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| May 1 2007, 6:45 PM EDT (current) | OctagonandCrown | 1 photo added, 1 photo deleted |
| Apr 21 2007, 5:19 AM EDT | OctagonandCrown | 3 words added |
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Hooligan Takes Oath and Appoints Cabinet
By C.M. Siervicul and Vitz AçafatGuest Reporter Editor
20 April 2007
The Octagon & Crown are proud to present this first person account by C.M Siervicul of the recent swearing in of Domnul Mà la Mhà, Barôn Tepistà (Lord Hooligan) as the new Seneshal, or Prime Minister, of the Kingdom of Talossa:
"Lord Hooligan was sworn in at "Rock Bottom," a Denver-area bar, at shortly after noon (local time) today (19 April). His Majesty King John, CRO leader X. Pôl Brigâ, and Defense Minister/Squirrel King of Arms Sir Trotxâ Betiñéir [were present]. Prime Ministers of the Kingdom are traditionally sworn in in the presence of "The Loom of Language," so King John brought his copy of that historic book. I participated telephonically and administered the oath as a justice of the Uppermost Cort. Lord Hooligan recited the oath of office in the Talossan language, rather than wimping out by taking the Organic option of simply responding to the oath with the word "üc" ("yes").
The Seneschál's oath of office, from Article XI, Section 3 of the Organic Law, is as follows: "Eu afirm, solenâmînt, që eu, [nôminâ], cün fidálità, rompliarhéu l'ôifisch da Sieu Maxhestà së Seneschál del Regipäts Talossán, és zefençarhéu, àl miglhôr da v'aválità, la sigürità del Estat Talossán. Så viva el Regeu!" (Translation: I do solemnly affirm that I, [name], will faithfully execute the office of His Majesty's First Minister of the Kingdom of Talossa, and will to the best of my ability defend the integrity of the Talossan State. Long live the King!) "
Besides attending important ceremonies of state, Lord Hooligan has also made a raft of appointments to the cabinet and officers of the royal household. The following list was up to date at the time of publication:
Minister of Culture - Capitán Nicolâ Casálmac'h
Defence Minister - Sir Trotxâ Betiñéir, UrN
Minister of Finance - Ián Danôis
Foreign Minister - Polly Holdorf
Home Minister - Don Deutschmann
Immigration Minister - Viteu Toctviac'htéir
Attorney-General - Prince Patrick
Minister of Stuff - Alexander Davis
Secretary of State - Mick Preston
Scribe of Abbavilla - Olaf Brainerd
Royal Archivist - Matáiwos Nanamavéu
RUMP Wins Whirlwind Election
By Matáiwos Nanamavéu
Senior Kingdom Reporter
20 April 2007
It's official! The Restore & Uphold the Monarchy party (RUMP) are the winners of the Spring general election in Talossa, securing 134 of a possible 200 seats. Party leaders referred to the poll as "Fair and Open," and were grateful and full of praise for the Deputy Secretary of State, S:reu Mick Preston, for his professionalism, organisation, and attention to detail.
Lord Hooligan, the RUMP leader, in a statement promised to form an "active and involved government for Talossa, which will strive to fulfil the promises it may to the people before the election and to which the voters allowed them the opportunity to fill by giving the RUMP, their Valuable Vote." Hooligan continued, saying, "The RUMP Promises to fulfil not only these promises but more positive and constructive projects in its term in office."
Previously the RUMP had been the largest opposition party, and now must adjust to a new role on the government side of the aisle. They will be facing opposition benches composed of newcomers to the Cosâ: the Defenders of the Throne party (DOTT) and the Cézembre Reunification Organization (CRO). These two parties both began the election as organisations with one member each, but surprised all observers by attracting enough votes to be a viable opposition presence. This was despite the worries of voter fatigue after two elections back to back. Forty-eight of a possible eighty-five ballots were cast.
The Octagon & Crown has received exclusive statements from the minority party leaders. CRO leader, X. Pôl Brigâ, said his party had engaged in very little electioneering,in order to allow voters to decided for themselves whom to vote for without pressure from the parties. He stated that he was happy with the election, but stressed that it should have been clearer that voters "can vote for a different party on both national and provincial level" rather than vote for the same party across the board. S:reu Briga, who's party secured 25 seats in this election, hinted of a possible coalition with the DOTT in order to form a strong "buffer" to the RUMP. Despite being in opposition, the CRO remains committed to its agenda, including "connecting" citizens from both the Republic and the Kingdom to work side by side to form a common Talossa.
