Kalistani Major History

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New Kalistani Prime Minister Launches Political Information Program
Martin takes to the airwaves to promote Civic Literacy
Kaliburg, Ananto District
September 8, 4017


Scene from the new Political Literacy program, "National Ryot, with Jill Martin" starring Premier Martin

Prime Minister Martin launched a new Civic Literacy Program on KNRTVN-1 in Ananto last week.  Drawing on her skills as a television news anchor, the Premier spoke of the new show, called "National Ryot, With Jill Martin" as a "Hour long show, aimed at educating teens and young adults on the Kalistani Constitution, issues of National Concern, and activism."  The Prime Minister said the show is officially non-Partisan, and is aimed at activating a new generation to reinvigorate Kalistani democracy. 

"Whether you are a leftist, centrist, or rightist, we want you to get active.  The only way young people will be active is if they feel like they are really a part of the process, if they understand that they have a role in our society, and they are encouraged to take an active role in their society."

The Premier will serve as the host of the weekly program and offer editorial comment, which she admits will contain a partisan spin, but the show will employ producers from across the spectrum of Kalistani Politics, to produce segments in the show which discuss current and relevant issues from all points of view.  In addition to political topics, the show will feature a different current band from around Kalistan every week, as well as discussion of arts and culture.  "National Ryot, with Jill Martin" will appear every Saturday night at 10:30 pm on KNRTVN-1 across the Republic, and then will repeat at 2:30 am on Sunday Morning.  The show has initially been greenlit for one season, with option for renewal.

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Prime Minister Proposes Adoption of Northern Selaya Train Operating Company Treaty
New Foreign Minister agrees that "It is time"
Kaliburg, Ananto District
February 7, 4018

Prime Minister Martin today advanced an initiative from Foreign Minister Edwards to consider ratification of the Northern Selayan Train Operating Company.  The Premier gave a short speech on behalf of consideration of the Act, calling for an initial outlay of about 16 billion Kalistani Rubles to buy into the company.  The Premier stated that this was an excellent opportunity to deepen economic ties to the rest of Northern Selaya.  After the Assembly Session where the treaty was introduced, the Prime Minister briefly answered questions from reporters.  During one such answer she noted, "Well, Kalistan is the last nation in Northern Selaya to consider this bill.  We have already lost almost two decades of economic opportunity due to the rather public dust up between the former Foreign Minister and the Lodamese Vice President.  The Foreign Minister believes that It is time we think about joining this group and continuing the deep economic development that we began late last century."

The Premier made it clear, however, that the matter was still under consideration.  "Well, naturally we do not have input from the Comrade Speaker of the Majority Party, nor the President of the Republic on this matter.  The Bill will remain in debate until the Majority Party weighs in with a definitive opinion one way or another.  If the CCC or the President demonstrates that there is not support for the bill at this time, we will be happy to table the discussion for a later date.  But as of now, the Minority Party feels that cooperation with our neighbors would be a good idea for Kalistan and something we would like to pursue."

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Official Press Release of the CCC
June 4018

It is the position of the CCC that ratification of the North Selayan Train Operating Company would indebt our great nation and would increase the already large amount of public involvement in enterprises we feel need privatisation. President Boragard has also expressed his oposition to this bill, however he did say in a statement to Party officials that he believes the matter should remain in public debate after his presidency.

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reprinted from
IZQUIERDA-  The Voice of the Kalistani Left
Premier Blasts CCC for Inheritance Law
Calls law "End of Equality in Kalistan
Kaliburg, Ananto District
September 1, 4019


Prime Minister Martin explains how Inheritance and unearned wealth destroys Social Equality in Kalistan

Following the passage of an extremely controversial proposal in the CCC Civil Rights Reform Act of 4018, the Prime Minister took to the National airwaves to blast the new Law. 

