|
The Rise and Fall and Rise of Political Parties in Europeia; ENN Opinion
|
|
Topic Started: Apr 11 2016, 09:35 PM (342 Views)
|
|
Sopo
|
Apr 11 2016, 09:35 PM
Post #1
|
Lord High Chancellor Emeritus
- Posts:
- 15,224
- Group:
- Administrator
- Member
- #839
- Joined:
- August 26, 2009
|
 Opinion - "The Rise and Fall and Rise of Political Parties in Europeia" Written by Sopo Opinion Editor
In February of 2014, Mousebumples announced the creation of a new political party: the Loaded Baked Potato Party. Though seemingly unserious in nature, Mouse described the party's goals at the time as "to improve the communication, functioning, and integration of Europeians through socialization and sharing of common interests." This simple outlook would make the LBPP the most resilient and even most powerful political party of the modern era, though it would undergo many changes between its foundation in 2014 and today.
At the time, the only other political party in Europeia was the Europeian Reform Coalition, and it was largely inactive. The ERC dissolved not long after the LBPP was created. Other political parties would rise and fall throughout the duration of the LBPP's reign, including The Conservative Party, The National Reformist Party, Europeians for a Bold Foreign Policy, The Europeian Imperialist Party, and the Empowered Citizens' Party. For a region devoid of powerful political parties, we yet manage to spawn many attempts.
One notable exception to the oft short-lived Europeian political party--aside from the LBPP--is the Democratic Action Front, founded by Zenny Winter. Like its founder, the DAF was a lightning rod for controversy. Many new members of Europeia were mentored personally by Zenny, and out of a great sense of loyalty, supported her publicly even through her most questionable choices. She ran a controversial newspaper with scandalous photos and a secret backroom for (presumably) even raunchier offerings. She challenged perceived censorship from every angle. Ultimately brought to court by Attorney General Notolecta for obscenity, opinion on Zenny created a bitter divide in the region, largely embodied by her party. Eventually, Zenny would leave the region to head The Communist Bloc, and the party fell apart shortly after.
During the period of Zenny's prominence, the LBPP rose in opposition to the DAF. Not because of ideological opposition, but because the members of the LBPP perceived a threat to Europeia's status quo. The fun-times potato people motivated their political capital to protect mainstream Europeia from Zenny's cult of personality. It was this energetic opposition that politicized the LBPP for the first time and laid the foundation for its later political rebirth. The LBPP would go on to become the Action Coalition of Europeia (ACE), which would rise to political prominence again in 2015, nearly enabling the victory of a Ninja Kittens/Sopo ticket over the more established Kraketopia/Trinnien ticket. It was largely the masterful electioneering of Aexnidaral Seymour that led to the region's highest presidential turnout and a nail-biting, one-vote win for Kraken/Trinn.
Despite that, ACE has fallen apart. What happened? ACE so quickly transformed from a social club to a political powerhouse that its members barely knew what hit them. Powerful ambition combined with a lack of policy proposals left the party a powerful motor with no rudder to guide it. ACE was (and is) fundamentally a social club. This conflict of identities, political or social, led to a crisis that slowly played out but concluded with a mass exodus of members.
If ACE were to succeed as a true political party, it would need a large effort toward developing a meaningful platform, which seems unlikely at this point given the mass exodus of its most politically-inclined members. ACE, then, will likely revert back to its previous form as a social and mentorship club, steering away from political activism. ACE worked best as a group of the region's bright potato-munching guardians, enjoying quiet fellowship unless called into action for the good of the region.
The political collapse of ACE, however, has led to the formation of two new political parties: the Federalist-Reform Party of Europeia (FRPE) and the Europeian Progressive Party (EPP). Taylor and gingeriamscat, two newcomers to Europeia, joined with Cool Spring to create the former, proposing a radical shift in Europeian policy toward defenderism, a rigid separation of powers, and a somewhat enigmatic justice reform proposal. Kaboom, GraVandius, and prometheus, three members with a bit of experience under their belts, created the EPP, ostensibly to replace ACE and provide a more mainstream alternative to the FRPE. The EPP emphasizes a more moderate separation of powers, a reformed mentor program, and Europeia's existing foreign policy.
