The State

Disaster is the first word that comes immediately to mind. When I look about the State that is Sanctuary, I see marvolous, untapped potentional. However, one need look no further than beneath the very feet of those walking the streets of Upper than to see a dire, terrible problem. Lower Sanctuary. I have many thoughts as to how, exactly, things in Lower came to be the way they were. Some would label me of the Ubel school of political philosophy, others some other branch I would care not to align with. The truth is, I am horrified by the State. I would have no part of its accepted politics whatsoever.

Now, admittedly, for one who wishes to join the ranks of the Council, such as I, this is and odd position to put forth to be sure. However, I feel that after reading my dissertation contained herein, I might change that thought.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a city that all of us have come to love, yet, as a whole, it is in turmoil. I look at the populace and I see around me a city with the proverbial hounds at its gates. Lower is a infection many wish to ignore, and Upper is filled with self-imposed fear, just as Lower is filled with self-imposed hate. I will take a moment to speak of Upper Sanctuary, but I will abstain from Lower. There is much that needs to be said about Lower and my thoughts on the issues surrounding it that are beyond the scope of this pamphlet here. I will write about it in my next, more extensive work, "On The Creation of Heroes: The Ubel Rebellion" a philosophical examination of the aforementioned event. However, here I must establish a base that shall be mentioned in my next work, so as to be clear about my thoughts on Upper without sidetracking while writing it.

Upper is magnificent. It has been my home for all my life, and I feel privileged to live there. I, like any other of the residents there, enjoy the drink and music, the refined atmosphere, of the Last Stand. I love the Council, and the democracy it ensures us. However, it is in this very Council that the trouble lies.

When I look at the Council, I see many a lazy, complacent man. The people of the Council are complacent because they are pleased with their personal power. The people of Upper want change, they want a Council that is more direct in its goings-on. The Council members, in answer, sit about twiddling their thumbs, because, if things were to change, that which they fear most would occur: loss of personal power.

Many greet me with odd expressions when I impart this idea to them, but it is true. Many of the Councilors are consistently re-elected because they have seated the Council for so long that new comers to this city's game of thrones are inexperienced. The citizens, told by elder Council members that inexperience will lead to harm, re-elect incumbent Councilmen. Thus, the elders are secure in their power. So, they administer the city as they see fit, making promises that are never fulfilled, and the sleep in large homes, eating lavish banquets of food culled undeservedly from the backs of Sanctuary's workers. They suffocate us, who they think of as plebians, with their smiles and force fed lies. Their complancy is obviously caused solely by their love of power, and fear of losing it.

Then there is the matter of the citizens that are part of this great hoodwinking. I do not blame them for voting such people into office. They desire the percieved direction accomplished from having experienced political officers. They desire consistency, because, as is only natural, many of them fear any sort of major change. I do not blame them for this, as often, change is a difficult, trying process. With a large population of recently escaped slaves, it is no wonder they wish to cling to whatever freedom they have, for fear it will disappere, no matter how decayed that freedom is. I do not blame them for this either. It is only natural. Even more natural is the desire for security, and this is where many of the citizens of Upper are feeling less sure and comfortable.

The Council, with it's orators and propagandists, tells us that Lower, the largest threat to public security, will be under control soon enough. Yet, when I walk the streets there, I find control not in the hands of the general populace, but in the hands of blood thirsty ganglords, wanting only to control Lower for personal gain. The Council does nothing, because it fears what could happen there. Thusly, it is my intent, when I find a seat on the Council, to begin to change Lower into a safe place, and work to join these two sections of our marvelous city.

I hope this pamphlet began to open your thoughts to the necessary changes in Sanctuary. I know this pamphlet does not contain a full disclosure of my thoughts, only ideas, and ideals, that I wish to strive for. However, by getting you to read this, and to think on its words, I have already taken the first necessary steps towards my goal of change for the better.

I hope now that my next writings will find their way into your hands, and open you further to the changes to come.

Good dark.

-Aziel Rosis