Crezth
i knew you were a real man of the left
I assure you I meant "nut" in as gentle a way as possible, but point taken.
Capto Iugulum Background Thread
- Thread starter EQandcivfanatic
- Start date
I assure you I meant "nut" in as gentle a way as possible, but point taken.
Jehoshua
Catholic
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2009
- Messages
- 7,285
My RL position is orthodoxly Catholic (albeit being human, I may not always totally be aligned with any particular point of the consensus in general Catholic social teaching), and indeed this is not surprising, one cannot be only "partially" Catholic. Its an all in deal, to uphold anything otherwise would be hypocritical.
At any rate, with regards to the game all I do with regards to papal pronouncements and the like is apply the Church's doctrine and social teaching to any given issue. Indeed before I submit any papal pronouncement I usually go over RL papal encyclicals and letters both because its an opportunity to do some reading, and it helps to attune myself stylistically (although usually I won't write a piece as long as an actual encyclical) and in terms of teaching to the mind of the Church. I also have a list of all the dogmata and certain truths sitting in my favourites for quick reference to ensure I don't inadvertently say anything contrary to what the Church upholds to be inviolately, absolutely, and unchangeably true.
In more political matters that don't directly relate to teaching on faith and morals however I give myself a freer hand, relying more on my education in International Relations and History (ergo the disciplines I study IRL at university) using the game as an imperfect platform to apply some of the basic principles in an experimental paradigm.
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@Crezth, no problem. I do understand that cultural differences are at play in how I interact with people on CFC (to grossly oversimplify, I am from a certain region of Australia [there is an over-representation of Canberrans on CFC, and a number of the Australians on here are from a recent immigrant background whereas my family has been in the country a long time {family was some of the first free settlers in my region to the point that there's at least one toponym with a connection to it}] and of course I am Catholic, most of you being American and from a protestant cultural background even if you're not protestants yourselves) and that sometimes leads to misunderstandings and a clash of norms.
At any rate, with regards to the game all I do with regards to papal pronouncements and the like is apply the Church's doctrine and social teaching to any given issue. Indeed before I submit any papal pronouncement I usually go over RL papal encyclicals and letters both because its an opportunity to do some reading, and it helps to attune myself stylistically (although usually I won't write a piece as long as an actual encyclical) and in terms of teaching to the mind of the Church. I also have a list of all the dogmata and certain truths sitting in my favourites for quick reference to ensure I don't inadvertently say anything contrary to what the Church upholds to be inviolately, absolutely, and unchangeably true.
In more political matters that don't directly relate to teaching on faith and morals however I give myself a freer hand, relying more on my education in International Relations and History (ergo the disciplines I study IRL at university) using the game as an imperfect platform to apply some of the basic principles in an experimental paradigm.
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@Crezth, no problem. I do understand that cultural differences are at play in how I interact with people on CFC (to grossly oversimplify, I am from a certain region of Australia [there is an over-representation of Canberrans on CFC, and a number of the Australians on here are from a recent immigrant background whereas my family has been in the country a long time {family was some of the first free settlers in my region to the point that there's at least one toponym with a connection to it}] and of course I am Catholic, most of you being American and from a protestant cultural background even if you're not protestants yourselves) and that sometimes leads to misunderstandings and a clash of norms.
Since I have a little extra time today, and not a lot to fill it with and I’m American, I’m going to take another close look at my favorite war in this NES so far, the Reclamation War. These are just my key thoughts on the war and what’s taking place, not an indepth analysis of a single battle this time. Even if this was not a war for national survival prior to this year, the announcement of the US that they seek to reunify everything certainly turns it into such a war. The proclamation alone changes the war dramatically, more than some may realize. Prior to this, the fight was considered primarily as one of conflict between the proletarists and the American government, with Jacksonia and Florida choosing to support the status quo.
Prior to this year, there has been always the chance for a negotiated settlement or otherwise call for peace, perhaps with limited territories exchanging hands. The Floridian offer to welcome any states choosing to secede two years before their entry into the conflict can be seen as foreshadowing the rise of a war of extinction. As a war of extinction, this creates a situation in which all three relevant democracies cannot back down from the fight. Regardless of political leadership, the battle has become all or nothing, particularly in nations with American cultures and ideals. All involved believe they are firmly in the right, despite minorities who may try to stop the conflict as the fight carries forward. Public negotiations would result in political suicide in any of these states, though there has not yet been any calls for unconditional surrender. Whether this war is to last another two years or another twenty, it’s definitely here until either the USA is dissolved or restored.
