Title: State of the Nation
Description: July 2009
Description: July 2009
Cieran - July 28, 2009 12:01 PM (GMT)
State of the Nation: July 2009
Introduction
Welcome to the first edition of “State of the Nation,” a biannual record of current issues and such in politics. Ostentian Politics can be rather daunting for those entering Parliament. Its brief nature, with monthly elections, can also allow for things to change by the week. Hence, this guide will be out of date almost as soon as it is published. However, I still hope it will be useful both as a curiosity for those established in politics to read, and also an item of learning for those new to it. It details what are, at the time of writing in mid-July 2009, the current issues faced by the Ostentian Political system, as well as information regarding various people and their stances, as well as a run-down of current political parties. I would also like to apologise in advance for any errors in research or misrepresentations that I have made. Please contact us and we will have them changed. Expect the next edition of this book on January 15th 2010.
Contents
1. Contemporary political issues
4. Conclusion
1. Contemporary Political Issues
It's difficult to gauge what a contemporary political issue is really. These are those issues which I felt were currently important, as well as several politically influential figures. Again, these will likely soon go out of date, so use the news as your primary resource, this being a far more reliable and active source than a biannual work of non-fiction.
Fragmentation of politics and lack of vision
A frequently cited problem with the politics of Ostentia is that of fragmentation of politics and disillusion with major political parties felt by the populace. Indeed, it has been argued by one noted politician that many of these smaller parties exist solely for the purpose of getting their leader into power, arguably true, as no current party has a particularly large membership. A legitimately accepted majority has never been won by any government in Ostentia since third parties emerged in early 2008. However, what we see is many parties catering to the same or similar issues. Indeed, for the left-wing one has the choice of either Boo, Progressive or AAPA, catering essentially to either hard left for the former and soft left for the latter. While there are social disagreements, the three arguably split the left-wing vote, with the Boo Party currently opposing the AAPA government. Likewise, the Right is split between the Progressive Conservatives, Centrist Conservatives and THAMP Party, as well as some members of the Liberal Democrats. What can also be seen in this is a distinct lack of vision, as already mentioned many parties exist solely for the sake of their head. With many parties all working to slightly different but also arguably slightly selfish aims, politics has suffered.
Despite this however, a solution to this issue does appear to be in sight. The fragmentation of politics may well be solved by the introduction of a bloc-based system in Parliament, in which the parties of the left, middle and centre caucus together to form larger more efficient parties. It remains to be seen, however, as to whether this will be a success, despite wide cross-party support.
June coup
Though not such a contemporary issue, this is nevertheless one still at the forefront of many people's minds. While taking place from June 11th to June 15th, preparations for the coup had been ongoing for many months. As of July 2009, we are still unaware as to who was responsible for the military and police action which ultimately left 32 people dead, mostly those in the armed forces. The run-up to the coup began with a Boo Party party, in which all the senior figures within the party were captured and replaced with body doubles from an unknown organisation or country. Following this, several pieces of legislation were proposed by Sir William Buttersworth's clone which, under the auspices of preventing terrorism, allowed, through excessive length and poor Parliamentary checking of bills, him to declare Inevitable Prime Minister for life and kick HRH King Zog II out of the country, arguably Ostentia's most militarily capable parliamentarian. In a trawl through records, then-Prime Minister miniyoda008 realised what had happened with the bill, and, assuming an error, set out an amendment to defuse it, at which point Inevitable took over and declared a State of Emergency, giving him unlimited power over the police force and military. Thus began several days of military action, with Wo, Exilia, Eronam and Empthrinia all sending troops to help defeat Inevitable's government. Eventually, Inevitable was located hiding in a subterranean citadel underneath Epiphany, understood to have been constructed during the building of the EMRTS, an action which although proposed and passed by a previous government, was undertaken underneath an Inevitable premiership in early 2009. It was here that what had truly happened was realised, when Inevitable and Buttersworth were revealed as fakes. The issue was mostly resolved soon after, with funds allocated to the reconstruction effort and the legislation nullified. Dangers such as this have lead to a more cautious system of bill-checking, as well as further questions over legal loopholes and such.
Recession (end of)
Ostentia entered an economic recession in the early parts of 2009, caused by the collapse of several large banks. There were many attempts to defuse this situation, ranging from raising/lowering taxes to out-and-out nationalisation of Ostentia's banking sector. The economy dropped by almost twenty points in this time, its largest fall since records began, and it is only recently that things began to stabilise. There is worry, however, that it is not over, after the economy rating fell two points during the government of miniyoda008 in June 2009. As of the publication of this edition of SOTN, it has remained at this level for some time now, with many waiting to see if it will go up, signalling the end of recessional worries, or down, signalling deeper problems.
Liberties and rights
Some have said that Ostentia's political system is divided more between liberals and authoritarians than it is between matters of economics. Indeed, even throughout a recession, traditionally a polarising time for matters of economics, there remains a general commitment to the free-market as a generator of wealth which is then used to invest in the public sector. This was seen most strongly in the 2008 Liberal Alliance governments, in which Commoncold's tax cuts increased the economy and hence tax revenues. Probably the most conservative of current parties is Carl Miller's Liberal Democrat party, which takes a socially conservative stance towards most issues. One could also, however, argue that Lewis Miller's Progressive Party was particularly authoritarian, as well as the Boo Party. The most libertarian of current parties is Sir William Buttersworth's Centrist Conservative Party, especially since the dissolution of former title-holder the Democratic Libertarian Socialist Party. There has been recent issues over the right to die, as well as drug usage and victimless crimes.
Foreign Relations stagnation
A commonly cited problem with Ostentian politics is its lack of foreign scope. Indeed, in public opinion polls, Foreign Affairs has remained the lowest-rated issue by the public consistently since 2007. Despite having relations with several countries, there is a lack of actual action on these relations, with trade treaties being occasionally brokered but that being its extent. Even 2008's Epiphany Conference on the international economy has failed to, as yet, go anywhere. There are signs, however, that this is improving, with Ostentia recently opening up full communications both with former enemy Autocratia and its ally the UCCR. It would seam that Realpolitik and pragmatism have triumphed over the ideological and moral issues associated with these countries.
2. Political Parties
Political parties are almost as volatile as the events and crises faced by Ostentia. Indeed, the average age of a political party is less than five months, as they frequently have a tendency to merge, split and dissolve, a far cry from the situation just eighteen months ago in which Ostentia was dominated by the Boo and FVP parties. For more information on this subject I recommend Commoncold's “Ostentia, a Political History” which details such things more finely than I intend to. Also of note is the absence here of “joke” and “protest” parties. These are frequently put up at election purely for the sake of it, and usually gain little or no representation and hence are not included. An example of this this time would be Sir William Buttersworth's Liberal Democrat Party, put up to irritate Carl Miller's Liberal Democrat Party. Despite actually gaining seats, these were later merged into the Boo Party. Another example would be HRH King Zog II's “Voter Apathy Party” which failed to win a single seat, presumably due to voter apathy.
Name: Ad Astra Per Aspera Party
Founded: June 2009
Political Stance: Moderate/Centre left
Leader: Kay “DynamoJax” Jackson
Surprisingly for a new party by a new MP, the Ad Astra Per Aspera Party was able to win government with a sizeable plurality in only its second term in existence, arguably capitalising on the left-wing vote gained from the DLSP. Leader Kay “DynamoJax” Jackson has garnered much praise in politics for his moderate stance and intuition, despite being the newest member of the House. The party is essentially a centrist party with centre-left leanings, believing in a mixed economy for the most part.
Name: Boo Party
Founded: 1723 (original), September 2007 (original Ostentian branch), June 2008 (current branch).
Political Stance: Communism, Booism
Leader: Inevitable
The Boo Party is the oldest continuously operating political party in Ostentia, despite it technically being only thirteen months old. The party in its current iteration however is virtually identical and exists due to Inevitable not wishing to relinquish leadership to challenger Cieran. When a leadership election was called for which the election of Cieran was a foregone conclusion, Inevitable, then Prime Minister, dissolved Parliament and the party, to much criticism. Cieran and his supporters, essentially kicked out of the party, formed the Democratic Socialist Party (later Democratic Libertarian Socialist Party), a party he claimed to be more in the true spirit of communism, as opposed to the Boo Party's authoritarianism and “slavish Boo worship”. Though originally the party consisted of little more than “Whatever Boohistory says,” these days Inevitable arguably has much of his own independence, following a hard left economic line and a moderately authoritarian social policy.
