Kalistan

[colonelvesica]

Hutori Signs ODEN Treaty

[Doc]

Salgo Named to Return Kalistan to FOMAT IX
Kalistan seeks return of Crown it once Dominated
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 17, 4877


Suldanor based Salgo will go to FOMAT IX to represent Kalistan this coming year

More than 80 years after winning FOMAT V, making Kalistan the only nation to date to win FOMAT twice, Kalistan aims to return to the Contest. And this year, they have picked Suldanor based band Salgo to represent the nation. The four Piece hard rock Band was selected recently by a 12 judge panel who reviewed entries from more than 35 unsigned finalists from all across the Republic.

"We thought Salgo best represented Kalistan best," said panel spokesman Edward Quigley, who produces records for an independent Kaliburg label OK Discs. "I think their energy hints at a revival of Kalistani Rock Culture, and the fact that they are a mixed gender band really set them apart from their competition." Quigley went on to lavish praise on the Sulari music scene which has survived for decades despite lack of the national attention that they once enjoyed in Kalistan. "Suldanor always produces the best rockers, and though Kaliburg provides the biggest venues, Sulari has consistently maintained a vibrant scene which nurtures and promotes excellent artists and musiciains. They have for a very long time. Salgo has spent years in this scene."

Band Leader Janice Tarkington, who plays lead guitar and provides vocals said "It's such an honor to be selected, of course. I want to be humble, but hell with that. We have worked our ASSES off for like 20 years. It's about time someone decided to notice us!"

Fellow Guitarist Donna Howard, who cowrites and sings harmony with Tarkington was a bit more gracious: "In Suldanor, especially in Sulari, it's like everyone is born with a guitar. So the competition is so extreme and the talent level is so high for so many people, it could have been anyone, really. We're thrilled it is us, and hopefully, this gets us some national and international attention, even if we don't win the whole show, I mean, how many people do we get to play before? It's crazy!"

Drummer Eddie Howard, who is Donna Howard's older brother was asked what he thinks about winning the Kalistani competition to go to to FOMAT: "Well, I mean, the biggest show is still ahead of us, right? We haven't won anything yet." Bassist Franco del Valle agreed: "Yeah, its a lot of work between now and then."

Salgo has said they will perform the Song "It's Holy", which Tarkington said she and Howard wrote to contribute to a National Vinyl Album celebration day. "It's Holy pretty much rocks," said Tarkington, "But is more melodic than the song I wanted to do, ["68"] which we blew out like an amp last time we played it. But Donna was like 'Ohhh, Jan... why don't we do the one we did for the record thing? Its so much more...' Oh what was the word you used, Hon?"

On cue, Howard said with a big smile "... Accessible."

Hopefully the judges are looking for the more moderate approach to Salgo's rock sound.

[Doc]

SPoK Reorganizes in Kaliburg
Elects Student Leader Marguerite Beloit as new Party Leader
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 20, 4877


Marguerite Beloit, President of Polytechnic United Socialists named new Speaker of the Socialist Party

The Socialist Party of Kalistan, defunct for more than 80 years, has once more been revived, this time as an outgrowth of the Student Movement centered primarily in Kaliburg. The leader of the new Socialist movement is Marguerite Beloit, a great granddaughter of Canrillaise Immigrants who settled around Dulnerstaad at the beginning of the century. Beloit, a junior at Kaliburg Polytechnic Institute in the Capital studying wind energy generation, has recently been elected as Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan which was reorganized late this last spring.

"I am honored to take up the mantle of this ancient and foundational Party in Kalistan, the same party that welcomed my ancestors to this land and gave my family such opportunity for peace and prosperity," Beloit said as she accepted the office of Speaker of the Socialist Party. "I want to thank my comrades in the Polytechnic United for working with me to rebuild this needed political movement in Kalistan."

The new speaker, who is only 20 years old, has 6 years of organizing under her belt. Starting her first organizing work at the age of 14, Beloit worked with other youths her age to develop a canvassing club to get socialists nominated to and elected to non-partisan offices in the city of Kaliburg and in throughout the various districts. When her organization, "Young Socialists of Kaliburg" was just two years old, she opened her first satellite organizations in Sulari and Gendaris to begin campaigning on the Mainland. At the same time, she worked closely with the Growers' Unions in Kalistan to ensure that young workers got the same pay as their adult counterparts in the marijuana fields of the Dah, a move which raised her profile to District-wide fame. For four years, her organization was involved with campaign and independent political activity across the District, and eventually across the Republic, all the while training youth to follow in her footsteps and take over the organization when she left for University.

