The National Weekly Atlasian

[SPC]

Correct answer: you both suck and always have.

Funny, considering how many inactive SDP members there were during its heyday.

[SPC]

I'm still baffled as to why the JCP does not run a third candidate, the honestly have the numbers with a little outside the support to get really close to it and still having 2 even if they miss.  What surprises me is that the RPP only has about 2 less members now.

What doesn't surprise me is that the quality of our members are far and away superior to yours.

Yeah, how could we forget such great JCP members as Tender Branson, Lunar, RosettaStoned, BRTD, Flyers2010, px75, and Daniel Z, among others?

They at least participate in the forum at large. As opposed to one of your members who thinks Elvis would be a Huckabee supporter.

How is that even relevant? BRTD says stupid sh**t all the time.

[SPC]

Lief Has Modest Approvals
by South Park Conservative

   After only his first month in office, President Lief's approval rating has slipped to 42%. 42% disapprove of Lief and 18% have no opinion. With only a month left before the next Senate election, where the RPP will likely pick up 1-2 seats, the President may not have mcuh time to finish his agenda.

[SPC]

Health Care Bill Has 48% Support
by South Park Conservative

   A new poll by Survey Atlasia revealed that the health care bill being debated in the Senate has only 48% support of the general public. An equal amount disapprove of the bill. This bill may be key to deciding who the Regional Protection Party will third-preference in the next election.

[SPC]

Health Care Bill Has 48% Support
by South Park Conservative

   A new poll by Survey Atlasia revealed that the health care bill being debated in the Senate has only 48% support of the general public. An equal amount disapprove of the bill. This bill may be key to deciding who the Regional Protection Party will third-preference in the next election.

Of course, most if not all of the people who disapprove refuse to actually show up and explain why they oppose it, and more people probably support it if it was more important to show up in a fantasy election issue poll.

Also, nice vague blackmailing. I knew PurpleState was trying to suck up to you guys, but come on now..

I oppose it because it would ruin our health care system. I was just stating the facts regarding the Senate's political interests, and it would be dishonest of me to deny it. Isn't it logical that we would vote in our own self-interest?

[SPC]

2. The NWA is an RPP mouthpiece, and SPC and others have made it clear that if you bow to them on certain things, they will support you in part.

If you don't like it, start your own newspaper. Clearly mine must be pretty popular to be the second-most commented on and viewed in Atlasian history.

[SPC]

PRESS RELEASE

After a nearly two-year hiatus, the National Weekly Atlasian will be renewing it's interview feature. For an interview, please PM me or leave a comment here.

[SPC]

NWA Interview With Lt. Governor Barnes
by South Park Conservative

What have been your major accomplishments since becoming Lieutenant Governor?

First off, I'd like to think the Atlasian for holding this interview with me.

I think my largest achievement as Lt. Governor so far, has been to get the Northeast Legislative Assembly moving again. That was my major campaign theme, and I'm very happy with the level of interest and participation in it. 

What work have you done regarding the Northeast Assembly?

Since taking office, I've opened a new thread for the Assembly and tried to get people to throw around ideas to reform the Legislative Branch. I'm really happy with an Amendment that my good friend, Antonio V, and RowanBrandon created. It's being debated right now in the Assembly.

What are the different ideas that have been suggested for the Assembly, and which one is your personal favorite?

Well, some citizens want to keep the current form of government, but also create a small elected Assembly. Some want a three-person Assembly, much like the Mideast's. My personal favorite is the Amendment proposed by Antonio and Rowan, but I like a lot of the ideas floating around, especially public referendums and Recalls.

Also, other parts of the Constitution are being debated. Such as whether or not the Chief Judicial Officer should be confirmed by the Assembly, right now they're just appointed by the Governor. Another is whether or not we should even have the position of Lt. Governor, and what powers they should have.

Do you have any aspirations for higher office in the near future?

I do have aspirations for higher political office. I'd love to be elected Governor one day. But I'd only do that if Governor Andrew CT didn't want to seek a third term. I'm very happy where I started off as Lt. Governor, but I do plan to move up!

Thank you for participating in this interview.

You're very welcome!

