Politiikka ja Kauppalehti :: Vapaus ei tule kirkosta, se tuli suoraan Jumalalta

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Endless Hypocrisy and Worrisome Inconsistency
International politics have never been so impossibly self-serving and dumb, as Suomenmaa struggles with inaction over a colossal crisis in Gallia (Picture: President Noora Lepomäki speaks with Gothenhamn University politics students)
5. elokuuta 2019


[ULLANLINNA] — The election of Donna Trumm in the Socialist Republic in Westernesse has proven eye opening for post-delegationist states, as the world has rapidly expanded outreach to the Socialist Republic despite the general bellicose climate against socialism in the world. As many as ten nations, including Suomenmaa, have extended an offer to meet with the new President of the Socialist Republic. Many of the nations who extended this outreach are directly involved in the destruction and attempted expansion of slavery into Gallia, with the exact pretext of destroying a socialist Leninov threat in Gallia. The reaction from Scania has mostly been drowned out to the sound of crickets.

While inconsistency in foreign politics appears to be the norm in today’s climate, the berating ridicule of post-delegationist states which have in theory been less expansionist and less ideologic than socialists has produced a paradox. Why would President Trumm be better received than President Lepomäki by the world? There are only two real reasons, the first is alluded to in a recent Liberty Talks magazine article title, simply declared, “They Hate Our Freedom.” The other has been recently suggested by scholars at the University of Haaga suggested racism. Their thesis seems well founded, as nations such as Gunnland, Auraria, and Pelasgia have used racial slurs against post-delegationist peoples as recently as of a few weeks ago. These scholars such as Teepo Pitkänen from the Department of Philosophy and Politics state, “There is a certain discourse within many circles within Europe where politically, a nation may represent open and strong ties with a nation within the Engellosphere, but then hold a negative and aggressive policy with the Anti-State or Pohjanmaa. As the politics of these groups are so similar, so much so as the foreign policies aligning in the majority of ways, we have to look at other arenas in which these people differ. The obvious one is culture and race.”

While the official position of the Commonwealth has not been one to race to assumptions or direct criticism on the topic. This is despite the usual fiery attitude of Fennic politicians and diplomats. However, the response to the Gallian War has been anything but fiery. Attacks from the Engellosphere upon the Burgundian people occurred with little warning and hardly a casus belli. August 2019 Prime Minister Kari Virtanen was direct when he addressed the Eduskunta, or Parliament when he was elected last week, “political conjecture and assumption of ties to Leninov sympathies was all that was needed to begin a campaign in Burgundy. Sickening considering the human and property costs to a culture with a long tradition and history. Perhaps the worst of it is they attacked Neustria, a nation that was embattled in a civil war and certainly not the socialists the Engells claimed them to be.”

The Prime Minister does not control foreign policy. Instead President Noora Lepomäki has been quite silent and positioned for the potential of conflict in the Loong Sea. The news in the press over the last month has been in concern to the Espoo Crisis; however, it appears a road to peace with the Aurarians has been found. A nation that has been eerily quiet on affairs that directly impact their own region. The destruction of Gallia can be left to the ineptitude of both Auraria and Serenierre, the supposed defenders of this region. Their actions or rather inaction has given thought that they do not consider themselves able to stand up to the Engellosphere, if not acquiescent to the events that have unfolded. As a whole it can be assumed that Gallia is not the powerful region is once was considered, albeit still an important economic cog for the world.

Gallia is home to countless corporations and factories which feed the global economy. Their trade routes stretching across the globe. The war in Gallia and the absolute implosion of the Gallian Summit agreements, all occurring right after the Loong Sea and Retalian Sea crises has left economic markets in a tailspin all over the world. In effort to regain some normalcy, Suomenmaa has assured Gothic Sea security, and coupled with Gunnish efforts to keep open sea attacks away from northern Burgundy, the security in this region seems secure. However, the biggest market for Suomenmaan goods is in Touzen and Seora, and they must traverse a possible war zone. Furthermore, Suomenmaan Oil Tankers attempting to reach Serenierre must also cross the Engelsea. FennOil and Royal Austwegian Petroleum have suggested using the western port cities and sailing through the Retalian Sea to reach Serenierre, but this could upset their buyers.

The world appears lost in transition. Foreign policies do not seem to meet the questions and challenges of the day, and coupled with the loss of property and life, investors have kept their wallets closed. Questions must be asked how to get the world’s economy back on track, and Lepomäki Administration must come up with a clear plan with how to navigate the newest and unexpected challenges occurring on our neighboring continent. ■[/DIV]

 

[Pelasgia]

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Federative State of Pelasgia
Secretariat of External Affairs
Public Statement​

ΑΣ 4033/2019 | Unclassified | Normal
Propontis, 6 August 2019

To whom it may concern,

The Federative State of Pelasgia, just like its predecessor, the Pelasgian Empire, has at no point used racial slurs to refer to the people of Suomenmaa. The Embassy of Pelasgia would counsel Politiikka ja Kauppalehti against further iterations of such slanderous and patently untrue statements.

Though many in the Far North would like to pretend our opposition to the barbarism of over-philosophised anarchy is owed to mere racism, reality does not lend itself to such convenient explanations. We shall continue to oppose anarchism, as it is equally destructive for all of civilised mankind, regardless of the race of the anarchist.

Signed and sealed,

Emmanouīl Avgīros
Secretary of External Affairs
Senator ex officio

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

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Federative State of Pelasgia
Secretariat of External Affairs
Public Statement​

ΑΣ 4033/2019 | Unclassified | Normal
Propontis, 6 August 2019

To whom it may concern,

The Federative State of Pelasgia, just like its predecessor, the Pelasgian Empire, has at no point used racial slurs to refer to the people of Suomenmaa. The Embassy of Pelasgia would counsel Politiikka ja Kauppalehti against further iterations of such slanderous and patently untrue statements.

Though many in the Far North would like to pretend our opposition to the barbarism of over-philosophised anarchy is owed to mere racism, reality does not lend itself to such convenient explanations. We shall continue to oppose anarchism, as it is equally destructive for all of civilised mankind, regardless of the race of the anarchist.

