Saturday, July 31, 2004
Statement by the Interim PSD Whip
Señor Jose Barrio-Martinez, Inerim party whip of the PSD issued the following statement in the Popular Assembly earlier today:
"Since under the government of the Frente we have had so many names of our institutions changed from their original into a Frentist version without even a referral to the people for confirmation, how do we know what is official now?
The Office of the President has been changed for example without any consultation or approval by the people. The Frente do what they want according to their own views. Nobody else has any say.
The time has come to call a spade a spade. The Frente is nothing more than a glorified fan club for the President. It is comprised of individuals with no character of their own other than to serve as yes men. They can only exist as fawning creatures of a Head of State who craves personal recognition and adulation. All of them share the responsibility for the obnoxious state of self-congratulation and comfortable self-delusion this Republic now finds itself in. We have open censorship, deletion of posts and God knows what other abuses of democracy and civil rights which no other country would tolerate for a minute. The Republic is in a state of total self-delusion under the Frente. Pats on the backs and mutual self congratulation are the order of the day in this pink cloud republic.
We have an absent Minister General for the term of the last government. Why? Because we have to indulge the child like whims of a petulant President. The welfare of Baracao? Not important. What is important is the tilde.
The Frente is SCARED STIFF of a democratic opposition because it is scared witless of being told something which may not accord with its views. All members of the Frente carry a responsibility for this. I dare say that many of them know the truth of the matter but lack the balls to say so.
This Republic deserves better than to indulge the personal vanity, inferiority complexes and personal deficiencies of one man. It is hardly surprising that so many members have left this Republic - a normal government would be held accountable. Not this one. We don't need reality here under the Frente, we have our own candy floss world of smug satisfaction.
One day the chickens will come home to roost. And may God help you all when they do."
Jose Barrio-Martinez
"Since under the government of the Frente we have had so many names of our institutions changed from their original into a Frentist version without even a referral to the people for confirmation, how do we know what is official now?
The Office of the President has been changed for example without any consultation or approval by the people. The Frente do what they want according to their own views. Nobody else has any say.
The time has come to call a spade a spade. The Frente is nothing more than a glorified fan club for the President. It is comprised of individuals with no character of their own other than to serve as yes men. They can only exist as fawning creatures of a Head of State who craves personal recognition and adulation. All of them share the responsibility for the obnoxious state of self-congratulation and comfortable self-delusion this Republic now finds itself in. We have open censorship, deletion of posts and God knows what other abuses of democracy and civil rights which no other country would tolerate for a minute. The Republic is in a state of total self-delusion under the Frente. Pats on the backs and mutual self congratulation are the order of the day in this pink cloud republic.
We have an absent Minister General for the term of the last government. Why? Because we have to indulge the child like whims of a petulant President. The welfare of Baracao? Not important. What is important is the tilde.
The Frente is SCARED STIFF of a democratic opposition because it is scared witless of being told something which may not accord with its views. All members of the Frente carry a responsibility for this. I dare say that many of them know the truth of the matter but lack the balls to say so.
This Republic deserves better than to indulge the personal vanity, inferiority complexes and personal deficiencies of one man. It is hardly surprising that so many members have left this Republic - a normal government would be held accountable. Not this one. We don't need reality here under the Frente, we have our own candy floss world of smug satisfaction.
One day the chickens will come home to roost. And may God help you all when they do."
Jose Barrio-Martinez
Sunday, July 25, 2004
FRENTE CENSORS FORUM TO HIDE POLITICAL IGNORAMUS
We are all now well acquainted with Frentist tactics to silence the opposition. Normally it is just the usual browbeating and general insults. Now the Frente have gone one step further. In order to cover up their political incompetence, they are censoring forums and removing posts from threads. So free speech in Baracão is dead. Many of us in the opposition had long known this but now we have documentary evidence. Before the Frente were able to delete the posts, this newspaper was able to take copies of most of the deleted posts. So what is the Frente afraid of? Why is the Frente running so scared that they have to delete posts in a public forum?
We all know that the Frentist candidate for Minister General, Erasmo Jacqueras Carrar, actually announced his new government before the election results were announced. In fact this paper raised the question: how did the Frente know they had won before the election results were announced? Nobody has adequately answered that question. It remains an unsolved mystery. In order to be of assistance, the PSD Whip, Señor Jose Barrio Martinez suggested the alternative of a "caretaker administration" in order not to have a government vaccuum during the election period.
Señor Carrar, experienced minister in previous Frentist administrations and nominated to be head of government made the startling reply:
"I've never heard of a caretaker government." (This thread was subsequently deleted by Frentist censorship).