These two new political parties will face the same problems their predecessors faced: Can a party of newcomers sell the region on radical change? Can a party that favors the status quo justify its existence? Does Europeia even have a place for active political parties? Their members, none truly established in Europeia's political class, will need to combat the region's admitted bias against partisan politics, and prove that their ideas are both relevant and well thought out. An uphill battle certainly awaits them in the coming elections, and only time will tell if these parties will avoid the fate of their briefly relevant predecessors and reinvigorate true political parties in Europeia.
|
 The Right Honorable Sopo Associate Administrator for Discord - High Priest of Nethel - Lord High Chancellor EmeritusMore Info I once was... Lord High Chancellor and Heir Apparent ~ 26th, 32nd, and 42nd President ~ Speaker of the 27th Senate Vice President ~ Minister of Radio ~ Attorney General ~ Minister of Foreign Affairs ~ Minister of Culture ~ Minister of Welfare ~ Chair of the Citizens' AssemblyClan  Clan Chastain Sopo (Chief), Netz, Marnip, WestGuam, Rand, GraVandius, and AramorAll Hail Nethel, Praise Be Unto Him  I am the High Priest Join the Movement Gaze Upon the Truth Offer Your Prayers
"I am an enigma, I accept that. I understand that the pages of history do not have room for every man, for every dream, or for every brother. I know that deep down, but I wish it were otherwise every so often." ~ The Fourth Book of Nethel
|
| |
|
Calvin Coolidge
|
Apr 11 2016, 09:40 PM
Post #2
|
☆Kawaii Panda☆
- Posts:
- 12,474
- Group:
- Deputy Minister
- Member
- #3,497
- Joined:
- October 29, 2013
|
- Quote:
-
ACE so quickly transformed from a social club to a political powerhouse that its members barely knew what hit them. Powerful ambition combined with a lack of policy proposals left the party a powerful motor with no rudder to guide it. As an outsider who was confused about ACE in more ways than one, this makes a lot of sense to me. A good overview of things, I like reading about parties in our region.
|
 The Panda's Pen is a newspaper I write. All hail Swift.
|
| |
|
Starstream Tribe
|
Apr 11 2016, 09:51 PM
Post #3
|
- Posts:
- 1,134
- Group:
- Citizen
- Member
- #4,348
- Joined:
- February 3, 2015
|
An excellent historical and analysis piece. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
|
|
Starstream Tribe Kraketopia ESS ECS
|
| |
|
Sopo
|
Apr 11 2016, 11:47 PM
Post #4
|
Lord High Chancellor Emeritus
- Posts:
- 15,224
- Group:
- Administrator
- Member
- #839
- Joined:
- August 26, 2009
|
- Calvin Coolidge
- Apr 11 2016, 09:40 PM
- Quote:
-
ACE so quickly transformed from a social club to a political powerhouse that its members barely knew what hit them. Powerful ambition combined with a lack of policy proposals left the party a powerful motor with no rudder to guide it.
As an outsider who was confused about ACE in more ways than one, this makes a lot of sense to me. A good overview of things, I like reading about parties in our region.  It was confusing on the inside too. :p
Thanks Star!
|
 The Right Honorable Sopo Associate Administrator for Discord - High Priest of Nethel - Lord High Chancellor EmeritusMore Info I once was... Lord High Chancellor and Heir Apparent ~ 26th, 32nd, and 42nd President ~ Speaker of the 27th Senate Vice President ~ Minister of Radio ~ Attorney General ~ Minister of Foreign Affairs ~ Minister of Culture ~ Minister of Welfare ~ Chair of the Citizens' AssemblyClan  Clan Chastain Sopo (Chief), Netz, Marnip, WestGuam, Rand, GraVandius, and AramorAll Hail Nethel, Praise Be Unto Him  I am the High Priest Join the Movement Gaze Upon the Truth Offer Your Prayers
"I am an enigma, I accept that. I understand that the pages of history do not have room for every man, for every dream, or for every brother. I know that deep down, but I wish it were otherwise every so often." ~ The Fourth Book of Nethel
|
| |
|
Ervald
|
Apr 11 2016, 11:57 PM
Post #5
|
The Goldblum of NationStates
- Posts:
- 2,800
- Group:
- WA Delegate
- Member
- #4,754
- Joined:
- July 31, 2015
|
Loved this piece, very informative.
