Talk Elections

Hello friends.

Seeing as though the JCP and RPP are bound to dissolve within a matter of days, it's time we start new.

For far too long, Atlasia has been strangled by the tight grasp of a two party system that spends more time bickering over partisan matters than actually legislating on behalf of The People. It is my firm belief that Atlasians deserve better. Before I go on, let me start by laying out my intentions for the Individual Freedom Party:

• The Individual Freedom Party will serve as a party that opens its arms to anyone willing to join. Whether you sit on the left, right or center of the spectrum, I hope you'll find the IFP to be a party that you feel represented by.
• This party will (hopefully) not fall victim to partisanship. I'd love to see a vast diversity of ideologies within the IFP.
• I also hope to see the IFP become known for its active as well as energetic members. It is my firm belief that the IFP can revitalize Atlasia.

Now you may think, why should I join the IFP? Because I hope to see not only a party united, but a nation united. Leftists, rightists, centrists, all ideologies coming together. It is time we bring forth a new horizon...starting with the formation of this party.

Welcome to the Individual Freedom Party.

()

     It sounds disturbingly like the AUB.

I expect the IFP to last a little longer :P

Press Release:

The IFP will officially open for business following the impending dissolution of the RPP.

Members will be welcome to join and begin laying groundwork for the party. I hope to see a slate of ideologies joining to help start a new era for Atlasian politics.

x 20RP12

I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my Senate bid

Yes, I have one question:

Since this is the Individual Freedom Party, what is your stance on individual freedom and civil liberties? Is there such thing as too much? Too little? Should the Government involve itself in personal liberty?

Individual Freedom Party Press Release

January 26th 2012

Boston, Massachusetts

Friends,

In light of the recent flood of registration for the newly formed Liberal Party, the IFP will be opening its doors sooner than expected. Atlasians are now encouraged to join the IFP if they so choose. Official registration will begin at 4:30 PM EST and a registered voters roll will begin being kept. I hope to see a slew of members joining and I hope to see this party emerge as a premier party in Atlasia standing for individual autonomy and Governmental responsibility.

Thank you.

x 20RP12
IFP Chairman and Founder

If there are any questions, I would be more than happy to field them.

Atlasians

Y U NO JOIN MY PARTY

*cough*

I'll join

I'll proudly run for senate under your banner!

Thank you for joining and of course you may run under the banner of the IFP! :D

Thank you for the question... first of all I know you will disagree iwth me on abortion. Here is why we disagree- I believe a fetus is a life, so it involves not just a personal decision but one that affects others. In terms of things like gay marriage, marijuana legalization, I would agree with what I believe your position wouldbe. Marijuana in particular- I was convinced by Gary Johnson at CPAC at how a legalized marijuana would make the world safer. If a grandchild of mine were to approach a drug dealer to purchase marijuana, it makes it easier to obtain cocaine if the dealer also has that.  If marijuana is legal, that harmless drug is allowed and harmful drugs can actually be fought.

Did that answer your question?

Jerseyrules- you got listed as RPP on the ballot.

(You do know you need to register in the new register thread, right?)

Clarence -- Yes, sir. Thank you.

January 27th 2012

Boston, MA


Draft Platform:

- The Individual Freedom Party stands for fiscal liberty and responsibility, encouraging job growth via Government policies with as little regulation as possible.

- The Individual Freedom Party also advocates staunch social equality, with rights for all Atlasians, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

- The Individual Freedom Party believes in a non-interventionist foreign policy, with a strong national defense prepared for a crisis situation in which war is inevitable. Otherwise, we believe that we needn't involve ourselves in foreign matters.