Signed and sealed,

Emmanouīl Avgīros
Secretary of External Affairs
Senator ex officio

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Mr Emmanouīl Avgīros,
&
the Pelasgian Government,

While Pelasgia is well-versed in misinformation, it does not have the power to reverse time nor evidence. Caught red handed I wish to display to you your own handiwork, enclosed below. You have outright referred to the people of Pohjanmaa as quote, “unwashed savages” and “barbarians.” Furthermore you have insinuated our development as “challenged” when considering your words upon our living in caves and consumption of raw meat. Two assertions not based upon fact, but your wild fantasy of life in the Nordics. Your continued display of racism, and subsequent denial of said fact only cuts deeper and forges greater distrust between our peoples. It adds upon insult to injury.

Furthermore, there is no state of anarchy in Pohjanmaa. Nor is there a glorification of such. Our democratic society lives free, and much as stated in our previous article, your hate for our freedom, and abject racism echos across the world. This news editorial will not rescind factual statements, and as we do not expect your apologies understanding your historical background, will instead double down upon our position. The Pelasgian Government is run by a cabal of racists as they continue to empower this racist. Our editorial team will not move on from this point until Mr Emmanouīl Avgīros resigns.

Sincerely,
Juha Paetilä
Editor in Chief
Politiikka ja Kauppalehti

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Throne Council of

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Secretariat of External Affairs​

ΑΣ 2379/2019 | Δημόσιον | Κανονικόν
Propontis, 23 June 2019

To whom it may concern,

The foolish girl-chief of the far-Northern barbarians of Pohjanmaa has called our Empire oppressive, anti-semitic and out of touch with reality. What evidence of this does she have? The recent elections in Pelasgia, which displayed saw a record turnout, returned 85% support among the electorate, a supermajority, for the current Constitutionalist coalition which restored peace and tranquility to the Empire following the National Schism. Our "oppressed" people chose to vote the same ruling faction into power, in free and fair elections that were contested by neither local nor international observers. And yet, the foolish girl that runs Pohjanmaa calls us oppressive. The same girl described the Empire as anti-semitic, despite the fact that Pelasgian Jews are completely free to practice their religion, with their own schools, hospitals, organisations and community centres, and occupy high positions in the Pelasgian civil society, business world and government. This, of course, the foolish girl completely ignores. Alas, a person making such misguided and delusional statements has the audacity to call the Empire "out of touch with reality"; we would laugh at this, were it not for the fact that this girl runs an entire country.

The Long Sea belongs neither to the faraway anti-statists of Touzen nor to the unwashed savages of Pohjanmaa, who have the audacity to call the Pelasgians children, ignoring the fact that we were already an Empire when they were still hiding in caves and eating raw meat. The Long Sea belongs to the nations of the Long Sea, and to those who inhabit it. If the Northern Barbarians think otherwise, they can come and take it for themselves. Until then, they shall have to contend themselves with vacuous statements of other nations' obscurity and self-destructive indulgive atomism masquerading as freedom. The little girl of Pohjanmaa speaks of civilisation, as if her totalitarian brand of Anarchism has anything to do with civilised society. The Empire did not intervene in the Long Sea crisis, because neither side's conduct motivated us enough to plunge the entire region into an inter-continental war. Do not mistake our forbearance for complacency; you will not get another warning. And do not assume the "Anti-State" will shield you from your own foolish adventures, if you do choose to ignore our warning.

Signed and sealed,

Emmanouīl Avgīros
Secretary of External Affairs
Knight of the Order of Saint Andrew
Senator ex officio

 

[Pelasgia]

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Federative State of Pelasgia
Secretariat of External Affairs
Public Statement​

ΑΣ 4035/2019 | Unclassified | Normal
Propontis, 7 August 2019

To the attention of Mr. Juha Paetilä.

Dear sir,

Our commentary upon the arrested state of development of the Far Northern Barbarians is not a racist comment. Though it might displease you for others to point out your state of civilisational retardation compared to the civilised parts of Europe, that does not make the statements in question racist. The terms "unwashed" and "troglodyte", in Pelasgian, denote a metaphorical lack of civilisation and not a literal state of living in a cave. Though your people may certainly be lacking in civilisation, we have not yet received reports of their reverting to such states of primitive life (though we did hear news of your leader hunting game with a bow).

A racist statement would be one asserting an immutable genetic characteristics in the Northern Barbarians being the cause of their socio-cultural retardation. We have made no such assertion. I assure you that we consider your people to be as human as any Pelasgian and as capable of civilisation as our own folk (though you have not actually attained an equally civilised status thus far). Though I would expect a mere journalist to misunderstand and misuse terms such as "racist", I would expect better from an editor. I would further remind you that these comments were made in reply to an extremely vitriolic streak of provocative and unprovoked statements by your own leader; evidently, you have neglected to mention these remarks in your claims of our "racism".

Finally, I find it incumbent upon me to remind you that the absence of an organised state is, by definition, anarchic, as is the rejection of hierarchy and delegation. Democracy, which my own people invented so many aeons ago, is by no means anarchic or stateless. Democracy is the rule of a state according to the wishes of the state's populace, or that portion of the populace which forms the elctorate, based on majority votes, whether direct or via delegation to elected representatives. As a native of Iolcus, the city that gave Europe democracy and maintains many of the original democratic institutions in its local government, I can assure you that no true-born Iolcian has ever advocated the abolition of the Iolcian State; indeed, it is the greatest of Iolcian patriots and democrats who have laid down their life for this state, which is the collective inheritance and legacy of all Iolcians from the date of the city's foundation to its end.

If your country ever wishes to adopt democracy, my compatriots and I shall gladly aid you.

Signed and sealed,

Emmanouīl Avgīros
Secretary of External Affairs
Senator ex officio

 

[Jydsken-Østveg]

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Mr Emmanouīl Avgīros,
&
the Pelasgian Government,

Sir, just because you put lipstick on a pig, does not mean it is not a pig. Put some lipstick on your words, but you sir, are a racist. Your words caused offense and you doubled down on them.

The editorial team at Politiikka ja Kauppalehti is fully aware of democracy and how it functions. If you knew anything about our nation, you’d know that it is not absent of a state, nor in anarchy. Instead you’d realize we have a functioning democracy and constitution enshrining the rights of the people.

