The Planet Corporation

[The Duke]

Established 1921

Daily Planet Staff
News Editor- Perry White
Political Correspondent- Clark Kent
Political Correspondent- Dick Armstrong
Business Correspondent- Lois Lane
Foreign Correspondent- Jimmy Olsen
European Correspondent- Simone D'Neige
Style Section- Lola Barnett
Sports Section- Steve Lombard
Muckraker- Ron Troupe
Editorial Writer- Al Realpolitik
Editorial Writer- Akno21

[The Duke]

This thread is the home of the Planet Corportion, which owns The Daily Planet newspaper, the Weekly Planet newsmagazine, the Caulder Consultancies Company, the Planet Television Network, and the Planet News Network cable new channel.  It is the new GM thread for Fantasy Politics.  The Corporation will expand to cover other areas as desires arise to do so, and all citizens should check in every once in a while to keep up with events.

I'd like to request a sticky for this thread, and I'd like to request that folks keep the thread clean within reason.  You can post here if you think its important, but no chit chat.  Treat it like the register thread.  Thank you.

-John Douglas Ford
President and CEO of The Planet Corporation

[The Duke]

March 4, 2005

National Economy Stays Sluggish[/size]
Wall Street Anxiously Awaits Signs From New President

By Lois Lane[/b]

NEW YORK CITY--Investors, economists, and businesses are anxiously awaiting signals from Vice President-elect True Democrat on what his administration's economic policy will be.  Some believe he will take a more liberal direction, which is anathema to those here in Manhattan.

One unnamed analyst told our sources that, "If you expect anyone to buy stock right now, you're crazy."  He predicted that money would flow to bonds, T-Bills, commodities (mainly oil, which hovers near $42 per barrel, up from $39 a week ago), and gold, which spiked above $400 today.

This trend will continue as shaky investors, who mostly backed Mr. Kemp, shelter their money until they feel sure that the TD Administration will be friendly to business.

This unwariness has been seen generally in the economy for some time now, as GDP grew this quarter at a meager 1.7% pace.  As the nation recovers from the oil shock, war, and the China standoff, consumers and businesses alike hope for some kind of stimulation, which may not come as the projected deficit soars above $500 billion.  This may prompt the Senate and their new, more liberal President to push for higher taxes to combat the federal government's budget woes.

Inflation remains low, the CPI rose by an encouraging 1.9% pace this past quarter, and unemployment remains just below 6%.

Regions Face Financial Trouble [/size]
Pacific, Northeast In Worst Shape[/size]

By Clark Kent

SAN FRANCISCO--Atlasia's regions face financial problems heading into the new fiscal year.  All five regions face large deficits.

The worst offenders are the Northeast, thanks to fiscal disaster areas in New York and New Jersey, and the Pacific, where the California mess reverberates still.  Governor Andrew will have much work to do in his new job (Also his old job, actually).  In the Pacific, they have the advantage of a popular and experienced Governor, Wildcard, to address their account imbalance.

In the Mideast, the problems arise from a few states, mainly Illinois and Missouri, not balancing their books, but they are fortunate that their second largest state, Ohio, has no deficit projected for this year.

The best off of the regions are the Southeast, thanks to their two largest states, Texas and Florida, having their houses in order, and the Midwest, which has no large states to run up bigger deficits.  The winner of this weekend's Southeast Governor's race faces the easiest task of any of the nation's Governors, and that region's bond rating reflects this relative financial stability: It’s the highest in the nation.  Governor Verin also has a simple task of managing a small deficit, rather than having to cut back to reduce a major shortfall.

In some regions, cuts in spending or higher taxes will be the way out, in other regions, particularly the Southeast where problems are the least menacing, attempts to grow out of deficits could be the cure.  Ultimately, it will be up the Governors and Legislators, and to the people, to choose how concerned they are and what they will do about it.

Regional Deficits, as projected for this fiscal year (in millions)
Northeast      $11,700
Pacific            $9,700
Mideast         $6,700
Southeast     $3,800
Midwest        $1,900

Regional Deficits Per Capita
Northeast       $231
Pacific             $158
Mideast           $141
Midwest          $68
Southeast       $45

All Quiet on the Iraqi Front[/size]
Insurgency Too Weak To Challenge New Government[/size]

By Jimmy Olsen

BAGHDAD--In the wake of elections and the fall of the Sunni citadels, violence in Iraq continues to trend downward.  Two terms of hawkish Presidents and like-minded Defense chiefs have put the insurgents in a bind.

Denied the territory to operate, their supplies from Syria disrupted by US forces, and having lost legitimacy after elections and all the accompanying symbolism, it seems that the "quagmire" word has been shelved by observers for now.

"Ford really did a job on the insurgency," says John Pike of globalsecurity.org "they went after the strengths of the insurgents in a very aggressive way, not their weaknesses.  By neutralizing a lot of the strengths the insurgents had, they've effectively broken the insurgency."

The capital of Baghdad remains quiet, as does the south and north.  Scattered violence in the Sunni Triangle is all that remains.  A roadside bomb attack yesterday that killed three Marines was the first US casualties in a week, as Iraq is on the road to joining Afghanistan as a free nation.

In other good news, Election Day reports that an explosion involving sarin gas had occurred in Baghdad have been officially reported as false by the Iraqi government.  The false report had some observers worried that Election Day might see trouble, but the ultimate outcome is in fact, success.