Señor Barrio-Martinez replied to this:
On the assumption that Señor Carrar is speaking on behalf of the government or the Frente, this is a disgrace. On the assumption that Señor Carrar is speaking in a personal capacity, it is an even bigger disgrace. This individual is supposed to be Minister General. Yet how come he is so woefully ignorant of the basic practices of political convention?The man openly admits, he does not know what a "caretaker government" is.
This is an affront to the citizens of this Republic. If he has no idea, then he had better clear out of government. He cannot be allowed to hold the senior executive post of national administration just because he is the chosen nominee of the Frente, if his knowlege of political concepts is so miniscule that we have to teach him parliamentary basics.
Could the Frente in future before foisting one of their nominees on this Republic as Head of Government at least ensure that the person has a basic knowlege of politcal administration.
After having one Frentist administration led by the "invisible man" Ramon, it seems we are to have a second Frentist administration led by a political ignoramus.
We were then treated to the classical performance of the Frente cracking the whip: censorship.
Señor Carrar replied:
I will shortly delete all post which do not pertain specifically to the title; this thread was meant to help me to get my government sorted, not one for you to whinge about irrelevant nuances of political theory.
Of course the last thing we would want is democracy and free expression to come before the niceities of Frentist government formation.
And the President's reaction to all this: a resounding "Hear, hear." Even that was deleted.
This paper congratulates its political correspondents for recording the relevant posts before they were removed by Frentist censorship.
By our political staff.
We all know that the Frentist candidate for Minister General, Erasmo Jacqueras Carrar, actually announced his new government before the election results were announced. In fact this paper raised the question: how did the Frente know they had won before the election results were announced? Nobody has adequately answered that question. It remains an unsolved mystery. In order to be of assistance, the PSD Whip, Señor Jose Barrio Martinez suggested the alternative of a "caretaker administration" in order not to have a government vaccuum during the election period.
Señor Carrar, experienced minister in previous Frentist administrations and nominated to be head of government made the startling reply:
"I've never heard of a caretaker government." (This thread was subsequently deleted by Frentist censorship).
Señor Barrio-Martinez replied to this:
On the assumption that Señor Carrar is speaking on behalf of the government or the Frente, this is a disgrace. On the assumption that Señor Carrar is speaking in a personal capacity, it is an even bigger disgrace. This individual is supposed to be Minister General. Yet how come he is so woefully ignorant of the basic practices of political convention?The man openly admits, he does not know what a "caretaker government" is.
This is an affront to the citizens of this Republic. If he has no idea, then he had better clear out of government. He cannot be allowed to hold the senior executive post of national administration just because he is the chosen nominee of the Frente, if his knowlege of political concepts is so miniscule that we have to teach him parliamentary basics.
Could the Frente in future before foisting one of their nominees on this Republic as Head of Government at least ensure that the person has a basic knowlege of politcal administration.
After having one Frentist administration led by the "invisible man" Ramon, it seems we are to have a second Frentist administration led by a political ignoramus.
This thread was also deleted by Frentist censorship.
We were then treated to the classical performance of the Frente cracking the whip: censorship.
Señor Carrar replied:
I will shortly delete all post which do not pertain specifically to the title; this thread was meant to help me to get my government sorted, not one for you to whinge about irrelevant nuances of political theory.
Of course the last thing we would want is democracy and free expression to come before the niceities of Frentist government formation.
And the President's reaction to all this: a resounding "Hear, hear." Even that was deleted.
This paper congratulates its political correspondents for recording the relevant posts before they were removed by Frentist censorship.
By our political staff.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Holiday Snaps
Our guest writer this month is the renowned philanthropist Dame Fiona Ffookes who briefly visited Baracão during the final days of the recent election. Dame Fiona provides her own perspectives on this visit.
Hello possums!! I have to say I really adored your little Republic. I thought quaintness had gone out of fashion until I clapped my eyes on your petite capital, Bananas or whatever it is called. You are so fortunate to have the natural beauties of bleached white sands, surf, coral and empty beer cans. And the fora, I couldn’t get over them. I’m used to fauna and flowers but this is the first time I came across fora. Take a little advice from me possums; use good old fashioned English. If you mean forums then say forums. All this fora got me confused. I thought I was visiting a botanical garden rather than a political discussion. Keep Latin for the Pope.
Of course if you have forums then keep them open. Whats the point of putting a door on public display if you can’t get in?. Modern technology has invented the e-mail and even the ezboard for confidential messaging. So what’s the point of having a closed forum. Its like saying “Look at us, we’ve got something to hide”. I don’t know what those Fencers get up to behind closed doors and I don’t particularly care. But it makes you think something fishy is going on. I mean are these Fencers into kinky sex or something?