Sincerely,
Juha Paetilä
Editor in Chief
Politiikka ja Kauppalehti

 

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The Pirates of the Engellsea
Newspapers from Salen report that a civilian vessel was ambushed by Engell pirates in the Engellsea causing concern in sea region that the Engells pridefully consider their own (Picture: The “Hamina” a Free Navy vessel which intercepted and aided the Salian vessel in distress)
7. elokuuta 2019


[ROSENGÅRD, Östveg] — The SMS Den Gezant is a Salian civilian vessel which was in the Engellsea, nearest coastline of Petites-Pays when in cutthroat fashion masked and armed men boarded and assaulted members of the Den Gezant in what appears to have been a pirate sting mission. The curious aspect is that the pirates were Engell, and they did not seem to steal anything.

Salian news outlets have suggested that the “pirates” were of Engell origin and likely operating out of Burgundy. This would highly suggest state involvement, and the Salians have asked the ambassadors from Beautancus, Clarenthia, and Engellachia based upon the accent of that the pirates used.

Piracy is a difficult term that has played a role in Pohjanmaan affairs over the past months. The Retalian Sea incident was plagued by accusations of piracy by several national governments without much proof. To this day, Touzenese inhabitants are wrongfully jailed in Eiffelland-Retalia based upon the accusation of piracy. The claims of piracy spawned the heightened readiness and alert in the Loong Sea, and may have also indirectly caused the Espoo Crisis which nearly led to war against Auraria. The fallout from the piracy accusations and the Espoo Crisis have also led to all Free Navy ships now displaying the Jolly Roger flag on the ship. In some cases in the jack position.

After the Espoo Crisis, post delegationist naval forces began to enter the Loong Sea in a large quantity to protect post delegationist interests and the piracy problem disappeared. Now with it appearing again with Thaumantic accents, it has to be wondered if the entire pirate hoax with nothing more than a Thaumantic operation designed to strike discord in the Loong Sea region. If this was their goal it would appear to have been effective, nearly causing a major war.

President Lepomäki has stated that all civilian shipping vessels may request Free Navy support in the Gothic Sea and Engellsea, as patrols will be heightened and expanded to improve response time. She has made it clear they are to steer clear of Engell operations in Burgundy though. “I do not wish to risk armed conflict over a misunderstanding in such brash and unsuccessful manner that the Aurarians would see a mirror image of themselves.” Instead, the Lepomäki Administration has urged all shipments to first dock in Göötehamina, then be escorted through the region by the Free Navy if their safety is paramount or feared. She has also recommended that Gothic Sea region bound goods also consider using Valdemarsudde, the Western Austwegian port, and taking rail to Göötehamina for further safe transport thereby skipping the Engellsea entirely. This extra cost is likely to be avoided at any rate, despite the increased cost of insurance for ships passing through the Engellsea. Heighten insurance costs will negatively impact the economies of the Engellexic world, as well as the Gothic Sea Region, and Gallia, a region which is hurting enough from economic downturn. Economists from the University of Gothenhamn are expecting that a global recession at the end of the quarter will dominate the minds of governments worldwide.

Much of the onus for the instability and the responsibility to maintain order is laid at the feet of the Engellosphere though. As their operations in Burgundy have progressed, their militaries must be able to provide for the welfare of the region they’ve entered. To neglect it would be no better than their own definition of misrule.

Naval defense and protective operations are a cause for concern for the Commonwealth, and as a result President Lepomäki has made the rare effort to get additional help from the Eduskunta, or Parliament. She spoke with Prime Minister Kari Virtanen on the issue and the need for more ships to meet the ever increasing needs of Free Navy operations. Debate is expected to consume much of the August Parliament’s time. ■[/DIV]

 

[Touzen]

Office of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations
Forever Free
​

The continued deliberate misrepresentation of our democratic polity by official representatives of the Pelasgian state reflects poorly upon Propontis' desire or ability to engage in meaningful global dialogue for the furthering of understanding and peace between peoples. It certainly stands to reason that the regime currently being formed at a breathtaking speed, disregarding all usual decorum generally associated with a mediating effect of polity building over an extended period of time under the auspices of the popular sovereign, has little input to offer as regards the matter of the proper implementation of democracy.

Forever Free,

Shigeru Kato
Officer of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations
Anti-State

 

[Pelasgia]

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Federative Republic of Pelasgia
Ministry of External Affairs
Public Statement​

ΑΣ 4036/2019 | Unclassified | Normal
Propontis, 8 August 2019

To whom it may concern,

It is honestly rather comedic to see how the intellectually lazy political class of Suomenmaa resort to the same accusation of "racism", like a broken record, whenever they are cornered into having to acceptrecognise reality. I am not racist, and neither is the Government of Pelasgia.

Of course, even if I were one that would matter very little; I know not how the dysfunctional internal workings of the Far Northern Barbarians deal with this modern, secular accusation of heresy, but I can assure you it carries very little weight in Pelasgia, mainly because all Pelasgians know they are equal before the law. I would pressure the editor to actually respond to my points, but I have quite frankly lost the will converse with an intellectual midget who uses the same failed tactic thrice in a row to attempt to intimidate his opponents into silence.

As for the intervention by Suomenmaa's Far Eastern benefactors and the the birthers of the degenerate breed of messianic authoritarianism that grips half of Toyou, I only have this to say: the Federative Republic of Pelasgia will not accept lessons in legality, democracy and constitutionalism from a state ruled by a perpetual dictator. Pelasgia might dispense with decorum quickly, but we at least have the decorum of elections and the separation of powers; this is clearly something our Touzenite partners have evolved out of.

Signed and sealed,

Emmanouīl Avgīros
Minister of External Affairs
Federative Republic of Pelasgia

 

[Touzen]

Office of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations
Forever Free
​

Pelasgia’s position remains ever enigmatic, which underlines the difficulty we have in seeing avenues of productive interaction with your state. Depending on his fancy that moment, the Minister of External Affairs decries Touyou’s polities alternatively as anarchistic or autocratic - which one is it, Mr. Avgiros? It might appear prudent to throw a number of seemingly random labels at the Free East and see what sticks, but this is hardly a foundation for a deeper, factual analysis of the realities on the ground. This leads one to the assumption that Mr. Avgiros is either truly not able to comprehend democratic institutions - which would be regrettable and most of all, concerning. Or he is deliberately trying to misunderstand something that he understands perfectly well - which would be disingenuous.