[The Duke]

(Theme Music Plays)

Narrator: This is PBC Nightly News.  Live from New York City, your anchor, Perry White.

PW: Hello, and welcome to Planet Broadcasting Corporation Nightly News, I'm Perry White.  The top story tonight is the impending inauguration of President-elect True Democrat.  A relative unknown to those who don't follow politics regularly, TD has some government experience as a one term Senator and then as the Lt. Governor of the Northeast.  We have little to go on aside from his cabinet appointments to tell us how he'll govern.

So far his choices for that all-important cabinet are on track for easy approval from the Senate.  Of course, only one cabinet appointment in history has ever been rejected, and that was Mike Naso's nomination for Defense Secretary four months ago.

To discuss the new prospective cabinet is our political correspondent Clark Kent, who is in San Francisco covering the regional budget issue.  Clark.

CK: Thank you Perry.

PW: Let's start with Vice President, TD has chosen Alcon for the #2 spot, what was the reasoning behind this?

CK: I think the consensus was that choosing Alcon would give an olive branch to the Kemp people, a lot of whom took the election for granted until a week ago, that now they have someone in the administration who might be involved in decision making.  My experience actually is that Vice President is a pretty out of the loop job.  I think if you asked former Vice President Supersoulty, he'd tell you that.

PW:  And what about the cabinet itself.  What does this tell us about TD's governing priorities?

CK: Well, MHS is an interesting pick because he's never held office before, but we know he's a fairly cool headed moderate, and King is another well liked moderate although' he's held a number of posts in government and has distinguished himself at the Forum Affairs Department enough to warrant a renomination.  Then there's Cosmo Kramer, who was briefly the Southeast Magistrate.  We don't know a lot about him either, but we can see from these three picks, two Union members and one Freedom Party member, that this is a cabinet with a moderate direction to it.

There's also a surprisingly hawkish direction on the foreign policy side.  Jake as the Secretary of Defense, and Siege40, a self-described chicken hawk, are two guys who have tended to favor more defense spending and assertiveness in the war on terror.  That is probably something that we wouldn't have seen out of Lewis Trondheim had he taken office.

PW: And what about activity, will this cabinet overcome some of the activity issues that plagued previous governments?

CK: I think True Democrat needs them to.  PBrunsel and Gustaf were killed by inactive cabinet members, especially at Treasury.  People like MasterJedi and Ben who just never did anything, it was embarrassing for those men and it hurt them politically to be tied down by these blown appointments.

PW: You've been covering one other story for the Daily Planet for us, could you tell us a little about the regional budget issue.

CK: After a few tax and spending proposals got on and got through the ballot initiative process this election cycle, the budget issue has popped up on regional radar screens.  If the regions are going to spend money and levy taxes, they need to account for their spending and taxation to some extent.  Right now, the Northeast Region is in serious financial trouble, the Pacific and Mideast have some deficit issues as well.  My report does not cover the debts of the regions since a lot of that debt comes from bond issues and not imbalanced budgets, so the debt issue is a bit misleading.  The deficit issue matters a bit more for that reason.

The Pacific deficit is going to be revised upward about $200 million due to the MCS program and may reach the $10 billion mark.  The Southeast will almost certainly be revised downward because of the new excise taxes they levied this past election, and that's great for the folks in Memphis because their deficit was not a great concern to anyone to begin with.  Their house is very much in order.  The Midwest also is doing much better than the others in this regard.  But the regions have decided to spend and tax, and now they need to account for it on some level, even if it’s a very cursory budget.

PW: Clark Kent, in San Francisco, Capital of the Pacific Region.  Thank you Clark.

That's all the time for us here in New York.  Thank you all for tuning in, and good night.

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

WEST VIRGINIA-- Retired Senator Al Realpolitik has signed on to be a member of the Daily Planet's Editorial page.  Al has been Labor Secretary, Vice President, Senator, and head of the NUM labor union.  Other prominent ex-office holders have also been asked to join the Editorial Board, though no names have been released by news editor Perry White.  The objective is to have an editorial board that can sell newspapers by itself.

[The Duke]

*AD*

[/size]

Want your voice heard?  Want to be published?  Want to make a name for yourself in Atlasian politics?

Then submit and Editorial to the Daily Planet Editorial Board by PMing our CEO.  Only the best editorials will be selected from the general public.  If you're a candidate for office and want to make the case for your candidacy, a government official trying to sell a policy, a public figure defending themselves from accusations of scandal, or just a citizen with something to say, PM the CEO and try to get published on Atlasia's best editorial page!

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

WEST BRANCH, IOWA-- Former President PBrunsel has joined the Daily Planet's Editorial Board.  This is the second prominent ex-official to join the board.

[The Duke]

Daily Planet Weekend Edition, March 5-6, 2005

Pietas
Editorial
From the August 30, 2004 Edition of The Midgard Chronicle

By Niles Caulder

"Pietas" was the word the Romans used describing the personal sense of duty a citizen had for those who called him to service.

We live in interesting times here in Atlasia, and though things seem strange and bewildering, it's important to look back and remember the turbulent times that have passed before, and that in the end the nation endured through far more chaotic days.

