Wittenberg

I took some good advice from @Baron Alexandreu Davinescu=. Green and Red colours are the one of our beloved flag "el Bicoloreu", but they are also associated with existing parties in bigger Nations.
I therefore announce the new name of the Party : long live the "Progressive Alliance" (in Talossan :  Aliançù Progreßïu), abbreviated as "PROG".

Our 50-word statement proudly remains as followed :


And I would like to detail our promise.

Kingdom: We believe that a King (male or female) is necessary for our Nation, as a symbol of unity and an attractive feature for the outer world.

Traditional: We want to maintain traditions, develop the use of our treasure el Ghleþ Talossan, and our preferred scenario for succession is the nomination by the King of an heir who will receive the approval of the majority of the People. I am admirative of the work done by @Baron Alexandreu Davinescu to shape the succession amendment (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=3180.0%22) according to this principle.

Democratic: We live in a parliamentary regime. All decision should come from the people, either directly or indirectly via our parliamentary system, as defined by our Laws. The King should only have the power to represent our Nation, but no additional power – excepted specific and exceptional ones under the strict control of the Ziu.
We do not support vetoing of initiatives behind closed doors. In exchange of one vote from the Freedem to be able to form a government last Cosa, the TNC (represented by myself as its Party Leader) signed an agreement with the Freedem (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=2857.0), creating a "Standing Committee to discuss amendments to Talossa's constitution", stating that no legislation to amend the Organic Law, or to amend the functioning of the Chancery, will be proposed by either party without the prior unanimous approval. This was an error, as the first decision of the FreeDem representatives was to block a debate at the Ziu about the possibility of a simultaneous tenure of the position of Secretary of State and the one of Party Leader. I announced publicly my strong disagreement (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=25136) at the time. By principle, I never opposed any subject to be brought in front of the Ziu.
When I was Party Leader of the TNC, I let a full freedom of vote to all MCs and Senators. There has not been any "Party Line" obligations or Whip instructions (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=27227). Everyone has been able to express his view, even outside of the Party, and the voice of the Party has not been monopolized by one person.

Immigration: This is central to me, explaining why I kept the role of MinImm on top of my Seneschal responsibilities. New immigrants bring freshness, activity, new ideas, and avoid our Nation to become stale and selfish. Even if less spectacular than for the previous Cosa, the immigration figures of the 59th Cosa are good, much better than before the TNC era. You can find all detail in the answer to this Terpelaziun (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=3259.0%22).

Transparency: as promised in the TNC platform (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=2712.0), we kept on updating the Infotecă (https://talossa.com/infoteca/%5C") providing budget information, treasury numbers, immigration statistics, and Wittenberg data all in one place.
The activity of the Government has also been reported regularly, during my tenure of the Ministry of STUFF, 6 issues of La C'hronicǎ were published.

Goodwill: It's fun to argue on all subjects, but we should not forget that we are all individuals united in our love of our Nation. We support all initiatives which can tighten the links between us, and thank the ones who organized these. For us to be able to show our commitment to others, I started the Internation Network of  Talossan Welcome (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=2605.0), now with 12 volunteers from all countries and political affiliation - and I hope we will soon witness some nice encounters.

Our Nation more visible:
I extended the publishing of posts describing our Kingdom to Linkedin and Reddit to reach other types of potential immigrants. Results for LinkedIn were not the ones I hoped for, but I think we should insist, with the help of more citizens -from all poltical affiliation- who can share and like the external communication done by MinSTUFF, and propose ideas.

Our government more active:
I want to thank all the members of my Government. Most of them were nominated by the Elected Seneschal, and I regret not to have taken the time to discuss with most of you about objectives, needed support or suggestions.
It is a real shame that our Nation can not benefit from all the available resources of our motivated and skilled citizens, just because they enrolled in a different political party. I think that this 59th Cosa could have been more successful with some non-TNC members in the cabinet. A closer cross-party cooperation was discussed for IT modernization, and I personally proposed -unsuccessfully- the position of MinSTUFF to a new Freedem member who showed his talent and his ambition for external communication.
The creation of a shadow cabinet (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=2935.0)by the Freedem could have been a good initiative if propositions were made by its members, but unfortunately this did not happen.
If we are not in the position to form a Cabinet, and if I am considered useful, I am personally open to serve in a Government – provided my freedom of vote and speech are respected.
Systematically voting for the fall of a Government when in opposition must not be a principle. If the Government goes in what I consider to be the good direction, I will vote Yes for the Vote of Confidence.