Dame Fiona Ffookes
A word on Travestism. Normally a lady like myself doesn’t talk in public about such matters. However the grossly libellous comments of your President compel me to ask a few questions nearer home. As far as I understand it, the top bod here is a some broad called Julie with a veto and dressed up like Enver Hoxa. Now if that isn’t Travestism, what is? I think he was indulging his Oedipus complex or something. A session with the shrink would probably do him good before letting him loose in the Presidential Palace again.
Well possums I have to fly. I hope that I get a warmer welcome the next time I visit your little holiday camp.
Hello possums!! I have to say I really adored your little Republic. I thought quaintness had gone out of fashion until I clapped my eyes on your petite capital, Bananas or whatever it is called. You are so fortunate to have the natural beauties of bleached white sands, surf, coral and empty beer cans. And the fora, I couldn’t get over them. I’m used to fauna and flowers but this is the first time I came across fora. Take a little advice from me possums; use good old fashioned English. If you mean forums then say forums. All this fora got me confused. I thought I was visiting a botanical garden rather than a political discussion. Keep Latin for the Pope.
Of course if you have forums then keep them open. Whats the point of putting a door on public display if you can’t get in?. Modern technology has invented the e-mail and even the ezboard for confidential messaging. So what’s the point of having a closed forum. Its like saying “Look at us, we’ve got something to hide”. I don’t know what those Fencers get up to behind closed doors and I don’t particularly care. But it makes you think something fishy is going on. I mean are these Fencers into kinky sex or something?
Dame Fiona Ffookes
A word on Travestism. Normally a lady like myself doesn’t talk in public about such matters. However the grossly libellous comments of your President compel me to ask a few questions nearer home. As far as I understand it, the top bod here is a some broad called Julie with a veto and dressed up like Enver Hoxa. Now if that isn’t Travestism, what is? I think he was indulging his Oedipus complex or something. A session with the shrink would probably do him good before letting him loose in the Presidential Palace again.
Well possums I have to fly. I hope that I get a warmer welcome the next time I visit your little holiday camp.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
EDITORIAL : The Baracão Elections
Once again Baracão has been through the periodic ritual of holding an election. Once again the expected result of a Frentist victory and another period of institutionalised rule by the Frente. Does the victory of the Frente reflect a democratic decision on the part of the voters? Or does it mean that the patronage of office has once more been used to distribute "jobs for the boys" in a Frentist administration?. From the word go, it was apparent that these elections were not going to be conducted on an impartial basis. Instead of appointing a neutral electoral commissioner such as Supreme Judge Rakesh, the president chose his old crony Rico Noriega. Noriega is well known for his support of the president. And if we were in any doubt, we were then treated to the spectacle of Señor Carrar announcing his government before the votes had been counted. One may ask: why bother having an election?
Of course we all know that democracy is more than just a counting of votes. In an article I wrote on April 4th entitled "Socialist Democracy" and posted on the PCN forum (since closed to public view in accordance with that party's view of public transparency) I said:
True democracy not only involves a political system but an economic and a social model of democracy as well. Bourgeoise democracy, voting through the ballot box alone is the most superficial model of democracy. With its rule of numbers, it concentrates power in the hands of a numerical majority. This can be used to impose a tyranny of the majority over the minority. This can even establish the rule of a minority elite when proportional electoral systems are not used. In most bourgeoise democracies, political power is controlled by a minority elite manipulating a non-proportional electoral system to perpetuate political power. In bourgeoise democracies, power is related to democracy purely in political terms. It does not extend to economic and social democratic structures.
The essence of socialist democracy is that it embraces not only the political sphere but the economic and social elements of a community as well. Without economic democracy, political democracy based upon the rule of numbers is a sham. Political power is inseparable from economic power in a true socialist democracy. Whereas bourgeoise democracy sustains the rule of a political oligarchy, socialist democracy ensures political, economic and social power remains in the hands of the masses.
I cannot help feeling that those words apply just as well to today's situation.
Instead of a genuine democracy we have a one man puppet show where the president pulls the strings and all the Frentistas dance. If there is anything left of the genuine socialist element within the Frente, it should be asking itself how much longer this façade can go on.
Jose Barrio-Martinez
Editor
Of course we all know that democracy is more than just a counting of votes. In an article I wrote on April 4th entitled "Socialist Democracy" and posted on the PCN forum (since closed to public view in accordance with that party's view of public transparency) I said:
True democracy not only involves a political system but an economic and a social model of democracy as well. Bourgeoise democracy, voting through the ballot box alone is the most superficial model of democracy. With its rule of numbers, it concentrates power in the hands of a numerical majority. This can be used to impose a tyranny of the majority over the minority. This can even establish the rule of a minority elite when proportional electoral systems are not used. In most bourgeoise democracies, political power is controlled by a minority elite manipulating a non-proportional electoral system to perpetuate political power. In bourgeoise democracies, power is related to democracy purely in political terms. It does not extend to economic and social democratic structures.