[SPC]

Alexander Hamilton Enters Uncharted Waters

This week, Atlasian newbie Alexander Hamilton announced his intention to run for lieuteniant governor of the Pacific.  What is so unique about a race that otherwise would seem uninteresting?  Hamilton is the first member of the RPP to ever mount a run for office in the Pacific region.  Due a recent boost in numbers across the nation but also in the Pacific, Hamilton would seem to have a decent shot.  However, long-time powerhouse Atlasian, Ebowed, announced that he is in the race as well.  See as a JCP legend, it would appear Hamilton is certainly facing an uphill battle.  It is also yet to be seen whether or not Lt. Gov. Alcon will stay in the race with Ebowed a declared candidate.

Hamilton's quest to become the first non-JCP candidate to win in the Pacific since Torie won his senate election in June 2008, has been meeted by positive and negative reactions.  He has won the endorsement of his own party, along with nearly every member of the DA, including well-known RPP hater, HappyWarrior.  The only negative reaction seemed to come from released released from prison and a mental institution and perennial election loser Xahar, who claim that since he could not win the Pacific no one could. 

Much is yet to be seen in this race, but it, along with the Midwest governor's race appear to be the most exciting regional elections to be had this month.

SPC how can you allow him to post blatant slander in your reputable newspaper.  I don't have a problem with the RPP, just DWTL.

Yeah, I didn't like that comment either. It's too bad I can't edit DWTL's post.

[SPC]

NWA Interview with Alexander Hamilton
by South Park Conservative

What made you decide to run for Lieutenant Governor?

First of all I’d like to thank SPC, as well as the readers, for their precious time. The deciding factor that caused me to run for the Lt. Gov. seat was the desire to break the one-party tradition of the Pacific. Although the Jesus Christ Party has many notable members, I feel it is time for a change in the Pacific. Now more than ever, we need new leadership and a new direction across Atlasia.

What is the best reason to vote for you and not Ebowed?

There are many reasons to vote for me over Ebowed, more than I can count on my fingers, to be honest. Ebowed is a nice guy, sure, but he lacks the passion I hold for the Pacific region to flourish. His tenure as GM was, well, let’s just say disastrous. After a long tenure of JCP rule over the Pacific, I say it’s about time to see what I have to offer. I have been noted as a “Moderate Hero” by DA members and promise bipartisanship and unity.

If elected Lieutenant Governor, what do you hope to accomplish?

If given the honor to serve a term as Lt. Governor, I promise to improve the Pacific by opening up the region to new members and bringing new levels of activity to the region. New members are turned off by the impression that the old guard is in power, and there are no opportunities in the Pacific. I don’t believe it! I also pledge to be very active in working with the Legislature and the Governor, and making sure all elections are conducted fairly and properly. I’d like to see a transportation bill by October.

What are your major policy agreements and disagreements with the JCP?

I applaud the Jesus Christ Party for their work on making Atlasia a freer society and emphasizing individual rights. And I will continue to reform the Pacific and preserve our civil liberties and individual rights. In fact, I will do so better than JCP candidate Ebowed will. Differences I have with the Jesus Christ Party are rooted in method. I disapprove of allowing someone like Alcon to hold this seat when he has repeatedly made it clear he doesn’t want to do the job. Ebowed will not be any better than Alcon, as he has shown us with his performances in previous positions. I am honored by the opportunity of serving the Pacific, and it’s citizens of all parties.

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.

Thank you for your time and dedication.

[SPC]

NWA Interview with Chairman DWTL
by South Park Conservative

How would you rate your performance as RPP chairman? Do you have any regrets?

First of all, thank you SPC for interviewing me it has been a long time since I did one of these.

Now, as far as my performance as RPP chair I would rate it as top notch.  While style is different than the other two major party chairs who seem to take more of a backseat, I like to be out there in the open promoting the party and our candidates.  Sometimes I get a little heated, but I do it because as the chair it is my job to worry more about the party and making sure our candidates are seen in a good light than my own electability.  I am not concerned about my future, I've already had a great run even I never get elected to anything ever again, but I am concerned about the future for our new members who deserve the chances to have just as much fun in this game as I have.  Call me conceited, but without my leadership the RPP would certainly be nowhere near where it is today, this is a party that needs a leader who isn't afraid to speak their mind and do what they think the party needs.  When myself, yourself, and Duke started this party, people thought it was a joke, but myself and others made sure we were the most powerful party in Atlasia because people embrace our message of activity, fun, and regional politics.  But perhaps the reason for my success as chair comes from my honesty and integrity, people know that if they help me or the party, the favor will be returned.  Even my greatest opponents will admit I do not go back on my word.

