The People's Seat: Matt from VT for Northeast Senator

[Sopranos Republican]

The People's Senator:

Friends, I thank you very much for being here tonight. Tonight we embark on a journey that we have taken so many times together in this glorious nation. Whenever The People have rallied behind a candidate, it has been impossible to defeat that candidate. I have begun this journey, not because I wish to stake out gain for myself, but because I am a man who has been here before, and knows what it takes to build this nation up. I am here because I believe the Senate needs a strong progressive, who will stand up to the powers at be, in order to ensure that this nation remains by The People for The People.

Some will undoubtedly ask me: "why are you running federally when you were just elected in the Northeast?" My answer to them would be that, while I love the region that I have been a citizen of my whole life, I believe that the senate needs a new voice; a voice dedicated to: liberty, populism, the love of bourbon, and a voice to defend the ideals that have made this nation great.

I am not asking for your vote because I feel I am entitled to it, rather I am asking for your vote because I believe you are entitled to a senator who will listen when you call upon him, and will vote the way he feels will best serve The People. We have many issues that face our great nation, but with your help, those issues never defeat or overcome us.

I wish that you will consider me on your ballot, because I not sit down I will stand up, I will not back down from necessary fights I will welcome them, I will not fear the wolf's that come to eat the sheep I will blow their brains out leaving chunks of brain matter across the great plains.

If you want a Senator who's a: strong progressive, uncompromisingly fights for civil liberty, and is a voice of The People; then a vote for Matt is a vote for you.

I'll be coming out with: a list of my demands my platform within the next couple of days.

Thank you all!

Matty

[Sopranos Republican]

ITT your campaign sounds fake and gay and offers too many good ideas and wants to help people.

Not endorsed.

Also, why do you care about offering real solutions?  What's wrong with fake solutions?  Are they not good enough for you?

Fake solutions are great for solving certain situations. For instance, boob jobs can often times be fantastic! However, fake solutions also have their drawbacks. For instance, while arson can be an activity that makes any summer night a blast, the aftermath is a huge bummer. I mean really: do you want your hard earned tax dollars going to clean up after some dick who may have just burned down your favorite liquor outlet?

[Sopranos Republican]

Don't forget to comment on foreign policy, Matt (intervention, Middle East). I'm interested in where you stand there.

Thank you for your question Mr. President, as for foreign policy I will certainly post it in my platform, but if I recall correctly,  didn't Atlasia lead Israel and Palestine to a peace deal? As for intervention, I am very reluctant to enter into conflicts that can be avoided.  Aside from the obvious tragedy that is the loss of life resulting from conflict, the mountain of debt resulting from war takes away money that could be used on matters to benefit The People. So while I would support conflict in the face of direct threat to our national security and way of life, I am very skeptical about getting involved in most situations. Though, I would always at least consider getting involved in cases of genocide, and other atrocious human rights violations.

As for Israel and Palestine in real life, I believe we need to stand up to Israel especially in this particular instance. While I may not go as far as other forumites, in saying that we necessarily need to downright support the dissolution of the state of Israel, I believe we must demand that they treat the Palestinians as citizens with the same exact civil rights as everyone else, and if they do not do so, then aid will be cut until they do. In real life I support a one-state solution where all Arabs, Jews, and other groups of the region are treated with dignity, enjoy all civil liberties, and people of all religious and ethnic backgrounds are treated equally, whether it be Israel or Palestine in name (though, this obviously won't be happening under the current Israeli government)  However I support sanctions on all nations that commit human rights violations, no matter how powerful, including the people's Republic of China.

Anyone who has questions feel free to ask of course.

[Sopranos Republican]

Endorsed (sane). You and Polnut will make fantastic additions to the Senate.

Thank you very much my good man! A large yacht, thank you cake is on its way. 

[Sopranos Republican]

There isn't a Palestine-Israel crisis Matt in Atlasia.

I thought was the case which is why I pointed it out above.

My points about sanctions on human rights violations, and only getting involved when absolutely necessary stand.