Over the last three years, as the head of the Polytechnic United Socialists, at Kaliburg Polytechnic, Beloit has split her time between academics and political activity on a more adult level. "We started to get the news about socialism out to the citizens on the wider scale, using social media and legacy media," said Beloit. " We had several fundraiser concerts in and around Kaliburg, and you know, while we were starting a new organization, we also had the infrastructure and more importantly, the experience to take the organization nationwide immediately. We got control of the college radio stations, filling hours and hours of air time with leftist music and announcements for the people, to tell them about the social services which are still in the Republic, and to talk about the history of socialism in the Republic. We got a lot of support from our older comrades who were slowly being reawakened, and we also welcomed our younger brothers and sisters as they came up and joined us in the universities."

Within a year, there were United Socialists' affiliates at all major universities in Ananto and across the mainland, with the exception of Vrassa, where the population tends to be more conservative and therefore has a weaker historical connection to Socialism. "Vrassa is a tough nut to crack," said Beloit, "But this is probably a Historical thing. We're gonna keep working on them."

Last April, the executive committees of the various United Socialist Organizations met in general convention with the guiding question: "What's next?" A nearly unanimous convention agreed to reform the Socialist Party of Kalistan, elect a Party Leadership and begin to contest National Elections across the Republic. "The Party Headquarters in downtown Kaliburg, the building which has stood in its current location since being rebuilt after Indrala invaded 1200 years ago, was still in service, as a local union headquarters. Most of the building has been closed up for almost 80 years. The Union, Food Workers Local 1885 in downtown Kaliburg returned the building's keys to us with a little ceremony," said Beloit, who commended their stewardship of the Party's Assets. "We have of course invited the Local to remain in place in their current offices as long as they desire to stay."

During the Convention, Beloit, who was now extremely well known among the Socialists of Kalistan was acclaimed Party Speaker at the interim convention, and charged by the convention to getting Kalistanis elected to the National Assembly. If the Socialists are elected to a majority, Beloit could very easily become Head of Government, in a very short period of time, making her one of the youngest Premiers in the world, and in Kalistani History. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," said Beloit about her prospects to serve as Premier. "We are still a new Party, technically, and will have some advantages, but whether we will turn out a Majority is unknown. Let's see how we do."

Beloit has pledged to work with the ruling Kalistani Democrats to organize Kalistan after a prolonged period of ineffective Government. "The Democrats have begun introducing reforms already. Let's see how far they are willing to go."

For now, Beloit's Star is on the Rise. The Socialist Party welcomes Marguerite Beloit to Leadership of our revitalized Party, and look for many great things to come.

[Doc]

Salgo to release New Music ahead of FOMAT
Contest Exposure has drawn increased interest in the 4 Piece Sulari Band
Sulari Suldanor
December 12, 4877


Sulari Hard Rock Band album of New Music to drop ARC and all streaming services

Sulari based Artist Recording Collective (ARC) has inked a deal to release Kalistan's next big band, Salgo's new record, "Bomb Sides", a take on the standard B-Sides format of previously unreleased music that established artists often release several records into their career.

ARC spokesperson Lala Jones said "ARC is thrilled to be releasing Salgo's music. After they were named to represent Kalistan in FOMAT, the band was bumrushed by A&R execs who had not spent a lot of time with the band in the past. We had no idea what we are missing! But we are thrilled to say now that the band has done a new music album for ARC and we look forward to continuing to work with Salgo in the future, whatever happens at FOMAT!"

Salgo Frontwoman Janice Tarkington said, of the deal, "Haha, see, we've been putting out our own records on mix tapes at our shows for years. We record our shows on a two track, and we have a studio set up in Eddie [Howard, the band's drummer}'s basement where we produce stuff on a 4 track. So when we saw ARC's setup, we were like 'Minds BLOWN'... Know what I mean?"

Co-Singer Donna Howard said "And from a money standpoint, the company payed us outright for the product and we got a generous distribution and licensing deal on the back end. More money than we have ever had before, just for a record of songs we already had written and tested before countless audiences. Where is the downside?"

