Interview with GoalVA: MOEA Candidate
On the 25th of October, on a rainy British night, I interviewed GoalVA the candidate for Minister of External Affairs in our upcoming elections. We sat in his quaint loft smoking cigarettes and drinking tea (well he drank tea, I'm American) for a few minutes before I started the Interview.
He recently moved into this loft and the bare walls showed this. What he did manage to set up was his computer station and his Xbox/Playstation section, in adjacent rooms. Two leather seats (that vibrated) were in front of the flat screen TV with the game systems directly in front of it. I asked if we could begin the interview there, since he is likely to get a load of IM's if we did it near his computer. He obliged.
__________________________________________________
Tresville: Goal...Thanks for granting me this interview.
GoalVA: No, thank you :) It's an honor.
Tresville: So, your going for a second shot as Minister of External Affairs huh?
GoalVA: Indeed, diplomacy has always been my first love.
Tresville: I'd ask what your second love is...but I'm afraid of the answer...lol
GoalVA: (Laughs) I'll keep our secret, don't worry :)
Tresville: So, what will u be doing different this time around if elected?
GoalVA: Well, the first thing I plan on doing is continuing the work I've already started with our Diplomatic Corps.
Tresville: Such as?
GoalVA: Well, up until this point they've been little better than glorified postal workers. Delivering messages and then coming home again. I believe that ambassadors and diplomats are always our first line of defence. They provide us with information, keep our friendships fresh and smooth over our hostilities. They are our eyes and ears on the ground, if you catch my meaning. I want to ensure that our diplomats intergrate with their regions. Make friendships, share information. Basically more like RL ambassadors would do.
Tresville: What if Diplomatic Corp. members go a lil too far? Meaning, what if they over step their powers (proposing alliances, working on embassy documents etc etc.)?
GoalVA: Then they would be dealt with severly.I would personally see the training of our diplomats.
Tresville: Thats a good idea.
GoalVA: They will also be required to report back to me or the Ambassador-General weekly. More so, if the situation demands it.
Tresville: So, tell me about the CPP a bit?....and please no pre written statements (Laughs).
GoalVA: No, I didn't prepare any unfortunately. What would you like to know?
Tresville: Where do you see the Party in the future? in regards to regional involvement.
GoalVA: In general, I believe that Parties will play a big part in encouraging our citizens to be more political. IMO, one of the problems that our region has had is that there are too few members who are willing or confident to take part. Parties will offer encouragement and advice for those who wish to get involved.
Tresville: Do you see them causing any sort of division in the community...a concern I expressed publically before?
GoalVA: I'd hope not. With any poltical system you are going to get disagreements.
Tresville: What will you personally do to try to pevent this?
GoalVA: At the end of the day CPP is just a group of RVs whom share the same ideals. To prevent this? Well, I'm making damn sure that our members realise that we are working for the region and reminding them that even though you may not agree with someone, they are our siblings. We are all part of this region and are working towards the same goals.
Tresville: In regards to that..will you be asking members in your party to post their qualifications prior to running for a Government position in TNP?
GoalVA: It depends on what you mean by qualifactions. We have an internal vote on our candidates, in which they have to convince our members of the suitability Those that we do not feel are subtable will not be allowed to represent the party.
Tresville: well...certain positions require activity and the ability to organize and work well with others.
GoalVA: Indeed, and those that do not show these qualities would be very unlikely to be allowed to run for us It is not in our interest to allow the wrong people into the cabinet.
Tresville: Good to hear.
GoalVA: Infact, it is harder for our members. They have to go through a candidacy process twice. More than the indpendants do. They are also subject to closer scruitany whilst in our party.
Tresville: The current Ministers have done much since Insane Power left the delegacy in limbo...what will you do to keep the government and region progressing?
GoalVA: I am determined to use my last term for this year to strengthen our External Affairs.As I said in my campaign, we have no foreign policy to speak off.We are an non-entity on the world stage.I would hope that we would be able to hold our own against the other actors.
Tresville: yes...I hope you rectify that.
GoalVA: Hopefully, by the next elections we should have a direction with which to travel, and the strenght to protect ourselves from those that wish to use us.
Tresville: You are a frequent poster in the NPG forum...what is your take on that community and their views?
GoalVA: Hmm...When I first went there, it was a personal project in diplomacy. I hoped that I could attempt to bridge the gap between us. I am now of the opinion that certain players do not wish that gap to be bridged, on both sides of the conflict. Their community is based on their distrust of our community, and our distrust of them is making them closer. Do their views have legitimacy? Well, I believe that everyone should be allowed to be a citizen. They are then free to damn themselves as they wish.