|



   
|
| |
|
Lethen
|
Apr 12 2016, 12:33 AM
Post #6
|
Remember when I was famous? Neither do I.
- Posts:
- 54,822
- Group:
- Il Cancelliere Supremo
- Member
- #27
- Joined:
- April 9, 2007
|
Very informative; a bit biased but very informative.
|
|
me, basically (click)
A letter to a friend By the Prophetical Blessing of Nethel, Supreme Chancellor of the Republic of Europeia and the states within, Destined Overseer of His rightful yet forgotten realms of Estalcia and Old Europe and Crystal Falls, Defender of the Faith and New Jersey, and Heir to the concept of Sarcasm
|
| |
|
Cpt.Carrot
|
Apr 12 2016, 12:38 AM
Post #7
|
Boogy Woogy Bugle Boy of Company "B"
- Posts:
- 7,673
- Group:
- Citizen
- Member
- #3,084
- Joined:
- March 4, 2013
|
Potato Guardians Assemble!!
|
Drummer Captain Carrot!  "Though I try to cheer my comrades and be gay." HEM be sillyMy reputation & other quotes That's right Hodge-podge of stuff Some funny things that caught my attention - Lao-Tzu
-
It is only when you see a mosquito landing on your testicles that you come to realize that there can be value in solving problems without using violence
- Quote:
-
"Tell me, is there anything worn under the kilt?" "No, lassie, it's all in good working order!"
Motivations Desiderata ~ By Max Ehrmann Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. - By Max Ehrmann The Thousanth Man ~ Rudyard Kipling 0NE man in a thousand, Solomon says. Will stick more close than a brother. And it's worth while seeking him half your days If you find him before the other. Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend On what the world sees in you, But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend With the whole round world agin you.
'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show Will settle the finding for 'ee. Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go By your looks, or your acts, or your glory.
But if he finds you and you find him, The rest of the world don't matter; For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim With you in any water.
You can use his purse with no more talk Than he uses yours for his spendings, And laugh and meet in your daily walk As though there had been no lendings.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call For silver and gold in their dealings; But the Thousandth Man he's worth 'em all Because you can show him your feelings.
His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right, In season or out of season. Stand up and back it in all men's sight With that for your only reason!
Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide The shame or mocking or laughter, But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side To the gallows-foot - and after!
"Get these Motherfucking Anumias out of my Motherfucking region!" - Noto, whilst operating heavy weaponry during the June 2016 Civil War
|
| |
|
Trinnien
|
Apr 12 2016, 12:38 AM
Post #8
|
Fluffy
- Posts:
- 3,447
- Group:
- Non-Citizen
- Member
- #4,624
- Joined:
- June 3, 2015
|
- Lethen
- Apr 12 2016, 12:33 AM
Very informative; a bit biased but very informative. It's ENN, I think it's rather fair for them to do an editorial :p
I really had no desire to ever join a political party. I ended up in the LBPP (later ACE) because I was sold on its social nature. While I was a member it became very political in nature, and not really something I cared to be a part of. I quietly left ACE at the start of this term. So, it would seem that I got out just a little sooner than the large exodus that happened not long after.
|
|
What's In A Name? You may notice some people call me "Trinn", "Fluffy", "Trylian", or other random combinations, and are a bit confused by this. 'Rylian' was the name I used when I first came to Europeia. After a few months, I had it changed to 'Trinnien' which is the username I generally use outside of NS. I changed it back to 'Rylian' in order to get back to my roots in Euro. Mostly it's just because I like confusing people (j/k). 'Rylian' and 'Trinnien' are derivatives from Rilian and Tirian from the Chronicles of Narnia. Anyhow, now you know and are hopefully a lil less confused.
