Fight for Atlasia: Blair/Kingpoleon 2016 (Statement)

[Blair]

Senator Blair - as President, would you support the deportation of known racist and poltroon Santander?

I'll be addressing this matter in a speech later tonight

[Blair]

Mr. Senator, I am asking this to both you and Fmr. Sen. Yankee: Would you support/overturn the veto on the Ukrainian Freedom Bill by President Leinad?

Yes.

I'm deeply concerned about the veto of the Ukrainian bill which passed with Bi-Partisan support in both houses. By blocking much needed aid to Ukraine we're not only giving Russian backed forces in the region a boost but we're sending a message to the people of Eastern Europe that Atlasia doesn't care about their plight, about their enduring struggle for Liberty and their concerns about Russian Expansion.

The idea that we're 'meddling' by supporting the democratically elected government of Ukraine whilst unmarked Russian troops break international law, shoot down passenger planes and cast a specter of darkness over eastern Europe

[Blair]

Statement on Santander

'I'm sure many Atlasians were disgusted by the comments made by Santander last night, who claimed that if you say 'seasons greetings' you're a terrorist sympathizer. That's a quote from someone who's running for Congress. Let that sink in guys, let that sink it.

It's not an isolated incident; Santander even questioned if being a racist is a bad trait, he then praised Ian Smith, and declared the founder of the KKK was 'misunderstood' and finished off by saying Asian Immigrants are a threat to our cultural integrity.

Is this honestly the friendlier Atlasia we've been promised? Are the federalists going to raise their banner at the House elections, and expect their voters to elect Santander to the house? I hope that Yankee sends out a clear message to his federalist supporters that antisemitic dog-whistles have no home in the federalist party.

[Blair]

Statement on Santander

'I'm sure many Atlasians were disgusted by the comments made by Santander last night, who claimed that if you say 'seasons greetings' you're a terrorist sympathizer. That's a quote from someone who's running for Congress. Let that sink in guys, let that sink it.

It's not an isolated incident; Santander even questioned if being a racist is a bad trait, he then praised Ian Smith, and declared the founder of the KKK was 'misunderstood' and finished off by saying Asian Immigrants are a threat to our cultural integrity.

Is this honestly the friendlier Atlasia we've been promised? Are the federalists going to raise their banner at the House elections, and expect their voters to elect Santander to the house? I hope that Yankee sends out a clear message to his federalist supporters that antisemitic dog-whistles have no home in the federalist party.

And yet, who invited me to Atlasia in the first place? Oh right, it was you, claiming that I could be a voice of moderation and a good fit for the South region. Do we really need a president who has a history of recruiting racists into the game?

Regarding anti-Semitic "dog whistles", I have lived in Israel and I have made clear on many occasions that Israel is among my top three issues. I have also said countless times that this nation was built upon Judeo-Christian values. There is no better friend of the Jewish state in elected office in Atlasia than me. This is a pathetic line of attack, and if that was really what you took away from my statement, I submit to the voters of Atlasia that we cannot elect a president who cannot even read properly.

Aye I recruited you into the game- an entire four months before you made these comments. If you were in Labor when you declared Ian Smith a good leader, when you said the leader of KKK was misunderstood and when asked if being racist is that bad I would have not only opposed you being elected to the House, but I would have, like Clark did have moved to expel you from the Party.

Do you still think that people who say Season Greetings are terrorist sympathizers?

[Blair]

This all seems like a way to weasel out of the fact that Labor has been doing some "interesting" things in recent voting. Also, if we want to mention past affairs we could always bring up a certain South American escapade, will you run to South America again if things don't go well in your Presidency?

Not at all. If I see someone running for office who is making posts like Santander I will call them out. It's simple as that.

You mean the fact that I joined another forum game- shock horror. Considering President Leinad joined the game, and ran a newspaper, Yankee's adviser Potus served as Prime Minister, and several other esteemed citizens of Atlasia like JoMCaR and Winfield.

 I know you weren't around back then, but if you were you'd also remember that I came back in September (after a month away from the game; in August!) to serve as Interior Secretary at the end of Bore's term and bring some activity back to the game, then served as Governor of the Northeast for 6 months (with approval ratings in the 70s, balancing a budget, reducing unemployment by 25%, filling the entire assembly)

I left the game for a month, under the view that preparing to go to university was something I should focus on. I spend a month away from the game, and I missed it. I game back, served in public office and have been active for the last 13 months.

I challenged a sitting labor President in the name of activity, I impeached members of own party who were leading a coup and I've spend the last 12 months of the game in elected office serving the game

I'm a tough cookie. I'm not running anywhere

[Blair]

I might not have been around at the time, but it's not terribly hard for me to go back and read what happened. You also failed to respond to my note that your party is conducting nefarious voting tactics in the name of gaining a seat or two.

