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Title: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Marokai Backbeat on January 09, 2011, 07:05:15 PM Hello Atlasia. :)
Amidst all the campaigning, tickets say time and time again that they have a platform but they're just working on it, or we'll see the full platform in due time. Well we actually have a platform now. Not later. :P The platform itself is the full breadth of our ideas as they stand. Throughout the campaign, small details will change, and new ideas will be added, and when that is the case, this thread and our campaign thread will be updated with them. Now, without further ado.. (Post 1: Game Reform Post 2: Domestic/Economic Policy Post 3: Domestic/Economic Policy Continued, Improving Foreign Affairs, Closing Statements.) Game Reform
There are two major problems with the Senate as it stands. One; elections for senators largely hinge on personality, not new ideas, and in-party challenges are far and few between. Our ticket supports the implementation of a five-session consecutive limit on Senators. This equals out to a grand total of 10 months or two and a half terms (for those elected in a special election) in office before the Senators must step down for one or two sessions before running for election again. A more active Senate requires, more voices to be heard, and this is why an 10-month (2.5 term) consecutive limit is essential. It allows more individuals to be cycled into the Senate, and given a chance. The time to step up and actually make the tough changes begins with the election of the Marokai/Purple State ticket. If senators facing term limits want to continue to participate meaningfully in the game, they are able to by running for office in their region or seeking a Cabinet position. This ensures that their experience is shared beyond the confines of the Senate. Too often senators reject Cabinet offers or dismiss regional activity because of their standing in the Senate. That is bad for the game. Two, a Marokai/Purple State Administration will reform and streamline the rules of the Senate, making sure that debate is full and active, not a small group of senators participating while the rest watch from the sideline. This means spelling out a code of conduct for senators, outlining what level of activity is expected by their peers.
There is another problem with the Senate lately: it has difficult actually running itself. This problem must end and will end under a Marokai/Purple State Administration. That is why Purple State, if elected to be my Vice President, has made the following promise: I would also like to announce that if elected as your Vice President, I will keep the Senate running under my powers as President of the Senate. This means that I will not only cast tie-breaking votes, the minimum amount of work, but I will model Bacon King during his time as Vice President: an extremely active VP starting threads for legislation, opening and closing votes and making sure the trains run on time. This assures the body will continue to function as it should, and under our previous 10-month (2.5 term) consecutive limit proposal, assuages any worries that it will continue to simply muddle along. We are committed to a strong and active Senate, and we will do all within our power to make it happen.
As I said earlier in the Campaign thread, the load on the Game Moderator has become obscene. Though I believe it to be an incredible advantage, if not an outright necessity, to have an active and consistently updating GM, that is not always possible as the demands of the real world will always distract people from the job. Therefore, we propose the following: That's why I believe it is time for the implementation of "Game Advisors." Two GM "assistants", if you will, that assist and periodically perform the duties of GM themselves when the Game Moderator himself is unable to do so. This will allow people who do not want to or are not able to do the entirety of the duties themselves, to still participate in running the game. Considered the "Junior Game Advisor" and "Senior Game Advisor", these two individuals will be directed by the Game Moderator himself. For example, the Game Moderator himself could divide duties between himself and the two Game Advisors, by allowing the Junior Game Advisor to handle foreign affairs, the Senior Game Advisor to handle Economic Affairs, and the GM himself handles Misc. news stories and legislative analysis. Such a division of duties, or any combination thereof, could allow a much lighter load shared by the three. By sharing the burden, I believe it is possible for much more effective and frequent updates from the office of the GM.
The Marokai/Purple State ticket supports formal implementation of the process known as "deregistration" with efforts made to make sure that it is done carefully and doesn't cause serious conflict with any elections or court action. We support the act proposed recently in the Senate by Senator Lief (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=39557.msg2776096#msg2776096) to this effect, and should it fail, we will make further efforts during our Administration to implement a deregistration process.
This ticket believes strongly in executive legislative agendas, allowing Administrations to be more active in legislating, and proposing things on their own. The Lief Administration did a very good job of proposing ideas and working with Senators, as was the Purple State Administration that I served in. That's why, if we are elected, a Marokai/Purple State Administration will push for an "Executive" slot in the Senate legislative que, allowing for instant and unfiltered legislative proposals from the President and Vice President. The act of simply allowing for a formal delivery system for a legislative agenda from the executive will, we hope, establish precedent that will be followed by all Administrations to follow, for introducing a formal legislative agenda on behalf of the White House.
