Interview With Unlimited
File Photo: Unlimited with Unistrut at Loop's funeralFrancograd, The Pacific: Glancing up at the clock just above Unlimited, I saw that I was two minutes late. I had taken the UPS Rail direct from The North Pacific to Francograd, and though the train was efficient, although surprisingly decorated with psychedelic furnishings, vegetarian posters and candles. We had detoured so that Thel D'ran and Blackshear could be thrown off at The Rejected Realms. I had been granted an interview with the Vanguard of The Revolution, The Champion of Pacific Peoples Unlimited. A former Premier of The Pacific, Senator under Franco's Spain, and Founder of The People's Republic of The Pacific until Blackadder dissolved it in April 2006, he has mostly retired from NationStates but still retains great respect.
So firstly, after the formalities, I enquired how he had become a member of The New Pacific Order? According to records, Unlimited had once been a counter-revolutionary against Franco’s Spain. He paused, thinking. '
That is somewhat accurate, though perhaps misleading. I was caught up in the initial purges of the August Revolution, and consequently contacted Comrade Franco to discuss the situation. It didn't take long to see the logic behind what he was saying and conclude that the actions it led to were correct. While I was in the region of the userite Pacific Army during this period, I did not join them until after my own revolutionary consciousness had been raised, and so never actually acted against the revolution as an agent of counter-revolution. 'Interesting, and so you joined the New Pacific Order; what was the NPO like at that time? In terms of governance, government type, community, structure etc?
The Order was obviously an incredibly exciting place to be during the immediate post-revolutionary period. Despite having a hostile world on our doorstep the Pacifican community managed to create a new type of society, moving away from the inane pastime of other regimes into a true bastion of intellectual and cultural development. In this way the Revolution was not only (as it was seen among counter-revolutionary groups) a political revolution, but also a cultural revolution -- a class revolution. All of this was, of course, ignored by the majority of the day, who saw only what they termed a "dictatorship". But this was only due to a misunderstanding (often deliberate) of the nature of the Revolution. While it was certainly true that the government was autocratic in nature, with Comrade Franco and the Senate at the centre of the sweeping changes taking place, it was also inherently democratic, by carrying out the wills and desires of a Pacifican nation finally freeing itself from oppression. So in that way the community structure and government cannot be separated. The community was rapidly rediscovering itself and its potential through the Revolution and the Order, and the government was simply a reflection of this, with its autocratic institutions channelling the democratic desires of the community.I move onto to ask about Thedoc and The Savage Lands, the former Delegates of The Pacific who were overthrown in The August Revolution. '
Thedoc and the old regime, of which Savage Lands was a part, were the archetypical government of old userite rule. Fat and bloated with power gained from selling out their own people through initiatives like the Pacific Army, they based everything off of their own narrow self-interests, handing power from crony to crony, completely ignoring the great masses of Pacifica. The Savage Lands was of course an important part of this, but more important was his later defection, which allowed him to finally speak his mind on the outrages of the old regime and their supporters, recounting the desire to control, exploit and oppress that was sitting just behind the flowery rhetoric of 'democracy' and 'freedom', thus confirming what the Order had been saying and experiencing for months. As El Sabuh Nur I believe? Unlimited nods curtly. 'But Thedoc was the first feeder Delegate to create an offsite forum, surely this showed he cared about his people?'
'Not at all. A forum is simply a means of government organisation; it says nothing of the aims of that government. In the case of Thedoc it was not a means of class coordination and development, but simply another means of exploitation. It allowed him to develop a better coordination between his chosen elite and their userite masters, from which came such atrocities as the Pacific Army.Taking this down, I enquire about Franco's lieutenants, and Unlimited's fellow Senators Poskrebyshev, InfernoIce and Bertram Stratous. He ponders for a few moments, '
All had their own unique traits, of course. Comrade InfernoIce was famously quiet, for example, while Comrade Bertram was less so. But their main attributes were shared, which is why they came together under the Pacifican banner rather. They all had the vision to see the class contradictions inherent in their homeland, the compassion to want to do something about it, and the strength, skill and knowledge to play key roles in the overthrow of the old regime. Their individual strengths and personalities may have been different, but it was the use they put them to that said most about their character.I then ask about perhaps the most influential player in NationStates, although he is so renowned, so very few remain who actually converged with him in depth, Unlimited being one of those lucky few. Unlimited's face brightens with memories, '
The first thing that struck a person about Comrade Franco was always his charisma. Few men have had the ability to make you sit up and take notice of what was being said as Comrade Franco had. But this is a broad term. His charisma came from his obvious intelligence and vision, while being able to convey it in a simple fashion; showing you complex contradictions in societies and institutions in such a simple and logical manner as one could not help but agree. He took great strength from those he served, and made great personal sacrifices in order to advance their lot. He faced up to global smear campaigns without flinching, so long as he knew he was doing what was right for The Pacific and her people. And this is perhaps the greatest testament to his time at the head of the Revolution he embodied. This may sound like I am describing a hero from a book rather than a real person, but it is an accurate account of the man, and he was no less that man in private than he was in public. I describe him as a hero because he truly was.'
