Talk Elections

This thread may be used for reader comments and requests of the Atlasia Dispatch-Herald. All requests will be considered and added to the queue for public viewing in the paper.

Keep it clean and enjoy.

National Debt numbers please.

I think that my return to Atlasia is deserving of a front page headline in very big, bold, bright red letters.

Just to let you know, I've updated the Wiki to include you as GM, and stuff.

I'd like to see a story over the recent controversy over absentee ballots.

How about we just PM him requests so as to keep this thread more about discussion of the articles. :)

Bare in mind that I have many articles ready to publish, but they will be spaced out and not placed down in one big lump. I have to give you guys a reason to keep coming back. This first wave will be four articles, one in each section. After this most days will have one or two.


Ready, but won't be up for a day or two.


Stay and get involved and maybe you'll make it into an article.


Thanks Barnes.


Do you mean Hamilton's opening of the booth improperly? Story doesn't seem that deep, but I will look into it.


And spam my Inbox? ;)

You can all PM me or post here. I'll stick it in the queue either way.

I mean Hamilton, but you decide. But it could include the new laws about absentee ballots, and Hamilton thinking he was Deputy and stuff. :)

I hope that as time goes on, not only will Atlasia's events be significantly different from the US', but that other countries' behavior may be significantly different due to Atlasian policy.

By the way, do we have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan?

The Senate has never passed a declaration of war against either country, so the answer would be no.

We inherited all laws up to 2004 I thought, so wouldn't those resolutions have been passed?

I believe the decision to inherit pre-2004 laws was an optional, rather than mandatory adoption. If I am mistaken I'll take that into account, but I will refrain from doing so until then.

I'm pretty certain that we inherited all laws.

I'm not seeing where this happened (just went through every law on the Wiki). Could you link me?

Nothing written either way, but given that we repealed a lot of old laws, it's a logical assumption.

I'd rather that sort of thing actually be done by the Senate. Especially we haven't taken any action relating to the wars, nor does the FTA with Iraq seem to take it into account.

Since we can't be sure either way at this point, it's probably up to you as GM to decide.

Iraq was "fixed", don't you know?

I'm going forward under the assumption that we are now wholly separate from the U.S., aside from things that have commonly been assumed to be a part of both (such as social security, medicare/caid, etc.) or those which the Senate has mentioned in legislation.

Could the GM comment on why those revenues are so high? The Gov't would be accounting for like 70% of GDP if GDP is anything close to RL numbers. I don't see how five years of difference in laws could cause GDP to grow so far so fast that would be taken in 11 Trillion dollars in revenue.

Ok, fixed. I'm no whiz on the economic numbers, so if you catch anything like that let me know.

I'm still hoping for Somalia updates, hinthint ;)

I think there was a resolution that withdrew Atlasian troops from Iraq.

Its better but they are still considerably high. 30%-40% of RL GDP. I would suggest that in the future you look at RL numbers first and modify as needed. That will give it a better basis in reality.

For instance rought RL numbers
GDP: 14 Trillion
Expenses: 3.6 Trillion
Revenues: 1.8 Trillion
These are the estimates for next year when we have a projected 1.8 Trillion dollar deficit.

The recession has murdered Revenue and generally you should keep expenses either at 25% of GDP or slighlty over(RL is about 26% maybe 30% at most). The Recession also distorts the numbers somewhat. For instance Revenue is down to 12% of GDP now when just a few years ago it was at about 16 or 17%. Judging by our Tax code I would say revenue should be in the 20-25% range, I would say low ball the number some cause the Recession would depress it. Your deficit is fairly accurate though at 1 trillion.

My suggestion is first start out with your GDP number. Then break down revenues, expenses, etc. 

My biggest trouble has been finding RL numbers. I'll shift it to what you laid out. They probably won't change any more often than monthly at the most.

The CIA World Factbook is a great resource and of course there is always good old wikipedia.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html)

Scroll down to the Economy section. All the info you need to know about the US economy.

I've always used the Factbook for other countries. Never thought to use it on my own.

Okay you are getting there. You need to account for Tax code differences between Atlasia and RL  meaning our revenue will be slightly higher then RL. I would say maybe 2.2 Trillion to 2.5 Trillion instead of 1.8 Trillion.

Obviously if any deputy GM would be needed, it's in the economic sector. ;)

How do the healthcare numbers look?

Well I being a cynical conservative doubt that it would run a surplus, at least initially. Other then that they seem at least somewhat reasonable. It would have a positive effect on wages and employement, and even GDP cause small Businesses will expand as you say so thats correct. It would also lead to the dropping of private Health Care plans and the bankruptcy of many small insurers as you say it does. I would say Good job.

And you wanted to do it for Foriegn policy? Told you :P. Needs a separate position. Unfortunately most of the "experts" either aren't registered in Atlasia like Beet, Ford, Carl Hayden or have other positions already, Sam Spade. And if you are thinking about me the answer is No way in hell. :P

One more thing. Discretionary spending is as a percentage declining in relation to the overall budget even in good years. In recessions this gets worse. The vast runupp in Deficit from about 2.9 Trillion to 3.6 Trillion is not just cause of Stimulus and such but because of automatic increases in Entitlements like Medicaid, Food Stamps, Unemployemnt etc.
So of the 3.6 Trillion about 1.3 Trillion would be Discretionary spending. The rest almost 64% of the expenditures is entitlements of various kinds and in the future its only going to get worse. Just something to consider when cruncing Fiscal Budget issues.

I'll keep that in mind.

Just as a note, the health care cost vs. revenue is projected over ten years, which is why it is running a surplus.

One more thing: I hope you guys can keep up. ;) You would be surprised how much I have ready for this. The confirmation process gave me a lot of time to write things up.

Just a note to wish best of luck to you PS. :)

You're doing a good job :)

Hint: Thanks to the Atlasian recognition of Somaliland it is COMPLETELY STABLE ;D

Something is coming down the pipeline, but I'm having so much fun with Colombia right now, especially bringing back the GTO.

^^

This and can we get some information on what the Dirty South citizens think of the assembly? (obviously not a pressing issue)

That's more reliant on NC Yank's approval polls. I  can write something based on those numbers, but the idea is pretty clear: a majority of the DS support it.

Except for the southern part, which doesn't count.

Yup, I am very much enjoying having something to respond to day to day on.

You're succeeding "beyond my wildest expectations" ;)

I plan on introducing legislation relating to the GTO, such as expanding it to other allies such as France, Canada, Italy, Spain or Argentina.

For your reference, the treaty was originally ratified through this (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Global_Treaty_Organization_Act) piece of legislation (F.L. 14-6).

And a hat-tip to MasterJedi for bringing the GTO to my attention the other day.

Come on DWTL. I know you want to give me another $10,000. :P


PS, here is one more thing you might want to study in relation to Economic Info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late-2000s_recession

I admit its long, but it gives you the broad picture.

I'm glad I was part of "One of the Greatest Senates Ever"

I was not. :( But I got to pass regional legislation as Mideast Speaker regarding the Help Atlasia Study Act, so at least I was around.

Does the honerable GM realise that there is in fact a high speed Rail line already in place between those cities, the Northeast Corridor. So does this mean that improvements and repairs will be done to that existing line, which the famous Acela Express runs on(Can reach 120-130 mph easy, I have done so on Train Sim), or are we building a whole new line through there. The existing NEC is badly in need of repairs however, if improved the speeds could reach those specified in the act.

Because of the requirements in the HSR Act that the line must accommodate trains that reach speeds of up to 156mph, a new line is being built roughly along the path of the current NEC. Upon completion of this HSR line, the NEC will be decommissioned and taken apart.

Ah, no you won't. THe NEC handles Commuter and Freight lines, dummy. You going to shut them down. You can't haul freight at 150 miles of hour. Your knowledge of the Raillines are very lacking. Where are you going to build the new line. Most of the NEC is surronded by Development especially in Philly, Baltimore, and Boston. What about under NYC. The NEC corridor goes under ground in NJ, travels underneath the Hudson under Manhattan, goes through the discusting subway station they have the audacity to call Penn Station and then out through more tunnells underneath the East River to Long Island and New England. You going to build completely new tunnells, where are you going to put them? Clearly the GM doesn't know what he is talking about. :P It would cost Hundreds of Billions just for this one line to do what you are asking. Why not just replace, upgrade and modernise existing track over which the Acela currently runs?