We keep our promises. I signed the TNC-Freedem agreement (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=2857.0), and even if we did not need the 101th vote from the Freedem anymore to remain in power, I insisted on keeping our promise during all this Cosa – and I thank the Distain for respecting this position despite his initial opposition on the agreement.
We don't lie -at least intentionally! – and are able to recognize our mistakes and weaknesses. I hope this present text gives an example of this commitment.

Provinces are key components of our Nation.
I believe a sense of regional chauvinism can generate healthy competition and activity. I have the intention to promote the idea of interprovincial fairs and contests. Provided that Cézembre – the best province - wins at the end.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:42:42 AM

"We strive to protect a traditional yet democratic Kingdom".

Democratic: We live in a parliamentary regime. All decision should come from the people, either directly or indirectly via our parliamentary system, as defined by our Laws. The King should only have the power to represent our Nation, but no additional power – excepted specific and exceptional ones under the strict control of the Ziu.
We do not support vetoing of initiatives behind closed doors. In exchange of one vote from the Freedem to be able to form a government last Cosa, the TNC (represented by myself as its Party Leader) signed an agreement with the Freedem (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/%22), creating a "Standing Committee to discuss amendments to Talossa's constitution", stating that no legislation to amend the Organic Law, or to amend the functioning of the Chancery, will be proposed by either party without the prior unanimous approval. This was an error, as the first decision of the FreeDem representatives was to block a debate at the Ziu about the possibility of a simultaneous tenure of the position of Secretary of State and the one of Party Leader. I announced publicly my strong disagreement (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=25136) at the time. By principle, I never opposed any subject to be brought in front of the Ziu.
When I was Party Leader of the TNC, I let a full freedom of vote to all MCs and Senators. There has not been any "Party Line" obligations or Whip instructions (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=27227). Everyone has been able to express his view, even outside of the Party, and the voice of the Party has not been monopolized by one person.

Finally. I (and Open Society) am grateful and relieved that you admit this was an error. You have once again shown the maturity and reasonableness which brought me back to the TNC. But you literally spent an entire term upholding something that you now admit was an error. Seeing now that the Agreement was indeed used to block the Ziu's consideration of Chancery Reform and that historic Organic Law reform was achieved outside of that Agreement, Open Society would welcome the Progressive Alliance's support for our effort to ensure an apolitical Chancery/Civil Service.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:44:11 AMA closer cross-party cooperation was discussed for IT modernization

Allow me to set this record straight. There was ONE conversation on WhatsApp in which I provided to the Minister of Technology a list of needed changes and requirements for a new database. Nothing happened at all and the Chancery is STILL struggling under a system it has no control of and is entirely not user friendly. I still use a "cheat sheet" every single Clark to make sure that it is set up correctly. The ballot itself may even be inaccurate as a portion will give a URL to vote publicly. A URL on the database I CANNOT change and will not even be generated until I begin the election.

This may unfortunately also be demonstrated as the Chancery has no ability by itself to change the name of your party in the database without the help of MPF. We have done our due diligence and registered your party when you submitted it. Changing the name is your prerogative but please understand the limitations and the frustrations.

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on June 05, 2024, 10:00:07 AMAllow me to set this record straight. There was ONE conversation on WhatsApp in which I provided to the Minister of Technology a list of needed changes and requirements for a new database. Nothing happened at all and the Chancery is STILL struggling under a system it has no control of and is entirely not user friendly.

This issue is a very important one and should be dealt with by the best experts, together whatever their political affiliation and without any prerequisite or negociation. Possible progress on the subject should not be claimed by incumbent Government, but considered as the collective success of the work group.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 10:25:30 AM

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on June 05, 2024, 10:00:07 AMAllow me to set this record straight. There was ONE conversation on WhatsApp in which I provided to the Minister of Technology a list of needed changes and requirements for a new database. Nothing happened at all and the Chancery is STILL struggling under a system it has no control of and is entirely not user friendly.

This issue is a very important one and should be dealt with by the best experts, together whatever their political affiliation and without any prerequisite or negociation. Possible progress on the subject should not be claimed by incumbent Government, but considered as the collective success of the work group.

The collaboration was supposed to be cross-party but nothing at all happened even with someone with the background of the MinTech.

By the way please don't interpret this as anything political. It is just a continuing frustration of my office.