In this stroll through Fantasy Election History, it's important to remember that President Nym90 didn't enjoy the grace that George Washington did as America's first president.  This Forum raked him over the coals for not magically making the Forum into a peaceful and organized Utopia with his own bare hands on an arbitrary schedule.

So it's not at all strange or new that President Gustaf came to endure the same crucifixion when creative energies hit a minor chord around here, for that's what the office of President is--a lightening rod of blame for when people need to discharge it the most.

From this observer's eye, the complaining and whining is not a constructive consensus of any kind.  Collectively, it's a moray of contradictory opinion save the fact that the President is the target of it.

And now there's a third portrait in the bulls eye...ride that leviathan, caballero.

Why do you suppose they go that extra mile to sit in the electric chair of blame that's only as hard to switch on as it is to speak a word?

A word comes to mind....

I think we should all go back to page 100 and start reviewing this Forum's History to get some perspective.  It's come a long a way since then, and some people gave more than just what was their own entertainment for the Forum's benefit.

It got to this greatly improved place because of the work set in motion by those who came before.  The things this Forum will enjoy in the future will still owe a great deal to the designs of Nym90 and Gustaf for having sat in the Big Chair a spell.  Much of JFK's finest moments to come won't be tangible until he's out of office as well.

So it may be worth keeping in mind by We the People of what it is that inspires these folks to work as our servants, and not merely "run for high title."

And a 'special word' of recognition regarding Gustaf's resignation; whatever he has that he feels he needs to explain, there is no questioning this fact:

He resigned to CONTINUE doing the best service to the Forum that he possibly could.  His devotion to this state is as sterling as ever, and for whatever he felt incapable of administering himself, he will get to share credit in its occurrence by humbly welcoming a new administration in to do it.

Today The Midgard Chronicle salutes Atlasia's prestigious lineage of Presidents--and the mysterious force that made them endure the honor.

And Good Luck to our new President.  Don't say we didn't warn you.

Niles Caulder was the founder of the Midgard Chronicle Newspaper


Point-Counterpoint
This Weekend’s Topic: Illegal Immigration

Point
By Bibbo Bibbowski

Illegal immigrants are hurting this country.  They take jobs from hard working Atlasians and it needs to stop.  The government needs to enforce our immigration laws and reassert our national sovereignty.  A nation that cannot control its borders is hardly a nation at all.

These immigrants come in and take our jobs, working for lower wages than Americans and working longer hours than Americans will work.  Big Businesses like LexCorp love this, they get cheap labor right here at home and don’t even need to move factories to foreign countries; they just bring the cheap labor here.

Why, just the other day, a friend of mine was assaulted in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart by a group of illegal immigrants who stole his job right there.  They had hidden behind a car and jumped him when he least suspected it.  Now, he’s unemployed.  It’s terrible.  You hear stories like this all to often.  I myself was once accosted by a Puerto Rican who threatened to “cut me” if I didn’t give him my job.  Hey, pal, this is my country, I was here first!

I urge the our government to do something about this problem before hard working Atlasians like me (Well, maybe not hard working, but I put out just enough effort to keep from getting fired, and that’s something.) lose more of our jobs.

Mr. Bibbowski is a sea captain by trade.
 
Counter-Point
By Dr. Emil Hamilton

I believe “illegal” immigration is beneficial to Atlasia.  An infusion of new citizens renews our democracy with each arrival.  These people have crossed sweltering deserts and choppy seas to come here, and they’re as American as any of us.  Unlike many of us, they don’t take their newfound freedom for granted.  They take low end jobs that no American wants, and contribute to our economy with their tremendous work ethic.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to support “illegal” immigration is that we can use these people for scientific experiments.  Illegal immigrants don’t speak good English, so they’ll sign any waiver form you put in front of them.  It’s great!  Right here at S.T.A.R. Labs, we are conducting several experiments on illegal immigrants that we’d never get away with on a real citizen.

We used to experiment on animals, but then those punks at PETA shut that down.  Lousy hippies.  So now, we use illegal immigrants for our experiments.  Since they mostly have no family here, no one notices they’re missing.  The cops could care less, because the person doesn’t have any friends to report that they’re missing.

For the sake of science, I urge the government to keep this flow of immigrants coming and I’ll keep those no-rubs lipsticks coming!

Dr. Hamilton is General Director of S.T.A.R. Labs. And a two-time winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics.

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

MEMPHIS--Final tally for SE Governor's race shows a 10-10 tie after one vvote was discounted on technical grounds.  Runoff in progress.

NYMAN--Final tally for Senate races shows Nym90 to have won unanimous victory for Senate in D3, D2 ends in a 6-6 tie, runoff is scheduled soon.

[The Duke]

March 8, 2005

Braniac Attacks Our Server![/size]
Superman Saves Day, Scores With Lois Lane

By Clark Kent[/b]

NYMAN--The server that makes Atlasia possible was attacked on Sunday by the supervillain Braniac.  The demoinc Braniac sought to capture the knowledge of Atlasia's history, hoping to fulfill his self appointed mission of destroying all the planets of the galaxy after consuming all knowledge about those planets.  It seems what Braniac was most interested in was the quotes left here by PD and Migrendel.

The day was saved when Superman defeated Braniac in a climactic struggle.  Braniac has since left planet Earth, having failed to gain his objective.