I'm not researching American railways for this. ;)

The engineers and planners will deal adequately with the placement of tracks, the modernization of current lines, etc. I'm no engineer, I simply report the news.

Well, it looks like if the RPP receives a majority in the Senate the stock market will crash again. :(

My railway workers un my as yet unamed Railroad are considering going on strike due to your lack of appreciation for there importance.

I have some more requests
I need Housing market Data
Retail Sales
Durable Goods orders
Factory orders(also say whether this number is due to export changes or changes in domestic consumption)
Consumer Spending
Consumer Confidence

Please try to do some research on these. :P

Only if you guys start taking action on some of my releases. Nothing regarding Venezuela from anyone but HW? Not even a comment on health care, not to mention moves to amend or make it better. You guys need to keep up with these things. I can give you all the data in the world, but it wont mean anything if you don't respond.

Me try to amend Health Care? If I try to amend it, it would be a full repeal of it, which obviously won't pass, so why bother? Foriegn affairs aren't my current cup of tea and I shouldn't be held responsible for the inaction of my fellow Senators on the subject. I am an economics guy and I am trying get a good feel of the economy to see where to go next and so far what you have given me is so blind to underlying factors as to be worthless. Finally its election time and we are approachin Lame Duck status for this session. You are a former Senator, you know the drill. Now give me the data or I will have your a** impeached in the next Senate. I am in a very bad mood right now and you ain't helping.

Oh yes, impeaching the only active and competent GM in a while. What a marvelous idea!

Competent in certain ares yes. However he spouts off practically meaningless economic data on a regular basis and then when I ask for some special info on a one time basis so I can craft some economic legislation, I get a BS response about not responding. I ran on GM Reform, ID theft and the Economy. My focus right now is the economy, and I shouldn't be denied info critical to turning around the economy, because none of the other 9 Senators hasn't bothered to respond to his conflict with Chavez.  He was not appointed GM so he could point to us and laugh every election season and say, they aren't doing anything. He was appointed to work with the Senate to craft legislation, when I ask for critical data I get all kinds of excusses from "I don't know", to, "you idiots won't respond anyway". I came here to get what I need so I can do my job, I didn't expect to be caught up in a verbal attack on the entire Senate. He took this job, and said he would do daily reports, which he has, so I don't expect it to be a problem when I ask for one time dosage of more specific info.

I also ran on accountabililty for officeholders, and I sure as hell plan to continue to hold people accountable when I find they are not.

Also, he updates infrequently!  He should be updating more than once a day!  We demand minute-by-minute stock data!

I must admit that while I'm very happy with Purple State's activity and enthusiasm, I'm, like NYC, a bit miffed at his attitude towards the Senate as well. It's not like random stock data and updates on the dollar as well as pointless news about Colombia gives us alot to legislate over.

https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Twentieth_Senate

Al, Lewis, Ebowed, Phil and Rob? i'll pass. sorry

And I agree that the 30th is by far the best Senate ever. I could vote for any of them, honestly. Awesome group of Senators.

It was by far the most exciting without a doubt.  See the defeat of some of the extremely liberal bills like "Acceptance of Science" and see the one week period when Lewis was on vacation

You've talked about that bill about a thousand times now. I went through the thread and, you know what? It was boring.

Its not frequency but a content issue.

Happy knows what I'd like to do with Venezuela. But they actually have to do something worthy of action on my part. I don't feel like wasting Senate time on a resolution for what they did, which happens all the time. Give me something I can work with and you'll have your bill. Even though this Senate is almost over too.

Enough, enough. This thread is not for your petty threats, nor is it for countermeasures.

You will all be kept plenty busy by a fun regional and financial week.

Check your PM box, before you get me going again. :P

The Midwest has no budgetary woes. >:( What's the opposite of woes? It has seow.

I'm going in order of budget size so the Midwest will be the last one listed.

I thought the Dirty South's would be because of their population.

     Yeah, the DS is in dire need of more people.

Population according to membership in Atlasia is not to be taken as overall population or economic output. The DS has Florida and Texas, two of the most populous states in Atlasia in general, while the Midwest has most of the smallest states.

I'm really happy with your job so far. But, please give NCYank his statistics, he's pretty pissed right now.

Honestly, being pissed off with me will get him his information no sooner. I don't appreciate people feigning anger after I respond publicly to a public outburst of theirs.

Tomorrow's economic news will include his information and I am announcing that those sorts of numbers (i.e. bonds, GDP, Libor, etc.) will come every three to six months.

Also, just for future reference, if you want information post it here or PM me. If I don't respond immediately or if I question the purpose of the information, PM me with a clear, concise and respectful summary of why the information is needed and you will get it. If you go off on foam-at-the-mouth rants you will be asked to leave the news room.

If you could prepare the Midwest education data in the next few weeks, but refrain from posting it until I'm officially Governor-elect, I would really appreciate it.

Here are the figures I would like to request:

- % graduation from high school
- % high school graduates who enter college
- % of college students who graduate with at least a two year degree.
- avg. teacher salary
- the power and influence of the teachers' union
- avg. dollars per student
- any regional disparities
- any class, ethnic, racial, or gender disparities
- the influence of the standardized test ban enacted in the Midwest last year
- brief comparisons to the other regions
- overweight and obesity rates among children and adolescents
- levels of teen violence
- % of teens without fathers, racial disparities would be nice
- levels of teen pregnancy
- state of charter schools in the state and school choice.

For each region would be nice, really

I hope the Southeast's numbers are accurate and fairly represented though. (By the I mean worse than every other region. :P)

I'll get to it. It can usually be assumed that when one region requests data I will do my best to get it for all of the other regions as well. This may take some more time than the other requests though.

Where does the Midwest income come from? We have no tax code to my knowledge.

Because of the general lack of regional information in such regards, the numbers given are set as baselines, with future actions affecting those numbers. They are not based on any specific pieces of legislation passed, because there has been little or no such legislation, but is meant to give you an idea of where each region stands.

Sh**t a 300 point spread that means the banking system is collasping. We need to move on this at once. Like Yesterday. Good job PS! :)

As I requested it and actually plan on addressing it, I hope you can come out with the Midwest numbers first.

Figured the best way to do it was check the US's numbers from last October. All good.

NCY, if you could specify which data specifically in those categories you would like it would greatly expedite the process.

Housing market data:
Housing Starts-measure Home Constructionconstruction
New and Existing Home Sales-Measures the Housing Market.
A regional and Nation Avg Home price would be helpful
Avg time it takes to sell a home-Another measure of the market. In RL we are at 11 months I think. 

Retail Sales- Just give a summary of how retailers are doing, and percentage change from the previous month's.

Durable Goods- Pretty straight forward single piece of data measuring sales of Goods that last longer the 6 months(Cars, Stoves, Refridgerators, Freezers, Washing machines, and other large appliances. If you want you could just give the percentage increase or decrease over the previous month's sales and keep it simple.

Factory Orders- Similar to the Durable goods orders only it includes non durable good's orders and exports. Percentage increase over previous month will work here as well.

Consumer Spending- Just percentages like the previous two would be fine.

Consumer Confidence- Measures consumer's likeliness to spend in the future. I would suggest finding an index that tracks this and then using that in Atlasia, Rasmussen has one as do a few other organizations. They differ in how they measure and how they display Confidence.

If you want to, you could also create an Index similar to the ISM index of the Manufacturing sector and tie together Durable Goods, Retail Sales, Factory Orders together into something so we aren't left with just individual data, and it would gives us a big picture of how these individual pieces of data come together.

A basic summary of the regional economies would be nice, if you're not already working on that.

GDP
GDP per capita
Percentage of the workforce in each industry
Percentage of the regional economy of each industry
Unemployment
Job loss/gain rate
Economic growth/decay numbers

Sorry, all unexpectedly did not have internet after yesterday early morning. I will put a few things up in the next little bit.

