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The Luneray Kruus Jedi Order Act
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| Chancellor_Kruus | Date: Friday, 15 November 13, 6:31 PM | Message # 1 |
 Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 200
Status: Offline
| The Jedi Order Act
The Galactic Senate thanks the Jedi Order for it's historic and ongoing contribution to the Republic. It hopes that the Jedi Council will not find these relatively minor reforms of funding and oversight (as well as other suggestions) will not be considered as a blanket criticism of their Order, simply an outside perspective hoping to make the Jedi Order better for it's members as well as better value for money for the Galactic Republic.
Good Faith Mandate
The Jedi Order has a variety of assets, trust funds and bequests left to it. It should utilize these to fund it's activities where possible, it is understood that the Jedi Order is to be funded by the Republic but the Jedi Council are urged to attempt to be frugal with their fiscal expenditure and so reduce the cost of their group to the point the Republic contributes as little as possible to the upkeep of the Order with a view to the Order perhaps becoming increasingly fiscally independent if it becomes viable.
Thus the Jedi Council are asked, and we believe they will follow our guidance in good faith, to minimize expenses charged to the Republic. The Senate believes the Jedi are an honest group and expects them to take this polite request to use public funds carefully in the respectful and polite manner it is intended.
The following funding will be guaranteed by this Senate:
- for The Jedi Temple on Coruscant, including it's peripheral facilities such as docks etc, and their contents.
- Upkeep and Maintenance pf the various Jedi Chapterhouses and smaller facilities Galaxywide.
- The cost of food, housing, training, outfitting and equipping all Jedi Order members.
- The salaries, training and equipment of non-Jedi employees serving at the Jedi Temple.
- The provision, upkeep and fuelling of Jedi specific transport (such as fighters or specialist vehicles) where it is considered appropriate by the Jedi Council that a Jedi have them. Jedi are to be counselled at the first instance that the Republic is not obliged to pay for their transport unless on either missions important to the Jedi Order or Judicial Department mandated operations.
- The Jedi Order should attempt to plan to use Judicial Department vessels where possible, rather than its own. Even more desirable is that if a mission is not of a critical nature or urgent timeframe, that the Jedi simply use Private Mass-Transport services and get ticketed journeys to their destination in the most efficient manner possible.
Changes in Jedi Funding- The Jedi Order should forward the Galactic Senate it's total expenditure and a breakdown of the figures on the Republic purse yearly for Senate perusal (the Jedi will not require approval for these figures on a yearly basis, the Senate simply ought to be aware of the relative costs the order is incurring on the behalf of the Republic they represent)
- Jedi craft should not be used as personal leisure transport if not privately purchased with private funds and using private fuel, stored in a private hangar. Private craft may be used as a Jedi's specific transport if the Jedi Council signs a waiver permitting it, but such a craft should only be fuelled and maintained at the Republic's expense when it is performing in our interests.
- New Jedi Craft should be selected and designed in cooperation with the Ministry of Science as it has considerable expertise in the fields of starship design. New purchases of more than one specially designed vessel of any kind (i.e. any class of vessel) or any vessel exceeding 250,000 Dataries in price should be proposed to the Republic Senate for consultation and approval.
- The Antarian Rangers (or any other Jedi Paramilitary groups) shall recieve no further funding from any Republic Government or Law Enforcement organization after this fiscal year ends. The Jedi must self-fund this group as a Private Security Force and gain the correct permits to do so. They may alternatively request to become a branch of the Judicial Forces and it will be to the discretion of the Judicial Department whether they wish to have this group as part of the Judicial Forces, now owing allegiance directly to the Republic and Judicial Department and not the Jedi Order specifically.
- The Acquisition Division is to be defunded with immediate effect, the Jedi Order must use it's own resources to pay for this Division, it may not transfer Republic funds going to this division elsewhere. This process should be supervised by the independent auditors of the IGBC to whom the Jedi should open their accounts. A three member Senate Commission should be appointed by the Supreme Chancellor to investigate the Acquisition Division's highly dubious activities and evaluate if they are legally and morally sound, the Commission should publish a report no later than a year after this Act is passed.
