Talk Elections

Welcome.  Not a lot of papers in circulation, and the Atlasian people need another news source.  I will be writing articles in here soon, but first, I'll be creating a poll.

analyses

Awesome, I'll be reading this.

I can't wait to see the new poll!

Can I get an iPad subscription?  ;)

We're creating a free APP for all apple supported products.  However, because my capital is low, I had to hire an inexperienced tech dept.  I wouldn't hold my breathe :P

So if you're done doing approvals, what will y'all right about? And seriously, I only want my news on my iPad now. An app is a must if you want to remain competitive and have my invest in your new venture.

You're in luck though. I have $15M left over from my last senate race, and am willing to donate to your new business in exchange for an endorsement/hefty donation once you're profitable.

Sounds communist

Censored

I'm not saying I won't do approvals.  My main point is, I'm sick of just approval pollings all over the place.  I'd like to talk about some regional issues (Mainly NE, but if anyone has information for another region that would be fine as well).  Also, I'd be writing about bills on the floor, and hopefully, I can get some interviews and opinion pieces rolling later on.  

Also, I can't accept your donation, because this is "The People's Paper", and I would be doing a disservice to the People by accepting their money that was intended for the purposes of your campaign.  Furthermore, an endorsement must be earned Senator, so you'll have to treat me to an expensive dinner first.

Two months ago the IDS passed the "Trojan Act", placing condoms in accessible areas in order to increase safe sex.  However, today's GM article revealed an obvious problem.  The much celebrated act, is in fact unconstitutional. 

With the resignation of Kal, the Attorney General position has been vacant.  It is unknown when, and who, Polnut may tap for the position.  What is known, is that for two months a blatantly unconstitutional bill was implemented in the IDS.  While the law does not actually "recognize the Dibble as a "currency"", it is expected that with the recent GM article, a lawsuit will occur.





With the recent announcement declaring his candidacy for President, Governor Winfield may very well have changed the direction of this election cycle.  Into the second half of his term as Governor of the Northeast, Winfield has continuously received high praise and enormous support from within the region.  Such support may hinder another right-wing candidate from obtaining a united vote. 

After an embarrassing defeat last election, the RPP is expected to produce a strong candidate.  Senator Duke who is scheduled to make an announcement within the next few days, may very well declare his intention to move into the White House in October.  If he does run, while the Senator has strong support from moderates, his VP choice remains crucial in retaining votes that may otherwise change camps.

The IDS does not recognize it as a "currency" so I don't see the problem here. :)

It remains to be seen, as no one has sued as of yet.  Of course saying you don't recognize it as "currency" doesn't negate the fact that you're accepting coined silver/gold outside of the Federal Gov't and allowing it to be used in a "barter system" (Which is essentially how currency is used.  I give you X coins, you give me X wheat and so on).  Fun play on words, but a lawsuit shouldn't have much difficulty.  :P 

* Puts journalist cap back on.

TPP would like to acknowledge Senator Duke for consistently writing The People in reference.  Thus, we would like to award him an all expense payed trip to our private ocean front location. 



()

I want to thank The People for their kind words. Through Them, voices are heard and goals are accomplished. Once I leave office, I will no longer feel guilty about accepting bribesgifts from my adoring fans.

But please, I want to say one more thing. I  welcome any donations from The People into my Duke PAC, a new PAC to help advance my own interestsThe People's message into the halls of our government. We take any form of payment from any source.

An idea just came to me. Once I retire, I would like to join The People and their Paper as a columnist. Where do I apply?

You need not apply.  An office already awaits you.

TPP's Chief Senate analyst was fired today, when it was found that the the paper failed to realize an amusing quark with the Atlasian Duels Act.  It has now come to the attention of The People that Section 4 could, in theory, allow for strategic registration every week.  TPP contacted the AG's office, but has yet to receive any response. 

I suppose I will take over as Chief Senate Analyst. I need a new job title after this month anyway.

Done.  This position comes with top pay too..well..right below mine anyway ;)

Nyman, Atlasia - Originally I was going to do an in depth analysis of this election, but with Teddy's spontaneous drop outs and reenters, it started to become hard for me to track and who would pull out last before the climax that is this election.

So we have 6 candidates for 5 seats. This will be about as exciting as the last election where we had 6 running for 5 seats: the only excitement will surround the last seat. Without further adieu, here are my thoughts on this race's candidates, projected in the order I believe they will finish.

1. Junkie - Junkie has been running for senate for quite a while, and if it weren't for my selfishness, he would have made it in a long time ago. He has the knowledge, drive, and competency to be a great senator, and I look forward to following his career. I think he is in the safest position of all the candidates. He will receive the moderate wing of the RPP's vote and a few votes outside of the party.

2. Kalweji - Kal will be more than safe in his reelection bid, much like his party partner Nathan. I like Kal, even though he didn't preference me in the presidential election ;) and for a JCP senator, he tends to think outside the box, which I sure. Sure, we don't agree on every issue, but if we all agreed on everything, the senate would be boring, the game would be boring and really life would be boring. We need Kals in the senate, and he will be reelected and rightfully so.

3. Nathan - Much like Kal, Nathan will be more than safe in this election with the JCP machine behind him. Both are really interchangeable in the sense that one may get more votes than the other, but who really cares, right? I do not know much about Nathan and I really haven't encountered him much in the senate, so I can't say much about him. I hope he will be more active than BRTD, which won't be hard to do. I am relatively glad the JCP is trying to run 2 real candidates in this race instead of a placeholder.

4. 20RP212 (Jake) - I may catch some flack from this, and I may be totally wrong and it will ruin my credibility in the future, but I think Jake takes the fourth seat. I am basing this purely on a hunch that the Silly Party will be a relatively united front along with Jake pulling some of the former Populares. I am also pessimistic about the RPP's chances to get 2 in considering our past failures, and believing we can get 2 in the top 4 of the vote on first preferences would be just too much for me to expect. I like Jake though. He seems dedicated, active and eager to learn, and I like that. We need more of that in Atlasia, and I would be content with him in the senate, assuming he doesn't become old and set in his ways anytime soon. :P

5. TJ - I only put TJ at the bottom because of my own pessimism, but I believe we will get 2 in this time. TJ will have the backing of the RPP conservative wing which, while is has shrunk in recent months, continues to be a powerful force in Atlasia. TJ has done fine work in the ME assembly and, like Jake, embodies the young energy we could use in the senate. While we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things, I believe diversity of ideas is important and will be good for the senate, that these days agrees on too much and shoots down too many good bills (like some of Marokai and I's fine pieces of legislation, obviously).

6. Sewer - Sorry Sewer. I just cannot see a scenario where he makes it in. Downballot he may do well with the JCP voters, but I don't see the first preferences being there for him to make it in. I don't have any comments to say about sewer because he doesn't like me, and I don't want to start a cafeteria fight.

Granted, these predictions could be very wrong, but I am basing this off nearly 3 years of experience in Atlasia elections. My bottom two are kind of gut calls, but I think they will be correct despite the order I may have them listed.

Good luck to everyone in the race. It seems kind of strange not to be on the ballot this time, but I like my new office here amongst The People.

Duke is the Chief Senate Analyst for The People's Paper, having been given the job by a proclamation of The People.

One thing I've noticed is I can't make a headline on the thread so The People are not aware to read The People's Paper.

46th Senate Voting History



1.  Selective Education Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=142596.msg3081069#msg3081069)    

Sponsor:  BRTD
Failed: November 11th, 2011
Aye;  bgwah, kalwejt, Marokai, BRTD
Nay;  MOPolitico, Yankee, Napoleon, Duke, JBrase

2. Libyan Aid Bill (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=142535.msg3061822#msg3061822)

Sponsor: Duke
Signed; November 14th, 2011.
Aye; Marokai, Napoleon, Kal, MOPolitico, Duke, Yankee, BRTD
Nay; bgwah

3. Atlasian Anti-Bullying Bill 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=143028.msg3081854#msg3081854)

Sponsor: Napoleon
Signed; November 14th, 2011
Aye; bgwah, Yankee, Duke, Marokai, MOPolitico, Kal
Nay;

4. Atlasian Duels Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=142327.msg3076285#msg3076285)

Sponsor: bgwah
Aye; bgwah, Yankee, Marokai, Duke, MOPolitico
Nay; Kal

5.  Repeal of the You Can't Beat a DUI..Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=142872.0)

Sponsor: Napoleon
Aye;
Nay; Yankee, Marokai, bgwah, MOPolitico, BRTD,
Abstain; Kal

6. National Initiative Amendment (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=143540.msg3096810#msg3096810)

Sponsor: Kal
Aye; MOPolitico, Yankee, Kal, Marokai, Duke, Nathan,
Nay; Napoleon
Abstain; bgwah

7. The Recall of Senators Amendment (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=143539.msg3096814#msg3096814)

Sponsor: JBrase
Aye; Kal,
Nay; Yankee, Napoleon, Marokai, MOPolitico, Duke, Nathan, bgwah

8. Seperate Elections Amendment (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=143597.15)

Sponsor: Kal
Could not obtain 2/3
Aye; Kal, Marokai, MOPolitico, Duke, Yankee
Nay; Napoleon, BRTD, bgwah, Nathan

9. Credit where credit is due Resolution (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=144344.15)

Sponsor(s): Marokai, Duke
Aye; Marokai, JBrase, Nathan, Kal, Yankee, Duke, Napoleon,
Nay; bgwah, BRTD

10. Living Wage Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=143830.msg3107566#msg3107566)

Sponsor(s): Marokai, bgwah
Aye; bgwah, Marokai, Duke, Napoleon, Nathan, Kal, Yankee, BRTD
Nay;
Abstain; MOPolitico

11. National Ilikeverin Day (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=143931.15)

Sponsor; Kal
Signed; November 27th, 2011
Aye; Nathan, Napoleon, MOPolitico, Kal, Duke, Yankee, BRTD
Nay; bgwah

12. Caucus Infrastructure Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=143579.msg3110133#msg3110133)

Sponsor(s); Marokai, Duke, Yankee, bgwah
Signed; December 5th, 2011.
Aye; bgwah, Marokai, Kal, Napoleon, BRTD, Yankee, Duke, JBrase, MOPolitico, Nathan
Nay;

13. Death Penalty Reinstatement Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=144829.15)

Sponsor; Kal
Notes; Introduced for constituent (*Joke Bill)
Tabled


Advisement:
TPP can't guarantee 100% accuracy, 100% of the time.  If you have any inquires, or complaints, please contact the editor.

Northeast Assembly Legislative History


October 2011-December 2011


1)  Anti-Conscription Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=127652.msg3065626#msg3065626)

Sponsor: Morgan
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (November 8th, 2011)
Aye; Scott, Morgan, wormyguy, Nathan, 20RP12, RFK, Cincinnatus
Nay;

2)  The Preventing HxC Dancing In Public To Protect Citizen Safety Act of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3085280#msg3085280)

Sponsor: 20RP12
Aye; 20RP12, Scott, Nathan
Nay; wormy, Cincinnatus, Morgan,
Abstain; RFK

3) The Northeast Cabinet Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3091817#msg3091817)

Sponsor: Scott
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (November 21, 2011)
Aye; Scott, Nathan, RFK, Cincinnatus
Nay; wormy, 20RP12

4)  The Making Recycling Fun And Cool Because Nobody Likes To Do It Other Than Hippies Act of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3096460#msg3096460)

Sponsor; 20RP12
Withdrawn by sponsor

5) Stone Wall Preservation Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3098475#msg3098475)

Sponsor: Cincinnatus [written by homely]
Aye; Scott
Nay; wormy, 20RP12
Abstain; Morgan

6) The Music Piracy Decriminalization Act of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3101346#msg3101346)

Sponsor; 20RP12
Withdrawn by Sponsor

7) Amendment to the NE Constitution - Residential Officeholder Act of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3102271#msg3102271)

Sponsor: 20RP12
Aye; 20RP12
Nay; Scott, Cincinnatus, RFK

8) Amendment to the NE Constitution - Lieutenant Governor Vacancy Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3105574#msg3105574)

Sponsor: Scott
Failed
Aye; Scott, 20RP12, Cincinnatus,
Nay;

9) The Absolutely Silly Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3109052#msg3109052)

Sponsor; Morgan
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (December 6th, 2011)
Aye; Morgan, 20RP12
Nay; wormy,
Abstain; Scott, Dallasfan, Cincinnatus

10) Removing That Stupid Parental Advisory Sticker From CDs Act Of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3112695#msg3112695)

Sponsor: 20RP12
Withdrawn by Sponsor

11) Amendment to The Vacancy filling Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3113592#msg3113592)

Sponsor: Cincinnatus
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (December 9th, 2011)
Aye; Scott, Cincinnatus, 20RP12, Dallasfan, wormyguy, RFK
Nay;







*  2) Tie never broken by Lt. Governor.  Remains unsigned, and uncontested.
*  Giovanni's appointment revoked, Assembly not allowed to nominate.
*  AndrewCT nominated, and swore in as Lt. Governor.



Advisement:
TPP can't guarantee 100% accuracy, 100% of the time.  If you have any inquires, or complaints, please contact the editor.

IDS Legislative History

October 2011-December 2011

1)  Public Notification Bill (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3049610#msg3049610)

Signed November 18th, 2011.
Aye; Progressive Realist, Yelnoc
Nay;

2)  Amendment to the SE Militia Initiative (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3095685#msg3095685)

Signed November 23, 2011
Sponsor: Clarence
Aye; Clarence, Yelnoc
Nay;

3)  IDS Militia Structure Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3101126#msg3101126)

Signed December 11th, 2011.
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Clarence, Pingvin99
Nay;

*Yelnoc made Imperial Speaker


Advisement:
TPP can't guarantee 100% accuracy, 100% of the time.  If you have any inquires, or complaints, please contact the editor.

Pretty much spot-on! If anything, you underestimated TJ's support. But that's negligible. ;)

An election is to be held at 12AM tomorrow.  As far as I'm aware, the only people to declare are Scott, wormy, and myself.  If you want to run, I suggest you declare today.

Very nice legislation guides!

The People's Paper will be making an endorsement of a presidential candidate very soon.

They might could use an update....

You keep track of the IDS record and update it, and maybe I'll start working on the rest ;)

Northeast Assembly Legislative History

December 2011-February 2012

1)Northeast Tax Reform Act of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3119115#msg3119115)
Sponsor: 20RP12
Fails
Aye; 20RP12
Nay; Scott, RFK, Dallasfan, Morgan, wormyguy

2) The Miscarraige of Justice Prevention Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3122167#msg3122167)
Sponsor: wormyguy
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (December 16, 2011)
Aye; Scott, wormyguy, 20RP12, Cincinnatus, Morgan, Dallasfan, RFK
Nay;

3) The Mountaintop Removal Ban Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3125910#msg3125910)
Sponsor: Scott
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (December 20, 2011)
Aye; Scott, Cincinnatus, Morgan, 20RP12
Nay; wormyguy

Session Ends

---

Note:
This session runs with only 5 Representatives under the new constitution
Scott elected Speaker.


1)  The Northeastern Anti-Bully Initiative Act of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3135736#msg3135736)
Sponsor: Scott
Failed (Governor Snowstalker)
Aye; Scott,
Nay; wormyguy,
Abstain; Cincinnatus

2) The Dihydrogen Monoxide Ban Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3139182#msg3139182)
Sponsor: wormyguy
Fails
Aye; wormyguy
Nay; Scott, Cincinnatus

3) The Incredibly Important Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3143015#msg3143015)
Sponsor: wormyguy
Fails
Aye;
Nay; Scott, Cincinnatus
Abstain; wormyguy

4) Second Northeast Tax Reform Act of 2011 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3147436#msg3147436)
Sponsor; Cincinnatus (On behalf of Governor Snowstalker)
Vetoed by Governor Snowstalker (January 16, 2012)
Aye; Morgan
Nay; wormyguy
Abstain; Scott

5) Amendment to the SOAP Act - Protest and Analysis Thread Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3151294#msg3151294)
Sponsor: Scott
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (January 13, 2012)
Aye; Scott, Morgan, wormyguy, Cincinnatus
Nay;

6) Repeal of the Ballot Standardization Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3154192#msg3154192)
Sponsor: Cincinnatus
Signed by Governor Snowstalker (January 16, 2012)
Aye; Scott, Cincinnatus
Nay;
Abstain; Morgan

7) Northeast Symbols Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3157477#msg3157477)
Sponsor: Cincinnatus
Vetoed by Governor Snowstalker (January 18, 2012)
Aye; Cincinnatus, Scott
Nay;

8) The Act to Provide Transportation of a Public Manner to Working Individuals and Families Act (APTOPMWIFA) (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3162070#msg3162070)
Sponsor: Morgan
Vetoed by Governor Snowstalker (January 25, 2012)
Aye; Scott, Morgan
Nay; Cincinnatus, wormyguy

9) Northeast Symbols Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3166165#msg3166165)
Sponsor: Cincinnatus
Previously Vetoed.  Signed by Governor Snowstalker (January 25, 2012)
Aye; Cincinnatus, Scott
Abstention; wormyguy

10)  The Government Responsibility Act of 2012 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3170878#msg3170878)
Sponsor: JerseyRules
Failed
Aye; JerseyRules, wormyguy
Nay; Scott, Morgan, Cincinnatus

11) The Fair Taxation Act of 2012 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3176109#msg3176109)
Sponsor: JerseyRules
Awaiting vote by The People.
Aye; JerseyRules, wormyguy
Nay; Scott, Cincinnatus

12) The Anti-Prohibition & Blue Law Repeal Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=102877.msg3185608#msg3185608)
Sponsor: Scott
Awaiting Action by Governor Andrew
Aye; Cincinnatus, Scott, Morgan
Nay; wormyguy

Oh yeah, I forgot I worked here.  I'll get around to it...

You better because home office is considering cuts.

IDS Legislative History

Mid-September 2011 - Mid November 2011 Session

1) Questioning the Power (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3023947#msg3023947)

Signed September 21st, 2011
Sponsor: Kalwejt
Aye; Sanchez, Kalwejt, Taft (voting in his stand-in capacity as Viceroy)
Nay;

*GPORTER to fill legislative vacancy on September 25st, 2011

*Kalwejt appointed Imperial Speaker on September 25th, 2011 by popular acclamation

2) Legislative Vacancy Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3029252#msg3029252)

Signed October 1st, 2011
Sponsor: Kalwejt
Aye; Kalwejt, GPORTER
Nay;

*Hashemite appointed to fill legislative vacancy on October 19st, 2011

*Progressive Realist appointed to fill legislative vacancy on October 26st, 2011

*Hashemite recalled on November 20th, 2011

*Yelnoc appointed to fill legislative vacancy on November 10th, 2011

3) Public Notification Bill (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3088195#msg3088195)

Signed November 18, 2011
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Progressive Realist
Nay;

---

Mid-November 2011 - Mid-January 2012 Session

1)  Public Notification Bill (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3049610#msg3049610)

Signed November 18th, 2011.
Aye; Progressive Realist, Yelnoc
Nay;

*Clarence appointed to fill legislative vacancy on November 21st, 2011

2)  Amendment to the SE Militia Initiative (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3095685#msg3095685)

Signed November 23, 2011
Sponsor: Clarence
Aye; Clarence, Yelnoc
Nay;

*Yelnoc appointed Imperial Speaker on November 25th, 2011 by popular acclamation

*Pingvin appointed to fill legislative vacancy on November 26th, 2011

3)  IDS Militia Structure Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3101126#msg3101126)

Signed December 11th, 2011.
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Clarence, Pingvin99
Nay;

4) Higher Education STEM Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3123485#msg3123485)

Signed December 15th, 2011
Sponsor: Clarence
Aye; Yelnoc, Clarence, Pingvin
Nay;

5) 2012 IDS Budget (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3142749#msg3142749)

Signed January 10th, 2012
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Clarence
Nay;

6) 2012 IDS Budget Amendments (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3154014#msg3154014)

Signed January 16th, 2012
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Clarence, Pingvin
Nay;

7) Redistribute 2011 Surplus (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3156855#msg3156855)

Signed January 22nd, 2012
Sponsor: Clarence
Aye; Clarence, Pingvin, Yelnoc
Nay;

---

Mid-January 2012 - Mid-March 2012

1) Government Restructuring Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3170829#msg3170829)

Signed January 27th, 2012
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Clarence, Teddy
Nay;

*Taft and Pingvin appointed to fill the new Class B legislative seats on January 28th, 2012

2) Imperial Almanac Establishment Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3173670#msg3173670)

Signed January 30th, 2012
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Teddy, Taft, Clarence, Pingvin
Nay;

#Progressive Realist appointed to fill Class A legislative vacancy on February 3, 2012

3) "Darth" is not a Noun Amendment (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=112235.msg3186589#msg3186589)

Passed, awaiting regional ratification via referendum
Sponsor: Yelnoc
Aye; Yelnoc, Taft, MasterSanders, Progressive Realist
Nay; Pingvin

---

I'm proud of the uptick in activity the IDS has experienced.  Does anyone want to see our legislative history since the begging of time the legislature, or is this enough?

