Fwurg

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"Fellow Senators, I wish to bring a recent item of news to the attention of the Senate.

Apparently, former Senator Lonco Morubixaba has challenged Senator Cabew Illix of Skuldda, and I quote 'to a race, with the position of Senator being placed in the balance'."

The senator paused, but it was clear he was upset about this.

"I have great respect for the Skulddaran's and their culture, but I must say that this is going too far! The position of senator is not one to be tossed in as a prize up for grabs to all comers!

This kind of thing reflects on all senators. If people think we earned our positions through trivial rivalry such as who can race a hovercar the fastest, who can scream the hardest or who can pay for the most expensive outfits, nobody will take our positions or the work we do seriously.

The senate is a place for our top politicians to work together to secure the future of the Union. I ask the Chancellor and her cabinet take action against this sillyness at once, before everyone thinks the senate is a collection of loud-mouthed, overdressed joyriders!"

[Maria Latharion]

"I agree with Senator Bolv'ar's opinion.
A senator is a representative of there faction and people and, while something like this might be a part of Skulddaran culture, it is not an apropriate way to choose a senator."

calmly she looks to her fellow senators

"Just as Senator Bolv'ar I respect the Skulddaren people's ways, but this impacts more than just the High Chiefdom of Skuldda.
If former Senator Lonco Morubixaba truely believes that he is a victim in all this I advise him to let a nuetral party investigate the previous investagation and trail.

That being sayd I urge Senator Balv'ar to calm down, the people aren't stupid they know the actions of one don't reflect on the whole group."

pausing for a moment she inhales deeply before speaking

"Further more regarding the neutral party I refered to earlier, from all I have heard about them, might this be a suitable task for the Jedi?
If I stepped out of line with this suggestion, or have missinterpreted information in that this matter falls intirely outside matters calling for Jedi, I apoligise."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"We of the Teprogrenaian Consensus are of opinion that if this is the way the people of Skuldda like to elect their senator, then so be it. However we will not recognize Former Senator Lonco Morubixaba as senator, whether he will win or not. This because as a senator he should obey the laws of the Union, as he wish to be part of it. Clearly he did not do this and nothing indicates he will in the future. The worst part is he did not only endanger himself in his actions, but also the other people in traffic. We of the Teprogrenaian Consensus can not approve this kind of reckless behaviour and if this is representative for the faction, we even doubt they should be part of the Union. However not all of Skuldda is as dangerous for innocent people, as far I can tell Senator Cabew Illix has obeyed the law for thus far.

If by all means another civilian of the High Chiefdom of Skuldda wish to challenge Senator Cabew Illix, and the vast majority of Skuldda does agree with this way of electing a representative, we are willingly to recognize the winner provided that both race cars are the same, same type and same speed. Also must any kind of sabotage be forbidden. The race may save within reason. The track must be save, weapons of any kind must not be allowed and the vehicles must be in good condition. To achieve this the race must be supervised by a third independent party. The Jedi are welcome to do so, but any observation team is fitting for this task.

Although this kind of behaviour can be reflected in a negative way upon us as senators, we believe citizens are clever enough to understand this is they way the people of the High Chiefdom of Skuldda wish to represent themselves. When citizen fail to see this, their leaders are supposed to make them see."

[Nehket Aeka]

After hearing the opinion of some of her fellow senators, senator Nehket Aeka claimed the floor.

"Fellow Senators, let me start by pointing out that the position of Skulddaran senator is not 'tossed in as a prize up for grabs to all comers'. I have been told that a race is a time-honoured tradition in Skulddaran culture, and that it has seen use as a way to settle disputes before.

I do agree with senator Bolv'ar that such an event reflects on all senators. And I agree that it would not do to project the image that the position of senator can be gained, as senator Bolv'ar so aptly put it, through trivial rivalry such as who can race a hovercar the fastest, who can scream the hardest or who can pay for the most expensive outfits.

