Introduction
People of the Supreme Republic of Talle, I address you this day to express what an honor it is to be elected, again, as your President; however, I must respectfully and humbly decline the Office of President. I have served three terms in this role and would continue to serve until the day I die if I believed it was best. But I do not.
Call to Move On
This nation was founded on the principle of rotated power. I was there when the Convention decided to choose the President by election. I exhort you to continue to be strong and to stand together to defend this nation, but I cannot lead you anymore. What would happen after I am gone? The job I have done is difficult and others must now take up the load. The time of my generation is ending; a new generation is rising. Let us move into a new day, a new age, with new ideas.
As the people of this new nation, we all have a responsibility to shape our Social Contract. I urge all people, when placed in the position of decision, to place themselves behind a Veil of Ignorance. Don’t let your personal prejudices get in the way of doing what is best for the common good.
Cautions
Let me now give you words of warning; these are things I have observed, and we must avoid going further down these paths than we have already travelled.
Political Polarization
I first caution against becoming divided on petty political problems. This Republic is only as strong as the People and the strength of the people is dependent upon our unity. There will always be discord among people on matters of state; that is the nature of debate. It is healthy for a nation to debate. The problem comes when the points for debate become the entire matter; when we all focus on the disagreement between persons, we will never reach agreement.
Foreign Affairs
I also wish to caution you about meddling in the affairs of foreign states. That is not our place. Neutrality breeds harmony. We may make treaties and trade agreements with foreign states without the alienation of some states and the promotion of others. Neutrality will get us farther than favoritism.
I do not wish to say that the entering into agreements is bad. Certainly, if they are for the good of all peoples, it is permissible, encouraged even, to enter into such agreements. Those entering agreements must always be conscious of the equality of all persons.
Freedom vs. Security
There have been those who have complained during my Administration that your freedoms have slowly been stripped away. This is untrue. What we as a government have been trying to do is set up security. Our goal was and always will be to protect you, the People of the Supreme Republic. But security does come at a cost. If you want total security, try incarceration; they feed you, clothe you, provide medical services; the only thing missing freedom. If you want total freedom… well, I dare you to find a place where exists total and complete freedom.
Report on Administration
I like to think that I have done a good job as President. I believe I have been fair in my dealings with the people. I would like to think that my policy initiatives have been fair to all.
However, reflecting on certain events during my administration, I bear no recollection of intentional error. Though, I am too aware of my shortcomings not to say that I probably made many errors. Wherefore, I hope that the People will grant me leniency, recognizing that after the twenty-four years I have given in service to my country with all fervor of my heart, that the faults caused by my own incompetence will be laid to rest, as myself must soon be.
Conclusion
This country that we have built is incredible. I am so proud to have been able to lead you all through it. I love this country we have built and I anticipate with pleasing expectations that as I step down from the mantle of leadership and join you in the ranks of citizens, I may find the sweet enjoyment of partaking of the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. That is my hope; I want to experience this nation now, not as its leader, but as one of you. To me, that would be the sweetest thing that could happen to me. I thank you again for letting me serve you; remember me kindly. May the gods bless this nation.
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