WA Votes, Vol 7

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Cretox State" (April 4, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#394)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Cretox State for, among other things, their writing of Issues and recognizing those that do, and their work to enhance multiversal bureaucracy through the General Assembly and their dedicated work to the North Pacific's Ministry of World Assembly Affairs. The authors utilize language that evokes the character Cretox plays with their stated intent being a "bad-faith commend".

We heartily support this Commendation. Some may think it is because this nominee is simply a region-mate and friend to many of us, but digging a bit deeper, their contributions to the game have been monumental. Their prolific writing earned them a place in the General Assembly's record books as one of the top writers of resolutions scarcely a year into their work there. Their continual writing of Issues had them be named an onsite contest winner. Cretox's work in the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recognized a swift overhaul of the Ministry's practices, molding them into a malleable set that largely still exists to its day. While some may quibble with the language used, we think it encapsulates Cretox like any recognition by the Security Council of them ought to--which is to say: it does well to appreciate a truly one-of-a-kind player.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "LGBTIQA Inclusiveness in Schools Act"" (April 2, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#603 "LGBTIQA+ Inclusiveness In Schools Act" with two main thrusts. The first the author provides is the overly broad definition of "school" provided, noting that specialist academies are required under the title of law to provide education on LGBTIQA+ identities--something the author charges is already the case. Second, the author charges that the target resolution explicitly makes the assumption that LGBTIQA+ identities are biologically abnormal, and thus discrimination on those grounds is without merit--rather than the simple argument that any discrimination, regardless of reason, is without merit.

We have three main quibbles with this legislation:

No good replacement of this law exists. While we would be perfectly content to recommend a vote for this repeal should an acceptable replacement exist, none such does, and we prefer an imperfect law remain on the books than go through another seemingly never-ending set of repeals and replacements.

We are concerned about the verbiage of 2(b) which, while well-intentioned, has given license to homophobes and transphobes to come out full-throated for this resolution.

While perhaps lacking in significance to some, the inclusion of "romantic orientation" is a topic that has not been touched on in GA law before. In its uniqueness, and that it has not been touched on by the General Assembly before, we believe that its inclusion here to be important enough that this resolution ought not be repealed until anti-discrimination law covers the topic of "romantic orientation" as well.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Aynia Moreaux" (March 31, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#393)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Aynia Moreaux for a variety of work in multiple UCRs, including Caer Sidi, Albion, Equinox, Arda en Estel, and Hartfelden. It also notes Aynia's cultural contributions to the wider NS community through festivals such as UCR Con.

Aynia's impressive region-building resume, stretching across multiple regions, has undoubtedly had a major positive impact on NationStates. On top of this, Aynia has pioneered many cultural events, most notably UCR Con, the 4th edition of which was held recently. Aynia's major contributions to many regions and interregional events make her a commendable nominee.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Reducing Light Pollution" (March 30, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to eliminate unnecessary light pollution to promote efficient energy consumption and benefit the environment. It creates a new committee within the WA Science Programme (WASP) to certify lighting units that fit particular criteria; no artificial lights brighter than 1,800 watts may be used outdoors unless they have been certified by this committee. It also contains a provision to preserve areas with high-quality night skies, as well as generally requiring that member nations cut down on excessive or environmentally damaging light pollution and educate their populaces on these matters.

The general principles that motivate this resolution are admirable, but in our opinion the regulations described above are unreasonably inflexible. A less specific set of mandates may be more suitable for this topic. For example, the rigid nature of this resolution means that relatively harmless, temporary lighting effects for certain outdoor events might be prohibited. This is an area of regulation that can be better handled individually by member states than the World Assembly at this level of detail.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Ambrella" (March 27, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#392)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Ambrella (more commonly known as Sopo) for a plethora of achievements throughout the NationStates world. Among the listed achievements are their work within Europeia's foreign policy apparatus--particularly in bringing together allies to celebrate common successes--and their powerhouse work within the varied forms of Europeian media. Additionally, the authors cite their work as a Europeian lawmaker via their spearheading of various initiatives to plug holes in Europeian law and similar work as a legal mastermind behind Caprecia.

There are some situations where a nominee may be more than meets the eye at first glance. This is one. Beyond being a pillar of the Europeian community and a friend of many Ministry staffers, Sopo is above all the consummate statesperson and a major reason that Europeia is where it finds itself today. They are a titan in many areas, but what stands out about this proposal is the clear dedication to their chosen areas of expertise it highlights and their commitment to embracing the new.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Regulating the Sex Industry" (March 25, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution aims to protect workers in the sex industry from exploitation and to promote the health and safety of workers and clients. This is achieved by mandating that member states establish a body responsible for licensing sex workers, safeguarding them, and providing barrier contraception to be used in sex work. It imposes restrictions on sex work institutions to prevent the abuse of workers and ensure their fair treatment. Furthermore, it includes regulations to curb the spread of sexually transmitted infections and guarantee that participants in sex work are made aware if they are at risk of infection. The resolution neither forces member states to legalise sex work nor prevents them from doing so.

While the resolution's aims and execution are on the whole worthy, clause 4.c) - which requires participants in sex work to inform other participants if they carry any incurable STIs, even if they are no longer transmissible - is an overly broad mandate that is likely to result in violations of personal privacy in low-risk situations.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Shizensky Prime" (March 24, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to commend Shizensky Prime for their contributions to 10000 Islands (XKI) and the Renegade Islands Alliance (RIA). The author begins by pointing out their contributions to XKI's roleplay scene and the resurrection of their foreign affairs apparatus. The resolution then continues by detailing their many contributions to the RIA--including building its foreign affairs, contributing to that region culturally, managing and leading its large military (and creating new tools for it), and mentoring the next crop of leaders of that region, many of whom have gone on to receive commendations themselves.

While we have no doubt that this nominee is perhaps worthy of our approbation, it is worth considering precisely what the commendation dives into. Detailing certainly impressive diplomatic work, it details the construction of alliances that we think rather natural. Certainly these required deft skill to maintain, rapprochement is more noteworthy than forming links with ideological bosom buddies. Additionally, while one can certainly find oneself impressed with the scale of achievements of the RIASF, it is worth noting that no scale is provided. These achievements of Shizensky's would be more impressive if it was clear they were impressive, especially by the scale of their day. Finally, we are left to consider whether cultural achievements are inherently commendable. Again, with no sense of scale or depth, as with the other main thrusts of this commendation, we are left to assume that the nominee's achievements were either fleeting or just on the wrong side of commendable.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Reducing Natural Disease Reservoirs" (March 20, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to identify, mitigate the spread of, and eventually eradicate zoonotic diseases or "disease[s] which is known to be transmitted from a non-sapient being to a sapient being and poses a substantial risk to the health or welfare of a sapient species, or of sapient populations as a whole...". To do this, the resolution tasks member states to keep record of zoonotic diseases' "reservoir species" and to report those to the WA, along with several steps meant to reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases (including restrictions on the freedom of travel of infected individuals).

Our main issue with this resolution is that it is splitting hairs with two preceding resolutions: GA#389, "Rights of the Quarantined" and GA#518, "Reducing Disease Vectors". In particular, the differential with GA#518 is minor, largely with regards to carriers and not just transmitters. The move regarding vaccines for animal husbandry, while theoretically beneficial, is not commonly implemented on commercial grounds and the usual response (humane extermination) is usually adopted instead.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Emiline" (March 20, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#391)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The proposal at vote seeks to commend the nation of Emiline for their efforts to build up Anteria as its founder, as well as their service in the United Regions Alliance (URA) and the Augustin Alliance (AA). It cites their work to create an alluring culture, increase its population, establish its constitutional laws, expand its diplomatic connections and increase World Assembly engagement in Anteria, as well as the moderating presence they've exerted there since the region's beginning. It also brings up their contributions as an influential founding member of the URA, where they brought legitimacy and interest to its initial state and helped recruit new regions to its ranks. Finally, their ongoing tenure as an Administrator in AA is brought up, where they coordinate the day-to-day operations of the behemoth coalition and its member regions and helped it gain international recognition by leading it to multiple victories in annual N-Days.

