Department of Internal Affairs - (Retirement Announcement)

[Barnes]

(Secretary Barnes in his office)

Welcome to the Department of Internal Affairs! This post contains a directory of all business taken by myself or the Department.  Please use it at your convenience to navigate the DoIA.

This Department tends to be considered a junior player in the government.  Under my leadership, however, the DoIA will be an active and dynamic force within the Bore Administration. There are many projects and plans before us, and I look forward to tackling them.

If you would like to contact me or the Department feel free to post your query or comment in this office, or alternatively, send me a PM.

Best wishes,
Barnes
Secretary of Internal Affairs



Statements by the Secretary
March 15, 2015 - Statement by the Secretary to the staff of the DoIA upon taking office
March 19, 2015 - Statement by the Secretary on the Introduction of the Affirmative Consent in Post-Secondary Education Act of 2015 in the Senate
April 8, 2015 - Transcript of Secretary Barnes's Remarks at the Navajo Nation Concerning Indian Affairs
April 8, 2015 - Statement by the Secretary on Progress of the Postal Service Community Financial Lending Act of 2015

Press Releases
March 15, 2015 - Secretary en route to meet with Governor Flo
March 17, 2015 - Secretary to host federal-regional conference with regional governors
April 8, 2015 - Secretary to travel to Navajo Nation
April 27, 2015 - Senator Blair Named as Deputy Secretary
April 29, 2015 - Recent Message from the Self Styled "Confederate Council"

Departmental Directives
Those Directives that are repealed are rendered with strikethrough
Directive № 1 Northeast Exemption from Standardized Testing
Directive № 2 Pandemic and Bio-Hazard Response Plans
Directive № 3 General Motors Investigative Action
Directive № 4 Funding for the Housing First Act in the IDS
Directive № 5 Recall Request and Re-Evaluation of Food Inspection Standards
Directive № 6 Funding for the Homelessness Combattement Act in the Pacific
Directive № 7 Clarification of Operating Costs at the Capitol Complex
Directive № 8 Appointment of Deputy Secretary
Directive № 9 Peaceful Protests and Police Action
Directive № 10 Nullification of all Directives Issued Before November 2014
Directive № 11 Nullification of all Directives Issued Before January 2015
Directive № 12 Increased Flow of Information for Security Purposes
Directive № 13 Increased Security at Government Offices
Directive № 14 Further Security Measures at Government Offices
Directive № 15 Security of Postal Workers in Biloxi, Mississippi, and surrounding areas
Directive № 16 Establishing the Inner-City Employment and Redevelopment Agency
Directive № 17 Establishing Gender Parity in Executive Boards of Federal Companies, and Related Institutions
Directive № 18 Freezing the Financial Accounts and Related Holdings of the Leaders of the "CAS"
Directive № 19 - Enhancing Security Measures in States Affected by the Present Rebellion
Directive № 20 - Federal Prison Security Directive
Directive № 21 - Activation of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Archived Offices of Previous Secretaries
Former Office of Secretary Flo
Former Office of Secretary HagridOfTheDeep

[Barnes]

Directive of the Secretary of Internal Affairs
№ 14

March 15, 2015

Section 1 - Extension of Directive 13
1. The contents of Directive № 13 (Re: Increased Security at Government Offices), are hereby extended and amended as follows in this directive.

Section 2 - Further Security
1. Security at every facility falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Internal Affairs is extended as follows:
    a. Any motor vehicle that passes through the guest entrance(s) and/or wishes to park in a designated guest parking facility will be searched by security personnel before being admitted onto the premises of the building.
    b. Any guest seeking admittance to a facility will pass through a metal detector and security personnel may search any guest's personal belongings that they wish to bring into the facility.
    c. All guests will be supervised during their time in the facility.
    d. All incoming letters and packages to any facility in the Department will be thoroughly screened and may be searched if deemed necessary by security personnel.

x Barnes

[Barnes]

Statement by the Secretary of Internal Affairs to the staff of the DoIA upon taking office
Sunday, March 15, 2015 -- For immediate release

The Secretary spoke to the DoIA staff in the building's main atrium this afternoon shortly after taking office.

"I would just like to say that it is absolutely wonderful to be back at this department after leaving it several years ago.  You are all incredibly talented and dedicated professionals, and I am honored to be working with you.