The second interesting thing about the war I find is the battle on the Great Plains beginning this year, and the fact that it does not exactly lend itself to easy warfare for attacker or defender. Due to the nature of the economy of the United States, there are no large metropolises or cities to capture, and outside of a few transport hubs, most of the population is fairly well dispersed through agricultural plantations and small towns. Most rivers in the region have few bridges and infrastructure, while the nature of the region is built more upon rails than roads. Similarly, there are vast amounts of distance involved throughout the region, and no clearly defining terrain features which one could use to safely anchor a flank or prevent advance. Neither army has the size or ability to cover every inch of territory, meaning that virtually any stronghold can be flanked, and any advancing force can be easily ambushed. Even without close air support, which neither side is deploying, supply trains will be hideously vulnerable, and railroads highly exposed. It’s a kind of war that can exist in very few places and will likely be unique in its undertaking by both sides.
Prior to this year, there has been always the chance for a negotiated settlement or otherwise call for peace, perhaps with limited territories exchanging hands. The Floridian offer to welcome any states choosing to secede two years before their entry into the conflict can be seen as foreshadowing the rise of a war of extinction. As a war of extinction, this creates a situation in which all three relevant democracies cannot back down from the fight. Regardless of political leadership, the battle has become all or nothing, particularly in nations with American cultures and ideals. All involved believe they are firmly in the right, despite minorities who may try to stop the conflict as the fight carries forward. Public negotiations would result in political suicide in any of these states, though there has not yet been any calls for unconditional surrender. Whether this war is to last another two years or another twenty, it’s definitely here until either the USA is dissolved or restored.
The second interesting thing about the war I find is the battle on the Great Plains beginning this year, and the fact that it does not exactly lend itself to easy warfare for attacker or defender. Due to the nature of the economy of the United States, there are no large metropolises or cities to capture, and outside of a few transport hubs, most of the population is fairly well dispersed through agricultural plantations and small towns. Most rivers in the region have few bridges and infrastructure, while the nature of the region is built more upon rails than roads. Similarly, there are vast amounts of distance involved throughout the region, and no clearly defining terrain features which one could use to safely anchor a flank or prevent advance. Neither army has the size or ability to cover every inch of territory, meaning that virtually any stronghold can be flanked, and any advancing force can be easily ambushed. Even without close air support, which neither side is deploying, supply trains will be hideously vulnerable, and railroads highly exposed. It’s a kind of war that can exist in very few places and will likely be unique in its undertaking by both sides.
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
What is the status of trade in the US right now? They've all collapsed into war, so the old inter-American network is severed. Do you see any nations as providing to a particular side the materiel needed to continue the fight? I think any American states would be pushing to get into this market while the gettin's good. I know Brazilian corporations would be trading with both sides, excluding the UPRA, in an attempt to exploit the markets and make quick cash. It'd be interesting to know if any other major exporters are pulling or altering trade in some way around the sides in this conflict. And what that means for the Atlantic economy at large.
Well overall, I'd say the Atlantic economy is soaring these days in terms of tonnage of commerce. As will be discussed in the update, none of the parties involved have any shortage of people selling them arms, or the resources they need to create arms. The USA has made attempts at instituting blockade, but simply lacks the resources to accomplish that while waging war on land. There's plenty of wide open ports, and plenty of other nations getting filthy rich over the ongoing misery at hand in North America.
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
Do you think it will become a trade war (though that isn't the best word to use) between the major economies to tap into the American markets with the cheapest goods? Driving prices down but increasing production? The main areas of interest would be electronics and machined parts that may quickly come to shortages in the domestic American markets.
That seems unlikely. Really, all four belligerents are tapping into total war. The only goods they are interested in is what they need to survive the conflict. They aren't buying luxuries or anything, or any sort of consumer goods.