Either way, we are looking forward to the day that Mr. Avgiros is willing to enter into sincere dialogue with us to address concrete matters of relevance instead of wasting everyone’s time by trying to remarkably unsuccessfully agitate the world community against Shinkyô.

Forever Free,

Shigeru Kato
Officer of Revolutionary Defense and State Relations
Anti-State

 

[Vrijpoort]

Overzeese Relaties en Coöperatie Nedernesië | Overseas Relations and Cooperation Nedernesia

The existence of piracy in the Engelsea and potentially also the Gothic Sea is considered nothing less than an existential threat to the Commonwealth of Nedernesia, a country built on the foundations of free and open seas that allow and foment prosperous trade of goods and services. As Nedernesia straddles both seas, the Nedernesian Government sees it as a paramount duty to both protect Nedernesian flagged merchant marine vessels (of which there are many globally for foreign firms that seek the tax and bureaucratic benefits of Nedernesian ship registration) that ply these pristine and usually peaceful waters.

Nedernesia seeks to establish a merchant marine defencive task force with our friends in Pohjanmaa and Salen. We are prepared to contribute the full force and capabilities of the both the Royal Nedernesian Admiralty and the Royal Nedernesian Sky Force.

We look forward to this mutual cooperation to ensure that no filthy pirates are given free passage nor free haven.

With sincerest salutations,
Robert S. Riverdale, Minister of Overseas Relations and Cooperation Nedernesia

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The Pirates of the Engellsea
Newspapers from Salen report that a civilian vessel was ambushed by Engell pirates in the Engellsea causing concern in sea region that the Engells pridefully consider their own (Picture: The “Hamina” a Free Navy vessel which intercepted and aided the Salian vessel in distress)
7. elokuuta 2019


[ROSENGÅRD, Östveg] — The SMS Den Gezant is a Salian civilian vessel which was in the Engellsea, nearest coastline of Petites-Pays when in cutthroat fashion masked and armed men boarded and assaulted members of the Den Gezant in what appears to have been a pirate sting mission. The curious aspect is that the pirates were Engell, and they did not seem to steal anything.

Salian news outlets have suggested that the “pirates” were of Engell origin and likely operating out of Burgundy. This would highly suggest state involvement, and the Salians have asked the ambassadors from Beautancus, Clarenthia, and Engellachia based upon the accent of that the pirates used.

Piracy is a difficult term that has played a role in Pohjanmaan affairs over the past months. The Retalian Sea incident was plagued by accusations of piracy by several national governments without much proof. To this day, Touzenese inhabitants are wrongfully jailed in Eiffelland-Retalia based upon the accusation of piracy. The claims of piracy spawned the heightened readiness and alert in the Loong Sea, and may have also indirectly caused the Espoo Crisis which nearly led to war against Auraria. The fallout from the piracy accusations and the Espoo Crisis have also led to all Free Navy ships now displaying the Jolly Roger flag on the ship. In some cases in the jack position.

After the Espoo Crisis, post delegationist naval forces began to enter the Loong Sea in a large quantity to protect post delegationist interests and the piracy problem disappeared. Now with it appearing again with Thaumantic accents, it has to be wondered if the entire pirate hoax with nothing more than a Thaumantic operation designed to strike discord in the Loong Sea region. If this was their goal it would appear to have been effective, nearly causing a major war.

President Lepomäki has stated that all civilian shipping vessels may request Free Navy support in the Gothic Sea and Engellsea, as patrols will be heightened and expanded to improve response time. She has made it clear they are to steer clear of Engell operations in Burgundy though. “I do not wish to risk armed conflict over a misunderstanding in such brash and unsuccessful manner that the Aurarians would see a mirror image of themselves.” Instead, the Lepomäki Administration has urged all shipments to first dock in Göötehamina, then be escorted through the region by the Free Navy if their safety is paramount or feared. She has also recommended that Gothic Sea region bound goods also consider using Valdemarsudde, the Western Austwegian port, and taking rail to Göötehamina for further safe transport thereby skipping the Engellsea entirely. This extra cost is likely to be avoided at any rate, despite the increased cost of insurance for ships passing through the Engellsea. Heighten insurance costs will negatively impact the economies of the Engellexic world, as well as the Gothic Sea Region, and Gallia, a region which is hurting enough from economic downturn. Economists from the University of Gothenhamn are expecting that a global recession at the end of the quarter will dominate the minds of governments worldwide.

Much of the onus for the instability and the responsibility to maintain order is laid at the feet of the Engellosphere though. As their operations in Burgundy have progressed, their militaries must be able to provide for the welfare of the region they’ve entered. To neglect it would be no better than their own definition of misrule.

Naval defense and protective operations are a cause for concern for the Commonwealth, and as a result President Lepomäki has made the rare effort to get additional help from the Eduskunta, or Parliament. She spoke with Prime Minister Kari Virtanen on the issue and the need for more ships to meet the ever increasing needs of Free Navy operations. Debate is expected to consume much of the August Parliament’s time. ■[/DIV]

 

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Setting the Table for Trumm
Socialist Republic President Donna Trumm is coming to Göötehamina and the city is prepared to put forward its best foot as Lepomäki looks to solidify a cooperative relationship (Picture: Göötehamina’s city hall decorated with flower baskets and cleared for traffic for Trumm’s visit tomorrow.)
11. elokuuta 2019


[GÖÖTEHAMINA] — It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Relationships around the world for the Commonwealth have never been so polarized. With President Donna Trumm visiting the capital of Pohjanmaa tomorrow, there is an opportunity for President Lepomäki to advocate in favor for clear Pohjanmaan policies that provide areas for closer cooperation with the Socialist Republic. There are three topics for which with Commonwealth needs to find common ground with the Socialist Republic.

