Global Right Alliance

[Consular]

I've personally not said anything against any Osirans, and what other GRAers do and say is something I cannot control.

 

I personally have only made comments against Old Fed/PUT, and I stand by it. Everything I said was in reaction to his statement and was attacking what he said, I didn't make comments about him as a person. I think that's fair. I'll admit my tone was stronger than I would usually use but I was really annoyed at the tone he used.

 

I don't like the fact that Osiris and TEP, in their official statements, made comments on the GRA-Lazarus relationship. I don't think that's any of their business and its up to Lazarus to say whatever they like.

 

I've no complaints against you personally, but you do represent your region, and your region treated Hobbes in a manner that is utterly inappropriate and frankly disgusting.

[Joe Bobs]

I stated in the thread that I thought what SL said about Hobbes crossed a line, I won't defend what he said at all.

 

What he said was on the GRA forum, it's only been posted on other forums thanks to the Osiris embassy statement, so I don't believe I am responsible for that. SL said what he wanted to on his home forum, it's Osiris that have spread the words when it wasn't any of their business. But like I said, I completely disapprove of what SL said to Hobbes.

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Global Right Alliance News
May Update[/align]

Hello from the GRA!

The GRA was founded in 2005 and refounded in 2007, with our population peak in 2010 at over 500 nations. We are a founding member of the FRA. We are known for our political innovation, including the infamous 'rotatorship' (rotating dictatorship), and also for our "unique" character. We're so badass, we don't shield our PIN when we type it in. That's right.

In the immortal words of Jonewest, 'f*ck common courtesy, this is the GRA.'

Special Update: GRA Offends NS world


Osiris and The East Pacific protest at GRA embassies.

In last month's issue, we posted an image of Mara Sargon of Aura Hyperia, a GIF of an orang-utan rolling over backwards and peeing on itself. It was edited out in multiple regions (Lazarus, TEP, Osiris, TNP, Equilism) and has since been removed by GRA ambassadors in all regions.

Jonewest has contacted Zetaboards admins, who confirmed that the image could be considered a violation of the Terms of Service rules in regards to the posting of obscene material. For posting this in the embassies of our friends and allies, we apologise in the strongest terms. The image was chosen, perhaps in naivety, without thought it could be deemed offensive. We in no way meant to endanger our cause upset in any of our friends forums.

If a GRA ambassador has not yet removed the image from your forum, please edit it out.

The incident has led to the creation of an 18+ section on the Lazarus forum, and the GRA would like to extend our thanks to Hobbes for his actions. We apologise to him for any harsh words directed at him in an initial reaction to the censorship, and hope he and Lazarus will move past this episode with us, to maintain the long history of friendship between the two regions.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Sandaoguo of The South Pacific, who chose to interact with us over the issue and moderated the debate between concerned parties.

Apologies are also extended to Todd McCloud. In the earlier phases of this scandal, several of the GRA believed Todd McCloud was the antagonist behind the censorship of the image in multiple regions. We were later informed that this was not the case, and would like to again apologise for harsh words spoken towards Todd before all facts had come to light.

The GRA remains disappointed in the manner in which Old Federalia/People United Together and Bachtendekuppen handled the situation. Old Federalia had been tasked with informing the GRA that TEP was censoring their update, and forgot to do so, which resulted in anger in the GRA directed at Todd McCloud, who it was believed had acted without consultation. OF/PUT then continued to accuse the GRA of wrong-doing without accepting his own role in the crisis, which somewhat inflamed a weary and quick to temper Joe Bobs.



This has resulted in the closure of diplomatic relations between both Osiris and The East Pacific with the GRA. GRAers pointed out that neither region posted updates or maintained activity in their embassies, and so the loss is minimal.


PUT looks scared up on his high horse...

