The Messenger Interviews Vice President Emsworth on the Senate and the Future of AtlasiaDefarge: Mr. Vice-President, it’s great to have you here today. Mr. Vice-President, what is your vision for the Senate, and how, if at all, will it differ with previous Senates?
Emsworth: Thank you for conducting this interview, Defarge. I have several concerns, but most importantly, I hope that the Senate does not become disconnected from the people. I want the voters to stay informed, to know what their Senate is doing, to participate in government. Informed input from the people is, in my opinion, very important. In previous Senates, many citizens did contribute to some debates, but I would hope that the level of participation rises.
Defarge: How would you rate the achievements of the current so far? Why?
I don't think that it would be fair for me to give an assessment at this stage. The Senate has only had a chance to consider the Budget; any fair observer would have to consider more before he or she could give a rating.
Defarge: Mr. Vice-President, how do you intend to carry out these goals? More generally, what specific actions, procedural or otherwise, do you intend to take that will make the 8th senate stand out?
Emsworth: I should say that the Vice President alone cannot achieve such an objective. I do intend to give regular speeches, and speak to some of the more active members about their views; however, the Senators need to do the same with their constituents if such an objective is to be attained.
Defarge: On the same note Mr. Vice-President, do you feel that Atlasians are too disconnected with the workings of the Senate, too focused on elections? If so, why?
Emsworth: Firstly, it is not bad for the citizens to be focused on elections. Indeed, it is entirely natural for them to be engaged in the excitement of the process.
Secondly, I do not think that they are too disconnected. I just think that they could be more involved in lawmaking. Currently, very few private citizens give their input on important matters before the Senate. I do not blame the electorate at all, and I do not blame the government. This is just how things worked out.
However, it is our responsibility, as elected officials, to keep the voters informed and interested. I must commend the Senate on its efforts to address the situation. For example, we are setting up a Commission to investigate voting reform; the body will include several members who are not federal office holders. Thus, important decisions will not be left to the government alone; the citizenry will also be involved.
Similarly, I must thank the media for their efforts. The Messenger, for example, is doing a great job so far. By regularly publishing articles and interviews, it, and other newspapers such as the one run by the Game Moderator, can keep the voters engaged.
Defarge: Mr. Vice-President, what do you see in the future of the Senate? What bills do you expect to be passed, what constitutional amendments put in place?
Emsworth: There are a number constitutional amendments on the Senate agenda. Currently, we are considering an amendment to eliminate the signature and avatar requirement. On the agenda, there are two constitutional amendments adding clauses to the Bill of Rights, one relating to the process of transferring states to different regions, and one that would allow the Senate to consider urgent matters even before the passage of a Budget.
There are also a lot of important, possibly controversial bills on the agenda. For example, there is a bill allowing diplomatic relations with other micronations, a bill to reform the tax system, and a bill to replace gay marriages with civil unions. I expect more significant bills to be introduced as time goes on.
Defarge: Mr. Vice-President, do you expect the Senate to continue running at this level efficiency for a long time to come? Why?
Emsworth: We are currently considering an amendment to the rules that would streamline procedure and allow for quicker, more efficient debate (while at the same time preserving the right of the minority to filibuster). I expect that after the passage of these rules, the Senate will be more efficient in dealing with legislation. The credit for these changes goes entirely to Senator Sam Spade, who has been a prominent leader in the Senate so far.
Defarge: Mr. Vice-President, many on the left voted for your ticket in order to counterbalance the right-leaning senate. In what areas do you believe conflict will arise between your administration and the senate, if any?
Emsworth: That's a difficult question to respond to. If we consider economic issues, for example, we find that the President's approval is not constitutionally required for the passage of the Budget at this stage. Thus, conflict on taxation and spending would not really arise. Similarly, presidential nominations are typically approved by the Senate; thus, nominees will not normally be a source of conflict. This applies not only to President Siege, but also to any other President who may hold office.
Thus, conflict will in most cases, whether for this Presidency or for any other, be limited to forum affairs and social issues. I could not presume to go into further detail; you would have to ask the President about his plans on specific bills.
Defarge: Mr. Vice-President, what is your impression of the various individual Senators?
Emsworth: I'm pleased to say that all of the Senators are doing very well. No one has disappeared completely and without prior warning. Turnout in the Senate votes has been very high; so has participation in debates. Of course, there are some who participate in debates more than others, but I would say that they have all been doing a great job so far. I don't think that it would be fair for me to rank or rate the Senators; I will leave that job to you and others in the media!
Defarge: Moving off the Senate, Mr. Vice-President, October's a long way off, but do you believe that President Siege will run for reelection? Can you think of any scenario in which President Siege would not run for reelection?
Emsworth: I don't think that I can give an accurate, reasonable answer to that question. The decision depends not only on how Siege fares as President and the political climate of Atlasia, but also on the President's personal circumstances. He might, for all we know, have more pressing real life concerns.
Defarge: If President Siege decided not to run for reelection, would you attempt to head a leftist ticket?
Emsworth: I don't mean to appear to dodge the question, but it is far too early to furnish a definitive answer. The possibility of a run certainly exists; no option is ruled out.
Defarge: Mr. Vice-President, what do you see in your future after the end of the Siege administration?
Emsworth: At present, I have every intention of continuing in Atlasian politics for the foreseeable future. What I run for depends on the political climate and on how well I perform as Vice President.
Defarge: And finally Mr. Vice-President, what do you see in the future of Atlasia?
Emsworth: I believe that the next two months will constitute an exciting time in the future of Atlasia. We already have some very, very interesting Senate races shaping up. Justice Ernest, Ben Meyers, and Bono all seem ready to contest a seat; they may be joined by Harry, and possibly MHS2002, depending on redistricting. Similarly, CheeseWhiz, ILikeVerin, and PBrunsel may be engaged in a single race as well. Other very competitive races are likely to develop. I hope that an exciting election cycle will keep Atlasia enjoyable for all.
Defarge: Thank you for sitting down in this interview Mr. Vice-President
Emsworth: Thank you very, very much for conducting this interview, Defarge
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