The Office of Former President & Senator Polnut - Deregistration

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I am today forming an exploratory committee to run for at-large Senate in August.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston

My fellow Atlasians,

I am today announcing my intention to seek the nomination of my party and others to run for at-large Senate this August.

I have decided to run because this country can no longer afford a system of government that doesn't serve all, that is too ideologically driven and one that focuses all of its attention on a narrow band of concerns at the expense of larger national issues.

In recent times I have said that if I ran for anything again, it would be the equivalent of me getting kicked by a mule and losing my common sense. But I go into this with open eyes. Atlasia has changed since my time as President, in fact, since my time in the Senate. But I will make this pledge to every single Atlasian. I want to work to make Atlasia work again.

Winning elections is only the first step, good governance, not just winning and doing what you want, requires the ability to work across aisles and to find room for compromise and common ground. Some may call that moderate heroism, that's their prerogative, but I prefer to call it governing.

I want to work with my friends in the Labor Party to ensure all workers are protected and that we reduce our military presence across the globe, but I also want to work with others to make sure that our veterans are supported when they get home. I want to make sure that our Budget is sustainable into the future so that our strong safety net survives and is not the victim of possible cuts.

My record speaks for itself. As President I got our troops home, got protections for home-owners being forced out of their homes due to illegal and unethical banking practices, I introduced the first Federal Budget in years, I increased support to veterans and created the first specific veterans mental health program. I was accused of making a lot of speeches, but anyone who worked with me behind the scenes know how much I sought to work with them. In the Senate I made sure support for LGBTI athletes going to Sochi would be in place and that we took seriously the important work undertaken by carers.

I can get things done, I will work with whomever I need to to get them done... this is what the Atlasian Senate needs.

We need to protect and strengthen our national healthcare system, ensure that public education is not some kind of worst-case scenario for parents and continue our positive presence on the world stage. We need to reform our military for the modern age, make sure people earn a decent and equal wage for their labours and that our economy is not bogged down in the arguments of the past.

In the lead up to the election, I will be travelling this country and talking with as many of you as possible. I may be a member of the People's Party, but I am running to serve all.

Thank you.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Waterfront Park, Charleston SC


Good evening everyone!

I want to thank you for coming out on a Friday night. This is a difficult time in Atlasia, we need to figure out what we need to do to make sure our Government serves all, not pure ideology.

There is such a tremendous opportunity to work together to strengthen our community and progress our society. It is that progress that has been the driving force for my political career. While I believe a study of history is important when considering policy prescriptions, it must all be done with a clear eye on the future.

I was going to talk about something else tonight, but the issue of healthcare and the safety-net is the one that has emerged clearly. This has been sparked by the discussion about the nature of our healthcare system.

Let me make this clear, I will never, ever support a weakening of our public safety net. Social insurance, whether healthcare or social security, is a system that we all pay into and one that we all have access to should it be necessary. We are stronger because of it and despite some delusions that we'd be stronger if we left our most vulnerable to the mercy of charity. We all know that charities do amazing work, but they are already over-stretched.

But, we know the old conservative arguments. The same ones who continue to argue for market-based solutions at all costs, that tax cuts can cure all ills and that trickle-down economics actually does work... despite all evidence to the contrary.

Instead of suggesting real solutions to the issues they see, they shout out the same platitudes about the market, about individuals and "if only" this or that. But their solutions, their plans don't work, they leave more people vulnerable and weaken our entire community.

We all know the next step in their arguments, "if only" the taxes on the rich were cut, then they would voluntarily donate that money to charity and all will be well, just as it was in the past. When the vulnerable relied on the good-will of the wealthy... this will never happen as long as I have anything to do with it. Because it doesn't work and creates massive divides in society.

I worked as President to pass reforms of our social security system, support for mental health and as a Senator to pass support to carers. I will never leave those people to the mercies of the market or to hope they can get along with the scraps thrown to them from the rich. Never.

I believe we can reform our system to make it more sustainable, but it can be done without hurting those most vulnerable or buying into misplaced and baseless attacks on them.

With your help in the Senate, we can make this happen and cut these horrible ideas off at the knees!

Thank you all!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I'd like to invite my fellow citizens to ask questions about any issue - this is a conversation

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I'd like to invite my fellow citizens to ask questions about any issue - this is a conversation

Unfortunately, people read/engage even less so than they did in the past.

