Office of Former President and Gov. DemPGH

[DemPGH]

Really appreciate that, Tmth! I'm ever grateful for the support.

As the election approaches I just want to thank everyone for their support and to say that it would not be possible without you! In the last year plus a few months I've been involved in three presidential elections and a governor's race, and it's overall been a lot of fun. I've also been one of those (along with Duke's administration) active in reviving the Pacific, so if you've paid attention there, you know what kind of exec I can be. That's how it will be.

I think SirNick and I both ran excellent campaigns and managed to stay out of the pie fights, resulting in a "boring" presidential cycle, but that might not be such a bad thing.

Windjammer has been an awesome worker behind the scenes as well, so many thanks to him.

Now, let's give it all we can muster, mister!

[DemPGH]

It looks like we made it, so let's get CRAZY IN THE NIGHT!!!

A speech will be forthcoming tomorrow, but I want to thank Labor for backing us literally 100% and also those Federalists and Others willing to cross party lines because they knew of my work, and Windjammer's, in the Pacific and Midwest respectively! I'm simply astonished and could never have done it without you!

I can't wait to get started, but right now let's pop a cork because we held the hill!!

I'm literally thrilled to follow Marokai Blue and Averroes Nix from the House of Labor. My door is always open, and you may always contact me.

[DemPGH]

Thanks, everybody!!! I'm grateful, and congrats to all the winners! I'll be PMing as well.

Speech tomorrow, then cabinet, then review of the queue before we come in!

In the coming days Cranberry as Speaker will be taking over as Pacific Acting Governor, just FYI.

It was a hell of a run!!

-DemPGH

[DemPGH]

Dear Atlasia:

With relief and a measure of joy I can say that the campaign and the election are now over. I am your President-elect! Can we all collectively sigh? Now. . . What lies directly ahead for all of us is an exciting opportunity with nearly unparalleled potential! So many things fell into alignment going back to late April that allowed this campaign to even happen that I think we can do do some special things in the next four months, and I’m ever grateful for the opportunity and the support, particularly from those close to me, those several who have supported me since basically the beginning. Lesson #1: Find smart, experienced, trustworthy people, put them around you, and listen to them when you need an opinion.

I have spoken with Dallasfan, and I certainly appreciate his congratulations and conciliatory tone. Thankfully and refreshingly, our brief chat was more about music than politics or elections or Atlasia! I certainly want to commend him and SirNick for running a tough campaign, particularly down the stretch. I’m very glad we stayed above the pie fighting!

In the end, my campaign with the indefatigable Windjammer (you could not want a harder worker!) at my side held our party together nearly 100% and appealed to moderate people who took note of the level-headed work we were undertaking in our regions. You can expect the same of us as President and V.P.!

I’ll be resigning as Pacific Governor shortly. My focus on the cabinet follows. I will then, by the time I take office, set several goals that we must achieve in the near term. In time I will be reviewing the current lawsuit before the Court as well.

Congrats on your win, DemPGH. Hopefully we can work together on game reform.

Thanks, man. All the best, and I look forward to it!

@ All: Thanks so much, everyone, it will be fun. Couldn't have done it without you!

[DemPGH]

Also, I want to be clear that pursuant to V.1 of the 4th Pacific Constitution, Bacon King is re-appointed as justice. When we have needed him he has served us well and thoroughly. I have no reason to believe that that will not continue.

Now, I can resign.

[DemPGH]

Wow, well when this all started I literally had no council in the Pacific and we lost PJ not long after. Look, I only hope I can live up to your expectations as President! My heart-felt thank you for selecting me as the 32nd President of Atlasia.

So let's keep a good thing going - this will be my general office thread. I'll have a business office for Windjammer and me over on the Government board, but I can disseminate information here, as well as take questions from the public. I'll also hire mercenaries and handle bribes here as well.

There was a rose that sprang in Washington
And spread thereafter in June to Nyman
I must implore you to listen, now, everyone:
To fight, make war, or to do evil I come not,
And so I hope ol’ DemPGH will never be forgot!

