Talk Elections

Wow.

I'm honored to even be allowed to exist here, first of all. I've spent nary a month on this great forum, and to be allowed to participate in this simulation is a gift unto itself. I hope to go far in this (not that I will),and I cannot overstate my gladness at the acceptance you all have given me.

Now:

I am running to fill this Senate seat because it appears that no one else will. The recent triple resignation of Senators Oakvale, Junkie, and Marokai Blue has left a sour taste in many an Atlasian mouth. I have become aware that this simulation is dead. They say that there is no hope for the future.

But I'd like to remind you of another candidate that ran in dark times, a relative newbie who spoke innocently of hope.

Yes, I just compared myself to Barack Obama. But I have no lofty goals of changing Atlasia with a snap of my fingers. No single man, woman, or small furry creature from Alpha Centauri can do that. We need new blood, new ideas in the Senate. What we need is...

a muffin!

But seriously, folks, we need life. We need to get things done! What we need is nothing short of a Renaissance of belief and hope for the future. We need to make Atlasia great again. We need to work across party lines (that's a problem, isn't it?) and forge new solutions and new ideas for Atlasia's future.

That's why I'm running for Senate. That's why I just made various empty promises that I do intend to keep, mind you. That's why you all should vote for me, especially you there.

Jones for Senate and stuff! Questions and comments are appreciated!

Where do you stand on education reform?  Ideas?

What type of muffin do you propose? Blueberry? Yes. Chocolate Chip? No.

'Scuze you, chocolate chip muffins are the reason I reserve the thought that god exists.

I personally prefer chocolate-chip muffin, but I believe that all muffins should be free and equal in Atlasia.
I'm assuming that the issues are the same here as in RL, no? Well, then:

-All school for free! Even college!

-Speaking of which, mandatory college

-All pubic schools should be well-funded and equipped with the best teachers available

-Private schools are okay, but I would hold them to higher standards than public schools. High taxes on their profits so that they don't forget about the students (see previous sentence).

-Good , well-rounded curricula and stuff

 -Teachers should be well-paid and good at their jobs. Rigorous evaluations and monitoring and all that

-But, no teaching to the test. Standardized testing isn't a good enough picture of whether a student has truly learned.

-Beat Hong Kong :)

I think that's about it. I saw the bill you proposed, Senator, and I'm happy to say that I'd vote for it.

Article I, Section 1, subsection 2;

Good luck, Al! :)

Is that in the Constitution? I checked and I-1-2 reads as follows:

All members of the National Assembly shall have one vote.

https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Article_I_of_the_Third_Constitution#Section_1:_The_Senate

Well, that doesn't matter, because this very post is my 200th! Mwahahahaha!

I look forward to (hopefully) serving the people of Atlasia well in the Senate.

Should I post a general platform now? Yes.

What I Stand For:

I'm a proud Labor member, but I'll tell you my beliefs here and in my next few posts, just in case.

Economy/Role of Government

I support the government actively helping the middle class in its continued struggle for existence. The government should be used, in general, as a tool to help those who cannot help themselves. Not only that, it should ensure a high quality of life for any Atlasian who wishes to accept it. I believe that taxes should be used not only as a way to balance the budget, but a way to keep Big Corporation under control and make sure that they don't operate solely for profit (see my view on private schools). In addition, taxes will fund social programs like education and health care, because I firmly believe that a good life for all should be funded by the few who have many, instead of the many who have few.

Endorsed !

Thanks! Now:

Immigration

I fully support any and all immigration. If foreigners want a better life and believe that Atlasia is the way to go so that they can achieve that life, then that's something that we as a nation should be proud of. The Atlasian Dream is the essence of our nation, and a poor immigrant from a war-torn country seeking refuge and a place to live happily ever after is one of the clearest examples of that dream. If someone enters the country illegally, then I believe that they should first and foremost be granted citizenship, but there should be consequences. However, these consequences should not be so harsh that they discourage immigration.

A Response To Certain Statements Made By My Opponent

My fellow Atlasians, I am not a man who attacks his opponents with baseless and foolish accusations. My opponent in this race, Mr. Pingvin (I do not consider Mr. Snowstalker an enemy of mine), has demonstrated that he is. He has referred to Snowstalker and I as such:


First off, let it be known that this 'New World Order' of which Mr. Pingvin speaks is a conspiracy theory that has no basis in reality. I am not trying to take your freedoms away, rather it is Mr. Pingvin who is trying to manipulate you with lies about my character and that of Mr. Snowstalker.