What do you believe is the best strategy for RPPers to get elected?

I believe that the best strategy to get RPPers elected is to make sure that we have plenty of active members and they are spread across the map.  We started as a party located solely in the Dirty South, but now we have just as many members in the Mideast.  The regional seats are where we make a lot of headway because we have capable members all across the map.  Making sure that each candidates shows their distinct quality and that the RPP isn't a bunch of drones, as some have accused, is also very, very important.

What issues do you believe are most important for Atlasia right now?

Right now the most important issues facing Atlasia is making sure that the regions have power restored to them.  We see the senate currently making some odd decision to spend, spend, spend and at the same time pass feel good measures that hinder trade and our economy.  I feel that the good people of all regions, especially the Dirty South, know better what works for them that the big wigs in Nyman.  I know, I used to be there and its a horrible place.

Do you have any plans for running for office again in the near future?

I have no plans on running for office in the near future except if the Dirty South assembly is created I will be there to get it off the ground.  I previously hinted I may run for senate in December, but that is not going to happen either.  My role now is one of passing on what I know about this game to new members and watching the RPP grow in strength and number.  Being the chairman of the RPP is my sole responsiblity at this point.  However, if the Governor's Plantation opens it, I'm jumping in.

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.

You're welcome

[SPC]

Pacific Lt. Gov. Race Surprisingly Competitive
by South Park Conservative

   A recent NWA poll shows that the race for Pacific Lt. Governor is much tighter than one would expect. Despite the Jesus Christ Party dominating the region, Ebowed is tied with Alexander Hamilton with 43% each. 17% are Undecided. To be fair, there will likely be a large amount of zombies come election day to help Ebowed. If turnout is lower than expected, then Alexander Hamilton has great potential for an upset.

[SPC]

NWA July/August Election Tracker
by South Park Conservative
Incumbent* Potential Candidate Declared Candidate Projected Winner Projected Loser
Democratic Alliance Regional Protection Party Jesus Christ Party

NWA's Race Rankings:
PARTY HOLD PARTY TAKEOVER TOSSUP

Special July Senate Election
Fmr. Senator DWTL
Fritz
Sewer Socialist

General August Senate Election (1 DA HOLD, 2 JCP HOLDS, 1 RPP TAKOVER, 1 TOSSUP)
Senator Purple State*
Senator Afleitch*
Senator Franzl*
Senator Marokai Blue*
Senator Fritz*
Lt. Governor SPC
RowanBrandon
Sewer Socialist

Pacific Gubernatorial Election (JCP HOLD)
OPEN (Governor Culture King)
Fmr. Vice-President Meeker

Pacific Lt. Gubernatorial Election (TOSSUP)
OPEN (Lt. Governor Alcon)
Alexander Hamilton
Fmr. President Ebowed

Southeast Gubernatorial Election (RPP HOLD)
Governor Daniel Adams*
Fmr. Governor AHDuke

Southeast Lt. Gubernatorial Election (RPP HOLD)
OPEN (Lt. Governor SPC)
Fmr. Senator PiT

Midwest Gubernatorial Election (RPP TAKEOVER)
Governor GMantis*
Lt. Governor Vepres

Midwest Lt. Gubernatorial Election (LNF TAKEOVER)
OPEN (Lt. Governor Vepres)
Lewis Trondheim

[SPC]

Pacific Lt. Gov. Race Surprisingly Competitive
by South Park Conservative

   A recent NWA poll shows that the race for Pacific Lt. Governor is much tighter than one would expect. Despite the Jesus Christ Party dominating the region, Ebowed only has 50% of the vote in the poll. Competitor Alexander Hamilton has 33% and 17% are Undecided. To be fair, there will likely be a large amount of zombies come election day to help Ebowed. If turnout is lower than expected, then Alexander Hamilton has great potential for an upset.