Formation of a Committee for the Welfare of Young Jedi
A Committee would be formed with oversight over the Welfare of Young Jedi and give suggestions or instructions regarding:
-The Curriculum Taught to Young Jedi
-The Physical and Mental Health of Young Jedi
- The Accommodation and Schedules Young Jedi live in and by
- General youth welfare concerns.
The Committee has the right to make binding instructions to the Jedi Order if they feel unanimously that a particular practice needs reform, if these instructions are not carried out within a month, the Jedi Order will be taken to Court to be tried for Neglectful Care of Children which would risk them having their right to have underage members withdrawn completely, not to mention fines and court enforced reforms.
Non-binding suggestions can be made by the Committee with a simple majority vote.
If the Jedi Order feels any Instruction from the Committee for the Welfare of Young Jedi is unjust it may be appealed to the Chancellor who may veto the Committee's instructions, the Supreme Chancellor has oversight over all the activities and rulings of this Committee, and may in extreme circumstances dismiss it's members.
The Committee for the Welfare of Young Jedi would be composed of the following:
Three Members of the Coruscant Health Administration (at least one an accredited paediatrician)
Three Members of the Republic Ministry of Education (at least one a teacher or ex teacher). They would be able to publish reports.
Also sitting at it's formal meetings (to be held once Monthly at the Jedi Temple) should be a member of the Jedi Council to advise the Committee (but not have any say in decision making).
The Jedi are to allow around the clock supervised access to all underage members of the Jedi Order by the Committee's Members (for investigatory purposes), they are also to allow there to be an emergency free of use commlink in each youth bedroom so they can solicit Counselling or other Advice from outside the order if they wish to do so.
The Jedi Order (or any member of it) may not punish any underage member of the Order, or otherwise stigmatize them for disclosing information to or seeking help from the Welfare Committee. Doing so will be regarded as Child Abuse by the Coruscant Health Administration which will then involve it's Social Services Dept Immediately regarding a temporary or permanent withdrawal of the child from the abusive environment.
Qualification and Licensing Requirements
1. If the Jedi are in a career path which means directly serving the Republic they must be trained licensed as per other Republic officals.
2. This will be funded by the Judicial Forces or the Department with which the Jedi is due to serve.
All Jedi performing duties for the Judicial Forces or alongside the Judicial Forces (or other Republic Law Enforcement) must be trained in the following areas by non-Jedi trainers for the sake of public safety. The Judicial Forces may use its own training courses or send Jedi to appropriate academic institutions to be taught in these areas.
- Law Enforcement Theory and Legal Principles
- Safe handling of prisoners
- Republic Law and the Legal System
- Safe handling of weapons in public spaces
- Safe handling of vehicles in difficult environments
- Health and Safety Law
Remuneration for Direct Republic Service
Jedi Serving the Republic directly (that is performing duties directly beneficial to the Republic. E.g. Judicial Forces partnered secondments, Diplomatic work, Investigations, etc) are to be classed as "Active Jedi". All members of the Jedi Service Corps are considered in an extremely positive light as they perform day to day duties for the Republic in a way "standard" Jedi do not thanks to their eschewing some of the trappings Monastic lifestyle in favor of hard work.
1. Active Jedi will receive a small stipend daily of fifty Republic Dataries per day on direct Republic service. This will be held in a named account for the Jedi who may dispose of it as his private funds.
2. Jedi who are serving in the Jedi Service Corps (while regarded as "failures" by the religion, we take the opposite view and see the as the most demonstrably and consistently useful members of the Order) will recieve the following arrangement.