First, President Lepomäki needs to make a case for diplomatic coordination with the Socialist Republic. Pohjanmaa does not approve of the “Engellospheric Domain’s” military intervention in Gallo-Germania. Göötehamina sees their actions as a genocidal attempt to expand the Engell slave system, the HCS, into Gallia. While news outlets in Clarenthia might pretend to represent an “arsenal of democracy,” the fascistic nature of Nativism in Beautancus, the rise of an authoritarian in Engellachia, and the First Republic’s acquiescence and sponsorship of these policies are illiberal, anti-democratic, and anti-humanitarian at their core. “Engell Domain” has further seen fit to pick on multicultural Nedernesia for prosecuting HCS slavers, and the rule of law in this manner should be an item of agreement. The Commonwealth and Socialist Republic have not always agreed on a multitude of issues; however, there are many foreign policy points that not only align between the two, but look like mirror images.

Second, Pohjanmaa and the Socialist Republic agree on several economic issues. For example the general refusal to engage in trade that touches the HCS. To strengthen economic ties to fill in any gaps and agree upon not only free, but fair trade should be something of interest to the two nations. While obviously the economic systems between Pohjanmaa and the Socialist Republic do not match, there are points that do, and these points should be emphasized and strengthened where ever they can be. President Lepomäki should pursue the first trade agreement with the Socialist Republic that seeks to isolate HCS slaver economies.

Third and lastly, President Lepomäki needs to make clear that cooperation with the Socialist Republic in maritime affairs is preferable to conflict. Many nations in Germania and in the “Engell Domain” have accused Pohjanmaa of sponsoring rumors of piracy, if not outright funding pirates. Nothing could be further from the truth, as Pohjanmaa stands as not only an open economy dependent upon overseas trade, but also as a blue water navy that seeks to keep trade lanes open. The goal of keeping areas like the Thaumantic, Implarian, Engellsea, and Loong Sea open to free navigation rights is important to Pohjanmaa, and during Trumm’s visit they ought to agree together to prevent any nation from obstructing the Socialist Republic or Pohjanmaa from the usage any international sea lane for any purpose.

There are a lot of avenues for cooperation between Pohjanmaa and the Socialist Republic, and as one of the premier post-delegationist nations on the map, Pohjanmaa can set an example for how a healthy relationship can be carried out between ideological differences. While even though post-delegationism and socialism do not always see eye to eye, both nations seem to have a respect for the democratic process and human rights. Focusing on commonalities over differences can set a strong tone for President Lepomäki. With how Gallo-Germania has shunned Pohjanmaa simply due to its post-delegationist democratic background, the Socialist Republic has the chance to insert itself as a rare friend. ■[/DIV]

Socialist World Republic (@Socialist World Republic)

 

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A Different Kind of Battle at Sea
Larsian attitudes towards marine wildlife focus on conservation which is an ideal shared by Pohjanmaans, but whaling has become an issue these friendly peoples grapple with (Picture: A Larsian based civilian vessel is off the coast of Drottning Ragnhild Land)
13. elokuuta 2019


[TROLLKYRKA, Drottning Ragnhild Land] — There are key differences to life in Pohjanmaa compared to other nations. One of which is the fact that Pohjanmaa is a multicultural nation with at least four different cultures which reside within its borders. This informs the inhabitants of the nation differently, as cultures have different traditions with their environment. A major difference is the relationship with the sea. Fenns in Pohjanmaa tend to be a more Gothic Sea oriented nation, which harvest fish more than any other sea creature. Austwegians in the south tend to be more oriented towards the Thaumantic and this has historically involved a different catch, whales.

Whaling in Østveg has a long history, that traditionally revolves around the rich fats and oils that can be obtained from these mammals. Austwegians, especially those out on the island of Drottning Ragnhild Land, known as Queensland by the Sylvanians which inhabit the majority of the isle, are especially interested in this commercial activity which at one point was one of the largest exports for this island. While the commercial exports in modern times have become a bit redundant due to the ability to synthetically reproduce much of the gains from whaling, the Austwegians near hunted a variety of whales to extinction in the mid-20th century as advances in commercial whaling proved too efficient for the ecosystem. It was at this point that Austwegians themselves realistically acknowledged that there needed to be a solution, else these creatures would not exist anymore. The result was the first and only post-delegationist agreement on an international environmental concern: The Trollkyrka Convention.

This convention dictated using scientific statistical analysis of the whale populations, how many whales could be caught without negatively impacting the population. After a ten year ban agreed to by Austwegian whalers, populations had recovered to begin marginal whaling again. Today numbers recovering to their highest level in one-hundred years. While whaling management amongst the Austwegians could be praised, not everyone is convinced. Enter Larsian based environmentalists with a well funded navy of their own sort.

Larsian environmentalists which operate both research vessels, and former shipping vessels which are now designed to harass whaling ships, frequently move in and out of the Thaumantic, Implarian and Indalan Seas to combat whaling. Their crews while largely based from the Grand Duchy, also have international flair to them. To public knowledge, at least seven Pohjanmaans are involved with the Larsian NGOs involved in this conservation project.

Tempers came to a high this week, as a Larsian vessel nearly collided with an Austwegian whaling vessel, the Kung Oskar II. The near collision has struck tempers on the docks of Trollkyrka, where whalers are demanding that Göötehamina take action against the Larsians. Geopolitically, the issue is unlikely to stoke animosity between the friendly nations though, as Pohjanmaa continues to maintain a defensive alliance with the Grand Duchy. A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry suggesting calm and general talks between the two sides.

The problem is that talks are a non-starter. Austwegian whalers want to whale, while the Larsian environmentalist NGOs want to put a stop to it completely. The conflict is likely to continue without an end in sight. The Free Navy has only insisted that unnecessary collisions ought to be avoided, as they worry that rescue operations in dangerous northern seas can prove dangerous to their own sailors. Either way, it’s impossible to know if or when this dangerous game will come to an end. ■[/DIV]

 

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Gothic Sea DDI Drills
Pohjanmaa which has long managed to maintain itself as a submarine superpower engaged with Touzenese vessels in war games (Picture: A Pohjanmaan submarine at sea in early 2019)
23. lokakuuta 2019


[PÖLLÖT BASE, Pohjanmaa] — As is tradition in the Autumn, the Free Navy and the Continental Navy engaged in war games in the Gothic Sea. Contrary to current war games going near Sylvania, the DDI Gothic Sea Games focus on the more shallow Gothic Sea and the defense needs of Pohjanmaa in relation to Gallo-Germanian aggressors.

