Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Conferences, visits and other bilateral or multilateral meetings.

Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby Darvian » Tue Apr 07, 2009 8:30 am

The date and time had come to pass where the National Directorate would host its first foreign leader as a special speaker before the Federation's Directorate. No expense had been spared in ensuring that the delegation of the Lodamun was greeted with all the pomp and flare frankly worthy of royalty. The usually quiet National Directorate rarely seen crowds outside it. There was a palatable sense of excitement in the area. No one alive in Zardugal could remember the last formal state visit and as such the occasion carried with it even more gravity. Coupled with the fact that the speaker was none other than the former Minister of Foreign Affairs from Lodamun Jonathan Kynes; a name most people in Zardugal would have been familiar with from the news reports.

Expecting a large gathering of citizens the Director-General through the use of executive orders ensured that facilities and some basic amenities were available for those generous enough to show up in a sign of international solidarity. Along the pathway to the hallowed halls of the National Directorate several large projection screens let the crowd see and hear what was about to happen on the floor on this historic day.

The National Directorate and its members had been well informed of the event and all had taken to their seats minus the exception of custom this had the cabinet of Zardugal, the Joint Chiefs of the Armed Services as well as the seven Arbiters of Zardugal. The rank and file of the Directorate would have barely noted a difference other than perhaps their seats and the floor were notably cleaner than usual. As well the dais sported both the large Zardic flag and to the right was an equally large flag of the Republic of Lodamun. Three chairs as well set at the top of the dais where normally only the Chancellor and Director-General would be seated in full legislative session. The chair in the middle had been placed for President Kynes.

Members of the Directorate would have noted as well extremely high security measures. Normally the Directorate had little need of a large presence of the Federal Guard though given the occasion their directive was clear to ensure the security and coherency of the events for the day. On top of the presence of the Federal Guard-Director-General Rothchild had ordered the Sel'Rakrya to have officers stationed in and outside the Directorate for further means of security.

At a quarter till noon the Speaker of the Directorate took to the dais and ensured the lectern and podium were in order for the President's speech. As the Speaker tended to the lectern both Director-General Rothchild and Chancellor MacMillan took to the dais and took their seats. The Speaker bowed respectively to both men and shook their hands as pleasantries were exchanged. The Speaker very rarely felt as if his job mattered much but, today the honorary role was one the elderly man took with an enormous sense of pride.

Noon was the expected time of the arrival of President Kynes. President Kynes was given the option of entering in from the executive wing away from the public or from the front. Either way, the paths had been made and security measures were in place. The Director-General wondered for a moment if President Kynes would come down the Libertus Lane braving the thousands of onlookers with a bold entrance into the great hall of the Directorate; it would certainly be a sight.

The Speaker once again took to the dais as word arrived of President Kynes arrival. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the National Directorate of the Federation of Zardugal today the government and people welcome our friends from Lodamun. With great honor and gratitude, the President of Lodamun!"
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby Darvian » Tue Apr 07, 2009 8:33 am

OOC: The following was typed and posted by Mr. Yankee's the Liberal Party of Lodamun.

In retrospective:

The day was April 15th. Following his usual routine, Mr. Kynes woke up at exactly 6:00 am. He had done so for the past 30 years. He went to the bathroom trying not to disrupt his wife, who was sleeping soundly. She was used to him waking up at 6:00 am everyday, they had been married for 40 years and counting.

At 6:10am sharp, a very subtle knock on the door was heard. Mr. Kynes opened the door and Thelma, the wonderful and sweet woman who had been bringing his breakfast for the last 21 years, handed him his coffee and the newspaper.

Mr. Kynes sat in his favorite chair, right in front of one of the windows. He had sat there for the past nine years since becoming President. He loved to watch the sunrise. His view was one of the most beautiful he could ever hope for. The garden in front of his window displayed very exotic plants and trees. Every President since Ella Roweor Sille had planted one. There was one, however, that caught his attention every single time. The great oak tree planted by Kyle Truman. The tree stood tall and strong much like the person who made its life possible.

