Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party - February 2012 Convention

[Hatman]

Good evening,

It is my pleasure to announce the opening of the founding convention of the Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party.

Since the party's creation, I have been very pleased to see that we have attracted a membership of three Atlasians, which certainly was above my humble expectations. But what this tells me is, this country is hungry for change, and many are turning to Washburnist Socialistm for the answers.

And so it is time to have our founding convention. Since it was such short notice, I have decided to have our convention in my hometown of Ogdensburg, New York. I hope the delegates don't mind the travel. We can hold our next convention in the Midwest.

Schedule for the convention:

Feb. 1 > Opening ceremonies / Draft resolutions 
Feb. 2 > "A look ahead: planning electoral victory" / Debating resolutions
Feb. 3 > Party leadership nominations / Resolution voting
Feb. 4 > Party leadership voting / vote on next convention location / closing ceremonies.

Also, we will be welcoming observers, press etc. Please make yourself comfy.

[Simfan34]

Will the convention be held in the Golden Dome?

[Hatman]

Will the convention be held in the Golden Dome?

Yes



Oh by the way, there will be an open bar after 8pm tomorrow. Not as a bribe, but I think open bars and the hangovers produced the following morning is a big tradition when it comes to conventions.

[Dr. Cynic]

Good old Dr. Cynic checking in.

[Vasall des Midas]

The actual Atlasian socialist proletariat, ie the Widdershinists, will be staffing the bar for minimum wage.
I promise not to poison anybody except with the substance of his/her choice.

[Insula Dei]

The Montana Delegation checks in to the Revolution! There better be some good beers.

[Vasall des Midas]

We have Stella, Leffe Blonde and Leffe Radieuse. If you're asking for Belgian beers specifically.

[Insula Dei]

We have Stella, Leffe Blonde and Leffe Radieuse. If you're asking for Belgian beers specifically.

Beter get me Leffe then. Stella is good for when you want to get quite drunk, but we still have  convention business to attend to, don't we?

[Vasall des Midas]

You didn't specify which one you wanted, so I got you one of both.

[Insula Dei]

You didn't specify which one you wanted, so I got you one of both.

Trying to sabotage the revolution, are we?

[Hatman]

The actual Atlasian socialist proletariat, ie the Widdershinists, will be staffing the bar for minimum wage.
I promise not to poison anybody except with the substance of his/her choice.

I will not have this! Since it's an open bar, tips will be rare, so I will ensure that the barkeeps will be paid (as it states in our manifesto) at whatever the cost of living is around here. Probably around $12 or $13/hour.

[Hatman]

On to general business, now is the time for delegates to submit any resolutions they have. So far, all we have is the crudely written manifesto I drafted when I announced the party.

If delegates have any core beliefs they want implemented as party policy, please submit them by midnight tonight. You may also submit amendments to the manifesto.

If I get the time, I may draft a party constitution.

Aside from that, I hope that all of the delegates and guests have a great time in my fair city. Ogdensburg has much to offer, and most importantly is just across the border from Canada

[Insula Dei]

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

[Hatman]

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

Would you like me to submit that as is, or do you want to elaborate more on it in your resolution?

[Insula Dei]

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

Would you like me to submit that as is, or do you want to elaborate more on it in your resolution?

The only addendum I'd like to make to my eloquent and, frankly, self-evident proposal, is a simple one:

'Long live the Revolutionof the people! Long live the never-ceasing course of history!'

[Vasall des Midas]

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

Would you like me to submit that as is, or do you want to elaborate more on it in your resolution?

The only addendum I'd like to make to my eloquent and, frankly, self-evident proposal, is a simple one:

'Long live the Revolutionof the people! Long live the never-ceasing course of history!'

Two more beers, sir?

[Hatman]

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

Would you like me to submit that as is, or do you want to elaborate more on it in your resolution?

The only addendum I'd like to make to my eloquent and, frankly, self-evident proposal, is a simple one:

'Long live the Revolutionof the people! Long live the never-ceasing course of history!'

Done

[Dr. Cynic]

I'd like to motion that the original party platform be read aloud to the convention.

[Hatman]

I'd like to motion that the original party platform be read aloud to the convention.

No need to motion that, I can do it right now. It's not really a platform, just some crudely jotted "core beliefs". However, they shall henceforth be known as the Washburnist Manifesto,

Some core beliefs:

Liberty
We belief personal liberty to be very important, but we do not believe in "economic liberalism".

