? Landed Peerages, which... like the current Monarchical system... are lifetime, hereditary appointments. I do believe that the trappings of the Monarchy are important to the cultural of Talossa. That said, it is also important that those lifetime, hereditary titles be given with the consent of the Government... since the current Monarch proved upon the moment of His return that he clearly doesn't understand the importance of said titles within this country. The only thing about this discussion tied directly to the HC is the fact that a nation in which the Crown truly serves at the consent of the people... even in a seven year renewable term... lacks the power to screw up and grant lifetime titles to a non-deserving subject. Hereditary titles should go to lifelong, impactful servants of the country... of the people! Not just for successfully not dying while the boss was on vacation! So stop putting words in my mouth. You want clarification on something I said, you ask. I'm quite capable of speaking for myself

You are indeed, and I am grateful for it.  Leaders should be forthright about their beliefs and plans.  Thank you.

I will venture I have done a bit more for Talossa than briefly keep a seat warm, both recently and over the longer term.  I have been a Talossan for nearly fifteen years, and in that time I have accomplished a few things.  But I do understand your concern over unearned and silly titles, General.  I promise that I won't slide into complacency or inactivity -- as always, I will do my best for Talossa.  I take my new position as Guaïr very seriously (though I hope I won't be alone on the Sabor for long).

I'm not upset... Far from it! I think it's important to set out exactly what you guys see as the terms of this "compromise." There had been a lot of high talk about ending the arguments over the role of the monarchy, finding a compromise for "generations of Talossans," and so on. But it turns out that it really just means that you get what you want now, and you'll come back for more very soon. That's fine, I'm just glad that the cards are on the table.

Quote from: Þon Txoteu É. Davinescu, O.SPM on April 21, 2021, 05:11:35 PM
Azul & Good Afternoon Friends,
I wanted to take a moment, considering the sudden of the Crown, to open a discussion that I feel His Majesty should be involved in... not just a Regent. I believe the recent actions of the King in the awarding a title of Peerage for the first time in nearly a decade for essentially babysitting the Kingdom for six months and additionally sidestepping the Government's recommendation for an Order of Knighthood, that the time has come for a complete overhaul of the system of Peerages and Knighthoods of the Kingdom.

Does that mean that I think they should go away... no, not even close. But I do believe that as we move forward with the Historic Compromise, we must pause and re-evaluate how our nation's highest Honours are divvied up. Peerages aren't something to be handed out for simple tasks... like warming a seat while the King is away.... again. Peerages are, by definition, not just the award of title but of land. While I applaud the efforts of the former Regent, awarding him a land grant is incredibly inappropriate for the service rendered. At best, adding the Grade of Knight Commander to the Order of the Nation (L'Urderi per la Naziun) for Sir Alexandreu... not a Peerage title.

I propose that, moving forward, Peerages and Knighthoods may originate from either the Crown or the Government... but, specifically in the case of Peerages, must be approved by both. Knighthoods, depending on Grade, may too originate from either... with the Government generally taking lead on approvals of Member, Officer, Commander/Knight and the Crown on Knight Commander & Knight Grand Cross.

Generally, I feel if we are going to have Peerages & Knightly Orders... we should do so in the manner that literally all other recognized nations do theirs.

Respectfully,
Gen. Txoteu Davinescu, O.SPM     

I am deeply grateful for the General's thoughts here.

The proposed "Historic Compromise" didn't even last until the end of the Clark before the incoming leader of the Free Democrats declared that one of the few remaining royal powers must be drastically curtailed as their next step.

In a few months, I assume that the veto power, already reduced, should be further revisited or eliminated?  Or perhaps the term of the sovereign should really be five years, not seven?

I think General Davinescu should be commended for his honesty.

Quote from: GV on April 20, 2021, 08:59:45 PM

Quote from: GV on April 20, 2021, 04:24:38 PM
They will look great, John, and if I have not indicated same to the now-former Regent, I look forward to receiving mine.  Thanks so much to the Seneschál and you.  Congratulations to all.

To add, it is an honour to be only the third member of this order and to count JJ and M. Harth as company.

You were made a member of the Order of the Nation, the senior order.  The junior Order of the Flag has been left defunct.

Thank you so much! I was surprised and very honoured when you told me you wanted to do this. I cannot wait to get my grant! I wonder if it would be improper to do these for past recipients who didn't get anything physical to commemorate the honour?

Thank you, Your Majesty. I am really grateful for your continued confidence. It became apparent to me over the course of the regency that the whole institution was an enormous responsibility. You have to pay attention but also have to be very measured about your participation. I hope I can help you out at least a little bit, as a sort of secretary or something similar.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on April 20, 2021, 11:10:21 AM
Oh, John's coming back, is he? I'm honestly surprised, but I suppose he knew he couldn't defeat the Historic Compromise "by proxy". I hope you've done a proper handover with the honours ceremony etc.

Well done on a competent term doing the necessary job. I admit to being pleasantly surprised by the lack of pointless conflict.

Thank you, D:na Seneschal, for your gracious and kind words.

With the advent of some excellent news, I hereby resign as regent to His Majesty, King John.  I have done my best in His Majesty's service these six months, and I have been honoured by the opportunity.

              —  Sir Alexandreu

If the crown relaunched this program in a different form, would there be interest?  His Majesty has the power to confer awards as a general matter, as well as arms, so perhaps a sort of armorial ID card might be in order?  It would be cool to not only have a photo but also a coat of arms on the card, after all.  And since I'm the one who did it last time, I have high confidence I could do it again.

Speaking on behalf of His Majesty, King John, I wish to first say that the great love and passion of the citizenry of Cézembre should be a model for all of the nation.  Even as opinions sharply differ and new ideas are introduced, everyone is committed in their love of country.

I think I should speak up in a few regards, however.  First, I urge that Cézembre's efforts to differentiate itself should never extend to secession in any form.  The Organic Law said of our sacred lands that, "Aceasta teritoria isch sacreu es unviolaval. Ça non serà cedada, reduçada eda smesada."  In English: This territory is sacred and inviolable. It shall not be ceded, reduced or broken up.  We are one state.  I believe I can say without qualification that His Majesty would never countenance any laws or actions which contradicted that sacred unity.  I further believe that His Majesty would decline a separate provincial title of royalty which was independent of the Talossan throne.  His Majesty is Regeu da Cézembre because he is Regeu dal Talossa.

That said, I know His Majesty favors efforts by citizens of Cézembre to affirm their support for the monarchy.  If that is the will of the province, then I speak for His Majesty to urge only that this goal be focused on ways in which the monarchy can be strengthened and supported within the bounds of our national traditions.  The Royal College of Arms needs assistance -- who among you will step forward and offer to help?  Or assist the other provinces with some of your marvelous innovations -- surely there are some in Vuode or Maritiimi-Maxhestic who might wish to claim their own homestead, much as you have done here?

Cézembre has been an active and diverse province for my entire time in Talossa.  I have no doubts that this will continue, for it is a mighty place.

              —  Sir Alexandreu, Rexhaint d'Ian Regeu da Cézembre

Directing judges to invent crimes as needed is easier than legislating, but it seems unwise and unethical.  A citizen of a country should be able to know what is a crime and what is not.