Could be joking ourselves any harder than to think the GBLT Trade Act would actually work? 

Are you sure you're not confusing the Midwest with the Mideast?  The Midwest should have the lowest unemployment rate in the country, and probably the second-lowest unionization rate:

()

()

ilikeverin, I will revisit the numbers a little later. I won't simply be basing numbers on the US though, especially because of the differing attitudes in Atlasia vs. the US.


If you can explain to me why a small country like Saint Lucia, that doesn't punish female homosexuality and only fines and/or jails male homosexual activity, would not react to restrictions on trade that lead to economic hardship in their country, I would like to hear it. Otherwise, I have a feeling you give far too much credence to the amount that people care about social issues when they are hurting in the wallet.

Considering our region has been dead for the past year, our unemployment is no surprise.

Why would the Mideast unemployment be that high, and further, higher than the South? (Especially considering all their idiotic policies.)

Please place all questions/comments in the News Room thread to keep this board clear.

I believe the reports mention (at least some do) that this is not including the stimulus funds; however, there is some directive as to how to spend the money (local industries, such as automotive, in the case of the Mideast). In addition, the regions may choose how they close their deficits, either through taxation (this is outlined for some) or using stimulus funding.


The Mideast is home to the auto-industry of Atlasia. The massive problems those companies face has resulted in major unemployment. Meanwhile, the Southeast, despite their proposed "idiotic policies," tends to pass very few of them. I actually am very happy that the SE rejected every unnecessary spending initiative in the last elections, as prescribed in their budget report.

The numbers recently posted take care of the fourth and fifth items on that list. I will try to work on the rest as well.

I'm, uh, a little bit surprised how much people think policies affect unemployment rates... really, no matter how much and what kind of activity exists in the Midwest, it's not like somehow magically that would turn the Midwest into a manufacturing powerhouse or make the Mideast have a balanced economy or something :S

True, though having an unregulated horde of heavily armed ursine running around probably isn't good for economic activity ;)

()

I'm most hopeful that the Senate can amend the election procedure next term to cut down this lame-duck period substantially. It is pretty ridiculous that no substantive legislation can even begin to be debated until September 7th. This has always been an issue left to the back-burner, despite its presence as a nuisance and source of confusion every two months.

The lame-duck period was useful two months ago.

It can be useful, but three weeks of it is a bit much I think. Cutting it down to one and a half would give the Senate more time to really get things done.

By the way, just to make sure you are all aware, the first post of the Atlasia Dispatch-Herald main thread has a queue of current and recently completed requests. There is also a column denoting the status of each request, whether it is yet to be written, written and pending posting, or written and posted.

It should help you all keep track of my job.

Could you periodically, say, once a week, update us on the economic status of the individual regions.

I will try to describe the directions of the regions once a week or so, more likely through analysis or stories than specific data, which probably won't come more often than once a month, simply because the regions don't act on enough to effect enough change to make a substantive difference that quickly

I know, but it would also be interesting to see how federal  policy affects certain regions.

That I will be sure to include in the analysis of federal policies from now on, especially when the stimulus funds begin rolling out.

I'm wondering how you came up with regional population numbers, because it isn't based on the real figures.

It is based on the populations of the regions as a proportion of the whole, which is derived from the US population total.

Well... 2 of the 4 most populous states are in the Southeast, and 4 of the top 10. Meanwhile the Midwest has nothing. You should look into updating that.

Most populous states does not have anything to do with total regional populations. The populations of the regions, as outlined by the SoFA are:

Mideast, Midwest = 25 (~18%)
Pacific, Northeast = 35 (~25%)
Southeast = 19 (~14%)

That is what the numbers are based on. I would agree that there are a number of ways I can do these numbers to make some regions bigger or smaller. This is how I chose to do it so as to more accurately represent Atlasia, rather than the US.

Okay that makes much more sense. thanks for clearing that up.

Damn ruskis!

Wow I honestly thought it was like the only person who used the term "ruskis".  In fact, I actually didn't know anyone outside my friends even heard of that word.  God I am so stupid sometimes :P

Its in the Michael Moore film, Canadian Bacon, I beleive.

Never seen a Michael Moore film actually.  And Canadian bacon is not very good.

Canadian Bacon, the movie, is.

However, all the older forumnites should be laughing in their sleeves right now, as they were no doubt entirely aware that the slur of choice for "Russians" was "Russkies" (sp?) at the time, and so they should find it lulzworthy that you actually think it came from a movie.

lol

I've posted the Midwest regional education numbers. I won't be doing every region in this way unless there are specific requests (I know Marokai wants the Pacific, so that will be the next one I work on). It will take some time to do each one.

In your requests, it would be greatly appreciated if you brought to my attention any legislation passed by the region pertaining to education (as Vepres did with the End to Standardization Act).

I'll request the same education numbers that you gave for the Mideast, as well.

I'm fairly certain I know of most of the Mideast's legislation on education (as I passed some of it), but if you could dig that up and post links in here that would be great.

This was what I could find:
https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/A.R._3:_Amendment_to_the_Mideast_Intelligent_Design_Statute
https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Mideast_Education_Reform_Statute
https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Mideast_Senator_Al_Scholarship_Statute
https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/A.R._2:_The_Mideast_Education_Opportunity_Act_of_2008 (my pride and joy)
https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/A.R.1_:_The_Mideast_Education_Funds_Allotment_Act

I just want to say that you're doing such an amazing job so far PS. Please, keep it up, I love all the economic data, and can never get enough.

Agreed.

Hopefully your tenure will set a standard that all future GMs will reach for so that when your time as GM has ended, we can continue this awesome flow of information.

BTW, how long do you think you'll remain in this post at the moment?

I never said it "came" from the movie, stupid. :P I was pointing out that it was in that movie which was made 14 years ago an so it predates his group of friends. You read too much into what I said.

;D Positive results from the End to Standardization Act.

I thank you all for the kind words. And I have no plans to leave this office for a good while Vepres. I'm not eyeing October or anything, so you are stuck with me here for a while.


I have my moments. ;)

I still think it sucks. >:(

Expect Mideast education numbers tomorrow. If someone can get me any laws passed by the Pacific on education, I would appreciate not having to hunt for them myself.

By the way, if it has not yet been noted, Saturdays are the GM's day off. ;)

Hey PS, you may want to proof read the most recent update.

Had a feeling I may miss something. All fixed.

Housing data gives me more cause for concern. Hopefully my credit bill will have some impact. Which should be introduced by tomorrow.

For the remaining economic stuff up on the queue I've been having trouble finding data. If you could point me in the right direction (feel free to post it or PM it to me) it would be appreciated.

Okay, if I am correct the two remaining are Factory and Durable Goods orders. Thats good, cause they go hand in hand. Durable Goods+NonDurable Goods=Factory Orders. Just for a reminder durable goods last longer then 3 years(I realise I told you 6 months before, I was incorrect) and non durable last less then 3 years.

Durable Goods only
http://www.census.gov/indicator/www/m3/ (http://www.census.gov/indicator/www/m3/)
http://www.census.gov/indicator/www/m3/adv/pdf/durgd.pdf (http://www.census.gov/indicator/www/m3/adv/pdf/durgd.pdf)

Total Factory orders
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112467517  (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112467517)
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc04/idUSTRE58147L20090902 (http://www.reuters.com/article/gc04/idUSTRE58147L20090902)

I didn't notice till know that Crude oil raced up to the $80's recently. We may have to take drastic actions. I hope recent bills by Marokai and others might have an impact. If not, or if not enough, I might have one or two arrows in my quiver but neither is very promising either. We did Health Care, the biggest drain on consumers and small Business. The next biggest drain is Energy costs. Whats left to be done, that hasn't already though? Atlasia has programs for Mass Transportation and alternative energy, and have done much more then in RL in general. We start getting over $100 is when the cause for concern becomes real. 

Most of the current increases in crude oil are a result of the tension in South America. It is understandable that the Senate does not have all that much power to change things there. Diplomacy mostly depend on how the executive handles the situation. HW has tried. Perhaps Lief will as well?

