[NR] Picnic July 21st

[Burke McCrory]

At 02:58 PM 7/4/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>I am writing to you on this holiday afternoon to clarify some confusion a
>few people seem to be having regarding the picnic on July 21st.
>
>We again with this post want to encourage you to always feel free to call or
>write to Duncan and I, we will always respond to you as fast as time allows.
>
>One point up front, at no time was Northkeep ever asked by us or understood
>by us to be flying us up there or paying our way.  It was offered as a
>possibility and we declined.
>
>When circumstances beyond our control made it so that we would be unable to
>attend the Northkeep Event of Castellan, we decided to make a special trip
>outside the scheduled events we had planned to attend, to spend some quality
>time with the people of the entire region, and discuss their concerns, hopes
>and dreams for the North.
>
>We tried to find a more Northern site, but this site was the only one
>available that could be found, and we are grateful to all of those who
>worked to make this day happen for the Region.
>
>It takes much more courage to speak to someone directly and seek their
>feelings, make eye contact, and even reach out to them in the physical sense
>to hug, hold a hand, or share a meal, than it does to believe in every ugly
>piece of gossip related to you, every rumor which is unsubstantiated, or
>every emotionally charged person who's agenda calls for outrage and angry
>responses.
>
>We are not trying to deal with you in outrage or anger.  We  are coming in
>friendship, with open hearts, and although we have seen some very ungracious
>posts, some very unchivilrous conduct on the lists, and some down right
>ridiculous accusations, it is still our intent to come up and make time to
>speak with each of you who asks for time with us.
>
>Sir Burke's post confused us greatly.  It has been widely known and
>publicized for weeks that we are coming to speak on some issues concerning
>Northkeep, but in truth there are many other issues effecting the Kingdom of
>Ansteorra, and we gave up this weekend (which was one of three we had for
>ourselves during our entire tenure) because we care alot about the Northern
>Region, and have high hopes of seeing some unity and peace come about during
>our reign.
>
>Regarding the Principality.
>
>The Principality issue as far as we are concerned as (future) Monarchs is
>the dream of some of the members of the Northern Region.
>
>It is a worthy dream, full of hope and high ideals, but because it is not
>yet the dream of the majority, and because at this time even those who are
>very much for it have said it requires time to grow, we do not feel it is an
>issue that needs an official discussion.  That time is for the furture, when
>that dream is ready to be reality.
>
>In truth, to see the North have such tremendous numbers of paid membership,
>active Knights, Masters at Arms, Laurels, Pelicans, fighters, artisans,
>newcomers and a stable populace would be a grand and beautiful thing.  But
>until that time, dreams should be something held close to the heart and
>shared with hope and love, care and joy, not hatred, anger and diversion.
>
>Someday, the North may come to the Crown of Ansteorra and be ready.  Indeed
>that will be a beautiful sight to then behold.
>
>For now, and for Our reign, we have the task to be a part of the healing
>process for the Northern Region.
>
>Email is a cold thing.  You cannot see the face of the person posting.  You
>cannot see the love or the hurt in their eyes, nor can you see the intent of
>the person who has posted.
>
>We ask you in this very mundane forum, to try and lay aside your fears, and
>come and speak with us, share food with all of us, bring your armour, your
>children, a chair for your comfort, and help us to know your hopes and
>dreams for your entire region.
>
>This will not be a town meeting.  We have some court business, and will have
>a sign up sheet for private meetings.  We will make time for every person
>that asks for it, and we will treat you with the kindness and courtesy that
>every Lord and Lady, every human being deserves.
>
>Please don't let others misdirect your attention.  If you have questions
>before the 21st, you can always call.  Daytime calls are always welcome,
>evenings until 10:00 pm.
>
>Written by my hand this 4th of July, in hope and in love.
>
>Larissa

Greetings Your Highness,

While I was aware that you were coming up I was under the mistaken
impression that the meeting was principally about the Northkeep situation
and would be held in the Northkeep area.  It was not until the post here
the other day that I learned that the meeting would be held in
Wiesenfeuer/Namron.  Since this was different from what I had heard in the
past, I ask my question.  The question was not intended to cast any comment
on the reasons for the location but just to find out what was going
on.  And I thank you for your clarification.

It may come as a shock to some people but I agree with Her Highness that
the North is not ready to apply for Principality status at this time.  The
recent poll that we took indicated that there is a great deal of interest
in the idea of a principality (73% of those responding were in favor) and
that discussions on the topic should continue, but we are not ready to move
forward at this time.  This topic can be best served by open dialog between
all sides (both Pro and Con) to better understand the issues, hopes, and
fears of the populace at large in the North.  This way we can forge a
better and brighter future for the North and any possible Principality that
may someday be formed.

Sir Burke