Student Organization Moves Forward

12/12/10--CHICAGO--Last week, on December 9th, the Committee on Recognized Student Organizations (CORSO) at the University of Chicago official approved Students for the Advancement of Kemetia, the Tribune has learned. The news was followed by a small gathering of Kemetians and interested parties at the apartments of the organization's President, Alexander Cole.

While Mr. Cole has been unavailable for comment, His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I says he is "thrilled and optimistic" about the news. "This is certainly a modern and most correct decision [on the part of CORSO]. Anything less would have been quite improper and discriminatory, but we have clearly seen here the progressive attitude to Kemetia and our national expression by the University and it's institutions."

The King, who is currently visiting with the Royal Family at his Ranch, has revealed to the Tribune that recognition was not at first given to the organization. "We were most dismayed to find out that, initially, CORSO had rejected our bid for recognition, which we had certainly not anticipated." The King explained that he did not feel such a rejection was warranted. The decision was quickly appealed, however, and during the process His Sovereign Majesty and President Cole were well received. Concern was raised about the ties between the country and the student organization, which the King addressed to the satisfaction of the committee. He is very pleased that all turned out for the best and hopes that Students for the Advancement of Kemetia serves to benefit the University with discussions and events tailored to Kemetian and student needs.

Also within this discussion, His Sovereign Majesty confirmed that elections were slated for mid-January and he hoped that a cabinet could be formed soon after. Several new ministerial faces are expected, with Ms. Kathleen Cawley, the current Secretary and Recruitment Chair of Students for Advancement of Kemetia, expressing her interest in becoming Minister for the Environment, and thus replacing Minister Jack Finch. Minister Arran Marais-Gilchrist is also expected to retire in his capacity as Finance Minister, which he has held since 2005, though will still retain his position as Chairman of the Liberal Party. It is unclear whether Minister Finch or Minister Marais-Gilchrist will run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Student Organization Formed

16/11/10--CHICAGO--It has been announced today that a student organization for supporting Kemetian students and their friends has been provisionally established at the University of Chicago in the United States. Students for the Advancement of Kemetia, as the organization is called, will help in "raising awareness within student bodies around the world of Secessionism and the issues surrounding it, as well as help us support our citizens and allies, who may be far from home and in need of a familiar community", said Alexander Cole, President of Students for the Advancement of Kemetia.

Students for the Advancement of Kemetia is currently not fully registered with the University of Chicago, still pending approval by the Committee on Recognized Student Organizations, although approval is expected to be given by the end of December. Until such a time, Students for the Advancement of Kemetia shall continue to operate normally, but without financial support from University institutions.

The King, who is also the Honorary Chairman of Students for the Advancement of Kemetia, has expressed his hopes for the organization, saying that he envisions multiple organizations and unions across the world and in all major universities. "It is my firm belief that through fostering dialog and understanding within institutions of higher learning worldwide, we can achieve an international victory for the Secessionist Movement. Students bring something vibrant and novel to Kemetian society, presenting ideas and projects that have real potential and promise", said His Sovereign Majesty to the Tribune earlier today.

It is expected that further efforts in other universities will be endorsed by the Kingdom, with the possibility of an International Kemetian Students Union being formed in the near future to coordinate efforts amongst students who are Kemetian or support Kemetian ideals.

Pledge of Loyalty Decree Issued

12/10/10--CHICAGO--Last night, His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I and the President of the Electoral Commission Dexter O'Connell signed a Decree to temporarily lay out the details of the Pledge of Loyalty mentioned in the 2010 Constitution. The need for the Decree, said the King, was accentuated by the recent random selection of several Supreme Constitutional Court Justices, none of whom could accept office until the Pledge had been written. He stressed the temporary nature of the measure, which is standing in for an Act of Parliament, tabled to be considered by the body after its election, which is tentatively scheduled in November.

