Senate Protest and Analysis Thread

[Redalgo]

Your objections are duly noted. However, at the time I drafted the resolution in question I could not scheme up a more effective method of obstructing Atlasian efforts to partake in unjust wars, prop up regimes with dubious human rights records, or seek terms of trade with other nations that are exploitative of other peoples by their very nature without resorting to a constitutional amendment - which would almost surely fail to succeed.

I do welcome any suggestions on how to achieve the ends of my legislation via more efficient and/or less dangerous means, but in the meanwhile I'll be inclined to lean toward a Madisonian rationale that it is better for our government to be inefficient and gridlocked than for it to enact measures crafted to suit the selfish ends of a potent (in this case realist/nationalist) political faction that has accumulated a dangerous measure of influence.

The GNR clearly has flaws and weaknesses. I am willing to amend it myself prior to its introduction on the floor of the Senate if ya'll speak up and give me something cleverer to work with.

[Redalgo]

As a general rule, my focus is on moving toward a vision for the future rather than on the here and now - on reacting to problems which have already emerged. Preventing an abuse of power before the factions to hypothetically be responsible have mustered their strength is important to me. To answer your question, however, I suspect the half of the Senate in support of the Atlasia-Israel Defense and Security Cooperation Treaty could eventually develop into such a threat, and it's no secret that I have some degree of distrust for neo-realists when it comes to foreign policy.

[Redalgo]

The third modification is the one that is most disturbing. It modifies the explusion procedures in a way that would allow the the overwhelming majority of the Senate to gang up on and exterminate a lone wolf member. Currently, the expulsion procedures are shackled merely to an issue of competence only, that of innactivity. To expand it to a more vague standard with a possibly easy to manipulate procedure would be in my opinion, the greatest of mistakes. The voters determine who represents them and what views they have, not the oppressive tyranny of a majority seeking to silence opposition and dissent in what is supposed to be our "Great Deliberative Body".

Having considered this objection at greater length, I have reached a conclusion that this part of the resolution is excessively heavy-handed and carries with it a risk of unraveling the pluralistic nature of the federal government's legislative branch. The resolution shall be edited immediately to remove the provision in question. My thanks go out to Yankee for recognizing and bringing to my attention the potential for unintended abuses. 

Judging by the legislation you have introduced so far, Senator, you are much more dangerous to the continued existence of Atlasia as we know it than any such bloc. The Internationale? Changing our flag to some kind of socialist propaganda? Really?

What business does a left wing representative have seeking office if they are uncommitted to an agenda for replacing the established order with one which is new and improved? Yes - that does make me very dangerous indeed from the perspective of those who defend the old ways. And I'm proud to take on that label of being "dangerous," and to advertise my intent with as much candor as I have passion. A better world is possible!

Still, on the issue of the Good Neighbor Resolution it is I who has chosen to champion the interests of people from all nations - not just those who reside in our own. If you have ideas for how I may implement my policy objectives on this matter at a lesser risk to the integrity of social institutions, then great. Let me know so I've an opportunity to compromise. Otherwise, I would kindly ask that my colleagues in the Senate please spare me any further protest and prepare themselves to vote in accordance to their principles, just as I will.

[Redalgo]

Good catch - 72 had been the intended increment of time.