The essence of socialist democracy is that it embraces not only the political sphere but the economic and social elements of a community as well. Without economic democracy, political democracy based upon the rule of numbers is a sham. Political power is inseparable from economic power in a true socialist democracy. Whereas bourgeoise democracy sustains the rule of a political oligarchy, socialist democracy ensures political, economic and social power remains in the hands of the masses.
I cannot help feeling that those words apply just as well to today's situation.
Instead of a genuine democracy we have a one man puppet show where the president pulls the strings and all the Frentistas dance. If there is anything left of the genuine socialist element within the Frente, it should be asking itself how much longer this façade can go on.
Jose Barrio-Martinez
Editor
Saturday, July 17, 2004
CORRECTION
The transcript of the conversation with Dame Fiona should read I came here invited
and not
I came here uninvited.
PSD Press Office
and not
I came here uninvited.
PSD Press Office
DAME FIONA SPEAKS OUT
Dame Fiona Ffookes, the well known philanthropist and opera critic recently visited the PSD headquarters building at the invitation of the party whip, Jose Barrio-Martinez. Whilst she was there, her meeting with party officials was broken up by Frentists who entered the building and disrupted her visit. Our press staff subsequently spoke to Dame Fiona about the incident.
"It was terrible, really terrible" she said. "I was really looking forward to my visit to Baracão. I had heard so much about the hospitality and courtesy of the people. Señor Martinez was always saying how proud he was that his party held open forums for non-PSD members to enter. He always referred to it as the backbone of democracy".
What happened next?
"While I was discussing matters with one of the party officials, this horrible little man burst in. He looked like a street midget who hadn't been washed for 6 months and smelling of rancid onions. He started shouting something about Andy fleeing in drag before he was evicted by the security personnel. I was apalled" It turned out that the individual involved was none other than Don Diego de Almagro.
Her lower lip trembled as she recounted further. "I also got an ezboard message from some broad called Julie. I subsequently found out that this was the president".
What did he say to you?.
"Hmm".
Hmm? . Nothing else ?. "Thats right just Hmm. In my country we lock up heavy breathers on the telephone. Here the President's onto it himself on the ez board messages." Dame Fiona tutted vociferously. "He then calls me a transvestite in open public. Its scandalous, it shouldn't be allowed. Have you no standards of decency here?" she quipped.
"Heavy breathers, scandalous. Here the President is onto it himelf"
"Are there no standards of civility and courteous behaviour to guests any more?. I'm lucky I suppose. Whilst I was there I saw this transcript of a conversation between the President and one of your real citizens, Jorge El Griego. I've never seen anything it in all my born days. The language leaves nothing to the immagination." she continued.
"I came in here uninvited and I get assailed by a Frentist rabble, one of whom's the president. Are the Frente full of perverts or what?" she asks. "Señor Barrio-Martinez apologised profusely of course. Proper gent he is. But a girl isn't safe in a place like this".
"I expect a full and profuse apology from the persons concerned. Don't you have libel laws here?" .
By the PSD press staff.
July 17th, 2004
"It was terrible, really terrible" she said. "I was really looking forward to my visit to Baracão. I had heard so much about the hospitality and courtesy of the people. Señor Martinez was always saying how proud he was that his party held open forums for non-PSD members to enter. He always referred to it as the backbone of democracy".
What happened next?
"While I was discussing matters with one of the party officials, this horrible little man burst in. He looked like a street midget who hadn't been washed for 6 months and smelling of rancid onions. He started shouting something about Andy fleeing in drag before he was evicted by the security personnel. I was apalled" It turned out that the individual involved was none other than Don Diego de Almagro.
Her lower lip trembled as she recounted further. "I also got an ezboard message from some broad called Julie. I subsequently found out that this was the president".
What did he say to you?.
"Hmm".
Hmm? . Nothing else ?. "Thats right just Hmm. In my country we lock up heavy breathers on the telephone. Here the President's onto it himself on the ez board messages." Dame Fiona tutted vociferously. "He then calls me a transvestite in open public. Its scandalous, it shouldn't be allowed. Have you no standards of decency here?" she quipped.
"Heavy breathers, scandalous. Here the President is onto it himelf"
"Are there no standards of civility and courteous behaviour to guests any more?. I'm lucky I suppose. Whilst I was there I saw this transcript of a conversation between the President and one of your real citizens, Jorge El Griego. I've never seen anything it in all my born days. The language leaves nothing to the immagination." she continued.
"I came in here uninvited and I get assailed by a Frentist rabble, one of whom's the president. Are the Frente full of perverts or what?" she asks. "Señor Barrio-Martinez apologised profusely of course. Proper gent he is. But a girl isn't safe in a place like this".