[For a more detailed history of the Boo Party, please see their page on the Ostentian government's Wiki]
Name: Centrist Conservative Party
Founded: July 2009
Political Stance: Classical liberalism/Libertarianism
Leader: Sir William Buttersworth
The newest party in Parliament, formed after Buttersworth's split from the Boo Party, the Centrist Conservatives are arguably the furthest right party in Ostentia on economic matters, and the most liberal on social matters. The party follows essential libertarian philosophies, such as small government, limited welfare and utilitarianism. The party has drawn criticism, however, for its economic policy, which seems to be in contradiction to much of current political thought. Buttersworth is highly outspoken on issues such as victimless crimes and economic freedom, which reflects strongly in his party.
Name: The Liberal Democrat Party
Founded: January 2009
Political Stance: Centrism/Liberalism
Leader: Carl Miller
One of the most controversial parties in Ostentia, although this is mainly due to its leader, who has attracted a fair degree of criticism in his time as an MP, due to his inexperience and overzealous attempts to change aspects of the political system which no-one else wants to change. This has lead to the party being considered a figure of fun by many, and subject to much parody at election times, with Inevitable at one election standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate and receiving more votes than the principle party itself. We have also seen such iterations as “Literal Democrats” as well as numerous other's fielding Liberal Democrat prime ministerial candidates. Politically the party is hard to place. Economically it appears to be relatively centrist, though it has never achieved any degree of power to the point where this would show. Likewise socially it takes a slightly conservative bent, notably opposed to issues such as homosexual marriage.
Name: The Progressive Party
Founded: January 2009
Leader: Lewis Miller
Political Stance: Social democracy, centre-left
The successor for the Pink and Purple Party, the Progressive Party is essentially a centre-left worker's party. In many ways it is very similar to Lewis' first party, the Democratic Labour Party, which was eventually merged with Jack Dingley's *IPNH* Party to create the Pink and Purple Party. The Progressive Party is one which seeks to highlight the positive and beneficial aspects of socialism and communitarianism, taking an economically centre-left position and a socially mildly authoritarian position, under the view that through social help and control, people are able to progress, hence the party name. The party strongly reflects Lewis' modern socialist views.
Name: The Progressive Conservative Party
Founded: June 2009
Leader: Simon Commoncold
Political Stance: Progressive conservatism
The most recent of Commoncold's parties, the Progressive Conservative Party is a party which seeks to, in his own words “reduce personal dependence upon the state” in line with progressive conservative thinking, to enhance the world through conservative methods. The party takes a centre-right economic standpoint and a relatively liberal social stance. Following on from the previous Federalist Party, the Progressive Conservatives believe strongly in constitutionalism and consent. It believes in shrinking the state and people's reliance upon it. As an essentially liberal party, it takes the view that people are capable of managing their own affairs and hence should be free from governmental burden.
3. Who's Who of Politics?
A subject arguably more stable than the other two. Parties and stances change, but politicians tend to remain the same. Detailed below are the more high-flying political members in Ostentia's system. These are those members who are either party leaders or senior party executives, or are in some way notable or influential. Note that anything in brackets is conjecture and is not the official stance of this book or GBMedia.
Name: Boohistory
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Views: Communist/Far Left
Boohistory is arguably one of the most influential politicians who doesn't actually do anything. Her political party, the Boo Party (named not after her but a long-defunct party in eighteenth century Democratia), has been active in Ostentian politics since the unification of the country in September 2007. Though Boo herself is rarely seen in politics, she still maintains an active political career, usually with a focus on irreverent yet important issues, such as kittens and moustaches, for which she is famous. Boohistory currently resides in the House of Commons cafeteria with a large number of orphaned kittens she cares for, after her house was blown up several months ago. She maintains considerable influence over Inevitable, current Boo Party leader, though he is arguably more independent these days he will still do what she says if asked.
Name: Buttersworth, William
Political Party: Centrist Conservative Party
Political Views: Classical liberalism/Libertarian
A foreigner to Ostentia, hailing from the UCCR, Sir William Buttersworth has nevertheless made considerable impact in Ostentian politics since his arrival onto the scene around a year ago. His centre-right policies were interesting in a time when Ostentia was still essentially ruled by the left. His original claim to fame was as CEO of the Hartford Corporation, an enterprise he had created himself from scratch in the UCCR which branched out into a large multinational corporation. However, much of his personal wealth was lost during the 2009 recession, and Hartford itself collapsed, its Finance sector having to be bailed out by the government. Originally standing as Independent, Buttersworth went on to found the Ostentia First party, a far-right organisation which performed poorly at elections. Following this dissolution, he was absorbed into the Boo Party. During the June 2009 coup attempt, it was legislation enacted by a fake Buttersworth that enabled the “Boo Party” to seize control of the country's police. Today he runs the Centrist Conservative Party, arguably the most liberal party in Parliament after the dissolution of the DLSP, which has courted controversy for its free-market policies.
Name: Commoncold, Simon “Commoncold0”
Political Party: Progressive Conservative Party
Political Views: Liberal conservative
Probably one of the most important figures on modern Ostentian politics, purely for his role in creating it. One of the key figures in the creation of the modern Ostentian state, Simon Commoncold was the first Speaker of the House of Commons. His centre-right viewpoints courted frequent controversy due to the view that the speaker should remain neutral, and confounded by the fact that Ostentian politics was dominated entirely by the left. Serving for several years prior to Ostentia's creation as Prime Minister of Oredia, Commoncold has always lead a politically active life. Following the dissolution of the First Ten Thousand Fists Government, he resigned as Speaker, citing continuing challenges to his neutrality. Following this he became active in the Oredian Democrats, a centre-right party which was later entered into an alliance with the Ostentian Democrats, a larger party founded by himself. This lead to his first electoral success, as the Liberal Alliance in partnership with Pokemaniac John's FVP party. Following this, the Ostentian Democrats were elected under their own strength, becoming Ostentia's first right-wing government. However, this lasted for only one term, following an unsuccessful second coalition with the FVP party, he resigned from government, leading to collapse. At this point he disappeared from mainstream politics, with the OD party dissolved. In March 2009 Commoncold entered a coalition with the DLSP under his new Federalist Party, campaigning for Ostentia to move to a Federal system. While this was not achieved in the term, the targets were eventually reached following a referendum. Following this term, Commoncold continued his habit of dissolving a political party, and later reappeared as a Progressive Conservative, his current party, which entered into, and then collapsed, a coalition with the DLSP. Commoncold's most recent political position has been a minister in DynamoJax's government, a post he resigned once his aims were achieved.
Name: Davies, Joseph “sqeak”
Political Party: N/A (Formerly DLSP)
Political Views: Left wing
Joseph Davies was a former Boo and later DLSP MP who was killed by mafiosos during the Boo Party's 2009 coup, after the boat he was travelling on was destroyed. He played an arguably important role in politics until his retirement to the DLSP backbenches a couple of months prior to his death. He served as deputy leader of the DLSP from its inception to his resignation, and was a senior Boo Party figure prior to this, becoming notable for his support of the Cieranite rather than Inevitablite wing of the party, although there were frequent attempts by the Boo Party to try to get him to defect. Davies had a great interest in Bees, and frequently requested the title “Defender of the Bees”, a play on “Defender of the Peace”, as his cabinet office title, much to the ire of politicians such as Simon Commoncold. Following his death, his brother Lord Davies took over management of his business the Valaxian Honey Corporation.
Name: Davies, Lord
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Left wing
A relatively new face in politics and business, taking over after his brother Joseph Davies' demise, as well as the post of CEO of the Valaxian Honey Corporation. Far from the green and sustainable image his brother projected, Lord Davies lives a very much cosmopolitan life in a penthouse in Nectaris, for where he is MP following his winning his brother's seat. However, his management of the VHC has lead to it breaking new grounds in honey production. Formerly a DLSP politican, Davies became independent following that party's dissolution. He is also a Baron in Eronam.
Name: Dingley, Jack “Master”
Political Party: Top Hat and Monocles Party
Political Views: Currently New Right, but subject to fluctuations
A Fondropian veteran of Ostentian politics, Dingley was also briefly active in the politics of the state of Democratia in 1993, presiding over what was widely believed to be that country's worst ever government. Sadly his part is still unknown as he refuses to talk about the issue and records have disappeared following the civil war from 1993-2008. Originally a staunch supporter of the Ostentian Boo Party, in 2008 Dingley split and formed the *Insert Party Name Here* Party, which had little in the way of policies, later merging with Lewis Miller's DLP to form the short-lived Pink and Purple Party. However, with Miller's split to form his current Progressive Party in early 2009, Dingley all but disappeared from politics, before returning in June 2009 with the “Top Hat And Monocles” Party, following the beliefs of the New Right, with DMHowe. The party has not as yet enjoyed electoral success, partly due to the current proliferation of right-wing parties as well as the established and larger left-wing ones.
