Retirement Tour of Sir Tobias Clarke

[matty.berry]

Sir Tobias Clarke, Revered, and Dr
President of the Congress for Liberty
Former Presdient of Solentia
Former Foreign Minister of Dranland

POSTING ON THIS THREAD IS FOR PARTIES AND NATIONS INVOLVED IN THESE EVENTS - THANK YOU

Tobias Clarke announced his retirment from Terran Politics. As such he is to embark of a farewell tour of Terran nations. If you would like him to attend an event in your nation please contact the Liberal Party in Solentia (http://classic.particracy.net/viewparty ... tyid=17249)

Confirmed locations on the tour:

Federation of Zardugal - Sir Clarke has been invited to address the Congress. There will also be a state dinner and a rally in the middle of Belgae City to celebrate the principles of freedom and liberty

Keizerlijke Confederatie van Vanuku - There will be a meeting with His Imperial Majesty Laurens IV, Emperor of Vanuku and Imperial Viceroy Duchess Sophie van der Spang

Supreme Imperial Republic of Keymon - There will be a trip to the Resistance Monument in Royal Hillbrough and a meeting with Supreme President Greene and Cornelius Royaliwith, Former Chairman of the Imperial National Party

Kingdom of Dranland - There will be formal festivity to honor Sir Tobias Clarke for his merits to Dranish-Solentian friendship, his service to the Dranish people as foreign minister and his leading role in the successful cooperation of the GNP and the Liberals, he will meet leading proponents of the GNP including former PM Jennifer Howard, under who he served as foreign minister, former Lord Chancellors Harold de Burgh and Charlene Goodwill as well as former deputy CfL President Alina Delarosa. The event will take place at The luxurious Palm Beach Hotel at the beachfront of Iglesia Mayor, where Mr Clarke and Mrs Howard used to coordinate their cooperation. Sir Clarke would also like to meet leaders of Unity and PAC parties.

Biography
Clarke formed the Liberal Party in 3292. The group is a diverse collective organisation of many political creeds: libertarians, socialists, social liberals, and economic liberals are all represented among the ranks. Support for the Party grew quickly among key social groups: the educated middle class, intellectuals, bohemian types, students, trade unionists, media and film celebrities, immigrants, even ‘artsy’ type hippies. Especially in the Clarkes home state of Fuwan, where membership was said to be doubling every week in the early years. The party was held together by an almost evangelical belief in personal freedoms and liberty. Over the years other party policies have developed but this corner stone has always remained in place and unshaken.

In 3294 the party contested its first general election and the establishment was shaken with the Liberals winning 20% of seats in the Senate and becoming the second biggest party. Later that same year Tobias Clarke became Senate Warden under the Unionist Presidency. Three years after, the Liberals place at the heart of Solentian politics was cemented as the party became the largest party in Senate, and narrowly lost the Presidency in the second round. During this time the party introduced a series of successful liberalising measures in the areas of freedom of speech and expression, drugs, alcohol, smoking, pornography, the media, and the protection of private property.
3300 saw the party make another breakthrough when Clarke was elected as the first Liberal President of Solentia. With the backing of the Democratic Republican party he secured over 60% of the second round vote. Clarke’s daughter Madeleine, who at age 29 had already served several years in cabinet was rewarded for her impeccable campaigning skills and became Senate Warden. Where Clarke had the vision and the ideology, Madeleine had the natural ability to communicate and connect with people, plus the determination to face down challenges and implement policy (n.b. although she never won the office of the Presidency she goes done in history as one of the most influential female politicians in the nation, serving a massive 12 years as Senate Warden, and towards the end of her domestic career combined the role with Foreign Minister in an unprecedented move). The two proved to be a formidable team and in a stroke of political genius secured a formal deal with the DRP. This ‘coalition’ became the dominant force in national politics for more than a decade, with only a minor spat on one occasion. During this time the liberal reforms already achieved were further consolidated. Not withstanding the odd temporary setback this ‘liberal settlement’ has become a defining aspect of Solentian culture every since and is infrequently challenged to this day.

