The Office of Former President & Senator Polnut - Deregistration

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Protecting Vulnerable Infrastructure


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

I am very happy to see a majority of senators support the common-sense Protecting Vulnerable Infrastructure Bill 2015. I presented this to the Senate to address some cold-hard realities about the situation we face from a changing climate.

There are measures we can take to prevent future instability, but there are already changes taking place that we cannot avoid and we must adapt and guard against. This is both the Federal Government looking after its own infrastructure, as well as going into partnership with the regions to enable them to put suitable processes in place.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Future


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

Atlasia, a place I have served as President and Senator is in trouble. This isn't new. We've got serious structural issues that we need to face and address if anything is to be salvaged.

Of course, as someone who has given a lot of time and effort to Atlasia, you do have a hope and a sense that something worthwhile and productive will come out it. But in the end, it's not about me, nor any individual. No one should block discussion or confuse it for personal gain, nor should anyone progress this without a serious national discussion with full consultation.

Over the past week or so I've been asked about where I personally stand on the issue of a reboot. I have had a difficult time working through what I think the problems truly are, before thinking about how we could fix it.

With the movement towards the dissolution of the Party I once led, we are heading irrevocably to the return of the full stagnation and polarisation of the pre-dissolution period. I was wary about the dissolution, but now think it was one of the most important reform of my time in Atlasia, which is more than likely coming to its end. We need more parties, not fewer. We need a greater diversity of views, not demands of purity and homogenisation.

What does this mean in relation to this current issues? I said before that people need to seriously reflect on what they want out of this game, for the future, not looking into the past. Too many in this debate are focused on what has happened, old feuds, old parties and old arrangements. No one is really thinking about the future. So I am urging all Atlasians to look within themselves, but put whatever self-interest and party loyalty is there to one said and focus on what you want Atlasia to look like in a years time.

It's clear that where we are is not working, we have a large population, but few competitive elections. There's no real contest for the hearts and minds any more. It's about getting and controlling voters who play no other role in Atlasia. This is a serious problem.

My suggestion is a national plebiscite  - with the three options being dissolution of Atlasia, a change to a Parliamentary System or the Status Quo.

[Sec. of State Superique]

I enjoy the idea of a National Plebiscite but I think that the best balance for Atlasia would be some sort of Semi-Presidential system like France.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Those three options do not nearly come to grasp with the range of possible reforms, and none of thme really even target the root issues directly.


Dissolution - kills the game
Parlimentary - a radical change to be sure, but changing the nature of the national structure doesn't seem to operate on the nature of the game itself, at least not be itself.
Status quo - seems like an option mean to push for either one of two otherse because no one is really satifised with the way things are now.

For instance, Consolidating regions and devolving powers to the regions and creating new parties, but all under an American style system, that would fall under status quo, no?

Lastly, if we have gone so far down the rabbit hole that people don't like playing, wouldn't a Parliamentary system drive us completely over that cliff for anyone that is American (ie most of our participation base)?

[Classic Conservative]

Personally, I wouldn't play a parlimentary style game, I definitly agree with what Yankee said, that it would alienate the majority of American Posters which there are more of than foreigners.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Secondly Polnut, you make a lot of good points but you have to come to terms with the nature of the game from the perspective of a non-centrist.

Centrists do well under multi-party and small party allignments. But there is an inherent exclusivity involved there because for non-centrists, only the cool kids who have been around long enough to make friends can get ahead in that system.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Secondly Polnut, you make a lot of good points but you have to come to terms with the nature of the game from the perspective of a non-centrist.

Centrists do well under multi-party and small party allignments. But there is an inherent exclusivity involved there because for non-centrists, only the cool kids who have been around long enough to make friends can get ahead in that system.

I'm not coming at it from the perspective of being anything. I saw what happened to the GAME post-dissolution, it was a positive. It's up to everyone to work within the system and make it work for them. That's the challenge. The fact that the right couldn't hold themselves together is not the fault of the system.

I think we need to get people to get their views out there and clear. My suggestion would be a Parliamentary system, note... my suggestion. It's just an idea. Hence a plebiscite ... it doesn't bind anyone but can inform the development of more options.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Basically, we need a debate not just about what we want, but the mechanism.

[Adam Griffin]

The combination of the Duke and Griffin Plans have always been and continue to be the most sensible pathway on balance in terms of the amount of change it would bring, the amount of effort it would take to enact, and the amount of problems with the game it would tangibly fix.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Secondly Polnut, you make a lot of good points but you have to come to terms with the nature of the game from the perspective of a non-centrist.