I have not yet made up my mind on how the matter there will proceed. It really can go either way (war or deescalation), but it depends fully on how it is handled.

I was referring to our dependence on oil in general. Do we still rely on imported oil for 70% of Atlasias energy or has that gone up or down from RL at all?

That number is closer to 60% at the moment, with a likely drastic decrease as renewable energy initiatives propagate and launch. So in that sense, the price of crude oil may not be as significant, but is still significant. Not to mention cars still mostly use gas, so the average Atlasian is feeling the pinch.

If any accuses Atlasia of not doing enough to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, my head will explode. One need only look through the massive expenditures pushed through (in part during my administration) to expand mass transit opportunities. Not to mention the fact that Atlasia put so many tax benefits on hybrids that they're subsidized below the cost of non-hybrid vehicles.

Besides, given the imposition of the Carbon Tax, what is gas now, maybe $5 a gallon?

I am aware of this and beleive I mentioned it in my post, hence the point, what else could be done?

Sometimes I just gets so pissed at Chavez, I want to aim an ICBM at the mens room of his Presidential palace.

The environmental gain comes from raising the Average MPG of the US car fleet. The CO₂ reductions may not be realised immediately.

The bill raises the average MPG of the Atlasian car fleet insofar as it leads people to purchase vehicles with higher fuel efficiency. Based on the number of cars that are likely to be purchased, in combination with the average MPG change between the car traded in and the new car purchased, the number of years most cars are used, the number of miles each car drives, etc., it was determined that the long-run environmental impact would be tangible, but overpaid for.

This is not to say that the economic impact of the bill will not be substantial, as the report does state significant economic benefits. But the bill should not be viewed as a productive way to reduce CO2 emissions. If the intent of the legislation was to reduce emissions alone, this would be a pretty bad bill.

Really!?! The regions apportion some of the stimulus money. Did not know that.

Yup. They get some direct cash, so it would be nice if they had some way to distribute it. There are also portions of funding that go to federal programs run by the regions, which means how the regions spend that money exactly, within the confines of the law, is up to them.

How are those Factory/Durable Goods orders coming?

Working on it. I'm trying to keep it at one story a day (to keep me sane) and there is much to report on. You will hopefully get them this week.

You will definitely get it Tuesday. Minimum wage on Monday. Foreign news tomorrow.

Can someone (other than the Sentinel, thanks Vepres) actually pay attention and comment about what's going on? I mean, does no one care?

Oh sh!t, I go to eat brunch and our embassy is attacked.

I'm thinking of an appropriate response.  Also PS can you ge on AIM?

The Columbian Crisis: Atlasia Held Hostage
Day: 1


(Now if only we can get Ted Koppel! :D)

After today, there will be occasional top-secret intelligence briefings for the President, VP, SoEA and PPT.

Why the PPT?

Checks and balances. I also think it could be important when filling the legislation slot for PPT's discretion.

The car rebate bill would have a couple additional votes if the Senate didn't lose it's mind and completely ruin it with outrageous requirements.

Just chalk it up as a victim of the Senate's constant need to compromise.

Fortunately we got a better bill courtesy of Tmth and Hamilton

First of all, you are not a Senator, so you better learn your limits.

Secondly, no, the changes made the variety of purchasable cars very narrow and almost entirely foreign. The point was to get people to buy cars, not turn it into a green initiative.

I wouldn't say that was a compromise. That was a pretty one-sided move by the Senate to increase the environmental impact of the bill at the expense of the economic impact.

*shrug* If it doesn't pass as a result, you can bet the market won't be happy.

On another note: Chalking up some release info on the stimulus. If anyone has something they really want to see in there, post here or PM me with what it is and, if available, a link to the raw info or an analysis of the info. Remember, this is just the initial release, not months down the road.

I can work with Senators however I choose. Go yell at PiT or Purple State or Xahar. They frequently post in the Senate and also worked on legislation this session. Leave me alone. Just because all evidence shows the opposite of your position on the auto rebate bill doesn't give you a right to continue on this tirade.

Just thought I'd let you know that you're doing a wonderful job.

^^^
Indeed, it's been years since we've had a GM anywhere close to as active and committed. :)

It almost wounds me to say this, but I urge the Senate to immediately open up hearings investigating the link between Governor AndrewCT and the emerging terrorist threat looming over our nation.

;D :D ;D *hughughug* ;D :D ;D

Thank you all for the kind words.

Busy day today IRL. I will have a report up in a few minutes and financials a little later (after I get homework done).

Purple State, do we have anti-trust laws? I know we carried over some US laws, but I'd like to know some specifics of the laws for future reference. I'll probably introduce some in the Midwest either way though.

Antri-trust laws can be considered to be the current US anti-trust laws.

Just as a note, the Office of the GM will be officially closed on a number of Sundays (and one Monday), in addition to every saturday in the coming weeks. These are due to the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

I thank you for baring with me. The first such occurrence will be this Sunday, so no news (or posting from me at all) from this Friday night to Sunday night.

A unrelated question. What are those holidays? We don't have any Jews where I live, I only know Hannukah.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish new year, which is both celebratory, but also the beginning of judgement for the next year.

Yom Kippur, which is ten days later, is literally the Day of Atonement (we don't eat or drink all day and pray to God for forgiveness) and the final day before God closes the books that determine the next year (who will live or die, be wealth or poor, etc.).

Sukkot is a harvest festival. We eat (and some sleep and spend much of their days) in a constructed hut with bamboo roofing. It is partly to remind us of the way the Jews lived while traveling in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt.

Those are basic sketches and each holiday has a lot of intricacies, rules, traditions, etc. If you are ever interested in additional information you can PM me any question.

I remember Sukkot on TV. In Montreal, there were some troubles because some owners were banning the huts on their grounds because they are ''unaesthetic''.

My favorite is Purim because every time the writers of quiz bowl questions ask for a Jewish holiday that they think will be "difficult" it's always Purim.

Hopefully the stimulus will help boost these numbers in the future. We need to get Business investment back up for sure.

Good job, PS. Any chance I could get you to supply these on a monthly basis? Along with the Construction/Housing and Consumer Demand/Retail data. :)

I'll need you to remind me, but I will do my best to update the economic reports on a monthly basis. I may try to set up some sort of schedule where they are each released in separate weeks. Let me go through and see what I've done and try to get some dates for everything.

Tentative Schedule for Recurring Reports:

Topic: Schedule; Next expected release

Federal Revenue/Expenditures: The second Wednesday of every other month; October 14
Regional Budgets: The second week biannually; February 7-12
LIBOR/Prime, Bonds: The last Thursday of every other month; October 29
Employment/Unionization: The first day of every other month, with regional numbers the following day; October 1, 2
Population: The first day of every year; January 1
Retail Sales: The first Tuesday of every other month; November 3
Consumer Spending: The first Monday of every other month; October 5
Consumer Confidence: The fourth Thursday of every other month; November 26
Housing Data: The second Friday of every other month; November 13
Durable Goods/Factory Orders: The last Monday of every other month; November 30

So when are you going to start issuing news reports regarding energy, climate change, and what effect our policies are having with regard to these issues?

I will put it on the queue. If you have any specific information you would like on those topics, please let me know (I like specifics). Also, if you know of any reputable sources to find related information, that would be great as well.

I'm back from my holiday and rearing for a fun week. A look ahead includes more news from South America, worries brewing about bank failures, the beginnings of regional reports and other fun stuff. I will also begin working on refreshed economic numbers (just for NCY).

This is great, now you can have the Stock market fluctuate the days leading up to a release based on "market expectations" and then have market react to the final numbers. This is a very fun process.

Can I get information about the number of babies aborted each year, and the cost incurred for those procedures?

I wonder how the stock market will react to the possible abolition of all regional taxes in one fifth of the country.

Getting to it right now. :)

Thank you! ;D

As for immigration, I don't believe Atlasia currently has amnesty nor a guest worker program, but it is my understanding that that is a national responsibility, one where the regions have little influence. I will take some more action though.

The Dirty South just created an assembly and people throw to recall our govenor.  What is the reaction dearest GM?

