Mideast Assembly Thread

[HappyWarrior]

The measure passes.  Does anyone have any other measures they would like to bring up?  I am still working on my crime bill.

[HappyWarrior]

How about we lay down procedural rules for the Assembly?

Good idea, do you have any suggestions?

[HappyWarrior]

I was thinking of a non-binding resolution expressing the Mideast's support for maintaining the current structure of the Atlasian government.  With challenges from one side with Lewis' proposal for essentially an Altasian Commune, and challenges from the other with the RPP's intense decentralization, do you guys feel it necessary for the Mideast to proclaim its support of the status quo?

Sounds good to me.

[HappyWarrior]

Hashemite is no longer a member. Appoint Inks.

But he's Judge!

Exactly. Ask Peter and MasterJedi.  They would be strong appointments I think.  At least those are my recommendations.

[HappyWarrior]

Welcome Inks and Peter to the Mideast Assembly...

Considering I'm the only member who has been RE-elected to this great office...I wish get things started as quickly as possible. I urge you both to swear yourselves in as quickly as possible so we can get to work for the people of the Mideast.

Then I wish to determine the Speaker of the Assembly... I hereby announce my candidacy, by the way.

Let the fun begin!

I, as the previous speaker, former governor, and current senator of the region, support you in this matter.

[HappyWarrior]

I would ask that you fellows also take into consideration the movement of the regional capital.

[HappyWarrior]

There is no procedural resolution allowing either of us to assume the Speaker's Chair. You were so beset on us having a resolution that followed a very exacting formula to avoid a possible breach of the Constitution (and I emphasise possible because I'm not convinced a Court wouldn't have allowed my text), and now we will adhere to a system that does not bypass our own Speaker because he's eating mince pies with his family at Christmas.

Technically, there's not resolution that puts into place what the Speaker does.  We simply elected Franzl speaker but gave him no power.  Technically, we never voted on a procedural resolution to establish the position of speaker.  And the position of speaker is nowhere listed in the Constitution.

Actually we passed a resolution setting out the Powers of the Speaker during the first Assembly.  I believe it was our first act.

[HappyWarrior]

Anyway, since Peter has declined....as former speaker, I wish to offer Inks my full support and congratulations.

[HappyWarrior]

I'm concerned about freedom of speech protection here, as well.

Where do we draw the line?

I don't think anyone has the right to not be offended. I would personally be more comfortable with the bill if it were restricted only to statements that are made falsely that damage one's reputation.

Not that it matters...as I've said, the Assembly needs to decide for itself which priorities it has.

I agree with Franzl on this matter, we need to ensure that freedom of speech is maintained.  We can not simply stop people from saying things because they hurt others feelings.  However if they are utter falsehoods that damage a person's reputation then yes action must be taken.

[HappyWarrior]

How does this look? Any thoughts?

The Mideast Gun Safety Act

1. All automatic firearms, rocket projectiles, and grenades shall be banned from sale or use in the Mideast.
2. The following restrictions shall be implemented for all firearms sold in the Mideast upon purchase:
   a. The firearm must be registered to a residency occupied by the owner
   b. The owner must be fingerprinted
   c. The owner must supply a current Driver's License
   d. The owner must supply a confirmed Social Security Number
   e. The owner mus submit to a government-run physical and mental examination for approval to own a firearm
   f. Any change of ownership through private or public sale must be reported
   g. Reasonable assurances and precautions must be provided to ensure that no person under the age of 21 shall have access to the firearm
3. Failure to comply with any of the above restrictions shall result in imprisonment for no more than one year per infraction.
4. This law shall not apply to any on-duty military or police personnel, or in the event that a citizen has received a written waiver approved by the Assembly and signed by the Governor.

It sounds good to me. 

[HappyWarrior]

I think that the time has come to change the region's capital.  College Park seems like a small and arbitry choice.  I would propose some place in the center of our region such as Columbus or Indianapolis.

[HappyWarrior]

I will oppose any attempt to move the capital from Maryland!

Knew that one was coming... I was pretty shocked that HW came up with the idea in the first place. I guess some just don't like having the capital so close to home.

No, I'd like it to remain in Maryland.  However College Park just seems like such an arbitrary locale.  Why not Annapolis if it has to be in Maryland?

[HappyWarrior]

I will oppose any attempt to move the capital from Maryland!

Knew that one was coming... I was pretty shocked that HW came up with the idea in the first place. I guess some just don't like having the capital so close to home.

