Spamage for President HQ: Thank you.

[Spamage]

Endorsements:
-Senator Elect and Former Mideast Governor Tmthforu94
-IDS Speaker and Emperor-Elect Dereich

    I am here today to announce my candidacy for President in the October 2013 Election. While there’s a long road ahead, I am confident that with dynamic new ideas and hard work this campaign can be successful and bring change to Atlasia. I don’t care if you’re a Liberal, Federalist, Laborite, or a member of the Progressive Union; we all want the best for Atlasia, do we not? By using civil discussion and building off of one another’s ideas we can be successful in maintaining what needs to be maintained and reforming what needs to be reformed.

     I’ll be the first to admit that there have been mistakes made by me here in my past. But I have always looked out for what was in the best interest of the people of Atlasia when making decisions. For example, I resigned after being reelected to the Senate because there was something quite urgent in my personal life and I knew I wouldn’t be able to give my 100% to Atlasia and while Governor of the Pacific during the chaos caused by the “Final Constitution” I issued an executive order which reopened government offices and got thousands of Pacificans back to work helping the region move one step forward in recovery.

    I believe it’s time for Atlasia to move forward. I’ve seen partisanship rising over the last few days to levels that I believe go further than a simple disagreement on political matters. Should we allow such negativity and divisiveness to continue? The anger created by these personal attacks causes people to lose faith in the government, divides families, and doesn’t benefit in any way, all it causes is more anger and more attacks. When I ran for Senate I not only got the endorsement of the Federalists, but the TPP, Liberal Party, and Labor Party as well even though we didn’t agree on every issue 100%. I understand there are times when we must stick to what we believe instead of compromising, especially when there is an issue that deeply affects us personally, but to there is also a time for compromise. I'm in no way advocating for compromise for compromise's sake, but instead for reasonable negotiations and discussions when it comes to issues that will affect so many of us.

    I am currently working on my presidential platform and will have it out soon. Atlasia today has a wide variety of issues which need to be addressed in order for this game to keep going and growing. While we may not agree on everything, or for that matter anything at all, I still encourage you to check in frequently because we either stand united or fall divided.

Thanks for being here
        Spamage

[Spamage]

It's an early start to the road ahead. I have given my official word, both in private and now in public, that I would not run for President and instead complete office as Senator, but you would be a great candidate. I can't offer my endorsement this early in the race, but I do wish you luck, both in the Federalist Primary and in the General Election.

I understand

As a fellow Oregonian, I wish you luck in the election!

Thank you PJ, it means alot!

[Spamage]

Will your platform contain a pledge to be the least active Atlasian president in recent memory? Because judging from your lackluster performance as Pacific Governor (which, if I am correct, included you being recalled and then removed for being inactive), I don't think anyone could top how little attention you pay to the game.

The issue of me being removed from office stems from several errors in the Third Constitution. I was unable to interpret the election clause and did express my uncertainty over it with several other users. Also to call my performance as governor "lackluster" is laughable when compared to how the region was when I took office for the first time. When I arrived in the Pacific, almost a year ago today, the region was fundamentally dead. The group legislation thread hadn't been used in many months and there was not regional activity excluding gubernatorial elections. While it took several months, the Pacific Council was proposed passed and begun during my first term. Not only did the regional government exist, it also was much, much better than what had existed prior. Unemployment fell during my time in office and quite frankly the region was in a much better state then when I had first gotten the job.

Wolfentoad was elected following me and maintained the activity for the most part until the scandals struck at the end of his term. He largely disappeared and the new government went back into inactivity. Seeing this, myself and another user largely pushed for the recall of the governor at that time and were successful in recalling the Council  as well. I was elected Governor and during the first part of my term I continually pushed for legislation to be passed only to be rebuffed and told to wait until a new constitution was proposed. I accepted this and then left for a leave of absence which involved a serious personal matter I needed to take care of. Upon returning I discovered the region had been abolished and that the "Final Constitution" was in effect. Of course I was opposed to this and upon returning saw the unemployment spike up even further than it had been since I had joined Atlasia. I am not the one to blame for the shambles the region was left in. I issued an executive order which got people back to work while the council continued to act as though it had been abolished legally despite the Supreme Court having taken up the case.

The "Final Constitution" was struck down soon enough but the same people who had passed the "Final Constitution" were still in office so I opened a recall petition in order to allow the region to get a government which actually wanted to govern. Those on the council didn't want to be removed however and issued a petition to recall me shortly after. In the Pacific there are very few voters so it took only 4 or so signatures for my recall to pass, which isn't that impressive. I managed to survive the recall and some council members did while others did not.

Following the recall election activity on the council did stagnate, I'll admit it. There was little I could do however because even the speaker of the Council hadn't opened up a thread on legislation proposed and they were the only person with authority to do so. I couldn't very well recall the council again so soon and cause the region to slide back into anarchy now could I?

I already explained the factor involving me being "thrown" from office. I was intending to hold the election on the third Thursday of July due to uncertainties regarding the date.