Political History 2x Senator 1x Minister of Communications 1x Minister of Foreign Affairs 1x Vice President 1.5x President 1.5x Attorney General Europeian World Assembly Delegate
Awards Order of Service to Europeia awarded Sept of 2016 
|
| |
|
HEM
|
Apr 12 2016, 05:19 AM
Post #9
|
former substitute senator to aexnidaral seymour
- Posts:
- 33,429
- Group:
- Chief Administrator
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- March 7, 2007
|
I found this to be illuminating.
And ENN isn't a biased media outlet.
|
HEM Board Owner | http://s6.zetaboards.com/Europeia Discord Owner | Europeia's Server
|
| |
|
Aexnidaral Seymour
|
Apr 12 2016, 05:25 AM
Post #10
|
Somebody's got to keep you entertained.
- Posts:
- 6,280
- Group:
- Citizen
- Member
- #4,791
- Joined:
- August 12, 2015
|
- Quote:
-
It was largely the masterful electioneering of Aexnidaral Seymour that led to the region's highest presidential turnout and a nail-biting, one-vote win for Kraken/Trinn.
Thanks... I think?
|



Family, Resume, and Awards Family  The Right Honourable Aexnidaral "Crist" Seymour Somerset

Son of North East Somerset and Rachel Husband of Pichtonia Seymour Somerset, Phantasus Chastain, and Ogastein Father of Isaris, Klatonia, XIV, and America Billiards Brother of JGlenn, Apollo, Brunhilde, and Ninja KittensResume and Awards "... Aex, who is treated like the Europeian version of Nickelback by a lot of people here."
|
| |
|
Izzy
|
Apr 12 2016, 12:08 PM
Post #11
|
- Posts:
- 2,369
- Group:
- Cabinet
- Member
- #5,382
- Joined:
- March 16, 2016
|
I wish I'd seen this article before posting in the shoutbox. X3
Thanks for the history lesson, Sopo! I'm also interested to see how the new parties will develop.
|
  |  Director of the Europeian Cosmopolitan Party
 | Coat of Arms (created by Iberian Empire) Nations  The Interstellar Republic of [nation]Isaris[/nation] ([region]Equilism[/region])  The Jamahiriyah of [nation]Medma[/nation] ([region]Europeia[/region])  The Imperial Systems of [nation]Eilantha[/nation] ([region]The Kingdom of Great Britain[/region]) The Holy Violet Federation of [nation]Prijipati[/nation] ([region]Yggdrasil[/region])  The People's Republic of [nation]Izzbekistan[/nation] ([region]Lazarus[/region]) Positions & Titles Elsewhere Officer of Public Relations (Equilism Township), March 2018–Present Section Σ Lead Investigator (Equilism Township), June 2017–Present  Queen Mother (The Kingdom of Great Britain), September 2017–Present Grand Duchess of Luxembourg (The Kingdom of Great Britain), September 2017–Present Duchess of Cambridge (The Kingdom of Great Britain), April 2017–Present Former Positions Member of Parliament (First Commonwealth of Equilism Nations), 2009 World Assembly Delegate (Second Commonwealth of Equilism Nations), August 2011–May 2012 World Assembly Delegate (Equilism Township), March–October 2016, January–April 2018 Mayor (Equilism Township), September 2016–June 2017, September–December 2017 Officer of Public Relations (Equilism Township), June–September 2017 Town Moderator (Equilism Township), August–November 2017 Citizens' Assembly Representative (Republic of Europeia), March–May 2016 Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs (Republic of Europeia), April–July 2016 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Republic of Europeia), July 2016–April 2017, September–November 2017 Minister of Foreign Affairs (Republic of Europeia), November 2017–January 2018 Assistant Minister of Culture (Republic of Europeia), June–November 2016 Senator (Republic of Europeia), May–October 2016 Speaker of the Senate (Republic of Europeia), July–August 2016 Representative of Europeia to the Coalition Against the Ideology of Nazism, February–November 2017 Deputy Speaker of the Senate (Republic of Europeia), March–May 2017 Deputy Citizens' Assembly Chair (Republic of Europeia), July–September 2017  Queen-Empress (The Kingdom of Great Britain), April–September 2017 Member of the House of Lords (The Kingdom of Great Britain), September–December 2017 Awards, Badges, Medals & Other Honors NS Family Isaris "Isabella" Somerset-Mountbatten I