Tresville: hey..I'll ask the questions thank you!! (Laughs)
GoalVA: I apologise.
Tresville: It was a good question though...
GoalVA: Thank you.
Tresville: Feel free to elaborate.
GoalVA: Well, I believe that regardless of their actions, they were still innocent until they had been tried. Therefore, I believe that they should be RVs. If they were found guilty, then I would be totally behind any actions taken against them. I am a firm believer of innocent until proven guilty, regardless of how bad a taste it can leave in mouth.
Tresville: I believe you are referring to the RV referendum that made them unable to join. It wasn't a criminal proceeding. I still dislike that approach, but I believe it was legal at the time (no RA's to make decisions).
GoalVA: Indeed, I am not in a position to judge that referedum, as I was not in the region at the time. I think my issue comes from the fact there was question of it's legality. I think that if there is any doubt these things should be investigated fully.
Tresville: yes... people forget that it was legal at the time. Whether it is now is a different story.
GoalVA: Indeed.
Tresville: Moving on... Whats with those Haiku requests in the Campaign threads??
GoalVA: Ah, :) It was something my friend Vitrionia started in the Meritocracy. I found it an interesting way to get someone to consider their answer and give me the core of it.
Tresville: You have been hanging with flemigovia too much I think! (Laughs)
GoalVA: Too many politicans are prone to embellishing or using double speak to explain themselves. With a Haiku, you remove that power from them.
Tresville: I noticed.
GoalVA: They have to give you a clear answer. and it looks pretty. :)
Tresville: Well...thats a matter of opinion...they annoy me...but thats just me. :)
GoalVA: Of course, I don't expect everyone to appreciate them. It does give me a good insight into our candidates though.
Tresville: So, will you be voting for Romanoffia or Poltsamaa in this election? (Laughs)
GoalVA: Ah, I shall of course be voting for Poltsamaa.
Tresville: 1 more serious question... in regards to Invaders as RV issue...first..were you a defender in the past?
GoalVA: Indeed. I was a member of TITO. For a short while at least.
Tresville: As an ex-defender...do you think that allowing openly active invaders as RV's and gov positions is a good idea?
GoalVA: Ah, interesting question. Once again, I stand by the belief that all-comers should be allowed as citizens and then damned by their own actions but, I do understand the point of those that do not trust them. As a feeder, I do not believe we can be picky about our membership, but those that flaunt it should be dealt with harshly.
Tresville: It would effect the region diplomatically.
GoalVA: Perhaps. That said, we have had bigger fish in our region before...and I'd much rather they were open about their other nations then trying to sneak in. I am against the creation of an invader army though.Or the allowance of those RVs to invade using their TNP nations.If Invaders want to create a new nation to try life in a feeder, I don't feel I am big enough to prevent that. They have to play by our rules though.
Tresville: What if UN requirement (within the region) becomes a statute for voting?
GoalVA: Hmm... That would cause problems for a lot of our members, not just those that could cause problems for us. I also believe it would be against our constitution. As we have said that we will not dictate to our members how their nations should be run. The UN can have quite an effect upon a nation.
Tresville: I brought it up because it was mentioned a few times as a future proposal to the RA.
GoalVA: Indeed. I have heard rumour of it. I do not believe it is worth the arguements it would cause. We already require our members to announce the UN nations. I don't believe we can do much more and be comfortable with it. There are many nations who are against UN membership for legitamate reason.
Tresville: yup...Last question...So, what are your chances of winning in the election?
GoalVA: Well, if I am not challanged, I hope they are quite high.
Tresville: Before I end this interview, any parting words to our citizens?
GoalVA: I hope that our citizens will remain strong whilst we are in this trying time. Peace is nearly upon us, and all we can do is wait and rebuild.
Tresville: Thanks, see you in the voting booth!
GoalVA: Thank you, it's been a pleasure.
________________________________________________
After the interview, I stuck around for a bit and demolished Goal in some Madden 06' for XBox. I tend to carry that game with me in case of a challenge. It isn't rugby so, I had the clear advantage. Goal got his revenge when we played Grand Tuirismo 4 and he beat me 3 out of 5 races.
It was getting late and he we both had NationStates work to do, so I called it a night. I gave Goal a manly handshake and proceeded to walk away from his door. I felt like I was being watched and the bushes by his house seemed to tremble in fear. I figured it was Roman keeping a close watch on Goal..so I shrugged my shoulders and walked off. I hope Roman has an umbrella!!
