Office of Former President and Gov. DemPGH

[DemPGH]

Dear Atlasians,

It is my honor and privilege as President of Atlasia to conduct the August Inductions of the Order of the Star of Atlasia. This award denotes notable service by both Atlasians to the game and accomplishments by RL persons that are notable. 

The Order of the Gold Star of Atlasia - Posthumous

Galileo Galilei (Exceptional discovery in the face of brutal oppression)

Charles Darwin (Exceptional discovery that increased human understanding)

Karl Marx (Exceptional contribution to modern philosophy)

The Order of the Silver Star of Atlasia - Posthumous

Sir Francis Bacon (Exceptional contribution to Early Modern philosophy)

King Richard III of England (To correct his wrongly maligned reputation and for taking relatively progressive measures for his time)

The Order of the Gold Star of Atlasia - Atlasians

Afleitch (For prior service to Atlasia and for a consistently thoughtful presence on the forum)

The Order of the Silver Star of Atlasia - Atlasians

Windjammer (For incredible service to the President and the game)

Maxwell (For assistance in editing the Wiki during a time of inactivity)

Thank you.

I will likely conduct one more induction prior to leaving office. I do intend, however, to hand out a full presidential pardon before leaving office, but I will not do so now because it will surely be deemed controversial.

--The President, DemPGH

[DemPGH]

Alright, I've dispatched FEMA to the Pacific and broadly plan to follow RL events. Like I said, I'm dubious about continuing to pour money into the Pacific, or any region, but I'd like to target homeowners without earthquake insurance and I'd favor grants for such people.

@Snowstalker: Upon leaving office I plan to go into hiding with my sympathizers.

@ Maxwell: You're welcome! Thanks for helping.

@Cassius: Haha, I've read a lot of books and articles sympathetic to him and am a member of the Richard III Society. I've also read a lot on Edward IV.

[DemPGH]

Dear People,

A special message today from the President on Labor Day:

Without Atlasia's workers asserting themselves and without unions to protect wages and to bargain for measures like just cause, I dare say that that we'd be far less removed from Feudalism than what we currently are. Power and wealth are relative, and when power and wealth are exclusively owned by too few people, the democratic processes that ensure our freedom and moreover, the mobility of our people, are severely threatened.

Democracy and equality have been slowly evolving over recorded time, and I feel that as long as Atlasia's workers assert their voice and we hold in check the corporate, we will continue on the path of progress!

Atlasia's workers have a friend in this President. Enjoy your day off, your friends, and good wine (or your favorite beverage!).

--The President

Hoffa and Reds are excellent choices, Comrade President. You're doing a fine job. Don't let the haters get to you. Keep up the good work.

I thank you, Senator! As I mentioned in your thread, you have my endorsement!

[DemPGH]

Dear Atlasia,

News has reached the President's desk concerning further atrocities committed by ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria).

I will reiterate my administration's priorities in protecting Atlasian interests and particularly Atlasia's borders, and to accurate Intelligence regarding our safety. As such, this President will not invade Iraq and will not engage in sustained military action against entities in Iraq so long as Atlasia is not threatened. Recent history indicates the futility of such an action, and that such an action will only make matters worse.

I hereby declare Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan off limits to Atlasian citizens. I want to issue a general warning that to travel to any Middle Eastern country may represent a significant danger to one's life.

Democracy, like all things, must evolve.

Atlasia should dedicate itself to:

1. Fairness
2. Peace
3. Health

Rest assured that if a threat arises we will respond. But we will not mettle or fight factions so long as I am your President.

--DemPGH, The President

[DemPGH]

So, just so I'm clear, you're excluding engagement even in the case of humanitarian crisis events?

What are "humanitarian crisis events"?

[DemPGH]

I'm not adverse to a humanitarian or rescue operation; I'd hope that it would be bigger than just us participating in it, but I'm not adverse to it. I am, however, adverse to policing the region and invading the country.

[DemPGH]

I applaud Secretary Nix for his detailed and life-like action in Iraq. I will fill in a statement later concerning the broader picture - but rest assured that we are neither occupying nor invading.

[DemPGH]

I'm not declaring war on ISIS and invading the country - that would be dumb, really. I'm also not at this time going to directly arm anyone, because we have seen nothing but bad come from that in the recent past. I've talked over these issues with Secretary Averroës. Now, next I will issue an exec order that restricts access to a number of Middle Eastern countries and declares others off limits to all except for those under contract with the military or other similar body.

I believe in cutting your losses. If we lose 1,000 people in a futile effort, JCL, I'm not going to risk another 1,000. We really have no business in countries run by Stone Age sociopaths with guns and knives running around hopped up on a sadistic interpretation of a religion. Atlasian lives are not worth that.

