Newsletter Ranting: Honesty, Delivered Brutally [Mad Marokai!]

[Purple State]

As was said earlier, finally our very own Keith Olbermann. I did enjoy your first story.

[Purple State]

I personally think PiT would've been a better choice for the new chair, but Duke is good as well. He did receive preferences from people in all the major parties after all.  It will be interesting to see the next few months play out for the RPP, as well as the elections in Ocotber.

This, of course, is the point. DWTL replacing himself with Duke, through shady bending of the rules no less, allows DWTL to continue his current tactics without appearing to represent anything greater than himself.

So he can keep bashing Afleitch and HappyWarrior, but not under the guise of "RPP Chair." All the while, it is clear he will wield no less power, no less influence in the party.

[Purple State]

Oh, is the next one about the DA? We have been so good of late!

[Purple State]

Oh, is the next one about the DA? We have been so good of late!

Regions actually

But I'm waiting until things cool down.

On second thought, I think it will be.

Bring it on bitch!

[Purple State]

Well apparently I'm involved in some scheme

I'll say this and only this, some in the party have tried to convince someone in another party of whom I detest for the reason mostly that he hates our party, to join our ticket and I said I would not be oppposed. 

I also stated the breaking of the ticket will result in either an RPP NOTA vote or an RPP vote for our ticket and our ticket only.  If the DA really thinks they can take down Lief by their lonesome, they can have at it and I wish them the best.  Anyone who thinks that MJ/Franzl wouldn't have won is kidding themselves, but the DA apparently wants to feel important again and their hissy fit members like HW and Hash honestly believe they can win without forming a unity ticket.

Speak naught, lest you speak of which you know not naught of.

The DA crafted its October election strategy as a group with universal consensus on the matter. Through a series of discussions and carefully weighing our options, it was decided that, while standing as our own party may handily reduce our chances of winning the presidency (or vice-presidency, whatever it may be), it was the smartest and most attractive of the available options. As an addendum to what others have already said, perhaps winning matters, but it's a question of short-term thinking versus long-term vision.

While other parties may be committed to regulating and strictly controlling the actions of its members, the DA is more focused on protecting our members, whether it be their ability to hold a view, vote a certain way or be free from harassment. For that reason (and many more to be sure), the party felt it inappropriate to run a unity ticket with the RPP this October.

As one final message to everyone, could you all lay off the member-sniping? This is not just to the RPP (you JCP ones know who you are! ).

[Purple State]

The fact that the came to a consensus agreement that they could beat the JCP in a heads up election does not make the decision anymore misguided.

Again, what makes you think that was the consensus? Your short-term goal of winning the presidency (and a DA vice-presidency) does not fit in with our long-term goals, so the RPP offer was not the most attractive offer. We have no illusions as to the chances of winning; it is much harder now than it was in a unity ticket. But winning wasn't on our minds so much in the decision process.

[Purple State]

The fact that the came to a consensus agreement that they could beat the JCP in a heads up election does not make the decision anymore misguided.

Again, what makes you think that was the consensus? Your short-term goal of winning the presidency (and a DA vice-presidency) does not fit in with our long-term goals, so the RPP offer was not the most attractive offer. We have no illusions as to the chances of winning; it is much harder now than it was in a unity ticket. But winning wasn't on our minds so much in the decision process.

Long-term goals?  That is a really misguided belief if you think that you can beat the JCP heads up ever, and if you came close the RPP would just preference the JCP anyway.  Face it, the DA is not a major party, its a group of people closer to the center who need the help of the left or right to win elections

The DA certainly has no interest in associating with the RPP that viciously attacks our members, even when a tentative deal for a unity ticket is in place. Perhaps the RPP will reform or defection will create a new right-wing party that the DA can support. Or, maybe the DA will even considering uniting with the JCP. Or no one and we will serve as the pragmatic center, loyal to no one and whose purpose is to win Senate seats and influence debate, rather than win outright.