ARC has always had better relationships with the artists they have worked with than KMI, who were reportedly outbid by ARC, even though they offered Salgo less up front. "We wanted to stay with an Artist owned label," said Howard. All in all they gave us a better deal. Plus, they agreed to make their money on sales, but they are doing a subscription model with us, where fans pay what they think the record is worth, and get it for whatever they pay. It might mean less money for the company, but to us, it allows us to keep our integrity, and also enjoy some commercial success too."

ARC has provided IZQUIERDA with an early release of Bomb Sides to share with our readers.

Salgo travels to Argona Selucia this coming Summer to represent Kalistan in FOMAT IX.

Here's ARC's release of the Salgo Record, "Bomb Sides"

[Doc]

CQRK, CQRK

THIS IS RADIO KALIBURG, SELEYA'S ONLY ALTERNATIVE

(female voice)

YOU are listening to Radio Kaliburg.

(voice of Wanda Gutierrez)

Good evening, Comrades. This is Wanda Gutierrez. Um... I was elected to lead the media outreach team for the Socialist Party of Kalistan, representing the more than 41,000 voters who supported the Socialist, uh, Party in the last elections. So now I am the new Station Manager here at Radio Kaliburg, and also, a part time DJ, I guess too. At least for a little white.

A little about me... Um, Well, I'm a Sophomore at University of Odufaray in mass communications and with a minor in theater. And yeah, so when Comrade Beloit got control of the Party Headquarters last summer, they also told us that we also have a Radio Station in the Capital... Well, I guess it isn't the capital anymore. Because Lewis had it moved to Luxon... but yeah, still our capital. Anyway... We got a real quick class in Shortwave and FM broadcasting, and after some circuits blew out when we first fired up the transmitters, and we had to replace them, I guess we're operating on 100 Watts of power now, broadcasting all over Kaliburg at 89.1 FM. In the coming weeks, when we get our replacement parts in we will boost that signal up to a 10,000 watt transmission and will rebroadcast on AM for the entire Republic, and then also rebuild and, um... re... at... ten... uate the antenna, whatever that means and will broadcast across the world on Shortwave. But that's for the future.

Um. First I have a request: From Dave in Port Davon. He says, "I voted for the Socialists because really, I think these Democrats are trying to sell out the country." Dave notes that increase of sales tax on essentials while decreasing it on luxury items shifts the tax burden onto the poor in Kalistan. He asked me to dedicate a song by a really old band or something like that... called Prophets of Doom? This is some MOLDY oldies. Anyway, he wants to dedicate this song to the leader of the Democratic Party here in Kalistan. Its called "Hail To the Chief"... Alright... play it... (mic cuts)

(voice of Wanda Gutierrez)

Whoa... that's some serious music... They used to make music like this in Kalistan?

Wow.

Alright. Time for some announcements.

The Socialist Party is beginning to reorganize the militia here in Kaliburg. Anyone who is interested in joining the militia should go to Revolution Mall in Downtown Kaliburg. The Party said there would be free pizza there for all attendees, and they wanted to be clear: Everyone is welcomed, if you are a man or a woman or if you can run a mile or you're crippled... You're welcome there and the Party can find a job for you. In the Militia

Next up- We are organizing a Voter registration drive starting monthly here in the Capital and all across the nation. Did you know that only 6 out of every 10 voters cast a vote in the last election? I know, right? So if you ever want to see socialism in Kalistan, you all need to get out there and vote and it starts by registering. Organizers from the Socialist Party will be on hand to help you sign up and to get your contact information.

Next announcement: Comrade Marguerite Beloit, Speaker of the Socialist Party Will be delivering a speech denouncing the constitutional changes that are going on in this country. This speech will be held on the grounds of Kaliburg Polytechnic Institute, and then Comrades will march over to Kaliburg Republican University and have a rally. The Speech begins at one on Saturday, and the march steps off promptly at 2pm.

Finally, there will be a petition drive to get ODEN to begin sponsoring GanJams again. The people of Kalistan just LOVE their music festivals and their weed. I should know... But anyway, to kick the petition drive off, the SP would like to get more than 100,000 signatures on a petition in one month! Think we can do it? I think we can. To kick off the petition drive, the Party will be having a smokedown on Capital Springs. We'll have food, good herb donated by your friend in the SP, and some music events. Plus, of course, a petition for you to sign. The Party is looking for volunteers to help with that event so if you know anyone who wants to smoke reefer and circulate some petitions, go ahead and volunteer them for this petition drive. Ha ha, Just kidding. I mean yourself. The Smokedown will be held on March 3, which is a Saturday.