Thus all working members of the the Jedi Agricultural Corps, the Jedi Medical Corps, the Jedi Educational Corps, and the Jedi Exploration Corps will receive a small salary (this is because their work produces considerable and continuing value to the Republic, so more than paying for the cost of their training and equipment several times over) to thank them for their services, the salary will be small, however, as it is largely symbolic as a show of thanks (while the rest of the value generated by the Service Corps can be offset against the huge cost of the rest of the Jedi Order to help balance the books). The Salary will be at a rate of 10,000 Republic Dataries per standard year for all working Service Corps Members.
It is to be hoped this will encourage more Jedi Order members into Republic Service and away from the Warrior Monk Lifestyle of the Mainstream Order which has a very limited contribution to the Galactic Republic.
Jedi Efficiency Evaluation Mandate
When Republic officials are considering using an expensive Jedi Mission to intervene in a particular situation, and when the Jedi feel obliged to do so of their own accord they should first consider if the following law enforcement agencies might not be better suited to the task at hand:
- Sector Rangers
- The Republic Security Force/Republic Guard
- Republic Embassy Security Service
- Republic Fighter Corps
- The Senate Guard
- The Republic Special Task Force
- The Various Republic Intelligence Bureaus and Divisions
- The Various Judicial Forces Branches
- Local Militaries and Law Enforcement
If these forces are more appropriate and cheaper to use in a given instance., they should be used in prefeence to Jedi.
Non-binding Suggestions for the Jedi Order to consider
Increased provision of services for the Galactic Republic
The Senate proposes the Jedi Order consider re-opening the "Mercy Corps" which existed three thousand years ago as a relief organization with many Jedi members, as a version of the Service Corps in which Jedi who pass their trials may serve without stigma being attached, renamed as "The Republic Civil Assistance Corps".
We would propose the Civil Assistance Corps members would serve 5 year commitments (infinitely renewable) serving in currently Republic Government Departments or Academic Institutions, or Charitable Causes recognized by the Republic (applying to the department directly where they feel their skills would be useful and being accepted or denied on the basis of the group in question's decision).
The Jedi Civil Assistance Corps would give Jedi Knights a chance to experience the actual day to day life in a Republic organization, charity or academic institution and so help them better understand those around them in normal life and normal professions. Essentially giving the Jedi Order's members a grounding in how the Galaxy works outside of the sheltered confines of their Temples and Chapter Houses.
We recommend the Jedi Council consider re-evaluation of the Jedi Education and Training System
The Jedi are at an age they are felt ready given a set of gruelling "Trials", if a Jedi fails these it is a great stigma to him, and he is left only with the option of joining the Service Corps (both failing and being in the service corps are considered shameful in the culture of the order).
- The Path of Serving the Republic in a non Warrior-Monk role ought to be de-stigmatized and the view that it is an honourable path should be encouraged among the Jedi during their training.
- Martial training should be reduced moderately to make room for more normal classes such as Civics, Social Sciences and other subjects.
- Training should not perhaps be at an intense level during the young lives of Jedi, while Jedi Order members remain legally children there should be sufficient time allotted for meals, rest and play.
- The Jedi Order should consider if it's policy of training children from such a young age in a religious/military setting is fair, and should review the possibility of later recruitment to allow the prospective Jedi to have a more balanced childhood/education and also to be able to make the decision to join the order with a greater degree of informed consent.
- Perhaps the "Trials" should focus less on combat, and more on skills used to help others non-violently.
Chancellor Luneray Kruus
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Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic
President of the Senate &c
Representative of the People of the Humbarine Sector
Trade Baron
Message edited by Senator_Kruus - Friday, 15 November 13, 6:37 PM |
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| Draken_Turot | Date: Friday, 15 November 13, 8:55 PM | Message # 2 |
 Lieutenant
Group: Users
Messages: 40
Status: Offline
| Before I vote on this, I would request a member of the glorious Jedi Order give us their views on this act!!!