During the struggle, Lois Lane was somehow knocked off a tall building, but she was caught out of mid-air at the last second by me, err, I mean Superman because I'm not Superman, and it would be silly to suggest any such thing because I'm not him at all I just misspoke there.

Afterwards, Superman scored big time with Lois Lane.  Oh yeah.

[The Duke]

March 10, 2005

Spate of Bills Debated by Senate[/size]
Bills Cover Wages, Hi Tech, Children's Rights

By Clark Kent[/b]

NYMAN--This week, the Senate began the debate on a flood of bills reintroduced by Senate President Pro Tem Gabu (I-UT) from the last Seante session.

Up for debate are the Protection of Children Act (Renamed the Anti Opebo Act) originally introduced by former Senator Siege40 (UL-ME), former Senator John Ford's DDT Reintroduction Act which legalizes the export of DDT and his Water Technology Act which provides money for desalination research, and former Senator Nym90's The Fair Wage and Community Revitalization Act which raises the minimum wage and creates "Rennaissance Zones" that hope to attract businesses to inner cities.

The Fair Wage and Community Revitalization Act has come under fierce debate, and its final form is yet to be determined by some proposed amendments.  The DDT Reintroduction Act has five votes in favor and none against with one abstention, and seems poised to pass.

Neither the Water Technology Act nor the Protection of Children Act have come up for a vote yet.  The Protection of Children Act is expected to pass by most observers.  The Water Technology Act is also expected to pass, though it has come under heavy fire from some quarters for an alleged regional bias towards the southwest.  The President has announced his support for the Water Technology Act, which is his first official legislative stand since becoming President.

Strife in Lebanon Continues[/size]
New Administration Formulates Policy

By Jimmy Olsen[/b]

BEIRUT--Another day of dueling protests, as anti-Syrian civilians march against the occupation of that country by the Syrian military while pro-Syrian counterparts, widely assumed to be stooges, hold counter demonstrations.

The US policy appears to be best represented by the Secretary of State, who has called for new elections with international monitors to ensure validity.  There is no hint from the Pentagon that any military options are on the table, so it appears that Foggy Bottom will take the lead on Lebanon policy for now.  The US response, while quietly under the radar of domestic media, has been recieved warmly aborad among traditional European allies as well as Middle Eastern moderate regimes.

With Afghani, Iraqi, and Palestinian elections already in the last six months, and Egyptian and Saudi election scheduled for later this year, US policymakers are cautiously optimistic about the region.  From diminished violence in Iraq, possibilities for negotiations in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, to the rise of democratic institutions in the region, the view of the region, at least from Beirut, is decidedly optimistic.

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

MEMPHIS--Early returns on SE Governor's race show 10-7 lead for former Senator and VP Harry Nelson over his opponent, Zebulon Vance.

[The Duke]

Good Morning Atlasia

[/size]

Happy Morning Music Plays, Probably Some Stupid Pop Song

Angela Chen is on screen, sitting in an arm chair surrounding by houseplants.  Behind her is a glass wall where we can see bystanders waving stupidly to the camera

Angela Chen: Hello, and welcome to Hollywood, California, home of Good Morning Atlasia.  It's a beutiful morning here in California, light rains yesterday cleared the sut right out of our sky, and now the sun is shining brightly.

Our top story this morning is some not so good news from the Middle East.

Syrian officials have sternly rebuffed the proposal by Secretary of State Siege40 to allow international observers to cover the next Lebanese election.  Lebanon's President, Emile Lahoud, also objected to the Atlasian proposal.

Go to Video, Lahoud behind a podium speaking

Lahoud: The Atlasian proposal is not necessary.  We as Lebanese can handle our own elections, thank you.  As President Putin has pointed out, perhaps Atlasia should learn how to hold proper elections in its own country before demanding things of others.

Back to Angela

Angela Chen: President Lahoud then went on to describe the election fiasco from D3 last cycle, and then spent 45 minutes insulting Mike Naso, drawing raucous laughter from the international media.

We now go to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, with our Financial Correspondent, Lois Lane.  Lois, you have some news for us.

Lois Lane: (From the floor of the exchange, speaking loudly so as to be heard) Yes, Angela, its shaping up to be a good trading day as the DOW has climbed back above 10,000 points for the first time since the China standoff drove it below that mark.  Early trading has the DOW at 10,047 right now.  The NASDAQ and the S&P are also performing well.

Angela Chen: Lois, what's the reason for this shift?

Lois Lane: Well, part of it is that the China standoff simply drove stocks below their actual value, there was a lot of value to be found after that and stocks and bonds have both gone up finally reaching above the 10,000 point milestone.  Also, the laid back pace of the True Democrat administration has a lot of Wall Street types assuming that he won't interfere with the economy too much.  Petrochemicals are doing especially well today, many of them making double digit gains in percentages thanks to the change the President signed yesterday allowing the export of DDT.

Angela Chen: Lois Lane from New York, thank you Lois.

We'll be right back on the PBC Network with more Good Morning Atlasia after this message.

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

NYMAN-- The Sierra Club has scheduled a protest in Nyman, DC to protest President True Democrat's signing of the DDT Reintroduction Act.  The protest will take place this Sunday on the Nyman Mall.

