Thar he Blows

[The Almighty Jesus Whale]

Wowee. I'm going to do this. Against Jakker.

This can't be that bad, as long as I get more than one vote . Let's start.

A wild Jesus Whale prepared to help Osiris Hallo Osirans!

Tonight I come before you today to join me on a mission to revitalize Osiris and give our beloved region the jumpstart it needs to catapult itself into spring. We will smash the banks, grow the middle class, and tax the one puh-cent. We will jail the billionayahs, and no bank is too big to fail, nor is any executive too powerful to jail.

Heard that before, right? Lofty promises are not my type of thing, and I suppose that’s why Bernie Sanders is not the candidate for me . Now then, moving on.

I have served for almost a year as a Guardian of the Atef and have had the honor of serving three Pharaohs, Tim twice. A common trend that we are all painfully aware of is the constant cycle of inactivity we seem to be locked in. Recently, thanks to Jakker and Cormac, we have experienced a burst of legislative activity and for that, I thank them. However, Osiris is much more than the Deshret and solutions are needed to solve our problems. As I have said before, I don’t make lofty promises, I like to propose solutions that are realistic and work.

Today I declare my candidacy for Pharaoh, and hope to win over your vote and heart with this spiel.

What Osiris must first do to fix our problems is band together as the strong and able community we are. We must realize that we are strong together and that one person can not solve everything with the wave of a wand. I believe our problems stem from two main areas, Cultural and Government stagnation.

To fix Cultural Stagnation, we must energize certain parts of our community that have been neglected, such as that of the Roleplaying community within Osiris. I applaud Andrew for his efforts to start a roleplay which garnered some activity, but it was not enough. Together, we must work to ensure that every part of our community thrives, not just one or two. As Pharaoh, I will work with the Scribe of Culture to kickstart the RP community in Osiris by working to create opportunities for new members to get involved, and to conscript older members to join in on the fun .

If elected Pharaoh, I will push for the creation of an Integration Corps which shall be tasked with informing and updated the members of the region about what they can do for the region, and what the region is doing for the community. This will serve to keep Osirans interested and informed. The Corps will also be charged to actively recruited members of Osiris gameside to the forum, engage in recruitment of new players to NationStates into Osiris, and serve as mentors to new people in regards to roleplaying and other cultural related activities. We must create a solid foundation for Osiris to grow, and new blood is desperately needed.

I will work with the Scribe of Media to reform and revitalize the Oracle, including but not limited to, opinion pieces, artwork of some kind, a monthly Q&A with the Pharaoh/Deshret members/Scribes/Government officials, keeping up with the politics of the OFO, and hopefully much much more. I would also suggest that the Integration Corps work with the Scribe of Media and the department to mentor and hone skills of writers and to attract new ones.

With that out of the way, let’s all take a deep breath before I dive into Government Reform, as politics are my lifeblood .

In regards to the Military and Foreign Policy, I will be up front with you. I don’t really get involved with defending and raiding, as I think it’s rather pointless. However, I can assure you that I believe the interests of Osiris, those that do not conflict with our allies, should be first and foremost, regardless of being a defender or a raider. Osiris is my home, and I do not plan to ever put her on the back burner. That being said, the Sekhmet Legion is in desperate need of recruitment and energy, and I do believe mentorship as lined out in the Integration Corps is an important way to get the Legion back on track.

I am more often the one to sit and observe situations rather than dive head first into a situation without knowing the details. I seldom act without taking the advice of close friends and confidants into account and thinking about short and long term effects. This should not be misconstrued as indecisiveness, as if I need to act immediately, I will act. I believe that it is more important to forge friendships and relationships than use fear mongering and angry rhetoric to keep lackeys in line. Many have said the Osiris is more akin to the lonely kid in the corner left to its own business, and then once trouble starts everyone goes to take advantage of the situation.

I do not believe Osiris should maintain this position or the notion of it, and we should work to become a respected and important player on the interregional stage, we should make sure that our allies know they can trust and depend on Osiris if needed, and work to establish relations where they have been burned or never extended.

A past idea that was brought up by Ainocra during his run for Pharaoh was mock trials. While critics might say this delegitimizes the Pschent, I see it as an opportunity to show citizens how the Osiran Legal System works, and to give the Pschent some much needed use. Further reforms to our Judiciary must be made and built off of the reforms already made by Elder Datford, and it is up to us to accomplish them. There have been calls to make the Scribe of Justice a position independent of the Executive, but I do not believe this is the right course of action, as those calls also wish for the position to then hold no other position in the government. While in principle this is a good idea, it stifles activity throughout the OFO, and is not the right course of action.