I know... but still doesn't hurt to put it out there.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

What strategy should Atlasia pursue in the Middle East? How should we respond to the advance of ISIS?

My foreign policy, since I was President was to increase positive engagement through diplomacy and reduce the reliance on military means to get our point across. We need to have the capacity to address threats, but diplomacy must be the first means. Very few Secretaries of External Affairs were as active in collaboration with our friends and potential friends than I was.

In relation to the Middle-East in particular, when I was SoEA, I advocated a role for Atlasia as a mediator. I believe that should still be the case. I have advocated for an accelerated process towards a two-state solution for Israel/Palestine, I believe we need to use our power to aide Israel to act on the settlements and to move to genuine talks. On the issue of Iran, as SoEA, I welcomed the election of President Rouhani and I believe we should be involved with an Iran that is open to the West and I'm not interested in being stuck in the past. If there is an opportunity for dialogue, then we'd be beyond reckless in not taking it seriously.

The crisis in Iraq is something I have personally always been concerned about and a big reason why I opposed the Iraq War in the first place. Iraq, being one of those countries that was created, rather than formed organically, meant that sectarian tensions were always bubbling under the surface. The movement and tactics of ISIS, including, apparently, mass executions, are deeply troubling. I would argue that we do need to work with Sunni and Shi'ia powers in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Jordan to see what kind of channels can be opened to enable talks. But equally these people are undermining Iraq's stability but do not speak for the Sunni minority. I would support sending some kind of force to protect our mission in Baghdad, I believe military force, particularly air-strikes are an option, but it should not be Atlasian military forces undertaking it. I would also move that any assets linked to ISIS be frozen in Atlasia and I would urge the President and the SoEA to work with our allies to do the same.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

In relation to the Middle-East in particular, when I was SoEA, I advocated a role for Atlasia as a mediator. I believe that should still be the case. I have advocated for an accelerated process towards a two-state solution for Israel/Palestine, I believe we need to use our power to aide Israel to act on the settlements and to move to genuine talks.

I don't wish to be rude, Mr. President, but it seems you have missed quite a few events, Superique already achieved a peace deal between Israel and Palestine quite a while ago.

A deal is good, but it needs to be fully followed through. The Middle East has had a LOT of deals. I'm holding off joy until it's fully operational. I fully commend Superique on his achievement but we all know how difficult that region and that debate in particular can be.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

In fact both Barnes and X's questions are linked in my response.

I've never been a disruption for the sake of it guy. I respect that that has been a tactic used across the spectrum to get people interested and active. But those movements only last a short time and end up with the same issues re-emerging. One of my biggest concerns about Atlasia in my many years, is that we're so eager to undo things and wreck the joint, in the name of game-reform, without giving them a chance to work properly.

The long and short of it is that we can't always guarantee that it will be interesting and fun, but it comes to down to the commitment of all those involved. Those in leadership can't and shouldn't dictate how Atlasia should run, that's kind of the point of representative democracy, we need to get more people involved in the process, not just voting, but getting involved in discussions - one thing I would want is public submissions on Senate legislation. A formal and regular process for public input into legislation is an opportunity to have their voice heard. But the only thing anyone in leadership can do is offer opportunities, but the public need to participate.

I am open to the idea of a bicameral federal legislature... but I think you'd need to see a critical mass of interest in participation. Otherwise, we risk having an empty and inactive branch of Government, which would be a terrible outcome.

I am also interested in the idea of regional consolidation, probably down to 4, although 3 is an option also. It will give us an opportunity to set the refresh buttons in the regions, shake up the regional Senate make up but it's a shake up with an intended result, rather than just being for the sake of it.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend President Duke and his Vice Presidents Matt and Cinci for their service to this country.

Those of us who have had the honour to serve in that high office know how hard and often frustrating the job can be, but it can also be the most rewarding. Duke was a great example for future presidents to follow, he worked across party lines to serve and govern in the interests of all.

I wish him and Andrew all the happiness in the world and thank Duke again.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Union Square Plaza, San Francisco CA


Ladies and Gentlemen of San Fran, thank you for coming out tonight and a belated Happy Pride.

I have decided to take this opportunity to speak on an important international issue that is currently before the Senate. This is on the issue of Iraq. All of us who want to live in peace note with alarm the movement of ISIS and their deplorable tactics.