In December of 2009, there was a proposed Amendment (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=105931.msg2262705#msg2262705) that I supported in theory, that would have allowed regions to changes the means of election in their regional Senate elections. There were, however, major flaws: the Amendment did not have clear enough safeguards to prevent against abuse or poisoning democracy by altering vote requirements or candidacy rules. A Marokai/Purple State Administration will reintroduce this central idea, with more stringent protections to make sure that the elections remain fair, and open to all, while still adding a unique flavor to each individual region's Senate election. It will empower regions to spice up their Senate elections, changing the drab predictability of regional Senate elections while having the power remain firmly in regional hands.
During the Purple State Administration, I authored the "Regular Question Time Made Interesting Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Regular_Question_Time_Made_Interesting_Act)" which would allow for a monthly venue for informative and amusing back and forth between the White House and the public. A Marokai/Purple State Administration will enforce these schedules, asking the Secretary of Internal Affairs to open these threads on time each month. We strongly believe in the principle behind this Act, and we believe we can make it work.
We will make the Deputy Secretary of Forum Affairs an "unofficial" game position with the same authority it holds now. This will ensure that current officials with experience running elections are able to help the Secretary of Federal Elections and Registrar General without giving up the ability to hold a more meaningful office. We strongly support altering the Consolidated Criminal Justice Act to allow for "the Mint Exception;" situations where those who seek to take on a new identity in Atlasia will not be punished for honestly failing to de-register their previous identity, (should de-registration pass) or waiting for their previous identity to expire. We strongly support and will propose new efforts to continue Wiki consolidation started under the previous Purple State/Marokai Administration, to make the Wiki more easy to navigate and easy to read. We will propose transfering the authority over the Introduction to Atlasia Thread from random civilian appointments to the authority of the Registrar General. We will encourage and work to create more small efforts designed to better integrate new members into the game and keep their attention: So we will be encouraging better "new member orientation" programs, like improving the "Introduction to Atlasia" thread and promoting a mentor program for new citizens, Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Marokai Backbeat on January 09, 2011, 07:06:13 PM Domestic/Economic Policy
As Vice President, I authored the Social & Economic Development Zone Improvement Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Social_%26_Economic_Development_Zone_Improvement_Act), a landmark piece of legislation that can vastly improve the economic and structural future of poor and underdeveloped communities and areas all across Atlasia. There are incredible benefits to the declaration of a SEDZ: Quote Section 3: Benefits of a SEDZ 1. Money shall be distributed to the individual Zones for the purpose of infrastructure improvements and various local projects to better the community. Funds shall be payed out on a sliding scale to the population size of the zone, with a maximum of fifteen million dollars. 2. All sales and business taxes shall be suspended in the area within the Zone for 12 months. Section 4: Stimulating Employment Within SEDZs 1. A new program titled "Atlasia Works" will be created that shall operate within the Zones to expand businesses and transition individuals from state assistance benefits to meaningful work. 2. "Atlasia Works" will compile a list eligible businesses that seek to enroll in the program that wish to expand their business, but are immediately unable to do so. Businesses with more than 3 locations in the Zone will not be eligible. 3. Each individual hired through the Atlasia Works program within the Social & Economic Development Zone shall have up to 80% of their wage subsidized by the government for up to 18 months. Each employer will be limited to a number of ten subsidized jobs simultaneously. 1. The Department of Internal Affairs shall have the authority to place wage caps on workers hired through the Atlasia Works program. 4. Only individuals who recieve federal or regional assistance benefits (welfare), or individuals who would otherwise be eligible for such benefits except for having already recieved them for their maximum duration of eligibility, shall be able to find jobs through the Atlasia Works program. For the most effective implementation of this Act, however, requires cooperation on both Regional and Federal ends, and the direction given by the Regional Governments of Atlasia. A Marokai/Purple State Administration will immediately push for Regional Governments to seek out locations for the declaration of a SEDZ, and with the assistance of the GM (and hopefully, Game Advisors!) we can establish and fully fund new Social & Economic Development Zones across the country. It's time to use this underrated piece of economic law!
These are tough times for many Atlasians. Many people out there need housing assistance or assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Administration (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Home_Energy_Assistance_Administration_Act) (which I created as a Senator) and simply do not have time to wait. Expansions of assistance are very good and appreciated, but a critical part of what we must do is make sure all that are need assistance can obtain it in a timely manner. That is why a Marokai/Purple State Administration will abolish wait times and daily limits on public assistance programs such as housing vouchers and the HEAA. It is immoral for any civilized nation to deny help to those who are fully qualified to receive it. These programs are meant to help people, and it's time we do just that. We promise that if you can get it, you will get it.
