The Atlasian Sentinel

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

Due to a desire for a fresh start, we will be starting a new thread for the Sentinel.

Vepres decided to start this to report, analyze, and comment on news. The paper was founded for three reasons: One, many have been complaining about the disconnect between the senate and citizens, this will inform citizens of the senate's activities. Two, there are no regularly updated news sources around of late. Three, he had nothing better to do.

While Vepres is no longer with us, this paper now continues on, led by Tmthforu94, who wrote for The Sentinel back when Vepres was in charge. We plan to update this every few days if not every day. Comments are welcome.

Sentinel Reporters:
Former President and Governor Tmthforu94
Former President and Senator Napoleon
Senator Matt

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

Things Looking Up in the Midwest
By Tmthforu94

After years of struggling to stay alive, things appear to be finally looking up for the Midwest Region.

Despite large growth in Atlasia over the past year, the Midwest is the only region to have shrunk, has often lagged in open voting booths, and the Universal Alþing has barely stayed afloat. However, the current Midwestern regional election has drawn out fourteen voters, which equals to over 70% turnout! The region is also about ready to experiment with an elected legislature as well as elect Maxwell as Wisard Extraordinære. Maxwell is a new, excited member of the Midwest who seems to have a true interest in turning things around, much like Vepres did several years ago.

Better days appear to be ahead for the good people of the Midwest Region. The Atlasian Sentinel, originally based in the Midwest, wishes Maxwell and The People of the Midwest the best of luck as they attempt to bring activity once again to the region!

[tmthforu94]

Please, for all that is good in this world, let's not remember Vepres as some sort of great hero.

Regardless of his behavior on the forum at-large, in Atlasia, Vepres made several major contributions, such as leading an effort to briefly resurrect the Midwest as well as creating one of the most successful papers in Atlasian history.

[tmthforu94]

Please, for all that is good in this world, let's not remember Vepres as some sort of great hero.

Regardless of his behavior on the forum at-large, in Atlasia, Vepres made several major contributions, such as leading an effort to briefly resurrect the Midwest as well as creating one of the most successful papers in Atlasian history.

What did Vepres do? I always get him confused with SvenssonRS, who I know got banned after demanding it, but what was wrong with Vepres?

According to the Wiki, it appears that he was a libertarian, the founder of The Atlasian Sentinel and a former RPP Governor of the Midwest. While I don't have real-life historical context to offer, he sounds like a perfectly great person.

After his contributions to Atlasia, if I remember correctly, he did a lot of trolling on the forum at-large and was eventually banned.

[tmthforu94]

He also had a nice run as Pamela Pickering...but of course, the amazing Helen Hudson outlasted!

[tmthforu94]

I am pleased to announce that I am currently interviewing our first person since the re-launch. A fine, well-respected Atlasian, I must say. I hope you all will check in soon to read what a former President has to say about the game.

[tmthforu94]

I love how you provided links to each candidate's campaign thread. Well done, Napoleon. Great article.

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

Interview with former President Polnut
By Tmthforu94

First off, let me say what a pleasure it is that the first interviewee of our re-launch is a dear friend of mine and a simply outstanding Atlasian, former President Polnut.

Mr. President, while everyone has found memories of your time serving as President, your career in Atlasia actually started quite a bit before that in 2007. At that point, you were registered in the Mideast. In your opinion, how was 2007 Atlasia different from 2013 Atlasia?

It was actually in late 2006, but what's a few months in this time-frame? Well, in many ways one thing the past couple of years has taught me is how little Atlasia has actually changed. The names and personalities change, sure, but how it works and the kinds of people it attracts really doesn't.

Policy generally takes second place to reform, big personalities fight with other big personalities and tend to take things very personally.

I will say that I think the quality of people and the thinking that goes on around here is among the best I've seen.

After your botched attempt at the Presidency in October 2007, you took a break from the game, only to return in 2010. What made you decide to take such a long break, and what made you decide to return?

I left because I thought the attacks on me during that campaign were highly unfair. So, I didn't need that particular drama in my life. I walked away, but I thought I had something to give, and wandered back in and the good people of the Northeast wrote me in for the Assembly and it began again.

That 2007/8 experience taught me a lot about myself and Atlasia. So when the time came, I wanted to be ready and have enough confidence in myself and what I was offering to not be chased off again. 

One thing that many “old-timers” say is that folks shouldn’t take this game too seriously or personally, and from the sounds of that, you know that better than anyone. Props to you for stepping away. It’s clear that when you came back, you were stronger than ever!

Not too long after your return, you assumed control of the UDL (Union of the Democratic Left). What, if anything, did you gain from that experience? In hindsight, do you think the UDL was a smart decision, or would the left have been better off just staying united under the JCP tent during those months?

