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Administration

Founder: Culture of Life (IND)
Viceroy: Aawia (CFP)


Presidential Cabinet

President: Imperii Ecclesia (CFP)
Army: The RCS (CFP)
Foreign: Roman Catholic Federation (RTF)
Interior: Cocles (RTF)


Executive Commissions

Library Commission (dormant)
News Commission (dormant)




REGION OF RIGHT TO LIFE
Established June 1, 2011




Current Population: nations
Record Population: 193 nations
Regional Power Rating:


23rd Senate

Speaker: New Missouri (RTF)
Senator: New Waldensia (CFP)
Senator: Catholic State of Eire (CSP)


High Court

Chief Justice: New Dolgaria (LLC)
Justice: Roman Catholic Federation (RTF)
Justice: Phydios (CFP)


Right to Life Army

Successful Missions: 48
Last Mission: July 11, 2018

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Right to Life Regional Newsletters
Topic Started: Sunday Jun 23 2013, 02:09 AM (768 Views)
Culture of Life
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published June 23, 2013
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

On June 1, RTL celebrated the second anniversary of its establishment as a region.

Senate Elections (By Aawia)

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Senate elections took place this month with almost all political parties represented as well as one independent. Elections began on June 1st, right on schedule. When the smoke had cleared and the dust had settled on June 4th, the votes rested at: three for Prussia of the Conservative Federalist Party (elected), three for the independent candidate Lordiguard (elected), three for none of the above, two for Toshmartin8 (Togo Togo) of the Morals of Liberty Party (not elected), and two for Aawia of the Conservative Federalist Party (not elected). Total voter turnout was 57 percent, with 13 out of 23 eligible voters casting ballots. There was a surprisingly high vote for none of the above, but it was excellent to see a good spread of votes. We wish all the best to Prussia and Lordiguard as they strive to improve and preserve this great region while serving in the Senate.

Controversial Repeal Proposal Passes (By Aawia)

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The proposal Repeal "Reduction of Abortion Act" has passed in the World Assembly, stinging the feelings of many, especially players in Right to Life. The bill understandably was viewed with suspicion by many on our forums. Right before it reached the floor, the Senate, acting in its role as the highest court in the region, issued a ruling reluctantly permitting region members to vote as they wished but encouraging them to vote against the repeal. That this bill passed the General Assembly irks many in the NationStates pro-life movement. Hopefully, it will be possible to get a more solid resolution enacted soon to reduce national abortion rates and to ensure that all women have access to the reproductive care they need.

Military Succeeds in Unexpectedly Lengthy Campaign (By Aawia)

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The Right to Life Army was deployed for many days in NATO Resistance Movement. This mission against the pro-Gaddafi and pro-communist region was defined by much waiting and a touch of controversy and not much progress. Early in the campaign the Army did succumb to defenders (FRA and UDL); but, coming back from this, the Army soon retook the region and held it for the rest of the campaign. For more than a week, the Army anxiously waited to gain the right amount of influence and was elated when the hidden password finally was implemented. During the mission, the Army, at various times, received assistance from a number of players acting of their own accord, including members of Church Militant, Freedom and Justice Alliance, the Black Hawks, and the Black Riders.


Right to Life Decides Not to Join the Founderless Regions Alliance (By Aawia)

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Culture of Life (Christian Democrats), the founder of Right to Life, initiated negotiations to join the Founderless Regions Alliance (FRA) at the request of the regional Senate. The idea was made public, and FRA diplomats joined the Right to Life forums. The idea was not initially shot down; many questions were fielded, perhaps showing some apprehension. Eventually, after the question period had ended, a private survey of region members was held; and the proposal to join the FRA was rejected by a majority. Adhering to the result of the regionwide survey, the Senate decided not to apply for FRA membership by a vote of 3 to 0. With the recent raiding activities of the Right to Life Army, which is independent from the elected government, it appears that the decision against FRA membership might have been better for the region. Not being an FRA member region has allowed our military to enjoy a period of heightened raiding activity, as seen in the article above. It remains unclear at the moment what the status of relations is between the FRA and RTL; but the parting words after RTL decided not to join the FRA were nothing but friendly.

Promotions in the Right to Life Army (By Culture of Life)

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Three players have been elevated in rank for their participation in two recent missions: the mission in NATO Resistance Movement mentioned above and the earlier mission to liberate the South Pacific from its communist dictator Chairman Milo. Prussia has been promoted from captain to colonel, and Aawia and Dallas Unit 9 have been promoted from private to captain.

Right to Life is currently looking from players to help with recruiting new members to the region. If you are interested in helping Right to Life grow its population, please visit the Office of Recruitment on the Right to Life regional forums.
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published July 29, 2013
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

From August 1 to August 4, Right to Life will be holding a presidential election.

Coup in Osiris; Its Leader Joins RTL Forums (By Aawia and Culture of Life)

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The Right to Life Army (RTLA) recently was deployed in Osiris to help the forum government retake the region from a rogue delegate. Osiris held offsite elections, in which the sitting delegate, the Dourian Embassy, lost. Upon losing, he turned his nation over to Gatesville Inc. After a week of trying to help, the RTLA decided to pull out. In recent days, a month after the coup began, Gatesville and its allies (Usiris) reached an agreement with Osiris. The original forum government (the Kemetic Republic) soon will be restored to power.

On a related note, Durkadurkiranistan, the leader of the Osiris coup (the Usiris government), has joined the Right to Life forums. He plans to participate in the upcoming World Conference for Life (August 4-11), and we couldn't be more glad to have him despite us having been on opposite sides of the Osiris affair.