You may call my terms as Governor lackluster but during my time I believe I've had much more of a positive affect on Atlasia then a negative one. You say I pay too little attention to the game, but you fail to look at how the Pacific, and that matter the Midwest were just a few short months ago. I certainty won't pledge to be the most inactive President. You're post above is just part of the personal attacks that I mentioned in my speech. I understand if you disagree with the fact that there's been mistakes in my past but to state, "I don't think anyone could top how little attention you pay to the game." is not only incorrect but deeply insulting. I don't even know why I responded to your post.

[Spamage]

You know, I probably would still ask you out of curiosity even if you weren't running for prez, but what are your positions on social security and the minimum wage?

Ever since my first campaign for Governor I've supported raising the minimum wage. Doing so would not only help those who are often exploited and taken advantage of while on the job, but it would allow them to invest more in the economy and give everyone more benefits. While of course too much of a raise would cause inflation, I believe it still needs to be bumped up.

I am in favor of Social Security. Its an innovative idea, but will likely need to be reformed as more and more people begin to draw out of it. It not only allows us to take care of our seniors responsibly, but it also helps those who lose a loved one.

Both of these will of course be addressed further in my platform but that's the gist.

[Spamage]

What is your position on Syria?

I believe its time we get involved before more people are killed and many more are hurt. While full military involvement is questionable in my mind we need to act instead of issuing statements and condemnations because Assad and his forces aren't stopping. While there are extremist and dangerous groups within the rebels, and they of course need to be prevented from gaining influence and power, the government has used chemical weapons and that crosses the line. Any leader willing to do that to the people they're supposed to be in charge of is no leader and needs to go.

[Spamage]

First of all, I am very disappointed by Senator TNF's post in this thread. Atlasia can and should do better than this.

That being said, I don't know whether there will be a Federalist primary like last time but you have my endorsement for now!

Atlasia should do better than questioning candidates about their prior job performance?

Apparently we should blindly offer our support for chronically inactive posters in their bid to win the most important position in the game, if our friends in the Federalist Rich Man's Party is to be believed.

What have I done to offend you so deeply TNF? I understand that there's going to be questions about my past, and I'm willing to answer them so long as they don't involve such hateful rhetoric which does nothing but cause further anger on the other side. I've already answered you question several posts back.

[Spamage]

What is your position on unions?

While I believe that Unions are legal and should be allowed, I don't believe membership should be mandatory for a variety of reasons.

[Spamage]

What reasons?

I am very torn on this issue myself. Most of what I've been reading shows that the economic impacts of Right to Work are rather muddled. The jobs growth argument, to me, is slightly deceptive. During different periods of time, union-shop states and Right to Work states have both held the distinction of being the regions with better growth. I think that fact alone kind of neutralizes the arguments in favour of Right to Work. On the other hand, the argument from organized labour isn't much better: While wages are visibly higher in states with mandatory union membership, the cost of living is also very high. In the end, it works out so that the "real income" isn't much different between either labour structure.

So to me, the economic arguments are rather moot. I err on the side of wanting to give individuals the freedom not to be forced into joining an organization with which they don't agree, but by the same token, I don't think it's unfair to call Right to Work anything other than an attack on organized labour. Why would anyone want to pay union dues when they can just mooch off the accomplishments of the union at their workplace anyway? They wouldn't. As such, membership declines, the unions lose whatever influence they once had, and the workers no longer have a voice. I think it's a serious consideration, not just in terms of wages and benefits, but also in terms of workplace safety.

I like the Rand Formula in Canada. It permits dues check-off, but it also holds that a worker does not have to affiliate with the union at his or her workplace. I guess it's slightly superficial if you're still paying into the activities of the union, but the person would still have the "right to work" if the union decided its workers were going to strike. How else do you balance freedom of association with the reality that unions benefit all workers at a workplace?

A society without Unions would be in worse shape as would a society that openly attacks and prohibits unions (late 1800's and early 1900's). As having worked minimum wage earlier in my life I understand that problems of a lack of benefits and low wages. I in no way am opposed to Unions, its the principle of forced membership. Unions have a historic place in Atlasia, and will likely have a future in this nation, but I do indeed know several people who oppose being forced into the Unions. The Rand Formula is something I'll be looking into, as it sounds quite reasonable to me.

[Spamage]

Spamage Presidential Platform Part 1
Game Reform

     Yet again it appear Game Reform will be the primary topic of this election. Atlasia throughout the last few months has seen a stagnation in activity and a decline in overall interest in the game. While some would prescribe this to a summer lull, I think differently. The system we currently use in Atlasia works, but only does part of the job. By reforming the system, such as the creation of 4 regions instead of 5, we can ensure that Atlasia stays viable and citizens everywhere gain confidence in their government.

    I believe that a 4 regions system would better suit the needs of the citizens of Atlasia. I also believe that regional governments are a part of Atlasia that needs to be preserved, not replaced with a bicameral legislature in the Federal Government. While in the past I viewed this as unnecessary Federal intervention into the day to day workings of the lower government in Atlasia I now see differently. Sure, there are times when 3 or 4 regions are 100% active, but when have all 5 been active at the same time? I don't support full abolition however. Throughout the history of Atlasia there has been times where politics and government in the regional governments were much more active than those in the national government. While the Senate does well now, that always hasn't been the case whereas there has always been at least 2 or more regional governments active. By creating a 4 region Atlasia we achieve a balance between complete Federalism as well as complete regionalism.

