Join the new world

I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice; had I abided by it I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes.
- Edna St. Vincent Millay


Camelot, an old militia re-founded by Asher di Immortales

The last week or so has been a turbulent time on the eUK, as political parties and statesmen battle it out over conflicting ideologies and a new innovation in the eUK: Actual Policies. Vendettas and rivalries boiled over the top as debates rage both in the general forums and the inner sanctums of the Commons. Among the inevitable name calling, trolling and mutilated organs posted here and there; as well as multiple bans; two main issues have arisen: The new ‘Camelot’, and the very role of Advisors.

It is certainly a strange time; where I find myself opposed to the government I am supposedly pledged to support – over additional issues to the ones raised, including the very idea of a ‘shadow cabinet; - as well as the role of the CP. The President of a nation should represent the entire thesis of the eUK, unfortunately for them; this includes those that actively oppose them. Simply defending those that voted for you leaves a disunited country and one volatile and unable in its time of need.


An angry congressman condemns an advisor

I have interviews one of my greatest political rivals, but also one of my most respected. Though he has posted countless trolls and variations of my exclusive apple-esque name; he is a very interesting statesman to have a good debate with. Provided, of course, it isn’t in Rapture.

Sir Humphrey: Alright, I’ll start off with the obvious question; what prompted the introduction of Camelot as an alternative to the army?

Iain Keers: TUP originally set up a program 2 years ago where elected members of congress would "tithe" the party org with gold, to set up companies to provide free stuff for poor citizens. By 2010 we had basically fulfilled all our requirements in that regard, and along with some companies donated by members TUP was actually making money. We had (have) hundreds of gold, and it seemed pointless to just leave it there. It occurred to us that there was literally 20+ members of the party (+ older citizens outside of the party) who basically self-funded using their wages. This is good for business, but means that about 20% of production goes to the business owner in profit. Not all business owners are British, or spend the profits on fighting, so money was leaving the loop. It seemed obvious to set up a food commune to increase the damage of our non-army players whilst avoiding the high level of involvement, commitment and the anti-political culture present in the army.

Sir Humphrey: What examples of 'anti-political culture' can you give of the army?

Iain Keers: Well the army itself is, and since ~December 09 has been, apolitical in name at least. I think many members of the army are quite hostile towards politics in general, seeing it as petty and unnecessary. Though I do see their point, telling someone who has spent their life in politics that their main pursuit in erep is petty is pretty narrow minded. I think throughout 2010 with the introduction of "apolitical" (rea😛 political) CGS' roles, this feeling intensified. With the Military Act, Jhorlin's attempted PTO of TUP, the general battles between military + congress and so on, the feeling of antipathy towards the army increased. I think that after going through that, many older players feel like the army isn't somewhere they particularly want to be. Everyone has their own reasons. I've been in the army 3 times in my eLife, for a combined time of about a year (2 months navy, 1 month royal guard, 9 months navy later on) and I never felt motivated to be promoted or anything as my interests lie in the political sphere. As an old citizen, I'm much happier self-funding. I spend a few days a week working in Camelot and get paid the food I produce. I spend a few days working in my own companies to make the GBP I need for other things. Others avoid the army because they would rather be in an environment where they're surrounded by friends. I think that the army can be clannish and people do sometimes feel excluded by it, though you'd have to speak to specific individuals about their own experiences.

Sir Humphrey: 'What advice do you have for the army on re-establishing relations with these potential soldiers?'

Iain Keers: Don't accuse people who feel alienated of lying about their experiences. Don't make this about blame, make it about resolving issues. Ditch the role-play nonsense, stick to the greater goal of increasing damage. Take advice from outside of the army. Stop assuming that just because somebody has never been an officer in the UK armed forces they know nothing about how to run a military. Be more open. Be more willing to take criticism on board. Don't treat congress and particularly political parties as the enemy.

Sir Humphrey: I'll move onto Advisors now - why do you think a proposal has been made in regards to removing Advisors?

Iain Keers: If I am honest, considering the individual who proposed it, I'd say it was made for personal reasons.

Sir Humphrey: And do you still think that Advisors have a proper role in the eUK?

Iain Keers: That's not for me to decide: congress is the legislative body of the UK and it's up to them to choose whether or not they want advice. Personally as SG of Phoenix, I make all the calls here. That doesn't mean I don't ask for advice before I do so. If it's an issue relating to (for example) Estonia, I would find an Estonian and ask for advice. If it was an issue with (for example) organising militaries, I would find someone with experience in that area. It doesn't take anything away from my overall leadership if others contribute to the discussion. Anyone who would wilfully remove people's chance to contribute out of some vendetta against me is quite frankly an idiot.

Sir Humphrey: Thank you very much for your time 🙂.

I hope you have found this article mildly interesting, sorry it’s a bit of a tl;dr.

Yours,

Maj-General Sir Humphrey Appleby MP, MiD x2, SAS, QC, GCB, KBE, MVO, MA (Oxon)
Commander of the Home Guard,
Current MP for London,
Former Cabinet Secretary for the eUK,
Former British Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Edit: Oh yes, and Ireland.