EDIT: Oh, and let me simply address Hamilton's post quickly. Whatever care I had for RPP support way back when, that is surely over. I have deep respect for a good number of your members (NC Yank in particular), but the way the RPP is run and the way it presents itself is a disgrace to the game.

[Purple State]

What I'm just pissed about (I don't have any bad feels towards anyone, just annoyed in general) is that all the people who liked the ticket suddenly turned away from it in a consensus? I know Hash didn't want to work with the RPP in general but I find it hard to believe everyone suddenly came against me when everyone knows I make my own decisions and have friendships with many members in the DA. That's what pisses me off. Especially since there wasn't any "omg no" to the ticket until about 2 weeks ago. And then it was just the DA would rather run their own ticket.

But can I say: everyone please just shut the  up? It's just a game, my God.

Had nothing to do with you MJ. It was a general turn away from the RPP, especially because of DWTL's treatment of HW, Hash and afleitch, as well as the way the party handled the last election.

I believe we all still hold the utmost respect for you as an individual. It was your party affiliation that resulted in the sudden break.

PS, I don't believe myself or anyone in the party has ever attacked you.  We attack those who make stupid decision, no matter what party they belong to.  To get offended because not everyone in the RPP agrees with everyone in the DA is childish.  When you needed my backing did I not help you?  Did I not try to get Franzl elected to the last senate seat by pushing my party to 3rd pref him?

It wasn't that I felt offended personally DWTL. It was that I, as well as the party at-large, was disgusted by the way you treated members of the DA, as though that would have no ramifications and you were free to act in whatever way you chose. The RPP needs a great deal of reform if it hopes to be viewed as a respectable and, more importantly, respectful party in Atlasia in the near future.

[Purple State]

Had nothing to do with you MJ. It was a general turn away from the RPP, especially because of DWTL's treatment of HW, Hash and afleitch, as well as the way the party handled the last election..

I'm trying to follow the logic, DWTL, no longer party chair, doesn't like a whopping 3 (4 if you count Vepres now) member of your party and really is unwilling to work with only one of them, you break off the chance to have the VP under MasterJedi who you like?  The same DWTL that pushed heavily for the election of Franzl to the senate.

Good, that clear everything up

You pushed for Franzl, why? Because of your hatred for afleitch. So let's not make a big to-do about how you "supported" Franzl.

I am the one who started the discussion on removing ourselves from the RPP ticket, so lay off of Hash and every other DA member you have a bone with.

Lastly, if you expect me (or anyone) to believe that you "stepping down" from chairman of the RPP has any meaning, you are sorely mistaken. The optics may be different, but the message is the same. Nor does it relate exclusively to you. The actions of other members of your party, as well as the recent wave of zombie recruitment and region-packing was on everyone's minds as well.

I used to have respect for the RPP, but the party has managed to so disturb me as to render any such sentiments moot. I have only grown to dislike the RPP more and more over the past few weeks. I hope the party will change. It's really up to its members.

That's what I figured and that's what annoys me too. The DA is all about individual over party which I have always been. You all know I have friendships with many of you and don't agree with a lot of the bullsh**t "I hate you, now you die" crap that goes on. So instead of going along with that you guys pushed and got rid of the ticket. I'm individual over party but I guess that wasn't enough.

Honestly, it was a painful decision. But while the individual does serve a tremendous role in our party, our decisions are not made in a vacuum. The association of RPP/DA was simply too distasteful to the DA because of the way respected members of our party have been treated by yours. I can imagine how frustrating it must be for you. Honestly, had you been a member of any other party this would have been a different ball game entirely. That is the sad truth. Hopefully this will shock the RPP into actually looking internally and making the necessary changes, rather than its usual "scorched earth" policy.

