Helen Adler meets with farmers in Mothar
Helen Adler of the Social Democrats praised the passage of The Comprehensive Gay Rights Treaty. "This landmark treaty enshrines the basic commitment to human rights which has marked Dorvik."
Campaigning for rural votes in Mothar, Helen Adler praised the passage of legislation which returned the "fisheries back to those communities which have for centuries built a life with the sea. " Protecting rural life is central to social democracy Adler said.
Later on Adler flew to Fairfax for a rally and campaigned for the Dorvik Left Unity Project. "Together we've accomplished much already. Now it's going to take all of us to secure those gains and expand the possibilities of this nation for peace and social justice."
Sarah Ehrenreich proposes Gay Rights Treaty
Sarah Ehrenreich, foreign minister of Dorvik, announced the introduction of the Ratification of The Comprehensive Gay Rights Treaty in the Dorvik House of Representatives.
"All the parties of Dorvik have made a commitment over the years for gay and lesbian equality. This treaty is a simple reflection of our nation's values." Also Ehrenreich will be introducting the Terrean Economic Board. It provides a forum for nations to negotiate the reduction of trade barriers.
Sarah Ehrenreich praised the defeat of a militarization initiative which would have introduced chemical and biological weapons as well as land mines. This bill would have "isolated Dorvik while spurring an arms race."
Helen Adler Praises Election Results
Helen Adler of the Social Democrats praised the election results which saw the SDD gain 23 seats. With it's 4th election of growth in seats, the SDD has returned to it's height in electoral strength.
Adler told reporters "If the Communists will finally vote and participate in the legislative process, we'll have a coalition that can pass reforms to tackle our democracy deficit, block the fascists, expand human rights and move our nation into a more peaceful direction.
Adler when asked about concrete proposals said "The passage of an economic agreement in Kalistan requires Dorvik's legislative support. And Sarah Ehrenreich will introduce a series of treaties to solidify our standing in the community of nations."
"And we'll put forward economic reforms to help farming communities and workers, which includes legislation on fisheries. Some of our past economic reforms have already weakened support for the fascists and we want to build on that."
When asked about the response to Soelle's death, Adler said "the wide outpouring of support in this nation and around the world is heart warming. Our challenges is to bring her belief in peace into the kind of actions which transform the nation."
Helen Adler Praises Passage of NCB Ban
Helen Adler of the Social Democrats of Dorvik praised the passage of a whole set of reforms, including the Dorthee Soelle Nuclear Chemical Biological Weapons Ban and the Land Mines Ban.
Adler also praised the passage of the Democratic Worker Councils, the abolition of the death penalty, the expansion of civil liberties, the expansion of labour rights, and the end of mandatory military service. "Each reform seeks to tackle fascism."
This session has been a success in every way but Adler warned that some of the reforms need to be rallied for. "The right will seek to overturn these critical reforms. So it's up to all of us to pressure the House to make these reforms stick."
Sarah Ehrenreich Elected as Foreign Minister
The Social Democratic legislative caucus met recently after the passing of Dorthee Soelle. After much deliberation, Sarah Ehrenreich was elected to represent the SDD in foreign affairs.
Ehrenreich was SDD party head from 2593 to 2596. She told reporters and the audience that she was honoured by the caucus. The "best way to honour Soelle's life's work is to enter into the fray and work diligently for peace and justice here and abroad."
Policy wise this includes working for passage of a land mines ban and a nuclear and chemical weapons ban, currently before the House. "It also means building on Soelle's work with our neighbours and allies." Ehrenreich said.
To that end Ehrenreich will be meeting with the governments of Rustania and Kalistan to build support for the Terrean Economic Board and the Council for Peace and Security in Artania. And she plans to work with nations that have friendship agreements with Dorvik.
Dorthee Soelle Dies (2520-2608)
Dorthee Soelle passed away on August 4th 2608 in her sleep today after fighting a short illness according to doctors at the University of Fairfax hospital. Born on Sept 18, 2520 she was 87 years old. In that long life she was known for her many accomplishments.
Originally she was known for her work in the history of pacifism in the church and taught at St. Paul's Seminary since 2546. She was well remembered by a generation of former students. The dean of the cathedral in Fairfax noted "she always attentive to every student."
She left her teaching position in 2565 to help found with a number of activists the Dorvik Peace Forum. As executive director of the peace forum she brought national exposure to issues of demilitarization and her particular passion: the abolition of nuclear arms.
Frustrated by the consensus for militarism among the larger parties she participated with a range of left groups in the founding of the Social Democrats of Dorvik in 2581. She may be best known for her time as party head, a post she held from 2581 to 2593.
The first piece of legislation she proposed would ban nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. In her time has party head the Social Democrats grew from zero to 66 seats and key reforms were passed from social security to a increasing aid for the poor here and abroad.