- The IFP advocates an environmental policy that involves using both renewable and non-renewable resources. We will support expanding our use of solar, wind and other forms of energy, as well as drilling for our own domestic oil.

x 20RP12

I am requesting membership :)

Feel free to register! :D

Those who wish to join the IFP: Remember to state your name, state of residence and your affiliation with the Individual Freedom Party in this (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=34355.7155) thread. Thank you!

x 20RP12

January 27th 2012
Boston, MA


20RP12 - Massachusetts, Northeast
Chairmansanchez - Florida, South
PiT - Louisiana, South
Giovanni - Massachusetts, Northeast
Jerseyrules - New York, Northeast

Last updated: 6:50 PM EST 1/28/12

Still looking for new members. Remember to sign up in the New Register Thread (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=34355.7170) stating your name, state of residence and your affiliation with the Individual Freedom Party

Thank you!

x 20RP12

January 28th 2012
Boston, MA

The Individual Freedom Party is releasing a second logo:

()

This logo, even in its simplicity, represents what the IFP stands for: universal peace.

A new horizon awaits, join the Individual Freedom Party!

We'd like to welcome our new member, PiT! :D Welcome! :D

     Glad to be here! :)

January 28th 2012
Boston, MA

The Individual Freedom Party's Wikipedia Page is now up and running. It can be found here. (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Individual_Freedom_Party)

x 20RP12

As with the Liberty Caucus or whatever that was called, will there be a neutral position on abortion or what? Seeing as it looks like no straight-up Conservative party is forming, I'm looking for a party I can best moderate my views to fit.

We'll take a moderate, Center-Right position on abortion, basically saying that we don't like the idea of abortion, we don't encourage it, we don't condone it and we want to see less of it, but it should be legal, without federal funding.

I guess if I join I'll call myself a "moderate" then. :P

Conservative values are very much welcome within the IFP :)

January 28th 2012
Boston, MA

We need more members! Feel free to recruit members! :)

x 20RP12

We'd like to welcome our new member, Giovanni! :D Welcome! :D

January 28th 2012
Boston, MA

Hello friends,

Today I'm announcing the details for the February 2012 Individual Freedom Party Convention.

The Convention shall take place from February 2nd 2012 until February 8th 2012.

The Convention will be held in Seattle, Washington at the Washington State Convention Center.

We will endorse candidates for Federal and Regional elections, as well as set some early bylaws and platform guidelines.

I hope to see everyone there! :)

x 20RP12

We might be libertarians but I say we endorse ZuWo for President.

I support this :)

Welcome, Jerseyrules :)

Major party status = reached.

Celebration, anyone? ;)

()

     Chapeau !

()

Any platform work, etc.?  We in the wiki yet?  Cuz I'd be willing to help out there.

Thanks ;).  So I motion for a brief convention just to take care of the platform.  Would you be okay with a plank supporting all hospitals carrying the morning after pill, in order to reduce abortions?

I support this plank. We will hammer out a full platform throughout the convention, as well as craft a strategy to expand the party :)

The wiki is up and is located here. (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Individual_Freedom_Party)

By the way, feel free to take a brownie:

()

:)

January 28th 2012
Boston, MA

Any requests for entertainment at the convention? Need to start booking now ;D

x 20RP12

January 29th 2012
Boston, MA

Anyone want to run for President? Otherwise, we'll just endorse ZuWo. Or we could start a write-in campaign.

Sample Ballot for the 2012 IFP Convention

For President of Atlasia

[ ] ZuWo (CPA-KY-ME) / Jbrase (UIF-TX-IDS)
[ ] Write-in:

For Governor of the Northeast Region

[ ] Napoleon (LPA-CT)
[ ] Rowanbrandon (RPP*-NJ)

For Emperor of the Imperial Dominion of the South

[ ] PiT (IFP-LA)

For Northeast Regional Senator

[ ] Snowstalker (JCP*-PA)
[ ] Simfan34 (CPA-NY)

For Midwest Regional Senator

[ ] Marokai Blue (RPP*-IA)

For Mideast Regional Senator

[ ] MOPolitico (LPA-MO)

For IDS Regional Senator

[ ] Write-in:

For Pacific Regional Senator

[ ] Write-in:

Did I miss anyone/any office(s)?