'I'm sure many would agree with you, is it a testament to his character that still today he is so revered?'
Absolutely it is a testament to him. It shows clearly the correctness of the Revolution that his name and what he stood for has stood the test of time while those who opposed him have drifted away into the forgotten realms of history. That, if nothing else, is the true test of a movement. : What do you think of those that praise Franco so highly, but are so ignorant of his teachings? '
Francoism is not an abstract ideological stance, but rather it is something that is experienced by every Pacifican, whether in The Pacific or one of her sister regions -- the North, South, East and West. Francoism is something that comes from the material conditions that surround us every day. So one does not necessarily need to be well read in the finer points of Francoist theory or history in order to hail Comrade Franco as the father of their freedom. I believe it enough that their consciousness has been raised enough through experience that they stand with te Francoists. Of course, there is the separate issue of those outside the Order who seek to exploit his memory in order to further their own userite ends. This is obviously wrong as it stands for everything Comrade Franco stood against, but it has been a problem for as long as I can remember, and will continue to be one for as long as I can imagine.Shaking my hand a little to ward off the cramp I continue on, 'And so you became leader of the NPO on Franco and Poskrebyshev leaving NationStates. Can you describe how you led the NPO and then formed the PRP? How you tried to carry on his legacy?' '
Yes, Comrade Poskrebyshev contacted me and relayed Comrade Franco's desire that I lead the next phase of the Revolution. Perhaps less known is that it was also Comrade Poskrebyshev who requested that I dissolve the NPO out of respect for Comrade Franco, and so this is what I did upon beating the ADN-led invasion; with sadness, but without regret. In forming the PRP it was important that while we were taking the Revolution forward and changing much -- developing a new governing structure, a new Judicial Code and new policies in every area -- we kept the founding philosophies of the NPO, and in doing so represented Pacifica on the same foundation that had been created during the Revolution. We maintained the principles of sovereignty, unity, class utilitarianism, autocratic democracy, discipline, responsibility, intellectualism and practicality, among others, and built on top of these great structures to help us better realise them. But while the means were different, the goals were the same: Pacifican freedom and development. This was how we carried on Franco's legacy, by carrying on his mission.'
Fascinating, could you describe your time as Delegate? 'Vanguard of The Revolution' What was it like? What achievements were you proud of? What significant events happened in your time as Premier?' '
My time as delegate was very much a learning experience. While I had been a Senator of the NPO since November 2003, nothing could have prepared me for the immense responsibility and duty of actually leading the Revolution. This is where my experience differs drastically from that of other delegates. While they played with power, I was the representative of a mass movement, answerable directly to that movement continuously, rather than through a stuffed ballot box once every six months. With userite invasions seemingly every other week along with spies and agitators being a constant threat, it was a difficult time, but a fruitful one, all the more due to the outstanding group of Senators I had around me. We accomplished much, bringing the finest Pacifican minds together in an era of unrivalled prosperity, while easily beating back the flimsy ideological justifications of our enemies, thus winning to our ranks many former-leading userites. So in this way the PRP saw a great deal of development both internally and in regards to our position in the world, where we built a number of close allies on the common idea of sovereignty and self-defence. Of course there were testing times as well, such as Comrade Pierconium's time in the North, or the userite takeover of the West under Biyah, but ultimately these had the tendency only to strengthen our ideological and practical positions, teaching us invaluable lessons along the way. I would say that this is what I am most proud of. Not a particular success, and certainly not an individual accomplishment, but that The Pacific together went through so much and always managed to remain loyal to the founding principles of the Revolution. That in itself speaks to the entire experience and the unbelievable strength of those who saw it through.'