[Sopranos Republican]

This is a tough race, but the great return of Matt is important.

Either 2nd or 3rd pref for me.

Thank you very much old friend! You deserve a statue in Tulsa right next to Bushie!

[Sopranos Republican]

Best of lucks, good infidel. I'm still expecting to win, but my best wishes to you.

Thank you my good man! May the Gods bless you!

Where do you stand on possessing a ridiculous amount of Atlasian flag apparel?

I am, of course, all for any and all types of Atlasian flag merchandise. This includes: shirts, jackets, snapbacks, bongs, boxers, coffee mugs, kegs, condoms, Bibles, and coasters among other things. I myself have all of the things on that list, plus a vault (with the door painted the colors of the flag) filled to the brim with Atlasian joints, and cigars. I also am getting a Winnebago next week painted as the flag, with a portrait of Jesus and I on the side.

[Sopranos Republican]

I should have something resembling a platform later tonight, in the mean time please ask away!

[Sopranos Republican]

Foreign Policy:

Intervention: Given the current world we live in where tyrants and evil men often times find themselves in position of great power, there will always be the possibility that this grand republic of ours will be forced to go to war against a ruthless, evil man who gives us no other choice in the matter. However, I believe that going to war always must be a last resort reserved for only when our national security is actually at risk, and we should also reserve the possibility of getting involved to put a stop on certain cases of extreme genocide.

Human Rights: I support putting heavy, severe sanctions on any nation that commits human rights violations, and in the most atrocious (i.e. genocides) cases I support outright embargos on all trade to and from that nation.

Nuclear Weapons: I dream that we can eventually live in a world without nuclear weapons, however at this juncture there remain untrustworthy individuals who possess nuclear weapons are not soon to give them up. We must talk with other nations who possess nuclear weapons, and we must insist (through economic restrictions if necessary) that all nations get on board with the common goal of universal disarmament.

Social Policy:

Abortion: I am pro-choice all the way. While I dislike the idea of abortion, I even more dislike the idea of government making decisions for women about their health. I believe it to be a necessary evil, and support abortion at very least through the second trimester being covered by state funded single-payer health insurance.

Gay Rights: Obviously here in Atlasia, we are far ahead of the United States on this issue, and I wholeheartedly support all advancements in LGBT rights made here in Atlasia. We still of course have work to do, as we do in all areas, but the fact that we are, where we are makes me proud.

Drugs: I am very glad that Atlasia has decided to end the war on drugs, and I hope to continue all of the progress made in this area. I support full legalization of all drugs, and I support the release from prison of all on-violent drug offenders.

Death Penalty: While some certainly may "deserve" such punishment, I believe that most arguments made for the use of capital punishment are made from an emotional standpoint, rather than a logical standpoint. The state has no right to take a life, and there are many potential legal complications that arise from the use of the death penalty. (i.e. wrongful conviction)

Individual Liberty: I very fundamentally believe that the state has no right to inflict its perceived sense of "morality" on an individual. When there is no harm done to another individual, I support the liberty in its most infinite form. The sky is the limit, as far as I'm concerned. This is why in the Northeast Assembly I voted for the highly controversial "same love act" as I believed that the state had absolutely no right to tell family members who have a romantic attachment to each other, that they have no right to express their love. I believe that "public safety" has been the code for more discrimination, than almost any other phrase known to man. Now of course, this isn't to say that I oppose legitimate efforts made to improve what in reality constitutes public safety, but giving the state the power to criminalize something just because they perceive it as "gross" seems rather hateful to me.

Economic Issues:

Healthcare: I believe that no Atlasian should directly have to pay for a medical bill in their entire life. I support 100% state funded single-payer health insurance for all, with enough funding to ensure that there are no wait lists, or denial in needed care for anyone. Obviously some will raise concerns about how to produce funding for such a measure, but I believe that slashing what we spend on pointless conflicts, and supporting heavy progressive income taxes, combined with the fact that those living in poverty would no longer have to visit emergency rooms for their care, costing millions of dollars more than simply providing them with regular check-ups.