"I expect a full and profuse apology from the persons concerned. Don't you have libel laws here?" .
By the PSD press staff.
July 17th, 2004
Thursday, July 15, 2004
VOTE
For a new Baracão cast your vote for the candidate of change: Devante Covas
- for democratic participation
- for civil rights
- for the rule of law
- for a quieter style of government
Devante Covas
A president for all Baracão
The Wall
Give President Julia's mania for grammar and spelling, together with political conformity and control, the words of an old Pink Floyd classic came to mind:
We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers!
Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.
We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers!
Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.
(“The Wall” – Pink Floyd)
We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers!
Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.
We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers!
Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.
(“The Wall” – Pink Floyd)
PROFILE: DEVANTE COVAS
One of the surprises of this election has been the nomination by the ADN of the relatively unknown PSD member, Devante Covas as their presidential candidate to challenge incumbent, Alarico Veto Julia. Our political editor caught up with Covas on the campaign trail in Santander.
What does Covas feel that he can offer the citizens of Baracão if elected President? “Progress, of course, gradual progress. I believe that the Republic must go forward, but in a direction that is guided by the people. This will take time of course, there will be no sudden upheaval. If I were asked to sum up what I have to offer in a single sentence, it would be only this. Democratic progress.”
A quiet unassuming man, he is a candidate comfortable among the voters. He presses the flesh and kisses the babies with a natural ease which belies his somewhat political amateur status. One thing is clear about this candidate on the stump: he is no Julia.
There are no stirring speeches, no fiery passion as this candidate speaks to the voters. He speaks modestly about his plans and ambitions.
The son of lower middle class family, Covas decided to pursue a military career fairly early on in life. After graduating from the national military academy, Covas rose swiftly through the ranks of the Baracãon Army reaching the rank of Colonel at the relatively young age of 28. Covas played his role in the Tiegist Revolution and the overthrow of the ancien regime. He remained aloof from the intense politicking which affected nearly all middle ranking serving officers during those days. It was very much a surprise when he resigned his commission and entered civilian politics as a member of the newly founded Partido Nacional Baracão (PNB).
Why the PNB?
“ I'd really have to say that what attracted me most to the PNB when I first arrived on the political scene in Baracao was it's forward thinking ideals. They really seemed to want to shake things up a bit. They seemed to think of the Revolution as something that was still evolving as opposed to something that haWas it the nationalism of the PNB or its socilaism which attracted him most?. Without a doubt, the socialism he says. He draws a parallel with the cameraderie of his Army days, a practical exercise in sharing and mutual support with the officers and men he served with.
Did he ever consider joining the Frente? “I have to admit that joining Frente never really crossed my mind. As I said before, I felt drawn to not only the PNB's way of thinking, but also to their momentum. The Frente seemed as though it had stalled and were working to maintain the status quo.” he says. But what about one of the Frentist parties committed to socialism. Did they not attract him?
“If I were forced to join a Frente party, I suppose I would most likely join the PCN, though if I were going to choose a Communist party to join it would be the POLM”. So the PNB it was.
Covas remains calm and unemotional when we discuss his resignation from the PNB. He felt it was inevitable given the circumstances of the time. “I left the PNB because they seemed to lose the momentum that I loved so much. Their ideals were still strong, but the world had placed many burdens on the shoulders of it's members. I also felt that my beliefs were evolving in to something that fit the PNB's ideals less snugly than before. I have to say, as a side note, I am really loving their reform. It is like seeing a brilliant Phoenix rise from it's own smoldering ashes”.
He served a while as an Independent in the Popular Assembly. At one stage, he considered forming his own
d come to it's final conclusion. I was very drawn to this way of thinking” he says.
political party: “When I originally conceived of the Action Party, I wished for it to be a place where forward thinkers that did not fit the mold of existing progressive parties could unite under one banner. A party devoted to presenting even the most radical of ideas, and allowing the People to choose what they wished for themselves, as opposed to having the Government tell them what they believe. I've always felt that the Revolution belongs to the People, and that they should bet he ones to choose it's final form, not Government regulations”.
However the Action Party was not to be. Circumstances dictated otherwise. Jose Barrio-Martinez, another PNB defector and Christo de Loutrado, an ex-Frentist were in the process of establishing their cooperative value inspired Partido Social Democrata (PSD). Covas had actually approached Barrio-Martinez to join with him in the Action Party Project when he discovered just how far preparations for launching the PSD had gone.
“The PSD beat the Action Party to the punch. It was much more free thinking than any of the other parties before it. It seemed fruitless to create my own party after I learned of it's creation. I would have only divided those I wished to unite”. The sense of duty he learned as a soldier continues to dominate his thinking and actions.