Well I've said, and said before that it was a mistake for me to leave the game. I've always said that- I shouldn't have left. It's why I've spend the last 13 months being extremely committed to this game- serving as both a Governor and a Senator with relatively high approval ratings, and I like to think that I've tried my absolutely hardest over the last 13 months in serving the North, and the Northeast; working with people across party lines to get lots of good stuff done (Stimulus in the Northeast, building a coalition against ISIS, introducing a living wage etc)

Neither Pit or Gaworth have published the voting figures yet so we still don't have a clear indication of what's happening. As Party Chair I did what I always do- I sent PM's to voters in the south to encourage them to vote for Peebs and Southern Gothic, and I sent PM's to voters in the Pacific yesterday to persuade them to write in Griffin.

[Blair]

Statement

I left Atlasia in late July (with the intention of leaving the forum in September/October for university/freshers), joined the South American Government on the 20th August and then returned to Atlasia on the 11th September. I'm deeply sorry that I left the game briefly 14 months ago. I believe in redemption and hopefully my record over the last 14 months- as a Senator, Governor and Interior Secretary has shown to voters across Atlasia that I've got the commitment, passion and energy for this game

[Blair]

EVERYBODY PLEASE CALM THE HELL DOWN

This is why I left Labor - I can't stand this party bickering. If we could just stop the damn screaming, maybe we could actually solve the problems, and they are grave, that face us today. Just because you don't belong to the same party, or endorse the same candidate, doesn't mean you need to throw attacks about insignificant things that happened 2 damn years ago. And if this was happening in Yankee's thread, you know I'd be saying the same thing, so don't get yourself in that argument. I'm disgusted by this behavior, and it's indicative of the bigger problems that face us. So can we please just calm down?

First of all it was barely more than 1 year ago not 2--I'm not sure what method of rounding you're using to turn 13 months into 24.

Second of all, this is about his record, and where it clearly doesn't align with his message. Blair's slogan is "Fight for Atlasia," and that's exactly what he didn't do (again, I'm sorry to say this is a fact).

And lastly, this is an elections game, if we don't bicker about the other party's record, what is there to do? Of course I'm partially joking, but informing voters of another candidate's record is a part of elections, unless you want this to be a game of dueling Pravdas. Many Laborites including Blair himself on this very page have done that to Federalists, and while some attacks in Atlasia definitely cross the line, I don't see how a simple vetting of the candidates is "disgusting."

Statement

I left Atlasia in late July (with the intention of leaving the forum in September/October for university/freshers), joined the South American Government on the 20th August and then returned to Atlasia on the 11th September. I'm deeply sorry that I left the game briefly 14 months ago. I believe in redemption and hopefully my record over the last 14 months- as a Senator, Governor and Interior Secretary has shown to voters across Atlasia that I've got the commitment, passion and energy for this game

[Blair]

1. I was upset that Senator Tmth withdraw from the race; we were both preparing for what I believed would have been a very energetic and broad debate about the direction of Atlasia. Whether it was working back in 2015 on the resettlement of Refugees, or working together to protect LGBT+ rights I always found him extremely easy to work with in the game. I didn't run a smear campaign against Tmth- I send out PM's that contrasted my own progressive views with his- as we had key disagreements on the issue of abortion rights, the minimum wage and many other issues. As many others have said in this election it's about creating contrasts- I still believe that I'm the most prepared, the most energetic and the most bold person running for the Presidency.

2. My greatest weakness- probably not paying attention to the political winds. I launched a rather ill timed run for Governor last year, and another run for the Labor nomination back in February. People told me in February that I should have dropped out and waited till June but I didn't. I believed back then that I had a bold vision, and plan to offer Atlasia; and I still believe that. On a lot of issues in Atlasia I also put my cards on the table; which can sometimes lead to people to vote against me because they don't like my policy on 'x, y or z'. I'd say to people that my views on the issues are imporant; but we're not electing a policy paper (although I'll be putting one out tonight) but rather someone who has been battle tested in the last 12 months of Atlasia. I've got my scars; and believe me I've fought for this game.

3. Kingpoleon is a great pick in my rather unbiased view; I've always had a great working relationship with him from the moment that he became an assembly member in the Northeast when I was Governor. His best asset is his focus on policy, and his independent streak- I know that I can go to him with policy issues and decisions and trust his judgement. We had a long discussion at the start of the campaign about his role on the ticket and I made clear that not only would he have a seat at the Cabinet table, but also that I'd give him a foreign policy brief of his own and that I'd want him to play a large role in my economic reform package that I'll be talking about later.