You mentioned the 'userite invasions', could you please explain why there has been so much conflict between the ADN and The Pacific? Also, do you approve/support the recent peace agreement between the DSA (reformed ADN) and the NPO? '
Simply put, The Pacific after the Revolution sought, for the first time, to give Pacificans the power of self-determination, away from the manipulations and oppression of userite forces. Indeed, this is why the Revolution occurred in the first place -- to free it for home rule. The ADN, on the other hand, had a vested interest in maintaining as much control over The Pacific as possible, due to the resources that this would bring it militarily and politically. There was a clear, irreconcilable conflict of interest. I tried many times to achieve peace with the ADN as The Pacific never had any interest in fighting them; it was they who had imperial designs on our homeland, not vice versa. I am delighted to see that peace signed. It is exactly the kind of statement I attempted to get for over a year.'Thank you, could you state your opinion on the current NPO? '
While I have kept myself up to date on some affairs, I could not pass an opinion on the current institutions of the NPO. However, I do believe that it still serves the interests of the Revolution and am glad to see Comrade Emperor Moo-Cows at the helm.' I thank Unlimited, and then we break for lunch. On our return I begin the personal questions.
'Do you have any regrets in NationStates? The Pacific?' '
No, I have no regrets. I always did my best and for the best. Nothing more can be asked.' Nodding in agreement with this sentiment, I ask what other players he admires. '
I admire all those who advanced the cause of Revolution, from Comrade Franco to the least known Pacifican, to our various allies. Of course there are those individuals who I particularly admire for various accomplishments or intelligence, but they know who they are. Thank you, have he ever considered a return to The Pacific? '
I have considered it, but if I were to, I would want to do it properly. And unfortunately I am currently too busy with other things to accomplish that. I am unlikely to return in any active role in the foreseeable future.'How do you reflect looking back on your time in NationStates? What has the experience been like?' '
That is a very difficult question to answer given the experience came over three years and in a great many different forms. It was an enjoyable and educational time, which taught me a lot and allowed me to interact with some great people. Looking back to when I first arrived in 2003 it is amazing to see how much my own understanding of things has progressed, largely thanks to my experiences there. I like to think that it gave me a practical base for self-improvement, a base that would not otherwise have been possible.After getting this down, I enquire as to whether Unlimited has been anyone else in NationStates? '
Of course. I doubt anyone who has taken part in NationStates politics could boast otherwise. Obviously I was known as EU-topia before Unlimited, which was a member of the ADN, TITO, and various other organisations. EU-topia worked to gather information and further the security of The Pacific in a number of organisations. Other than that, however, I wouldn't be willing to name them.'
Would Unlimited be able to name his favourite moment in NationStates? The worst moment?
'It is difficult to name a favourite time since I remember it all fondly. However, from an intellectual perspective I would broadly say that my time as leader of the PRP was most rewarding, as so much was going on and every aspect of of The Pacific was truly booming. It was a time when the Revolution finally managed to gain some real security and the advances made were amazing. It is a shame that Comrade Franco never got to see it. That brings me to my worst moment, which is far easier to pick out. It was when Comrade Poskrebyshev contacted me to tell me of Comrade Franco leaving us. Given the circumstances, it was a difficult time for everyone involved.' I nod gravely, and if he could imagine what impact Franco would have if he were still in the game? 'All that can be said is that he would have continued to have had a massive impact. He would have unapologetically continued to have done what was best, and this would have continued to fly in the face of the established powers. I would hope that one day he would have seen his dream of the Pacifics being free and sovereign under the rule of Pacificans realised.
Finally, could he describe the character of Unlimited? 'I would like to think that Unlimited's character is a strong, focussed and logical one, capable of analysing a situation, working out a strategy to deal with it and then following through effectively. Whether that is the case or not I will let history judge.' How does he differ from the real Unlimited in terms of political ideology? 'The main similarity between Unlimited and myself ironically leads to the main political difference. I am (as my Francoist background implies) a materialist. With the material conditions between the real world and the NationStates world differing so largely (most notably through the absence of an economic sphere) the ideology must differ as well. I come from the same starting point for both, but this naturally leads to a different end.' 'And why Unlimited?' 'I have been asked about my choice of name a number of times, and have always replied simply that it means whatever the individual wants it to mean. While this is not strictly true, it does tie closely into its meaning and attempts to provoke the thoughts that the name represents: that of infinite possibilities. As soon as one allows himself to become restricted by social pressure or orthodoxy, he has already failed. This is why I chose it as my nation in the Order -- anything is possible if believe in it and are willing to work for it; never let anyone tell you otherwise.' And the Hypnotoad? 'All Glory to the Hypnotoad.' So with that, we are finished. I shake his hand and with a brief thank you and goodbye I take my leave, honoured to meet such a great and noble Pacifican.
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Written by Emperor Matthuis
Editor of The Northern Telegraph
Editor-in-Chief of The NINN.
With thanks to Unlimited and Thel D'ran.