While there has been much talk of work on education in this campaign by other candidates, as Senator, I created the "Bureau of Student Finance" with the Student Loan Reformation Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Student_Loan_Reformation_Act) which takes student loan subsidies away from private banks, administers student loans directly from the federal government, and saves money for everyone. Student loans are a critical part of the requirements for higher education, and if elected, a Marokai/Purple State Administration will establish an official, low, across-the-board interest rate for federal student loans that will make repaying those student loans as painless as possible.
Purple State and I have long been advocates of consumer protection. As Senator, I authored the Fair Interest Rates Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Fair_Interest_Rates_Act) which banned "payday loan" lending and instituted a cap on credit card interest rates, and Purple State authored the Worker's Bill of Rights Act. (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Workers%27_Bill_of_Rights_Act) But now, it is time for much more widespread efforts to protect the individual consumer. The abuses of credit card companies still goes unchecked, and it is time we correct that as has been done in the real world. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_Card_Accountability,_Responsibility,_and_Disclosure_Act_of_2009) We promise, if elected, to propose a new set of necessary and effective credit card regulations with the following provisions as mere examples of what we intend:
As the author of the current personal income tax rates (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Fiscal_Responsibility_Act), I believe strongly in protecting them as they stand, and believe Atlasians are sufficiently taxed. I will ask the Game Moderator to assess our current levels of military spending and deficit, and seek to make responsible cuts when most efficient, but we must not sacrifice economic growth for budget cuts. I believe the budget is in respectable shape, and due in part to my past taxation efforts, will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. From the GM’s Desk: Legislation Analysis Fiscal Responsibility Bill: This legislation, sponsored by Senator Marokai Blue (JCP), seeks to streamline and restructure Atlasian income tax brackets. The current bill would create new brackets for individual's income above $367,700, $1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. This would equate with a tax rate increase for the higher brackets and a tax rate decrease for the lowest brackets, with most rates remaining the same. Previous estimates by the Office of the GM calculated between $250 billion and $600 billion in gained revenue as a result of these changes. Given the overall nature of marginal income tax, as well as the relative revenue gained through individual, rather than corporate, income taxes, the office is now prepared to predict a total revenue in-flow of $500 billion as a result of the new taxation brackets. This would greatly help in reducing the budget deficit over the coming years. In conjunction with eventual spending cuts and other tax reforms, the Atlasian budget could reach neutrality in two years and bring the debt to zero shortly after a ten year time horizon. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Marokai Backbeat on January 09, 2011, 07:06:54 PM
Firstly, upon taking office, I will ask the GM to assess the current state of the auto industry as a whole, as well as the automotive industry native to Atlasia. We believe that we can easily improve the auto industry and the economy more broadly, at the same time. That is why a Marokai/Purple State Administration will propose a sensible "Cash for Clunkers" program, designed to improve the environment, the automotive industry, and the economy all at the same time. By giving tax credits to those who own older and more environmentally unfriendly vehicles, we can encourage people to buy newer, more environmentally friendly cars, and stimulate the economy. (It has been a proven success in the real world, and we can replicate that here.)
We will submit a proposal to grant a 100% tax deduction for small businesses that invest in new equipment, or replacement equipment, which will allow businesses to modernize their equipment and improve their ability to compete. We strongly support the "Consumer Convenience in Pricing Act" proposed by Senator Lief, (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=39557.msg2776709#msg2776709) which will give consumers full knowledge on the price of their goods by including taxes in the price tag. Upon taking office, my Administration will ask the Game Moderator for assessments on the current progress and impact of the Green Power Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Green_Power_Act), the Green Homes Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Green_Homes_Act), and the Atlasia Clean Energy Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Atlasia_Clean_Energy_Act_of_2010), and will make any effort to speed the progress and fill in any gaps of the legislation. Improving Foreign Policy
I have always believed that we should handle foreign policy with the coolest of heads, and I believe I am the most tempered when it comes to foreign affairs and foreign entanglements among the candidates. I elaborated slightly on my feelings in general on foreign affairs in the Presidential debate: I've always favored a more tempered foreign policy. Both extreme isolation and extreme intervention are insane and unrealistic, and get us in more trouble than good. I believe it's best as a general rule to leave nations to their own affairs as long as they don't put others in danger beyond it's borders, but these things are a very touchy issue, and foreign affairs, to me, should be handled on a case by case basis and a careful and calm mind. Military action should always be a last resort, no doubt about it. I do not believe it is in Atlasia's best interest to be the policeman of the world, nor do I believe we are capable of such a feat without laying waste to our finances at home. I believe that defense is just that. Defense. For international concerns, we should certainly take action when the situation demands it, but we should do so in concert with other nations.
