Chirin Expands
On 11 Midum the people of Chirin voted overwhelmingly in favour of the plan to integrate the surrounding villages into our council, with over 90% of the votes being for the propsal. The 3 new council regions (Eastern settlements, Northern fields, and Brollior) will now all vote for their representative for the council. The new councillors are expected to take up their posts in late Ling and most of the candidates had already begun their campaigns in advance of the final decision. As it would be impossible for the new candidates to meet the usual restrictions, the rules on eligibility have been relaxed for these elections.
On Firday 22nd Ling the council will be electing 3 of it's members to form the high council. This body, approved in the same vote that allowed the expansion of the council, will have the authority to take swift decisions when it is not practical to wait for the whole council to be assembled. While this is due to be the first item on the agenda for the 22nd, it will not be the only item up for discussion. Crucially, the role and size of the Patrol, Outer Guard, and Eastside Lancers in this newly expanded land are due for discussion.
Performance licenses
The council has voted in favour of a proposal brought by councillor Terence Carter that all those who are paid or can except to be paid for performing or writing in Chirin must have a license. This new requirement for a license extends to publications like this one, as well as bards, players, and dancers. The requirement for a license comes into effect on the 1st Firmon 221. Concerned about whether we would be able to continue to report the truth under this new licensing arrangement, we asked Councillor Carter for further information on what was being brought in.
Councillor, at a time when we see our freedom being threatened by foreign lands, it is disturbing that our own leaders seem to be trying to restrict the ability to share information. How do you justify passing this new law?
We aren't trying to stop people sharing ideas or stories, but in recent months there have been some performers who have spread malicious and unfounded stories. These new licenses are a part of countering that.
Putting the requirement on all those who seek to entertain or inform seems like an overreaction to a few rumours. Why the blanket approach?
We felt that if we focused on one area too much then there would be loopholes that various agitators would seek to exploit. The way we have phrased this new law ensures that everything is covered.
It certainly seems to cover everything, including this paper. How do you respond to accusations that this is a way for the council to prevent the citizens of Chirin from finding out about mistakes or misdemeanours by the council?
While we would all like to be able to cover up our mistakes, my fellow councillors and I won't be able to do anything to supress someone telling the truth. We are giving the responsibility of deciding whether a license should be revoked to our judges. They will only have the power to revoke a license if someone deliberately sets out to deceive the populace. The burden of proving that someone is spreading lies will sit with whomever brings a complaint.
Won't passing this over to the judges is likely to take up a lot of their time if anyone can complain?
We were concerned about that, which is why we have added in a cost to those making a complaint. If their complaint is upheld then they pay nothing, but if their complaint is dismissed then they must cover the cost of the judges time.
I'm pretty certain the Editor got the headline priority wrong on this edition, surely such a draconian restriction on education and entertainment is of more concern to the common man? -- John
The editor of the paper may well agree with you, but he wants to be able to continue editing a paper.