Senator of Lantillies
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| Senator_Pryce | Date: Tuesday, 19 November 13, 9:40 PM | Message # 3 |
 Lieutenant colonel
Group: Moderators
Messages: 108
Status: Offline
| Master Sun Tching, emissary of the Jedi Council, is recognized.
Jaso Pryce
Senator of Metellos and Supreme Chancellor Emeritus
Chairman of the Internal Activities Committee
Esteemed Member of the Trade Commission
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| Senator_Cynum | Date: Monday, 25 November 13, 5:59 AM | Message # 4 |
 Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 103
Status: Offline
| "Forgive my intrustion onto the floor on the Jedi's time. Does the Representative of the Jedi... Actually want to address the Chamber?" He said after waiting and watching the Jedi shuffle a set of notes for a five minutes or so but make no move to approach the microphone. He gave a gesture of appeal to the Chancellor mouthing "Get on with it" to the laughter of much of the chamber.
Senator Prentiss Cynum
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Senator for the Trade Federation
Chair of the Trade Commission
Chair of the Security Committee
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| Senator_Finbar | Date: Saturday, 07 December 13, 6:34 PM | Message # 5 |
 Sergeant
Group: Users
Messages: 39
Status: Offline
| ~ "Senators, please," Finbar's distinctive voice was heard over the din of laughter in the chamber, as the Dac delegation's pod came to the fore. The Calamari senator had his positive qualities, but his complete absence of a sense of humor was well known, and the mere prospect of a Finbar speech would no doubt silence the mirth of his colleagues. "I don't speak for Master Tching or the Jedi Council, but the Senate knows me as a supporter of the Jedi Order and I expect that Master Tching and I have similar views on this subject." Finbar cleared his throat, an impressive noise from a Calamarian. ~
This act contains many interesting and useful ideas—and as with the Senator's "Judicial Enforcement Squadron" proposal, much of it is redundant—but it contains many more heavy-handed and prejudicial ideas that would damage this Senate's relationship with the Jedi Order. I'll address only two of these for now, since I'm assuming Master Tching is eager to speak for himself on this act and that he'll be prepared to do so momentarily.
First, this "Welfare Committee" for Jedi children. The planet Dac is proud to have contributed many of its young to the Jedi Order throughout history. I consider myself to be their Senator too, and I'm mindful of their welfare. Indeed, I'm not unaware of the rumors and concerns about the treatment of children in the Jedi Order, but we would do well to remember that these rumors are just that, and that people's concerns on this subject have been without demonstrable merit. Perhaps the public suspects or even assumes guilt where none has been proven, but this Senate should be above such assumptions. Still, the Committee is a good idea—just not in its present form. There should be a Commission, not a Committee, to investigate the treatment and instruction of children in the Jedi Order for as long as it needs to, and no longer. It should submit a report to us, the Senate, so that we are well-informed on the subject (as we aren't now). Only then should we legislate, based not on prejudicial assumptions, but on facts.
In any case, the idea that a handful of politicians should be empowered to make rulings that are binding upon the Jedi Order, rather than the full, popular vote of this Senate, is unacceptable.
Second (and I'll conclude on this point), paying a salary—which has not been requested, to my knowledge—to members of certain branches (or "Corps") of the Jedi Order is an unprecedented imposition upon the free practice of the Jedi religion. You may believe, Senator Kruus, that the Jedi "Service Corps" (the Agricultural Corps, the Exploration Corps, etc.) are the most useful branches of the Jedi Order. I might believe that too. But that doesn't give us the right to incentivize membership in certain branches of the Order at the expense of others based simply on our opinions. This too is unacceptable.
As I say, much of the rest of the act appears to be redundant. For instance, I'm sure this "good faith mandate" is already the practice of the Jedi Council. And another example; the Antarian Rangers, as far as I'm aware, receive no funding from the Republic, and little in the way of funding from the Jedi, either. Indeed, I have read that it is a privately-financed organization. But I have taken enough of Master Tching's and the Senate's time.
