All eras must come to an end. And I do thank Rabastan for all of his years of hard work getting us to the point that we're at today. It wasn't easy in those early years of reform, but he managed to see us through with consistency and dedication. No matter what the personal feelings may be, no one can deny that he was critical in getting us to where we are today, and for that I truly do say thank you to his tenure.
I also cannot deny that standing here on the threshold of a new era there is something in the air that is exciting. Sometimes metamorphosis is necessary for the great good. This is not a decision that has been made lightly. We, your representatives, took everything we could into account, and decided that the direction we were going in was no longer in line with our higher ideals and goals. Ones that have moved away from taking the law into ones own hand and deciding what justice is without it's proper due course. Change is necessary. Change is good. Change is healthy. It is time for new ideas and fresh thought that will lead us into a stronger future. It is going to be hard work in order to get where we need to go. Many, many changes will be need to be made in the coming months. It will probably be uncomfortable, however, that is the nature of change. After all, we learned how to transform how to turn beetles into buttons in my Second Year at Hogwarts. Though, it is a practical lesson, it couldn't have been very comfortable for the beetle.
I understand that today is a day in which will be hard for many, because change is frightening. However, I do hope in time that it will come to light that this change is for the better. That this is something necessary to keep our society thriving not just at home, but with our relationship with our allies and that we can become a shining example for other communities across the world.