Charleston, South Carolina - Few times in the history of Atlasia, a revolutionary ticket has come about; a ticket so strong and such a sure thing that Atlasians knew better than to vote against it. Early on, it was Nym, a founding father and staunch diplomat. Then it was PBrunsel and Colin Wixent or whatever you spell it. Purple State ran on and completed a system of reform. These names stand out as the cream of the crop. Today, The People are endorsing yet another sure thing ticket - a ticket so inspiring that the thought of them not winning sends shockwaves throughout the homes of Atlasia.

A few weeks ago, an atomic bomb went off in this country. In a matter of minutes, the two largest parties in Atlasia, the RPP and the JCP, were gone. Millions of people were without party homes. A new era had begun, an era promising to be more open, kinder and less intense. Old friendships were broken and new friendships formed. Old party bosses sent to purgatory and new ones rising from the ashes.

From the depths of despair has risen a ticket that embodies all that is good in our hearts and in this great nation. It is a ticket that has been endorsed by our creator as the saviors of not only the country we call Atlasia, but the planet we call earth. Today, The People are endorsing the Andrews for Co-Presidents.

Our choice was simple: the Andrews represent a new Atlasia, a new manager with revolutionary ideas to help the nation move forward. For months now, this nation has been plagued by inconsistency, inactivity and unloving. Presidents have come and gone. The doors of the White House are revolving. Unemployment sits at 9.2% and no end in sight. A plague has killed off half of its population. The nation is in need of two people who don't care about the past, the rules or what is expected.

The Andrews offer a fresh face to a stale game. Neither have served as President. Neither want to serve as President. Instead, they wish to serve as Co-Presidents, two men with one plan. Once elected, they have pledged to serve two terms, share a bedroom, and promote consistent, loving policies that will enhance both the economy and the mental wellbeing of this country. They make no apologizes for their unorthodoxy, but we have been how orthodox presidencies have worked out in the past. High unemployment, a rising deficit, hunger, death in the street and political unrest. It is clear it is not working. Instead, The People urge Atlasia to embrace love, compassion, human dignity and respect for your fellow man and neighbor. The Andrews will bring Camelot back to Atlasia in a way we haven't seen in years. The People predict that, if not elected, this nation will surely fail.

We wholeheartedly endorse this transformative ticket for Co-Presidents and pray this nation follows suit.

Senator Duke is the Chief Senate Analyst for The People's Paper. He is not affiliated with the ticket mentioned above and has not donated any personal funds to its SuperPAC.

Senator Duke will submit an Op-Ed on the past election and discuss how the dissolution has changed Atlasia.

A count of the Northeast election:


Governor:

Napoleon 18 (Homely, Peeperkorn, Dallasfan, Scott, Napoleon, Snowstalker, Oakvale, Averroes, Polnut, Smash, Winfield, Redcommander, Simfan, Pyrofox, Nathan, Mondale, Snowguy, Cincinnatus)
Jerseyrules 6 (20RP12, wormyguy, Jerseyrules, Junkie, AndrewPA, Ghost_white)
Rowan Brandon 2 (cinyc, Rowan Brandon)
EarlAW (WI) 1 (EarlAW)

Assembly:

First count: QUOTA=5

Cincinnatus 6 (AndrewPA, Nathan, Junkie, Simfan, Homely, cinyc) ELECTED
Averroes Nix 5 (Snowguy, Napoleon, Averroes Nix, Oakvale, Polnut) ELECTED

Winfield 4 (Mondale, Pyrofox, Redcommander, Winfield)
Scott 3 (Peeperkorn, Scott, 20RP12)
Snowstalker 3 (Cincinnatus, Snowstalker, Smash)
wormyguy 3 (Ghost_white, Dallasfan, Wormyguy)
Jerseyrules 1 (Jerseyrules)
EarlAW 1 (EarlAW)
Rowan Brandon 1 (Rowan Brandon)

Second count: Redistribution of Cincinnatus surplus

Winfield 4.5 (Mondale, Pyrofox, Redcommander, Winfield, cinyc, Junkie, AndrewPA)
Scott 3.5 (Peeperkorn, Scott, 20RP12, Homely, Simfan, Nathan)
Snowstalker 3 (Cincinnatus, Snowstalker, Smash)
wormyguy 3 (Ghost_white, Dallasfan, Wormyguy)
Jerseyrules 1 (Jerseyrules)
EarlAW 1 (EarlAW)
Rowan Brandon 1 (Rowan Brandon)

Third count: Elimination of R.B., Jerseyrules, EarlAW

Winfield 4.5 (Mondale, Pyrofox, Redcommander, Winfield, cinyc, Junkie, AndrewPA)
Scott 4.5 (Peeperkorn, Scott, 20RP12, Homely, Simfan, Nathan, EarlAW)
wormyguy 4 (Ghost_white, Dallasfan, Wormyguy, Jerseyrules)
Snowstalker 3 (Cincinnatus, Snowstalker, Smash)
Exhausted 1 (Rowan Brandon)

Fourth count: Elimination of Snowstalker

Scott 5.5 (Peeperkorn, Scott, 20RP12, Homely, Simfan, Nathan, EarlAW, Snowstalker) ELECTED
Winfield 5.5 (Mondale, Pyrofox, Redcommander, Winfield, cinyc, Junkie, AndrewPA) ELECTED

wormyguy 4 (Ghost_white, Dallasfan, Wormyguy, Jerseyrules) ELECTED WITHOUT QUOTA

Exhausted 2 (Rowan Brandon, Smash)

Scott dropped out, votes for Scott are ignored.

So what happens to Scott's votes? Do they trickle down or do we have a special election (which I will of course run in)?

At least we stopped the libertards.

I am positive you have won :)

Mr. homely, I wasn't aware you worked here but I certainly do have a top floor office awaiting you :)

Yup.  Snowstalker won. :)  I dropped out before the election ended, so there would be no need to have a special election.

Oh, I get to be Lt. Governor as well?  Lucky me..  Now to just figure out how to get rid of the Governor..  :)

Andrew asked me to check his count with mine, and I wasn't sure where to post the count details when I finished. Consider it an unsolicited submission.

Well, that's good. At least we have an 80% good Assembly.

Winfield or Nix should be elected speaker.

In the Dirty South, things move at a slower pace. Mornings begin with tea and biscuits. Lunch follows with pimento cheese and homemade pickled okra. Dinner usually consists of fried chicken, greens, and deviled eggs. Lots of them. Business in the regional legislature is much like the region itself. Governor PiT recently celebrated the first bill passage in four months, and with the recent influx of new members, the legislature seems to be on the right track towards glory.

But the road to glory is not without bumps, and on Tuesday afternoon, the road may have cracked just a bit. Newly elected Representative Jbrase, a former governor and senator, introduced the Southern Unity Act, a bill that, by design, allows any citizen of a state that many view as southern in the American, but not Atlasian point of view, to vote in the regions elections. By allowing this, Rep JBrase argues that this will allow southerners displaced in these states not part of the region to vote in the South's elections. Proponents praise JBrase's heart and soul, while the opponents question its logic and constitutionality.

On the other side of the isle is The People's Champion since 2009, Representative Senator Duke, himself also a former governor, the greatest governor the Dirty South has ever seen, who has strongly spoken out against the bill. While he has stated he supports those perceived southern states be admitted to their rightful home region, he does not support giving citizens in those states two votes, while also questioning its constitutionality.

The two representatives have spared off in the most recent floor fight. JBrase accused Duke of wanting to disenfranchise the voices of these perceived southerners, while, at the same time, ignoring the fact that this is Atlasia and not America, and in Atlasia, Virginia, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and DC are not southern states. After Representative Senator Duke destroyed his opponent in the argument using undeniable logic with casual wit, he returned to his chair, picked up his homemade sign, and continued protesting, following up with his promise to sit at the statehouse, bourbon bottle in hand, until the bill was defeated. What happens next is anyone's guess in the Dirty South.

Senator Duke is the Chief Senate Analyst for The People's Paper. He is not affiliated with the Legislature mentioned above and has not donated any personal funds to its either representative discussed therein.

     Governor PiT is Stark, not me. Could I rather be called "Guvnah" in future articles by this publication?

I hope this is revived full time and more news sources are established. I had already requested a press secretary so now I request the press. :P

We have two newspapers as of now.

This establishment could easily participate more in the News scene if The People are given a private meeting with the President-elect to discuss a certain proposal..

Cigars and champagne on the yacht tonight? Bring a date.

This newspaper is open to becoming the official newspaper of Atlasia if the President so chooses to embrace The People give us that titleand force all our competitors to close their doors.

I'd support it if you changed the name to the People's Daily. Or Pravda.

There is already a Pravda.

You want us to change the name of The People's Paper? The People are a no nonsense group. We like our PBR in a can; our whiskey on the rocks, and our women slender with long legs. We don't need some sort of fancy name. Our Paper is the mouthpiece of The People and we will not have someone come into our office and begin shouting vicious demands at us to change.

This will be The People Paper now and forevermore, until the end of ages, amen.

There is also already a People's Daily. That's kind of the point (them already existing isn't, but them being what they are is).

I haven't seen a People's Daily around here. Who is the editor?

中国共产党中央委员会 (http://people.com.cn/) does.

That isn't Atlasia!

No, but it's an official newspaper (Pravda was too, till Yeltsin did away with it).

With thousands gathering at the statehouse in support of Representative Senator Duke and The People, Representative JBrase announced, with a tearful eye, that he would withdraw his controversial build to the cheers of The People all over the great Southern land. Bourbon will be flowing in the streets tonight in New Orleans.

Huzzah!

The People will not tolerate post-padding sir.  Kindly exit this establishment before we are forced to take decisive action.

In other news, The People are currently considering new applications for those they deem worthy.  Be aware, your sole mission as a part of this staff will be to crush this.. "competition" called The Porcupine, until such a time that the Editor agrees to submit a merger.

Now, now, we can't have all this fighting going on. We need a vibrant media here, and you two are the only newspapers.

The People are only concerned about the bottom line. We don't care about a vibrant media when the competition is nothing more than a bunch of amateurs. The People deserve the best news around, and if it means it must come from a single provider, then so be it. And ever since The People formed their own news source, information in Atlasia has flourished. It's populace are reading more than ever before and discussions in the coffee shops and diners across this land have taken off. What don't you love about that?

We are not here to play nice and hold hands. We are here to make Atlasia the best it can be. If one does not want to join Us for the ride, then kindly use the door to your left because The People are forging ahead with or without you on our team. The choice is yours.

Ya mad?

I think we have made it clear our end goal is to force The Porcupine out of businessprovide the best news service around, focusing on the quality, not the quantity of news stories. Posts like yours only serve to anger The People while they wade through our award winning articles.

While We have not made our decision on your campaign, it would be wise for you to shape up, offer something of substance and pray by donating at least $100,000 to our cause that you secure Our endorsement before the polls open.

I think you guys are a great paper, but we can't just have one, even if it is awesome. That's called a monopoly, and it's probably illegal.

Nonsense, Alfred! Monopolies are entirely legal and have entirely positive effects, like bragging to your friends and family and getting hotels on Boardwalk.

Apparently I'm a political cartoonist for this paper now or something.

You could have waited for me to announce your hiring, but I guess this works too.. Lol :P

It's okay. Cathcon needs to be submergedin water amongst The People before he will know right from wrong.

BREAKING:  Massive Overhaul in Effect


In light of recent competition, The People have implemented an enormous expansion of their staff.  Effective immediately, we will now employ a regional correspondent for each of the five regions.  In addition, we have hired a new Political analyst, and are currently negotiating contracts for several other prospects, and most importantly, a Midwest correspondent.  The current staff at this time is listed below;

Staff:

Cincinnatus - Majority Stakeholder and NE Correspondent
Duke - Senior Political and Legal Analyst
Mechaman - Political Analyst
Yelnoc - IDS Correspondent
Fuzzy - Pacific Correspondent
Cathcon - ME Correspondent and Political Cartoonist

Cath's Cartoon Corner
()

Ambassador Cathcon is The People's political cartoonist and a former Mideast Assemblyman. He was recently hired by The People and looks forward to a long career with them.

Your new Political Analyst will have a copyright free (for all you hater of MLA formats and Works Cited) article up sometime this weekend over the latest court controversy.

That will do. Remember, you need not announce prior to your publishing on an article. Listen to The People. They will speak to your heart. They are the voice within.

I expect nothing less than the best pro-administration propaganda. ;D

That all depends on the patronage the administration is willing to give The People.

Vote Early, Vote Often, It Doesn't Matter Your Vote Won't Count!
The Tweedist Manifesto and the Case for the Defense of Atlasian Democracy
By Mechaman:

()

In these recent days the people of Atlasia are facing the most ultimate of grand trial cases in the History of the nation.  A trial case, launched after the end of an election, that would in effect attack and destroy everything that our fair democracy holds dear by handing the authority of election from the hands of The People into the hands of a few people on the Supreme Court.  Never before have we seen such a blatant act of tyranny than the case launched by the so-called "Young Tweed" that seems to laugh in the face of our liberal democracy and the right of the people to decide for their own who leads this nation.
And earlier this week, the person they democratically elected of their own free will and cognition to serve as President, was Napoleon of the Northeast.  Whatever your feelings of Napoleon as a person or your disagreements of his public policy, any real citizen of these Atlasian states must stand by the legal and binding election of a plurality of the people of this nation for his election as President.  Also earlier this week, the Honorable Kalwejt was elected Vice President, also with the verification of a plurality of the citizens of this nation.
I did not vote for Napoleon and Kalwejt.  In fact, I gave them fourth preference.  In hindsight, considering this rape of our legal system, I consider this a grave mistake.
I will admit, I have not been the biggest fan of the Napoleon campaign's approach.  There were times when I found him lacking in humility and respect for his opponents.  Maybe this did impact how I voted.  In fact, it did.  To say it "might have" or anything less than that would be a bold faced lie.
However, my personal opinions about the man Napoleon can not be used to dictate who becomes President and who doesn't!  I am but a lowly man, a common Atlasian, in the grand scheme of this system!  I carry no more democratic authority than any other man.  My candidate lost, but I bear no ill will towards this system, this liberal democratic system that ensures the right of the people to elect for themselves, BY PLURALITY, the men and women who lead this nation and dictate it's legislative policies!  I dare not, for any damned reason, dream to make a mockery out of it!
Which is why I stand by the democratic decision of the voters of this nation and denounce and defame the Tweedist agenda post election.
The Election of both of these men were decided in the most legal and Atlasian of ways, the voting booth.  The voting booth by which all free men and women have the right and privilege to decide best which form of governance suits them the best.  That form of governance they voted for was a proven record of reform and duty.  That form of governance they voted for was a proven record of honesty, integrity, and principle.  They did not come close to supporting the Tweedist Manifesto.  In fact, the Tweedist Manifesto was soundly rebutted by The People!  By large margins!
What this author wonders is what makes the esteemed Sir Tweed fit to run this nation anyway?  If Napoleon, a proven man with a proven record of defending the right of the Atlasian citizen to vote and in opposition to corrupt practices, can not serve the "public welfare", what makes Tweed feel more qualified to do so?  Not only does he lack the conviction of truth and decency exhibited by candidate Napoleon, the Tweed Manifesto was overwhelmingly crushed in the electoral count.  The voice of The People have spoken Tweed, and you aren't, and probably won't ever be, the leader of the free world.
What I find the most shocking is that, in Mr. Tweed's case, never once did he bring up the possibility of vote invalidation or coercive tactics once!  Not once!  Usually, when these sorts of cases arise the plaintiff claims some sort of voter fraud.  Well, to the mind of Young Tweed it seems that the only voter fraud going on is the voter voting!
What exactly is this Tweedist Manifesto you ask?  Why it's the most anti-democracy anti-Atlasian movement in the history of this nation.  It is radicalism, it is sedition, it is treachery, it is a mockery of The People!  This is nothing less than a full on power coup by a desperate megalomaniac with Messianic grand delusions to take power by the abuse of our legal system.  A Tweedist likes free will up to the point that it benefits him.  A Tweedist likes the right to vote, as long as it results in him winning.  A Tweedist in effect hates the rights and liberties of the people of this nation that have been guaranteed by our forefathers since time immemorial.
Anybody who gives a damn about this nation will join us, The People, in opposing this blatant hatred of Atlasian customs professed by Sir Tweed.
I could say more here, but really Homelycooking, our esteemed head of the Department of Federal Elections and another person who has proven himself worthy of being called a "hero of reform", being instrumental in the turn around in the Northeast that has been the talk of the nation for over a year, really said it all in his appeal before the Courts (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=155233.msg3339519#msg3339519).  No finer public official has there been found than Homelycooking, who has proven himself beyond the call of duty in his position as the DoFE.  His testimony in favor of democracy should not be discounted and should stand in time as one of the greatest speeches in favor or our system of governance than as any in the history of this nation.
This is more than a case of whether or not Napoleon or Tweed should be our President, this goes to the very foundations!  To the very cornerstones of this nation's system of democracy and free choice and liberty and freedom.  If the Court decides to side with Sir Tweed it will have committed a most grievous crime against the people of this nation.  It will have effectively taken control over the this nation, effectively destroying the right to vote of every citizen.  Elections will become formalities, elections will become meaningless.  The People will be destroyed by the onslaught of judicial decision at the behest of a Tyrant.
I, and many others in this nation, wholeheartedly oppose this madman.
So join us, in this grand movement to defend Atlasian Democracy and donate to the National Council for the Restoration of Democracy (NCRD, though admittedly I would replace "Restoration" with "Defense", given that the Courts haven't turned their backs on us yet) and other organizations fighting to make sure that what has happened in many fallen nations doesn't happen here.

I would also like to take this time to thank my colleague Cathcon, for providing with us the most appropriate cartoon for this grand crisis we find ourselves in.

Sorry Mech, I believe that comparing records is a more honest campaign than petty personal attacks in the groupchat from other campaigns. I take full responsibility for focusing on the issues.

I appreciate it, but would prefer an opportunity to clarify campaign events to an apology.

Well, I guess it's more of a perception that you lacked some tact in the debate thread.  Like, Clarence and Oakvale wanted to discuss policy and what not with you and you were like "lame debate wtf!"

That's probably the most obvious one I can point out.

I don't know man, I just didn't like some of the tone of the campaign.  Sh*t, I don't really like this game to begin with but I still put up with it despite it making me hate other people.

The debate was lame. Compare the "debate" we had here to the February 2012 debate, structured and moderated by GM Shua. This debate completely flew in the face of the entire campaign. It was an opportunity for candidates who didn't discuss policy much during the campaign to answer generic questions with their positions on issues that may or may not be important to the campaign. This isn't a Political Matrix test. A debate should give you insight to what each candidate would actually do as President, and the timing and structure of the debate did not allow it. I tried to organize a series of debates over the course of the campaign, other candidates were less willing to participate. If those candidates wanted to talk about policy, they had 2 whole months to do so. That they decided not to is no one's fault but their own. Frankly, that was the worst excuse for a debate imaginable and I will not participate in a debate like that again for any office.

Forgive me for my frustration that people were willing to entertain a candidacy that did the bulk of its campaigning through personal attacks in the IRC (joined by many others as you may be aware of), provided very few policy proposals, and couldn't even answer how his platform would differ from mine when asked. Oh, and the last time we elected him, he resigned without doing anything. Even ignoring the hateful things said about me behind the scenes by the little chatroom crew, I had to deal with the now-removed rantings of yourself and Snowstalker.

The IRC seems like a gift from hell - glad I don't go on their anymore.

Trust that im not angry. I am disappointed that I did not get to enjoy the thorough debating of issues candidates of the past enjoyed, but I tried. I'm only taking issue with the idea that an off-forum negative campaign of personal attacks shouldn't be questioned for its approach.
Otherwise I agree with the Vice President.

That's because you're a wet rag.

I probably posted a few rants about this, but disillusionment with the system lead me to vote for the candidate that wants to destroy it. You guys had plenty of times to arrange a debate that would be on irc/skype/youtube whatever new technology you wanted to use and could be real time and engaging. In the end I decided to vote for oak over you because his positions are more clear to me because of engagement in IRC. Also excuse my generalizations but you also took a hardline bureaucratic stance only focusing on your favorite issues(typically the normal ones held by US liberals), and generally unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue.  I'll say that I'm prepared to work with both administrations, as the current right-wing senate is completely unacceptable and almost destroyed the public education system and has a certain extremist in it who submits troll bills all the time.