"I know that the tragic events of this weekend are on all of your minds, and I want to assure you now that the safety and security of this department and its staff is my primary objective every minute of every day.  Early today I signed a new departmental directive with immediate effect that will strengthen security procedures in every facility within our department. 

"I would like to acknowledge our incredible security personnel and the amazing work they do to keep us all safe.  Please give them a round of applause.

"We have a lot of work to do, and I intend to get started right away.  I thank you all for your work and your attention, and I am so happy to be here with you."

###

[Flake]

I'm very happy to see you as the new SoIA. You'll be a good one.

[Prince of Salem]

Congratulations

[Barnes]

Press Release -- Secretary en route to meet with Governor Flo
Sunday, March 15, 2015 -- For immediate release

The Secretary has departed for the Nyman Airport en route to Memphis to meet with Southeast Governor Flo.

The Secretary and the Governor plan to discuss the current crisis concerning the APWU and the "Postal Butcher." Ensuring the safety of the postal workers is the Secretary's primary concern.

###

[Barnes]

Directive of the Secretary of Internal Affairs
№ 15 - Security of Postal Workers in Biloxi, Mississippi, and surrounding areas

March 16, 2015

Section 1
1. All postal delivery services into the identified danger areas of Biloxi, Mississippi, are suspended for twenty-four hours.
2. All affected workers will report to their branch offices and will be briefed on the present state of danger in the area.
3. All post offices will remain operational as usual.

Section 2
1. At the expiry of twenty-four hours, all affected workers detailing the identified areas will perform their duties in pairs of two.
2. All affected workers will be issued a "safety pack" containing the following:
     a. Pepper spray
     b. Emergency whistle
     c. Two-way walkie-talkie
3. All concerned pairs will be required to communicate their present location and status to their branch office every quarter hour while on the job.

Section 3
1. All affected workers will be paid as usual for any time spent training under the guidelines issued in this directive.

x Barnes

[Barnes]

Directive of the Secretary of Internal Affairs
№ 16 - Establishing the Inner-City Employment and Redevelopment Agency

March 16, 2015

Section 1
1. Within forty-five days of the promulgation of this directive, the "Inner-City Employment and Redevelopment Agency," subsequently referred to as the "Agency," shall be established as an agency of the Department of Internal Affairs.
2. The Agency shall be headed by a Director, hereafter referred to as the "Director," who shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of Internal Affairs.
3.  The Agency shall have a Board of Directors, which shall be composed as follows:
     a. The mayors of at least three major cities per region, chosen by the respective Governor.;
     b. Community representatives of inner-city neighborhoods chosen from cities with a population at or exceeding a population of 500,000, to be chosen by the Governor of the respective region;
     c. The Governors of each region, or their designee;
     d. The Director;
     e. Five representatives of anti-poverty organizations or agencies;
     f. Ten representatives of non-profit, community oriented agencies of employment with at least two coming from each region;
     g. The Secretary of Internal Affairs or his representative;
     h. Any other person(s) with expert knowledge in youth issues in inner-city communities as the Board of Directions might wish to nominate;

Section 2.
1. The remit of the Agency, executed by the Board of Directors, shall be as follows:
     a. To understand, acknowledge, and promote that the most productive and effective solution to inner-city poverty, crime, violence, and social immobility is lack of access and opportunity to adequate education, training, and employment;
     b. To establish an opportunities and employment network throughout large population areas in the nation that suffer from inner-city poverty, crime, violence, and social immobility;
     c. Such a network shall seek to offer part-time employment of 25 hours a week to disadvantaged youths living in inner-city areas in jobs that emphasize emotional growth, cultural and community development, and social inclusion;
     d. Such jobs must pay all said employees at the Federal or Regional minimum wage, whichever is higher;
     e. To couple the above-mentioned employment with 10 hours a week of "social-emotional learning time" where said teenagers shall learn to develop and expand their interests, intellects, passions, talents, and abilities, in a way to grow their personalities to benefit themselves and society.

Section 3.
1. Ninety days following the promulgation of this directive, the Department of Internal Affairs shall establish a federal website to provide a free, comprehensive, and easily navigable database of all opportunities provided for in Section 2.

x Barnes

[Barnes]

Press Release -- Secretary to host federal-regional conference with regional governors
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 -- For immediate release

The Secretary of Internal Affairs has written to all five regional governors inviting them to participate in a federal-regional conference over the coming weekend to discuss the present state of their respective regions, the condition of relations with the federal government, and projects to collaborate on in the coming months.

