The Pickle Speaks

Day 2,161, 06:09 • Published in Switzerland Canada • by Thedillpickl



Hi kids!


Obligatory flags.

Off to work (again) but wanted to post the interview I gave to Ice Killa (Howly). I'll post a link to his article when I see it. Please vote it up as he is the one that did the work. This is just a copy of the convo on IRC that I cleaned up so that it is readable.

Enjoy. 🙂





Can you introduce yourself?

Hello, I'm Thedillpickl. I am a newer Swiss citizen. Originally I started playing almost three years ago as a US citizen. I was very involved in politics there but I became boring so me and several of my MU mates moved to Switzerland for a change. My MU, Pickle's Patriots has now completely moved here since the game mechanics have allowed this without changing citizenship. We are becoming very involved in Swiss politics and that brings us to why I am here talking to Howly.

Can you tell us more about eSwitzerland? How does yoru community work, what is the prime goal?

Well, I do not intend to give you state secrets! 🙂

😛

Seriously, we just want to build our community. When I arrived the Swiss forum was turned off and there was little activity. We began to get involved and now there is a core of people that would like to build. That requires simple things like a government and perhaps a region to call home.

Why do you think Slovenia is occupying Switzerland and how is the problem to be solved in your opinion?

I realize this is a touchy subject. I will be careful to use soft words. The Slovenian occupation is for two reason. First we have a couple of regions that benefit your bonus. Second I believe that it is a matter of Slovenian pride to dominate us. If it were possible to get past the "We are bigger than you so we will control you." then it would be easier to talk. Swiss have a perception of Slovenia as a bully that takes our regions like a schoolyard bully would take a sandwich. Both countries are taking this a bit too personal in my opinion. The simple fact is Slovenia is bigger, stronger and belongs to an alliance with more firepower.

Don't you think this unresolved status of Switzerland is the fault of both sides?

What do you mean by "unresolved" exactly?

no diplomatic solution to the conflict

Yes, the diplomacy does seem to fail us both. Like I mentioned, it is almost like two children pushing each other back and forth. Nothing will be resolved unless a more adult attitude can be taken. I am speaking with you today so that we can have a simple dialog to see if differences can be resolved. That may lead to some form of mutually satisfying agreement.

Is it possible to have a win-win situation? Meaning both sides benefit from the possible agreement that has been mentioned?

Of course. I understand that Switzerland comes with little bargaining power other that the fact that we can be a pain in the ass to Slovenia. Everyone knows that at present there is no chance that we could RW a region and hold it long.

Can you present your view on solving this problem?

We have to first recognize that each party has contested the sovereignty of Switzerland. I have heard the stories of how there are only two real life Swiss, one is eDead and the other two clicks in Croatia. lol I could be considered PTO but I am interested in helping those that are already in charge. There are very few real Swiss about. If the non Swiss left there would be no country. I consider this a mute point to contend.

The next step would be the basis that the recent NAP agreement addressed. Obviously it is to your advantage to have our two regions for your bonus. That brings us lastly to the compensation that would allow Swiss to hold the remaining two regions. Some Slovenians may say a ridiculous sum. Some Swiss may even say you should pay us. Both views are unrealistic. Some middle ground must be found that is sustainable by Swiss government to produce.

Would it be wrong to assume that having no mutual agreement hurts mostly Switzerland while Slovenia is not affected? We only lose some potential money compensation for not letting you have the 2 regions.

Really it is simple if you consider we recognize Slovenia is stronger and all we want is to have a congress. Not too much else to talk about but the money. Understand that I am by nature a protective and territorial person. I do not mean to be provocative when I say that I would make it my job to get in Slovenia's face at every opportunity. I was only one person fighting in the recent battle over Vorarlberg but I did invest in a considerable amount of EB's. I also have a few connections with US tanks that are personal friends. They can be counted on for some damage if they are free.

Please know I do not mean to threaten, merely point out the opportunity to cause trouble is there.

While it wouldn't be wrong to assume we are the moral losers in not wanting a deal that would mutually benefit both of the countries, right?

Well, the central issue to me is that, for the most part, all Switzerland wants to do is play the game. If an agreement is made that for the two regions we give some amount of compensation and do not attack or fight against Slovenia, in my opinion it is worth the cost. This would not make us friends per se but it would free up both parties to do other things. The RW war thing is boring and I've only been Swiss six months or so.

It must be mentioned that Slovenians are part of TWO, while you are part of CoT. How do you think that reflects our cooperation?

This is a bit past alliances. I would make no provision in the agreement to prevent either party from fighting for their alliance, just not directly against each other. The scary part for me is that Poland is all over to the north of Switzerland. I would assume they have bigger fish to fry and could not care less about wiping us. If people in either country have a problem with the alliances they are worrying about trivial things while playing a browser game. Get real, we are tired of the RW fighting and want something different.

Who do you lay your hopes on to bring change to the way things are being dealt nowadays?

To be honest I know little of Slovenian politics. I would hope the various factions there would see the benefits and cooperate to keep the peace. As far as Swiss I am cautious to say anything but will say this much, I intend to run for CP if for no other reason than to show how a CP should respond internationally. I do not mean to be arrogant. However I have done enough politics in eRep to understand that things are done a certain way. Haphazard actions, slow or missing communications and a cabinet that does their own thing are not acceptable. In short the BS will stop if I'm elected.

Would your country be willing to leave CoT if demanded so in peace terms and in return getting sovereignty?

Wow! Thats like asking if it would be alright to cut off my arms and legs in return for my life. To be plain that would be a deal breaker.

If peace talks fail, what would be the next step for you?

For me personally I'm a bit tired of it all. As long as my MU mates enjoy Switzerland I can hole up in the MU and do stuff. It is more difficult but not impossible to work with new players (which is really what I like to do).

anything else? you won't resist?

As for Switzerland I will be profoundly honest. They will likely continue to do the RW war, get wiped, pout, rinse, repeat. If the opportunity presents itself I would be in favor of wiping Slovenia just for the fun of it. Of course that would require me to win the lottery. 😃

Where does Switzerland get the required finances to start and fight in all of the RWs?

Visa & Master Card.

We have some people that have some cash. Mostly though funds are from bought gold.

Do you think we can make a joint conclusion that an agreement would be beneficial for both sides, even if Slovenia is the one with absolute dominance? Freedom in exchange for financial compensation whilst enabling you to have "normal community" going on at least sounds fair enough from our side. Currently we are acting like little dictators with an erection.

Oh absolutely. I know there are countries out their that have wiped and PTO the shit out of their neighbors for years. Bolivia is an example. In my early days I moved their and tried to help. Argentina and Brazil just won't let go. The few Bolivians there are are in Peru, or they used to be. Personally I would get bored. What is the fun in doing the same thing everyday you log in? It is like playing solitaire all day.

Anything else you would like to add for the readers?

Well, I would really like to thank you for taking the time to do this interview. You've been on my friends list for quite awhile. Now I know why.

cheers! thank you for taking your time





This is supposed to be a funny moment. Lighten up!