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 05:26:20 AMFinally. I (and Open Society) am grateful and relieved that you admit this was an error. You have once again shown the maturity and reasonableness which brought me back to the TNC. But you literally spent an entire term upholding something that you now admit was an error. Seeing now that the Agreement was indeed used to block the Ziu's consideration of Chancery Reform and that historic Organic Law reform was achieved outside of that Agreement, Open Society would welcome the Progressive Alliance's support for our effort to ensure an apolitical Chancery/Civil Service.

I think this is a really good point.  Therxh disagreed with a party agreement, but still made an effort to uphold it.  This is something that a mature and trustworthy leader does.  A different sort of leader might find it intolerable to endure any significant disagreement from the rest of the party.

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on June 05, 2024, 10:00:07 AMAllow me to set this record straight. There was ONE conversation on WhatsApp in which I provided to the Minister of Technology a list of needed changes and requirements for a new database. Nothing happened at all and the Chancery is STILL struggling under a system it has no control of and is entirely not user friendly.

This is my fault, probably.  I had this set up as my big goal for the term, just like Infoteca had been my previous big goal.  I have a very good record of accomplishing major changes like this, but obviously I was forced to be absent almost the entire term.  For those unaware, I had to make arrangements for my dying mother and then take care of the estate.  I don't apologize for these priorities, and everyone was very kind about it, but when the government is just scrambling to stay together they're not going to have energy to put into a big new tech project.

I would still like to do this, and I actually have a plan in mind to replace the database overall with simpler different system (rather than using it for record-keeping, voting, and legislating).  I'd be happy to discuss it in detail if there's any interest.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:45:39 AM

We also think our Province is the best.

Provinces are key components of our Nation.
I believe a sense of regional chauvinism can generate healthy competition and activity. I have the intention to promote the idea of interprovincial fairs and contests. Provided that Cézembre – the best province - wins at the end.

I agree with a lot of our platform, but obviously this is a serious error, since my province is the best.  Maritiimi-Maxhestic: all your vowels belong to us.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 11:36:20 AMI would still like to do this, and I actually have a plan in mind to replace the database overall with simpler different system (rather than using it for record-keeping, voting, and legislating).  I'd be happy to discuss it in detail if there's any interest.

Sure I'd love to discuss it - just not in this thread as I don't want to derail it.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:44:11 AMSystematically voting for the fall of a Government when in opposition must not be a principle.

A small quasi-philosophical note on this; even if the government of the day was performing well, an opposition party that wished to lead a future government should by definition vote against Confidence, as otherwise they would essentially publicly admit they don't believe they could do a better job.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 11:36:20 AMBut you literally spent an entire term upholding something that you now admit was an error. Seeing now that the Agreement was indeed used to block the Ziu's consideration of Chancery Reform and that historic Organic Law reform was achieved outside of that Agreement, Open Society would welcome the Progressive Alliance's support for our effort to ensure an apolitical Chancery/Civil Service.

Reposting for the operative part which was ignored. Ahem.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:41:59 AMI took some good advice from Baron Alexandreu Davinescu (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?action=profile;u=20)

puppets2.png

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on June 05, 2024, 03:56:08 PM

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:41:59 AMI took some good advice from Baron Alexandreu Davinescu (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?action=profile;u=20)

Don't change a winning team !

Fair play to you, great comeback :D

But more seriously: if I'm reading your program right, the question of why the Database reform didn't happen is "AD was going to do it, so it didn't happen because he went on leave, but it'll happen this time". So it seems that every election or so there's an AD Will Be Minister of Everything party, just under different names.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on June 05, 2024, 04:29:39 PMFair play to you, great comeback :D

But more seriously: if I'm reading your program right, the question of why the Database reform didn't happen is "AD was going to do it, so it didn't happen because he went on leave, but it'll happen this time". So it seems that every election or so there's an AD Will Be Minister of Everything party, just under different names.

That's exactly the contrary of what I explained above about nomination of cross-party experts ministers, as I wanted to do this last Cosā with MinSTUFF. Thanks for this opportunity to stress on this important promise made by the Progressive Alliance.

Quote from: Sir Lüc on June 05, 2024, 12:20:48 PM

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:44:11 AMSystematically voting for the fall of a Government when in opposition must not be a principle.

A small quasi-philosophical note on this; even if the government of the day was performing well, an opposition party that wished to lead a future government should by definition vote against Confidence, as otherwise they would essentially publicly admit they don't believe they could do a better job.