Centrists do well under multi-party and small party allignments. But there is an inherent exclusivity involved there because for non-centrists, only the cool kids who have been around long enough to make friends can get ahead in that system.

I'm not coming at it from the perspective of being anything. I saw what happened to the GAME post-dissolution, it was a positive. It's up to everyone to work within the system and make it work for them. That's the challenge. The fact that the right couldn't hold themselves together is not the fault of the system.

Aside from your becoming PResident a second time, I didn't see much wonder in it. Especially once you left office.  

The right actually did okay, at first, because the left didn't turn anyone out in April 2012. But there was not much competition, it was the Liberals game and they scooped up some of our moderates as well like MoPolitico and a good deal of the Libertarian voting block also. "The fact that right couldn't hold itself together", that line though acknowledges my point that conservatives and Leftists do better with large parties, whilst centrists do better with smaller ones. As for the system, you say the game needs centrism. I would agree that it does, but it needs differences  in opinion to make elections about more then personality contests. To some extent that is unavoidable, but when it was Labor versus Federalists the elections often meant something. Even within the era of good feelings (Duke's term), those special elections (both decided by 1 vote) had clear issues at stake and the surprising thing was Labor let the right battle it out for that third seat rather than contest themselves in April 2014 (I was predicting a leftwing write-in as late as that Friday and asked that all Feds preference both Lumine and shua as 3rd/4th depending on their preference as insurance against an August 2013 repeat). And once Cincy became VP, the Right arguably had its best four months legislatively that it has ever had.

Conservatives will not keep participating if they constantly have either socialism or moderate liberals as the governing majorities. And even when the right won three seats in April 2012, the Regional Senators aside from myself were (three Liberals and a Laborite) and of course you were PResident. Three times there was a Conservative Senate majority (February 2009, bgwah was President; December 2011, Snowguy was President; and finally February and April 2014 with Duke as President). All three occured in eras dominated by a duopoly with smaller parties playing important rolls in the alignments.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I think we need to get people to get their views out there and clear. My suggestion would be a Parliamentary system, note... my suggestion. It's just an idea. Hence a plebiscite ... it doesn't bind anyone but can inform the development of more options.

Yes, but placing that against dissolution of the game and nothing, obviously is going to produce a fair assessment of opinion.

I would take consolidation over dissolution of the game. Put a gun to someone's head, of course they will agree to it.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

The problem with a parliamentary system is interest. We are an American forum for the most part and many of us don't understand how the parliamentary system works. This has been an idea that has been thrown around since atlasia began, but the truth is, if atlasia changed to something like that, it wouldn't last 3 months before it was completely dead, unless the goal with that change would be to have 15-20 players total.

I know I'd have no interest in Atlasia if we adopted a parliamentary system.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

What was that game, in the Game board, that was basically a Parliamentary based elections sim? It lasted like six months.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I think we need to get people to get their views out there and clear. My suggestion would be a Parliamentary system, note... my suggestion. It's just an idea. Hence a plebiscite ... it doesn't bind anyone but can inform the development of more options.

Yes, but placing that against dissolution of the game and nothing, obviously is going to produce a fair assessment of opinion.

I would take consolidation over dissolution of the game. Put a gun to someone's head, of course they will agree to it.

The final idea will not come from me. We need to have these discussions and it's good that we are.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Future


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

Atlasia is now in one of its darkest times. We have lost some of our most active members. Whether you agree with them or consider their influence positive or not, they were active and fundamental parts of what made Atlasia what it is.

I have made clear, I was elected by the Atlasian people to serve them in the Senate, I will fulfill that promise and I do not see any circumstances that would mean I would not complete my term.

Governing continues, the work of our institutions must go on, despite the difficulties. While my time in Atlasian politics is drawing to its close, those who wish to keep going, need to engage in serious and thoughtful debate about the future. Half-measures won't work, just talking and getting excited about maps won't work. It's time to face difficult realities and ask really difficult questions. I urge all my fellow elected officials to consider the importance of our oaths, we were elected to serve, to lead and govern on behalf of our fellow citizens. If you hold any office, and intend to remain there, your views need to be put to one side, we all still have a job to do, to serve, lead and govern. If you can't or won't do this, then do the people and yourself a favour a consider your position.

[Lincoln Republican]

PRESS RELEASE

The Future


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

Atlasia is now in one of its darkest times. We have lost some of our most active members. Whether you agree with them or consider their influence positive or not, they were active and fundamental parts of what made Atlasia what it is.