Don't forget about the Northeast! :)

I would urge the Governor think strongly before agreeing to what PS proposes here. Doing so what he wants would lead to severe wage Depression, and that would be just as bad as increased Unemployement. I also think the Governor has made a mistake in "shifting the focus" of Immigration laws. The affects will be felt the most by those at the lowest of the pay scale who are being hit hardest by the recession already. Guest worker or other type programs tend to have the same effects as illegals coming into an area. When it comes to Wage Depression there is no distinction between legal and illegal what matters is line of work and education level.

Lastly I beleive a recent Senate passed an Amnesty if I am not mistaking.

The only law I could find was this (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/The_Illegal_Immigration_Act_of_2009). It doesn't give amnesty, but it doesn't call for deportation unless they commit a crime.

Well guess what, if that wasn't amnesty, Then many illegals can be tried for violation of the Id Theft Prevention and Resolution Act and held to its standards. :) So they are criminals.

Working on reports for each region. Rest assured I will get to both.

I would also like to first see if anyone brings a follow-up on my case to revoke devilman88's pardon. I have urged BK to do so as he would be considered to have proper standing.

I know conditions are dire and the economy sucks in Atlasia right now, but even the US' stock market went up sometimes throughout the crisis, even if they were mediocre gains.

True. The market has performed quite well in fact during the last 6-7 months.

Remember we are about 6 to 8 months behind the US and much deeper because the gov't waited to act.


I don't want to write the Financial package alone. I would prefer to work with someone on it. If anybody is interested please PM me.

The federal government seems to be ignoring this. Does the GM believe anything can be done at the regional level to help Midwestern banks?

Well NCY has anointed himself the resident expert on credit and banks, plus, I'm not exactly sure what can be done.

Honestly, I think alot of this banking crisis stuff is ridiculously overblown and doesn't take into account the differences between Atlasia and the United States.

And I doubt it, by the way, given the comparatively low economic muster your region has.

True.

"When one man is indespensible, no one is free" 



Unfortunately, as I warned, my knee sprain took me off the forums Friday. Tomorrow I will be busy prefering for a medical procedure on Monday. With no complications, I should be available Monday night, or Tuesday at the lastest.

Well, the markets will not open until Tuesday this week, so you do have some time.

As for the actual state of the banks Marokai, it is difficult for me to take into account differences between Atlasia and the US on certain things. I can't predict how a different tax rate will have affected the banking sector over the last five years. However, given the assumption that we were the US until 2004, it is pretty likely something like this would be relatively similar.

The housing boom lasted 10 years. In 2004, 80% of it had already gone by. Most of the toxic loans made by private institutions were put out in the 2001-2004 period. Housing had already decoupled from wage growth in 2001 or 2002. Tax rate would have had no impact on whether or not this occured. This likely would have happened in RL if either AL Gore or John Kerry had won election.

Apparently it is irrelevant that Lief just had the Treasury prevent a bank's collapse with $30 billion.

Anyone there?!

The Senate doesn't care about the economy. They care about whether kids can get porno four years earlier.

Forgive me but I'm having a hard time taking all this seriously given that it seems wildly unrealistic for Atlasia to be directly compared to America.

I asked for you to show how we would have avoided the current crisis with Atlasian policy.

Look, Atlasia cannot exactly mirror the US because we don't pass enough, or detailed enough, legislation, nor is all the legislation the same. However, much of the underlying currents are the same and trends are relatively the same. Not to mention, I clearly don't have the knowledge or time to start inventing economic models and doing complex calculations to determine what ambiguous Atlasian legislation, since the beginning of the game, has done to change us from the US. Sometimes it can be done, but when it comes to major economic matters, it's just not possible.

Also, I fail to see how it is fun if matters deviate so far from the US. It would create a world that is far too difficult for new members to become familiar with while also increasing the likelihood that I will make a mistake. If you want detailed and accurate data, I can't stray very far from sources of actual information.

Finally, just because you dislike what the GM says, so long as the data makes reasonable sense it is your job, as a senator, to care. That is the point of the position. If it is just a joke for people to ignore I will gladly resign and let the position return to irrelevance.

In fairness, PS, that fact was somewhat buried in the story (one sentence in the middle of several paragraphs). After skimming the story yesterday, your post made me go back and reread it to pick that nugget out. I suspect I'm not alone there.

That said, I care PS. :-) I would like to know if the Treasury "funding" provided was merely loan guarantees or an actual infusion of federal cash? Either way, but particularly if the latter, what compensation are the taxpayers getting in return? Is the fed swapping stock for cash, and if so is it preferred stock in case Eagles Bank assets prove insoluble? Further, is the Lief Administration proposing additional regulatory reforms to avoid repeats of this incident? Will the financial community's (or at least J.P. Colin's) support of such reforms be expected in exchange for this federal bailout?

Inquiring minds want to know! Answers should be demanded!

I think you're doing a fine job with national stuff, but I think your regional news needs work.  You tend to focus almost exclusively on the Mideast and the Midwest.  Have you done anything on the Northeast ever?  Isn't it still our most populous region?

Myself and Mideast assemblymen have requested info, so yeah.

I have too, and even went so far as to provide a draft.  :P

There has been an article for the Northeast if I recall correctly. I am also working on the NE's regional report for tomorrow hopefully. And I am in the process of reviewing your draft, but much of it seems to rely on what you want to happen, which is not necessarily what I think would happen.

Also, not one of the regions have yet acted on my budget recommendations from a month ago. Things could better build on themselves and grow if people reacted to what the GM posts so that the GM can react to their actions. It's a self-sustaining cycle.

It just seems like no one understands the economy enough to comment.

We can't all be geniuses like you, NCY.

The more you know about the economy the better off you will be. Atleast you get to know who you are getting fuck by.

Hell, I don't understand everything. But I did give some pretty simple lines for the regions, along the lines of "cut taxes X%" and "put money here." No legislation to that effect though. Oh well.

Side note, Sunday is another Jewish holiday (don't ask me why we have so many in one month, it's just the way it goes) so I won't be able to comment for another two-day period.

I dont feel like copying and pasting right now, but I would like to thank GM Purple State on his recent article about the Northeast.  I thought it was all done in good taste, and to be honest the Northeast was overdue on some good recognition. Of course, I am not speaking about myself, but for people like Antonio, and Lt. Governor Barnes and many others who helped me so much to bring this region back together, and active again. It takes a lot of work, and they did a terrific job

 

Is there any coherent reason for why Northeastern unemployment dropped .4% and Pacific unemployment spiked .3% in basically a month? Because that seems rather nonsensical to me.

Bear in mind the economic recovery is not fully in effect. First, Northeast region is doing better because their industries are different, which is pretty huge, and so their economy is healthier. In addition, Northeast businesses and investors are more confident than those in the Pacific.

Perhaps someone could help me here.  I've been doing some research into the stimulus package passed by the Senate, and can't quite get a handle on how much money the Northeast (or any other region) gets from it.

I believe the GM said that because no official declaration of the apportionment of the regional stimulus money that each region received a share proportional to their population. However, I'm not 100% certain about that.

Essentially, each region should assume that they have received exactly one-fifth of the region-specific funding from the stimulus package (I believe this amounts to $20 billion each).

I would like to request a report on the general status of Iraq and Afghanistan. Did we have troops at one time, or still do, or did we decide we would break from the US?

I think our old GM in time long gone by declared that we won the war because we had a surge or whatever.

Ok, though I'd like to see what Purple State has to say about the countries anyway.

I will do you one better Vepres (and I know HW wants this too). I will release a comprehensive foreign policy review in the next week or so.

I'd like some reports and stats on the effectiveness and usefulness of the stimulus act passed by the Senate.

I didn't realize it was also the GM's job to make social commentary as well as analysis, but I learn something new every day.

I'd say its most prominent residents have a strong pro-regional tendency.  bgwah, for example, is a reactionary on the issue.

Since when?

You made an error. You said the Pacific is the home of the largest party in Atlasia. The largest party in Atlasia only has like 3 members in the Pacific. You might want to look into correcting that.

I can only go by what the SoFA page has.