Taxes: I support abolishing sales taxes, and drastically reducing so called (sin) taxes. The folks that most often have to pay these draconian rates are those low income folks who cannot afford to do so, yet tobacco and alcohol are both addicting substances, which even if one really cannot afford to buy, will buy anyway. Therefore instead of attempting to moronically "tax their addiction out of existence" I support drastically reducing taxes on such substances. I strongly support progressive income taxes as the most effective way to redistribute wealth, and help those in poverty get out of their situation. I do however support tax cuts for small businesses, especially if they are willing to pay their employees a living wage.

Unions/Right to Work: I unequivocally oppose "right to work" laws, and stand behind labor unions as one of the greatest long term combatants of poverty. Having a job is great, but having a job with security, higher wages, and numerous benefits is even better. Workers should essentially run our economy, and I believe that workers running the economy will result in incredibly low poverty rates, and a middle class as strong as steel.

Outsourcing: I support supporting strong restrictions and penalties on corporations who use the great resources and workers that Atlasia has to offer, and then when they want higher profits simply say "let's go to China and get free labor." I also am open minded to offering incentives to businesses who hire more unionized Atlasian workers, and decide against ditching our great nation.

I'll post more information tomorrow, and hopefully will have the opportunity to field more questions.

(I realize that some of my answers may already be the status quo in Atlasia, but my platform is meant to reflect my viewpoints, and may not be 100% up to date by Atlasian standards.)

[Sopranos Republican]

Do you believe that felons should have the right to vote after they're out of prison?

I not only support the right for felons to vote when they are out of prison, but I also support the right of prisoners to vote while in prison. In real life, in my home state of Vermont all prisoners are allowed the vote, and this is the way I believe it should be. I don't believe the magnitude of crime committed should be taken into account in regards to the right to vote. I don't see why anyone should have voting taken away, and I strongly support the right of all citizens of age, regardless of anything else, to vote.

[Sopranos Republican]

I have a question, who are you more likely to vote with in the Senate, the Labor Party or the Federalists?

(Other than that endorsed!)

My young friend, the reason The People's Party is the mighty force it has been, despite that it is always among the smallest major parties, is the fact that we vote the way we feel best serves The People. Sometimes I will agree with the Labor party, and other times with the Federalist Party, because as a member of this grand party of The People, I am not tied to machine style politics. Now aside from that, I share many of the populist values reflected by Labor, and I believe I share the rugged individualist ideals demonstrated by the Federalists.

Thank you for your support, and I hope that answers your question!

[Sopranos Republican]

The election has started! Get out there and vote, you beautiful bastards!

[Sopranos Republican]

If I lose, Matt, I hope you win!

Now if that isn't a ringing endorsement, I dunno what is.

Same to you my good man! I intend to give you a ringing 2nd preference when I finally can arrive safely at the ballot.

[Sopranos Republican]

If I lose, Matt, I hope you win!

Now if that isn't a ringing endorsement, I dunno what is.

Same to you my good man! I intend to give you a ringing 2nd preference when I finally can arrive safely at the ballot.

Let's have a fun race. You'll likely have my third.

Thank you, and the same to you.

[Sopranos Republican]

I knew you sliding leftward, but I must say you present PM score is rather eye popping.


I will strive to make you my third preference man.

Thank you king Yankee! I hope to get to work with you yet again.

[Sopranos Republican]

The great beacon of Liberty, Forever watching over The People

Friends, enraged former lovers, those who are sick of me, the time has come for yet another campaign of The People. My goal is to bring fresh ideas to a Senate that is in desperate need of some fresh blood. I will be posting more information later tonight, but for now, please allow me to invite you all to support this campaign.

Matty

[Sopranos Republican]

I'd like to welcome Matt to the race in what will be our fourth contest against each other.

Would you be interested in holding a debate?

Sounds like an excellent idea, my good man!

What would you offer that Bore doesn't? And how do you think you could be a better Senator than he has been?