While a convincing enough case can be built that the nominee is worthy of recognition from this august chamber, this proposal doesn't do them justice. It's haphazardly written, poorly formatted, contains ill-advised choices of wording and is in general of a mediocre quality. This doesn't live up to the high standards the Security Council prides itself on having and should be unilaterally rejected until it reaches an acceptable stage of quality where we can comfortably recommend for commending this arguably deserving nation.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "LGBTIQA Inclusiveness in Schools Act" (March 16, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#603)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Building on prior resolutions such as GA 35 "The Charter of Civil Rights", this proposal seeks to prohibit and combat discrimination and harassment against non-cisgender and non-heterosexual students in member nations. The proposal also requires the teaching of certain relevant material to students.

While this proposal is certainly at least partly redundant with prior resolutions on the subject, and is perhaps unnecessarily long-winded in places (such as clause 2), its competent covering of a more specific area of civil rights and anti-discrimination policy, especially for such a vulnerable demographic as students, is appreciated and definitely something we would support.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "On Raider Unity" (March 16, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Recognizing the accomplishments of raider factions in the past years, this proposal declares the existence of the pan-raider ideology known as "Raider Unity" to be a powerful force capable of sowing terror on the world stage through occupations like those which took place in A Liberal Haven and The Mystical Council. Accordingly, it asseverates the imminent threat such an ideology poses to the vulnerable regions of NationStates, all the while confirming noninterference, the sharing of information, and mutual operations assistance between raider groups as the core tenets of "Raider Unity".

While defining and taking a stance on a major gameplay ideology would theoretically be a perfectly acceptable use for a declaration, this proposal's context makes it simply infeasible for us to support. Rather than being a good-faith ideological declaration written with the voice of the Security Council as a whole, this proposal clearly serves to glorify a specific raider faction whose interests are not currently aligned with ours and publicly promote their recent undertakings, and was written and submitted by a member of said faction.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Institutional Psychiatry Act"" (March 12, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#602)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal "Institutional Psychiatry Act." The main reasoning the author provides is its issues regarding the freedom of communications for mentally ill criminals and that in granting this right, it might stand in the way of justice actually being served.

With a proposal in the pipeline that addresses the issue raised in this repeal, we do not see an issue in supporting the repeal. While perhaps a bit short, it communicates a glaring deficiency in its target resolution and shows that it ought to be repealed.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Calvin Coolidge" (March 10, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#390)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal would commend former Europeian President Calvin Coolidge for extensive regionbuilding contributions to Europeia and Albion. The commendation highlights the nominee's extensive work and leadership in the areas of policymaking, diplomacy, recruitment, management, and media across the two regions.

There is no doubt that Calvin Coolidge is an exceptional nominee whose numerous accomplishments across multiple fields and positions have left a lasting mark on Europeia, Albion, and NationStates as a whole. This well-written proposal recognizes those accomplishments in good detail, and makes a very convincing case for why the nation in question should be commended.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Freedom of Travel" (March 9, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#601)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to comprehensively and expansively protect the ability of people in WA member nations to move within and across national borders without fearing violence or retribution to a far greater degree than prior law. The proposal would also protect people from being unduly forced to live in a specific area or denied access to critical services due to a nomadic or otherwise non-sedentary lifestyle.

While many proposals have attempted to protect freedom of movement and the rights of those with non-sedentary lifestyles in the past, "Freedom of Travel" is easily the most complete one yet. All people should generally have a choice of where to live and should fear violence or be treated as second-class citizens for pursuing a nomadic lifestyle. This proposal is competently written and covers the above areas well.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Zarkenis Ultima" (March 6, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#389)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Zarkenis Ultima, a former Portal to the Multiverse RP Mentor, for their contributions to roleplaying. Specifically, the author cites their unique approach to roleplaying, their iconic characters, and long-running series.

This proposal may very well have been one of the best we have yet seen. It describes in detail the frankly incredible contributions of a nation to an often overlooked part of the multiverse. Artistically too, we quite like the way that the author presented this proposal and introduced a nation whose contributions should be unforgettable.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Comfortable Pillows for All Protocol" (March 5, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#600)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to promote healthy sleep for citizens of member states. It does so by promoting the availability of sleep implements that may improve one's sleep and via informing national populations about the problems associated with poor sleep, as well as providing catchy and thematically appropriate nicknames in an attempt to improve public engagement.

While we may have supported a legitimate proposal guaranteeing access to acceptable bedding, this resolution does not meet that criteria. It's a joke proposal so thinly veiled that it might as well be see-through, making a mockery of the purpose of the General Assembly and its own terms and definitions in one fell swoop. Treating the General Assembly with a more light-hearted proposal is fine, but one so clearly based on a joke is not something we can support.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend One Small Island" (March 1, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#388)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal would commend One Small Island largely for their work in bettering Warzone Sandbox and other Warzone regions as administrator, leader, defender, and liberator. The proposal also mentions the nominee's activity in diplomacy and NS trading cards.

While vague in certain places such as its "Impressed by their accomplished political foresight..." clause, the proposal nevertheless makes a convincing case for the nominee's accomplishments in developing the game's Warzone regions over a long and storied career. The nominee has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on one of the most unique areas of the game, and that ought to be recognized.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "A Treaty on Time Travel" (March 1, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): While the World Assembly has in the past regulated more... timely topics such as industry, civil rights, and social justice, this proposal aims to regulate an area that's truly timeless: time travel. The proposal would create a committee to oversee time travel in the WA, and restrict the ability of WA members to develop, employ, or abuse time travel technology.

Evidently not satisfied with the WA's iron grip on numerous areas of international affairs, this proposal's clearly deranged author seeks to place the very fabric of time and space under the control of a heaving WA bureaucracy. Time is a concept beyond the dominion of lowly WA gnomes, and the proposal doesn't work on a logical nor a practical level. Were this proposal necessary for the survival of our timeline, wouldn't it pass regardless of our region's vote? Wouldn't agents travel back through time to prevent us from voting it down? The only plausible conclusion is that this proposal is a red herring, a distraction deployed by time criminals to convince us that the timeline is safe from them. Indeed, not only would this proposal's bureaucracy slow down the development of time travel technology compared to nonmembers, but the proposal's second clause requires that "any technological advancement or technique" be reported to the World Assembly, regardless of if it has any relevance to time travel! Truly, such a proposal must never be allowed to pass at any point on the timeline.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Liberate The Mystical Council" (February 26, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#387)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The Mystical Council is a region that was raided, destroyed, and then refounded by a coalition of raiders and their friends. A series of delaying resolution, intended to abuse Security Council processes, were also submitted by raiders, which ultimately contributed to the destruction of the region.

While the Liberation itself has ceased to be of functional use, it will still represent an important symbolic action against raiders as well send the message that the abuse of the Security Council by anyone should be opposed.. It's a reminder that defenders and natives will not give up in pursuit of their peace and freedom, and that someday the region may be returned to native hands.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Active Reduction of Space Debris"" (February 24, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#599)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal makes the case for repealing General Assembly Resolution #595 "Active Reduction of Space Debris" on the grounds of a series of loopholes and flaws it alleges render it unworkable. It points out the failure of GAR#595 to address its proclaimed purpose of incentivizing more active reduction of space debris, the exploitability of its vague requirement that de-orbiting operations not be wasteful, the excessive arbitrariness and specificity of its provisions regarding acceptable methods and timeframes for de-orbiting projects, the failure to address environmental repercussions, and a potential opt-out that threatens to further compromise the proposal's intentions.

The resolution this proposal seeks to nullify is both flawed and redundant, causing harm significantly greater than would be possible in its absence. The repeal itself echoes many of the points we mentioned in our IFV for the original, and is written solidly throughout, giving us no reason for opposition.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Condemn Suspicious" (February 21, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Condemn Suspicious aims to condemn the combined jump point of major raiding regions for their involvement in numerous raids recently.