"This is the end of equality in Kalistan.  If this law is allowed to stand, it will mean that wealth is transferred from generation to generation, and instead of everyone starting out on an even playing field, some will start better off.  The worst part about this is the pernicious notion that wealth equals power-  some elements in the society, whose ancestors have been more successful, will nonetheless consider themselves entitled to a larger share of society's power and resources.  Their voice will automatically be amplified by their wealth, and will drown out the millions and millions of Kalistanis who were not lucky enough to be born absolutely set for life.  They will owe nothing to the society which they rely on nonetheless to protect their fortune for them from those who would come to seek to relieve them of that wealth.  They will be able to separate themselves from society.  They will become, in a word, anti-social, caring more for the maintenance and transference of their own individual wealth than for the need of all of society.  This law debases the social character of the Kalistani people and makes us fodder for the criminal meat grinder being operated by entrenched and unearned wealth."

The Premier then carried on the discussion about the social equality which would result from the permanence of this bill on her show "National Ryot, with Jill Martin"  where she hosted an hour long roundtable about this issue in particular.  On the Premier's panel was the Premier herself, a Socialist Partisan named Fredrick Saunderson, a libertarian independent named Gina Geneveve, and on the other side of the debate, Professor Violetta Sanchez-Delgado, who is openly and vociferously supportive of lifting the restrictions on inheritance and a member of the old Conservative Faction, Michael Sahan Jr, who also spoke for deepening the CCC's economic program.  The roundtable discussion contained very impassioned discussion by both sides, but it was Martin herself who most forcefully opposed the act, and was, in return the primary focus of the rhetorical attack from her ideological opponents. 

Geneveve came to the defense of the Prime Minister's position several times, but also spent some of her fire on the Socialist Party itself for not taking a more active role in the governance of the country, to which the rise of the CCC is largely attributed.  "If you all really cared about poor people," Geneveve argued, "You wouldn't have governed in a way that the CCC could win such an overwhelming majority in the first place!"  The Premier was left speechless by this statement, but when  Sahan Jr. returned the conversation to the topic of the inheritance bill, Martin recovered to launch the most blistering series of accusations against the bill of the night.

"The entire goal of proposals like this is to ensure that wealth is seen as property.  When wealth is seen as property, the State may not redistribute it without compensating its owner.  In Kalistan, we believe that wealth is not property-  Property is something which always serves a productive purpose.  It exists to create things, to make products, to build homes that house people, to make textiles, to produce and export the National Product.  Property is defined by its productive social capacity, even privately owned property.  Wealth serves only to enrich its owner.  It is never bent to a social good.  It is only used for an individual good, and as such is inherently anti-social in its nature.  How can we possible have a society when we are allowing parts of it to isolate themselves behind a high wall built by wealth from that society?  And those who defend this law are the ones who promote and seek to allow that separation, no-  that destruction of our society..."

The roundtable discussion ended after a short time, and several pre-recorded segments about human rights aired for the remainder of the program, including several obviously pre-recorded segues by the Premier herself.

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Socialist Party of Kalistan nominates Torresdilla as Candidate in next election
ODEN chief and Coca grower to Campaign on Restoration of Kalistani Socialism
Morpheum, Odufaray District
March 5, 4020

In the upcoming election for Presidency, the Socialist Party has named Benito Torresdilla, current Director of Kalistani ODEN and a local coca grower, as its Presidential Candidate.  Delegates to the national convention opted not to repeat the primary election process which selected the Presidential candidate in 4017, given the post election chaos that resulted from the rise of the CCC. 


ODEN Director and Coca grower Benito Torresdilla, discussing Coca production at a recent ODEN meeting in Kaliburg

Party Chair and Premier of Kalistan, Jillian Martin-Carrangus said of Torresdilla,

"Instead, the Party decided to go with a fairly known commodity, and one who the Convention believes will promote the agenda of the Party in the coming term.  We want our President to move Kalistani interests to the forefront of the region, and the best person for the job, according to the delegates, is Torresdilla.  From now until the election, we will be working in every District to mobilize support for Benito, and will engage in a massive GOTV effort around the election.  It is our hope that he succeeds, and he has the confidence of every member of the convention."