The text of the Decree is as follows:

Pledge of Loyalty Decree

(A Temporary Measures for the Affirmation of Constitutional Office Holders)

1002D

ARTICLE 1:

In His wisdom and benevolence, His Sovereign Majesty sees it fit to publish this Decree on this day, the Eleventh of October, Two Thousand and Ten, pertaining to the Pledge of Loyalty of the Sovereign Kingdom of Kemetia as outlined in Article 22, Section 4 of the 2010 Constitution, in the absence of any other legitimate political bodies to make the necessary measures.

ARTICLE 2:

The Pledge of Loyalty shall be as follows:

I [NAME], do solemnly affirm to follow and uphold the Constitution of the Sovereign Kingdom of Kemetia and the laws that emanate from it, and to perform the office of [OFFICE] which the people have conferred upon me with loyalty and patriotism, in all actions looking after the good and prosperity of the Kingdom; and if I do not fulfil these obligations, may the Nation demand it of me.

(a). Members of the Judiciary shall continue the Pledge with the following section:

I further Affirm that I will never manipulate the law or further injustice for kinship, relation by marriage, friendship, envy, ill-will, or fear, nor for bribes or gifts, or any other cause in whatever guise it may appear; nor will I declare guilty one who is innocent, or innocent one who is guilty. I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me without fear, favour, or prejudice as [TITLE] under the Constitution and laws of the Sovereign Kingdom of Kemetia.

(b). Members of Parliament shall continue the Pledge with the following section:

I do solemnly and sincerely swear before the people of the whole country that I will preserve, defend and uphold the Constitution, faithfully perform my duties, promote the welfare of the people, safeguard the security of the Kingdom, sustain the union, the integrity and the independence of Kemetia, and in no way betray the people's trust. Should I break my oath, I shall be willing to submit myself to severe punishment by the State. This is my solemn oath.

ARTICLE 3:

This Decree shall be effective immediately upon signing and shall remain in effect until the contents can be considered by Parliament. Upon the election of Parliament, its first order of business shall be the consideration of this Decree’s contents as a possible Act of Parliament.

Democracy Day 2010

30/09/10--CHICAGO--In celebration of Democracy Day, which marks the establishment of democracy in Kemetia by His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I, the King released the following remarks and encouraged all citizens to exercise their rights as fundamentally free individuals:

Five years ago, democracy entered the Kemetian political scene with the disbandment of the necessary Secessionist Command Council, and the calling of the first democratic elections in our nation's history. While the road to absolute democracy is a hard one, with many perils along the way, I believe we have made significant progress since the dark days of one-party rule under the De Groot regime, and even more progress regarding the Constitution, which is now fully accepted as the law of the land.

My government has been implementing the changes outlined in the 2010 Constitution slowly, consistently, and carefully, so as to allow the former institutions of the State time to adjust to the new atmosphere of freedom and political openness. The Supreme Constitutional Court has been partially selected by the Electoral Commission, and this process is due to be completed in the next few weeks, with the five new Justices receiving their bound copy of the Constitution for their guardianship. After this, it is my hope that the Advisory Council and Senate will be elected quickly, so as to allow the People voice in their government.

Democracy must be a cherished ideology of our country; not because I say it should be, or the Prime Minister believes it to be so, but because it is the right of every human to choose their destiny and government--it is something innate, something worth all our effort to protect. We shall not rest until democracy in Kemetia becomes an example which all countries will follow, for once we unite the world under a democratic system, the need for Kings and Nobles will fall to dust: we shall all be Human Citizens--perhaps the most important and overarching citizenship of all.

The King will proceed to a musical celebration at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel tonight, in order to more fully appreciate the beautiful quality of human achievement.

King Condemns Examination Boards

23/08/10--CHICAGO--His Sovereign Majesty King Adam I released this statement today regarding the educational system of Kemetia and the wider world. In it, he outlined his plan for a comprehensive educative experience and the destruction of examining bodies:

It has come Our attention that most of the world has been deceived and misled into believing that examinations, good grades and final tests are the only purpose of educational institutions, creating a climate of administration and bureaucracy, insidiously corrupting our youth and the children of the world.