The Secretary of External Affairs is a woefully underappreciated office, as is foreign affairs in general, and this ticket believes we should give much more attention to foreign matters in this game. With the Game Advisors proposal, one of the Advisors and the Game Moderator could easily direct a portion of their work solely on foreign affairs, giving much more attention to foreign goings-on and forcing Atlasia and the world to respond with much greater focus. We believe strongly that foreign affairs are an unused resource that can be used to get more and more people interest in the game, beyond just game reform changes and domestic policy proposals, and we have the persistence to make it happen. Closing Remarks This ticket is committed to a stronger Atlasia and every way, and we believe that in this platform, we have laid down merely our starting point for moving Atlasia forward. We will continue to have even more proposals as the campaign moves forward, and define those laid out here even further. A Marokai/Purple State Administration would be among the most active and qualified in history, rivaled in past accomplishments by no others. Countless times throughout the construction of this platform, I came across many incidents where I had dealt with a portion of that issue in the past with other legislation. Can other tickets boast the same? We believe that alone makes us supremely qualified to handle the issues that plague the game. As this campaign moves forward, we will continue to come up with new proposals, and define those we've already made, and we look forward to as much debate as possible with the other candidates. During this campaign, you should always keep asking yourself, "Which candidate is the most well versed?" "Is my candidate the one with the biggest history of dealing with Atlasia's issues?" "What candidate has the clearest proposals and most demonstrated ability to write legislation meant to address Atlasia's problems?". We believe, in all those questions, we come out on top. We will work hard. For you. Support Marokai Blue/Purple State, for Atlasia. () Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 09, 2011, 08:43:08 PM So you've all got some light bedtime reading. ;)
I'm very much looking forward to the discussions on our platform. Have at it! Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Antonio the Sixth on January 10, 2011, 05:22:50 AM This is impressive. I challenge any presidential candidate to write such a detailed, comprehensive and audacious platform.
No matter how "unelectable" you are, any Atlasia who cares about policy should support this ticket. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Oakvale on January 10, 2011, 02:09:51 PM That's quite an impressive amount of work, guys. My proverbial hat is off to you - I've got to respond to the questions I missed in the debate due to falling ill, but after I've done that I'll probably throw up some comments on what I agree/disagree with. :)
Rest assured I will appoint Marokai as SoIA when I am President. :P Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Fmr. Pres. Duke on January 10, 2011, 06:52:17 PM It's an in depth platform, but I bet it will entertain me more once I'm drunk.
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Marokai Backbeat on January 17, 2011, 06:29:02 PM This is what should be getting attention during a Presidential election, gentlemen.
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 20, 2011, 11:31:21 PM I go away for 10 days and we don't get any meaningful feedback (no offense Yank)? Come now, what's the point of these elections?
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Antonio the Sixth on January 21, 2011, 05:02:59 AM what's the point of these elections? Drama. ;) Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: MASHED POTATOES. VOTE! on January 21, 2011, 07:07:26 AM Rest assured I will appoint Marokai as SoIA Fixed. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 21, 2011, 09:08:41 AM Here is an example of what friendly policy discussion should look like:
Middle Class Stability: Recognizing the dire straits that the economy is in and how burdensome taxes can be, we support lowering the 14% and 25% tax rates for ten years. This is designed to put more purchasing power in the hands of Atlasia's middle class, and provide them the stability and relief they need. National Debt: The easiest way we can solve our national debt is fixing our national deficit. I'm confident that under my administration, we won't have to raise the debt ceiling, and if it is ever proposed that we do, there's a good chance we could fix the problem by cutting back on spending. I support small cuts across the board so we can start eliminating our national debt. This won't happen over night, but will take months, and even years. Unemployment: Some candidates are focused heavily on the past, pointing to key legislation they helped get through in the pass. While it's a great feeling to pass a bill, the effects of the bill are what's more important. And I can't really say we've been making great economical decisions in the past when we still face a high unemployment and growing debt. Our administration will look to more funding for job creation, giving tax credits, and cutting the programs that don't benefit our nation. We'll work to make entitlement reform. In such trying times, I think raising taxes should be a last resort, especially on small businesses, and I will strongly urge the Senate to not pass any tax hikes. I'm a little curious about these three paragraphs. First, you come out for lowering taxes on the middle class. I think I can get on board with that. But then you heighten worry about the national debt, which is not only pretty under control in Atlasia due to legislation different than the US, but also may increase when you cut taxes. Now one option would be to reduce spending, but the last paragraph rules that out in the short-term by promising "no new taxes" while also promising new spending. You do promise strategic spending cuts and entitlement reform, but I'm not sure what you mean by the former and the latter is ripped from the US, which I'm not sure applies as smoothly to Atlasia as you make it seem. So could you tell us what exactly you would be cutting/reforming to help close the under control deficit? Would anyone like to take a crack at our proposals? I don't believe they are unassailable, after all Marokai wrote them :P (though that would be pretty cool.) Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Insula Dei on January 21, 2011, 02:12:49 PM What's your position on Western
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 22, 2011, 06:05:10 PM What's your position on Western The Midwest has always been an interesting and fun region. As long as their actions don't conflict with Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Article_IV_of_the_Third_Constitution) of the Constitution, they are free to act autonomously of the federal government. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 24, 2011, 11:35:59 PM We really can't have a policy debate in this game? Well that's boring. It would be nice if Tmth or Oakvale or their respective running mates would at least tell us we are wrong about something or other so I can feel like this race is a contest of ideas, not just personalities.