And those are your Announcements from Radio Kaliburg. Now for some more music.

The fans asked for it, and so we'll play it. Its a song by our friends in Salgo, who have recently been named to the FOMAT contest in Selucia this summer! Yay! I really like this band, and I am so glad they are releasing new music and representing our country. Here's the song they DIDN'T submit to the Concert, this one's called... 68. Here on Radio Kaliburg.

(voice of Wanda Gutierrez)

... I mean, yeah, he really sucks... Yeah, I can't believe they won, for real... Man, what a terrible Presid... Oh... We're back...

Hey... Uh.... This hour of programming on Radio Kaliburg is brought to you by your friends at ODEN. ODEN, the finest National Product since 2382, ODEN ensures that each J you smoke, each tab you drop, each cap you eat, will be of the highest quality, guaranteed everytime. ODEN showcases the finest drugs on the planet, both domestics and imports, for all of your recreational, spiritual and medicinal needs. You can't go wrong with ODEN. The Best since 2382.

Hey, we're gonna get out of here for tonight, and hand the mic to Jay Wild, who is gonna take your through the evening. Someone just told me that I was like the first voice on Radio Kaliburg in like 4 Generations. So I mean, that's pretty awesome, right? Before I leave, there is one more thing I gotta announce: First of all, like I know the elections were a real disappointment. Think of all the work that the kids and the candidates did to get on the ballots, and even then it wasn't enough. But we're just getting started folks. We may have to wait until the next 6 years, but think of where we will be by then! They're letting Comrade Beloit propose bills, and we're finally getting these guys on record as supporting some really wicked stuff besides. Plus, the Democrats are showing their true colors, and the strategy is two fold, you know?

So hang in there, guys. In six years, the oldest Comrades in the Socialist Movement will be in their mid 20s. We are a youth movement in Kalistan right now, and just remember: Every day that goes by there are more of us and less of them.

Alright. I'mma peace out til tomorrow, and I'll be back with a full show and lots of great music. And before Jay takes my place here in the booth, Let's just spin one track, dedicated from me to The Current gang of Democrats who have fled the capital and are probably meeting in a conference room at the Hall of Fame down there in Luxon, because there isn't any adequate meeting space for the operation of a National Assembly. This one is by the Kaliburg Punk Band called Time Smites Old Losers. Called "Abolish Government". And just remember: The Socialist Party of Kalistan is the Silenced Majority. The Democrats just need to recognize that fact!

You're listening to Radio Kaliburg! I'm your girl Wanda Gutierrez. See you tomorrow, Ladies and Ladies!

(Jay Wild continues the show from here...)

[Doc]

Beloit Addresses Republic at Rally in Kaliburg
Socialists "Ascendant" says Party Speaker
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 12, 4878


Speaker Marguerite Beloit assesses Party's Potentials in local elections

"We have six years!" said Speaker of the Socialist Party Marguerite Beloit to a rally of more than a thousand Socialist Activists who assembled in front of the shuttered National Assembly last week. "If we can't earn some seats by then and make a serious run at a majority, then we really have no business in politics."

The Speaker outlined her Party's strategy for electoral success. "We are gonna be relentless in the legislature, we are going to get them on record opposing socially progressive legislation, legislation which will help the working people of this nation. We might not have the votes to pass those bills ourselves, but the people need to see the KDP as obstacles to meaningful changes in this country, and at best incrementalists who will give 5 with one hand and take 7 with the other."

The Speaker was particularly critical of recent changes in certain elements of the Constitution. "We have recently seen the Democrats move the capital to Luxon. Luxon of all places. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Luxon. It is a beautiful little town. But can you imagine the imposition that hosting the government in this town even for the two and half years that is will probably be there for will place upon the people of that town? A town which is more suited to vacationing and tourism than it is to the Administration of this Republic? A town which is more suited for hosting concerts than it is to host the Bureaucracy of the Republic?" She also laid into the Democrats for retain the title of "Emperor and Shahanshah" for the Head of State and the abolition of the office of Head of Government. "And now, it appears that they will pass a law criminalizing Blasphemy in the Republic. Against WHAT?"