How does he view the recent developments in his old party, now the new Partido Democráta Nacional (PDN) ? “The PDN really seems to be picking up where the PNB left off. I think we can expect to see them become a major force on the political scene very soon. Knowing the members on a personal level as I do, I can tell you one thing. If they decide something is best for the people, and that it is what the people want, nothing will stand in their way. I hold absolutely no ill will against anyone in the party, and I have no reason to believe anyone there holds any ill will against me. In fact, I would count Santiago as one of my closest friends in all of Baracao”.
Surprisingly enough, he had this to say about the President. “I would have to say that the Frentist I admire the most is Julia, he seems to do a rather good job of holding his own party together when by all logic, every party within the Frente should constantly be at odds, trying to put forth their own very different visions of what is best for the People”. He adds however “I believe that recently, Julia has become very much a caretaker President. The Republic is being maintained, but under Julia it no longer seems to be progressing”.And his fellow PSD colleagues ?. At one stage when they were in different parties, relations with de Loutrado were somewhat strained. They have come closer together since their time in the PSD.
“He is a quiet, modest person” says Barrio-Martinez, the PSD whip. “He only speaks when he has something to say. But when he has something to say, you can be sure that everyone will know about it. He states his opinions openly and with conviction”
The odds in this election are still stacked against this Olympic style fencer. However his modest, unassuming and quiet style may well strike a chord with those voters who decide they want a quieter and more peaceful life than that offered by the current President.
What does Covas feel that he can offer the citizens of Baracão if elected President? “Progress, of course, gradual progress. I believe that the Republic must go forward, but in a direction that is guided by the people. This will take time of course, there will be no sudden upheaval. If I were asked to sum up what I have to offer in a single sentence, it would be only this. Democratic progress.”
A quiet unassuming man, he is a candidate comfortable among the voters. He presses the flesh and kisses the babies with a natural ease which belies his somewhat political amateur status. One thing is clear about this candidate on the stump: he is no Julia.
There are no stirring speeches, no fiery passion as this candidate speaks to the voters. He speaks modestly about his plans and ambitions.
The son of lower middle class family, Covas decided to pursue a military career fairly early on in life. After graduating from the national military academy, Covas rose swiftly through the ranks of the Baracãon Army reaching the rank of Colonel at the relatively young age of 28. Covas played his role in the Tiegist Revolution and the overthrow of the ancien regime. He remained aloof from the intense politicking which affected nearly all middle ranking serving officers during those days. It was very much a surprise when he resigned his commission and entered civilian politics as a member of the newly founded Partido Nacional Baracão (PNB).
Why the PNB?
“ I'd really have to say that what attracted me most to the PNB when I first arrived on the political scene in Baracao was it's forward thinking ideals. They really seemed to want to shake things up a bit. They seemed to think of the Revolution as something that was still evolving as opposed to something that haWas it the nationalism of the PNB or its socilaism which attracted him most?. Without a doubt, the socialism he says. He draws a parallel with the cameraderie of his Army days, a practical exercise in sharing and mutual support with the officers and men he served with.
Did he ever consider joining the Frente? “I have to admit that joining Frente never really crossed my mind. As I said before, I felt drawn to not only the PNB's way of thinking, but also to their momentum. The Frente seemed as though it had stalled and were working to maintain the status quo.” he says. But what about one of the Frentist parties committed to socialism. Did they not attract him?
“If I were forced to join a Frente party, I suppose I would most likely join the PCN, though if I were going to choose a Communist party to join it would be the POLM”. So the PNB it was.
Covas remains calm and unemotional when we discuss his resignation from the PNB. He felt it was inevitable given the circumstances of the time. “I left the PNB because they seemed to lose the momentum that I loved so much. Their ideals were still strong, but the world had placed many burdens on the shoulders of it's members. I also felt that my beliefs were evolving in to something that fit the PNB's ideals less snugly than before. I have to say, as a side note, I am really loving their reform. It is like seeing a brilliant Phoenix rise from it's own smoldering ashes”.
He served a while as an Independent in the Popular Assembly. At one stage, he considered forming his own
d come to it's final conclusion. I was very drawn to this way of thinking” he says.
political party: “When I originally conceived of the Action Party, I wished for it to be a place where forward thinkers that did not fit the mold of existing progressive parties could unite under one banner. A party devoted to presenting even the most radical of ideas, and allowing the People to choose what they wished for themselves, as opposed to having the Government tell them what they believe. I've always felt that the Revolution belongs to the People, and that they should bet he ones to choose it's final form, not Government regulations”.
However the Action Party was not to be. Circumstances dictated otherwise. Jose Barrio-Martinez, another PNB defector and Christo de Loutrado, an ex-Frentist were in the process of establishing their cooperative value inspired Partido Social Democrata (PSD). Covas had actually approached Barrio-Martinez to join with him in the Action Party Project when he discovered just how far preparations for launching the PSD had gone.
