The Call of Freedom

Day 743, 21:14 • Published in Canada Canada • by Jacobi
The Call of Freedom

The Call of Freedom is a call that Canada has made a point of answering throughout its existance in erepublik. We began, ironically, answering the cry for freedom from Hungary, our later oppressor. One of my first acts as Prime Minister was to send the CAF to Germany, honoring our protection pact even at the cost of strained relations. One of my final acts as Prime Minister was to give support to Indian freedom fighters, support that under William Duncan has culminated into the freedom of several Indian provinces from Iran.

Canada answers the call of freedom.

The military policy of the Jacobi administration is based off of three principles.

1. That Canada must never engage in imperialism

2. That a strong CAF in which all active players in Canada are able to join is essential for national unity and spirit.

3. That Canada ought to do what is under its power to eliminate oppression in the world.

Let us look at each of these three points individually.

Canada as a non-imperial power.

The consequences of imperialism are a shocking reminder of how precarious our nation can be in erepublik. The origins of our defeat in August stem far back in time to one year ago, when Operation French Toast was launched. French Toast was a deliberate attack on a former ally, France...World War 3 was a taste of revenge from a country where we had destroyed hospitals and defense systems with impunity. Our folly was compounded as we spent the spring periodically attacking France and activating more and more MPPs against us. The results of our imperialist ventures were ignominious defeat. We ought now to resolve ourselves to never embark on wars of conquest, on dreams of occupation, or plans of domination.

Canada seeks war to defend its allies, to train for defense and strength, and to liberate countries which seek to overthrow the yoke of oppression. Canada does not seek war for empire.

Punitive Expeditions

That is not to say that we will never attack or never declare war on another country. Reasons of practicality may mean that Canada will be required to attack to stop initiative, to support our allies, or to hold territory to prevent an even more dire calamity. In all these cases it ought to be clear that our attacks, blocks, and holds are to be temporary in nature. If, at all possible, Canada should avoid activating significant MPPs.

As many of us know, there is a possibility that after consultation with our allies the United States may attack the United Kingdom. The reasoning is simple: A war with a real enemy, with real battles and real consequence is more entertaining and would generate more activity. It is difficult to get people to care about training wars, but if there is a real possibility of loss, we have found we all give that much more effort. It increases resolve, it increases experience.

If this goes through, many of you may be interested in how a Jacobi administration would react in this eventuality. Of course, the Halifax Accords have been by fiat deemed null and void...we are under no compulsion to close the war that has existed between us over the last week. Further, I believe we ought not to. We ought not to because there exists the possibility of the UK being able to take areas like Maine, Rhode Island and the like in a PEACE* counterattack. Canada would need to be able to cut off a UK advance if necessary.

Also, they betrayed us, and that which comes around doth go around.

Would I have the CAF supplied for these battles? Would I encourage Canadians to fight on the American side from the comfort of one of our three high quality hospitals? Would I relish a bit of well deserved justice for what we had to go through in the Summer?

Yes. Yes I would.

The ancient Romans in order to keep tribes along their borders in line would, if wronged by one of these tribes, conduct a punitive expedition. These were military actions into enemy territory not to conquer or subdue the enemy forces or to expend the boundaries of the Empire. Rather, they were meant as both a demonstration of strength and resolve, as well as a method of chastizing behaviour that was not conducive to familiar relations.

There is no dispute. The UK has been naughty. If the United States wishes to punish them, and our allies agree, I will not stand in their way.

I will however ask, hope, cajole, and advise the United States to have an exit strategy and use this opportunity not to act in an imperialist manner if they win.

The Canadian Armed Forces

A strong CAF is important, it is one of two major lines of defense that Canada can count on. Their rapid promotion through the in game ranks, their openness to new Canadian recruits, and their administrative autonomy are essential to national unity and pride. As Prime Minister I will work with the CAF and give it what it needs. My Defense Minister will sit down with CAF leaders and outline a comprehensive budget based on substantive results. I have taken great pride that during my administration the net budget of the CAF was doubled, tank funding programs were initiated, and the CAF high command was given the tactical flexibility it needed to operate.

Under a Jacobi administration, the crucial necessity of a strong and able CAF in the present will be recognized, even as we start with the transition to version 2. With a transition team led on the government side by JBDivinus looking for ways to adjust, retool and rethink our strategies as Spring draws nigh, the goal is clear: to start running out of the gate when the new war module drops.

The Call of Freedom

Finally, I'd like to conclude the thought that perhaps some of you might be thinking, which is: Where do the opportunities lie for Canada to make a difference in the world?

The answer is seen in occupied India, occupied China, the hegemonies of the major PEACE* powers that continue to oppose any prospect of viable countries in Asia. Canada believes in self-determination, and we are opposed to countries like Hungary taking iron regions in China simply to fuel their warmachine while the Chinese are left high and dry.

It is not up to me, and it is not up to Canada to determine how a country runs itself or which players have the solemn right to take up the government of any nation. Who are we to determine if a player is truly a Belgian, or a North Korean, or a Malaysian? Those are subjective and heated points that we cannot wade into if we are to be an honest broker. It is the actions of that country's government that can be determined much more immediately. A country whose government sends its treasury to the National Bank of Indonesia is unlikely to be one that Canada can support, and is a country which we may very well seek to install a more native government...or at least one that will look after the needs of its own.

Perhaps where I differ in execution if not ideology from the current administration is in the capabilities of Canada and what it has to offer. I believe that our foreign policy must be targeted, must be efficient, and must be effective to be considered good policy. Throwing money at countries left and right and hoping for the best is a gamble with dubious payoffs. Value for dollars is a statement I live by as a politician, one that I think inspires confidence in our country, and one which makes sure that the significant good that we do is recognized and valued.

Canada has answered the call of freedom. Canada fights today for liberty and democracy. Canada will advance in the future, a strong and confident defender of the self-determination of the people's of the New World.

We are compelled, as a people, as a nation, to do nothing less.





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* PEACE exists, if not on paper, then in the actions of its former states. Garbage by any other name....