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

NYMAN-- Senator Hughento will be undertaking a Seante fact finding mission to Australia.  His aim is to meet with Australian officials and discuss how best to coordinate anti-terrorism efforts in southeast Asia with our allies.  The trip will last from Tuesday of next week until Friday of next week.

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

NYMAN-- DDT Reintroduction Bill has been signed into law.  Water Technology Act has secured enough votes for passage, and will soon be signed into law.  Protection of Children Act has secured passage and presumably will be signed into law.

[The Duke]

Daily Planet Weekend Edition, March 12-13, 2005

Action Needed on Crime[/b]
Editorial

By Al

The other day a man was shot dead in broad daylight in front of a police station in Keyser, West Virginia.

Naturally he was arrested but to the horror of the community, they had to let him go.
Why?  Because, as crazy as this may seem, crime is not actually against the law in Atlasia.

Think about that for a moment.  There is not a single law on the statute books to do with crime and Atlasia has no tradition of common law.  This means that not only is the Keyser killer a free man (albeit one in hiding from a mob of angry citizens), a man who has conspired to commit murder, sexually assaulted a minor, and gone grave robbing with the intent of committing fraud, is a Senator.

And a man with a similar track record (you can add inciting racial hatred and impersonation to the list) has a good chance at getting elected Senator in a special election.

And another man who admitted committing some of the most disgusting electoral fraud ever seen in Atlasia has never suffered any punishment for his crimes because there is no way of punishing him.

Why on earth is this the case?  Put simply, the Senate has always had other priorities, there has never been any backing from the Executive for legislation on crime and (I say this from personal experience) the legislative process is very slow, and until recently was even slower.  There has also never been any real incentive for action on crime... until now.  With the election to the Senate of a man who would be behind bars if we had a criminal justice system, I feel, as I am sure do all other reasonable people that if the new Administration and the new Senate get just one thing done, it should be correcting this shoddy state of affairs.

Criminals belong in jail.  They should not be walking free in our streets, our towns, our cities... or our Senate.

Al is a Senior Member of the Daily Planet's Editorial Board

Point-Counterpoint
This Weekend’s Topic: Superman's True Identity

Point
By Metallo[/b]

I know the truth about Superman.  His secret identity that it.  His secret identity is none other than Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet!

Think about it, have you ever seen them together?  In the same room at the same time?  Of course not.  Because they're the same person!

How did I come to this realization?  In my last epic battle with Superman, I had the savior of Metropolis beaten.  While he was down, I picked his wallet, hoping to steal a few bucks so I could celebrate my triumph with a meal at Chili's, my favorite chain restaurant.  When I looked inside, I found that he had Mr. Kent's driver's license!

Either Superman picked Kent's pocket, or he in fact IS Clark Kent.  I believe it to e the latter.

Metallo is a supervillain who had a cybernetic endoskeleton installed in his body to give him super strength.

Counterpoint
By Perry White

That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.  That’s so stupid, you should just change your name to Stupid McStupid, because you're obviously stupid if you think that.

For starters, Clark Kent wears glasses and Superman doesn't.  So Kent can't be Superman because if he went flying without glasses, he'd run into buildings.  And don't give that contact lens line; Superman has X-Ray vision, why would he need vision aids at all?  See now why I say you're stupid, Mr. McStupid?

Furthermore, Clark Kent is a chicken.  I don't mean to disparage the man, but he is.  Every time there's danger, he runs away.  And every time there's danger, Superman shows up.  So Kent leaves and Superman immediately shows up every time.  Does that sound to you like they're the same person?  You never see the in the same room together because Kent is a coward and Superman is brave.  Duh.

Maybe they gave you a metal brain with that endoskeleton, because you say some stupid stuff.

Perry White is the News Editor at PBC News and host of PBC News Tonight.

[The Duke]

Daily Planet, March 14, 2005

The End of The Party?
Editorial

By PBrunsel[/b]

“I’m not a member of an organized party, I'm a Democrat,” humorist Will Rogers joked after the 1924 Democratic Convention. This same idea can be related to the current Democratic Party of Atlasia. Is this old party going down a dying route? I feel that the Party of Jackson, Polk, Roosevelt, and Johnson is imploding and may die. The Democratic Party is going to die because of lack of big name members, lack of active members or too many inactives, and the horrible effects of GirlGoneWildgate.

Now my first point, the Democrats have lost any big name members. They hold no cards in government anymore, and have lost their founding fathers. The first Democratic Ticket was Nym90/Harry, as we all know, they took that election, given it was by one vote. Both these members, seen as “Grandfathers” of the Democratic Party, have up and quite their organization and have headed off to other liberal bastions, respectfully the Independent Liberal and Farmer Labor Parties. The loss of their greatest member, Fritz of Minnesota, was the death knell for their party. Fritz was seen as a man who glowed with the light of integrity, but since he has left our forum, the Democrats have continued downhill and now live in their sorry state. The loss of any one big name member hurts any party, but the loss of all is a fatal blow.

