Join the new world

It has been a few days since my last article, but that's ok. First, I'd like to talk a little bit about Croatia leaving EDEN. The Croatian MoFA wrote an excellent article, that I think everyone should read. Not only does it talk about Croatia's departure, it also discusses the successes of EDEN throughout it's history. Despite its ups and downs, EDEN did accomplish a lot in its era. Croatia also highlights its honor in its departure, even giving thanks to allies who have left them. Despite our differences and our distances at times, Croatia has always been willing to help the eUS in its time of need, most recently giving aid to us against the PTO. While the future is uncertain, having Croatia by our side in the future would be a valuable asset and friend. EDEN's passing leaves a lot of uncertainty in foreign affairs, so expect to see some changes in the next month.

Now to continue a discussion from my previous article. In that article, I expressed a desire for players to act and reach for their goals rather than wait to be asked. I realize now that can be interpreted to mean I think those players are lazy, which was not at all the direction I wanted to take. I recognize the potential in this country, and I've seen a lot of players put themselves out in the open and express their views frequently. However, its not yet enough. Since I've been gone, I missed most of Josh Frost's death and resurrection, but his articles sum up quite a bit of my thoughts. My last article directed more to the outside, I realize, and I failed to address the problems of the government as well. There are times when it can seem like we stifle advancement and hold on to our positions as long as we are able. But if other secretaries are like me, I know we all tire of the work eventually. We want new help, and we want people to replace us.

Another problem, admittedly, is the politics game. While most people are chosen to do jobs for their previous merit, there is always a little bit of consideration to their party, their influence, etc. The Feds once did a "cabinet exercise" to see who you would pick in your cabinet, and I know that I even paid some attention to party so that my cabinet would appear more 'diverse" in its appeal. While this doesn't mean I'd pick unqualified people to get points, it does make you overlook some because you already have too much of one group or not enough of another. However, I disagree a little bit that getting rid of Unity elections solves the problem. Candidates will still make party picks, there will still be a tendency for current secretaries to remain in place, and the candidate with the most endorsements will likely win. While it adds a little more excitement to the mix, that's about all it will add, and the outcomes will remain largely the same. You turn an organized political process into one slightly less organized.

What needs to be done goes beyond the election process. First, it will require what I had stated in the previous article: participation. Those who seek to change the system need to continue being vocal about it, and show us what we can do instead. Seeing alternatives gives people something to work towards rather than simply being against something. Being out in the open also makes people notice you. Just like any job, you are hired by showing what work you can do, not simply sitting and waiting for it. Second, we will require outreach. The government needs to put forward more initiative to hire extra players. This has already been done to some degree with the universal application, which can be found linked in every WHPR. This was put in place this month, and could be successful, so long as people apply. Lastly, we need to quit being afraid to speak our minds for fear of backlash. I know I've been criticized for thoughts I've given, but I took it and continued. Others have taken heat and continued to succeed. For every person that disagrees with you, there will be one who praises you. And there will always be people there to pick you up when others look down on you.