Raiding and Defending has been a part of gameplay for a long time. Unlike other resolutions condemning regions involed in raiding, this resolution lacks quality and details in justification. Furthermore, this submission, like the previous proposal "Liberate Ukraine", is just a ploy to delay "Liberate the Mystical Council" proceeding to vote, a liberation of a region under an active threat of destruction from raiders, one of whom is the author who is an RO in the region under threat.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Mitigating Artificial Fragmentation" (February 21, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal attempts to rectify certain inequities in this area of wildlife population fragmentation by instructing existing WA committees to research, assess potential danger, and set guidelines of and for the mitigation of population fragmentation, guaranteeing international cooperation, and mandating member states do independent research apart from the designated WA body. Furthermore, the proposal requires any and all potential barriers go through a process of WA arbitration to analyze the risks and benefits of projects, and to take appropriate action in response. Lastly, it obligates WA member states to make efforts to counteract population fragmentation outside of the specific provisions of the proposal, and attempts to reassure readers of its attempted purpose.

This proposal falls flat right out of the gate. Perhaps the best summation of its quality is: "This is such a nuanced topic and it's handled with all the delicacy of a fog horn in an opera house". While the requirement of nations doing their own research while the same job is given to a WA committee, or the vain assurance that the proposal's intentions are indeed good are but minor errors, things quickly fall apart afterwards. Given the proposal's application to both macroscopic and microscopic life, Clause 5/a could tie up even the most minute projects in needless bureaucracy, jeopardizing pivotal infrastructural, health, and security projects that could improve the lives of many, while clause 6 could force nations to undertake dangerous, detrimental, and/or pointless projects in the name of mitigating population fragmentation.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Liberate Ukraine" (February 18, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Liberate Ukraine aims to protect the region of Ukraine and preserve their independence by means of a preemptive liberation. The justification is to assure the residents of Ukraine that if this resolution passes, their sovereignty will not be abridged.

It is highly likely that an invasion of Ukraine on NationStates will never occur due to the executive founder of that region still existing. Thus, we can only deduce that this resolution is but a thinly veiled reference to the threatened real-life invasion of Ukraine by Russia. However, oblique references to a bleeding-heart humanitarianism are almost certainly not in play. This submission is just a ploy to delay "Liberate the Mystical Council" proceeding to vote, a liberation of a region under an active threat of destruction from raiders, one of whom is the author who is an RO in the region under threat. When an author abuses the tensions and events of the real world for nothing more than in-game profit, we find it a disgusting tactic and a revolting abuse of legitimate World Assembly mechanisms. Some may call our stance moralism, but we can assure the wider community that the false veneer of this resolution fooled no one.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Access To Euthanasia Services" (February 16, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#598)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to replace GAR#593 "Access to Life-Ending Services". It once again affirms that member states "must provide fully subsidised assisted suicide services to eligible patients within their jurisdiction." It then goes on to establish that the WA may fund travel to jurisdictions with assisted suicide facilities if none such exist in a nation's territory and it would be a financial burden for that state to create one. It then establishes non-discrimination policies for those undergoing the procedure and non-coercion over the practice before finally concluding by allowing doctors in member states to opt out of performing the procedure if they have a "bona fide" objection to such.

This proposal does an excellent job of replacing the recently repealed GAR#593. It tightens the language and provides more of an argument for the chosen category of Health and its application area of Healthcare. Additionally, it provides a sterling protection for doctors who may find this procedure morally objectionable. To wit, while we are of the opinion this could be a problem if the General Assembly ever takes up the topic of abortion in quite the way of "Conscientious Objection to Abortion" and passes it. Especially given that moral grounds were not considered grounds for opting out of ostensibly a medical procedure then, we might be left to wonder if section 8 is at least advisable. However, that does not change our support for our legislation or its primary provisions.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Commend One Small Island"" (February 13, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#386)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal the existing resolution commending One Small Island citing poor writing, a lack of key details on One Small Island's achievements, and basic grammar and syntax mistakes, among other issues with this resolution. It seeks to supersede this with an improved resolution with significantly more elaboration of One Small Island's accomplishments.

We concur with the author's view that the existing resolution does not do justice to the achievements of One Small Island. In areas such as the Warzone Sandbox, the Warzone Control Council, One Small Island's extensive military accomplishments, and its work in bringing in foreign allies and in fine arts, the resolution lacks key details that would significantly strengthen this resolution and therefore render it immune from being repealed. We also note that a replacement resolution has been drafted and appears to have wide support in the community.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Addressing Domestic Abuse" (February 12, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#597)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This Proposal seeks to protect the rights of potential domestic abuse victims, ensure that domestic abuse is a criminal offense under its law, and to prevent the use of family (including marriage) and other relationships as a mitigating factor. It also mandates the use of schools and educators to try to detect hidden forms of abuse and to provide a potential safe harbor against domestic abuse. The term "domestic abuse" is broadly defined and includes physical, sexual, and mental abuse, and restrictions against movement and other freedoms.

We believe domestic abuse is a serious offence to moral decency and civil rights and the Proposal is long overdue. The Proposal defines domestic abuse in relatively broad terms which we believe adequately cover most likely offences, and removes the unfortunately frequent excuse of family ties (such as marriage or an "elderly member of family") in entrenching domestic abuse, in our view an antiquated attitude that remains prevalent in a small minority. There is some debate regarding due process and whether (2)(d) would be either too lenient or too stringent, but overall we believe the proposal strikes a reasonable balance on this issue.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Liberate A Liberal Haven"" (February 8, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#385)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This repeal's target is SCR#380, a resolution that liberated A Liberal Haven (ALH). At the time of SCR#380's passing, ALH was occupied and password protected by invading forces, and the resolution's intent was to strike out the password so the region could be liberated. However, the liberating forces failed to regain the region by military means and the region remained under raider control until recently.

The repeal covers the timeline of the ALH invasion rather well, listing the relevant actions taken by key actors in the event in detail. In addition to, and more important than this helpful timeline is the fact that natives to ALH support the repeal, citing a need to restore a password for regional security. To keep this resolution in place would only negatively impact the region further. Although it would be preferable if the author of this resolution wasn't someone in support of the invading forces and instead a native or attempted liberator of ALH, this resolution is still plenty satisfactory, especially compared to those similar to it.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Access to Life-Ending Services"" (February 8, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#596)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to strike down GAR#593 on the grounds that its definition of "eligible patient" is too narrow to apply to the vast majority of those who might seek assisted suicide, the vague wording of several clauses would make compliance technically impossible, its guarantee of transport for patients to qualified and consenting clinics could result in the transport of the ill to embassies and administrative buildings or hostile and dangerous areas, its preservation of tangible and probable state interests in clause 5 could leave it susceptible to malicious partisan claims, that clause 6's requirement of consent before euthanasia exists in the stead of consent before an illness is contracted, and that the guarantee of funding for the transportation and procedures of euthanasia clinics could allow states to "jack up the prices of assisted suicide" in an attempt to siphon WA funds.

This proposal is frankly outrageous. Though it very well may be correct in identifying the narrowness of one definition, it takes this criticism to a comical degree. Aside from this, however, nearly every point it attempts to make is the result of hilarious, potentially malicious misinterpretations of the original proposal. Particularly atrocious is the insinuation that the mandate of transportation of patients to competent and consenting clinics will result in the ill being sent to active warzones. Cartoonish misrepresentations like this make up the majority of this proposal. Under no circumstances should we support this kind of writing.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Kyorgia" (February 4, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Kyorgia for a variety of exploits. The author highlights their involvement in the Rejected Realms' government in promoting regional culture and security plus their service to TRR's foreign affairs as well as their involvement in military gameplay first as a raider and then as a defender. This commend also highlights Kyorgia's ownership of Congratulations On Being Featured, a nation that congratulates the featured region every day, and their tenure(s) as Statsminister of Balder.

The clauses the author included about the Rejected Realms highlighting the nominee's promoting TRR's regional security, putting on grand cultural events, and their adept skill as a diplomat at the highlight of this resolution. However, the rest of the resolution goes from bad to worse. It expounds on what were very short tenures as Statsminister of Balder that seem not to have been that notable. It highlights a transition awkwardly in ways that are, frankly, moralist in nature, not highlighting the accomplishments of Kyorgia's tenure in military gameplay and instead highlighting their "s[eeing] the bright light of defending". Additionally, we can applaud the longevity of their exploits in following the featured region, but it is still a subpar link in a resolution full of shoddy linkages for a commendation. We respect the nominee's contributions, but we do not believe they are as yet a worthy target for a commend.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Active Reduction of Space Debris" (February 4, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#595)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal addresses the problem of of dangerous debris accumulating in orbit. Fearing the existing GAR#349 does not offer sufficient incentives for active reduction of space debris, it requests WA member states cooperate with WASP to develop new technologies to eliminate orbital debris, and specifies the manner in which such debris might be de-orbited. Furthermore, it requires WA member states and WASP to collaborate on additional specifications regarding orbital debris elimination programs, and to reduce the amount of debris released into junk orbits in future space missions.

