Afleitch for Senate

[afleitch]

I know it's early and who knows where we will end up with the ConCon but I will run for the Senate in April...if it still exists I'm tossing in the hat because I want to run a campaign - I have ideas that swirl in the RAA and in the Referendum Movement and I have great ideas I wish to share at the upcoming Convention. Who know it may take up most of my time!

Outside the Senate, last year I introduced banking regulation and confronted the Senate over the issue of the economy. When I was last in the Senate I saw through the Income Tax Reduction Act reducing tax from the bottom up. I wish to look at tax again and investigate further reductions to help thos struggling. I want to finalise that legislation to adress welfare reform and to get Atlasia ready for the sunshine, for an economic comeback when the time comes.

More soon as it trundles along. But that is my stall. Constitutional reform is on it's way and I will represent my region in that endeavor, but as a nation we can work towards economic recovery.

[afleitch]

^^^^^^^^^^

That's actually quite sweet

[afleitch]

Good luck

Although due to your continued relentless bashing of my party and my abilities, I doubt I or we for that matter will be endorsing you

Thank you... for the good luck!

I stress again my issue is not with the RPP and it's members - it's with your style of leadership and always has been. I make that distinction. I hope you do too.

[afleitch]

This is something I've been working on - It is just a working paper, a thought process and should hopefully evolve.

From Welfare to Work - A working paper

With the global downturn, we need to ensure that capitalism becomes smaller and more accountable. We often harass the State for being too big, yet let have let capitalism morph into a lumbering giant that goes against the very principles of the free-market. We need to 'rehabilitate' not just those needing help to get back into work, but also capitalism to get it back to work

How a managed market can help the jobs market

Successful labour market reforms have often involved the use of private or 'third sector' organisations operating or being involved in back to work programmes.

Some international examples;

Netherlands - Over 500 private organisations help job seekers at a local or national level
Germany - Job seekers can choose to register with a private employment provider if government services have been unsuccessful in helping them find work after six weeks
Australia - Return to work processes have been tendered to privet, not for profit organisations who provide skills, training assistance and work placements. The NFP's can be micromanaged by the government during the tendering process in order to ensure competition and choice

With further study, this could be incorporated as a 'second tier' within the existing Welfare Reform Act allowing the government to reduce its financial contribution but still have government agencies operate as the first tier in employment and training programmes.

[afleitch]

I also hope to explore other social aspects of empoyment/unemployment. I hope to look at 'bankable leave' for new mothers and fathers for example; allowing them to choose when to take it (it being what is allocated at federal, regional level or by their employer), how much to take and who takes it. Employers who offer maternity/paternity leave should be encouraged to create more flexable working arrangements based on what the employee wishes rather than simply what leave (if any) the government prescribes them at the one time.

More on that tomorrow hopefully

[afleitch]

I support you, afleitch. But I must say I am very disappointed lately in the increasing lack of economic leftwingers (even in moderation!) in office.

Makorai,

So am I We have overly concerned ourself with issues of participation, democracy and the constitution and these are now being adressed. I want to bring economic issues back to the game and now is the time to do it. I was concerned last autumn we had not dealt with the economic crisis. We didn't have a GM at the time and paid no attention to real world events. Every other parliament (and indeed other election/government sims) have been gripped by this crisis except us.

However I've always been right of centre on economics and wish for the state and private enterprise to work together. I'm not opposed to left of centre solutions and I think the SDP can be a voice in promoting these.

[afleitch]

Thank you to everyone who has expressed support. I promise to be as active in the campaign as I can be.

[afleitch]

Volunteers and the voluntary sector - Our thankless friends.

Working paper

Voluntary and community groups can never completely replace the work of nation and local government in Atlasia, but they need our support. I want to see a radical transformation in the role of community groups, social enterprise programmes and the voluntary sector to help build a strong society working together and with all levels of government to deliver services and support to those who are vulnerable or invisible in our society.

I want to look at enhancing thethe role played by charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in tackling the problems facing our society.

- Atlasia already has Gift Aid in operation allowing for tax free charitable donations. This should be maintained but how can it be enhanced.

 - Look at establishing a series of Regional or one national 'Lottery' whereby a significant proportion of the sum of money spent on each ticket goes to a Fund for good causes.

- Look at enabling both charities and voluntary organisations to make a fair return on money they spend on providing what are essentially services to the public, in the same manner as private businesses do.

- Look at establishing Social Enterprise Zones in Atlasia - described as 'areas where relaxed tax and benefit rules would help social entrepreneurs and the voluntary sector deal with problems such as drug abuse.' 

[afleitch]

Get small business booming again.

Working paper
Atlasia should be the easiest and best place in the world to set up, grow and maintain a small business.

What can we do?

- Reduce taxation on small businesses.
- Establish targeted Economic Development Zones in places hit hard by the recession and the loss of industry and jobs.
- Improving skills training and apprenticeships.
- Allowing small business to defer in part, the payment of tax to the government to stop them going under.

