Intergalactic Summit

I would find it hard to believe that a "relativist" (ie. a thoughtful mind) would consider two cultural constructs -- nations, imagined communities -- as being of equal value. After all, isn't that what relativism is?

While I find Col. Nardieu's statements to be xenophobic and repugnant in the extreme, I don't think there is any doubt that contact with the Gallente helped improve Caldari civilsation, at least at the beginning.

Unfortunately, I have subsequently come to doubt that either race is civilised at all.

It takes an open mind to find common ground with people who originate from a foreign civilization with vastly different ideals than our own. For us to mutually co-exist, a minimal level of understanding for those differences has to be achieved for a lasting peace to endure. Understanding the underpinnings of Amarrian society doesn't mean we share its ideals, or even agree with their practices, it means we are mature enough to respect one another's boundaries to avert open bloodshed. It's called compromise, and it's been the tool of rational people against combative ultra-nationalists for centuries.

While there's no doubt that the Federation and Gallentean culture has much to offer the people of New Eden, it would be folly to pretend that it's without its blemishes. In addition to the three century long conflict against the State, which unfortunately continues to this day, the ever-increasing population of the homeless continues to pervade our society, while matters of national security frequently trample our basic human rights as free people. It is a bleak day for all humanity, when televised executions in front of live audiences are encouraged by the government and applauded by the masses. Is this the vision we wish to share with the remainder of New Eden?

I would hope not.

As founding member and leader of the Progressive Reformist Party, I find your rhetoric both disconcerting and horrendously narrow-minded. Presenting a false-dichotomy of supporting open violence with the Amarr Empire (beyond militas) or supporting slavery and tyranny by maintaining peace with them, is such an absurd over-simplification of the issue that I have to question your general understanding of interstellar politics. I strongly suggest that the Social Democratic Party refuse to play into cheap politics of this kind and maintain their dignity by not responding to this skullduggery.

xoxo

First, the caldari civilisation was definently NOT helped by contact with the federation. infact we had a war about it. Second, did democracy REALLY help the minmatar? there own culture is to different to federation culture that democracy was never going to work with them. They are only now realising it and getting back onto their feet.

Well the Federation did give the Caldari great practice at wide scale subterfuge, treachery and the use self-victimization to justify just about anything. I'd say it helped quite a bit.

Perhaps true. Certainly pointless. The real meat of the issue is, what are you going to do with your newfound cultural superiority?

Although I agree with Mr Nardieu's sentiment that not all cultures are equal, I do so only with the stipulation that this is a purely subjective and individual assessment. It is a core failure in the Federal senate, that cultural diversity be pursued at the same time as a clearly imperialistic social and economic model.

The superiority-complex at the heart of the Federation has no better voice than the clear, concise and refreshingly honest views expressed by the good Mr Nardieu. It is to be expected and even applauded that any nation would wish to put itself above it's ideological and territorial rivals, always at the expense of those outside of it's borders and frequently at the expense of those 'outsiders' within it's borders.

The problem, however, lies in the fact that the Federation has always used a much more subtle population control policy of apparently inclusive cultural policies that rarely run deeper than the skin in minority provinces and solar systems. The encouragement of global educational policies and a heavy emphasis on revisionist history is most apparent in current educational reforms regarding the Cal-Gal separatist war in even the most esteemed of academic institutions. As capsuleers we are freed from the majority of such retrospective manipulation, but we lack the means by which to counter-act such perversions of historical integrity. This is not to say that the Federation is the only culprit, but it is certainly the most duplicitous of the nations with regards to saying one thing while enacting policy counter to such noble words.

I, as an individual and knowing that I have no political sway in such matters, would posit that should Mr Nardieu's views become the mainstream policy of the Senate, the Federation would become a much more respectable entity for it's honesty, should it allow it's client populations such as the Intaki, Jin-Mei and Mannar the option of secession and the adoption of a trade partnership instead of the current policy of long-term social erosion that is so clearly the core purpose of the Federal government. Any other result would merely maintain the status quo of speak nobly but act covertly, or confirm the imperial ideals at the heart of this well-meaning but ultimately corrupt institution.

M. Airaken,

Given recent events, your statement causes concern. I hope that you appreciate that Col. Nardieu represents only the views of the FNP, and not the general views of Federal Consensus Outreach.

Any concerns or opinions you have with his politics, we at FCO encourage you to address Col. Nardieu directly, and hopefully peacefully.



M. Inhonores makes a number of excellent points. Our society is not well suited to authoritarian or militaristic regimes - indeed we are often at a loss when things become static. We thrive on change, and hence encourage other civilizations to enjoy that change as well.

K. Robspierre

I think Mr Nardieu might be surprised the day when the Federation will actually absorb other cultures (or just "touch" them to use the same words) and "improve" them, if such thing is even possible. Much like it is currently the case with the important minmatar native immigrants and citizens that live in the Federation - and have been constantly harassed by Mr Nardieu predecessors in the past.

What people fail to understand is that even a rigid and strict entity such as the Amarr Empire always ends up changed by the assimilation of another culture. Which might not be to the taste of the Federal Nationalist Party.

Kaleigh,

I feel like the FCO could use a balanced and reasonable individual yourself to counter the voice of the Nationalists, if the organisation is to be a voice for what is good about the Federation.