Typically for the Pohjanmaans there are several hits on opponents and no losses with its submarines. Results of exercises are rarely made public, although occasionally news is leaked thusly continuing the Free Navy’s reputation for excellence under the sea. Pohjanmaa’s defense expenditures over the last decade have focused on naval technology and naval strength. Important aspects of its defense as the post-delegationist liberal-democracy has territories which span the entire Gothic Sea region and largely finds itself responsible for the defense of Nedernesia; although the Nedernesian defense forces have found themselves more and more proficient over the years.

The DDI has worked on several war games and exercises over the recent week that has been newsworthy as the group seeks to improve its readiness for a variety of scenarios. The group is considered the world’s first and foremost democratic alliance, although thus far it has not had to ever test its battle regimen. The news some have speculated could be seen as an advertisement for smaller democracies across the globe to look to join the group for better protection.

Instead, the Lepomäki Administration has repeated that the drills are mainly for safety and insuring that the nation is ready for defensive arrangements, “...not any attempt to flex our muscles and expand our global reach further than it already is.” Although the Lepomäki Administration’s Press Secretary has repeated this often, the Free Navy has continued expeditions that traverse the Loong Sea to Touzen and back to ensure the safe passage of DDI economic goods and transportation. ■[/DIV]

 

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Kolumni - Jenny Holmström
A brief understanding the divisions of the world and where we fit in: Democracy should be our biggest priority
11. marraskuu 2019


The world on November 11th looks quite different than it ever has been in quite sometime. We live in a world where the major powers of the world rest in oldest of the three regions of the world. The East, where our allies in Shinkyô reside has rarely looked as stable as it is. In the middle we have Kadikistan, the giant slumbering Communist regime that often looks to Germania as its backyard. In the Far West there is an odd mix of the fruits of colonialism. I would not pretend to believe that a single nation stands alone as a world power. Our world is best placed together in blocs. With this in mind that are clearly three.

The Communist Rurikgrad Pact clearly lead by Kadikistan is interesting to consider because it is a group that stands on one knee. This is not to suggest weakness, but instead what I’d consider as a group that no longer stands as a group. The Communist nations in our world have not all subscribed to it. Only Polesia stands as a clear member, with Ostmark and Crotobaltslavonia loosely aligned. I would assume that this leads to a lack of unified response abilities and an uneasy feeling in Ivar.

Meanwhile, the East is equally disorganized in the Anti-State. What sets the Anti-State apart is the incorporation of the DDI which is a healthier defense alliance between the Anti-State, Sylvania, and ourselves. The DDI in this sense serves as the premier military alliance in the world, and a strong force for democracy. The case for liberal democracy is strong, and is what differs the DDI nations from the democratic traditions of Himyar and the Engellosphere.

This naturally pushes a confrontation between the DDI and the Rurikgrad Pact, but do leaders see this as the case? Current geopolitical politics would not suggest so. Kadikistan and the Anti-State have no love lost between them; however, they much rather prefer to ignore the fact either exists. Likewise, connections between Sylvania and Pohjanmaa in regards to Kadikistan are few and far between.

So what kind of world do we live in? Right now, it would seem to be peace in our time. Yet I cannot fathom this result as anything other than pure naïvety. Surely Gallo-Germania will fall into some kind of conflict that we will see DDI and Rurikgrad desires upon it. Already DDI interests have been activated in Loago for example, and gaining a Post-Delegationist province enshrined in Loago. Thus far Rurikgrad has only worked in Crotobaltslavonia. Does this mean there are spheres of influence predetermined? Is this overlap?

Our world is at peace, but we and by extension the DDI must remain vigilant in the face of authoritarian forces. This means that Pohjanmaa’s biggest foreign policy demand should not be ideological, it should be on the basis of free and fair elections. This will help keep the peace, and will help the efforts of the DDI now, and into the future. ■

Jenny Holmström is a regular opinion columnist with PJK. She is a senior fellow at the Gothic Sea Defense and Democracy Institute. Miss Holmström’s opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper, its editorial staff, or its ownership.[/DIV]

 

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Kolumni - Teija Toivonen
Boundless Post-Delegationism blamed in Brazul; however, there are better Scanian models for it to follow
18. marraskuu 2019


Across the Thaumantic and further south lay the country of Brazul, where grim forecasts for small business farmers have prompted criticism of the banking sector there. The major banks in Brazul more frequently deny important loans to these small landowners due to a collusion attempting to monopolize landownership. These loans are needed to help modernize and grow businesses to be able to compete. Bankruptcy levels for this segment of the population in Brazul has skyrocketed as any hardship can cause irreparable damage to business operations.

Blame for these crisis has gone around with calls for protest, revolution, and even violence against post-delegationists suggested. Yet post-delegationism is not the problem, but instead the solution. While rampant and unbound post-delegationist forces in some parts of the Anti-State leave monopolization of the markets all but a certainty, Scanian or Pohjanmaan Post-Delegationism has walked a certain middle road that has left protections for the people.

Immediately after the 1991 Banking Crisis in Pohjanmaa, the Eduskunta (Parliament) had made the necessary changes to prevent market forces from imposing themselves on the freedom of the people. Controversial, especially to hardliners in the Anti-State, banking restrictions were put into place where banks all became cooperatives owned in part by their communities that use them. To achieve this result Pohjanmaa bought up, and broke up the banks and forced their cooperative restructuring.

Of course the actions taken in Ullanlinna were drastic, Pohjanmaa was in the middle of the worst crisis in modern history where poverty skyrocketed and unemployment rose to nearly 18%. Factories closed, and homes were foreclosed as banks outright failed. While the chaos at the time was horrible, Pohjanmaa’s solution was ultimately forced by the State, something which is not supposed to exist in a post-delegationist society. With this in mind it is important to remember that Pohjanmaa exists as a nation forever in transition to true post-delegationism, as its founders did not yet believe that true post-delegationism could be created with one edict, but instead the progressive movement of a democratic nation-state to a supposed nirvana in post-delegationism.

