Yates 2011 :: Revitalize Atlasia.

[Yates]

As a student of speech and debate, I was always instructed not to begin a speech with a definition.  I will break that rule due to the fact that I am not being graded on this speech and feel it is the best method to explain the central idea behind my campaign, so pardon the simplicity.  Dictionary.com defines “revitalize” as giving new life, vitality, or vigor to something or someone.  Since my return to this forum and specifically to Atlasia, I have realized that a little more life and vigor is exactly what this place needs.

I last wandered about Atlasia in 2007.  When I resigned the Vice-Presidency, I had served as a Deputy Secretary of Forum Affairs, Chairman of the Independent Liberal Party and Midwest Senator.  I was respected for my politeness and intelligence but often criticized for my non-confrontational, centrist views.  Those days are long gone.  I am a few years older, wiser and meaner.  I am now proud to call myself a liberal, a title too often claimed but an ideology too rarely represented.  I am not afraid of confrontation and I am inclined to “shake things up a bit,” which is what Atlasia desperately needs. 

In my first two stints in Atlasia, this place was a hangout for the “forum elite.”  Old-school Atlasians will get the reference.  The top posters from across the forum participated in Atlasian politics.  Now, that is not the case.  Political parties strive to recruit members merely to have numbers to vote.  Encouraging participation in both federal and regional governments is like pulling teeth.  Something must change.  I hereby declare my candidacy for President of Atlasia and present myself as an alternative to the status quo.

For my platform, I have two sections: policy and game.  First, the policy.  I am an unashamed, unabashed liberal.  My policy platform contains these goals:

1)   Raise income taxes for those making $250,000 and above per year while lowering taxes for those making less.
2)   Create a national sales tax to fairly equate taxation with consumption and to make up for lost revenue
3)   Increase federal funding of education.
4)   Initiate significant amounts of public works projects to provide both employment during this recession as well as infrastructure improvement.
5)   And more which I will come up with later.

Now, for the game platform.  This will not be itemized.  I promise, if elected, to be an active and controversial President.  I will not be afraid to use my veto power and may even stir up the pot by behaving particularly scandalous.  I will have fun with the job and ensure that all of Atlasia is once again enjoyable.  Please do not confuse my candidacy for a joke campaign.  However humorous my ideas may seem, I feel that Atlasia can only be revitalized by having a funny, frank, bold, brash, confrontational leader. 

I have my critics, as we all know.  I have done things I am not proud of but have moved on.  Many people will likely respond to this announcement with laughter, anger, disbelief, etc.  That is what I am going for!  I am fine being the lightning rod to bring the electricity back to Atlasia.  Over the next several days, I will be searching for a Vice-Presidential running mate who also seeks to return this forum to its glory days. 

Good luck to my opponents and may the fun begin!