No, I'd like it to remain in Maryland.  However College Park just seems like such an arbitrary locale.  Why not Annapolis if it has to be in Maryland?

I wouldn't mind Annapolis or Baltimore (it could help clean up the city).

I don't care which but could you add one of them to the resolution?

[HappyWarrior]

Updated version:

Resolution for the Relocation of the Mideast Capital

Whereas, the Mideast Assembly believes that the Capital of the Mideast shall be moved from its current location of College Park, MD;

Whereas, there are a number of large, centrally located cities in the Mideast appropriate for the locale of the Mideast Capital, Governor's Mansion and Assembly Chamber;

We resolve that the Governor shall open a public Voting Booth at his discrepancy, within twenty days, to allow the people of the Mideast to choose a new Capital from the following list of candidates:
1. Baltimore,INMD
2. Richmond, VA
3. Columbus, OH
4. Louisville, KY

Does anyone have further comment? I'm not going to bring this to a vote until Saturday because I won't be able to access internet in about 2 hours. So feel free to continue discussion.

[HappyWarrior]

As Senator of the Mideast region I would also like to encourage the Governor to appoint Persepolis and Dan as the new assemblymen of the region.

[HappyWarrior]

Also if either of you are in any need of assistance I am always available as a former assemblyman, Speaker, Governor, and Regional Judge

[HappyWarrior]

I am personally a pro-lifer but this legislation is too big.  To do this would needlessly persecute women, alot of times for things that simply should not be a crime.

[HappyWarrior]

Why not leave the current statute?

Agreed, I do not see a huge amount of difference.

[HappyWarrior]

I feel I deserve recognition

Then perhaps I should get one too.  No I am only kidding of course, however I do feel Inks does deserve one after he departs office.

[HappyWarrior]

I feel I deserve recognition

Then perhaps I should get one too.  No I am only kidding of course, however I do feel Inks does deserve one after he departs office.

I find it funny that you think I'm ever going to leave. 

But seriously - thank you for the kind words.

Also, the bill has been signed.

By the way Inks I am sorry I ran againest you all those years ago and expelled you from office.  However I did need something to start me off in Atlasia right?   And I think I have done some admirable service for the Mideast.

[HappyWarrior]

I would like to present the following bill to the Assembly:

The Animal Protection Act
1. The Mideast recognizes animal torture as knowingly torturing, tormenting, needlessly mutilating or maiming, cruelly beating, poisoning, needlessly killing, or committing an act of cruelty against a companion animal.
2. To require a child under the age of 18 to undergo psychological evaluation to determine if the child needs individual or family counseling.
3. To require the parent, guardian, or other person taking care of the child to pay the costs of the evaluation, counseling, or both.
4. If a person over the age of 18 commits animal cruelty more than twice, that person would be required to spend a minimum of 30 days in prison and a maximum of 5 years.

I love you....not in a gay way of course :-D

[HappyWarrior]

I would like to present the following bill to the Assembly:

The Animal Protection Act
1. The Mideast recognizes animal torture as knowingly torturing, tormenting, needlessly mutilating or maiming, cruelly beating, poisoning, needlessly killing, or committing an act of cruelty against a companion animal.
2. To require a child under the age of 18 to undergo psychological evaluation to determine if the child needs individual or family counseling.
3. To require the parent, guardian, or other person taking care of the child to pay the costs of the evaluation, counseling, or both.
4. If a person over the age of 18 commits animal cruelty more than twice, that person would be required to spend a minimum of 30 days in prison and a maximum of 5 years.

The bill is brought to the floor. My first reading of the bill would seem to mean that clause 2 requires that all children under the age of 18 (surely a tautology?) undergo a psych evaluation. I ='d like some clarification of who exactly is meant to be affected by this bill.

I'm sorry. Anyone under the age of 18 must undergo a psychological evaluation.

I think he means what does that have to do with the protection of animals?

[HappyWarrior]

I don't support any such ban.  I think people should have the right to decide if they want to smoke.  It's up to the restaurants or other establishments to make their own decisions otherwise.

[HappyWarrior]

One thing I've been reading into that I would be interested in having a law passed for is something saying that you can't make a certain breed of dog illegal.  In many counties and states dogs like pitbulls and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are illegal.  I know some people think these breeds are dangerous it isn't the breed but the owners that create the danger.

[HappyWarrior]

Badger with this and your acceptance of my dog bill I think you have won my vote for reelection.  Saving yourself for the debacle of that smoking bill.