Fwurg

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

"Fellow senators,

Core Worlds shoulder an immense responsibility, and are commensurately held accountable when things go awry. But for all this responsibility, they are granted not a single benefit.

It is no surprise that we found ourselves without enthusiastic candidates for the past few elections. There is simply no reason to run for office -- there is always the risk of a damaged reputation because unforeseen circumstances force you to take unpopular measures, while at the same time the Inner Worlds have the final say on the direction of the Union.

At this moment, Core Worlds do not have a vote in basic votes.

In theory, this is a good thing. In theory Core Worlds propose law changes, and Inner Worlds vote on them. In practice, the Senate demands that all law changes are discussed before hand. To the point that there is talk of motions of sadness, or even a motion of no confidence if the Core Worlds do not first discuss their plans!

Because of this development, I do not think that it is fair to the Core Worlds that they have not vote.

I suggest that a good second step is to change the voting law to allow Core Worlds a vote on basic votes. This will not make up for the increased responsibilities, but will at least allow Core Worlds to vote for the laws that they themselves will be bound by in the future."

She looks around the senate, and smilingly adds:

"Of course, before I open a vote on this, I am opening this idea to the senate for discussion."

[Atheos]

"I believe that is good that laws are discussed in the senate before being voted upon, it allows for senators to share their concerns about laws and helps avoid major roadblocks, enabling a more efficient legislative process.

At the same time, I agree with Chancellor Dewa Lanadi that this means we now have the opportunity to increase the auspiciousness of the office of the cabinet, and this also is a good thing. I say this not just as a member of a cabinet, but also as a person in favour of the prosperity of the union."

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

"I can see why the Chancellor feels that this is necessary but I do not believe that it is beneficial to the Inner Worlds to accept this proposal. Suppose we were to grant this request, what do we, as the Senate, get in return?"

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

"Senators,"

"The senator of Komès raises an interesting point. She states that it is not beneficial to the Inner Worlds to accept this proposal, and asks what the senate gets in return..."

Chancellor Dewa waits for a moment, to make sure that everyone focusses on the argument just made by senator Afra Mesti Vanlind.

"Her conceptualisation of the Union as consisting of two groups, the Core Worlds and the Inner Worlds, easily leads to this question. In this opposing forces conceptualisation, clearly, it is bad for the Inner Worlds to grant the Core Worlds something beyond what they have. After all, aren't the Core Worlds always the same few worlds, democratically elected to look out for their own interests?

I strongly disagree with the idea that the Union consists of two opposing forces!"

The chancellor's tone made it clear that she cared for this matter. Her tone might even hint at anger.

"This is not a question of the Core Worlds demanding more influence, and having to somehow pay off the Senate to get it. That is not how the Union is supposed to work! The Senate is formed by delegates from all members. This is not a matter of the Cabinet versus the Senate. This is not a matter of gains and compensations.

This is a matter of responsibility and respect.

We can not, as members of the Senate, expect another world to stand up and shoulder the work of leading the Union if we do not respect their capabilities. Why should we immediately assume that they will not take the responsibility of leading without undue self-interest?

It is exactly this "us versus them" attitude that has led us to our current situation."

She pauses a moment, to collect herself after replying in an unusual display of emotion.


"To answer your question, senator: the Senate gets to elect leaders that volunteered for the position with enthusiasm. Leaders that proudly represent the Union in her affairs, while at the same representing their people in the Senate."

[Chancellor Dewa Lanadi]

"Are there any other questions?

If there are no further questions, I shall open a vote on this matter within the week."

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

"Thank you for elaborating on your, and I assume the Cabinet's, position Chancellor. You shall enjoy my support for this matter."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"Back in the days of my Chancellorship, the Core Worlds of the time made an effort to aid the Inner Worlds, especially new ones, in the spirit of cooperation. I believe that spirit of cooperation would be preserved in this proposal.

One concern of the Core World gaining too much power with this move is countered by the alterations to the structure of the Ministry of Justice. The new structure could allow for checks and balances to remain, even with the rebalanced voting laws."