“The PSD beat the Action Party to the punch. It was much more free thinking than any of the other parties before it. It seemed fruitless to create my own party after I learned of it's creation. I would have only divided those I wished to unite”. The sense of duty he learned as a soldier continues to dominate his thinking and actions.
How does he view the recent developments in his old party, now the new Partido Democráta Nacional (PDN) ? “The PDN really seems to be picking up where the PNB left off. I think we can expect to see them become a major force on the political scene very soon. Knowing the members on a personal level as I do, I can tell you one thing. If they decide something is best for the people, and that it is what the people want, nothing will stand in their way. I hold absolutely no ill will against anyone in the party, and I have no reason to believe anyone there holds any ill will against me. In fact, I would count Santiago as one of my closest friends in all of Baracao”.
Surprisingly enough, he had this to say about the President. “I would have to say that the Frentist I admire the most is Julia, he seems to do a rather good job of holding his own party together when by all logic, every party within the Frente should constantly be at odds, trying to put forth their own very different visions of what is best for the People”. He adds however “I believe that recently, Julia has become very much a caretaker President. The Republic is being maintained, but under Julia it no longer seems to be progressing”.And his fellow PSD colleagues ?. At one stage when they were in different parties, relations with de Loutrado were somewhat strained. They have come closer together since their time in the PSD.
“He is a quiet, modest person” says Barrio-Martinez, the PSD whip. “He only speaks when he has something to say. But when he has something to say, you can be sure that everyone will know about it. He states his opinions openly and with conviction”
The odds in this election are still stacked against this Olympic style fencer. However his modest, unassuming and quiet style may well strike a chord with those voters who decide they want a quieter and more peaceful life than that offered by the current President.
Things Julia said.........
THINGS JULIA SAID.......
(famous quotes from Baracão's Frentist Head of State)
“They are rude, they have no respect”
President Julia on the ADN
The PNB was never threatened with the DSE.
President Julia 6/7/2004 at 11.54
Okay, if you were threatened then it was certainly not over any flippant comment.
President Julia 6/7/2004 at 12.17
I am not stupid
President Julia 23/5/2004
What would the results be? I neither know nor care.
President Julia 27/5/2004
Stop bickering. Firstly, yes, I am guilty of this as much as anyone else. However, I aim to stop this myself, and I expect every citizen, irrespective of their political affiliation, to do this from now. Let us forget past arguments and only construct our future. This is an order.
President Julia 9/5/2004
One of the most alarming aspects of the PNB is its secret machinations to secede from the Republic, not only counter-revolution but an act of terrorism, subversion and treason of the most despicable type.
President Julia 3/5/2004
(famous quotes from Baracão's Frentist Head of State)
“They are rude, they have no respect”
President Julia on the ADN
The PNB was never threatened with the DSE.
President Julia 6/7/2004 at 11.54
Okay, if you were threatened then it was certainly not over any flippant comment.
President Julia 6/7/2004 at 12.17
I am not stupid
President Julia 23/5/2004
What would the results be? I neither know nor care.
President Julia 27/5/2004
Stop bickering. Firstly, yes, I am guilty of this as much as anyone else. However, I aim to stop this myself, and I expect every citizen, irrespective of their political affiliation, to do this from now. Let us forget past arguments and only construct our future. This is an order.
President Julia 9/5/2004
One of the most alarming aspects of the PNB is its secret machinations to secede from the Republic, not only counter-revolution but an act of terrorism, subversion and treason of the most despicable type.
President Julia 3/5/2004
PSD
Welcome to the house journal of the PSD - Partido Social Democrata of Baracão. We seek to produce fresh ideas about political and economic justice to replace the political bankruptcy of the Frentist oligarchy. All true reformists are welcome to contribute.
Our first publication is a statement of the philosophy of the PSD contained in its manifesto document.