Tomorrow is a major holiday and a family outing, so I will be swearing in when I get back tomorrow evening or night forum time (which is my timezone). After tonight I'll be off until then. So let's get moving this weekend, there's much to accomplish between now and Halloween!

Get that Education bill done, for starters, and get me something I can sign! It's close.  

[DemPGH]

Week 1 Summary

I may not provide weekly summaries every week, but I want to say that we've gotten off to a fine start in the first week! Windjammer continues to impress with the tedious tasks of running the Senate and the cabinet officers thus far have had fine interviews and have passed their hearings with flying colors. I think there is unbridled potential here!

I've taken action on four statutes. I've signed the Public Means Public Act, which will greatly reduce the suffering of the homeless by giving money to each region for the expressed purposes of building constructing housing for said persons. I've also signed the Atlasian Calendar Act, which designates the RL calendar as the official calendar of Atlasia. I've vetoed the Sanity in F.P. Amendment because 1) I don't think Atlasians should be running guns in foreign countries and 2) I don't think we should establish bases to train mercenaries and foreign armies.

I've also rewritten and have signed the Demilitarization Act, which prescribes the manner in which military recruiters may interact with potential recruits, particularly high schoolers.

Looking into Week 2, I expect to make another push for the Duke-Scott Education bill!

[DemPGH]

Why should military recruiters be further restricted in their interactions with potential recruits? What if we have a war on your hands? Would you resort back to a draft when having an all voluntary military is working just fine?

Whoa there! The original proposal kicked recruiters off high school campuses altogether, but I did not want to do that. Instead, I took the opportunity to address recruiter shenanigans instead. It has broad bipartisan support.

[DemPGH]

Not a great deal happened in week 2, although thus far in week 3 I have been able to sign off on a couple of statutes that I will update this weekend. As this week progresses, I look forward to hopefully signing the Fair Hiring Act and the Sweet Sixteen Act.

In week 2, though, I'm happy to report that my veto of the reckless and irresponsible Sanity in F.P. Amendment was sustained by a vote of 4-4.

Going forward, I'm skeptical of the Pay for Housework Act (expenditure plus I'm not sure who we'd actually be helping) and certainly the Ukrainian expenditure, although I fear that after defeating the Sanity in F.P. Amendment and seeing the Resolution to authorize force on Iraq withdrawn, we may be stuck with the Ukrainian expenditure. Kiss five billion dollars goodbye, meanwhile the Education bill continues to languish. That probably says something about priorities, but I'll comment more fully if and when I'm forced to make some kind of decision. 

[DemPGH]

I'd like to announce that my administration is looking into the degree to which Russia may be arming separatists with reference to the Ukrainian situation. Economic sanctions may be forthcoming, although we are looking for hard evidence with which to confront Russia - not hearsay. If there is to be a foreign policy review update, we may address Russia there. Passing the review last summer was quite difficult and would likely be even more so this summer, however, due to increased turmoil in the developing world and in the world generally.

Iraq continues to be a terrible quagmire. While I absolutely oppose ISIS and any notion of a caliphate anywhere, I fail to see how further intervention will help. We invite a regress if we say that because we have intervened and failed, we must continue to intervene. The truth is, Iraq worsens with each attempt at intervention. I keep, however, options open, and will not allow a direct threat to Atlasia to go unchecked.

I also would like to remark that I voted in favor of opening negotiations to merge the Pacific and the Midwest, although it may be difficult. Nevertheless, I think we have to try to do something to make the game more interesting and competitive. If this merger effort fails [again] we may also look into contracting or otherwise consolidating the Mideast.

I will update recently signed legislation in my Week 3 summary. I will offer a slight rewrite of the Ukrainian aid bill soon.

[DemPGH]

In Week 3 I was able to sign a few important Pieces of legislation. I of course outline my reasons for supporting or not supporting statutes when I sign, veto, or redraft.

