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The Lazarene Gazette February 2021

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 03:13:46 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus
Issue 11 • February 2021 • 2 Pages

ANOTHER YEAR, MORE MMMPH!
By @"New Rogernomics"

Lazarus enters 2021 with a lot of energy, I'd hope, more activity on the Regional Message Board, and this February with regional elections there is an opportunity for whoever wins the post to put their effort into the region and set the stage for the next administration - or continue on if they stand again. This is the first Gazette issue for a while, and is also an issue a lot longer than past ones, and features interviews with the Managing Director (Prime Minister) candidates, commentary from Lazarenes on national events, and news on other issues of concern such as the developing situation in the Armed Republic of Northern Westwald.

The Lazarene Gazette is going to continue operating through the Lazarene general election. There will be another issue sent out after the elections have reached a conclusion and we have a new Managing Director (Prime Minister), as well as perhaps their final picks for the cabinet posts.

MCCHIMP ENDS THEIR TERM, NEW ELECTIONS BEGIN
By @"New Rogernomics"

McChimp is ending their term as Managing Director (or Prime Minister). Chanku also left the Directorship of Public Relations through a lapse in national activity removing them from office, and the Public Relations department becoming rather quiet on the foreign policy front as Chanku leaving the role occurred so close to elections. The February 2021 election season has also begun, starting with a four day standing period for nominations, a six day period for campaigning, and five day voting period. Best of luck to the candidates for Managing Director, which so far are Director Domais and Vice-Director Whatermelons.

CATCH UP WITH THE MANAGING DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
By @"New Rogernomics"

I was lucky enough to catch up with the two candidates for Managing Director of Lazarus, and get a picture of their plans for Lazarus should they be elected to the position.

Interview with Director Domais

NEW ROGERNOMICS: How specifically do you want to go about ending the war with the NPO?

DOMAIS: Well I would have a vote and then depending on how the vote turns out would determine my future steps. If we vote to keep the war then I would end it there, but if we voted to end it, I would hold an additional vote on the proscription. I would seek to lift it. But, I would create a new embassy with them during my term.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: Do you foresee any future security implications with the NPO, and if not, is the proscription still necessary?

DOMAIS: Not really. What can they do to us? I mean if they start joining in bulk then the CLS should make moves to stop them. I mean I would be hard for them to pull something without us noticing and doing something about it. If we didn't have a CLS then I would be more hesitant to remove the proscription.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: If its okay, I am going to be asking some more general questions related to your election campaign for Managing Director.

DOMAIS: Okay.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: You mention wanting to take some of our foreign relationships to the next level, which regions in particular do you plan to gear this policy towards?

DOMAIS: Yeah, well one thing I forgot to mention in the NPO thing, if we end the war with the NPO then I would have a vote on leaving the Anti-Pacific Coalition for one. We have a NAP with TSP, I think we should try to get a Mutual Defense Pact with them. We have a NAP with TNP, so that would be an area we could look at. So those two jump to mind.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: Since you mention TSP, their foreign policy seems to be more defender-orientated, such as them having close ties to both TRR and XKI. Not all their citizens seem fond of expanding upon existing Lazarus-TSP relations. How do plan to work past that issue?

DOMAIS: We are neutral and there isn't a lot of neutral regions to seek out. If we just are going to go with the same alignment then we wouldn't have a lot of friends. I'll say this though, if they don't want it then we won't do it. I'm not going to press the issue. If I pressed the issue then it would be like a fake ally. If you know what I mean.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: How do you think Lazarus could go about improving off-site engagement, such as on the forum?

DOMAIS: Well, I think we should advertise our off-site activities. Using region wide TGs. Like one idea we had was putting ads in the Gazette and then publicizing that. We could do a system were we have like a recruiter that sends a TG asking them to join the forums and become a shareholder to active people on the RMB. But, like we need to manage that in a way that it doesn't become spam.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: How do you think we should organize game nights with the region?

DOMAIS: Well, that's something that wouldn't happen every week. I think that we would lose interest if we did it every week. Once every few weeks and it would happen in the discord. We would start advertising it a week early both on-site and off-site. I would be another incentive to join. Perhaps, once we get people we could have like a designated organizer in IA.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: Finally, last question, why do you think people should vote for you for Managing Director?

DOMAIS: I've been doing this for a few years now and I think that my positions in Lazarus have helped me grow as a leader and a person. The last times I ran, perhaps I wasn't ready. Especially the fist time were I definitely wasn't ready. This time, I think I've been active in the region enough to know how it operates and what we need to do. I think the things that need we need to try to do are pretty clear and we have a clear path forward. So, you should vote for me because I think I can manage this ship. I think I can oversee this Lazarene operation as I have been apart of it for long enough. And, I have a vision forward.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: Thanks for answering the questions, and best of luck on your campaign.

Interview with Vice-Director Whatermelons

NEW ROGERNOMICS: How specifically do you want to go about ending the war with the NPO?

WHATERMELONS: I think a shareholders vote should be held to decide.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: Do you foresee any future security implications with the NPO, and if not, is the proscription still necessary?

WHATERMELONS: Not really. There should be bans for known coupers and others, but I don't see any as security threats. However if there is a consensus that we should continue proscribing people, then we should do that.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: One area of your campaign where people may be curious about is the plan to shutdown the the Department of Shareholdership. Thus far its only lawful duties are to accept or reject shareholder applications. Can you expand upon this plan to create a new department?

WHATERMELONS: I want to create a ministry that gets more people active and more active people. We will create telegram campaigns to get people to join the forums and ministries. The shareholders ministry is not very useful at the moment but with this expansion hopefully we can get more new blood in [the government].

NEW ROGERNOMICS: As part of your platform, you mention forging new treaties, specifically with TRR and TEP, how do you plan to go about improving our relations with them?

WHATERMELONS: For now we're just going to sign treaties and hopefully get to know each other better - but in the future we should participate in cultural stuff with them, etc.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: As part of your long term goals you mention organizing war games, can you explain to those with less military experience than yourself, how these would be implemented?

WHATERMELONS: It's mainly just creating regions to be tagged and the military is split into teams. So basically the one that ends up holding the region is the winner. We could also invite other militaries to join and participate.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: Finally, last question, why do you think people should vote for you for Managing Director?

WHATERMELONS: I think I have the tenacity to bring Lazarus out of its current period of inactivity and back on track.

NEW ROGERNOMICS: Thanks for answering the questions I had for you, and I wish you well in your campaign.

FRANSCHUUNDENIA DEPLOYS ON NORTHERN WESTWALD BORDER
By @"New Rogernomics"

Recently the nations of the Lazarus region have grown concerned about a developing situation between the Incorporated States of Franschuundenia and the Armed Republic of Northern Westwald. In a move that has had increasing condemnation among many nations and stunned the region, the Incorporated States of Franschuundenia deployed a substantial military's force and threatened the sovereignty of the Armed Republic of Northern Westwald.

The Incorporated States of Franschuundenia argues that the territory of The Armed Republic of Northern Westwald is rightfully theirs, and the Armed Republic of Northern Westwald demands that the Incorporated States of Franschuundenia move their forces off the border and respect their national sovereignty. We have unconfirmed reports of skirmishes on the border and of casualties on both sides.

