The People's White House: Duke Administration (On my Farewell)

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Your Dukiness, just wanted to let you know that your Project Manager appointment has been authorized on the regional level:

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=180687.msg4011061#msg4011061

Thank you for rubber stamping my appointment, Mr. Bacon

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

On My Future

Over the last few days, Atlasia has weathered many storms. We saw the return of an Atlasian legend in Michael Naso and lost one of our best in Maxwell. We saw the resignation of our SoEA and the appointment of a new SoIA that is young and full of the energy we all want to see out of our new members. All the while, rumors began to spread about my future. What I run again? Which party would I run with? Why would I even want to run again? Are our lives about to change forever? All of these questions have been wearing down the minds of everyone for days and days, and tonight, I am here to calm some of those nerves. You see, my friends, The People have weathered storms, and through it all, they always emerge stronger. I have emerged stronger. The cries from beyond the hills have been loud, and tonight, I want you all to know, I have heard them.

A few days ago, I was down and out. I had accepted I would not run again. Matt and I were, after all, the ticket that nobody really wanted, but the ticket we all needed. I was ready to quit. Advisors told me, “Duke, just let the bastards have this game! Go sip your pina colada and take solace knowing you did all you can do!” But then a small voice came to me and said, “now is not the time to give up. Don’t let the haters get you down. The People demand more.” And I rose - like an iceberg from the ocean, and like an eagle flying over the Rocky Mountains. This is not the time to end my career. There is too much left to do.

Four months ago, I announced my candidacy with the motto of “hold onto your breakfast,” and indeed, folks tossed their breakfast in celebration of a record victory at the ballot box. Tonight, The People are rising up once again, and I am here to announce I will seek reelection to the Presidency of Atlasia. Matt and I will enter the Federalist Primary once more, as we did in October. We mustn’t let the circumstances of today stop the progress we are making - a new corporate tax code, modernizing and streamlining our healthcare system, enacting smart solutions that protect the worker without endangering our economic health, and finally, providing the Pacific region with much needed assistance and oversight. It is our job to make sure all five regions are thriving as it benefits all of us, and the Pacific region has been left for dead for far too long. Should I step down now, I would be doing a disservice to The People that put me in office in the first place. After all, being President is not about the glory (there is none), it is about serving The People with all you have and doing what is best for this country, and making the tough decisions. We have accomplished much in the last four month together, and we can continue this trend in the next four months. Not a trend of infighting, but a trend of holding hands, listening to each other, and ultimately accepting my presidential redraft.

The road ahead will not be easy. Presidential campaigns never are. We face an Atlasian legend in the primary who has taken the Federalist Party by storm. But we cannot let a challenge deter us from trying. The harder, the longer, the thicker, the better, I say.

And so it begins, Duke and Matt, eye to eye and hand in hand, together on my glorious final journey in this game we call Atlasia, a game we all play for far too long, but have such passion for. It’s what makes all of us special. I am reenergized for the road ahead, a road that I very well admit could end in defeat. Whatever the outcome, I take comfort in knowing it is a road and a cross The People can bear best. I put my fate in Their hands.

I welcome myself to the race, with all my opponent(s) well, and look forward to the campaign ahead.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Endorsed.

I owe you an apology, but I am much too prideful.

Don't worry. I've been ripped far worse than anything you ever said.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

What could you offer the Cultural Marxist Party in exchange for an endorsement?

I am the President. I can offer money, crony positions, pardons for imprisoned criminals, special appointments, etc. It depends on what you want from me and what you can promise me in return.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

You will have my Backing 1000% in this Election

Thank you. I hope the rest of my supporters are also behind me 1000%.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Thank you, Mr. Lumine! On behalf of myself, Matt and our friends in our administration, we will continue our hard work to honor The People and you!

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

What could you offer the Cultural Marxist Party in exchange for an endorsement?

I am the President. I can offer money, crony positions, pardons for imprisoned criminals, special appointments, etc. It depends on what you want from me and what you can promise me in return.