Widow of George Mountbatten VI Mother of Matthew Arche and Pynelope Mountbatten Son of Aexnidaral "Crist" Seymour and Pichtonia Somerset Pokémon Favorite Quotes, Milestone Posts, Etc. |
|
| |
|
Anumia
|
Apr 12 2016, 02:29 PM
Post #12
|
Anumia Novo Spiritus
- Posts:
- 29,038
- Group:
- Banned
- Member
- #31
- Joined:
- April 15, 2007
|
- Aexnidaral Seymour
- Apr 12 2016, 05:25 AM
- Quote:
-
It was largely the masterful electioneering of Aexnidaral Seymour that led to the region's highest presidential turnout and a nail-biting, one-vote win for Kraken/Trinn.
Thanks... I think?  It was totally that, and nothing to do with me not playing the tie vote this time
|
|
Signature The One. The Allfather.-- "He stood with his head held high, critics screaming, and did what he truly felt was best for Europeia." - Common-Sense Politics He's the only person in NationStates who can successfully combine outrageous pomposity with a real support for democracy. - Indycar Racing Do I really need to talk about Anumia? The guy can write like Shakespeare, think like Socrates, and I learned on EuroChat yesterday that he can sing too. I bet he's hung like a bull moose. - Common-Sense Politics Anumia, you have a great mind. - Lethen Someone like Anumia only comes around once in a while. - Kabanatuanistan To be perfectly honest, I'm just going to trust Anumia and approve - Falconias I saw your amendment and wondered whether I had died and gone to heaven. It's beautiful. - Swakistek This is why we should all listen to Anumia. Clearly he is a god amongst men. - Fortana | You are not all knowing. You are not all powerful. You are not Anumia. - Griff I have the greatest respect for Anumia - don't let this thread fool you - but I wish he'd stop winning. - Hyanygo Actually, Hy, the things I wanted to say were: Go Anumia! I love Anumia! - Lethen Anumia with whatever power I have I hereby declare you the winner of everything, forever. - Fortana Long live the Emperor! All Hail Anumia, King of Kings! - Peaceful Llamas How about we realize democracy here is flawed and we make Anumia our dictator? - karthikking I agree with you, Anumia, as all Europeians should. - Swakistek To be honest I'm just going to vote whatever way Anumia votes. - Fortana |
Awards I fought in the Osiris Campaign.
  Amusing Quotes - Quote:
-
Olde Delaware: AE, The Devil's Game, SPC, NS says (7:36 AM): I need you Sai'on'ay the Light Elf (Shower) says (7:37 AM): For? Olde Delaware: AE, The Devil's Game, SPC, NS says (7:37 AM): an Anumia vs Anumia debate  Olde Delaware: AE, The Devil's Game, SPC, NS says (7:38 AM): Were doing a 4 part debating series with Europeia and Rougiers brought up doing a "Anumia vs Anumia" debate I want you to be our Anumia
- Klatonia,Jul 5 2011
- 04:03 AM
Drop dead, Dre.
- Lethen
- Aug 15 2013, 03:00 AM
You think I fact-check the shit I say? 
|
| |
|
Sopo
|
Apr 12 2016, 02:46 PM
Post #13
|
Lord High Chancellor Emeritus
- Posts:
- 15,224
- Group:
- Administrator
- Member
- #839
- Joined:
- August 26, 2009
|
- Lethen
- Apr 12 2016, 12:33 AM
Very informative; a bit biased but very informative.