The United States of Altamont offered some support to the Incorporated States of Franschuundenia, but the region has mostly condemned the actions of Franschuundenia, with the Confederated City-States of Arclandia, The Imperial Republic of Ashoy, the Demonos Defense Agency, and the Kingdom of New Rogernomics offering diplomatic and military assistance. New Rogernomics has also imposed economic sanctions on Franschuundenia, but has not as yet specified what those sanctions will be.

We will keep our eyes on this conflict as the situation develops.

ARCLANDIA CELEBRATES FIRST NS BIRTHDAY!
By @"Arclandia"

Esteemed Leaders and Noble Delegates,

It is with a glad heart that Arclandia wishes to announce its first NationStates birthday, and we would like to invite all of you to join us on our cruise fleet as our complimentary guests for this most historic of anniversaries. The flagship of the fleet, the A.W.C. Staffordshire, has been remodeled with accommodations fit especially for His Immensity, Tubbius, Honored Leader of the Tubbian Treadwellians, his charming spouse, and any entourage that delights them so that all invited may participate. If you would like to honor us with a gift, we have all our needs met, want for nothing, and most gratefully request instead that you donate to our Foreign Aid budget or engage in a goodwill mission in our name within our parameters to benefit your neighbors as this will most nobly reflect our culture to the world. Accommodations are otherwise first-come, first-serve, and no worries about who gets better what than whom: we are a remarkably egalitarian culture and wouldn't put anyone in such a position. We are excited to see as many of you as are keen to join us. In celebration, we have again gone through the roster of Lazarene nations to exchange as much diplomacy as we are able by means of exchanging World Assembly endorsements so as to add to the integrated strength of the region and extend a friendly hand of greeting. If you miss the festivities or cannot attend, there are no hard feelings; you can still celebrate from afar by trading Foreign Aid to your neighbors. May you all enjoy a prosperous 2021!

<<THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN PAID FOR BY THE Arclandian Ambassadorial Division AND Arclandian Diplomacy Corps.>>

Most Exuberantly,
Arc Ignius Rex
Chief Public Administrator to the Free Land of Arclandia
via
The Arclandian Ambassadorial Division
The Arclandian Diplomacy Corps
and all topically relevant central agencies

The NPO WAR IMPLICATIONS, AND THE FUTURE
By @"New Rogernomics"

Lazarus has been at war with the New Pacific Order for a considerable amount of time, so the question that some Lazarenes, New Pacific Order citizens and the Nationstates community as whole may ask is: when do we plan to end it, and if we do not end it, what will our justification be to continuing it.

Crucially, there are two factors at play that determine Lazarene-New Pacific Order relations, which involve whether the New Pacific Order is to be considered a threat or a potential friend? If the former, ending the war will be more just declaring a factual reality that Lazarus and the New Pacific Order have not made any hostile moves towards one another, and the war in that sense is pointless to continue. If the later, then laws to keep New Pacific Order citizens out of Lazarus who were not significantly involved in the dispute with the NPO and not named in the initial demands send by Lazarus, is not necessarily a sign of trust or friendship.

As far as Lazarus is concerned it does not have to change it's position if it does not want to, as there are no external problems beyond the practical ones, meaning through the proscription NPO citizens are not permitted, and threats are legally not permitted to exist in the region - so if a threat was exposed it would be immediately removed without requiring a peace-time procedure i.e. a court proceeding or Council of Lazarene Security vote. There is also no active state of war, as neither side is actually interested in hostile actions towards one another at this time, in public sense at least - as if such a plot would exist it would be hidden behind walls of regional security and in a lockbox somewhere.

As I write this it is obvious that I am not going to be entirely objective, just as if someone from the New Pacific Order wrote about us, or if an ally of either region wrote about us; or if someone with major greviances towards either region wrote about Lazarus-New Pacific Order relations. It is reasonable for me to speak therefore as Lazarene, and not put up some wall behind what I state as a journalist and what I reflect upon as citizen. So with that in mind, I'll state what I think could be a fair assessment of our relations so far.

That Lazarus has been divided over how to run itself seems without question given it has switched between defender and raider spheres of influence, and had civil wars and coups. For most Lazarenes revelations over the New Pacific Order shook the region to its core, and brought back wounds that go back to when the New Lazarene Order was overthrown. Lazarus at the time those revelations broke was barely even re-establishing an administration, still on training wheels so to speak, and there was a combination of anger, disbelief and disappointment - especially as the New Pacific Order was one of the regions that had been trusted to participate in the ill-fated Peacekeeper Agreement and Constitutional Convention process. Whether other regions can view the Lazarene declaration of war as an action of an in-experienced government and assembly reacting to something it was unprepared for, and taking rash action, or the greatest expression of discontent with how it felt it had been treated by the New Pacific Order government - is really up to how you interpret the evidence at the time.

Where I have have disagreed with some of my fellow Lazarenes and some foreign governments is over whether a region really holds to itself, if it ignores something so disturbing and an un-acceptable to its nature, and lets it pass merely for geo-political advantage. Certainly if Lazarus is to hold inter-regional credibility it has to either hold to its positions or respond in face of new evidence. In the case of Lazarus the Delegate had two choices, which depending which side you support, could be terrible or necessary: hold a vote to give Lazarenes a say on foreign policy, or refuse the vote in a technocratic manner, so that the political elite can carefully decide which path to follow - even if it ignores public opinion.

When the vote was held Lazarenes overwhelmingly voted for war, and the government respected that decision, and implemented it. Then when other regions left the war, Lazarus held firm to its position, which in itself was a statement of sincerity, or some might describe as stubbornness - again up to what your opinion was on the war itself when the measure was passed. Such a position however also gives Lazarus a great opportunity to re-engage with the New Pacific Order on positive terms, being a region that holds to its ideals and agreements - even if those ideals and agreements may be in conflict with geo-political advantage. What better friend or ally could there be in Nationstates, than a region that stands by its word - even if that word causes laughter or mirth.

Whether Lazarus decides to end this war or continue it, Lazarenes can at least well into the future know that when the major decisions happen that can make or break the region, they have a voice. Just like they did over the New Pacific Order. That is perhaps what counts more than anything else. Trust is earned, as is respect, and Lazarene administrations trust and respect their citizens to make the right choice. If it can do that, then other regions have reason to trust and respect Lazarus, as we do not abandon our principles or sell out anyone. Lazarus stands its ground, holds its flag, and in failure or success does its best to move forward.

Disclaimer: This article was opinion, and as such is the view of a private citizen, and not the official position of Lazarus nor the Lazarene government.

The Lazarene Gazette October 2020

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:34:39 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus
Issue 10 (or is it?) • October 2020 • 2 Pages

RETURN OF THE GAZETTE
By @"New Rogernomics"

It seems that I am back to writing in the Gazette, and getting to see that this actually gets published once a while, and perhaps bringing some journalism back to Lazarus will encourage others to contribute to the regional newspaper. Though I am not holding my breath, as writing articles can be time consuming and not as fascinating to some as engaging in a war, fighting zombies, or eating brains. Brains, brains, more brains….

Sorry about that everyone, it is just that Lazarus turned out for the worse this year, with the zombies having a major victory. It is very hard to keep focused, though somehow, I have managed to survive the zombie epidemic, by remaining in a bunker and repeatedly injecting myself with the cure every once in a while. New Rogernomics did not participate in Z-Day this year, though the zombies never get the message apparently.

As for the future of the Lazarene Gazette, it is time to start publishing at least once a month, and giving a few weeks’ time for contributions before going to the presses. Perhaps with some scheduling that is constant from month to month, nations will send in an article or two. Certainly I hope for the quality of the publication to improve from this rushed issue.