Constitutional Amendment (By Aawia)

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A proposal was put forward and discussed this month to amend the Constitution. The amendment clarifies that the president is not permitted to transfer the regional delegacy to another nation or player without the approval of all senators and the founder. The idea was put forward by Aawia in response to the situation in Osiris; and, although we have a founder who could prevent a coup, the purpose of the proposal was to clear things up for the unforeseeable future. The bill was discussed here and voted on here. The proposed amendment passed quickly, gaining the force of law on July 13th. The Senate has remained mostly quiet since then; however, things will hopefully pick back up after the August presidential election.

WA Buzzes with Abortion Debates (By Aawia)

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A proposal to repeal the General Assembly resolution On Abortion recently failed, disappointing many in Right to Life; although, there is still hope for the NationStates pro-life movement. A well written and thought out abortion proposal (the Family Planning Initiative) has been drafted in the General Assembly. Our region, which regulates the way the president (WA delegate) votes on certain matters in the GA regarding abortion, has been discussing if the president will be constitutionally required to vote for this planned proposal (written by Krioval), which would create an international fund "to assist with [the] medical and living expenses of pregnant women, infant children, and their families based on demonstrable financial hardship."

Real World: Texas Passes Abortion Bill (By Culture of Life)

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In the United States, Texas has passed a new law banning abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy, the point after which a fetus is capable of feeling pain. The law also contains two women's health provisions. The first requires that abortion clinics be held to the same minimum standards as other surgical centers, and the second requires that each abortion clinic be located within 30 miles of a hospital so that emergency care can be provided to the woman in a timely manner in the case of a botched abortion.

Between 12.5 and 22 percent of Americans obtaining abortions suffer cervical lacerations, and between 25 and 50 percent of women develop post-abortion infections. Two percent suffer major post-abortion complications, and 3 to 5 percent of women are left sterile by the procedure. A poll conducted in June shows that Americans overwhelmingly support 20-week abortion bans 59 to 30 percent. In addition, only a minority of Americans, 46 percent, now believes that abortions should be generally available, whereas 47 percent think abortion should always or generally be unlawful.

Abortion proponents say they plan to challenge the new law in court.

New Global Moderator Appointed (By Culture of Life)

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Ahead of the World Conference for Life (August 4-11), in which eight regions have pledged to participate so far, the regional founder Culture of Life (Christian Democrats) has decided to appoint a new global moderator to help him and Devoted Decons police the Right to Life forums. On Sunday, July 28, Prussia became a global moderator. Prussia joined the region in 2011; and, since then, he has been one of its most active members. He currently serves as a senator and the minister of internal affairs, and he previously served as president and World Assembly delegate of the region for a record 291 days. His assistance in keeping the peace and maintaining law and order will be needed as the upcoming global conference is expected to bring a number of visitors and maybe even some unwanted guests to Right to Life's offsite board.
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published August 31, 2013
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

August Presidential Election Results (By Dallas Unit 9)

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On Wednesday, July 21, 2013, Culture of Life, the regional founder, officially opened the nominations period for the August presidential election. Since the long-time incumbent Texoma previously had announced he would not seek reelection, the candidates of the Conservative Federalist Party (Aawia) and the Morals of Liberty Party (Rath Rhinoth) quickly nominated themselves. Right to Life's Progressive Party did not put forward a candidate in this election.

Voting began on August 1st and continued through August 4th, and the final results showed Aawia with five votes and Rath Rhinoth with two. Aawia took office, and after some endorsement shuffling became the World Assembly delegate of Right to Life.

New Foreign Minister (By Dallas Unit 9)

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During the presidential election, New Dolgaria asked if anyone would like to take over his duties as Right to Life's foreign minister. Rath Rhinoth said he'd accept the position if he lost the presidential race. No one else asked for the position, so, shortly after the announcement of Aawia's election to the presidency, he accepted New Dolgaria's resignation and appointed Rath Rhinoth as the new foreign minister.

Senator Replacement (By Dallas Unit 9)

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After Senator Lordiguard was inactive for 19 days, President Aawia dismissed him as permitted by the Right to Life Constitution. He asked the community to nominate possible replacements; and two nations, Lengleland and Aquino, applied to become the new senator. Due to Lengleland having joined RTL only a few days before, Aawia appointed Aquino to the Senate.

First Annual Pro-Life Conference (By Dallas Unit 9)

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Between August 4 and 11, Right to Life hosted the inaugural NationStates World Conference for Life. This conference brought together supporters of pro-life policies from all over the NS world and fostered discussion about many different aspects of the pro-life movement in NationStates and in the real world, including debates on the issues of euthanasia and capital punishment.

In total, ten pro-life regions and 28 nations participated in the conference. Someone from each region began a thread detailing their region's characteristics; and discussions popped up about ideologies, morality, and governments. Learning about our neighbors is important, and the Conference was a great opportunity to meet new friends and build relationships.

One of the major outcomes of the Conference was the drafting of a constitution creating a diplomatic alliance among regions who have a majority of pro-life nations and a military alliance among pro-life nations. The diplomatic alliance will seek to advance the pro-life cause via the WA and forums, while the military alliance -- open to any pro-life nation, regardless of their home region -- will mainly participate in military gameplay.

Overall, the World Conference for Life was a great success; and we look forward to attending again next year.

(At present, the Right to Life Senate is considering the treaty drafted at the conference.)