So, we apologise to our friends for crossing the line. But we remind you that the GRA updates wouldn't be so entertaining if they weren't so near the knuckle. Here's some of the comments we've received:

Ryno-FRA-April 1: The GRA has always been an interesting region in my experience.
Frattastan-TRR-April 2: Great update
Kazmr-Lazarus-March 1: Fantastic update!
Fantome-Lazarus-April 1: It's a nice update as usual!
Bhang Bhang Duc-TWP-April 2: Rude, crude and a lot of fun to read. Nice work.
Westwind-TWP-April 2-In response to the GRA's War on Falconias: At least there's some sense left in NS.
BearNation-Gay-April 1: Many thanks for the always interesting and readable updates!
Tierra-RIA-April 2: Joe Bobs and contributors, a beautifully crafted piece of creative genius.
24% informative
13% antagonistic
4% cute penguins
59% pure comedy
Brilliant.
Matilda Love-Canada-March 1: Thank you for this most entertaining read!
Benevolent Thomas-10KI-April 2: You have surpassed Mordor as my all-time favorite region to receive updates from. Overly entertaining
Duckyian Empire-10KI-April 2: Thank you for the update1 I needed a morale booster like that
Flo-Caprecia & Nysa-March 2: A nice read, I particularly enjoy that last little plea to the admins. Very creative.

GRA Admin Jonewest has released the following statement:

Letter to the Editor:

In life, we make mistakes at times. In the heat of being right, and standing by our morals, sometimes we make poor decisions for the present. It is with this I must apologize for the way I have treated administrators abroad. I understand that The World is filled with interesting characters, myself not being an exception, and with tolerance comes the responsibility to relay that in kind. I regretfully made a comment comparing the administration team of former allies to the regimes of Hitler and Mussolini; that was incorrect. While I do believe certain administrators are c**ts, they are nowhere near comparable to the aforementioned monsters guilty of countless atrocities.

What the administrators did do was hurt our pride. We, as in tradition, lashed out at the stab. Were we correct in our assumption the image was non-offensive? That is up to speculation. However, as it has been discussed with the Zetaboards Administration team, I feel it notable to concur with their concerns that the image violates their Terms of Service in lieu of "Obscene Content". I personally do not find the image obscene, however I must abide by terms and conditions as set out by Zetaboards. I do want to warn those who may presume they were somehow "right", that is not necessarily the case. The arguments presented to me were that the image could possibly have a Zetaboards forum deleted. I do not agree with this assessment. From my interaction with the Zetaboards administration team, and after reviewing past interactions with the Zetaboards administration team, they are not "Scary Boogieman" who with wanton just delete boards. They are most reasonable and are quite friendly, to be honest. That is the type of administration team I look up to. One that resolves a complaint with reason and fairness, instead of attacking the alleged based on their predisposed bias.

It is very clear that the image was never meant to offend anyone; other than perhaps the Empress Mara from Aura Hyperion. I am not pleased with how this was taken out of proportions and how it will further be used by the enemies to the trust [read:defenders] to divide us. I think the real lesson to be learnt from this, is not one of who was right or who was wrong, but that allies should entrust with each other a relationship. I feel that had there been a clear relationship with the aforementioned ex-allies, this would not have became the "big deal" it had become.

TL;DR
This is the GRA, like us or don't. We don't get our feelings hurt that easily...though it should be well known by now that we are; prideful, egotistical, arrogant, crass, and ignorant. We are loyal to those that stay true and I thank all of the members and regions that stayed by our side during this "scandal".

Jonewest
Citizen of the Global Right Alliance

People's Assembly a legislative powerhouse

Whilst our foreign relations may make the GRA the James Dean of NationStates, internally, the People's Assembly has continued to push forward with its legislative agenda. The GRA is a direct democracy, where all citizens are members of the legislative branch of government. We have been finalising the wording of our Judicial Act, which will make the People's Assembly the jury for all trials and sets out punishments for crimes, including having your avatar or signature changed to something embarrassing (though, in respect for the fact he hasn't changed his avatar for NINE YEARS, it contains a 'fighter4u claus', stating he is exempt from any profile interference.

The PA has also voted on and passed the Anniversaries Act. We welcome all our friends and allies to join us on 1st June for Old Zertaxia Day! Activities will be announced shortly, and we hope our friends will rally to support 'Commend Old Zertaxia'.

The GRA currently holds a 'challenge' system, whereby the Speaker, Head of State and Government, is removed only by a vote of no confidence. However, the idea to combine this with scheduled elections is now being debated.

Jonewest retires as GRADF General

That's right, long-time defender and renowned intel expert Jonewest has announced his resignation as High General of the GRADF, handing over leadership duties to Lieutenant General Sovereign Liberties. Jonewest is also Vice Chancellor of the FRA and will continue to support the GRADF in an advisory role and in battle, as well as being its representative in the FRA.

