[EARTH] Leaders of the 'Standard-Bearers' Recognized for Domestic Philanthropy Efforts

[EARTH] Leaders of the 'Standard-bearers' Recognized for Domestic Philanthropy Efforts

via Macario Azevedo, Tayseri Times

[TOKYO] In what many are calling a significant turning point for the growing political movement, Mr.’s Khorshid Shahbazi and Isaac Algard along with Ms. Chandrabhaga Sathe and Chairwoman Lê Thi Mai jointly received the Masaru Matsumoto Philanthropic Award today for their extensive investment and direct involvement in a number of Earth’s most devastated regions; namely the Latin America-Central and South East-Pacific administrative zones. And, according to recently released reports by the office of Admiral Hackett, their work has not been without tangible effect: if the current rate of reconstruction and rehabilitation continues the national blocs are expected to break the Sixty Five Percent barrier by close of the the second and third fiscal quarters of 2189 respectively. A welcome change from the much more conservative reports released early last year that placed said dates closer to late 2192 if, indeed, at all.

“Truly, these men and women have honored my father’s legacy of charity and hospitality,” stated Matsumoto Junko, CEO of Matsumoto Technologies during her presentation speech. “To all those who would doubt the power, or reach of human kindness, I say that one only need to look to people such as these to have their faith reaffirmed.”

However the selection of the recipients has drawn no small amount of criticism and ire from watchdog groups such as the popular blog EyeOnTheSkies; which, in a recent post, drew attention to the party’s connections with the SA military, steadfast backing of the Systems Alliance Transitional Authority on Earth, as well as the party’s recent absorption of a substantial number of Terra Firma moderates. Accusing the organization as a spiritual successor to the ill-fated group, the essay has already seen widespread distribution across the extranet.

In an interview with the Times the Chairwoman acknowledged the accusations, though reaffirmed her adherence to what she believes to be the party’s basic tenets and organizational discipline. “Our motive is not and has never been one of xenophobia or hate. Hate is born of fear and misunderstanding and I find that all three make for a poor seat from which to make decisions on policy. What we support, what we have always supported is a strong, self reliant humanity that can engage with its allies and colleagues such as the Hierarchy and Clans on equal terms. And we believe that the key to this rests within the preservation of the myriad of human cultures against exterior erosion, a strong national navy and marine corps, a secure colonial network, and the growth of domestic industries.”

A retired Rear Admiral of the SAN Third Fleet who served during the Mindoir Incursions and subsequent crackdowns in the Skyllian Verge; Ms. Lê Thi Mai was elevated to a position of some prominence during the Reaper War; primarily for her actions in coordinating and leading resistance forces in the South East Asian theater. She is credited with overseeing the evacuations of Hanoi and Tokyo as well as organizing a number of successful guerrilla actions over the course of the conflict.

In the same interview Chairwoman indicated that the Standard-Bearers would be both capable and interested in participating in the SA Parliamentary elections at the conclusion of the Five Year Plan, citing party discipline, the self evident results of their work, and an amenable political atmosphere.

“Frankly,” stated Ms. Lê Thi Mai, “I like our chances.”