Marokai for Senate: Doin' stuff.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Hi! I'm running for at-large Senate!

Around these parts I'm an old guy, I guess, but let's get the basics out of the way: I've been part of left-wing parties, right wing parties. Parties that had a lot of electoral success and parties that went nowhere. I've passed lots of legislation in the past and proposed all kinds of others, not to mention that Constitution thing I helped write; for some reason I actually enjoy the work.

Atlasia never seems to change dramatically, but things are still usually in some sort of state of motion. This at-large race could be fun for all involved, and a dramatic election is the sort of election Atlasia needs much more of lately. So, here I am, participating for the hell of it. Maybe I'll win, maybe I won't! I probably won't! But if nothing else I can get in touch with this old Atlasian addiction. I've been in touch with Atlasia for too long to not throw my hat in a race every now and then.

[Marokai Backbeat]

As someone who's been around since you started in the Senate, I must say, you've arguably been the best Senator Atlasia has had.

Oh psshaw, don't make me blush.

Where do you stand on foreign policy in general?

Yes, I know that is probably the vaguest question ever, but, say, on Libya and Syria for instance.

I'm not a fan of large military excursions or aid in the form of weapons. The latter tends to lead to messy circumstances where we're funding two people fighting against each other. I'm not opposed to narrow, short lengthed operations like Libya, though I don't want to make a habit out of that.

In general (a terrible way to answer a vague question like that, but hey) I don't like sticking our nose where it doesn't belong and like keeping to ourselves. But smaller foreign excursions need to be evaluated on a case by case basis, not reflexively rejected.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Why are you running, Marokai?

As usual with such things, a devil whispers over my shoulder that I should consider it, and then I can't get it out of my mind.

In general I think that this Senate hasn't really tried bringing themselves together to discuss bigger issues than their pet causes. The flurry of Amendments that don't really matter, or are outright silly (like the Supreme Court stuff) make it seem like the Senators aren't really communicating with each other to do anything. There need to be more lightning rods in the Senate's consideration that actually grab most Senators' attention.

I agree with this analysis. One of the drawbacks of dissolving the two party system has been that, instead of stronger and more ideological parties, we have a structure that has no leadership and Senators run around like chickens with their heads cut off. Do you think you can help reverse this trend? And, what do you think the Senate can do to focus on policies that matter instead of whatever inane subject was introduced first? I've tried to address this in the past with little success.

It's difficult to think of a small solution to a systemic problem like that. Perhaps the frequency of elections is to blame, really. The import of parties has been reduced and something that I hesitate to call "chaos" has sort of ensued in it's wake. I had hoped the system would reform into something civilized but things are a bit hairy around here lately.

Truthfully something like that is going to take a bit more reflection, there really is no easy answer. I do think, at least, the problem isn't with the Senate, just how our party infrastructure is working right now, which is to say, there isn't much of it.

[Marokai Backbeat]

What is your opinion of the values and aims of Mustafinism-Komovism? What is your opinion of Aliya Mustafina, Viktoria Komova and Maria Paseka? Your answers will determine if I offer you a preference.

[Marokai Backbeat]

So, now that the election is over, I somehow ended up coming in first? How!

When I decided to run, I did at someone else's urging, and to be honest, I didn't expect to win, mainly because I didn't want to make this too serious and stressful of an experience on myself. In fact, I didn't send out a single PM urging anyone to vote me right now or else!!

I received enough support to make me the first elected Senator of the election counts, and I didn't have to annoy people to death, and I didn't have to remind people I existed, and I didn't have to pester inactive types and guide them through the process, like some; I just had to rely on people who were active and who liked me and who enjoy being a part of Atlasia and hope that was enough. Somehow, it was.

The fact that I didn't have to send a single PM telling someone to vote for me, is perhaps the most flattering thing I've experienced in Atlasia, more than holding any single one of the positions I've ever held, and honestly, you guys can't possibly know how much it means to me to be voted for purely on my own merits, purely on my own reputation.

Seriously, to everyone who voted for me, thank you.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Just swore in, at last.

Once again, I thank you all for giving me the opportunity. I've proposed by first line of legislation that you're free to look at and comment on, with a handful of other ideas still scribbled down on paper I've yet to draft. But I promise, I will.

Thanks everyone!

[Marokai Backbeat]

You just reminded anyone who forgot that you're a fantastic Senator.

Thank you for taking my suggestion for late-term abortions! It's nice to see legislators try and represent all of their constituents, not just those closest to them ideologically.

Thanks, Tmth. I'm happy to do so.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Indeed. Fixed that. Thanks for pointing it out!

[Marokai Backbeat]

We should go over some of these before the Senate debates them.

Trying to block my agenda!

[Marokai Backbeat]

Oh neat! I'll go take a look at the recent healthcare law then.

As for the traffic bill, wouldn't it be fun to pass it and give the court some work, though?