The UDL is not a period, to quote Queen Elizabeth, 'on which I shall look back on, with undiluted pleasure'. It was a rough time, but in many ways important. Personally? I can't say I got much out of my Chairmanship, apart from maybe stress headaches. What it did show, was there was a strong desire for change within the progressive elements of Atlasia. I suppose in many ways people saw the JCP as too big of a tent, a mechanism more about winning elections, than any clear philosophy.

Was the UDL a good idea? One could look at it and say, well, it imploded, so no.  But I think what it represented was a good idea and I think showed a weakness inherent to the JCP dominance of the left and progressive elements in the country.

I think the dissolution of the two main parties was a positive thing, there are genuinely competitive elections all over the country. I see this as nothing but good.

You were easily elected to succeed me in June 2011. According to your Wiki, you had told close friends when you left the first time that you had no desire for higher office again. What led you to change your mind? Are there any regrets you have to your first term?

Well, I honestly had no desire to seek high office, largely because I felt, albeit melodramatically, that there were those in the country who seemed determined to ensure I never would achieve it.

Then I woke up to myself, once I was in the Northeast Assembly, then re-elected and became the first progressive Speaker in a region then dominated by the POP. Then I realised that not only could I reach higher, but that I wanted to and was confident I would do a good job.

I think being president is one of the weirdest jobs, as you know, because you can determine how active you'll be, what kind of president you're going to be. I made a decision very early on to be an active and highly-engaged president. Regrets? I admit being frustrated at not getting an agreement on troop withdrawals done fast enough. I think my second term has more moments I look back on as missed opportunities.

President Napoleon broke a long tradition, a tradition that included both of us, to not seek reelection. Why did you not seek reelection, and why did you choose to run again in February 2012?

Well I chose not to seek another term in October 2011, due to personal travel that would have left me unavailable for long periods of time and felt the country deserved a president who was paying attention, it really was as simple as that. I did feel disappointed that I wasn't able to get some things finished that I wanted to, but it was the right thing to do.

Early 2012 was an odd period for me, I believed that I was done with elected office, then I was asked by many to run for the Senate. Which I did and won that seat, but in the back of my mind, I felt I still had unfinished work to do as president. So when others suggested having another go at the presidency... considering I had just been elected to the Senate, I was deeply hesitant. But in the end, I knew I had see where a second term might lead. In many ways, the second term was a great time and also frustrating. I think people assumed some kind of ego-based reason, but if I'm brutally honest, it was much more about curiosity.

Shortly after the terrific Polnut/Tmth administration (), you announced your withdrawal from running for office, and you seem to be pretty committed to that, only lurking in Atlasia and occasionally making an endorsement. Do you think there is a possibility that you may make a return one day?

A brilliant administration indeed. Look, it's difficult to say "I'll never run for anything again" and in some ways elective politics can be somewhat addictive. In some ways I want to create a new precedent for former president who still want to have a voice but don't think the best way to build a strong Atlasia is to keep running for things. I've always been supportive of new blood and new ideas, and I think it would be a hypocritical move on my part to not know when my time in elected politics is over.

I fully intend to keep engaged and active in Atlasia, and I don't need to be in an elected position to be involved.

This may seem like a generic question, but considering your level of experience and what a high-quality citizen you are, I must ask - Do you personally believe Atlasia is headed in the right direction?

I don't think I'm that high-quality, but I think Atlasians have a tendency to think things are bad when in reality, they're just going through the motions. Atlasia goes through peaks and valleys and part of the deal is to try to see the bad times through so you can enjoy it when times are better.

But if you look at this last election, it was a record for turnout, we have a robust policy discussion going on across the country. I think Atlasia is on the right track, but it's up to the people and their elected representatives to keep it up.

In several days, President-elect Marokai Blue will enter into a fraternity known to few, but one known to both you and I. What advice would you give our incoming President?

My advice would be what it was for everyone who has succeeded me and will, be yourself but realise that you serve everyone, not just those that voted for you.

It's a much harder thing than most realise.

Agreed! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview, Mr. President. I think I can speak on behalf of The People when I say I hope your days aren't even close to being done in Atlasia!

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

Senate Divided over Adam Griffen
By Tmthforu94

Newly sworn-in President Marokai Blue announced earlier this week that Adam Griffen, Chair of the Labor Party, the party of our President, was his choice for Game Moderator. The reaction has been, at best, lukewarm.