Actually we are tied. Just like to clarify.

43-43-14

Sorry about that. When I reported it, Ebowed was leading.

[SPC]

NWA Interview with Senator Afleitch
by South Park Conservative

What do you view as the most important issue facing Atlasia right now?

The economy first and second. Atlasia has often been governed in isolation from world events and from the effects of the economy both good and bad. This had to change and is has; the Senate has a new vision facing up to the economic reality We have to pull the economy back up, we have to humanise the capitalist system which is the international benchmark for democracy and economic growth world-wide.

What legislation have you introduced or do you plan to introduce to help the economy?

I want to get the Senate talking about tax as much as I want them to be talking about spending which is why I introduced the Income Tax Reduction Bill. We cut and reconstructed Social Security Tax and this was passed without too much opposition. However I understand the Senate's concern with further tax cuts.

The main issue is how we choose to stimulate the economy; whether through increased funding (the stimulus bill) , through cuts in taxation and whether any stimulus should be short term or long term. It's an ideological battle and it's not new. The first indicator that something, anything is wrong or right with an economy is consumer spending. Long term tax cuts, which I have pressed for are in line with permanent income theory; temporary increases in income will not lead to significant increases in consumption. In the case of permanent tax cuts ( which are imposed on the longer term) then consumption is increased by a significant amount.

It is vital that the Senate is cautious in pushing for large increases in government spending to stimulate short term demand as the result of a sharp economic contraction. Government spending and intervention over areas that it can control does not address the real causes of the weak economy; which the government cannot and should not control. The economy been pulled down by slump in the housing market, a financial crisis and high energy prices and exacerbated by the expectation that future income and employment growth will be low.

A short-run government spending stimulus will not jump-start the economy alone.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in your most recent Senate term?

While I am proud of my measure to cut social security taxes for hard working families, for me the Establishment of Social and Economic Development Zones Act is the greatest piece of legislation I have introduced and has the most potential. It's such a simple bill designed to allow down at heel communities that have been neglected recession after recession to be competative through targeted suspended and decreased taxation. This allows them become more attractive to private enterprise. Any programme of this nature needs to be as local as possible which is why I gave the regions the power to locate SEDZ's and power over improving infrastructure.

What do you have to offer to each of the major parties?

That's a tough one. I have, to the best of my ability, legislated in accordance with my own political beliefs. To the RPP and conservatives I point to my record of tax cuts and regional empowerment; in the SEDZ bill as mentioned and in an amendment giving regional authorities power over health provision in the health bill currently on the floor. To the JCP and to liberals I will cite my support of the health bill; to me I'm following in the tradition of great European conservatives (yes even Thatcher) and progressives of all colours in supporting this measure and I congratulate Senator Fritz for tabling the bill and shining a light on that 'elephant in the room' that Atlasia had ignored for too long. To the DA; my friends we work well with each other, we are getting things done and I will continue to support our aim of 'reaching out from the centre ground.' And to the LNF? Thank goodness you've arrived!

Thank you for participating in this interview.

You're welcome!

[SPC]

Atlasia Divided Over Senate Legislation
by South Park Conservative

   Recent legislation on the floor of the Senate is highly divisive in the minds of Atlasians. Only 52% of Atlasians supported Afleitch's Income Tax Reduction Bill, Purple State's School Standards Reform Bill, and Fritz's Atlasian National Healthcare Bill. Maxque's 2009 Atlasian Relief and Recovery Bill received slightly higher support with 57%, but it is still highly divisive.

[SPC]

Atlasia Divided Over Senate Legislation
by South Park Conservative

   Recent legislation on the floor of the Senate is highly divisive in the minds of Atlasians. Only 52% of Atlasians supported Afleitch's Income Tax Reduction Bill, Purple State's School Standards Reform Bill, and Fritz's Atlasian National Healthcare Bill. Maxque's 2009 Atlasian Relief and Recovery Bill received slightly higher support with 57%, but it is still highly divisive.

Maybe to people who don't have a clue.

Just curious, when you type comments like this, do you honestly believe you aren't being incredibly arrogant?