My second point is the Democrats lack of active members or the paper trail they have of inactive members.  As the last election showed, the Democrats have enough innactives they collect by an immoral and sinister GOTV Effort to nearly secure the election. This may help the Democrats on Election Day, but it has hurt their standing on all other days of the year. As the votes of inactive Democrats gave victory to Lewis Trondheim last February, the Democrats could continue this vile pattern and win elections. Only one problem with this, they are out of active members. Josh, the failed District 1 nominee, is their most noticeable and active member now, and he has not been in Atlasia for any long period of time. Without the help Nym90, Harry, and Akno21, how will the Democrats organize and execute their “get the innactives to vote” plan. Without the help from innactives the Democrats, at least in my opinion, will fail to win another election. They may even fail to have enough active members to constitute a candidate for the Midterms. The number of innactives and lack of active members will do the Donkey in.

Finally we get to the seedy part of my editorial, my third point is the Democrats will not recover from the horrible effects of Atlasia’s greatest scandal, GirlGoneWildgate. As the former Senator IrishDemocrat so nobly resigned his seat, it was uncovered, with thanks, in some part, to the work of members of the Teamspeak PAC, that former Senator and respected Atlasian Akno21 knew about the voter fraud, yet failed to tell anyone. The resulting scandal has ruined the Democratic Party as a whole. As former Senator Al stated, “[The Democratic Party is dying] scandal after scandal is killing it. Like water torture.” Much like the analogy the former Senator brought up, the water’s of scandal keep filling up the room as the Democrat stands there and is taking it all in. Scandal has become the calling card of the Democratic Party, and they are no Teflon party.

The party that once controlled the Presidency and the Senate, the Democratic Party of Atlasia, is going to die. I wager by Midterms it will be too weak to even run candidates. A nation can take only so much scandal from a single party, and the Party of Boss Tweed is living up to what it’s former Chairman would have expected. For the three reasons of the loss of big name members, too few active and too many inactive members, and the scarring effects of GirlGoneWildgate I feel the party is going to end without a happy ending.

PBrunsel is a Senior Member of the Daily Planet's Editorial Board

[The Duke]

Daily Planet, March 16, 2005

Happy Birthday[/size]
To An Old Friend

By John D. Ford[/b]

LOS ANGELES-- Tomorrow is the birthday of one Niles Caulder, founder of what used to be his media empire.  When he took the job as CEO of Midgard, I was unsteady.  He was relatively new, and he had not held any positions of prominence before taking over the company.  He quickly showed me that he was a wonderful businessman and a good friend.  He has been ill for some time now, living on his private island in the Virgin Islands for some time now, and we have not heard from him since early December.

Niles Caulder let us know he'd be gone a while, but did pledge a return.  I for one hope he makes good on that pledge.

Budget Woes In Nyman, Too[/size]
Senate Debates Budget

By Clark Kent[/b]

NYMAN-- Not just the regions, but the Federal Government are facing pressure to document their income and expenditures.  Senator Sam Spade (U-LA) has taken the initiative to introduce a budget.  The last budget, that of Fmr. Senator Bono (R-NH) failed amidst charges that spending cuts were too steep.  Spade's budget promises to be more of a complete accounting than an imposition of conservative (or liberal) ideology.

President TrueDem has not submitted a competing budget.  This indicates that he is leaving the budget process to the legislature.  The President's decision is a continuation of a pattern of inactivity that has left some voters scratching their heads.  It seems unlikely that TrueDem could be persuaded by negative public reaction, as he has indicated no intention of running for a second term.  No President has served more than one term, and only one has even sought re-election (Nym90).

The regional budget issue has progressed in the last few weeks.  A Pacific legislature bill putting a regional tax structure in place seems assured of passage.  Northeast Governor Andrew has hurriedly put together a region-wide tax proposal of his own.  Midwest Governor ILV has formed a budget commission to examine budget issues.  Southeast Governor Harry has not settled comfortably into his office just yet, and has no proposal for this reason.  Mideast Governor Peter Bell has pledged to "ignore" the budget question.  This continues a long tradition of Mideast Governors who have refused to follow the other regions and instead go their own way (NickG declined to write a Contitution).  The Mideast's bond rating fell on the news that the Governor would not attempt to put a budget together.

Atlasia and Syria At War[/size]
A War Of Words, That Is

By Jimmy Olsen[/b]

BEIRUT-- You didn't really think this would be at the bottom of the page if it were a real war, did you?  Below a birthday note even?

Secretary of State Siege40 last week threatened "forceful diplomatic and military action" against Syria if they refuse to accept Atlasian requests for international monitors for Lebanese elections.  Syria has informally agreed to withdraw its 17,000 troops from Lebanon, though on its own timetable, and to allow new elections, though without monitors.  The US wants clear timetables and international, probably UN, monitors.

This vague threat was in response to Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, widely viewed as a Syrian puppet, that Atlasia should perfect its own democracy before demanding it of others.

Lahoud responded through his spokesman, who called the American threats "empty".  It is not clear what the Secretary meant by "diplomatic" action.  Perhaps recalling the US Ambassador may on deck.  The reference to "military" action is more cryptic, since it is not clear what kind of action would be used, or what it would target, or why such a threat was issued so early in this process.

[The Duke]

Daily Planet, March 17, 2005

North Korea Insults President[/size]
"President Is Human Scum" Says Pyongyang

By Jimmy Olsen[/b]

PYONGYANG-- The leadership of North Korea today called President True Democrat "Human Scum", signalling that True Democrat is now fully accepted by the world community as Atlasia's leader.  After a controversial series of events installed the relative unkown to the land's highest office, some in the White House worried that the North Korean government would never acknowledge them with outrageous, over the top statements like this.  But the White House was thrilled today at the great honor bestowed on them by Pyongyang.