Every MC should be allowed to assess in good faith the performance of the Government, without any party line injunction or whip instruction. That's also a promise of the Progressive Alliance, as stated above.

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 12:29:41 PM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 11:36:20 AMBut you literally spent an entire term upholding something that you now admit was an error. Seeing now that the Agreement was indeed used to block the Ziu's consideration of Chancery Reform and that historic Organic Law reform was achieved outside of that Agreement, Open Society would welcome the Progressive Alliance's support for our effort to ensure an apolitical Chancery/Civil Service.

Reposting for the operative part which was ignored. Ahem.

No answer is an answer too. I mean, while you're making promises...

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:49:01 PMEvery MC should be allowed to assess in good faith the performance of the Government, without any party line injunction or whip instruction. That's also a promise of the Progressive Alliance, as stated above.

"We'll give our seats in the Cosa to people who won't be expected to abide by our programme" is perhaps not something you want to be promoting

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 04:56:01 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 12:29:41 PM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 11:36:20 AMBut you literally spent an entire term upholding something that you now admit was an error. Seeing now that the Agreement was indeed used to block the Ziu's consideration of Chancery Reform and that historic Organic Law reform was achieved outside of that Agreement, Open Society would welcome the Progressive Alliance's support for our effort to ensure an apolitical Chancery/Civil Service.

Reposting for the operative part which was ignored. Ahem.

No answer is an answer too. I mean, while you're making promises...

I still support the discussion of a bill ensuring an apolitical chancery, as I explained in the Standing Committee. We need to find the good balance to preserve freedom of political affiliation and activity of all volunteering citizens, and I rely on the collective wisdom of the Ziu to find this right balance.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 05:33:28 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 04:56:01 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 12:29:41 PM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 11:36:20 AMBut you literally spent an entire term upholding something that you now admit was an error. Seeing now that the Agreement was indeed used to block the Ziu's consideration of Chancery Reform and that historic Organic Law reform was achieved outside of that Agreement, Open Society would welcome the Progressive Alliance's support for our effort to ensure an apolitical Chancery/Civil Service.

Reposting for the operative part which was ignored. Ahem.

No answer is an answer too. I mean, while you're making promises...

I still support the discussion of a bill ensuring an apolitical chancery, as I explained in the Standing Committee. We need to find the good balance to preserve freedom of political affiliation and activity of all volunteering citizens, and I rely on the collective wisdom of the Ziu to find this right balance.

Well, supporting a discussion by the full Ziu is indeed an improvement on what occurred during the last term. So this is indeed a policy change as you supported the restriction of discussion during this last term to the Standing Committee. And since the bill does not limit political affiliation and activity of volunteering citizens I assume it will find full-throated support from the Progressive Alliance.

Unless there is a one-seat shortage for a majority again.

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 05:44:23 PMSo this is indeed a policy change as you supported the restriction of discussion during this last term to the Standing Committee.

Not true (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=25136)

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 05:59:52 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 05:44:23 PMSo this is indeed a policy change as you supported the restriction of discussion during this last term to the Standing Committee.

Not true (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=25136)

So you did post the bill to the Hopper for discussion by the full Ziu followed by a vote by the full Ziu after it was vetoed in the Standing Committee? What you linked to is a post showing you honored the Agreement which allowed the bill to be blocked from consideration.

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 05:44:23 PMUnless there is a one-seat shortage for a majority again.

Look, I don't want to interrupt you guys doing this,

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZGxhd3g1ZDlsNW00aml0YzhrM2c3Yms3eXdwbmxzaWc4dmw3cndxNSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/l36kU80xPf0ojG0Erg/giphy.webp)

 but I still wonder what you think your alternative was to doing the deal and getting the seat :D

The goal of the Free Democrats was to stop (a) the constant campaign of personal attacks/insinuations of bias against the Secretary of State; (b) the OrgLaw proposals, now thankfully memory-holed, which would have allowed the King to nominate a successor without Ziu approval. Mission accomplished.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on June 05, 2024, 06:15:07 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 05:44:23 PMUnless there is a one-seat shortage for a majority again.

Look, I don't want to interrupt you guys doing this,

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZGxhd3g1ZDlsNW00aml0YzhrM2c3Yms3eXdwbmxzaWc4dmw3cndxNSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/l36kU80xPf0ojG0Erg/giphy.webp)

 but I still wonder what you think your alternative was to doing the deal and getting the seat :D

The goal of the Free Democrats was to stop (a) the constant campaign of personal attacks/insinuations of bias against the Secretary of State; (b) the OrgLaw proposals, now thankfully memory-holed, which would have allowed the King to nominate a successor without Ziu approval. Mission accomplished.