I will propose the creation of a Public Advocate type position, elected by the Deshret to serve as not only a public defender for citizens who may not understand complex legalese and an educator of the legal system, but also as a government watchdog to keep a lookout on possible corruption or law breaking. The specifics of term lengths and specific powers would of course be open to discussion.

Cormac put it rather bluntly, and in some ways correctly, about two years and some change ago that Osiris is on life support. While I don’t believe that Osiris is dead or in a terminal stage, I will agree that Osiris is stagnating, and stagnation can lead to a worsening situation and more decay.

Or loss of re-election, as Jimmy Carter was to find out .

What I would propose is not necessarily a radical idea, but one I know many members are not particularly fond on. I am, however, rather persistent and stubborn, so I will try to help others understand where I am coming from and why.

Democracy is made great by the citizenry who participate in it, and the Deshret being in practice a Citizens’ Legislature shows just how great our democracy is. I do not think that the Deshret is enough however, and I believe we should institute a quasi upper house of elected representatives to serve as a companion body to the Deshret.

I know, I know, get the pitchforks and torches, JW proposed bicameralism of sorts.

What you see in most Representative Democracies, bar the US because partisanship and ‘I know better than you’, is competitiveness in the legislature due to a want to better the country leads to good solutions and compromise. The Deshret is not elected, and there is no incentive to break the mold and try to do new things that go against the grain. An elected body would allow those who care, not that the majority of the Deshret doesn’t, and have the time to put forward their best effort have an outlet to do it. I believe that this can only lead to better Osiris, unless individuals try to poison the body with personal attacks, naked partisanship, and toxicity. I know our community is stronger than that, however.

This leads me to my next and final (almost done ) point. We have an issue where people who want to help do not have the outlet to help, or the ability and know how to help. I would like to create a system similar to the Integration Corps for governmental activities. A Mentor system for those who want to help Osiris through its government. I myself only became seriously involved with Osiris due to the mentorship of Ainocra, RIP him, and I believe every new member can benefit from a veteran showing them the ropes. This of course opens the door to criticisms of personality cults and factionalism, but I know our community is stronger than this, and that we will not succumb to the petty toxicity that has prevailed in other regions. And I’ll come out and say it, if people think that their solutions for Osiris are best, I would have no issue if they discussed and debated why they thought that with people who do not agree with them, in civil and appropriate ways.

Osiris is my first and foremost priority, and if elected Pharaoh, know that I will put my all into helping Osiris become what the community deserves.

Good Jesus Whale that was long . If you stuck around through the whole thing, I really hope I was able to persuade you as to why I should be the next Pharaoh of the Osiris Fraternal Order and secured your first preference.

Please ask questions, make comments, give support, and the like. No harpoons allowed, and let's make Osiris harpoon free!

Thank you.

[Cormac]

I think this is a really strong platform. I'm glad to see you put so much thought into it, and while I don't agree with it in total, I appreciate that it's bolder and more thorough than usual.

I do have a few questions though:

1. Do you plan to make use of Regional Officers to try to better integrate the in-game and off-site communities and get more people onto the forum and, if so, how? We haven't really used ROs much at all so I'm interested to hear what candidates would like to do with them, if anything.

2. You've mentioned that you want Osiran foreign affairs to focus on Osiran interests. I agree, and I think most would agree with that, but as has been the case in many regions, "regional interests" can be interpreted wildly differently depending on who you talk to. If you talk to Knot (Ivo), he would probably say it's in Osiran interests to raid, raid, raid. If you talk to Tim, he'd probably say it's in Osiran interests to be more moderate and a bit more independent in outlook. So with that said, can you flesh out how you see Osiran interests and what that might look like when you're Pharaoh?

3. The Predator crisis. In our recent statement, we pledged to conduct a review of our relations with regions that used Predator and to take action as appropriate. Europeia, one of our closest allies, has recently temporarily suspended relations with DEN and The Black Hawks over use of Predator, and has noted that there may be further long-term consequences once Moderation hands down penalties for Predator users. The Land of Kings and Emperors, another ally, has noted that there may be diplomatic consequences for Predator user regions. What are your plans for dealing with the Predator crisis, from a foreign affairs perspective, if you're elected Pharaoh?

4. Can you flesh out how you envision a bicameral legislature working a bit more? Specifically, I'm wondering how having an elected second chamber won't just end up dividing our legislative talent to the point that neither chamber is particularly active. Would you limit the powers of the directly democratic chamber and give the elected chamber more power, the other way around, or how would you arrange this? I can't say I'm super enthusiastic about bicameralism, but I'll keep an open mind.

5. Will you be going back to the original blue version of the regional flag, the purple version, or some other color? Believe it or not, this is actually vitally important to me and may determine my vote if I don't strongly disagree with any candidate's platform.