I'd be most interested in the money. Can you give provide me a ballpark figure as to how much each coerced convinced voter is worth to you?

I'll be honest with you, Franzl. My White House has been under fire from all sides. The scene is as bloody as Gettysburg and more volatile than the Vietnam War. But through this travesty has come some good. My campaign's ability to launder moneyfund raising has never been stronger. The People have taken to the street, marching for liberty and justice for Their Voice in the White House. We have all seen the news. There is unrest, but the night is darkest before the dawn. With your help, their nerves may be calmed.

I am willing to offer you upwards of $5,000 per vote that you are able to deliver to my campaign. Many will argue that this is illegal - and it is - but thankfully I am President and above the law. I hope you will consider this offer. If there is one thing I still can do, it is outspend my opponents, even if I go down in flames.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

What could you offer the Cultural Marxist Party in exchange for an endorsement?

I am the President. I can offer money, crony positions, pardons for imprisoned criminals, special appointments, etc. It depends on what you want from me and what you can promise me in return.

I'd be most interested in the money. Can you give provide me a ballpark figure as to how much each coerced convinced voter is worth to you?

I'll be honest with you, Franzl. My White House has been under fire from all sides. The scene is as bloody as Gettysburg and more volatile than the Vietnam War. But through this travesty has come some good. My campaign's ability to launder moneyfund raising has never been stronger. The People have taken to the street, marching for liberty and justice for Their Voice in the White House. We have all seen the news. There is unrest, but the night is darkest before the dawn. With your help, their nerves may be calmed.

I am willing to offer you upwards of $5,000 per vote that you are able to deliver to my campaign. Many will argue that this is illegal - and it is - but thankfully I am President and above the law. I hope you will consider this offer. If there is one thing I still can do, it is outspend my opponents, even if I go down in flames.

Alright then, let's get to work doing what we do best, respectively. You get the money laundering going, and my team and I will start the threatening and the bribing.

I'm convinced everyone will profit from this business arrangement.

Excellent. Once you deliver me the votesproduct, I will deliver you the cash. We have had past dealings, so you know I am good for the money. The Courts do too.

Let's get to work.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I always like to give explanations to The People when I post a redraft to clear up any confusion you all may have. My latest experiment is the Let The Regions Get Their Highway Money. The gist behind this is, no region has legislated this, so we may as well do away with it.

Badger brought up a good point, and since I am in full on lawyer mode at the moment, it hit home to me. Drunk driving is not only dangerous for the idiot who gets behind the wheel, but it also effects the victim of the drunk driver, if there is someone involved. Asking regions to implements standards that are supported by scientific research is not overbearing because it is for the public good.

I have given the regions a reprieve for 6 months to pass this legislation, and if they fail to do so by July 1, they will begin losing the money until they do comply with this legislation. I think it is a fair compromise and will only benefit the public.

Plus, we are improving communication between the federal and regional government, and that is always a good thing.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I always like to give explanations to The People when I post a redraft to clear up any confusion you all may have. My latest experiment is the Let The Regions Get Their Highway Money. The gist behind this is, no region has legislated this, so we may as well do away with it.

Badger brought up a good point, and since I am in full on lawyer mode at the moment, it hit home to me. Drunk driving is not only dangerous for the idiot who gets behind the wheel, but it also effects the victim of the drunk driver, if there is someone involved. Asking regions to implements standards that are supported by scientific research is not overbearing because it is for the public good.

I have given the regions a reprieve for 6 months to pass this legislation, and if they fail to do so by July 1, they will begin losing the money until they do comply with this legislation. I think it is a fair compromise and will only benefit the public.

Plus, we are improving communication between the federal and regional government, and that is always a good thing.

Breaking News: You can't take away money that's not in our budget.

Let's reframe this: the Federal government will increase your highway funds by 10%! Sounds good, doesn't it?

This bill mainly changes the compliance date given the original version had passed in 2009/2010. It allows the regions to finally legislate this and receive the additional 10% permanently. As the bill was currently written, there was no way the region could comply with the bill even if they wanted to because the old date had passed.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I always like to give explanations to The People when I post a redraft to clear up any confusion you all may have. My latest experiment is the Let The Regions Get Their Highway Money. The gist behind this is, no region has legislated this, so we may as well do away with it.