[Blair]

It's the Economy Stupid: How to Save Atlasia's Regions

Friends, I’ve always said in this campaign that we need to put forward truly bold ideas to fix Atlasia-and today I’m going to approach the vital issue of our regions.

As some of you will know I served as Governor of the Northeast for two terms- I have direct experience in fixing our regions in Atlasia. I brought the Northeast back together after a bitter referendum, and we achieved a lot. We filled all our assembly seats, had an active cabinet, passed a stimulus bill, cut taxes for working families, lowered unemployment by 30%, created anti-poverty centres and made the Northeast the beating heart of Atlasia. I’m proud of these achievements. They show I’ve got the experience in getting the regions to work again- so next time someone says to you that I’m not experienced enough tell them to look at the Northeast.

However it’s not enough to coast on the success of the past- our regions are in decline. We’ve got a great candidate in Mike Wells in the North who’s been an active assembly member, and a great acting Governor in the Pacific with Gaworth who’s a rising star in Atlasia. However restoring the regions is not a one person job- it requires a real leadership.

We first need to address the major problem which is the regional offices- when they do get filled they get filled for a short amount of time, and as we’ve seen in the North they’re sometimes occupied with members being away for weeks and months. I’ll set up a pinned regions board to show what offices are filled, when elections are coming up and to give a general overview of the state of our regions. In the Game Audit I have planned I’ll mandate an entire section for the regions to help plan how to improve them and I’ll have two meetings per month with the Governors to talk about issues from Economics to game activity. The regions too often feel like a side show on Atlasia- it’s time to bring them in.

Another way I’d do this is by bringing them into the budget process; this would mean allowing them to debate what funding they get, what projects are set up and what industrial strategy should be taken. The example of the 2024 Olympics in the Pacific are a brilliant example of where the Freemont and Federal governments can work together to forge a new vision.

If you want my regional strategy in one borrowed phrase then ‘‘it’s the economy stupid’’. The regional rates of unemployment are too high; and there’s a lot that the Federal Government can do to help this. I’d create a bi-partisan Infrastructure committee to deal with big projects to fix Atlasia’s failing infrastructure, I’d proof our airports, ports and vital assets against the impacts of climate change and set up regional investment banks to help small businesses.

One flagship policy I’d consider looking into with the help of the regions would be the creation of a high speed rail project; not only would this help boost the regional economies but it would move commuters, and cargo off the roads. I’d want this scheme to go hand in hand with my ‘three’ cities scheme which would select three cities from the three regions where new creative policy such as car free zones, cycle hires, specialist tax credits, infrastructure projects and housing co-ops could be created.

We need creative thinking for our regions; of course activity is a major problem for the regions but another major problem is that we’re sometimes a bit too straightforward in addressing our regions. Much like the states the regions should be the Laboratories of invention in Atlasia.

Blair's Plan to Save the Regions

1. A Game Audit of the Regions: I want to talk to Senators, Governors, Assembly members and voters about what works in our regions and what doesn't. I'll launch a section of my game audit specifically for the regions.

2. A Pinned regions Board: I'll aim to get a pinned board to show what regional offices need filling, when elections are coming up and other need to know information about our regions to ensure that they stay healthy.

3. Round Table with Governors: I'll message, and meet with the three Governors through IRC channels twice a month to discuss important regional issues like economic growth and activity.

4. GM:In my reforms of the office of GM I'll legislate for more events to affect the regions, to expand the 'Crisis' system to the regions and to make them the centre of focus in Atlasia.

5. Regional Budgets: I'll work with all Governors, the GM and Congress not just to build a Federal Budget but also to help the regions set their own budget.

6. Economic Revitalization: I'd work with the regions to deliver much needed boosts to the regions; this includes regional investment banks, specific regional tax credits and infrastructure investment plans.

7. High Speed Rail: My Flagship policy to spur activity in the regions would be to begin discussion about a high speed rail network across Atlasia.

8. Three cities Project: I'll select three cities from the regions where the federal government can work with Regional governments to trial, and pioneer truly bold policies to transform urban life.

[Blair]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Blair]

Tim to Vote:Our Future is on the Ballot!

Friends we've now reached the time for the greatest Atlasian tradition; it's time to come together and elect a President. It's been a long campaign, but one that were I've been more than happy to stand up and show that we need to change in Atlasia. We need to do something bold to save this very game.

I ran for President because I knew that we needed to chnage- I released a bold reform plan which will change the role of the GM, expanded gameplay, bring in new players and conduct the first audit of the game so that we can truly reform how we play. It's been great to travel around Atlasia; telling voters of my policies to tackle income inequality, my vision for a just foreign policy and to tell voters just what I'd do in the first 50 days of office.