Birth Control Chaos (By Culture of Life)

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Following the repeal of the Reduction of Abortion Act, birth control and child support have been hot topics in the NationStates General Assembly. The Right to Life founder, Culture of Life (Christian Democrats), introduced a proposal titled the Unwed Parenthood Act. This proposal would have required high schools to establish sexual education programs, would have encouraged public funding for adoption services, and proposed that member states commit themselves to funding social assistance programs and tax relief for low-income parents. The Unwed Parenthood Act also would have initiated an international campaign combating unplanned pregnancy. One part of the proposed campaign in particular -- a clause promoting civil marriage -- proved controversial, thus bringing down the proposal, which received only 20 percent support.

After the defeat of the Unwed Parenthood Act, Three Weasels' Responsible Parenthood Act came before the General Assembly. This proposal would have required member states to fund adoption services as well as comprehensive sexual education programs in schools with a focus on contraception. Furthermore, the Responsible Parenthood Act would have mandated that governments make available free contraceptives regardless of age and that children be allowed to "obtain contraceptives without parental consent or knowledge." This proposal was also defeated, receiving 40 percent support.

Fragments and Happenings (By Dallas Unit 9)

Got news affecting Right to Life? Telegram or PM Dallas Unit 9 to have it included in the monthly newsletter.

We now have a new Game of the Month: TANKS.

Dallas Unit 9 became the Regional News Director after Aawia won the presidential election.

Culture of Life added several new forum features this month, including DuckDuckGo and Wikipedia tags and a resizing script to prevent large images from stretching the forum.

RTL's endorsement cap was lowered to three.

The North Polish Union, aka Wojewodztwo Lubelskie, joined the Right to Life Army.

Interested in attracting new players to Right to Life? Visit the Office of Recruitment on the Right to Life regional forums.
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published November 28, 2013
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

Pro-Life International Founded (By The North Polish Union)

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On Thursday, October 24, Pro-Life International, a new interregional organization that seeks to promote the pro-life movement within NationStates was officially founded. Planning for PLI had been in the works since early August, when plans to found it were made at the World Conference for Life. The founding members are the Coalition of Catholic States, the International Christian Union, the League of Christian Nations, and Right to Life.

New News Director Appointed (By The North Polish Union)

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On November 16, Dallas Unit 9 resigned as Right to Life's regional news director, citing real-life business as the reason for her resignation. Moves to find a new news director were immediately made; and, on November 18, The North Polish Union was unanimously voted in as the new director.

Army Supports Westphalia During Period of Instability (By The North Polish Union)

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After Westphalia's founder ceased to exist due to inactivity, Siu Ming, WA Delegate of Westphalia, made the decision to attempt to refound and requested that the Right to Life Army move in to help. Right to Life and Westphalia are old allies, having maintained embassies for a year-and-a-half. However, after less that a week, the founder of Westphalia, The House of Petain (Mike the Progressive, formerly Rolamec), returned to NationStates, ending Westphalia's period of instability.

Devoted Decons Becomes Justice of the Peace (By The North Polish Union)

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Following a vote to create the Justice Court of Right to Life, Devoted Decons became Right to Life's first Justice of the Peace. Devoted Decons is one of Right to Life's oldest members, and all of Right to Life wishes him a long and successful tenure as Right to Life's JP.
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published December 31, 2013
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

Pro-Life International Growing (By The North Polish Union)

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This December, the population of Pro-Life International, the interregional organization dedicated to furthering the pro-life cause on NationStates, skyrocketed. The organization nearly doubled its membership between November 30 and the publication of this article. Despite the population growth, PLI is still just getting started, and most actions taken by the organization have been administrative details so far. However, the large number of new members should be a sign of further good things to come.

New Foreign Minister Appointed (By The North Polish Union)

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On December 19, Texoma was appointed Right to Life's new foreign minister following the CTEing of former Foreign Minister Rath Rhinoth. Texoma is one of Right to Life's oldest members, having been a member of the region since late 2011. We wish him a long and distinguished career as Right to Life's foreign minister.

Right to Life Army Update (By The North Polish Union)

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The Right to Life Army's activity was relatively low in November, but it participated in several missions recently, especially towards Christmas. Starting in late November, RTLA troops were deployed in a long-term mission with the SOP, an FRA-member region, to password protect the United San Diego States. After the password was established, RTLA troops were withdrawn.

On December 21, the RTLA detagged the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which had been raided by the Black Riders a few days before. However, just a few days later, Kingdom of Jerusalem's founder returned, ending the threat to that region.

A few days after that, RTLA troops were sent to Greece to support a liberation led by the Eastern Roman Empire and Slavia to take Greece from its infamous Persian occupiers.

Right to Life to Participate in NS World Fair (By The North Polish Union)

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Right to Life has been accepted for a booth at the 2013 NS World Fair, which is taking place January 3-10, 2014, in the South Pacific. Right to Life is excited to be able to participate in the Fair.

Spain to Recriminalize Abortion (By Culture of Life)

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Soon, a vote will take place in the Spanish parliament to recriminalize induced abortion. The pro-life bill is expected to pass as the center-right People's Party controls the majority of seats.