Business
We do not advocate abolishing the capitalist system, rather we advocate a complete overhaul of the system. Co-operatives will be highly encouraged. Companies' taxes wont increase very much, and will get tax breaks for setting up rainy day funds to protect them during periods of low profits. Small businesses however will be highly subsidized, and an overhaul of the bureaucracy in regulations will occur.

Trade
We believe in fair trade, not "free trade". We will only do trade with countries that are run by similar ideologies.

Religion
Religious freedom will be guaranteed, but will not trump other rights.

International
If there is money in the budget, we will focus on international pursuits, namely promoting our ideology around the world, and perhaps military intervention in nations most opposed to it.

Education
Private education as a primary source of education will be abolished. Homeschooling will be abolished. All pupils are to attend public schools. University will be free. School zones will be drawn so that schools will be mixed in terms of social class.

Health care
Private health care will be abolished in favour of state run system. Various cosmetic procedures will remain private, however and will not be covered by the state system.  Ambulances (only in the case of an emergency) and prescription drugs will be free.

Gay rights
We will be fully committed to gay rights and the gay agenda. We are pro-same-sex marriage and pro gay adoption. Also, the ban on letting gays give blood will be removed.

Abortion
Abortion will be legal, however will not be completely covered by the state run health system. Abortion will however be discouraged by the government through awareness campaigns and generous allowances for underprivileged, single and teenage parents. Abortions will cost $100. (first time). Abortion prices will double each time a woman requests one.

Culture
Sport will be heavily subsidized in the aims to promote physical fitness in the public. Some culture will be funded to promote fitness of the mind. There will be a state run broadcaster to compete with the other networks which will remain neutral, even from our party.

Free speech
Speech will be more free. However, in the name of consumer rights, advertisers will be required to be completely honest in their advertisements and may not be misleading in any way.

Taxes
Taxes will be adjusted so that no one person will be allowed to accumulate more than $200,000 in a year. Also, those who work harder and are deemed to have more honourable professions will be given tax breaks.

Workers' rights
Laws will be instituted that will protect all workers who desire to be unionized by giving serious jail times to anyone involved in trying to prevent said workers from unionizing. Union workers will be protected from being fired during strikes, as well. However, public sector unions will be fazed out. We want private sector jobs to be on par with public sector jobs. We also do not want the public sector to hold the government hostage during periods of austerity. Also, their jobs will be essential, and strikes would cripple the government. There will be no need for public sector unions anyways, as public sector workers' rights will always be upheld.

Also, the minimum wage will be set at the cost of living, and minimum annual salaries will also be introduced, also pegged to the cost of living. 

Drugs and alcohol
Consumption of any substance will be completely legal. However, the sale and distribution of highly addictive substances will illegal. This includes tobacco. However, a system will be in place help addicts recover, including safe injection sites, free methadone programs, and even free drugs if needed (if the person voluntarily goes to our government run rehabilitation clinic)

Welfare
All people will be given the opportunity to work in areas best fit for them. The government will maintain an employment database that will easily find employment for nearly everyone. Those who refuse to work when given every opportunity to do so will be allowed to live special facilities where they will have a small cell with a toilet, and will be given 3 meals of low cost food a day. Similar to jail, except the would be free to go in and out of the facility and their pleasure.

Death penalty
The death penalty will only be reserved for dictators and tyrants of foreign lands. Unless are party succeeds from a tyrant or dictator in our own nation, it will not be used on any Atlasian.

Immigration
Restrictions on immigration will be relaxed, and all those wanting to live in Atlasia will be allowed to do so, after passing a background test. Illegal immigrants will be given amnesty.

Prostitution
Prostitution will be legalized. Prostitutes however will have to undergo regular STD testing and will legally be required to use condoms. Also, soliciting on the street will be illegal, but one is welcome to own a storefront.

Affirmative action
For public sector jobs, only when a minority candidate is deemed equal in qualification to a majority candidate will that candidate get a job.

Assisted suicide
As part of our beliefs in personal liberty, one will have the right to their own life an death. A person may with a clear mind, enter into a contract with a physician for their own life to be terminated.

Environment
A long with workers' rights, the protection of the environment will be a top priority. Our main goal will be to cut down on greenhouse gases. Our plan is to eliminate the use of gas-fueled automobiles within 8 years through phasing them out and replacing them with automobiles that run on renewable energy sources. Also, all new homes will be required to be environmentally retrofitted, and have solar panels to provide the home's energy. All homes will be equipped with solar panels within 8 years as well.

Gun rights
The rights to own guns will be outlawed completely, except for sport, military and the police.

