Discussion [Discussion] End the War with the NPO

[whatermelons]

As per (5) I. of the Twelth Mandate of Lazarus,

(5) The Assembly may declare war against another region or organization, and repeal a declaration of war, at the request of the Prime Minister, by two-thirds vote.

Citizens of Lazarus,

most of you have been following and voicing your opinions on the latest revelation in our long line of regional scandals. Once again outside forces meddled in your region's affairs and violated your regional sovereignty to their own end. Lazarus is a home of rebirth and fresh starts, but these latest perpetrators are not unknown to us. They have been found guilty of past offences against Lazarus, only to be given the chance to redeem themselves and start again, as is our forgiving nature.

Some of you have advocated for joining the current war efforts against the New Pacific Order; some of you have advised against it. Even if it may seem that we did not participate in all of those discussions and conversations, we did listen to you and have seen and pondered over all the arguments that you all have brought forth. After some consideration, both Tubbius and I agree that the best course of action is to let you, the citizens of this great region, decide whether we mobilise for war or not. We urge you, however, that you do not make this decision lightly, or in haste. We will share with you our thoughts on this matter. Some of these thoughts you have heard before; some may be entirely new. Please take these thoughts into consideration as you ponder what you think the right choice for Lazarus is.

For many years, the New Pacific Order has been a constant thorn in our side, its officials incessantly seeking to undermine us and our sovereignty. We would not be alone in this war either, but rather standing alongside our sister sinker Osiris and several other regions that have already declared war. It would finally allow us to pay back some of the pain that we have endured at their hands for years and show them that they cannot fool with us any longer or take advantage.

Furthermore, the social and economic benefits of a war abroad cannot be understated. Such a big unified goal will bring our citizenry closer together, acting and fighting side-by-side. Our residents will be engaged and motivated to participate in defence and patriotism for their region, which will surely prompt many of them to participate in ways they had otherwise been wary of. Without a doubt, engaging in this war will be a boon to our unity and our activity.

On the other hand, while we weren't formally at war, this region has been warred over for much of the past three years, if not longer. We are more stable than we have ever been in recent memory. A war threatens that stability. We would have to create a military again, with all the implications attached that have previously led us to eschew such an institution. The war will also make us a target once more. The New Pacific Order has seemingly left us alone after the installation of Mandate 12, finally; the transgressions that had been revealed predate the Anarchy Week back in April. By declaring war on them, we, in turn, become fair game to their machinations once more, and also to any region that might ally itself with the New Pacific Order.

Participating in this war would also bring up ugly memories of the fighting we've had here at home, both against foreigners and against each other; the returning weariness of Lazarenes from years past cannot be papered over by swift and glorious victories, because a war against the New Pacific Order must inherently be a war of attrition, long and arduous, and there is no consensus on whether such a war can be won at all.

Last but not least, it's a question of identity. Who are we? Are we warriors seeking to enact revenge upon those that have slighted us, or do we let bygones be bygones and concentrate on us and what makes us special? Do we reject the New Pacific Order's obviously begrudging attempts to meet our demands, or do we hold our word and accept that they have met our terms? Which kind of Lazarus do we want to be?

Fellow citizens, I do apologise for the heavy burden I am laying on you with this decision, but we feel at the same time that it is too important for us to simply order by fiat. The consequences of this decision will immeasurably shape the future of Lazarus in the years to come, and so we urge you with all of our conviction that you think about this rationally and with care. If you need to refresh yourself on the recent events, please see the following - Miniluv Messenger Articles (Part 1Part 2Demands to the NPONPO Statement and ApologyImkiville
Delegate of Lazarus
Treadwellia

 

[New Rogernomics]

Since the discussion has started on this, these are some major threads of reference related to when war was declared and the aftermath:

• Proscription of the NPO discussion
• War with the NPO discussion
• Statement and Apology from the NPO (and discussion)
• Statement on the NPO (and discussion)

 

[Leonism]

I've been in this region for over three years now, ever since I refounded my nation. I've been involved into the government in some form or other for about two years, with the last year spent as a member of the CLS. Before that, I also served in the Regional Guard and took part in minor fighting, mostly in the Warzones. This latter activity was the only in which I was ever personally involved in the war against the NPO, as the events that led to it predate my residency in Lazarus.

While I think that the NPO always played a usable role as our "greater scope villain" during my time in Lazarus, I do also think that continuing this war is pointless. What are our war goals? Every player of strategy games is used to asking themselves this question, and I can find no answer to this anymore regarding our war with the NPO. We do not seem to take part in any inter-regional efforts to actually seriously fight the NPO (and, to my knowledge, such concerted efforts do not actually exist anymore), so all we have left is a "Cold War" in which nothing actually happens. The NPO seems to have set their sights to other targets, if at all. I have no special sympathies for the NPO whatsoever, but I don't see any benefit in continuing the war.

So ultimately, yes, I too am in favour of ending this war. It was right to start it back when we did, and it is right to end it now, given the completely different "political" landscape of 2021.

 

[joWhatup]

I’m mostly neutral towards either continuing or ceasing the war. As it stands, there don’t seem to be many benefits to continuing the war, nor do there seem to be notable drawbacks to doing so.

I don’t believe the NPO poses a threat to us in its current form - if we do make peace, we might as well open diplomatic relations with them.

The only thing I’m hesitant about is on the timing - giving up at a random date seems less than entirely productive, especially since it has been years since anything happened. It might possibly be best if this was tied in to something (a possible apology from the NPO, or certain assurances, etc.)

 

[McChimp]

I share this sentiment and remain in favour of waiting for another delegate change in The Pacific; their current Delegate was an endorsee of the NLO.

 

[Leonism]

Well, there is certainly no urgency for action, so the arguments brought forth by McChimp and joWhatup have some merit.

 

[whatermelons]

If anyone else shares the same views expressed by jo, McChimp, and Leonism, I wouldn't motion this to vote so soon

 

[Frankender]

If anyone else shares the same views expressed by jo, McChimp, and Leonism, I wouldn't motion this to vote so soon

Yeah, while I'm not well versed on the specifics of the war, from what they stated, I am also against ending the war at this point in time.

 

[New Rogernomics]

If anyone else shares the same views expressed by jo, McChimp, and Leonism, I wouldn't motion this to vote so soon

Well, as others have stated, there is no rush on holding a vote on the war and we can take our time.