Badger brought up a good point, and since I am in full on lawyer mode at the moment, it hit home to me. Drunk driving is not only dangerous for the idiot who gets behind the wheel, but it also effects the victim of the drunk driver, if there is someone involved. Asking regions to implements standards that are supported by scientific research is not overbearing because it is for the public good.

I have given the regions a reprieve for 6 months to pass this legislation, and if they fail to do so by July 1, they will begin losing the money until they do comply with this legislation. I think it is a fair compromise and will only benefit the public.

Plus, we are improving communication between the federal and regional government, and that is always a good thing.

Breaking News: You can't take away money that's not in our budget.

Let's reframe this: the Federal government will increase your highway funds by 10%! Sounds good, doesn't it?

This bill mainly changes the compliance date given the original version had passed in 2009/2010. It allows the regions to finally legislate this and receive the additional 10% permanently. As the bill was currently written, there was no way the region could comply with the bill even if they wanted to because the old date had passed.

Oh I'm sure you worked out the dates just fine. Its just like I said in the thread on the government board --the Senate is out of touch. They only come to the regional executives when they need something.

I get your frustration. As I said in the other thread, in theory, I suppose, in your case, the NE regionally elected senator should be in touch with the you or the legislature, but I realize that doesn't always happen.

If we are ever going to increase region/fed communication, people have to step up and do it. I can take it on myself to alert the governors, but I don't want to concentrate power and give myself all the responsibilities. I won't be around forever.

At any rate, you now have all of your federal funds available to you if the senate passes the bill. Take yourself to dinner or something.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

On the Supreme Court Vacancy

Good evening, my sweet friends.

Ever since Opebo was slain (RIP) a few days ago, the Supreme Court has been without a Justice. We have looked longingly at the empty bench, watching it cry out in pain as the big 3 became the big two.

In filling this vacancy, I factored in three things that were important to me. First, the appointee had to be a friend of mine. Yes, being on my good side gets you places, and my nominee has been both a friend and a mentor for a long time. We are both in the legal fraternity, and we both understand and respect the law. Second, my nominee needed to understand the law. He is far more experienced and understands it much better than I do, and I am honored to be able to nominate him to the bench.

Third, the nominee needs to have exhibited professionalism throughout his career. My nominee has always been a respectful voice in Atlas and Atlasia, and has a long career playing this game dating back to The Glory Days. He will bring a sound and independent voice to the Court, and his qualifications are unmatched. I am thrilled he accepted my appointment. The Court will be lucky to have him, just as  you all are lucky to have me as your President.

I am proud to announce I am nominating Torie to fill the vacancy in the Supreme Court.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Public Plea for the Pacific

In the few short moments, the Senate will conclude their voting on the Pacific Stimulus bill. This piece of legislations aims to dump in excess of $80 billion into the region and provide it with much needed capital to begin their resurrection. I encourage any senator that may be on the fence and has not voted to support this bill. A healthy Pacific means a healthy Atlasia. We are all connected in this economy, and it is my goal to see all 5 regions healthy and functioning. The People demand it. The People want it, just like you want that girl at the bar. Let's all do this together and see to it that our friends out west are on their road to recovery.

I want to  go ahead and thank my friend and former member of The Party(RIP The Party), Oakvale, the Pacific citizens, and the Senate publicly for their hard work on this bill. What began as sort of an afterthought has morphed into something special. I am confident it is the right move during this time of crisis, and the results we will see from it will exceed all our expectations. Sometimes, we have to grab Atlasia by the balls to accomplish things, and rest assured, I am not afraid to grab them and squeeze them until I get results. 

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Tonight  I issued executive order #691 (after my favorite number, 69), that ended the state of emergency in the pacific region following the passage of the stimulus bill. Rich, I know, given their governor just up and disappeared without warning this morning.