[Hatman]

I shall submit to the party the following constitution

Preamble

The Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party believes that the in order for a more perfect Atlasian utopia, democratic revolutionary change must occur in our society in the realms of social, economic, political and environmental policy. These changes can be assured only by the application of Washburnist socialism to government and the administration of public affairs.

The principles of Washburnist socialism can be defined as:

That the production and distribution of goods and services shall not ignore the social and individual needs of the people within a sustainable environment and economy.

The dignity and freedom of the individual in his or her social lives is a fundamental human right that must be enshrined further then the status quo. 

A commitment to protecting the environment, at all costs, for the enjoyment of further generations.

And, to ensure the well being and love of all people, to ensure the basic fundamentals of life for all people, no matter their circumstances. And, to ensure that all persons have the right to be productive members of society.

Article 1: Name

Name: The name of this political party shall be the “Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party”

Article 2: Membership

Membership within the party shall be open to any Atlasian citizen who undertakes to accept and abide by the constitution and principles of the Party and is registered as a member of the party with the  Registrar General of the Census Bureau.

Article 3: Conventions

Conventions shall take place every two months, at a time and place determined by the membership at the preceding party convention.

Conventions are the supreme governing body of the Party and shall have final authority in all matters of party policy, program and constitution.

Delegates to conventions shall consist solely of the party membership.

Resolutions at conventions
At any time prior the closing ceremonies of a convention and after the opening of the convention, shall a member submit a resolution to alter party policy or the constitution.

Article 4: Officers
All party members shall be considered equal, and have equal powers. The party shall elect one member to be the chair of the party, and shall be deemed “comrade chairman” is he is male, or “comrade chairwoman” if she is female. He or she shall be solely charged with the responsibilities of ensuring that party matters are in order, and party rules are followed.

The comrade chairman or chairwoman shall be subject to a vote of confidence at each convention. If he or she does not secure a majority of votes, then an election for said position must be held. Also, if the comrade chairman or chairwoman shall resign or die, an election for his or her successor shall occur at the next convention. Upon a vacancy in the position of comrade chairman or chairwoman, then the said position will fall upon the longest serving member of the party in the interim.

If the comrade chairman or chairwoman fails to fulfill his or her duties as comrade chairman or chairwoman, then any party member shall be entitled to intervene to fulfill said duties.

Article 5: Amendments

The constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all delegates present and voting at any convention.

[Hatman]

Today is day two of the convention.

Showcase: Elections!

At present, Washburnist socialism occupies a small part of the Atlasian political compass. Our goal as a party is to one day change this, so that we can bring true change to the people.

One way to get this message out is through electoral success. It is clear that this will not come immediately, but even just running in elections, participating in debates and in campaigns will allow us to get the message out. This is why I plan on running for electoral office this February.

I have a number of different options. Preferably will be running for President. The only thing stopping this right now is if another member of the party would like to do so. Or, if the party thinks it's wiser for me to run for another office. Governor of the Northeast would be a secondary option. The benefit of that is, I could say "re-elect Earl!", since I was governor six years ago

What does everyone think? Obviously I would need a running mate as well, if I run for President.

[Dr. Cynic]

I'd like to nominate Belgiansocialist for Vice President.

I'd also like to humbly nominate Dr. Cynic for Vice President.

[Hatman]

I'd like to nominate Belgiansocialist for Vice President.

I'd also like to humbly nominate Dr. Cynic for Vice President.

Don't make me choose between the both of you!

[Dr. Cynic]

I'd like to nominate Belgiansocialist for Vice President.

I'd also like to humbly nominate Dr. Cynic for Vice President.

Don't make me choose between the both of you!

Well, if he really wants the job, I'll back out, no problem.

[Hatman]

Alright then. The other item on the agenda for the day is debating resolutions. There are two items up for debate. Of course, I will still accept submissions.

The delegate from Montana submitted this:

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

'Long live the Revolutionof the people! Long live the never-ceasing course of history!'

This item is now up for debate.

If I may start, I would like to ask the sponsor of this resolution, what is feelings are towards these three regionalist movements are. I am particularly interested in the South-East. That region has historically been quite conservative, and I am concerned that any regionalist movement there might not be in the best interests of the people.

I'd like to nominate Belgiansocialist for Vice President.

I'd also like to humbly nominate Dr. Cynic for Vice President.

Don't make me choose between the both of you!

Well, if he really wants the job, I'll back out, no problem.

Excellent. It is great to know that I will have someone to run with me I will declare my candidacy as soon as I know who my running mate will be. (that is unless belgiansocialist would like to be at the top of the ticket)