* = Party will be dissolved at time of election, not sure what to list them as.
Italics = Incumbent

bump!

The ZuWo/Jbrase ticket would be thrilled to receive an endorsement from the IFP. If you've got any questions about our stances on the issues, don't hesitate to ask.

As President, how do you plan to protect Individual Freedom, as that is the number one goal of the party? :)

As you may know, my and Jbrase's number one priority is lowering the tax burden for all Atlasians and reducing regulation for businesses wherever it makes sense to do so. By pursuing these goals, we can contribute to more financial freedom for every Atlasian citizen and Atlasian businesses.

Additionally, we stand for regional rights and will not support legislation that restricts the freedom of the regions of Atlasia by forcing them to adopt federal law on issues which can easily be dealt with on the regional level.

Very good :) I think it's safe to say that you will have the party's endorsement :)

Does this mean you would veto a bill that bans abortion or gay marriage nationwide if one ever came to your desk?

Since the Senate is overwhelmingly socially liberal, this is a highly hypothetical question. Or to put it more bluntly: It will never happen.

Nevertheless, I do my best to give an accurate answer.

In both cases, I would first consult the Vice President as well as other close allies. I would then probably sign the bill that bans abortion. Since abortion is, in my view, the taking of a human life, I'd consider this an appropriate decision. The protection of human life - be it in the case of abortion or the death penalty - should not be a regional issue but a matter that concerns the entire country.

However, gay marriage is an issue that can be dealt with on the regional level and as President I would like this issue to be taken care of by the individual regions. If the South, for example, would like to ban gay marriage I say go ahead. If the Pacific, on the other hand, would like to extend the rights of gays (if that's still possible in Atlasia) I say the same. This is an issue which, as I said, should be handled by the regions, and I would not approve of a bill that mandates a decision by the federal government.

Sbane added to the ballot (1/30/12)

If no IFP members are running for governor of the NE, I'd be glad to do it, even if I don't win.

At this convention:

()

I'd like to endorse ZuWo for President.  I don't think any of us are experienced enough, and we should focus most on the state and legislative elections.  Speaking of which, I'd like your opinion on whether I should run for governor.  Regardless of if I would win, I think we need to get a name on the ballot with IFP next to it.  So, would you guys vote for me?  What do you think?

     While I am not a citizen of the Northeast, I think you should run if you have the time to dedicate to an active campaign. A quality electoral campaign could really help boost the party's profile, even if it is unsuccessful.

The endorsement of the IFP would mean much to me. :)

I agree with this. Jerseyrules, if you want to run, you should. But plan on running an active campaign.


:)

Snowstalker removed from the ballot (1/31/12)

NC Yankee added (1/31/12)

January 31st 2012
Boston, MA

Happy (almost) February, fellow freedom fighters! Our convention is just two days away, so I'm off to Seattle tomorrow to help set up. I've booked Beck, Rush, Green Day and Muse as bands to play. They're be other artists, but I just booked a few (and it wasn't cheap lol) so I say let's have a fun time in Seattle! :)

x 20RP12

February 1st 2012
Seattle, WA

Hey guys! Happy February! I've landed in Seattle and, other than some jet lag, all is good. Hope to see ya'll soon!

x 20RP12

If an IFP candidate does not run for the IDS Regional Senate, then I would be interested in a bid.

EDIT: Never mind, it appears we already have a candidate ;)

I think we'll endorse NC Yankee :P unless you wanna run...

February 1st 2012
Seattle, WA

Friends,

There is currently a vote up in the Populares Party that would have them merge with our party, creating one superparty. I endorse this idea and I encourage you all to post in the Populares Party thread stating your support for Merger Proposal 1. Thank you.

x 20RP12

Are you going to hold your own vote on it, or just declare it approved by fiat, or what?

We'll have a vote :)

After much thought, I'm running for governor of the NE!  Btw, I motion for a vote on the merger with the Populares.