Xpert Eleven

Fighter4u is currently relaunching the GRA's 'Xpert Eleven' soccer / association football league. Unfortunately for him, most GRAers flinch at the sight of a ball and shy away from sports to the warm caves of their parents' basements and the soothing glow of the laptop monitor. So, for all you sports lovers out there, come and join in, otherwise fighter4u will have to play with himself. And no one wants that.

Finally, the GRA maintains its eternal war against Falconias.

In the words of fighter4u, "You know, this could all go horribly wrong if our allies learn how much of a d*ck we all are..."

Written by Joe Bobs. With thanks for contributions from fighter4u and Jonewest.

[Westwind]

OF/PUT then continued to accuse the GRA of wrong-doing without accepting his own role in the crisis

 

 

Unfortunately, and without disrespect to PUT, this is a trait we've seen before.

[Joe Bobs]

He got me pretty angry. I ended up putting him and Bach on ignore, which is an extreme step for me but it was really getting my blood pressure up! I love having debates with people where you can have a rational argument, but it really gets me when you can't have a proper discussion, it's just non-interacting rhetoric and no logic.

[Westwind]

That's why I have Unibot on ignore.

[Bhang Bhang Duc]

The apologies were nicely phrased.  Your region deserves a lot of credit for that.

[God-Emperor]

Indeed, they were.

[Joe Bobs]

Thanks BBD, GE.

[Consular]

That's why I have Unibot on ignore.

Oh, but then you miss out on all the fun!

[God-Emperor]

Thanks BBD, GE.

Welcome.

[Westwind]

Oh, but then you miss out on all the fun!

 

But it's bad enough that I couldn't immediately remember if it was Gov or Unibot that I banjected without trial from TNP.

 

(it was Gov though)

[God-Emperor]

That's not surprisin'...

[Joe Bobs]

But it's bad enough that I couldn't immediately remember if it was Gov or Unibot that I banjected without trial from TNP.

 

(it was Gov though)

 

Ouch, that's got to be the ultimate NS insult...

[Bhang Bhang Duc]

Can't remember Govindia's TWP nation (which I think did get a trial before booting).

[Westwind]

Ramaba, or something similar I think.  

 

He had Nivogal in Equilism and he was banned from applying for citizenship twice (first by me, later by Chaucerin). 

[God-Emperor]

He's barely tolerated in TEP.

[Bhang Bhang Duc]

Ramaba, or something similar I think.

 

*facepalms* yes, Ramaba.  How could I forget?

[Joe Bobs]

Wintreath shoulder that burden now!

[Consular]

Yup, poor chaps.

[Joe Bobs]

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Global Right Alliance News
Special Update - June 2014[/align]

Hello from the GRA!

The GRA was founded in 2005 and refounded in 2007, with our population peak in 2010 at over 500 nations. We are a founding member of the FRA. We are known for our political innovation, including the infamous 'rotatorship' (rotating dictatorship), and also for our "unique" character. We're so badass, we only punch one hole in our microwave meals. That's right.

In the immortal words of Jonewest, 'f*ck common courtesy, this is the GRA.'

Change Places!

Change of Government in the GRA


Joe Bobs takes helm as Speaker.

These last few weeks have been turbulent in the GRA. Following from the trials and tribulations of Monkey-wee-wee-gate, (or, as Bhang Bhang Duc pointed out, Orangutan) a period of inactivity fell on the region. What at first appeared like a few days of withdrawal to let emotions cool, then dragged on. Whilst some members were continuing, it became clear that some were not returning. Jonewest resigned as High General of the GRADF, followed by Sovereign Liberties' resignation. Joe Bobs attempted to contact Speaker Old Zertaxia, to no avail [note: Speaker is head of all branches of government in the GRA system, executive, judicial, and legislative].

After several more days, Joe Bobs called a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, which passed the People's Assembly. Following this, Joe Bobs (First Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs) and Angusp/Bodegraven (Delegate) announced their candidacies for Speaker. Both sides fought a clean campaign (perhaps a first in GRA history), with Joe Bobs eventually emerging victorious, titling himself Speaker and First Minister.