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
Yeah, that's why I said machined parts and electronics (both are areas South Americans are good at). Automobile and aeronautic corporations in Argentina and Brazil will be having a field day providing equipment for the wars.
Terrance888
Discord Reigns
Machined parts go into factories, which go into total war?
What about the ALMIGHTY RUBBER, eh?
What about the ALMIGHTY RUBBER, eh?
For the descriptions back there: Jacksonia as a whole is highly rural. Aside from Jefferson/Bear Flag City in Bear Bay, and the New Marseilles-New Paris-Saint Martin area in the south, most Jacksonians prefer to live in rural small towns or on their farms and ranches,. In fact, Bear Flag City is the only city in Jacksonia that has over one million people, and in southern Jacksonia, outside of New Marseilles, New Paris, and Saint Martin, and a smaller town called Albany, there is no town over the population of 5,000.
Jefferson (OTL San Francisco) is likely an upscale commercial and governmental center, and a cultural hub for the American Pacific Coast. Populated primarily of Europeans of Northern European descent, Jefferson is a town for middle and upper class Jacksonians. Jefferson in a way is sort of a boom town that rises and falls as Jacksonia does, and the influx of foreign embassies has done much to boost the prestige of the city.
Bear Flag City (OTL Oakland) is an industrial town, the shipping center and arsenal of Jacksonia. Originally called Evans City, Bear Flag City is the largest city in Jacksonia, with a mixture of all sorts of races. Even under the Scottie occupation, BFC prospered as the main shipping hub of the US West Coast.
Jefferson (OTL San Francisco) is likely an upscale commercial and governmental center, and a cultural hub for the American Pacific Coast. Populated primarily of Europeans of Northern European descent, Jefferson is a town for middle and upper class Jacksonians. Jefferson in a way is sort of a boom town that rises and falls as Jacksonia does, and the influx of foreign embassies has done much to boost the prestige of the city.
Bear Flag City (OTL Oakland) is an industrial town, the shipping center and arsenal of Jacksonia. Originally called Evans City, Bear Flag City is the largest city in Jacksonia, with a mixture of all sorts of races. Even under the Scottie occupation, BFC prospered as the main shipping hub of the US West Coast.
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
Rubber and iron are always viable resources, as is sugar and coffee for the men who need to stay awake in the foxholes.
I should invent M&Ms.
Actually, considering the planes the USA predominantly has now, I'd say it's Portuguese aeronautics companies having a field day. The US did have their own automotive industry before the war, so I wouldn't hold out much hope that they've stopped production. Also, recall the Russians are shipping in a large amount of supplies to support their forces, and have accompanied that with plenty of presents. I just don't believe there's enough at play for a real bidding war, but there's definitely plenty going on economically.
Quisani
Gaming Person
How is Eastern Asia holding up as a whole? I know we've blowing the mainland to bits, but I would like to think there are some areas of good industry, perhaps gaming machines (Pachinko and Pinball machines... perhaps some mechanical balompié tables or varukorgball skill games for westerners), among other things. Though I imagine Japan's economic capabilities have been turned inward to pacify separatists.
Luckymoose
The World is Mine
Homosexuality in CI would be frowned upon by almost every political party, without a doubt. This is the 1930's in a more religious and conservative world. There wouldn't be any mainstream doubt to the homosexuality as sin debate.
Jehoshua
Catholic
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2009
- Messages
- 7,285
The Occitanian Humanists, as noted by EQ, challenged the sinfulness of incest, which is a universal taboo (and possibly homosexuality as well) so its not like advocates of perversion don't exist. The dig at homosexuality as such was referenced mainly towards that Occitanian expression of liberalism, inferring from the ideologies sexual deviancy that it supports homosexuality and appealing to that more conservative and religious popular sentiment to advance the point of the essay. (Professor Monti is obviously not neutral here, so that's only to be expected right?)
Vinland remains fairly socially conservative relative to our modern understanding, although they might be seen as middle of the road, or even progressive, compared to the other nations of contemporary CI. Women do have the right to vote, but the idea of women in the workforce has not become mainstream. Typically, single women will work, while married women are expected to leave their jobs to take care of homes and children. In the past, poor married women often continued to work, to help support their families. However, the Social Proletarist Party has made major steps into providing benefits for families with children, offering financial support to ensure that mothers aren't forced to work in order to put food on the table. With that said, there is a growing number of educated women who have made the choice to continue in their careers, although this usually only happens when they are wealthy enough to afford a nanny.