She retired as party head in 2593 only to be coaxed back to parliament in her role as foreign minister. She was one Dorvik's longest serving foreign ministers from 2593 until 2608. There she will be remembered for her role in seeking to strengthen ties with Dorvik's neighbours.
Such as the passage of friendship agreements with Kalistan, Rutania, Telamon, and Athlorcaea as well as signing treaties with Kalistan and joining the Council for Peace and Security in Artania. In the last few years she was working on an int'l trade agreement.
"It was fitting that even through illness she worked overtime for peace. Her recent visit to Kalistan and Rustania to see old friends and to cement possibilities for future cooperation was a fitting conclusion for someone whose life mission was peace." Helen Adler said.
Dorthee Soelle Praises Passage of Terrean Economic Board
Dorthee Soelle visited Kalistan as their legislature debated a resolution in support of moving towards ratification of the Terrean Economic Board.
Later, Soelle toured the construction site for the new embassy being built in Kalistan. And she met with president Doceus Rex. She was encouraged by the support for the Economic Board in Dorvik and hopes to build support for ratification.
Soelle later met with Rustania's foreign minister and Chancellor General Edgar Costadinov and discussed future cooperative efforts through the Council for Peace and Security in Artania. Soelle has expressed interest in having other nations join the council.
Helen Adler is Hopeful After Election
Helen Adler had a lot to smile about recently. An election that saw the Social Democrats gain seats and the passage of key SDD bills including the legalization of unions and the curtailment of police powers.
"The people have clearly spoken and voted for a centre left majority, a first in over a decade. We have the ability to address the fascist threat head on by curtailing the role of the military, expanding civil liberties, and addressing the economic needs of our nation"
"The question is whether the Communists will actively participate in such a coalition so as to bring about the needed changes in our nation. Or will they play hookey and thus abandon the charge of the voters and end the hopes for democratic progress in this legislative session."
"Time and again the people have spoken and empowered the parties to expand democracy. The people have not been lax in their defense of democracy. It's the political will in Fairfax which has too often been lax. Let's end this today" Adler said to reporters.
Dorthee Soelle To Visit Several Nations
Dorthee Soelle, foreign minister of Dorvik, is set to visit Kalistan to oversee the construction of a new embassy and to visit with Kalistan's foreign minister Eduardo Chibas. Then she will visit Rustania to meet with the nations new foreign minister.
Soelle also announced, in the Dorvik legislature, her proposal for a Terrean Economic Board. The idea behind the proposal is to provide a forum for nations to cooperate on economic affairs and to provide a way to reduce trade barriers while addressing the labour and social concerns.
Soelle also attended a rally for the Social Democrats. She moved the rally as she gave her observations about the history of the SDD and the state of politics in Dorvik. "I thought retirement would come earlier but to be in the fight for a more peaceful world is an honour."
Helen Adler Argues Against Devolution
Helen Adler in a recent speech to the University of Fairfax Public Policy Institute argued against devolution being proposed by Pascal Erdmann of the Socialist Libertarian Party even while she accepted his diagnosis of the problem in Dorvik politics today.
But she argued that the moves proposed by the DSLP simply adjusts ourselves to the attitudes and conditions that fascism has found a home in rather than tackling head on the conditions, social and economic, that allow fascists to exploit the fears of voters.
Instead the SDD has chosen a legislative route that has "three pillars. Reducing the role of the military. The expansion of civil rights laws. And the passage of economic legislation. These three pillars goes after the heart of the fascist appeal."
"Ultimately we cannot sign on to the DSLP proposal because it creates two nations, one where there is equality and the other where there is discrimination. One where there are laws to protect the poor, workers, and minorities. The other a nation where people are free opress others."
"We cannot be a nation that is half free and have enslaved. This is why we need the sort of active federal government that can ensure equality, human rights and human dignity for every citizen of Dorvik whether they live in the southern northern locals." Adler said.
Helen Adler Responds to Election Results
Helen Adler praised the election results which saw more growth in votes and seats for the Social Democrats. She also met with the newly SDD elected members and she spoke with reporters on the challenges that face her delegation in the House of Representatives.
Adler noted in discussing strategies for the SDD caucus that "while we hope to reach across the aisles to get things done for Dorvik on too many critical issues that affect our democratic future, the only effective force is the Dorvik Left Unity Project."
Adler continued that the SDD would focus on basic democracy building proposals from legalizing unions to restricting the role of the military to expanding civil liberties. "A lot of damage was done last session. We need to begin addressing the democracy deficit we face."
In others news, Dorthee Soelle as foreign minister has been negotiating the building of a new embassy in Kalistan as well as hammering out a possible trade treaty. And she recently attended the funeral of Rustania's former foreign affairs minister.
Helen Adler Denounces Repressive Policies
In measures that sound like a bizarre mix of fascism and feudalism, "several parties in Dorvik have joined with the fascists in repressive measures that have raised the question of the democratic prospect in the nation," said Helen Adler in parliament today.