Written by:
Tresville
Prime Minister of The North Pacific
He recently moved into this loft and the bare walls showed this. What he did manage to set up was his computer station and his Xbox/Playstation section, in adjacent rooms. Two leather seats (that vibrated) were in front of the flat screen TV with the game systems directly in front of it. I asked if we could begin the interview there, since he is likely to get a load of IM's if we did it near his computer. He obliged.
__________________________________________________
Tresville: Goal...Thanks for granting me this interview.
GoalVA: No, thank you :) It's an honor.
Tresville: So, your going for a second shot as Minister of External Affairs huh?
GoalVA: Indeed, diplomacy has always been my first love.
Tresville: I'd ask what your second love is...but I'm afraid of the answer...lol
GoalVA: (Laughs) I'll keep our secret, don't worry :)
Tresville: So, what will u be doing different this time around if elected?
GoalVA: Well, the first thing I plan on doing is continuing the work I've already started with our Diplomatic Corps.
Tresville: Such as?
GoalVA: Well, up until this point they've been little better than glorified postal workers. Delivering messages and then coming home again. I believe that ambassadors and diplomats are always our first line of defence. They provide us with information, keep our friendships fresh and smooth over our hostilities. They are our eyes and ears on the ground, if you catch my meaning. I want to ensure that our diplomats intergrate with their regions. Make friendships, share information. Basically more like RL ambassadors would do.
Tresville: What if Diplomatic Corp. members go a lil too far? Meaning, what if they over step their powers (proposing alliances, working on embassy documents etc etc.)?
GoalVA: Then they would be dealt with severly.I would personally see the training of our diplomats.
Tresville: Thats a good idea.
GoalVA: They will also be required to report back to me or the Ambassador-General weekly. More so, if the situation demands it.
Tresville: So, tell me about the CPP a bit?....and please no pre written statements (Laughs).
GoalVA: No, I didn't prepare any unfortunately. What would you like to know?
Tresville: Where do you see the Party in the future? in regards to regional involvement.
GoalVA: In general, I believe that Parties will play a big part in encouraging our citizens to be more political. IMO, one of the problems that our region has had is that there are too few members who are willing or confident to take part. Parties will offer encouragement and advice for those who wish to get involved.
Tresville: Do you see them causing any sort of division in the community...a concern I expressed publically before?
GoalVA: I'd hope not. With any poltical system you are going to get disagreements.
Tresville: What will you personally do to try to pevent this?
GoalVA: At the end of the day CPP is just a group of RVs whom share the same ideals. To prevent this? Well, I'm making damn sure that our members realise that we are working for the region and reminding them that even though you may not agree with someone, they are our siblings. We are all part of this region and are working towards the same goals.
Tresville: In regards to that..will you be asking members in your party to post their qualifications prior to running for a Government position in TNP?
GoalVA: It depends on what you mean by qualifactions. We have an internal vote on our candidates, in which they have to convince our members of the suitability Those that we do not feel are subtable will not be allowed to represent the party.
Tresville: well...certain positions require activity and the ability to organize and work well with others.
GoalVA: Indeed, and those that do not show these qualities would be very unlikely to be allowed to run for us It is not in our interest to allow the wrong people into the cabinet.
Tresville: Good to hear.
GoalVA: Infact, it is harder for our members. They have to go through a candidacy process twice. More than the indpendants do. They are also subject to closer scruitany whilst in our party.
Tresville: The current Ministers have done much since Insane Power left the delegacy in limbo...what will you do to keep the government and region progressing?
GoalVA: I am determined to use my last term for this year to strengthen our External Affairs.As I said in my campaign, we have no foreign policy to speak off.We are an non-entity on the world stage.I would hope that we would be able to hold our own against the other actors.
Tresville: yes...I hope you rectify that.
GoalVA: Hopefully, by the next elections we should have a direction with which to travel, and the strenght to protect ourselves from those that wish to use us.
Tresville: You are a frequent poster in the NPG forum...what is your take on that community and their views?
GoalVA: Hmm...When I first went there, it was a personal project in diplomacy. I hoped that I could attempt to bridge the gap between us. I am now of the opinion that certain players do not wish that gap to be bridged, on both sides of the conflict. Their community is based on their distrust of our community, and our distrust of them is making them closer. Do their views have legitimacy? Well, I believe that everyone should be allowed to be a citizen. They are then free to damn themselves as they wish.
