A Josephite Vision: Reflections from the First Summit

[Piov 2643]

A Josephite Vision: Reflections from the First Summit 

“For the dignity of all.”

 

 

Structure

Pursuant to our belief in the popular sovereignty of authority, we have opted to allow our delegates to determine their leadership. As such, the following have received popular mandate to guide the direction of the Josephite Union:

 

Chair 

Sir Terrence May, GCM 

 

Executive Committee

The Duke of Sunholdt

Secretary Edward Napier

 

 

---

 

[!] A campaign pamphlet is distributed by the Josephite Committee across the demesne.

 

 

The convocation of the Josephites at Selm, 1764.

 

Reflections 

Faced with changing times, the Josephite ideology offers a new path to forge ahead. Progress is measured not by how much we have digressed from the “traditional” roots that have bound our society for generations, as some have mistakenly so characterized. Instead, progress is measured by how much we have done to perfect the grand vision that our predecessors have longed to manifest for us. Therefore, is Oren adverse from said progress? Are we afraid to reach the heights of transforming our society to a place where all can take part of our prosperity? Of course not! Recently, the Orenian voter has been presented with two manifestos, ideologies that have surrounded the current context of our times as we approach a consequential election.

When I think of the vision for our state, the Josephite answer is simple: to dignify all. Is it not dignity to allow each citizen in our Empire the right to enjoy this land as much as anyone else? Is it not dignity that the Right of LIFE, LIBERTY, and TRIAL, empowers the citizen to form the collective moral conscience? It is not dignity that the accused be judged by their peers in a fair court of law? Is it not dignity to give gratitude to the merchants, doctors, farmers, and artists who contribute to the success of Oren? 

 

As we move on, should we choose to remain where we have been? Is not the goal of any given moment for any rational civilization to procreate, innovate, and cultivate? Such is the universal framework of history. Time passes and our lives move forward, regardless of our choices. However, it is in these choices that I seek to draw to your attention. Again, I wish to dispel the argument that progress and the advancement of time means we must eschew every thing we have known for something unknown or lofty. Instead, we Josephites see humanity’s choice as an opportunity to provide a vision that offers a goal that our generation can strive to attain.

 

“A social contract exists and has always [been] between the governed and the government which requires the compromise of personal interests on both parties in exchange for the betterment of the state of mankind.”

Nenzing Proclamation, 1715

 

On the Issues

 

Faith

Recently, controversy over a letter sent to me from one Arthur K. Callahan was made known. The former Kaedreni senator raised many of his own convictions about the role of the institutional Church and the dogmatic role of the Church in our lives. I will reiterate as I have corrected countless misguided statements: the Josephite Vision does not believe in actively removing the Faith from the lives of our people. An intrinsic value we cherish is the notion of charity. Charity and compassion for our fellow Man is at the heart of our message.

 

It is the duty of public servants to dignify the governed with charity and secure the welfare of all citizens. A society that does not believe in anything higher than itself shall be consumed in vanity and hubris. The constitution rests in the Crown, installed by divine power, with the trust that all integrity shall be upheld, and thus the inspiration of wisdom and charity radiates to us who are entrusted to serve the public. 

 

The very foundation of freedom comes from the free will that God instills in all men to recognize their destiny. Let it be so, that the destiny of man is to recognize their god-given freedom to build a just, equitable, and free society. When we remove freedom, we are thus devoid of God and of all humanity. 

 

Further references:

 

Spoiler

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190796-to-arthur-on-the-matter-of-religion/  

 

 

---

 

 

 

ISA Captain Rylan Swint seated with Sir Terrence May, 1759.

 

Military

Deriving from a movement that saw the lives lost in the fight to liberate Oren from tyrannical and despotic rule, the Josephites are acutely aware of the importance of our soldiers. Many in our ranks were veterans of the conflict, recalling the days longing to alleviate the ills of a dark age. The valor of the Imperial State Army and the Haense Royal Army impose a great sense of respect. The expansion of a culture that respects the Rule of Law, the justice for all people, and the protection of our cultural values is heavily understood in the devotion of those who don the uniform. Our mission is to support their lives at home, to dignify all those who opt to serve with the grace of citizenship. We believe in expanding public coffers to fund the necessary housing, utilities, and benefits to show the gratitude of the state to their service.

 

Further references:

Spoiler

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/187484-an-open-letter-to-colonel-sabari-recognizing-valiance/ 

 

 

---

 

 

 

“Dignifying Doctors and Nurses with the Amyas Act,” Article from the Golden Crow Chronicles Newspaper, 1762.

 

Medicine

We have stated, in no uncertain terms, that the goal of Josephinism is the need to propagate a Right to LIFE. Is this not the greatest gift of the divine? It is from the charitable graces of our humanity that our government must strive to ensure that life is upheld and promoted. With the peace accords that the Crown has graciously affirmed from a long, unsettled conflict, we have experienced an influx of talent and thus, a multitude of doctors to man our clinics and hospitals. 

 

This is why we Josephites seek to ensure that clinics and those who work in them are dignified for their tireless service. If we sought to discriminate against these elven doctors or inhibit their work, would not the success of peacetime be soured? We seek to invest our public coffers to keep our doctors at work in the best conditions. It is our belief that LIFE stems from God, and as such, our policy should cultivate life and maintain what is sacred. That is why I wrote the Amyas Act of 1759, got it UNANIMOUSLY signed into law, and I know we can do more. A society that thrives in its value of life ensures longevity for our prosperity.
 

Further references:

 

Spoiler

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190473-the-golden-crow-chronicles-315-es/

 

 

---

 

 

The Northern Geographical Society & Museum, 1763.