I have always taken a 'you broke it, you bought it' view on Iraq, I vehemently opposed our engagement in Iraq and as President and Commander-in-Chief I worked with the Senate and our friends to perform a responsible withdrawal from Iraq.

But we are in difficult position, we must demand more from Iraqi leadership, where is the new Government that was promised? Where is the leadership from the leadership? But it is no longer our place to fill the power vacuum in Iraq.

I opposed the use of Atlasian machines of war to engage in this civil entanglement and let me make this completely clear, I oppose any mechanism put in place that risks putting our troops on a combat footing in Iraq again. I do not object to increased protection for our diplomatic missions, but we must not permit the Senate to authorise the use of force. This is a declaration of War, this is re-starting a war we spent billions on and sacrificed thousands of young lives and I urge the Senate to not take this action.

I have offered multiple options that enable us to ensure that ISIS is not able to generate revenues from it's stolen oil-fields, that we move to freeze assets in this country that are in any way related to ISIS or its interests, and the incoming Administration needs to engage with the region, both in Saudi Arabia and Iran. We can serve our role as a good global citizen but do so without risking the lives of our troops.

This crisis is a genuine crisis and cannot be ignored or swept away, but we need to be much smarter than this, we allowed ourselves to get bogged down in mission-creep and it cannot happen again.

Engagement, diplomacy and strategic actions are the best way for US to deal with this issue. We need to strengthen the hand of moderate Sunni interests, as well as the existing Shi'ia regime. In a country as divided as Iraq, you need to find common ground, or you will perish. But it is no longer the job of Atlasia to solve your problems, I say this to the leadership in Iraq, either you show leadership or get out of the way to allow those who want a solution to step forward.

This is not isolationism, this is experience, we need a smarter and more strategic engagement in this region and we need the know when we use force and when we don't and the strength of purpose to know the difference.

Thank you all, good night and get to bed!!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Thank you Emperor

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

That means a lot Mr President.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Raspberry Island, St Paul MN

My fellow Atlasians,

Thank you for taking the time out of your Sunday night to come along and have a chat about what we need to do together, to get our Government working for us all again.

I wanted to talk with your tonight about the issue of activity. This is oft repeated term in Atlasian political campaigns. With every candidate running for every national office saying what they will do to increase activity, this includes me.

But the reality is, the issue of activity is not easily fixed. It depends on so many different factors, that what creates activity one time, may even decrease it the next. You have those who want to knock-down and re-build the entire system of Government, you have those who want to change our legislature or regional structure. But for what end? I don't disagree with investigation options for reform, even radical reform, if the end is not purely about the means. But I don't hear many arguments beyond "it will increase activity" ... because guess what happens next? The same issues come back and we're back at square one.

I know this isn't an answer, but it is the truth. If we want activity increased, we need the voters of Atlasia, not just the elected officials, to know that they have a true stake in their government. My recommendation is dry, but if elected to the Senate I will propose a formal method for the voters to comment on proposed legislation before the Senate. Each Bill will have a separate thread where voters can debate and discuss the merits of the Bills. I would urge my friends in regional government to consider the same steps.

But I also want to address the issue of personal activity among elected officials. Those who have served with me, or under me, know that I am active and engaged at all times and I take my responsibilities seriously. The only time I ever missed a vote as a Senator was when I was ill and couldn't physically leave my bed.

I was always active, some may even say too active, but that will not change. I promise that any absence will be announced in advance.

We need people who are not seat-fillers, people who want to work to get those most important things done for all Atlasians, not just those who voted for them. I pledge to you all, that I intend to work with whomever I need to, I'm not interested in fighting fights on behalf of a party or ideology, especially if it weakens our ability to govern and make laws that work well.

Our system of government needs an active populace as well as an active legislature, I promise to do what I can to encourage one and to maintain my record in the other.

Thank you all, and good night!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

President Polnut will be off the campaign trail from 10 July until 20 July - he will officially launch his campaign, including full policy announcements on 21 July.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Zilker Park, Austin TX


Ladies and Gentlemen of Atlasia,

Thank you so much for taking time out of your Monday night to come along and have a discussion about what we need to do together to get our country working for all of us.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to share my horror at the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 over Ukraine and to pass on my deepest sympathies and condolences to all affected.

