The Office of Former President & Senator Polnut - Deregistration

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Future


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

Atlasia, a place I have served as President and Senator is in trouble. This isn't new. We've got serious structural issues that we need to face and address if anything is to be salvaged.

Of course, as someone who has given a lot of time and effort to Atlasia, you do have a hope and a sense that something worthwhile and productive will come out it. But in the end, it's not about me, nor any individual. No one should block discussion or confuse it for personal gain, nor should anyone progress this without a serious national discussion with full consultation.

Over the past week or so I've been asked about where I personally stand on the issue of a reboot. I have had a difficult time working through what I think the problems truly are, before thinking about how we could fix it.

With the movement towards the dissolution of the Party I once led, we are heading irrevocably to the return of the full stagnation and polarisation of the pre-dissolution period. I was wary about the dissolution, but now think it was one of the most important reform of my time in Atlasia, which is more than likely coming to its end. We need more parties, not fewer. We need a greater diversity of views, not demands of purity and homogenisation.

What does this mean in relation to this current issues? I said before that people need to seriously reflect on what they want out of this game, for the future, not looking into the past. Too many in this debate are focused on what has happened, old feuds, old parties and old arrangements. No one is really thinking about the future. So I am urging all Atlasians to look within themselves, but put whatever self-interest and party loyalty is there to one said and focus on what you want Atlasia to look like in a years time.

It's clear that where we are is not working, we have a large population, but few competitive elections. There's no real contest for the hearts and minds any more. It's about getting and controlling voters who play no other role in Atlasia. This is a serious problem.

My suggestion is a national plebiscite  - with the three options being dissolution of Atlasia, a change to a Parliamentary System or the Status Quo.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Secondly Polnut, you make a lot of good points but you have to come to terms with the nature of the game from the perspective of a non-centrist.

Centrists do well under multi-party and small party allignments. But there is an inherent exclusivity involved there because for non-centrists, only the cool kids who have been around long enough to make friends can get ahead in that system.

I'm not coming at it from the perspective of being anything. I saw what happened to the GAME post-dissolution, it was a positive. It's up to everyone to work within the system and make it work for them. That's the challenge. The fact that the right couldn't hold themselves together is not the fault of the system.

I think we need to get people to get their views out there and clear. My suggestion would be a Parliamentary system, note... my suggestion. It's just an idea. Hence a plebiscite ... it doesn't bind anyone but can inform the development of more options.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Basically, we need a debate not just about what we want, but the mechanism.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I think we need to get people to get their views out there and clear. My suggestion would be a Parliamentary system, note... my suggestion. It's just an idea. Hence a plebiscite ... it doesn't bind anyone but can inform the development of more options.

Yes, but placing that against dissolution of the game and nothing, obviously is going to produce a fair assessment of opinion.

I would take consolidation over dissolution of the game. Put a gun to someone's head, of course they will agree to it.

The final idea will not come from me. We need to have these discussions and it's good that we are.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Future


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

Atlasia is now in one of its darkest times. We have lost some of our most active members. Whether you agree with them or consider their influence positive or not, they were active and fundamental parts of what made Atlasia what it is.

I have made clear, I was elected by the Atlasian people to serve them in the Senate, I will fulfill that promise and I do not see any circumstances that would mean I would not complete my term.

Governing continues, the work of our institutions must go on, despite the difficulties. While my time in Atlasian politics is drawing to its close, those who wish to keep going, need to engage in serious and thoughtful debate about the future. Half-measures won't work, just talking and getting excited about maps won't work. It's time to face difficult realities and ask really difficult questions. I urge all my fellow elected officials to consider the importance of our oaths, we were elected to serve, to lead and govern on behalf of our fellow citizens. If you hold any office, and intend to remain there, your views need to be put to one side, we all still have a job to do, to serve, lead and govern. If you can't or won't do this, then do the people and yourself a favour a consider your position.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Northeast Gubernatorial Election


Senator Polnut tonight made the following statement.

My vote tonight in the Northeast Gubernatorial election was a very difficult one. I believe I had three clear options. I have worked with Senator Blair for a number of months now, and I find him a thoughtful Senator. There were some stances that I didn't quite understand, but that's not what you base these decisions on. Governor Pikachu is someone I admit I don't know well, but I know is committed to continuing strong and sensible governance in the Northeast. Justice Oakvale is someone I have known and worked with for a number of years, and someone I consider a good friend, but more importantly, he's the candidate I can send the clearest message through. I believe that Oakvale is the candidate that is least likely to stick with the broken status quo. We need change, we need passionate debate, in the Senate and especially beyond. We cannot allow half-measures and superficialities to distract us from fundamental questions about the future of Atlasia. I'm not voting for anyone because I want Atlasia to survive, because, frankly, I don't know if it should. I believe our discussions and debate need to be based off one fundamental question before all others... do you want Atlasia to continue?. Only then, can we get to a situation when you can discuss mechanisms and the like.