     Well, I preferenced neither of the candidates involved in this case. ;D

Senator Seatown, I am happy to hear that. I am prepared to work with anyone to put this nation on the right track. I do have some disappointments regarding my campaign but I think some of the relationships lost are more important than what is in the past. We all need to move on and work together to accomplish this. Now, my administration will be taking a hardline stance on positive political discourse. I have tried to ensure my Cabinet choices can be trusted to hold a higher standard, and this applies equally to myself and Kalwejt. I have faith that we can bring this game to new heights, as the Northeast region has. Governor Nix is doing a wonderful job not only continuing what I have built but expanding on it and even improving on it. :D

Seatown, as someone who wants to work with you as a partner I must say that the goal of my campaign was to get people to vote for me based on my record of service and my vision for the future alike. You weren't around when I was a Senator so you may not be familiar with my record as well as others are but I encourage you to check it out. There was a reason I emphasized it more than anything else. I balance my ideology with pragmatism because it has proven to be effective. I am not a strong partisan (Labor gained a seat in the Senate because I found a good candidate!). ;D I am looking forward to an exciting administration. :)

Well, I still intend to defend my position on the Election of President Sensitive Sally, even if he's proving every word said about him in the IRC "hate filled" chats true.  If you think that all we do is sit around in the IRC and talk about how lame your attitude is you grossly overestimated how much we care about this game (no, that isn't a mistype).  This game isn't God to a lot of us, it's just that. . . . it's just a game.
YOu want to know what I said about you in chat?  I said you were a "f***ing hardon" (considering your attitude, probably pretty accurate really) and other sh*t.  If you really knew me you would know that is what I say about everybody in the IRC Chat.  I even call Dallasfan on occasion a "c***f****er".  Oh and also, I pointed out the obvious observation by more than a few of us that you were acting like an asshole!
So did Oakvale, Clarence, Snowstalker, Yelnoc, and most everyone else.
And then we start talking about State's Rights candidates in Maine, something about "accidental gay dating", mod tyranny, timeline stuff, some female celebrity's ass, etc. etc. etc.  This is the typical IRC Chat.  I'm sorry if you're disappointed, expecting us to have been obsessing about you 24 hours a day seven days a week on an obscure chat website, but it doesn't happen.
If you are the type who believes that any criticism is equal to "hatred" then yes I guess we're guilty.  However, what we are not guilty of is self-deception.  I for one know I am an asshole, that I am not a nice man, and that I have a tendency to say hurtful things when I'm angry.
Rest assured, I am not angry now, so I guess I have a tendency to say hurtful things even when I'm not angry.

And before you yell "cowards", keep in mind that the language we use in the IRC Chat would've gotten us banned in like five minutes here.  Frankly, it doesn't really matter because even when putting it nicely this sh*t doesn't come remotely near to going through to your head.  Which is often expected with people with delusions of grandeur or Messianic Complexes.
"IRC" Campaigning is a f***ing ludicrous term.  There are only like 9 of us on there at the most at one time.  If you seriously think that is how your opposing tickets got people to vote for them you have problems.
You can't get 40+ votes off of pure personal attacks on an obscure chat log that only a fraction of this website uses on a regular enough basis for such tactic to work.  The fact that you even entertain this idea shows a grand deal of delusion.  No, you probably aren't deluded, but you seem to entertain thoughts that suggest you flirt with it often.
I got the PMs from Clarence asking me to vote for him to back me up.  Most of the campaigning done by these other men were through PMs and through other means.  Men that you have thoroughly mocked and thus shown that you don't have the character, the attitude, or behavior of a real Atlasian President.

However, you are the President, the democratically elected president of this nation.  Somehow someway, despite all of the nasty ass rantings of yours you managed to get enough people to get elected President by a sizable margin.  I will not let my personal disgust at your conduct get in the way of supporting the legal and democratic means by which you were elected.
So congratulations Napoleon, you are President.  NOW ACT LIKE IT.
I still stand by my remarks that the people of this nation elected Napoleon to this highest office and that he is the legal president.

I rescind my previous comments for being too nice, but still take the position in my article that the Courts shouldn't entertain the delusional fantasy of the Tweed movement to subvert democracy.  The President wants to work on positive discourse?  Well he can start with himself.

I will stand by your election as president, but I will not act like suddenly you are Jesus Christ and can do no wrong.  If you are expecting nothing but praise from The People, or this Political Analyst, you are not getting it.  We have jobs to do Mr. President-Elect, and that revolves around delivering the news and the Truth to the people.  ANd  I could seriously give a damn now if the President never talks to me again or stops giving patronage to this paper.

So screw my previous apologies, you don't deserve them.

Mr. President-Elect, please grow the Hell up.

NOTE: This is a goddamn game dude.  Occasionally some of us like to have something called "fun" while campaigning.  The reason why my ad was removed was because it violated the TOS and the mods infracted me three times in a row for it.  Nobody and their grandmother should've taken it seriously.

Anyway, this will probably be infracted and deleted by Tuesday.  But it had to be said.

Napoleon- since the campaign is over we've had a very cordial relationship which I enjoy... I believe Mechaman was aiming to put the campaign behind him by supporting you in the court case despite personal differences between you two. When folks aim to bury the hatchet, it is bad form to reject the effort.....be grateful for the fact that your opponents during the campaign are supporting you now that you've been democratically elected instead of bring campaign arguments back to life. The only thing worse then a sore loser is a sore winner....don't be one

One more thing:

While the President is "not getting angry" I would like him to consider taking some time to actually self-reflect on his behavior on this forum.  This is a very hard thing to do, I know I've been through it before.  It's very hard to admit that you are being an asshole it really is.  Hell, it is even hard to see that you are being one.  Self-perception is a huge killer.

I mean, I used to think I was a perfect little angel and that all of my friends on here were just abandoning me because they were evil a few years ago.  And then, I took a few days offline to think about it and I realized that I was being a gigantic unbearable asshole.
It isn't easy Napoleon.  I realize that ego is a damning thing, I really do.  I used to be loaded with it.

However, the difference between you and me is that I've never been remotely near Presidential caliber.  You however, in your short time have managed to become President.  Therefore, expectations of your civility are a lot higher than they were in the Senate or even as your tenure as Governor.

Imagine, in real life, what the fallout would be if President Obama walked off the stage in a debate with Mitt Romney and ranted about how it was the "most pathetic debate" he's ever had?  He would get criticized the hell out of by everybody and their grandmother for being a gigantic prick.
The Presidency demands a level of humility and grace that frankly you haven't exhibited.  Not once in your time here.

You could be the most good hearted reform minded politician in history but people will only remember you in the long run as "that asshole".  So far, you seem to be living up to that legacy.  Now, am I saying you should constantly kiss babies and hug little puppies?  No, the Presidency demands a strong willed individual, but not an asshole.  You can be a strong minded individual and not come across as a totally unlikable person.  Politics has more to do than with pure policies, as a number of people use characteristics of the President himself to determine how they can trust him with the office: honesty, integrity, humility, a sense of justice, his public perception (does he smile a lot, does he shake hands, etc. etc.), etc. etc..

I mean seriously, this isn't some bullsh*t where we are going out of our way to antagonize you.  In fact, a lot of us used to be your friends.  And, from my experience on here, the easiest way to lose friends is to be uncivil and antagonistic.  If more than two people are suddenly not pleased with you, there is likely something going on.

There is the chance that these words may fly over your head, or that this may fall on deaf ears.  After all, that's probably happened to me a few times on here.  Right now, some of my "little chatroom crew" buddies are shaking their heads, thinking this is a wasted effort.  Maybe it is, but I always found the glass to be 5% a better thought than it's 95% empty.  Mostly, you have to find the change within yourself, we can't do it for you.

I don't expect a huge "I'm sorry for being an asshole" thread/post or even a defensive response to my posts on here.  I really don't want this sh*tfest to continue any longer than it has to.  An improvement in attitude concurrent with the office in question, though, would be notable.

Also, I am not supporting the Administration's side on this to "bury the hatchet", I'm doing it for Democracy.  Be thankful.

This morning as I woke up and wiped the sweat from my brow and the sleepies from my eyes, I reached over and grabbed my laptop. Like every morning, I opened its lid and began checking my emails and messages from colleagues and the like before stumbling across a message that shook my room: Yelnoc, a People's champion in his own right, resigned from speaker of the IDS legislature and that southern bloc I never joined.

So I want to take a moment to formally recognize Yelnoc for his service to the region, to me, and of course, to The People. He carried himself with dignity and class for his entire tenure in public office, and The People and myself thank him for that. As with all resignations, Atlasia loses someone who made the game better. They lose a bright eyed, eager boy who simply wanted to help The People in their continuous fight for powerto stay alive in this country.

While we here at The People's Paper understand there is a time to step away and reflect on one's career, we do hope in the future Yelnoc returns to public service. Regardless of future musings, Atlasia weeps today, as it wept when Senator Duke retired from the senate. But wherever Yelnoc goes, The People will follow and will continue to shine in his left pupil. And when Yelnoc looks up at the sun on a hot Georgian day, he will know that The People are looking back at him. Happy trails, Yelnoc, and may you return to Us one day brining more glory than ever before. I, for one, will miss him.


Senator Duke is the Chief Senate Analyst for The People's Paper. He also serves as the Voice of The People.

That was beautiful man. Well wishes Yelnoc.

Haha, thanks Duke, that was great!

And you too, Cath, you know where to find me if you ever want to chat.

On June 28th, 2012, Governor ZuWo (Whig-KY) announced his re-election campaign. This humble reporter, representing The People, asked him about his term, and he was happy to respond to The People. The Governor views his accomplishments in office as seeing a flurry of activity under his reign. He's proud of "the introduction of several bills dealing with a variety of issues" as well as the first "Questioning the Power" session. In the future, he plans to continuing cooperation with the Assembly--which could see more than five candidates this time around--and moving forward to tackling the budget.

On June 30th, a poll was released by the A-Bob Research Center. In it, the Governor was matched up against four possible contenders for his office, those being: Speaker of the House HappyWarrior, then-Vice President Tmthforu94, then-SoIA 20RP12, and Game Moderator Shua. In this poll, consisting of roughly 17 participants, ZuWo looked to be beating three rather comfortably. However, in the polling against the Vice President, he was being beaten by one vote. In a much more recent survey by ScottSurveys begun on July 3rd, the only options given were Governor ZuWo and Vice President Tmthforu94. As of now, ZuWo is beating "Tmth" ten to six.

Left: Governor ZuWo (W-KY) announcing his re-election bid
Right: former Vice President Tmthforu94 (MCPR-IN) announcing formation of an exploratory committee

The nation's former Vice President himself formed an exploratory committee on July 1st and looks to becoming more and more of a potential candidates. As for the other three labeled as potential candidates by the A-Bob Research Center, 20RP12 is running for Mideast Assembly, Shua is being retained by President Napoleon in his position as Game Moderator, and HappyWarrior is running for re-election to the Assembly.

Cathcon is The People's correspondent to the Mideast as well as The People's Cartoonist. He has served over five terms in the Mideast Assembly. As of now he is President Napoleon's appointee to the position of Ambassador.

()

Announcing, the Regional Protection Organization (RPO)!:

The results of the case against the peoples of the IDS should come as no surprise.  After all, the federal courts of this nation are full of anti-Imperialist bigots who are out to strip the South, and all other regions, of their region rights.
Everybody and their grandmother saw this coming from a mile away, as the prosecutors, or should I say the oppressors, in the case went out of their way to let it be known that they oppose the right of the IDS region to regulate it's commerce.
This wasn't merely a case of the legality of trade currency or whatever the hell the "Dibble" is supposed to be, this was a blatant attack on Imperial culture by bigoted big government advocates that have complete control of this national government!  On all three branches.
You could almost hear the glee in the oppressor Fuzzy's voice as he got onto Jbrase's case, seemingly ignoring his well constructed case with loads of evidence backed by the Trojan Act itself.  Our defender, Jbrase, thoroughly rebutted the prosecuting attorney's points to the point that if I were the prosecutor's mother I would've been embarrassed to have given birth to such a sorry piece of sod masquerading as an intelligent user of the law.
Instead of playing the part of an impartial mediator and taking the prosecutor to task, holding the prosecution team responsible for it's amazingly idiotic, dumb, stupid, borderline Special Ed Class logic the Court decided to layway all of it's force into Jbrase.  The man with the brain.
The language of the law itself was quite clear Mr. Courtroom Judge.  Mr. Jbrase put it as clear as day, with as few big words as possible (so as to not confuse the federal judges who just graduated from the 6th grade with Principal Honors Roll Awards for Amazing Performance in Physical Education Class) and yet the supposed "non-biased" and "constitutional" judges still ruled against Section 2 of the Trojan Act.
Question: How much money did your federal mafia cronies pay you to rule against freedom of commerce?

Mark my words fellow Imperials and Dave fearing citizens throughout this nation, the lynch mobbing of Jbrase at the hands of the Federal Courts is only the beginning.  This Federal Atlasian Government is just getting started.  After all, it was foretold many moons ago that the first thing the government would take away from us in it's pursuit of statism would be our right to commerce and thus our right to self govern.  Success is the enemy of every oligarchist, this case is no exception.
Which is why we need to fight back.
As of now Mechaman and Associates are starting a new campaign.  A campaign which has at it's interests the restoration of Region Rights that has been stripped away throughly in recent years by activist radicals hell bent on destroying our rights to a non-government worshipping culture.  We will not bow down head first to the visage of the Federal Government that the statist loving cretins in the high federal offices and the bastardized courts, raped by bureaucracy and corruption, wish upon us.  We will fight back.
And this fight begins with you.
That's right, the People.  You the People as one, protesting the tyrannic overreach of judicial activism at the behest of a few hermaphroditic characters sons of a halfbreed squaw that threatens to doom this country for their own greedy corporatist theocratic masters.  You can do your part by making a loud protest by at once voicing your right to regional sovereignty.
That is why, today, I am launching the Regional Protection Organization (RPO) to launch protests against this wave of anti-regionism that is now in vogue amongst our corrupted mafia led court system.  Our aim is your aim, to take back what was once ours.
Our main aim will be what will ultimately restore region rights: the elimination of At-Large Senate Seats to be replaced with all regional seats to best represent the actual interests of those constituents whom the Senators represent.  It will be quite simple, two Senator to two regions.  With this accomplished only then can we have the Capone appointed Judges in their rightful places: in fear of the people.
Our secondary aim will be to push forward motions to defend the right to region commerce and economic legislation.  No two regions share the same business and tax culture, and it is unfair to let unelected government officials decide for them how to best operate their commerce.
Our miscellaneous aims shall be to press forth a wave of pro-region bills, acts, and measures in the legislatures of the regions to force the federal government into devolving further rights stricken from us.

I encourage all legislators, whether region level or federal level, to support our cause and to restore Atlasian Democracy.

I want to thank these fine men for continuing to provide The People with quality news since June 2011. Friends, through my whiskey clouded eyes, I can proudly proclaim this newspaper is the finest in this land, publishing quality articles with thoughtful musings and and intellectually stimulating conversation. We will continue to support this great country and welcome your donations via cash, credit, cashiers check, or debit card. Thank you.

The People's very own Mideast Correspondent Cathcon sat down with Governor ZuWo today in an exclusive interview to ask him about the upcoming Gubernatorial election, his past term as Governor, the ongoing Mideast Assembly race, and his thoughts on the future...

TPP: So you're running for re-election. What do you think your chances are?

Actually I am optimistic. I think I have done a decent job so far both in terms of activity and policy and I am confident that the voters will acknowledge that in September.

TPP: Are you threatened by the potential candidacy of former President Tmthforu94? How does recent polling (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=155759.0) affect your outlook on the race?

I try to remind myself that it doesn’t matter who my opponent is and that polls have to be taken with a grain of salt. At this point, the most important for me is to focus on my job and my gubernatorial duties. If I manage to do that and make a contribution to improve our region things will turn out fine no matter what happens. I know that the election is likely to be close but I am here to do the best for the region, have fun and enjoy the game so I am not going to lose sleep over who my potential opponent will be and what the polls look like at the moment.

TPP: What do you view as the major accomplishments of your first term?

The wiki. The regional wiki was in a bad condition when I took office and is almost completely updated now. I am not the only one who should be credited for this since citizen Tmthforu94 also helped to update the wiki, but I can say that I certainly did what I had to do regarding the wiki. Also, the first regional “question time session” has been held in my tenure and many more are to follow. I have also introduced a couple of bills which have and will keep the Assembly busy. Last but not least, I took the necessary steps to continue our budget process and I am proud to say we are very close to introducing a first complete draft of the budget to the Assembly. This will be a historical moment for our region; a real milestone.
A personal highlight – though I was not directly involved in it – was Judge Franzl’s ruling on the abortion case. Back during my time in the Assembly I had introduced the abortion bill which was then brought to court so I was extremely relieved when Franzl ruled in favour of the pro-life side. TJ, who defended the Mideast government in court, deserves a big “thank you” for his work as well.


TPP: What things would you like to do in your hypothetical second term?

I think the budget will take up most of my and the Assembly’s time, so this will definitely be my priority. It is of prime importance that we manage to balance the budget. Additionally, I will continue to get in touch with the citizens of our region and encourage them to participate in the political process. I will try to achieve this both by introducing bills on my own, putting forward sensible reform ideas and keeping citizens updated on my work in different ways (e.g. in my office thread, the “question time sessions”, by publishing polls on different issues). In short, you can expect me to govern in the very same way should I be re-elected as Governor.

TPP: Now, you lost your own attempt at the Presidency back in February 2012. Would you ever consider running again? Maybe in October?

If I’ve learnt one lesson in my life then it’s “never say never”. But frankly, I don’t see myself running for President anytime soon. While it’s great fun it’s also an exhausting and sometimes nerve-racking endeavour. And let’s face it; I don’t think I will ever have a shot at being elected unless I become Mitt Romney 2.0 and flip-flop on every major issue.
I am very happy as Governor and intend to remain Governor for as long as I enjoy the job (and the voters approve of me, I should add :P) – Emperor PiT and his impressive terms is a great example of what I envision ;).


TPP: What are your thoughts on the newly elected President, Napoleon?

I guess I don’t have to pretend that I enthusiastically supported Napoleon’s candidacy. However, the people have spoken and I am ready to give Napoleon and his administration time so they can show that they are able to have a positive impact on Atlasia. If he succeeds and can move Atlasia forward I will be glad.

TPP: Are there any major figures in the Whig Party you see as potential candidates in future elections? Do you think any of these have a chance against President Napoleon or other political opponents?

The Whig Party is in a comfortable position right now. We have numerous highly qualified members who are able to serve in any office – be it as Senator, Governor or even as President. Simfan, Clarence, A-Bob and TJ (in no particular order) immediately come to mind. They are experienced and proven politicians. On the other hand, we have aspiring and enthusiastic newbies such as Hagrid or Supersonic who I think can make a difference in this game as well and there are certainly more. Then there’s the person who is conducting this great interview with me – if he is willing to spend some of his time on Atlasia he has a great future ahead of him! 
But the truth is, the right has an inherent political disadvantage in this game and has a hard time winning presidential elections so regardless of the quality of our candidates it’s almost impossible to be victorious. That’s why I am not even sure whether we, the Atlasian right, should still compete in future presidential elections. It may be more fruitful to focus on the Senate and regional governments.


TPP: What are your thoughts on the Mideast Assembly election?The quality of the candidates? Are there any you'd like to publicly support or are already doing so?

I haven’t fully made up my mind yet so I won’t state who I am going to vote for at this point. However, I have made clear that both a candidate’s political views and his activity levels play a role in my decision. In fact, the question whether a candidate will be an active Assemblyman or not has an even bigger significance for me than whether he sees eye to eye with me on every issue. Overall I am happy with the quality of the field and I’m looking forward to working together with any of the candidates.

TPP: The GM has reported that in this last month, unemployment has risen in the region. What do you view as the cause of this, is this a cause for concern, and if so, what do you view as the solution to it?

Nations in general and smaller entities like individual regions in particular are often subject to global economic trends that we can hardly influence and I think that’s the reason why our economy is still in a critical condition and why the unemployment figures are far from satisfying. Then again, I believe the low corporate tax rates in our region will lead to economic recovery and growth and are an important tool to fight unemployment since they encourage enterprises to invest in our region and hire people. That’s why I will not tackle the looming budget deficit by advocating for tax increases. I believe that our low tax rates are an asset and should not be changed.

TPP: What is your opinion of The People?

Yellow wakes The People wake me up in the morning. Yellow gets The People get me on the bike in my office every day. Yellow has The People have taught me the true meaning of sacrifice. Yellow makes The People make me suffer. Yellow is The People are the reason I'm here.

Lance Armstrong Governor ZuWo

Thank you for the interview!

For some reason or another, The People have not been update lately and have fallen into a state of stagnancy. However, The People will not let this stand, and so they bring you, The People, for your enjoyment, an interview with Gubernatorial candidate and former Vice President Tmthforu94 (MCPR-ME)!

---

Why do you want to be Governor?

As I've stated before, I believe I've learned a lot through this game, and I'm honestly grateful for all this game has taught me. It is my wish and desire that many other Atlasians share the same experience I do. I'm running for Governor to do just that, and also to create a stronger, more unified region.

What is your opinion of Governor ZuWo's work?