That an entire child's future be based upon results acquired through testing is a preposterous notion, born of the reactionary and bureaucratic world powers who seek to pigeonhole individuals, thereby making them easier to control. This dulls the minds of our young, and engenders a senseless automation of knowledge, crushing the Spirit of Youth and bludgeoning creativity, open-mindedness and freedom to a bloody pulp.

But, worse even than this, is the blatant and gluttonous attitudes of the examination bodies themselves, which seek only to increase their own profits, corner markets and treat students as if they were exploitable. The College Board of the United States, a not-for-profit, made a shocking $582.9 million in 2006, but spent only $527.8 million, reserving $55.1 million for its own purposes. Twelve of its top-level positions are paid $300,000 a year. Bear in mind that the organization claims to be a not-for-profit, and yet pays its executives hundreds of thousands of dollars. Reform is obviously necessary. Testing must become more affordable and less prevalent.

Edexcel of the United Kingdom also shows that these organizations are immoral behemoths. Edexcel has routinely failed to report mistakes in exam papers, even when it knew such mistakes existed. When revealed, Edexcel did nothing, preferring to give credit those who had the faulty papers. Whether or not this credit was given is beside the point: this dishonesty is indicative of such corrupt cartels—if such fraudulence exists in this matter, is not the entire legitimacy of the enterprise in question?

It becomes clear after reviewing only two of these bodies that there is an inherent flaw in the system: the examinations themselves. To assess children based on one paper, or one exam rather than their development is a travesty, and while it serves most governments well, it will not be the policy in this country.

I urge the Government to form a plan for comprehensive education based on holistic and enriching principles. I call for emphasis to be placed on the individual experience of learning, rather than the class experience of testing. It is my belief that a programme, which combines practical application with intellectual pursuit, will result in a People worthy of the world. We should give our children and all children the world, for we are but custodians and a transient part of a much greater whole.

The Kemetian People shall prevail and, united in our effort to reform our nation, shall reform the planet.

Kemetian Independence Day 2010

04/06/10--FIRST CITY--Kemetians celebrated their 5th independence day with celebrations throughout the Kingdom today. His Sovereign Majesty gave his Speech from the Throne (http://www.mediafire.com/?zyyzzmavm1n), outlining his plans for personal democracy and greater freedoms throughout the Kingdom.

Festivities shall continue into the evening, with shows and events being hosted in many locations, from the Home Provinces to the Overseas Territories.

All at the Tribune wish you a very happy Independence Day and thank you for your continued commitment to the Kingdom and the Tribune.

Constitution Passed, Approval High

25/04/10--FIRST CITY--After a long delay, His Sovereign Majesty's Office officially announced the preliminary results of the Referendum on the Adoption of the Constitution as well as the general impression gained from an opinion poll attached to the ballot measuring the public's approval of the King.

The Constitution was passed with a large majority voting to make the document law. His Sovereign Majesty's approval ratings were also said to be extremely high, with no votes reflecting approval beneath 'Average' and most located in the upper range. His Sovereign Majesty's office has been criticised by a section of the citizenry for withholding the Referendum and approval results, although a spokesperson from the Office called these accusations 'groundless.'

The Electoral Commission has not yet published the voting figures from the referendum, although they are expected within the next few days.

Polls for the Referendum on the new Constitution

12/04/10--First City--The poll for the referendum on the new Constitution is now open:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDdXUUEzXzJkMEhGd1ZDa0VzLW1iV2c6MQ

Where is the Electoral Commission?

12/04/10--FIRST CITY--Frustration has been apparent after the promised referendum date came and went on Saturday without any ballots being distributed. The Electoral Commission has apologized sincerely for the delays and now expects the referendum to be conducted today, 12th April 2010, now that the security systems have been verified to properly prevent fraud. The Electoral Commission has also announced their intention to include a second question on the ballot, about the effectiveness of the Monarch over the past year.

Opposition leaders have suggested that King Adam I may have been stalling the referendum in order to convince the Commission not to include the second question on his governance. However, we are assured by independent observers that this is a baseless statement and that the King has been active in pushing for these measures.

"It had always been my intention to allow the People to have regular input on the configuration of their government and its performance. It seems only fair that I be evaluated alongside the elected government" said the King this afternoon from his office, who seemed convinced that the People would continue to support the Monarchy.