Also sharing the opposition benches, Count Danihél Lauriéir said he has some regrets about the election. It was held during a time when he was busy with personal affairs and could not dedicate as much time as he would have preferred.. He promised that his party will uses its 32 seats to form a good strong, opposition to the new government. He also told the O&C that he was considering a proposal to merge the CRO and DOTT to form a new party. The DOTT leader further speculated that there may soon be some defections from the RUMP, sighting the controversy over the 'hereditary' nature of the monarchy is causing a split among their diverse membership. Whether or not it is strengthened by defections, the DOTT looks forward to being an active opposition.
This is the last of a long series of elections for the Talossan people. The voters have had some trying times and they now look forward to a bright future under the leadership of a new king, a new government and soon a new prime minister .
Defenders of the Throne Mount Election Surge
By Matáiwos Nanamavéu, Gödafrïeu Válcadác’h, and Vitz Açafat
9 April 2007
In what has been so far an election full of twists, few commentators could have foreseen the tiny Defenders of the Throne party (DOTT) notching up 7 votes in the final days of polling. This vote tally lands the DOTT 37 Cosa seats. The recently nationally organised Cézembre Reunification Organisation has received 2 votes give them 7 seats. Together these two one-man parties are beginning to put the favoured Restore and Uphold the Monarchy party (RUMP) under pressure. These new votes mean the RUMP loses the Maritiimi-Maxhestic province, which was a former stronghold of the recently disbanded Conservative Loyalist party (CLP) to the DOTT. After the disbanding of the CLP, the RUMP had hoped to gain an iron hand in each province.
DOTT leader, and long-time Talossan citizen, Danihél Lauriéir, speaking exclusively to the O&C, speculated on his party's recent success: "Well, it's simple: we started to campaign finally, and I think Talossans appreciate having an alternative party in the mix. We're still the underdogs in this race. And there's still a very real danger of having one party dominate the Kingdom's politics. Patriotic Talossans need to vote--and they need to vote for the Defenders of the Throne because a strong opposition party makes for a stronger Kingdom."
Lauriéir can take pride in his recent 'guerrilla campaign' stunt, which is perhaps the first instance of off-line Talossan campaigning in Talossan territory for many months. Holding a campaign poster in front of the Marcicopian watering hole sharing the name of a prominent Talossan citizen, Lauriér posed for a photograph (shown above) posted on the Royalist Wittenberg on 07 April. This was the first publicly shown photograph of the normally camera-shy Lauriér in over ten years - a sure sign that he is intent on a strong showing for the DOTT in this election round.
What looked like a heavily one-sided victory for the RUMP is now in question. While the RUMP is safe in its majority, the strong showing for the less established DOTT and CRO indicates the Talossan people favour an active opposition in the incoming Cosâ. With every vote of critical importance, all parties will be pulling out the stops to get their voters to the polls before they close on 14 April.
College of Arms Reconvenes as King Appoints New Senators
By Matáiwos Nanamavéu
Senior Kingdom Reporter
7 April 2007
Senator Appointments:
HRH King John has recently appointed two new senators to fill the recently vacated seats in the Senate. The new senators will be HRH Prince Patrick Woolley, son of King John who will fill the Florenciâ seat. This seat had been vacated by his father King John on the resuming of the throne of the Kingdom. The other senator will be S:reu Nikü Spyropoulos, who will fill the Cézembre seat recently vacated by Mà la Mhà, Baron Hooligan. In his vacating speech, Baron Hooligan said the reason for his stepping down was because he had promised to turn his seat over to a citizen from Cézembre. The new senator would represent the province far better than he could.
The O&C wishes these new senators the very best and congratulates them on their recent appointments.
College of Arms Ends Recess:
After the abdication of HRH King Louis, the Squirrel King of Arms, Sir Trotxâ Betiñéir decided to call a recess on the College until a new King assumed the throne. An empty throne would mean there would be no king to issue royal grants of arms to those petition for them.