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tmthforu94 on January 24, 2011, 11:38:09 PM We really can't have a policy debate in this game? Well that's boring. It would be nice if Tmth or Oakvale or their respective running mates would at least tell us we are wrong about something or other so I can feel like this race is a contest of ideas, not just personalities. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 25, 2011, 12:01:21 AM We really can't have a policy debate in this game? Well that's boring. It would be nice if Tmth or Oakvale or their respective running mates would at least tell us we are wrong about something or other so I can feel like this race is a contest of ideas, not just personalities. I'm calling you out for not challenging us on policy. If you agree with everything in our platform then you should drop out. If you disagree then that's (hopefully) important for the game. And really, this election is really boring and purely based on personality if there are no real policy discussions. You still never answered my question of what exactly it is you plan to cut to reduce the deficit, which seems to be a major part of your campaign. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tmthforu94 on January 25, 2011, 12:10:03 AM Find a sense of humor, dude. I was joking.
I've stated disagreements in my platform, such as term limits on Senators. With more issues now to discuss, I will be discussing those issues with both Oakvale and Marokai at our next debate, which I look forward to have soon. Your more than welcome to debate those issues with Dallasfan and Snowy, as I'm sure y'all will be having another debate as well. I think both Oakvale and I can agree that there are similarities between all three of our political beliefs. What's extremely important here is which candidate has the leadership skills to bring all sides together working to make this nation better. Someone with a bi-partisan, independent record who has a history of getting along well with all sides. I believe that as President, I'd bring that to the table. At the end of the day (well, technically the beginning), when I think of this nation in 8 months, I'd like for everyone in the game to be able to say they're having fun playing. Because if people lose their excitment and energy for the game, the game's as good as dead. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Ban my account ffs! on January 25, 2011, 12:18:48 AM I'll make a simple statement. Many of your platform positions represent an overreaching of executive power in Atlasia.
This simulation is a game based on the United States, and as such, the constitution reflects in many key ways the United States constitution. This is not a parliamentary democracy like those of Europe. I think the Marokai/PurpleState platform blurs the lines too much between the legislative and executive branches of government, which are separate for very good reasons. While an Oakvale/Snowguy administration would have no problem working with the legislature (Senate) to move our own agenda forward, it is not our position, as executives, to legislate. I believe our administration would keep the roles of the presidency and the senate clearly defined and intact. If we follow those guidelines already put in place by our constitution, the game will run smoothly and it makes it a simulation that everybody can be a part of instead of concentrating power into the hands of one person. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 25, 2011, 12:22:09 AM Find a sense of humor, dude. I was joking. I've stated disagreements in my platform, such as term limits on Senators. With more issues now to discuss, I will be discussing those issues with both Oakvale and Marokai at our next debate, which I look forward to have soon. Your more than welcome to debate those issues with Dallasfan and Snowy, as I'm sure y'all will be having another debate as well. I think both Oakvale and I can agree that there are similarities between all three of our political beliefs. What's extremely important here is which candidate has the leadership skills to bring all sides together working to make this nation better. Someone with a bi-partisan, independent record who has a history of getting along well with all sides. I believe that as President, I'd bring that to the table. At the end of the day (well, technically the beginning), when I think of this nation in 8 months, I'd like for everyone in the game to be able to say they're having fun playing. Because if people lose their excitment and energy for the game, the game's as good as dead. The debates are nice, but it kills excitement to have these discussions only every few weeks. Has this campaign been fun? Not in the last two weeks it hasn't, because no one has made an effort to seriously engage in the meat of the race. Instead it has all been about in-fighting and drama. You can keep saying it's about fun, but this game is only fun when people have policy to disagree on. Once that goes away, all that's left is personality contests and that is when you start to see these silly dramas where people get hurt. And those don't look very fun. Instead of calling out Marokai's character, which seems to be all you do these days, why not actually engage in a policy discussion that we are trying to start and you seem loathe to join? So let me ask: Aside from term-limits, which I've already debated with Duke et al., what part of our platform do you disagree with? And as I asked almost a week ago, what specific programs would you cut to reduce the deficit? Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tmthforu94 on January 25, 2011, 12:26:08 AM Ironic that you're questioning me for calling out Marokai on his character, when you're practically doing the same thing to me now. I'm not attacking Marokai's character at all Actually, I didn't attack him once in that post. You ask me to point out differences, yet when I do, I'm questioned for "calling out Marokai on his character". There needs to be some consistancy in your attacks.