Mr. Kynes took a zip of his coffee and turned to the front page of the newspaper. The headline read: "President Kynes to visit Zardugal. Brighter future awaits." He had not forgotten about his visit; in fact, it was very present in his mind. However, nothing could perturb this man. He had known for months about his visit to Zardugal and today was the day he had to leave for Zardugal. The flight would take approximately nineteen hours and he had to find something to do during that time. He had been working on his speech for about a week and he felt pretty confident about it. He wanted to inspire young people as well as old people. There was a need for change in the way politics and diplomacy was handled.

He opened the newspaper and kept reading. He found some articles interesting but one caught his eye right away. The newspaper reported some tensions between Kazulia and Lodamun. Since the New Englia incident, relations were very tense between the two sides. However, during the last two weeks tensions had arisen due to an encounter between a frigate from the Lodamese Navy and a surveillance ship from Kazulia in international waters. He didn't want anyone to worry, he felt as if he could handle the situation. After all, he had achieve more difficult goals before. One article in the paper did make him a bit worried. His longtime friend and colleague, Edward Rawlins, was being harassed by the press due to a controversy not related to him. The President read the article inventively, trying to figure out what was happening. He was definitely going to talk with Mr. Rawlins, he need to make sure everything was alright.

He finished his coffee, got up, and got dressed. He opened the door and stepped out of his room. He glanced over to his right and saw one of the PSPS (Presidential Secret Protection Service) agents. He approached him and with his characteristically soft voice instructed him to let his attendants know they could now go and pack his suitcase.

He walked through the Main Hall passing the Presidential Library and the Statute Gallery, his usual walk in route to his office. Right after passing the Statute Gallery and before reaching his office, one of his most trusted aides walked out of a room and quickly jumped in front of the man, who very attentively stop to greet this fellow.

"Good Morning, John" said the President.

"Good Morning, President. How did you sleep last night, Sir? quickly replied the assistant.

"As always, John. Nice and calm" replied the President with a quick nod of approval.

"Mr. President, I would just like to remind you that you depart for Zardugal today at four in the afternoon" said the assistant with a grin in his face.

"I have not forgotten about it, John. Thank you. Who is giving me the national security briefing today?" asked the President.

"The Defense Minister is on his way to give you the briefing before you depart, Mr. President. I would also to remind you that your speech is all ready and has been typed up with the latest corrections you made" quickly answered the assistant.

"Thank you, John. I'll see you later" replied the President as he was walking towards his office.


3:55pm

Mr. Kynes was anxious to board the Presidential plane; however, he had to wait in the holding room while the PSPS gave the all clear for the President to walk out and board the plane. He loved that airplane. It was relatively new and had state of the art technology. Digital secure phone lines. satellite feed, TVs. and everything that made this plane a flying President Palace. Little gigs as he like to call them.

The all clear was given and the President walked out of the holding room and into the runway. As usual, the press was there. He waved his hand at them while they took pictures. As he walked to the moving stairs that would allow his to board his plane, soldiers saluted their commander and chief. Before taking one step and as he usually did, he saluted the soldiers. He held the utmost respect for the men and women in uniform. He took one step and another and another until he finally reached the top. Before entering the plane, he turned around one final time to say good bye to everyone present. He waved twice and entered the plane.

Now awaited nineteen hours of nothing but clouds outside the windows.
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The captain of the plane came on and asked the passengers to adjust their seat belts as they were about to land.. After all these hours, he was more than happy to hear the captain's voice. The President obeyed the rule as he usually did.

The plane landed at 11:01am. Before leaving the airplane, the President was stormed by assistants, making sure everything was not right but perfect. His suit, his hair, his posture, his initial greeting to those welcoming him. Everything anyone could think off. Mr. Kynes felt ready. He had visited over fifteen countries, he knew the process.