Important here is the Fair Hiring Act, IMO, which makes legal the existence of hiring halls - contingent upon consent between the company and the union. Hiring halls make it easier for management to find skilled, blue collar labor in the vast majority of instances. In any event, companies are not forced to have them, but they do play a significant role in the hiring process.

The End Sports Profiteering Act was changed to simply preclude federal money from building stadiums and enhancing team revenue. This is good. While I would like to see local cities own the teams that play in them, this will be very difficult to force.

The Sweet Sixteen Act

The Fair Hiring Act

End Sports Profiteering Act

The Let Us Have More Teachers Act

Going forward, I've offered a very minor redraft of the Ukrainian Aid Bill. The redraft aims to recover loaned money sooner and with the possibility of interest beyond five years.

I am happy to announce that the Duke-Scott Education Bill is now at final vote. If and when it passes and is implemented, we will expand and improve technology access and textbooks in our classrooms. If there is to be another one, I would like to target areas like STEM for support since this bill was broad and comprehensive.

[DemPGH]

This week I have enacted into law both The Railway Labor Act and The Duke-Scott Educating the People Reform Bill: Part I. The education bill is a sure accomplishment for the Senate and the administration; it has been on the floor for many months and takes the helpful steps of supplying money for technology, resources, and print to all regions for all schools. I'm not sure if you have to do so, but if you are a regional exec, make sure you check this out!

I believe that education is central in the betterment of society and is the hallmark, the cornerstone, of a free society. If I personally, your President, am thankful for anything, it is my education.

Furthermore, I would like to welcome Riley Keaton to Secretary Nix's team. Mr. Keaton has a passion for world affairs and I'm sure will assist well. I will, however, reiterate my opposition to military force or support in Iraq or anywhere in the Middle East at this time, pending or absent the assembly of a coalition, a significant decline in Middle East stability, or a threat to Atlasia.

I would also like to thank my supremely active and attentive VP, Windjammer, for volunteering for yet another job - Deputy Attorney General!

I would like to put money into vaccine research where Ebola is concerned; if we are to give money through foreign aid to impacted countries, I would like this money to be earmarked for water cleanliness, sterility, and improving conditions. The Ebola outbreak could threaten the world populace.

I remain concerned about the Wages For Housework Act and hope that we might adjust basic minimum income instead.

A statute that is upcoming is the Pay What You Display Act, which will have my full and complete support. Too often companies (satellite, Internet, and TV, typically) "hide" fees behind codes and abbreviations or introduce them three or four months into the contract.

Finally, I have indicated my support for the public ownership of energy production, the proposed price controls, and total renewable energy by 2030.

[DemPGH]

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An update will follow at the appropriate time. Ground troops are not authorized and are not being used.

I would like to reduce Atlasian military presence where it is unnecessary as well.

[DemPGH]

Thanks to those who support this action and to Secretary Averroës whose hard work is greatly appreciated! Going forward we absolutely intend to engage not only the UN but the Iraqi government in downplaying our involvement.

A report has come in from General Richard Neville.

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All five vehicles used in the strikes returned safely; one of the Apaches sustained minor damage from enemy fire. No further action is currently planned and the mission has been successful, as were the airdrops.

[DemPGH]

Week 5 produced a great deal of controversy with regard to the actions of the Vice President (Windjammer), and indeed, I will speak publicly on this within the next 24 hours or so. There has been a very large number of messages exchanged between several people, and I'm still preparing to address the public.

I would also say that you should never assume that I will run for re-election. That will be addressed in greater detail later and at a more appropriate time.

In the Senate there is yet still of course another largely party line vote shaping up surrounding the public ownership of energy production, which I support, but action has been light in the Senate and I have been detained by V.P., rules, and PPT conversation. Again, I will address this all this week soon.

[DemPGH]

Dear People,

With a measure of sadness and certain relief for him, I will accept Vice President Windjammer's resignation. I also want to thank those few who have been involved and who understand what has happened for their time and patience.