Name: Douglass, Cieran
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Libertarian socialism
[Note: While I may be the author of this particular work, I will still endeavour to remain neutral about myself. Although is is rather long, due to me having first-hand experience of what it entails]
Cieran Douglass perhaps achieved most notoriety for his 2008 creation of the Democratic Socialist Party, which essentially destroyed the Boo Party, confining them to the political wilderness until early 2009. It is interesting to note that Douglass is one of the few politicians to have, up until his recent resignation as Prime Minister, spent any time on the backbenches of a party, being always a member of either the largest or second largest party in Parliament. From 2007 to 2008 he served under Inevitable in the Boo Party, however there was considerable strife over his more liberal viewpoints in comparison with his party's authoritarianism. Contrary to popular belief, he never actually served as deputy leader of the party, or indeed Deputy Prime Minister, during is time in the Boo Party. In May 2008 he survived an assassination attempt by the Boondoxian Mafia, with one of their men posing as a representative from the Northern Isles Separatist Party, which was foiled thanks to the timely work of the Northern Isles Police Force. Being Home Secretary at this particular time, he was for the most part responsible for the country during the murder of Northern Isles leader Toby Allander, and faced considerable criticism for it. Around this time, ironically considering his views, taking inspiration from a prominent former Asparian dictator, he began to fill senior positions in the Boo Party with his own supporters, allowing the party to both swell in size leading to its first re-election as well as increasing support for his later leadership challenge. When it came to its actual happening, Inevitable responded by dissolving the party and government, calling an election which the opposing Liberal Alliance won, with Douglass's new Democratic Socialist Party opposing, filled mostly with those who had defected from the Boo Party, decimating it. The party achieved electoral victory in October 2008, winning with an actual majority, yet was unable to govern to any large degree due to legal challenges over the legitimacy of voting, as well as Douglass' history of allegations of vote rigging under the Boo Party. The political term was extended until January 2009 due to these problems, when the Boo Party regained power. In March 2009 he once again gained power in a coalition with the Federalist Party, and again in July in a coalition with the Progressive Conservatives. This however collapsed when the PCP pulled out citing lack of progress on a cabinet being published, leading to his resignation from mainstream politics to pursue a career in journalism and writing.
Name: eriatarka1
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Centre-left
Though currently missing from Parliament for an unknown reason, eriatarka1 has been with Ostentian politics since the beginning. His major claim to fame is as temporary speaker in late 2008 during Ten Thousand Fist's brief absence. An early member of Pokemaniac John's Fruit&Veg=Perfection Party, upon its dissolution he became an independent, yet was still a member of several governmental cabinets. One of several Ostentian politicians who originally had careers elsewhere, eriatarka was born and originally worked in Democratia, where he was at one time a Boo Party MP, however later records are missing and he refuses to speak about issues pertaining to the matter. He has become notable mainly for his oratorical prowess as well as verbosity in speeches. His current whereabouts however are unknown, as he disappeared shortly after the 2009 coup.
Name: Fists, Ten Thousand
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Centre-right
These days Ten Thousand Fists, or TTF as he is generally known due to the length of his full name, takes little active role in politics. While he still attends political debates and such, he rarely if ever contributes, yet he still votes in general elections and such, and remains an active politician in local issues. However, TTF has in fact had a particularly notable political career in the past, taking the role both of Prime Minister and Speaker, consecutively. Coming to power in an election as part of a protest party against the then Ostentian two-party system, he presided over an otherwise unremarkable term. At the next election, Speaker Commoncold failed to retain his seat, prompting TTF to step in and accept the position of Speaker, one which he then held until early 2009 when he resigned, claiming he just “didn't want to do it” any more.
Name: Fury, Edward
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Stance: Communist
Edward Fury is a minor Boo Party politician yet is known for his fierce charisma as well as loyalty to Boohistory and Inevitable. He has in the past been seen to get worked up over minor issues if they concern communism, and is strongly communist. During the 2009 Boo Party coup, a double of Fury stood in as Speaker of Parliament, enabling the Boo Party to have free reign over the legislative system of the country.
Name: Gilliatt, James H “jhgilliatt”
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Stance: Democratic/Libertarian socialism
A relatively new face in politics and a self-professed libertarian socialist, it seemed natural for James H “jhgilliatt” Gilliatt to join the Democratic Libertarian Socialist Party on his joining politics in early 2009. His main area of expertise is that of Law and Order, placing him perfectly as either Home or shadow Home Secretary for several governments. One of the most avowedly “traditional” left-wing politicians in Ostentia, upon the DLSP's dissolution it seemed only natural for him to, on leader Cieran Douglass' recommendation, move into the Boo Party. Gilliatt was very active in DLSP affairs, and indeed authored its most recent manifesto, setting out its final commitments. He nevertheless received some criticism in his early career for proposing several pieces of “authoritarian” seeming legislation, however this was soon forgotten in face of his contributions to the party. He is also known to be a dedicated local MP, raising issues from his Epiphany constituency in the House.
Name: Howe, Michael “DMHowe”
Political Party: Top Hat and Monocles Party
Political Stance: Libertarian
While seeming to be a background “dark figure”, Michael Howe has in fact been a part of Ostentian politics since the beginning, in various degrees of activity. He recently became notable for his arguments with Lewis Miller, Progressive Party leader, over issues of liberty. Despite originally harbouring particularly communitarian and indeed authoritarian views, Howe has more recently moved to the economic right and become socially liberal. His clashes with Miller were due to this aspect, as Howe is an ardent critic of authoritarianism, which he saw in many of Lewis' ideas. In June 2009, together with former background member Jack Dingley, he formed the Top Hat and Monocles Party, aimed at promoting free trade and, strangely considering Howe's libertarianism, social conservatism. However, it has yet to be actually seen in any degree of political activity. Howe is arguably the “brains” behind the party, teaming up with the populism of Dingley.
Name: Inevitable
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Stance: Communist/Booist
It is unlikely that there is a person in Ostentia who hasn't heard of the enigmatic Inevitable. The six-time Prime Minister is notorious for his secrecy, as well as his devotion to communism and the Boo Party. Indeed, in the early parts of Ostentia Inevitable alternated between Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, cementing his place in Ostentian politics. Despite being confined to the political wilderness for the second part of 2008, Inevitable nevertheless rode back into government in the January 2009 election, doing what many had claimed would never again be possible for the Boo Party. During the 2009 coup attempt, it was an imposter posing as Inevitable who was granted supreme power over Ostentia. However, he is not without his critics, former Boo Party MP Cieran Douglass decimated the party in June 2008 by splitting and taking his supporters with him to form the DSP. Major allegations levied against him were both his authoritarian tendencies and his “slavish devotion to Boohistory and a perverted form of communism”. Outside of politics, Inevitable has had a notable career in journalism, editing Boo Media's flagship Apeiron Argus, as well as the notable Daily Slander, the only newspaper in Ostentian history so far to actually maintain a daily schedule. The paper received numerous accolades for its somewhat confrontational style as well as its sensational “scoops”, mostly intended to “produce the truth” about capitalism/Commoncold. He has also been noted due to his links with Boo Labs, one of Ostentia's largest technology and pharmaceutical companies, and the world's largest “not-for-profit” corporation. To many though, he is still a mystery, living a relatively secluded life, and dressing entirely in dark clothes. Veritably, he is a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in communism, wrapped in black, yet still he retains popular and electable charisma.
Name: Jackson, Kay “DynamoJax”
Political Party: Ad Astra Per Aspera Party
Political Stance: Centre/Centre-left
Despite being one of the most junior membors of Parliament, Kay “DynamoJax” Jackson has managed to rise to Ostentia's highest elected position in just two political terms. Though a political unknown until his meteoric rise, Jackson has nevertheless gained many friends and few enemies in politics due to his moderate and populist platform, as well as a clear desire to help rather than offend. Sadly, there is so little we can actually write due to the shortness of the time he has actually been an MP, even though he's the current Prime Minister!
Name: Miller, Carl
Political Party: Liberal Democrats
Political Stance: Centrism
Easily one of the most controversial figures in Ostentian politics, Carl Miller has managed to, at various times in his career, tick off most members of Parliament, despite apparently showing actual considerable political prowess and knowledge. In his early career he was mainly known for the various guises his party went through, before finally settling on its current (yet not overly powerful) Liberal Democrat name. His views have in many respects proved controversial, though perhaps it is not these in themselves which differentiate him as the manner in which he expresses them.