"Everything is alright people. You are the ones worried instead of me. What an emotional support system do I have!" said the President clearly in a joking manner. His assistants were shocked for a second but quickly realized the man was merely joking in a sarcastic way. This drew a laugh from them to which the President replied with a laugh as well. Right after that moment, he stepped out this amazing welcoming ceremony.

He waved three of four times to the crowd present and started heading down the steps. Behind him came the members of his cabinet accompanying him in this visit. They all stepped out of the plane and headed down the stairs in a uniform line as if they were soldiers following their experienced leader in an expedition. Down the stairs came Van Irvin, Minister of Defense; Jaquan Irnive, Minister of Finance; Dominick Himes, Minister of Education and Culture; Dock Norman, Minister of Trade and Industry; and Tate Jools, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

President Kynes reached the last step and without thinking it twice stepped on the runway. He greeted his hosts and shook their hands firmly and again waved at the press and those present all in packed into a little space at a distance. Only a few photo cameras and their operators were allowed anywhere close to the President and his hosts. Security was at the highest. National Security agencies from Lodamun and Zardugal had worked for over a month to secure the area and to make sure this visit went as smooth as possible, though not problems were expected. The welcoming ceremony was absolutely first class and one he would never forget while he lived

In the holding room, he continue to chat with those who came to welcome him. At one moment in the conversation he was given the option to enter from the executive wing and avoid as much public contact as possible or enter from the front via Libertus Lane where most of the people were expecting his arrival with uproar and enthusiasm. The President did not know where Libertus Lane was or what the scenery around the Directorate of Zardugal looked like but he wanted to see the people, to greet them. He quickly responded: "I came here to speak to the people of Zardugal and I want to meet my spectator. What kind of guest would I be if I didn't greet my hosts?

The answer was clear, he wanted to enter through the front and greet the people.

Minutes later and after confirming the President's decision, the group was escorted out of the airport to where the limousines and cars waited for them. Mr. Kynes was escorted to the limousine in the middle, the one displaying the flag of Lodamun and Zardugal, one in each side at the very front of this enormous yet very comfortable vehicle.

The ride took about thirty minutes. The cars stopped about one block away from the entrance to the Directorate. President Kynes stepped out of the limousine and was quickly surprised by the crowd's reaction of excitement. Though he was advised by the agents from the PSPS accompanying him on the trip not to shake hands for too long, the President felt as if it was his duty to do so. President Kynes waved to the thousands of people who stood on both sides of the road. He shook hands with as many people as he was able to.

At one moment just before he was about to head to the middle of this ancient yet very artistically designed road in order to enter the Directorate, a little hand extended just enough to catch the President's eye. The girl said: "Mr. President, can my mommy take a picture of me with you." The President could not help but stop for this little girl. He had two daughters himself. They were now grown up and he missed those days when he held them on his arms and they would walk for hours looking for small animals and colorful flowers. He stopped and reached for the girl. The caravan quickly stopped to the dislike of the secret agents in charge of security. Stopping in the middle of the road with thousands of people surrounding him was the safest place to be in and they knew that. They quickly squirmed around like ants looking for food to protect the President. Reaching for the girl, the President quickly got a grab of her and held here on his arms. He kissed her in her right cheek and posed for the camera. The flash came and went, faster than the time it took for the woman taking the picture to press the button to take the picture. Mr. Kynes whispered something to the girl's ear and she smiled. He reach for the mom and extended his arm to allow her to get a grab of her child. He waived good bye and began walking towards the center of the road.

He approached a red carpet, the sure sign that he was getting closer and closer to give a very important speech. He walked though the red carpet and the world moved behind him with each step he took. He waved for a few seconds to those standing right outside the Directorate and walked right in.

11:59pm

President Kynes was now waiting just outside the chambers to be announced. He was a bit anxious. After all, he was going to meet six hundred new people. The cabinet members accompanying him in the trip were all standing behind him. He made a quick glance just to see their expression. Upon listening the Speaker's announcement, he knew it was the time to walk down the aisle.

