As we embark on this term of office, it seems wise to examine the state of Talossa as she is today. It must be said, that the situation is perilous but promising. We are faced with two challenges that are really opportunities.
The Activity Dilemma
We have very many positions, jobs, and agencies within Talossa, both governmental and nongovernmental. This is the result of years of accumulation from a variety of sources.
It has often happened that as each person becomes interested in some unusual quirk, they shape out a new entity to suit them. This often goes over in a big way if the nature of that new office or agency seems to have that unusual and unique "Talossan" quality. Wargaming is a good example: enthusiastically endorsed by a couple of prominent Talossans but received tepidly by a majority of Talossans, it has now become mostly redundant within the government.
Other times, a well-meaning legislator or executive will try to start up interest in something by creating an initiative or office. If someone wishes to invigorate Talossan music, they might create a subministry of Musical Endeavours, for example. But all too often these initiatives fail, and leave behind a stagnant agency.
When we combine this accruing offices with the careful separation of powers found within our Orglaw, as in so many other national constitutions, we discover that many active Talossans are pigeonholed in restrictive positions or snatched up for positions that are unneeded. This saps them of that most precious resource of enthusiasm that is required to keep our country flourishing.
Now, we might approach this by stripping away all of these offices or the separation of powers. And this is indeed a tempting thing, especially for a Seneschal like myself, who has declined to even fill some cabinet positions. But this is only a temporary solution, and doesn't address the fact that Talossa as a creation is in serious growing pains, where new enthusiasm is needed. The better solution is to grow Talossa - in the right way.
This is easier said than done, of course. We cannot simply throw open the floodgates and let in all the cranks who seek political immunity or the angry ones who want to reshape it in their own image. While that would be satisfying as the numbers swelled, it would also yield a Talossa that was not recognizably the real Talossa as it has evolved today. But we cannot be too restrictive, either, or else we could end up a nation of four or five embittered souls, suckling petty vengeances. We need real growth, the right way.
Accordingly, this year we are going to make a determined effort to bring in more Cestours from the GTA. One planned initiative is purchased advertising in the area, which will dovetail with our financial plans to raise more money this year than ever before - and safeguard it once we have it. Further, we are going to reach out hands of friendship and solidarity with other nations, in a way that is both realistic and effective (rather than just passing another resolution).
The Legality Quandary
Another problem is just as pressing, but in a much different way - our ability to prove our legitimacy as a nation.
When several Talossans left to form the Republic, there was little doubt as to the legitimacy of the Kingdom of Talossa. In every way, including legality, Talossa remained intact and continuous - if a bit demoralized. But a few years later, King Ben got into a climactic conflict with the Clippers, and resigned in a huff. The issue became more complicated.
There is little doubt that by Talossan law, the Kingdom remains the legitimate and real Talossa. King Robert I resigned in accordance with the law, with no wiggle room in the matter. Even he acknowledged this for a time, later deciding to declare Talossa "dead" unilaterally. Now, of course, he has decided that he didn't really leave Talossa and didn't really try to declare it dead. But while this holds no water with those aware of Talossan law (or in possession of any sense), nonetheless King Ben retains patent rights on the term "Talossa" within the United States. Lacking comparable size or pull, we must unfortunately endure American patent law for the time being in such public forums as the social networking site Facebook - which has allowed the former King to suddenly start trying to eliminate our presence as best he can.
King Robert I is the villain of this story. Enraged that his creation had outgrown him and its citizens defied him, he fled in a fury, only to later try to rewrite history in his own favour. But he did agree to abide by certain rules, both of our country and of his own - the United States - and we have here an opportunity to seize our destiny in another way, and fight back. And I assure you, we will do it.
The Davis Regime
I have been honoured with the position of Seneschal by my party. And I will do everything I can to take the two issues above and turn them from problems into opportunities. Within the week, things will be done. Within the month, concrete plans and schedules will be posted. Within the term, Talossa will have launched itself into a vibrant era.
Long live the King, and long live Talossa!
Alexander Davis
Seneschal del Regipäts Talossan