The Secretary looks forward to a productive and collaborative conference.

###

[Barnes]

Statement by the Secretary of Internal Affairs on the Introduction of the Affirmative Consent in Post-Secondary Education Act of 2015 in the Senate
Thursday, March 19, 2015 -- For immediate release

The Secretary has issued the following statement on the introduction of the Affirmative Consent in Post-Secondary Education Act of 2015 in the Senate by Senator Talleyrand on the Secretary's behalf.

"The blight of campus sexual assault is a growing threat to the safety and dignity of Atlasia's students on every college and university campus throughout the nation.  That is why I have drafted legislation to tackle this problem rapidly and effectively.  I would like to thank Senator Talleyrand for introduction the bill on my behalf in the Senate.

"The Affirmative Consent in Post-Secondary Education Act of 2015 will establish a new standard of protection for all of our college students and ensure that every post-secondary institution that wishes to receive financial assistance from the federal government to adopt the appropriate standards by July 1.

"The legislation also contains a proviso for the Department of Internal Affairs to collaborate with the regions to adopt similar policies on the regional level.  During my tenure in the Northeast Assembly last Autumn, I presented a bill of nearly identical character in the Assembly and was pleased to see it approved.  I hope that the leadership of the Northeast will serve as an effective guide for the other regions moving forward.

"I look forward to the debate in the Senate and encourage every Senator to support the proposed legislation."

###

[Barnes]

Directive of the Secretary of Internal Affairs
№ 17 - Establishing Gender Parity in Executive Boards of Federal Companies, and Related Institutions

March 20, 2015

Section 1
1. The contents of this directive apply to every federally operated company, corporation, agency, and similar institution, under the authority of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Section 2
1. The Board of Directors (or similar authority) of every institution outlined in Section 1 shall be bound by the policy of gender parity in its composition.
2. "Gender Parity" is defined as composing an equal number of men and women.

Section 3
1. This directive shall come in to operation on July 1, 2015.

x Barnes

[Barnes]

I will be on a brief leave of absence until some time on Monday.  Have a nice remainder of the weekend, everyone.

[Barnes]

Press Release -- Secretary to travel to Navajo Nation
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 -- For immediate release

The Secretary of Internal Affairs is en route to the Navajo Nation to visit tribal leaders and deliver remarks on the state of the relationship between the federal government and the Indian tribes.

The transcript of the Secretary's remarks will be released after delivery.

###

[Barnes]

Transcript of Secretary Barnes's Remarks at the Navajo Nation Concerning Indian Affairs
Wednesday, April 8, 2015

(The Secretary working on his notes before his speech)

"Yá'át'ééh!  E la na tte?  I am absolutely honored to be among friends on this beautiful day.  I would like to start by paying my thanks to President Ben Shilley for hosting me here today and for his years of work and dedication to the Navajo Nation. 

"The affairs and future of Indian Country has been something that has dominated my interest for a long time.  Unfortunately, there is a general lack of conversation about your rights, concerns, and aspirations in our political system.  I want to put that right!  I want to bring the conversation out of the shadows!

"The history of Atlasian and Indian relations is long and very difficult for most of us.  We all must acknowledge the failures of the past if we are to hope to change the future.  Throughout reservations and communites throughout Atlasia, unemployment, especially among youths, is far too high.  Problems with alcohol addiction and drug abuse continue to blacken many lives.  There is a feeling that shared language, culture, and identity, are slipping away.  Perhaps worst of all, there is a pervading sense that these issues will never be improved; that they will never be addressed by the government.

"I want to tell you that from today that sense of abandonment is over.  The Bore Administration is dedicated to working with you to create a future that is bright and fair for all.  Every day that I hold this office I will continue to push for these goals.  I pledge that to you today.

"Now, the history and character of our tribes and people are long, complex, and diverse.  A one-size-fits-all approach simply will not adequately address the variety of issues that face us.  If we are going to make an effort on this, it must be a concerted and dedicated one that can truly be successful -- we cannot afford to fail.  Therefore, we will consult with leaders and representatives from every tribe and reservation as well as canvass the true feelings of the community.  Every action that we take must actually be shown to be beneficial to the community -- that is our purpose.