The next few years saw conflict and posturing with the 2406 and Unionist Parties. Their attempt to form a Monarchy by stealth was the main cause of dispute. Following this time 2406 and the UP politicians claimed illegal titles for themselves and attempted to frustrate reform on every possible occasion. They refused to co-operate with the government, even acting clearly against national interest at times and forcing several needless elections in the vain hope of defeating Clarke.

Durring this time of domestic squabbling, Clarke, ever the statesman, looked to bring the nation to the forefront of Terran politics. 3305 saw the nation host an International Art Festival. Artists from Mordusia and Dranland, as well as Solentia exhibited work across all the nations’ states. Terra came. Some of the work was loved, some of it hated, but Solentia was at last on the world stage. While the Kansars and Unionists continued to bicker Clarke was representing the nation on overseas trips and speaking at Conferences around Terra. A state banquet followed in 3307 with several overseas dignitaries in attendance.

In 3310 after 10 years as President and 16 years at the top of government, Clarke announced that he was ready to step aside to support the Presidential bit of the DRP. Clarke had always been adamant throughout his career that he would not be beaten in an election. Hence in December of the following year with great dignity he left office in Solentia, and power in Solentia.

After a rest and a few years focusing on his family Clarke spectacularly returned to the forefront of politics. This time not in Solentia, but in the Kingdom of Dranland, serving as Foreign Minister in the government of Jennefer Howard (GNP). His appointment came as a surprise both in Dranland, Solentia and across Terra. The GNP had courage to face down those who criticised the appointment and pointed out his impeccable experience at the top of international politics for a decade or more.

Clarke’s time in Dranland was well spent. The following year he formed the Congress for Liberty. The concept was a Party Organisation focused on the spreading of freedom and democracy throughout Terra. Clarke became President of the CfL and within just 15 years it became one of the largest and certainly most influential groups in Terra. The organisation has not been without its critics. Again the Kansars who fled Solentia in order to cease the Throne of the Kingdom of Telemon spoke out in criticism of Clarke. With great dignity Clarke has led the CfL in the face of such insults. Now at over 90 years of age he is ready to step aside and hand over the leadership to the next generation.

While Clarke may fade from the world stage – it is inconceivable that ‘clarkism’ – the doctrine of spreading freedom and democracy will fade, on the contrary the philosophy seems to be gaining ground with every single day, party by party, nation by nation.

[matty.berry]

Sir Tobias Clarke Addresses the Zardugal Congress
June 3336

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Congress men and women of Zardugal,

It is for me a pleasure to visit your great nation, and I consider it one of the highest honours of my international political career to address this great assembly of democracy. Within these walls centuries of debate have taken place. In politics there will be passionate disagreement, were this not the case so called democracy would be dead.

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I want to offer thanks to the people of this nation. You know what it is to suffer because of your principles... You know what it means not to stay silent in the face of oppression and violence... You know how sometimes sacrifice for freedoms sake is not without cost... You have paid that cost, and Terra is a better place for nations such as yours, nations who stand up for truth and justice.

Friends, the freedom that you enjoy today is precious and should not be taken for granted. I encourage you to be jealous for it and protect it. The sacrifices you have made are too costly to ever turn away from freedom.

I would remind you, that true democracy is not the right of the majority to rule as they will. True democracy is the right of minorities to live as they will in peace with the majority - friends, there is a world of difference. Remember that you are never really free while ever your neighbour is persecuted.

As I close today I would like to thanks the leadership of the NDP, specifically Eugene McKeon, who for the past 10 years has served the Congress for Liberty as General Secretary. Without his determination, skilful diplomacy and eloquence, the CfL would not be the leading international organisation within Terra that is today.

It is a joy to me that both political traditions represented here are committed members of the CfL. As a Solentian I say to you today that our nations have shared values and purpose, and I hope that co-operation between our governments and peoples will go from strength to strength.

Finally as I take a step back from the international stage my hope is that national governments all over Terra will begin to work together to spread freedom and liberty to every nation and every people. Thank you for sharing my journey this far... We still have a long way to go.

[EEL123]

Prime Minister Michael Dowdy replies to the address by the former Solentian President, Sir Tobias Clarke:

President Clarke, President Sosa, Justices of the Supreme Court, Ministers of State, and members of Congress:

There can be no greater celebration of liberty in these hallowed halls than the presence of one of the greatest figures on international politics. There can be few greater honours than the privilege of hearing the wise cousel of Sir Tobias Clarke, the former President of Solentia, as he departs the political scene.

