[Rush's thoughts on various alliances.... Wartime edition....]

Rush, that's actually one of the best descriptions of NATO I've read. You are right to the point of it being a bit painful to read. Thank you.

[Why I don't Celebrate Thanksgiving]

So . . . a regular Thanksgiving.

Yep, just without the whole Jesus and God thing.

[Why I don't Celebrate Thanksgiving]

My family celebrates Thanksgiving because it is a great opportunity for the family to be together.

That's exactly why I celebrate it, as well as Christmas. We have always even had an 'opposition response' tradition in my family where I end up giving a speech about love and family after the traditionally religious family members give the prayer. It started when I was 8.

[On Reparations]

I think TOP resolved not to request reps regardless of any circumstance after Karma. I thought that was what Karma was about. I guess I am wrong.

Karma is retribution for past actions

Once that happens, the fields are even

Balance shifts again after

[The great war is over.. yet no one is cheering.]

Good post, but the war is not over yet for everyone.

[Standards for Leadership in This Era of Cybernations]

I hope you don't think you're an example of fine leadership, or how a fine leader should act.

It depends on your definition of fine leadership is. If you are talking about making an impact on power structures and crucial events, both behind the scenes and on stage, Xiphosis has been very successful. He's been involved in most of the major decisions of his alliance and coalitions. To get to that level of diplomatic hierarchy, you have to have a certain amount of panache and finesse, and have power to back it up. Panache for the masses and finesse for those both below and equal to you that you have to work with.

With the exception of the greatest, most straightforward and enjoyable war in CN history (my opinion only), the Illuminati tag team, Xiph has been on the opposite side of my IC player so I can't verifty his internal alliance abilities, but I can say from a historical perspective, Xiphosis is far above average as a leader, which I think should qualify him for a fine leader by anyone's definition.

[Standards for Leadership in This Era of Cybernations]

Very well written and to the point, Xiphosis. I rated it 5 of 5. Far too many 'leaders' are rash and reactive, and while the format of the world forum and PMs lends itself so easily to that same type of 'stop, think, post' mentality that would help with this problem, it is unfortunately not used for this purpose. New leaders too often jump on IRC and think decisions need to be made at that pace, not realizing that a simple 'we'll talk about this as an alliance and get back to you' is not only politely acceptable but usually expected.

Or I might just be too old for the chat chaos of IRC. That's probably closer to the truth, unfortunately.

[An Otter Time]

Oh, that otter was involved.

And Sunny, I know. It is just hard to watch unfold.