Principality Issues -- Alan's Position

[ASmith@psc.dhhs.gov (Alan Smith)]

Poster: ASmith@psc.dhhs.gov (Alan Smith)

     Unto the inhabitants of the Merry Rose, hearty greetings from your new 
     Kingdom Seneschal, Alan Gravesend.
     
     This is going to be a heck of a first posting!
     
     I understand, second- and third-hand, that a number of gentles have 
     raised concerns about the current principality mailing, both in terms 
     of its contents, and in terms of the zip code debacle.
     
     First, know that I am neither for nor against the formation of a 
     principality in the north of Atlantia.  I am not involved in the group 
     creating a proposal for such, nor will I be.  The office of seneschal 
     has to set itself above these issues, as the process falls within the 
     areas on which I rule.  There might be much gained from a 
     principality, or much lost:  my sole concern is for Atlantia, her 
     constituent groups, and for her subjects.
     
     I may be from the North, indeed right from the center of Earl Daffyd's 
     "palmprint"; that does not make me an automatic supporter.  As some of 
     you know, I have traveled the length and breadth of Atlantia in the 
     last few years, and know, like, and respect the Kingdom as a whole.
     
     Second, please express your opinions to me!  I need to hear from you 
     in order to understand what the body of opinion is out there.  I want 
     to know what you think!  Even if your only concern is that the Kingdom 
     Seneschal is examining this issue, please call, write, or speak to me. 
     If you don't want to talk to me, then you can take my word for it, 
     there are few issues that concern me more right now than the 
     principality question!  All comments will be taken as private unless 
     you tell me otherwise.
     
     Third, all should understand that the "validity" of any polling falls 
     within the powers of this office to decide.  Know also that this 
     office is examining the current situation with the greatest degree of 
     scrutiny, concern, and care.  I will be meeting with the principality 
     steering committee to discuss these issues.
     
     Finally (for this short note), all should understand that if the 
     principality movement chooses to regard the results of its current 
     survey as binding on the proposal it puts forward, that still does not 
     bind my hands, or the Crown's, those of the Society Seneschal, or the 
     Board of Directors.  As Corpora stands right now, most of what is 
     contained in the current proposal will be subject to the decisions of 
     the first Coronets and the Crown of Atlantia at the time of the 
     formation of the principality, in any case.
     
     I am posting this to the Merry Rose in hopes of getting this message 
     out as quickly and as widely as possible; please share it with your 
     friends.  More formal words, with more formal placement, will be 
     forthcoming.
     
     Yours and the Crown's (impartial) servant, to the best of my ability,
     
     Alan
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