The Speaker turned then to a discussion of Socialist Priorities. "Our task is to build a new Socialist Movement, one that draws heavily from our deep historical roots in the Republic, and rebuilds the important bridges with our friends among the Brethren in Kalistan. We need also to show the people that the Socialist Party can govern. We will rebuild the Food Bank, and we will work closely with the Unions, and the Growers cooperatives, to help with organization efforts. We will also work on voter engagement throughout the Republic and work with actors and musicians to continue to work on a Kalistani Cultural Renaissance. The Socialist Party has a long history of working with these groups and building bridges between them." Beloit finished by announcing the Socialist Party's Ascendancy in Kalistani Politics and the ultimate aim to replace the KDP once more as the dominant force in Kalistan.

The rally closed with a short concert by Kaliburg shoegaze band Helper, who performed a set of five songs from their new album "Poorly Painted Morons." Helper ended their set by calling on the audience to go out and begin voter outreach, with petitions, voter registration drives and propaganda efforts across the Republic

[Doc]

The New Face of Kalistani RF
Retro-Futurism Gets a shot in the Arm by two major releases this month from KMI
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 22, 4878


Christina Shakespeare, Greatgranddaughter of Kalistani Pop Legend Madysin
Shakespeare releases RF record Wrapped Around You this month

The RF scene in Kalistan has had its ups and downs in past decades. Mostly down, as it is has been overlooked for years by the more pop sounds of Kalistani popular music and the harder edges of Alternative Rock which prevail on Kalistani radio. But all along the RF scene has held on in major night spots like "The Tankard" and "Cybernetixxx" in Kaliburg, and a scattering of other clubs throughout the Republic.

Then late in August, KMI released two separate RF records, both which have the potential of seriously reigniting interest in the RF scene and genre. For those who are not familiar, RF is a 400 year old music subgenre which developed mainly around Kaliburg and came from a broader electronic family. It featured a technology based motif as a topic of the music, as well as discussion about alternate futures and things dealing with outer space. Men in the scene frequently dressed as either robots or intergalactic space travelers, while the women in the scene tended to be scantily clad in clubs, and highly sexualized in their lyrics and music videos. The scene was much more about the experience of going to the club and seeing wild people than the music itself, which was frequently heavy electronic dance beats and almost entirely synthesized instrumentation.

The record industry long abandoned RF as a commercially viable music style, but this month's back to back release of Christina Shakespeare's debut LP Wrapped Around You and a name more often known for rap, Tonya X's fifth studio Album Baddest B---ches, both on KMI, boldly announces RF's return to the airwaves and the record charts in Kalistan.

Both records have, in the two weeks since their back to back release, enjoyed tremendous success in terms of sales, and heavy rotation on the biggest radio stations across the Republic. Critics have called Shakespeare's lyrics "x-rated" and "smut" and a few record stores have pulled the record following protest from parents groups in Vrassa. But the controversy has simply fueled online sales of the Record, which enjoyed the highest sales for a first week release of any record released within the last 45 years. Similarly Tonya X has gotten into controversy with two separate cuts of her video being deemed too suggestive for broadcast until after midnight in both Vrassa and Odufaray.

"I mean, why did Shakespeare have to do that?" demanded Edward Fullerton, of Vrassa City. "I bet her Grandmother would be rolling over in her grave right now! Nothing but filth! I don't want my kids listening to that!"


Tonya X, the veteran MC known more for braggadocio on the mic, switches
up her style to "Music Made for Space Strippers" on her new KMI LP release of Baddest B--ches

The artists have taken the criticism in stride. Tonya X was asked what she thought about the controversy around her video. "I mean: If you're offended by me showing skin in my videos, you know, those videos aren't for you, you know? I have heard nothing but positivity from the kids in the clubs. And you know, if people are making babies with my music playing in the background, so much the better!"

Separately, Shakespeare said "Yeah, those people are all virgins. I'm just talking about something everyone does... I am talking about how we all got here and what we're gonna be doing later on. Its biology." When she was asked about the explicitly pro-autoerotic song "0101 Love" she answered simply "It's digital. What the problem? Look: 95 percent of all people do it and the other 5 percent are lying."

What is for certain is that these two records have sparked a renewed interest in the RF scene and style of music, especially among the Youth. On the normally busy Friday night at The Tankard, for example, the Door reported more than twice its normal receipts, and Cybernetixxx had to postpone their monthly drag show so that they could cater to a crowd clamoring for RF. "Well, its great!" said Tankard Owner John Thompson. "I'm selling more booze in one night than I sold all week before these records drop. We're having to buy all our old RF inventory again, but the new stuff also gets played right in there too. You can really tell the difference between the sounds of the old and the new RF, usually because the newer stuff we are hearing and especially on Shakespeare's new track, draws on WAY older trends and does them with synthesizers and drum machines."