We gather at a time of great global uncertainty and instability, but we need to be able to handle all our challenges, without discounting any.

This will be the official launch of my campaign for At-Large Senate. The message I want to communicate to the Atlasian people is 'Experience with Purpose'. My candidacy is about delivering results for all Atlasians, based on best-evidence and doing what works best. I pledge to work across party lines, to work with those who are equally devoted to that cause, governing for all.

I will be focused on continuing reforms get carers the support they need, to place a focus on practical and realistic foreign policy, continue to manage the reforms of our workplaces and explore the opportunities for reforms of our legislature and our taxation system.

These are all challenges we need to face as a nation, among the many others, and we need to address them as united as we can be, free from the ideological and political divides we set so often as traps for ourselves. But this cannot happen without your help and effort!

Thank you all!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Washington Sq Park, New York NY

My fellow Atlasians,

I want to thank you so much for coming out this evening.

The issues we face are not easy, they are complex and difficult. They do not permit us the luxury of ideology or simple academic thought. It is a time for serious people, who have a desire to deliver the results we all need.

I know one thing from my history in Atlasia, if you want the job and you want to do it well, you need to show the people who are voting that you're serious about the job. With the issues we, as a nation, face, we cannot afford seat-warmers. Every single person who sits in the Senate, needs to be there for right reasons. They need to show they want to work across party and ideological lines to help our fellow citizens.

I am running because I have a record to delivering results and a record of putting aside my personal views to assist those who need help. I worked with the Senate to get our troops home, I worked to ensure homeowners were protected from illegal and unethical practices and I will continue to work to make sure the disabled and those who sacrifice to care for them have the support they need.

I also know we need people in the Senate who have the experience of dealing with international affairs. My record is strong and speaks to a desire to reduce our footprint and to increase our voice.

I say to my fellow Atlasians, we have challenges, many are difficult and complex... but those who serve in the Atlasian Senate need to be there for the right reasons and to serve the best interests of all, even if we don't agree.

None of this happens without your help, thank you all.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Former President Polnut issued a statement this evening.

I want to make it very clear that I will not be a candidate for the upcoming special At-Large Senate election. I set out to run for the August general election, and that is what I will do. I wish those who are running in the special election the very best of luck.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Former President Polnut issued a statement this evening.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Griffin for his service and wish him well on his departure from the Senate. He's been a solid champion for progressive causes. While we have not always agreed, I've always respected him.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Logan Square, Chicago IL


Good evening Chicago!

I want to thank you all for taking time to come along and gather here tonight to have a real discussion about how we get our Senate working for all of us.

Firstly, I want to note that while I decided against campaigning while the special election was underway, we only have a short time and the race is on.

I'd like to congratulate Spiral for his win over the weekend and hope that for however long he is in the Senate, that brings an open mind and seeks to govern in the interests of all, not just those who voted for him.

Again, that issue is what this campaign is about. How do we deliver good governance and the correct policy prescriptions to the needs we all have. How do we improve our economic activity and at the same time, do our best to ensure the economic activity delivers across the board benefits, not just to the very rich.

We need to continue to build on the work we have done to protect and support our most vulnerable citizens. When I was in the Senate I put forward a Bill designed to provide those who perform the vital role of carers to the disabled, a support payment, that recognises their sacrifice. It was shelved after I left the Senate. But my first act if re-elected will be to put that Bill back on the agenda and get it passed.

Making sure that those who give so much, know that their Government and their fellow citizens support them and thank them is the very least we can do.

We also need to have a serious discussion about where this place is headed. Some of us have been around a long time and many of the reforms being suggested are not new. My position on 'game reform' as it's known, is well-known. I support reforms if there is a reason to do it beyond just giving people something to do. If we're going to invigorate the game, let's do it. But if we're going to create more jobs, which become hard to fill and harder to keep active, then we shouldn't. I will have an open-mind to this issue, but not an empty one.

I'm also going to take this opportunity this evening to announce another initiative. I want us to take the risks of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease seriously. At the current national rate of increase, we are looking at almost half the population by mid-Century being affected by these distressing and terrible afflictions. We need to do more and we need to do it now. If re-elected to the Senate, I will put forward a Bill, to increase funding for research on these disorders, and put forward a plan to work with Regional Government to coordinate a truly national effort. This is a national issue, but one with consequences for all levels of government.