Name: Miller, Lewis
Political Party: Progressive Party
Political Stance: Social democracy/Centre-left
A traditional left-winger, Lewis has always been a champion of the moderate left in Ostentia, from his arrival in 2008 and his Democratic Labour Party through to his modern Progressive Party. Despite becoming strangely irreverent and running for the “Afro-Funk Party” in early 2009, Lewis has managed to maintain a relatively serious demeanour throughout his political career. He was elected as Prime Minister once, on a moderate and progressive platform. His major ideas were those essentially of the enabling state, one in which the state is an instrument of help for those who need it in order to help themselves, a key part of the social democracy to which Miller subscribes. His authoritarian viewpoints, arguably some of the strongest in Ostentia (though this is not saying a huge deal, as Ostentia in general is relatively liberal), are also notable. Since Ostentia's move from an FPTP-based electoral system to an STV-based system, Lewis and the Progressive Party have been instrumental in the creation of a movement campaigning for a return to FPTP, “a simpler electoral system”. Still though, Lewis is one of the few politicians, for good or ill, to retain an essentially similar political outlook going into politics as he does over a year later.
Name: miniyoda008
Political Party: Independent
Political Stance: Centre-left/Centre
An important figure in Ostentian politics, known until June 2009 for essentially being “in the background” and in an advisory capacity to several governments. Miniyoda has, like many of the older Ostentian MPs, strong left-wing views, and also has introduced several pieces of legislation to back this up. Originally he was essentially the deputy of Pokemaniac John's Fruit&Veg=Perfection Party, serving up many of its more politically-orientated, rather than environmentally orientated policies. His political passion of such is known to be education, he has frequently taken the title of education minister, and is considered Ostentia's expert on the subject. In June 2009, miniyoda stood for election under a campaign to, much like Ten Thousand Fists a year prior, get a new face in government. His Unity Party was arguably successful, but their governance was marred somewhat by the Boo Party Coup taking place during it. Indeed, it was miniyoda who discovered the original legislation which enabled the Boo Party to seize control. It is also of note that miniyoda is one of the few politicians to have pursued a Democratian career as well as an Ostentian one, though as with others, he refuses to speak about it and records are unknown. Following his term's expiry as Prime Minister, miniyoda again retreated to the backbenches of the opposition.
Name: plqx
Political Party: Independent
Political Stance: Left wing
plqx is probably most known for being the most independent of all the current Ostentian MPs, having never officially joined a real political party. That is not to say, of course, that he is apolitical, quite the contrary, he is an avowedly left wing politician with probably the largest green streak in him in Parliament. The environment is his passion, and he has been known to give long and heartfelt speeches on this issue, campaigning for environmental responsibility and protection. Along with HRH King Zog II, plqx is one of the six MPs representing the entirety of sparsely populated Falahn. He is highly critical of supposed “New New Right” Parties and Progressive Conservatism in general, seeing several brief spats with Commoncold. Sadly, plqx recently disappeared from Parliament following a heated debate with Sir William Buttersworth over the Centrist Conservative Party's environment policy.
Name: Sermon, “Pokemaniac” John
Political Party: N/A (Speaker)
Political Stance: Neutral (official), formerly Green/Centre-left
It seems that in modern politics it is a necessity for the Speaker to have been Prime Minister at least once, and Pokemaniac John goes no way to disproving this, having been in power a total of five times, two of these consecutively. Until its demise in early 2009, the Fruit&Veg=Perfection Party was Ostentia's oldest and longest standing, and was instrumental in the country's early phases. Indeed, its record of longevity still stands, at nearly a year and a half (just under seventeen months), from the beginning of September 2007 to the end of January 2009. The party, and John himself, were centre-left and environmental in nature, and were the only major party aside from the Boo Party for much of the country's earliest history. Up until early-mid 2008, power balanced between the FVP and Boo Parties in government, this was only broken by the Boo Party/DPS split and election of TTF's LMIATPEFO party (for more information on this I recommend Commoncold's Ostentia, a Political History). Following this, Sermon later went on to form the country's first ever coalition government, as part of the Liberal Alliance between the FVP and Ostentian Democrat Parties. His final government took place in October 2008, after the ODP, the senior partners of a coalition between the two, resigned from government, leaving John unable to govern and head of essentially a caretaker government. Following this, political stagnation occurred, with the following DLSP government unable to govern. This lead to the current speaker, TTF, taking a sojourn, leaving eriatarka1 as interim speaker. Upon his return, TTF announced his resignation and asking if anyone wanted to replace him. After considering he had not in a long time played an active political role, Sermon went for and received the job uncontested, which he has held since. Outside of politics, he edits The Weekly Lamppost newspaper, and is head of Pokemaniac John Publishing Ltd, one of Ostentia's largest publishing houses. Though unknown to many people, the national anthem of Ostentia, the Unification Symphony, was composed by Sermon, a talented musician. He is also a knight of Exilia, being titled Sir Pokemaniac John of Fred's House. He is also a Democratian ex-pat, and as with many others does not speak much of his time there.
Name: Zog II, HRH King
Political Party: Ad Astra Per Aspera Party
Political Stance: Internationalist
HRH King Zog II is probably one of the least predictable members of Parliament. The MP for Falahn also sits in the Exilian government as MP for the rotten borough of Fred's House. Formerly leader of that country, he has since been replaced by Regent Roxelana I. He has lead an active life in both Ostentian and formerly Democratian politics, standing usually as an independent candidate or as a joke party. He is used by parties across the political spectrum, however, for his foreign policy experience, and is frequently appointed as Foreign Secretary. He has had much experience in this area, being head of the Exilian naval fleet for several years, as well as his position as both an Exilian and Ostentian politician. There have been allegations in the past of him attempting to push Ostentia to war so the smaller Exilia wouldn't have to, yet these have since blown over. He has been instrumental in the creation of several successful foreign policy schemes such as Ostentia's opening relations with the UCCR and Ostentia, former enemies. Politicall it is hard to really place him anywhere. While claiming to be vehemently anti-communist and staunchly capitalist, this appears to really just be a manifestation of his dislike for the Boo Party, stemming from the time a Boo Labs factory exploded, levelling his home in Exilia. Outside of politics he writes the critically acclaimed Exilian Echo, both in local (for Exilian distribution) and international (what we see in Ostentia) editions. As well as this, he is head of technology company and defence contractor Regal Industries, which positions itself in direct opposition to Boo Labs.
4. Conclusion
I hope that this book has been helpful in helping you get to know Ostentian politics. Of course, come next week, or even tomorrow, it could well be obsolete and out of date, but there are some things here which I think will help both those old and new in politics. If you have found any errors or misrepresentations within, please, do not hesitate to contact me. I and my editors have done their best to keep things as accurate and neutral as possible, but as with any large document, there is always the possibility that something will have slipped though. Again, thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you again hopefully on January 15th. Or on Mondays and Fridays if you read Vox Valaxia.
Cieran Douglass, July 2009...
Introduction
Welcome to the first edition of “State of the Nation,” a biannual record of current issues and such in politics. Ostentian Politics can be rather daunting for those entering Parliament. Its brief nature, with monthly elections, can also allow for things to change by the week. Hence, this guide will be out of date almost as soon as it is published. However, I still hope it will be useful both as a curiosity for those established in politics to read, and also an item of learning for those new to it. It details what are, at the time of writing in mid-July 2009, the current issues faced by the Ostentian Political system, as well as information regarding various people and their stances, as well as a run-down of current political parties. I would also like to apologise in advance for any errors in research or misrepresentations that I have made. Please contact us and we will have them changed. Expect the next edition of this book on January 15th 2010.
Contents
1. Contemporary political issues
- Fragmentation of politics
- June 2009 Coup
- End of Recession
- Liberties and Rights
- Ad Astra Per Aspera Party
- Boo Party
- Centrist Conservative Party
- Liberal Democrat Party
- Progressive Party
- Progressive Conservative Party
4. Conclusion
1. Contemporary Political Issues
It's difficult to gauge what a contemporary political issue is really. These are those issues which I felt were currently important, as well as several politically influential figures. Again, these will likely soon go out of date, so use the news as your primary resource, this being a far more reliable and active source than a biannual work of non-fiction.
