The Independent Daenningas Regional Dominion of Burnham & their Lands (IDRDB&L) – Inactive from a lack of work; corrupt from the First Consul passing laws without running it past the Consul Gorsedh (the General Assembly of Burnhamite politicians); lawless thanks to a Constitution never being written, besides that of the Würtige Empire, to whom Burnham is subservient to, as an autonomous member state. Overall, a poor excuse for an Micronation.
Theodorism – A fusion of Communism and Monarchism with roots going back to January 2012; a blend of the Socialist ideal protected by a figurehead with reserve powers solely to protect the principles of the people; a system to shepherd nations towards the Socialist dream of classless world unity. Overall, a fine example of a left-wing ideology.
And so it was, that on the night of the 31st of May 2013, during the fifth (the fourth being held back in January 2013) Consul Gorsedh of the IDRDB&L, that First Consul Cunningham, desperate to stop himself corrupting the nation and to motivate the citizens into activity in time for the United Kingdom’s annual six-week Summer Holiday, put forward the constitution of the Theodorist Regional Dominion of Burnham and its Land (TRDB&L), and began discussion upon the transition of Burnham from a corrupt, notionally democratic autocracy to a Monarchical/Soviet Republic, followed by a vote.
The debate was heated, with the pro-Theodorist First Consul putting forward points relating to Burnham “going back to its roots”, and that Theodorism and Socialism “will help the nation progress”. This was countered by the President of the Union of Libereco, Leon Simpson, who observes in the Gorsedh, as well as by the Emperor of the Würtige Empire, who’s arguments cannot be quoted at this time because he has not been present to be asked.
President Simpson – “Disenfranchising the political system with the general norm is not exactly beneficial in terms of international viewpoint, in my view, especially to non-micronationalists.”
President Simpson spoke clearly for his points. His opinion was valid, although as an observer, he did not vote. As an opponent to Monarchy in all of its’ forms, Simpson believed that Socialism alone would serve the purpose correctly, or even Monarchy alone, if the First Consul was so inclined. However, he also expressed concern that Burnham would lose its national identity should Theodorism take root.
President Simpson – “I’m also slightly concerned this will de-Burnhamise Burnham.”
To, which, the First Consul presented the following rebuttal:
First Consul Cunningham – “The Burnham you are referring to borders on the Autocratic and lawless, Sar (note: Formal Burnhamite title for a gentleman) Simpson. The Burnham you are referring to is inactive, with many decisions being decided by myself without even asking the Kaiser or my Gorsedh for suggestion.
The Theodorist change will put power back to the Gorsedh and to the citizenry, both ‘foreign’ and territorial.”
Eventually, when debate had been concluded, general opinions had been made. Some, like the First Consul, were strongly pro-Theodorism; others, such as President Simpson, were opposed, quite strongly in the case of the Würtige Emperor. Members such as Sar Frisch, a foreign Consul from the Empire of New Winterdown, were indifferent to the matter, with Sar Frisch commenting “I’ve read the document (referring to the Constitution), and there’s nothing I disagree with.”
Voting on the matter was odd to say the least. With at least three members of the Gorsedh room required for the actual meeting to begin, only the First Consul, President Simpson (an observer with no voting rights) and another Burnham Consul were present initially. Sar Frisch and the Würtige Emperor joined the Gorsedh later on in the meeting, during the initial explanation of the Theodorist Constitution. When the voting was done, three votes supported the Theodorist changes, and only one was against it. Going by initial meeting levels of presence (as only the First Consul and the ‘other’ Consul having stated their presence formally, although Sar Frisch and the Würtige Emperor were allowed to particpate), this actually meant that the Gorsedh was 150% in favour of Theodorism.
Therefore, at 23:13 on the 31st of May, 2013, First Consul Cunningham became Basileus (monarch) of the Theodorist Regional Dominion of Burnham and its Land, adopting the monarchical name of Justinian I. Titles for such a position are expected to follow. All Consuls of the Consul Gorsedh are now Doges of the new Supreme Soviet Gorsedh. President Simpson of Libereco is still permitted observership.
In other news, five new Event Days have been added to the Burnham National Calendar. Alongside the already standing goodwill celebrations of the Summer and Winter Solstice on the 21st of June and December respectively, celebrations for May day (1st May), the Lùnastal Festival (1st August), and the Tan Festival (6th August) have also been added, in addition to the more sombre Memorial Days commemorating the battles of Waterloo (18th June) and Leipzig (16th-19th October).