The problem which this issue seeks to address is very real and quite important, which is why a resolution nearly seven years old addresses it. Though this proposal manages to skirt outright illegality, it's quite flawed. First of all, the definition of "debris" laid out in Article 1(a) is a literal joke, referencing an admittedly funny definition from an earlier proposal that is absolutely unacceptable in today's General Assembly. Next, the proposal introduces a variety of arbitrary and overly specific requirements throughout article 3, which needlessly inhibit de-orbiting programs utilizing methods other than a velocity change using a powered device, application of matter to debris, or which are set to take longer than five years. Lastly, the proposal does little to address the shortcomings it seeks to correct, providing no meaningful incentives for WA member states to actively reduce space debris, and failing to address environmental impacts of high atmosphere burn up of debris, which are often filled with a variety of hazmats.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Condemn Jakker"" (January 31, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#384)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal the condemnation of Jakker following their disgracement from the international community.

In this case, the fewer words the better. While we are not privy to Jakker's actions which got them disgraced, we know that they were under circumstances that shocked the multiverse. That their own community rejected them ignominiously prior to their disgracing merely confirms our instinct: this is a nation that is not worthy of anything other than our eternal ire, but they are not worthy of the wider recognition that the Security Council grants.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "On Scientific Cooperation"" (January 31, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#594)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to repeal GAR#322 due to several faults the author believes compromise the good intentions behind its writing. The proposal highlights the fact that there is a lack of constraint on what "scientific" constitutes exactly, thus leading to the potential for pseudo-scientific, unsubstantiated claims being collected and archived by the World Assembly Scientific Programme (WASP). The proposal also highlights Article 1(b) of the target resolution, which mandates the collection of "all data relevant to it's mandate"- a provision the author regards as untenable. Another flaw the proposal touches upon is its failure to account for member states wishing to censor and otherwise obfuscate certain published materials in order to prevent the dissemination of the scientific consensus, among other possibilities. Lastly, the lack of a mechanism for WASP to make critical claims of any nature, as well as its lack of blindness in the peer review process for materials disseminated to member states are highlighted by the author as flaws that jeopardize the credibility of materials disseminated by WASP.

We find that the author's claims and analysis of the target resolution are credible. GAR#322, though written from a place of goodwill, is easily exploitable and subverted by malicious actors, especially when it comes to the potential for those pushing pseudoscience to use WASP as a platform to propagate falsehoods cloaked in the veneer of scientific credibility, and in regards to member states that seek to seal off their populace from established scientific consensus that may contradict the internal messaging and policies of its governing institutions. Given the existence of a replacement draft, we have no qualms about repealing GAR#322.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Access to Life-Ending Services" (January 27, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#593)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Following the passage of Imperium Anglorum's Repeal: "Assisted Suicide Act", this proposal seeks to enshrine the right to consensual euthanasia and assisted suicide in international law. It goes about achieving these lofty goals by preventing WA member states from prohibiting such procedures within their borders, punishing citizens for seeking or failing to seek them, coercing residents into choosing one option or another, and bars any legislation that might indirectly affect the citizenry's access to life-ending services. Furthermore, the proposal also requires that a facility offering such services must be locally accessible for all patients who might seek them out, and preserves the right of medical facilities to abstain from euthanasia and assisted suicide procedures should there be other regional facilities capable of carrying out such procedures. Alternatively, WA member states may fund the transit fees for patients that do not have relevant facilities in their location, with WA funds available to those states which lack the proper resources to fund such endeavors.

This is by no means a perfect proposal. The requirements laid out in article 1(iv) are too narrow, the choice of category is debatable, and some generally strange language choices make it perhaps not as strong as it could have been. Nonetheless, in spite of the above reasons and legitimate objections made regarding the author's character, we find the potential benefits this proposal has to offer vastly outweigh its flaws.

I voted against because the author did a rush job and has previously used corrupt tactics in pursuing legislation.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Karputsk" (January 25, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#383)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Karputsk, a notable figure within the defender bloc. The proposal highlights Karputsk's contributions and activities with the Founderless Regions Alliance (FRA), with notable achievements including their tenure leading the FRA as Arch-Chancellor and their work as FRA's Chief of Defense in fostering a resurgence of activity. The proposal additionally highlights Karputsk's work in creating and leading the Spiritus Defense Force (SDF), and additional triumphs for the broader defender bloc, such as their work in uniting dozens of defenders across various organizations to liberate Asia in December of 2013 and their leadership of the refounding of Hogwarts. The proposal concludes by focusing on Karputsk's implementation of a neutral communication channel that, while no longer in use, has paved the way for further defender cooperation and success to this day, and their regionbuilding activities in Equinox.

It can be argued that Karputsk is indeed commendable when considering the contents of the proposal at hand. However, other considerations have swayed our decision. The FRA made an enemy out of a WALL member region- Europeia. To this end, Karputsk participated in operations to subvert and undermine Europeia whilst serving in the FRA, For instance, Karputsk served as a Cabinet member during their infiltration activities and had access to sensitive information, leading to a significant breach in Europeia's regional security. More significant, however, was their complicity in a plan to use Europeia as a means to subvert and eliminate their allies before ultimately pushing the region into the defender bloc. As a matter of principle, we cannot support a commendation of someone who has participated in such subversive activity against a WALL ally.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Assisted Suicide Act"" (January 23, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#592)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#285, "Assisted Suicide Act". The author's primary points of contention are that the resolution permits member states to outlaw the practice of assisted suicide, and that the resolution's guarantee for individuals to travel to jurisdictions in order to undertake assisted suicide without the risk of penalization or encumbrance is insufficient for having instituted a significant financial barrier to access this service. The proposal additionally takes issue with the resolution's prohibition of the use of World Assembly funds to pay for or subsidize access to assisted suicide, thus cementing already severe financial barriers.

We wholeheartedly agree with the author's assessment on this often-controversial matter. We specifically adhere to the principle stated by the author within the proposal that those suffering from "chronic, insurable, and painful condition(s)" should hold the right to end their suffering in a dignified manner. GAR#285 falls woefully short of guaranteeing such a right. This is especially when considering- as pointed out in the proposal- that the General Assembly has in the past acted to eliminate domestic policies intended to bar access within a member state or only permit travel to foreign jurisdictions for certain medical procedures. We believe that the same should apply to the subject of assisted suicide.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Sacara" (January 20, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#382)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Sacara for their issue writing, their maintenance of an Issues Hub, and their organisation of two Horror Short Story Contests.

To argue at this point that the details provided and the sheer scale of their accomplishments and contributions to multiversal life, Sacara has authored 15 issues, are not worthy of the Security Council's recognition is, on its face, absurd. While one can argue that certain positions the nominee holds are...unwelcome or offensive to some, these do not preclude their recognition as they never, say, rose to the level of trying to coup a region. In any event, the scale of their accomplishments and merits of their hard work speak on their own and they are well and deserving of a commendation now that more detail has been provided on those fronts.

I voted against out of a conviction that prominent AA players ought not to be recognized.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Paid Leave Act II" (January 18, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Following the repeal of the original Paid Leave Act, this proposal valiantly seeks to ensure strong economic and job security for workers in WA member states, without meddling excessively in the operation and overhead of employers. It attempts to achieve these goals by mandating strict minimum durations for sick/injury, dependency, vacation, and parental leave, and forbidding employers from openly penalizing employees for using or attempting to use paid leave. Moreover, the proposal offers up member state government funds to qualifying businesses in order to partially or wholly cover leave payment, and lastly, it permits employers to fund their paid leave programs through collective state social insurance funds should they contribute.

