I would like to make a personal statement on recent events, both here on the floor of the Assembly and elsewhere, both to account for my recent approach to things but also to present my views moving forward.
It will come as no surprise to those who have paid attention to the ongoing debate on establishing WA membership as a prerequisite for citizenship that I feel strongly about this topic. I sincerely believe that is a performative and dare I say chauvinistic measure that will make us feel good about ourselves but will not measurably improve the quality of our citizenry and will in fact prevent otherwise talented members from acquiring citizenship simple because they cannot or will not have a WA nation here. To the extent that this is my sincere view, I will not back down from it now or in the future; nor should any of us: we are a democracy and we all have a right to openly argue our views before the Assembly, even if (or perhaps particularly if) we find ourselves in the minority at times.
However, I have a responsibility as Chair and legislator to conduct myself in a measured and respectful manner befitting of this institution, and on that account I do believe I have fallen short. I do not believe I broke any rules but I did deviate from the standard that I should maintain as Chair given my responsibility to set an example for all legislators. To that effect, I cannot take back what was done but I do apologise to the Assembly for failing to set the example and commit to making a genuine effort at being more reflective and level-headed moving forward.
Pertaining my attitude when challenged on the status of my WA nation or lack thereof, I feel conflicted but ultimately also believe that I fell short. If I may, I will explain my thoughts on this.
I feel genuinely bothered that someone can invent a theory on my actions or motivations, offer no clear facts, and yet have it picked up by others as if it was a legitimate possibility. I have been in this region for 13 years and while I am no saint, I do believe I have earned enough benefit of the doubt that, whatever I argue during debate, when the chips fall I act in the best interests of the region. To have my motives questioned as if I had acted contrary to my record is hurtful and makes me question what even was the point of so much hard work over the years.
That being said, I am also a public official, in this case a sitting member of the Committee for State Security, and therefore I have a responsibility to make myself accountable to the citizenry, and I cannot unilaterally and unreasonably decide that something isn’t the public’s concern as a way to shield myself from scrutiny. I said above that we are a democracy, and just like that means I have freedom of speech that also means that the public has the right to government oversight. In that sense, I recognise that the public has a right to know what I do with my WA nation insofar as it is a tool that can be used to support or damage regional security. I cannot promise that it will always be with Kringalia, since this is still a game and I retain the right to play it as I see fit, but I do promise that my WA nation will never be used to purposes contrary to the wellbeing of the Coalition and that, when it is not with Kringalia, I will always publicly disclose where my WA is.
Beyond this I would rather not turn this matter into a circus, so I will certainly address any further concerns from citizens and legislators but I would rather not turn this into yet another thread where we bicker or where I am subjected to unconstructive criticism (i.e. criticism where there is no opening for me to engage in good faith).
Kris Kringle
Legislator