"As I said, the issues that we face are deep and complex, so we must start work immediately.  I will propose legislation to the Senate in the coming days to create a commission under my authority to record and preserve native languages, histories, arts, and customs, deemed to be in danger of extinction.  Without a history, who are we as a people?

"I will begin work on a jobs program focused specifically to reservations.  Where I can act alone, I will.  Where I need legislation, I will go to the Senate.

"I will not conceal from you that this will be a long and hard road, but it is one that must be traveled because the rewards are truly great.  I know this is something that can be done if there is a real sense of purpose and dedication among the community.  You must be the instigators of that hope.  By organizing, protesting, contacting your government officials, you will make your voices heard, and we can accomplish these goals for the betterment of us all.

"Thank you! Ahéhee'!"

[Barnes]

Statement by the Secretary on Progress of the Postal Service Community Financial Lending Act of 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 -- For Immediate Release

The Secretary of Internal Affairs has released the following statement with regards to the Postal Service Community Financial Lending Act of 2015 currently before the Senate.

"I am highly encouraged that the Senate is conducting a final vote on my proposed Postal Service Community Financial Lending Act of 2015.  This is a simple but extremely important legislation that will have a real and meaningful impact on the lives of millions of Atlasians.

"I highly encourage the Senate to approve the bill."

###

[Barnes]

I will be on leave until Sunday because I'm going to an academic conference in North Carolina. Have fun, everyone.

[Barnes]

Work on the above mentioned plans has been a little slower than anticipated, but we will get there!

[Barnes]

Press Release -- Senator Blair Named as Deputy Secretary
Monday, April 27, 2015 -- For immediate release

President bore nominated Senator Blair to serve as Deputy Secretary yesterday.  Secretary Barnes made the recommendation based on the Senator's exhibited talents in the Northeast Assembly and lately in the Senate.

The Secretary hopes that the Senate acts on the nomination quickly.

###

[Barnes]

Press Release -- Recent Actions by the Group Styled the "Confederation of Atlasian States"
Monday, April 27, 2015 -- For immediate release

Recent developments involving a self-proclaimed secessionist group has been condemned by the Secretary who views the group and its leaders as leading an insurrection against the Atlasian government.

The Secretary is taking part in talks with the President and the Cabinet and plans to treat the situation with a swift response.
###

[Barnes]

Directive of the Secretary of Internal Affairs
№ 18 - Freezing the Financial Accounts and Related Holdings of the Leaders of the "CAS"
April 27, 2015

Section 1.  Recognizing the threat posed by the self-styled Confederation of Atlasian States as a rebellious organization attempting open insurrection within Atlasia, the Secretary of Internal Affairs orders the immediate freezing of all financial and banking accounts, holdings, and related transaction of the leaders of the CAS.  Namely:

• Jeffrey Brown
• Wulfric Wulfric
• Christopher Costantini
• Kyle C. Mercado
• Adam "LeBron" Belieber

x Barnes

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Barnes]

Directive of the Secretary of Internal Affairs
№ 19 - Enhancing Security Measures in States Affected by the Present Rebellion
April 28, 2015

Section 1. All federal buildings and agencies within the jurisdiction of the states affected by the present rebellion shall close as soon as practicable and remain closed until further notice.  All personnel will be afforded security detail to escort them to their homes.

Section 2. Effective immediately, all flights traveling to, from, or through, any of the states affected by the present rebellion are grounded.

Section 3. All federal roads and rail lines passing through the states affected by the present rebellion are to be closed immediately.

x Barnes

[Barnes]

Press Release -- Recent Message from the Self Styled "Confederate Council"
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 -- For Immediate Release

The Secretary received the following message from the self styled "Confederate Council" earlier today:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

The Secretary reaffirms his and the Administration's resolve in neutralizing the threat posed by these rebels throughout the nation.  No form of intimidation will prevent the government from protecting the Atlasian people and protecting the tenets of a civil society formed by democratic government.

###

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

What a police invitation to be killed!

[Barnes]

I will be spending three weeks in Italy from May 9 to May 31.  I will have interest access but my participation in Atlasia will be limited.  I will be placing Deputy Secretary Blair in charge of the Department of Internal Affairs during my absence.  If I become aware that I will have an extended period of no internet access, I will post a full leave of absence.