Despite its noble intentions, this proposal is quite flawed. A combination of cryptic language, arbitrariness, and shortsightedness compromise its otherwise laudable purpose. Egregiously, a section of Article 2d would require parents to leave their jobs for twelve weeks mandatory parental leave, regardless of their wishes, Article 3 has no protection against penalty or termination, maliciously or otherwise, based on attendance, productivity, and other measures that can be indirectly affected by taking leave, Article 6 offers a functional opt-out by potentially allowing companies to pay into state social insurance funds by collecting a portion of employee wages, then accessing those funds to cover leave, and Article 7a(iii) would prevent workers with untreatable conditions from using paid leave longer than 4 weeks, potentially denying them sufficient leave during times of extended affliction.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Declaration on China" (January 16, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal is a declaration for the historical record of the raid on China. The author recounts the facts of the invasion before (1) exhorting gameplayers to study the effort and (2) wishing the natives of China well on their re-founding.

It goes without saying that we oppose this resolution. Not as a matter of pro-raider sentiment, but because of the timing of this proposal. Had it been submitted in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, it might be worth our consideration, but its overshadowing currently by the occupation of A Liberal Haven cannot be ignored. R/D is a constantly shifting world, to paraphrase the words of Lily, and when the game changes to the point that an operation loses its relevance in history as severely as that of China, we ought not recognize it.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Safety and Integrity in Conflict Journalism"" (January 16, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#591)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#554 "Safety and Integrity in Conflict Journalism" for problematic and significant loopholes. The repeal specifically calls out clauses 1b and 1c (when combined with clause 2b) for notably flawed definitions, and clause 3 for failing to fully protect conflict journalists.

The Ministry agrees with the statements that the target is a subpar resolution with multiple issues. The lack of consideration of the kinds of journalists beyond those employed via contract (such as freelance journalists), combined with the target's insufficient protections for journalists severely hinders the proper execution of GAR#554's goal. In addition, the target creates a severe loophole protecting espionage and preventing regulation thereof, legislating beyond the scope of itself and causing issues for member states. GAR#554 is clearly a problematic resolution, and one worth repealing.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend One Small Island" (January 13, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#381)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal presents a case for commending One Small Island (OSI), a notable Warzones player. Notable facts the proposal details include OSI's creation and governance of The Sandcastle Kingdom and Warzone Empire, two staples in the Warzone community, their assistance in freeing Warzone Australia from Lardyland and helping stabilize the region, their notable reign as the longest continuous World Assembly Delegate among all Warzones, and their leadership in pursuing diplomatic relationships with major regions such as The Rejected Realms, 10000 Islands, and The East Pacific among others.

There is no doubt in our minds that One Small Island is indeed commendable. However, we do not believe that this proposal makes an adequate case for such commendability. Major points of contention we have include the fact that the proposal fails to adequately cover OSI's work for the Warzone Empire, especially politically, the mention of their cards-related endeavors do not advance the case for OSI's commendability, and that there is a significant lack of detail when it comes to the diplomatic achievements of OSI and how exactly they benefited the Warzones where such diplomatic ties were established.

We are furthermore perturbed by the vagueness and lack of supporting detail in several points, such as how long the peace bartered by OSI's activities in 2019 lasted for, specific examples of military leaders and past Warzone leadership that OSI's own military leadership brought out to bolster the defense of Warzone Sandbox, and how exactly the foundation of The Sandcastle Kingdom and the Warzone Empire were significant.

Authors must keep in mind that Resolutions should be able to educate people in the future on the specifics of a nominee's achievements. Unfortunately, this proposal does not fulfill that expectation. Thus, the above flaws and concerns preclude support from us.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Mitigating Animal Population Fragmentation" (January 11, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal wants to tackle a specific environmental concern: the fragmentation of animal populations that can have dire consequences for endangered species. It attempts to address this issue by assigning the World Assembly Endangered Species Committee (WAESC) the responsibility of conducting research on barriers between animal populations, gathering data on fragmented animal populations, and determining the feasibility and need of assisting particular species. It then tasks member states with performing research and establishes broad mandates to ensure an independent environmental body evaluates all "construction plans" with a focus on dealing with potential animal population fragmentation.

While the proposal has developed far beyond its original text, in which it seemingly would have required member nations to fill in oceans to allow squirrels on different continents to mate, the current version still suffers from major implementation issues.

The proposal falls apart about midway through its mandates through a combination of extremely vague and imprecise language with an apparent loss of focus on what the proposal is ostensibly tackling. For instance in section 4, the focus on "the specific species" is out of the blue and incongruent with the text that comes before it. Section 5's blanket mandate on all "construction plans" is ridiculously broad, encompassing - under a plain meaning - the erection of sheds and paving of driveways. Clauses such as these combined with the General Fund being used to bankroll effectively a black hole of an endeavour preclude any support from us.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "LEO Force Restrictions" (January 7, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#590)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to place limits on the activities of law enforcement officers. Specifically, it seeks to limit the use of excessive force by officers and provide for the monitoring of officers-both to facilitate investigation should excessive force be used and to ensure that excessive force be used. The authors also compel member states to mandate that officers convicted of using excessive force be fired from their jobs as LEOs in member states.

These measures can only be described as "common-sense". We have no objections to the content of this resolution or the measures proposed therein. Additionally, we applaud the authors for their inclusion of clauses (e) and (f), (e) for its understanding of the second half of the adage about "one rotten apple spoiling the rest of the bunch", and (f) for its protection of LEOs in a subtle way that enhances the protections afforded the citizens of member states in this resolution.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Liberate A Liberal Haven" (January 3, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#380)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to liberate A Liberal Haven, an 18-year old region essentially preserved for its historic value and age in the NationStates community. This proposal was drafted following the region's takeover by The Black Hawks and Lone Wolves United at Major Update on January 2 after a long time sleeper mission by Vandoosa.

Forgetting even certain WALL members' most recent issues with TBH and the LWU, this invasion was frankly unacceptable. A long-time friend and pillar of the international community with ties to the interregional community should have been, frankly, an off-limits target. While we do not believe that all limits are off-limits for offensive raiding, we do not believe that regions with clear ties to the international community and obvious historic value should be targets—regardless of the ideological leanings of said region.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "On Scientific Cooperation"" (January 3, 2022)
Result: passed, but discarded due to rules violations
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to repeal GAR#322, "On Scientific Cooperation" due a lack of precise wording in clauses 1(a) and 1(b) that tasks the World Assembly Scientific Programme (WASP) with carrying out the untenable task of cataloging any and all data "relevant to it's mandate", its failure to account for and thus prevent malicious member states from misrepresenting scientific data in contrary to established scientific consensus, the lack of a mechanism for WASP to propagate new ideas and critique established scientific consensus, and its lacking of any mandate for member states to adhere to.

We find that the faults presented by the author are accurate and quite serious. The imprecise language used in clauses 1(a) and 1(b) utterly ruin WASP's potential and resources by forcing it to catalog all sorts of useless, junk data. Of particular concern is the cataloging of data associated with pseudoscientific endeavors. Such cataloging provides legitimacy to such data, something that we consider to be particularly dangerous given the well-documented damage that scientific misinformation has caused across numerous nations. GAR#322's ineffectiveness in fighting misinformation is all the more accentuated by it failing to tackle the potential for member states to censor data cataloged by WASP. The overall nonbinding nature of the resolution is yet another fault that justifies this repeal.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "The Children Act" (December 29, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to establish specific protections and rights for children. To do this, the authors first attempt to establish fundamental rights for children. Then they provide for their enforcement by establishing child welfare services in member states before attempting to ensure that domestic legal systems adequately provide for the welfare of children and their rights.

However, this resolution as written has many sections that are either unenforceable, incomprehensible, unclear, or riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. Section 4 sets to establish the duties of a child welfare services but subsection e makes all their work voluntary and thus unenforceable for anything outside of removing a child from the family. Several parts of section 5 are rendered incomprehensible due to lacking information about actions mentioned within the section including subsection 3 regarding an arbitration. Section 5f appears to allow abuse to continue without removal until all least restrictive methods are tried first due to a lack of clarity about when the least restrictive measures are applied first. And other errors throughout such as the misspelling of guarantee and facilitate in section 3.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Reflections on 2021" (December 29, 2021)
Result: passed (SC#379)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal recounts the events of 2021 across NationStates. The authors pay attention specifically to events in military and political gameplay, while also mentioning events in the international artwork, national statistics, and NationStates sports community.