Yes, I obviously think I'd make a better leader than Marokai, as well as Oakvale. And I'm sure Marokai thinks he'd make a better leader than Oakvale and myself, and Oakvale probably thinks he'd make a better leader than Marokai or I. Big. Deal. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 25, 2011, 12:28:37 AM I'll make a simple statement. Many of your platform positions represent an overreaching of executive power in Atlasia. This simulation is a game based on the United States, and as such, the constitution reflects in many key ways the United States constitution. This is not a parliamentary democracy like those of Europe. I think the Marokai/PurpleState platform blurs the lines too much between the legislative and executive branches of government, which are separate for very good reasons. While an Oakvale/Snowguy administration would have no problem working with the legislature (Senate) to move our own agenda forward, it is not our position, as executives, to legislate. I believe our administration would keep the roles of the presidency and the senate clearly defined and intact. If we follow those guidelines already put in place by our constitution, the game will run smoothly and it makes it a simulation that everybody can be a part of instead of concentrating power into the hands of one person. Now this is actually something I can engage with. Thank you for those remarks Snowguy. :) In the view of this ticket, it comes down to how engaged the executive should be in Atlasia. While obviously our efforts require the consent of the Senate, we feel as though the executive branch should have an agenda and try to drive policy. As you can see right now, the Senate is all over the place, addressing a host of unrelated issues with no strategic vision. A lack of strategy leads to scattershot tactics. What an active and engaged executive with a clear agenda can do is set a strategy for the Senate that really helps the game along. If you look back at the PS/Marokai administration, we had a clear cut game reform agenda that really shifted the track that the game was on in a positive way. Now, is it possible we have over-learned those lessons? Absolutely, and we recognize that our current platform, to be enacted, will require a heavy load of working together with senators and Atlasians to find common ground. It can't be handed down from on high. But hopefully it provides a vision that will help guide debate and policy in a certain direction. And that makes the game more interesting, more exciting, and more fun. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tpfkaw on January 25, 2011, 12:30:19 AM Instead of calling out Marokai's character, which seems to be all you do these days, why not actually engage in a policy discussion that we are trying to start and you seem loathe to join? I just reviewed every post of Tmth's from the last two weeks and found that not one of them even referenced Marokai by name, much less did anything that could be construed as "calling out his character." It seems to me that either your perceptive powers are extremely limited, or you're projecting. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: #CriminalizeSobriety on January 25, 2011, 12:30:35 AM I'll make a simple statement. Many of your platform positions represent an overreaching of executive power in Atlasia. I would have to agree with that. On the subject of an Executive Slot, while interesting, I think it is unnecessary. Out of all ten Senators, one is bound to be willing to sponsor legislation for the Administration (even if merely as a proxy and not a supporter.) Bacon King and Yankee have done this in past Senates. In keeping with the philosophy of "putting one's money where their mouth is", should Marokai or Oakvale win the Presidency, I will sponsor legislation for them in the Senate. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 25, 2011, 12:34:00 AM Ironic that you're questioning me for calling out Marokai on his character, when you're practically doing the same thing to me now. I'm not attacking Marokai's character at all Actually, I didn't attack him once in that post. You ask me to point out differences, yet when I do, I'm questioned for "calling out Marokai on his character". There needs to be some consistancy in your attacks. Yes, I obviously think I'd make a better leader than Marokai, as well as Oakvale. And I'm sure Marokai thinks he'd make a better leader than Oakvale and myself, and Oakvale probably thinks he'd make a better leader than Marokai or I. Big. Deal. Look at how you responded to my original post... Now look at how Snowguy responded. End of story. If you are interested in having a policy debate, now is your chance. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 25, 2011, 12:34:55 AM Instead of calling out Marokai's character, which seems to be all you do these days, why not actually engage in a policy discussion that we are trying to start and you seem loathe to join? I just reviewed every post of Tmth's from the last two weeks and found that not one of them even referenced Marokai by name, much less did anything that could be construed as "calling out his character." It seems to me that either your perceptive powers are extremely limited, or you're projecting. That took you all of ten minutes, did it? Fast reader we have here. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tpfkaw on January 25, 2011, 12:44:04 AM Instead of calling out Marokai's character, which seems to be all you do these days, why not actually engage in a policy discussion that we are trying to start and you seem loathe to join? I just reviewed every post of Tmth's from the last two weeks and found that not one of them even referenced Marokai by name, much less did anything that could be construed as "calling out his character." It seems to me that either your perceptive powers are extremely limited, or you're projecting. That took you all of ten minutes, did it? Fast reader we have here. Yes, it's only about 4 or 5 pages of one-liners with the occasional paragraph. I suppose it's probably the powers of perception then, if that's too daunting a task for you. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tmthforu94 on January 25, 2011, 12:44:50 AM Instead of calling out Marokai's character, which seems to be all you do these days, why not actually engage in a policy discussion that we are trying to start and you seem loathe to join? I just reviewed every post of Tmth's from the last two weeks and found that not one of them even referenced Marokai by name, much less did anything that could be construed as "calling out his character." It seems to me that either your perceptive powers are extremely limited, or you're projecting. That took you all of ten minutes, did it? Fast reader we have here. I stated at the beginning of this “discussion” that I disagree with your campaign’s position on term limits. I don’t think encouraging placeholders to get into the Senate is necessarily a good idea. If the people want their Senator out, they have a chance every 4 months to vote them out. I'm genuinely curious to your argument on this issue. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: #CriminalizeSobriety on January 25, 2011, 12:57:44 AM Apparently I've been out of the loop, since I haven't gotten any memos about character assassination. We have run a clean campaign and focused on issues that matter in this campaign.
I think claims that Tmth has been impugning others' character are a little off base. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 25, 2011, 09:08:44 AM I will address this only once, though I'm still amazed that you are avoiding a policy debate for this petty stupidity.
So Tmth, you respond to my request for a policy debate with this: Quote What's extremely important here is which candidate has the leadership skills to bring all sides together working to make this nation better. Someone with a bi-partisan, independent record who has a history of getting along well with all sides. Now, I asked for a discussion of policy. Snowguy had no problem with this. You, on the other hand, felt it necessary to avoid any discussion of policy and instead note who can get "along well with all sides." If you, wormyguy and Dallasfan can't read deeper into that than the words on the page... I'm just saying you three are either being disingenuous or thick. So we've cleared that up. Now do you plan on having an intelligent debate about policy, as Snowguy has initiated on behalf of his ticket, or will you insist on focusing exclusively on irrelevant absurdities for the rest of this campaign? Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tmthforu94 on January 25, 2011, 10:14:44 AM I am doing my best to run a clean campaign, and I think almost everyone can agree that I have run one. Therefore, I don’t appreciate you trying to attack my character by accusing me of attacking others. If you’re going to throw accusations like that out there in the open, all I ask is that you at least back it up with some proof, which you keep avoiding to do.
Obviously you didn’t even both to read my last post, as I did try to engage in policy discussion. This is the second time I have brought term limits into my discussion, yet instead of addressing that, you continue to show the same aggressive, spiteful behavior. After my joking response, in which you appeared to take way too seriously, I spoke on my disagreement on term limits. Yet instead of addressing that, which someone who was really serious about “policy debate” would do, you continue to attack other elements of my post. I don’t know if you just don’t want to discuss term limits or are caught up in other drama too much, but I find it annoying that I’m brining in policy on multiple occasions and the person who is attacking me on not addressing policy fails to address it. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: MASHED POTATOES. VOTE! on January 25, 2011, 10:33:05 AM May I ask what the hell is going on?
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: afleitch on January 25, 2011, 11:47:57 AM We are becoming a 'Marokracy' ;)
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: MASHED POTATOES. VOTE! on January 25, 2011, 12:56:43 PM I'm not, naturally Tmthforu's presidential bid supporter, but I'm pretty sure during this campaign he never use any kind of a negative campaign. So what the hell is going on?