I will commend ZuWo on not being inactive as Governor, something other region's have struggled with in the past. I do think there are some policy disagreements between us - we've run into disagreements on how to balance the budget. We also have some disagreements on animal rights, as well as the Assembly size. I disagree with him also on signing the "Common Courtesy While Driving Act". While previous experience and results are important, I encourage Mideasterners to remember that this election is about improving the Mideast region over the next four months - who do you truly believe would better serve as our region's Governor?

Should you identify any problems in the Mideast, do you think you would have viable solutions to them?

Well, several have already been identified and have been pointed out in my platform, which I encourage all readers to go read at some point during this campaign. ;) I am absolutely confident that if any new problems arise during my tenure, I have the experience and the capabilities to work with folks of differing ideologies to come up with a solution that'll face us all.

Do you feel your breadth of experience, from Governor to President, and even VP, has given you a good insight into running things in Atlasia?

Absolutely - If experience was the only thing that mattered in this game, I'd probably beat most people pretty handily. ;) I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have had in this game - serving in such a variety of positions has given me an enormous amount of insight on many different issues, and I think that type of experience on both the regional and federal level would certainly be beneficial to me if I become Governor, especially due to the fact I've served as Governor before. I think I should be able to understand the responsibilities of the Governor. ;)

Do you feel that any scandal that took place during your tenure as President will affect the campaign?

Unless people start grasping at straws, I don't think so. I have made my apologies, and we have all moved on. I think that's evident in the fact that two of the people most involved/effected by that scandal, Assemblyman 20RP12 and President Napoleon, are both backing my bid for Governor.

Do you feel this campaign, on both sides, has seen a new amount of negativity not familiar in the Mideast?

My campaign is doing it's best to stay on a positive, issue-oriented campaign, because I think that's the type of campaign that would best serve or region. I have been disappointed by the nature of the campaign thus far - it's difficult, as I want to defend myself, but at the same time, don't want so much negativity surrounding our region.

I would encourage my opponent to do a cease-fire - this has gone on long enough. Yesterday, a new attack was unleashed on me by the Governor, something that no one seems to be concerned with but him.  I've been called erratic, a liar, and my integrity has been attacked. Additionally, my attempts to work with the Governor on the budget has just been met by rejection and a slew of more negativity. This just isn't the type of leadership the Mideast deserves, which is why I'm asking for a clean campaign going forward.

How do you address charges by some conservatives of your actions on the national stage, sometimes viewed as "treasonous" to the cause of the Right in Atlasia?

Well, these charges have never really been brought out and center, so to me it's just a rumor. I'm proud to be the only center-right President Atlasia has had in years. At the same time, I'm not a rubber stamp for a particular ideology or party. I actually did have an interest not too long ago in joining the Whigs as a moderate member, but was told by then-Chairman ZuWo that I would not be welcome, basically because of my vote of Napoleon, someone who I am proud to have voted for and I believe he's done a terrific job.

I've done a lot of good for the "Right of Atlasia" - to call be a traitor because of my desire to work with both sides and voting for center and center-left candidates occasionally is just silly. :P

Thank you very much for interviewing me. It was a pleasure! :)

Thank you, Cathcon, for taking the time out of your catholic conservative schedule to bring The People back to the forefront of this great country. And thank you, tmth, for taking your time out of this lovely Indianan Sunday to speak with us. Because of People like you, this country remains great.

While I am not part of the Mideast, and thank god I am not, you all have fine choices for governor, and I am sure that fine region will make the right decision. The People's will is strong in your part of the country. This I promise.

Can I get an interview :)

You're the Mideast Senator right? I guess that's in my jurisdiction. Do you also count as the Chairman of the Nat. Sec. Committee?

"Don't limit yourself to one jurisdiction. Embrace the world, for it is your jurisdiction."

- The People

Please interview Ben. Just because no one ever interviews me doesn't mean he should suffer the same fate.

Aww, does Duke, a mere servant of The People, desire an interview as well? The People would be glad to grant him one.

It would be strange for my employer to interview me, so no. I am merely being an advocate for Ben. :P

MechaAnalysis, Your Presidential Candidates:

Greetings children!  Today I'm going to give you the People's Rundown on the upcoming Presidential candidates for the next election season.  Please note that if you have a squeamish politically correct view of anything and everything said about certain politicians this isn't the place for you to be.  This will be hard-hitting and quite furious.  There will be no quarter left for these assholes, these scum eaters, these filth bedding taxpayer screwing vases of donkey kidneys.  I will say both the horrible mean truths (and admittedly, some lies) about each candidate. . . . . . and then giving a nice healthy side of the moderate hero positives!  So, let's begin!

President Napoleon:
()
What's He's Famous For: Hey moron!  He's the current President!  Yeah, you know the big dude in the white marble house (or whatever the hell the color is now) with the dudes in business suits with guns?  If you haven't heard of him maybe you need to move out of the 2012 Election Board!
The Positives:
The First President in History to actually accomplish sh*t.  Also the first person running for office to realize that "reform" actually exists instead of just using it as a religion to motivate his kids to not smoke weed.
The Negatives:
He's a gigantic Grade-A Prime Rib Asshole.  You invite him over for the holidays it's going to take years to rinse the stench out of the place.
Verdict:
Who the hell says politics is a popularity contest anyway?  Napoleon could be the world's largest most sour c*ntsalad but he's still managed to actually do sh*t (which is more than I can say than 98% of Atlasian "Presidents")!  If you believe that the internet is serious business and the rule of thumb is a disease and that this game is like real life, he's definitely top preference.

The Duke:
()
What's He Famous For: Running in every Presidential Election since the dawn of time with one of his pal, Carlos Ray Norris.
The Positives:
A widely known non-annoying moderate hero, The Duke is your ideal choice if you want a well balanced administration that takes logical forward thinking solutions to the problems that face this nation.  He gots all the answers to the ails of this nation that can't be answered due to division and petty politics.
The Negatives:
Horrendous sense of micromanagement.  Horrendous.  He lost an entire army of cyberpunks fighting against a be-mulleted Kurt Russell and his ragtag gang of grade F- Losers with the very worst of early 1980's fashion sense supposedly taking place in 1997 in a New York City large prison.
Verdict:
Damn dude, look at that gun he's got.  I think he's pointing it over at you.  Yes. . .  .YOU.  And if I were you, given the alternatives, I would vote for The Duke.  Now, damn it, now.  Before he takes the safety off.

Jbrase:
()
What He's Famous For: Establishing the Royal House of Jbrase, one of the highest houses of order in the Great Imperial Dominion of the South.
Positives:
Organization.  Jbrase is the only candidate who has the official party of the Imperial Dominion behind him.  He understands that once you go IDS, you can't go back!  Not now, not ever!
Negatives:
The asswipes at the party headquarters didn't give me a cue card for this part.  What am I supposed to do at this part?  Stick my thumb up my ass and pretend to be a puppet?
Verdict:
Grade A Roast beef sandwich with A1 Steaksauce.  Just don't ever expect anything from the Imperial Bloc leaders.  They are a bunch of trial lawyering, no good, snot nosed, toilet bobbers who play baseball like girls!

Pingvin:
()
What's He Famous For: Having political views that would make your grandfather cry gay baby tears.
The Positives:
Ummmm, besides this envelope containing $500,000 for my absolute silence on all negative facets of his character?  Well, his kickass taste in kickass music, his brave political views that every Atlasian should have, saving a tribe of African pygmies from certain destruction, curing Cancer, and saving mankind from the Romulan invasion from the future.  It's almost too hard not to think of the many good things he has done.
The Negatives:
Umm let's see here. . . . the fact that he tottttally has no negatives at all!  I wish there was something about this fine upstanding individual that I could just hate!  But, it just keeps slipping into me wallet. . . . err I mean out of my head!
Verdict:
This is possibly the only time you will ever get to vote for such a perfect candidate as my paycheck, err I mean Pingvin.  I can't imagine what the future will be like if Atlasia doesn't elect this fine upstanding individual!  I recommend that everybody, living, dead, undead, microprocessed, go to the voting polls and vote in this fine citizen!  Atlasia truly can't do any better!

Snowstalker:
()
What He's Famous For: Being a die hard Labor hack with a strong distaste of the Cosmos.  Also, an unnatural attraction to cartoon ponies.  Also, is prejudiced against Jews and Italians . . . . . . but who isn't?  Also, despite what you might infer from the picture, he's not really a black man.
The Positives:
He's a die hard Labor hack who won't put up with neo-liberal sh*t.  Which is good for lots of left wingers who take to Clintonianism like a lot of us take to AIDS.
The Negatives:
He's a die hard Labor hack who won't put up with neo-liberal sh*t.  Which is bad news for lots of liberals who take to Clintonianism like a lot of us take to free internet porn.
Verdict:
For Snowstalker, this race is about a bit more than just policies.  It's f***in personal.  Let's just say that he has a pretty strong distaste for the more centrist approach the Atlasian "Left" has taken since the start of the game in 2004 in recent months.  Also, he's a ponyf***er.  So that's enough reason not to vote for him.

Xahar:
()
What He's Most Famous For: Creating the Earth, the Stars, the Cosmos and everything you see around you.  In the last millenium, he is most known for establish the Leipist National Front (LNF), the first truly democratic and equality focused party in Atlasian History.  Also known as a foremost advocate of the Mustafinism-Komovism philosophy, which is a set of values and beliefs revolving around ()
The Positives:
()
The Negatives:
()
Verdict:
()

Mecha's Choice:
With all that said and done, ultimately I have to for a little bit of

()

Case closed.

:(

Thank you for recognizing The People's Ticket in your interview, Mecha. It means a lot to Us all over this country.

The F**king Truth
Mechaman Interviews Pingvin, Candidate for President:

Why are you running for President?
Do you listen to Deep Purple? If not, you should. They have a song called "Stormbringer". I think that this country needs one.

So Pingvin, why are you a (insert your party name here)?
Because Milliard Fillmore was Whig. And he was badass. No one was f**king with him. Not many people know but he was a Mummy Hunter. (He just got overshadowed by Abe)

What do you hope to do as President of Atlasia?
Well, I'll do some stuff. Day One:
Eat at KFC
Listen to Iron Maiden
Shake some hands

Which posters would you like to see in your cabinet?  Besides Mechaman.
SJoyceFla, Cathcon, Tmth.

How will you deal with all of the haters of your glorious campaign?
We will beat out all the sh#t of them using this scary sh%t (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balalaika).
What is your position on ponies and bronies?
Kill them, burn them, rape them, find their families, kill and rape families, burn the houses, piss at houses ash. That's the way I will do with all my political enemies. No one f**ks with that Russian.

Amen brother, preach it.  I don't like those freaks either.  Atlasia would be so much better off if with sent them all back to their homeland of Jewidia.
AMEN PRAISE OUR GOD INDEED

I can respect that Pingvin.  That's what I like about you, you're such a straight shooter!  Anyway, what sort of foreign policy would you like to implement?  And please don't say anything about f***ing Libya.
Pingvin's Foreign Policy: Don't intervene (unless someone touches Israel), drink some Dr. Pepper and observe.

Fascinating.  Anyway, what do you think about the state of this nation?  Is it better off now than it was a few months ago?
No. If it's not me, it's chaos, anarchy and defecation into fountatins. There is no alternative.

That's an interesting perspective.  Kind of like my friend Paul who thinks that the original Total Recall, you know the one with Arnold Schwarzenegger, was real! I happen to disagree with him on that I mean it's so obvious it's a dream even a ret-I mean a reptile could figure it out.  So, what would you call your ideology?
Badass Russian Right-Winger.

You know, I don't know how to bring this up but you got a lot of haters man.  They say you're a bit extreme and that you eat babies or something.  Personally, I think it's messed up and they should be ashamed of themselves for not telling it to your face.  Why do you think that is?
Dogs bark, caravan goes on. If they're trying to attack me, I won't care.

Got to stick with your guns man.  Like who cares how many people thought Rocky V sucked, the part where he kicks Tommy Gunn's ass in a street fight?  CLASSIC!  Anyway, how do you plan on reaching across party lines and getting the vote out?  Remember, for just a four lb bar of chocolate I will give you the Imperial Bloc's full support!
5 lb and MCRP.

Well, looks like I just got fired for taking selling my vote to a public official!  Damn it.  Anyway, now that I'm unemployed may I ask how you plan to help our employment situation with your jobs program?
Entire campaign is about jobs. I once ate and outdated Skittles and saw a dream - sky is made of jobs, sea is made of jobs. That was deep.

Sh*t!  It's almost time for my bond hearing for illegal gambling!  Any last words Pingvin, before the police break down my front door, causing me several hundred dollars in door replacement fines because I wasn't smart enough to invest in Insurance?
Last word: It's Pingvin or It'll get worse!

It was nice having you here Pingvin.  May Taurus guide you to victory!
Good luck in your hearing.

This is friggin' deep man. Beautiful. Any more of those skittles?

Awesome. All of us can learn from Pingvin when it comes to concision. Pingvin, do you offer rhetoric courses?

Pingvin needs to be President. Like seriously.

Also, I'd like an interview please :3

I approve of the description of me.

Yes, I offer.
Educational videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN-reah1tqc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4EL0RPDX8A

A few months ago, Atlasia changed forever. The two major parties, the RPP and the JCP were dissolved with a tidal wave of public support. People blamed the two parties for making the game stale, elections predictable, and for making the game too difficult for new members to break through. It was awful, really, so the opponents of the two parties said. A few weeks later, elements within both parties began to call for something to be done, and a standoff between the RPP and JCP leadership ensued, both sides negotiating a way to hold a vote that would not hurt their respective parties in case one party did not vote to disband. Long story short, both parties voted for it and were dismantled.

Out of the dust and ashes, a tremendous power vacuumed was left. For years, the names Yankee, bgwah, BK, tmth, Duke, and others loomed as party bosses. These men powered the GOTV during elections, talked strategy, targeted voters and led people to the polls election after election. After the fall of the parties, the game seemed to be dying off. Atlasian elections fell from 100+ voters an election to under 70. Senate activity became scarce. The old guard left the game entirely, leaving just a few to pick up the pieces. Out of the smoldering heat rose the Liberals, Labor, Whigs, and Imperial Bloc parties, all with different leadership. These parties worked independently for a while and saw activity plummet.

Recently, however, a new trend has arisen: the movement back to the two party system. A few weeks ago, the right leaning Whigs, Imperial Blocs and MCPR agreed to an open primary, agreeing that the winner shall be the nominee of the parties. President Napoleon replaced the retired Kaljewi with Labor member Nathan, creating a unity ticket for the upcoming election, despite the Labor’s technically running their own candidate.

With the eventual unification of the right, will this lead to a united left, much like the right did in the days of the RPP to combat the JCP and SDP unification? And was all the fuss and hubbub over dissolution for naught? It seems today in Atlasia, we are still all about party, except the parties just have weaker leadership and are more ideological. The government has not changed. Napoleon was a known quantity in the old Atlasia. Yankee, BK, AndrewCT, Marokai, TJ and SBane were all involved in Atlasia before the dissolution. Not much has changed in this game, except things are arguably less interesting. We have lost great members like bgwah, jas, earl,  SnowGuy, Junkie, Brandon, and the like. Was it worth it to lose all those who contributed in the past? I say that is the biggest loss. While we have seen an uptick in voting and a return of some old members like Bacon King and Marokai, we are a far cry from the days of yore.

I maintain that we are not far off from another two party system. As I argued before the dissolution, a two party system is always going to be the natural state of things, and there is never really going to be a way to combat it.  I look forward to seeing if my predictions are correct in the future. I haven’t been wrong yet.


Senator Duke is the Chief Senate Analyst for The People's Paper. He is not affiliated with the Legislature mentioned above and has not donated any personal funds to its either representative discussed therein.

     It seems like another duopoly is an increasingly likely result. I can't help but wonder how Atlasia strayed far from it for so long in the past.

I hope we don't move towards a duopoly. Smaller, more ideologically diverse parties are far more interesting.

On the Damn Record

The 20RP12 Interview:

So, why are you running for the Mideast Senate seat?

I'm running for Mideast Senate because I really enjoyed my time in the Senate when I served earlier this year, but also because I believe Mideast citizens would like a change. I understand Senator Ben has high approval ratings, but I think, at the end of the day, the Mideast is open to a change at Senator. I'd be privileged if they chose me as their Senator.

Honestly, what do you think of the game at this point?

The game's certainly on an upscale now, with new players registering frequently and old players coming back and re-registering. Despite the fact that Kalwejt, who is arguably one of the most important figures in the history of Atlasia, has retired, we have Xahar and Hashemite rising from the history books to team up for a Presidential run. It's pretty cool, really. I'm just hoping the Midwest and Pacific activity crises can be solved soon.

Why are you a Whig?

I'm a Whig because I consider myself more of a Conservative than a Liberal. The Whig Party may not pander to some of the views that I hold, but they're strong in their beliefs, and that's incredibly respectable.

Out of the current Presidential candidates running, who do you like best?

Write-in: Mechaman

How would you describe your ideology?

()

Could you give us an idea of what kind of bills you would advocate as a Senator?

I'd certainly introduce bills regarding fiscal policy and debt reduction, some bills regarding civil liberties, but it really depends on what issues are facing our nation at the time.

What is your opinion of "Hot Dog" by Limp Bizkit?

Limp Bizkit is my favourite viking metal band.

Wise choice.  You would've been liquidated otherwise.  Anyway, what is your favorite music genre?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL1CL2zl0jA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL1CL2zl0jA)

That's. . . . . interesting.  So, what do you think of your fellow Whig Pingvin running for the Presidency?

Pingvin's awesome. If he wins the Presidency, you bet I'll be riding a Pegasus through the Atlasian skies whilst blasting Iron Maiden.

Fascinating.  If you could have a theme song for your campaign what would it be?

Enter Shikari - Gandhi Mate, Gandhi

What was the most illegal thing you've ever done?

I shot JFK.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for the Mideast Senate?

I'm not gonna lie, Ben is quantities more qualified than me when it comes to holding office, but he's been here for twice as much time as I have. I'm a fresh face, I bring enthusiasm to the table, I certainly take my work very seriously and I love what I do.

Any last words?

Praise Jebus.

Nice talking to you mate.  It's been a pleasure.

You too! :D

The Mustafinist-Komovist movement welcomes Mechaman to the fray.

()

I am pleased to announce The People's Paper will be making their long awaited endorsement at the end of this week. Stay tuned.

While this thread is near the top, I'd like to note that I've taken a leave from The People's Paper to run my presidential campaign.

As we all discussed earlier, your leave has been granted. We look forward to having you back whenever the time comes.


Full of new hope, The People have decided it is time to continue our tradition of endorsing the winning candidate in the presidential race after taking a few cycles off. I am sure it is an honor for you to see finally see this paper ;)

Also, would it be possible for correspondent Mechaman to do another profile of the candidates as he did in the past?

I'm still waiting on my interview :P

We need to find Mechaman. He was not relieved of his duties!

Buffalo, NY - Some things never change in Atlaisa. This is a theme The People have acknowledged for months now, as Their presence continues to take hold in the country. This week, Labor Senator Barnes, famous for his solid service when present, and more famous for his disappearing acts, went inactive and then resigned from the senate, handing The People of Atlasia yet another special election to deal with a week before they head to the polls to elect their next president.

The candidates are a group of heavy hitters. Current embattled President Napoleon, out of sheer fear of being unemployed, has made his intentions known he plans to seek the seat even before leaving office, giving a middle finger to the naysayers that claim his unpopularity will make him unelectable outside of his home region of the Northeast. The other candidates are just as high profile. The Labor Party is running their chairman, Griffin, a longtime servant of the IDS, and The Federalists' are sending Goldwater. Last, but not least, The People's Candidate is Fezzyfestoon, a long time governor of the Northeast. Running under The People's Banner, Fezzy brings his rich experience back to Atlasia. Mr. Festoon exudes competent leadership, and embodies everything The People stand for - open mindedness, dedication to the game, activity, love of alcohol, women, and the propensity to not disappear from office when elected.

The People cannot make a prediction on this race, but it is interesting to note two of the biggest Federalist names have endorsed Napoleon over Goldwater, including the chairman of The Federalist Party. That does not bode well for the conservative from the Mideast. At the end of the day, this election will come down to The Power of The People. And either way, The People will always prevail.

Senator Duke is the Chief Senate Analyst for The People's Paper.

?

Thanks. Fixed. :P

I'm a uniter, not a divider.

The People can't be divided. The forces of evil can do their best to try, but ultimately, they will always fail.

I thought Goldwater was from the Northeast, that's why I quoted that part as well.

Mechaman reporting for duty!

As of this moment, I will be accepting any and all pm requests for interviews.

Yes, even him.

Thank god. This night just got immensely better.

I wish that interview hadn't been unmolested...