Second, what is wrong with world peace? Does Mr. Pingvin wish to send our troops off into yet another war to fight and die for a cause that isn't very important?

I would like Mr. Pingvin to answer these questions rather soon, please, so if someone could inform him of them, that would be greatly appreciated.

First, I was not using "New World Order" term for one organization. When I'm saying New World Order, I mean such organizations like EU or new Putin's project "Eurasian Union" or agreements like ACTA or ideas like global gun control legislation.

Second, I wholeheartdly support peace. I support cutting defense budget, I support withdrawing our troops that are currently deployed overseas.

Sincerely,
Pingvin

Thank you for clearing these up, Mr. Pingvin. Also, what is your position on the UN?

Do you think that there has to necessarily be some limit on immigration levels based on either economic or social considerations, that could adversly affect the immigrants themselves even if not considered?

Also you say that you are concerned that any consquences might discourage, are you saying illegal immigration shouldn't be discouraged or that you are concerned that legal immigrants will be discouraged from coming based on how illegal immigrants are dealt with?

I believe that Atlasia must stay in the UN.

As in stuff like discrimination, etc.?
Legal immigrants.

I tend to focus on the economic side effects, but others would be relevant also. I am basically asking if you think there is a threshold beyond which, immigration should be restricted as necessited by some reality, unfortunate or otherwise.  Discrimination against immigrants is a concern, but I don't see it as the type of limiting constraint I have in mind. From an economic standpoint for instance, a sudden influx beyond a certain level (determined by the factors in play at the time) could cause wages to fall and thus hurt the poor both immigrant and native resident. With this in mind, I am trying to see if you support any limits or think it should be completely unlimited.

What would you consider to be an enforcement mechanism against illegals that would discourage legal immigration?   

 

Ah, OK. Theoretically I could see a limit if there was a Depression-level downturn coupled with a large influx, because there would be a large number of native citizens that would need to be taken care of and given jobs first, but other than that I wouldn't support any limits.
Well, if you look at the laws that are being passed IRL now in various states (AZ, SC, etc.), that's harming legal immigrants as well. I think any illegal immigration policy that's like Arizona's, for examples, would be considered as such.

Foreign Policy

I support peace, harmony, and cooperation among the nations of the world. The US should not become in other nations' wars, unless it is between separate countries, at least one of which is our ally. We should, however, be active in the world community and work with our allies and enemies alike to forge solutions that are acceptable to all.

However, I adamantly oppose all tyrannical and dictatorial regimes and will aid the people if they are engaged in a struggle with said regimes. Democracy is the single greatest gift one nation can bestow upon another, and I support the right of nations to self-determination.

If Atlasia is attacked by a foreign power, I support a strong military response, though we must avoid needless harm. I oppose the very existence of nuclear weapons, as there are far better ways of settling disputes among nations than the destruction of the planet and the loss of innocent lives.

I'd just like to come out now and say that I support Mr. Tweed. We need a stronger Atlasia. Not just for us, but for the forum as a whole. For the fifth wall. For unity and peace and justice and all that.

Actually, the unity thing is right.

However, I am undecided on the idea of a revolution in the government itself. I believe that this will be decided by the will of the people in June, and I will vote with them if I am in the Senate at that time.

Pre-Voting Speech:

All right, Atlasians. The election begins tomorrow, and if we are to have a shot at reforming this, we're going to need to vote. Specifically, for me. Atlasia is broken and needs to be fixed.

Make no bones about it, I am the candidate to do so.

I need your votes, citizens. Atlasia needs your vote.  The current system is bogged down by apathy and discontent. But I am a shining beacon of freedom and light. Not literally.

So get out there and check the box next to my name when the election comes so that we can take back Atlasia!

Mid-Voting Speech:

Wow.

I'm honored to see my name as #1 for so many Atlasians. It is truly a great feeling to be marching ever closer towards being part of this great Senate.

We are going to do this. We are going to win.

And when we win, we shall take back Atlasia for the ideals we all hold dear.

We are going to make Atlasia a place where every working man and woman can stand, free and upright, in the light of a glorious new day.

Where our children will learn to do great new things, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.

We're going to make Atlasia greater than ever before, and when I am sworn in, I will do everything in my power to serve you, the common Atlasian.

Thank you, and good voting.

Victory!