There are several deficiencies with this resolution. For instance, the lack of mention of the World Assembly at all beyond the mention of the introduction of Declarations. Be it important resolutions to gameplay like the repeal of SCR#268, the appointment of a new member to the GA Secretariat, or the passage of important resolutions like "Death Penalty Ban", this resolution fails to mention arguably the most important body in international affairs. It could also do more, as several pointed out, to appraise roleplay communities and other regionally politically salient happenings.

That being said though, we are amenable to the goals of this resolution and believe that, for its faults, it is an upstanding summation of the year's events. We can begrduge its lack of appraisal for some events without rendering its non-appraisal as disqualifying.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Clean Prostitute Act"" (December 26, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#589)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seems to repeal GAR#179 "Clean Prostitute Act" almost exclusively over its second clause surrounding STIs and sex work. The author points out first that while some STIs cannot be cured, some have effective treatments which effectively nullify their transmissibility (for instance, HIV). They also point out that the lack of clarity over responsibility for the STI testing requirement for prostitutes potentially harms, or rather may harm, prostitutes financially.

Compared to the other recent attempt at repeal, this resolution articulates the flaws with GAR#179 more thoroughly and more clearly. Additionally, we applaud the highlighting of the flaw regarding viral load and transmissibility of STIs in this resolution. It adds a second compelling angle for repeal that, coupled with the lack of clarity over the testing requirement, renders us fully willing to back a repeal.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Paid Leave Act"" (December 21, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#588)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal General Assembly Resolution #584, "Paid Leave Act", due to several apparent flaws. The target fails to protect workers from retaliation when they notify their employers of taking leave, only protecting them when that leave begins. The author points out that the target places undue financial burden on developing countries because they have to pay financial compensation for workers who have left them to work in other countries, even if said workers do not even pay taxes in their country of origin. The target also, according to the proposal, incentivizes employers to hire no more than 49 employees to ensure that the burden for paying workers on paid leave falls on the state. Finally, the repeal states that the target fails to take any social insurance funds which would allow employers to take funds out to pay for compensation into account.

If authors want to repeal their own resolutions, we should defer to their judgement on their prior work. It takes courage to self-criticise one's own work or be won over to stand against past action. So long the motive for repeal is not some kind of cynical ploy to rack up authorship credits, the Office recommends that voters respect an author's wishes in such a matter.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Advancement of WA Diversity" (December 21, 2021)
Result: passed (SC#378)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to promote, and allow the community to recognize, diverse sources of achievement which result in recognition by the Security Council. To do so, they highlight prior areas the Security Council has largely neglected or otherwise has rarely considered in determining commendations or condemnations. The author concludes with several exhortations to WA authors to consider "entirely underrepresented" communities in their SC writing.

For some of these communities the author highlights, there is not a standard for commendability or that standard set by the pioneer person is so high as to be unreachable. That being said though, we concur with the author that more communities need greater representation in the proceedings of the Security Council. While we understand, and are alright with, the prioritization of gameplay or authorship based-recognition, we also recognize that it is in the Security Council's interests to engage more communities on a substantive level, potentially also providing a new set of authors and stakeholders in the assembly in the process.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Rights of Crime Victims"" (December 18, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#587)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#247 "Rights of Crime Victims". To explain why the resolution ought to be repealed, the author identifies a number of issues with the target resolution: ambiguity in section 1, flaws in definitions for 'the accused' and 'crime victim', poor handling of homicide cases, and detrimental consequences to due process and fair trials. A few claims in the repeal are not entirely clear or fully impacted; that said, many of the issues with the target are well known.

The target's largest issue is that its definition of 'the accused' still includes people accused but later acquitted. This, by the plain meaning of the resolution, forces member nations to maintain certain disabilities on people even after they are found not guilty. Moreover, the target's provisions related to victim statements could have a substantial prejudicial effect on defendants, perverting the course of justice with emotional statements unrelated to actual culpability and the law. Member nations should take due process and defendant rights seriously.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Condemn The Communist Bloc" (December 15, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to condemn The Communist Bloc (TCB) for alleged instances of genocide denial and/or advocacy within various mediums of communication operated by TCB that the author further alleges are condoned by TCB's government. It furthermore accuses TCB of engaging in "red imperialism" as supposedly demonstrated by its actions against a leftist region, Congress of Armed Proletarian States. Lastly, the author accuses TCB of rejecting basic human rights and of maintaining "tall, imposing walls, which seek to imprison freedom-seeking peoples within the region".

This proposal is blatantly politically motivated by the author's own personal distaste of communism and more broadly leftist ideologies as a whole. It fails to elaborate on or otherwise provide proof of any supposed governmental support or approval of genocide denial and/or advocacy. The proposal's clause regarding Congress of Armed Proletarian States is irrelevant as TCB's actions at the time were under a completely different regional government and system, and thus not reflective of TCB's culture or government now. The proposal fails to explain just how TCB denies basic human rights, and any semblance of rationality falls apart with the proposal's last clause alleging the existence of "region's tall, imposing walls", which does not make sense in any conceivable manner.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Sacara" (December 11, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Sacara for their authorship of numerous issues, creation of the "Issues Hub", and hosting of several editions of the Horror Short Story Contest.

To be clear upfront, the following recommendation is not an indictment of Sacara. We believe that Sacara has an impressive resume and body of work--a body of work that merits commendation. However, we do not believe that the author made the case for their commendation well. While we are not privy to all the details of Sacara's career, we are sure that the author could have come up with more to establish the nominee's commend-worthiness. Given especially that this is not a case where the nominee is on the verge of being lost to time and thus not commendable because they no longer exist, we cannot recommend anything other than a vote Against. We hope the author will take the time to further elaborate on the nominee's accomplishments if they wish to pass this in the future.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Self-Defence Education Compact" (December 10, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal requires all primary or secondary educational institutions to provide a physical education curriculum that stresses and has students engage in various sport and general physical fitness activities. It also requires that they deliver "practical lessons" on "basic unarmed self-defence", conflict de-escalation, preventing "small-scale" conflict situations, and escaping life-threatening situations. Lastly, it suggests delivering "practical lessons" on "more advanced" forms of self-defence.

The proposal seems derived from good intentions and a desire to stop individuals from being victimised if they are unaware of proper self-defence techniques. Yet, the proposal attempts to impose a one-size fits all policy on all the many cultures in member nations: cultures that differ greatly in what is considered acceptable self-defence.

It also fails to account for the fact that using force, even defensively, may not be compatible with everyone: many people are unwilling or unable to use force, even defensively. Forcing them to participate in self-defence classes would be counterproductive and would not help them in threatening situations.

The last clause of the proposal also seems to want member nations to teach school children how to use arms. In places without robust mental health programmes, providing the means for violence is unwise. The harms are compounded with children, who are unable to fully understand the long-term impacts of using force or the specific situations in which using force is allowed.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Elegarth" (December 7, 2021)
Result: passed (SC#377)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution hopes to commend Elegarth for their actions in the West Pacific and the Pacific. These actions include leading a resistance against an invasion of TWP and rebuilding its native Government, rebuilding the Pacific's reputation while serving as Consul and Regent in that region, establishing new foreign ties for both regions, and strengthening existing ones. It also celebrates Elegarth's contributions to cultural understanding through their promotion of international artwork collecting in the Pacific and their promotion of autism awareness in the West.

First off, we should note that this draft is very well written and does an incredible job in communicating the nominee's commend-worthiness. It is clear that Elegarth has made a tremendously important and positive impact on two of the largest regions on NationStates and the game as a whole. It is also clear how Elegarth has been an instrumental player in the destinies of the West Pacific and the Pacific, especially in the realm of diplomacy. Additionally, their efforts to foster cultural appreciation and understand are well acknowledged, especially in this Ministry where their efforts to promote autism awareness are concerned. Overall, this resolution showcases an impact player we are shocked hadn't been commended before and who we are thrilled to support a Commendation for.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Peace and Sustainable Development" (December 5, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to establish a World Assembly Peace Prize that would operate in a manner similar to the real-life Nobel Peace Prize. It also creates a "right to development" protecting "non-violent acts taken with respect for sapient dignity which aim towards facilitating the achievement of all sapient rights" and stops member states from permitting humanitarian aid to assist in the perpetuation of "unnecessary armed conflict". Lastly, it also establishes non-binding directives regarding peace-oriented education and abstaining from engaging in wars of aggression.