Well, it is an opinion piece. So it therefore includes my opinions. 
- Aexnidaral Seymour
- Apr 12 2016, 05:25 AM
- Quote:
-
It was largely the masterful electioneering of Aexnidaral Seymour that led to the region's highest presidential turnout and a nail-biting, one-vote win for Kraken/Trinn.
Thanks... I think? 
I'd say Kraken would have won more easily without your GOTV campaign. Good or bad is not for me to say.
|
 The Right Honorable Sopo Associate Administrator for Discord - High Priest of Nethel - Lord High Chancellor EmeritusMore Info I once was... Lord High Chancellor and Heir Apparent ~ 26th, 32nd, and 42nd President ~ Speaker of the 27th Senate Vice President ~ Minister of Radio ~ Attorney General ~ Minister of Foreign Affairs ~ Minister of Culture ~ Minister of Welfare ~ Chair of the Citizens' AssemblyClan  Clan Chastain Sopo (Chief), Netz, Marnip, WestGuam, Rand, GraVandius, and AramorAll Hail Nethel, Praise Be Unto Him  I am the High Priest Join the Movement Gaze Upon the Truth Offer Your Prayers
"I am an enigma, I accept that. I understand that the pages of history do not have room for every man, for every dream, or for every brother. I know that deep down, but I wish it were otherwise every so often." ~ The Fourth Book of Nethel
|
| |
|
GraVandius
|
Apr 12 2016, 04:15 PM
Post #14
|
The Senate
- Posts:
- 8,388
- Group:
- Cabinet
- Member
- #4,682
- Joined:
- June 30, 2015
|
I don't think the EPP is going to suffer the fate of those other political parties you listed. We came out the gates with a specific and well defined platfourm. We also have seen steady growth of membership beyond our initial founders. Furthermore efforts have begun to set up by-laws to govern the party when I step down as "acting chair", something I believe many of those other parties lacked.
|
|
|
| |
|
Drecq
|
Apr 12 2016, 04:22 PM
Post #15
|
EMPEROR OF THAT PLACE OVER THERE, RULER OF THINGS AND PEOPLES, BREEZEBORN, MOTHER OF LIZARDS
- Posts:
- 15,259
- Group:
- Attorney General
- Member
- #1,548
- Joined:
- January 27, 2011
|
- GraVandius
- Apr 12 2016, 04:15 PM
I don't think the EPP is going to suffer the fate of those other political parties you listed. We came out the gates with a specific and well defined platfourm. We also have seen steady growth of membership beyond our initial founders. Furthermore efforts have begun to set up by-laws to govern the party when I step down as "acting chair", something I believe many of those other parties lacked. Its been, what, a week? I think its a little early to start prognosticating either way. The party could be dead and buried in a month or going strong in ten years.
|
The Ven. Drecq ER ES ES ESH EEQ EED OR4 OR3 WE3


 Presidential Awards Order of Republica
 | Order of Senatia (Awarded twice)
  | Order of Equity
 | Order of Scholarship
 | Order of Edification
 | Order of Community Third and Fourth Class
  | Order of Welcoming Third Class
 | Order of Dedication
 |
Current Positions Vice Chancellor of Europeia Attorney General of Europeia Senate Clerk Captain of the Europeian Republican Navy -Reserve Member of the Europeian Bar Association Past Positions Speaker of the Europeian Senate Deputy Speaker of the Europeian Senate Senator of the Europeian Senate Chief Justice of the Europeian High Court Primus Inter Pares of the Europeian High Court Associate Justice of the Europeian High Court Vice President of Europeia Minister of the Interior Minister of Citizenship Integration Grand Admiral of the Europeian Republican Navy Deputy Minister of Foreign Cultivation Deputy Minister of Citizenship Integration
|
| |
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
|