Premier Martin discusses her future as Premier, and the prospect that she will be leaving office following the election of Torresdilla

When asked what Martin would do if Torresdilla won the election, the Premier answered that she would probably return to Television. 

"The National Ryot debuted at number 1 in its time slot, and has remained a widely watched Saturday Night program since it first aired two years ago.  We'll definitely keep looking for ways to keep it going, though I may pick up more of the producing duties if I leave office, because I will have more time to do that then.  And of course, if I remain in Office, I will still host the show and do segments too...  I suppose we will have to wait and see, but obviously right now, the needs of the Republic come first, and Frank (Everest, Martin's fairly regular guest host on the show) has been a real sport at picking up the slack over the last season.  So we'll see."

If Torresdilla becomes President, he has promised to make his priority the return to the Socialist social contract which governed Kalistan for the last century, with or without the help of the CCC.

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CCC Press Release
Schmidt-Bennots' Response to Unfounded and Childish Accusations of Prime Minister Martin
Kaliburg, Ananto District
March 2, 4020

Frieda Schmidt-Bennots, leader of the CCC has issued the following statement regarding the emotional and childish statements of Prime Minister Martin on her TV show:

I appreciate and respect Jill Martin's opinion, just as I respect the opinion of every citizen here in Kalistan who lives under our great democracy. What I cannot respect is hiding facts and basic economic principles under crocodile tears and calls for social upheaval on one's TV show. It is unfortunate that Prime Minister Martin does not understand the basics of human liberty and economic liberty. It is embarrassing for our country that we were forced to live under the rule of one party for so long. A party that seems to have a tenuous grasp on the basics of sociology and human interaction. What Jill Martin fails to grasp is that first and foremost, human beings do not hoard their wealth. Especially not the people of Kalistan. We shake our heads in disgust at the presumption by the Prime Minister that our people are not better than the social constructs she has formed in her Socialist fantasy lands. Our people are a truly righteous and giving people, if given the chance.

We believe that Charities that have long lost in donations under the single party state will thrive under our new inheritance law. We believe that citizens will use their wealth to open up businesses that will employ more Kalistanis who have suffered under the oppressive regimes of the past and been unable to find work. We hold steadfast to the belief that wealth is property, and should be protected.

It is not surprising that a corrupt party, still fat and corrupt from its status as the sole party in this nation after numerous election cycles, would feel threatened by the notion that it can no longer enrich its own members by the spoils of the theft it had conducted from its tyrannical inheritance law.

To all of Kalistan, we ask that you continue to cry out for freedom. Freedom from the government demanding that all of your wealth belongs to it. We ask that you demand that you be given the right to donate to the charity of your choice or found the business you hope will employ many of your fellow citizens. Perhaps once your cries for freedom are finally heard by the SPoK, and they remove the earplugs of tyranny that they have worn for so long, then freedom will finally reign in this great nation.

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Torresdilla Elected President of the Republic
Socialist Party returns to the Majority
May 10, 4020
Kaliburg, Ananto District


The Newly elected President of the Republic, Benito Torresdilla

In an anticipated victory, the Socialist Party's Candidate for President, Benito Torresdilla, was elected in Last Month's elections by a substantial Majority.  Torresdilla captured 53% of the vote in Kalistan, and their seat count was aggrandized by a similar amount.  The Socialists now have a majority in the Assembly, and as promised, their first bill was to advance a reversal of the controversial inheritance law.  Said Torresdilla in a conference soon after his inauguration,

"We ran on a promise to undo the inheritance law that our governing Partners pushed with their supermajority, and despite the pleas and provocations and hyperbole of the Leader of the CCC, the majority of the population STILL supported our position over theirs.  This is not to brag, however.  It is merely to put to bed the question once and for all.  We recognize that a full 46% of the population does not agree with us, if their votes are any indication, but in moving the bill to reverse the inheritance law, we also recognize the will of the majority, on that issue specifically.  And now, we return to Governing, and have invited the CCC to rejoin the Government with us.  Comrade Schmidt, the person maligning the Premier of the Republic, will likely take her place as Head of Government, as Comrade Martin has expressed a desire to return to her job in the media as soon as a new Government is in place."