Fragmentation of politics and lack of vision
A frequently cited problem with the politics of Ostentia is that of fragmentation of politics and disillusion with major political parties felt by the populace. Indeed, it has been argued by one noted politician that many of these smaller parties exist solely for the purpose of getting their leader into power, arguably true, as no current party has a particularly large membership. A legitimately accepted majority has never been won by any government in Ostentia since third parties emerged in early 2008. However, what we see is many parties catering to the same or similar issues. Indeed, for the left-wing one has the choice of either Boo, Progressive or AAPA, catering essentially to either hard left for the former and soft left for the latter. While there are social disagreements, the three arguably split the left-wing vote, with the Boo Party currently opposing the AAPA government. Likewise, the Right is split between the Progressive Conservatives, Centrist Conservatives and THAMP Party, as well as some members of the Liberal Democrats. What can also be seen in this is a distinct lack of vision, as already mentioned many parties exist solely for the sake of their head. With many parties all working to slightly different but also arguably slightly selfish aims, politics has suffered.
Despite this however, a solution to this issue does appear to be in sight. The fragmentation of politics may well be solved by the introduction of a bloc-based system in Parliament, in which the parties of the left, middle and centre caucus together to form larger more efficient parties. It remains to be seen, however, as to whether this will be a success, despite wide cross-party support.
June coup
Though not such a contemporary issue, this is nevertheless one still at the forefront of many people's minds. While taking place from June 11th to June 15th, preparations for the coup had been ongoing for many months. As of July 2009, we are still unaware as to who was responsible for the military and police action which ultimately left 32 people dead, mostly those in the armed forces. The run-up to the coup began with a Boo Party party, in which all the senior figures within the party were captured and replaced with body doubles from an unknown organisation or country. Following this, several pieces of legislation were proposed by Sir William Buttersworth's clone which, under the auspices of preventing terrorism, allowed, through excessive length and poor Parliamentary checking of bills, him to declare Inevitable Prime Minister for life and kick HRH King Zog II out of the country, arguably Ostentia's most militarily capable parliamentarian. In a trawl through records, then-Prime Minister miniyoda008 realised what had happened with the bill, and, assuming an error, set out an amendment to defuse it, at which point Inevitable took over and declared a State of Emergency, giving him unlimited power over the police force and military. Thus began several days of military action, with Wo, Exilia, Eronam and Empthrinia all sending troops to help defeat Inevitable's government. Eventually, Inevitable was located hiding in a subterranean citadel underneath Epiphany, understood to have been constructed during the building of the EMRTS, an action which although proposed and passed by a previous government, was undertaken underneath an Inevitable premiership in early 2009. It was here that what had truly happened was realised, when Inevitable and Buttersworth were revealed as fakes. The issue was mostly resolved soon after, with funds allocated to the reconstruction effort and the legislation nullified. Dangers such as this have lead to a more cautious system of bill-checking, as well as further questions over legal loopholes and such.
Recession (end of)
Ostentia entered an economic recession in the early parts of 2009, caused by the collapse of several large banks. There were many attempts to defuse this situation, ranging from raising/lowering taxes to out-and-out nationalisation of Ostentia's banking sector. The economy dropped by almost twenty points in this time, its largest fall since records began, and it is only recently that things began to stabilise. There is worry, however, that it is not over, after the economy rating fell two points during the government of miniyoda008 in June 2009. As of the publication of this edition of SOTN, it has remained at this level for some time now, with many waiting to see if it will go up, signalling the end of recessional worries, or down, signalling deeper problems.
Liberties and rights
Some have said that Ostentia's political system is divided more between liberals and authoritarians than it is between matters of economics. Indeed, even throughout a recession, traditionally a polarising time for matters of economics, there remains a general commitment to the free-market as a generator of wealth which is then used to invest in the public sector. This was seen most strongly in the 2008 Liberal Alliance governments, in which Commoncold's tax cuts increased the economy and hence tax revenues. Probably the most conservative of current parties is Carl Miller's Liberal Democrat party, which takes a socially conservative stance towards most issues. One could also, however, argue that Lewis Miller's Progressive Party was particularly authoritarian, as well as the Boo Party. The most libertarian of current parties is Sir William Buttersworth's Centrist Conservative Party, especially since the dissolution of former title-holder the Democratic Libertarian Socialist Party. There has been recent issues over the right to die, as well as drug usage and victimless crimes.
Foreign Relations stagnation
A commonly cited problem with Ostentian politics is its lack of foreign scope. Indeed, in public opinion polls, Foreign Affairs has remained the lowest-rated issue by the public consistently since 2007. Despite having relations with several countries, there is a lack of actual action on these relations, with trade treaties being occasionally brokered but that being its extent. Even 2008's Epiphany Conference on the international economy has failed to, as yet, go anywhere. There are signs, however, that this is improving, with Ostentia recently opening up full communications both with former enemy Autocratia and its ally the UCCR. It would seam that Realpolitik and pragmatism have triumphed over the ideological and moral issues associated with these countries.
2. Political Parties
Political parties are almost as volatile as the events and crises faced by Ostentia. Indeed, the average age of a political party is less than five months, as they frequently have a tendency to merge, split and dissolve, a far cry from the situation just eighteen months ago in which Ostentia was dominated by the Boo and FVP parties. For more information on this subject I recommend Commoncold's “Ostentia, a Political History” which details such things more finely than I intend to. Also of note is the absence here of “joke” and “protest” parties. These are frequently put up at election purely for the sake of it, and usually gain little or no representation and hence are not included. An example of this this time would be Sir William Buttersworth's Liberal Democrat Party, put up to irritate Carl Miller's Liberal Democrat Party. Despite actually gaining seats, these were later merged into the Boo Party. Another example would be HRH King Zog II's “Voter Apathy Party” which failed to win a single seat, presumably due to voter apathy.
Name: Ad Astra Per Aspera Party
Founded: June 2009
Political Stance: Moderate/Centre left
Leader: Kay “DynamoJax” Jackson
Surprisingly for a new party by a new MP, the Ad Astra Per Aspera Party was able to win government with a sizeable plurality in only its second term in existence, arguably capitalising on the left-wing vote gained from the DLSP. Leader Kay “DynamoJax” Jackson has garnered much praise in politics for his moderate stance and intuition, despite being the newest member of the House. The party is essentially a centrist party with centre-left leanings, believing in a mixed economy for the most part.
Name: Boo Party
Founded: 1723 (original), September 2007 (original Ostentian branch), June 2008 (current branch).
Political Stance: Communism, Booism
Leader: Inevitable
The Boo Party is the oldest continuously operating political party in Ostentia, despite it technically being only thirteen months old. The party in its current iteration however is virtually identical and exists due to Inevitable not wishing to relinquish leadership to challenger Cieran. When a leadership election was called for which the election of Cieran was a foregone conclusion, Inevitable, then Prime Minister, dissolved Parliament and the party, to much criticism. Cieran and his supporters, essentially kicked out of the party, formed the Democratic Socialist Party (later Democratic Libertarian Socialist Party), a party he claimed to be more in the true spirit of communism, as opposed to the Boo Party's authoritarianism and “slavish Boo worship”. Though originally the party consisted of little more than “Whatever Boohistory says,” these days Inevitable arguably has much of his own independence, following a hard left economic line and a moderately authoritarian social policy.
[For a more detailed history of the Boo Party, please see their page on the Ostentian government's Wiki]
Name: Centrist Conservative Party
Founded: July 2009
Political Stance: Classical liberalism/Libertarianism
Leader: Sir William Buttersworth
The newest party in Parliament, formed after Buttersworth's split from the Boo Party, the Centrist Conservatives are arguably the furthest right party in Ostentia on economic matters, and the most liberal on social matters. The party follows essential libertarian philosophies, such as small government, limited welfare and utilitarianism. The party has drawn criticism, however, for its economic policy, which seems to be in contradiction to much of current political thought. Buttersworth is highly outspoken on issues such as victimless crimes and economic freedom, which reflects strongly in his party.
Name: The Liberal Democrat Party
Founded: January 2009
Political Stance: Centrism/Liberalism
Leader: Carl Miller
One of the most controversial parties in Ostentia, although this is mainly due to its leader, who has attracted a fair degree of criticism in his time as an MP, due to his inexperience and overzealous attempts to change aspects of the political system which no-one else wants to change. This has lead to the party being considered a figure of fun by many, and subject to much parody at election times, with Inevitable at one election standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate and receiving more votes than the principle party itself. We have also seen such iterations as “Literal Democrats” as well as numerous other's fielding Liberal Democrat prime ministerial candidates. Politically the party is hard to place. Economically it appears to be relatively centrist, though it has never achieved any degree of power to the point where this would show. Likewise socially it takes a slightly conservative bent, notably opposed to issues such as homosexual marriage.