I must not have noticed you complaining when I issued my report on the Southeast. You didn't comment on the "social commentary" in any other region either. And the Pacific doesn't pass (or even consider) enough legislation for me to comment on much besides you, well, lack of the consideration of legislation.


Since its members, including the region's current senator (if I am mistaken here, I apologize to Max), came out for removal of regional Senate seats...

To be fair, abolishing regional senate seats is not the same as abolishing regions. And I also find it a little suspect that the GM is trying to change the type of governments that individual regions want to set up. If some want elected legislatures, that's awesome. If some want to do the every citizen is part of the legislature deal, that should be fine too. I'm pretty sure that's what regional rights are all about, no?

I think the GM's main request is that you just increase activity. I think everyone can agree that the Pacific region is the most inactive and boring region in Atlasia.

Do you even know what "reactionary" means?

I highly advise Purple State stop politicizing the GM position. Highly advise.

You hit it right on the head. No where did I recommend that the Pacific institute an elected legislature. I said: a) act on my previous economic recommendations and b) ensure that the region's existing dictates are actually being abided by.


I highly advise that you know what is going on before you choose to comment. No where in that post did I politicize this office or push a personal agenda (besides the agenda of following the law, but I guess that's hard for some).

Technically, legislation can only be brought to a vote if it has the signature of three residents and/or the Governor.

Voting on the Bill Frist bill has been open for about two and a half weeks, when the proper legal limit is one week.

Really, I am more concerned with general inactivity. The Pacific was the first region to bring legislation to address its regional budget report, yet has been unable to move forward on it since.  It has neither an active legislative system (as every other region arguably has), nor does it have an active governor. Most of the time it serves as a dead region.

Yes.
<-Radical----Liberal----Moderate----Conservative----Reactionary->

I'd say clapping your hands over your ears and going "lalala, regions are just swell in every way!" hearkens back to the days of yore entirely too much, wouldn't you?

Similarly, my impractical support of the complete abolition of regions is extreme enough (in a "change the foundations of society") way that it's clearly radical.

A GM "Hatch Act" wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

I stand strongly against any sort of restriction of GM speech. Outside of the actual reporting of news, which I have kept fairly equal, the GM should have the right to speak and act just as any other citizen.

Hi all, another one of those holidays, plus fall break, so I will be away from 3pm today until Monday evening. Please don't do any crazy stuff, would ya? Oh, and this should be the last holiday like this for a while.

No, reactionary doesn't mean super-conservative. It suggests I want to revert to some previous condition or state. I do not desire to regress to a previous state. I seek to conserve the present state by keeping the regions, making me a conservative on the issue.

If regions were abolished, and I was calling for their return, then I would be a reactionary.

You just don't want to admit regions are making a big comeback as far as activity is concerned :P

And as far as impact is concerned, they're just as irrelevant.

Step number two in Marokai's handbook to success in politics: Never admit to being wrong on big issues. :P

It's because he isn't wrong.

I remember when he was saying the same things to me that you now say to him. It was just half a year ago...

Those weren't about policy.

How would you know the conversations we had in private?

Well its not like you have change positions that much before or since. My guess is they focused on other matters.

I used to be very pro-region. You can look back on my former posts in the Social Democratic Party and my early days in the JCP as proof of that. Xahar and I used to conflict over the issue of regional rights a great deal, mostly in private, and especially over my constant efforts to bring myself closer to the RPP.

Over time, however, my positions on regional rights evolved to what they are now. Xahar was right all along on the issue and I apologized to him awhile back for my youthful ignorance, if you will.

Well instead of one of you being wrong and the other right, now both of you are wrong, and I am right. Nice how that works out. :)

As I recall, you entire arguments earlier this year were that regions were once great and miraculous and could be again if only we (insert your manifesto here).

But you just said I was saying "Regions are just swell in every way!" Trying to save face for misunderstanding a basic political term? I'm a little surprised you didn't know what reactionary means, but I don't think you're dumb because of it or anything. Just an honest mistake. :)

reactionary
adjective
1. opposed to change; urging a return to a previous state
2. very conservative

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/reactionary

Ah, I see Jas, still humiliated that he lost to Keystone Phil (really, can you possibly be more of a loser?), that his failed ideology was not only defeated but proven oh so wrong, could not resist an opportunity to get a quick punch in on a political enemy of his.

Hurry, Jas! Run back into the shadows and cower in your hole.

Mmm...okay. I just think if you're going to criticise someone else for apparently not knowing the definitions of words, it'd be nice if you actually knew what it meant yourself.

I've no idea what the rest of your nonsense is about, nor why you feel the need to resort to such petty abuse, but to each their own I guess.

Your Wiki definition differs from what I learned in class and read myself, but whatever. Even using your definition I disagree that it is an accurate description of myself.


As if you often reply to me in a non-petty or respectful way. Your "contributions" to Atlasia have largely consisted of hit and run attacks on those you disagree with and nothing more.

Well, I think the definition quoted isn't uncommon (e.g. see here (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/reactionary) and here (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/reactionary) also).
And I think ilv was applying the definition specifically to your views on the regions, which I think most would agree was appropriate.



Please feel free to list my oft made petty and disrespectful replies to you.
Certainly I've disagreed with various matters of policy and practice of yours, but I don't recall being out of order in such disagreements. Believe it or not, I don't have any personal problem with you.


I don't think that's a fair characterisation, but I'll allow people to make their own minds up on that.

I have no interest in looking through your 7,388 post history to prove my point. You sure take a while to write your seemingly short replies, though. Do you just sit there figuring out the best way to push my buttons? I regrettably probably responded exactly how you wanted me to initially. But I'm done with you. Good bye.

bgwah is quite correct on the definition of reactionary.  He was also right in labeling himself a conservative on the issue of keeping regions. 

A reactionary goes beyond this.  Again, he was correct when he said he would be reactionary if he wanted to reestablish regions once they had been moved.

A reactionary is someone VEHEMENTLY opposed to progress or change, often seeking to revert to a previous state.

Don't get all smug and cute with these dumb political labels.  It's not worth fighting over.

I think if one is to make the sort of accusations you've made, then it's reasonable to ask that you can back them up. If you don't want to read through my posting history, use the search engine to help out. Given the apparently numerous nature of my misbehavings, one would think that a few examples would be easy to come by.

Again, not sure where the rest of the abuse here stems from - but glad to hear it's at an end.

Exactly. I'd say bringing back districts would be a reactionary position.

Sorry for not defining every term I use in conversation explicitly, I'll try to do better next time :)

Would depend on how you define impact of course. I would say that increasing activity on the Elections board and providing means for new members to orient themselves in the game and stay active is impact enough to make the regions valuable. To each their own.

I hope people realize that this is a good thing.

Let's see if this will work this time... I won't be available until tomorrow night. Please don't do anything newsworthy or noteworthy until then (besides start elections).

I will try to post something on the national election when voting closes, so look out for it.

Yay PS is gone, lets get the Tommy guns out, boys. :P


I tried to convince Vepres of that last night in the Fiscal Relief debate.

I would advise the SoEA to consult with EU partners. The EU has a sizable effort underway to counter piracy actions (http://www.eunavfor.eu/) in the area. Consideration might be given as to what support Atlasia can provide that would aid 'Operation Atalanta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Atalanta)'.

I will first have to discuss it with the president but I think that is an excellent idea.

Watch it, Purple State, before I start completely disregarding your updates.

I forgot I was limited to news you deem acceptable. Am I suddenly to disregard credible threats?

And it should be noted that I pushed this off to ensure it would not affect elections. Try to actually enjoy the game every so often Marokai. The game in general, and the position of GM in particular, is not supposed to be some dry and boring stream of news. I would say I am more conservative in my updates than past GMs.

I'm not going to play along with random pretend terrorist attacks in New Mexico or whatever it is you've concocted. I am here to play the game, but not these ridiculous SPC-esque scenarios.

I refuse to simply be a dispenser of economic information and legislative evaluation. Stuff used to actually happen in the game, which is exactly what made it great fun. Honestly, most of the people playing this game don't care whether or not you "play along." They care that something interesting is going on. I serve the people in that regard. Do with it as you may.