However, It seems odd to me that this specific instance of such a process of selection is being questioned. A fair number of my fellow senators has been elected as senator by popular vote! To me, such a contest of popularity isn't far removed from trivial rivalry, yet I have not seen reason to denounce these practices.

The Union was founded on the principles of cooperation and freedom of culture. This is an internal Skulddaran matter: one Skulddaran citizen has challenged another to settle an internal dispute. Let them settle their dispute in a way that satisfies their cultural believes and values.

Thank you."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"The Praetorian Empire respects the Skulddaran culture. I must agree with Senator Nehket Aeka that elections always have some kind of contest and rivalry. They should settle this dispute on their home planet. Unity is not the place for racing. "

[Senator Gregory Konev]

"The Unified Republic of Darya agrees that this is an internal matter for the High Chiefdom of Skuldda and if this is the correct way to settle manners in there culture we will not stand in there way of handling matters. If the winner of this contest is ratified by the Skuldarian government we have no problem with it.
We do how ever frown upon hobbies of any person that endangers the general public."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

The chancellor had notably remained quiet on this topic. She was determined not to touch it with a 50 foot lightsaber if she could avoid it in any way.

[Former Senator Cabew Illix of Skuldda]

"Senator Bolv'ar, I am disappointed in the lack of respect you show for our culture! It is our sovereign right to select our Senator as we see..." suddenly the senator was interrupted.

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

"I take deep offence at the notion by Senator Aeka that the democratic process is suggested to be a popularity contest!" senator Afra, clearly angry, interjected in the middle of Senator Cabew's talk.

"For an elected minister to show such disdain for the democratic process is outrageous! I demand she makes a public apology to the people of the Union or steps down from her position as Minister!"

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

" Excuse me Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès, "

the Lady de Montrève interjected, while taking care the pronounce the name with a tone of exasperation, after the senator had finished her speech,

" But you will have to wait your turn as the honored Senator Cabew Illix of Skullda had the floor. Therefore the Sundarian Federation will disregard your ridiculous accusation and we advise the other members of the senate to recognize proper order and disregard the statements of Senator Vanlind. "

She then nodded to Senator Illix of Skullda as she withdrew and said " Senator Cabew Illix of Skullda, please continue.. "

[Senator Harek]

“Elections can be hold by letting the public or senate vote. Democracy can be intergrated in various ways so you need to make distinctions between them.

The point is that each culture can have its on method of selecting a senator. The skills to select can vary, however this person should have basic skills in discussing and negotiations as to be able to perform the tasks of senator.

Towards the matter of the discredit of ex-senator Lonco Morubixaba I do not know what has happened and an investigation would be appropriate. However a senator should have respect for rules and regulations as he also represents them.

Senator Cabew Illix of Skuldda if you would please continue your speech before we move onto the other matter.”

Senator Harek looks with the last towards Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès as to see that all things are discussed but with respect towards each other so that everyone can have his/her turn.

((OOC: See that I took to much time writing this and Lady Peinaili de Montreve was faster. Need help to find solution.))

[Mercury]

((OOC: I don't think a solution is necessary - both senators seem to agree that Senator Afra should wait her turn and say so.))

[Senator Jothe Sias]

"We of the Limëan Republic would of course never take part in such a 'bet' for senatorship, for it is forbidden by our laws. However, we do not condemn the way of the people of Skuldda.

First of all, we know it is not our place to judge the intern politics of another planet. But besides that, we can also see the benefits of electing a person by a contest of speed, since we can see how aspects of a good racer can be important for being a senator, if only for a certain perspective of what is a good politician.

For one instance a good driver has to be able to swiftly estimate contingencies and has to be able to make quick decisions. We can imagine how these skills can be in handy for a senator.

Besides that, a racer often has to take risks to reach the first place of the contest. To be able to reach certain goals as a politician, one sometimes also has to take risks.

Although these perspectives of a good politician are not in accordance with our own visions, we can understand the choice for a race to determine the senator."