Aye

     Aye

If it passes with the Populares, Aye.

February 2nd 2012
Seattle, WA

Friends,

Welcome to beautiful Seattle, Washington!

()

It's great to see you all here. Please sign in and we'll continue get rolling!

By the way, I'd like to personally welcome Mechaman to the party :)

x 20RP12

Sign in list:

20RP12
Mechaman
PiT
Jerseyrules

Jerseyrules added to the ballot (2/2/12)

X Mechaman

Also, Aye in regards to Populares merger.

     X PiT (The Physicist)

EarlAW added to the ballot (2/2/12)

Marokai has joined the Labor Party, btw

Since I have an extensive history of strongly supporting increased individual freedoms, I will seek this party's endorsement. :)

Thank youuuuuuuuu :P


Jerseyrules will likely get first preference, but you'll probably get second :P

Don't mind me, it's just this thread's time of the bump

I'm counting you to the sign in list :P

Alright, I'll be honest...I've never run a convention before. So I'm not exactly sure what to do right now...

Whisper in a smoky room smoking a cigar and drinking scotch?

I prefer the white stuff.

()

It's legal now. ;)

:D

So you guys will not be running a ticket or a candidate for Prez/VP? Assuming the Labor Party does so, you will be the only party without representation in that race on the ballot.

That's most likely correct. It's too late for us to run a candidate anyway. If we did, it'd kinda be superfluous. I'm considering running.

I am considering a Presidential bid. We'll see.

20RP12 added to the ballot (2/3/12)

Alright, let's get voting. We're gonna start with endorsements. Please preference the following offices for the party endorsement:

2012 IFP Convention - Endorsements

For President of Atlasia

[3] ZuWo (WPA-KY-ME) / Jbrase (UIF-TX-IDS)
[2] Polnut (LPA-MA-NE) / Tmthforu94 (MPA-IN-ME)
[ ] EarlAW (WSRP-NY-NE) / Dr. Cynic (WSRP-MT-MW)
[1] 20RP12 (IFP-MA-NE) / Pingvin99 (WPA-TX-IDS)
[ ] Write-in:

For Governor of the Northeast Region

[2] Napoleon (LPA-CT)
[ ] Rowanbrandon (RPP*-NJ)
[1] Jerseyrules (IFP-NY)

For Emperor of the Imperial Dominion of the South

[1] PiT (IFP-LA)

For Northeast Regional Senator

[ ] Simfan34 (WPA-NY)
[1] Write-in: Scott (LPA-CT)

For Midwest Regional Senator

[1] Marokai Blue (LPA-IA)

For Mideast Regional Senator

[1] MOPolitico (LPA-MO)

For IDS Regional Senator

[1] NC Yankee (RPP*-NC)

For Pacific Regional Senator

[1] Sbane (LPA-CA)

I think I can speak for Polnut as well in saying that we would appreciate a high preference from your party. :)

2012 IFP Convention - Endorsements

For President of Atlasia

[1] ZuWo (WPA-KY-ME) / Jbrase (UIF-TX-IDS)
[3] Polnut (LPA-MA-NE) / Tmthforu94 (MPA-IN-ME)
[ ] EarlAW (WSRP-NY-NE) / Dr. Cynic (WSRP-MT-MW)
[2] 20RP12 (IFP-MA-NE) / Pingvin99 (WPA-TX-IDS)
[ ] Write-in:

For Governor of the Northeast Region

[2] Napoleon (LPA-CT)
[ ] Rowanbrandon (RPP*-NJ)
[1] Jerseyrules (IFP-NY)

For Emperor of the Imperial Dominion of the South

[1] PiT (IFP-LA)

For Northeast Regional Senator

[2] Simfan34 (WPA-NY)
[1] Write-in: Scott (LPA-CT)

For Midwest Regional Senator

[1] Marokai Blue (LPA-IA)

For Mideast Regional Senator

[1] MOPolitico (LPA-MO)