Extracts from Joe Bobs' inaugural address:

It is my great pleasure to address you, the People's Assembly of the Global Right Alliance, as your newly elected Speaker and First Minister. I am honoured to have been chosen to lead the GRA forward into this second phase of our rebirth.

Firstly, I wish to thank my predecessor, Old Zertaxia. As one of the fathers of this region, his guidance has always been appreciated, and I for one am hopeful he will return soon, so he can continue to guide us. His term saw the creation of our Declaration of Assembly, expansion of our foreign relations, regional growth, and the careful navigation of several crises.

However, if we are to continue to grow in activity, we must work towards it. We are facing an early summer lull, a reduction in the number of new players joining the game, and increase in the number of active players reducing participation or leaving entirely. It will be a hard fight to avoid this trend, but I believe we can do it. ...

In foreign affairs, we have navigated our way through a severe diplomatic crisis, but must now look at how to repair the damage. We need to secure the relationships we have with good, trusted friends, help build up the relationships with new friends or those who don't yet fully know us, and consider closing embassies with those who yield fruitless relations. Our updates are read widely, but this isn't enough: we should be attending and hosting inter-regional events, having a presence in the WA, and having enough ambassadors that each can focus on and give time to their embassies. I will be working closely with Minister Jonewest, combining our knowledge and skills to create a diplomatic plan that will ensure the GRA furthers its positions as a world leader.

Internally, however, is where our most work is needed. Our population holds steady, but you and I know the uniqueness the GRA has to offer. ... We are one of the oldest Defender regions in the game, let's prove that's not a shadow of the past, that we are a force to be reckoned with today. I'm excited to work with someone with the enthusiasm, intelligence and dedication of Fighter4u in making these goals happen.

This is the immediate agenda, and I and my Ministers will make this happen. However, we cannot do this alone. We need all of the GRA to help, to take part, to be active. This is the greatest region in NationStates, with a history, a reputation and a spirit to be proud of. I've seen activity and participation decline, but we must not let it. We need to remember that whilst it's easy to say no, it's easy to be against participation, it's easy to shut ourselves away from the world, this will lead to stagnation and death, and we will lose this land we love. If you want a GRA you remember from the golden age, whenever your golden age was, it needs people to make that happen. And you are people, so make it happen.

True, the GRA has a reputation for freedom of speech, for pushing the envelope, and I for one would not give that up. But I fear we have become an imitation of ourselves, a region dedicated to offending. This is not the GRA way, it never has been. We have had periods of pushing boundaries before, but we did not make it our mission. It is a key part of us, and I always hope that the GRA is considered the region that is dedicated to freedom of speech, above all others, but that doesn't mean we have to offend every chance we have. If that is the only value the GRA has, we are no better than trolls. The GRA must stand for more: for our dedication to Defending, for our political savvy and intelligence, for our ingenuity and originality. These, as well as free speech, have always been at the core of the GRA, and we must not forget them now.

So I thank you for choosing me as Speaker, but I ask that we all remember that in becoming a Citizen-Legislator, we each of us are in a position of responsibility to the region. To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, ask not what your region can do for you, but what you can do for your region.

People's Assembly Filling Up the Law Books

The People's Assembly continues to legislate like it's Article 19 Section 99. Currently on the table are building a framework for scheduled elections, moving away from the current challenge / vote of no confidence system; democratizing the FRA representative selection process; and building a legislative framework for the WA Delegacy.


WookieO Returns!


WookieO lands in the GRA.

WookieO, former President and Delegate, and avid anti-bagel fanatic, has returned to the GRA after years in the wilderness. We welcome back our hirsute friend!


OMAHD Bar a Hive of Debate

In the future, historians will recall Plato's Academy, the Roman Senate, and the GRA's OMAHD Bar as the great centres of political debate. Currently up for discussion are the best/worst US Presidents, US foreign policy, British local elections and EU elections. All are welcome!

Finally, the GRA maintains its eternal war against Falconias.

In the words of Dupitable, "This great and ignoble community of assorted wierdoes, geeks, closet homosexuals and borderline psychopaths that we call the GRA."

Written by Joe Bobs. With thanks to Orioni for the penguin image.

[God-Emperor]

Thanks for the update.