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 25, 2011, 01:10:40 PM I am doing my best to run a clean campaign, and I think almost everyone can agree that I have run one. Therefore, I don’t appreciate you trying to attack my character by accusing me of attacking others. If you’re going to throw accusations like that out there in the open, all I ask is that you at least back it up with some proof, which you keep avoiding to do. Obviously you didn’t even both to read my last post, as I did try to engage in policy discussion. This is the second time I have brought term limits into my discussion, yet instead of addressing that, you continue to show the same aggressive, spiteful behavior. After my joking response, in which you appeared to take way too seriously, I spoke on my disagreement on term limits. Yet instead of addressing that, which someone who was really serious about “policy debate” would do, you continue to attack other elements of my post. I don’t know if you just don’t want to discuss term limits or are caught up in other drama too much, but I find it annoying that I’m brining in policy on multiple occasions and the person who is attacking me on not addressing policy fails to address it. I mentioned in a previous post that the term-limits debate really was already exhausted by Duke. We could rehash it, but I'm not sure there is much point to that. So why not address my previous question about the deficit? Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Marokai Backbeat on January 26, 2011, 04:52:46 PM I'm not, naturally Tmthforu's presidential bid supporter, but I'm pretty sure during this campaign he never use any kind of a negative campaign. So what the hell is going on? More simply that he's avoided getting knee deep in policy debates. I wouldn't personally say "negative campaigning" from Tmth, but I do think he focuses a bit too much on the personality aspect of the campaign and too little on the other. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 27, 2011, 12:35:07 AM It gets a bit odd when I ask, in post after post, to have a policy debate, but every response avoids one and instead continues addressing an issue I don't really care about. And when Tmth asks me to provide proof or retract my comments, and I do provide proof, he locks the thread.
Seriously, stop goading me into the pettiness and just answer the one question I've asked over and over: If you are really committed to cutting the budget deficit, what specific programs do you plan to cut? Show me the money. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: tmthforu94 on January 27, 2011, 08:57:07 AM It gets a bit odd when I ask, in post after post, to have a policy debate, but every response avoids one and instead continues addressing an issue I don't really care about. And when Tmth asks me to provide proof or retract my comments, and I do provide proof, he locks the thread. Seriously, stop goading me into the pettiness and just answer the one question I've asked over and over: If you are really committed to cutting the budget deficit, what specific programs do you plan to cut? Show me the money. If all of this was pettiness to you and you don't care about it, you wouldn't have brought it up. Plain and simple. Regarding your question, I'll work on an answer either tonight or tomorrow, whichever is my earliest convinence. If not then, I will happily work it into the debate, where the three Presidential candidates, Marokai, Oakvale, and I, can discuss it. I've already made a brief outline of areas I would look to cut, but I'd be more than happy to go into more detail at a later time. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Rowan on January 27, 2011, 09:23:18 AM I need to know what the respective campaigns opinions are of Jake Matthews.
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: MASHED POTATOES. VOTE! on January 27, 2011, 10:05:25 AM I need to know what the respective campaigns opinions are of Jake Matthews. Some people are seeing NWO everywhere. Some people are seeing bad Jews everywhere. Some people are seeing alien abductors everywhere. Rowan Brandon is seeing Hamilton socks everywhere. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: President Mitt on January 27, 2011, 01:23:23 PM In Rowan's defense though, he's right most of the time.
Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Grumpier Than Thou on January 27, 2011, 02:18:03 PM I need to know what the respective campaigns opinions are of Jake Matthews. Approve ;) Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 27, 2011, 07:44:11 PM I need to know what the respective campaigns opinions are of Jake Matthews. Speaking for myself and not the ticket, I generally have no opinion on any of you as individuals, given this is a game over the internet where we all assume characters and try to have fun. As long as Jake isn't actively trying to ruin the fun, I couldn't care less. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Grumpier Than Thou on January 27, 2011, 08:23:14 PM I need to know what the respective campaigns opinions are of Jake Matthews. Speaking for myself and not the ticket, I generally have no opinion on any of you as individuals, given this is a game over the internet where we all assume characters and try to have fun. As long as Jake isn't actively trying to ruin the fun, I couldn't care less. It seems as though Pound The Rock is out to prove that I am a non-human life form or merely a troll, which I am neither. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 27, 2011, 11:55:48 PM I need to know what the respective campaigns opinions are of Jake Matthews. Speaking for myself and not the ticket, I generally have no opinion on any of you as individuals, given this is a game over the internet where we all assume characters and try to have fun. As long as Jake isn't actively trying to ruin the fun, I couldn't care less. It seems as though Pound The Rock is out to prove that I am a non-human life form or merely a troll, which I am neither. I mean, Joe is usually a non-human life form and I don't think anything less of him for it. I just want people to enjoy the game. If everyone plays nice then that is good enough for me. Title: Re: Marokai/Purple State Platform Extravaganza! Post by: Purple State on January 28, 2011, 04:42:10 PM I'm in the mood for another VP debate or an interview by any/all Atlasian papers. The paucity of substantive discussions so far is boring.
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