It is important for us to support business, employers and employees. We must never intervene in the administration of these businesses unless we have an existing legal right to do so. Instead we must create an environment for them to 'dig in their heels' during the recession, to create and maintain jobs and to keep supporting the local community.

[afleitch]

If I am elected PPT will be running the special election to replace BaconKing?

It is my hope that whatever happens BaconKing does not resign. I certainly wouldn't want him. I'll only make a decision on that if a resignation or retirement from the Senate happens.

At the moment I am focusing on developing and expanding economic policy. My two proudest national achievements (one and and one out of the Senate) was the Income Tax Reduction Act and the Financial Services Regulation Act which helped protect savers and depositors. I have experience in bringing left and right together to ensure we adress the economy and taxation. I am prepared to do that whenever an election is called.

[afleitch]

I'll be back in Scotland on Saturday and hopefully will be able to post something further.

[afleitch]

After a weeks leave, I'm pleased to hear of the election of HappyWarrior as PPT. His election has been vindicated already with the swift return of Senate operations.

I am also pleased to see that the Repeal of the Repeal of the Repeal of the Education and Care for Children in Poverty Act has failed at the first hurdle. This little bill was fair, democratic and gave power to the regions. Atlasia is a country that has a progressive social policy and social action programmes that have been fought for and agreed with with cross party and cross ideological consensus.



The Repeal of the Act to Establish Atlasian Policy Towards HIV/AIDS is of great concern. The difficult passage of the Bill hurled me into a Senate campaign two years ago. I am strongly in support of a sensible drug, HIV/AIDS prevention and sex education programme. As I remarked at the time, our bill was very similar to the measures introduced by Thatcher's government in the UK particularly in regard to the needle exchange programme. These measures gave the UK comparitively low levels of infection rates. I hope that the Senate votes to retain this system and indeed expand upon it.

My approach in the Senate will be to build upon, expand and fix legislation. If it works, to expand upon it's measures, if it doesn't - to review it and amend it to make it effective. Only unworkable legislation should be repealed...and there shouldn't be any unworkable legislation if the Senate and past Senates have done their job I do not believe the Senate should be overwhelmed with attempts to repeal existing legislation particularly under the current climate - it has to be progressive and forward thinking and on top of any given crisis. If elected, I promise to ensure that we have a responsive Senate.

[afleitch]

I first of all would like to welcome my friend PurpleState to the race next month

Crime Mapping - Working Paper

Reflecting it's recent rollout across the United Kingdon, I propose that police forces throughout Atlasia adopt a practive of releasing crime statistics; not just by counting heads, but giving information to where crime is taking place, where clusters form and alerting people to where crime is taking place - effetcively creating a public access 'crime map.' This date should never identify the victim of each crime and where he or she resides, but should allow for a local picture to be formed to allow individuals and communities to help the police in the fight against crime. It will also allow for charities and government organisations to target drug crime, firearm crime etc by focusing on specific 'hot spots.'

[afleitch]

Action against forced civil unions - Working paper

The Elimination of Civil Marriage Law and Establishment of Civil Unions Act is a sound piece of legislation that enshrines the procedures under which civil unions are formed and between who they are formed. However coercive and forced unions for cultural and economic reasons between two persons should not be tolerated in our society. I make a distinct seperation between forced unions and arranged unions.

A forced civil union is a violation of the basic individual rights granted to all citizens. An amendment to that effect within Section 2 – Restrictions on Civil Union Licenses would be beneficial. However that also requires a legal definition of what constitutes a 'forced' union so discussion will be needed.

Any thoughts on the relevance of an amendment?

[afleitch]

Action against forced civil unions - Working paper

The Elimination of Civil Marriage Law and Establishment of Civil Unions Act is a sound piece of legislation that enshrines the procedures under which civil unions are formed and between who they are formed. However coercive and forced unions for cultural and economic reasons between two persons should not be tolerated in our society. I make a distinct seperation between forced unions and arranged unions.

A forced civil union is a violation of the basic individual rights granted to all citizens. An amendment to that effect within Section 2 – Restrictions on Civil Union Licenses would be beneficial. However that also requires a legal definition of what constitutes a 'forced' union so discussion will be needed.

Any thoughts on the relevance of an amendment?

I decided to enter it into the Legislation Introduction thread as looking at it I felt it should require a simple amendment. I hope it will find a sponsor

[afleitch]

The Repeal of the Act to Establish Atlasian Policy Towards HIV/AIDS is of great concern. The difficult passage of the Bill hurled me into a Senate campaign two years ago. I am strongly in support of a sensible drug, HIV/AIDS prevention and sex education programme. As I remarked at the time, our bill was very similar to the measures introduced by Thatcher's government in the UK particularly in regard to the needle exchange programme. These measures gave the UK comparitively low levels of infection rates. I hope that the Senate votes to retain this system and indeed expand upon it.

Further to this, I join with Franzl, Purple State and many Senators in condemning the attempt to repeal existing Atlasian policy towards protecting and preventing HIV/AIDS. I have spoken from the gallery to the Senate in an attempt to engage them with the operational side of that policy.