Regarding homosexuality, the prevailing stance in Vinland is pretty intolerant. Homosexuality is taboo, and any such relationships would have to take place in secrecy, lest they lead to ostracization.
Regarding homosexuality, the prevailing stance in Vinland is pretty intolerant. Homosexuality is taboo, and any such relationships would have to take place in secrecy, lest they lead to ostracization.
Shadowbound
Incorrugible
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2007
- Messages
- 4,079
In an effort to revive traditional Beninese culture, General Emile Dawon holds mass gay weddings in Lokoja every month and encourages same-sex relationships within the military in order to strengthen unit cohesion.
Also, the Catholic Church has not always been opposed to homosexuality. The modern extreme conservatism shouldn't influence how you perceive all past Papacies to be.
Also, the Catholic Church has not always been opposed to homosexuality. The modern extreme conservatism shouldn't influence how you perceive all past Papacies to be.
Terrance888
Discord Reigns
To be completely truthful, Jehoshua's essays have convinced me that I AM not a Christian definitively. I was ambivalent for a pretty long time, but now I am certain I do not believe in a God, whose son was Jesus Christ, who created the world. I'm not yet sure what I believe in replacement to my previous beliefs on this matter, but during my ambivalent phases I had various thoughts and ideas, and studied various philosophies and religions. I'm sure to find something more spiritually fulfilling and fitting. Thank you Jehoshua, for giving me the will and enlightenment I needed to recognize my true spiritual needs. 
And NO, I am not being a troll here. Shame on you for thinking so of my personal epiphany!
This is a real life experience for me where I have finally and unequivocally rejected Christianity.
And NO, I am not being a troll here. Shame on you for thinking so of my personal epiphany!
This is a real life experience for me where I have finally and unequivocally rejected Christianity.
Jehoshua
Catholic
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2009
- Messages
- 7,285
To be completely truthful, Jehoshua's essays have convinced me that I AM not a Christian definitively. I was ambivalent for a pretty long time, but now I am certain I do not believe in a God, whose son was Jesus Christ, who created the world. I'm not yet sure what I believe in replacement to my previous beliefs on this matter, but during my ambivalent phases I had various thoughts and ideas, and studied various philosophies and religions. I'm sure to find something more spiritually fulfilling and fitting. Thank you Jehoshua, for giving me the will and enlightenment I needed to recognize my true spiritual needs.
And NO, I am not being a troll here. Shame on you for thinking so of my personal epiphany!
This is a real life experience for me where I have finally and unequivocally rejected Christianity.
The liberal Christians and the protestants will be wailing and gnashing their teeth, and presumably calling out that the theology I represented (to my limited ability) in the game is not the only theology and so forth.
Either way if you no longer believe in Christianity on the basis of my IC statements as Il Papa, then that's your choice. Many conservative Catholics (I have no experience in Protestantism) I could note here, to the liberal, point to the door and tell them they are free to go if they don't believe in the Church's teaching (afterall if they don't have faith its disingenuous for them to remain and fulminate in dissent, and scripture does teach afterall that the lukewarm are the most distasteful to the Lord). You at least (although I presume you were a lukewarm protestant, Protestantism does have different doctrines from Catholicism) are honest enough, to your merit, to take the open exist door when you no longer believed, although of course to a Christian such as myself it is disappointing. As to whether your position is final and unequivocal though... well there's plenty of time to see whether that is so
Terrance888
Discord Reigns
Not really just you, you were just the last step after a long period of introspection. And it wasn't just here, I just posted here by accident partially. I don't really want to be a phoney Christian if I don't really believed anything whatsoever any church or priest had to say other than general stuff everyone says.
EDIT:
But I thank you nevertheless. Now I have removed one source of doubt from within myself, and my future looks more sure and comforting. It's what a conversion experience should feel like, except, you know, in the other way.
EDIT:
But I thank you nevertheless. Now I have removed one source of doubt from within myself, and my future looks more sure and comforting.
It's what a conversion experience should feel like, except, you know, in the other way.