Thompson also noted that clients are wearing fewer clothes than they were even a month ago to the Club. "Yeah, definitely more body paint though, and the guys, they must have had a sale at the sequin store and all these guys went and bought out their inventory."

With the phenomenal reception of these two new albums, it appears that RF has a second life in Kalistan, and if a new movement kicks off around RF in the Republic, Shakespeare and Tonya X will be included in the list of RF greats like Kelli Minelli, Louisie Sue and Dave, and Devon and Waterfall.

[Doc]

Kalistan in Ferment
Youth abandons Ruling Kalistani Democrats enmasse
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 1, 4879


Thousands of Students gather at Revolution Plaza to hear Socialist Speakers Present Vision for the Future at December's "Party Party"

The Youth are abandoning the Democratic Party as a new spark of interest in Socialist Politics rises on the ruling Party's Left. At recent events in the once and apparently future capital of the Republic, and the center of Kalistani finance, culture and political authority, Socialists have attracted the attention of the thousands of Youth in the region to political events which feature music, drugs, and food. Recently, bands and artists have begun working with the Socialist Party to attract crowds and these political and cultural events appear to be spreading to other cities in the Republic.

"We've had successful rallies, I think we can call them more like Parties than anything else, across Ananto, Suldanor and Neveras, all historically SP strongholds and have even hosted a few events in Odufaray and Vrassa City, though we find support for the Democrats to be a little stronger there and support for the SP to be a bit more reserved," said Party Speaker Marguerite Beloit, who recently hosted four Party Parties in two weeks across the Republic. "The goal of course is to mobilize, to train leaders and organizers and to identify candidates to run against these Democrats."

Beloit explained that in the couple months running up to the previous snap elections, the weakness of the Party's candidate bench was largely the reason that her Party had such a dismal night at the polls. "It's one thing to get people excited about voting, and its quite another to give them someone to get excited about voting for. We won't make that mistake again. We have commitments right now from individuals to run in more than 75% of all member-districts across the Republic, and we are at 100 percent in Ananto and Neveras. We will have years to train these folks and to preview our Party's agenda to the public and I think when the next election rolls around in 84, we'll come in big."

The Party Parties have also started attracting attention from major musicians in the Republic. Recent bands to play at a Party Party have included alternative acts like Alternica from Suldanor and Ghost in Shades from Neveras. These music events have complimented the political speeches on offer during breaks, and bands have written pro-socialist music specifically for the occasion. Members of various bands and recording artists have also been spotted in the crowd on a number of occasions, including RF artist Tonya X, who is said to really enjoy the events and the opportunities to partake in the National Product with friends and fans alike. Said Tonya X: "Here, I'm not just a RF club diva. I'm also a voter and citizen too, and I think it is important to show up and be counted among those who want to see a change in our Government."

The collapse of support among the youth of Kalistan for the Kalistani Democrats accompanies some bizarre and questionable legislative proposals which have been passed entirely over any objection by the KDP. The Government continues to maintain the titles "Shahanshah" and "Wazīr-ē-Āzam" for the names of President of the Republic and Premier of the Republic respectively, despite those terms having no historical or cultural basis in Kalistan. The Moving of the capital was entirely unprecedented, as was the desire of the Democrats to enter Kalistan into several collective security agreements, despite our country's stated and long standing neutrality policy. A number of other policies have been upheld by the Government regarding the replacement of the Dual Economy by a system of social democracy with heavy means testing, ensuring that working and middle classes are left out of the prosperity of Kalistan.

In all, the Socialist Party has said that enough is enough, and has pledged to overturn most of this legislation as soon as it gets the opportunity. Meanwhile, Kalistani Socialists are building parallel organizations across the Republic, including those involved with provision of need in accord with the tenets of Ethical Socialism, which are open to all regardless of income or means. The success of the Party Parties have helped fund many of these organizations: Each Party solicits donations from attendees, the money which goes to supply the nascent Food Bank and Job Corps with funds. "When we are seated in Government, we will push for reauthorization of these institution on a national scale, but right now, we are are beginning to do it ourselves," said Beloit. The Food Bank provides fresh food for consumers free of cost to the consumer, and all food is purchased directly from independent farmers across the Republic. So far, more than 100,000 meals have been served, according to the SP's records. The Job Corps provides out of work Kalistanis job training, resume and interview skills training, and technical training for enrollees, as well as recommendations and placement services. "I've had more luck getting a good job after three months in the Corps than I did in two years of actually working," said Jim Eisenberg, who was just accepted as a plumber's apprentice after three months in the Job Corps.