We need a President who is prepared for office from day one- and that person is me. I've serve as a Regional Governor for 6 months- with approval ratings in the high 70's, a balanced budget, an economic stimulus and unemployment cut by 30%. This game isn't about acquiring titles; it's about showing that when trusted with public office you can deliver. I did this as Speaker of the Senate during the Coup last year, I did it in bringing the Northeast back together last year and I assure you that I can do this as President.

This election is a choice- do we want bold reforms that can save our game, do we want a President who's got an energetic and well planned Agenda and do we want a President who will fight, fight and fight again for Atlasia.

[Blair]

Want a President who has a plan to reform Atlasia?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Blair]

Want a President who's ready from Day one?

My Plan to enthuse Atlasia, in my first 50 days

15 in 50

1. As President I'll arrange with the GM state visits to Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East to work with the Secretary of State to develop a new foreign policy, based on real policy.

2. As President I'll radically reform the role of GM to have more powers over policy, and to create a 'Crisis' system requiring responsive action from lawmakers.

3. As President I'll work with the Healthcare committee to help pass meaningful healthcare reforms.

4. As President I'll work with congressional leaders from both parties to begin the work on a full Budget.

5. As President I'll work with the Secretary of State and GM to model the Syrian Crisis, and work for a full solution to the awful crisis that we've seen unfold in Syria.

6. As President I'll launch a flagship non-partisan National Infrastructure Board to work out how to fix Atlasia's decaying Infrastructure.

7. As President I'll launch a review of all Atlasian Military Forces and their positioning around the World, which will be published in a global defense review.

8. As President I'll reform the role of the Cabinet; with the Vice President being given a seat to enable a pro-active and responsive government.

9. As President I'll not only issue a State of the Union Speech, but I'll give 'Charter' speeches outlining  my administrations positions on healthcare, public security, energy and education.

10. As President I'll keep launch a flagship 'New Media Scheme' to encourage individuals to start new, independent media groups in Atlasia.

11. As President I'll hold bi-monthly meetings with my Cabinet, and Congressional leaders to oversee our progress.

12. As President I'll launch a new environmental strategy to protect our wildlife from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alaskan Arctic.

13. As President I'll launch a full gameplay audit to understand and assess what people like and don't like about Atlasia.

14. As President I'll visit Asia and the United Kingdom to begin work on trade deals with the assistance of the Secretary of State, and oversight of GM.

15. As President I'll ensure that all offices, from regional assembly members to Cabinet officers are full by recruiting new players, working with party chairs and Governors, and finally ensuring we have a healthy and active Atlasia  

[Blair]

Want a President with a plan to tackle Inequality?

Tackling Inequality: Blair's 12 Solutions

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Blair]

I felt obliged to post here after what has been a very long, and tiring campaign. I launched back in September after talking to several people in within the party who wanted to give us our best shot at taking back the White House. I made this campaign focused on what I've always done in Atlasia- governing. It's been a long, bruising and at times extremely stressful campaign.

I'd like to thank President Truman for his continued advice and support throughout my run, I'd like to thank everyone who stayed up many a late night on IRC, and to Griffin for pulling a 48 hour shift on both the run off and first election to watch the votes come. It's been the most intense campaign I've fought in Atlasia, and wouldn't of been able to do it without my brilliant running mate Kingpoleon who has been by my side, helping forge policy and helping to set the Agenda for our term in office.

It's only taken two months; but we've finally got there friends

[Blair]

It's only taken two months; but we've finally got their friends

Wait, you're involved in a kidnapping? Does this mean we have to impeach you and now Kingpoleon will be President?
JK, I know you meant "there".

I've been meaning to sack the intern that writes this stuff for years

[Blair]

I felt obliged to post here after what has been a very long, and tiring campaign. I launched back in September after talking to several people in within the party who wanted to give us our best shot at taking back the White House. I made this campaign focused on what I've always done in Atlasia- governing. It's been a long, bruising and at times extremely stressful campaign.

I'd like to thank President Truman for his continued advice and support throughout my run, I'd like to thank everyone who stayed up many a late night on IRC, and to Griffin for pulling a 48 hour shift on both the run off and first election to watch the votes come. It's been the most intense campaign I've fought in Atlasia, and wouldn't of been able to do it without my brilliant running mate Kingpoleon who has been by my side, helping forge policy and helping to set the Agenda for our term in office.

It's only taken two months; but we've finally got their friends

Congratulations Blair! 7 weeks is still more than most of us will ever get

Being a true politico I spend more months campaigning than I will in office