I am reluctant to vote against the bill because I have always known Senator Kruus to be an honest broker and I'd rather wait to see if he is willing or indeed able to remedy his proposal and omit the offending sections.
Finbar
Senator of Mon Calamari Space
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| Chancellor_Kruus | Date: Saturday, 07 December 13, 7:46 PM | Message # 6 |
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Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 200
Status: Offline
| If you would like to propose a reformed version of this act, Honourable Senator, then I'd be happy to shake hands and resubmit this as a joint work. The Kruus-Finbar Jedi Order Act. As I have stated, I believe in the Jedi Order, and we owe them a great debt for so many times saving this Republic! but some minor reform, based I hope on their own consent, would be useful for their own image and for the good of those in the Republic and Jedi Order.
Where I propose pay, I simply stand for the principle that a free being should be rewarded for the sweat of his brow. Perhaps such payments could be in the form of being paid directly to the Jedi Order if the Jedi wish.. Or to be donated to charity or the poor. I just don't like slavery, I am an honest being who has worked much in the past for an honest corporation... I just wish Jedi to have at least something tangible in the bank for if they choose to leae the Order (as they are allowed to do as adults) so as to help them reintegrate into society.
Perhaps you would suggest the formation of such a fund as an alternative?
Chancellor Luneray Kruus
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Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic
President of the Senate &c
Representative of the People of the Humbarine Sector
Trade Baron
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| Artemis_Vanden | Date: Saturday, 07 December 13, 9:26 PM | Message # 7 |
 Sergeant
Group: Users
Messages: 30
Status: Offline
| For the record, Mandalore supports the original draft. If, as a condition of membership in the Republic, a planet must surrender its Force-sensitive children to the Jedi Order, Mandalore needs to see much stricter oversight of the how the Order educates and cares for these children before it becomes a Republic member world. The Senate might also consider in the future whether this is a reasonable thing for the Republic to demand of the parents of Mandalore and other prospective member worlds.
Artemis Vanden
Ambassador of Mandalorian Space
Duke of Kalevala, New Mandalore, and the New Mandalorian Territories
Duly-appointed Mand'alor ("leader") of the Mandalorian People
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| Senator_Pryce | Date: Friday, 27 December 13, 10:32 PM | Message # 8 |
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Lieutenant colonel
Group: Moderators
Messages: 108
Status: Offline
| Senator Kruus, Senator Finbar, do you have a compromise in the works? It seems apparent that either the Jedi Council or simply its emissary, Master Tching, don't intend to take any position on this bill. Perhaps this is some cryptic act of protest? Or a stalling tactic? The Jedi have been known to act in mysterious ways. In any case, I think we should get on with this legislation rather than waiting any longer for Master Tching.
Jaso Pryce
Senator of Metellos and Supreme Chancellor Emeritus
Chairman of the Internal Activities Committee
Esteemed Member of the Trade Commission
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| Senator_Finbar | Date: Friday, 27 December 13, 11:18 PM | Message # 9 |
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Sergeant
Group: Users
Messages: 39
Status: Offline
| Senator Kruus expressed a willingness to work with me on a package of amendments to his bill, but this hasn't happened. To wit, I've been unable to get in contact with him. Under the circumstances I have no choice but to vote against, though I remain hopeful for a compromise. Also, it is with regret that I must agree with the Chancellor about Master Tching. I happen to know that quite a few members of the Jedi Council feel as I do about this bill—why Master Tching is refusing to say so, I don't know. But his silence here today is doing the Jedi Order a great disservice.
Finbar
Senator of Mon Calamari Space
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| Draken_Turot | Date: Saturday, 28 December 13, 4:39 PM | Message # 10 |
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Lieutenant
Group: Users
Messages: 40
Status: Offline
| The only thing 'Force-Sensitive' on Mandalore, are your people's natural ability to wage war using force!!! Needless to say, I vote Against this bill!
Senator of Lantillies
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