Firstly, I condemn the presupposition that our Lord Sarum’s order is illegal. I am certain he possesses both the wisdom and forbearance to have examined the issue carefully from each and every political and legal angle to ensure that this move is both feasible and in the best interests of the House and Empire.
Furthermore, I assert that the mentioned violations against rule of law and civility have been repeatedly committed by the Republic and its proxies long before this issuance. May I remind you that the very existence of the CEMWPA treaty itself was made necessary by the shameless attack made by the so-called “Elder Fleet” (upon CONCORD itself, no less), which was far more closely tied to the official mechanisms of Minmatar governance than we have all been led to believe. Since then, yet further violations of the Republic’s agreements have occurred, most clearly highlighted by the worsening of rebellions last year within the Empire’s borders. The truth is that the Republic should have been cast out of CONCORD completely as a rogue nation, yet political expedience saved it from its deserved fate. The taking of slaves is merely a measured and arguably appropriate response to continued Minmatar aggression.
However. With this preface kept in mind, I do believe there is merit in asking the Inner Circle for a clarification of the bounds of the CEMWPA treaty, and guidelines for the treatment of civilians within the contested territories. Examinations of and addendums to the text and enforcement methods of the law may be needed after more than a decade of bloodshed and death. I will pray that this request will prompt such actions, despite the poor faith of its initial wording. I stand ready to abide by its ruling, though I believe Lord Sarum’s order will be upheld and the spirit in which it is made vindicated before the intergalactic community.
Due to the biased nature of the original posting and the individual presenting it, I cannot offer my signature to the document. I suggest that the next time an appeal such as this be made, it get straight to the point and not be presented by someone who has brought needless suffering upon civilians herself.