I'm sure others will question and have issues with my vote, but let me make this 100% clear. My conscience is clear.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Farewell Tour


Senator Polnut will undertake a national tour of places that were important during his political career. As his complete retirement from Atlasian public life approaches, he wants to thank those who helped make it what was and those who were there in good times and bad.

A full schedule will be released shortly, however, the locations will include:
- Chicago
- Seattle
- New York City
- St Louis
- Denver... and others.

The tour will start on Wednesday 26 August and conclude in Boston on Monday August 31.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Could the Senator explain his reasons for not signing the petition for a constitutional convention?

I'm pretty sure I voted in the NE booth.

But I do have concerns about the outcomes of the convention, but I'll vote to give people the opportunity to have these discussions.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

We have disagreed on a lot more than I would have figured on going in this past year, but in spite of that I am going to miss you in the Senate.

I think we've agreed on about as much as I expected we would

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The Cabinet


Senator Polnut tonight issued the following press release.

Few in Atlasia know the challenge of building and maintaining an effective Cabinet. In my two terms as President I had my share of ups and downs. I have noted recently, the significant gaps in the current Cabinet, and have grown deeply concerned by them. These are essential officers to the effective management of our government. They are also a fundamental part of the President's executive responsibilities.

Therefore, it is with a heavy heart, that I sent the President the following note.

Mr President,

It has come to my attention that numerous Cabinet positions remain unfilled, as well as the position of GM, this is of deep concern. I urge you to nominate people for these roles within the next 48 hours, otherwise the Senate may have to consider the merits of impeachment proceedings.

Yours faithfully,

Jack Polnut
At-Large Senator.

I hope the President understands this is not a threat, nor is it empty rhetoric. We need these positions filled, and I hope the President takes this as a wake-up call to act.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Senate Caucus Room, the Capitol



Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a bittersweet time. On Friday I will be ending my long career in Atlasian politics. This is not a blip, this is not a re-direction, and this is the end. I leave with some sadness, but knowing that this needs to happen and that this is the right thing for me to do.

Atlasia has been part of my life for many years, I dare say longer than any other active personality here. This has left me with regrets, pride, failures and successes.

I am proud that I put in the place the nation’s first comprehensive mental health plan. I am proud that I led the charge to protect homeowners from illegal and unethical lending practices. I am proud to have signed into law the largest reform to our social security system. I am proud to have created a national broadcaster. I am proud to have led the process to ensure that our young people who want to go to University are no longer are at the mercy of private lenders. I am proud to have started the process to get our budget on a sustainable path, without cutting services.  While the work is not complete, I am proud to see the work to real and indeed radical reforms to our prison and justice system started, and they must be seen through to the end.

I am also proud that I never resorted to stunts or feigned outrage to get things done. I’ve been accused of being a moderate for the sake of it, but that’s where I differ with many of colleagues over the years. I’ve never assumed that I knew the answers, I have followed the evidence. I have fought to get real practical policy changes to help make the lives of Atlasians better. Building barriers and repairing bridges is better during a flood than shouting at the rain.

There is a big set of questions for those who remain in active politics. What kind of country do you want? If you want this to continue, you need to get real. The petty party nonsense, for a time, needs to stop. This is not a time for personal point-scoring and aggrandisement. Atlasia is damaged and it is weaker than I’ve ever seen it. But it takes effort, commitment and sacrifice to get it back on track. It is also not a time for bystanders. So, particularly those who are in elected offices, I repeat my call that if you cannot commit to the work required, do everyone a favour and walk away. I know my time is over, I no longer have the drive or passion for this place, and I am comfortable and happy with this call.

This has been a remarkable experience, and I hope I left the place in a better situation than when I arrived. Although, to paraphrase one of my favourite quotes, I think very often, the best most of us can say is that we did no harm. I give you all my best wishes for a positive future.

Thank you all. 

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

President Polnut released the following statement.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those who have sent their best wishes on the retirement from the Senate as well as my retirement from public life.

In the future I will be focused on working towards the creation of the Polnut Presidential Library, as well as national and international advocacy on issues of personal importance to me. Those issues include; care for the disabled, environmental sustainability, and boosting educational opportunities.

I will be active in championing causes, but I will no longer be active in Atlasian political life.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

It's absolutely time to walk away, permanently. Instead of just not voting, I think it appropriate to make this choice and do it on my terms.

I have enjoyed my time here, and deeply appreciative of the support shown to me by my election to numerous offices.

I wish you all well, but this place doesn't have a prayer if it's relying on old war-horses to keep it alive.

I am very satisfied and comfortable with this decision.

Good night, and good luck.