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Misham, 23rd day of Fleurgreen, 432 AC
Waking Hour falling 15
The Palanthas Herald

Eye In the Crowd – The Controversy That Is the Senate

by JOSHUASIGEP44, Staff Writer
Last Updated: Palast, Brookgreen 6, 425 AC

Palanthas - Last Palast, on the 27th day of Deepkolt, two controversial bills were brought to the senate floor. The first bill concerned trimming of the funding for the Palanthas University. The second, and perhaps most costly, was a bill which, if passed, would activate the 400 members of the Golden Shield. Members of the Senate passed a motion to table the bills till a time when a more informed decision could be reached. The session was abruptly closed after the motion, and the public was asked to leave. When asked the reason for the closed session Senators failed to comment.

That same evening the City Senate reconvened in closed session, and passed both bills. Knowing the public reaction would be less than favorable a public statement was issued. With that in mind I asked readers:

"Do you think the City Senate was justified in its actions?"

Wayklion Od-mar, Stone Mason – "I know full well the reason the Senators did this, and you's do too I imagine. See them Senators ain't think'in 'bout what's good for the city. They're think'in about what's gonna get'em re-elected. See the city is having spot of trouble with catching all these dang thugs we got running about, and they think the Golden boys are gonna catch em'all. Ain't you or I ever gonna live to see that day."

Dade Atkins, Senate Page – "It's simple math really. The City Guard is overwhelmed by the swelling crime rate, and needs assistance. We can't honestly think Joe Drunkard the ordinary citizen of our fair city will get up and help lend a hand, can we? No, so the noble members of the Senate had to activate the Golden Shield. That cost steel, and it had to come from somewhere. So the University will have to do without some extra coin for a while. It is not like they cut the funding for good. If I had been in their shoes, and I hope to be someday, I would have done the same thing,"

Austly Jankins, Palace Guard – "The Senators are cowards, and their actions prove just that. If a Senator feels strongly enough about something then he should have the courage of those convictions, and stand up. Don't hide behind a locked door in a closed room, and make deals in the dark. I'm sure these were once good and noble men perhaps, but now they are villains. The Senators are full of naught but lies, and deceit. No more no less."