Marokai, since when do get to be da final arbitor of what is exceptable from the GM? I do recall it was PS and I that spent the most time trying to improve the position and so far I am praying that PS remains there as long as possible cause I don't know anyone who could do it like he does.

And to be honest, most of the people playing this game don't care about completely out of the blue updates like "Oh and by the way bombs have gone off in New Mexico."

This is like SPC playing army-men with his fake security force. There's got to be some constraint on just being able to make everything up.

And lets just jump ahead a little. What, ultimately, will matter from this? The President says a few words, some forces from somewhere are deployed to keep order, and the Senate passes some sort of useless bill to mop up after it? We would be going through the motions, and you know it.


I wasn't trying to decide the news ::) I was merely giving my opinion and saying what I would do.

You can now go back to finding some flimsy reason to attack me and hypothesizing about my master plans.

I'd just like to clarify that I don't think Purple State is doing a bad job or that all his news should be ignored, but I just think something like this is completely out-of-left-field, unrealistic, and ultimately totally pointless and something that either no one will care about, or people will just force themselves to care about.

I understand you dont want to just be a dispenser of economic numbers, but you can do more than that and still force legislative ideas. Like "Alcohol accidents on the rise" or "Midwestern farmers undergoing harsh winter" or something like that. I think there's a certain line that we shouldn't pass when making up fake events, and things like "bombs go off in New Mexico" pretty much cross that line for me.

You can maintain activity without pretend wars and imaginary terrorists.

As will be clear soon (and is likely clear to some of the older members), this current news story actually directly flows from happenings of over 2 years ago in the Pacific region. Nor was this simply resurrected at my whim. This was specifically requested of me.

So you're just after my region? :P

Just alerting you to the presence of those that are after your region. Think of it as a service I am providing, free of charge (aside from the stipend the GM gets, of course).

Innocent!

Is it unreasonable to expect some news about the Northeast Assembly ?

I'll be launching a new series to address this today.

Great. :D

One presumes this would be related to Posse Comitatus (http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/usc.cgi?ACTION=RETRIEVE&FILE=$$xa$$busc18.wais&start=2443406&SIZE=2375&TYPE=TEXT)?

No, Article I, Section 5, Clause 23 of the Atlasian Constitution, which enumerates the following power of the Senate:

Mr. GM, what is the current state of the EAA?

Sorry all, busy night. I will do tonight's finances and give better updates for a bunch of things tomorrow.

When did Albuquerque become the capital of New Mexico?

When I had very little sleep, was studying for two tests and mistook the largest city of its capital. ;)

It is now fixed.

I haven't been following the GM reports in the last week, been distracted. Thats going to change.

Thank you for giving me a heads up. I'll work extra hard, just for you babe.

I have a question, do you get paid time off for all those Saturdays? ;)

Seeing as I haven't gotten a paycheck for this yet, I'm starting to wonder which senator is skimming the cream off the top. I'll be watching...but I'll put on these shades so you can't tell who I'm looking at. 8)

lol.

Well Service is its own reward as they say. :P

I know there are a lot of new threads being started so it is hard to keep up with. This fell to page 3.

The Southeast Initiative thread. And it already has one measure on the ballot, and a second one still requiring signatures.

Indeed, I was about to post the same as BrandonH but he beat me to it :)

My apologies. I will edit the story to reflect that.

Why ? The protocol exists and is very clear, we just need to apply it and are just waiting for an official (Lt Gov or Speaker) to do. Revising (again) the SOAP will be a waste of time for real legislation.

I've also got legislation in waiting to deal with the issue of green jobs.

I noticed that. Just trying to move things along.

And while the SOAP itself may be fine, the Assembly seems to very often focused on questions about protocol. Perhaps clearer guidelines, or more efficient ones, would work better. Just putting it out there based on my own observations.

Yeah, but we don't need to be told that. It's much preferred if you can give us some kind of news or data to work with. We know about the structural issues because they fall under our jurisdiction. The data is under yours and it would be appreciated.

ALSO: A lot of stuff geared towards the environment, most importantly the green jobs initiative and my sustainable forestry legislation, but also the cape wind resolution.

I've given the Northeast its fair share of data as well. I give a balance of economic, social and government analysis for the regions. The position of GM has historically focused not only on numbers, but also general goings-on in Atlasia. You will continue to get numbers, but I also serve to instigate the steady flow of effective government (just see my comments on the Pacific, previous comments on the Mideast and Southeast, etc.).

Not pointing out the Northeast in particular. No worries.

I certainly have no issues with your GM work.

I was just pointing out that we've got a big line and that my green jobs bill is behind.

I would appreciate a report on the passage of the GTO Expansion Act in the concerned countries as well as a report on the effectiveness of the Atlasian federal stimulus thus far.

I am aiming for the weekend by I am hung up on the last sections. Perhaps the GM might be willing to offer some guidance on the later sections.

How big is the CDS market in Atlasia? What is the GM's recommendation regarding reforming them?

What is the GM's recomendation for leveraging/minimum reserve requirements for investment banks?

Lol, food shortages. What bullcrap!

ugh, what?

Did'nt you watch Colbert last night?  We're low on Eggo!

Uh, you do know that's based on an actual, real life study, right?

Must be easy to deny reality wherever you're sitting..

Just so it doesn't get burried, I really need this info, Purple.

Assume that financial information that detailed reflects the same as the US. Unfortunately, I do not have the level of expertise to advise anyone on how to reform the CDS market or how to properly regulate investment banks.

One thing I'd like to know is how much the Northeast can lower the unleaded gas tax that will have to be enacted when tolls are removed to comply with the Free Highway Access Act of 2009 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=101096.msg2192099#msg2192099)  for every cent differential in a diesel gas tax.  For example, if we were to charge a 13.6 cent tax on unleaded (instead of the proposed 14.6 cents) and put a15.6 tax on diesel, would that be revenue-neutral?  Or would we have to charge a higher diesel tax for every cent we lower the unleaded gas tax?

Tolls are  higher on larger vehicles because of the additional wear and tear they put on the roads.  A higher diesel tax may be a rough proxy for that - if we decide to go down that route.

I probably won't be on much this holiday weekend. Markets are closed for the holiday until Monday. Commentary on NCY's legislation will possibly come before next week, but we will see how far I get on my paper assignment.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

That's what we call real fiscal responsibility, I say.

However, I do not believe my name is Franzl. :P

Fixed. Shame on me for copying my last report. I even changed it to JCP, but forgot to change the name. :P

In any case, thanks for the analysis, and I'll leave you criticism free this time. :P

Which means NCY is going to be on my case. Uch...

;)

Or me :P

You failed to address its impact, if any, on those with higher taxes. So yeah, it's great that it decreases the deficit, but you failed to address the consequences of the bill.

I'll try to edit it in later or tomorrow. It is much harder to determine though.

Please do when you get the chance. And don't forget the lesson of the 90's: "Increasing the top income tax rate always results in economic slowdown." Just ask President Gingrich. ;-)

Seeing as the legislation has just about passed, I think it is more worthwhile to address other things and come back to the impact of this soon-to-be law down the road.

Yay, we are the region with the lowest unemployment rate ! :D

Yes, and when the voters recognize this, they will re-elect me.

For the record, the Office of the GM is closed for the first night of Channukah. Happy holiday to all my fellow Jews.

I hope my leadership helps the economy! ;D

Will we have some news about Northeast ? A detailed analysis of the legislative work of the incumbent Assembly (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Legislative_work_of_the_Northeast_Assembly#First_Assembly) would be very apreciated. ;)

I haven't been following this as closely as I should have over the last two weeks. I am sure PS has felt my absence, well not to worry, I shall once again be meticulously analyzing the GM's economic reports again. :P

Where is the thread that discusses the pros and cons of this regional self determination thing about how regional senators or some such are elected?  The voting booth is now open on this, and I don't at present know how to vote. Thanks.

That's not the GM's concern.  It's up to the proponents of amendments to justify them.  As usual, they're not mounting any sort of campaign in favor of it.  I know what my default position usually is on something that's not explained to me.

