The first Überstadti constitution, signed 6 March 2010, declared that the state it established would be an example of “peace, hope, and brotherly love.” This line gave us the motto we have had for most of our history: Pacem et spem, “peace and hope.” This Independence Day, I wish to reflect on what these words mean at this moment in our nation’s history.
I think that today, Überstadt is more at peace than ever before. I do not mean that we only recently found peace in the community of small nations; we have never been a country that attracts enemies. The sort of peace I see in the Kingdom today might be better described as concord. We are free of major rifts among our people, and have nation-building as a point of consensus.
This was not always so. Like most small nations, our earliest years were considerably more chaotic. We had our share of unnecessary show trials, questionable elections, and politicians whose sole purpose was to destabilize the nation. In the recent past, we found a way to grow and seek new opportunities without threatening stability or sanity. Today, all our citizens agree to key values and participation in our direct democracy. We have diverse citizens with unique interests and insights, all interested in doing something constructive for their nation. We will be able to find special roles for them all. From collegiality, we gain concord.
The achievement of domestic peace is a cause for hope. It means we are free from the turmoil of the past and well-equipped to build a strong nation together. I have faith in the Überstadti people, and affirm my commitment to helping them make this realm something in which they find a reflection of themselves. As Überstadt turns eight, I invite them to define the next eight years.
A R
The Occidental Chronicle 