[Nehket Aeka]

"Fellow senators!", was loudly heared coming from senator Nehket Aeka as she stood up, clearly unamused by the ensuing chaos.

She looked around, and stopped her gaze on senator Jothe Sias.

"I think that, after senator Jothe Sias untimely interjection, we should let senator Cabew Illix of Skuldda have the floor. When he has finished his so rudely interrupted statement, I will give a reply to senator Afra Mesti Vanlind's emotional outburst."

The tone with which the words 'emotional outburst' were said clearly spoke of the veolian senator's disapproval of such behaviour.

"Please, senator Cabew Illix, you have the floor."

[Former Senator Cabew Illix of Skuldda]

"As I was trying to say...

It is our sovereign right to select our Senator as we see fit. We believe that a race is the best way to determine who should plot our course as it shows the vision, judgement and control of the driver.

However, I most certainly understand Senator Bolv'ar's concerns: after all, former senator Lonco has shown that his vision is blurry, his judgement impaired and his control lapsing and if he returns as senator, the people might indeed be upset as Senator Bolv'ar rightfully suggests.

Since my current position has not presented any problems so far, I must presume that Senator Bolv'ar actually has no problem with me being Senator for Skuldda, he merely objects to a process that might see former senator Lonco return.

Let me therefore reassure him that once I have won the race, the senate can go back to normal and the people will soon forget about Former Senator Lonco and the problems he has caused."

He spoke with confidence and certainty, as if he had already won and the actual race was merely a formality.

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"It is unfortunate that the Chancellor is unwilling to take action to protect the integrity of the title of Senator. Is she counting on her title as Chancellor to make her immune to the reputation attached to the lower Senatorial title? It makes one wonder..."

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

"I agree with Senator Bolv'ar! The Chancellor makes a mockery of the senate!

And she is not the only one in the cabinet to show she has no respect for the Union's leadership and its democratic process. I want to paraphrase Minister Nehket Aeka again as she stated she feels that the entire electoral process is nothing but a popularity contest.

It seems to me the reason the Chancellor and her ministers do not feel the need to respond to this act of ridicule towards the senate is that they feel the entire Union is a laughable matter to begin with!

I demand this issue be addressed immediately with a public apology or a resignation!"

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"I believe you are twisting my words there somewhat..." the senator protested as Senator Afra took his protest and ran off with it.

[Senator Danar Tassar]

Senator Danar Tassar looked a moment to Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès, pondering what to do with her and her statement. Clearly Senator Afra had something in the definition of 'democratic' misunderstood, but he had troubles finding which part that had to be. He decided that maybe it was better to ignore her for the moment.

Then he turned to the rest of the senate: "Although we still do not agree with the way the people of Skulda choose their representative, we do see now this is what they want. Therefore we will allow the race. However," and he put special emphasis on that word, "we keep our point that the race should be a fair race, a display of cunning and skill, and not a thing were the ridgiest person with the most allies to back stab the other will win. Also, we will still not see Lonco Morubixaba as senator, and therefore as participant in the race. Just to say it again: A senator is a role model in the society, and therefore he or she should live by the laws of this society. If he does not like it, he should have made a proposition to change them. Putting other civilians in danger is even worse and nobody should have respect for such a man, trying to call himself 'representative of the people.' How can the people have faith in the senate if the senators putting their own people in danger, for fun?"

[Senator Jothe Sias]

"Dear Chancellor", senator Saron Itho reacted, "I have a few questions for my dear colleague-senator Tassar.

Firstly, the Teprogrenaian Consensus only just joined the union as a minor world, but already allows other members to choose their own manner of electing their representatives? Not only that, but the Consensus also has demands on how they should do this! Of course the Consensus is free to enrich us with their much valued opinion on the matter at hand, but is it not a little bit excessive to decide what is allowed and what is not?

Furthermore, I personally do not understand how the length or tenderness of a person is an advantage for reaching high positions. Maybe the kind senator can explain this to me?