As Kalistani institutions continue to slide into disrepair out of neglect and incompetence, and as global challenges begin to rise once more beyond Kalistan's boarders, the Socialists are positioning themselves well to begin to reap some of the political benefits of this ferment. Only time and elections will tell whether their strategy will pay off in seats in the National Assembly, but meanwhile, the Socialists are showing that they CAN lead, whether inside or outside of the Government. And leadership is what is desperately needed in Kalistan are this moment.

[jamescfm]

Seleyan leaders finalise new continental organisation in Ramsāhreza

[Doc]

Drama in Luxon! KDP Government Liquidates Itself
New Elections called for August as SPoK scrambles to form Interim Government
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 13, 4879


Socialist Party Leader Marguerite Beloit finds herself tasked with organizing Elections in Kalistan following the sudden collapse of LDP Administration

In January, we reported on the abandonment of the KDP by Kalistani Youth, which brooked well for Kalistani General Elections in four and half years from now. But since then, a dramatic shift in the balance of power has occurred which greatly compresses and accelerates that time schedule. Following a series of controversial bills which aim at moving Kalistan into a number of collective security agreements, as well as other inexplicable acts of legislation such as the moving of the Capital to Luxon and the abolition of the office of Prime Minister under a consolidated Head of State which has taken recently to referring to itself as "Shahanshah", other key groups which previously supported the KDP have begun defecting as well.

It started in April with the Government floating a bill establishing the "Royal Airlines". This apparently was a step too far for the business community who, represented by a group of 18 industrialists called the "National Group" began calling on the Government to resign. Spokeswoman Angela Talmadge, who represented AeroKal in the group issued a statement at the time: "These moves to consolidate power under a monarch-apparent directly threaten the interests of our businesses. A number of privately held sporting facilities closely associated with KDP financial interests are also troubling, as they spark of favoritism and create an uneven playing field between the Government's Favorite corporations and everyone else."

The Group approached the Socialist Party with their concerns, asking them to do something about the overreach of the KDP's single Party rule, and Party Speaker Marguerite Beloit, who listened to the industrialists' concerns calmly handed the representatives a copy of the Legislative Journal, showing the hours spent debating the KDP's unilateral actions. "I then calmly informed them that when the SP returns to power, we fully intend to restore the Dual Economy," said Beloit following the meeting. "We have the meeting recorded, and I will enter it into the public record once it has been transcribed by Assembly clerks."

At their June Meeting, the National Group weighed their options. "We could either begin conspiring with elements in the society that, for one reason or another, had an axe to grind, wait for the next election while withholding our support, or move to openly support the Socialist Party's efforts to building a new Opposition and take our chances with Nationalization," said Talmadge. "We chose the third option, given Kalistan's long success with the Dual Economy, and the general prosperity we have historically enjoyed under Socialist Governments." The Group was not unanimous in support for the Socialists: A quarter of those present wanted to follow the first option and build resistance to the Government rather than work with the Socialists. The Party was informed of the decision of the Business and Industry, as was the KDP in early June.

The next group to switch was the Military. "The KDP is moving us into this hostile posture toward the rest of the world," said normally taciturn General William Gordon, who is the appointed spokesman for the Kalistai Regular Force, "promising espionage against other countries and allowing the unfettered use of land mines. Additionally, they are involving us in collective security, which forces Kalistan to become in conflicts which are not of our making and which are not our business, or violate terms of the Treaty. The Socialist Party has consistently spoken up in favor of the Military since its re-inception, and though our Members are supposed to remain outside of Politics, we know, to the man, who has our best interests at heart." The Chiefs of the various services informed the KDP that their bellicose actions were no longer supported by the Military, and that if various laws were ever to be enacted and enforced, the Government would likely face a mutiny and a rebellion.

"Morale is pretty low, as is our troop strength" said Gordon, "and it is our hope that the SP can get the Regular Force back on the right track."

