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by Soupasia. . 27 reads.

the Scrapheap Tribune

Greetings, fellow Soup-lovers!

I, Soupinaspis, King of Soupasia, have now completed my Soup Quest to its fullest extent, and now have retired from that wonderful journey across NationStates, and have decided to now take up Journalism.

You see, I am a King of many talents, including Investigative Journalism!
very exciting, I know
And I have decided to give you all a small taster of my Journalistic expertise, by attempting to compile a regular newspaper for the Scrapheap, covering many issues and items of interest across NationStates, and to give a detailed, yet neutral, insight into the world of NationStates.

As I am not one for writing more than I need to, I will end this brief yet wonderful introduction here.
I hope you all enjoy reading about my future exploits!

Yours in Soup,
King Soupinaspis of Soupasia
Lord High Soup Maker and Culture Minister of the Scrapheap
Leader of the Soup Quest
High King of Steuropa, Hamtarctica and North yamerica

Thank you, one and all!

Scrapheap Tribune Latest Issue:

Author's Note

Greetings!
Prepare to join the King Soupinaspis of Soupasia, as he continues his foray into the world of Investigative Journalism.
I am very much aware that this issue is coming out unusually soon after the previous one; that is merely because the last was late.

Welcome to the Third Issue of the Scrapheap Tribune!

Thanks to some positive criticism, it has been suggested that the layout be changed, using lines instead of boxes.
Thus, this issue will look rather different from the two that came before.
I am still endeavouring to increase the quality of both this newspaper's look and content, so please telegram me if you would like to add your own input.
Again, if anyone wishes to contribute articles to future issues of the Tribune, please send those to me similarly, through Telegrams, or through one of the means mentioned in Scrapheap's World Factbook Entry.
I said before that I was not too bothered how many people do or don't read it; yet the last issue's gaining 109 reads in the space of only four days was a complete surprise, and I would like to thank all my wonderful readers for having taken the time to read these.
May I again take the time to remind anyone who reads this that this newspaper will never be on a grand scale; after all, I am the only writer.
If anyone wishes to contribute articles, or advertisements for their region or events, or even advice to me on how to better format my newspaper, do not hesitate to contact me.

So, as usual, greetings to my wonderful readers, and I hope you enjoy reading this newspaper as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

For the previous issue, please click here.

Yours,
King Soupinaspis of Soupasia


In This Issue:

  • An interview with the new Prime Minister of The Socialist Syndicalist Union

  • An overview of the recent proposal set out by the European Commissioners for the removal of Europe's 'Advisor'

  • The introduction of the World Assembly Department

  • Soup


Scrapheap

The embassy with The NewsStand is now open.

Although the Scrapheap Cooking Magazine has so far been postponed, the first issue will be out, hopefully, on Friday morning.
Join the King Soupinaspis as he creates a marvellous Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup, as suggested by Malphe. I will be using his recipe, which you can find here.


The Socialist Syndicalist Union

The main news this week in TSSU has been the resignation of the Prime Minister, Smug syndie man, and the appointment of his successor, Sugurania. Wondering what this meant for TSSU's future, I approached the new Prime Minister to ask what he hopes to bring to the region.
"I hope to bring unity. I know that's a political buzz word, but I'm not using it like that. I like to think I'm a pretty tolerant and agreeable person, and I hope to rub off on others during my time here."

I am personally unsure of what he means by 'bringing unity', as as far as I am aware, TSSU is not particularly divided at the moment.
However, I concede that, in some ways, TSSU was born of disunity, and so would require a firm helmsman to keep it together.
On the topic of the region's founding, I asked whether he wished to continue the "war" with Soviet Democracy, from which TSSU seceded, as enthusiastically as his predecessor, Algermaine/Smug syndie man did. His reply was very much reassuring to me: "The conflict's died down, at least for the most part. The leaders of SD haven't expressed any particular desire to be aggressive with us, so I have no desire to be aggressive with them." I said in the last issue that I felt the war to be pointless and somewhat childish. If the new Prime Minister thinks so too, then perhaps there is hope that the seemingly never-ending conflict may dissipate, and both regions may return to their own internal affairs.
One of the major weapons utilised by Algermaine in the war was TSSU's newspaper, La Syndicalista. If Sugurania is hoping that the war is ending, then perhaps the newspaper is no longer necessary. Sugurania said in response that, although he is "no good with news reports myself," he may continue its publication if he "can find someone capable of and willing to continue it".

Both TSSU's previous Prime Minister and Founder, British soviets, have voiced many times their dislike of the founder of Soviet Democracy, Ex Patrian SSR. I was curious as to whether Sugurania felt the same. His answer: "No."
"I disagree with him on a lot of fronts, but that makes him different than me, not a bad person.
Besides, I'm bad at hating people in general."
A very positive trait for a regional representative, indeed.