[SPC]

Atlasia Divided Over Senate Legislation
by South Park Conservative

   Recent legislation on the floor of the Senate is highly divisive in the minds of Atlasians. Only 52% of Atlasians supported Afleitch's Income Tax Reduction Bill, Purple State's School Standards Reform Bill, and Fritz's Atlasian National Healthcare Bill. Maxque's 2009 Atlasian Relief and Recovery Bill received slightly higher support with 57%, but it is still highly divisive.

Maybe to people who don't have a clue.

Just curious, when you type comments like this, do you honestly believe you aren't being incredibly arrogant?

Nope, I know I'm arrogant. I'm proud of that.

Do I sense an inverse correlation between how smart people think they are and how smart they actually are?

[SPC]

Opinion: Who Really Benefited from the SDP-JCP Merger?
by South Park Conservative

   In the aftermath of the April 2009 elections, the Social Democratic Party was on its death bed. The SDP had been slowly going downhill since the exposure of its then-leader Xahar as a hacker in December 2008. It's last remaining senator, Lief, just lost re-election, leaving them with no senate representation. The Maxque-Marokai Pacific gubernatorial campaign failed. It's only governor, GMantis, who assumed the governorship upon Ilikeverin's resignation barely won re-election due to an anarchonistic election system.
   Then, in the last two weeks in April, the Social Democratic Party collapsed and there was a mass exodus of SDPers to the Jesus Christ Party, its formal rival for left-wing votes. While on the surface, it would appear that the JCP was the main beneficiary of this event, but the statistics reveal something different.
   In June, ex-SDPer Marokai Blue was elected to an open senate seat with JCP support, despite having been rejected by the JCP for Lt. Governor just a few months earlier. When JCP senator RealisticIdealist retired later that month, the JCP elected ex-SDPer Maxque to his Senate seat, even though the JCP overwhelmingly rejected his candidacy for the same Senate seat four months earlier. Also in the same month, ex-SDP senator Lief was narrowly elected President to succeed te retiring JCP president and founder Bgwah.
   After the April 2009 elections, the Senate makeup was 4 DAers, 4 RPPers, 2 JCPers, and 0 SDPers. Presently, the Senate makeup is 4 DAers, 3 RPPers, and 3 JCPers. While this initially appears to be  net gain for the JCP over these months, when you factor in former SDP members, it shows a different story. The Senate makeup is then 4 DAers, 4 RPPers, 2 JCPers (ex-SDP) and 1 pre-merger JCPer. This is a net loss of 1 seat for the RPP (which can be expained by DWTL's absence), net loss of one seat for the pre-merger JCP, and a net gain of two seats for the former SDP. The presidency also changed hands from the JCP founder to aother ex-SDPer. There we no changes in regional governance during the same period.
   So, in my analysis, it would seem that, paradoxically, the SDP was the greatest beneficiary from its own destruction.

[SPC]

Well the SDP was full of alot of active people, and many in the JCP were on their way out. Bgwah was term limited, RI didn't want to run again, etc. It was a combination of the SDP having alot of good people (there goes my ego again) and some JCP members taking time off.

Something like this. The Old JCP didn't have enough candidates to hold as many offices as we currently do.

I think both sides benefited from the merger. I'm happy with how things turned out. We're the first party to win a Presidential election without forming a unity ticket with another party in a long time.

It may not have been a unity ticket de jure, but it was a de facto SDP-JCP unity ticket.

[SPC]

NWA July/August Election Tracker
by South Park Conservative
Incumbent* Potential Candidate Declared Candidate Projected Winner Projected Loser
Democratic Alliance Regional Protection Party Jesus Christ Party

NWA's Race Rankings:
PARTY HOLD PARTY TAKEOVER TOSSUP

Special July Senate Election
Fmr. Senator DWTL
Fritz
Sewer Socialist

General August Senate Election (1 DA HOLD, 2 JCP HOLDS, 1 RPP TAKOVER, 1 TOSSUP)
OPEN (Senator Purple State)
Senator Afleitch*
Senator Franzl*
Senator Marokai Blue*
Senator Fritz*
Lt. Governor SPC
RowanBrandon
Sewer Socialist

Pacific Gubernatorial Election (JCP HOLD)
OPEN (Governor Culture King)
Fmr. Vice-President Meeker

