View from Benacia/Issue 65: The Debate Over Duchies Proper

This imported article was originally posted at http://viewfrombenacia.blogspot.com/2005/03/issue-65-debate-over-duchies-proper.html at 03/05/05.

(Ed. Note- We apologize for missing Wednesday's deadline, but Shireroth's forums were replaced by a "Server Maintenance Alert" at the time we were going to print.)

The Landsraad has been restored to measure of activity with the Kaiser's introduction of the Duchy Equivalent Residence Act, which represents an attempt to codify the notion of the Duchy proper into law and give it a minimum number of citizens.

As Shirerithians will know, the nation is made up of six Duchies, each led by Dukes. Each Duchy may grant portions of its land to become Baronies; those areas that are not granted as Baronies, and which are under the direct authority of the Duke, are the "Duchy proper". This, at least, is what is implied by the forum allotment, wherein each Barony gets its own forum, but so does the Duchy as a whole.

The bill is meant to protect the Duchy proper by ensuring that it is not out-populated by the Baronies associated with it. The reaction to the bill has been mixed, with discussion occurring both inside and outside the Landsraad. As for the Kaiser himself, he has refrained from sponsoring the bill, stating that its main purpose was to cause "a nice, angry political debate and keep the Lansdraad from getting cobwebs in it".

Let's Economize!

The Unofficial Assistant Minister of Trade, Moose, is busy trying to get a working economy up and running. He's looking into getting businesses founded, and getting goods and services flowing, and some other things. Have a visit and at least try to be enthusiastic!

San Martin Becomes Less Annoying

As noted by Malarbor: the former Republic of San Martin has wisely chosen the path of enlightenment, throwing off the stultifying freedom of republican democracy for the liberating burden of monarchy! The Martino Empire has been born, with Shireroth's Troy Thompsohnd become Emperor as Roberto I. The coup, brought on by massive attacks of inactivity, was unopposed by Presidente Allende.

An Imperial Constitution was recently promulgated, laying down the new law of the land. Sadly, it preserves such outdated rights as voting for candidates for public office, and prime ministers helping run the country... but it's a start.