SPECIAL ELECTION HELD IN LAZARUS, MCCHIMP WINS
By @"New Rogernomics"

After the last Prime Minister Temmi was removed for inactivity, McChimp was elected Prime Minister of Lazarus with a 64.7% majority, claiming victory over Domais who ran against McChimp. McChimp promises in their term to improve the Internal Management department, host more regional events, and maintain the current state of alliances and expand the regional guard, the regional military arm of Lazarus. McChimp also promises as Prime Minister to improve upon the activity of the Lazarene Gazette, the regional newspaper.

NEW REGIONAL APPOINTMENTS
By @"New Rogernomics"

Prime Minister McChimp recently announced that Domais will serve as Minister of Internal Management, with New Rogernomics and Whatermelons as deputies, while Chanku will head up the Public Relations Department. In other appointments, Frankender will be the new Director of Shareholdership, and JoWhatup will be the new Director of the Regional Guard.

LAZARUS ADOPTS NEW REGIONAL MAP
By @"New Rogernomics"

With a new regional map, it is hoped that role-playing or at least having a reasonably up to date map of the region will improve international relations, and allow nations to get a general idea of where their nations are located in comparison to other nations.

SMOKE, MIRRORS, AND JOURNALISM IN LAZARUS
By @"New Rogernomics"

Given my position in Lazarus, it is difficult to make my opinion heard without it being interpreted a criticism of the government by the Vice-Delegate, and I certainly do not want to undermine an administration for a disagreement with policy as a private citizen, as the separation of powers will be important for Lazarus in the future.

Essentially in a functional or vibrant democracy, you need to fulfill three conditions: a free press, a political system with checks on power, and free and fair elections. Though the unsaid and necessary addition to this is an active voting public that is well-informed and participating in their government. Lazarus would certainly meet some of these criteria, with free and fair elections, and some checks on power, though government participation is still fairly low.

When looking through the mirror, as a citizen that has lived through several iterations of Lazarus, government participation is more extensive with the current one, though how much of this is down to the advent of discord is difficult to say. The Humane Republic was not exactly that active in inter-regional events, and the same with the Celestial Union, though it does have something that the current government lacks - a large community of lawmakers, an active judiciary, and a forum community that was always contributing.

As for how Lazarus might go about a long-term fix or a quick fix, that is more of a debate with no entirely straightforward answer. It could elect the Delegate, though that might risk a coup by a political opportunist, who the moment elected turns Lazarus into an outright autocracy. It could also elect Ministers directly, or set up an Upper House or Senate, which in turn could lead to accusations of elitism and old-guard-ism, should those elected and appointed continue to be the same old faces.

Not to mention the risk of change is ending up with worse than what you started with, which is the mistake of switching out a stable system for something might make things more active - as certainly the Celestial Union made Lazarus active, though not the right sort of activity many would have to agree with hindsight. Though, having defeated attempts to return to the People's Republic of Lazarus, it would have been all but impossible without the likes of Milograd and a dedicated team committed to making it work - and Lazarus never had those up to the task. So, the past is really not the solution to Lazarus' activity woes as nostalgic as many may be for the 'good old days', as those past regimes had players that made those systems function - that have either left the region or moved on to greater things.

Lazarus will need to cultivate journalism if it is to thrive politically, and culturally, as constant re-examination, is how a region discovers that direction the system needs to go in, and what path is most beneficial. Whereas a region that just settles for the status quo is not going to grow, it is going to decline, or stay where it is. Whether that is through state media, private citizens spreading the word, or general public debate.

Disclaimer: This article was opinion, and as such is the view of a private citizen, and not the official position of Lazarus nor the Lazarene government.

The Lazarene Gazette May 2019

Thu, 16 May 2019 02:33:47 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus
Issue 6 • May 2019 • 2 Pages

IMKIVILLE RESIGNS AS DELEGATE
By @"New Rogernomics"

Dear Lazarus, it's been a hell of a ride over these last eleven months, ey?

When I overthrew Killer Kitty’s delegacy, I could not have foreseen the events that followed. I never wanted to be more than a caretaker, and I didn't intend to be delegate longer than it took for the Constitutional Convention to be completed.
Whilst things may not have gone to plan, I couldn't be happier with the outcome. Being your delegate has been the most rewarding experience of my NationStates career. Watching you work together to rebuild despite all the trials we've been through makes me prouder than I can adequately express. I'm credited with saving Lazarus but it is those of you that stuck around and put in the time and effort that are the true saviours of Lazarus. You've given me, a very skeptical player, hope again.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to devote the time and attention the community deserve from me and this has held you back from further progress. A number of things are going on in my life at the moment that are out of my control and it is unfair of me to hold the region hostage, hoping things will change when that clearly does not seem to be the case. I am sorry I have let the region down so much these last couple of months. You deserved better from me but I can't offer it anymore. It is time for me to stand down and let someone who can be the leader you all need take over. I can't apologise enough for the abrupt nature of this situation, really I should have done this sooner and I should have prepared things better, but I have complete faith we can still make this transition go smoothly.

It's not all doom and gloom though, I have no intention of completely abandoning my home here in Lazarus, I'll be staying in as a citizen, and I have high hopes in my successor, Treadwellia.

Treadwellia was my first appointment upon declaring Mandate 12, but it was not a decision I rushed into. I watched his actions during the Undead, Dominion, Wolfist and Anarchy periods and saw nothing but an honest and eager person who wanted to help the community. Through thick and thin he helped keep your spirits up and keep this region together, doing so out of pride and love for the place rather than personal ambition or lust for power. I think he is the ideal person to oversee Lazarus on the next leg of our journey and I can't wait to see the region continue to flourish under his leadership.

Thank you for making my time as your delegate such a wonderful experience Lazarus. I'm glad to be part of such a wonderful community.

With that all said, I formally resign my position as Delegate.

Please be sure to join the WA and endorse Treadwellia.

Signed,
Imkiville
Outgoing Delegate of Lazarus

NEW REGIONAL APPOINTMENTS
By @"New Rogernomics"

Ryccia has been nominated by the Delegate for the post of Director of Public Relations (or Minister of Foreign Affairs), whereas Imaginary has joined the Internal Management (or Internal Affairs Ministry) after a successful time as the former Director of Public Relations. Best of luck to them both in their future roles in Lazarus.

THE WEST PACIFIC TREATY PROPOSED
By @"New Rogernomics"

With a drive to develop and improve upon foreign relations with other regions, The West Pacific and Lazarus have written up a proposal for a Treaty of Fùhuó. This treaty shall cover issues of mutual interest such as recognition of the sovereign status of both regions, as well as military, diplomatic, and cultural co-operation between both regions. Thus far the treaty has had full support in Lazarus, with it now currently in a proposal stage to eventually move to vote.

DANCING TO THE GAME-SIDE | LAZ OS
By @"Imaginary"

When I was Director of Public Relations for Lazarus I felt like it was my job to be everywhere important and talking to everyone important and their brother. At this point in NS, that means my job was basically hanging out on Discord. Which, don't get me wrong, is nice sometimes. But I felt like I wasn't playing this game. I was dancing somewhere else.

I kept seeing people talking in other regions like Osiris about how they were building their communities, and that made me want to do that too. I wanted to do things on a more basic level and meet people who hadn't been echoing around the same halls of NSGP forever.