Pacific Lt. Gubernatorial Election (TOSSUP)
OPEN (Lt. Governor Alcon)
Alexander Hamilton
Fmr. President Ebowed

Southeast Gubernatorial Election (RPP HOLD)
Governor Daniel Adams*
Fmr. Governor AHDuke

Southeast Lt. Gubernatorial Election (RPP HOLD)
OPEN (Lt. Governor SPC)
Fmr. Senator PiT

Midwest Gubernatorial Election (RPP TAKEOVER)
Governor GMantis*
Lt. Governor Vepres

Midwest Lt. Gubernatorial Election (LNF TAKEOVER)
OPEN (Lt. Governor Vepres)
Lewis Trondheim

[SPC]

Statistics Regarding Zombieism
by South Park Conservative

   The issue of "zombies" in Atlasia has come up again, so I have decided to do statistics regarding the issue. Typically, a list of registered voters in Atlasia would be the place to start. However, since the primary purpose of zombies is to vote in elections, I have decided to start from a list of voters in the July 2009 Special Senate Election. In that election, there were 29 JCP voters, 22 RPP voters, and 9 DA voters. From there, I will take all of those who currently hold office, and take a percentage of them. There were 10 JCP officeholders (34%), 7 RPP officeholders (32%), and 7 DA officeholders (78%). Using this narrow statistic, the two larger parties are about equal in activity, while the DA is far superior to either of its major competitors. Broadening the definition of activity, if one took everyone who had held office in the past 4 months, there were 13 JCP officeholders (45%), 13 RPP officeholders (59%), and 7 DA officeholders (78%). With this definition, the DA is still way ahead of the other two parties, but the RPP-JCP gap significantly widens. If the definition of activity is broadened further to mean anyone who has held office in the past four months plus anyone who has run for office in the same time period or is currently running for office, we get 14 active JCPers (48%), 15 active RPPers (68%), and 8 active DAers (89%). Once again, the DA is more active than its two major competitors, but the RPP-JCP gap has widened to the point where it is the same size as the DA-RPP gap. I would broaden the zombie defintion that the provided by Senator Hashemite for anyone who makes 10 or more posts in Atlasia, but time constraints prevent that.

[SPC]

NWA July/August Election Tracker
by South Park Conservative
Incumbent* Potential Candidate Declared Candidate Projected Winner Projected Loser
Democratic Alliance Regional Protection Party Jesus Christ Party

NWA's Race Rankings:
PARTY HOLD PARTY TAKEOVER TOSSUP

Special July Senate Election
Fmr. Senator DWTL
Fritz
Sewer Socialist

General August Senate Election (1 DA HOLD, 2 JCP HOLDS, 1 RPP TAKOVER, 1 TOSSUP)
OPEN (Senator Purple State)
Senator Afleitch*
Senator Franzl*
Senator Marokai Blue*
Senator Fritz*
Lt. Governor SPC
RowanBrandon
Write-in: Fmr. Governor AHDuke

Pacific Gubernatorial Election (JCP HOLD)
OPEN (Governor Culture King)
Fmr. Vice-President Meeker

Pacific Lt. Gubernatorial Election (TOSSUP)
OPEN (Lt. Governor Alcon)
Alexander Hamilton
Fmr. President Ebowed

Southeast Gubernatorial Election (RPP HOLD)
Governor Daniel Adams*

Southeast Lt. Gubernatorial Election (RPP HOLD)
OPEN (Lt. Governor SPC)
Fmr. Senator PiT

Midwest Gubernatorial Election (RPP TAKEOVER)
Governor GMantis*
Lt. Governor Vepres
Mechaman

Midwest Lt. Gubernatorial Election (LNF TAKEOVER)
OPEN (Lt. Governor Vepres)
Lewis Trondheim

[SPC]

I know polling indicates as much, but can you really rate the Pacific Lt. Governor race a tossup. I have a feeling bgwah can rally more JCP members to vote on a bad day than the RPP has in the region.

I wouldn't be so sure. Ebowed is definitely favored, but Alexander Hamilton certainly has potential to pull an upset.

[SPC]

The turnout for the last election in the Pacific was 13 votes.