This proposal is clearly ineffective when it comes to tackling the very real issues of preventing wars of aggression and the atrocities associated with them. The so-called "right to development" introduced within the text does not encapsulate anything that would not already be covered by extant General Assembly legislation. Nor is it sufficiently clear with actions that have trade-offs between different groups.

The clauses pertaining to educating inhabitants about peace and sustainable development and encouraging member states to refrain from wars of aggression are non-binding. And the idea that a nation with opportunity to maximise its power would reconsider its aggressive tendencies merely because people taught them about peace is naïve at best.

The final piece of the proposal is its most inconsequential: the World Assembly Peace Prize. The Peace Prize utterly fails to prevent wars of aggression due to its inability to substantively impact affairs on the ground, serving as little more than an extension of soft diplomacy. Even if useful, these prizes also can serve to whitewash the atrocities of people with diplomatic clout or who change their views after the fact.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Clean Prostitute Act"" (December 2, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#179: "Clean Prostitute Act" on the grounds that it is antiquated, places an undue burden on prostitution, fails to effectively regulate other kinds of sex work, and generally fails to adequately protect sex workers.

The first, and most fatal flaw, with this proposal is something we believe to approach an honest mistake. In the target, unlike what is claimed in the proposal, the burden of testing for STIs is not placed on sex workers--it is ambiguous who is charged with ensuring STI testing takes place. Second, however, is the notion that this proposal is in some way "antiquated". We agree with the notion that this proposal fails to adequately protect prostitutes and other sex workers. However, the target focuses on a very narrow range of sex-based occupations and it was probably a result of consensus-building that the proposal is curt as opposed to a willful omission. Put simply, this proposal assumes too much of the target--dangerously overextending itself in pursuit of a repeal hook that isn't needed for the author's goals.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Mount Seymour" (November 30, 2021)
Result: passed (SC#376)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to commend Mount Seymour, also known commonly as Somyrion, for their efforts advancing numerous regions across NationStates, as well as more broadly the field of interregional diplomacy. Notable feats mentioned in the resolution include the creation of the defender army Solidarity which primarily focused on assisting native communities in rebuilding efforts, their tenure as head of state of the Lazarene government during which they doubled the active force of the Lazarene Celestial Armada, their tenure as Forest Keeper in Forest where where they established relationships with The Rejected Realms and The South Pacific and safeguarded the region after the disappearance of its founder, and their tenure as Delegate of The South Pacific where they created the Office of World Assembly Legislation and facilitated gameside integration with the regional government.

The author has provided thorough detail and justification for the commendation within the text, in particular diving into the specifics of their region-building and leadership activities and how they benefited the regions where they were present. We have no qualms about the commendability of the nominee themselves, whose efforts improved the state of interregional diplomacy across NationStates. Their work has left a lasting impression upon the regions where they served, with regions like The South Pacific and Forest being powerhouse regions in large part due to them.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "The Environmental Protections act" (November 27, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to regulate the administration of government-owned parks. It requires that governments maintain the grounds of the parks and provide for citizens to make reports about deficiencies of said parks. Further, this proposal recommends that the above mandates are adopted by privately owned parks and entities and that public parks and green spaces are free. Finally, this proposal urges member states to restrict new development on greenfield sites, instead preferring areas with previous development.

There are is one gaping flaw with this proposal that we can see. First, in terms of the recommendation for free admission to public parks, we can see where this would easily be at odds with the requirements in clause 1. For instance, admissions fees are often used, as is the case with US national parks like Skyline Drive, for the upkeep of the parks themselves. Thus, this proposal could imperil the very requirements of the first clause should the recommendation in the third be adopted broadly. We worry mightily about the sufficiency of funding schemes for green spaces if there is not a way for it to be economically sustainable.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Promotion of Clean Energy"" (November 23, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#586)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#357 "Promotion of Clean Energy". The author points out that appreciable milestones for the goals of this resolution are not stated, nor are the collaborative international efforts that the author views as essential to promote clean energy. Finally, they exhort the World Assembly to action by calling for a replacement with a framework for 1) moving forward and 2) international action. They also point out that "the utilization of clean energy sources should be grounded in international cooperation, research, and technology development".

One of the things that was most significant for authors back in 2016 was how legislation was drafted, some of which the current proposal author is now taking umbrage with. For instance, not providing mandates and milestones is common place in General Assembly drafting. It has been long established that the setting of hard and fast figures and percentages etc. is frowned upon because of how vastly these vary across nations. It is unlikely a replacement could do so either. Additionally, GAR#357 not establishing international cooperation is patently wrong. The target resolution actively seeks to dis-incentivize the use of fossil fuels by using an international body to mandate international action. Again, the use and promotion of clean energy sources as the result of R&D is adequately addressed in the target resolution through its encouraging and imploring mandates without being micro-managing or problematic. The author has made a good faith effort, but the arguments they've presented do not outweigh or show any significant reasoning to repeal the target resolution.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Emergency Broadcasting Standards" (November 18, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#585)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution establishes mandates the implementation of a nation-wide emergency communications system that relays critical information in the event of a large-scale disaster or other severe crisis if such a system has not already been implemented. In addition, it establishes fundamental standards to which member states must adhere to. These standards ensure that an emergency communications system supports broadcasting via multiple means of communication, that emergency communications systems undergo regular testing and maintenance, and prioritize localized/regional messaging if practical given the potential circumstances of an emergency event. Lastly, the resolution requires member states to notify other nations of any threat they are aware of that could warrant the use of nation-wide emergency communications systems in those other nations.

The resolution encapsulates common sense, effective mandates that are fundamental for helping ensure the welfare of member states should they face an event that poses a widespread threat to health and property. We are appreciative of the requirement for member states to notify other nations of threats they may face, as it emboldens international cooperation and the well-being of all member state inhabitants. We find no objection to the straightforward provisions at hand because to object to something as benign and well-executed as the mandates within this text would be to endorse member states being susceptible to ruin and destruction.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Paid Leave Act" (November 15, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#584)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to provide residents of member states with WA guaranteed paid leave. The author describes the reporting mechanism for leave seekers, establishes minimums, and eventually establishes that save for a very few circumstances, the use of leave cannot be a fireable offense. Finally, this proposal protects small businesses in member states by stating that those companies with less than fifty workers can file to have their employees’ country of first citizenship provide their paid leave instead of the company.

This is, frankly, a policy that the World Assembly should have passed long ago. Protecting the right of citizens of WA member states to take leave for illness, for childcare, or just plainly to take leave for other obligations is not a noble goal, but a role which enshrines that work is not the end all, be all it seems to be, especially in the United States. We are appreciative too that the author worked with the criticisms levied against their proposal and chose to rectify them before resubmitting. It is always a good sign when a good author takes time to understand the flaws with an otherwise excellent proposal.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Joe Bobs" (November 10, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to commend Joe Bobs for their contributions to the Defender cause as well as their involvement with several regions significant to early NS history. Such acts that the resolution deems worthy of recognition by the Security Council include their significant role in the region Q102; where Joe Bobs served as a recruiter and helped establish an alliance with the region Europa among other contributions to the region. They also worked on establishing the Anti-Racism Coalition, an inter-regional organization dedicated to fighting ideologies such as Nazism. The resolution also recognizes Joe Bobs for their region-building efforts with the Global Right Alliance. Lastly, Joe Bobs is noted for serving as Arch-Chancellor of the Founderless Regions Alliance and improving its stature as an entity to aid recently raided regions.

While Joe Bobs may certainly be worthy of praise, we do not believe that the resolution makes a sound case for their commendability. More broadly, we do not believe that any proposal concerning Joe Bobs can make up for this shortcoming. Actions such as dividing GRA's Ministry of Internal Affairs into the Ministries of Culture and Activity and performing effective recruitment practices with Q102 are, while potentially worthy of praise in general, simply unable to compete with the recognized achievements of other Commendees. Even when considering Joe Bobs' work establishing the ARC, the resolution fails to make a case for the organization being groundbreaking beyond its member count. We are also concerned by the author's conduct in their pursuit of passing this resolution, with behavior such as forcing discussion on it despite being repeatedly advised not to and other obsessive, in some cases subversive conduct.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "The Zombie Apocalypse" (November 5, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to recap and prepare for the annual Z-Day event. To do so, the author recaps the events of this year's Z-Day including the loss of research for a cure (the "twist") and the astounding performance of the North Pacific in eliminating the threat of the undead! The author also points out the main facts of Z-Day gameplay and provides some pointers to help nations combat the undead menace. Finally, the author notes that the WA is, of course, committed to combatting the undead.