Again, wow.

I am honored to be elected Senator in this great nation, and as my first foray into politics at that.

I'd like to thank my friends, my family, and Snowstalker (for not running in the special election :)). I'd also like to congratulate Senator PIngvin on his win, as I am not the only victor tonight.

My fellow Atlasians, tonight I stand before you prepared to fight for the values you hold dear. I am ready to stand up for the shrinking Atlasian middle class, and to slay the beat of wealth-coddling Whigs. I am here to stand up for the worker as well, if you can't tell by my party affiliation.

I'm ready. We're all ready. And when we start fighting for the change we want and need, the sleeping giant known as Atlasia will wake up, rub the sleep from its eyes, and see .

It will see that we are above all this, that we are above petty squabbles, and that we are ready.

We are going to do this, Atlasia.

Thank you, Dave bless you, and Dave bless the Republic of Atlasia!

Grats!

You too.

Well, I think we've had a good start.

We've already helped everyday Atlasian workers with the Homeonwner Protection Act, and are in the process of helping people with the Health Care Act. I'm also fulfilling my promises with the National Muffin Act.

But there are some who would have me out of office in only a few weeks. The election comes soon, Atlasia, and we can't afford to take all the progress away.

We need to keep fighting. Fighting for you, the middle class. Fighting for you, the poor, downtrodden, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. I'm going to stay right where I am, but Atlasia will keep moving forward. Thank you, and Dave bless you.

Senator, are you considering joninig Pirate Caucus?

Oh, I already have :).

OK!

We've got no less than 4 Labor candidates running for office, and I hope sincerely that my friendly friends in Atlasia (16 voters) will help give us a quadruple-win and knock out the Whig Party.

You see, Senator Pingvin is my good friend, but I abhor the party of the Whigs. We must stand up against their POTENTIAL tyranny and fight for the rights of the working and middle classes.

We can't afford to lose now, Atlasia! This economy is sending the good people of this country down the drain, and the Whig Party is not helping! I urge you, my countrymen to replace Senators TJ, Pingvin, and Clarence with Senators Seatown, Snowstalker, and Dr. Cynic. But please, preference them after me; I'd like to continue serving you.

Thank you, and Dave bless you all.

You've got issues kid

I'm campaigning, what do you expect me to do?

Tyranny of the Whigs? I am not sure if that is a characterization of our views- which is inaccurate- or at how we are "tyrants"- which is impossible when we have only three Senators and we do not have the Presidency...

I expect subtlety.  I expect to persuaded, not told what to do.  I expect to see the truth misrepresented rather than outright lies.

Just some friendly tips :)

I've always thought that misrepresentation was for politicians and lying was for candidates. Look at Gov. Gingrich (R-Moon).

Endorsed.

If we could, we'd all be tyrants.

I'll add a 'potential' in there. And--excuse me on this; I've only really learned much about Pingvin's positions-you guys seem to enjoy controlling women.

A Statement

When *not if :)) you guys vote for me, I'd like you to place Seatown as your 2nd preference. He's a good guy who knows his issues well and has got some heart to him. You know what? Here's my ideal voting ballot:

1. Alfred F. Jones
2. Seatown
3. Snowstalker
4. Dr. Cynic

Sorry, Snowy!

OK, it's voting time! I'd like to thank my family and stuff, and if I don't win, at least I'll have had a good run! Now:

Let's do this! Alfred F. Jones at #1!

And Seatown and Snowy at 2 and 3 (in whichever order). Also, Andrew's cool, so put him at 4, OK.

OBEY.

Okay...

I lost.

Well, I'd like to thank the three or so people who voted for me, and that's about it.

However, I will be back! I intend to run for Northeast Assembly once a vacancy is available, probably because wormyguy will be elected Senator.

Gov. Napoleon: Watch out, because I'm going to show up and make some enemies.

Maybe.

Anyway, see y'all!

Yeah. I think both Pingvin's seat and mine were flukes caused by the facts that we were pretty much the only candidates running.

Rochester, NY (my hometown, in fact):

All right, folks. I'm coming home!

Now, I'm probably going to win the special election, seeing as I'm pretty much the unofficial LibLab establishment candidate right now, but I'm going to fight every step of the way. Especially when/if I'm in office.

We're going to make the Northeast a better place for everyone. You, me, him, her, it, that dog. We're saving everyone right now, because we're going to help you.

You, the common man/woman/other.