So I tried to think of what would be cool to do actually on-site in Lazarus. My first thought was more cultural activities. That seemed obvious because everywhere else that's try hard does it. I set up a map for the region and I was thinking about doing some other things like having daily topics and monthly art contests.

I was also sort of thinking in the back of my head that the really cool part of this was actually organizing everything and setting things in motion. Like, how could someone not be turned on by that? I didn't want to deal with finding stuff for people to do and asking them to do it all the time like when I was in Public Relations. I wanted to do the things I thought up to do, but at the same time I wanted other people to be able and encouraged to do the same thing - to think of their own idea and run with it - because I was finding it so amazingly fun. (Give me break and please don't laugh if you feel like I'm making too big of a deal out of this, I haven't done culture/gameside stuff for years and I'm super excited!! Actually, do laugh, it's good for you...)

With this in mind, I created Laz OS. This gives the Internal Management Department space to:

organize culture and security-minded projects in order to develop Lazarus's game-side community,
encourage less experienced players to mess around with ideas they may have (which inspires old, lame and boring folks like me with possibly mind-blowing new ideas),
keep the resident backbone of our region more informed and engaged since Laz OS is totally on-site and thus easily accessible!

That's pretty much all I wanted to go over in this article. Laz OS just started so I can't give a whole lot of information on how it's effecting the region. So far only one project has been started by a non-Internal Management person. As expected, not everything they're doing is how I and probably most long-time gameplayers would do it, but that's okay. It's still really cool that they're doing stuff for the region at all and I can't wait to see how they grow from the experiences they have working on their own project. One thing that especially makes me happy is how others in the region who aren't even involved in the government have been so encouraging and supportive of both his and my projects.

I'd also like to note that Lazarus's RMB activity has doubled since Laz OS was launched 8 days ago. Thanks for reading.

ACTIVITY IN LAZARUS SLOWS
By @"New Rogernomics"

Lazarus has been going through a slow few months, with changes in the Delegate, and role changes in the government in general. This could be expected to continue, as long as forum attendance remains low, even though discord activity remains fairly reasonable.

So far, several proposals have been put to the assembly, surrounding structural government changes, and proposals for government positions to have more or less responsibility. But these proposals have had mild support, perhaps suggesting that the issue Lazarus has is not so much structural, as motivational.

For Lazarus to prosper in the future it seems, it will have to keep pushing to build up a community if it hopes to promote nations contributing to Lazarus as a region, on the forum, discord, and elsewhere. The danger being that Lazarus might become too quiet and decline in activity, rather than expand upon an active membership.

Disclaimer: This article was opinion, and as such is the view of a private citizen, and not the official position of Lazarus nor the Lazarene government.

New Rogernomics

New Rogernomics is our amazing regional forum wizard, Minister of Internal Affairs and member of the Council of Lazarene Security. Single handed he has set up and run our wonderful forums, without him we wouldn't have somewhere for our more in depth discussions and legal records. His amazing efforts have made our forum so much more than that though, constantly bringing exciting and fun new things to the site whilst also keeping it running smoothly with all the boring behind the scenes stuff. Leader of Internal Affairs is no small job either, running our media outlet, the Lazarene Gazette, hosting festivals and games and generally keeping y'all up to date with what's going on and how to get involved, it's a lot of work and he does a great job of it but still manages to find time to keep an eye on the region and help keep us safe.

For going above and beyond, we believe New Rogernomics deserves an honour for everything he does for us all and so we give them the Employee of the Month award for March!

Please enjoy your place(s) on our wall of fame!

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The Lazarene Gazette March 2019

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 15:31:15 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus

Issue 5 • March 2019 • 2 Pages

LAZARUS SIGNS TREATY WITH OSIRIS
By New Rogernomics

Lazarus has signed a treaty with Osiris, which seeks to increase cultural, political, and military co-operation between the two sinker regions, as well as support each other in regards to the regional security of both regions. It is hoped that this treaty will not be the last, and will be part of diplomatic initiative of Lazarus to come back onto the diplomatic scene. The treaty ratification process was not without it's concerns however, with some parts of the treaty holding up ratification, until both regions agreed to an amendment at a later date.

With the signing of the treaty, many beneficial provisions come into effect, with both regions formally recognizing each other, and pledging mutual defense and military co-operation, with an emphasis against infiltration or mutual threats. It also provides a basis for cultural co-operation, with both regions pledging to hold cultural events together on annual basis.

Article 4, Section 3, held up this treaty with concerns over enforcement given the wording. The major concern was that it could be used to compel one region or the other to violate their own constitution or legal procedures. The part in contention was the requirement to "punish any of their citizens convicted by the other", which was considered too loose a framework to the liking of many Lazarene citizens.

The treaty passed overwhelmingly by a margin of 100%, with 27 votes to approve the treaty and 3 abstentions, such a margin bodes well for the future of Osiris-Lazarus relations.

NEW REGIONAL APPOINTMENTS
By New Rogernomics

With another month comes new regional appointments within Lazarus, with Imkiville, the Delegate of Lazarus discussing her new plans for restructuring government departments, as well as appointing Arlo as the new Court Justice. With this restructuring comes the dissolution of Recruitment and Outreach, as well as the change of the Department of Media and Events into Internal Management or as it is known outside of theme context, the Interior Ministry.

Within her address Imkiville stated in reference to her new Court Justice appointment, "I have been thinking long and hard about a third and final member for our Court after Citizen rejection of my last proposal and I have decided to present Arlo for the position of Court Justice.I believe Arlo will be a great choice to complete our court as a loyal Lazarene citizen who has shown themselves to be bright, rational and fair in my experience. While not having in game court experience he is knowledgeable on the subject offline and I believe will be a great addition to the already awesome team."

This appointment takes place after the last Court Justice re-appointment of Roavin, failed to pass a vote of the Assembly, though it is quite likely the latest appointment will pass, given that current feeling within the Assembly is that it is the right choice, with no forward opposition to the motion to vote.

Following this, in her general remarks about the restructuring she described how TempestShadow would be moved on to the Foreign Relations Department, to serve under Your Imaginary Friend, with special mention made to TempestShadow's efforts in regards to the World Assembly, and the difficulties in the vague organization of the now defunct Ministry of Recruitment and Outreach.

Imkiville explained in full terms, "Firstly I will be dissolving the Ministry of Recruitment and Outreach and intend to incorporate it into our already existing Ministries instead. I think the Ministry in its current incarnation was too vague and far reaching for one person to run alone, but TempestShadow has been doing a wonderful job informing the region on World Assembly Resolutions so I would like him to now focus on just World Assembly Affairs as a Deputy Minister under Minister Your Imaginary Friend and the Foreign Relations umbrella."
Close to finishing her remarks she explained her new plans for the Ministry of Media and Events, and it's modification into the Internal Management Department, among a general desire for new efforts to encourage and assist newcomers to the region.

"For now I ask Vice-Delegate Treadwellia, Minister New Rogernomics and the Media and Events Ministry to encourage and assist newcomers to the region and citizenship. I will also be trying to do more there personally but I strongly believe that recruitment is something every single member of this region plays a part in whether they mean to or not. We are all representing Lazarus with our words and actions and sometimes something as simple as a friendly greeting can be enough to make a new nation more curious about our lovely home. I’d like to ask you all to just keep that in mind and be kind and helpful to your fellow region mates when you can.

