Tempering the Flames

[CharmingCavalier 2189]

 

TEMPERING THE FLAMES

 

 

 

"Fire is a curious creature, but left unattended, it will quench itself on whatever surrounds it."

 

The Risorgimento's pamphlet, which has passed through Providence over the last few Saint's Days, has presented some astute observations on the state of affairs within our Empire. However, it has also demonstrated a genuine misunderstanding and prioritized fruitless and selfish pursuits over our state's real progress. This pamphlet is meant to refute the latter and suggest a more tempered approach. So that a fire started for warmth does not burn down the house in which we all have found providence.

 

ON THE HARRENITE “CURSE”

 

Our Empire is guaranteed by GOD, and Orenians should strive to profess their devotion to Him and His chosen state. However, our history presents a troubling conundrum when compared to the Harrenite image presented by the resurgence. Adunians and their kind have not been those in open rebellion against our Empire. Halcourts, De Joannes, Halsfieds, and Bishops have raised their flags against His Imperial Majesty and GOD's state. Yet, none have been cursed with the deception and disloyalty attributed to the Adunians by this pamphlet? Perhaps it is not an immutable characteristic that defines an individual but their ability to devote themselves to the project we call Oren?

 

This author beseeches this ideology and those who have read this pamphlet to avoid devolving into the same prejudice we have proliferated in our past. My genuine suggestion is to drop this article from the manifesto entirely and focus on a more valuable contribution to our Imperial success.

 

ON IMPERIAL LIBERTIES AND WELFARE

 

This entire section of the manifesto demonstrates the positive aspect this ideology lends to the existing political fray. A good Orenian is a Canonist, dedicated to serving their state, and convicted to the belief that their rights are guaranteed by the continual protection of our joint project: The Holy Orenian Empire.

 

This is why this author is so deeply confounded by the suggestion that in order to implement these policies, these authors would suggest the suspension of our political system and the introduction of an unelected governing council. May I remind them that tyranny breeds public discontent more so than any "curse."

 

ON THE RIGHTS OF THE COMMON SOLDIERY

 

Imperial State Army (ISA) members are free to express their political thoughts so long as they are not in uniform. This author firmly believes that the ISA should remain wholly apolitical. The perception of having an officer or soldier, in uniform, acclaiming one ideology or another has significant implications to the public and, as a result, that soldier's subordinates. Part of service is sacrifice. Just as a soldier cannot leave drill due to his want to go somewhere else, a soldier must respect the military's apolitical nature when he bears that uniform.

 

Additionally, the soldiers are already entitled to a reduction in their taxes. Many of them actively take advantage of this boon. An increase in this would not aid the army; rather, there is a need for accountability in the ISA over where its budget is appropriated. Our government has no current explanation for it. These two aspects should be reexamined to come in line with reality and support a nation in which our army does not partake in politics or the governance of the people through direct rule.

 

ON THE REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

 

The points expressed by this pamphlet, whereby the current regional election system is defunct, are wholly applicable and valid. The total electorate outside of Providence is scarce and, as a result, are disproportionately represented to those in Providence. However, the suggestion that Imperial State Army soldiers should join the ranks of the Commons is not only against the apolitical nature of the military, as discussed above, but dangerous for the stability of future Diets. 

 

The suggestion that priests run for the Diet is welcomed, so long as they are not in the bishophood, as per law. Bureaucrats, merchants, and taxpayers already swarm the halls of our Commons. This author questions how the resurgence would deal with a bureaucrats' conflict of interest, how they would define a merchant, or why they believe being a taxpayer entitles an individual to a select amount of seats in the Commons.

 

These points need reexamination as well. However, they are the most competent suggestion to legislative reform and something this author would agree with after some adjustment.

 

ON EDUCATION AND THE CANONIST FAITH

 

The points presented under this section of the manifesto are entirely correct. They need no refinement in the eyes of this author. The resurgence that these men seek can be found in the celebration of our literary and artistic works. If this author may humbly suggest, the manifesto should be expanded to open a school for the youth of Providence, funded by His Imperial Majesty's government, and administered by the clergy or other volunteers for the education of our youth in line with Canonism and the Empire.

 

ON THE DANGERS OF THE PROPOSED METHODS OF RESURGENCE

 

The final section of the manifesto is, by far, the most damning. In this section, the resurgence suggests an unelected council should "be granted legal authority to oversee the swift and timely implementations of these policies." Not only does this seek to undermine one of the very things that separate us from the rest of the absolutists in Almaris, but it also shows weakness beyond comprehension.

 

If you believe in this ideology and want others to do so, do not strive to circumvent the established system and take an easier route. Belief is demonstrated by actions, not words, my dear Canonist brethren. Though legislative processes are intricate, and sometimes detrimental to our visions, they are the oil that tempers the hot blade of reactionary politics. They do just as much to moderate the progressivism you decry.

 

Remove such unbecoming words from your manifesto and seek the well-traveled path of politics: The people's vote, the Diet's opinions, and our Emperor's assent.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

In summary, the resurgence suggested by this new ideology is heavily clouded by unnecessary bigotry to a people who have contributed to our Empire. It is a path we have been down before, as an Empire, and one which should be left untouched.

 

Furthermore, the suggestion that Orenians should violate the long-standing apolitical nature of our military is troubling. Electing officers and soldiers is a pathway to tyranny for the unwary. Just as well, soldiers can express their opinions if they are out of uniform. They must understand that soldiers sacrifice liberty just the same as they sacrifice mind and body for this nation.

 

This manifesto's final point, whereby our constitutional order would be usurped, is not only dangerous to the people's liberties they so firmly state as essential but seeks to throw our system into tumultuous times. 

 

However, this manifesto is not without its positive aspects. Art and literature are indeed critical factors in our nation's prestige and glory, education should follow the path of Minuvas Melphestaus and include canonist theology, and the Commons do desperately need reform to allow more diversity of backgrounds.

 

These are the aspects of this manifesto that should be promulgated, not the bigoted anti-Adunian thought or the absolutist sentiments.

 

By tempering the flame, which has burned outside of its brazier, we can find value. Left in neglect, a fire will burn all in its way, including the home we have built for ourselves. More importantly, burning our system of government and laws.

 

 

YOURS TRULY,

 A CONCERNED CITIZEN OF PROVIDENCE
 

[Monomakhos 1849]

"Harrenites have been a plague upon mankind since even the days of Exalted Godfrey. This certainly reeks of liberal progressivism. The author of this piece is, in all likelihood, another one of these Harrenite subversives, hotar." A young Rhenyari commented to his godfather and mentor, the Cardinal Providentia. @JoanOfArc

[Tiresiam 462]

"Our Imperial Soldiery should be subject to and offered the same rights and privileges as all citizens regardless of their place in the State. Members of the Ministry for Justice are allowed to run for office themselves, every citizen in the Empire is allowed to run for and hold public office it is a disgrace for our entire nation that men who fight for and protect the state are banned for speaking their minds while in service to that institution. To even have current policies as they are is to support an oxymoron."

 

Wrote Cardinal Bourdon, a fervent priest of the Canon and retired political of great renown.