[afleitch]

On the issue of the Free Palestine Bill (or whetever it will be called!), I have no qualms with the current wording. It is perhaps a harmless bill and does nothing to interupt our trade links with Israel.

Our annual exports to Israel stands at some $9200 millions annually and our imports at $14527 millions. These are unnafected by the bill. Israel receives $2600 millions in non military aid annually. Our aid to Palestine has been less stable and only amounts to only and average of about $85 million a year since 1993. Due to imbalance in aid, I would not consider it to be a 'neutral' bill.

[afleitch]

On the Middle East

It may be useful to have legislation complementary to the Israel/Palestine deal drafted and proposed in order to a) address the Middle East and our existing and potential allies and b) to deal with the 'new' threats in Afghanisatan and in Pakistan's North West Frontier.

I hope if elected to help bring this to the table. But campaigning aside, there may be a need for a bill of this sort to be introduced sooner.

More soon...I hope!

[afleitch]

It is dissapointing that the HIV/AIDS policy bill remains deadlocked, that one Senator appears to be M.I.A and another unwilling to commit to a vote at this time. I believe that the retention of our exisiting policy is vital as those who oppose it and have tabled this bill have not given any indication of what our policy on HIV/AIDS will be should the bill pass.

[afleitch]

And I would hope that if it did, the President would veto it.

What a difference a few minutes makes Senator King has voted nay.

[afleitch]

Please find the first draft of a proposed Arab League Accord Bill

You will see how difficult this may be

Preamble

The Senate recognises the difficulties in negotiating a peaceful settlement in favour of a two nation solution to the Israeli/Palestine conflict.

The Senate acknowledges that at present thirty six nations do not recognise the State of Israel. These include all members of the Arab league with the exception of Jordan and Egypt.

Therefore;

1a. The Senate extends to the Arab League an offer that should Israel and the Palestinian Authority agree to a two nation solution, under the terms of the Middle East Peace Act of 2009, the Arab League should in return recognise and support the agreed solution in return for a negotiated trading deal involving member states of the League.

b. This offer shall take the form of regional talks chaired by representatives from Atlasia, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan and representatives from the European Union with the invitation to attend extended to all member states of the Arab League

c. Any nation that will not recognise nor extend diplomatic relations to the State of Israel and/or refuses to formalise and reinstate diplomatic relations with the Republic of Atlasia shall be exempt from the material outcome of any talks.

(d) Optional: Due to violence and racial genocide in the Darfur region, Sudan will be excluded from the material outcome of any talks

2 a. Talks will focus on an agreement to suspend tariffs between signatory nations, a targeted increase in aid from Atlasia to these nations and formalisation of a free trade agreement.

b. Conditions relating to the recognition of the State of Israel, counter terrorism measures, the cessation of state sponsorship and funding of terrorist groups and efforts to enhance the democratic process within the civil and political sphere will be tabled, discussed and enforced.

3. Any agreement reached in respect of informal free trade shall not be seen to infringe or replace the conditions within the exisitng free trade agreements with Morocco, Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Jordan and Kuwait.

4. Upon conclusion of these talks, any agreement reached shall will be presented to the Senate for it's discussion and approval.

----------

The bill may be extended to formalise a free trade agreement similar to those already in existance, however I do not think we should over reach ourself. It is better to hold talks and revisit the result of these talks (GM help here please!) through a future bill.

It's bloody difficult!

Comments please.

[afleitch]

It's a good idea....and an excellent piece of legislation to help effectively implement the Middle East Act we're about to pass in the Senate.

Not only is it really complex...and will provide lots and LOTS of debate....but I think it's really well written!

Thank you

I am aware that having other states as equal partners in chairing the talks (especially the EU) may be divisive and should be up for discussion. We also cannot ignore pre-existing trade agreements (Jedi's the go to man on that one!) we have with Leagues member states without these conditions. Hopefully exisiting legislation can form the basis for a larger trade agreement.

[afleitch]

And I would hope that if it did, the President would veto it.

What a difference a few minutes makes Senator King has voted nay.

The bill has failed. If this ever returns to the Senate again it should be to increase and extend the program to cover blood donation, haemophilliacs and wider HIV/AIDS prevention strategies.

[afleitch]

I'll ask you the same question I asked Purple State. If the The Regional Activity Amendment gets passed before the senate election and you win your run for senate, would you still stay on the Mideast Assembly or step down?

I will stand down. As the old expression says 'you cannot serve two masters.'

[afleitch]

My friend, what is your opinion of the current High Speed Rail proposal before the Senate? I understand that you are from the Mideast Region and one line is in your Region, however you shall be running as an At Large Senator.

I think that the route or routes that these lines should take should be determined after the Senate has decided how the railways are to be funded and most importantly how they are to be structured. I am pleased that Senator Franzl has considered my suggestion that the federal government construct the railways and allow private companies to run services. Such a proposal should also allow for these rails to be used by freight companies (though not to the detriment of passenger services - perhaps running them on off peak periods/overnight)

On a route, by route basis we should ensure that coverage reflects population settlement, business need, passenger need and industrial need.