As the Ministry of Media and Events is really far more than just Festivals and our Newspaper I have decided to rename it Internal Affairs, or in our LazCorp theme, Internal Management. As this covers such a vast array of areas I strongly encourage Minister New Rogernomics to spread the load by appointing more Vice-Ministers to help spearhead the various sub-departments."

She ended by expressing thanks for the time and effort of those in Lazarus, stating, "Thank you Lazarus, for your continued time and work in the region. It really is a pleasure to work with you all.

Finally, as writing this story, it appears highly likely given current voting that Arlo's Court Justice nomination has passed, with no votes against.

REGIONAL ELECTIONS BEING PREPARED
By New Rogernomics

Lazarus is beginning the process of moving towards the democratic election of Deputy Directors (or Deputy Ministers), with both the Department of Public Relations, and Department of Internal Management, holding elections. This will be a major test of the attempts of the new administration, given the difficulties in holding votes during the failed Constitutional Convention, and the expectation that such mistakes won't be repeated in these elections.
Also of concern is whether Lazarus has the political climate and maturity to hold such elections, as a result of past factional differences built during the civil war period. Though, given that these are deputy positions, and not as strong as say the Delegacy or full Ministerial roles directly dictating regional policy, it seems unlikely to be of issue.

RP GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS BEGIN
By New Rogernomics

Generally the issue of theme has been a complex one in Lazarus, with the Celestial Union and Humane Republic both having their detractors, and the LazCorp theme is no different in this regard. The Department of Internal Management, with the blessing of many in the region, has established and alternative policy, which is to allow RP Groups and Organizations.

This policy is hoped will allow nations to create and role play their groups, as if they were regional governments or factions, with the first such factions being LazCorp by default, as well as the Lazarene Empire. Both are un-official, in that they don't act as the official governments of Lazarus, but instead as a means to role play an alternative organization or regime.

Fully registered groups with two or more members will receive a sub-forum and their own discord channel, whereas general regional groups will be listed in a game side dispatch.

LOOKING FORWARD TO DEMOCRACY
By New Rogernomics

Lazarus is at a crossroads, with some un-certainty over how democratic institutions and elections can be handled, and there is a sound argument for us to take our time and be careful, as well as an argument that we are going too slowly and should attempt to speed up the process. Both positions have their dangers, the former could mean stagnation, the later major security risks so soon after a civil war.
As a former elected Delegate, and a citizen, I've seen quite a few attempts at Lazarene democracy, and was distraught when the Celestial Union collapsed, and the democratic institutions built up for years with it. It is very hard to get that back, when nations have moved on, and all the expertise they had with them. It could be too easy to say, 'let's hold a constitutional convention and just restart what the Humane Republic had', or to call for some redrawn alternative that was put forward in the failed constitutional convention that led to the current government.

Though with renewed attempts at democracy, comes with threats towards regional sovereignty. Lazarenes could find pretty solid ground to worry about infiltration by outside actors, in any future Lazarene election that places nations without a history in Lazarus into positions of power or influence. Worse still is the concern that nations that already traumatized the region might return under a new persona, and wreak havoc once again upon the region. Lazarus in starting open elections, would hold the possibility of allowing such risks to become a reality, if such elections are not handled well. So while Lazarus attempts to move forward, there are dangers in attempting a more democratic and open Lazarus.

The Humane Republic of Lazarus was not always an ideal democracy, and had flaws, but it still had a functional democracy and thriving culture, despite infiltration that may have taken place at the time. It was also not as interesting to a lot of people, and it lacked the ability to make people enthusiastic about the government and the theme. This led to the Celestial Union, which despite being passed by a substantial majority, failed to hold a region together that was falling into civil war, with it's institutions losing support among critical members of the civil society. Everyone had different ideas for the region, and for who they wanted to run it. Members of the New Pacific Order, and members from other regions, took advantage of this chaos, but all Lazarus really needed was some wood on a fire that had been burning for some time.

Generally, I'd affirm that a functional democratic society requires institutions to be respected, and for citizens within that society to support the constitution and government in principle, even if they don't agree with all the decisions and all the actions of that society. Perhaps this is best explained in a four pillars analogy, with each representing an aspect required to have a democratic society function effectively.

The first pillar, is respect for legislature and it's ability to pass fair and reasonable legislation, to support freedom of speech and expression, and not persecute those who disagree. This pillar collapsed in Lazarus, when two major factions formed hostile to each other, and were unable to compromise. The faction I am describing consisted of Funkadelia and Lamb, and those who supported them on one side, and what would form 'La Resistance' on the other. When the Celestial Union finally fell into civil war, the legislature rightly or wrongly was then used against citizens.

The second pillar, is respect for the chief executive, in the case of UCRs this varies, but in a GCR, the Delegate has to have some respect for the region to prosper, and in turn the Delegate must respect those citizens that disagree with their actions. During the Celestial Union, this respect also collapsed, with Funkadelia losing the ability to rely on his own regional officers or guardians, and him coming into hostile confrontation with the judiciary.

The third pillar, is respect for the judicial procedures of the region, and the members of the judicial branch, in their ability to deliver a fair verdict, as well as a fair interpretation of regional law. Judges are allowed to make mistakes, but those mistakes should not compound to totally undermine the respect of the justice system. Unfortunately, in the Celestial Union, numerous decisions appeared to one major faction of the region to be a threat to the Executive, and not simply an opposing opinion - but an attempt to remove the leader of their faction, in this case the Delegate of Lazarus.

The last pillar, is the one that just as important as any of the last ones, if not more important, which is civil society. This is the ability of non-government individuals to be able to respect and support their region, and hold it together, in form of some cultural identity that can weather a crisis - constitutional or otherwise. For a long time, Lazarus had this, however by the Celestial Union this had broken down. There were still figures respected in Lazarus by both factions, but they couldn't stop the conflict, nor hold both factions back from further escalation.

Once all these pillars had collapsed, the Celestial Union and Lazarene democracy with it, was doomed to fall apart, despite the best efforts of many involved, including myself, to stop it. When we talk about democracy, it is my opinion that we need to take our time, and not just create democracy to be popular at home or abroad, but to create one that lasts, which can mean taking more time and risking some stagnation.

At the same time, that position naturally holds the risk of long-term stagnation, of active members staying away from Lazarus, as there is no ability for them to advance politically in the region, or to hold a position to support their opinion or vision for the future of Lazarus. So Lazarus can't hold back free elections on major positions forever, and will at one point have to take a risk. Naturally though, the Delegacy is too far for the vast majority, given if we lose the Delegacy at this moment, we lose the freedom of our region to decide our own fate, but that doesn't mean that Ministers and below can't be gradually made into roles elected through free elections. The general concern though would be to guard the region from bad actors, who might undermine the region through their position.

As a citizen, I don't know the future of Lazarus or entirely which direction it should take, but eventually it should be a return to democracy. Lazarus may choose to elect our Delegate or make it a long-term Executive that requires a challenge system to remove, either position I would support in principle. But that should be our choice - not one handed down by infiltration, threat, or power lust. What I do know is that we need to make the right choices in our future, and not the ones that led us to bitter factionalism and civil war.

Disclaimer: This article was opinion, and as such is the view of a private citizen, and not the official position of Lazarus nor the Lazarene government.

Divine Cervine

Divine Cervine was nominated by The Copper States for their inspiring nation and you can't help but admire their dedicated collection of Factbooks that chronicle the changes and awards in the nation for over three whole years!