For IDS Regional Senator

[1] NC Yankee (RPP*-NC)

For Pacific Regional Senator

[1] Sbane (LPA-CA)

2012 IFP Convention - Endorsements

For President of Atlasia

[3] ZuWo (WPA-KY-ME) / Jbrase (UIF-TX-IDS)
[2] Polnut (LPA-MA-NE) / Tmthforu94 (MPA-IN-ME)
[ ] EarlAW (WSRP-NY-NE) / Dr. Cynic (WSRP-MT-MW)
[1] 20RP12 (IFP-MA-NE) / Pingvin99 (WPA-TX-IDS)
[ ] Write-in:

For Governor of the Northeast Region

[] Napoleon (LPA-CT)
[2] Rowanbrandon (RPP*-NJ)
[1] Jerseyrules (IFP-NY)

For Emperor of the Imperial Dominion of the South

[1] PiT (IFP-LA)

For Northeast Regional Senator

[1] Simfan34 (WPA-NY)

For Midwest Regional Senator

[1] Marokai Blue (LPA-IA)

For Mideast Regional Senator

[1] MOPolitico (LPA-MO)

For IDS Regional Senator

[1] NC Yankee (RPP*-NC)

For Pacific Regional Senator

[1] Sbane (LPA-CA)

Voting on endorsements will end at 6:00 EST tonight. After that, we'll move on to leadership positions, recruiting strategies and setting an official platform.

What about the proposed merger?

The merger has passed the Populares.  Can we consider it passed by the IFP as well?

Reminder, here are the terms we just voted on:

Yes sir.

Hi

So after the vote, I receive the party's first endorsement, Polnut gets second and ZuWo gets third.

Okay.

Moving on!

Any motions?

Alright, now that we've adopted the Populares bylaws (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Populares_Bylaws) we should vote on Party leadership.

People should nominate themselves or others for the following offices:

Party Chairman

The Chairman shall serve as the official head of the party and public representative of the Party. He/she shall be elected by popular vote to be held at every convention. The Chairman has the sole authority to appoint a Vice-Chairman in the absence of one, as well as appointing other officers to fill vacancies and to create new offices when needed, including Regional Chairman, if needed.

Vice-Chairman

The Vice-Chairman shall serve as the acting Chairman in absence of the Chairman, and shall assume Chairmanship should the Chair (a) resign or (b) become inactive.

Whip

The Whip shall serve as the Party's main coordinator. The duties of the Whip include ensuring that voters reach the polls and ensuring elected officials support the party's position. He/she shall be elected by popular vote to be held at every convention. The Whip shall have the authority to appoint a Deputy Whip is he/she desires to assist with the position's functions.

Secretary

The Secretary shall maintain official party records and maintain an updated list of voter rolls for private use.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall analyze data and information, take polls and surveys, provide demographic information, and advise the Chairman and Whip on developing Party strategies.

Press Secretary

The Press Secretary shall serve as the public communicator to the press. His/her duties include giving official interviews with publications and making special announcements, as well as speaking for the Chairman when the Chairman is not present.

Human Resources Director

The Human Resources Director shall serve as the Party's recruitment office. His/her duties include seeking like-minded Atlasians and encouraging Atlasians to become Populares.

Also, I would like to use this opportunity to request a 24-hour vote on this bylaw amendment:

Wormyguy shall be authorized to initiate a one-time vote using instant-runoff voting to legally determine the Party name, color, abbreviation, and platform.

Aye on my bylaw amendment.

This.

Also, I nominate myself for Chairman, Wormy for Vice-chair, Jerseyrules for Whip, PiT for Secretary, Shua for Treasurer, Mechaman for Press Secretary and Chairmansanchez for HR director.

Also, I move that we change the title of the party to the "New Populares Party," make our colours green and gold.