The SP lost no time in finishing up the compromise agenda of last term-  The Premier advanced a law to protect private property from arbitrary eminent domain action by the Government, to give children the opportunity to recognize the National Anthem in schools, and to remove government incentives of the promotion of Democratic Workers Councils in the work place.  Martin said "This compromise bill gives a little to get a little.  Gradual reforms which take into account both sides' positions-  this is the essence of divided government.  We hope the compromises are acceptable to the Minority Leader and we can move forward together on these issues."  Martin noted that as soon as she left office, it would be up to the next Majority leader to seek compromises and workable legislation with the Opposition Party.

In addition, Jillian Martin will, upon leaving office, take up the office of Governor of Neveras, which the SP won in last elections.  After accepting the job, Martin decided to relocate her show's set to Neveras City.  Joining her are as Governors are David LeBon, as Governor of Suldanor, and Governor Anifried Bennots, who will take over the reigns in Odufaray.  LeBon is a composer for musical theater and was responsible for heading the President's campaign in Suldanor during the last election and Bennots was the Chairwoman of the Small Business Association in the President's hometown of Morpheum in Odufaray, as well as a local organizer for the SP.

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Kalistan Successfully tests its first Diesel-powered Submarine
Kaliburg Shipyard to produce 12 submarines for Anantanese Ocean duty
Kaliburg, Ananto District
September 4, 4022

A long sought after goal has been accomplished by the Kalistani Navy.  Between July and August of this year, The Kalistani Navy has been testing its first prototype diesel submarine.  Called the Sativa-Class Submarine (RL: USN Tench-Class), the prototype has been rechristened KRS-22 "Poppy Smith" after President of the Republic Poppy Smith, who lost her life during the Ananto War. 


The first Sativa-Class Submarine, now known as the KRS-22 "Poppy Smith"

The Sativa-Class submarine, with  has a maximum cruise range of about 18,000 miles, a test depth of 400 feet, and a crush depth of about 750 feet.  The ship has quad diesel-electric power turboprops for propulsion, and is capable of silent running at 1/8th speed.  Its max surface speed is over 22 miles an hour and its max submerged speed is 10 miles an hour.  The ship possess 10 torpedo tubes and has one Mod-12 deck gun, as well as a Mod-18 40mm cannon fore and a 22 mm Cannon aft.  Patrol lengths in the Sativa-Class are expected to be in excess of 75 days before refueling/resupply is necessary, and the ship may remain submerged for about 2 days at a time, or longer at snorkel depth.  The Sativa-Class is outfitted with sonar and surface radar capacity, as well as cryptographic ship to shore radio.  The ship's compliment is between 8 and 10 officers and a crew of 65.

While not necessarily a game changer in the Anantanese Ocean, the Sativa-Class opens the door for a Kalistani submarine fleet to compliment the growing surface fleet of the Republic.  This long sought-after advancement in naval warfare shall be primarily used for reconnaissance along the edges of the Anantanese Ocean, as well as support units for larger naval operations groups.  The President has requested that 12 new Sativa Class submarines be built at Kaliburg Naval Shipyards, and the order is expected to be completed within 3 years.

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Kalistan Returns to One-Party Rule
Jillian Martin-Carrangus returns to Office of Premier of the Republic
Kaliburg, Ananto District
February 17. 4023

With the sudden evaporation of popular support for the Minority Party following elections three years ago, the Socialist Party held a snap call for attendance in the Assembly this January.  Discovering that no Assembly member present was of the CCC, the President of the Republic immediately called for a new Government and then snap elections two months ahead of regular elections.  The Socialists ran unopposed in all Districts, and captured 100 percent of all Assembly seats.


