Intergalactic Summit

We still have someone who represents all the Tribes as a whole. What did you think the Sanmatar rank is for?

Also where had you been during the Tribal Council era? It seems like as soon as the Parliament was dissolve you bugged off to the Federation or something.

I was in the Federation and a Federal citizen long before the parliament was dissolved. Yes we do have someone who represents the tribes as a whole but they have done nothing. I had a paragraph here but my thoughts don't sit well in text.

Tristan Valentina

*Shrug* They pay well and their contested territories are stable enough that I always have something to plunder. But otherwise, well, I believe you know of my opinions about the Federation, yes?

Federation, or at least the Gallente, can't help but flap the gab. The price of democracy and putting the individual above the collective, I suppose. Never have that problem with the Mannar, Caldari or Jin-Mei.

I've become quite fond of you over the last month, Arrendis. You're horrendous, but you're my sort of horrendous.

Oh no doubt. I couldn't imagine actually foisting this onto anyone. It would collapse within a day, sheeh. Can you imagine. I just thought it might make for a useful opt-in solution to the problems that you brought up vis-a-vis self-determination. I guessed I imagined it as a two-step process: a) universal Matari emancipation throughout the Empire (which I would imagine would be politically untenable) and then b) in reaction to that political response, a place where those Matari can exercise that freedom without political and economic discrimination. It's a silly idea, I know, but given the expected political reaction to automatic and universal Matari sufferage, it seems that some sort of separation policy would be pretty hard to avoid if what you said here to Jason is accurate (and I believe it to be):



Actually think that the solution that you presented is the more elegant and I'd imagine the psychologically satisfying option for anyone faced with that choice. We've seen the trauma that emancipation and relocation can bring and the plan that I came proposed mandatory or voluntary, would ratchet all of that up to 11. I just don't think that slaves will be given the option to 'stay in the Empire as citizens if they wish' at least not on a universal scale. I think Jamyl's proclamation is as good as it ever going to get there.

The other problem I see is that freedom has to be experienced before it can be exercised in any legitimate way. If I've had a slave who's known nothing but slavery and one day walk up and say 'You're free!' Will that actually mean anything to the slave? I can't imagine that it would mean a whole lot at first, particularly if one's slavery hasn't been too obviously uncomfortable, which is the case with many slaves working in bureaucratic or academic capacities. After awhile sure, you get a handle on it, push a few boundaries, make some political noise and get a feel for it, but it takes awhile. I haven't met an emancipated Matari who's still not coming to grips with this in some way shape or form. Then again, those Matari seem to be making some headway with it, so maybe freedom in place is viable universally. I just think that it would take a big commitment on the Empire's part in terms of political and economic structures to make it meaningful.

I dunno, I'm rambling. It's a big problem and I tend to think that I know more than I do, especially once I start gulping down these cocktails without eating any dinner. This is a great discussion though. Who knew that asking a question in a fit of self-righteousness could turn out so well?

And I think this:

should totally be your new slogan. It's quite true

I think I can live with the idea of people who practice the Amarr faith being a part of Minmatar society.

If, and only if, the mainstream of the faith gives up on the idea that locking potential converts away from any alternative views is a valid way of evangelising. It isn't, it's just a brainwashing technique. If a philosophy or way of life can't convince people to stick with it when alternatives are available and properly understood then it's not worth the time taken to learn about it.

I agree that Republic might not be the most accurate description of the current Minmatar polity. But it's a known brand name so I can't see why we should waste a lot of money changing the names on the letterheads and uniforms.

I was less than thrilled by the way the current regime took power. But I do feel the council is a good thing, and that a great deal of recognition is due for bringing the last two tribes back to us, and for strengthening ties with the Thukker.

On the other hand, whoever has been advising the council on diplomacy with the Federation is an idiot. At least if the fights in Colelie are anything to go by.

Stupid, hotheaded, and we got exactly what we wanted while still retaining our allies in the long run...

Colelie was success in my book.

I think the alliance needed a bit of tension to remind both parties that we are our own sovereign entities with sometimes very different values.

My wife fought in that battle and has struggled with the losses, but I couldn't be prouder of her for being there and fighting for what is right. A few dreadnaughts is actually a cheap price to pay to assuage the collective grief of Trillions.

The Colelie Incident achieved absolutely nothing but disgracing Karin Midular's memory.