[Poaching from our ranks- NSO]

And by the way, I have yet to hear them articulate an argument against recruiting from their ranks- they merely appeal to arbitrary community norms. Consider it from a utilitarian perspective. Recruiting nations form them will not harm their ability to carry out their neutral policies, as one nation can be neutral just as well as 1000, whereas any nation we recruit from them will increase our ability to carry out policies, since more nations will allow us to project more power. We are helping ourselves while, in terms of consequences, are not hurting them. From a utilitarian perspective, then, what we did was quite a good thing.

I'm sorry but this is an absurd argument. A utilitarian perspeective would require the maximization of happiness for all, not just the parties involved. Your argument only functions under the flawed assumption that by increasing power NSO's power, the rest of the community will benefit. On the contrary, when NSO gains ore power every other non-neutral alliance will be hurt because the loose some power, and thus security any time someone else gains some.

Secondly, community norms are anything but arbitrary. They provide standards and guidelines for actions. They are necessary and essential because they foster order. When people know how to civilly interact, it makes for better relations

Nifty rationalization though.

[The Amazing Sanction Race]

This smiley?

I believe that smiley isn't wubbed enough.

That smilie might just have to be added to TDO's offsite.

[Peace out, yo.]

Take care SBJ.

It was fun kicking it with you in TDO.