When/if elected, I will fight for the working Atlasian. Just take a look at my party affiliation.

Now, let's get out there, and let's take back the future! If it doesn't need taking back, let's keep moving forward!

Thank you Rochester, and Dave bless.

Hey, guys, I'm back!

Now, I don't mean to intrude upon the Presidential campaign, which is far more important than a lowly down-ballot campaign, but I'd just like to remind y'all of who the Northeast's real candidate is:

Me.

Now, I know that Jerseyrules is probably a mainstay of Atlasian politics (he seems like one, at least) but his economic policies are the exact opposite of what the Northeast, and Atlasia as a whole, needs.

I'm going to fight for the Northeast worker. I'm going to make sure that every Northeasterner has a happy, shiny life, because I support the middle class! I support the Atlasian Dream, if such a dream exists. I know that people are hurting, and taking away a helping hand from those who need it most is one of the worst possible roads we could go down. We've got to stand up for the good people of the Northeast, because I believe in a better life.

I'm Alfred F. Jones, and I approve this message.

Thanks, amigos!

Yay! I'm an elected officeholder.

I'd like to thank the political machine that got me elected, my family, Cthulhu, Joseph Kony, my cat Richard Nixon, and the entirety of the Northeast, even those who voted for Jerseyrules. I'd also like to thank Jerseyrules himself for not campaigning, and finally, I'll thank Senator Wormyguy for vacating this seat.

Thank you, and Dave bless.

I really hate to barge in on all this front-page news, which I'm sure is far more important than an Assembly campaign, but for the 40 or so Northeasterners, I'd just like to announce my reelection campaign.

I've done well in the service of the Northeast. I've fought for equity in the law, and though it probably has failed by now (I haven't checked), we made a statement for everyone that the rich can't just get off with a slap on the wrist.

Because, when you look at the Great Recession, that's what they've done. And I know that I probably can't do a thing to change that in my current state, I'm going to keep supporting the Northeastern middle class. That's why I came here. That's why I need your vote. That's why I'm going to vote for the common man/woman/small furry creature from Alpha Centauri.

So let's do this. Vote for me (again) and I will continue working for you.

I'm a random teenager who hides behind the alias 'Alfred F. Jones', and I approve this message, because I'm stating it.

If this gets in anyone's way, I'm very sorry.

Proudly endorsed. :)

Thanks to both of you, and Pyro: I'm endorsing you here, because you don't appear to have an office. You could rent my sister's house, if you wanted to.

Thank you very much! Hehe, well I don't find it necessary to have an office thread while encompassing this marginal role in public servility, but if I run for governor or senate in the next couple months, I'll start one.

So I got reelected and stuff, but that's not important. The point is:

I have a federal government job!!!!!

So I'm the incoming president's press secretary. If you guys want to ask me any questions and stuff, feel free.

Sorry if I'm cluttering up the front page!

Yep. I talked to Nappy and he said I could do both.

Here's to you serve the rightful administration well.

Congratulations! I'm sure you'll do a stellar job.

Congratulations!!

Thanks, guys!

So, uh...

Wow. I haven't been here in about seventy years or so. I really need to update this.

Aside from some Northeastern stuff, nothing important happened, anyway. But: I'm furthering the cause of the True Leftist Labor Party, 'cause I'm running for Senate.

Now, I have no doubt that Mr. Franzl is a good man, and will be a great Senator, and I have no doubt that he will crush me in this race, but I am running to generally further the cause of the (somewhat more serious) left in Atlasia. Just take all that stuff I said in my first campaign, and replace "Pingvin" with "Franzl" and edit out all the stuff about me being a noob.

I know that my opponent will serve Atlasia well, but I personally think that if we want to move forward, Labor can do somewhat of a better job. You and I, Liberal and Labor, we have the same ideals. I just have them more.

Also, Labor has the majority of the people (not The People, though), but only 2 measly Senate seats. That's not good.[/coldheartedpowerplay]

We're going to take Atlasia forward, and we're going to do it starting on October 1st, 2012. Thank you all, and good night.

This is false.

Thanks, Adam *does the double hand-wave thing with Adam*.

My opinion on some of the bills being debated in the Senate (the ones I have an opinion on):

National University and General Education Reform Bill:

I'm perfectly fine with this bill. I support a strong system of education (doesn't everyone?) and believe that a good university is a student's gateway to a good job and a bright future. I don't really see any problems with this bill. Move along, nothing to see here.

