lesson a06 - enter.begin_operandi [video || day 107 early afternoon]

[histories]

[After having spent the last month or so doing research on her own, Keine's work has produced results sufficient for her to go on and introduce a governmental-esque system that she has decided would likely work, considering how people might end up disappearing in this city. She'll show up this midday on the feed, her amiable personality outstanding as ever.]

Good afternoon, fellow Travellers of Asgard, new and experienced. To those that might not recognize myself, I am Keine Kamishirasawa, a Healer from House Sigyn, and formerly a historian from Gensokyo's Hitozato, should you know of it.

I speak to each and every one of you today with a purpose, ladies and gentlemen. After my previous post about a month and a half ago, with my proposal for an election of representatives and leaders from amongst us. Now, for such a system to exist albeit the possibility of such elected representatives being sent home at any given time, research and other countermeasures would have to be drawn up to ensure that it would run smoothly. I have done just that, and have drafted up a system which will allow us to do just that.

[She brings up a large sheet of paper, roughly A2 in size, which details a fairly simple graph. (ignore the burnt paper effect; it's just me suddenly feeling... 'artistic' or autistic) Once that is done, she puts on a pair of reading glasses, and begins reading from a small group of papers that she holds with one hand, while pointing towards the chart with another.]

Essentially, this system would require members of each house to volunteer to take on the roles of up to three representatives for their own house. [she points at the top-most circle, with "Volunteers" written, then moves towards the one right below, which states "Candidates".] These volunteers would then be the candidates for these elections, which would be done by their own house members to decide upon who is to be the Head Representative of their House, [she goes on to move towards the Head Representative circle, followed by the respective next two circles.] the Head of Emergency Response for their house, and the Secretary for their house. Based on majority vote, the Head Representative will be elected, and he or she will select, be it from the available candidates, or other house members who would be willing to take on the respective jobs, his or her two colleagues who will take on the roles of Head of Emergency Response and House Secretary.

The Head Representative will largely focus on management of all resources of his or her own house, compile all reports from his or her two other colleagues, and make most critical decisions for his or her house. Additionally, the Head Representative will tie in with the other Head Representatives of the other houses in weekly meetings, or more often than that if necessary. There will also be a monthly meeting in which all three representatives from each House will sit in.

The Head of Emergency Response will focus on solely, as the name suggests, emergency response, and will have personnel with the appropriate abilities - such as Sigyn's healers, Thor's warriors, and Heimdall's power lenders - assigned to them from the other houses for this purpose. It is recommended that the Head of Emergency Response work closely with the Heads of Emergency Response from the other Houses, especially those where important personnel may come from. Should the Head Representative become absent or disappear entirely, the Head of Emergency Response is to fill in for the Head Representative immediately, with some help from the Head Representatives of the other houses. In such a case, the Secretary will in turn fill in for the unoccupied seat for Head of Emergency Response, with some help from the other Heads of Emergency Response. This arrangement will be as such unless the new Head Representative or a petition by his house members call for a re-election should a vote of no confidence come into play.

The Secretary deals with all other matters pertaining to his or her House. Should there be any complaints or matters along those lines, the Secretary and any of his or her delegates will be the ones to deal with them. In the case where the Head of Emergency Response becomes absent or disappear from the city entirely, the Secretary is to fill in for the Head of Emergency Response immediately, with some help from the other Heads of Emergency Response.

In any situation where a Representative, regardless of their position, is to be replaced, a next most-voted volunteer, and so on should it be required, will take up the position of Secretary.

After some deliberation and consultation with an expert of law that is no longer within the city's walls, the minimum requirements of a volunteer for election are as follows: A month's stay in Asgard, and dedication towards helping other Travelers.

[once the bulk of that explanation is done, she takes down that sheet of paper from the wall, and goes on to continue speaking.]

Additionally, there will be also an overall leader, or 'Chairperson' of this system to be elected by members of every house on the whole. This will normally be done as a 'general election' even before the Representatives are elected within their own houses.