For those who do not know, and I am sure there are many, the Prime Minister of TSSU's role is as "the elected leader of TSSU. They appoint the Ministers, who run the departments of the government and interpret the law. The lot of them together are in charge of changing laws. Though, interpreting the law is also the job of the Chief Justice."
All in all, I see this transition as a very positive one, with hope of peace at hand. Furthermore, although British Soviets and Algermaine are both banned from Soviet Democracy, Sugurania does not feature on their ban list. With a new figurehead who does not appear yet to have ruffled the feathers of Ex Patrian SSR, it would appear that TSSU is about to enter a new age of peace.
Finally, some closing words from The Central Federation of Sugurania:

"As Premier of TSSU, I hereby advise all who read this to ride their unicorns more often, so as to keep the jaguars away."

Wise words indeed.


South Pacific

SP has been busy continuing its revitalisation, with the most notable recent developments being its summit with 10000 Islands, and the enforcement of a new endorsement cap: 2 endorsements for those who have not endorsed the Delegate, and 6 for those who have, with 7 for government officials.
Once the Delegate, Mysterious wonder, gains more endorsements, the endorsement cap will be raised.
Also, a Special Adviser to the Cabinet has been appointed: Queen yuno, former Delegate of The East Pacific, who, with her inexhaustible knowledge on government affairs and legislation, will be a valued aide to the government of South Pacific.


Union of Christian Nations

Last issue, I mentioned the creation of Christian Democrat Party, UoCN's first political party, by Upper chantler. Now, one of the most influential members of the region, and the region's founder, Ecclestia, has announced (via the RMB) their joining the CDP.

Ecclestia wrote:This is certainly a different move for the Region. I have decided to join the party. I always view myself in the political centre and support the Parties focus on Christianity and Inclusiveness. I particularly support the multilateral Foreign Policy as it enables us to reach a broader part of the world!

There is no law against establishing Political Parties so anyone is welcome to establish their own.

The UoCN is also currently holding an election for its vacant post of Elder; as such, the borders have been closed for the duration of the vote, which may be found here.


The South Pacific

With the delegate elections over, Erinor is now the Delegate-Elect of TSP, having defeated Beepee in the region-wide vote.
This signals the end of Tsunamy's holding the office, which has been one of stability and growth for the third largest region in NationStates.
I wish Erinor luck with his new title, as Tsunamy retires to take a place on the Council of Regional Security.

With the delegate elections behind them, TSP is now looking forward to the February Elections, when the entire cabinet goes up for grabs.


Europe

Europe is finally preparing to remove Forgotton Warriors from the office of Advisor. The office was created by EuroFounder immediately after his closing of the embassy with Europeia, purely to show his spite for the democratic European government.
Currently at vote in the region, via a region-wide poll, is the LinkAdvisor Dismissal Act 2019, which insists that either the Founder or the Delegate dismiss the Advisor from his office.
The Act was written by the Commissioners of Europe, headed by Regnum Italiae, and has been put up for vote by St Scarlett, the 1st Deputy Commissioner.


The Pacific

The NPO, also known as The Pacific, shocked NationStates this week as their Francoist dictatorship turned delicate pink.
The Strawberry Shortcake Order was, alas, short-lived, and has now returned to the black, red, and blue banners of the New Pacific Order.
Although still very much infamous for their espionage and underhanded tactics.
However, as I said in the previous issue, they claim to be changing, and I very much hope they are.


Confederation of Corrupt Dictators

I do not intend to have this as a regular article.
However, much as I may disapprove of their region, I cannot help but admire their really quite wonderful newspaper, the Confederation Coverage, and I would like to applaud Shronok and, yes, Jocospor, for their work.
This does not mean that I approve of the contents of the newspaper, but the layout and detail is impressive.


World Assembly Department

The Scrapheap Tribune has now begun a coverage on all major WA proposals.
The latest edition of The Scrapheap Tribune: World Assembly, covering "Repeal SC#223, Commend Imperium Anglorum", can be found here.


Soup of the Week

The Soup of the Week is Chicken and Sweetcorn.


Afterword

Thank you again to Xoriet for her helpful criticism.
I would also like to mention that the last two issues have been delayed primarily due to exams; as exams finish at the end of next week, I am hoping that I can return to schedule next week.
If anyone wishes to comment on this newspaper, either about the format or content, then please either telegram me, or put a puppet in the region, and comment on the RMB.
I welcome all advice.

Thank you all again!

Yours,
Soupinaspis,
King of Soupasia

Soupinaspis Brothl

If you have bothered to read this newspaper, then thank you ^^
I feel that, on its third issue, this newspaper is at last settling into a comfortable rhythm.
I apologize again for this issue being late; exams have arrived in Scotland.

If you wish to support this newspaper, or just if you enjoyed it, then please upvote it ^_^
It's always very reassuring to see that people actually find it vaguely interesting.

Issue for the 20th January 2019

Ez Nightze na Verli Den
Read dispatch

Scrapheap Tribune (World Assembly) Latest Issue:

Welcome back to the second World Assembly (WA) edition of the Scrapheap Tribune!
Although the WA edition does not get read nearly so widely as the standard edition, I still feel that an analysis of the resolutions at vote is important.