While I think Bore is a great guy, and not a bad Senator, politics in Nyman need a change. Not to be cliche, but I feel as if things in the senate and other bodies have gotten far too partisan to possibly be for the betterment of The People, and Atlasia. While it is no secret that I am left-wing, I will not ignore positive legislation from either side of the spectrum. I believe we need an independent voice now more than ever, and this is something I always have been and always will be. This isn't to say that Mr. Bore is a hack, but I do believe anything that makes the Senate, and Atlasia as a whole less partisan will be for the best.

Endorsed.

Thank you very much, my good man! A gift basket of various chowders will be sent to your residence!

[Sopranos Republican]

I will be responding to all of your questions tomorrow, as I have to get up early and write a paper.

[Sopranos Republican]

Neither the candidate nor Maxwell or X have given ANY specific examples to support their claims.

Responding to X's wall of text, which could be condensed to three or four sentences, your whole basis for Matt's supposed exceptionalism is one bill which he proposed in the Senate back in April 2013, and which passed after he left office in a heavily edited manner. Doesn't cut the extraodinary claims you're making.

You continuously refer to your admiration of Senator Bore, but you fail to give any reason why Matt is better besides "he'd cut through the partisanship in Nyman to get things done!!!111", and you don't even justify that. You can't make an argument with vague platitudes, and Bore has given many good, specific examples of why he'd be the superior Senator already, which contrasts heavily with what this campaign seems to be all about.

Of course I don't have a problem with people voting based on friendship or partisanship; I wouldn't hesitate to give those as reasons I'm supporting Bore, but they're far down the list. Bore has been a conscientious and consistently hard worker in the Senator for a year and a half now, a time period in which Matt has had an extremely inconsistent record of activity and almost no accomplishments to his name. In the last month alone, he has contributed exactly one sentence to Assembly debate. Any "serious" player of this game would not even consider voting for him based on that alone.

If anyone remembers, I was also the speaker of the Northeast Assembly last year, before joining Duke to run on The People's ticket. Before you were even in the Northeast good sir, I served in a capacity which Governor SirNick labled "hand of The King" Also before you joined our fine region, I served as a Secretary of commerce, and wrote a bill to help attract business to our region at a time when unemployment in Atlasia was on the rise (though admittedly now I would scrap the part that gives incentives to corporations, and add incentives for small businesses to pay their workers top dollar.

When I wrote a bill where the general idea was to provide second chances to those in prison, I was a member of a conservative party who did indeed have certain members who raised concerns to me privately about the effects of such a measure. I went ahead with the idea anyway, as I felt it was by far the best for our nation. And yes griffin, despite what your ANONYMOUS AND ASTUTE CITIZEN claims, I wrote that bill. If there is a similar idea that exists elsewhere, that is simply a matter of coincidence, and maybe I can't prove that it was my original work, but if even if it wasnt, I don't view PLAGARISM IN ATLASIA as a huge deal like a certain member of the Labor Party. If it is an idea that positively contributes to the game, then by all means bring it forward. I however swear on my grave that I did in fact write that bill, and honestly, what do I have to possibly gain lying about the origins of a bill for Atlasia. I mean, Jesus, I do have a life.

[Sopranos Republican]

"With Liberty, and Justice for All."

Gay Pride Parade in the Mideast's largest city: Chicago, IL.

Friends, I am here to tell you about the largest enemy to the Atlasian way of life existing right now. This would be the current Mideast Assembly. Speaker Hifly's idea of Atlasia is one of tyranny, an Atlasia where the LGBT community is shamed for the way they were born, told that their relationship should not be dignified with marital status. The speaker envisions an Atlasia where women are shamed for somehow being "sluts" of some sort, an Atlasia where women are not entrusted to make decisions that involve their own bodies. The majority in the Mideast Assembly seem to believe in the old school thought that women are the property of their husbands, gays are rabid beasts of the fields etc. We knew the way the majority of the assembly thinks.  But this time they have gone way over the line, led by Speaker Hifly, a dishonest bigot of the lowest order. Mr. Hifly knows very well that The People of our fine nation have spoken in their support of equality for all people, yet recently he sponsored a gay shaming bill, which passed with support from the Mideast's militantly social conservative majority.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