High Times
Interview with Northeast candidate FezzyFestoon:

There are very few more memorable people on the forum at large than the amicable FezzyFestoon.  A figure in Northeast politics as both a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor, Festoon is planning his latest return to politics as a Senator in the special election in the Northeast.  He seems to have a very competitive race that includes the incumbent President as well.
And now if you will, FezzyFestoon:


Let me start off by asking the obvious: what is your reason for running?
Sweet, let's get crackin'. I really couldn't tell you why I'm running, Atlasia is such a needy ho. I guess considering the amount of free time I've accumulated between barely working and thus having no money to do anything, now seemed the right time to sacrifice my eyes and mind to computerland. I was pretty good at it before, so with any luck I won't just be some confusing flash in the pan of Atlasian politics.

Outside of the game, you have made your enthusiasm for the stinky weed well known.  With that said, looking at the current game laws (of which I have no idea) on the matter of the stinky weed, what advocacy would you see yourself doing on this front?
Well, the best why I know how is to just do as much smoking as possible. That way a) people can see how functional a stoner can be and b) the industry can expand...at least near me so I can get more. Hopefully I can push some stuff through to get more people smoking and less drinking or popping pills. Maybe that's the problem with Atlasia, who knows...it certainly would explain a lot if some people were just drunk or conked out on pills all the time.

Is Cocaine a Hell of a drug?
Hell of a drug. God damn, that stuff ain't gonna cut it. Pun intended. ;)

But what about alcohol?  Isn't alcohol at least a little bit O'Fun?
Yeah, I mean there's nothing wrong with some beers and a couple of shots, maybe a bag 'o wine every once in a while (you gotta take it out the box) never hurt anybody. Unless you're dating a sorority chick, then a box of Franz could be more than a little damaging to your evening. You could always bank on a brown-out sweeping away your problems, but that never seems to work out for long.

He Who Should Not Be Named has returned.  Muggles everywhere are in danger.  What crime measures would you implement to catch the bastard?
This is where it all comes full circle. His crime ring is financed by the illegal marijuana trade. We need to spur Atlasian development of the weed industry in order to fight off He Who Should Not Be Named. It's likely to be a pillar of my platform. Along with prison reform that may or may not include reverse Dementoring.

So, what exactly motivated you to run for the Special Senate seat?
Well, when I thought it was gonna be an easy win I thought I'd skip over the training period in the Northeast Assembly in favor of jumping right into the Senate. Now it's more of a case of, "I guess this is happening now."

But dude, all the cool kids run for President!
There's no way I'm running for President, man. No way. That's too much responsibility. If an internet nation of the stature of Atlasia failed at my hands, I don't know what I'd do. Phil could probably easily find me, so the threat of bodily harm is a factor in all this, too. I value my knees. How else would I be able to put my feet up on my massive new desk? On the other hand, I guess my desk would be a lot more badass if I was President. Stay tuned.

You say you thrive on transparency eh?  Well, why did you lie and break that little girl's heart you cheap sniveling bastard?
I was afraid. Afraid to love and to be loved. I'm not perfect, I've got my flaws, love creates monsters. But my personal life will always be an open book. I'm in talks to turn that book into a TV series, so if I don't win this, get ready for some PRIMO reality TV. Jersey shore ain't got NUTHIN on Salth Phully, yo. How's that for transparency?

Fine!  Be that way!  Hmph.. .. . . anyway back to business Fezzy.  Why don't you care about John Engle?
Who?

He got banned for your infractions.  In a very real sense he's like Jesus Christ!  And you don't give a shit!?
Things happen to the little people when you're so much bigger than life. Hey, if you want better than Jeses, somebody's gotta take the fall. Why do you think that dude's party isn't around anymore, huh? Sit on that egg for a minute.

So, one of your opponents is the incumbent President.  How do you plan on beating him?  How do you feel racing against Napoleon?
So far it doesn't seem like being President is much of a positive anymore. I'll just keep letting The People voice their obviously robust issues with the President. From what I've gathered it has a lot to do with stuff I have noooo idea about. It's all about delegation and knowing when to defer to the experts. Who knows better than The People?

What is your opinion of Barnes, the man who decided to quit the seat you decided to run for?  For absolutely no reason at all?
If all goes according to plan, he'll be remembered quite fondly for ushering in the second coming of Fezzy

How does getting The People's endorsement make you feel?  Great?  Powerful?  Invincible?
Among other feelings. Like an immense and growing sense that I may or may not be better than many/all other Atlasians. The People have spoken, and I like what I'm hearing.

Your campaign logo is quite revolutionary.  Who and how the hell did they make that?
An artist cannot convey his vision in words. It probably looked a lot like this when I was crafting it though ()

Your campaign has come out with an ambitious legislative agenda.  Why?
Dude, I've been gone for years, I gotta give people something. I'm not just gonna walk up and be like, "heeeey, soooo, vote for me?" That would just be lazy...actually, do you think that would work better? Actually working for this job seems like, ugh, too much work.

But, no one ever gets elected for having ambitious and detailed legislative platforms.  They get elected for saying big word bullshit and paying off voters.  Surely you would've know that.  How do you compensate for such an oversight?
Yeah, you're telling me. That's why these fools better remember my reign in the Northeast, I'm pretty much coasting on my strong-arming from yesteryear. Hopefully my few remaining mandated allies (pun intended again ;)) will pull out all the stops to force me into office. I don't have the mind for it anymore, I don't care enough to try to screw anyone over or hitch myself to anybody's wagon for my own gain. Too much to keep track of anyway. All that crap I'm developing is enough, I don't need to take on other, lesser projects.

This interview is still too short, so I'm going to ask questions about your headquarter appearance.  Let me see here, it says that you want to develop high speed rail in this country.  Say some big words about that to add fluff to this interview to make this sounds like we give a shit.
Are you for real? This is taking foreeeever. Just like high speed rail is going to. I'm trying to get the ball rolling, not cure the nation's ailments in one fell swoop. I'm not quite that good yet. But if you want big words, here we go:

Inaction on the part of any governments to prevent overdevelopment by enacting practical, hell any, land control measures has led me to look to solutions to symptoms rather than the underlying issues, as is all too common among government officials. Long commute times and high travel costs contribute to an increase in depression among Atlasians, and only promise to get worse as wages stagnate and populations and costs of living increase. Implementing a high speed rail system as part of an overall dedication to the smart development of our future through investments in infrastructure. We could alleviate congestion while expanding citizens' opportunities for employment. That was exhausting.

Man this is some dope!  Anyway (scans uber long post for more stuff), it also says something about agricultural workers.  Oh wow, this is actually fairly interesting.  May I ask why the campaign focus on the agricultural worker?
The food industry is completely out of whack. And our immigration policy compounds that. Minority farmers constitute a massive majority of our agricultural workforce and aren't even being paid minimum wage in many cases. Children are working long hours and adults have no rights because they're employed under the thumb of corporate agri-business. We need to reform the way the government treats the food industry, because we're all getting fat and it's clearly somebody's fault. I can't blame The People, so the big guy takes the fall again. Call me socialist...

It also says that you believe regional goals should be rewarded for going along with federal priorities.  Under such a system, aren't you afraid of an increasing amount of federal hubris in the affairs of regions?
No, I don't support mandates or punishment by withholding resources or whatever, just rewards for progress. As clogged and dysfunctional as the federal government is, there's a much bigger need for some more parity between the activity of regions.

This interview as dope man!  Nice talkin to you!  Any last words?
Damn, not really! Vote for me?

Thanks for your time Fezzy.  I wish you luck on your quest.

Thank you, good sir. It's been great fun as always. But also, you're welcome.

Excellent as always.

The Game Reform Stalwart
The long time coming interview with Marokai Blue:
Part One

On this edition of The People's Interview, I interview an often overlooked legend in the field of game reform.  All too often accused of using the issue of Game Reform as a political football, Marokai has endured the most scathing of critics and bickering to put forward an issue that he believes means more in the long term than petty left-right squabbling.  By far the most descriptive Presidential candidate, Marokai now seeks to go far and beyond his usual reform proposal in the past running as Senator or Vice President.  This time, as a candidate for President, which many citizens would say has been a long time coming, he offers a radical new initiative, the "New Direction", to change the way we will see Atlasia as a game.
It is in the wake of his momentous presidential run and his ambitious campaign program that I accepted his request for an official interview with The People with great zeal.

First off, how you feeling?

Anxious. :P Not new, though. A lot depends on the outcome, you know? If I win, I have to write a lot of legislation and work a lot of things out, so it's easy to just sometimes sit back and think "Gosh, I really hope this is over soon!"

You've always been a voice for game reform as long as I can remember.  So often endorsed of the idea were you that you (and others) have oft been accused of using the "game reform" issue as pure electioneering rhetoric.  How would you silence those critics?

Bgwah once said to me "You're still selling it, so I guess people are still buying it." But the truth is, when have the majority of Atlasia ever been "buying" it? If they were buying, I would've ran out of goods by now.

Reformists have been a very visible streak in the game but we've always been a stubborn minority, our ideas keep getting headlines, but rarely ever passage in the Senate. Ideas that do pass are either amended to hell so as to be worthless without future changes (the Initiative system) or repealed soon after passage (caucus system). Game reform will be an issue until it's given a fair chance, and so far, it has only been blocked or watered down at almost every turn.

So I say to these folks: Give it a chance. Would tinkering with election systems and VP responsibilities be the end of the world? Of course not, so let it actually have a chance of going somewhere before we start screaming about fire and brimstone.

I commend you greatly for your repeated insistence in the reminder that, while the issues in Nyman are very similar to real life, that all of this is still just one bloody game.  I myself have repeatedly become frustrated with the seriousness and zeal and bitterness thrust into this game by many (including myself).  The petty feuding between members of the political elite and the pure obstinance of some are a blatant symptom of the problems this nation faces with taking a chill pill.  Mark my words Blue, I was dragged back into this position after some pretty insistent begging by the People for my return.  Although the role of newsperson is a lot less hectic and stressful than that of an active game player, it still bothers me that we see such elementary bickering over what is at it's deepest roots is just a game, damn it!  Yes, I know I just broke the fourth fuckin wall here People, but just indulge me for a minute!
Okay, here's this interviewer's questions: First, what the hell is wrong with us?  Second, where in this process of the game do you believe that most of us struggle with the concept of "having fun"?  Third, what can we do, as advocates of fun, to combat this all too pervasive trend in this game that causes these feelings of great animosity?

I really really f**king hate that about this game too, you're not alone. Maybe I'm just a dork, but I would have a lot more fun in this game if it, well, worked better, and there were more opportunities for activity and interesting positions. Some other people seem to have more fun when the game resembles a reality show simulator.

Nobody here is "cooler" than anyone else. We're all pretty much losers and geeks in our own way. We're on a political forum where much of the discussion is taken up by demographics and statistics, and this is effectively a Model UN style game we've got going on here. No one really has any grounds to go about big-dicking around as if they own the place, that includes me or anyone else. It's a game! And we're a community. And community's should respect each other. Games can work better, and be fun. Competition can be healthy, without devolving into years-old personal issues.

Someone once joked about a group of people in EVE Online's idea of what "metagaming" means. "Their idea of the 'metagame' is punching someone in the face while playing backgammon." I think of that joke a lot, because whatever gaming should be going on around here, it should remain within the context of the game, and not bleed out into hurting feelings and bullying.

Reading your campaign's first release, you've indicated your belief that Atlasians have lost the heart of game progress, that is that this Atlasian game is in need of occasional reform to keep it interesting.  Maybe this is too much like my last question, but when/why do you think this has happened?

I think Atlasia got really big, and a lot of time passed. It's no offense to say that when a lot of new people join something, it's easy to lose the spirit of what something used to be. On top of that, we had bigger parties and institutions than ever before, and it's in a large organization's best interests for things to remain the same as much as possible. I don't think it was the result of any big evil plan, it's just one of those things where I think once you mention "Hey, we've changed a lot before, none of this is unprecedented!" a lot of people really will open up and realize "Hey, you're right!"

A lot of people just feel like they have to keep themselves muzzled in a big, intimidating game. But that's not the case; everyone should be bold about these things.

You have recently called you and Duke's campaign approach towards game reform the "New Direction".  Is this a blatant rip-off of the "New Deal"?

More or less. I wanted something catchy!

Marokai, I'm not going to analyze all of your campaign's pledges and stances on issues in this one interview.  To do so would require a novel.  So, I'll note some of the essentials.  First thing I noticed is the quote in your campaign launch by PurpleState about regions.  I've known you a long time, and frankly I find it interesting that you've chosen the issue of regional elections as a key point issue in this election knowing your history on the issue.  Care to commentate on that focus?

Bottom-up change seems easier than top-down change. Funny for a Socialist to say, right? :P As regional governments matter more and more, it seems a sensible avenue to take change instead of a centralist approach.

Much like the joking FDR comparison above, actually, what I want is change to the way Atlasia works, I'm not too fussy about the details of how those change works, so long as it makes the game more fun and more exciting and more fair. A period of "great experimentation" is definitely in order. Anyone who says things are fine and don't need much change are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

What has caused this great shift in your view of Region Rights?

Back in 2011 I saw the way the winds were moving on the regional level; toward activity and great change and competition. I was never a centralist ideologue, you see; when I joined Atlasia, regions were stale, and participation in even national elections was pitifully low. The insistence on maintaining regional governments and regional senate seats seemed like a boring waste of time.

But people like Purple State, hence the quote in my platform, proved me wrong. Regions proved they deserved the representation and prominence, by reforming themselves from the activity wastelands they were in 2009 and much of 2010 into bustling organizations that they are today. There are still problems (the Midwest is in the middle of attempting to reform itself, but I have hope) but the solution should never be subtraction, it should be addition! Give more things to do, find more responsibilities, make way for new people to rise up from the bottom. That's what regions have proven they can do.

More than that, they've proven they can be more interesting and movable than the federal government. If the Senate can't bring change well enough, why not give that responsibility to the regions?

Admittedly, I might've misinterpreted your earlier views on this matter.  It's just, some of these proposals are some of the most radically pro-region rights positions I've seen spouted by a candidate running for the office of President.  You've even proposed instituting some sort of electoral college program to give weight to populous regions, as a measure of their success.  What exactly is driving this zeal?

Desperation is the greatest motivator, they say. You're right that they're big changes; I'm not in the race to be a figurehead! I'm tired of seeing Atlasia never make changes, but always claim they're tired of things being as they are.

So many people, day in and day out, claim they are getting bored with the game, but they vote for the same people over and over again, instituting the same boring policies over and over again. So, people want change? Let's see them vote for it this time. What's driving my zeal? A desire to change things, because they have to be changed. It's simple!

You've addressed the Fusion Ballot Amendment.  Personally, I find the fourth part of the Amendment, that gives the right of parties to prohibit candidates from appearing on their ballot, to be undemocratic.  Would you agree with my summation?  If so, would you support means that would get rid of such an undemocratic measure?

I want to get rid of the whole thing, so you're in luck. :P It's not even being actively enforced by the SoFE anymore, and that's understandable. It's not even an actual fusion voting system. I want to scrap it and replace it with a proper fusion voting system, in addition to lowering the requirement to be considered a "major party" so we can encourage smaller banding together coalitions of modest sized parties.

Part Two
You've mentioned support for introducing measures that would allow the Executive Branch greater latitude in getting involved with the legislative agenda.  This would include allowing the Executive to introduce legislation and giving the Vice President the full powers of a Senator.  While in nature a good reform, how would you respond to critics that such a change would be a violation of the principle of the three branches of government?

I would respond by saying "It's a game!" We aren't modeled after the United States or any other actual country, we're our own thing, and if allowing the executive to have a greater say in legislative affairs makes the game more interesting, and results in more active Presidencies, wouldn't that be worth skipping over a silly and academic worry? The practical positives far outweigh the philosophical negatives, in my view.

I'm open to compromises though. Allowing the VP to have Senatorial powers, but not be able to vote on impeachments or veto overrides, seems like a good way of accomplishing most of the goal while reducing the potential abuses.

Just what is so unattractive about the title "Secretary of Federal Elections, you damn dirty socialist!

It's a wonky technocratic name! But, it's at least one of the least offensive. "Secretary of Internal Affairs" just sounds like a huge bore. making the names more straightforward and less professorial might make new people show interest in the jobs.

I'd also like to create a "SoIA Guide, SoEA Guide, GM Guide, etc" essentially creating handbooks giving a basic outline of the jobs respective powers and responsibilities. Purple State did that by making an "election administrator's handbook" which was great at outlining the responsibilities in a straightforward way. It's all about getting more people in the cabinet.

I must ask about this Regional Equalization Amendment that you have in your campaign booklet.  Strategic Registration, as it has been called, is a contentious issue in Atlasia.  So is, as you mentioned, the tendency for regions to fall into disrepair from inactivity.  You have suggested a so-called "emergency exception" to be activated by the Senate in times of activity lull.  What general guidelines would you like to see in place for such a measure that could be corrupted by Senatorial intrigue?

Only allowing it to be used once a year would be the most straightforward way of preventing the "emergency" from being invoked. But there could be other ways of doing it; making it require a unanimous vote in the Senate (this way all regional Senators would have to give their say-so) or putting it up for a referendum in our National Initative System before it can be invoked.

I think it's a really important thing, though. There's always a weaker link in the regions that needs help getting on it's feet once in awhile. The idea was actually a modified version of Canada's procedure of giving extra money to what is considered to be the poorest Province, and then when that Province is no longer the poorest, it's given to another Province. It's a way of reinforcing our weak spots. Some good people could make the Midwest a bustling zone of activity if they tried; and it could reduce the overpopulation in places like the Mideast or Northeast.

You seem a bit confident about unification with Canada under a Marokai/Duke administration.  How would you see this accomplished?

I think working in conjunction with a GM would make this the easiest way to go about. I'm relatively sure Atlasia has their own "origin story" as it were, somewhere around here. It would be no more unbelievable than the founding of Atlasia itself, and we all have no problem with that, you know?

It's possible we could also treat it more like a dual-citizenship EU type deal, where everyone here can move to different parts of Canada and Mexico, and they remain separate entities, but they can still vote in Atlasian elections and be considered a separate demographic. But I'd prefer outright annexation; it's simpler. GM involvement here is key, regardless of how we go about it, to give it a backstory and proper rationale.

I, being a former Midwestern citizen who was active in the Alping, approve of the Streamlined National Initiative this ticket has voice approval for.  If this is (hopefully) passed, how would this ticket go about implementing such a system?

Well, the Midwest itself and holding the system up, actually. I managed to pass a Constitutional Amendment while I was Senator late last year to reduce the signature requirement for our initiative system, and it passed in three regions, and failed in one. The Midwest, sadly, didn't vote on it (and a whole bunch of other things!), so ratification depends on the Midwest.

If it passes, though, it would reduce signature requirements to make it dramatically easier for things to qualify for the ballot. Votes would be held in the off-months (months where there are no national elections being held. January, March, May, July, September, November) which helps reduce the post-election lulls in activity the game always goes through. It helps keep activity at a more constant, and the best part is that you don't have to be elected to participate; anyone can pitch in. :)

Your proposal for "Repair Our Wiki" sounds like fun.  Frankly, I think the absence of a silver star program for those who update it regularly is what is chiefly responsible for the behind the times updating of many pages.  Though, and I must ask this, how do you plan on handling petty squabbling between editors, like the kind we saw between Antonio V and Libertas over the official colour of the "Populares" Party?

Ideally, the President and an appointed Administrator of ROW would be able to effectively prevent controversies like that by just refusing to award points and rewards to those who make edits if they get into a bitch-fit.

I don't want to encourage editorializing in the wiki, though; simply fixing outdated information, inaccuracies, and incorrect formatting. The original Repair Our Wiki functioned as an "on-call" organization, where people who didn't have time to edit things themselves could point out problem-pages for those who did have the time to edit. Hopefully those who volunteer for the organization just have the best interests of the wiki in mind.

What's the big deal with the "State of the Union" address?  Why do you care so much about making us sound like those godless American commies?

It's almost never used! I just hate the idea of a section of the Constitution going completely unused, that's all. :(

By now, many know of your zeal of increased activity, but fewer seem to know the gusto you show for making the Vice President a relevant position.  What drives your efforts in this area?

Easy! I don't want the Vice President to be a political football. By giving the VP actual responsibilities and a real government impact, it makes the choice of a VP a much more weighty one; a candidate could no longer just pick an ideological opposite for political impact without it having policy impact once they're in government, because that VP would have a say in legislating too.

I don't think we should abolish the position. Like I said before, addition, not subtraction! Give it more responsibilities, give it more powers, make it more interesting and exciting, make it an actually worthwhile position. Getting rid of it is the easy way out, and I hate for us to take that route. By giving it more powers, we improve a present position, and make tickets for President have greater ideological consistency. It's a win-win.

Part Three

I want to take a moment and say that it is about damn time we made "deregistration" a reality.  With that off my chest, I just now got to your economic section.  And really, with much apology to the reader for omitting this, but outside of Atlasia you are well known for being a stalwart of left wing causes.  Your very first item under economics is the "Social/Economic Development Zones".  What exactly does this program do (I think, while it's aims were detailed, the actions of the program seemed a little vague)?