In 1985, abortion was decriminalized in Spain in cases of maternal health, rape, and fetal defects. In 2010, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party legalized abortion on request during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Under the new law, abortion would be illegal with exceptions for maternal health and rape.
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published May 26, 2014
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

"Reproductive Freedoms" Passes WA (By New Dolgaria)

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On March 1, an act entitled "Reproductive Freedoms" (GA #286) passed the General Assembly. The act regards abortion as a "medical procedure" and states that individuals have a "right to choose." While the act was being voted on, the Justice of the Peace, Devoted Decons, delivered a decision regarding the issue of the region's WA members and their votes. After reviewing the regional constitution, Devoted Decons found that "citizens must vote AGAINST or ABSTAIN TO" the act and that the president (Aawia) "is required to vote AGAINST" the act. The Justice Court faced a similar issue in January with the attempted repeal (eventually unsuccessful) of GA #128, "On Abortion." Despite Right to Life's efforts, "Reproductive Freedoms" passed with 68% for and 32% against.

Wugafarian CTEs, Morals of Liberty Party Closes (By New Dolgaria)

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On March 1, the co-founder and last remaining member of the Morals of Liberty Party, Wugafarian, ceased to exist. Regional founder Culture of Life subsequently dissolved the party. The MLP had been founded in December 2012 and stood for republicanism and right-libertarianism. The other member and co-founder had been Rath Rhinoth, who CTE'd in December 2013 but returned recently. Wugafarian was a long-time member of Right to Life, having served in the Senate.

RTL Gets Biggest Boom Yet (By New Dolgaria)

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Towards the end of February, the regional population began to increase steadily. Around March 16, the record broke. Currently, the region's record is set at 73, achieved in early May. Experts attribute the population boom to successful recruiting tactics as well as an increased interest in the abortion issue following the passage of the above-mentioned WA resolution.

Aawia Breaks Delegacy Record (By Culture of Life)

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On May 24, Aawia became Right to Life's longest-serving delegate. Aawia passes PrussianEmpire, a fellow member of the Conservative Federalist Party, who served 291 days. Third place is Texoma, an independent, at 242 days. Aawia recently announced on the regional message board his intent to step down after the August presidential election, at the end of his third four-month term. The Aawian administration has overseen unprecedented and much welcomed population growth in Right to Life.

PLI Developing Slowly But Surely (By Dallas Unit 9)

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NationState's premier pro-life organization, Pro-Life International (PLI), has been developing slowly but surely based on the efforts of members of the Coalition of Catholic States and Right to Life.

The purpose of PLI is to draw pro-life regions closer together both diplomatically and militarily and to increase their influence in the WA and through gameplay. So far, we have been discussing the direction PLI should take and methods for recruiting more regions to our cause.

If you are interested, please contact us either by sending a telegram to Dallas Unit 9 or by visiting our forums at http://w11.zetaboards.com/NS_Right_to_Life/forum/3862279/.

5th Circuit Upholds Texas Abortion Law (By Culture of Life)

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On Thursday, March 27, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, consisting of Judges Edith Jones, Jennifer Elrod, and Catharina Haynes, unanimously upheld a Texas law placing stricter limits on abortion. The law "requires [first] that a physician performing or inducing an abortion have admitting privileges . . . at a hospital no more than thirty miles from the location where the abortion is provided" and, second, "that the administration of abortion-inducing drugs comply with the protocol authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)." Judge Jones delivered the opinion, concluding that the Texas abortion law "on its face does not impose an undue burden on the life and health of a woman."

You can read the full 34-page opinion here:

Planned Parenthood v. Abbott
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published July 29, 2014
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

June Elections (By New Dolgaria)

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In June, elections were held for the Senate and for the regional representative to Pro-Life International (PLI). Three candidates ran for senator: East Jordan, Ripken, and Xinxian. Dallas Unit 9 was the only candidate for PLI representative. All candidates were independents. Nine valid votes were counted in each of the two elections. Ripken, with three votes, and Xinxian, with two votes, won Senate seats; East Jordan received just one vote with the other votes going to "none of the above." Dallas Unit 9 won the PLI representative election with eight votes, the remaining vote going to "none of the above."

Court Convicts Ripken (By New Dolgaria)

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Days after election results were announced, the Right to Life Justice Court ruled against newly-elected Senator Ripken, stripping him of his Senate seat. Justice of the Peace Devoted Decons determined that Ripken had been using a multi on the forums known as Finkip. No player is allowed to have more than one nation with citizenship status in Right to Life. The prosecutor, Aquino, successfully put forth evidence that Finkip and Ripken were one and the same. Devoted Decons concluded that Ripken had knowingly violated the regional common law in the hopes of meeting the requirements (two nations or more) for creating a political party. Devoted Decons decided that since Ripken had multied before the June election, he should not have been eligible to run for office. Thus, the Justice Court convicted Ripken of multiplicity and (retroactively) deprived him of citizenship for two months, starting from the time of his violation. The vacated Senate seat went to the third-place candidate in the June election, East Jordan.

Army Takes Almost Paradise (By Culture of Life)

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In keeping with its longstanding policy of practicing on small regions suffering from chronic inactivity, the Right to Life Army (RTLA) recently invaded Almost Paradise. At an earlier date, the region had been taken by the Black Riders (TBR). RTLA member the North Polish Union removed TBR's tags and ordered the closure of TBR's embassy, replacing these with RTLA tags and a Right to Life embassy. Subsequently, the RTLA withdrew from the region. Twelve hours after the RTLA mission, the United Imperial Armed Forces (UIAF), a military alliance of three regions (almost 1000 nations), attempted to seize Almost Paradise for itself but missed the update. The next day, Almost Paradise's last inhabitant died, allowing the region, RTLA flag flying, to expire.

Free Speech Prevails at U.S. Supreme Court (By Culture of Life)

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The United States Supreme Court recently delivered a victory to the pro-life movement in striking down as unconstitutional a state statute that placed restrictions on pro-life advocacy outside abortion clinics.