A long time resident and known sight around the region with a fascinating nation, I believe Divine Cervine deserves more recognition and so I give them the Employee of the Month award for February! Please enjoy your place on our wall of fame!

The Lazarene Gazette January 2019

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:03:00 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus
Issue 3 • January 2019 • 2 Pages

LAZARUS PROSCRIBES NEW PACIFIC ORDER
By @"New Rogernomics"

Lazarus alongside the Proclamation of War upon the New Pacific Order, have voted on a Proscription against that government. The proscription in the strictest terms will ban New Pacific Order citizens and residents holding citizenship or participating in any shape or form in the government of Lazarus.

Such a proscription will strip Lazarene citizenship from those who concurrently hold citizenship or participate in the New Pacific Order. This has been seen as a necessary second step following on from the declaration of war against the New Pacific Order. Proscription was being discussed prior to the declaration of war, as a possible measure whether Lazarus decided upon a war measure or not, generally as a means to prohibit New Pacific Order influence upon Lazarus in the future.

With the proscription passing by a strong margin of 95% for the motion, Lazarus as a region seems to wish to provide reassurance of their commitment to resist the New Pacific order both at home and abroad, and that it won't go back to business as usual. It also forms a basis for regional unity against a commonly perceived threat, supplementing the declaration of war it had passed on the New Pacific Order.

You can read the full text of the Hostile Entities and Persons act here: Hostile Entities and Persons Act, which details the full scope of what a proscription would mean.

NEW REGIONAL APPOINTMENTS
By @"New Rogernomics"

The Delegate of Lazarus, Imkiville, in an address to Lazarus said "Greetings again Lazarus! We’ve had a busy old month but we can’t let the excitement derail us from our main goal of rebuilding our region so I’ve got a lot of appointments for your consideration to help towards that end!", highlighting the hard work of her administration, and her intent to appoint more positions within Lazarus.

During her speech, she expressed her desire to appoint the first Council of Lazarene Security, inclusive of in her own words of nations who, "a well rounded group of long time Lazarene players that will help cover all aspects of Lazarene security to keep us safe", the players in question were New Rogernomics, Harmoneia, Killer Kitty and Aflana. Under Lazarene law, the Council of Lazarene Security works under the leadership of the Vice-Delegate, in this case Treadwellia.

The confirmation vote of this would later pass, including the confirmation vote of Killer Kitty, which some made reservations over appointing to a regional security role. The confirmation of Killer Kitty would pass on a margin of 67% approval, whereas Harmoneia and New Rogernomics were the highest approved, with 88% and 94% respectively.

While on issue on the courts, Imkiville laid out her intent to put forward Roavin, who had resigned for withholding information, for another vote, stating "I wish to again choose to present Lazarene Roavin to the region for confirmation to the position of Court Justice. I don’t believe the disclosure of his identity as the nation Curious Observations changes his suitability to serve on our regional court. I stand by my original appointment of him and put it to you, the region, to see if you agree", though the confirmation vote would later fail by a margin of 67% against, and 33% for. At least at present, we can infer that the uncertainty and confusion around Roavin's admission was sufficient to block the appointment.

In order to proceed with the Lazarene Regional Guard Charter, Imkiville laid forth her intent to appoint a Minister of the Lazarene Regional Guards, making the following statement, "Finally, with the war with the NPO and our recently passed Lazarene Regional Guard Charter, I believe it is imperative we begin to mobilise our forces as soon as possible so I would like to appoint Kingdom of Napels, aka JoWhatup, as our first Minister of the Lazarene Regional Guards. An experienced military gameplayer and a keen, enthusiastic Lazarene, I believe he'll be a great commander for our new military!". JoWhatsup would later be confirmed by a strong margin of 94% for and 8% against.

In her speech, she ended by expressing that she hoped, "everyone will vote to confirm these appointments to help us stand strong and together as a region!", and she thanked the region of Lazarus for their continued hard work.

LAZARUS FORMS REGIONAL GUARD MILITARY FORCE
By @"New Rogernomics"

In order to pursue the war against the New Pacific Order, as well as carry out military operations for regional defense and security, Lazarus has established a military force, known as the Lazarene Regional Guard. This force shall be tasked initially with duties inclusive of offensive and defensive operations against the New Pacific Order, and Fascist regions, as well as defense of treaty allies and support of legal delegacy transitions.

The full text of the 'Charter of the Lazarene Regional Guard' can be read here: Charter of the Lazarene Regional Guard

REGIONAL GUARD EMPOWERED TO ACT AGAINST NPO
By @"New Rogernomics"

While Lazarus establishing a regional military, in the form of the Lazarene Regional Guard, Lazarus near unanimously by a margin of 100%, with one abstaining vote, for a resolution to 'Empower the Regional Guard Against NPO affiliates'. This resolution allowed St Abbaddon, Communist Americas, and Azhukali, as NPO protectorates, and an ally, to be targeted for invasion or military interventionist measures, while under the control or support of the New Pacific Order.

With St Abbaddon ceasing to be governed by the New Pacific Order, Lazarus seems to still be establishing a policy for future relations, with some suggestions of a treaty or strong relations, while most seem to wish for a positive relationship with St Abbaddon in the future, while pursing treaties with other regions for now. The concern on relations with St Abbaddon remains more in the existence of some New Pacific Order citizens still remaining there, though this doesn't seem to present a threat to future relations.

TREATY DISCUSSIONS WITH OSIRIS
By @"New Rogernomics"

Osiris has been developing a strong diplomatic relationship with Lazarus, with both exchanging ambassadors, and no doubt helped along by the large number of dual citizens of both regions, and the friendly relationship that has been developing since the failed constitutional convention.

This climate of co-operation has led to a desire between both regions to improve the relationship both share with each other, with a treaty which hopes to improve cultural and military ties between both sinker regions, with a proposed 'Treaty of the Sun', now under formal discussion in both regions.

While such a treaty is likely to pass with solid approval in both regions, the language of the draft text is still being worked on, with some language still to be worked out surrounding the security of both regions, and how each region will deal with individuals that are convicted of an offense in on region or both.

SKEPTICISM ON THE LAZCORP THEME
By @"New Rogernomics"

Discussions have begun surrounding the LazCorp theme, and whether it should be the theme in the long-term, with expressions of interest in a Greek theme, and perhaps a vampire theme for Lazarus, though the later seems to have less support than the former, which some suggested could scare people away from the region if it wasn't done well enough. While some have also expressed the idea that Lazarus should avoid themes altogether, as they may be a distraction from running the region.

THE FUTURE OF LAZARENE DIPLOMACY
By @"New Rogernomics"

Lazarus will have challenges in establishing firm diplomatic relations with other regions, both out of how the administration came to be established, and the structure of the government system itself. Though, to explain this fully requires a discussion on the context of Lazarene history, with Lazarus having to deal with what each previous administration brought to Lazarus, and the obstacles they still present today, most of that being resentment. While at first glance, some view the current Lazarene administration as a mix of autocracy and democracy, or an outright dictatorship, never set to change, I think that such an analysis seems to really ignore how Lazarus has been governed, and how the current system can be a positive step, rather than exclusively a negative one.