"The legislature has banned unions, strikes and watching movies. They have passed broad measures that allow the military to be the defacto police force. And new proposals would ban interracial marriage and establish a state religion ." Adler said.
"The fascists threaten every democratic institution. From collective bargaining to the freedom of religion to the freedom of ideas, to enjoying the simple pleasures of life, nothing has been untouched. But now certain parties have joined with them on key proposals." Adler said.
Adler announced the withdrawal of the Social Democrats from the National Awareness Committee of Dorvik. "It's not an effective instrument for democracy. Not when some members voted with the fascists to attack our freedoms. The only group that has is the Dorvik Left Unity Project"
Adler also said that the SDD supported the decision of the Socialist Libertarian Party's call for an early election and for the resignation of prime minister Juliette Rochelle. And that the SDD will be supporting the SLP in the next elections.
Social Democrats Celebrates Gains
Helen Adler celebrated, at a rally for the Social Democrats of Dorvik, the election results which saw their seats almost double for the first time in over a decade. This is a turn around from previous election losses, that many credit to the party building activities of Adler.
But Adler credited the election results to a different source; party activists at the rally who did "the door to door canvasses, GOTV, conversations with neighbours and families, envelope stuffing, and all the other sweat and work that make or break an election"
Adler said the SDD worked with other parties on first principles of building a democracy. This made this election different as voters considered the threat of fascism and who would seriously confront it. Representing such a goal, Adler said, was an honour and the highest responsibility.
Dorthe Soelle Praises the Passages of Friendship Treaties
Foreign Minister, Dorthee Soelle, praised the passage of the Kalistan-Dorvik Friendship Treaty and the Treaty for the Establishment of Council for Peace and Security in Artania. "We believe they lay the groundwork for further agreements on economic and defence concerns."
Soelle has contacted the foreign ministers of Kalistan and Rutania after the House of Representatives passed the respective treaties by a margin two thirds. This included all parties save the fascists. "This indicates the bipartisan support for peaceful relations with our neighbours"
We believe that this can lead to work with other nations as well, both between Dorvik and other neighbours but also as a precedent that other nations may consider as we look to see how to increase the possibilities for peace." Soelle said.
"But it takes time to build support, person to person contacts, diplomatic missions, etc. The work of the Socialist Party of Kalistan and the Rutanian Republican Democratic Forum have been central in making these two treaties a reality."
Soelle was asked about her health. She noted that she had some health issues last year but she's received good rating from doctors and she hopes to be able to run for office again and to work to expand the work that the passage of these treaties.
Helen Adler Begins Election Campaign
Helen Adler kicked off the election campaign with a rally in Fairfax where she promoted the SDD legislative agenda "We passed labour law reform and we're promoting worker councils; when workers have a say we are on the road to a strong democracy."
"And we're building a democracy that rejects fascism. We've sought to reduce the role of the military and we've proposed treaties that connect Dorvik to our neighbours for peace. And with your help this election can be the turning point for building a truly democratic and humane society."
Helen Adler Urges Adoption of Friendship Treaties
Helen Adler spoke at the University of Fairfax today on the need to pass two friendship treaties with Kalistan and Rutania. "We will be introducing these treaties for a vote and the whole world will watch to see if we are serious at working with our neighbours."
Adler noted that "the two treaties have already passed the legislative bodies of Rutania and Kalistan, and if Dorvik passes them we can be in a position to consider economic and security arrangements with them in the future that will make all of our countries safer."
Adler spoke highly of the Romulan Party's change of heart on supporting these two treaties and urged bipartisan support. "If we win, let us win with as many of the parties in Dorvik as possible; this will send a message that our friendship is grounded on a broad base of support."
Later Adler spoke with students, shook hands, took questions, and met with reporters. She indicated that Dorthee Soelle is feeling well and is out of the hospital. Also Adler said that the SDD will be busy raising issues throughout the current session.
Helen Adler attends Turn of the Century Party
Helen Adler joined President Peter Pilgrims and other foreign leaders and cabinet officers from around Terra in participating in a "Turn of the Century Party" to celebrate the new century. This party took place in Port Andalay on behest of the United Republics of Lodamun.
The celebrations included meeting with officials in attendance at the presidential palace, special events with the purpose of developing peace and prosperity across Terra, and tours around the city of Port Andalay concluding with fireworks and a New Years party.
Helen Adler expressed appreciation for the hospitality of Kate Williams Prime Minister of Lodamun and she expressed hope that this meeting of so many Terran leaders will increase the possibilities for further cooperative work for peace among the nations.
Dorthee Soelle was unable to attend the gathering due to recent health problems. And Adler announced that the SDD has joined the National Awareness Committee which is a joint project of several political parties dedicated to promoting democracy.
Helen Adler of the Social Democrats praised the passage of The Comprehensive Gay Rights Treaty. "This landmark treaty enshrines the basic commitment to human rights which has marked Dorvik."
