Citizen participation in the Senate

[Purple State]

I am slightly torn on this. Before I entered the Senate I was pretty active in discussing legislation on the Senate floor. A quick look at the Middle East Peace Act reveals as much. However, we do have elected officials for a reason.

I suspect much of this depends on both the nature of the Senate, as well as the nature of those commenting. I never aimlessly posted my sentiments on every bill on the floor before I became a senator, but rather only in substantive ways on bills I thought should be shaped differently. Much of what we see now seems to be an urge to have one's voice heard everywhere and anywhere possible. That becomes a burden and a nuisance.

[Purple State]

The Atlasian Senate has long proven itself, up to now, open and accessible to the citizenry of the Republic. I don't favour closing the doors.

Then whats the point of even having an elected senate when you have non-senators in there even WRITING amendments. It's only certain people in particular, but it is really ruining it for people that want to offer their 2 cents and be on with it.

I would say it is both about the nature of the Senate and the nature of the comments. I was definitely writing up amendments before I was elected Senator. Granted, I was a member of the Mideast Assembly, but most of the bills did not relate directly to the region.

Senators vote, which is really their most important function.

What I do wish to see (Hash, I remember you saying you were working on this) is a Senate Noticeboard and discussion page in the Elections board. As a matter of fact, I think I will make one right now. Call it part of my job as GM. Ways to bring the Senate to the people could help alleviate the worries here.