The SEDZI Act highlight specific depressed locations of the country and blankets it in a host of stimulative measures, instead of just letting the poor areas of the country fall behind. It provides infrastructure funds just for those locations, it temporarily abolishes all sales and business taxes for a full year, and creates a program that subsidizes up to 80% of an employee's wage that is hired through that system. (This was modeled after a very similar wage-subsidization program in Germany and Florida that are quite successful at reducing unemployment.)

Unfortunately, it's also basically never been used. The hope was that the SoIA or GM would work with regional governments to highlight areas for implementation of the Zones, and would do so on a cycle of a few months or so. But sadly this hasn't happened yet. I'd like to pressure all involved to do so as much as I can within the federal government's power.

And thanks for the support on deregistration. ;)

Again, I won't cover all of your campaign's initiatives for the sake of time (though, this interview is stretching it), but one of the things that did strike out to me is this campaign's brief statement on an Amendment to Revoke Corporate Personhood.  Do you personally believe that the presence of large corporations, with untold amounts of wealth and ad space, present an everlasting danger to the existence of Atlasian Democracy?  Would it be hyperbole for me to suggest that the recognition of Corporations as "people" is as real of a moral hazard to this country as the issue of slavery?  If Corporations are indeed people, would they not be slaves by nature to the special interests and lobbyists who buy the voting power of said Corporations through stock ownership and therefore illegal?

Yes, I do believe they present a danger to Atlasian democracy, and democracy all over the world, and that is why I'm standing firmly by my proposal to revoke corporate personhood.

Though your argument over their status as slaves is an interesting one I'd like to have the court look into just for funsies. :P

You and Duke have obviously put a labor of love into this campaign.  Over the past year, as indicated by Duke, what would you say has been the hardest part of organizing this campaign?  The funnest?

The hardest: Convincing people that our ticket is based on true love and not political opportunism. He's one of the closest people to me in Atlasia and I trust him with my life. But, as always, some people will try to find ways to accuse us of all sorts of things, you know? I wish people would just understand that I don't do that stuff. If I pick someone, all I care about is that we're on the same philosophical page, and that I can trust him. Duke is that guy for me.

The funnest: Proposing things! Brainstorming! I love that s**t! As hard as it can sometimes be to dedicate hours of time to writing my proposals, Duke and I have had an utter blast chatting together about our views for the future of this game and how fun certain systems could be if we gave them a shot. We concocted a veritable manifesto of reform, and every ideas was really cool to imagine and work out. That's the fun I get out of this game. :)

My good man, I must stop this interview now out of fear of going over my margins in brevity.  Any last words before I bid you adieu?

Just that I encourage people to see past the hotness of the moment, and think about who you want in office for four months, proposing things, working with others, and crafting a vision for their term. We have Forum Community Matchups and Opinion Of threads for silly Prom King and Queen contests. :P

It's been a real pleasure interviewing you Marokai.  I wish you and Duke luck in this upcoming election.

Thanks Mecha. You're pretty awesome too.

Thank you for the interview, Mecha. :)

How unsurprising that The Paper refers to me as a "piece of shit, yet wishes Mr. Marokai well on his campaign. Very little surprise at all.

You're well aware that The Paper does not endorse any of the statements made by our columnists. It is merely the publisher of such opinions.

A Culture Warrior
The People's Paper Interview with Senate Candidate JCL

As a correspondent/journalist/whatever you call it for the People's Paper I have the privilege of interviewing some pretty unique people.  However, in Atlasian politics there are very few politicians who stand out as much as the outspoken Mideast citizen JCL.  Being an observer of the man for some years, I must say that although at times I have admittedly had some nasty turns of stomachs at watching his advocacy of certain issues, he should be most commended for, in this nation more than others, of standing up for what he believes is right.  Which is why, when he humbly requested an interview with this prestigous paper, I jumped at the opportunity.

My good man, how're ya?
I'm fine. I hope you are as well

I hear you're in mushy sappy love, care to explain?
There's a girl irl that I like. Where that goes only time will tell.

So, one of the first things that comes to my mind when someone mentions "JCL" is "pro-life".  You've seemed to always been a passionate advocate for pro-life issues and causes.  What made you such a devoted crusader for this cause?  When did you hear the calling?
I've always believed that life begins at conception and thus must be protected. The taking of life is not just except under extreme and clear circumstances.

I'm sure you were here around the time when the Atlasian pro-life movement was at it's height with abortion bans in three out of the five regions (Mideast, South, and Northeast), which is quite a remarkable achievement in it's own right in this centre-left country.  Your thoughts on that?  Reminiscences?
I wasn't apart of the game at that time.

In a nation of almost constant movers, who move regions at a whim or the drop of the hat, you've remained true and steady in staying in the Mideast.  I myself have admittedly moved to a different region every six months or so since I first registered as a Midwest citizen in June of 2009.  What motivates you to reside in this region, politics and culture be damned?  Do you consider longevity in a region to be an important character issue when running for office?

Actually I do. Our laws show a balanced compromise between both extremes of limiting and liberalizing such movemen. It should stay as it is.

Which brings me to my next question: throughout history in this country blatant carpetbaggery has been all too common.  Entire waves of political hacks like to storm regions in a bid to, by political force, change regions overnight.  I myself remember when the Northeast was a haven for the libertarian leaning Populares party (of which I was a member of) and the Imperial South was a similarly supremely anti-tax haven (though, the illustrious career of one North Carolina Yankee would disprove whatever trends have occurred down south).  Now, the Northeast is a center of liberal reform and the South has made strong overtures towards Labor.  Current laws dictate that a poster must wait at least six months before moving.  What is your opinion about current movement laws?  Would you do anything different to address this issue?  Does this issue even need to be addressed?

The laws we have are a proper balance. So let stand as it is.

I see that you are running for Senate.  And it seems, if what I read is correct, you've gotten the endorsement of the Liberal Party in your bid.  How does that make you feel?

I've been making inroads with liberals on common intrests. Like the laws cracking down on traffickers. If they have endorsed me I'm greatful. If not I hope they would consider doing so again to contuine that work.

Once more, you've taken a strong stance against what you call "the reliberalization" of abortion laws in your own region and in others.  How do you, in the Senate, plan to combat abortion?

This is a regional matter. I hope the current assembly can bring back the old law. If possible maybe banning abortions after the first trimester with the exceptions of rape and if the mom's life is in danger.

You've also mentioned displeasure with the way your region now elects assembly members.  Where exactly have they gone wrong (I'm incredibly ignorant on Mideast politics) and what is your suggestion for reform?

This issue should've been up to the people. The next time a change in electoral law is debated, the people should be given a direct vote regarding that proposed change.

As I recall, you've been a regular in the Mideast Assembly.  How has your experience in that Assembly affected you?  What do you love best about it?  Your least favorite thing about it?

It was helpful in developing a profile nationally. I wish I could've been more active in the two terms I was part of it.

Gun control is a very contentious issue in this nation.  Candidate Winfield recently came out with a blistering support for stringent control on gun rights.  You yourself have argued for background checks for criminals.  What is your opinion of the gun debate?  Not the issue, but the way this issue is handled in the realm of public policy?

This is indeed a sensative subject. How to properly balance safety and liberty. I'm rather libertarian on the gun issue but have an open mind towards those who think stringent controls should be law. I was shaken like those in the Northeast when Sandy Hook happened. If we had a stronger respect for life things like this would not be as prevalent. Lets have an honest yet civil discussion about this for everyone's sake.

Just what exactly is your approach to environmental issues?

First we need to get away from foreign oil. We have a much better solution under our feet. Natural gas. Its cleaner fuel and the technology for it is here and cheap. We should be good stewards of the land. Yet we can't stifle job growth in the times we are living. Find ways to drill with minimal environmental impact. 

Something that jumped out at me: your campaign recently mentioned something about human trafficking.  What exactly motivated this campaign to make an explicit mention of it?  Do you plan on becoming a leader of this oft ignored crusade for human rights?

Out of my own experience with abuse. Though what I endured is no comparison to the abuse endured by victims of human trafficking. These victims need justice and our government needs to be there for them. Why hasn't the national government taken interest on this issue? This is where both regions and Nyman must work together to help these individuals and bring swift, strong justice to the evil folks trafficking women and kids.

You've mentioned that you want to take a very careful foreign policy that would neither infuriate the pacifists or neoconservatives.  Good man, how in the world do you plan on accomplishing that!?

Have you heard of the Christian Just War Doctrine? A few months ago, my pastor spent a service speaking on this issue. The message is called Reconciling With War. It's on Itunes and my church's website. Also we need to look at the ramifications it places on vets coming home. How can we help them adjust back into civilian life is very important.

What would you say to those who have threatened to leave the Mideast if you're elected?  How does such sentiments make you feel?

Disappointed. One of these individuals is a member of the left that I respect. We all want good governace lets find common ground.

I see you support a "flatter" tax structure.  Might I ask how would you like to see this done?  Aren't you concerned that a flatter tax rate might require raising taxes on the lower classes who can ill afford the taxes they got now?

My structure is a flattened version of the Clinton tax rates. It actually keeps rates rather low for our lower income earners. What is more important is cutting down the debt while letting folks keep as much of their income ws possible. Not stealing from the rich but not disregarding everyone's civil obligations regarding this issue.

You are known as a traditional person.  You have also indicated support for the LGBT Dignity Act.  What portions of it made you favorable towards it?

The fact it honors religious freedom. I believe that each individual should be treated with dignity and respect. I may disagree with the lifestyle, however extremists like Westboro Baptist need to take a few more cues from Jesus. He hung out with those who were looked down upon by the religious and societal elites of his day due to the choices they made. While he did not excuse those choices he loved people in a way that led many to turn from those past sins and to folloe him. Look at John Chapter 8 for further understanding regarding this.

JCL, it was really nice talking to you for this interview.  I wish you the best of luck in this race and in your future endeavors.  Thank you for requesting this interview.

Thank you for taking you time to interview me.

Fellow Atlasians,

Let's have an open, honest and civil discussion on the issues we all face and come together to find solutions that respect both liberty and governance.

We had abortion bans?

A few years ago (in 2010 I believe) there was a wave of right wing involvement in some regions that led to abortion bans.  I believe those regions (from my old frail memory) were the Northeast, The South, and the Mideast.  I could be mistaken, but I remember it being those three.

Just to clarify: While JCL wasn't endorsed by the Liberal Party in the race for regional senator, he and other candidates did receive an (informal) endorsement from the Liberal Party in the race for Mideast Assembly (maybe that's the reason for the confusion here):

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=151844.425

A quick comment:

Rereading I've realized that JCL said "if they have endorsed me" in the interview.  What I remember him saying as he did get an endorsement was in his "Office" thread which doubles as a campaign center.

:(

It looks like this might've been an accidental controversy because of my lack of reading skills.
:(

EDIT: Well, yes it is.  His Liberal Endorsement came about fourteen days before he announced his Senate campaign.  I therefore, offer a strong apology to my source, for confusing the Mideast Assembly race and the Senate race, and will go into hiding in disgrace until the next interview.

To the rest of you waiting for your interviews expect them on Monday.

     We had a long-time ban on second-trimester abortions in the South. I signed a bill repealing that, though.

An Interview with Nix
Part I:

Today I have the immense honor of interviewing Nix.  He is known for doing things.  He was in some Assembly I think.  He has some weird left leaning ideology that I can't identify.
Here's the interview, enjoy kids:

So, what're you up to now?:
At the moment I'm focused on fixing the wiki, improving Atlasia's animal protection laws, and researching anti-poverty legislation.

That's great.  So, why are you in politics?  Err, I mean what possible reason do you have for going into this arena and den of seedy individuals who have their faces printed on five dollar bills?
I aspire to be more of a policymaker than a politician, but that's mostly because I'm not very good at politics. I have a lot of respect for politicians. Corruption and egoism aside, they're the true heroes of our Republic.

What is your opinion of the New Jesus Christ Party?
Ill-conceived. I hope that Scott returns to the Liberal fold after this election. They're an important part of our political landscape.

I've lost track of how many people have said "Atlasia is so much better without the two big parties" and that we have a diverse political culture that respects everyone's ideology.  However, over the past year or so or however long everyone FINALLY decided after a couple of years or however long to finally disband both the Jesus Christ Party (JCP) and the Regional Protection Party (RPP).  However, the amount of drama seems to have stayed the same or gotten even worse.  What was once a fight of ideologies has become almost a battle between personalities, often of the same ideology!  And the JCP and the RPP are back in some form or another.  In your opinion, was dissolution really worth it?
Dissolution inspired my first run for office, and I don't think I'm the only person who became more involved in Atlasia because of the shake-up. But dissolution was only a temporary fix. The game requires an ongoing commitment to a dynamic and diverse partisan landscape, and I think that's something that we've successfully cultivated. I've interpreted the interpersonal drama as an unfortunate but inevitable side effect of that dynamism. No one is ever really secure in their power, and it shows.

I just recently interviewed the Marokai/Duke ticket over it's proposal of a "New Direction".  Do you think Atlasia is ready for such radical change?
I'm skeptical of many Marduke game reform proposals, but I don't fault him for having an agenda. Whatever the result, discussing his initiatives will be healthy and energizing for Atlasian politics. As far as I'm concerned, it's really important that the president run on an actual platform - one that he actually acts on if he's elected - instead of relying on his personal connections for votes. That's why I supported Napoleon last June.

Also, while I'm in the subject of recently interviewed subjects, what's your stance on human trafficking?
It needs to stop, my commute is already horrible. I oppose all forms of human exploitation. And I think this goes beyond the obviously horrible; exploitation of various forms is a daily reality for many Atlasians in positions of powerlessness in their workplaces, communities, and homes.

I've repeatedly brought up registration issues in the past.  As you know current laws blah blah blah.  This is a divisive issue given the history of movements in this nation.  What is your opinion of this contentious issue?  Are the laws too lenient or too strict?
About right. I just registered where I live in real life and never gave the issue much thought. I don't really like "strategic registration," but honestly, I only care about one thing: Register in the region where you can have the most fun.

Ah, I see you got the People's endorsement for your re-election race.  Tell me, how confident are you of winning now?
I've been active, communicative, and politically in step with Northeasterners, and I've received endorsements from most of the region's active politicians, so I'm confident that I'll win.

I see that your craplousy opposition has decided to run as a write-in.  Any idea why?
No, not at all, which is unfortunate. I want to win reelection, but I'd have enjoyed a more active campaign.

I had a quick look at the Government forum.  Looks like you are a part of the Reform Oversight Committee or whatever it's called.  How's that working out for you?
Yankee and Oakvale have been fantastic partners. I know that the committee system seems useless to many outsiders, but for someone who knows what he wants to do it's great. If I were to claim a "signature achievement" for my first term, it would be the Game Moderation Amendment that I developed with assistance from three committees and a couple of Cabinet secretaries.

You've recently got praise from across the aisle from Zuwo about sponsoring the "Freedom to Eat!" act.  What exactly did that act seek to accomplish and why is eating such a big deal in Atlasia?
I regard dogs as pets, not livestock. But it is not the business of the state, particularly in a multi-ethnic nation, to tell its citizens what they can and cannot eat on the basis of culture alone, and there's no coherent moral case for banning the production of dog meat but allowing pork or beef. My region alone contains 2 million residents who originate from countries where eating dog meat is not uncommon. Even if only a small portion of them have any desire to indulge, it's a significant number of people. I don't think that they deserve to be stigmatized any more than other non-vegetarians.

I didn't expect our debate on this subject to be so shrill, but since I introduced the Freedom to Eat Act this has essentially become the in-game equivalent of the real-life debate over abortion. I regret that it's distracted from other issues, but on the other hand I'm glad to have introduced something that's stirred so much passion on both sides. On balance, it's good for the game.

A month ago or so, you called out the President to act on several pieces of legislation.  Two of these, in a very rare show of Senatorial procedure, passed unanimously.  Could you give us some insight on your dealings with the President up to and after that time?
For the first two-thirds of his second term, Nappy's only activity on the Fantasy Government board was to occasionally post some curt comment rebuffing the Senate. He didn't bother signing several bills, attempted to take action on several others just after the seven-day window for executive action had elapsed, and vetoed several other non-controversial proposals with little or no explanation (only to be overridden by a unanimous vote of the Senate on multiple occasions). He gave no indication that he was doing anything to manage his Cabinet and refused to dismiss several inactive appointees.

What is your opinion about President Napoleon, Nix?  Be honest.
I've been pretty open about my opinion of him. At his worst, Napoleon acts as a passive-aggressive bully. To an extent, the game needs personalities like his because they're the kind of people who can put together a strong GOTV, recruit new members, and make elections competitive. But giving him a second term was a huge mistake, and sending him back to the Senate would do more harm than good. It's easy to disparage the idea that we should all play nicely, but I think that straightforwardness and respect are really important values. I'm not interested in dealing with people who embody neither when I don't have to.

You've recently pulled a Ron Paul by voting "NAY" on the John Engle Memorial Act.  Sir, why are you a racist?
Snowstalker's a good guy, but I think we're all better off when we keep his, er, colorful sense of humor on a short leash.

I've noticed the Late Term Abortion Act on here.  As some may be aware, there was a debate on the issue of abortions in the last trimester for pregnant women that got mired in controversy over the role of the President to act.  Could you explain, from your view, what exactly happened?  Disregarding your views on the issue, was the outcome correct according to Atlasian law?
I think it was correct to regard to the president's veto as invalid. The dispute was over whether the seven day window for executive action was seven calendar days or seven 24-hour periods. The president argued for the former interpretation; the Senate, backed by several members of his administration, including Vice President Nathan, argued for the latter. It could have made an interesting court case, but for better or worse, it never came to that.

Part II
Your opinion on the LGBT Dignity Act seems contradictory.  On the one had, you take the Civil Libertarian stance against bans on "ex-gay" institutions but in the next breath say you support it for it's ban on "reparative therapy".  Can you explain the difference between an "ex-gay" institution and "reparative therapy"?
I refused to support Marokai's original bill, which infringed on the right to free association. The Atlasian government has no legitimate power to ban "ex-gay" organizations. Banning a fraudulent quasi-medical procedure, I think, is a different matter, and one that we're well within our rights to prohibit.

In the past, you've repeatedly touted yourself as a left leaning libertarian.  However, one of the first bills that you voted "AYE" on was the Omnibus Gun Policy & Safety Act, which would included the establishment of a gun registry and an assault weapons ban.  You've also voiced, despite your Nay vote on the "Free Refill Ban", that you would support bills that disincentivize unhealthy behavior.  Isn't this the anti-thesis of "libertarian" or at least MICHAEL BLOOMBERG?
We've established a fairly generous welfare state in Atlasia. As long as public sentiment favors maintaining that welfare state, we must accept that the government has an interest in guiding the choices that affect our personal health. With regard to the gun control, I'm not a zealot; I'm open to a wide variety of policy suggestions. But the status quo isn't acceptable to me, and I haven't heard any convincing proposals from libertarians.

I probably wouldn't refer to myself as a left-libertarian at this point, but I do try to balance my other values with respect for civil liberties. I'm particularly vehement about defending freedom of speech.

From what I read from your Office, the President has recently accused you and Senator Oakvale of vying for a "Senate Power grab" via the "Trial, not Turnout Amendment".  What parts of the Amendment do you think the President was referring to?  What was your purpose in voting for the Amendment?
Senator Oakvale argued that existing law makes impeachment little more than a question of personal popularity and turnout. My support for the amendment was pretty tepid relative to most other Senators - I don't think I even came out in its favor until Marokai offered his compromise proposal, which requires a popular vote on impeachment unless at least eight Senators vote to impeach - so I'm not sure why I was singled for criticism.

In your summary of your vote on "The Freedom to Eat", you note that you wouldn't tolerate abusive treatment of any animal, but especially mammals!  What makes mammals so damn important?
This is a complicated question that I can't answer without getting into a lot of moral philosophy and neuroscience. My reasoning relates to the role of the neocortex, a brain region unique to mammals, in conscious thought.

You've recently praised Federalist Representative Goldwater pretty highly.  What exactly about him impresses you or gains your respect?
Atlasia gets boring when the right wing is totally uninfluential. Goldwater is a Federalist in the mold of Hagrid, Yankee, or Tmth, the kind of people who actually have some effect on policy in Atlasia. I'm not that aware of his recent work, but he impressed me with his willingness to compromise on a bill repealing the Northeast's indoor smoking ban that he introduced when I was governor. After some convincing, he also abstained on a bill that I'd written raising the region's minimum wage and indexing it to inflation. Had he voted against that bill, it may have failed.

You support the passage of the Capital Relocation Act.  What exactly about it's current location don't you like?  Is it just a convenience that the new location would be located in the Northeast?
This proposal would move our regional capital from New York City to Buffalo. We'd save money over the long term by selling high-rent properties in NYC and putting them back on the tax rolls. We'd also take advantage of underused infrastructure in Buffalo and restore what was once one of the region's largest, proudest cities to its former glory. Finally, while I love New York City, its influence over the region is too large. Removing the center of regional government from its borders will do something to mitigate this problem while doing very little to decrease the city's overall significance.