Hardliners affiliated with the Monarchy, and especially in the military, have expressed their doubts about the second question. Many have seen it as a direct challenge to traditional rule and fear that His Sovereign Majesty's confidence in popular governance may have been misplaced. "This is very worrying indeed. It certainly is not the People's place to pass judgments on the Monarch!" said an Court official, who declined to be named.

It is hoped that this Monday's referendum is a valid reflection of the popular will, with most pollsters projecting broad support for both measures.

Referendum Date Set

04/04/10--FIRST CITY--The Electoral Commission announced today that the national referendum on the new Constitution would be commencing on Saturday, April 10th. His Sovereign Majesty is said to be pleased with the progress of the Commission and stated that he would support its decision.

On polling day, citizens will be allowed to cast their votes through the online balloting system of the Commission or through paper ballots available at one of the polling stations located throughout the nation.

University of Chicago Recognize His Sovereign Majesty

25/02/10--CHICAGO--His Sovereign Majesty was recognized today in an online article on the University of Chicago's College website. The King is said to be extremely pleased with the coverage and is thankful that His university has taken the time write such a large feature.

The article can be read here.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's visit to Scotland has been greeted well by locals and supporters, along with the announcement that the Scottish government had published details of the proposed independence referendum. His Excellency is sure to visit local dignitaries to discuss such a momentous move and further Kemetian interests in Scotland.

Prime Minister in Scotland

21/02/10--FIRST CITY--The Prime Minister submitted his comments on the Draft Constitution today, which are said to be quite expansive, emphasizing the possibility for a liberal and open interpretation of the document in the future. While he made plain the fact that his comments were only suggestions and that the Committee could 'ignore or alter them as is seen fit', His Excellency's comments will most certainly hold much sway, as they will be seen as the opinion of the democratically elected majority.

Prime Minister Lloyd-Davies is currently touring Scotland, were he hopes to further peaceful secession and the Secessionist ideology in general. Scottish independence has long been a policy of the Lloyd-Davies Administration and this official visit is seen as a sign to buttress that support, which was seen to wane after unpleasantness with certain members of the Scottish secessionist community in 2006.

First Comments on the Constitution Submitted

06/02/10--FIRST CITY--The first comments submitted to the Constitutional Drafting Committee by its members were made public today, in an official statement from Committee. Both Francis Nicholson and His Sovereign Majesty King Adam contributed separate Comment Documents to the Committee repository for later review. While the contents of the Documents cannot be made public until all Comments are submitted, the Committee released brief statements outlining the positions of the two members.

Mr. Nicholson, one of the Founders of the Nation and Chair of the Anarchist Alliance Party, made stark observations and suggested a complete overhaul of the entire Constitution, viewing many of its provisions as unnecessary and long-winded. Mr. Nicholson has advocated a less centralized system in the past, as well as placing the instruments of so-called 'state-violence' in the hands of the government, in order to protect the populace. His Anarchist Alliance Party has been absent from elections since 2006, and many suspect that he may re-enter the political scene after the new Constitution is promulgated.

His Sovereign Majesty King Adam did not submit extensive comments, partly because of his pivotal and influential role in shaping the document in question. He did suggest, however, that the original judicial organ of government named the Curia of Founders be renamed the Constitutional Court and its role redefined to allow for the random selection of sitting members for five-year terms from among the eminent jurists of the nation. This, however, has been opposed by Senior Economic Advisor Sir Nicholas Kelly and others in the government.

Constitutional Drafting Committee Established

19/01/10--FIRST CITY--As of today, letters will begin to be sent out from His Sovereign Majesty's Office to the various citizens selected to sit on the Constitutional Drafting Committee. The Committee will represent a diverse cross-section of the public, from high officials to newly immigrated citizens. The Most Democratic and Perfect Constitution of the Sovereign Kingdom has been composed by His Sovereign Majesty and his closest advisors, and will now be amended and evaluated by members of the population. A decisive answer and referendum on the document is scheduled for the end of the next month.