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Security or autonomy, which would you prefer?

Congress is a game mechanic because it symbolizes democracy in the game the way the first world regularly has a democratic option in RL. Congress, Parliament, Daíl, Knesset; call it what you want, but it has always represented the power of the people to effect change. A military is not a game mechanic because it leaves a government open to forge its own path with regards to tax methods and organized conflict.

Now that I've set the tone, I'd like to first remind people that I study people. I don't do it for a job, it's just a little hobby of mine where I try to watch the actions of people. I've always been told that people have two ears and one mouth because they should be listening more often than they talk. Be that as it may, I find people interesting. Maybe I should have been a p-sychiatrist.


Me, a p-sychiatrist? Another life, perhaps.

The biggest claim in the issue of the eUS Congress and the JCS-led Military is not that congress should have power, but that certain individuals in congress should not dictate the will of the people through powerplaying. The unfortunate fact of the matter in this argument, however, is that they too were elected; perhaps not without the same hook/crook methods that are being claimed, but they are elected and have rights in game to effect the changes they see fit. If players don't like it, they're free to band together and return the favor: Fight fire with fire, elect people you know to do what you want them to do.

Likewise, just as the congress has the right to use national funding in any way it chooses (JCS-led Military, SecDef-led Military, Militias; pick a direction, they all do damage), that same military discussed before also has a right to declare itself a non-entity of the eUS government. There is no one sitting beside of these players, holding a gun to their head, dictating that they follow the orders of a President, a Secretary of Defense, a CJCS, a branch commander, or even a platoon officer. If there is, this ongoing debate is the least of your problems... but I digress. Players who choose not to throw money at this game on a regular basis have to submit some level of free will to another in order to have an even playing field. Communing helps a lot, it covers many of the necessities... but funding is a luxury that is far-too-often taken for granted. It could easily be the difference between a million damage and two million damage. Don't get me wrong, however... there will be damage no matter how you slice it.


Declaring both sides have merit? Ha! Clever, but not clever enough.

Finally, an official military -- when sponsored by the government of the eUS -- has to submit some level of free will to the President in this government for no other reason than because the Congress of this government told them so. Congress sets the rules for funding, and with regard to funding, they will get what they pay for. The penalties for failing to give them that satisfaction aren't terribly harsh though. There's no imprisonment, nor are players being forced to do something against their will. If anything, the call for players to stay loyal to the chain of command requested by congress is more a bribe than a penalty: Do what we ask, you get somewhere in the neighborhood of 70% of our entire national budget.

With regard to the hottest debate of the past week regarding a JCS-led military, I will say I am proud of those who took a stand. You can lift your head high in the comfort that you are privileged to be led by some of the greatest players in this game. I have called many of them friends for a long time, and they work tirelessly to ensure that everyone is prepared for the task ahead and given a direction that ensures they are fighting for the good of America. Not sure who I'm talking about? Neither am I, both groups have a lot of pretty awesome people. Frankly, the discussion will go on for weeks, perhaps months as it will linger in the minds of eAmerican players both young and old; the debate, however, is at an end. A JCS-led Military and eUS Government have officially parted ways, and in the end... both continue on.


A new day... just however did we survive?

I will conclude with a question, but first know this: Neither side wants the eUS to fail. The JCS desires success because failure is a blow to their pride, the government desires success out of self-perpetuation. Both sides will regularly have the same orders and will function in the same way, but in the end, the only real difference will be the name of the players giving the orders.


The lady knows what she wants.

Oh yes, that question. Do you seek the security of a government fueling your efforts, boosting your chances to succeed... or do you seek the autonomy to pave your own destiny and, succeed or no, smile knowing you gave your all?

With love,
D