Today, I would like to welcome Destrian Blackwell, council member from Sussex and one of the deputy speakers of the House of Parliament.
It is great to have you here today, thank you for coming. Let's start out with something many may not know. Where were you born? If you do not live there now, what made you want to move to somewhere else?
Destrian - I was born many years ago in the town of Salisbury in Devon. After the death of my parents due to the plague I desired to see all of England, see all of its town and hear their stories. Throughout my life I've lived in every single County in England at one point or another as a result. Currently I reside within the town of Lewes in Sussex.
That seems you had a bit of a vagabond lifestyle for some time. Adventure awaits for those that wander! Now, tell us about your home life. What do you do for fun? What makes your home special to you?
Destrian - I am a fervent chess player and I enjoy playing all manner of individuals. But ultimately my home is special due to the presence of my two much loved sisters. My home is where my family is.
Yes, I agree, family is important. Besides your home where is your favourite place to spend in your non-working hours?
Destrian - The Drunken Mallard in Lewes, the official Blackwell family tavern. I've had some of my best discussions with people there as well as excellent banter.
Debate and banter do seem to make or a great past time. I see that you are a judge and lawyer. How did you start involving yourself in law? What made you want to pursue that profession?
Destrian - Society often has the tendecy to demand a guilty verdict before a Court hearing has even come to pass. While I believe that people should be held accountable for their actions I am also a vehemoth proponent of certain fundamental legal rights. In the pursuit of Justice and in an effort to balance the scales I became a defense attorney. I've always been driven by the principle that no man is guilty until proven as such in a Court of law. Practicing law has allowed me to aid our legal system in upholding that principle and with it I hope to have made England a little more just.
I see you have worked with many in the justice system. Have you ever had to work with someone whose personality clashes with you? How did you handle it?
Destrian - Almost exclusively have I worked with various notable individuals whom had disagreeing perspectives compared to my own. I have a rather outspoken personality and a tendency to fight for what I believe to be righteous, even if this does not always make friends. Regardless, over the years I've learned that listening and finding common ground is more important than advocating ones viewpoints. By trying to come closer to one another and seeking an appropriate compromise it is possible to overcome even the greatest of differences in personalities.
That sounds like a very wise attribute to have.What accomplishment have you done in England, that makes you proud?
Destrian - Throughout my lifetime there have been various political and legal related accomplishments. However if I'd have to take something in which I personally take great pride it would be my small contribution as a simple soldier in the Battle of Penrith of 1467. A pretender King had emerged and dug himself in at the town of Penrith, throwing the countryside into chaos. Yet from all over England good people rallied to the banner of the Crown, regardless of County or political affiliation. We were unified then and as a whole we beat back the rebels and restored order to the Realm. I feel honoured to have been part of that endeavor, small as my contribution may have been, and I hope to see this Country bring about the same level of unison we had back then.
Unison is a hard thing to accomplish. But if you agree to the same things it can be done. Do you think that England is healthy and successful? If not, what do you think could be done to improve things?
Destrian - England as a whole is a successful Country. However, an ever increasing rift and raising tensions between our citizens has become an apparent issue. I believe I have the capabilities to act as a neutral liaison to restore unison amongst all of us. It will be a daunting task demanding the cooperation of the entire Realm, but I do not believe it to be impossible. We are all English and the English will ultimately always stand side by side when needed, despite our differences.
I see that you are running for Monarch. I promise I have just a few questions for you on that as I promised to keep most of that to the minimum for our interview. Tell us, what makes you stand out from the other candidates?
Destrian - I am the chosen candidate for those people who wish positive change for England. While certain other candidates mainly seek to maintain the status quo, an honourable pursuit, I seek to implement tangible change. I am running not for my personal ambitions but to pose England with a real choice in these elections. Do we desire to continue the path we've walked that past Monarchs set out for us or do we decide it is finally time for a change within our community? In me the people have a candidate that can take England on a different path than we have seen over the past year. A path of fairness, justice and equal representation throughout all major facets of government.
Fairness and equal representation would be a good thing for many people in the service of England I believe. Now, what is the one major issue you plan to address should you win the seat?
Destrian - There is various issues that I'd like to deal with foreign relations, the REN and the Nobility. However, I shall also begin to work closely with Parliament to set out in the creation of a Bill of Rights. I believe that every citizen of England is entitled to a certain amount of inherent rights which are currently not codified. By pursuing this Bill I seek to strengthen our society as a whole.
Should you win I will follow closely on this bill as it seems to be what is needed right now. However, if you lose the election, what will you do next?
Destrian - The beauty of these elections is that it gives the people of England a voice. Once the people have spoken and their choice is known I will support their decision. Should England choose another worthy of the Throne then I shall support their endeavours in full as the rightful Monarch of England. However, I will continue to advocate a need for unity and fairness within our Country. I believe it to be critical to our community and will make efforts to bring it about, even if I am not elected.
One last question for you, something fun to leave us with. Please tell us one thing that is a rarely known fact about you.
Destrian - I have a particular fondness for nature and animals. My bird Dura Dura is a much treasured companion to me.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated I have been told. Thank you for sitting with me today.
Destrian - I thank you for the interview and appreciate you having given me the opportunity to speak.
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