Now I feel bad for Valorum :(

padawanlost:

praetor-canis:

padawanlost:

Well, to be
fair, he wasn’t a particularly great Chancellor either so it’s not like he was
going to save the galaxy. I mean, the worst part of his removal was what it
meant for the entire galaxy. On a personal level, what does makes me feel bad
for him was Padmé’s “betrayal”. Can you imagine going out of your way to help a
planet only to have the queen turn on you and demand your removal? Cold!

@padawanlost But it’s not “going out of his way”. The hyper lane taxation was supported with great eagerness by Valorum and Palpatine. The approval of military upgrade was also supported by Valorum as part of the tax deal. Turning a blind eye on first the amoral doings of the TF and then the rise of the Nebula Front was also something Valorum took part in doing. The catastrophic convention that led to the death of every member of the TF directorate save for Nute Gunray and Lott Dod was again approved and attended by Valorum.

Technically, the Naboo blockade was a retaliatory strike against Palpy for secretly supporting Valorum’s bill of taxation. Wasn’t it?

Thus, if you put the whole thing in context with these unfortunate events, is it really “going out of his way” to help Naboo? Valorum should be helping Naboo. No? What do you think?

Of course, Padme probably didn’t know about all the shenanigans concerning her Senator.

The excuse for the
blockade was:

“Viceroy Gunray states
that the blockade has been launched in protest
of the Senate’s decision to tax shipping in the free-trade zones. He
assures that any attempts to break the embargo will meet with deadly force.
Unless the new regulations are rescinded, he is prepared to see everyone on
Naboo starve.” [James Luceno. Darth Plagueis]

 But in the end Naboo
was picked because Palpatine wanted it to be invaded

“To be sure. But I
warned you that this was coming. Supreme Chancellor Valorum has lost all
credibility, and after what occurred at Eriadu, the Senate is determined to
weaken the Trade Federation further. King Veruna may have been able to stall
the Senate, but he has abdicated, and young
Queen Amidala and Naboo’s Senator are leading the call for taxation. With
the Senate preoccupied, the moment is right for you to begin assembling a fleet
of armed freighters to impose a blockade.” “A
blockade? Of what system, Lord Sidious?” “I will inform you in due time.” James
Luceno. Darth Plagueis

The whole “personal vendetta”
thing was just an excuse to probably keep the TF from suspecting anything.

Anyway, what I meant
by “going out of his” was Valorum’s choice to go to the Jedi Council to ask for
help behind the Senate’s back. He was under no obligation to do that but he did
anyway because he was actually interested in helping Padmé and the people of
Naboo. He didn’t have to do any of that but he did anyway and his reward was
hearing Padmé herself call for a vote of no-confidence. I’m not saying Padmé
did to be cruel or anything like that but if you look at it from Valorum’s POV it
looks shady AF, no wonder he was so shook even Anakin noticed.

“I move for a vote of
no confidence in the supreme chancellor.” Voices rose immediately in response,
some in support, some in protest. Senators and spectators alike came to their
feet, loud mutterings quickly building to shouts that echoed through the
cavernous chamber. Valorum stood
speechless at the podium, stunned and disbelieving. He stared at Amidala, his
face etched in sudden shock as the impact of her words registered. Amidala
faced him boldly, waiting. […]He turned now to Valorum, speaking quickly to
him, keeping his voice low and his words hidden behind his hand. Valorum looked at him uncomprehendingly,
eyes distant and lost. […] Shouts rose from the delegates, echoing across
the chamber in waves as Valorum stared
at Senator Palpatine and Queen Amidala, and even from where he stood
watching now at the entry doors to the Naboo box, Anakin Skywalker could discern the look of betrayal registered on the
supreme chancellor’s anguished face. [Terry Brooks. The Phantom Menace]