The current proposal at vote, 'Repeal "Commend Imperium Anglorum'", is currently set to fail.
The proposal, by Jocospor, comes as the latest in a long line of attempts to defame Imperium Anglorum, hereafter 'IA'.

While the fact that Jocospor has constantly been trying to register condemnations and repeals at the expense of IA and many other prominent delegates, leading to him and his region becoming something of a joke to the major regions of NationStates, with delegates saying things about him such as: "Jocospor and the CCD aren't even worth my time. People barely pay attention to them anyways," this does not mean that his WA resolutions should be treated as jokes. If they are, then there is a danger that they could pass.


"Calling into question, in fact, the very sincerity of I.A.’s WA operations, which, though lauded by SCR#223, have of late caused mass controversy and disharmony among member nations of this WA"

The main nation who has been complaining about IA is, in fact, Jocospor himself.
I have rarely heard anything bad about him from the more powerful delegates; Jocospor's only potential ally in the WA was Yuno, who is no longer in power. Furthermore, Jocospor and his region, the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, have themselves been spreading discord and disunity in NationStates, although the other regions for the most part now attempt to ignore the CCD.

"Disappointed that I.A. outwardly uses its reputation and power amongst the international community to further its own interests"

I am rather confused as to what Jocospor feels IA's "own interests" are.
The interests of Europe, his region?
But Europe is a neutral region, distinct from the alliances and wars of the other large regions, as evidenced by the fact that Europe did not withdraw its embassy with the NPO after the scandal.
The only region that appears (apparently without reason) to detest Europe is the CCD.
Thus, does the attempted defamation of Europe's delegate not constitute as Jocospor himself using the WA to further his own interests?

Noting that, for example, I.A., along with a collective of other WA Delegates, consciously instigates and perpetuates the lemming effect during WA votes; that is, dishonourably dumping a large number of votes at the onset of the ballot, creating a majority for member nations to align with

This is a recognised tactic in the World Assembly; if Jocospor wishes to use it himself, he is welcome to do so. However, as it is so widely accepted and used, there is little point in singling one particular nation out for it.

Frustrated that some of I.A.’s more recent General Assembly resolutions, such as and GAR#443 and GAR#452, are, put simply, seemingly incomprehensible to the vast majority of member nations

Quite frankly, I find much of the language the WA uses to be incomprehensible. Furthermore, his proposals have first gone through the SC forums, where complaints against language and suchlike may be filed. If Jocospor wishes to complain about that, he can bring it up there, and I am sure IA would be more than happy to explain what his wording means.
I might also add that the wording of IA's proposals is no different from many irl proposals made by irl governments. As the WA is supposed to mimic the United Nations, then incomprehensibility perhaps should be seen as an inevitable consequence of having such an organisation.

Equally annoyed that I.A. would disrespect this WA by proposing vague, quasi-sarcastic resolutions such as "Debtor Voting Rights" (which is, at the time of this condemnation's writing, at vote)

First, I shall note that General Assembly Resolution # 454 "Debtor Voting Rights" is no longer at vote; it was passed by a slim majority of 15%, with 9,614 votes to 6,991.
Secondly, if the delegates thought that the proposal was unreasonable, they would not have been enough approvals to make it to the general vote.
As such, there are systems in place to filter out completely unreasonable resolutions, and so, presumably, enough of the NationStates community had no problems with the proposal, that it was passed.

Convinced I.A. adopts an air of superiority when dealing with nations it does not consider to be worth its time

Perhaps this is true; I myself do not know this.
Yet, I know myself that Jocospor himself "adopts an air of superiority when dealing with nations it does not consider to be worth its time".

Furthermore, alarmed that SCR#223 would falsify the import of the legislation I.A. repealed to mislead this WA

One of the sub-arguments made in this bit was that one of the resolutions IA repealed did not slow the internet down.
However, with further investigation, I discovered that the repealed proposal said that "bandwidth-throttling" would be permitted, defining this thus:

"...the intentional act of decreasing the speed of a connection below the maximum possible connection speed."

This proves that it is Jocospor, not Imperium Anglorum or IA's commender, who is misleading the WA.

Appalled that I.A. would seek to undermine both the democratic process and fellow authors in such a deceptive fashion

I personally am appalled that there appears no basis in facts for Jocospor's arguments, and that he himself is being deceptive.
Furthermore, Jocospor is ardently against Democracy, and so calling someone else Anti-Democratic as an excuse to remove the commendment is hypocritical, considering how Jocospor, the embodiment of Anti-Democracy, has himself been filed for commendments in the past.


As such, I would very much encourage you all to vote against Jocospor's proposed repeal.


Yours,
Soupinaspis,
King of Soupasia

Soupinaspis Brothl

Ez Nightze na Verli Den
Read dispatch

Soupasia

Edited:

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