Massachusetts' Reproductive Health Care Facilities Act, as amended in 2007, prohibited certain individuals from remaining on public ways and sidewalks within 35 feet (11 meters) of the entrances, exits, or driveways to abortion clinics during their hours of operation. Under the act, a person could be fined $500 and imprisoned for three months for a first offense; and, for a subsequent violation, a person could be fined $5000 and sent to prison for 30 months.

Sidewalk counselor Eleanor McCullen, 77, and other pro-life activists challenged the act in federal court, claiming that the 35-foot "buffer zones" severely hindered their efforts to approach pregnant women and give them information on abortion and advice on alternatives to the procedure. A district court and an appellate court rejected their arguments, siding with the state government. McCullen and her fellow litigants then petitioned the Supreme Court, which accepted their case and heard oral arguments in January.

On June 26, the Supreme Court, in a 9-0 decision, ruled in favor of the pro-life appellants, determining that Massachusetts had violated their freedom of speech. Five justices reasoned that the act restricting sidewalk activism was unconstitutional because it excessively burdened "the exchange of ideas" in a "traditional public forum." The other four justices reached the same conclusion using a somewhat different rationale. They held that Massachusetts, rather than being neutral, improperly discriminated against one viewpoint in favor of another by allowing clinic workers but not pro-life advocates to spread their message outside abortion facilities.

Planned Parenthood, the United States' largest abortion provider, was quick to express displeasure, condemning the Supreme Court for its unanimous decision. Corporate President Cecile Richards said that she felt the six male and three female justices had shown "a troubling level of disregard for American women." After the decision, officials in Massachusetts announced their commitment to fight back against the federal judiciary, saying they will try to pass new legislation against pro-life advocacy. For now, Eleanor McCullen, a mother and grandmother, may continue her efforts to reach out to younger women struggling with unforeseen pregnancies. "We need gentle, loving people that are not judgmental, that are there to help."

The Supreme Court decision McCullen v. Coakley (2014) is available here:

http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/12-1168_6k47.pdf
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published August 1, 2015
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

Population Boom Continues (By Aawia)

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Right to Life continues its staggering population growth as it consistently breaks regional population records. Numbers have slowed lately; but, with some much needed activity being brought to the offsite forums and the regional message board, the future looks bright. Right to Life is currently the 83rd largest region in NationStates with a population of 132 residents, including 26 World Assembly members and 34 citizens. Although these numbers are bound to fluctuate, it appears that Right to Life has secured for itself a place among the top 100 regions for the foreseeable future.

Recent Regional Elections (By Aawia)

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In April, regional Founder Culture of Life (Christian Democrats) opened nominations for the regional presidency. During the seven-day nominations period, only Phydios stepped forward to serve. Due to the lack of a second candidate, the victory was granted to Phydios without voting. So far, Phydios's presidency has seen a burst of activity on the offsite forums as well as the regional message board.

Right to Life also held relatively quiet elections in early June. On May 25, Culture of Life opened nominations for two Senate seats and for the region's representative to Pro-Life International (PLI). The number of nominees, again, matched the number of open offices. There was one unusual event however. Culture of Life, as founder, is traditionally a none of the above voter due to his position; but he cast a ballot for Xinxian for Senate, citing that Xinxian had used the regional currency (the lifemark) to purchase eight days of advertising on the offsite forums. Presumably, he wants to encourage more citizens to purchase campaign advertisements in the future to boost revenues for the Right to Life Bank. Senate voting finished with three votes for Xinxian, two votes for Stellonia, and no votes for none of the above. PLI voting ended with five votes for Stellonia and zero for none of the above.

Unfortunately, due to uncommunicated vacation time, Xinxian was later removed from office by President Phydios and replaced with Horatius Cocles shortly before his return. Both Cocles and Xinxian have proven highly capable members of the region, serving in various government positions. Xinxian, after his return, made note of his intentions to better communicate to regional officials planned time away from NationStates in the future.

Life Party Emerges and Becomes Dominant (By Aawia)

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Right to Life's newest political party has quickly grown to become the largest in the region. Approved by the government on May 27, the Life Party is a self-described right-wing, national sovereigntist organization. Its early political dominance comes on the back of defections from the formerly hegemonic center-right Conservative Federalist Party and on the joining of regional citizens who were previously registered as independents. The Life Party, which is led by Stellonia, now holds all three seats in the Senate, including the regional presidency. The Conservative Federalists are attempting to make a comeback while the center-left Progressive Party struggles to attract new members in Right to Life's largely conservative culture.

Senate Keeps Legislation Moving (By Aawia and Culture of Life)

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Right to Life's government, despite low turnout in elections, has been busy this year. The Senate has considered numerous proposals, and it has enacted three major pieces of legislation.

In January, the Senate unanimously added a direct democracy amendment to the regional constitution, motivated by a regional poll that showed 77% of residents wanted the right to initiate and vote in referendums. The amendment gives citizens the ability to bypass the government by petitioning the Founder to open public votes on their own proposed policies; and it gives citizens the power to recall public servants, including legislative, executive, and judicial officials, who are performing their duties poorly.

On July 1, the Senate updated the region's bill of rights, first enacted in February 2012. The new version of the law gives judges guidelines for interpreting and applying rights; and it clarifies that a regional court has the authority to invalidate a policy that abridges a fundamental right, unless the government "demonstrates that the abridgement significantly promotes an important regional interest." The basic liberties of individuals in Right to Life include freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of contract, freedom from aggression, the right to fair treatment, and freedom from cruel or unusual punishment. There is also a section in the amended law penalizing private citizens who "intimidate or prevent others from freely and peacefully exercising their fundamental rights."