[Purple State]

The RPP isn't making any changes because a few liberals who want to feel important and not overshadowed in the JCP say we should.  Let's not kid ourselves PS, you liked the RPP when it was conveinent, but now that you aren't running for re-election you suddenly hate us.  NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR

Usually I tried to ignore the things you said. For much of the time I wasn't looking our for my party's interest, but my own. However, having responsibilities to the DA has now shifted my politics from the personal to the public good. Your actions have been atrocious. The strategy of the RPP has been downright nasty, both to respected Atlasians and respected DAers.

My opinion and the opinion of the DA is clear. Now the ball is in your court. Clean up or shut up.

[Purple State]

I now understand how the RPP has gotten into the state that it has. It's a self-perpetuating echo chamber.

@Duke: You said the RPP would have meaningful reform, but we are still waiting. In the meantime, you have continued exactly in his footsteps while not reinforcing the idea that he isn't actually the one still pulling the strings. His badmouthing of our members and the RPP's assumption that the DA will simply stand to allow our respected members to be continually trashed without any comment of support from the RPP was a mistake on your part. Stop acting like a proxy for DWTL. If you want to be a party leader, then lead.

@MJ: No matter how great you are as an individual, the continued assault by your party on DA members, without any attempt to rein in the harassment by major players in the RPP, was enough to ruin the proposed ticket. How were we supposed to run a ticket with a party that has zero respect for our members, not to mention our leadership?

@DWTL: We don't think we can "topple" the JCP at all, nor would that be our intention. We would rather be our own party, run our own ticket, and show a little bit of independence. If we win, that's icing. Certainly the ability to distance ourselves from a self-destructing party that doesn't respect us is a bonus as well. I wish people like NCY, MJ or PiT would stand up publicly to the garbage you spew. That would have been reassuring.

[Purple State]

How was DWTL different in July, Purple State? I still don't get it.

I'd also like to know that, considering you conveniently ignore that charge. If it was political opportunism, then just admit it and we'll move on.


As for your charges, I'd like to know how I am being a proxy for DWTL because that is a talking point a lot of people like to use without much proof. I am hardly disrespectful to the DA members. I've never engaged in any of the questionable activity or behavior that DWTL engages in. Just because we work together hardly means I am a proxy. If it does, then you are just as guilty as I am. I'm not happy about how you seem to throw out how I'm a proxy, yet I hardly exhibit the same actions he does. Also, don't lecture to me about leading. There was a night not too long ago that the RPP could have collapsed, but I listened to the concerns of our members and have pledged to do what is needed to create a more inclusive RPP where everyone's concerns are met, not just those of the founding members. Your continuing refusal to recognize this says more about yourself than anything else. It's fine if you don't want to work with us, but it's really unbecoming to keep talking like you do when you have no intention of doing so.

I have already stated that until recently I was driven by personal ambition, rather than a greater party and national vision. Since leaving elected office, my perspective on what is good for the game has changed, as it is no longer singularly about what is good for myself. So yes, my actions in July were personal political opportunism. It is unfortunate, but I have moved past that since.

My assertion that you are a proxy doesn't relate to you being "as bad" as DWTL. Lord knows you are not and I will be the first to admit it. However, you have done absolutely nothing to distance yourself or the party from the attacks of DWTL. You may not think it necessary, but when you have someone as prominent as DWTL is in the RPP, your silence is a deafening acceptance of his words.

Aside from that, it cannot be helped that many, including myself, see your rise to the chairmanship as simply a political ploy, a way for the RPP to say, "Hey, look, we aren't that bad!" Until you clean up your act and actually distance yourself from DWTL and his tactics as chairman, it just seems like the same old RPP to me.

If you have, as you stated, begun to take into account the voices of the RPP membership (as has been said to me privately by people already), that is a great start, but not nearly enough. Distance yourself from the tactics of yore and show the public, not just your party, that you mean business and a new face for the RPP.

[Purple State]

Duke, I believe I have taken part enough in the public spat. I have already spoken to a few members of your party privately today about this in a calm and rational way. I am more than happy to do so with you as well.

