Kalistan

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George Alvarez Speaks on Baltusia
Lucid Ladies's Club holds panel on future of Kalistani Baltusian Relations
Lucid City, Duchy of Suldanor
November 12, 5668


Sir George Alvarez, SKC, former king of Baltusia speaks on current events

The Former King of Baltusia gave the key note speech at the Annual Luncheon of the Lucid Valley Ladies Club this week.  The Ladies Club, which is a civic sorority that claims more than 3500 members in Suldanor, has as their mission charity and civil service in the Lucid Valley, as well as "fostering a positive image of the Monarchy and the Empire" along the border with Baltusia.  The membership is open to all women, but the hefty membership dues tend to restrict the actual membership to Land Baronettes, academics, and female entrepreneurs.  Sir Alvarez was asked to speak this year due to his former royal status, and represents a new emigre and expat organization he has recently founded, also in Lucid City, called the Suldanoran Affinity Center.

Following some pre-emptory words from the Chapter's Hostess, Baronette Isabelle Guttierez-Mendoza, Alvarez began: "First, let me just say that I have been asked to talk with the Lucid Ladies' Club on matters close to my heart, which are developments in both Athosia and Baltusia at large.  I understand that Mr. Merridan has been arrested, and is under investigation for conspiracy.  I cautiously applaud the efforts of the San Luis police and the Baltusian government for doing what they can to restore a semblance of order into Baltusia.  It is my sincere prayer that this is a first step in a larger move to restore effective government and liberties to the people of Baltusia, who have languished for more than a decade in a security state brought on by this, now apparently staged assassination attempt."

He continued, "It is out of love for my homeland of Baltusia that I come to you here today to make a pitch.  My words can only go so far:  I am merely a simple man, in exile from my own nation and a guest in yours.  But I do know there are a lot of peers of Her Imperial Majesty in this room.  I know you ladies wear a lot of jewelry, and I can see plenty of diamonds, rubies and emeralds in this room.  We all know what this means, Ladies.  You can talk with her and with this Nation's government on behalf of my nation, for me, for the people I work with.  I ask you to tell her to hold off on any judgement of what Baltusia is doing at home until all the information is in, and she has a chance to evaluate it fully.  And then support them if it is worth supporting."

Sir Alvarez went through the history of Kalistani-Baltusian relations.  Throughout the talk, he used the terms Athosia and San Luis interchangeably, Athosia when referring to Imperial acts toward the State, San Luis when referring to Baltusian.  "It seems that whenever Baltusia makes changes in their way of managing San Luis, Kalistan goes crazy," said the former Monarch.  "Look:  this doesn't help us in Baltusia.  What we need is consistency and grace in Kalistan's policy toward Baltusia, to allow us to work out our history, with Kalistan as partners, not overlords.  We are not insane.  We want the best for our country too."  Alvarez reminded the group that he was not a representative of the Baltusian Government any longer, but of course, his loyalties always lie with his homeland too.

"Speaking for myself and speaking for those Alvarez' who have settled in Athosia and have made it our home for generations, I can say, were I still the King right now, I would certainly reach out for help to Kalistan.  I would definitely look for patience and whatever Kalistan can offer.  If the National Government is arresting the former First Minister on such serious charges, I can certainly imagine that they will be going through some changes.  Please ask your Deputies, ask your government and ask Her Imperial Majesty to offer friendship and equity to Baltusia.  Realize that but for the grace of Eliyahu, go you all:  the shoe can easily be on the other foot.  As a native Baltusian, and a friend and cousin of Her Imperial Majesty I can say with a degree of certainty that Baltusia wants to stand on its own two feet, it would like some peace over San Luis.  And Baltusia seeks respect and dignity as a sovereign nation."

The former monarch expressed gratitude to Kalistan for accepting him in the country after he fled from House Arrest last summer.  "We are related, we Athosians and we Suldanorans, we Alvarez' and Anantos.  There is just a river that separates us, no more.  We have far more in common than we do differences.  We speak the same language.  We want the same things.  Suldanor is as much my home as Athosia is.  At the end of the day, there is so much we can do if we cooperate, and I hope specifically that my former government and my current Monarch agree to the spirit of deep and abiding cooperation as Baltusia goes through some changes.  Who knows where they will lead, but just knowing that Baltusia has the security to figure it out for themselves, I have found that this tends to press down radicalism in the reform and makes it more palatable for everyone."

The former King finished with a strong appeal for solidarity for both sides of the border.  "I am a conservative in my soul and a monarchist, as are many, if not most people in San Luis.  We can and should work together to ensure our people are safe from radicalism, so they can be prosperous and free.  I believe this, and I want this, not only for my own people but for all people.  Baltusia has had a checkered history.  But we have also done plenty that is correct.  I am asking you to help us, to work with us, and not against us.  To stow any belicosity you may feel around San Luis and don't give into to provocation around the issues.  I trust the Baltusian people will figure it out.  The dangers of communism are in the past.  The future is bright, and the people have a chance.  Will you help us to make that dream a reality?"

The ladies at the club gave the former Monarch a very polite cheer and then the Club Hostess, Baronette Guttierez-Mendoza, called for a collection for the Suldanoran Affinity Center, and collected more than ₭85,000 Imperial for expatriot services, and verbal commitments for more.  the Baronette also verbally pledged to phone the Empress that very afternoon and discuss the critical need for support and forebearance for Baltusia.

@TheRepublic