On July 18, the Senate added a new section to the first article of Right to Life's constitution, prompted by a debate on the regional message board. Ovybia, a new resident, claimed that exceptions in regional citizenship requirements constituted an endorsement of legalized abortion in cases of maternal health, sexual assault, and fetal defects (altogether, less than one-tenth of abortion procedures). Others contended that tolerance of such views did not mean that region members necessarily agreed with them. To settle the controversy and clarify the region's official stance, the following text was approved: "Right to Life, as a community, does not advocate induced abortion in any case. Aware of the incalculable worth of each and every human life, the region promotes the abolition of abortion on request, especially abortions that are performed merely or primarily for social or economic reasons, as well as the elimination of the underlying causes of abortion." The three aforementioned exceptions in regional citizenship regulations remain.

Misandry and Nazism: Justice Court Decisions (By Culture of Life)

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Right to Life's court of first instance, this year, has seen two major cases so far: Phydios v. Feminepolis (16 April 2015) and Right to Life v. Catholic34 (18 May 2015). Justice of the Peace New Dolgaria, whom the Senate unanimously confirmed in March, presided and delivered decisions in both cases.

In the first case, Phydios, as a private citizen, filed a complaint against Feminepolis, also a citizen, for making "incoherent, illogical, and very questionably pro-life" statements on the regional message board. Feminepolis had condemned the abortion of female children but said that she understood and even tolerated the termination of male fetuses. At the conclusion of a nine-day trial, in which Feminepolis represented herself, the Justice Court ruled in favor of Phydios. New Dolgaria determined that Feminepolis condoned sex selection and, thus, stripped her of citizenship and her 100-lifemark citizen's allowance.

The second case was initiated by the regional government. In the course of doing a background check on citizen and army applicant Catholic34, regional Founder Culture of Life (Christian Democrats) discovered that Catholic34 was concealing membership in the region Nazi Europa. While the government was preparing its case against Catholic34 for lying on an official application, he was permanently deleted from NationStates (delete on sight). Culture of Life then requested an immediate court order to ban him from the regional forums, and the order was granted without a trial. The Justice Court ruled that regional law implicitly incorporates the rules of NationStates. "When members violate game rules," New Dolgaria wrote, "they are also violating Right to Life law." Nobody who is permanently banned from NationStates is permitted to hold forum membership in Right to Life.
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published October 30, 2015
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

August Presidential Election (By Ovybia)

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Right to Life held its election for president, or WA delegate, on August 1-4. Phydios, nominated by the right-wing Life Party, ran for a second term against then Senator Stellonia, an independent candidate who failed to win the Life Party's nomination, and former President Texoma, the candidate of the center-right Conservative Federalist Party. Ovybia hosted a debate on the regional forums for Stellonia and Texoma. Phydios declined to participate. The main difference between the two candidates in the debate was Texoma's support for and Stellonia's opposition to an expansion of the regional Senate, which currently has three members (the president, a senior senator, and a junior senator).

In a Right to Life presidential election, voting is open to all WA residents in a three-day poll on the region's main page. As voting opened, Phydios and Texoma immediately took the lead, vying for the top position, while Stellonia was left behind. However, the tides quickly turned with Stellonia gaining in support on the second day of voting and passing up the other two candidates. Texoma, after falling to third place, decided to drop out on the third and final day, encouraging his supporters to switch their votes to Phydios. In the end, Phydios edged out Stellonia by a single vote, 7-6. After the election, Phydios thanked the region's voters and expressed respect for his opponents.

Founder Opens Office of Labor (By Texoma)

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Regional Founder Culture of Life (Christian Democrats) opened a new forum on the region's offsite board on July 31: an Office of Labor, where citizens of Right to Life can apply for jobs in the Right to Life Army, the Regional News Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Justice Court, the Bank of Right to Life, and the Recruitment Office. Many citizens have already applied for jobs through this new Office, making it an overall success for streamlining the further integration of citizens, new and old alike, into the regional community. The Ministry of Internal Affairs oversees the Office of Labor.

Religious Interest Group Founded (By Ovybia)

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On August 20, the Thomas Aquinas Society was officially formed as Right to Life's first religious interest group. Established for Right to Life's Catholic citizens, the group holds informal Wednesday meetings open to Catholics as well as interested non-Catholics at 7 PM ET (6 PM CT) in the regional chatroom. The group's purpose is the explanation and discussion of Catholic doctrine and how Catholic social teaching applies in the context of the pro-life movement. Non-Catholics who are interested in Catholicism are allowed to be a part of the group through a guest membership program.

Regional Government Wins Controversial Court Case (By Texoma)

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In a high-profile court case, Ovybia sued the government of Right to Life after the regional Senate terminated his employment as Director of the Bank of Right to Life. There were four causes of action, including a claim that the dismissal from office was illegally discriminatory. After a nine-day trial, Justice of the Peace New Dolgaria ruled that the government, represented by regional Founder Culture of Life (Christian Democrats), had not violated any of Ovybia's legal rights. "The Senate's reasons for removing Ovybia," New Dolgaria wrote, "rely on the controversy surrounding his performance as Bank Director." Ovybia appealed the ruling but lost 3-0 with summary affirmation of the lower court's decision.