Confirmation hearings are usually held with little quarrel or discussion, with the vast majority of nominees for cabinet positions getting confirmed by unanimous votes. However, it became immediately apparent when Mr. Griffen's hearing began that this would not be a typical, boring confirmation hearing. Senator's HagridofTheDeep and Nix stated that while qualified and skilled, they both had concerns over whether or not Mr. Griffen could act in a non-partisan way while simultaneously serving as Chairman of the Labor Party. Concerns grew, with Senator Napoleon, Senator Bencontine, Senator Spamage, and Senator Oakvale expressing the same concerns.

Many of the Senators have called on Mr. Griffen to step down as Chair of the Labor Party, and if he did that, we at The Sentinel believe that while he would still face resistance, he would easily be confirmed. However, at this point in time, Mr. Griffen has maintained the position that he will not step down.

Currently, debate appears to be at an impasse, as attempts by both Mr. Griffen and President Marokai to calm the fears have failed. President Marokai has also accused those with concerns over whether or not Mr. Griffen can not let his position as Labor Chair affect his decisions as GM  as "politicizing the position."

If the vote were held now, with Griffen not promising to step down as Chairman or take a LOA, the Sentinel believes the voting would look something like this:

Aye: Senator X, Senator Franzl, Senator NC Yankee, Senator Snowstalker
Nay: Senator Hagrid, Senator Spamage, Senator Napoleon, Senator Nix, Senator Oakvale, Senator Bencontine

Currently, The Sentinel projects that Adam Griffen will not be confirmed by the Senate. However, should he step down or take an extended LOA as Chair, a condition Senator Ben and Senator Oakvale have requested, we believe he would be confirmed. As our office currently remains undecided, we will not be taking an official position on the issue.

I would encourage our readers to CLICK HERE to see the debate, then contact your Senators and let them know how you feel!

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

Confirmation Tracker

The Sentinel projects that Polnut and Snowguy will be confirmed to the positions of SoEA and SoIA.

The Sentinel projects that Bacon King will not be confirmed to the position of AG.

Now, regarding the one everyone is mostly watching...

Adam Griffen for GM Confirmation Vote:
Aye: North Carolina Yankee, Franzl
Nay: Benconstine, Oakvale
Remaining Votes: Nix, Hagrid, Spamage, Snowstalker, Mr. X, Napoleon

Senator Nix: Projected NAY

I am sorry to say that I am no longer comfortable with voting to confirm the nominee.

Senator Spamage: Projected NAY

I am sorry to say that I am no longer comfortable with voting to confirm the nominee.

Senator Hagrid: Projected NAY

Senator Napoleon: Projected NAY

Senator Snowstalker: Projected AYE

I will hereby announce that I support all the President's cabinet appointments. Not only do I feel that they are all fine choices, but I believe the president should have leeway in picking a Cabinet.

Senator X: Projected AYE

Anyway, I think Griffin would make an excellent GM

At this point in time, should folks stick to what they have said both in the confirmation thread and on IRC chat, The Sentinel projects that Adam Griffen will not be confirmed as GM by a vote of 4-6.

[tmthforu94]

It's interesting to note that if you go back a couple years ago, the two who have voted to confirm AG were considered center-right and the two that have voted against confirmation were considered center-left. Almost the same today with the exception of Franzl, who has begun voting more left-wing in the game.

[tmthforu94]

Exactly - I wasn't trying to say it was. If anything, those first four votes somewhat contracted Marokai's claim that the position was being politicized by those who opposed the nomination.

[tmthforu94]

Wow, Tmth, you almost nailed the Senate vote! Proof that the Sentinel is Atlasia's best paper, right?

*hopes Tmth doesn't realize i'm the one who made our paper wrong*

The crazy thing is, I almost listed you as UNDECIDED. You were the only Senator I was really torn on in regards to how they would vote. Ultimately, it didn't affect the outcome.

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

Silent Administration?
By Tmthforu94

I will make my final decision on the Game Moderator position tomorrow.

...That is the last we heard from the Marokai Blue Administration following the defeat of his first nominee, Adam Griffen, for Game Moderator. Three days later, a new nominee has yet to be named, and The People are becoming restless in anticipation on who the President will choose next. Several names have been tossed around, such as Northeast Representative SirNick, Senator Nix, Governor Tmthforu94, and Govenror PiT. Newly appointed SoIA Snowguy has also been mentioned as a possibility, and some close to The Sentinel say that the President may have chosen a dark horse candidate to be the next GM, but is working out the details before an announcement is made.

We at The Sentinel urge the administration to act fast and announce their next choice this weekend.

[tmthforu94]

I assure you I haven't been slacking off, here. I'll announce my pick when there is a pick to announce, and until then, I'm working hard to find someone. But I am the President; I'll make the decision on who will be nominated, not the Senate, or any newspaper.

Chill out. No one else is trying to make a pick. We're just urging that a pick be made soon, especially since sources close to us say you already had someone lined up in case AG was defeated.