Some people call it "constant campaign of personal attacks/insinuations of bias" when someone points out that it is not appropriate for someone to be the chief of a party that is running in elections he is also administering...others call it standing up for a pretty simple and usually not controversial principle. I know that Txec felt pressured to do it because the FreeDems were in a desperate place at the time but despite being good intentioned it was not appropriate. He has pledged not to do it again (in private) which is good for his time in office and since I think he is a good guy leads me to believe he would not give partisan preference (even in a largely symbolic office) like the monarchy. But we need to address the precedent and wishing it away with stories about personal attacks are not going to make it go away.

So yeah, you achieved your mission (thank goodness you finally acknowledged it) of blocking the Nonpartisan SoS Act with the assistance of TNC members. Next term, what will you do? And the next term?

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on June 05, 2024, 12:29:41 PM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 11:36:20 AMBut you literally spent an entire term upholding something that you now admit was an error. Seeing now that the Agreement was indeed used to block the Ziu's consideration of Chancery Reform and that historic Organic Law reform was achieved outside of that Agreement, Open Society would welcome the Progressive Alliance's support for our effort to ensure an apolitical Chancery/Civil Service.

Reposting for the operative part which was ignored. Ahem.

Yes, I agree that intense passive-aggression is making it hard for you to communicate clearly.  See, you started your response here with a technique called "begging the question," where you state a very questionable assumption as if it were agreed-upon fact, before then proceeding to your request.  Answering either positively or negatively has the side effect of seeming to accept that assumption.

If you'd like to build bridges, put down the torch.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on June 05, 2024, 04:29:39 PMFair play to you, great comeback :D

But more seriously: if I'm reading your program right, the question of why the Database reform didn't happen is "AD was going to do it, so it didn't happen because he went on leave, but it'll happen this time". So it seems that every election or so there's an AD Will Be Minister of Everything party, just under different names.

It is true that I am unusually effective at creating long-lasting and durable new solutions for the country.

Heh, but seriously, not to beg the question myself: as one example, I organized and did most of the work to convert the sprawling series of laws from decades of legislating into el Lexhatx (https://wiki.talossa.com/Law:El_Lexhatx).  Our legal code is now in its tenth year, and it has become one of the most important parts of governance.

And Infotecă (https://talossa.com/infoteca/) was created last term -- a system that's incredibly easy to maintain, and yet provides invaluable data for understanding the trends of our country.  If you think your government is screwing up the immigration process or that Witt is quieter lately, that information is just a click away.  And while it's just a spreadsheet, that very simplicity means it can become the basis for any number of other projects in the future.

I am just one guy, so I'll never be "Minister of Everything," but I have a knack for new solutions to fix hard problems.  I'd like to put that to work again and work out a new system for the Chancery.  I'd be happy to discuss specifics, if you'd like.

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on June 05, 2024, 11:41:37 AM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 11:36:20 AMI would still like to do this, and I actually have a plan in mind to replace the database overall with simpler different system (rather than using it for record-keeping, voting, and legislating).  I'd be happy to discuss it in detail if there's any interest.

Sure I'd love to discuss it - just not in this thread as I don't want to derail it.

I'll start a new thread.

Quote from: Sir Lüc on June 05, 2024, 12:20:48 PM

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 05, 2024, 04:44:11 AMSystematically voting for the fall of a Government when in opposition must not be a principle.

A small quasi-philosophical note on this; even if the government of the day was performing well, an opposition party that wished to lead a future government should by definition vote against Confidence, as otherwise they would essentially publicly admit they don't believe they could do a better job.

I honestly can't decide what I think about this.  On the one hand, this is philosophically sound... shouldn't every member of the Opposition lack confidence in the government's ability to do the job on the basis of wrong policies?  But on the other hand, often those are simply issues of priority.  No one in the Free Democrats seemed to really oppose the availability of more data on immigration or the like, but they were just skeptical it could be done well or was worth doing.  If applications are being handled in a timely fashion, deadlines are met in a reasonable way, and there's nothing happening that's actually objectionable on its own merits -- I can see voting to support a Government from the opposition.