When I joined Lazarus, it was under King Dezzland, who would later leave to pursue life outside of the region, and it was also the time of the Last Kingdom raid upon the region, one which I refused to participate in. It was also a time when Lazarus was run through a challenge system, which is something that lasted well into the period up to the People's Republic of Lazarus. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your point of view, it led to a system where 'Lazarenes' could gather support in the region, and challenge the delegate democratically. The cost of this was the expulsion of 'imperialists', 'raiders', and long-term natives by Feux and Milograd, and an atmosphere created by the People's Republic of Lazarus where political minorities were actively discouraged or ejected from power or the region.

After a lot of effort, Kazmr, and those who supported him, including Funkadelia and Harmoneia, managed to fight and expel the New Pacific Order, inclusive of Feux and Milograd, from the region. This started the Humane Republic era of Lazarus, where Lazarus would have a fully democratic system, with regular delegate elections, and a ban on the leaders of the New Lazarene Order from the region. It would remain a firm supporter of the Founderless Regions Alliance or FRA, and be deeply resented by Balder, and other regions, due to the prior participation and support of it's citizens in the People's Repubic of Lazarus. It would have strong relations with The South Pacific, The Rejected Realms, born out of a respect for the defender alignment and mutual respect built both during the People's Republic of Lazarus and throughout the Humane Republic.

But this state of affairs would short-lived, when the Humane Republic began to develop political factions opposed to each other, after a brief calm, where Lazarus would re-establish diplomatic relations with the New Pacific Order, and work towards ending the defacto cold-war with Balder. Though these rifts wouldn't really come to pass till the Celestial Union, which had developed two opposing factions, led by Funkadelia and Lamb on one side, and much of Lazarus on the other, with New Pacific Order citizens manipulating both factions. This was made possible by the open diplomacy and open political system of Lazarus, which allowed full democratic participation, with no controls on who could hold the delegacy. It also had major flaws in security, which would include allowing infiltrators to reach the highest level of Lazarene government.

Lazarus would go through the Undead Dominion, and the Kharnate, before Imkiville with support of GCR regions, took Lazarus and established a constitutional convention with their support. Those successor states of Lazarus would receive differing levels of recognition, with Balder supporting somewhat the earlier, but both having a hostile relationship with both The Rejected Realms and The South Pacific, which would make it harder for the current administration to establish relations with them.

After the collapse of the constitutional convention, both The South Pacific and The Rejected Realms, have followed a policy of wait and see with Lazarus. Lazarus is after all not as democratically open as the Humane Republic was, nor does it have an open defender stance, or a treaty with either region. Though it is possible that relations may smooth over time, due to open participation of citizens of both regions within Lazarus, and over how the administration develops their political system.

There are some reasons for optimism, and of course reasons for concern about how the Lazarene political system is structured, and how it could be autocratic or dictatorial. Generally how authoritarian it is depends as much on the players involved, as it does the the construction of Mandate 12 and how Lazarene law is applied in practice. It is safe to say that Mandate 12 can be both a productive tool, as well as a constitution with unsettled questions.

Lazarus is yet to settle the political issue that exists since the Humane Republic, which is the battle between the powers of the legislature, the executive officers, and the office of the delegate. All of which, if structured poorly, can lead to an unstable Lazarus or a stagnant system that grinds Lazarus to a halt.

Lazarus generally tends to a have system, continued under Mandate 12, with a strong executive Delegate, who appoints executive officers, who are then approved by a legislative assembly. It then has a court, appointed by the Delegate, and then approved again by a legislative assembly. Though, the issue that is presented by this is over a separation of powers. Should the Delegate in a sinker region have all this power? Or instead should there be a weak Delegate tasked with security, supplemented by a strong elected executive. Or should Lazarus instead take the risk of an elected Delegacy with a strong executive, which the Humane Republic and Celestial Union did, possibly leaving Lazarus open to an infiltrator to come and seize the delegacy.

The general feeling among Lazarenes is to avoid the last option, and to keep the Delegacy controlled either by trusted long-term natives, or by trusted citizens in general, who the region can be sure of not being foreign agents tasked with doing harm to the region or destabilizing it by sowing dissent. But of course having an un-elected executive, who can remain in power, will always be up to charges of suppressing democratic rights of the region. Lazarus will have difficulty diplomatically until it answers these questions, and decides on a system it is prepared to defend well into the future. The problem of balancing regional security with democratic freedoms will always be a complex one that will give Lazarus friends and enemies, well into the future.

Lazarus may re-establish strong relations with The South Pacific, and eventually The Rejected Realms, and even form a strong relationship with Balder, with which it once had a hostile relationship. But the greatest difficulty in dealing with the Nationstates community will come from within Lazarus itself, and how Lazarus decides how to interact as a government and as a regional community. Whether it evolves to more democratic governance, or less democratic governance, will be up to the debate within Lazarus itself, and how other regions interact with Lazarus.

Though ignoring efforts Lazarus has made thus far towards democratic processes would be a mistake, in my opinion, as would pressuring it to the point it begins to resent other regions and begins to internalize itself. Lazarus may be a success story to some, but to most of the Nationstates community it is very much still for nations to make their minds up about. Though of course some have already made up their minds, rightly or wrongly, and resolved to accept the new Lazarus or to oppose it.

Lazarus may be rising and rebuilding a community bit by bit, but it is still an open book, with a new history needing pen to be put to paper. Question is, what will that history be from hereon in?

Disclaimer: This article was opinion, and as such is the view of a private citizen, and not the official position of Lazarus nor the Lazarene government.

The Lazarene Gazette: A PROCLAMATION

Sun, 16 Dec 2018 21:27:01 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus
Special Issue • December 2018 •1 Page

BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF LAZCORP

A PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS the Assembly in the exercise of the constitutional authority vested in them have resolved, by resolution of the Assembly of Lazarus bearing date this day "That the state of war between Lazarus and the New Pacific Order, which has been thrust upon Lazarus is hereby formally declared";

WHEREAS it is provided by Section one and Subsection five of the Twelfth Mandate of Lazarus, as follows:
The Assembly may declare war against another region or organization, and repeal a declaration of war, at the request of the Delegate, by two-thirds vote.

The Assembly has invoked Section one, Subsection five of the twelfth Mandate of Lazarus, and as of 12/16/2018 4:16 PM is now at war with the New Pacific Order and all her dependencies.

Signed,
Treadwellia, Acting Chief Executive Officer
Treadwellia, Chief Operating Officer (Vice Delegate)
The Cabinet of Lazarus

The Lazarene Gazette November 2018

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 21:43:27 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus
Issue 3 • November 2018 •1 Page

Editorial:
LAZARUS CONTINUES RISING, NPO DISCUSSIONS
By @"New Rogernomics"

This month, Lazarus continued to work upon it's forum and discord community, with some discussions about appointing official endorsees of the delegate, and the eventual development of a military or militia for the defense of the region. Lazarus is also coming to terms with allegations over the NPO in Lazarus and elsewhere, with discussion in discord and the forum about the response of Lazarus to this developing incident.

You can read the official statement of Lazarus on the NPO here: Statement on the NPO

News:
NEW POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS
By @"New Rogernomics"

Ryccia was recently appointed as Public Relations Vice Director, this position is equivalent to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, for those still getting used to the new LazCorp theme in the region. We wish Ryccia the best in the new role.