The Chairperson must be discerned to be mindful of Travellers' well being on the general, and be impartial to all houses, even in spite of their own assigned affiliation to one house. It is possible for the Chairperson to also be a Representative of their own House, but it is not recommended.

To start off this system without requiring too many elections right off the bat, and if there aren't any objections to such an arrangement, my humble self will take on the role of Chairperson for a term of up to three months, and should this system be successful, or if my performance is deemed to be inadequate, I will step down as the moment a re-election is called for.

[Once that is done, she takes off her glasses, as she speaks one last time for now.]

Any questions?

(( ooc: So there's that. This is her proposal for a Traveller-run governmental-esque system so it will be important for your characters to know what's happening. Additionally, tags will come at a later time, but I'll be sure to get to them! ))

Comments

video;

[doudemoe]

[...sorry, he fell asleep halfway through. Give him a minute to catch up.]

video

[histories]

[take as much time as you need]

[she's just waiting patiently-- and wondering why he would broadcast his half-asleep face of all things.]

voice

[volcanoes]

Did you write that speech in advance, and how long do you think this will work before it falls apart and everyone starts fighting or ignores it?

[Iceland is a ray of sunshine all the time.]

[voice]

[czarist]

I'll give it a couple weeks.

[Video]

[wokking_it]

What? What are you going to do with this manpower? It sounds pointless! Do we really need this?

[Sorry he's rude...]

[Video]

[histories]

This system is introduced - or at least in this case, suggested - so as to allow better organization and management of our numbers and manpower, regardless of what it is that might happen, so we can perform appropriate operations in varying situations. It will also allow us to coordinate our forces in the case of emergencies, especially if an attack from outside the city was to occur once again.

I hope this answers your questions.

[it's okay. She's as calm and gentle as ever.]

anon text

[prepared_to_burn]

So, you're naming yourself head of this entire organization you've designed without any sort of nomination (without it being from you) or an election of any kind?
Marvellous way to stage a coup.
M

video, regardless

[histories]

As mentioned, I would only take on the role of Chairperson if there are no objections whatsoever. With that in mind, and seeing as you have already implied that it is not appropriate that I do as such, I would gladly step down and allow someone else to take on the role, should they wish it.

[Still as calm and gentle as ever, even though she catches fully the implications of his words]

anonymous text;

[bloodypocket]

[He knew that it was only a matter of time before something like this were to come up in serious, but it still agitated nonetheless.]

You are certain that such a system will work in the benefit of all Travelers?

[histories]

If anything, I firmly believe it would. I believe that there is goodwill in all, and that it would be especially the case, in anyone who would be inclined to take part in such an effort to better our situation.

text;

[wittlich]

Lovely. Well-intentioned idea, poor execution. If you think the majority of those here are interested in such a heavy-handed system, you'd be surprised to find out the truth.

Would you like me to tell you how this system will crumble, or have you figured it out already from the responses before mine?

video

[histories]

Of course. It's quite clear to see, even now. As for your opinion on the execution, would you care to propose an alternative? This isn't exactly a finalized system, after all. There is always room for improvement.

[As she speaks, it's quite clear she hadn't caught the initial sarcasm, or the patronizing tone of those words - she's just as calm and gentle as ever... Or is it simply because she's as patient as a saint, and chose to ignore that negativity? That's for Bernkastel to guess, if she wanted to.]

Video

[samantha_grey]

[Joining the train of the suspicious (Because, when has she not bee suspicious of such basic things as the sun rising, or the smell of bacon cooking in the kitchen when she wakes up in the morning?), Samantha reads through the document. She yawns and scratches her head, hand disappearing behind the hat she's using to cover her horns again.

It seems largely fruitless and pointless, to be honest, but there's a concerning portion.]

Look, you want to play house and suggest all of the houses send a representative for some little play government, you go right ahead. Last I checked, most of the locals were faceless, but they're doing just fine on running themselves, and I trust their government no more or less than this thing. Paint me a little suspicious but whatever.

