Well, now that we have a race on our hands, let me pose a question to the Candidates:

What measures would you like to see put in place to ensure Canada is protected from invasions like the one that recently plagued the South Pacific?

I believe, with a small drain on each member's tax funds, that we could not only increase our continental security systems at all borders and airports, but that we could also harbour a large naval fleet which could patrol our coastlines. Add to this a comprehensive radar/missile defense system, we could control the skies above us as well.

In a second part to this area of defence, I also believe it is good to start teaching our children more racial and cultural tolerancein the schools. By showing that these people and lifestyles are welcome among us, we will reduce tensions with foreign nations, as well increase possible trade and security with other factions.

I'm thinking beyond roleplay - what real measures are you going to put into place to ensure that the region is not successfully crashed, griefed, invaded or otherwise seized from its people by a group of *real live* players from another region.

Hmm.....apparently then I'm in over my head. Sorry about that, I was under the mistaken impression this whole NationStates thing was just a game. Sorry to waste time and board space.

It is a game. Unfortunately, there are groups out there bent on seizing regions. It happens every day, and if we are to continue enjoying this game, steps are going to have to be taken to secure our region.

All I was getting at was whether any candidates had any ideas in order to better secure and protect this region from malevolent invaders.

It's an issue that will have to be addressed to ensure that we can continue to play the game in Canada.

That's a site administrators job though, not ours. We're here to play our countries out, not be anti-hackers.

Actually, the game is set up to allow invasions. The rules also ensure we can get our region back fairly quickly but, there are always those who will bend the rules beyond the breaking point and sometimes they don't get caught.

-S

To change tack slightly, there are three issues that I will be dealing with in terms of national security.

Firstly, the location of a suitable founder nation, with the approval of the cabinet.

This will give us the security of having a level of administration above that of the UN Delegate. As I understand it there are several suitable and eligible nations that are mentioned in our history. My first action as Defence Minister will be to contact these suitable nations and ask them to apply publicly for the position.

That way we can look forward to having a fall back if our region is attacked and subdued.

Another initiative I have in mind is to revive the DoW Alliance in some respect and look at re-organising the CSIS for anyone who is interested in keeping tabs on niegbors and enemies. I think that the best road map is to amalgamate the two organisations and have both operate under the flag of the DoW.

This way, one organisation can make relevant recommendations to the Cabinet as to the use of forces.

Finally, I would like to maintain close relations with our diplomatic contingent. It is my firm belief that good diplomatic relations will be our best defense. To this end I will be working with our embassies to put forward mutual defense pacts with friendly and like minded regions.

These three initiatives will ensure that we (1) have contigencies against a worst case scenario (2) have up-to-date information about ongoing international matters and (3) are using diplomatic ties to strengthen our position.

Boardz - I think you are definitely on the right track... B)

Thanks HB :)

I am making these my election promises in a way. Within my first term I want to get number one completed. It is by far and away the most important.

I will also be disappointed if I cannot get the second two well underway. i doubt that they will be totally completed, but the structure should be in place.