I have made clear, I was elected by the Atlasian people to serve them in the Senate, I will fulfill that promise and I do not see any circumstances that would mean I would not complete my term.

Governing continues, the work of our institutions must go on, despite the difficulties. While my time in Atlasian politics is drawing to its close, those who wish to keep going, need to engage in serious and thoughtful debate about the future. Half-measures won't work, just talking and getting excited about maps won't work. It's time to face difficult realities and ask really difficult questions. I urge all my fellow elected officials to consider the importance of our oaths, we were elected to serve, to lead and govern on behalf of our fellow citizens. If you hold any office, and intend to remain there, your views need to be put to one side, we all still have a job to do, to serve, lead and govern. If you can't or won't do this, then do the people and yourself a favour a consider your position.

Hear hear!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Northeast Gubernatorial Election


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

My vote tonight in the Northeast Gubernatorial election was a very difficult one. I believe I had three clear options. I have worked with Senator Blair for a number of months now, and I find him a thoughtful Senator. There were some stances that I didn't quite understand, but that's not what you base these decisions on. Governor Pikachu is someone I admit I don't know well, but I know is committed to continuing strong and sensible governance in the Northeast. Justice Oakvale is someone I have known and worked with for a number of years, and someone I consider a good friend, but more importantly, he's the candidate I can send the clearest message through. I believe that Oakvale is the candidate that is least likely to stick with the broken status quo. We need change, we need passionate debate, in the Senate and especially beyond. We cannot allow half-measures and superficialities to distract us from fundamental questions about the future of Atlasia. I'm not voting for anyone because I want Atlasia to survive, because, frankly, I don't know if it should. I believe our discussions and debate need to be based off one fundamental question before all others... do you want Atlasia to continue?. Only then, can we get to a situation when you can discuss mechanisms and the like.

I'm sure others will question and have issues with my vote, but let me make this 100% clear. My conscience is clear.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Farewell Tour


Senator Polnut will undertake a national tour of places that were important during his political career. As his complete retirement from Atlasian public life approaches, he wants to thank those who helped make it what was and those who were there in good times and bad.

A full schedule will be released shortly, however, the locations will include:
- Chicago
- Seattle
- New York City
- St Louis
- Denver... and others.

The tour will start on Wednesday 26 August and conclude in Boston on Monday August 31.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

We have disagreed on a lot more than I would have figured on going in this past year, but in spite of that I am going to miss you in the Senate.

[Simfan34]

Could the Senator explain his reasons for not signing the petition for a constitutional convention?

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Could the Senator explain his reasons for not signing the petition for a constitutional convention?

I'm pretty sure I voted in the NE booth.

But I do have concerns about the outcomes of the convention, but I'll vote to give people the opportunity to have these discussions.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

We have disagreed on a lot more than I would have figured on going in this past year, but in spite of that I am going to miss you in the Senate.

I think we've agreed on about as much as I expected we would

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Cabinet


Senator Polnut tonight issued the following press release.

Few in Atlasia know the challenge of building and maintaining an effective Cabinet. In my two terms as President I had my share of ups and downs. I have noted recently, the significant gaps in the current Cabinet, and have grown deeply concerned by them. These are essential officers to the effective management of our government. They are also a fundamental part of the President's executive responsibilities.

Therefore, it is with a heavy heart, that I sent the President the following note.

Mr President,

It has come to my attention that numerous Cabinet positions remain unfilled, as well as the position of GM, this is of deep concern. I urge you to nominate people for these roles within the next 48 hours, otherwise the Senate may have to consider the merits of impeachment proceedings.

Yours faithfully,

Jack Polnut
At-Large Senator.

I hope the President understands this is not a threat, nor is it empty rhetoric. We need these positions filled, and I hope the President takes this as a wake-up call to act.

[Leinad]

Mr President,

It has come to my attention that numerous Cabinet positions remain unfilled, as well as the position of GM, this is of deep concern. I urge you to nominate people for these roles within the next 48 hours, otherwise the Senate may have to consider the merits of impeachment proceedings.

Yours faithfully,

Jack Polnut
At-Large Senator.

I completely agree. This inactivity from the President of all people is destructive. Thank you for taking more action than he has, Senator.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I "reluctantly concur".

It is a difficult task, even more so in this present climate. But there is a need for some effort to be made and if private entreaties down't work to get people to appoint, one could post a thread to ask for applications. I have seen this done previously as well. Regardless, not even trying is certainly not going to solve the problem.