He entered the room and quickly started shaking hands and greeting the members of the Directorate. All of them saying their name and what part of the country he/she represented. Ten minutes passed by before he could make it to the end of the aisle. It was now time to meet the cabinet and the Joint Chiefs. He greeted each individually paying close attention to their name. After greeting everyone and shaking hands multiple times, there was only one last man standing and left to greet, Edward Rawlins. President Kynes leaned back to imitate someone who was surprised and yet very excited to see someone. He hugged Mr. Rawlins for a few seconds, much longer than he would with any other person. They were long time friends, goo friends. They shook hands for almost a minute while chatting. After this long moment of greeting and satisfaction, the President approached the Director-General and the Chancellor. He greeted the Chancellor first. As custom practiced around the world by dignitaries, the highest ranked official is greeted last. He approached the Director-General and shook hands firmly but respectfully. He thanked Mr. Rothchild for the invitation and the welcome he received. He turned to face those in attendance. The chamber was massive in size and certainly had a look not familiar not President Kynes but very pleasant. He waved for a few seconds.
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby Darvian » Tue Apr 07, 2009 8:34 am

-In Retrospect-

The plane touched down at 11:01 AM at the Belgae Internal Airport, located well within the cities dense population. Belgae had suffered enormously from the centuries of continued growth. Growth so fast that no political body was ever really able to come in and sort the nuanced quirks of civil-engineering in the ancient capital city. As the plane from Lodamun circled in for its touch-down the Zardic Air Forces on patrol were on heightened alert. In preparation of the event, the Defense Minister had seen that additional SAM's had been placed for an extra security blanket.

President Kynes' entourage was greeted with much fanfare. As people had taken to the Libertine Way to hope to catch a glimpse of the President; many had opted to skip the traditional parade route and go right to the airport to greet the Lodamun delegation. As the President appeared and waved the crowd let out a boisterous cheer. This coincided with the Marine Corp Band playing the national anthem of Loduman as the President first stepped into eyesight.

On the tarmac awaiting the President was several of the high ranking members of the F.R.P. but, also the government of Zardugal. One face would have stood out to President Kynes among the various dignitaries and bureaucrats lining the way between the President's motorcade and plane. It was none other than the unidentified Sel'Rakrya agent who had recently spoken to the President in Lodamun at the behest of various members of the F.R.P. The G-Man looked quite different than he had previously. His tuxedo allowed him to blend right in with the assembled well-wishers. The man quickly shuffled off to the holding room as the President mingled with the various dignitaries and allowed the crowd to snap their photos.

It was the Sel'Rakryan agent whom awaited the President in the holding room. As soon as President Kynes arrived, the Sel-Rakryan agent smiled approvingly. "Mr. President, our friend is eager to see you. I trust your trip was well-everything here is proper and you will have no problems while on our soil, Mr. President." The agent would stay for further questions had the President posed any but, seeing to this very brief and cryptic message the G-Man disappeared from the holding area onto his next duties. The President of Loduman would be seeing the man quite a lot in the background as his procession made its way through the city and eventually into the Zardic Federations legislative assembly.

The city itself or what the President's motorcade would see of it marked a crossroads of tradition and modernity. Belgae had built up so fast and out so wide during the centuries of peace. The Libertine Way wasn't exactly a smooth-ride given it consisted of perfectly cut marble versus pavement that was much more common in the newer portions of the city. The cityscape itself was breath-taking. One block the President would pass a towering skyscraper and the next block held clearly very old and historical sites that had been given special protection under national law. The private enterprise in Zardugal was quite keen to ensuring the Libertine Way was kept well maintained and everything but an eyesore. This was the historic path that acted as the city's main artery.

11:55 AM

Everyone within the Directorate couldn't mistake the sounds of the crowd outside, all knew the President was making his way up the grand staircase to the Directorate. A walk every legislator made every day and likely took for granted; this day though was different. The news crews and on-lookers seen just another man walking the same stairs used for centuries but, it carried with it a sense of history and awe. Zardugal hadn't hosted a formal function like this in generations and all those fortunate enough to be a part of it would not surely forget this day.