Now, I will provide support for victims and bystanders, and Secretary Nix will oversee further strikes intended to weaken ISIS and assist the brutalized.

[DemPGH]

As many of you know, TyrionTheImperialist has been re-nomainted as V.P. and is my unequivocal pick to serve in this position. I only hope that he at least receives a fair hearing, which he unfortunately did not receive the first time.

Additionally:

With regard to the cabinet:

1. If Napoleon's resignation is in doubt, he is dismissed as GM. I plan to make an appointment once the V.P. situation has been settled.

2. I have made an inquiry with the SoIA, HagridOfTheDeep, as to his availability and interest in continuing in the position. I will update sometime in the near future.

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[DemPGH]

Preface

I’m going to address a number of different things in one talk and be done with it. I want to start by saying that I’m not concerned about opinion polls, “approval ratings,” or IRC groupies. I’m a leftist who believes in the power of ideas and the promise of progress, I’m deeply skeptical of corporate power, and I’ve governed actively and sensibly from those positions. People can decide if they like it or not. If things happened beyond my control, too bad. I was active and did what I could. If someone wrote me to whine or boohoo about something, I always tried to respond.

I trust that most reasonable people will realize that if an individual, for instance, spends hours at a time daily on a chat trashing “Communists,” that individual is a loser. It doesn’t warrant any more talk than that.

Re-election and the Game’s State

Phew! It’s been quite an 18-month stretch for me in this game – considering it was done without groupies, without a cult, and by doing things plain old nose-to-the-grindstone. When old friends have left or deserted, new ones came along, and I’m happy to summarize my first 18 months of participation as such:

1. Attorney General
2. Vice President of Atlasia
3. Pacific Councilor (Appointed and Elected)
4. Pacific Speaker
5. Pacific Governor (Succeeded PJ, Then Elected)
6. President of Atlasia (Elected)

Now, with that and a year-and-a-half of activity behind me, I cannot in honesty say that I really want a second term as President: Not for four months, not for four weeks. I’m ready to be away from the game for a little while and most of all, I think someone’s voice other than mine needs to be heard.

I dread the thought of another campaign, I'm tired of gridlock, it’s going to be a very busy holiday season for me personally, and my interest in all this is right now in decline. I see many of the same, recurring problems (which one person is powerless to confront), which include unhealthy regions, the same cults and personal crusades, resistance to anything that remotely looks like change, and a very drab, transparent, and boring tee-off elsewhere to see who can beeeeeee . . . "the most moderate moderate." Stay tuned to get the answer!

Thus, I will not seek re-election as President, and the boar will [finally] retire. I thank Labor for its support, and I’m proud to have so many friends in the party. I could not have accomplished what I have without them. TNF, Adam Griffin, Doc Cynic, Windjammer, and many others I’m proud to have as friends.

I will continue to vote and will consider a return at a later time, maybe after the holidays, maybe not.

The Edge of Glory


In Labor,

DemPGH, the President (XXXII in succession)

[DemPGH]

I want to welcome Tyrion as V.P. at very long last and to assure Atlasia that we are looking forward to serving you in the time left. I especially want to thank Senators Yankee and Lumine for helping thaw that terrible ice. Yes, I know the first vote was pre-election politics, but it's nonetheless appreciated.

Now, the bloc of people who did everything they could to prevent Tyrion from becoming V.P. can go get lost in the woods. Or go back to the IRC and talk more trash or else go get another ridiculous scheme together or whatever.

I obviously don't see eye to eye with you on most things; I'm right-wing, you're left-wing; you're an atheist, I'm not; you're a Yorkist, whilst I'm a Lancastrian (). Nonetheless, I'd like to thank you for attempting to fulfill your role as President to the best of your ability and to wish you luck in whatever you plan on doing next.

Thank, Cassius, and hey, we agree on polygamy and incest! That's something.

You leave me too, and I'll send you to the tower Dear Edward. Then you won't be able to leave.

I already lost Scott and well a billion other people going back five years.

Ha, well, I won't be far away. Not just active for a while in office. I'll stop by now and again to pester you.

[DemPGH]

A Secretary of External Affairs is needed, so if anyone is interested, let me know.

I'd like to reduce military involvement overseas where possible, primarily, avoid unnecessary unilateral action, and participate multilaterally when such action is needed.

Thank You,

--The President

[DemPGH]

A choice for SoEA will be announced a bit later - because it will be more convenient, I'll delay the announcement a day or so, but it will be made by the weekend. I broadly agree with the direction this individual would like to go in with regard to foreign affairs, so I hope that things might go a bit more smoothly on the matter.

