“Democracy”. To quote Winston Churchill: “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
Today is Democracy Day for The North Pacific. I firmly believe that we are the largest region - and, by extension, the largest community - in NationStates because we are a democracy - the ideals of which transcend borders, cultures, and generations. Every four months, our citizens, through either open or confidential ballots, make a decision on the future of our community - one that reflects the popular will of our citizens, and one that echoes through the corridors of power and impacts every region across NationStates.
On a personal note, I consider myself lucky that when I joined NationStates, I had my first - and current nation, Simone Republic - spawn in The North Pacific five years ago. This meant that I spawned in the game’s strongest democracy, and when I had more free time during Covid and started to delve further into NationStates, I realised that I was right at home.
TNP being a democracy meant I could see a clear path forward for myself in my own career - one that starts as a citizen, and one that may eventually lead me to growth, development, and greater achievements. I ended up pursuing a career in the World Assembly first, before events took another turn some years later and I landed in the TNP cabinet as Minister of World Assembly Affairs. The rest is, as they say, history.
My own career is not possible in any region where citizens do not directly influence the selection of their leaders. I believe I am living proof that democracy works and reflects the enduring strength of TNP. Some folks in TNP may disagree - and 42% disagreed at the last election - but it is this spirit of discussion, debate, and disagreement that democracy is nurtured and strengthened.
Happy Democracy Day.