Pyongyang's press release includes many incendiary and irrational statements including: "This false President is a tyrant, a piece of human scum the likes of which the world has never before seen.  We will cast this dwarf into a sea of fire, from which there is no escape." and "We will incinerate the imperialists and the cohorts if threatened, for they are nothing, and are not even human but more like pig-dogs."

"We're so happy, there's just no words for it.  After all we've been through since getting here, to have this kind of stamp of approval means so much to this administration." Said an unnamed White House source.  "You're not really the leader of the free world until North Korea calls you names and threatens to cast you into a sea of fire."

Also subject to the North Korean media were Secretary fo State Siege40, "His life is not worth the scum that accumulates on the surface of a pond.".  Defense Secretary Jake was derided as, "The maniac butcher, and pawn of the neoconservatives.  His bloodlust is unmatched in the annals of human history."  While neither man could be reached for comment, both are said to be relieved at recieving North Korea's stamp of approval.

The North Korean press release closed with the words "True Democrat's mindless and deranged opposition to our policies of famine and pestilence is the root cause of the decadence of America, and why you will all be crushed under out boots."

Six party talks regarding North Korea's nuclear program are said to be progressing well.  "We're happy with the progress we're making." said a State Department spokesman, " 'Crushed under our boots.'   God, those guys are hilarious."

[The Duke]

Midgard Wire Service

LOS ANGELES-- In spite of suffering laryngitis the last two days, Planet CEO John Ford is said to be having a "great hair day", but the "its a damn shame to have it wasted on a day he can't do much with it."  Planet stock rose a full point on the news of Ford's hair looking damn good, even under duress.

[The Duke]

Daily Planet Weekend Edition, March 19-20, 2005

Point-Counterpoint
This Weekend’s Topic: Was the war for oil?

Point
By Dr. Donovan Cardy[/b]

As an employee of LexCorp, I am hesitant to speak out.  But as an expert on petroleum and other fossil fuels, I have to speak out.  I believe the war in Iraq was for oil, and that LexCorp has directly profited from this war.

Everyone knows that Iraq had large oil reserves and that the US needs to secure supplies of oil.  In the absence of large stockpiles of WMD to justify President Bush’s claims for war, I have to conclude that the war was fought to secure oil supplies.

Everyone also knows that LexCorp is neck deep in the energy industry, generating billions of dollars in no-bid government contracts and profiteering off of the high oil prices, now exceeding $50 a barrel.

Its time we stood up and said, not in our name will you wage war for power and profit!

Dr. Cardy is an expert in the study of fossil fuels and of Aquaman

Counter-Point
By Lex Luthor

You’re Fired.

Lex Luthor is the CEO of LexCorp

[The Duke]

Daily Planet, March 22, 2005

US Steps Up Lebanon Policy[/size]
Palms Sweating In Damascus

By Jimmy Olsen[/b]

As the situation in Lebanon drags on, US policy becomes stiffer.  The Senate has passed, and the President has signed, the Promotion of Democracy Act which allocates $10 million for the pro-democracy forces in Lebanon and demands Syrian compliance with international law.  Syria has 10,000 troops stationed indefinitely in the country, but has pulled or begun to pull 6,000 troops out.

In Lebanon itself, pro-Syria forces have walked out on negotiations with pro-Democracy forces after the two sides failed to agree on terms for a settlement.  The pro-Democracy forces want international inspectors and a UN invstigation into the assasination of Rafiq Hariri (which it is presumed will blame Syrain intelligence).  Pro-Syrian forces would not agree to either demand, and also rebuffed US demands for international inspectors.

Some believe Syria is simply working on its own timetable for withdrawal and elections.  Most observers are not so positive, and think the impasse could delay or cancel elections entirely.

$50 Dollar Oil[/size]
Worries of Inflation Arise, as Permanence of High Oil Sinks In

By Lois Lane[/b]

Most oil experts think high oil prices are here to stay.  Some think prices could hit $80 a barrel soon.  While last year's energy bill has eased the burden by, according to some estimates, cutting gasoline costs by 15 cents per gallon, the rising world price of crude oil is simply outsrippng anyone's ability to counteract.

While oil prices, adjusted for inflation, are not as high as they were n the 1970s, that isn't saying much.  The 1970s was a national economic crisis.  This new wave of high oil prices may not be to that scale, but it is certainly hampering profits, raising costs to doing business, hurting consumer's pocketbooks, and could contribute to supply shock inflation.  And the worst part for policymakers is that no one is suggesting any quick fix solutions.

[The Duke]

Daily Planet, March 25, 2005

Budget Issue Nearly Resolved[/size]
Federal Government Set To Vote On Nearly Complete Budget

By Clark kent[/b]

NYMAN-- The Senate has nearly completed a budget, and could have a completed proposal by month's end.  Doing the legwork on the budget is fast rising political star Sentor Sam Spade (U-LA).  Senator Spade defeated fmr. Sen. StatesRights to earn his seat, succeeded htmldon as Union Party Chairman, and now has begun to establish a reputation as a good legislator.

The Beltway is abuzz with the news of the Senator's fast rise to prominence.