Well, I believe that's all for now.  Any last statements?
If you live in the Northeast Region, I would appreciate your vote next weekend. That is all.

Thanks for your time Senator Nix.

You know; Nix is really a great workhorse of a guy. It really seems like we're finally getting more of those types in office, recent faces who work hard, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm really happy he's around.

We are proud to announce the addition of SJoyce to our dedicated team.  He will assume the title of Senior Foreign Policy Analyst, and looks forward to using his experience and dedication as SOEA to serve The People.  Embrace your new advocate!

Wonderful news! The Paper has just pulled even further ahead of its competition!

That was a fantastic interview with Nix. This is a good paper. Glad to see the news about SJoyce, too.

Coming Soon!

Interviews with:

Snowstalker
Oakvale
Gass
Tallyrand
Our newest contributor SJoyce!
And yes, we will interview Mr. X at some point.. . . . .

. . ..  and, yes I guess we can interview BenConstine at some point.

The Poor Man's Candidate:

Known for his tendency for cheap trolling and his avowedly pro-labor campaigning, Snowstalker is widely known for his passion and his divisiveness.  A member of the Labor Party, Snowstalker and his partymates have taken a hardline leftist stance on economics.  Snowstalker, a vehement critic of the neoliberal tendencies of the Liberal Party, is a stalwart in the fight against monied elitism in politics.  Often, this has won him accusations that he is the candidate of West Virginia or even that he is a racist.  He soldiers on, now running as a Senate candidate for the Midwest, a region known for it's eccentricities.

Are you, or have you ever been, in a homosexual relationship?
Does oakvale count?

Oh this is the training manual for my part time job at the American Red Cross.  Sorry about that. (pulls out other sheet of paper)  Back on track.
You are one of the biggest critics of the Liberal Party and of President Napoleon.  You've run on two tickets against the President, first as the VP on a ticket with Oakvale and then as President in the last election.  In the midst of the President's period of unpopularity a time back, your supporters started branding "Don't Blame Me, I voted for Snowstalker" stickers.  Do you think the rivalry between you and the President was an even bigger one than the old as time rivalry between left and right in this nation?  Why can't you guys just gay sex and make up?

Because Napoleon, as an Eye-Talian, probably has a sh**tload of VD's. Also, as a former ally of him, I feel qualified to say that he's acted like an obstructionist, corrupt bully

You and Andy Griffin are working on something called the "Folk Representer Amendment Amendment".  First off, why did you write "Amendment" twice?  Second, could you please give a non=tl;dr version of it?

Midwest no have assembly. Me want assembly. Me make assembly.

The Midwest Region is known for it's lack of an Assembly.  For years, the region has operated off of an Alping where the people of the region propose and vote on legislation that affects the lives of Midwesterners.  Why, with such a perfect implementation of Democracy, would you want to implement an assembly?

To spur activity. The Pacific was also a dead region until they adopted an assembly, and now they're thriving and growing.

Oh right.  Seems like you want to spur activity.  As low as the population of the Midwest is, surely you can agree with me that what sets it apart isn't quantity of activity, but the quality of it.  And when it comes to quality, the citizens of the Midwest provide the best of entertainment!  How would you seek to increase the activity of this region while also respecting it's unique traditions?
Well, we're keeping all the silly names.

What is it with the obsession with dogs in this nation?
I dunno. I literally have no position on this issue.

So, why is it A-Okay to shoot a caribou with a bow and arrow but not okay to sex it?  I mean really!
Why would you want to bang a caribou? Elk, on the other hand, are unbelievably sexy.

What is the best Nickelodeon show of all time?
Ren and Stimpy obviously.

You made the bold choice of declaring your bid for the Midwest Senate while you were still a Mideast resident.  You say you were "called" to run.  Is Midwest Labor in such a bad shape they go to you?
Loaded question, huh? It's clear that I am the best candidate and they clamored to have me represent their fine region. ;)

You've indicated a little reluctance in endorsing Senator Blue's bid for President.  What issues do you not see eye to eye with him.
I had reluctance at first because his support of reducing the minimum wage. But Marokai is also surpremely qualified to serve as Atlasia's leader, and I am proud to vote for him.

You got a high amount of praise from Senator X on your previous failed Senate campaign.  So, how does it feel to be an active loser?
Better than being an inactive loser.

Do you hope to stop the Loser Train by moving to the Midwest, where the chances of a left wing loony winning increase by an exponential of fourpie?
Yes.

How will you handle losing?
By riding my flying pig through the glacier caves of Hell.

In the first grade you ran for President of the Math Class.  IIRC, you lost by five votes (in a class of six) to the prettiest girl in class.  How did such a tragedy shape your outlook on life?
wait what

You also had a date with the most popular girl in school, who ended up getting knocked up by the high school football captain.  Besides the captain going to jail for bonking a twelve year old, was there any other silver lining in that ordeal?
u wot m8

Could be worse, at least you don't have Cerebral Palsy, Snowloser.
Is this a question?

Is it true that even your sister turned you down for the Homecoming Dance?  Could I have her digits?
No, but her number is--

Hey man, PUT THAT PHONE DOWN!  I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING!  All of your past issues aside, could it be that you are just unlucky because you are a member of the Labor Party, a party used to being Lucy McLoosertons?
We're about to get a Labor president, and last I checked we're the second largest party. So Lucy won't be a party member for long.

Look, I mean no offense.  It's just, you guys suck donkey dick at elections!  ANyway, one citizen once voiced his concern about your allegiance to your duty vs. that to the people.  You have made your populist credentials very well known, styling yourself (like Andrew Jackson) as "the People's Senator".  With that said, how do you silence critics who worry that you might ignore Constitutional procedures in certain circumstances (like the impeachment example) due to popular resentment?
Critics? Come at me, bros. But in seriousness, I've worked with posters of other parties numerous times before, and would be happy to work out issues of disagreement.

Say there was a politician who didn't serve the interests of the people but only his own.  Would blatant disregard and abuse of the will of the people qualify for impeachment from office?
Seems a bit vague, but if you mean Napoleon, then yes.

So, do you think of yourself more as a Labor candidate or a People candidate?
()

What accomplishment of the past 8 months do you look upon highly?  What has disappointed you the most
I was proud that, despite being a washed-up former governor, I placed a surprise second in the October election. On the other hand, I still lost. :(

Considering your duties if elected to the Senate, what do you intend on doing at that level?  We already know your opinion of regional reforms, but what about national?

I hope to first continue pushing for the Labor Rights Act that I backed in my first term as senator. Then I'll work to stop the evil liberal Nix's gun grab.

Any last words Snowstalker?
THEY MAY TAKE OUR LIVES...BUT THEY'LL NEVER TAKE OUR UNIONS!

Good luck in your race Snowblower, err I mean Snowstalker.

Thank you for the support, God-Emperor of Interviews. :)

A note, if I may:

Recently there's been a tragedy IRL that is diverting some of my time away from the forum.  As an unfortunate result, I have taken the unpopular decision of delaying interviews for the time being.  Be assured, interviewees, you will get your questions.  Just not a little bit later than usual.

Haha, I love how it turned out. :)

For voters with any questions for me, direct them to my official thread.

Funny you say that. I was thinking it was the most shallow, least thought provoking and least humorous interview I have ever seen published by one of Atlasia's most legendary media figures. The freaking questions give more insight than the answers!

By the way, what is it with the Midwest? They deserve better than continually electing everyone else's leftovers.

I just love the spirit of the People of this great nation!

Expect me to resume interview duties either tonight or tomorrow morning!

Mecha gave silly questions, I gave silly answers. I'd be perfectly open to a more serious interview from Mechaman.

And Atlasia deserves FAR better than you, Mr. President. ;)

"first as the VP on a ticket with Oakvale"

Lies, slander and lies! My running mate was Cincinnatus, a true fighter for The People.

Oh yeah, I noticed that but forgot to point it out. I never ran with Oakie.

Wiki says it was Snowguy. Which would explain the confusion.

That was in my Feb 2011 run, I ran with Cinci in June of last year. :)

You ran with Cinci too? I thought he was most famous for his association with me in our narrow lossvictory in October 2011, when The People made Their last stand?

I didn't whore myself out to just you, ya know..  ;)


Indeed.  The People are grateful to have Mecha in the fold.  As a side note, a Mecha interview of Nappy would be interesting..

I make headlines every time. I sure am something, huh? :P


You should. Would be loads of fun. All I ask is that next time you interview, you don't need to call me names.

lol

My bad.

MechaTV, the CNN of Atlasia.

I would like to apply for an interview, if it's okay with you.

Mecha interviews, after reading up on recent controversy over the Capital City debates, is looking forward to getting a few words with Governor Scott over the matter.

Still waiting ;)

On second thought, I'd like to postpone my interview until a time that's less tense.

Give me a goddamned interview

First, you need to show respect to The People, who's hallowed thread you are posting in. No one, I don't care how hardcore, can waltz into this newspaper and demand something like that. If you want an interview, get on your knees and beg The People for forgiveness. Once it is granted, your wish will be Their command. :D

The People's Paper is proud to announce former presidential candidate Cathdawg will publish a miniseries about his experiences during the February 2013 Presidential Election. Be sure to tune into The Paper over the course of the next few weeks to read this tantalizing tale.

Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '13 by Cathcon
Chapter One: Decision Point

For those of you not familiar with the IRC, it is one of the most frequented locations for many of the nation's premier political trend-setters. Despite this fact, it barely resembles such. It is, quite frankly, a smoke filled dive. Whether that smoke be of tobacco, or of something else, is not for me to judge. The room is dominated by a large central table, where visitors converse. A lone light hangs over its center.

 Across the table, I could make out the shadowy figures of those that I shared the room with. A few stand out, though the details are foggy--or rather smokey. There are many folks that were in there at one point or another. Oakvale, Cincinnatus, Snowstalker, and many more. Some were engaging in conversation, some merely milled about in the shadows, far away from the room's only light source. In any case, for those of us that were talking, discussion centered on the upcoming election. The Napoleon era, at least under the definition it was classified as during the time, was coming to a close.

I had spent quite some time building experience in various areas of Atlasian politics. While those that know me know primarily of my long service in the Mideast Assembly, I nevertheless served in our nation's diplomatic corps during Napoleon's first term, first as our nation's At-Large Ambassador, then as Secretary of External Affairs. Now, sitting that room, feet on the table as I secondhand smoked whatever the Hell it was my colleagues were partaking in, my ambitions were as large as ever. Therefore, I began inquiring as to whether a run of mine would be well received by the Atlasian public. However, my sights were at that point still not fixed on the Presidency. With the New Year approaching, and with it the election (In February) I began inquiry as to whether I should run for Atlasia's Vice Presidency. While some were amenable to that, it seemed many wanted me to aim for the nation's highest office instead.

Returning to the IRC in the following days, the subject of my potential run seemed to dominate the conversation. With people who, though not political allies were nonetheless prominent Atlasians and folks who ended up second preferencing me, encouraging me as someone who they believe could represent the Right well, I was soon faced with an important decision. The Right was then (and still is) in a slump. The newly created Federalist party, having started at the beginnign of Napoleon's second term, was in need of a candidate. Several of our heavyweights, ZuWo, NCYankee (as a Vice Presidential candidate), and so on had already been put forward, whether as Whigs or previously during the days of the RPP. It was then that I rose up from that table, clearing my throat of the various gases and smokes that had invaded it while sitting at there, and made possibly one of the most important decisions of my political career, though one that would be in vain. On January 3rd, at a press conference in front of my office in Lansing, Michigan, I announced I would be running for President of the Dave's Blessed Republic of Atlasia. I made clear my intention to run for the nominations of all parties, in an attempt to unite The People Themselves behind my candidacy. I knew such a road would not be popular in the deeply partisan world of Atlasia. Many career politicians fear such overwhelming tides of Popular support, and I have no doubt that my stated intentions were anathema to many of the old pols in the Labor and Liberals parties. Such would be the attacks leveled against me in the days to come as I embarked on the mind-freeing and consciousness-expanding journey into the unknown.

---

Cath "Cathdawg" Con is The People's correspondent to the Mideast, The People's cartoonist, and a well known legislator and diplomat throughout Atlasia. He is perhaps best known for his recently completed campaign for Atlasia's presidency in February, 2013.

Am I correct in understanding, then, that the Napoleon era has been redefined?

Glad to be on board. :)

Since your re-entry into the Senate, 'twould seem so.

Most excellent.

Chapter Two: Startiness

In this Dave-awful country, here's one piece of advice. If you want to win a race, start early. Then, use your personal connections and friendships to get oaths of fealty and political support. Take the example of my friends in the IRC. On the nights following my announcement, as I attempted to rally support thanks to my connections at the dive, I learned a dear lesson of Atlasian politics. While I'd been busy wondering if a campaign of mine was too ambitious, the fact was that Marokai had been securing support from these very folks the entire time! The fact was that the best way to get support was to enter early and use folks' personal feelings of loyalty for your own gain. What was this damned so-called establishment for if not for using connections? In fact, probably the kindest messages I got in response to my candidacy came from people who had already pledged allegiance to MarDuke! "Oh, you seem nice, but I'm already pledged to the Labor ticket." That's like flirting with a married woman for Dave's sake. And in a system where (some) people felt a strange loyalty to a verbal promise, flirting with a married woman got you no good. Let me tell you!

However, there was some comfort. My early platform--what ended up being the only platform published by my campaign, much to my dismay--had a bullet point on it concerning the introduction of a White House staff, congressional liaisons, and a Presidential advisory board. Any seasoned political veteran could tell this was political code for patronage. And lots of it. If there has been one overriding issue that I have felt a deep personal connection to, it has been appointed offices. After all, how else could I explain my various points in the Assembly, which were in large part due to repeated appointments to said office. And more importantly, how else but shameless begging and a well placed nomination to the Senate would I have been able to make my entrance into Atlasia's diplomatic corps? I believe in loyalty. That is the central foundation of society in my opinion, and if creating offices so people could be appointed to them was how I made my bones in this Dave-forsaken system, I wasn't going to abandon the other grovelling office seekers. And it seemed no one had caught on.

Nevertheless, despite what appeared to be a lost cause, things were looking well. In early polls, I was shown either closely behind or tied with Marokai. I'd even gotten good results in response to polling that had William McKinley as my running mate. I could not trust the polls however. This campaign would depend on hard work, determination, and more than a lot of luck. The Atlasian right, whether the RPP, the Whigs, or the Federalists, was by all accounts a failure in political experimentation. The last time any election had been won was two years ago in February, 2011. Such halcyon days were but a distant memory. Instead, Atlasia was stained by the dark and pervasive shadow of the Liberal party, and we were no doubt the worse for it. Despite the Liberals failing to even run a candidate--more on that disgrace later. I mean for Dave's sake, we at least ran a damned candidate!--that stain would not disappear shortly. Rather, I'd say it has only deepened its presence since the results were made clear.

---

Cath "Cathdawg" Con is The People's political cartoonist and a prominent voice in both Mideast and Atlasian politics. He is perhaps best known for his recently completed campaign for Atlasia's presidency in February, 2013.

Since it appears things have calmed down now, I would like to once again request an interview.

Mechaman is on LOA, we'll get back to you..

Also, fear (and loathe) not, the series will continue. Things have just been busy.

Where's my f**king interview?!!??

A Look Ahead: Foreign Policy in the Upcoming Senate Session
54th Senate, Marokai Administration

This feature is designed to serve as a handy guide to bills affecting foreign policy, our military, the DoEA itself, etc, etc, etc, in the upcoming Senate session. It's largely factual.

The TRICARE Reform Act of 2013: SoIA Snowguy summed this legislation up quite well. Nobody thought much about military healthcare when our previous national healthcare system was implemented, and everyone just assumed that it was just lumped in with Medicare and Medicaid, so we're just going to pass an amendment and pretend like it's been there all along, which for most purposes it has.

Department Renaming Act: Senator Oakvale's legislation to rename the DoEA/SoEA (as well as the DoIA/SoIA) to Secretary of State, with other names (I prefer Secretary of Foreign Affairs, which Talleyrand brought up) being considered. Presently, debate focuses on the name for the DoIA. The idea behind this legislation is to make the names more interesting to possibly draw more applicants for the posts.

Presidential Succession Amendment: This would place the SoEA higher up in line for the Presidency, right behind the President where the PPT now sits. This is fundamentally good legislation - the PPT is essential to the workings of the Senate, and were they to leave the Senate to be acting President while there's a perfectly good SoEA who could do it, the odds of things getting done would drastically decrease. This would let the SoEA take over instead, which just makes much more sense.

Virgin Act: This act by Sen. X would incorporate the Virgin Islands as a state, making them Atlasia's 53rd. The rationale behind this legislation is questionable at best: the Virgin Islands are extremely small relative to all other Atlasian states, and it is not necessary to add them as another state to incorporate them. The Virgin Islands could be added as part of Puerto Rico to incorporate them without needing to create another state, spreading thinner our population and making the odds that Mr. Griffin will ever succeed in his Save Our States movement even slimmer. There is a clear solution to this problem, and it doesn't require going as far as Sen. X's bill.

Protocols I & II of the Geneva Conventions: These are common-sense housekeeping bills in the mold of the previous UNCLOS ratification. It's ratifying treaties that are already customary international law that we haven't ratified yet, but we really should ratify because come on y'all it's the Geneva Conventions.

Separation of Powers Amendment: Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. This would remove Senate oversight over all nominees, so if the Senate has severe and legitimate concerns about a nominee's ability to serve as the Senate had during the Griffin hearings, they would no longer be able to approve or reject the nominee. If a bad nominee is nominated who doesn't even show up, like Mr. King's hearings, that nominee would still be confirmed. The Senate needs to send these nominees through confirmation hearings in order to make sure they're actual quality nominees, simple as that.

---

SJoyce is The People's Senior Foreign Policy Analyst and a leading voice on foreign and Imperial politics. He served as Secretary of External Affairs in the Polnut and Napoleon administrations.

To be honest, I forget my rationale for that bill and just withdrew it :P

Well that's disappointing. The legitimate rationale was to give these people statehood and representation, through adding them to P.R. or making them a state.

No, I mean my rationale for giving them statehood rather than making them part of Puerto Rico.

Interview with SJoyce:

Good evening, on today's edition of Mecha Interviews we sit with SoEA SJoyce to get his perspective on various issues in Atlasia.  From his encounter with the strategic registration controversy known as "Cottonfield" to his most recent loud and proud declaration of being a Liberal.

First off, how're ya?
Doing pretty decent.

First off, I want to thank everyone for their concerns over what has happened lately.  To keep it short, there's a friend of mine that recently ran into a bit of trouble.  I haven't really been kept in the loo about what is going on with them at the moment, but it's been hard for me to focus on doing this and other day to day activities.  I apologize for taking time out of the interview to cover this, but it had to be said.
Anyway, welcome to the team!
Good to be here.

So, you're like some kind of Foreign Analyst or something?  What exactly is that?
Basically, I'm writing articles discussing the doings and goings-on, some opinion some fact, of Atlasian foreign policy. I haven't written much in the past few weeks due to the lack of really anything happening on Atlasian foreign policy, but with the new SoEA and administration in place that's looking to change.

What is your first impression of working side by side with The People?
It's pretty great, I think it's a great publication and a great group of people.

Does being a friend of the People make you feel invincible?  Full of pride for your Ulster roots?
Sure, let's go with that.

So, when can we expect your first contribution?
I've been traveling or sick over the past few weeks, but you can expect one pretty soon.

Well, since we are on the topic of opinionated writings, recently you and Winfield had a row over the contentious issue of guns in this country.  You really seemed to be getting that guy into quite a spell.  Do you think Winfield ever answered your question about assault weapons?[/b]
I don't really think he ever did. I oppose a ban on 'assault weapons', as they are, simply because such a ban wouldn't make us any safer. Somebody can kill people just as easily and efficiently without an assault rifle (Columbine, Virginia Tech) as they can with one.

What exactly is your view on gun issues, for the kids?
I support an individual right to keep and bear firearms, which is constitutionally protected. Excessively restricting that right, like Senator Nix's proposal would do, is something I oppose. There is room for some commonsense reforms like universal background checks, but I oppose them when they simply don't work (like an assault weapons ban) or go too far in infringing on the rights of the people (like Sen. Nix's legislation).

Okay, moving on.  A few months back you were the Speaker of the IDS Assembly and as Speaker you made a very bold speech against what you called "an invasion of leftists" in your region, what many in this country have started to refer to as "Cottonfield".  You then went onto claim that not only were these brigands committing blatant carpetbaggering, but that they were overruling democratic law and you told them in true Eastwood fashion to get the hell out of the IDS.  Wasn't that a little harsh?
In retrospect, maybe that was a little harsh, but not only were they coming here but they were attempting to override our democratic process in order to get their candidates to achieve victory. Seatown v. IDS I think will go down in history as the lowest point of the leftist invasion, with a Labor operative and candidate filing a lawsuit seeking, on a technicality, to invalidate the ballots of a large number of our citizens in a manner that would swing the election and elect a Labor candidate. That sort of blatant disregard for the will of all the citizenry of the region isn't anything I can condone.