I am putting faith in those still there and acting governor DemPGH to continue the region's turn around. Oakvale will continue to his role as an oversight entity. I look forward to the progress ahead.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

On the Canadian Crisis

Good evening, sweet friends,

As many of you have heard, Atlasia is in a little spat with Canada over the transportation of decriminalized drugs into their borders, which has led to a crisis. But rest assured, I want all of our people to know that tonight, my administration has it under control, thanks to the hard work of our SoEA, Superique.

In order to hasten an end to this crisis, Atlasia intends to make the following concessions to Canada in exchange for the lifting of the flight, economic and travel embargoes currently in place between the two countries.

First, we agree that Canada is within their own rights as a sovereign nation to prosecute those responsible for transferring the drugs into their country, as Canada is their own nation and the crimes were committed in their borders. We will do nothing to stop this.

Second, we are supportive in Canada's efforts to strengthen their border security to ensure drugs that are illegal according to their laws are kept out of their country.

Third, I will issue an executive order that will call for increased security in airports to ensure that drugs that are illegal according to Canadian law are not being transported into Canada through the skies.

Finally, I will ask the Senate to amend our drug laws making it illegal to these decriminalized or illegal drugs to countries where they are not legalized. While I am happy with the progress we have seen when it comes to our drug culture here in Atlasia, we must understand other countries laws are different, and we cannot assume they believe what I believe.

It is my hope that Prime Minister Harper and the government of Canada will accept these concessions in exchange for opening the borders between our countries once again for both travel and trade. I know that if we work together, we can end this crisis before it hurts our country's respective economies and people. Canada and Atlasia have long been allies in the world community, and I intend for both our countries to continue to be for a long time to come.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

On Love

I wanted to take a quick second to wish all of you a happy valentines day. During a time when I'm taking heavy fire from both my left and right flank, I want us all to take a step back and share our love for one another, share a meal had fall asleep in each other's arms watching House of Cards. I know AndrewTx and I will enjoy ourselves.

And remember, we love you all here at the Duke administration, whether you love us or not.



Duke

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I guess I should know by now that I can't leave Atlasia for a weekend without something terrible happening. It's like clockwork!

That said, I'm back to my regular scheduled activities.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Nothing too bad. Just the Federalist Party imploding.

But no worries. This train will keep going.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

FOR THE POSITION OF GM

Do you enjoy story telling?

Do you like hearing yourself talk?

Do you like dealing with numbers?

Have you ever wanted to be Atlasia's God?

Are you an admirer of Purple State?

If the answer is YES, we have the job for you!

The Duke Administration is now taking applications for the position of GM. No experience is required, but if you have experience anywaygod, please help us, it will surely strengthen your application.

Please direct your interest to my PM box.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

FOR A POSITION TO BE NAMED LATER

*** Do you enjoy updating the Wiki? If so, then the Duke Administration has a job for you! The Wiki is in dire need of being updated, and the Administration is offering big $$$ and glory for someone willing to step forward and applytake for this job. ***

Please direct your applications to my PM box, and someone will get back to you shortly.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

So you're looking for a new Attorney General?

I am being discrete for a reason. If someone wants to be AG along with helping with the wiki, I'll make it happen. Ben is aware, I am not doing all of this under his nose. I would never.

So far I've had people volunteer to do it without wanting to argue court cases, so obviously AG is out of the question for them.

This may be unorthodox, but sometimes I can be. We just need to get the wiki in order. We have nothing about the February 2014 election posted!

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

We need a SoIA as well!

GAWorth died?

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

In response to the crisis that currently is my cabinet, I have appointed Talleyrand to the office of deputy secretary of federal elections and Cincinnatus to the office of secretary of internal affairs.

Rest assured, even during these dark times, I am continuing to stack my cabinet with my friends.  

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

What happened to GAWorth?  I can't find a post saying he resigned.

He never informed me, but there's a post in his office saying he'd resign after the election. It was news to me today.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

After a few days of consideration, I am opening this up to replace my AG, Ben. He has offered his resignation.

If anyone is interested in the job, and you like updating the Wiki, please contact Matt and me.