The Osiris Outlaw: Treize, congratulations on your recent election victory as Keeper of Osiris's legislature, the Deshret.
Treize_Dreizehn: Thank you.
The Osiris Outlaw: For the benefit of readers who may not be aware, can you tell us a little about the Deshret and the Keeper's role in it?
Treize_Dreizehn: Well, the Deshret is Osiris's legislative body. We work to make sure that laws get passed. The Keeper, he's a bit like a speaker in a traditional legislature. He makes sure that things move to vote, and handles a lot of the administrative duties involved in passing legislation.
The Osiris Outlaw: What is the Deshret working on right now, and what would you like to see it working on during this term?
Treize_Dreizehn: Right now we're working towards our constitution. The first thing we passed was a set of procedures for passing future laws... and that necessitated a speaker. So we had to have an election.
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The Osiris Outlaw nods
The Osiris Outlaw: You mentioned work on a constitution. When do you think that might go to vote, and what else would you like to see the Deshret working on during this term, once that's completed?
Treize_Dreizehn: I think the constitution is probably a week out, if I had money to bet. After that I imagine we'll sink our teeth into a legal code. I know one is being drafted by our Scribe of Justice, and I'm eager to really see how it can be improved. After the legal code, I get the strong suspicion we'll need to go back and revisit our previous legislation a bit. No amount of planning an preparation will account for all problems after all. Once we get them squared away, I think a lot of what we legislate will be based on what the citizens of Osiris want. The Deshret is open to all citizens who participate in a ministry even a little, so I think we'll have good ideas from active people.
The Osiris Outlaw: You mentioned the Deshret's activity requirements, which makes it unique compared to other assemblies. Why this difference, and how do you see it working better than just including all citizens?
Treize_Dreizehn: Every legislature struggles with the question: "How do we maintain an active and interested member base?" And every region answers it a little differently. In Osiris, we pride ourselves on our ingenuity and originality. It's become apparent that a legislature involving almost anyone who wants in needs to have some activity requirements. And because of that, those who get involved in the Deshret have a vested interest in the region, and are, generally at least, more established members of the community. I won't name them, but there are plenty of folks out there who are members of almost every legislature in NS. This isn't a mark against them, but we want folks committed to THIS community.
The Osiris Outlaw: Will the Deshret basically look the same as it does now under the new constitution, and what else can we expect to see from that constitution?
Treize_Dreizehn: I think that yes, the Deshret will look essentially the same. What else to expect? A "challenge" system for selecting new Pharaohs, outlining of rights for citizens, a judicial branch of government, a more concrete and defined executive, a guardian system, and even clear delineation of the administration of the forums. It will be inclusive, comprehensive, and most of all fair and democratic. Just how we like it.
The Osiris Outlaw: That sounds very different from the previous constitution under the Kemetic Republic. Would you say that there has been a move toward greater democracy in Osiris with the OFO?
Treize_Dreizehn: I think so. The Old Osiris was exactly the sort of oligarchy Milo made jokes about fighting. From the size of the various branches of government, to the power it gave the pharaoh, it's fairly remarkable that it ever made a claim to be democratic at all. Sure there was voting, for the same people to fill the few available positions. And with the same guiding hand behind the scenes, making sure the "right" people got elected. We don't play those kinds of games here anymore. This is a New Osiris, with a new mandate for the people.
The Osiris Outlaw: Speaking of the old Osiris, there has been some controversy that you have returned to Osiris. You had some harsh words about Osiris and vice versa, particularly in July. What made you decide to get involved again?
Treize_Dreizehn: To be perfectly honest, they got rid of that lump Biyah. I was iffy on the prospects until I saw that. Then I knew, this had to be better than what they had before. And I was right.
The Osiris Outlaw: Any plans to run for higher office after the constitution passes?
Treize_Dreizehn: Absolutely not. I'd probably just coup again.
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Treize_Dreizehn coughs
The Osiris Outlaw: And what is your hope for the Deshret as it moves forward? For Osiris in general?
Treize_Dreizehn: My hope for the Deshret is the same as Osiris, that it keeps moving in the direction it has been heading, towards greater democracy, and freedom. Freedom from the obvious tyranny like that I've perpetrated and the more subtle ones that have been festering for years. Freedom is always a better choice for the people.
The Osiris Outlaw: Well, Treize, it's certainly interesting to see you in Osiris' spotlight again, this time in a more positive way. Thank you for sitting down with us and we're looking forward to seeing what the Deshret has to offer over the coming term.
Treize_Dreizehn: Thanks for having me. Oh, and visit the
Osiris Booth at the world fair, it's a real hoot!