I also need to fill SoIA. I'd ideally like the person 1) to keep an eye on regional affairs and 2) to work closely with the GM on news. But feel free to pitch me what you'd like to do with it over the next month or so if you are interested.

I would also recommend exploring your options for SoIA. I will hold the seat until I believe you've found a suitable replacement (unless you want to just fire me), but I'm obviously no longer interested in contributing anything of value.

Sure. I'd probably just resign if that's the case. Thanks.

[DemPGH]

Alright, I suppose I should make a statement on the Mideast's Promotion of Marriage in Education Act. Look, the Mideast is the antithesis of the Northeast on the whole. I'm surprised that people are outraged.  We saw this last summer as well.

I wouldn't support this anymore than I would the polygamy and incest craziness that the Northeast allows, so it's up to the Governor. Don't blame any one assembly member. Blame the culture if you are outraged.

I'll let the A.G. handle it, but I personally have no plans to challenge it legally. 1) I believe the Mideast Justice will argue that the federal government does not have standing (as before) and 2) I'm not taking it to the Supreme Court. So, it's a Mideast issue.

I think there's a semi-presidentialism Amendment that allows you to appoint Senators to the cabinet without sacrificing their ability to be in the Senate, so maybe look into that if you haven't.

Thanks, Maxwell. I value a full and active cabinet, so I'll look into it.

[DemPGH]

I'll be appointing TheCranberry to serve as SoIA shortly. I have an SoEA appointment to make, but it's simply not convenient at this time.

I would like to issue a Presidential endorsement also at this point.

I will happily and actively support Marokai Blue and Antonio V in the October Presidential election. This is clearly the sensible, left-of-center ticket which I believe will pursue far and away the most reasonable policies of the declared tickets. In one respect, I would like to avoid an aggressive and bloated foreign policy in concert with a vague domestic agenda; in the other respect, I would like to avoid tongue-in-cheek rhetorical posing about socialism. This all leads me to vote as I shall: Marokai and Antonio. I would add that I think Marokai and Antonio will also better avoid the public relations difficulties that somewhat bogged down my tenure as President. So join me in supporting Marokai Blue and Antonio V!

--DemPGH, The President

[DemPGH]

Today I signed The Peace and Prosperity Act, a very forward looking bill:

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So in my tenure . . . we have seen a major education bill, the stopping of an operation aimed at arming rebels, and now a very promising streamlining of our military with an overall vision of cutting back in our predilection for intervention. There have been other less notable achievements which will bear mention at a later time, perhaps in some retrospective piece before my tenure has concluded. 

[DemPGH]

I've nominated an SoEA.

Christ, just hear him out on foreign policy.

If it works out, it works out. If not, we'll move on.

[DemPGH]

The words of bigots are not worth hearing.

As far as I'm concerned, you are an accessory to his prejudice.

And that's gult by association. And you are also prejudiced. Cut the b.s.

If the nominee is rejected, I'll move on to another.

[DemPGH]

I'm strongly in favor of SSM, and there's plenty of documentation of that.

X, you're not confused, you're talking out of your rear end again.

The nominee will make a statement a bit later after which we'll move on. You guys won't like who is next up either.

[DemPGH]

This has been fun.

I nominated hifly for two reasons:
1) He woud undertake reductions in military spending
2) He would undertake reductions in Atlasia's military presence abroad.

EDIT: I see that he can post. More later.

Thank you!
--The President

[DemPGH]

With regard to hifly, I ask that he be judged based on this and statements like it.

I discussed items like these with him, and that was the basis for the selection.

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Having discussed foreign policy with the president, we are in agreement that interventionism is not always the best solution to solving potential humanitarian crises and maintaining the stability of affairs around the globe. My main theme would be to try and prevent Atlasian military intervention except where a direct threat is posed while encouraging the use of other methods to solve these problems.

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One of my main priorities would be maintaining strong communicative links with all members of the UN, even those who we consider to be our political enemies. These form the basic foundation for stable relationships. We need to prevent unilateral decisions.
Minimising Atlasian military force worldwide is another major priority as well reforming our position on ISIS and the Israel/Palestine situation. The Middle East, as the current hotbed for tension will be the main focus of my tenure. More on that below.

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We shouldn't treat China as if it is our rival. As it is one of the world's largest economies we should be making use of trade agreements, using free trade to encourage economic growth and maintain a stable political relationship with China. We should still take heed of suffering and repression within the nation and I would encourage debate on this with China.
The situation regarding Russia is slightly more tricky, but I also do not consider Russia to be a rival. I support reasonable economic sanctions against Russia until we are confident that the Ukraine Peace Deal is being met. We shouldn't forget that Ukraine itself is in violation of the agreements by refusing to withdraw its own forces from the Eastern provinces.