[It wouldn't be the first time she'd been at odds with the government.]

Thing is, that whole 'deployment' part sounds suspiciously like a draft. No offense lady, but are you thinking of starting some sort of home defense draft or something? Just want to make sure I've got this whole idea of yours right. City council to discuss crap and do nothing since the city's run just fine as is, complete with secretaries and the local hall monitor, plus a draft board just in case since Ragnarok's coming?

That about the gist?

[If it was, these two were going to have words. Samantha had no interest in wielding her powers, and the idea of being drafted to do so flew in the face of the attitudes from guys like Merlin she actually liked.]

Video

[equivoco]

[ suspicion is an admirable trait, especially in circumstances like these. the others will fight about this proposal and he will let them, but the mention of drafts and military force piques his interest. ]

But would not an organized force be in our best interests? Let those who can or are willing to fight to protect the rest do so when threats present themselves, instead of such system as it seems now where we must all only fight for our own lives. In this way we risk less of ourselves with each battle and entertain the opportunity to gain more.

video 1/2

[phantom_thief_freyr]

Freyr want's to be in charge, he's a very good leader!

video 2/2

[phantom_thief_freyr]

[There's a pause as he actually addresses what was said a little more seriously, not that he didn't mean his first outburst however.]

But Freyr would object to you taking such a position from the start, if there's going to be elections there needs to be elections from the start.

[text]

[ofthursday]

As we have managed without issue for some time here, it seems there is no need from someone to assume the position of chairperson before an election is held.

[Castiel is twitchy about governments and people in power, so this is something he focuses on right away, though generally this entire structure seems harmless enough.]

The system itself seems functional. However other than the need for individuals appointed to take over should someone leave, three offices for each house seems extraneous unless they are to make decisions as a group to provide balance for each other. Leaving main decisions to simply the representative could cause issues.

video

[histories]

Indeed. The main purpose of the Chairperson is mostly to allow for an overseeing for the greater bulk of the elections.

As for the latter... [give her a moment to read it once again.] Of course. Part of the reason for these weekly meetings is to allow for them to discuss these possible decisions, and call for a vote there as well. Should it be insufficient, a general meeting which involves all house members could also be called, for house members to vote on various important decisions that could very well affect their way of life.

( permavideo. )

[gameplaying]

And what of the gods?

( permavideo. )

[minifridge]

[Loki why can't she quit you]

They'll curse everyone who gets to be a part of this. But we can keep organizing ourselves and running the city while three inches tall or growing antlers. It doesn't matter.

[ ᴀᴜᴅıᴏ ]

[corona]

That was a little too long. I don't think anyone read it.

video

[histories]

['listened?' she wonders...]

Indeed, that was quite a bit of information I had spoken about. However, being open about such things, and telling everyone as much as I can is important, for there's no need for any secrets in such a system.

[anon text]

[showmeanguish]

[Since everyone seems to have their panties in a twist over this...]

Sounds like a great idea to me.

[video]

[histories]

Thank you for your opinion.

[ivegotseoul]

[His eyes sort of glazed over about halfway through. Up until she said she'd take over the role.]

Hey, wait, you can't do that! What if someone else wants to be in charge?!

[histories]

Then as mentioned, I will give up the role immediately to allow for an appropriate election for them.

anon text;

[sebasher]

[The anonymous in question has no political beliefs. He could care less what becomes of this plan. He just really likes making things difficult.]

A real startler, that proposition. Nearly stopped my heart with how little thought has been put into it. At least it's a proper democracy, if anything. Fill the chairs with a few swines in waistcoats who have been voted in based on likability alone and voila. Instantaneous government.

I wonder how long corruption will take.

anon text

[prepared_to_burn]

[This one doesn't care much for the politics either. But reactions to accusations are always so telling.

So.]

Given the proposed first person in charge of the whole lot by self-appointment?
I give it three days.
M

[video]

[ramses]

An interesting idea, indeed.

Would these representatives also compile a list of laws that residents are expected to follow?