     Secretary sounds cool. Might get me to update the IDS's records again too. :P

X shua

We are still the Populares-Individual Freedom Party, as that was the wording of the resolution, so I think that should be in the thread title. Also, I know that the Populares bylaws were changed at some point to consolidate some of those positions. I would suggest we decide if we want all those positions before we vote on who fills them.
I don't see the need for Wormyguy's amendment. I think we can just have a motion to vote for each item,  followed by a vote held by the convention chair. And I would prefer we not try to do all those things at once.

The reasoning behind my amendment is to allow multiple choices on each thing rather than simple yes/no votes on things (which is necessary if we're voting on several different names, colors, etc.).

Edit:  Seems that the consolidated positions were:

Chairman

Vice-Chairman

Whip

Secretary

Chief Director (Treasurer, Press Secretary, and Human Resources Director)

How about this as an alternative:

Instant run-off votes may be held for party members to choose among options for party name, abbreviation, color, logo, or platform language. All members will have an opportunity to put forward options for inclusion in such a vote.

Well that might have us constantly changing our name, color, abbreviation etc. which would be very confusing and rather unfair to the Registrar General and SoFE.  I think it's better to keep this a one-time thing, I promise I'll be fair and include any suggestions as well as a write-in option.

I see your point, but I'd like to at least keep the vote on the platform separate.

Alrighty then...shall we get voting? Or no?

Well, technically we have to wait for 24 hours to elapse.

Alrighty. Well I still would like to put a few name/colour ideas out there:

New Populares Party (NPP) - Green/Gold
Popular Liberty Party (PLP) - Red/White/Gold
Atlasian Populares Coalition (APC) - White/Gold/Navy Blue

you mean on the bylaw amendment?

On the name, I think we should keep Populares-Individual Freedom Party (PIF) as an option, with emerald or the color IFP picked out (they're nearly identical, I think).

I like the Popular Liberty Party best, tbh :3

but we must also support unpopular liberties :P

True! :D

     I prefer the POP color.


     I would think of it more as liberty for the populace.

^^^^^

Sorry, here's the ballot for the relevant things.  Vote using IRV.  This vote will last 48 hours.

(Name) Party

[ ] Populares
[ ] Individual Freedom
[ ] Populares-Individual Freedom
[ ] New Populares
[ ] Popular Liberty
[ ] write-in:

Color

[ ] Teal ("emerald") - current color, old Populares color
[ ] Green - old IFP color
[ ] Purple
[ ] Brown
[ ] Maroon
[ ] Lime Green

(included every clearly visible color not currently used by another party)

Abbreviation

[ ] POP
[ ] IFP
[ ] NPP
[ ] PFP
[ ] PLP
[ ] write-in:

Platform

[ ] The Populares platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Populares_platform) (has probably been changed since the Wiki version if anyone has a link to an updated one)
[ ] 20RP12's draft platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=147715.msg3171798#msg3171798)
[ ] Write an entirely new platform (remember, old ones can be amended!)

(Name) Party

[1] Populares
[ ] Individual Freedom
[3] Populares-Individual Freedom
[2] New Populares
[4] Popular Liberty
[ ] write-in:

Color

[1] Teal ("emerald") - current color, old Populares color
[ ] Green - old IFP color
[ ] Purple
[ ] Brown
[ ] Maroon
[ ] Lime Green

(included every clearly visible color not currently used by another party)

Abbreviation

[1] POP
[ ] IFP
[2] NPP
[4] PFP
[3] PLP
[ ] write-in:

Platform

[1] The Populares platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Populares_platform) (has probably been changed since the Wiki version if anyone has a link to an updated one)
[ ] 20RP12's draft platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=147715.msg3171798#msg3171798)
[2] Write an entirely new platform (remember, old ones can be amended!)