Sir, you are not merely a politician. You, in your many years of experience and service, have risen above the petty squabbles of politics to become one of the most instrumental figures in the fight for freedom and liberty. You have never given up on the cause of the oppressed and downtrodden across the world. Sir, you will be remebered for posterity as a great man, not merely a good leader but the torch-bearer of liberty across Terra. So, therefore, my fellow members of Congress, let us welcome President Clarke to our shores.

Applause

Together, Zardugal and Solentia have worked tirelessly for the emancipation of the unfree. We, the Zardic people, are immensely proud of our achievements in this area, but with the utmost humility, we must acknowledge that the achievements President Clarke has to his name are far more numerous and far greater than ours. Having little regard for selfish interests, he has dedicated his entire life to the fighting the good fight - leading the struggle for liberty.

President Clarke has worked to secure greater freedom for the citzens of Solentia, but not only that, he has worked to give more people more freedom to make this world a better place. To fulfil those ends, he founded the Congress for Liberty. Both political parties seated in this hall today are proud members of that organisation, because, in our different ways, we all know that value and meaning of liberty.

Liberty is something that we are familiar with. We must thank most heartily our forefathers for their wisdom in their recognition that it was a most fundamental right of all people that they could choose how they lived, that they could be who they were, and that they could choose their government. It was a sacrosanct truth then; it remains a sacrosanct truth now. Liberty will forever be something that all people - men, women or children, black or white, gay or straight, religious or atheist, working class or wealthy - are entitled to.

Yet, as President Clarke said, we cannot take it for granted. Many a great nation was brought down by complacency and apathy, when the people became unwilling to defend their liberty. Freedom is the highest ideal - it comes even before prosperity or security - for without freedom, the soul is crushed and the human being, with its emotions and thoughts and innate abilities, is turned into an empty husk, a mere appendage of the state.

We cannot, however, simply defend our liberty. When we look beyond our borders, beyond the blue seas, we see the tragic scenes of oppression repeated again, and again, and again. It is the responsibility of the free to give that freedom to the unfree. We must not be selfish; rather, we must be selfless. We have to be willing to stand up for liberty and make sacrifices so that the light of liberty shines bright from every corner of the globe. Freedom, the greatest right of Zardic citizens, is a right also for every citizen of Terra.

Spreading freedom was President Clarke's goal. He has made immense progress towards this ideal of a free world, but the quest is not complete. We must pursue this goal with the utmost concentration and devotion so that one day, we may be able to look from the tallest mountaintop and see the Promised Land. It will not be easy. It will not be simple. We must understand that. But it must be done.

We shall not back down against dictators. We shall not sacrifice our most valued principles and rights for a few trade agreements or non-aggression pacts. They may seem important, but are ultimately insignificant.

Victory can only be gained if the two parties in this hall reach across the aisle, unified in their dedication to the ideals of liberty. Not only that, we must learn from the actions of President Clarke. Only a true internationalist can bring emancipation to those that are shackled by cruel regimes around this world.

Just a decade ago, our former President, Wyatt Walker, who now serves on the Executive Council of the Congress for Liberty, spoke to the members of that noble organisation at its first international convention. He said these words:

The people of the free nations in this world hold up the flaming torch of freedom. It is our responsibility to bear that torch until the spirit of liberty reaches every corner of the globe. We cannot drop it; we cannot fail in our mission. With hopeful eyes, the oppressed of the world are looking across the sea, towards this assembly of the free and freedom-loving, and they are imploring us to come and extend a helping hand, so that they too may bear this bright torch of liberty for posterity.

Applause

Sir Tobias Clarke is a true friend of Zardugal, and a true icon of liberty. Sir, we are greatly saddened to hear that you are retiring. You will now hand over the torch of liberty to a new generation, who will ably bear it with pride and integrity. We mourn your departure, yet we look forward to the day that the world is free with hope and anticipation.

Sir, today, the government and people of Zardugal are immensely honoured with your visit. We would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank you for your special relationship with Zardugal, and your service to the cause of freedom. Therefore, I am delighted to present you with the highest civilian award in our nation, the Grand Star of the Federation, as a token of our friendship.