[Joe Bobs]

No problem!

[Westwind]

As a reminder...

 

Finally, the GRA maintains its eternal war against Falconias.

 

 

[Joe Bobs]

[Joe Bobs]

Global Right Alliance News
Late June 2014

Hello from the GRA!

The GRA was founded in 2005 and refounded in 2007, with our population peak in 2010 at over 500 nations. We are a founding member of the FRA. We are known for our political innovation, including the infamous 'rotatorship' (rotating dictatorship), and also for our "unique" character. We're so badass, we make Chuck Norris look like a slightly less tough Chuck Norris. That's right.

In the immortal words of Jonewest, 'f*ck common courtesy, this is the GRA.'

We're going to legislate like it's Article 19 Section 99



The People's Assembly of the GRA is on a rampage not seen since Jonewest first became sexually active (known across the world as 'The Second Baby Boom').



Enough about Jonewest's libido! The GRA has passed the Judicial Powers Act, which in what we believe is a first in NationStates politics, gives the People's Assembly (which is a direct democracy legislature in which all citizens take part) the power to be judge, juror and executioner. All trials will begin with a brief vote to elect a Foreperson, who will administrate the trial and keep things moving. The Assembly then acts as the jury, voting on a guilty or not guilty verdict. Essentially, a trial takes on a similar form to an election, as accusers and accused alike will not only plead their case but can attempt to sway public opinion through politicking, the media and back-room deals, much as in the real world. The Law also grants many inalienable rights to GRA citizens.

The Assembly has also passed an Amendment to the People's Declaration of Assembling (PDoA), requiring the Speaker, who is head of government, to name a successor upon entering office. This is to prevent the kind of difficulties the region faced following Old Zertaxia's departure. Current Speaker Joe Bobs commented, "as the first Speaker to have to name a Successor, I feel it's important to give it some thought in order to set a precedent that can be followed by future leaders." The law requires the Speaker to name at least two sequential successors, the second in case of the absence of the first, and requires a Successor to coordinate an election should the Speaker leave without warning. The region waits with baited breath to see who Joe Bobs will name.

The People's Assembly is also working on numerous other pieces. Going to vote at the time of going to press is another amendment to the PDoA which will amend the voting period from 48 to 72 hours, following a number of late ballots being cast in a recent vote. Other laws at drafting stage are Fighter4u's WA Delegacy Bill and Joe Bobs' GRADF Bill, FRA Rep Bill, Intel Bill and Election Amendment.

Uropa Day


GRAers celebrate Uropa Day.

The GRA would like to announce that 12th July is Uropa Day! We will spend the day celebrating the ginger Gadfly of the GRA with many activities and games and would like everyone to come and join us.


Uropa runs into some trouble inflating the balloons for his big day.

The Day also celebrates the opening of Parliament, an event that happened in July 2005 when Uropa, new to the region, forced the open discussion of all bills, something which had previously been done in private. This event is one of the historic moments of GRA history which helped define the region's dedication to free speech.

What exactly will we do to celebrate? Erm, we don't know yet. This looks like fun though:



GRA on Broadway and the West End!

GRA Productions Presents...

A People's Assembly Studios Presentation

Directed by Joe Bobs

The GRA: A Founding

Be DAZZLED by the story of the region's founding.

Be AGHAST at the actions of the villain New Emerica.

APPLAUD our heroes Old Zertaxia and South Land!

That's right! The GRA will be putting on its first performance, and all actors will be required to IMPROVISE their lines in scenes roughly laid out by Director Joe Bobs.

The story of the following characters (somewhat dramatised and exaggerated):

New Emerica - the antagonist, bent on power and increasingly leaning towards fascism. A McCarthy-esque anti-Communist who squashes all resistance.

South Land - one of two protagonists, our hero is the chief resistance to Emerica and a crusader for democracy.

Old Zertaxia - also a protagonist, the idealistic young hero who is brave in the face of Emerica's might, and dreams of what the GRA could be.

Pascalini - the main opposition to Emerica, a vocal opponent, who leaves when the going gets tough, leaving our heroes to fend for themselves.

Cristia Agape - Pascalini's main ally, who helps pull him away from saving the GRA.

And of course, who could forget...

