For Independence Day, the Local Council decided to ask some prominent gamesiders a couple questions about independence, the Local Council, and gameside in general. Some responses have been gathered below.

What does 'independence' for TSP mean to you?

"Independence for TSP means a chance to learn about our past. The more we know, the likelihood of this happening again can be greatly reduced."

"To me, it means that TSP is a truly independent region, that has used the experience of a time where it was not, to justify its promotion of democracy and freedom within the realm of NationStates-values it still promotes today."

"Having TSP being led by TSPans for TSPans."

"Independence for TSP means freedom from intervention and residence in a region free from oppression and acrimony."

 How do you see the role of the Local Council?

"I see them as elected officials who uphold laws decided upon by prominent members of the region such as the delegate."

"Making sure that gameside is cherished and not overlooked in favour of offsite."

"The Local Council is like an ideal triumvirate of camp counselors that facilitates gameside fun and communication without being unfair, tyrannical, or unreasonable. It must be consistent with rule enforcement."

"The Local Council is one of the biggest ways the government reaches out to the people of TSP."

"I see the role of the Local Council to be to represent the gameside community through activities, polls, and welcoming, as well as to moderate the Regional Message Board. They should promote activity, and give updates on regional happenings, so that the people not on the forums can still feel as though they are a part of this wonderful community."

What is the importance of the gameside of TSP and/or how does it matter for TSP's independence?

"...it is the first thing newcomers see, as well as being the place where the majority of TSP's residents spend most of their time. It is important for those people to be a part of the region's culture, and to learn about it's past..."

"Since it is the de facto location of the region, it and its citizens should be treasured, because of it is overlooked, then those who call it their home will feel neglected and will leave our lose interest in this community and game."

"...it is a place where many people can express themselves, be creative or just be silly if they so desire. A lot of people spent a lot of time gameside and made this region into a great place to be."

(on the celebrations) "Gameside TSP is important for the Independence Day celebration to be more of a festival and less of a private party, due to the sheer scale of TSP’s gameside."

"Well, what would TSP be without its gameside activities? Probably nonexistent!"

"The gameside is the immediate reflection of the regional culture which showcases us to those nations initially founded here (and to the rest of NS world as well)."