Governments

[padmeofnaboo.livejournal.com]

Padme stood at the front of the classroom and waited until everyone was seated.

“Today is going to be a little bit easier on you. No homework and an extra bit of time for your papers. All this is on the condition that our speaker today gets your full and undivided attention.’

“I’d like you to meet Chancellor Palpatine (chancellor_bob) of the Galactic Republic. He has agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to talk to you about the role of head of state and answer any questions you may have. Chancellor?”

Chancellor Palpatine offered a warm smile to her and to the class that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It is indeed a pleasure to be here.” He gazed over the classroom, his eyes resting on Skywalker a few moments longer then on the rest. “And such attendance even in light of the troubling times you are now experiencing. Let me assure you all: this will pass and you will find yourselves a stronger and more united community than before… I have foreseen it. Myself and your esteemed professor are in the middle of our own spot of dark times in the form of a civil war. To have so many divided and locked in such senseless violence… it breaks my heart. But I digress. I am here to talk about my coverjob.’

“Now, this is actually my first time talking to students, believe it or not. So perhaps the best way to start is opening the floor to questions.”

Comments

Questions for the Chancellor?

[chancellor-bob.livejournal.com]

The chancellor eagerly awaits the chance to enrich young minds.

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

Anakin's totally not reacting like a giddy fanboy. Really.

"Chancellor? We've been learning about various forms of government in this class, including some that are vastly different from the representative democracy that the Republic currently uses. Why do you think our current form of government works best? What improvements, if any, would you like to see in our system?"

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[chancellor-bob.livejournal.com]

It will work a lot better after I have crushed the Jedi into a fine powder and positioned myself as supreme ruler of the galaxy. "An excellent question, young Skywalker. I think our current system works because it gives the various secotrs their chance to speak their peace. It does help to have such... wise representatives." He glanced long in Padme's direction. "As for improvements... well, there is always room for improvement. I for one, would like to see an increase in the Republic's military to take some of the pressure off of the Jedi. They have been spread so terribly thin lately..."

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[emo-padawan.livejournal.com]

Anakin listened to the reply and took notes. Chancellor Palpatine always seemed so reasonable. He had no idea why Obi-Wan couldn't stand him.

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe looks up from her notebook.

"Sir, if you could give one piece of advice to those starting new governemnts, what would you tell them?"

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[chancellor-bob.livejournal.com]

Crush rebellions early and covertly. bounty hunters are a good start. "Be prepared for a lot of unrest. Change does not come easy, young lady. But... some people have a knack." He smiled at her.

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[02maxwell.livejournal.com]

*stares long and hard at this guy*

Sir? How can the violence be senseless if it's workin' to bring about peace?

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[chancellor-bob.livejournal.com]

"And where is this peace? Violence has only created more violence."

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[02maxwell.livejournal.com]

*thinks, then nods*

Theoretic peace, then, is what I guess I'm gettin' at. Surely at least some of the people fightin' want peace?

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[chancellor-bob.livejournal.com]

"Believe me, there is only violence because people are forced to defend themselves. It's very unfortunate and I wish it could be avoided through diplomacy, but diplomacy sometimes has its shortcomings."

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[ihatedenmark.livejournal.com]

*Hamlet is intrigued by Chancellor Palpatine who reminds him a great deal of his uncle Claudius.*

Sir, what would you consider to be the legitimacy of succession? The one who was pre-chosen to become leader or the one who was first able to seize power?

Re: Questions for the Chancellor?

[chancellor-bob.livejournal.com]

"Neither are always... right. Truly, it depends on the person or persons who are right for the task."