Alejandro! - Old Zetaxia's tireless man-servant, provides the light relief and does a few musical numbers.

Date of performance to be confirmed. We do hope many of our friends from overseas will come and check it out!

Fight Club Launched

The GRA has launched its very own Fight Club, a place where great debaters can battle keyboard to keyboard in a holds barred match for victory. Rules are as follows:

1. Do NOT talk about fight club.

2. OK, talk about fight club. In fact, help promote it as the greatest debate hall in NationStates!

3. Fight club is a space for big debates tackling the issues of the day and those things we just love to argue about.

4. Everyone is equal in fight club. Whether you've been here since 2005 or you arrived yesterday, it doesn't matter. Old timers can't use their status to intimate others, but newbies shouldn't expect to be treated with kid gloves. It's a battle of logic, intellect and rhetoric.

5. Anyone can start a thread, feel free to.

6. Expect to get your argument torn to pieces, don't get upset about it. Whilst I'd like people to refrain from personal attacks that aren't relevant to the argument, it's inevitable. If someone does that, ask why their argument is so flawed they have to resort to cheap tactics. Don't cry about it.

7. We should remember that this is the purpose of this forum, try not to let debates here sour you to someone you disagree with outside this forum.

Current debates include sexuality, the existence of God, Capitalism vs Communism and Freedom vs Security.

Hall of Fame Reopened - Lower Bowmania Elected

The Hall of Fame, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a GRAer, has been reopened. It had only two members, Magesty and Jen O the Hill, until this month Lower Bowmania was added to its reverent chambers. His dedication plaque reads as follows:

Lower Bowmania was President of the GRA during the Spring of 2010, overseeing the most rapid expansion in activity and population in GRA history, and served a Vice President under Joe Bobs in the second most rapid expansion in the region's history, during the Gilded Age.

He was Mayor of the Brotherhood, the only successful graduate of the Township Program, working tirelessly to bring the region of Brotherhood from near death to a vibrant and successful region.

He was one of the leaders of the left-wing of the GRA for many years, often considered the most palatable member by the right for his intelligent, constructive and non-reactionary arguments.

He will be remembered by many for his statement during the Rinius debacle when his outrage was one of the few statements that both sides (pro-free speech and anti-Nazi) of the argument agreed upon.

He has held multiple other positions in the region's history, including judge, congressman, Foreign Affairs Minister, Internal Affairs Minister and positions in the GRADF.

We hereby commit Lower Bowmania to the Hall of Fame in thanks to his service to the region.

Role Play Short Story Competition: Your Nation's Founding

We have begun what will be the first of many short story competitions. We are asking for submissions on your nation's founding. There is no word limit but we ask for reasonableness, and stories may take whatever form you choose, be it a satirical prose or an epic poem. Entrance is open to all, citizens and visitors alike.

Other News

WookieO has been appointed Deputy Minister for Internal Affairs. When asked to comment he replied "Mwroooah, raghrwoor".



Joe Bobs has published Chapter One: The Foundation Era (all four parts) and Chapter Two: The Zertaxian Revolution, of the History of the GRA series. The book is already 15,000 words long, and only two of nine chapters have been released!

The Foreign Affairs Office has introduced ambassadorial rankings:

1 Embassy - Charge d'Affaires
3 Embassies - Envoy Extraordinary
5 Embassies - Ambassador Extraordinary
10 Embassies - Ambassador Plenipotentiary

Joe Bobs was named an Ambassador Plenipotentiary whilst Jonewest and Fighter4u were named as 3 Embassies - Envoy Extraordinary and WookieO as Charge d'Affaires following his appointment as ambassador to Yggdrasil.

Joe Bobs has been appointed as as Admin of the GRA forum, and has waged war on clutter, allowing his obsessive compulsive mind to clean up the forum as he has so many grubby student's houses in the past, initially inciting confusion and reluctance but ultimately gratitude from his friends. Over 50 pages of threads have been sent to the archives dating back to 2005, whilst the clear up allowed us to find some gems that were in need of gravedigging.


Finally, the GRA maintains its eternal war against Falconias.

To paraphrase Pidgeon Island, "a dead chipmunk's p*nis could create better Foreign Affairs Updates".

Written by Joe Bobs with contributions from Fighter4u.