 

Education

As the times have inspired us with the intellect and enlightenment of our people, it is the duty of the people themselves to enkindle the spark of innovation and progress. During the peace, the enlightened era has opened the doors of education. From the time of the Senate, the people have spoken in their support of the opening of new academies and museums. That is the fruit of a Josephite future, seeking to build on an informed, knowledgeable, and erudite people. We believe in expanding legislation that provides more grants to research and offering a standard reserve for educational institutions.

 

 

---

 

 

 

A depiction of the wares sold at Carrington & Co. Storefront, Helena, 1764.

 

Economy

Our economy has experienced a thriving phenomenon. As we see in our major urban centers, the Josephite movement has inspired the opening of new business, seeking to ensure that every prospector can share in the abundance of our fortunes. With the sponsorship of great businesses in Helena and Reza, we believe that it is in these people-led enterprises that shall employ them to strengthen our economy. 

 

It is the power of these self-determined shopkeepers and owners that shall supply our homes with the much needed goods. It is the business that keeps our promise of success alive, binding together the farmer from the fields with the consumer in the city. As infrastructure and diplomacy expands, so are our sights to look abroad and forge connections that will improve our innovations and increase our financial and cultural wealth.

 

We are a movement of shopkeepers, business owners, fishermen, scientists, and artists. If any of this is elitist as some might deem it so, then I challenge those who can forge a plan and a philosophy that can withstand the times and provide an inclusive vision for all of our people. This is a movement brought on by war, the sacrifice of veterans from all across this country. We are led and driven by people born without the laurels of family aristocracy who made a living from their own hard work. 

 

---

 

Who we are

That is why business supports us. That is why ordinary people support us. I’m afraid that not everyone in Oren can live comfortably because of the inherited successes of their fathers. As we move closer to the election, I give you my final reflections. The other side claims to be for you. They have had decades before our movement was even conceived to forge a nation fitting for our times. It is quite clear that the successes of a few families does not mean all of us. Look to the other side and ask what they have accomplished for you in the last thirty years. Ask yourselves: “Where have they been all this time if they say they care so much about the common people?” I stand by my record and all I have done in the Senate, in Haense, and in the bureaucracies. My record is transparent as I intended.

 

They continue to disparage our movement but have yet to show what they can do for you. The dignity of all is not a question of what is “elitist”, but of what is right.We must build a society where everyone has a chance. Our philosophy has been built by people who have held the mandate of the people before. I know we can continue to earn it.

 

Oren has never been afraid of progress. Oren was built on the progress of achieving a strong future for all citizens. If you believe in this vision, stand with us as we move to advance the dignity of Humanity to reach its successes. I dedicate this to all those who died fighting oppression and to forthcoming generations that will enjoy the fruits of our labor. 

 

 

 

For the dignity of all,
Sir Terrence May, GCM

 

[!] An additional census form is attached.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

REGISTER FOR THE IMPERIAL CENSUS

 

 

Important documents for further reflection:

Spoiler

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/181613-the-nenzing-proclamation/
https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190797-the-josephites/
https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190933-minutes-from-the-first-josephite-summit/

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/189381-a-laymans-study-of-the-constitution/

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190303-the-conscience-of-the-state/

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190805-a-josephite-remembers/ 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190795-dear-jep/ 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190885-vote-josephite/

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190847-the-josephites-an-interview-with-jason-woodward/ 

 

 

[AndrewTech 3333]

Sir Konrad Stafyr grins as he reads over the missive on the streets of New Reza.

 

“I couldn’t have said it better myself, Terrence!” He remarks to nobody in particular before continuing on the campaign trail.

[sergisala 3451]

Edward Williams would nod in approval after reading the document “Well said, Chairman Terrence!” before immediately exclaiming:

 

”FOR THE DIGNITY OF ALL! Vote Josephite!”

[John Ivory 4547]

“Let the man’s integrity never be questioned, at the very least. We have had our diverse disagreements, countless arguments, but I could never once doubt that the man is a patriot of our country. Let us fulfill Old Joseph’s vision, and see it to its proper ends.”

 

The Duke of Helena chats with his confrere Joseph Adler following the adjournment of the summit at Selm.

[Sykogenic 1333]

Aren Ault smiles softly as he sits down on a comfortable tavern bench in New Reza to read over the missive. 
 

“A party for the people, by the people!” He exclaims to nobody in particular. “Bah! And to think they call us the social elite. It’s like they don’t even know who we are! From disgraced bastards to common born folk alike, we all have a voice if we vote Josephite!”

[TH3GHOSTWAFFL3 489]

"The Josephite cause is the only way to reach a fairer society," remarks Dietrich.

[Nyuriz 105]

“The working class whom has long suffered as a pawn for the political frolic of the aristocracy has become disheartened and disattached from their autocratic administration but Josephite doctrines that supports and defends these vulnerable people with invigorating evangelistic zeal is much anticipated and appreciated.” George Calverley babbled to his companions at his home somewhere in New Artois, he would stand rigid in contemplation and coup d'œil of his garden with a contented smirk on his face. “For the dignity of all, indubitably”

[BenevolentManacles 2232]

“Who knew my father was so popular, so posthumously,” John laughs.

[Inkthorn 1434]

“This is the party of the future, “ Victor would comment, watching a lively debate in the Helena tavern. “The Josephites will usher in the dawn of a new era.”

[AnonymousAlexa 3890]

Angelika smiled as she read Terrance’s document. ”I see a bright future for the Josephites and the Empire alike!” She beamed widely before returning to her work.