(Name) Party

[3] Populares
[ ] Individual Freedom
[ ] Populares-Individual Freedom
[2] New Populares
[1] Popular Liberty
[4] write-in: Yugoslavian Cult of Semi-Automatic Individual Autonomy

Color

[3] Teal ("emerald") - current color, old Populares color
[4] Green - old IFP color
[1] Purple
[6] Brown
[2] Maroon
[5] Lime Green

(included every clearly visible color not currently used by another party)

Abbreviation

[3] POP
[ ] IFP
[2] NPP
[1] PLP
[4] write-in: YUG

Platform

[1] The Populares platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Populares_platform) (has probably been changed since the Wiki version if anyone has a link to an updated one)
[2] 20RP12's draft platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=147715.msg3171798#msg3171798)
[ ] Write an entirely new platform (remember, old ones can be amended!)

:3

Forgot one abbreviation, "PLP."

Amended the ballot.  Anyone can change their vote before voting ends.

(Name) Party

[ ] Populares
[2] Individual Freedom
[1] Populares-Individual Freedom
[4] New Populares
[3] Popular Liberty
[ ] write-in:

Color

[1] Teal ("emerald") - current color, old Populares color
[ ] Green - old IFP color
[3] Purple
[ ] Brown
[4] Maroon
[2] Lime Green

(included every clearly visible color not currently used by another party)

Abbreviation

[ ] POP
[2] IFP
[5] NPP
[3] PFP
[4] PLP
[1] write-in: PIF 
 
Platform

[3] The Populares platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Populares_platform) (has probably been changed since the Wiki version if anyone has a link to an updated one)
[2] 20RP12's draft platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=147715.msg3171798#msg3171798)
[1] Write an entirely new platform (remember, old ones can be amended!)

(Name) Party

[ ] Populares
[3] Individual Freedom
[ ] Populares-Individual Freedom
[2] New Populares
[1] Popular Liberty
[ ] write-in:

Color

[1] Teal ("emerald") - current color, old Populares color
[2] Green - old IFP color
[ ] Purple
[ ] Brown
[ ] Maroon
[3] Lime Green

(included every clearly visible color not currently used by another party)

Abbreviation

[ ] POP
[ ] IFP
[ ] NPP
[1] PFP
[2] PLP
[ ] write-in: 
 
Platform

[3] The Populares platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Populares_platform) (has probably been changed since the Wiki version if anyone has a link to an updated one)
[2] 20RP12's draft platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=147715.msg3171798#msg3171798)
[1] Write an entirely new platform (remember, old ones can be amended!)

buuuuuuuuuuump. Wormy?

(Name) Party

[ ] Populares
[2] Individual Freedom
[ ] Populares-Individual Freedom
[] New Populares
[1] Popular Liberty
[3 ] write-in: Peace & Liberty Party

Color

[3] Teal ("emerald") - current color, old Populares color
[2] Green - old IFP color
[1] Purple
[ ] Brown
[ ] Maroon
[] Lime Green

(included every clearly visible color not currently used by another party)

Abbreviation

[ ] POP
[ ] IFP
[ ] NPP
[2] PFP
[1] PLP
[3 ] write-in: P&L
 
Platform

[1] The Populares platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Populares_platform) (has probably been changed since the Wiki version if anyone has a link to an updated one)
[] 20RP12's draft platform (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=147715.msg3171798#msg3171798)
[1] Write an entirely new platform (remember, old ones can be amended!): Combine both of them.

Sorry, was hoping more people would vote:

Name:  Popular Liberty Party
Color: Teal
Abbreviation: PLP
Platform: write new one

Alrightie.

Let's get to work on a platform, shall we?

Reminds me of the Progressive Liberal Party. lol.

I think we should focus on coming up with a description of the party and emblem to put in the Intro to Atlasia thread.

     I don't know about the others, but that was exactly why I voted for this name. Interesting way to revive an old party acronym, no?