Applause

The Grand Star, the highest of the prestigious Federation Medals

[matty.berry]

Voice for Freedom Rally - Belgae City

Thousands of people gather to celebrate freedom...
Thousands of people gather to listen to an icon...
Thousands of people gather to stand again the oppressors...

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Sir Clarke addressed the crowds in the early evening...

Friends,

Thank you for standing with me today. I am truly moved by your support and the generosity of spirit that your nation has shown. I am only human like all of you... on my own I can accomplish very little, but together I declare that 'WE WILL CHANGE TERRA, FOREVER'

This is a generation who will not stand by and watch any longer. This is a generation who will take a stand against oppression, who declare that this is the time of freedom for those bound by the wicked. We are light, and the light we radiate is dispelling darkness. It is exposing darkness. There is a choice for all world leaders and for all Terran's - choose liberty, or accept oppression... the choice is yours. There will be consequences to either decision, but every people in every land have this decision to make. I know that we here make that decision tonight, for Zardugal and Solentia - WE CHOOSE FREEDOM!

Following Sir Clarkes passionate words a concert was given by the Solentian folk singer Zedde Blue...

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We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
We shall overcome someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.

The Lord will see us through, The Lord will see us through,
The Lord will see us through someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.

We're on to victory, We're on to victory,
We're on to victory someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We're on to victory someday.

We'll walk hand in hand, we'll walk hand in hand,
We'll walk hand in hand someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We'll walk hand in hand someday.

We are not afraid, we are not afraid,
We are not afraid today;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We are not afraid today.

The truth shall make us free, the truth shall make us free,
The truth shall make us free someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
The truth shall make us free someday.

We shall live in peace, we shall live in peace,
We shall live in peace someday;
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall live in peace someday.

The event ended with a firework display... ..

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Sir Clarkes plane left early the next morning after completing the opening leg of his retirement tour...

[EEL123]

Sir Tobias Clarke's rally in Belgae City was excellently received, with the news channels unanimously praising his speech, and of course, the concert afterwards. Official government estimates state that between 3.5 million and 5 million people attended the rally - a record in Zardugal - and millions more watched it on television.

President Karen Sosa and Prime Minister Michael Dowdy said farewell to Clarke as he boarded the plane and left Belgae International Airport, which will shortly be renamed 'Belgae Liberty International Airport' to celebrate the principles of freedom and liberty, and also to commemorate Clarke's visit.

On the night after Clarke left, Dowdy spoke on TV to the nation, saying that

This is really quite a bittersweet moment for all of us. With Clarke's retirment, the world has lost a great statesman, liberty has lost a great champion, Zardugal has lost a great friend. Clarke's contribution to freedom cannot, cannot - it can't be described in words. But I'm sure that if this new generation is willing to stand up for liberty - you know, the young people now are getting more and more passionate about politics and human rights and that sort of thing - my children, if not myself, my children will live in a better world, whether greater numbers of people are free. That was Clarke's dream; it's our dream as well. We will never give up on these noble ideals. We will always work hard to achieve them. Clarke is leaving politics now, and I think that we all owe him a lot. I hope the nation will join me in thanking him for what he's done, and wishing him all the best.

[Kubrick]

As the plane of mr. Clarke lands on the Wiel Airbase the Imperial Guard stands at attention. The five-hundred men salute Sir Tobias as he exits his plane, at the end of the red carpet stand the constitutional monarch and elected representative of the Imperial Confederation; His Imperial Majesty Laurens IV and Viceroy Sophie van der Spang. The Emperor greets Sir Tobias personally. "Welcome to Vanuku, Sirreh Clarke. We welcome you on behalf of the nation. This is the Viceroy of our humble nation, misses Van der Spang and we are Laurens IV, the Emperor of Vanuku." He smiles as they shake hands. "A vehicle stands ready, you can join us in my private chambers. We are sure you can tell us magnificent things. After that the broadcast system is ready for you to address the nation through television. The people shall know." The assistant of the Emperor bows and gestures to the vehicles standing ready.

