[CP] Watershed Moments

Day 1,653, 16:55 • Published in Canada Canada • by Sperry





It is perhaps ironic that I nearly dropped a knife on my foot today. I’m told walking with a knife sticking out of a pear is a stupid idea, but I’ll be the first one to gloat about the fact that the knife safely landed on the floor, was not near my foot, and probably wouldn’t have gone all the way through even if it hit me. It was a dull knife.



The EDEN Treaty

For weeks, EDEN has been discussing renewing their treaty in regular CP Summits. These summits are common course in eRepublik and Canada has been present for each of them. Now what, exactly, makes today any different?

Congress was asked to vote on the latest version of the treaty. The procedure is simple: if Congress supports the treaty changes, they vote yes, and the CP approves the treaty at the next summit. If Congress has an issue with the treaty (perhaps they want an agreement on pandas), they vote no, and cite the reason why. If Congress has an issue with remaining in the alliance, they vote no, and cite that they would like to leave the alliance.

Tonight, Congress’ vote on the EDEN treaty closed. Congress voted as follows:

10 Supported the treaty.
3 Abstained.
15 Rejected the treaty, and requested Canada leave EDEN.


Wait, What?

Congress has voted in favour of moving away from the EDEN alliance. Cabinet supports this move, and I will stand by Congress in their decision. I do not believe that this decision should be used to “blame” various Congressmen for their decision. I believe that Congress should share how each member voted, and Rylde (the Speaker) supports this transparency. Canadians deserve to know how their representatives act.

Canada has been a member of EDEN for 3 years. We have stood with EDEN for longer than most countries, and while we entered the Terra alliance just over a year ago, we have continued to remain members of the EDEN alliance because of longstanding friendships and collaborations.

The TEDEN dynamic has always been a curious one. It has never been a perfect one. Certainly, there are always issues in any group - ONE has its problems, Canada has its problems, my small cult of gerbils has its problems. For the vast majority of our history, our relationship with EDEN has been exceptional. As I expressed to EDEN HQ in PM this evening, I recognize the years of work various players have put into that relationship.


So Why?

No doubt many countries wonder why Congress, Cabinet, and the President support stepping aside from the EDEN alliance. It’s a watershed move that has already garnered criticism and no doubt is worth more than passing attention. I’d like to be open with why Canada has chosen this course, and what this will mean for the future.

Canada’s position in two major alliances has become increasingly difficult in recent months. While TEDEN stand united against ONE, they often have very different priorities that both need direct attention from member states. Obviously, 1 country has only 1 CoTD and must balance that between 2 sets of orders. In recent months, for a slough of reasons, that balance has been upset.

On some fronts, this “bacon in the middle” position has made it difficult for Canada to properly commit to our allies - this is unfair to them, particularly if there is confusion about where Canada stands on inter-TEDEN disputes (being in both alliances). On others, it has made it difficult for Canada itself to contribute on the international stage: the “sexy war” that I alluded to for our first 2 weeks was a casualty of this dynamic.

Perhaps most troubling, Cabinet, many Congressmen, and I have grown uneasy with the personal disputes between some TEDEN states. Particularly in the last 2 months, toxic conversations that have caused hurt feelings on all sides have made it difficult to stand by every nation at all times. Many of these disputes focus on real life grievances which are uncomfortable to involve in a game and, as I expressed to Congress, should not be the centerpiece of a Canadian’s escape from daily life while playing eRepublik.

This move is not a move against EDEN or a move to discredit EDEN states or their HQ. There have been far too many disputes between friends, far too many hyperbolic explosions over issues that can be resolved maturely and effectively. Canada’s move will no doubt attract attention. It has already earned inflammatory comments from some of the players who have raised attrition globally. Let’s be candi😛 I am not interested in an explosive debacle: EDEN, Terra, and Canada all deserve better than that.

I believe that Congress’ decision reflects a desire to explore the game from a new perspective. I believe that cooler heads do prevail, and that Terra and EDEN will be best served with plenty of deep breathing when tensions arise. Canada has come to a parting with our oldest alliance. It is not something to rejoice about, it is something to think about, understand its implications, and move forward to better serve Canada and our allies on the international stage. It is a time for civility and sharing thoughts, not whispered speculation.

I am certain there will be questions, thoughts, and disagreements over what is clearly not a unanimous decision. I will not be surprised if my friend count decreases of if history chooses to remember me as a butcherer of kittens. I look to the future where Canada and her friends can exist without internal disputes - in Terra, EDEN, and TEDEN combined. We deserve a game free of the sadness of real life. I encourage you all to push for that.