The Ashtan Archons, Overseer, and Ministers all discussed this for
approximately 6 months before the decision was made. There was not a
single voice of contention.

Ashtan citizens will always be given a say in large-scale changes.
However, it was the opinion of those with whom the council spoke that
this was not a large-scale change. Why? Well, should be noted that
citizens are not being ordered to leave The Unity in Life clan, they are
simply being asked to. While I, as minister of War, feel that it is in
our best interests for -all- Ashtanites to quit the clan, it is not
required.

Why do I feel that it is in our best interests? From a military
stand-point, having all citizens participating in this clan weakens us.
Firstly, We are drawn into conflicts that are not our own (and that are
we are not required to take part in by the treaty), Secondly, when we
choose not to partake in the aforementioned conflicts we are often
treated with scorn -- this does nothing for our morale, and Thirdly,
Ashtan needs to stand on its own two feet. We are a city with a proud
heritage, a city that was able to defend itself from the threat of the
Atabahi and Spirean undead without outside aid, a city that has the
potential to grow in strength, size, and individuality. Tying ourselves
to the other organizations blurs the lines between allies and bretheren
too much. We are not Enorian, nor are we Duiran, and I believe that it
is time for us to show this.

Macian,
Minister of War,
Archon,
Sleuth Leader.

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Lanosian, in the year 222 MA.