October Senatorial Election (By Texoma)

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A regional senatorial election was held on October 1-4. There were five candidates: Xinxian (Life Party), Horatius Cocles (Life Party), the Rouge Christmas State (Conservative Federalist Party), Texoma (Libertarian Party), and No Serfdom (Libertarian Party). There was heavy campaigning before voting opened. During the election, Xinxian and Texoma both withdrew and endorsed the RCS. The final results were:

* The RCS: 9 votes (elected)
* Cocles: 7 votes (elected)
* Texoma: 3 votes
* Xinxian: 1 vote
* No Serfdom: 0 votes
* None of the Above: 0 votes

The turnout was 20 out of 34 citizens. The RCS is serving as a senator for the first time while Cocles is returning to the Senate for a full four-month term after President Phydios appointed her to fill a vacancy in July.
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William F. Buckley

RIGHT TO LIFE NEWSLETTER

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Published March 31, 2016
Regional Main Page | Offsite Regional Forums

February Senatorial Election (By United Massachusetts)

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From February 1-4, Right to Life held an election for two seats in the regional Senate, in which 22 citizens voted. The election was very close, and Founder Culture of Life (Christian Democrats) had to break a tie for second place between Imperii Ecclesia and United Massachusetts.

Cocles (Life Party) -- 36.36%
Imperii Ecclesia (Conservative Federalist) -- 27.27%
United Massachusetts (Liberals for Life) -- 27.27%
Ardaxia (Independent) -- 4.55%
Phydios (Conservative Federalist) -- 4.55%
Stellonia (Life Party) -- 0.00%
Texoma (Libertarian) -- 0.00%

Culture of Life broke the tie in favor of Imperii Ecclesia after consulting President Pan-Celtic Nation, who said that he thought he could work better with IE.

The election was notable for a number of reasons. It was competitive all throughout, and there were more votes cast in this election than in October's midterm election. The open forum for the candidates sparked intense debate about the issues, which allowed the general public to be informed. It was one of the most publicized and closest elections in modern regional history.

Region Reacts to Scalia's Sudden Death (By Culture of Life)

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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died unexpectedly on February 13 of natural causes at the age of 79. Right to Life residents, most of whom are Americans, expressed mixed but mostly favorable feelings toward the late Justice. "I didn't particularly like him," opined one region member, "but he was an intelligent man. RIP." Other region members lauded him as "the best justice on the Court" and "truly a zealous defender of constitutional government." "While I disagree with many of Justice Scalia's ideas," said another, "he is an honorable man, and my condolences go out to his family."

Some Right to Life residents were quick to make posts, which received numerous likes, praising Justice Scalia's constitutional stances on marriage, firearms, and property rights. During his 30-year tenure, Scalia notably authored decisions affirming an individual right to bear arms against unreasonable restrictions and the right to property against regulatory seizure. He also, in recent years, dissented from the federal judiciary's resolve to uproot the conjugal understanding of marriage that the federal government and two-thirds of states had elected to retain.

The late Justice, most importantly, was a staunch defender of the right of voters to adopt legislation protective of an unborn child's right to life. To find in the U.S. Constitution a "right to destroy human fetuses," Scalia famously wrote, "is to rattle off a collection of adjectives that simply decorate a value judgment and conceal a political choice." By declaring abortion a fundamental right, he added, American judges "created a vast new class of abortion consumers and abortion proponents by eliminating the moral opprobrium that had attached to the act." In the United States, hundreds of thousands of unborn children continue to be terminated every year, primarily for social or economic reasons in more than 90% of cases.

Rise, Election, and Fall of Saint Peter (By Ovybia)

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Right to Life has had all kinds, from staunch conservatives to strong liberals, all united under the common pro-life cause. But there is one that makes the RTL history books, a nation by the name of the Patrimony of Saint Peter, a friendly and likable fellow who quickly captured the interests of Right to Life through his straightforward and frank manner. After residing in RTL for only a few months, he won the regional presidency. Peter was a strong believer in the free market and worked hard to deregulate the RTL economy. Many in the region took a liking to him, even those who had fundamental disagreements with his ideas. Unfortunately shortly, after the 2015 Christmas holiday, it became evident that Peter's nation would cease to exist. After waiting many days past the official deadline for removing inactive government officials, the Founder remorsefully decided that he could wait no longer and needed to remove Peter as president. Soon thereafter, the Patrimony of Saint Peter ceased to exist.

After Peter went inactive as president, the RTL constitution placed the Founder in charge of choosing a replacement. It has been common tradition to allow the senior senator the option of taking the presidency, in this case Senator RCS. However, RCS declined. As he explained, "I was offered the Presidential position by Culture of Life, but I declined the offer due to being too busy to fulfill the position's duties." After a long deliberation, the Founder decided to appoint the second-place finisher of the previous presidential election, Pan-Celtic Nation. PCN accepted the position and is now currently serving as RTL president.

Stipend Reinstatement (By United Massachusetts)

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The Senate of Right to Life recently reinstated the stipend for citizens repealed by the fourteenth Senate. There had been much discussion about the stipend, with many agreeing that the applicant should apply rather than receive it automatically, with the reasoning being that the Bank of Right to Life might lose money by providing citizens with a stipend about which they didn't care or even know they had. Some responded that the Bank Director should telegram them should they show any interest in greater forum participation. Ultimately, however, the new Senate quickly approved the reinstatement, with new regulations regarding its reception. The text of the bill, passed 3-0, is as follows:

Any citizen may apply for and, afterwards, shall receive a one-time payment from the Bank of ₤100 as long as both of the following conditions are satisfied:

* Membership on the regional forums for at least seven days; and
* At least five forum posts, excluding prohibited content as defined by ZetaBoards.