As the President entered the Directorate, the men and women of the Directorate took to their feet in a deafening applause. The great majority of the people of Zardugal were grateful for such a man. The once Foreign Minister Kynes had established himself domestically as something short of a rock star since the Coburan Crisis. Not a member present in the Directorate would have missed the feeling the onlookers and well-wishers felt-that history was indeed being made. The first group the President would pass and exchange formalities with was the Joint Chiefs who set beside the Federation's High Arbiters.

The first General the President would meet would be none other than the operational head of the Air Forces and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and current acting Defense Minister Vernon Gould. General Gould gave the President a firm hand-shake and smiled approvingly. General Gould introduced himself and took the liberty of introducing his fellow colleagues. The Minister paused for a few moments after each introduction to allow his fellow members of the J.C.S. to exchange formalities with the President. "President Kynes, it's my honor to introduce you to some of the most gifted men in their fields in all of Terra. This is General Porter Roush, Commandant of the Zardic Marine Forces. This is my dear friend General Cynthia Leselle, Chairman of the Zardic Army, beside her is General Wes Morrison, Chairman of the Zardic Naval Forces." Each General was in their formal uniforms, reserved only for rare occasions such as the one at hand. It was General Gould who clearly held more brass in his suit-coat than any of his colleagues-to a point of near absurdity.

Moving onward each of the High Arbiters acted as they were often expected; with extreme reserve. Each of the seven casually extended their hands to greet the President of Lodamun. The High Arbiters held a special place in Zardic society given that there was a uniform system of courts and each Arbiter held enormous power in their posts. It was expected of the Arbiters to avoid the spot-light of attention for many obvious reasons. Their mere presence in the Directorate had caused a bit of a controversy the day prior in some of the tabloids.

At last the President made his way to the seventy-six year old Foreign Minister. Very few people in attendance knew it was Minister Rawlins twenty-seventh year as acting Foreign Minister of the Federation of Zardugal. For more than a quarter of a century Edward Rawlins had steered the ship of state abroad under both his parties reign and others; a man whose credentials and service to his nation could not possibly be questioned. As President Kynes approached his dear friend he would certainly take note of the middle-aged woman sitting next to Minister Rawlins; it was the same lady who was at the Walburg Conference and seemed to be within earshot of the Foreign Minister at all times.

As the President put on a pantomime when he approached Minister Rawlins, the elderly statesmen erupted in laughter. The Minister held a handkerchief in his left hand and a cane lay beside his chair between himself and his long-time aide, Ashley. As the President lurched back Minister Rawlins stood to his feet quite quickly-drawing notable glances from those around him. Every day was a fight for the Minister to keep up his public perception and today was one he couldn't afford any signs of his weakening state of health show.

Embracing the President Minister Rawlins patted him on the back. "It is good to see you again friend. I must say, you have an excellent taste for cigars and a wine." The Minister leaned back and looked into the eyes of President Kynes and winked. "I trust your trip in was without any surprise? I know they've got you on a tight-schedule while you are here and I figure they've arranged for some very nice accommodations during your stay. This evening however, if you feel the need for a bit of a break and want out of the stuffy environments of the city-my villa has gorgeous view and I've made sure to keep a bottle of some of my finest bourbon for such an occasion." The Minister let go of the President and smiled warmly once more. As Mr. Rawlins let his hand go free from the Presidents his aide Ashley, was quick and subtle in her movements to put herself up against the side of the Foreign Minister allowing him to applaud while the President took to the dais.

As President Kynes made his way up the stairs to the dais the Director-General stood from his chair and began to clap along with the other members of the Directorate. (OOC: Obviously I can't respond as the Chancellor, U.Z.L.P. is more than welcome to chime in and represent Chancellor MacMillan.) The Director-General was still relatively young given this was the sixteenth year of his post as the head of state, though to those who paid close attention the trials and stresses of the office were slowly making their marks upon the Director-General's appearance. Upon the Director-General's lapel was the Axis flag; something President Kynes would have likely taken a keen notice of given the Director-General's reputation and the last time they met the very same lapel pin was being worn.