The Populares Party was originally founded in response to a piece of legislation that threatened the very heart of our republican institutions.  The creation of the so-called "High Authority for Ethics in Voting" (HAEV) gave an unelected, ideological commission the power to disenfranchise any voter at will.  The original Populares, frightened by this step towards dictatorship, created a party whose goal was initially to effect the immediate repeal of this law, and concerned Atlasians of the left, of the right, and of the center, liberal, conservative, libertarian, and communitarian, joined the party in droves.  In fact, it quickly became the largest party in Atlasia, as the popular outrage against this subversion of the democratic process became so great.  While the bill was ultimately not repealed by the Senate, it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, a decision that likely would not have happened had the popular outcry led by our party, the party of the People, not been heard.

Now there is another proposed piece of legislation, almost certain to pass, perhaps even worse than the HAEV.  It does not affect every Atlasian, fortunately, but it will fundamentally change the nature of our most populous region.  As it is long and complex, I will briefly summarize the untitled bill, which can be read in full here (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=127652.msg3211733#msg3211733).  The bill would allow three pieces of legislation to be considered by the Northeast Assembly simultaneously, one reserved for legislation submitted by petition, one reserved for legislation actually submitted by assemblymen, but only in the order that the Speaker of the Assembly chooses, and one reserved for legislation submitted by the Governor.

Why is this a bad thing?  To start, not only does the Governor now have the power to propose legislation (a very troubling expansion of executive power in its own right), but now under this legislation anything proposed by the Governor takes precedence over any bill that an actual assemblyman proposes.  This effectively produces a system of rule by decree, wherein the Governor produces a decree and only then does the Assembly decides to rubber-stamp it or not.  This is the same system used by the Supreme Soviet in the USSR, wherein the executive (the General Secretary) proposed new decrees, and then the Soviet voted them up or down.

As if allowing the governor to rule by decree is not enough, this legislation neuters the power of the Assembly still further, as the legislation actually proposed by Assemblymen would now be voted on only in the order that the Speaker chooses.  The Speaker would now be empowered to choose in what order legislation is voted on, and even whether it is voted on (by delaying it until the assembly session is over), at his own discretion.  He might also game its passage by deliberately scheduling it before or after a special election or resignation, or by allowing a lame-duck session to vote on controversial legislation, among other things.  A grand total of two individuals would now decide what legislation is considered by the Assembly, and the role of the individual assemblyman would now be rendered meaningless and powerless, a rubber-stamp entity exactly like the Supreme Soviet this legislation models it after.  This sounds like hyperbole, but it isn't.  It's a factual description of the bill, and a valid comparison.

I'm calling on all Northeasterners who value a republican form of government, rather than semi-elected dictatorship, to oppose this bill.  This is not a partisan or a left and right issue, but rather one of right and wrong.  Simply because a bill is long and complex does not make it worth passing, nor does the fact that it was proposed by someone you like or opposed by someone you dislike (and I know I am disliked by many).  Nor is tyranny acceptable even when clothed in the guise of "reform," just as the HAEV was.  And while I believe this is an issue, just like the HAEV, that can unite left, right, center, and every ideology, I call on the Popular Liberty Party to take a stand in opposing this bill, just as the original Populares opposed the HAEV.

Very well said, Wormy. I take a firm opposition to this effort.

Also, so much for drafting a platform :P

Even though I am not a Northeasterner and therefore not affected by this bill, I wish you luck in your opposition to this piece of legislation. It seems over the top to me; I agree with you that Governors should not do the job of the legislative branch and I'm of the opinion that Speakers should only guide parliamentary debates, but nothing more. They certainly shouldn't influence debates by deciding what piece of legislation should be introduced at what point and even have the option to prevent certain bills from being debated at all. Indeed, the changes this bill intends to make seem especially problematic if the Governor and the Speaker are from the same party. That's not to say I think your Governor or Speaker will actually use these new options in a negatively partisan way, but the mere fact that the bill makes that theoretically possible would make me feel uneasy if I was a Northeasterner.

 
Indeed.

     Damn, that sounds like something the IDS would debate as a joke. Best of luck in stopping it.