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The Israel/Palestine situation is one I'm particularly interested in. We need to lead the effort in encouraging Israel to withdraw from all land that was occupied in the West Bank from the 1967 war. Land exchanges are not a viable solution. Israel must evacuate from occupied land completely, from those settlements that almost all nations on Earth have condemned as illegal. The UN has already agreed that they violate international law and we must enforce sanctions against Israel should they refuse to withdraw.

I believe that Atlasian military intervention in Iraq and Syria is unwarranted. Wars in the Middle East have not and do not work. The murder of 1 million Iraqis in the past decade has hardly helped encourage peace in the Middle East. People don't really like being invaded or "liberated", as some people like to call it.
ISIS is not a petty and foundationless movement, it is a formidable fighting force that is quite literally sweeping all that lies before it. It has tacit support from the significant Sunni minority in Iraq, as well as Saudi Arabia. Atlasian Military interventionism is only fuelling inter-community tension and violence, while at the same time encouraging ISIS's beheadings and hardly helping promote Atlasia's reputation among the Middle East. Iraq's neighbours need to decide between them what the ideal path is.
Another war in the Middle East with Syria and Iraq is not going to be short term. Are we really willing to repeat the mistakes of the past?

Iran is one of the most democratic nations in the Middle East. They vote to choose their own President and their own Parliament. Could we ever imagine such happenings in Saudi Arabia? That's something we need to take into account. Most of Saudi money lies in Western Banks! I don't see Iran posing any threat to world peace. The current regime has never initiated any military action against other nations, and has only been invaded itself. Iran should not be our worry. I would encourage co-operation between nations to withdraw some of the harsher economic sanctions against Iran; they are not necessary.
 

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I strongly support it. We need to cut defence spending before all other things. I strongly applaud Clause 2, to encourage greater democracy in the UN. The unilateral veto for Security Council members needs to be abolished, and Atlasia should start by refusing to use hers. Co-operation needs to be promoted.

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As I have already outline, I do support continuing with the cuts to the defense sector. The president and I agree that we need to reduce Atlasia's militarism and I think this is the way forward.

[DemPGH]

He can serve in the cabinet and serve elsewhere in the game.

Also,

In regards to the Senator from the Midwest's point about Hifly's foreign policy being a plus for the administration:

Could you really find no one else?  It's not like non-interventionists and pacifists are rare in this game?

The problem becomes getting a pacifist who wants to do it past the senate. I can start going through some non-interventionists in the game, probably - if they will accept, or leave the office vacant or nominate trolls. Whatever.

[DemPGH]

By admission, the "story" about the attacks is designed to "make my life miserable, but will be fun" - I can't share the PM. Well, it's not fun and it's not making my life miserable, and also I have complete control over who is and who is NOT the G.M. Just a curtesy notice.

There have been no attacks at the White House. We're all fine here.

Thank you!

--The President

[DemPGH]

This will be handled tomorrow. What I have to say at the moment will contain too many swear words to be acceptable. Needless to say, anyone who freaking tells me to my face that he is going to make my life miserable has no place in my government, and anything else will be said tomorrow.

[DemPGH]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be moving over and letting Tyrion take the center seat. That means I'm leaving (can I say "retiring"?) as of this afternoon. There are about 4 weeks left and I seriously, unequivocally cannot go any more. Can't take it. There are two, maybe three reasons.

1) I'm generally losing interest right now in politics. Interests ebb and flow, and right now it's down for me. Lately I've been spending more idle Internet time on sports and movie forums, but I do expect to be on our forum here a bit. So lately the political process here has not been fun, and I've been grated by what to me is immaturity and gridlock, to put it simply. I have neither the time nor the patience to cut through it. I'm not interested, in other words.

2) This latest episode is the last straw in a series of events that have worn out my patience. I really can't put up with any more. You know, I hired a guy to look after the economy, and after a couple days he purposefully tanked it, blew up part of the White House, bragged about it, and then wrote me a message to say, "Ha ha ha!" So of course I canned him and would again, gladly. This episode, however, is perfect commentary on where the game is right now.

3) I guess I also see a lot of problems inherent in this game and virtually no cooperation or willingness to fix them (Nix mentioned a lot of them in his resignation). That kind of stuff makes me shut down. I mentioned before that it will be a busy holiday season for me personally, so I guess knowing that I will be done soon makes me think, "Meh" about a lot of this bickering and backstabbing.

Things will be in good hands with Tyrion!

Thanks for seeing my side of it, Adam!

Best,
DemPGH, Retired, All Done, etc. (phew!)