Last week, after the recent election of King John, the Sir Trotxâ called an end to the recess and a gathering of the heralds. Now all who wish to petition the College for Arms may do so and citizens of the Kingdom look forward to seeing the first grant of arms by their new sovereign.
Elections off to slow start
By Matáiwos Nanamavéu
Senior Kingdom Reporter
22 March 2007
Elections in the Kingdom of Talossa are underway, though only 12 out of a possible 84, (15%) of potential voters have cast their ballots in the first week of the elections. Turnout is down a staggering 83% for the same period in the last election. The reasons are unclear, but for the time being parties and their leaders are hoping for a sudden rush to the ballot boxes by Talossans in the coming weeks.
TheElection is being fought by the Partí për la Restoraziun és Pirneçaziun dal Monarc'hà ( The Restore and Uphold the Monarchy Party or RUMP), the newly founded Zefençadéirs del þroneu
(Defenders Of The Throne or DOTT) and the former provincial party, the Viensità Ciumisâ Cézembre (The Cézembre Reunification Organization or CRO ). Currently the RUMP would take 148 of the 200 seats in the Coša with the CRO winning 23 seats. The DOTT have yet to receive any votes. Pundits predict that the RUMP will win this election taking no less than 150 Cosa seats, while the other two parties will share between them less than 50 seats. The strong showing expected for the RUMP has triggered worries that Talossa has quickly become a one party state. It is thought that this will not benefit the Kingdom in the long term and citizens are bein encouraged to form new groupings or vote for the established minority parties.
The RUMP which as founded in late 2005 and headed by Mà la Mhà (Baron Hooligan) stands for 'the hereditary monarchy, an active, involved government, and the inherent value of the number 8.' Their programe calls for legislative organization, publicity, culture, privateers, a doubled navy, beer, justice, and more active citizens. The party strategy is to react to the current events that are occurring in Talossa as they have them, and to plan for the future of the Kingdom under its present system, a hereditary monarchy. The CRO, which was founded by Party Leader X. Pôl Brigâ just before the last election, supports "improved relations, constructive dialog, and eventual reunification of all people of Talossan and / or Berber heritage to live in harmony under a common language and flag as a single nation." Unlike other parties, the CRO focuses more on the eventual re-unification of the Republic and the Kingdom of Talossa to one single, co-operative nation.
The DOTT, led by Conta Danihél Lauriéir, seeks to establish a reformed system of monarchy.
Formed in the 'great debates' in late 2006, the DOTT advocates electing a new king or queen each time the throne becomes vachant. As the DOTT manifesto puts it, 'Blood isn't enough: character and accomplishment should count for something.'The election will continue until the 14th of April. Citizens are being asked to vote early so any discrepancies can be fixed before the election deadline.
King John, the New King of Talossa
-By Matáiwos Nanamavéu
Senior Kingdom Reporter
15 March 2007
'It has been nineteen months since a King of Talossa last spoke to the nation. Today that long silence comes to an end!' These were the words spoken by the new King of Talossa, King John, after the citizens of Talossa ratified 'An Act to Elect the King of Talossa.'
The Act, which was ratified when out of 83 eligible voters, 37 voted 'üc,' and only 6 'non' (King John and his son Prince Patrick both voted to 'austanéu') was not met with universal applause when it was first proposed by Lord Hooligan and other sponsors. Many Talossans felt that more time should been taken to carefully select a King and consider the possibility of changing the Powers of the King granted under the Organic Law. Dissenters also wished to consider electing each king following the death or abdication of a ruling monarch. However the citizens of Talossa ultimately adhered to the Organic Law, electing a constitutional, hereditary monarchy. It is hoped by many that now that a new king is named the issues which have divided the nation will be formally addressed.
King John has been a Talossan citizen since 2005. He had served as Secretary of State until the recent ratification vote was announced, and was widely considered the most able holder of that office in the history of the Kingdom. His Majesty has also previously served his people as a senator for his beloved home province of Florenciâ, as Chancellor of the Royal Talossan Bar, and as the first holder of the position of Blanc Wolf Herald in the College of Arms. King John was awarded the coveted Order of the Nation and was granted a knighthood in 2006.