Also abuzz is a pending ruling from the OMB on what the exact nature of the budget deficit will be.  Estimates of the final figure range from the $300 billion range up to the $500 billion range, and the final number will depend on an OMB report due this afternoon on outstanding reciepts.

"FarenheitNaso" Getting Buzz[/size]
Documentary About Controversial Senator Could Be A Hit

By Angela Chen[/b]

HOLLYWOOD-- This weekend, Kingmax Films and Planet studios release their first film production, 'FaranheitNaso'.  The documentary chronicles the Naso campaign, and how his plans to cut taxes for only D3 would affect the country.

The film is riveting in its description of how voters were intimidated and then bused to the polls.  The already embattled Senator Chief of Staff Mike Naso, who has seen his approval drops into the teens and twenties, will only be further hurt by this scathing documentary.

Now, some of the facts in the movie may be a bit off, like the claims that Mike Naso peed himself three times in one day (Richard Clarke now admits Naso only peed himself once that day) but the central point of this wonderful documentary remains intact.  As the title suggests, this movie is H-O-T!

The "Popular" Vote
Editorial

By PBrunsel[/b]

In Atlasia we have had four Presidential elections , and each has been determined not by issues alone, but by popularity. It is popularity that elects a candidate. You can have the issues, the experience, the organization, but popularity works wonders in a campaign. As a former President I can tell you that it is a real “popular” vote when we look at our chief executive and the greatest race in our nation, the national campaign for the President’s Chair.

As we go back through our history we can see through all our campaigns that popularity has been the true elect able idea for all individuals. Nym90, elected on popularity in a party line vote. Yet our first election had a few issues when it came to the final vote. As the vote of bullmoose88 gave Nym90 a victory, that vote would be one of the few based on ideas in our Presidential race.

Gustaf’s win in June is the best example of popularity playing the major part in a Presidential race. The UAC, a great fad of the Spring of ‘04, was at it’s peak when they nominated everyone’s favorite guy Gustaf for President. No one could say they didn’t like Gustaf [with the exception of Apostle] and he could have won any popularity contest he was put in to. So why not the biggest popularity contest of all, the Presidential Race? The UAC won a popularity contest, but also Nym90 won an unpopularity contest that June weekend. The much demonized President was maligned by all sides, and with three right wingers in the race he was the obvious attack. Gustaf,. as he would show, was a popular guy who could win an election, and he would resign his post as President. But when he resigned he was amazingly popular.

In my run for President I played the popularity card to full tilt. Governor Ilikeverin stated I was the “Ronald Reagan of Atlasia” and I was assured that I could win because everyone liked me. This is the truth. A divided center helped too, but in a race between controversial politicians [Al, hughento, and Harry] and myself, I came out reeking of popularity. I defeated StatesRights in the GOP Primary in August 2004  because I had a liberal and moderate base, but also because I was more popular than States. I could be a Conservative and be well liked by all, but my popularity would take a nose dive during my Presidency.

In December 2004 the popular thing to do was jump on the KEmperor Band Wagon. My administration was at the lowest popular point of my entire ordeal in office, and most Republicans turned coat and jumped shipped, because it was popular. KEmperor was the man of the hour, voted “Most Popular” in voter’s minds, and even on Teamspeak [one of the few times I was on] there was a discussion of who would be in President KEmp’s Cabinet. Indeed, it looked like KEmperor would run the Brunsel Administration out of Nyman, fly the flag of “Centrism”, and save a cat in a tree while doing it. President Brunsel chose not to run again, and popularity won the day again.

But what is this? Another popular man enters the race, Lewis Trondheim. In one, well two, short elections, KEmperor was reduced from conquering hero to defeated novice. Why is this? Lewis was popular enough to not alienate all but Democratic voters, and a notorious GOTV scheme helped too. So once again, a presidential race decided by popularity.

In politics it’s not what you are, but what people think you are, that counts. You don’t have to be a leader to get elected, you need to be popular. Our Presidents have all been popular men, and all after will be. Only a popular guy can win a popular vote, and this means that no person can ever loose the “popular” vote in Atlasia.

PBrunsel is a Senior Member of the Daily Planet's Editorial Board

[The Duke]

Daily Planet, March 28, 2005

Interest Groups Popping Up[/size]
Pro-Life, Pro-Gun Groups Emerge

By Clark Kent[/b]

NYMAN-- Atlasia politics has seen a series of interest groups over the years, and now two more have emerged.

The Right To Life League has re-emerged, under the leadership of the Planet's own PBrunsel and the National Rifle Association has formed under the Leadership of Senator Sam Spade (U-LA).  The strong conservative tilt of the groups points to a reorganization of conservative political forces in the wake of their most painful election cycle defeat ever.

"Naso" Documentary Tops Box[/size]
Political Film Burns Up Competition

By Angela Chen[/b]

HOLLYWOOD-- "FarenheitNaso", the hard hitting political documentary chronicling the rise of Senator Mike "Floydbuster" Naso has topped the Box Office this weekend.  The film earned $14.8 million its opening weekend, the second best total ever by a documentary.  Already, there is an Oscar buzz around the Film for Best Documentary.

The black/white comedy "Guess Who" came in second with over $8 million.  "Ms Congeniality 2" and "The Ring 2" both earned about $5.5 million.

In related news, Naso's WikiPedia article has apparently disappeared.