Just as one parting thought, while your occasional statements against DWTL are nice, they aren't nearly enough, as this episode shows. For me to have to ask DWTL by PM on a number of occasions to stop bullying members of the DA is unacceptable. That it did help when I PMed him though leads me to believe that you could have done the same thing, but did not. You are not some do-nothing governor anymore. You are the leader of a very large party. You have to grow some balls and act like a leader (in public) or don't be surprised when your silence (in public) is taken as consent.

[Purple State]

Wow, this is still going? I've addressed those who I felt I needed to in private, so, with that...

Wouldn't it be more fun if we just stayed friendly and ran our campaigns without this contant arguing?

No! Keep bickering! *gets more popcorn*

I'll join you on the couch. Pass the popcorn you selfish bastard!

[Purple State]

Wow, this is still going? I've addressed those who I felt I needed to in private, so, with that...

Wouldn't it be more fun if we just stayed friendly and ran our campaigns without this contant arguing?

No! Keep bickering! *gets more popcorn*

I'll join you on the couch. Pass the popcorn you selfish bastard!

Yay more name calling.

Just tryin' to keep it lively Senator DeMint Yank.

[Purple State]

Also, I am glad to hear Purple State admit that he is an opportunist. I am still curious about every DA member that voted for him. I am pretty certain that includes all of them except Happy Warrior and Verily (who wasn't DA at that time, right?) and afleitch. His behavior has been typically consistent as far back as he's been on the forum.

Care to explain how looking out for my personal affairs has anything to do with the people that voted for me?

I thought we spoke about this already, but apparently your public persona is really all about attacks and not about reason or respect.

[Purple State]

Also, I am glad to hear Purple State admit that he is an opportunist. I am still curious about every DA member that voted for him. I am pretty certain that includes all of them except Happy Warrior and Verily (who wasn't DA at that time, right?) and afleitch. His behavior has been typically consistent as far back as he's been on the forum.

Care to explain how looking out for my personal affairs has anything to do with the people that voted for me?

I thought we spoke about this already, but apparently your public persona is really all about attacks and not about reason or respect.

No. I mean all the other DAers that voted for DWTL. What has changed for them?

Ah, my mistake. The preposition appeared to specify me. I still wouldn't classify myself as an opportunist. I had personal political goals. Now I'm in an unelected position so I don't owe loyalty to a constituency. It's a difference of loyalties, shifting perspectives.

As for other DA members, some voted for DWTL because the party was, others for personal reasons, and others because they lean right and didn't want to vote for a JCP candidate. Plethora of reasons why someone would vote for or against someone else.

[Purple State]

Where is the openness within the DA? Individual over party? Come on, guys!

I think you'll find that most people within the DA have been supportive of Andrew's right to do what he wishes to do.

Indeed. Duke's mock anger is amusing to say the least. Andrew is free to do as he wishes. We have never cared when he votes a different way than we endorse (if only the same could be said for the RPP), nor did removing him from the party even cross my mind when I heard he would be MJ's running mate.

In other words, as the famous ilikeverin would say: "*hughughug*"

As for Andrew not being included in any DA notifications/announcements, a while back I included him on just about every party campaign notice that I would send around. These were usually informal things like, "What does everyone think about ______?" Andrew never gave his opinion or responded, so his name faded and was forgotten on a few recent PMs. I'm not sure this is as "scandalous" as many are trying to make it seem, but so it goes.

[Purple State]

Where is the openness within the DA? Individual over party? Come on, guys!

I think you'll find that most people within the DA have been supportive of Andrew's right to do what he wishes to do.

Indeed. Duke's mock anger is amusing to say the least. Andrew is free to do as he wishes. We have never cared when he votes a different way than we endorse (if only the same could be said for the RPP), nor did removing him from the party even cross my mind when I heard he would be MJ's running mate.

