A Message to the People of Baltimn I am not sure whether to laugh at the audacity of the statements made earlier today, or simply bear them in stoic resignation and consider them alongside other matters of state. The governing body, that is, the president and leaders of this democratic society, however, prevailed upon me to speak to all of you concerning a number of matters.
First and foremost, as you all know, the recent expansion of our military forces has been a matter of concern to many on-world and some off-world. I will state for the record that there have been no, nor will there be, and conscriptions in the Baltimn Armed Forces. A contract consisting of four years or more, willingly signed, is the only way to enter the service, as it always has been.
It has also come to my attention that a recent list of demands have been circulated by the Baltimn Labor Party. I shall now address the demands in their following order:
1) As it is well known, Baltimn has not been presided over by a monarchy for some generations, if not longer. The Baltimn Senate and the President of Baltimn are the highest government offices one can hold. The titles among some of Baltimn's upper class, such as 'Duke' and 'Duchess' are little more than inherited titles and do not reflect upon any actual governing status. To take their assets from them would be the same as outright thievery and as such, the Government of Baltimn rejects this demand.
2) Baltimn does indeed have free and fair elections, as shown by the goverment that has been 'elected for the people, by the people.' If the Baltimn Labor Party wishes New Republic representatives present at the next election, Baltimn is always happy to have such prestegious representatives here. In short, the Government of Baltimn agrees with this demand.
3) The major companies that provide a bulk of Baltimn's goods are publically traded on the Baltimn Stock Market. As such, Baltimn sees little need to remove the CEOs and management of said companies to replace them with beings who may not be proficient in operating these companies. The Government of Baltimn rejects this demand.
4) As stated before, the Baltimn Armed Forces do not conscript. They even go so far as to offer monies as a sign-on bonus to draw more volunteers. The Government of Baltimn does agree to reduce their present armed forces. The Government of Baltimn rejects this demand.
5) To the best of this Government's knowledge, there has always been a clear separation of church and state. If there are allegations of involvement between the two, the Government of Baltimn will investigate and clear this matter. The Government of Baltimn agrees with this demand.
6) Under no circumstance will the School of Hidden Wisdom be torn down. Aside from being a cultural icon, it is the current home of Duke Cale, who so generously donated his family manor to be converted to a children's hospital, opting to live in spartan comfort as opposed to a luxurious palace. The Government of Baltimn rejects this demand.
It is sad, people of Baltimn, that Duke Cale has been portrayed as an "evil rogue Jedi." Duke Cale, who has shown generosity to the people of Baltimn; who is still held in esteem by the Jedi Order. Simply because he chose to live a life of solitude, he is branded evil and corrupt. It is a sad day indeed, citizens of Baltimn.
I have hope that this public announcement will ease the minds of the citizens and that an easy resolution wll come betwee the Baltimn Labor Party and the Government of Baltimn.