[video

[histories]

Not likely. This system was designed not with the intention of starting a law system - that would likely require a force of law enforcement, after all - but rather simply a means to manage, coordinate, and organize what we currently have.

[Audio]

[burntviolet]

[ Given that she had seen the project first hand and discussed it with Keine during those days in the library, Hanako won't ask any question. She's spent the past minutes reading the comments above, and she eventually lets out a sigh. So much for being people who are on the same boat, they can't even trust each other. Though this is a big deal that might change things radically here, so she can see where the skepticism comes from.

But she knows Keine better. Keine is a woman with a good heart, and she has the best intentions here. Hopefully she can deal with this. ]

It looks like you're not going to have an easy time with your idea, Keine-san...

[video]

[histories]

Ah, Hanako. It's to be expected, I suppose. If this system was to take off, many things would have to change and give way for it -- And most of the time, people tend to be resistant to change.

text. anonymous.

[auditor]

And what "most critical decisions" are there to be made, who washes the dishes on Wednesdays? Pretending we do have something more horrendous than dirty dishes... Why should one person, because of a majority confidence (assuming it is a true and honest majority, of course), make that decision alone? It would affect each member, and therefore each member should be involved in this process. I imagine certain house decisions would affect other houses as well. What if, as an entirety of Travellers, we must make a decision? Only nine should make it, is that it?

Even if others did not disagree as well: you would give a few power and the rest of us, nothing. By being here, not of our free will, we have lost much power. You would strip us further, of something so important as our voice?

permanently video

[histories]

Critical decisions such as whether to evacuate, or hold the line as they are, for example. Such an example would only be required in a case of emergency, of course. Critical decisions should typically be rarely seen in this system, in any case - the Head Representative is really more like a main decision maker, while his or her two colleagues are the advisors; for example, the Head of Emergency Response mainly provides plans and ideas for its namesake, to submit to the Head Representative for approval. That's basically it.

However, I do understand your point; perhaps I have forgotten to more deeply specify on the details as to the Representatives' roles in this system. Their main roles are to manage, coordinate, and organize, not to rule. Should there be decisions to make that would involve the entire house and affect their very way of life, it largely lies on the Representatives to decide if they should call for a general meeting involving the majority of the house's members.

And never to strip the people of our rights! That's part of the point of there being a Chairperson, in the first place; should there be concerns that are unheard by their House's Representatives, they are encouraged to bring their concerns to the Chairperson, who would in turn bring up these concerns in their weekly meetings. Besides, our bracelets still stay with each and every one of us - free expression is still possible, so long as that exists, no?

Keep in mind that system's purpose is not law enforcement - simply management, coordination, and organization.

anon text

[knifedances]

Looks like you might have misjudged the situation just a little, huh?

video

[histories]

I will not deny it. However, I do firmly believe that this is a change that would certainly be helpful to our cause.

video;

[minifridge]

I think you need to be more careful in how you word things when you talk to these people. Everyone here is paranoid, suspicious, and really twitchy.

It sounds a little too complicated to really work right away.

video

[histories]

Given. But considering how we come from a mixture of many different cultures, I suspect wording it differently would have brought forth a difference in opinions; merely a different group to attract negative attention from.

video;

[timesnewroman]

I'm not saying it's a bad idea, just....yeah. Maybe give it a bit of editing? Government's not really something a lot of people want to pull the trial and error thing with.

video;

[minifridge]

Governments don't exactly fall out of the sky, though. Trial and error is all anyone has.

video;

[oxbridgethegap]

I fear I'm in agreement with the others who have voiced their opinion. While I can see the merits of forming a government, there are simply too many different cultures in the mix for this to be properly executed.

How could anyone choose between what one world might consider wrong and another might consider the norm? [His face darkens.] Considering the issues we already have with "those in charge" of this city, I would say the last thing we need is another governing body.

video

[histories]

Ah, but see, it isn't so much a governing body than it is one that manages resources, as well as coordinates and organizes our people, especially in preparation for any emergencies we might be inclined to face.

