What I Have Seen So far

Day 590, 01:15 • Published in Ireland Ireland • by Trine

I have lived in this country for just about a month so far and I have noticed some remarkable traits that sets Ireland apart in this short time. Despite the diverse range of places I have worked and lived in it is this country alone that has shown me what a true community has to offer. I will detail these below and you can take from it what you will. I do not wish to attempt to tell this great nation how to govern itself or the people how to conduct their lives, I only wish to offer my observances in comparison to other societies that I have witnessed in this new world. Take from this what you want, disregard what you will.

Ireland is united. Many nations would be quite envious of the quite unique ability of the Irish people to organize under a united banner despite a myriad of divergent viewpoints. Any society of humans is bound to have a broad disagreement as how to best govern and be governed. Ireland, at least as I have observed, does not have these often violent disagreements in this respect at least in regard to it's goals of social and territorial aspirations. From what I have seen the people are quite well represented in daily government, the elected officials do indeed care what their constituents require from them. A common goal is decided upon and a united front is presented to carry out these goals.

Ireland is socialist. Despite the fact that the socialist party is not the largest party it is generally agreed upon that a high minimum wage is appropriate and that no individual should want for the products that they themselves helped create. Greed is abhorred while public service rewarded.

Ireland is peaceful. On the surface it would seem that this is a nation dedicated to war. The nearly constant wargames that I have witnessed would normally smack of preparation for imperialism but this has not seemed to be the case here. The people, despite having a great talent for the art of warmaking, seem quite content to limit their encounters to artificial wars simply for the advancement of local industry and the wellness of the people.

Ireland is industrious. On the few occasions where one of my business run out of supplies the people are quite quick to jump ship to a competing company where they may work and provide for their society. This is to be admired. No one should work uncompensated hours, and the Irish people seem to agree with this. The people also see the wargames as ways to increase their general productivity to increase the industrial output of this admittedly small nation.

Ireland is accountable. When the rare disagreement with the governance of the people occurs the legislature is quick to take those responsible to task. Impeachment proceedings are processed without delay and the voting done in a sober, responsible manner. No one is above reproach here.

Ireland is generous. Those who help the nation are rewarded with position and influence. The opinions and advice of public minded folk are weighted fairly based on their service to the nation.

Ireland is well lead. The communication in the IDF is impeccable, going even so far as one very noticeable head of military operations addressing the solders by rank. This tells me that not only does the military care about the defense of the nation, they care enough to research their own people. It seems a trivial task to some, but I can attest to this being a rare trait among the military leaders in this new world.

While I do have reservations based on the seeming enthusiasm for Meritocracy, I must humbly admit that my prejudice of this form of government may be in haste. My argument against Meritocracy has always been its tendency to diverge into rampant cronyism but I can honestly say that I do not see that as being the case here. While I will always cringe at hearing the word, I can at least say that under the current usage it has little for me to fear.

This country was originally a temporary resting place for me to take a break from the rampant infighting in Australia and the nearly constant threat of destruction in Germany, but I believe I may have found a permanent place among people with a startlingly similar set of values as myself. At this point I fully intend to follow this white rabbit down its hole and see what the Irish wonderland has to offer. Thank you for your time Ireland, and I salute you one and all.