Post by Nathan on Jul 6, 2005 20:54:20 GMT -6
Fellow Natopians!
I have been the major guiding force behind Natopia for almost the past three years! Can you believe it? Natopia has been in existance for 3 years this August, and as a more-or-less functioning state for a few months less than that.
I'll save the trip down memory lane for a actual Natopia Day festivities, though. We've grown from a city to a state... though a state still confused with it's purpose, its goal. The early days were fast, bumpy, confusing, but fun. I'd like to say we've settled down... but most would call it inactivity ;D
We've been through about half a dozen constitutions, but our current one is something to be proud of. I read our first constitution a few hours ago, The Articles of the Supreme Sovereign Republic of Natopia, and was amused at how the government has changed, and not changed, in about 2 years. The Articles were pure lindstromism... the Grand Judge possessed the right to execute the Grand Chancellor, and the Grand Natopian Senate could investigate and execute the Grand Judge! A system of checks and balances and terror! Thats lindstromism!
But now, after 3 years, the position of Grand Chancellor is to be chosen by a democratic election. I'm actually very glad that the leader of Natopia will now have the actual support of the majority of Natopians, as opposed to when I was self-appointed dictator for life. 
I'd like to outline my goals and hopes for Natopia, should i be elected to my "first" term:
1. A continued, unwavering devotion to Natopia, its culture and its independence.
2. Investigating ways of reforming the Legislative Frenzy, I'm rather intrigued by a parliamentary system... Also, i'd like to have a representative democracy, no matter the system of legislature, in Natopia. Something simple for inactive citizens to vote via email... sending a list of canidates to all citizens, and then have the citizens pick the top X amount to fill X amount of seats.
3. Dedication to VUAS in its current form. Part of Natopia's recent successes were a result of VUAS. We should not forget that and should strive to both strenghthen VUAS AND the ALL member states.
4. A reform on foreign policy. Natopia has recently taken a "side" in a polarizing fued, that between SPEAR and GC. However, many still see Natopia has a mostly neutral nation. I want to develop a foreign policy that shows we dearly support our allies, but not jeopardize "all" of our neutrality.
5. A birth of Natopian politics. Whether it be by way of opposition political parties or more debate in the Frenzy. Controversial bills should be introduced to the Frenzy. Natopia seeks to achieve independence, so the Frenzy should be passing laws dealing with real issues.
I've read a few posts in public forums about other nations slowwing down or halting due to them "completing" their fictitious cultures. Natopia has never had a fictitious culture, but I think a way to ensure Natopia doesnt "dry up" is to, quite honestly, follow the lead of macronations and debate and legislate the very same laws they are (within reason). When the US Congress passes a Social Security reform bill, the Legislative Frenzy should debate passing welfare bills, as an example.
6. And, naturally, an increase of active Natopians. Either by way of "activating" inactive citizens or attracting new ones. Increase public awareness too by wearing T-shirts (they can be distributed by cafepress, I have created a shop, but the wares are not... very good
) or by passing out business cards made in Microsoft Publisher (if you have it, if not, something can be arranged to get every citizen a supply of Natopian business/ID cards).
And remember... Vote Shepard! (besides, I've already bought the chancellorial fancy hat)
err... not really...
I have been the major guiding force behind Natopia for almost the past three years! Can you believe it? Natopia has been in existance for 3 years this August, and as a more-or-less functioning state for a few months less than that.
I'll save the trip down memory lane for a actual Natopia Day festivities, though. We've grown from a city to a state... though a state still confused with it's purpose, its goal. The early days were fast, bumpy, confusing, but fun. I'd like to say we've settled down... but most would call it inactivity ;D
We've been through about half a dozen constitutions, but our current one is something to be proud of. I read our first constitution a few hours ago, The Articles of the Supreme Sovereign Republic of Natopia, and was amused at how the government has changed, and not changed, in about 2 years. The Articles were pure lindstromism... the Grand Judge possessed the right to execute the Grand Chancellor, and the Grand Natopian Senate could investigate and execute the Grand Judge! A system of checks and balances and terror! Thats lindstromism!
But now, after 3 years, the position of Grand Chancellor is to be chosen by a democratic election. I'm actually very glad that the leader of Natopia will now have the actual support of the majority of Natopians, as opposed to when I was self-appointed dictator for life. 
I'd like to outline my goals and hopes for Natopia, should i be elected to my "first" term:
1. A continued, unwavering devotion to Natopia, its culture and its independence.
2. Investigating ways of reforming the Legislative Frenzy, I'm rather intrigued by a parliamentary system... Also, i'd like to have a representative democracy, no matter the system of legislature, in Natopia. Something simple for inactive citizens to vote via email... sending a list of canidates to all citizens, and then have the citizens pick the top X amount to fill X amount of seats.
3. Dedication to VUAS in its current form. Part of Natopia's recent successes were a result of VUAS. We should not forget that and should strive to both strenghthen VUAS AND the ALL member states.
4. A reform on foreign policy. Natopia has recently taken a "side" in a polarizing fued, that between SPEAR and GC. However, many still see Natopia has a mostly neutral nation. I want to develop a foreign policy that shows we dearly support our allies, but not jeopardize "all" of our neutrality.
5. A birth of Natopian politics. Whether it be by way of opposition political parties or more debate in the Frenzy. Controversial bills should be introduced to the Frenzy. Natopia seeks to achieve independence, so the Frenzy should be passing laws dealing with real issues.
I've read a few posts in public forums about other nations slowwing down or halting due to them "completing" their fictitious cultures. Natopia has never had a fictitious culture, but I think a way to ensure Natopia doesnt "dry up" is to, quite honestly, follow the lead of macronations and debate and legislate the very same laws they are (within reason). When the US Congress passes a Social Security reform bill, the Legislative Frenzy should debate passing welfare bills, as an example.
6. And, naturally, an increase of active Natopians. Either by way of "activating" inactive citizens or attracting new ones. Increase public awareness too by wearing T-shirts (they can be distributed by cafepress, I have created a shop, but the wares are not... very good
) or by passing out business cards made in Microsoft Publisher (if you have it, if not, something can be arranged to get every citizen a supply of Natopian business/ID cards).And remember... Vote Shepard! (besides, I've already bought the chancellorial fancy hat)
err... not really...
C: 0