In other words, as the famous ilikeverin would say: "*hughughug*"

As for Andrew not being included in any DA notifications/announcements, a while back I included him on just about every party campaign notice that I would send around. These were usually informal things like, "What does everyone think about ______?" Andrew never gave his opinion or responded, so his name faded and was forgotten on a few recent PMs. I'm not sure this is as "scandalous" as many are trying to make it seem, but so it goes.

It's not mock anger, but thanks for being disrespectful in trying to belittle my statements. Of course it isn't a big deal to you that several of your members had no idea what was going on, but it just takes away another lecture topic that you may have wanted to send my way. It's like saying it's okay if the RPP decided to cut off members from our forum because they weren't participating enough. I'm sure that would go over well with all of you and be no bi g deal.

I'm pretty sure it's mock anger. Otherwise you would have noted that I did not "cut off" Andrew. I have sent him most of the big DA PMs on strategy. Occasionally some members slip my mind. I have definitely neglected to send PMs to other members at times as well. Never have I willfully neglected to share information with someone.

You have also invented DA anger about Andrew's position on MJ's ticket. Just look at the first quote, from you, in this post. The honest truth is none of us are angry about Andrew's actions, no matter how much you may want others to believe that we are. It is totally his call and we respect his individual choice.

[Purple State]

Not to agree with the RPP on something, but to the DA members here, please don't try to convince me some of you weren't a bit irked at the news, because I know better.

If a JCP member went behind our backs and ran on the DA ticket, we'd be furious. Not because we oppose individual choice and try to control party actions, but simply because we have political parties for a reason, and when you make a big gesture as running on an opposing ticket, it needs some sort of official recognition. Just saying.

*shrug* I really don't mind. Perhaps I have overly internalized the message of the DA, but we really run an open ship here. To me, I think it would be way too stressful to try to micromanage each member, nor do I have any interest in influencing Senate or election votes. Takes much too much thinking and I barely understand the voting system. It is more about internalizing the message of the DA: activity, pragmatism, openness.

It is sad to see Andrew leave the party and he should know that the door is and remains open if he ever wishes to return.

[Purple State]

I want one!

[Purple State]

I hereby award Disraeli 20000 fail points for the last post.

Fixed.

Oh how surprising! A self admitted fanatical hater of freedom doesn't like me! How I'll cry! How I'll weep! Honestly, once you stop pressing for the state to interfere and ruin people's lives, I might end the intense disliking I have for you and your 'progressive' (anything but, in reality) friends.

Being hated by an ideological hack is a pleasure for me.

You should know about ideological hackery, seeing as you are one.

You are seriously getting annoying now. I am unsure why you post here if it is simply to be an asshole. Actually contribute to the game in a meaningful way or cut the crap and get out.

[Purple State]

Winston is a Hamilton pawn, nothing less than behavior similar to the grand-troll himself should be expected

Look, so long as Hamilton refrains from trolling and tries to contribute, I'll tolerate things. But I think everyone needs to start standing up to blatant trolling, no matter who it is or what party they belong to.

[Purple State]

Winston is a Hamilton pawn, nothing less than behavior similar to the grand-troll himself should be expected

Look, so long as Hamilton refrains from trolling and tries to contribute, I'll tolerate things. But I think everyone needs to start standing up to blatant trolling, no matter who it is or what party they belong to.

Anyone who believes that Hamilton is now not a troll and trustworthy seriously has some deep issues.  C'mon PS, you're usually smarter than that

I disagree with him on the current reform, sure, but at the moment he is not the most annoying Atlasian and I see no need to expend energy dealing with something that isn't currently apparent. If it reappears, I'll be on it. Until it does, I will be calling out personal attacks and worthless posts for what they are.

Think of me as the new troll-hunter:

[Purple State]

I have yet to understand why or how people form "close bonds" of friendship quickly with others in this game. It's a game. They aren't being supportive or understanding. It's a game, online, with strangers. You play it with others, but they aren't your "friends."