I will always remember the June 2014 campaign fondly and consider Windjammer a friend. This past week a situation arose at the climax of which Windjammer advised me that existing real life issues make matters such that it will be in his best interest to be away from Atlasia and that it will be too difficult for him to play the game presently. I concurred.

I thank Windjammer for his activity and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. I hope the issues are speedily settled.

--The President

[DemPGH]

A Vice Presidential announcement is expected in the next 12 hours or so.

Also, I plan later this week and into the weekend to do a review of the budget and within a reasonable time frame make some recommendations for FY 2014-15. There won't be a time table for that, but it's in the near future, provided that there is support to do it, of course.

[DemPGH]

Senator Tyrion is nominated to serve as Vice President.

More later.

[DemPGH]

Indeed, I thank Senator Tyrion for accepting; he brings a great deal of knowledge and experience with him to the White House and has earned the spot. I also congratulate TheCranberry - he has toiled diligently to make the Pacific better and will bring his perspective to the Senate.

[DemPGH]

The right wing's petty partisanship now threatens the workings of the Senate - the actual functional capacity of the Senate, that is.

I must say that after recent events I am a bit wary of voting to secure the administration's hold on the Senate, even if many would consider such an action born out of mere partisanship and nothing more.

This was Lumine's basis for leading a charge against my choice for V.P. in the wake of Windjammer's tragic withdrawal. Since at this current time the right has chosen to follow suit, I can only imagine a future of unparalleled partisanship with someone in the Senate who will sacrifice its ability to function to make a political point.

The fact is, what a poor example for the right to make! Tyrion has always been one of Labor's most reasonable voices and voted against the nationalization of Fuel and Power.

Tyrion will eventually be a fine Vice President, and I ask you to support him!

[DemPGH]

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Superique recently offered a private resignation as Pacific Crisis Manager, and frankly, I do not see the position as terribly productive or terribly legal. I do not plan to continue it.

Silver and gold star inductions will be conducted soon!

This was posted in my official thread. While it can be revisited, this represents my position on the issue at this point in time.

I would also not recommend any further stimulus packages be authorized to the region.

[DemPGH]

Thank you, Governor. I'll be happy to assist as I can in relief of the damage caused by the earthquake. Let me know if there is anything that I can do. I'd recommend a state of emergency for starters in impacted areas.

The Stimulus Act gives the President fairly broad authority to use exec orders in this matter, so it's possible that I could revisit the issue of a Crisis Manager should it be necessary. There are so few people interested in the current positions across the spectrum that informal ones seem unlikely to succeed.

As to the third round of stimulus funding, I only recommend that it not be issued. I fail to see at this point of exasperation why it is necessary for the federal government to support a region that suffers from problems endemic in the game. In other words, I fail to see how throwing more money at the Pacific problem will fix it.

Announcements

The position of GM is open. I had no heads-up whatsoever that this position would be open, and am very disappointed that the opening has come out of the blue as it has. I will entertain applications of interested persons. In the meantime, I ask that the secretaries and executives author stories based upon RL events if they are inclined to do so.

I congratulate all winners in the At Large elections.

This Friday and Saturday night will be movie nights at the White House. We'll be showing Hoffa from 1992 with Jack Nicholson and Reds from 1981 with Warren Beatty. There will be a great deal of wine, Sherry, and food beginning at 1900 hrs. (7:00 p.m.) both nights.

In the coming days I want to dispense a few gold and silver stars. That's not foremost on my mind, however, or I would have done it by now.

[DemPGH]

Oh, I forgot something. Since September is right around the corner the polling will start, and I want to say: Do not seriously poll me in hypothetical October match-ups. At least not until I say I'm running, and at that point I hope I get banned!  

[DemPGH]

Yeah, a GM is needed pronto.

When I took office I had this strange notion, based no doubt on the level of partisanship and conflict and oneupmanship and general decline in the game, that by the end of my time in office I would be sitting in my great hall with the queen alone! It's heading that way.

[DemPGH]

Acknowledged.

Re: Napoleon: He posted something like this: "Unfortunately, I have to step down. Good luck to you all." Rather ominous, but I did see it.