In his speech today to the Nation from the throne, King John thanked the Citizens for "the trust you have shown me, the dignity to which you have raised me; and I pledge to you that I will do all in my power to prove worthy of that trust, and to bear with honour and good humour the burden the Talossan people have laid upon me." He continued "Yours will be my best efforts of industry, honesty, ingenuity, dedication, and prayer, to ensure (insofar as this changeful [sic] world allows for surety) that the Kingdom of Talossa may grow, prosper, and flourish for many years – for many generations – after I have gone to my reward."
King John also set out details of the new proposed Privy Council, "with whom he shall consult whenever possible on all matters of grave importance to the Kingdom, and whose duty shall be to offer the King the benefit of their individual and collective wisdom and advice." Those to be invited to join the council by the king include: Duke Ián von Metáiriâ, Count Danihél Lauriéir, and Baron Quedéir Castiglhâ.
The King's speech in full
CLP Disbands!
10 March 2007
A political earthquake hit the Kingdom today with the announcement that the Conservative
Loyalist Party will disband. The shocking announcement was made on the Royal Wittenburg by Quedéir Castiglhâ (Lord Q) today when he said, 'everyone should hear that the CLP as you have known it will no longer cease [sic] to function.' The reasons given were the ineligability of himself and Sir John Woolley to hold elected office, and the inactivity of other members. The CLP, having been the party of power since the abdication of Ben Madison (Robert I) from the Talossan throne, will leave a major political vaccum in the Regipäts just as it is entering a period of major transition. Sir John is expected to be ratified as the new King in the next few days, but it is now unclear which party will be forming his first government. In a related post, Sir Fritz, Talossan local resident and CLP activist, announced his retirement from active Talossan life. 'I will now become one of those "inactive" citizens that we all complain about,' he said, 'but I will never forget any of you, and I am a better person for having been involved in the great Kingdom of Talossa.' His reasons for this decision were not clear in the post, however he did make the comment, 'It is no secret that I disagree with a "hereditary" monarchy. It was my hope that we could become a different kind of monarchy, with Kings chosen by the people, not by chance. Well, that did not happen and I must bow to the will of the people.' Sir Fritz spoke glowingly of the accomplishments of the now former CLP. 'The CLP kept its word. Talossa really did become a constitutional monarchy, no more "pretend" elections, multiple office holding became a thing of the past. Without the CLP and these fine individuals I truly believe Talossa would not exist today.'
Sir John Woolley set to be elected King of Talossa
9 March 2007
After the Ziu passed An Act to Elect the King of Talossa in February, the Kingdom began a ratification on the proposed rule of Sir John Woolley, until recently a long serving Secretary of State, as the new Monarch of the Regipäts. So far out of 83 eligible voters, 35 have voted Üc, and only 6 Non (Sir John and his son have both voted to Austanéu). With only five days left in the election, and the incoming ballots having slowed down to a trickle, Sir John's elevation to Royalty seems certain.What is not so certain is how the novelty of electing their own head of state will effect the political landscape of the Kingdom. If Sir John is half as dedicated a king as his soon-to-be subjects hope he is, it will be many many years before the anyone gets to vote on such an issue again (if ever). After toppling two kings and electing a third within a year, it is unclear if the people of the Kingdom will be happy to give up their new found power.
Perhaps as a symptom of this 'people power' there have been several impassioned posts on the Royal Wittenburg' arguing for democratic elements to be incorporated into the royal succession plan. As Danihél Lauriéir recently stated in the Hopper, 'We've been unwilling to let anyone except those who have truly earned our respect and trust to rule as Kings.' Despite this sentiment, there is a general consensus that the Kingdom should remain a hereditary monarchy and not drift into an elected monarchy. How these two competing desires can be reconciled waits to be seen.
Despite the uncertainty of the new political frontiers within the Kingdom, Sir John will assume the throne with a clear mandate from his subjects. In a notably eloquent post during the debate his nomination to the sovereignty, Xhorxh Ûnamîd summed up the Kingdom's debt to the popular Secretary of State. 'Since King Ben's departure, Talossa has faced two really huge crises, and it's no exaggeration at all to say that Sir John was the most important factor in the Kingdom getting through both of them.''