Social Democracy should be about both freedom and social solidarity. These two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Social Democracy seeks the creation of a new society in place of the capitalist political structure. However it rejects revolutionary action and traditional state socialism. It favours, to the extent possible, an evolutionary approach to creating a new society. It emphasises the importance of peaceful activity in building alternative social institutions within the existing society, and strengthening those institutions until they finally replace the existing statist system. "A free society cannot be the substitution of a 'new order' for the old order; it is the extension of spheres of free action until they make up most of the social life”.Social Democrats belong to a non-collectivist segment of socialist thought. Although they favour democratic control when collective action is required by the nature of production and other cooperative endeavors, they do not favour collectivism as an ideal in itself. They are not opposed to money or exchange. They believe in private property, so long as it is based on personal occupancy and use. They favour a society in which all relationships and transactions are non-coercive, and based on voluntary cooperation, free exchange, or mutual aid. The "market," in the sense of exchanges of labour between producers, is a profoundly humanising and liberating concept. What Social Democrats oppose is the conventional understanding of markets, as the idea has been corrupted by state capitalism. Social Democracy's ultimate vision is of a society in which the economy is organized around free market exchange between producers, and production is carried out mainly by self-employed artisans and farmers, small producers' cooperatives, worker-controlled large enterprises, and consumers' cooperatives. To the extent that wage labour still exists, the removal of statist privileges will result in the worker's natural wage being his full product.Because of society's fondness for free markets, Social Democrats sometimes fall afoul of those who have an aesthetic affinity for collectivism, or those for whom "petty bourgeois" is a swear word. But it is our petty bourgeois tendencies that put Social Democrats in the mainstream of the populist/radical tradition, and make Social Democracy relevant to the needs of average working Baracaons. Most people distrust the bureaucratic organizations that control their communities and working lives, and want more control over the decisions that affect them. They are open to the possibility of decentralist, bottom-up alternatives to the present system. But they do not want a Baracao remade in the image of orthodox state socialism.Social Democracy is an ideology that rejects the traditionalism and economic elitism of the Right and the statism of the Left. One that draws on the best and most enduring elements of classical liberalism, libertarian socialism and classical anarchism but adapts these to contemporary circumstances within a uniquely Baracaon cultural framework that appeals to the best within our libertarian and revolutionary traditions. Political and economic decentralisation should be the hallmark of Social Democracy Baracaon style.Baracaon Social Democracy stands for the elimination of the authoritarian state, control of economies of scale by cooperative partnerships of producers, individualism, genuine liberation of outcast groups, resistance to war and imperialism, decentraliation, voluntary association, intellectual and cultural freedom, mutual aid and voluntary cooperation.
Jose Barrio-Martinez
PSD Whip
Our first publication is a statement of the philosophy of the PSD contained in its manifesto document.
Social Democracy should be about both freedom and social solidarity. These two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Social Democracy seeks the creation of a new society in place of the capitalist political structure. However it rejects revolutionary action and traditional state socialism. It favours, to the extent possible, an evolutionary approach to creating a new society. It emphasises the importance of peaceful activity in building alternative social institutions within the existing society, and strengthening those institutions until they finally replace the existing statist system. "A free society cannot be the substitution of a 'new order' for the old order; it is the extension of spheres of free action until they make up most of the social life”.Social Democrats belong to a non-collectivist segment of socialist thought. Although they favour democratic control when collective action is required by the nature of production and other cooperative endeavors, they do not favour collectivism as an ideal in itself. They are not opposed to money or exchange. They believe in private property, so long as it is based on personal occupancy and use. They favour a society in which all relationships and transactions are non-coercive, and based on voluntary cooperation, free exchange, or mutual aid. The "market," in the sense of exchanges of labour between producers, is a profoundly humanising and liberating concept. What Social Democrats oppose is the conventional understanding of markets, as the idea has been corrupted by state capitalism. Social Democracy's ultimate vision is of a society in which the economy is organized around free market exchange between producers, and production is carried out mainly by self-employed artisans and farmers, small producers' cooperatives, worker-controlled large enterprises, and consumers' cooperatives. To the extent that wage labour still exists, the removal of statist privileges will result in the worker's natural wage being his full product.Because of society's fondness for free markets, Social Democrats sometimes fall afoul of those who have an aesthetic affinity for collectivism, or those for whom "petty bourgeois" is a swear word. But it is our petty bourgeois tendencies that put Social Democrats in the mainstream of the populist/radical tradition, and make Social Democracy relevant to the needs of average working Baracaons. Most people distrust the bureaucratic organizations that control their communities and working lives, and want more control over the decisions that affect them. They are open to the possibility of decentralist, bottom-up alternatives to the present system. But they do not want a Baracao remade in the image of orthodox state socialism.Social Democracy is an ideology that rejects the traditionalism and economic elitism of the Right and the statism of the Left. One that draws on the best and most enduring elements of classical liberalism, libertarian socialism and classical anarchism but adapts these to contemporary circumstances within a uniquely Baracaon cultural framework that appeals to the best within our libertarian and revolutionary traditions. Political and economic decentralisation should be the hallmark of Social Democracy Baracaon style.Baracaon Social Democracy stands for the elimination of the authoritarian state, control of economies of scale by cooperative partnerships of producers, individualism, genuine liberation of outcast groups, resistance to war and imperialism, decentraliation, voluntary association, intellectual and cultural freedom, mutual aid and voluntary cooperation.
Jose Barrio-Martinez
PSD Whip