That is not to confuse Pohjanmaa as a nation with large state processes. Termed by scholars as the night watchman’s state, where the state exists on bare bone levels only to provide to defense of borders, property, and law. Naturally this has now included crisis, as the 1991 financial crisis showed. Thus far the Eduskunta has worked hard to not include itself in the act of environmental protection, despite the protests of this year after the chemical explosion in Pispala. Yet some sessions of the Eduskunta have shown themselves more sympathetic as continued sporadic protests have continued for the last eight months since the disaster.

While post-delegationism as a system can be cumbersome to observers, the democratic processes and in combination with a reduced state which only aims to maintain the liberty of the people can be highly effective as a governmental system. For Brazulians the future could be perhaps looking to Scania as a solution where liberty can be a flexible word depending on what definition of liberty is applied. ■

Teija Toivonen is a regular opinion columnist with PJK. She is a senior fellow at the Social Post-Delegationist Institute. Miss Toivonen’s opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper, its editorial staff, or its ownership.[/DIV]

 

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REPORT: Sectarian Violence in Ulster
A guest author Dr. Enda Finlay on the recent harassment of an Austwegian school in Ulster (Picture: Parents and children withheld National Police near the Johan Ludwig Nygaard Primary School)
12. tammikuu 2020


[MOIRA, Strathclyde] — In 1986 the Austwegian Frontier War, as it has come to be known in Pohjanmaa, came to an end. Its conclusion represented a change in power structures in the North Thaumantic Ocean, clearly showcasing the new Pohjanmaan-Sylvanian allied forces in Strathclyde being able to impose their own post-war paradigm in the region. While the war was won, it was the peace that was lost. Pohjanmaan strict adherence to Post-Delegationist values in the 1980s resulted in an peace time administration in Ulster Province that did not provide any social services designed to reconcile the infighting and sectarian clashes that have historically dominated Ulster. Directly compared to the Sylvanian structured and successful peace time arrangement in Sutherland which imposed Sylvanian law and order into the area, it would seem that Post-Delegationist thought largely failed the people of Ulster.

Directly moving on to the present day, violence and tension between Manx and Nordic populations in Ulster has resurfaced as Pohjanmaan military units have left the region with the exception of Admiral Willy Samuelsson Ulster-Pohjanmaa Naval Base, and Captain Ragnar Magnusson-Fria staden Moira Base. The animosity has bled into the neighboring New Republic of Østveg, where Austwegian attitudes to the Manx people which they argue have attempted to engage in ethnic cleansing against the Nordic population in Ulster. That said, hardly any Manx live in Østveg, and violence is non-existent in a culture that prefers passive-aggression.

Rapidly escalating violence between these groups of people is the key component in what is rapidly becoming a developing story where sectarian threats of attack against school children in Ulster have now occurred. Writing an OpEd for PjK is Doctor Enda Finlay, leader of the Opposition in Strathclyde.

—— After countless people injured, as well as buildings and cars set on fire, the toxic poison of sectarianism has now attacked our school children. Last week, many schools opened again after the Christmas break. Midweek, children were excited and annoyed as they get to meet up with their friends again but had to deal with smelly old teachers too. This is normal, but what is not normal is when a sick twisted person phones a school and threatens to shoot the place up and I quote, "chop the little Nordic bastards heads and send it to their mothers."

This one fact would make anyone's stomach turn but to make this whole ordeal worse for the children who had to be suddenly evacuated, and the teachers whom I praise for doing a excellent job keeping the children calm in this unimaginable situation. A mob of so called "cornered parents" blocked the children from getting to their parents while at the same time shouting abuse across the school gate. The police commander of the evacuation sensibly ordered riot police to the area to separate the sectarian mob and the innocent children. This was rightly done to protect our children while they were lead away safely.

No child in Strathclyde or the world for that matter should have to witness or suffer from what those children did today. I am in utter disgrace and hang my head, that I and other members of the Second of the Estate have let hate bred this far in our union. What is more disquieting is our government’s lack of sympathy and outright lies with the Home Office describing the terror these children faced as I quote "the National Police had been called out to a parking dispute in the carpark of Johan Ludwig Nygaard Primary School and they dealt with it in a timely manner." If the Johan Ludwig Nygaard Primary School had not been Austwegian, would the government response been the same? I very much doubt it.

With the government in complete denial of the worsening situation and from what I hear from my hard working friends in the National Police, they are already underfunded and over stretched. They are now seriously hitting breaking point and only the intervention of a royal position, international pressure, and little help from the Gods will stop this mess in its tracks.

Meanwhile I promise the Nordic community that no matter what happened, I will do everything in my power as the leader of the opposition and a simple human being. I will not let any other child to be terrorized like this again. We shall not return to the dark days of Ulster. ■

This OpEd was written by Dr. Enda Finlay. The views and opinions of this article are not necessarily the opinions of this newspaper.

OOC: OpEd portion was written by “Taffy” @Strathclyde
[/DIV]

 

[The Federation]

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - STATEMENT

The Continental Republic is horrified by the treatment of ethnic Nordic children and adult citizens of Ulster by Manx sectarian terrorists. We call on the regional government in Ulster and national government of Strathclyde to exert more control before we must must do it for them.

Katalin Faraday
Director of Foreign Affairs

RENDER NOT UNTO TYRANTS
THE CONTINENTAL REPUBLIC OF SYLVANIA​

 

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Axiflos Summit Key for Expansion Talks
The collective security arrangement between Pohjanmaa and Nedernesia leaves Pohjanmaa in DDI limbo (Picture: A Pohjanmaan Jet Fighter in action.)
27. tammikuu 2020


[AXIFLOS, Aresura] — When Nedernesia gained its independence from the old Two Kingdoms in the 1960s as part of the nation’s change to the post-delegationist Commonwealth of Pohjanmaa, it was agreed that Nedernesia would remain under Pohjanmaa’s collective security umbrella. An attack upon Nedernesia would be as if Pohjanmaa itself were attacked. Furthermore, once Nedernesia’s royal family could no longer find an heir to the throne, it would return to being part of Pohjanmaa.

