I just noticed that this resolution has been up for most of the day, so I'm setting up this poll on Checkers' behalf.

This one is open until April 19. Please vote on it, and provide your thoughts by replying to this thread (if you have any thoughts to contribute)

The PM will cast her vote based on the majority view, as required by the constitution.


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Description: RECOGNIZING, the calamitous consequences of an asteroid striking the Earth;

RECALLING, Asteroid 2004 FH, the 100 foot in diameter asteroid which, on 19 March 2004, passed perilously close to Earth;

RECOGNIZING, that the gravity of the harm of such an event justifies measured responsive action;

REAFFIRMING, the duty and obligation of the governments of all nations to defend its peoples;

REAFFIRMING, this council's resolution of 12 November 2002, "Fight the Axis of Evil," calling for an increase in defense spending;

REAFFIRMING, this council's resolution of 6 October 2003, "International Space Initiative", calling for international cooperation in the development and advancement of space based technology;

THE UNITED NATIONS, IN COUNCIL ASSEMBLED,

RESOLVES to undertake the research and development of an orbital defense platform designed to defend Earth from threatening interstellar objects;

URGES the development of proper equipment for said platform, possibly including, but not limited to, long range reconnaissance scanners, tractor beams and energy based cannons;

URGES but does not compel all nations to participate in this endeavor;

URGES each participating nation to contribute its maximum allowance in good faith;

RESOLVES that in order to prevent the orbital defense platform from improper application, each use and deployment of the platform be approved by full consensus of all participating nations;

DECIDES to remain seized of the matter


Voting Ends: Mon Apr 19 2004

This resolution provides for a completely voluntary agency to protect the earth from asteroids.

It is therefore:

1. of a global nature; and
2. respectful of national sovereignty, due to its voluntary nature.

Since this is consistent with the principles of the Canadian Sovereignty Party, I therefore favour it.

The Canadian Communist Party also supports this resolution in the fact it is optional
and hopefully none of the lasers or equipment will be used for war.

The voluntary nature of this proposal has me thinking about whether a separate forum will be created for this resolution (if passed), for all participating members. The voluntary nature is initself an interesting concept due to the fact that if it passes, it will be necessary for all UN member Nations to adhere to it. I suppose that you could resign your UN membership to avoid this conflict, but I cannot see the point. I admit that I like it, and am impressed that such a challenging concept has been undertaken - mainly due to the voluntary aspect.

I hope this one goes all the way as it will be interesting to observe the after-effects.

not a UN member (so I didnt vote on the poll) But......

this one is going to get shot down very quickly

Well, it would in the real world anyways.

Erm...can't we vote even if we aren't a UN member??

I thought all citizens of Canada voted and then our UN rep voted with the people of Canada's choice. :unsure:

I could be wrong. :huh: :blink:

Nah... :P :lol: ;)

I believe that this furthers my voice in the search for extraterrestrials that I had inquired about in the "Your Government" "Citizen's Voice" forum. One thing that we can not forget is that we have to be ever vigilant in the the search for both extraterrestrial objects and extraplanetary aliens that could be out there. We not only have to be aware of other nations that are around us, as well as the possibility that space could provide an platform for others to cause us harm in some way. Commonwealth of Western Provinces fully supports this endeavour.

You're right...all citizen's of Canada, whether they're in the UN or not, can vote in this poll.

The UN resolution 'Space Defense Initiative' was defeated 9988 votes to 6780.

Based on the results of this poll, I cast my 65 votes in favour of the resolution.