[matty.berry]

Sir Clarke addresses the Vanuku people in a national television broadcast

Following his talks with His Imperial Majesty Laurens IV, and Viceroy Sophie van der Spang Sir Clarke made a national television broadcast. The talks were believed to cover many issues including civil liberties, spreading freedom throughout Terra, and building a stronger relationship between Vanuku and Solentia...

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People of Vanuku,

It has been my absolute pleasure to meet with his Imperial Majesty and Viceroy Miss Sohie van der Spang today. Our nations though close in geographical proximity have very different systems of government. Some believe that my organisation, the 'Congress for Liberty' is a front for republicanism. I state today that this is certainly not the case. The CfL is about safe guarding and promoting freedom and democracy - these values can thrive in a monarchy, or a republic. Likewise they can be threatened under either system. The CfL poses no threat to democracy loving, constitutional monarchies.

Today on behalf of the Solent an people and on behalf of Supreme President Greenmir I hold out a hand of friendship. Solentia and Vanuku have much to gain in working together. As we face a world in uncertain times it is good to know that our nation has a reliable friend in his Imperial Majesty. Be assured that Vanuku has a friend in Solentia. I hope that this meeting here today marks a new start in relations between our nations, a new era of friendship and co-operation.

I would urge you as a people to join me today in making a choice - freedom over oppression... Remember that you are only as free as your neighbour is. Friends of Vanuku, be brave and stand with me in the face of those who oppress.

[Sunny]

Supreme President of Keymon, Glenn Greene awaits Sir Tobias Clarke


Supreme President Greene

The Supreme President of Keymon is waiting for the arrival of great statesman Sir Tobias Clarke, who is coming to Keymon for his farewell-tour over terra. It is planned to visit the keymonite resistance monument in Royal Hillsborough, which was built in memorial of the resistance movement against the occupation of Likatonia at the turn of century.

[matty.berry]

Sir Tobias Clarke touches down in Royal Hillsborough, Keymon

As the plane of Sir Tobias Clarke touched down at Royal Hillsbough International Airport a hastily arranged press conference took place on the runway:

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Friends, it is a delight to be invited to your Republic today. Over the years I have worked with many politicians from Keymon, and I know that in your nation there is a spirit of freedom and democracy. These principles have been the guiding light throughout my long political life. I know the freedoms that you enjoy today were not always possible. I urge you to protect your freedom and do not surrender one jot of it.

You may have seen that my home nation of Solentia has faced challenges on the international stage. the threat of invasion and terror is one that you know about. All of those who love freedom should fight these threats together.

I look forwards to seeing more of your great nation and people.

Sir Clarke was then taken by aids to meet with Supreme President Greene.

[Sunny]

Supreme President Greene decided to visit the resistance monument in Royal Hillsborough together with his guest. Both are brought to the monument, where they are to meet with representatives from the Imperial National Party, which played a strong and major part in the resistance movement during the Likatonia-Crisis.


The Resistance Monument in Royal Hillsborough

Supreme President Glenn Greene speaks the first words, as they arrived:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Sir Tobias Clarke,

I am pleased and happy that you have decided to come to our island on your welfare tour and even more that we stand before this monument today. Sir Clarke is a great statesman, a man who stands for freedom and for Liberty like probably noone else on terra in this times.
And this monument stands for no less. For freedom and Sovereignity, for the will of Keymon to be free nation. Supreme Protector of Keymon and High Guard of Sovereignity and Freedom, Benny Fisher-Coleman established this building just a few decades ago and it reminds us that Liberty is the key value of our nation and for happiness of every individual. But our freedom was threatened often. Just at the turn of the century, Likatonia once again attacked our people in an aggressive act and tried to subjugate our proud nation. Many died and many lifes were put on risk.

It were fromer Supreme President Benny Fisher-Coleman and INP-chairman Robert Royaliwith who stood together in this dark times and build up a resistance movement knowing they would be killed when found. But they both did not care. Freedom and Liberty was their main goal and they put these values on top-priority. And this is what reminds me of our guest today. He tried to establish Freedom and Liberty on terra by peaceful means and it is his merit that we are making progress on this matter.

Sir Clarke, your merits will as well remain for all times, of that i am sure. And i am proud to have you here, at this special place. Thank you for coming and honoring us with your visit!