"Zardugal welcomes you, President Kynes and I am pleased to see you here. This is a moment that without my dearest friend Mr. Rawlins, I doubt we would have seen." The Director-General's expression was devoid of any emotion and likely wasn't exactly the reaction President Kynes would have expected. There were deep and visible divides and the President of Loduman had been in a unique position over the years to see these subtle yet very real splinter-groups within the F.R.P. Director-General Rothchild bowed respectively to President Kynes while extending his arm to the rostrum. "The floor is yours. Don't fret too much, Terra's eyes may be upon us today but, you are in good company and have nothing to worry yourself over. If it helps-just keep your eyesight between the lights of the balcony." The Director-General let a smile creep across his stoic visage.

As President Kynes took to the rostrum Director-General Rothchild and all assembled continued their thunderous applause. The entire Directorate six-hundred men and women at their feet applauding was indeed quite a sight. Even the Director-General cracked a smile as he thought to himself how he'd never managed to get this sort of welcome.
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby Darvian » Tue Apr 07, 2009 8:36 am

OOC: The following was originally typed and posted by Mr. Yankee's/The Liberal Party of Lodamun:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank Director-General Rothchild and Foreign Affairs Minister Rawlins for their invitation, as well as the generosity and cooperation they have shown throughout this time.

Many have taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, Lodamun has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our world is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. The economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the world for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that Terra's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, Lodamun and Zardugal — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain powerful nations, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness

In reaffirming the greatness of our two nations, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and expanded our territories; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Kalvere City and Zaphograd.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw Lodamun and Zadugal as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nations on Terra. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began a decade ago. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of finding peace and prosperity across Terra.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do together as two nations with common interests and goals.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our systems cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what our countries have already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them— that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our governments are too big or too small, but whether they work — whether they help families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between people and their governments. And we can do this together.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that nations cannot prosper long when they favor only the prosperous. The success of our economies has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our predecesors, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, fought to assure the rule of law and the rights of man expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born in Kregon: know that Lodamun is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more and I am sure Zardugal is as well.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are nations of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this planet; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and aggression, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that our nations must play their role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on others— know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave men and women who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains all across the world. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in cementaries whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of our people upon which our nations rely. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every citizen, that we have duties to ourselves, our nations, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence— the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent city, and why a man who sixty years ago was farming in Kregon can stand up here today and speak to you, from the bottom of his heart.

Lodamun and Zardugal. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless Zardugal.
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby GreekIdiot » Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:00 pm

OOC: Just out of curiosity, what is the purpose of this forum? State visits?
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby JuliaAJA » Tue Apr 07, 2009 3:18 pm

OOC: And, how do you conduct a State Visit?
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby Opakidabar » Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:17 pm

Can we have a short press release on the visit? English is my third language, can not read through that much without pictures :(
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby JuliaAJA » Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:41 pm

Opakidabar wrote:Can we have a short press release on the visit? English is my third language, can not read through that much without pictures :(


It's my first language and I can't read all of that.
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby Mr.Yankees » Tue Apr 07, 2009 8:18 pm

Opakidabar wrote:Can we have a short press release on the visit? English is my third language, can not read through that much without pictures :(


Yeah, after we are done, we'll make a press release. There are still a few things to talk about in this state visit.

Jessaveryja wrote:OOC: And, how do you conduct a State Visit?


Basically, you invite a Head of State from another country, he/she accepts, and alas. You have a State visit.
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Re: Zardugal and Lodamun: Formal State Visit

Postby GreekIdiot » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:15 am

Mr.Yankees wrote:
Jessaveryja wrote:OOC: And, how do you conduct a State Visit?


Basically, you invite a Head of State from another country, he/she accepts, and alas. You have a State visit.


So it's just plain bickering and words with hidden meanings, like in RL? Sounds fun. :P
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