    Unlike other Presidents in the past, I will actually call for another Constitutional Convention. Often times we've seen Presidents unwilling to act in order to replace our heavily amended national constitution with a new one, but I believe it is dire for the game's continued growth. By creating another Constitution we not only will have the ability to implement new ideas such as a 4 region government, but we also can remove those which we, as a whole, deem unnecessary.

    I realize not everyone is excited or even willing to enact reforms to the game, and I'll take their opinions into account, as well as the opinions of Atlasians as a whole. Progress just for the sake of Progress must be avoided. Instead we should focus on Progress for Atlasia's sake.  If something is working perfectly well I see no reason to either remove or destroy it. If something is inactive or time wasting I believe it should be either streamlined or taken out of the game.

    This is only the beginning of a platform which I hope to periodically release between now and the Presidential Election in October. Alongside this expect to see speeches, legislation ideas, as well as followups and answers to your questions. Game Reform is a big topic and this only scratches the surface of ideas that we can enact to better our future as a whole.

[Spamage]

 I would like to apologize for my temporary disappearance over the last few days. My mother has been having some health issues lately which diverted my attention from the game. I'm back now however, and will be releasing the second plank of my platform hopefully this evening focusing on a second part of game reform including the reset to our laws and other proposals on the table.

[Spamage]

Big announcement coming.

[Spamage]

    Hello my fellow Atlasians,

             As we near the coming election we continue to see stagnation with activity, unemployment higher than it once was, and political discourse much more sour than usual. We must move beyond all these things and with there in mind I have chosen a Vice Presidential nominee.

             This person is not only devoted to Atlasia and filled with bold new ideas which will bring our country future success, but has also been extremely helpful during my time here. Not only has he already made a big splash in the game, but he is also able to make many more. Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to officially announce that my Vice Presidential candidate will be LumineVonReuental. Lumine is devoted to Atlasia and will make a terrific Vice President following the upcoming election. Not only does he know that there are times in which one must compromise, he also understands that there are some when standing your own ground is also necessary. Together we intend to fix Atlasia from it's current state of increased unemployment with a slight bump to our nation's minimum wage to give those on the bottom a fighting chance in an increasingly expensive world.

             For too long have people settled for the usual ideas in Nyman, its time for a change. Together myself and Lumine will bring that change by sweeping in a breath of fresh air to stagnant positions where the same type of person has ran the country for years. Join us and we can do this because, together we'll win.

[Spamage]

Thanks everyone for such kind words

[Spamage]

Foreign Policy Part 1

    While this plank of my platform was initially going to be part 2 of game reform, I instead am going to focus on foreign policy and how a Spamage/Lumine Administration will deal with it. As we enter deeper into the 21st century many are questioning Atlasia's influence and whether or not it is in decline. With Syria, North Korea, and many other nations in crisis is Atlasia going to remain the policeman for the rest of the world or are we going to take a more laid back approach. Personally I believe America's greatest strength is our numerous allies ranging from nations such as Britain and France in Europe to Israel and Japan in Asia. While I believe America still needs to have a strong voice in international discussion I also believe we need to work more with our allies in order to create a united coherent force.

    There was a time when intervening in Syria was both wise and likely was necessary but this nation has waited too long. Recent events have shown that the rebels have Al Queda and other anti-Atlasian groups in their midst while Assad massacres people with chemical weapons, there is no winning side right now. If the rebels win it is likely we will see the emergence of another state where Christians and other minorities are persecuted and forced to flee. If Assad wins the government will remain in its current deplorable state. Unlike Lybia there is no shadow government by which the rebels can unite and no single person to help lead the rebels to victory. Not only does this weaken them, it makes helping them much more of a risk to American security.

    China is becoming an increasingly important power and an even more important partner to America. While I do object to the Chinese abuse of Human Rights I also understand that it is not feasible for action to be taken such as an embargo of Chinese trade. Doing so would not only hurt our relations with one of our biggest trading partners, but it also has the likelihood of American being made much more of a villain to the international community. We need to pursue a calm, reasonable, and well though out policy with the Chinese.

     Iran can not and will not get a nuclear weapon under a Spamage Administration. Despite sanctions Iran has shown in the past to still be attempting to make a nuclear weapon. Under new leadership my hope is that Iran's policy regarding the creation of a nuclear weapon will change and we will be able to have a international discussion with the nation on this issue.

     This is just a short update on a few of the many nations that are on this planet. Expect more soon.

[Spamage]

I am going to have to announce I am ending my bid for President and am putting Atlasia on hiatus for a while. I recently, as in the last few days, lost a close family member to an auto accident. This has been completely unexpected and has required much of my time over the last few days. I am sorry to Lumine, and the people of Atlasia for my inactivity over the last few days, but family comes first.

While I expected a more graceful exit from the Atlas, I suppose this will do. Hopefully I’ll see y’all again in a few months.

I wish Duke and Matt the best of luck and they have my endorsement.