News:
'CONDEMN THE PACIFIC' RESOLUTION IN
By @"New Rogernomics"

In other news, the Condemn The Pacific Resolution is now in the queue of the World Assembly Security Council. This resolution seeks to condemn the past and more recent activities of the New Pacific Order, and as well as some actions and organization of the government of the NPO, and many of it's members. The text of this resolution can be found here: Condemn The Pacific

Commentary:
The LAZCORP THEME
By @"New Rogernomics"

Lazarus recently introduced the LazCorp theme, making residents employees of the company, and citizens into 'shareholders', and the region is gradually transitioning into a GCR Mega Corp with a team of lawyers ready to protect it's interests. Recently LazCorp's attempted acquisition of Lone Wolves United failed despite the best attempts of LazCorp, and it was reported that a team of lawyers would respond, supposedly to this attempt of undue interference in the market.

Opinion:
LAZARUS AND THE NPO
By @"New Rogernomics"

The leaks detailed in The Miniluv Messenger articles "The Same Old Pacific Order", and "Explosive Leaks from Within the NPO!" have unraveled many years of history throughout Nationstates, bringing new light into the New Pacific Order's conduct in the Feeders and Sinkers, and throughout the game in general. It also gives new insight into how some members of the New Pacific Order have seen the game, and their place in it. At least from the initial scope, it does look like a public relations nightmare for the New Pacific Order, even whether you agree with them as a government, or you are supportive of their affairs.

From the looks of the allegations, during more recent times of 'Task Force Lazarus', the NPO set up a goal of destabilizing Lazarus, and removing alleged bad elements, namely 'Userites', and perhaps eventually doing what it couldn't with the New Pacific Order, which was to make Lazarus some kind of puppet state directly led in secret or publicly by the New Pacific Order, as we can read here in the released logs, from a Miniluv Messenger article: The Same Old Pacific Order

Quote:"Ark: Update: We pissed off funk so much he unmasked me as an archbishop.
Ark: I consider this a win, ironically.(edited)
Aleisyr: Yay? lol
Ark: The plan is basically to be such a thorn in his side that he decides couping is the only remaining option."

This took advantage of the existing factional divisions of Lazarus, which had been developing for years over disagreement of policy, with everything from disagreements over R/D, the organization of the government, to even more serious concerns over Funkadelia's Delegacy. Effectively working to turn Funkadelia, Lamb, and Killer Kitty, against long term natives like Harmoneia, and general defender elements in the region.

In addition, it was discovered that in violation of Celestial Union and Humane Republic of Lazarus law, Stujenske had entered Lazarus under a new name of Kowassati, and operating at the highest levels of Lazarene government, and at one point holding the Delegacy. Whether this was at the discretion of the New Pacific Order government, or an independent action of Stujenske, we may never know the full details of.

It will surely take a while to look back into Lazarene history, as it goes all the way back to the People's Republic of Lazarus, which on the urging of the New Pacific Order (which was totally unknown to most in Lazarus), removed long-term natives of Lazarus that were perceived as a threat to it's future operations, due to their ties with some UCR regions such as The Land of Kings and Emperors, or because of their ties to raider groups.

Disclaimer: This article was opinion, and as such is the view of a private citizen, and not the official position of Lazarus or it's government.

COMICS & FUNNIES:

The Lazarene Gazette October 2018

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 03:59:26 +0000

The Official Newspaper of Lazarus
Issue 2 • October 2018 •1 Page

Editorial:
LAZARUS SURVIVES N-DAY
By @"New Rogernomics"

Lazarus experienced nuclear Armageddon, before an arms control treaty could be reached through diplomatic channels. Fortunately Lazarus avoided a post-Apocalyptic nightmare to the disappointment of many doomsday cultists. While Lazarus did not have an internal war between Wolfists and Communists/Socialists this N-Day, it did join the fellow regions of Osiris, The West Pacific, Gay, Hartfelden, and Caer Sidi,in the Pirates of the Nile faction. Congrats to the Pirates of the Nile for a successful fight, and our friends in UPPERCUT who became the reigning champions.

News:
NEW POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS
By @"New Rogernomics"

Cormac resigned as Speaker of the Assembly, and has been replaced by McChimp, so best of luck to Cormac in what he plans to do next, and to McChimp in his new career as Assembly Speaker. In other news, Imaginary was appointed as the Minister of Inter-Regional Relations, Killer Kitty (otherwise known as Evil Wolf) has been appointed Recruitment & Outreach Minister, and New Rogernomics has been appointed as the Media & Events Minister. Lastly, there has been a more recent appointment of TempestShadow as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, so best of luck also to TempestShadow in that new role.

Commentary:
IMAGINARY, A VERY REAL INFILTRATOR
By @"Amerion"

Canary Wharf — In a stunning admission, Imaginary publicly came out as a long time infiltrator of the Undead Dominion of Lazarus.

In what was perhaps the greatest gameplay upheaval of 2017, the Celestial Union of Lazarus dissolved into civil war when then Sovereign Funkadelia staged a coup and installed the Undead Dominion. Over the course of two months, belligerents on both sides made their case before the World Assembly and the gameplay community at-large, while simultaneously attempting to capture or maintain the Delegacy.

Imaginary underscored his displeasure at these events and states that it was his steadfast resolve to remove Funkadelia from power which led him to join the Dominion under false pretences. Owing to his unknown background, he was able to maintain this facade for the course of the Dominion’s short-lived history.

In early 2018, the Dominion transitioned to the Khanate of Lazarus under the control of Lone Wolves United and was controversially removed in an internal coup by Imki, now Delegate of Lazarus. The new Delegate was not immediately trusted by all residents, as Imaginary himself notes.

‘When Imki took over I didn't know her so I decided to remain incognito’, Imaginary recalls, ‘until I could trust that she wasn't going to use the region in the same way Funk and co. did.’

The revelation of this deception was greeted with understanding. Roavin, himself a seasoned game-player, testified ‘Just from a player's perspective, there's nothing wrong with infiltration - it's an absolutely valid form of playing the game, and in a way, credit to you for being able to successfully do it for a year.’

As to his future, Imaginary said it was up to Lazarus whether it would accept him after his misconduct. The former member of the Dominion expressed hope that he could ‘continue to draw Tubbius pics and hang as an ambassador in our embassies, and most importantly be a part of the region's current community, which I have fallen in love with.’

Opinion:
TRIBUTE TO NEW ROGERNOMICS
By @"Amerion"

On the 2nd of September, Delegate Imki announced her nominations for Cabinet Ministers. In the week that followed, New Rogernomics, Imaginary, and Killer Kitty were confirmed by the Assembly to the postings of Media and Events, Interregional Relations, and Recruitment and Outreach, respectively.

And while there is much to be said of their efforts, or rather, lack thereof in an instance or two, I believe the community as a whole can and should come together in agreement that New Rogernomics is worthy of our highest commendation.

At risk of inserting my head into his bottom, I will note his smooth transition from a member of the Council of Natives to a Cabinet Minister, a portfolio which he has shown great dedication to; having authored all but one of the articles in the September issue of the Lazarene Gazette, a publication which he took it on himself, at nobody’s behest and at no one’s pressure, to organise, write for, publish, and distribute. What is more astounding is that while he has been serving this region in a ministerial capacity, he has also all but single-handedly provided administration for the forum. It should come to no surprise to any Lazarene that this individual is responsible for the continual provision of forum-services.

For this and so much more, I would like to express, on behalf of Lazarus if I may, our gratitude to New Rogernomics for his service.

COMICS & FUNNIES:

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Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:06:31 +0000

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Tue, 14 Aug 2018 03:45:36 +0000

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