Tricky one, in some ways, even though I know it's de rigeur to always vote Non when you're in the shadow.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 07:56:05 PMAnd Infotecă (https://talossa.com/infoteca/) was created last term -- a system that's incredibly easy to maintain, and yet provides invaluable data for understanding the trends of our country.  If you think your government is screwing up the immigration process or that Witt is quieter lately, that information is just a click away.  And while it's just a spreadsheet, that very simplicity means it can become the basis for any number of other projects in the future.

I was pleased to help with keeping it updated.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 07:56:05 PMYes, I agree that intense passive-aggression is making it hard for you to communicate clearly.  See, you started your response here with a technique called "begging the question," where you state a very questionable assumption as if it were agreed-upon fact, before then proceeding to your request.  Answering either positively or negatively has the side effect of seeming to accept that assumption.

If you'd like to build bridges, put down the torch.

There ain't a thing passive about it, Baron. I will continue to aggressively defend the principle that our Secretary of State should not lead a party especially when it is contesting an election to which the SoS is administering.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on June 05, 2024, 07:56:05 PMI am just one guy, so I'll never be "Minister of Everything," but I have a knack for new solutions to fix hard problems.  I'd like to put that to work again and work out a new system for the Chancery. 

Yeah, I hope we'll all be working together post-election to replace the Database.

But you're skating over what I call the "constitutional" issue here, which is an important FreeDems principle: the principle of separation of governance and management. That being: the people who are most skilled at doing a job are not necessarily those who should be deciding what job should be done. Or, in other words: the question of whether AD should putting his undoubted talents towards a project, and the question of whether AD should be part of (or running?) the Government who decides what needs doing, are separate ones.

Unfortunately, there have been situations in the past where AD has withdrawn his labour from projects where he wasn't part of the decision-making team. An electoral choice where you have to put AD in government or he won't offer his labour is not necessarily invalid, but certainly what I'd call "anti-political". And it also raises the issue - which I tried to run past Þerxh but maybe he didn't get it - that basing a major project or an entire government on one hyperactive person has a quite obvious point of failure, as was demonstrated just last term. The same kind of failure whereby the current Database becomes a shambles whenever MPF isn't around to tweak it, which is very often.

To avoid ambiguity: if I'm in opposition next term, my services will be at the disposal of the Government for such initiatives as align with FreeDem political priorities and my own skill set.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on June 05, 2024, 08:27:30 PMUnfortunately, there have been situations in the past where AD has withdrawn his labour from projects where he wasn't part of the decision-making team. An electoral choice where you have to put AD in government or he won't offer his labour is not necessarily invalid, but certainly what I'd call "anti-political". And it also raises the issue - which I tried to run past Þerxh but maybe he didn't get it - that basing a major project or an entire government on one hyperactive person has a quite obvious point of failure, as was demonstrated just last term. The same kind of failure whereby the current Database becomes a shambles whenever MPF isn't around to tweak it, which is very often.

This kind of makes it sounds like I refuse to help with stuff unless I'm allowed to do what I want.  That seems unfair of you to imply.

I frequently volunteer help for things when I'm not in charge.  At various times while in opposition, I put together el Lexhatx when in Opposition, I helped vet and suggest questions on the civics test, I reorganized and led an entire new cultural paramilitary in the form of the Zouaves... Honestly, the only time I can recall withdrawing from an effort was the history project you were leading, and that's because we immediately came into conflict when you said I was trying to take over by contributing too much.

I am very proud of my record of civic service, no matter the Seneschal.

Now, certainly we have to face the reality that Talossan louise do not shine bright in any pecuniary sense.  People donate their time and sweat for prestige, the pleasure of doing interesting things, or to fulfill a promise.  When the Free Democrats replaced most of the website, it was done after promising to accomplish this task if given the mandate of the people.  That is completely reasonable -- we don't pay in gold, but in fun.

A great thanks to my friends @Baron Alexandreu Davinescu and @xpb who both accepted to support the Progressive Alliance and joining its list of candidates (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=27323) !
I am proud to be able to benefit from the experience and the wisdom of these two eminent citizens.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 11, 2024, 12:01:03 PMA great thanks to my friends @Baron Alexandreu Davinescu and @xpb who both accepted to support the Progressive Alliance and joining its list of candidates (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?msg=27323) !

I just noted that this expanded list isn't on the ballot?

Unfortunately if this was not posted in the official thread and/or I wasn't tagged, I likely missed it.

