My Thoughts on the Subject
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by Anthony Colby
My fellow Irish Citizens,
Three days ago a change was made to our eworld. A change that will change the way the game is played. Three days ago the creators of eRepublik decided to allow a Military Unit to overthrow the elected government of a nation. Whatever their reasoning is; be it more exciting gameplay, throwing the players a bone to keep us from complaining or more money for themselves, doesn’t matter.
What matters is that there are consequences to how we smaller nations play.
Whether they knew it or not the change the Admins implemented has caused many of the smaller nations of eRepublik to consider or install their own dictators in an attempt to prevent a foreign power from doing so.
That decision has come to Ireland.
A proposal was made in congress to install our own dictator to prevent a Military Unit from a foreign power from taking over and stealing our nation. I am sure that proposal was made with the security and best interests of Ireland and us all at heart.
The thing is, I can’t vote yes.
At the end of this upcoming May I will have been an eIrish citizen for 5 years. I have been either a Congress member or some other member in the Cabinet or government for most of that time. I carefully think out every new proposal and law. I probably drive most of my fellow officials crazy with my incessant questions of how and why? Will this be good? Will everyone benefit or only some? Back on the old forums I usually was one of the members with the highest post numbers because of all these questions. I use my head and decide rationally what I think will be the best course for Ireland and all of us.
But in this instance my head is not taking the lead. My heart has taken the lead on this one. My heart tells me no. My head won’t listen.
I know why this is the case. In real life I am a student of history. I have loved history since I can remember. I studied history in college and after getting a degree in history 20 plus years ago I have never stopped learning more and more.
I have never heard of a good dictator.
I play this game the way I live my life. I treat all as I would like to be treated. I don’t lie, cheat or steal. I try to be as helpful as possible to as many as possible. I answer questions when I can. I serve Ireland as best I can. I serve without asking for reward or recognition.
So how can I do something in game that I would not do in real life.
Some may say that it is only a game and no one will get hurt. That it is not really a dictatorship. That we need to do this to protect ourselves. That it is foolish to not do so. We will be overthrown in days and there is nothing that we can do to stop it.
That may be true. It probably is.
I still can’t do it.
Like I said back at the beginning, I don’t think this proposal is done with malice in mind. I don’t think that those who agree are evil or foolish. I seriously think that many feel this is in the best interest of Ireland and us all. I am not angry with them. How can I be angry with someone who has our best interests in mind even if I disagree with the way to go about it.
On the same note I know how hard a decision this was for me. I have seen others that have the same opinion. I hope that those who are for the proposal will see the same thing and not hold the decision to not want a dictator against them. We all have to vote our conscience. We can do no less.
This is not an attempt to sway anyone. I am not starting a movement to stop this proposal, nor am I going to tell anyone how to vote. This is to let everyone know my feelings and why I have chosen to vote the way I have.
That being said I will of course abide by any decision that the majority decides. I hope there is a national referendum on the issue. In my humble opinion a decision this large requires us all to choose how we want to deal with this issue. Once a decision is made however I will continue to serve Ireland as I have in the past. No matter the outcome of the vote.
Some may hold it against me. I hope not. I do not want to lose any friends over this. This is not a vote against any individual or group. I won’t hold it against anyone however they choose to vote.
To me this is the wrong move.
If we install a dictator I hope with all my heart that I am wrong.
Thanks for your time.
Anthony Colby
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Comments
voted o/
I am against your view, I will admit that.
You are a true eIrish patriot and have made your points - I respect this entirely.
o7
the battle reason/ heart : )
Anthony, you and I have been through thick and thin over the years and your are one of the players that I respect the most for you've earned it at every turn. Like AS, I disagree with your decision, but I understand you sticking to your guns. I think the question is not if but when. I believe there are enough good people working together to ensure that we have SOME control over the situation. I fear that if we don't strike while the iron is hot we will end up subjugated by a foreign entity with zero empathy toward our little slice of the eWorld. Cheers Tony. Well written as always.
I know Donovan. I fully understand and even agree to the logic of the idea, but for the first time I can't be logical
To be honest I was shocked.
I hope I am proven wrong to be really honest. That way Ireland will be safe. My pride can take a hit if that is the case.
Lucky you have a vote o7
Do not allow fear to cause you to accept a Dictatorship!
It's relatively rare in this game for someone to stick by their real life principles and I totally respect you for it.
I am against this proposal as it stands
However I do recognise there is a threat.
The problem is, I dont think this is the solution to the threat.
The cost of this defense is 200k IEP + 145 Gold per month
After 5 months thats approximately a cost of 400k IEP
This defense increases the cost of foreign dictatorship from 200k to 400k.
Its not worth the cost.
Also its difficult to manage as it brings political allegiances into play, and we all know that doesnt work well in Ireland.
I think we need to look at other defensive approaches (Citizenship Passes, Securing our MU's, Saving up IEP and loading it into a defensive MU, so that we have IEP ready in the event of a strike, and an evacuation plan for our citizens in the event of a takeover, amongst other steps)
I respect you no matter how much we disagree AC.
o7
And I respect what you have done for Ireland
And you too of course
Glad to hear you agree AC, whatever the reason. Of course, I'd respect you no matter what side you took, although that probably means less from somebody who isn't disagreeing with you. 😛
Personally, I think we need to have a referendum, with a 2/3 majority necessary in order for the dictatorship to be put into place.
Votado comrade
Almost 5 years Anthony? Time sure flies don't it. I just checked myself, I'll have played for 7 years this sept.. albeit, I've been away for a few of those...
Ireland has always had the lower had, so to speak. We've been conquered more than once. Installing a Dictator won't change that. So why change our principles on a 'when' not an 'if'?
A Referendum must be required.
o7
wish you guys the best.
and i know im not and irish citizen let alone irish anything, i dont remember why i even have you subbed but i would be against this too if eAmerica wanted to do this.
Better safe than sorry. This new mechanic could be a community destroyer.
So, better be safe with a destroyed community, than "in danger" with a united community?
Only time will prove who's right and who's wrong. I just know it will cost double to threaten us. After that another 10 days to be dominated.
GL with your 3 hr warning system. Being United won't last long when your paying 100% taxes and 200k everytime you want a shot at freedom.