Name: The Progressive Party
Founded: January 2009
Leader: Lewis Miller
Political Stance: Social democracy, centre-left
The successor for the Pink and Purple Party, the Progressive Party is essentially a centre-left worker's party. In many ways it is very similar to Lewis' first party, the Democratic Labour Party, which was eventually merged with Jack Dingley's *IPNH* Party to create the Pink and Purple Party. The Progressive Party is one which seeks to highlight the positive and beneficial aspects of socialism and communitarianism, taking an economically centre-left position and a socially mildly authoritarian position, under the view that through social help and control, people are able to progress, hence the party name. The party strongly reflects Lewis' modern socialist views.
Name: The Progressive Conservative Party
Founded: June 2009
Leader: Simon Commoncold
Political Stance: Progressive conservatism
The most recent of Commoncold's parties, the Progressive Conservative Party is a party which seeks to, in his own words “reduce personal dependence upon the state” in line with progressive conservative thinking, to enhance the world through conservative methods. The party takes a centre-right economic standpoint and a relatively liberal social stance. Following on from the previous Federalist Party, the Progressive Conservatives believe strongly in constitutionalism and consent. It believes in shrinking the state and people's reliance upon it. As an essentially liberal party, it takes the view that people are capable of managing their own affairs and hence should be free from governmental burden.
3. Who's Who of Politics?
A subject arguably more stable than the other two. Parties and stances change, but politicians tend to remain the same. Detailed below are the more high-flying political members in Ostentia's system. These are those members who are either party leaders or senior party executives, or are in some way notable or influential. Note that anything in brackets is conjecture and is not the official stance of this book or GBMedia.
Name: Boohistory
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Views: Communist/Far Left
Boohistory is arguably one of the most influential politicians who doesn't actually do anything. Her political party, the Boo Party (named not after her but a long-defunct party in eighteenth century Democratia), has been active in Ostentian politics since the unification of the country in September 2007. Though Boo herself is rarely seen in politics, she still maintains an active political career, usually with a focus on irreverent yet important issues, such as kittens and moustaches, for which she is famous. Boohistory currently resides in the House of Commons cafeteria with a large number of orphaned kittens she cares for, after her house was blown up several months ago. She maintains considerable influence over Inevitable, current Boo Party leader, though he is arguably more independent these days he will still do what she says if asked.
Name: Buttersworth, William
Political Party: Centrist Conservative Party
Political Views: Classical liberalism/Libertarian
A foreigner to Ostentia, hailing from the UCCR, Sir William Buttersworth has nevertheless made considerable impact in Ostentian politics since his arrival onto the scene around a year ago. His centre-right policies were interesting in a time when Ostentia was still essentially ruled by the left. His original claim to fame was as CEO of the Hartford Corporation, an enterprise he had created himself from scratch in the UCCR which branched out into a large multinational corporation. However, much of his personal wealth was lost during the 2009 recession, and Hartford itself collapsed, its Finance sector having to be bailed out by the government. Originally standing as Independent, Buttersworth went on to found the Ostentia First party, a far-right organisation which performed poorly at elections. Following this dissolution, he was absorbed into the Boo Party. During the June 2009 coup attempt, it was legislation enacted by a fake Buttersworth that enabled the “Boo Party” to seize control of the country's police. Today he runs the Centrist Conservative Party, arguably the most liberal party in Parliament after the dissolution of the DLSP, which has courted controversy for its free-market policies.
Name: Commoncold, Simon “Commoncold0”
Political Party: Progressive Conservative Party
Political Views: Liberal conservative
Probably one of the most important figures on modern Ostentian politics, purely for his role in creating it. One of the key figures in the creation of the modern Ostentian state, Simon Commoncold was the first Speaker of the House of Commons. His centre-right viewpoints courted frequent controversy due to the view that the speaker should remain neutral, and confounded by the fact that Ostentian politics was dominated entirely by the left. Serving for several years prior to Ostentia's creation as Prime Minister of Oredia, Commoncold has always lead a politically active life. Following the dissolution of the First Ten Thousand Fists Government, he resigned as Speaker, citing continuing challenges to his neutrality. Following this he became active in the Oredian Democrats, a centre-right party which was later entered into an alliance with the Ostentian Democrats, a larger party founded by himself. This lead to his first electoral success, as the Liberal Alliance in partnership with Pokemaniac John's FVP party. Following this, the Ostentian Democrats were elected under their own strength, becoming Ostentia's first right-wing government. However, this lasted for only one term, following an unsuccessful second coalition with the FVP party, he resigned from government, leading to collapse. At this point he disappeared from mainstream politics, with the OD party dissolved. In March 2009 Commoncold entered a coalition with the DLSP under his new Federalist Party, campaigning for Ostentia to move to a Federal system. While this was not achieved in the term, the targets were eventually reached following a referendum. Following this term, Commoncold continued his habit of dissolving a political party, and later reappeared as a Progressive Conservative, his current party, which entered into, and then collapsed, a coalition with the DLSP. Commoncold's most recent political position has been a minister in DynamoJax's government, a post he resigned once his aims were achieved.
Name: Davies, Joseph “sqeak”
Political Party: N/A (Formerly DLSP)
Political Views: Left wing
Joseph Davies was a former Boo and later DLSP MP who was killed by mafiosos during the Boo Party's 2009 coup, after the boat he was travelling on was destroyed. He played an arguably important role in politics until his retirement to the DLSP backbenches a couple of months prior to his death. He served as deputy leader of the DLSP from its inception to his resignation, and was a senior Boo Party figure prior to this, becoming notable for his support of the Cieranite rather than Inevitablite wing of the party, although there were frequent attempts by the Boo Party to try to get him to defect. Davies had a great interest in Bees, and frequently requested the title “Defender of the Bees”, a play on “Defender of the Peace”, as his cabinet office title, much to the ire of politicians such as Simon Commoncold. Following his death, his brother Lord Davies took over management of his business the Valaxian Honey Corporation.
Name: Davies, Lord
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Left wing
A relatively new face in politics and business, taking over after his brother Joseph Davies' demise, as well as the post of CEO of the Valaxian Honey Corporation. Far from the green and sustainable image his brother projected, Lord Davies lives a very much cosmopolitan life in a penthouse in Nectaris, for where he is MP following his winning his brother's seat. However, his management of the VHC has lead to it breaking new grounds in honey production. Formerly a DLSP politican, Davies became independent following that party's dissolution. He is also a Baron in Eronam.
Name: Dingley, Jack “Master”
Political Party: Top Hat and Monocles Party
Political Views: Currently New Right, but subject to fluctuations
A Fondropian veteran of Ostentian politics, Dingley was also briefly active in the politics of the state of Democratia in 1993, presiding over what was widely believed to be that country's worst ever government. Sadly his part is still unknown as he refuses to talk about the issue and records have disappeared following the civil war from 1993-2008. Originally a staunch supporter of the Ostentian Boo Party, in 2008 Dingley split and formed the *Insert Party Name Here* Party, which had little in the way of policies, later merging with Lewis Miller's DLP to form the short-lived Pink and Purple Party. However, with Miller's split to form his current Progressive Party in early 2009, Dingley all but disappeared from politics, before returning in June 2009 with the “Top Hat And Monocles” Party, following the beliefs of the New Right, with DMHowe. The party has not as yet enjoyed electoral success, partly due to the current proliferation of right-wing parties as well as the established and larger left-wing ones.