I don't know that there is own. Check the SEnate debate thread where was passed in the Gov't board or look through the SEnate noticeboard (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102277.120)

I don't often wade into general institutional reforms such as this. I do in the case of regional assemblies, but that usually involves revealing "popular" sentiment or the need for increased taxes to accommodate the growth of bureaucracy.

GM articles tend to focus on: a) economics and b) foreign policy. This extends not only to happenings around the world, but the impact of legislation on these areas. If people want me to expand to other matters, such as game mechanics, or "forum affairs," I would be happy to, but I fear that would overly politicize the Office of the GM.

That said, I could post an article on the financial and "popular" pros and cons of the amendment. If demand is expressed, I can shoot for tonight or tomorrow.

Could you explain this, it has left me confused?


For one the current language only applies those new requirments to Investment Banks and Hedge Funds. There is currently an amendment before the Senate which expands it to cover all banks. I take it then that your concerns actually refer to this amendment and not the overall bill. Please clear this up.

I will clarify. When reading the legislation I missed the pre-text of §3. I will enunciate that this 10-15% only refers to banks, brokers, insurance companies or government-sponsored entities that have implied federal guarantees.[/quote]

EDIT: Not sure it is what you wanted, but that is my current analysis. If you have your own views, feel free to PM me your thoughts and items I could read to back up your points and I will take it into account.

EDIT: Not sure it is what you wanted, but that is my current analysis. If you have your own views, feel free to PM me your thoughts and items I could read to back up your points and I will take it into account.
[/quote]

That makes more sense.


To some extent. Splitting these organizations and creating several smaller ones will reduce systemic risk and take "too big to fail" out of our vocab to describe the current situation.

I could support lowering the limits if need be.

That makes more sense.


To some extent. Splitting these organizations and creating several smaller ones will reduce systemic risk and take "too big to fail" out of our vocab to describe the current situation.

I could support lowering the limits if need be.



[/quote]

It is the prerogative of the Senate. Just laying out the options. You can ensure "too big to fail," but it will limit the amount companies can loan. We can't expect the same speed of growth/innovation as we cutback on certain things. But we can't have unrestrained lending. It's a balance with a give and take.

It is the prerogative of the Senate. Just laying out the options. You can ensure "too big to fail," but it will limit the amount companies can loan. We can't expect the same speed of growth/innovation as we cutback on certain things. But we can't have unrestrained lending. It's a balance with a give and take.
[/quote]

I know its a tough choice that has to be made. But that is the business we are in, isn't it. :)

I know its a tough choice that has to be made. But that is the business we are in, isn't it. :)
[/quote]

It's the business you're in. I just get to slam whatever it is you produce, as it will inevitably hurt someone. ;)

It's the business you're in. I just get to slam whatever it is you produce, as it will inevitably hurt someone. ;)
[/quote]

By being the only Senator who cares about economics, I have reserved the right as the Chairmen of Budget, Appropriations, Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and as Education, Health and Labor committees to critique all posts of the GM. :P

"When I first came here, I hated seniority, but I ever year it gets better and better." - Bob Filner

Again :


You seem to have dramatically neglected us since the Assembly was created.

I'm just getting off finals and all that. Yes, I will be getting to a regional update. There will also be other news on a slew of topics coming in the next few days.

From Wednesday night until Sunday night, I will be away, but we can cross that bridge when we come to it.

Thanks. :)

Exactly what parts of the Northeast will be hit the hardest, and can you give a rough estimate of the cost of the damage?

Cost of the damage depends on how quickly the Northeast can get something going. The governor could start things with an executive order to make sure proper measures are in place. Understandably, the Assembly is a little busy.

Coastal states and areas will be hit hardest, with two feet predicted in CT and parts of Maine and slightly less predicted as you move in-coast.

Nothing about the 11 bills we passed in 2 months ?

Your reports on my region are always schizo. You said we had only a modest deficit a few months ago and a simple tax increase would pay for it and then we'd be fine. So we raised taxes. Now we must raise taxes again? Something's not right there.

First, be patient. There are a number of important things to do and I thought I should give all regions something to do before I comment on past items passed.

Next, I'm not going to comment on the various reforms you made to improve the Assembly, such as veto overrides or the number of seats. That should be clear. I commented on the green stuff before it passed and will likely come back to it when the Senate moves on the environment. The economic recovery items were already reflected in various pieces, including falling unemployment, an improving economy, etc.

Finally, bare in mind that some of those items, such as sustainable forestry, won't have an immediate impact. I can speculate, but I think you would prefer that I give you more to do, rather than talk about the number of trees I expect to be saved/planted.


It's not an issue of having enough money as much as having too much bureaucracy in the Pacific. That's the point that was being pushed for a while in these reports.

I would ask you to say how, but I keep forgetting that you're God and I have to go along with every word you say no matter what it is.

In any case, you could at least put it in a different way. Even if you are God of Atlasia you can't just come out here and say "raise taxes to pay for it" even after you said we had a small deficit and we already raised taxes for that.

My vision for this may be slightly flawed as it was borrowed from a New York measure that allows citizens to consolidate/remove local and municipal government entities. Perhaps it was an overly ambitious hope of mine. ;)

I'll try to come up with something new for your region.

I'm just confused at how the Pacific region gets the reputation of being a communist hell-hole or something. I'm curious as to how the Pacific is just so insanely bureaucratic and so radically different from any other region. The only thing different about us is that we had single payer awhile before we in the Senate changed health care. Beyond that, we're not the USSR.

I gave each region its own "character" if you would, based mostly on existing partisan breakdowns when I took office. I never said communist, but overly cumbersome bureaucracy is a hallmark of places like New York and California. The other regions have their own issues as well that they must work to overcome.

I've edited it now. You just won illegal immigrants. Congrats! ;)

Well, snow storms aren't exactly my speciality. :P

Let's hope then that someone in the Assembly is an expert. Or do the research, eh? :P

There is only so much I can give regions before it becomes a federal issue. Technically, the federal government could do whatever it wanted and I highly doubt anyone would sue the Senate for overreaching.

BTW, for the $5 bilions deficit, a bill I recently introduced devolves half of the $100 bilions we received to budget severity.

I recommend the Governor just issue an order of sorts closing down non-major arteries, minor airports and ask people to stay indoors and to prevent use of cars. Schools, obviously, should be closed as well and workplaces should be understanding. And also make sure snow plows are ready.

61cm is a bit too much snow, but over a few days it's certainly possible, but it's nothing that threatens to destroy places with solid infrastructure. If you all stay indoors, and if municipal governments are ready; nothing major should happen. Ottawa survived a 51cm in one day storm in March 2008 rather fine.

An emergency increase in funding might be viable to help municipal governments prepare supplies and response.

The Office of the GM will be closed until December 28th or 29th. I may get on tomorrow one last time, but it isn't likely.

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday.

Whenever you return, could you elaborate on the problems with Midwest law enforcement?

Sure thing. I'll try to do something this week if I can.

I am trying something new. I'll be putting headlines in the title of the ADH thread. Let me know if you find it a worthwhile addition.

I plan on introducing legislation to review Atlasia's committment to foreign aid, and I hope to stimulate some discussion of foreign issues in the Senate.

You can't legislate away a trade deficit. You can create policies that encourage Economic growth such as investments in Technology and infrastructure(already done), depress the value of the dollar by spending way beyond our means(already accomplished), or you can just restart the deflationary downward spiral. I am sure 25% Unemployement will end the Trade deficit rather quickly, don't you? :P

It isn't necessarily "legislation" that is needed, although I can think of a few things the Senate can do to begin to address currency imbalances. Also, the President has a bully pulpit that can help the issue as well.

For evidence of how well this can work, see here (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/78a7d306-fbf7-11de-9c29-00144feab49a.html).

Yea. But the problem is the US/Atlasia is not Japan and the dollar isn't the Yen. We have to be fearful in Atlasia because if you poke the currency to much it will blow up. The Dollar is the reserve currency and losing that status could cause the dollar to crash. We want a slow decline, not a one night crash. All I am saying is messing with this is dangerous.