The arrangement seems so dated and foreign to the realities of today.

Nedernesia in itself has become a nation-state of its own character and composure on the international scene. Their countrymen fully embracing their unique monarchy in the cold waters of the Scanian Sound. This is not lost upon those in power in Ullanlinna; however, the point of difficulty remains in the defensive arrangement between the two countries.

As a full founding member of the Democratic Defense Initiative (DDI) in 1986 after the conclusion of the war with Strathclyde, Pohjanmaa exists fully within the defense umbrella shared between Touzen and Sylvania. Together they are all referred to as the “Big Three” and will gather in Axiflos, Aresura for the 2020 Summit.

Uniquely, the question has repeatedly come up of the last 33 years if the rest of the DDI must also respond to an attack upon Nedernesia. At the beginning of the formation of the DDI, it did not really seem to be in the interest of either Nedernesia or Pohjanmaa to address the issue. Nedernesia was not even invited to the series of DDI formative talks in Shinkÿô 1984 or Göötehamina 1985. When the DDI’s Charter was fully signed in Charleroi in 1986 to a great deal of fanfare, Nedernesia and Pohjanmaa were at odds of the role played during the early 1980s War in Strathclyde. Nedernesia’s government at the time did not commit troops or support to the campaign.

In the years since, the responsibility of defending Nedernesia has gained more significance as Pohjanmaa became less ideologically obsessed and Nedernesia began to find its own global footing as a financial center.

The Lepomäki Administration has hinted that at the Axiflos Summit it would like to put an end to the international legal limbo of Nedernesia and seek to have it admitted to the DDI as a full member in hopes to ensure that any trouble the Nedernesians might find themselves in will be jointly protected by all DDI partners. Expansion if anything seems a difficult topic seeing how leaks into the mindset of Mr. Hayabusa suggest goals in reducing the operating costs of DDI by streamlining equipment and boosting the defense spending of Pohjanmaa which by far contributes the least money into the alliance for reasons of both size, but also by percentage of GDP.

While the aims of the Sylvania are not entirely known, President Lepomäki when questioned about the suggestive leaks of DDI talking points only stated that, “I am open to the ideas of all our allies. Pohjanmaa is an important member in the DDI and our opinion carries weight,... but our responsibility to the collective defense of democracy is unwavering. We must continue to reinforce that fact with our actions, not just our words.” ■[/DIV]

 

[Thaumantica]

President Dale Emerick,
Answering Questions Outside the Lodge of Legislators

“Yeah, Nedernesia? Have you ever noticed how Pohjanmaa always expands voluntarily and retracts involuntarily? That’s every government probably, but it’s a generational cycle with the Pohj! We have history books, we read them, alright?!

Listen: we are already experiencing a mass die off of heroes and veterans of the Great Northern War, it’s a miracle any are still alive if you consider the life expectancy of Fiannia . . But we can’t forget why the Pohjan stopped fighting . . Involuntarily! We’d be speaking twelve vowels in every word if they didn’t stop expanding!”

 

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Kolumni - Jenny Holmström
How the new Organization of Democratic States threatens democracy more than it helps
2. helmikuu 2020


The Communist Rurikgrad Pact knows something that much of the world does not. That the Organization of Democratic States (ODS) threatens democracy more than it helps it. This might sound like a silly assertion. How can an organization committed to democracy ruin it instead?

As the Polesians commit to the Rurikgrad Pact and Serenierre signals a growing commitment to its socialist comrades something is happening in the socialist world. Just these two bits of evidence are enough to cause alarm but there are more concrete issues that are worrisome in Gallia with mobilizations on the new Burgundian People’s Republic border. The world is a more dangerous place than it was on January 1st weeks before the official foundation of the ODS. Was it always going to be this way?

While some naysayers would lead you believe that the ODS was bound to always cause conflict. New alliances never have it easy. This should not be assumed though. Upon the foundation of the ODS there was a great deal of hope within many circles for a new approach to democratic alliances. The ODS represented an approach that was contrary to the Democratic Defense Initiative (DDI) which has been solely focused on defense and hard power. Instead, the ODS looked towards a common market and the goal of forming a tight-knit bond between nations with similar foreign policy and values.

Some of this is the fault of the DDI no doubt. The DDI is a closed alliance system between the Three Liberties of Touzen, Sylvania, and Pohjanmaa. This closed ecosystem came at a cost to other democracies which lacked obvious outlets for common security and defense policy. However, this closed system prevented the obvious foreign policy struggles that a giant opposition bloc presents. The DDI clearly defends democracy, but also in its restraint does not seek to dramatically alter or remove socialism from the world. As such, the enthusiasm for the ODS may have also become its Achilles heel.

The sudden and dramatic rise of the ODS has created a new bloc which poses a unique threat to the socialist regimes in Gallo-Germania. This is something that could have been restrained by the ODS leadership by not handing out observer memberships with reckless abandon. In recent weeks the ODS has gained observer members in the shape of Furlanìe, Pelasgia, and Justosia. Observer members are often seen as tools to observe and promote desired characteristics, but also to allow these members to gain full membership. Suddenly a new alliance bloc with potentially six nations strong exists in Gallo-Germania between a resurgent Gallian communism and a restrained Kadikistan.

Suddenly there is tension between ODS and the Rurikgrad Pact. ODS has actively been promoted by their observer members leaving many to wonder who is really in control? Is it the founding membership? Or is there a little too much democracy in their organizational bureaucracy allowing for members like Justosia as an observer to take up a leadership position in policy?

This is not good for democracy around the world. Furthermore, it is not good for the DDI which can no longer claim to be the sole steward of democracy in the world. However, there has been little indication of a DDI-ODS rivalry. DDI’s summit in Axiflos coming up may signal changes though and leaves a great deal of question marks. Either way, the world is now less safe than it was last year and the ODS seems to present a unique set of challenges for democracy. ■

Jenny Holmström is a regular opinion columnist with PJK. She is a senior fellow at the Gothic Sea Defense and Democracy Institute. Miss Holmström’s opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper, its editorial staff, or its ownership.[/DIV]