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

Scandal Erupts in Atlasia

For less than an hour Wednesday evening, there was mass chaos, both in Atlasia and on the IRC chat.

Upon collecting information from various sources, former Senator Seatown unleashed a scathing piece on Pacific Governor Wolfentoad, which provoked the question: "Is he a wolf, or is he just plain catty?"

Dozens of private messages exchanged between Mr. Wolfentoad and an unknown number of citizens were released - these messages were attacks on Atlasians of all ideologies. The main target of Governor Wolfentoad appeared to be Governor Tmthforu94, as well as former Senator Spamage, Senator Napoleon, Pacific Judge Idaho Blue Dog Dem, and many others. The attacks were personal and just downright hateful, with the Governor using terms such as "idiot", "dumbass", and "incompetent loser".

The messages also revealed that Governor Wolfentoad has participated in off-site recruiting, something he has publicly condemned in the past. He also claimed to have lied to voters in the December At-Large Senate election, telling less-active Labor members that Barnes and Snowstalker were both safe, urging them to vote for Mr. X instead

Reaction to this scandal has been mixed by many in the Atlasian community - this scandal certainly gives many Atlasians a different impression of the Pacific Governor. However, we also would like to remind The People that the Governor is still of a ripe young age, and hopefully this can be used as a learning experience for him. Nevertheless, this type of behavior should not be accepted in Atlasia, and we at The Sentinel strongly condemn it - Governor Wolfentoad will no longer be a contributor to our paper.

For anyone interested in a copy of the message posted by Seatown, which was deleted due to forum policy, please contact a member of The Sentinel staff for more information.

[tmthforu94]

I'm just surprised that people didn't already know that this stuff was happening.

I think most knew, they just might not have known the magnitude of the situation. I knew he had been talking bad about me and a few others, but I didn't realize it was this bad.

[tmthforu94]

My early guess: Hagrid, Matt, Napoleon, and Maxque are all going to get elected. Not sure on the fifth - too early to tell.

[tmthforu94]

The Atlasian Sentinel

President Averroës: Detail-Oriented, But Will He Push The Limit?

Detail. Detail. Detail.

A quick look at the Wiki Page of our President, which is more comprehensive than most RL politicians, or simply a glance at his office can easily convince the reader that he is a man of detail and precision, ready to be as accessible and tech-friendly as possible. While his administration is still budding, one could already estimate that he will be remembered as the most detail-oriented President in Atlasian history.

President Averroës leads a divided nation - despite many suspecting an easy campaign last month, Averroës and DemPGH defeated the Federalist ticket of Matt from VT and Maxwell by just two votes, one of the closest elections in Atlasian history. This begs the question: Will Averroës use his narrow victory as a mandate to push far-left legislation, or, realizing the politicial divides, seek to be a moderate and compromising President?

In what is already shaping up to be one of the hottest debates of this session (even though it hasn't reached the floor!), the President has already voiced support for Senator Napoleon's It's Not Up to You Act, which repeals bi-partisan legislation pushed by former President Marokai that puts an end to late-term abortions, and is also either backing or is undecided on several items proposed by Senator TNF that The Sentinel believes would be damaging to businesses in Atlasia. Are these items just rare exceptions on what otherwise is a moderate agenda for Atlasian standards, or can we expect a dramatic shift to the left in the Senate over the next four months? Only time will tell!

[tmthforu94]

Haha, the headline was a mistake. I quoted an older post to get the right font and stuff, forgetting to remove the headline.

[tmthforu94]

Question:

While I understand you're essentially running unopposed, would the three members of the Midwest Alþing be interested in holding a legislative town hall meeting, sponsored by The Sentinel? I think it'd be a good opportunity for the candidates to articulate their views and for The People to better know their representatives.

[tmthforu94]

I'm back from my missions trip - The Sentinel will be in full steam following the election as well. I also apologize for not voting in the recent Midwest elections - wasn't able to get onto a computer.

Looks like I will also have to be making a VERY tough decision in this Senate race.

[tmthforu94]

Breaking News:

The Atlasian Sentinel can now project that Polnut will be elected to the Senate in this At-Large Special Senate Election. Congratulations to our former President!

[tmthforu94]

Washington is another good example - a lot of elections on the federal level will be close and entertaining, but we'll have a pretty good idea which side is going to win more often than not.

With better organization, I think the Federalists can be much more successful than the RPP was against the JCP. Matt almost won in June, and Maxwell had a pretty strong showing, all things considered. Folks like Polnut usually win in blowouts.

[tmthforu94]

The Sentinel is pleased to report that Governor Maxwell will be joining as a contributor!