Nobody who has received a citizen's payment in the past shall receive one again upon returning to the region.


Pro-Life Parliament Talk (By United Massachusetts)

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In a poll in October 2015, the vast majority of Right to Life citizens said they were supportive of a roleplay legislature for the region's shared nation, Pro-Life. However, not much had been done after this except determining that it would be called a "Parliament." Recently, however, when several nations stepped up potentially to lead the Parliament, the majority of citizens said that the Parliament should be opened, once and for all. Three candidates emerged: Enoch M. Rahn (Ransomed Individuals), Jeffery Pearce (United Massachusetts), and Dennis Rupert (Stellonia); and the former two, in a short election, won speaker and deputy speaker respectively.

Pay Raises Coming? (By United Massachusetts)

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Aawia, our regional Bank Director, has recently opened a topic in the Lifemarket forum to discuss a possible increase in the region's pay for government workers. This attention comes after the regional founder, Culture of Life (Christian Democrats), made the following post on the regional message board:

"I just paid out monthly governmental salaries in accordance with the region's economic rules: ₤55 for seven offices, or less than ₤8 per office per month. Again, I just want to express my opinion that these salaries are absurdly low. One official receives ₤0 per month; and, on the current pay scale, a governmental minister would have to work for almost five and a half years just to start his own business with a private subforum."

Several questions were raised in the discussion, among which included whether lower-level officials should be paid, how to cover the costs of a potential increase in pay, and to whom payment priority should be given.

The current government pay scale is:

Founder -- ₤10 per month
President -- ₤15 per month
Senator (x2) -- ₤10 per month
Foreign Minister -- ₤5 per month
Interior Minister -- ₤5 per month
Bank Director -- ₤0 per month
News Director -- ₤10 for each newsletter published
Justice of the Peace -- ₤10 for each case
Army member -- ₤10 for each successful mission

The discussion topic is located here:
http://w11.zetaboards.com/NS_Right_to_Life/topic/11533129/1/

Controversial Case in the Justice Court (By United Massachusetts)

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The trial recently concluded in the well-publicized Stellonia v. Texasa case. Texasa, represented by Franz Republic, was accused of spam and generally disruptive content-posting on the regional message board and the offsite forums. The defense and a private prosecution, led by Stellonia, argued over whether Texasa's posts fell under "free speech" or "spam." Another question was the relevance of the precedent of RTL v. Catholic34, which established that nations in violation of NationStates' rules are in violation of Right to Life law. The Justice of the Peace ruled in favor of Stellonia, determining that Texasa spammed the regional message board and forums and also violated court procedures by making threats and attacking Stellonia based on an earlier, irrelevant case, Phydios v. Stellonia.

The final judgment may be read here:
http://w11.zetaboards.com/NS_Right_to_Life/single/?p=8573799&t=11522812

Senate Interviews (By United Massachusetts)
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Interview with Imperii Ecclesia:

Q. What ideas are you planning to implement in the coming months?
A. I cannot answer that question. Just know me and the other Senate members are working together currently to find solutions to several issues.

Q. Would you support a reform in wages? If so, would you lower or raise them? Would you support wages for lower level employees?
A. Yes. I have already voiced my opinion in increasing the wages. I think your idea for wages is excellent and only needs one change: you should get paid because your position is important.

See the full discussion at http://w11.zetaboards.com/NS_Right_to_Life/topic/11533129/1/.

Q. Would you support any types of reforms in anti-discrimination policy?
A. Yes. The anti-discrimination should follow ZetaBoards' terms of service, no more no less.

Q. Do you believe the Senate should be expanded?
A. It is fine the way it is. Maybe having more members would make it more active. However I think it is unnecessary and currently am opposed to it. I believe it is fine the way it is.

Q. Any other comments?
A. None at the moment. Thank you for the interview, and God Bless! Thank you!

Interview with Pan-Celtic Nation:

Q. What ideas are you planning to implement in the coming months?
A. I am hoping to restart the regional economy through encouragement. I also wish to create a sort of "Education Army", headed by the Foreign Minister, tasked with going out into NationStates and educating people on the value of life and our cause.

Q. Would you support a reform in wages? If so, would you lower or raise them? Would you support wages for lower level employees?
A. I would support a wage increase because the employees are not being paid wages in which they can create businesses and buy goods in the regional economy.

Q. Would you support any types of reforms in anti-discrimination policy?
A. No. The change for race/ethnicity was right.

Q. Do you believe the Senate should be expanded?
A. I would support it being expanded, yes. I think we have enough active members to expand it.

Q. Any other comments?
A. Tiocfaidh ár lá

Interview with Cocles:

Q. Would you support a reform in wages? If so, would you lower or raise them? Would you support wages for lower level employees?
A. Yes, the wages should be increased. It makes no sense for a person to work two jobs and only receive pay for one of them. I would support wages for lower level employees.

Q. Do you believe the Senate should be expanded?
A. That is a tricky question. When I first came to RTL, I said no. Now, I'm thinking that it might not be a bad idea. When I first campaigned for the Senate, the election prior to the recent one we just had, I wanted the Senate to be expanded. While I am all for more representation, there is a lingering doubt that we just don't have the number of active nations needed for this change to occur. RTL has over 100 nations, and only a dozen are active on the rmb. They are the same people who are active on the Forums. We need more activity before the expansion can occur and actually be worthwhile.
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