Premier Jill Martin returns to the Capital and poses with two members of her militia escort who are also fans of her Program "National Ryot with Jill Martin"

The return to One-Party rule in Kalistan was not entirely unforeseen-  The former Prime Minister Jill Martin stayed on in the capacity of Governor of Neveras in just such an event that she would be returned to office.  Following the election, the President asked her to return to her position, and she agreed to return to the position for three years.  The premier then flew from Neveras City to Ananto where she was greeted by a huge crowd of supporters and well-wishers.  The SP militia was called in to provide security to the extremely popular celebrity and Head of Government as she moved through the throng of people welcoming her home.  When she arrived at SP Headquarters in downtown Kaliburg, the Prime Minister spoke for 5 minutes before heading inside and calling her government together for a planning session.

The next Day, the Assembly moved the long debated Ratification of the North Selayan Train Operating Company Treaty.  The Premier has advocated 20 Bn KRB as an initial investment for Kalistan from the general surplus as a buy-in to the company, and to open up Kalistani National Railroad to investors.  This long held priority of the Prime Minister was blocked by CCC opposition throughout their term in the Majority, but has now taken on renewed interest as Martin returns to the seat of power.

Time only tells how long the One Party rule will continue, though Martin has promised to keep at least some of the changes from the CCC interlude as Kalistani government returns to SP dominance.

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Premier Phillip D'Angelo discusses rise of New Opposition Parties
Announces consideration of District Government Act
Kaliburg, Ananto District
February 12, 4054


Premier D'Angelo appears on Jill Martin's long running show "National Ryot with Jill Martin"

Jill Martin interviewed the Premier of the Republic, Phillip D'Angelo, for last week's "National Ryot."  In the interview, D'Angelo expressed some impending changes which were in store for some of the institutions of Kalistan's Government.  The interview is partially transcribed below

JM:  We have noticed consideration of a New District Government Act.  What's going on with this?

PD:  The new opposition parties have expressed support for some forms of devolution.  So we are taking a look at the Institutions we currently have in place and seeing how we can tweak those District governments to give the Districts some more local authority, without necessarily devolving a lot of power out of Kaliburg.  Of particular interest is potentially a District Assembly, at least in Ananto.

JM:  Does this signal a willingness on the Part of the SP to support some degree of federalism in Kalistan?

PD:  Well, Comrade.  I don't think there is any support right now for Federalism in the National Assembly.  I think any MA from the SP who support federalism would be voted out of office as soon as the next election came along.  We'll let the opposition carry the torch for Federalism.  What we are talking about is defusing any actual support for independence of one or another district from Kalistan proper.  So we will hit this issue on both fronts:  with some concessions to localized government, like possibly District Assemblies and moving the Military to the District levels, but at the same time, not promoting federalism in the National Law, and opposing any efforts at independence.

JM:  What do you think are the prospects for the SP being pushed into the minority by a plurality coalition?

PD:  It is certainly a possibility.  The two opposition Parties have formed a coalition, and they are mirroring the SP's positions on most issues.  As long as we are able to keep the Presidency, we should still be able to ensure that the SP will have seats in government, but, if there is a three way split in the Assembly, the SP will have to make some deals to ensure that its agenda remains.  But Jill, you have been at this game for decades-  you know how long opposition Parties last in Kalistan.  Our Party's motto should be:  "It's only a matter of time."  If we lose power in National elections, we merely have to wait, and eventually the opposition Parties join the SP.  It's one of the consequences of being a part of Kalistani Politics for so long:  Opposition rises and fades, but the SP never goes anywhere.

JM:  Indeed.

The discussion then turned to popular music, and Comrade Martin introduced a new Punk band from Suldanor, called "Lord Ma-Lori."  After the break, the Premier discussed the possibility of vacating the Imperial crown and abolishing the Empire, calling the rumors "premature".  He added, though, "It is something the SP is currently investigating, and if a decision to do so is made, it must be made in consultation with the current nobility in Kalistan."