Tresville: hey..I'll ask the questions thank you!! (Laughs)
GoalVA: I apologise.
Tresville: It was a good question though...
GoalVA: Thank you.
Tresville: Feel free to elaborate.
GoalVA: Well, I believe that regardless of their actions, they were still innocent until they had been tried. Therefore, I believe that they should be RVs. If they were found guilty, then I would be totally behind any actions taken against them. I am a firm believer of innocent until proven guilty, regardless of how bad a taste it can leave in mouth.
Tresville: I believe you are referring to the RV referendum that made them unable to join. It wasn't a criminal proceeding. I still dislike that approach, but I believe it was legal at the time (no RA's to make decisions).
GoalVA: Indeed, I am not in a position to judge that referedum, as I was not in the region at the time. I think my issue comes from the fact there was question of it's legality. I think that if there is any doubt these things should be investigated fully.
Tresville: yes... people forget that it was legal at the time. Whether it is now is a different story.
GoalVA: Indeed.
Tresville: Moving on... Whats with those Haiku requests in the Campaign threads??
GoalVA: Ah, :) It was something my friend Vitrionia started in the Meritocracy. I found it an interesting way to get someone to consider their answer and give me the core of it.
Tresville: You have been hanging with flemigovia too much I think! (Laughs)
GoalVA: Too many politicans are prone to embellishing or using double speak to explain themselves. With a Haiku, you remove that power from them.
Tresville: I noticed.
GoalVA: They have to give you a clear answer. and it looks pretty. :)
Tresville: Well...thats a matter of opinion...they annoy me...but thats just me. :)
GoalVA: Of course, I don't expect everyone to appreciate them. It does give me a good insight into our candidates though.
Tresville: So, will you be voting for Romanoffia or Poltsamaa in this election? (Laughs)
GoalVA: Ah, I shall of course be voting for Poltsamaa.
Tresville: 1 more serious question... in regards to Invaders as RV issue...first..were you a defender in the past?
GoalVA: Indeed. I was a member of TITO. For a short while at least.
Tresville: As an ex-defender...do you think that allowing openly active invaders as RV's and gov positions is a good idea?
GoalVA: Ah, interesting question. Once again, I stand by the belief that all-comers should be allowed as citizens and then damned by their own actions but, I do understand the point of those that do not trust them. As a feeder, I do not believe we can be picky about our membership, but those that flaunt it should be dealt with harshly.
Tresville: It would effect the region diplomatically.
GoalVA: Perhaps. That said, we have had bigger fish in our region before...and I'd much rather they were open about their other nations then trying to sneak in. I am against the creation of an invader army though.Or the allowance of those RVs to invade using their TNP nations.If Invaders want to create a new nation to try life in a feeder, I don't feel I am big enough to prevent that. They have to play by our rules though.
Tresville: What if UN requirement (within the region) becomes a statute for voting?
GoalVA: Hmm... That would cause problems for a lot of our members, not just those that could cause problems for us. I also believe it would be against our constitution. As we have said that we will not dictate to our members how their nations should be run. The UN can have quite an effect upon a nation.
Tresville: I brought it up because it was mentioned a few times as a future proposal to the RA.
GoalVA: Indeed. I have heard rumour of it. I do not believe it is worth the arguements it would cause. We already require our members to announce the UN nations. I don't believe we can do much more and be comfortable with it. There are many nations who are against UN membership for legitamate reason.
Tresville: yup...Last question...So, what are your chances of winning in the election?
GoalVA: Well, if I am not challanged, I hope they are quite high.
Tresville: Before I end this interview, any parting words to our citizens?
GoalVA: I hope that our citizens will remain strong whilst we are in this trying time. Peace is nearly upon us, and all we can do is wait and rebuild.
Tresville: Thanks, see you in the voting booth!
GoalVA: Thank you, it's been a pleasure.
________________________________________________
After the interview, I stuck around for a bit and demolished Goal in some Madden 06' for XBox. I tend to carry that game with me in case of a challenge. It isn't rugby so, I had the clear advantage. Goal got his revenge when we played Grand Tuirismo 4 and he beat me 3 out of 5 races.
It was getting late and he we both had NationStates work to do, so I called it a night. I gave Goal a manly handshake and proceeded to walk away from his door. I felt like I was being watched and the bushes by his house seemed to tremble in fear. I figured it was Roman keeping a close watch on Goal..so I shrugged my shoulders and walked off. I hope Roman has an umbrella!!
Written by:
Tresville
Prime Minister of The North Pacific
posted by CiscO... at
12:42 PM
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