Name: Douglass, Cieran
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Libertarian socialism
[Note: While I may be the author of this particular work, I will still endeavour to remain neutral about myself. Although is is rather long, due to me having first-hand experience of what it entails]
Cieran Douglass perhaps achieved most notoriety for his 2008 creation of the Democratic Socialist Party, which essentially destroyed the Boo Party, confining them to the political wilderness until early 2009. It is interesting to note that Douglass is one of the few politicians to have, up until his recent resignation as Prime Minister, spent any time on the backbenches of a party, being always a member of either the largest or second largest party in Parliament. From 2007 to 2008 he served under Inevitable in the Boo Party, however there was considerable strife over his more liberal viewpoints in comparison with his party's authoritarianism. Contrary to popular belief, he never actually served as deputy leader of the party, or indeed Deputy Prime Minister, during is time in the Boo Party. In May 2008 he survived an assassination attempt by the Boondoxian Mafia, with one of their men posing as a representative from the Northern Isles Separatist Party, which was foiled thanks to the timely work of the Northern Isles Police Force. Being Home Secretary at this particular time, he was for the most part responsible for the country during the murder of Northern Isles leader Toby Allander, and faced considerable criticism for it. Around this time, ironically considering his views, taking inspiration from a prominent former Asparian dictator, he began to fill senior positions in the Boo Party with his own supporters, allowing the party to both swell in size leading to its first re-election as well as increasing support for his later leadership challenge. When it came to its actual happening, Inevitable responded by dissolving the party and government, calling an election which the opposing Liberal Alliance won, with Douglass's new Democratic Socialist Party opposing, filled mostly with those who had defected from the Boo Party, decimating it. The party achieved electoral victory in October 2008, winning with an actual majority, yet was unable to govern to any large degree due to legal challenges over the legitimacy of voting, as well as Douglass' history of allegations of vote rigging under the Boo Party. The political term was extended until January 2009 due to these problems, when the Boo Party regained power. In March 2009 he once again gained power in a coalition with the Federalist Party, and again in July in a coalition with the Progressive Conservatives. This however collapsed when the PCP pulled out citing lack of progress on a cabinet being published, leading to his resignation from mainstream politics to pursue a career in journalism and writing.
Name: eriatarka1
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Centre-left
Though currently missing from Parliament for an unknown reason, eriatarka1 has been with Ostentian politics since the beginning. His major claim to fame is as temporary speaker in late 2008 during Ten Thousand Fist's brief absence. An early member of Pokemaniac John's Fruit&Veg=Perfection Party, upon its dissolution he became an independent, yet was still a member of several governmental cabinets. One of several Ostentian politicians who originally had careers elsewhere, eriatarka was born and originally worked in Democratia, where he was at one time a Boo Party MP, however later records are missing and he refuses to speak about issues pertaining to the matter. He has become notable mainly for his oratorical prowess as well as verbosity in speeches. His current whereabouts however are unknown, as he disappeared shortly after the 2009 coup.
Name: Fists, Ten Thousand
Political Party: Independent
Political Views: Centre-right
These days Ten Thousand Fists, or TTF as he is generally known due to the length of his full name, takes little active role in politics. While he still attends political debates and such, he rarely if ever contributes, yet he still votes in general elections and such, and remains an active politician in local issues. However, TTF has in fact had a particularly notable political career in the past, taking the role both of Prime Minister and Speaker, consecutively. Coming to power in an election as part of a protest party against the then Ostentian two-party system, he presided over an otherwise unremarkable term. At the next election, Speaker Commoncold failed to retain his seat, prompting TTF to step in and accept the position of Speaker, one which he then held until early 2009 when he resigned, claiming he just “didn't want to do it” any more.
Name: Fury, Edward
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Stance: Communist
Edward Fury is a minor Boo Party politician yet is known for his fierce charisma as well as loyalty to Boohistory and Inevitable. He has in the past been seen to get worked up over minor issues if they concern communism, and is strongly communist. During the 2009 Boo Party coup, a double of Fury stood in as Speaker of Parliament, enabling the Boo Party to have free reign over the legislative system of the country.
Name: Gilliatt, James H “jhgilliatt”
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Stance: Democratic/Libertarian socialism
A relatively new face in politics and a self-professed libertarian socialist, it seemed natural for James H “jhgilliatt” Gilliatt to join the Democratic Libertarian Socialist Party on his joining politics in early 2009. His main area of expertise is that of Law and Order, placing him perfectly as either Home or shadow Home Secretary for several governments. One of the most avowedly “traditional” left-wing politicians in Ostentia, upon the DLSP's dissolution it seemed only natural for him to, on leader Cieran Douglass' recommendation, move into the Boo Party. Gilliatt was very active in DLSP affairs, and indeed authored its most recent manifesto, setting out its final commitments. He nevertheless received some criticism in his early career for proposing several pieces of “authoritarian” seeming legislation, however this was soon forgotten in face of his contributions to the party. He is also known to be a dedicated local MP, raising issues from his Epiphany constituency in the House.
Name: Howe, Michael “DMHowe”
Political Party: Top Hat and Monocles Party
Political Stance: Libertarian
While seeming to be a background “dark figure”, Michael Howe has in fact been a part of Ostentian politics since the beginning, in various degrees of activity. He recently became notable for his arguments with Lewis Miller, Progressive Party leader, over issues of liberty. Despite originally harbouring particularly communitarian and indeed authoritarian views, Howe has more recently moved to the economic right and become socially liberal. His clashes with Miller were due to this aspect, as Howe is an ardent critic of authoritarianism, which he saw in many of Lewis' ideas. In June 2009, together with former background member Jack Dingley, he formed the Top Hat and Monocles Party, aimed at promoting free trade and, strangely considering Howe's libertarianism, social conservatism. However, it has yet to be actually seen in any degree of political activity. Howe is arguably the “brains” behind the party, teaming up with the populism of Dingley.
Name: Inevitable
Political Party: Boo Party
Political Stance: Communist/Booist
It is unlikely that there is a person in Ostentia who hasn't heard of the enigmatic Inevitable. The six-time Prime Minister is notorious for his secrecy, as well as his devotion to communism and the Boo Party. Indeed, in the early parts of Ostentia Inevitable alternated between Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, cementing his place in Ostentian politics. Despite being confined to the political wilderness for the second part of 2008, Inevitable nevertheless rode back into government in the January 2009 election, doing what many had claimed would never again be possible for the Boo Party. During the 2009 coup attempt, it was an imposter posing as Inevitable who was granted supreme power over Ostentia. However, he is not without his critics, former Boo Party MP Cieran Douglass decimated the party in June 2008 by splitting and taking his supporters with him to form the DSP. Major allegations levied against him were both his authoritarian tendencies and his “slavish devotion to Boohistory and a perverted form of communism”. Outside of politics, Inevitable has had a notable career in journalism, editing Boo Media's flagship Apeiron Argus, as well as the notable Daily Slander, the only newspaper in Ostentian history so far to actually maintain a daily schedule. The paper received numerous accolades for its somewhat confrontational style as well as its sensational “scoops”, mostly intended to “produce the truth” about capitalism/Commoncold. He has also been noted due to his links with Boo Labs, one of Ostentia's largest technology and pharmaceutical companies, and the world's largest “not-for-profit” corporation. To many though, he is still a mystery, living a relatively secluded life, and dressing entirely in dark clothes. Veritably, he is a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in communism, wrapped in black, yet still he retains popular and electable charisma.
Name: Jackson, Kay “DynamoJax”
Political Party: Ad Astra Per Aspera Party
Political Stance: Centre/Centre-left
Despite being one of the most junior membors of Parliament, Kay “DynamoJax” Jackson has managed to rise to Ostentia's highest elected position in just two political terms. Though a political unknown until his meteoric rise, Jackson has nevertheless gained many friends and few enemies in politics due to his moderate and populist platform, as well as a clear desire to help rather than offend. Sadly, there is so little we can actually write due to the shortness of the time he has actually been an MP, even though he's the current Prime Minister!
Name: Miller, Carl
Political Party: Liberal Democrats
Political Stance: Centrism
Easily one of the most controversial figures in Ostentian politics, Carl Miller has managed to, at various times in his career, tick off most members of Parliament, despite apparently showing actual considerable political prowess and knowledge. In his early career he was mainly known for the various guises his party went through, before finally settling on its current (yet not overly powerful) Liberal Democrat name. His views have in many respects proved controversial, though perhaps it is not these in themselves which differentiate him as the manner in which he expresses them.
Name: Miller, Lewis
Political Party: Progressive Party
Political Stance: Social democracy/Centre-left
A traditional left-winger, Lewis has always been a champion of the moderate left in Ostentia, from his arrival in 2008 and his Democratic Labour Party through to his modern Progressive Party. Despite becoming strangely irreverent and running for the “Afro-Funk Party” in early 2009, Lewis has managed to maintain a relatively serious demeanour throughout his political career. He was elected as Prime Minister once, on a moderate and progressive platform. His major ideas were those essentially of the enabling state, one in which the state is an instrument of help for those who need it in order to help themselves, a key part of the social democracy to which Miller subscribes. His authoritarian viewpoints, arguably some of the strongest in Ostentia (though this is not saying a huge deal, as Ostentia in general is relatively liberal), are also notable. Since Ostentia's move from an FPTP-based electoral system to an STV-based system, Lewis and the Progressive Party have been instrumental in the creation of a movement campaigning for a return to FPTP, “a simpler electoral system”. Still though, Lewis is one of the few politicians, for good or ill, to retain an essentially similar political outlook going into politics as he does over a year later.