Combined with near complete support from Students and the Culture and Media establishments, and combined with deep support among the Brethren, who have passed several minutes over the last year and a half condemning the forays of the Government into Religious affairs, like encouraging foreign missionaries and criminalizing blasphemy, the last major group of Kalistan to switch support was Labor. Across Kalistan, the Socialists have done significant outreach to organized labor, concluding deals with independent growers unions, both of commodities and staples, as well as of cash crops.

These efforts have been extended in the last half a year to the Mainland as Farmers and Labor unions across Suldanor, Neveras and parts of Odufaray have openly joined the Socialist Party. Hector Gomez, of the Suldanor Rice Association said "We were actually visited by young socialists who met with us one day and asked us two questions: "What do the Rice Growers need from Government, and What can the Socialist Party do for you?' Those are two questions that the Government of Kalistan has never, at least in my lifetime, asked me. They also said that a number of young socialists were planning on going into rice cultivation, and asked if they could apprentice with us for a season so they could understand the things we have to deal with. How is that for you?! These young political kids getting to know us and find out what our lives are about rather than just assuming that since they have some degree they automatically know what I need and want! I've never seen anything like it!"

Similar stories were reported from Miners' locals in Neveras. Jill Calaveras, Shop Steward for Hard Rock Miners Local 87 in High Bong said "We had socialists come out here and volunteer to observe and do labor with us for three months. For no pay! At first we thought they were nuts, but we agreed to host them in our home, and they worked their asses off in the mines. They were fearless, and at the end, they asked us how we think that the life of the miner can be improved by the Socialist Party, if they were ever to get seats in Government. We told them that when they get elected, they should come back and talk to us and let us have a role in decision making too. Three months is a long time to work for nothing, but I think they were sent out here to learn about life outside of the University. Unlike anything the KDP ever did."

Labor joined the other sectors earlier this month, and apparently, this final defection was the last straw for the KDP. The Party resigned enmasse after adjourning indefinitely and have not been seen publicly for several weeks now. Reports that the now-resigned President has returned to his home, and the 750 members of the Legislature have returned to their districts have been supported by anecdotal evidence, but so far, no news paper has gotten any comments on the record regarding the dissolution of the Party.

The sudden Government crisis now looms for Kalistan. With no Government, the Socialist Party's slates have been called to Kaliburg to convene an emergency special session needed to simply hold elections. The Speaker of the Party was hastily named Speaker of the Assembly, though not Prime Minister. The Office of Speaker will serve as Head of Government until such time as a fully compliment of Deputies can be duly elected by the People of Kalistan in August 1 National Elections. The dissolution of the KDP also means that ballots will only be printed with SPoK and the Saira Party's candidates on it, though only the SP will be fielding a national Slate.

Beloit has not issued public comment on the situation she suddenly finds herself in. Nearly 22, Beloit is one of the youngest Politicians to become head of Government in Kalistan, and the task of reforming the Government as a result of such anarchy is difficult for even seasoned veterans. The only public statement that Beloit has made since news of the liquidation of the KDP is to call for Calm across the Republic and ensure the people that elections would be held on August 1st the sat a new Government. Repeated attempts to obtain an interview have been thwarted by the young Speaker's staff who have promised journalists a press conference after the elections. For the moment, the SP enjoys massive goodwill across the society, and reports of violence and disorder have been extremely rare.

The one notable exception was the burning of an effigy of now resigned President Richard Lewis, with a placard that read "Sic Semper Tyrannis" hung around the mannequin's neck. Police cooperated with the demonstration's spokespeople, and the effigy burning was permitted to continue until the leaders of the Demonstration extinguished the remnants of the fire. No arrests were made, and most demonstrations carried on the Party Party vibe which has intensified throughout the Spring.

If this is a revolution, it is the most gentle revolution ever. But Socialist Party Leaders are careful to not refer to it as a revolution. "I think it is more of a plebiscite," said Veronica Alverez of Eshar, who has spent the better part of the last year and a half building her Party's local organization and will likely represent Eshar following the August General Elections. "We have so much support from across the Republic and where are the people we are supposed to be against? They are nowhere to be seen!"

The Interim has issued a general amnesty for all convicts in Kalistan to begin after the new Assembly has been seated and ratifies the move, and along the same lines, KDP has been officially "welcomed back" to Government, provided they should ever reform. But they will be meeting in Kaliburg, and not Luxon, if and when they return.