Just like the author we rather like our "brainsssssss", however delectable they might be. Additionally, we support the goal of raising awareness of how this most peculiar event is played. Of course, leaving it to chance is desirable, but giving nations some knowledge of the best way to ensure that their people make it out alive is but the best way to ensure we survive the astoundingly regular recurrence of the undead haunting our domain. With that in mind, we must affirm our commitment to protecting humanity at all costs.

However, I found this to be poorly drafted and rushed, and too much weight on reciting the event particulars.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Paid Leave Act" (November 4, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution aims to provide a suitable replacement to the recently repealed "Protected Working Leave". It seeks to do this through provisions that mandate paid leave for workers in differing amounts depending on the circumstances (caring for a worker's new child, caring for a worker's ill dependent, to deal with a worker's illness, or for general purposes), impose a burden on workers to notify their employers as soon as possible of any foreseeable events or conditions that may cause a worker to file a claim for paid leave in the future, and bar employers from terminating employees in retaliation for filing a claim for paid leave or during their paid leave period.

We are thoroughly disappointed with the resolution at hand. For one, the Ministry fails to observe any notable improvement over GAR #527, "Protected Working Leave". In fact, we note a regression from GAR#527 due to the multitude of issues apparent within this resolution. Article 1(c)(iii) provides sufficient leeway for employers to claim the threat of bankruptcy to terminate an employee as soon as they return from their period of paid leave; effectively sidestepping the prohibition on retaliatory termination contained in Article 3. Article 5(e) shifts the burden of providing paid leave in most circumstances upon member states and thus typically their taxpayers, which we find unacceptable as the onus for providing paid leave should fall on the employer instead. Furthermore, we observe an unjustified incongruity between Article 2(a) and 2(b) in the amount of paid leave mandated. Lastly, Article 2(b) is limiting to an undesirable extent as there could be a multitude of domestic situations not covered within Article 2(b) that may justify a claim for paid leave.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Homelessness Mitigation and Protections Act" (October 31, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#583)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The resolution "Homelessness Mitigation And Protections Act" by Xernon with co-authors Boston Castle and Maowi aims to reduce homelessness and its impacts by using data-driven initiatives to reduce homelessness in member states. The resolution would implement programs to reduce the impact of homelessness, including by building new homeless shelters and housing resources. It would also provide citizens of member states with legal protection against losing their home without cause.

Homelessness is all too often an issue that is hidden from the public eye. Homelessness is a chronic issue that plagues the world and destroys lives and livelihoods. This resolution acknowledges this, and provides for a multi-pronged approach to combat homelessness. It aims to mitigate the impact on the lives of those who are homeless by creating support infrastructure for them, as well as providing them with the means to get a place to live again. It also aims to reduce the causes of homelessness itself by providing legal protections against unjustified eviction or forfeiture.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Cassadaigua" (October 28, 2021)
Result: passed (SC#375)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution hopes to commend Cassadaigua for their actions in the realm of NSSport. Most notable would be the accomplishment of being the only nation to have won the 5 major single-sport competitions, those being football World Cup, the World Baseball Classic, the gridiron World Bowl, the International Basketball Championships, and the World Cup of Hockey. The resolution also commends Cassadaigua for their empowerment of female athletes, hosting of multiple major sporting events, and high-ranking positions involving sporting events (such as World Cup Committee Vice-President).

This resolution brings forth an impressive list of accomplishments, some of which can be only attributed to Cassadaigua. Although lacking in links to the accomplishments in either the drafting thread or the resolution itself, it still gives the reader a good sense of the scope and significance of what Cassadaigua has done within the NSSport community, and convincingly conveys the message that Cassadaigua is a highly influential player in that area.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Access to Effective Medications" (October 27, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#582)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to ensure that residents of all World Assembly member states have access to safe and effective medicine. To do this, the authors not only create the Effective Medications List (EML), a list of medicines recognized to "meet the needs of an effective healthcare system". The authors then require that residents require that, when applicable, member states provide access to EML medications to persons requiring them with some mandates relating to protecting patient health and safety. Finally, this resolution mandates that member states ensure that EML medications are accessible cost-wise to residents and that they undertake further efforts to minimize medication costs in the future.

Our main problem with this resolution comes in two main thrusts. The first is the mandate of the EML in 1(a) to assess "all known medications" a process that, quite literally, could render the creation of this list not just impracticable but also damaging to global public health goals. There being no method for us to ascertain which medicines could or would be first to be assessed, it is hard for us to say that looking at all known medications is a good thing. Further, there is the issue with the mandate in 2(a) where, for instance, a state seeking to combat all forms of drug dependence and addiction could simply ban most forms of medication and render the provision in clause 2 moot since states can ban the use of medications which are "illegal in that nation".

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Nephara" (October 24, 2021)
Result: passed (SC#374)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to commend Nephara for their achievements and contributions in the NationStates Sports (NSS) community. Specifically, the resolution looks into how Nephara has influenced the sporting community from various angles, especially in the football realm.

As highlighted in the proposal, the nominee has made many contributions to the NSS community, especially in football. For many aiming to setup their domestic leagues, Nephara has provided a guide of their own on the organisation of such a league; and the Nepharim football pyramid is seen as a role model for many aspiring nations. They have also stepped up to take on demanding tasks on various occassions, such as the publication of the Galacticos, which collates the top football talents from around the multiverse; as well as being the caretaker of the domestic transfer window, facilitating the movement of players across various leagues and clubs.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Protected Working Leave"" (October 23, 2021)
Result: passed (GA#581)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to repeal Protected Working Leave. The main thrust of the resolution is that the proposal's mandates are poorly defined and that, as a result, this proposal's mandate for paid working leave is problematic. Through attacking several definitions provided by the original proposal's author, the author makes the argument that the target resolution is essentially a morass of mandates that are in effect counterproductive to the goal of ensuring people both are able to take care of emergencies since there are many avenues which a person may be able to use to refuse to return to work.

While the second and third clauses of this proposal may have some merit, we take major issue with several arguments used against this resolution. When proposal authors write resolutions, they do so with the goal of ensuring that the actors enforcing the mandates they write will be reasonable. Surely, employers will have reasonable limits for what can be considered "serious" and an "illness". Additionally, we contend that once again a rational actor would be able to surmise the definition of "comparable". There are certainly avenues of making us amenable to a repeal, but directly challenging the assertion that all actors implementing a resolution will be both reasonable and rational (while potentially not accurate in reality) is perhaps the most unpalatable argument an author could advance for a repeal.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Libertanny" (October 20, 2021)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Libertanny for their significant contributions to regional development in The East Pacific (TEP). Specifically, the proposal references the nominees contributions to the growth of multiple ministries, their achievements as delegate of TEP, and their aid in helping TEP recover from the Fedele coup of 2019.

While there is no doubt Libertanny has contributed to the growth and development of The East Pacific, the contributions listed are not sufficient to merit a commendation for a GCR delegate. His work as Minister and Delegate in the ministries mentioned - Communications, Design, Foreign Affairs, and World Assembly - either had less of an overall impact than conveyed in the proposal or were just run-of-the-mill tasks you would expect of a minister. For example, the nominee's contributions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were hardly unique and even led to less efficiency and their "establishing independence" for the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs was a largely cosmetic change. The proposal also fails to account for their failures as delegate, such as the creation of the ill-fated Consortium and their inability to manage the diplomatic fallout from breaking relations with TWP and Osiris. Another major point of the proposal is their role in defending against Fedele's 2019 coup. However, the author admits in their forum thread that Libertanny was only part of a whole when it came to defending the East Pacific, with the main "commendable" action taken by the nominee was the proposal of symbolic legislation to combat the usurper.