  The distribution of anti-gay propaganda is now mandated in Mideast Schools. You read that correctly. The Mideast Region is now brainwashing kids to believe that homosexuality is immoral, in a school system that already is notorious for bullying of young LGBT. To me this kind of legislation is not only gravely immoral, it is treacherous to your LGBT constituents. I only wonder what kind of men would stand on their pious platitudes of self-righteousness, and condemn children to even worse treatment than they already face, because of their sexual orientation.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Now let's delve into this little chestnut. It would appear that the Speaker is attempting to appear compassionate with sections 1-3 of this revolting piece of garbage.

1. I'd prefer illegal immigrants whom are non violent, be treated for any needed healthcare, and be allowed to stay.

2. How about we allow them to stay if they wish. Hmmmm??

3. Let's not place any children in detention.

4. Okay here's where the sh**t begins to hit the fan. Why don't we allow women to make decisions over their own bodies? Does this simple idea make you fearful Hifly? Does it?

5. Yeah great idea. Considering the percentages of those needing abortions in the first place are exponentially higher among poor minority communities, lets fine women who have no money $5000, and imprison them! So if they do already have kids, well I guess its off to the orphanage for you!

6. Oooooh! YAY! Another propaganda leaflet opportunity. Seriously, instead of allowing a woman to make an informed decision between her and her doctor, let's have her make The Right Decision in The Eyes of The Lord! Theocracy! Great idea!!!! Not to mention the 7 Day waiting period. Christ, as opposed as I am to waiting periods, at least 24-48 hours sounds like it could have been penned by a remotely sane representative.

7. Wohoo forced ultrasounds!!


Governor TJ, The People of the Mideast call upon you to please veto a bill which will contribute to further bullying, possible suicides, and the promotion that certain kids are naturally superior to others. Ask yourself, do we want an Atlasia where all youth are free to learn, and be free to grow regardless of what sexual orientation they are? Or do we want an Atlasia where inherent inferiority of certain groups is institutionalized.

Governor TJ, it's your call.

Atlasians, I am running a campaign for all of The People. I never have, nor never will stand for any type of legislation which promotes self-righteous pious belief, over the value of human beings.

Thank You.

[Sopranos Republican]

Police Accountability

Friends, it is great to be here in a Great Atlasian City this morning. St. Louis, Missouri. Unfortunately, living in your fine city means you all know far too well about police brutality. On August 9th of this year, a young man with so much life ahead of him, and so much to live for, was brutally shot down in his prime. Don't get me wrong, there are some police officers who actually do care about the safety of the neighborhoods they patrol, but increasingly there seems to be a growing difficulty to distinguish between police officers who are servants of their communities, and police officers who abuse their power in the most atrocious of ways.

I believe the solution to this problem, lies in absolute accountability of police officers. The Workingmen of this nation often times work in places where their every action is monitored, to ensure that even a penny is not taken. If a cashier at the grocery store has to endure this type of spotlight scrutiny, then why shouldn't police officers, who are armed to the teeth with deadly weapons, and brutal force?

I plan on introducing a bill, mandating police officers to wear cameras, that can be immediately accessed, and played back if needed. We've seen the brutality of many police officers as of late. If you are a good officer, doing your job correctly, you will have nothing to worry about. Minority communities will be assured that if the police act in a way that they did on that fateful night in August, they will be brought to justice.

[Sopranos Republican]

Tonight, I will be addressing my views on: consolidation, a bicameral legislature, and introducing some new bills addressing such issues as: women's reproductive rights, worker's rights, small business, and strengthening civil liberty and privacy.

[Sopranos Republican]

I apologize for the past week, I've been extremely tied up, but I will be answering questions, and posting platform planks in the next couple of days.