I mean, could you have given them a polite Hallmark card instead, asking them to please relocate to another region and not to force their views on an unwilling populace of business owners and capitalist lovers?  What exactly was "undemocratic" about their court challenge?  I am kind of confused as to what happened.
Basically, Seatown filed a suit in regional court attempting to get a good number of ballots overturned on a technicality relating to placing the name of the office at the top of the ballot (folks had been voting in elections without putting the name at the top of the ballot for elections for only one office for however long without any problem). By invalidating the ballots, he would have changed the results of the election because so many people wouldn't have counted as voting and it would've elected another Labor candidate. He was using the courts to try to change the ideals of the populace.

Well okay.  Well recently you also made a very long post declaring your support for the Liberal Party after a spell as a registered Independent while working in the Administration.  What brought that about?
I was serving in a Liberal administration at the time and some of the leading members of the Liberal Party asked me to consider joining. Since it wouldn't create any issues with the administration, and since I do agree with a lot of what the Liberal Party stands for, I accepted.

You've previously mentioned interest in working with right to work laws.  What is your ideal stance on this?
I was (still am) interested in repealing our region's right to work law. It seems to me that right to work laws basically infringe on your freedoms of contract and association. If you choose to make a closed-shop agreement with a union, what right does the state legislature have to interfere? Employers have the rights to decide to pay their wages and make their sites available to specifically union members as part of their right to trade with anyone they choose. When we interfere with voluntary contracts, we're interfering with people's freedom to bargain. Unions are generally good things as well, and aren't something we should be legislating against.

Same question, this time on regional parks.
I never really did get around to finishing that, did I? We've got some beautiful places here in the IDS - the Smokies, the Glades, Apalachicola, the Congaree, Okefenokee, our Civil Rights sites, and these places are worth us, as the regional government, stepping up and making an effort of preserving. We need a comprehensive plan, going forwards, to figure out exactly how we're going to protect the long-term stability of these areas. The federal government already has a lot of land in these regions, and figuring out how to closely cooperate with them in order to best protect these areas is something I'd like to work on further.

What is your opinion of the Aliya Mustifina Movement?
Certainly interesting folks. At least they're promoting exercise.

Well that's it for now.  Any last words?
Just that it's been good to be discussing regional issues again.

Have a good day SJoyce

Update:

Well, as many of you can tell I've been very inactive and have really sucked on getting interviews done.  I literally have no decent excuse for this, except for maybe real life.  As a result of my RL distractions I'm finding harder and harder not only to hit the ground running on this interview series, but even being active on the site as a whole.  I know there are some disgruntled people, but frankly I don't give a damn.  Sure, the humble thing to do would be to apologize sincerely and some other polite sh*t, but seriously this is the internet.  Chances are none of you know where I live.  So with that said, I have the duty of informing you people that your interviews, somehow someway, will come to you.  Eventually.

At the moment, I'm thinking maybe one or two a week is preferable to what I've been doing.  I'll try to get Mr. X down tomorrow and maybe get Oakvale done on Saturday.

Again, this delay is inexcusable but I don't apologize.  So bring out your pitchforks and shotguns.

You did a foreign policy interview and didn't interview me?  You monster!

Oh the horror! I haven't had an interview since I think 2009, on any subject. :P

Foreign Policy Profiles: Part I of X
Senator Benconstine (TPP-VA)

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Sen. Benconstine in regards to his foreign policy principles. Ben is one of the Senate's leaders in foreign policy, and served as Secretary of External Affairs until he was elected as the Mideast's regional senator (he was replaced as SoEA by some random guy, SJoyce or something). Anyways, Ben is one of the few people in the Senate who care about foreign policy enough to introduce bills for me and such, and serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security, so clearly what he thinks on foreign policy is very important. What he thinks on foreign policy is also very interesting: though generally considered a liberal, Ben has been almost a neoconservative in this area, and his rationale is always fun to read.

This will be the first of hopefully ten profiles of our ten Senators and their views on Atlasian foreign policy.

()

War

What is foreign policy without war? Sen. Ben believes that violence can be morally right, and that war for humanitarian or moral reasons, when Atlasian national security is not threatened, can be justified. "That doesn't mean we should go to war every time, as obviously there can be better solutions, but it is justified." We are "absolutely" justified in launching pre-emptive attacks on other nations, "if we think we're threatened". However, when asked whether we should ever expend lives to control material resources (such as oil), Sen. Ben is "inclined to say never." We should continue to have the most powerful military in the world, because "a powerful military is key to our security, and to helping our allies as well."

Trade

Sen. Ben takes a moderate stance on trade. He believes in increased trade liberalization "only to the degree that it doesn't harm Atlasian workers." Increased commerce can increase peace, but "it depends on the regime that we're dealing with." Although Atlasia is not influencing unfair influence in the developing world in Sen. Ben's view, he does believe that commercial interests have too much of a say in determining Atlasian foreign policy.

International Cooperation

Sen. Ben holds some faith in international organizations, believing that "we can absolutely alter the behaviors of other nations, although not necessarily through treaties with that country in particular. Organizations likewise can have a powerful effect, if we're working with countries relevant to the one who's behavior we desire to change, such as neighbors or trade partners." He doesn't, however, believe that more arms control agreements would be "terribly effective", and that we should instead "stick by what we have now." He also believes that foreign aid can be an effective foreign policy tool, with Atlasia providing more aid in exchange for reforms. "Withholding aid is another tool that can be used." Overall, he believes that multilateral efforts can be "effective", but he is "not someone who believes that multilateralism is necessarily better on principle." On negotiation secrecy in foreign policy, he wants to take it on a case by case basis. Wikileaks, for instance, was "an abomination and treason of the highest order. "Negotiations should be secret or public depending on what the parties involved want. Don't break secrecy if one side wants things kept secret."

Who We Work With

When choosing who Atlasian works with on the international stage, Senator Ben believes that we "need to be cognizant of how a country functions." He gave the example of having more certainty in and thus being more willing to cooperate economically with a more corruption-free country. Ultimately, "we also have to be attuned to political realities in our nations, and be willing to work with those realities." We should be concerned about the internal affairs of other nations, since those internal affairs will "inevitably affect us as well." However, we shouldn't be involved that much in influencing their internal affairs, particularly for our developed allies; we should be able to "play more of a role in developing nations." We should be willing to work with oppressive regimes: "sometimes we have to recognize that it's more important to achieve goals than to make pointed stands, and if a repressive regime is necessary to achieving goals, then we need to consider it."

Miscellaneous

When discussing the core of Atlasian foreign policy, Senator Ben believes that liberty, personal and economic, should be at the heart of it. "I believe it is in our national interest to ensure that people at home and abroad are as free as possible, so they go hand in hand." When asked whether he views other nations as more inherently good or more self-interested, he responded that "a combination, in that it depends on the country.  Most nations care about their own interests, but that doesn't mean they aren't good.  I wouldn't say anything positive about many of the oppressive and authoritarian regimes, but many democratic countries are self-interested, with positive results." He believes that, on the issue of self-determination, a persecuted minority group in a nation has more of a right to do so than a group that just happens to be a minority, but that he prefers to go on "a case by case basis." However, he made clear that terrorism is never justified by anyone. When asked his opinion of Woodrow Wilson (an excellent barometer for foreign policy), he stated that he believed Wilson was "too idealistic, but on the right track." Overall, "our national interest should come first" when it conflicts with our moral ideas, "unless it is so morally repugnant that we just can't stomach it."

---

SJoyce is The People's Senior Foreign Policy Analyst and a leading voice on foreign and Imperial politics. He served as Secretary of External Affairs in the Polnut and Napoleon administrations.

Much thanks to Joyce for this profile; and, of course, for using a picture of Frank Church, as opposed to Lieberman, for once.

The picture of Church was just what was on the Wiki on your article; if you'd prefer I can always find a picture of Lieberman.

()

Announcement: Our next Senator profiled will be Sen. Nix

Foreign Policy Profiles: Part II of X
Senator Averroës Nix (TPP-NH)

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Sen. Averroës Nix in regards to his foreign policy principles. Nix is a noted voice in the Senate on many issues, and sponsored several bills for the Secretary of External Affairs last session. He also serves on the Trade Agreement Re-Evaluation Commission. I'm not quite sure how to describe his foreign policy, so judge for yourselves.

This is the second of ten profiles of our ten Senators and their views on Atlasian foreign policy.

()

War

Sen. Nix does believe that violence can be morally right, and that war can be justified when Atlasia is not threatened (for moral & humanitarian reasons), "but only as a part of a multilateral effort. Atlasia should always defer to international institutions on the subject of humanitarian interventions." He does believe that pre-emptive attacks can be justified, but only when"a high standard of evidence has been met and the consequences of failing to act immediately are unacceptable." We should never spend lives to control resources. "Our military should remain powerful enough to protect us from any plausible threat. To ensure that we can meet our obligations to the international community, its size ought to be commensurate to that of Atlasia's economy."; its size relative to other nations is irrelevant.

Trade

Sen. Nix favors trade liberalization and believes that "we can promote economic growth in Atlasia and our foreign partners through the implementation of new free trade agreements. However, in addition to basic human rights and political freedoms, we must keep workers and the environment in mind when we discuss these agreements. I do not favor extending trade agreements to countries that enjoy an unfair advantage on the international market because of their failur to match Atlasia's commitment to workers and the environment." Basically, Sen. Nix believes that trade means peace, and that "the exchange of goods, people, and information is essential in promoting interdependence and understanding among nations." Sen. Nix also believes that we are exerting unfair influences upon the developing world, "but this is unavoidable and increasingly the fault of private actors rather than government policy." He also thinks that "special interests in general have too large an influence over Atlasian policy."

International Cooperation

Sen. Nix supports a strong international community, and thinks that "we have no choice other than to rely on international institutions and multilateral efforts to accomplish our foreign policy goals. As the world progresses toward multipolarity, stable and productive relations among nations will increasingly depend on the strength of these institutions." He believes arms control agreements works, and that our main goal should be "reducing the number of atomic weapons on this planet and securing whatever weapons remain." He also is interested in pursuing a treaty to reduce the use of cyberwarfare. In our negotiations, "secrecy may be necessary. Once we have reached an acceptable agreement, transparency should be maintained." On foreign aid: "We should use foreign aid to promote economic development and stable institutions in the poorest countries. We must also consider where our foreign investments are most likely to make a difference. I would prefer to focus on flawed but promising countries - such as Ghana or Ethiopia - that are capable of managing aid better rather than basket cases such as Eritrea or Haiti. Overall, I would prefer a slightly higher foreign aid budget, increased by between 50 percent to 100 percent depending on the opportunities for promoting human well-being that our available to us. Finally, foreign aid should consist of cash transfers with no strings attached, whenever possible."

Who We Work With

Sen. Nix believes that "we should exercise caution when we deal with countries with unstable or untested institutions", and that, while in a different world it might be necessary, in our world today we've progressed to a point where it is no longer necessary (and thus unjustified) to ally ourselves with a repressive regime. He believes that we should not be concerned with other nations' internal affairs to the extent that we can help it, and that we should influence their internal affairs "as little as we can".

Miscellaneous

As a matter of general foreign policy, Nix believes other nations are fundamentally self-interested. He appreciates Wilson's internationalism and thinks that "he had the right instincts when it came to building and strengthening international institutions." Nix self-describes as a non-interventionist and a foreign policy realist, however, unlike Wilson. He believes we should seek to prioritize our national interest and that "Atlasia should always be our highest priority", "as long as we respect certain moral boundaries."

On the right to self-determination: "When a minority group is numerous enough in its membership, dominant in a compact geographic area, and capable of governing itself in way that involves respect for human rights and economic self-sufficiency, it has a right to self-governance. However, what is most important is that the members of every minority group be treated equally and fairly by the government of whatever nation that they inhabit and that they be given some kind of representation in its government. The apartheid state of Israel is one country that does not meet this standard, and the international community should hold its leaders accountable for this failure. While I do not condemn violent resistance to this kind of repression, terrorist attacks on civilian targets are unacceptable in this context."

And finally, on the guiding principles of our foreign policy: "Maintaining a foreign policy that promotes human rights should always be our first priority. No country that fails to respect human life should have a place in the community of nations. We should forge our strongest relationships with countries that go even further, promoting and respecting freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, freedom of privacy, and the right to a fair trial for all of their citizens.

Every people has the right to collectively choose whatever economic system they prefer without interference from Atlasia, foreign investors, or international organizations. Talk of promoting "economic liberty" (i.e. free market evangelism) across the world typically is typically nothing but a cover for multinational business interests that seek to exploit. Forcing another country to mimic Atlasian economic policy strikes me as no less noxious than forcing them to mimic our religion."

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SJoyce is The People's Senior Foreign Policy Analyst and a leading voice on foreign and Imperial politics. He served as Secretary of External Affairs in the Polnut and Napoleon administrations.

Since you asked us to "judge for ourselves", Nix seems like a moderate non-interventionist and internationalist.

Ready for the next update, Mr. Joyce?

Tomorrow, I promise. I've been focusing on our trade policy recently.

Thats a late tomorrow. If you still want them, I can send you my answers to the questionaire thing.

Yeah, sorry about that. Tale of Two Cities... but I'm on spring break next week, so it'll certainly be done by then.

Chapter Three: Buckets of Warm Piss

It has oft been remarked that the Vice Presidency is worth not even a bucket of warm piss. While we could debate the market value of said piss, the labor and costs took to produce it, its usefulness, and so on, it is best merely to accept the phrase and move on. It was because of this quality that I originally had my sights set on a few running mates. I would ponder, late at night mind you, who it was that really was worth about or less than a bucket of warm piss. It truly was a quandary. Then it hit me. While sifting through the fumes of everyone's favorite dive, the IRC, I stumbled over the near corpse of one of its regulars. Oakvale, the distinguished Senator of Irish descent, was passed out on the ground, covered in some sort of alcohol or another, cigarette hanging from his half-open mouth. It was then that it hit me. While attempting to right my brain and free it from the ravages of whatever drug gnawed at it that night, I managed to blurt out "Hey oakvale, be my running mate!" This after all, was the man who was "mediocre at best". He, not responding, was deserving a well placed kick. And so I, leaning on with my left hand on a chair and my right on the table, proceeded to do so to his stomach. He woke with a start, and turned towards me. "What the Hell do you want?" It was then that I began discussing my idea for a unity ticket between myself, the greatest defender of liberty Atlasia had ever seen, and he, one of our greatest legislators. While at first he seemed friendly, he was forced to reveal to me that his loyalty was already promised to that damned MarDuke ticket. "Well screw him" I thought, and moved on.

A couple nights later, lamenting my lack of a running mate, I bumped into a very tall, Norwegian looking man with a Minnesota accent. "Snowguy", I thought, "of course. Only one man could truly equal the worth of a bucket of warm piss like he." As I sidled on over and began talking to Snowdawg, dressed in blue jeans and a flannel shirt, he seemed friendly. We shared our thoughts on religion, politics, and so on while chugging down beers served by the greasy bartender by the name of Cincinnatus. Eventually, I got around to asking him. He at first told me "Nah, dawg, I can't. MarDuke already got me." However, later in the conversation, he seemed to be preparing to announce a Cathcon/Snowdawg ticket, much to my elation. Nevertheless, as the night drew to a close and I attempted to get a confirmation from him, he merely stuck up his middle, sausage-sized finger at me and stumbled off into the night. Damn Minnesotans. Screw him!

By this point I'd been reduced to a mental shambles. Marokai, running a joke campaign, had somehow managed to win the loyalty of some of Atlasia's most trend-setting citizens. Crying into my beer--recall that I'm a very masculine sort, and so this crying was very unlike myself, such as my grief--that damned Hybernian strode over to me and plopped his Irish ass into the seat on my left. As I dragged from my cigarette, Oakvale spoke to me and recommended Spamage, the distinguished Senator from Oregon. Recently elected, he had previously served as Governor of his region and had worked wonders there. After a bit of convincing, I relented. I had made my decision: If I couldn't get a running mate worth a bucket of warm piss, I'd have to get one of even greater value. Spamage it would be. Much to my relief, the Oregonian accepted, thus forging the famed Cathcon/Spamage ticket.

I'm just going to say this hasn't died with TPP.

Foreign Policy Editorial Cartoon Double Feature

In a nod to the Mustafinist cultural tradition, today's political cartoon is a .gif

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North Korea is the white guy, the basket is whatever you want it to be (South Korea, Atlasia, international respect, whatever), and Atlasia is represented by Shaq.

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This is exactly what it appears to be.

No. Let us make it clear that while the formal organization known as The Party has dismantled itself to allow The People to spread our seed in all parties, The Paper remains the premiere news source in Atlasia. It is business as usual.

Christ, Scott, delete that. That's really inappropriate.

Considering reinvigorating my memoirs, maybe in a third-person Gospel-like format.

This must continue. With my impending retirement, I can't think of a better hobby than keeping The Paper active...

If there is anyone that does interviews right now I would love to do an interview.

The People's Paper would like to formally congratulate Senate Nix on his election to the Presidency of Atlasia, marking the first time a People's candidate has emerged victorious in a presidential election. He now represents The People's best hope for a bright future of in country. With the weight of the world soon to be thrusted on his shoulders, and on behalf of myself and the entire staff of The Paper, we wish him the best of luck.

Mechaman handles our interviews. Once I leave office in a few short weeks, I will have plenty of time to devote to The Paper - and one of those tasks is to find Mechaman. :P

Fear & Loathing: On the Campaign Trail ’13 Rewrite

Book I
I invoke thee, muses. Sing of the wrath of Cathcon, who brought countless ills upon the Laborals.
Many a voter did it send soaring to the heavens, with hope of a revival of the Atlasian people.
And many a voter did it send to the voting booths, for fear of his election.
For so were the counsels of Dave fulfilled the day Cathcon, son of the Organist, took on himself the mantle of leader of the Federalist Party.

As the reign of Napoleon I came to a close in Atlasia, Cathcon wandered down into Mibbitia and began speaking in the public forum. 
Conversation among the plebeians naturally wandered towards talk of Napoleon’s imminent abdication and of who should replace him.
Cathcon, like many there, had served in his region’s Assembly for several terms and had the distinction of being a former member of Napoleon’s administration, first as Ambassador, then as Secretary of External Affairs. 
 A member of the Federalist faction, a remnant of the Atlasian right, Cathcon’s name began being discussed in the context of being a candidate for the Presidency.
Cathcon, retired—temporarily, he insisted—from that life, laughed at such suggestions.
After all, he was hardly of the caliber of those that had sought the Presidency before him: ZuWo, Jbrase, and so on.
Instead, Cathcon returned to his hovel in the Mideast, resuming his studies in art of organizing, first taught to him by his father.
History, however, has a way of making kings and leaders of even the most reluctant heroes.

That would not be the last time Cathcon felt the call.
In the days to follow as he resumed the work of his father in the Temple of Dave, he felt a longing to return to Mibbitia.
And so Cathcon’s mind strayed from his duties and he found himself returning more and more the forums at Mibbitia.
Among those in those days that spoke in Mibbitia were the famed oakvale—The Hibernian, Snowguy716—a friend of heir apparent Marokai Blue, and Jbrase—servant of the Imperial Dominion of the South, and countless others.
In speaking with some of these and a number of the several unnamed, the restless Mideasterner came to a decision.
It was here that Cathcon began his ministry, one that would take him closer to the seat of power than he had ever sat before, and one that would save the soul of mankind.

Charleston, SC - Two years ago, Atlasians rode a title wave of sentiment to the ballot box to vote to destroy the two party system, which served as a scapegoat to all things evil in Atlasia for years.  

Today, the two party system has returned. Three months after the dismantling of The People's Party, which the Nyman Post called "Atlasia's last hope against a two party system," things are back to the way they were, just as The People predicted when they ended Their party, a party that, at the time, controlled the Senate and held the Vice Presidency. This morning, two major Liberal Party members, Senator Napoleon and Vice President DemPGH left the party, declaring it dead, stating the obvious that everyone else had known since last October. This comes on the heels of the sudden disappearance of Light Party Chair Scott, who said goodbye in the morning hours of July 17 and took no questions from the press.

It is unclear whether dissolution was a success or failure. Many people cite the Freedom allowed for The People to assemble, if even for a 6 month period, as reason enough to declare dissolution a success. However, opponents will cite that elections only became competitive again once the two party system had begun to consolidate (see the June 2013 Presidential election, the first competitive national election since dissolution).

While a few minor parties remain, the major battles will be fought between the Federalist Party and Labor Party. Pick your sides, gentlemen.