Progressive Traffic Fines Act:

I'd support this act in theory, but we've already enacted a somewhat more progressive system here in the Northeast, and from what I've seen this bill would weaken that system. Also, I don't like the opt-out privilege. It's stupid. If this bill were cleaned up somewhat, however, I'd support it in full.

The Contempt of Congress Act:

I'm OK with this. I think that the Senate should have access to whomever it wants to testify on its behalf, so as to get the best testimony possible, but a six-month voting ban seems a bit iffy, as it could vary a bit with regards to elections missed. On the fence.

More stuff later.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism)

Endorsed for Senate! :)

And what part of the Constitution does the act go against? I want something in the Constitution, Sam, not that "REGIONAL RIGHTS!!!1!ONE!!11!" bullsh**t.

See my question in the President's press conference. The bill serves no purpose whatsoever other than to expand the powers of the federal government.

Sam, it appears your beef with this is simply that it's the feds doing it.

Why? Why--this is one of the things I hate about libertarians--are you only opposed to things like gay marriage bans or funding for education if the federal government does it? And about the "wasting millions in start-up costs", wouldn't providing funding to the regions just be "wasting millions in funding to the regions"? It'll cost money any way you slice it.

I already endorsed a candidate, so this will be a very tough vote for me to cast.  Regardless, you will most definitely get a high preference from me. :)

My beef is that A.) it's an expansion of the federal government, B.) it's driving all organizations that don't accept student loans (including some religious institutions) into bankruptcy, and C.) it's a waste of money.

And implying that I'm only opposed to gay marriage bans if the federal government does it is fundamentally incorrect. As for the millions in start-up costs, those are the millions you'd have to pour into yet another new government bureaucracy instead of a pre-existing one (as currently exists in the regions).

1. I frankly don't see what's objectively bad about an expansion of the federal government. I doubt either of us will convince each other on that.

2. Well, they should accept student loans. I think that should happen.

3. It'll cost money any way you slice it; I just said that. It'll cost money even if we just give the regions the money.

The bit about gay marriage was just a part of my rant about libertarians. And not all libertarians, just regional-rights people.

1.) And I don't see how much good can come from expanding the federal government.

2.) Yes, but that's authoritarianism... "Change your beliefs or we'll slap you with a huge tax burden"?

3.) The point is that it'll cost more money if you do it on a federal level.

As for gay marriage... Gov. Johnson promotes having the federal government protecting the right to gay marriage in all states. Just saying.

How exactly would this "crowd out" regional universities? It's not like the funding for the national universities is taking away from the regional ones. It in fact increases funding to the regions by $2.5 billion.

And I believe that our students should have every opportunity available to them to get a decent, quality education.

How exactly would it do this? I don't see anything in the bill that takes away from the regions, unless you're referring to the 50% tax thing. And I don't see why creating a better system for residents of less educationally-focused regions is a bad thing.

About the nuclear proliferation thing, I think nuclear weapons should be banned, but on the other hand I don't think we should give the IAEA that much power. I think that we should focus on pressuring nations like Iran and North Korea, and if they don't cooperate we may need to take more decisive action.

That is absurd. If you reach any more than that, your arm will get disconnected.

I don't think regional boundaries should stand in the way of a good education. A small network of prestigious public universities that offer a more diverse and cultured education should be available within reasonable proximity no matter what region one resides in.

Are you implying that our current public universities are not "diverse" or "cultured"?

Hey, could you guys take this somewhere else?

I'd suggest here (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=159827.0).

I'm too lazy to actually write things without a prompt, so I'm opening an Ask Me Anything.

Yay! Ask me anything, except about the incident on February 29, 2012. Don't ask me about that.

Why do you like Coke? I thought the Labor Party hated big business?

We don't necessarily hate big business here in socialist la-la land. We just hate unbridled greed, which I don't think the Coca-Cola company has. If they do, I may have to reevaluate my drinking practices.

Also, it tastes good and I'm allowed to because I'm skinny.

Get out there and vote!

Also, no one asked me any questions.

The agony of defeat

Well, first off I'd like to congratulate the new Senator-elect, Mr. Franzl, and second off I'd like to thank Goldwater and JCL for running good campaigns, but also for receiving less votes than I. I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me, you guys are the best. We lost, but we probably gained something from the experience; I'll check with y'all later.

So, uh...thanks for everything.