My friends and fellow Atlasians,
As most of you know, I've enjoyed a long history in this game. I still remember five years ago when a famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) Atlasian politico named Napoleon recruited me for my first run for pubic office here. Since then, I've seen Atlasia at its best and Atlasia at its worst.
Indeed, as I've lamented on in the past, there is an unending cycle within our culture that's undercut the true meaning of the game; these periods of malaise, if you will, distracting us from the real issues to be discussed - policy, game reform, activity, recruitment - to a fixation on personality cultism and petty discord among groups and individuals. This all goes far beyond the spirit of healthy competition and runs counter to the common goal of increasing activity and expanding recruitment efforts.
And it is something we're all a party to. And, as Justice Yankee said in a recent campaign speech, no amount of legislation can change the negative culture of the game. Indeed, it's abundantly clear that we still face these challenges post-game reset.
In order for there to be real change in Atlasia, individuals and parties must do more than simply talk. We must act. And that is why the time is right for a new party in Atlasia.
I have been a member of the Labor Party since I rejoined the game several months ago. I make no bones about the fact that my views are firmly on the left wing of the spectrum, and that Labor embodies the same values and philosophy that I would want in any party I should be a member of. And indeed, I continue to stand with Labor on all fronts. I will continue to support Senator Blair and work to elect Laborites up and down the ballot in this election and in future elections. That has not changed.
But to progressives who seek a fresh, game-oriented approach to doing business in Atlasia, I invite you to join me in building this new movement. I invite you to the
Reform Party.
We stand, first and foremost, as a party dedicated to electing active progressives on all levels of government.
A true commitment to activity is the hallmark of this party. This includes recruitment for participation in regional government, an often neglected but indispensable aspect of the game. This is especially important to me for the bleak activity levels I've seen in the North, where two regional Assembly members are in the process of being recalled atop depressing levels of enthusiasm and involvement in the legislative body. To be blunt,
people who run for office on the Reform ticket must be active. That is what will instill confidence in the Atlasian people and allow this new party to thrive.
Wiki reform is another issue we must address. The wiki as it stands now is woefully outdated and this demands a coordinated effort to update and better maintain record of the going-ons in Atlasia. This is a problem that both regional and federal officers must work to solve. (I myself have been trying to get Wiki editing privileges for months. I'm hoping to do so after a certain administrator *cough* fulfills that request...)
Finally, the question of
game reform must constantly be at the forefront in order for Atlasia to continue. We should listen to those who are dissatisfied with the mechanics of the game or have new ideas to improve the current system. And that's where the conversation in this new party should begin. I have personally lobbied (unsuccessfully) for the creation of a "Do Not PM" list after such was called for by the Harambe Freedom Party. While the Senate was not able to come to agreement on this issue, I would like to continue advocating on behalf of constituents who desire change.
Now, I'll say that I have no idea how much interest this party will have going forward. If Reform turns out to be a bust, I will return to Labor and advocate for these ideas in that capacity. In the meantime, I'll wait and see if this becomes a viable organization to fight for progressive domestic policies and game reforms.