In the case where any decisions to do with changing how their ways of life are to be concerned, these representatives are also expected to call forth general meetings, or at least a general voting by their own house members.

Of course, that is also part of the function of the Chairperson for this council of Ten - To serve as an advisor as to how they are managing their individual houses.

video;

[unionjackass]

[several thousand years of experience tells england he really ought to respond to this. he runs a hand through his hair with a resigned sigh.]

This is quite a setup you've got. Really. But... These sorts of things can't be planned immediately. Any proper governing body must start at a basic level before one adds the trappings and complications that come with it working at all. Proposals like this are a start, but--er, well, groups have to manage this sort of thing, and those groups need to have the authority to implement the changes!

One can't simply declare a governing to exist and hold jurisdiction over a people willy-nilly. Certainly not in a place such as this where there are hundreds from all sorts of different worlds, a-and--Not that I'm attempting to break this down, you know--but unless there's a strong foundation all around, even if your proposal was revised it would simply fall apart. It's that top-heavy.

...

A-and... in any case, I quite agree with the others. Seeing as we're at the whims of these gods any system we set in place can and will be undermined by them as well as our differences. Nothing wrong with trying to work together, mind... But this? I-it goes beyond that into something far more complicated!

Good on you for the attempt.

... But it's not good enough. We will be even more divided. I, for one, prefer to maintain my own will and choices without a score of idiots I don't even know relegating me to nothing more than nearly being another gray citizen.

video;

[histories]

Now, see... this system isn't exactly bringing forth a government, so to speak: the representatives are not there to bring judgement upon the people, or to rule over them - they are there to represent the people, and guide them; that is why they are named Representatives, rather than Mayors, Presidents, or Ministers.

The importance of this system, as I've failed to mention earlier, [because her mun is a derp and should not have done an important post like this at 1 A.M.] is to manage, organize, and coordinate. They do not hold absolute jurisdiction over their people, and neither would they form any sort of law enforcement to begin something like that. Not unless there was a unified approval for something like that to come into place.

text DEAR LORD I'M SORRY FOR YOUR INBOX

[ironclad]

Cynicism won't get us anywhere.

[ That's all she writes. She's mainly been cooped up in her room recently, and the video option would only show her with unbrushed hair and purple eyebags. But she hates the tone of some of the responses. Do these people simply intend to scoff, then go back to doing nothing as usual? Something must be done. Especially when people are getting injured or killed. ]

text oops threadjacking

[volcanoes]

It's realism, not cynicism.

[Well, maybe it's both.]

video;

[this_chair]

Isn't this overly complicated? A parliamentary system with each 'district' being one of the houses seems better. Just one person from each house maybe and those elected people vote on a chairman?

With politics, less is always better, I think.

I don't know what they would discuss though.

[histories]

That's a good idea, Mister -- I don't believe I've caught your name before?

In any case, that might be a good idea to take into consideration, yes. The number of people they would be managing might be more proportionate as well, I suppose... The only problem is how these representatives are to be replaced, should one or more of them disappear; it wouldn't do for a newly-brought in representative to not know what they were doing, after all.

( ᴛᴇxᴛ )

[patronizing]

The amount of negativity this announcement has brought about is almost astounding. However, some people do have a point despite the manner in which they phrase it. I’ll certainly praise the amount of work and dedication you’ve put forth in this idea of yours, but I’ll have to agree that it’s poorly executed.

On a slightly different note, but the same topic nonetheless, I think it’s only fair that if one is to be elected it’s best that it starts off as an actual elecation. That meaning that you shouldn’t take on such an important role by default. That alone seems quite suspicious.

i can barely see your font!! (sobbing) [video]

[histories]

Indeed. I've failed to mention some important points on the system as well, such as its purpose and function... [because lifi is a derp and shouldn't have done an important post like this at 1 A.M.]

And I understand what you mean. However, I've only had that arrangement in mind simply because the Chairperson's role is not one that decides upon anything - only oversee and advise the Representatives.