Next to that, a lot of democratically elected politicians do have a lot of 'allies to back stab the other'. I would therefore ask the dear senator of this as a separate issue.

Finally, I would like to ask the question how 'what they want' is a reason to 'allow the race'.

Of course these questions are merely originated from a lack of understanding of my part and the kind senator intended his statement otherwise than perceived by me, but I would deeply appreciate it if the senator would elucidate his statement."

((OOC: Of course the "length or tenderness" is a little bit silly, but it has to be said that "were the ridgiest" is not very good english. It would be deeply appreciated if people would read their posts more carefully before posting it, because it would make them a lot more readable.))

[Nehket Aeka]

"Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind, please allow me to commend you on your knack to twist the words of others, and to set right some of the things you might have misheard.", senator Nehket Aeka said calmly but clearly.

"It seems that you have misunderstood my phrasing on the process of selection of one's senator. It is my opinion that, only for the electoral process for a faction's senator, a popular vote is not far removed from trivial rivalry. The operative word here is 'popular'.

It has been my experience that the populace at large has little interest in politics, and as such does not find it necessary to seek education on the topic. Because of this, a large share of the popular votes I have witnessed degraded into a popularity contest in which the candidates tried to gain favour with emotional outbursts and outrageous claims, losing their veneer of civility along the way."

"However, within the Senate there is an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual interest. In such an environment, the democratic process comes to fruition. As senators it is our task to select those most capable and push them up to the heights of leadership. We do this by discussion, research and dedication. We, as senators, are interested in facts, the underlying processes and politics, and by investing our time in such an endeavour we ensure that our Union thrives and is led by those best fit to lead."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

People who had any knowledge about teprogrenaian physiologie could see that senator Tassar was rather confused by Jothe Sias. People without that knowlegde could probably see it as well, as senator Tassar was quite confused.

While senator Jothe Sias was speaking, Tassar quickly tabbed a few things on his holo pad, ordering a simple search. When Jothe Sias was finished speaking Tassar did not know whether to answer or not. He was familiar with the way of speaking via the chairman, but here nobody did, so the senator of the Limëan Republic clearly asked the chancellor the question. However the last question was directly turned to him, which is strange, as Jothe Sias was speaking to the chancellor.

He whispered something with his aid and then decided to wait politely for the chancellor to answer, as the first questions were asked to her.

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

Seeing she couldn't avoid the issue any longer, the Chancellor stepped up.

"I am not going to dignify the slanderous and obviously false accusations of Senator Afra with an answer.

However we may feel about it, under the current law, it is the sovereign right of members to select their senators as they please, and they are not limited to selecting candidates which are of good moral standing.

That being said, perhaps it is time to consider if this law should be changed. I am curious to hear how various representatives would word such a law, taking into account the cultural diversity of the Union."

She hadn't technically addressed the question that had been asked of her, but felt this should give some more structure to the debate regardless.

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"It makes me think, a senator is the representative of his people, and therefore it is required he has the voice of his people. By changing the law in such a way that the senator of a faction can not be chosen in the way their people like to be represented, the fellow senator can not do his job: representing his people." Tassar looked at senator Jothe Sias with his last words, as this was his explanation for his statement.

"Also, how else does a senator has to be chosen? As senator Nehket Aeka said in a jocular way: A popularity contest is not necessarily better. We think the best other way to elect a representative is by an selection of skill, but then the obvious question will be how to measures this skill in an objective manner? There are a lot of different cultures, and every culture demands a different approach to be both a skilful diplomat and to represent its people.

We do suggest however to change the law in at least such a way that people who has shown to have no regard for themselves and other peoples safety are not allowed to be senator or representative. "

[Nehket Aeka]

"I assure you, Senator Danar Tassar, there is nothing jocular or humorous about my opinion. I think the selection of one's senator is a very serious process, which deserves to be treated as such."