That's all for now, though I may have follow-up questions or completely new questions as they occur to me. Best of luck!

[The Almighty Jesus Whale]

I think this is a really strong platform. I'm glad to see you put so much thought into it, and while I don't agree with it in total, I appreciate that it's bolder and more thorough than usual.

I do have a few questions though:

1. Do you plan to make use of Regional Officers to try to better integrate the in-game and off-site communities and get more people onto the forum and, if so, how? We haven't really used ROs much at all so I'm interested to hear what candidates would like to do with them, if anything.

Thank you for your compliments and questions Cormac, I'd be happy to answer them.

I'd grant Integration Corps members communication abilities so they can send out mass telegrams with what's going on, as most of their job will be composed of that early on.

I would also grant Atef members border control and communication powers to assist in their duties of ensuring regional security and tarting when needed. That has nothing to do with helping in game and forum come together, but I personally think it'd be a better use of the Atef.

But besides granting the Culture Scribe poll powers, Scribe of Foreign Affairs embassy powers, etc, I don't really foresee ROs playing a huge role in integration besides what I've already said above.

2.

See below.

3. The Predator crisis. In our recent statement, we pledged to conduct a review of our relations with regions that used Predator and to take action as appropriate. Europeia, one of our closest allies, has recently temporarily suspended relations with DEN and The Black Hawks over use of Predator, and has noted that there may be further long-term consequences once Moderation hands down penalties for Predator users. The Land of Kings and Emperors, another ally, has noted that there may be diplomatic consequences for Predator user regions. What are your plans for dealing with the Predator crisis, from a foreign affairs perspective, if you're elected Pharaoh?

As you know, I was initially opposed to using language that could be construed as standoffish and more aggressive than necessary, and I still think we should await Moderation's punishments before doing anything. If I remember correctly, Europeia suspended relations only until Moderation hands out punishment, and then the suspension expires. I don't really think there is a point to doing anything like that yet, because while we know Predator is illegal, the mods haven't yet decided what course of action to take, and we shouldn't jump the gun.

The situation would be monitored heavily until then, and then we would assess our associations with other regions.

4. Can you flesh out how you envision a bicameral legislature working a bit more? Specifically, I'm wondering how having an elected second chamber won't just end up dividing our legislative talent to the point that neither chamber is particularly active. Would you limit the powers of the directly democratic chamber and give the elected chamber more power, the other way around, or how would you arrange this? I can't say I'm super enthusiastic about bicameralism, but I'll keep an open mind.

Thank you for keeping an open mind about it, as long as there are open minds the world will spin.

The way that I envision the other chamber would be kind of like the Roman Senate, with the Deshret as the Plebian Council. (ye you plebs)

The elected Chamber would have no more than about ten members, and even then probably less than that, who would review all proposed legislation and treaties, and then pass it on to the Deshret for final passage. They'd be an advisory body on steroids, and the Deshret would be the final hurdle to ensure that the community supports the legislation passed through the elected chamber.

5. Will you be going back to the original blue version of the regional flag, the purple version, or some other color? Believe it or not, this is actually vitally important to me and may determine my vote if I don't strongly disagree with any candidate's platform.

That's all for now, though I may have follow-up questions or completely new questions as they occur to me. Best of luck!

I really like the green one, but the auburn one you're using is really nice too.

Maybe I'd rotate throughout all of the colored ones Josh made?

Thank you!

[The Almighty Jesus Whale]

I realized I completely botched your second question, give me a few minutes to fix that.

[Cormac]

Thanks for the great answers! Some follow-up questions and one new question:

I would also grant Atef members border control and communication powers to assist in their duties of ensuring regional security and tarting when needed. That has nothing to do with helping in game and forum come together, but I personally think it'd be a better use of the Atef.

Would you also be granting Border Control to the Vizier? The reason I ask is because I'm wondering if you're concerned about the possibility of enabling a coup by too widely granting Border Control power. A Guardian or particularly a Vizier interested in couping could use Border Control to eject you right before update, which would wipe your endorsement count and position them to become Delegate if they have the second most endorsements.

I don't really foresee this as a problem with our current group of Guardians, I would add, but I'm a bit concerned about setting the precedent.

As you know, I was initially opposed to using language that could be construed as standoffish and more aggressive than necessary, and I still think we should await Moderation's punishments before doing anything. If I remember correctly, Europeia suspended relations only until Moderation hands out punishment, and then the suspension expires. I don't really think there is a point to doing anything like that yet, because while we know Predator is illegal, the mods haven't yet decided what course of action to take, and we shouldn't jump the gun.

The situation would be monitored heavily until then, and then we would assess our associations with other regions.

