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I must not fall asleep in the eRep living room chair. I must not fall asleep in the eRep living room chair. I must not fall asleep in the eRep living room chair. If I say this 3 times quickly, do you think it will come true? If I say it even after Plugson warned me not to, do you think he'll still scold me? I’m gonna be on time out for a week...



Struggle in the Southeast

Yesterday morning, with very little surprise, South East of England erupted in revolt. Another battle in a long line of battles - but this one was different. This was the first resistance where Britain, who we now hold almost entirely, was able to offer some strong opposition. It was the first battle against them where they won several rounds and nearly nicked several others.

Now, we won this fight. In fact by the latter half of the battle it was clear that we would win no matter what damage the Brits threw here or in North East of England, which we also attacked. But it serves as a healthy reminder to a country that has seen 2 solid weeks of victory: we are still mortal. So stay vigilant, trust our allies, and keep an eye on those battle orders. S’gonna be good.


And Then There Was One

Britain only has a single region left. They’ve lost all of their holdings in France (as have we), the Irish hold the Potato Parts, and greater England is overrun. London is the only remaining British region, and its prospects are not good for the British people. What does this last region mean? A few things, really.

First - our NE will finally close and we will be able to move our attention to more important battles in this latest piece of war. We will still face resistances, but they will no longer be delays in our efforts, since they won’t be opening up new regions to invade should the British win them back. The fall of London, once a rarity, has become mechanically commonplace. Oops.

It will also mean a 20+ region set for Canada. Now, how many of these we will hold in 10 days’ time is anybody’s guess. But while we’re electing Party Presidents today, we should remember what 20+ regions near election day means. It can lead to 1 candidate per region, depending on when (and if) the British start taking their regions back. Bear that in mind as you vote today.


Trouble Abroad and Trouble At Home

Two of our sister nations, America and Brazil, are under threat of PTO. America’s media has been plastered with anti-Ajay Bruno material in an effort to protect their Top 5 parties from a player who, in the Executive’s word, is a national traitor. Artela’s latest PoTUS announcement details the drama. If you’re an American reading this, or you have friends in the states, remember: vote for a candidate who will protect your interests. Vote for a candidate who will keep your country and your party honest, and acting in good faith.

Brazil made a similar announcement: once again they risk take-over and turmoil as internationals attempt to meddle in their elections. This has become something of a regular problem for Brazil, and while I doubt I have many Brazilian readers, I wish them the best of luck as they take on this political problem. PTOs are not easy to deal with - older Canadians will know that very well. If you’ve got a friend in Brazil, maybe today’s a day to send them a supporting message. Show some love while they fight the good fight.


On Negotiating

Inevitably conquest leads to conversation. We have been at war with Britain for 3 weeks now, and were more or less at war with her for the 4 months before that. It’s no surprise that different faces are appearing at the negotiations table trying to work something out. Earlier in my term, Appleby and I regularly discussed ways to peacefully settle our little romp through his countryside. Lately, however, he’s been a bit quieter internationally, and other faces have appeared in his stead. One of them is former Prime Minister Talon Karde, who carries a little more gravitas and a softer spot for Canada. He’s in our Order, after all.

Once our war with Britain closes, we will face a choice. Either we can spend all of our energy holding the British under our thumb, or there will be talks. Engage in perpetual war with a Vietnam-like country, or allow Britain her regions while we strike out elsewhere. I have said this many times before: I am not interested in a perpetual war with Britain. I love their oil, and love what it has done for our soldiers, but I will not spend all of our time and energy peddling around the English countryside. We have better things to be doing, and will be doing those things, British RWs or not.

If Appleby seeks my ear (yes Talon, he played Minecraft), I will listen. I will listen from a context of “sorry, who just won?”, but I will listen nonetheless. We don’t need another 6 months of the Canada-British feud. It’s laughable and boring, and I want to move on.


Congress & Progress

Oh, so clever of me. In the past few days the executive has handed down a lot of information to Congress. We’ve presented them with a budget, which includes regular MU funding as well as a $50,000 earmark for Capital Investments. We’ve pushed for them to revise several laws and positions which are now out of date. We’ve moved on a New Citizen Message that will greatly improve on the weaknesses of the current model. And, as promised, we’ve pushed for the removal of the Supreme Court’s sentencing powers.

In some of these areas, Congress is being effective. The Comptroller has returned, audits are underway, and every proposal from this administration has passed with ease. But in other areas Congress is dragging their feet. Maybe they wanted to propose these things first. Maybe they want to carve out a bit more power by opposing something “just because.” Whatever the reason, Congress needs to stop wasting public time and start moving on some very simple, fundamental fixes to our community. The public has made their position very clear: they have little interest in a status quo Congress, or one that ignores public commentary with the line “well then you get elected.” We elect you to work, and we elect you to make positive change.
Perhaps you should start doing that.


The Party Presidency

This afternoon you’ll be voting on militia captains and Party Presidents. Already I’ve received a PM with worries of a PTO within our own borders: no rarity in Canada, unfortunately. When I vote today, I’ll be voting for a candidate that I am proud of. I’ve already told EPIC, in very plain terms, that I support a specific candidate because of his skill as a leader. I know what I want in a PP and I know what I want for my party. So the question is: what do you want for yours?

I can’t tell you who to vote for. I can’t tell you who will make your party succeed and who will ruin your party. But, to each of the candidates, I have a message: don’t hold us back. Don’t let your personal greed, ambition, or desire for “lulz” set our community back yet another notch. While you’re looking for laughs, some of us are building a community. It’s a community that we care about. And while this pile of blocks may be fun for you to knock over from time to time, and while those blocks may not matter in real life, they mean a lot to the people playing with them. It’s easy to put yourself ahead of others. It’s easy to destroy, to take away, and then claim everything’s fine just because of game mechanics.

But able does not mean acceptable. Just because I can do something does not mean that it is right for me to do so. Some of you think it’s funny to destroy and belittle. Personally, I think you’re a coward. If you’re only playing with yourself, then grab a few tissues and finish it up somewhere else. There’s no room for wankers here.