I've been around a long time and while I've had strong views that perhaps align with one set of ideas or another. That has never been what I'm about. I'm running because we need people in the Senate who want to get real tangible results. I'm not running to tell you how to think, I'm not running to argue for the supremacy of a particular ideological framework... we have more than enough people in the Senate with strong ideas about how things should work. I'm running to make things work and to govern for all citizens.

Thank you all,

Good night!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

As someone who lost their grandma to Alzheimer's , if I am elected this is something I'll work with Polnut on.

My grandmother was terribly affected by dementia, so it's something I've personally seen the impacts of.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I urge all Atlasians to keep an eye on the At-Large Debate thread. There are some stark divides already emerging and there's still a lot more to cover.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I would like to know why the At-Large Senate Debate thread was locked?

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Former President Polnut issued a statement this evening.

Tonight, I wish to support to decision taken by the administration to act against ISIS elements in order to protect Atlasian diplomatic resources and to protect innocent civilians and in some cases to prevent the expansion of brutal acts against humanity. This situation presents challenges and memories from many years ago - but these actions are at the request of and in concert with, the Iraqi Government.

I urge all parties, internal and external to focus on those innocent people, merely trying to exist, who are suffering to such an extent.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TOUR SCHEDULE

Sunday 10 August
Atlanta, GA
Orlando, FL
Miami, FL

Monday 11 August
New Orleans, LA
Dallas, TX
Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma City, OK

Tuesday 12 August
Wichita, KS
Lawrence, KS
Kansas City, MO

Wednesday 13 August
Kansas City, MO
Columbia, MO
Des Moines, IA
St Paul, MN

Thursday 14 August
....

Friday 15 August
Three State Weekend Bus Tour
Indianapolis, IN
Bloomington, IN
Cincinnati, OH

Saturday 16 August
Dayton, OH
Columbus, OH
Akron, OH

Sunday 17 August
Cleveland, OH
Erie, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
---
Trenton, NJ

Monday 18 August
Richmond, VA
College Park, MD
Nyman, DC
Denver, CO

Tuesday 19 August
Las Vegas, NV
Los Angeles, CA
Seattle, WA
Vancouver, BC

Wednesday 20 August
Fargo, ND
Sioux Falls, SD
Madison, WI
Chicago, IL

Thursday 21 August
Detroit, MI
Ann Arbour, MI
Albany, NY
Scranton, PA

Friday 22 August
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, ME
[Northeast bus tour]
Montpelier, VT
Amherst, MA
Hartford, CT

Saturday 23 August
New Haven, CT
Providence, RI
Barnstable, MA
Worcester, MA

Sunday 24 August
Wellesley, MA
Lexington, MA
Boston, MA

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Mill Creek Park, Kansas City MO


Good morning Kansas City!

Well... we're heading into the final stages of this campaign. And I want to do something you don't hear very often in campaigns, I want to commend those who I am currently debating. These are people with clear ideas and I believe, commitment to the future of this country. Now, there are many ideas I'm hearing that I'm violently opposed to, but that's the point of democracy, a free debate of ideas.

However, there is are some things that I am concerned about hearing in this debate. We are hearing the same parts of different broken records "government is too big" "government is too small" with each based on talking points and not facts or evidence. How about government that works best? That is what I'm about, I'm not interested in hackneyed old-school arguments that are best placed in lecture theatres... not in the Atlasian Senate where we are supposed to be dealing with facts and reality.

This is what much of our political discourse is down to now, one option or the other, dismissing anything else as a half-measure and God-help us, moderate.

Take the example of nationalisation. We have one group saying "we all know the public sector is terrible and that it can't do anything right"... which is nonsense and the other side saying "public ownership is always more effective and productive and the private sector is terrible" again, also wrong. But again, God help us for saying the truth is somewhere in middle. I won't apologise for that and I shouldn't.

I need your vote for the Senate, to stop the false choices and be driven by delivering solutions for the Atlasian people. While I will be deeply grateful for second or third preferences, I need first preferences. Now, this might mean breaking party lines for many of you, but this campaign is about getting a Senate that works and I believe we've seen recently that we need people who want to get things working and working for every single Atlasian.

Thank you all!