I think that's a pretty decent answer. I do have to ask though, because at least one other candidate will be getting a good amount of questioning about this and I really want to pin answers to this issue down as much as reasonable: Will you at least be open to the possibility of terminating relations with DEN and/or The Black Hawks if that seems appropriate after Moderation makes a ruling, or are you already predisposed to oppose that course of action?

And the new question: Are you willing to commit to not nominating any Predator user to serve as your Vizier or your Scribe of War?

I realized I completely botched your second question, give me a few minutes to fix that.

I thought it was a pretty good answer, but that works.

I appreciate the response to the bicameralism questions, and I look forward to participating in discussion of that in the Deshret and fleshing it out more. And I liked the flag answer!

[The Almighty Jesus Whale]

2. You've mentioned that you want Osiran foreign affairs to focus on Osiran interests. I agree, and I think most would agree with that, but as has been the case in many regions, "regional interests" can be interpreted wildly differently depending on who you talk to. If you talk to Knot (Ivo), he would probably say it's in Osiran interests to raid, raid, raid. If you talk to Tim, he'd probably say it's in Osiran interests to be more moderate and a bit more independent in outlook. So with that said, can you flesh out how you see Osiran interests and what that might look like when you're Pharaoh?

Take two.

As you said, regional interests wildly vary among those who ask. I do not think that it is right for the Pharaoh to dictate what regional interests are and expect total and complete obedience.

The Pharaoh should set the scope of regional interests, but look to regional input into what the region should stand for.

A good example of this, and why I really wish for gameside and forumside to be more thoroughly integrated can be seen in the current Security Council vote to condemn Kknight.

As of right now, thirty two members support it, and seven do not. I don't like to assume as it makes an ass of out u and me, but I'd be willing to bet most of the seven are members of the forum, and most of the thirty two are not.

The gap between the gameside and forumsides communities needs to close, and I hope that by closing it, our 'regional values' can become truly, or at least a little bit more, regional.

Would you also be granting Border Control to the Vizier? The reason I ask is because I'm wondering if you're concerned about the possibility of enabling a coup by too widely granting Border Control power. A Guardian or particularly a Vizier interested in couping could use Border Control to eject you right before update, which would wipe your endorsement count and position them to become Delegate if they have the second most endorsements.

I can understand the concern, but I have the second most influence in the region and Josh wouldn't coup.

At least I hope not.

Although I do see your point, as Josh, Zaolat, and myself have more influence than Tim. I doubt any of us would coup though (or so you hope), but I trust the Deshret and Osiris as a whole to make the right decisions regarding guardians.

If we have instances where Guardians or Viziers go rogue, I suppose we'd have to cross that road when we get there.

I can assure Osiris that bar any extraordinary circumstances, I do not plan on leaving any time soon .

I don't really foresee this as a problem with our current group of Guardians, I would add, but I'm a bit concerned about setting the precedent.

Answered above, sorry.

Will you at least be open to the possibility of terminating relations with DEN and/or The Black Hawks if that seems appropriate after Moderation makes a ruling, or are you already predisposed to oppose that course of action?

I don't want to come off as having a mindset before the mods do anything, quite the opposite.

I don't think we should be doing anything now because the Mods have not done anything. As soon as they do, I would be open to discussing the region's course of action regarding the situation, whether or not we choose to terminate relations with them.

And the new question: Are you willing to commit to not nominating any Predator user to serve as your Vizier or your Scribe of War?

I, Jesus Whale, pledge/promise/swear on a Whalist Bible to not nominate any known users of the tool Predator as my Vizier or Scribe of War.

[Cormac]

Thanks for the answers. I'm still a bit concerned about Border Control, but with this group of Guardians, I'm willing to give it a go because I think the risk is minimal.

I'm pretty satisfied and don't have anymore questions right now. Thanks again!

[The Almighty Jesus Whale]

Jesus Whale - Today 7:24 AM
> I won't coup
Jesus Whale 2016

In case anyone was undecided.

[Vienna]

You aren't involved in many regions but Osiris; how will this affect your administration as Pharaoh? Could this lack of personal relationships with other regions give you a disadvantage in foreign affairs?

[The Almighty Jesus Whale]

You aren't involved in many regions but Osiris; how will this affect your administration as Pharaoh? Could this lack of personal relationships with other regions give you a disadvantage in foreign affairs?

Thank you for your question, Councilor Vienna. Hello from the Otter slide.

I believe that my status as an Osiris centric candidate will help further my ability to serve the region. The community knows me and they know they can trust me.

Furthermore, I believe this will do nothing but help me with interregional Affairs as I do not have the potential baggage and ill will with other regional leaders and officials.

There is only room for positive relations, at least in the beginning.