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on June 15, 2024, 08:26:03 PMUnfortunately if this was not posted in the official thread and/or I wasn't tagged, I likely missed it.

It looks like Therxh did edit his post to contain the list, but he does not appear to have tagged you at any point.

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on June 15, 2024, 08:26:03 PMUnfortunately if this was not posted in the official thread and/or I wasn't tagged, I likely missed it.

Clearly it would have been better if the Progressives had more actively communicated the update, but I'm assuming since it was posted in the official thread before the deadline, the updated list is still legally valid?

Quote from: Glüc da Dhi S.H. on June 18, 2024, 07:01:37 PM

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on June 15, 2024, 08:26:03 PMUnfortunately if this was not posted in the official thread and/or I wasn't tagged, I likely missed it.

Clearly it would have been better if the Progressives had more actively communicated the update, but I'm assuming since it was posted in the official thread before the deadline, the updated list is still legally valid?

It was an edited post that I was not advised of in the official thread so I did not see the edit. Next time hopefully party leaders will let me know when they've made changes (like Dame Miestra did). I'll still count it though.

Next time hopefully it should be made clear that the sending of a pm is not optional ;-)

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on April 11, 2024, 03:36:25 PMAll of the above can be done by posting in this thread, sending me a pm or sending an email to talossachancery@gmail.com. (Information can be updated at any time before the deadline, but the initial registration needs to include at least all the mandatory parts).
Candidate lists and Platform URLs can still be provided/updated the day before balloting day.

Quote from: Mic'haglh Autófil, SMC EiP on June 15, 2024, 08:32:15 PMIt looks like Therxh did edit his post [...]

Acest num in la speliçaziun sloþ alternatïu isch "Tgerxh".

[That name in the lazy alternative orthography is "Tgerxh".]

Quote from: Iac Marscheir on June 19, 2024, 11:59:17 AM

Quote from: Mic'haglh Autófil, SMC EiP on June 15, 2024, 08:32:15 PMIt looks like Therxh did edit his post [...]

Acest num in la speliçaziun sloþ alternatïu isch "Tgerxh".

[That name in the lazy alternative orthography is "Tgerxh".]

Isn't thorn pronounced as "th" though?

Yes. Þ is pronounced like "th" and spelled as tg if you can't type it properly.

I was there the first time Alex and Miestra argued...all those millennia ago...the Endless War...

Quote from: owenedwards on June 25, 2024, 11:55:59 AMI was there the first time Alex and Miestra argued...all those millennia ago...the Endless War...

Don't let these shakes go on. It's time we had a break from it.

The work on the succession amendment between Miestra and the Baron seems to indicate a detente if not outright peace. And I can imagine Miestra even supporting a King Alex now which would be an historic agreement between two former adversaries.

Peace in Talossa. Peace on Earth.

Quote from: þerxh Sant-Enogat on June 19, 2024, 10:46:18 AMNext time hopefully it should be made clear that the sending of a pm is not optional ;-)

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on April 11, 2024, 03:36:25 PMAll of the above can be done by posting in this thread, sending me a pm or sending an email to talossachancery@gmail.com. (Information can be updated at any time before the deadline, but the initial registration needs to include at least all the mandatory parts).
Candidate lists and Platform URLs can still be provided/updated the day before balloting day.

And I introduced delay as I was in discussion to be sure that a civil servant could still appear on a party list.

Quote from: xpb on June 25, 2024, 11:03:33 PMAnd I introduced delay as I was in discussion to be sure that a civil servant could still appear on a party list.

Defending the freedom of political association/activity for civil servants is a major Free Democrat plank. If you demand that people choose between doing a job for the Kingdom and their right to be politically involved, there will be virtually anyone who choose the former - thus cementing partisan politics over everything.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on June 26, 2024, 06:02:38 PM

Quote from: xpb on June 25, 2024, 11:03:33 PMAnd I introduced delay as I was in discussion to be sure that a civil servant could still appear on a party list.

Defending the freedom of political association/activity for civil servants is a major Free Democrat plank. If you demand that people choose between doing a job for the Kingdom and their right to be politically involved, there will be virtually anyone who choose the former - thus cementing partisan politics over everything.

Open Society looks forward to seeing what Avant and/or anyone else has to propose on an enforceable code of conduct without qualifications and inclusive of the entire Civil Service. This plank of the Free Democrats could have multipartisan support. We need less proclamation of principles and more action demonstrative of those principles.