Name: miniyoda008
Political Party: Independent
Political Stance: Centre-left/Centre
An important figure in Ostentian politics, known until June 2009 for essentially being “in the background” and in an advisory capacity to several governments. Miniyoda has, like many of the older Ostentian MPs, strong left-wing views, and also has introduced several pieces of legislation to back this up. Originally he was essentially the deputy of Pokemaniac John's Fruit&Veg=Perfection Party, serving up many of its more politically-orientated, rather than environmentally orientated policies. His political passion of such is known to be education, he has frequently taken the title of education minister, and is considered Ostentia's expert on the subject. In June 2009, miniyoda stood for election under a campaign to, much like Ten Thousand Fists a year prior, get a new face in government. His Unity Party was arguably successful, but their governance was marred somewhat by the Boo Party Coup taking place during it. Indeed, it was miniyoda who discovered the original legislation which enabled the Boo Party to seize control. It is also of note that miniyoda is one of the few politicians to have pursued a Democratian career as well as an Ostentian one, though as with others, he refuses to speak about it and records are unknown. Following his term's expiry as Prime Minister, miniyoda again retreated to the backbenches of the opposition.
Name: plqx
Political Party: Independent
Political Stance: Left wing
plqx is probably most known for being the most independent of all the current Ostentian MPs, having never officially joined a real political party. That is not to say, of course, that he is apolitical, quite the contrary, he is an avowedly left wing politician with probably the largest green streak in him in Parliament. The environment is his passion, and he has been known to give long and heartfelt speeches on this issue, campaigning for environmental responsibility and protection. Along with HRH King Zog II, plqx is one of the six MPs representing the entirety of sparsely populated Falahn. He is highly critical of supposed “New New Right” Parties and Progressive Conservatism in general, seeing several brief spats with Commoncold. Sadly, plqx recently disappeared from Parliament following a heated debate with Sir William Buttersworth over the Centrist Conservative Party's environment policy.
Name: Sermon, “Pokemaniac” John
Political Party: N/A (Speaker)
Political Stance: Neutral (official), formerly Green/Centre-left
It seems that in modern politics it is a necessity for the Speaker to have been Prime Minister at least once, and Pokemaniac John goes no way to disproving this, having been in power a total of five times, two of these consecutively. Until its demise in early 2009, the Fruit&Veg=Perfection Party was Ostentia's oldest and longest standing, and was instrumental in the country's early phases. Indeed, its record of longevity still stands, at nearly a year and a half (just under seventeen months), from the beginning of September 2007 to the end of January 2009. The party, and John himself, were centre-left and environmental in nature, and were the only major party aside from the Boo Party for much of the country's earliest history. Up until early-mid 2008, power balanced between the FVP and Boo Parties in government, this was only broken by the Boo Party/DPS split and election of TTF's LMIATPEFO party (for more information on this I recommend Commoncold's Ostentia, a Political History). Following this, Sermon later went on to form the country's first ever coalition government, as part of the Liberal Alliance between the FVP and Ostentian Democrat Parties. His final government took place in October 2008, after the ODP, the senior partners of a coalition between the two, resigned from government, leaving John unable to govern and head of essentially a caretaker government. Following this, political stagnation occurred, with the following DLSP government unable to govern. This lead to the current speaker, TTF, taking a sojourn, leaving eriatarka1 as interim speaker. Upon his return, TTF announced his resignation and asking if anyone wanted to replace him. After considering he had not in a long time played an active political role, Sermon went for and received the job uncontested, which he has held since. Outside of politics, he edits The Weekly Lamppost newspaper, and is head of Pokemaniac John Publishing Ltd, one of Ostentia's largest publishing houses. Though unknown to many people, the national anthem of Ostentia, the Unification Symphony, was composed by Sermon, a talented musician. He is also a knight of Exilia, being titled Sir Pokemaniac John of Fred's House. He is also a Democratian ex-pat, and as with many others does not speak much of his time there.
Name: Zog II, HRH King
Political Party: Ad Astra Per Aspera Party
Political Stance: Internationalist
HRH King Zog II is probably one of the least predictable members of Parliament. The MP for Falahn also sits in the Exilian government as MP for the rotten borough of Fred's House. Formerly leader of that country, he has since been replaced by Regent Roxelana I. He has lead an active life in both Ostentian and formerly Democratian politics, standing usually as an independent candidate or as a joke party. He is used by parties across the political spectrum, however, for his foreign policy experience, and is frequently appointed as Foreign Secretary. He has had much experience in this area, being head of the Exilian naval fleet for several years, as well as his position as both an Exilian and Ostentian politician. There have been allegations in the past of him attempting to push Ostentia to war so the smaller Exilia wouldn't have to, yet these have since blown over. He has been instrumental in the creation of several successful foreign policy schemes such as Ostentia's opening relations with the UCCR and Ostentia, former enemies. Politicall it is hard to really place him anywhere. While claiming to be vehemently anti-communist and staunchly capitalist, this appears to really just be a manifestation of his dislike for the Boo Party, stemming from the time a Boo Labs factory exploded, levelling his home in Exilia. Outside of politics he writes the critically acclaimed Exilian Echo, both in local (for Exilian distribution) and international (what we see in Ostentia) editions. As well as this, he is head of technology company and defence contractor Regal Industries, which positions itself in direct opposition to Boo Labs.
4. Conclusion
I hope that this book has been helpful in helping you get to know Ostentian politics. Of course, come next week, or even tomorrow, it could well be obsolete and out of date, but there are some things here which I think will help both those old and new in politics. If you have found any errors or misrepresentations within, please, do not hesitate to contact me. I and my editors have done their best to keep things as accurate and neutral as possible, but as with any large document, there is always the possibility that something will have slipped though. Again, thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you again hopefully on January 15th. Or on Mondays and Fridays if you read Vox Valaxia.
Cieran Douglass, July 2009...
Commoncold0 - July 28, 2009 12:50 PM (GMT)
Impressive. :blink:
I particularly like the idea of Booism as a distinct ideology - I might write something on it myself at some point.
Oh, and the next chapter in the history should be released at some point this summer.
I particularly like the idea of Booism as a distinct ideology - I might write something on it myself at some point.
Oh, and the next chapter in the history should be released at some point this summer.
Pokemaniac John - July 28, 2009 12:54 PM (GMT)
*Goes off to write review*
Lord Davies - July 28, 2009 01:01 PM (GMT)
Very nice indeed.
Inevitable - July 28, 2009 01:45 PM (GMT)
Carl Miller - July 28, 2009 04:03 PM (GMT)
In the words of Borat:
"Very nice!"
"Very nice!"
jhgilliatt - July 28, 2009 05:02 PM (GMT)
I feel really narcissistic reading about myself ^_^
EDIT: Also, Nice work ;)
EDIT: Also, Nice work ;)
HRH King Zog II - July 28, 2009 05:14 PM (GMT)
Woo! Enigmatic political stance!
Most excellent work.
Most excellent work.
Cieran - July 28, 2009 05:49 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (jhgilliatt @ Jul 28 2009, 06:02 PM) |
| I feel really narcissistic reading about myself ^_^ EDIT: Also, Nice work ;) |
How do you think it felt WRITING about myself :P.
Yeah, I have the longest biography/thing too...
Sir William Buttersworth - July 28, 2009 10:44 PM (GMT)
Absolutely brilliant! I loved reading it! Also this should be in the FAQ sticky as a must read for new members.
Carl Miller - December 15, 2009 11:25 PM (GMT)
How's the 2d Edition coming?
Cieran - December 16, 2009 01:31 AM (GMT)
Oh buggorf, I'd forgotten about this.
Though...it's a month till publication, it's not like I'm writing it now, it'd be out of date.
Though has DJ really been here six months?...
Though...it's a month till publication, it's not like I'm writing it now, it'd be out of date.
Though has DJ really been here six months?...
DynamoJax - December 24, 2009 04:32 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Cieran @ Dec 15 2009, 07:31 PM) |
| Oh buggorf, I'd forgotten about this. Though...it's a month till publication, it's not like I'm writing it now, it'd be out of date. Though has DJ really been here six months?... |
I find myself asking the EXACT same question. Plus, six months later and I'm still quite the enigma compared to others...
plqx - December 24, 2009 10:18 AM (GMT)
I think after 6 months you are still far more of an enigma than CJMiller was after his first day... But then that isn't really saying much...