Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party - February 2012 Convention

[Hatman 🍁]

Good evening,

It is my pleasure to announce the opening of the founding convention of the Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party.

Since the party's creation, I have been very pleased to see that we have attracted a membership of three Atlasians, which certainly was above my humble expectations. But what this tells me is, this country is hungry for change, and many are turning to Washburnist Socialistm for the answers.

And so it is time to have our founding convention. Since it was such short notice, I have decided to have our convention in my hometown of Ogdensburg, New York. I hope the delegates don't mind the travel. We can hold our next convention in the Midwest.

Schedule for the convention:

Feb. 1 > Opening ceremonies / Draft resolutions 
Feb. 2 > "A look ahead: planning electoral victory" / Debating resolutions
Feb. 3 > Party leadership nominations / Resolution voting
Feb. 4 > Party leadership voting / vote on next convention location / closing ceremonies.

Also, we will be welcoming observers, press etc. Please make yourself comfy.

[Hatman 🍁]

Will the convention be held in the Golden Dome?

Yes



Oh by the way, there will be an open bar after 8pm tomorrow. Not as a bribe, but I think open bars and the hangovers produced the following morning is a big tradition when it comes to conventions.

[Hatman 🍁]

The actual Atlasian socialist proletariat, ie the Widdershinists, will be staffing the bar for minimum wage.
I promise not to poison anybody except with the substance of his/her choice.

I will not have this! Since it's an open bar, tips will be rare, so I will ensure that the barkeeps will be paid (as it states in our manifesto) at whatever the cost of living is around here. Probably around $12 or $13/hour.

[Hatman 🍁]

On to general business, now is the time for delegates to submit any resolutions they have. So far, all we have is the crudely written manifesto I drafted when I announced the party.

If delegates have any core beliefs they want implemented as party policy, please submit them by midnight tonight. You may also submit amendments to the manifesto.

If I get the time, I may draft a party constitution.

Aside from that, I hope that all of the delegates and guests have a great time in my fair city. Ogdensburg has much to offer, and most importantly is just across the border from Canada

[Hatman 🍁]

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

Would you like me to submit that as is, or do you want to elaborate more on it in your resolution?

[Hatman 🍁]

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

Would you like me to submit that as is, or do you want to elaborate more on it in your resolution?

The only addendum I'd like to make to my eloquent and, frankly, self-evident proposal, is a simple one:

'Long live the Revolutionof the people! Long live the never-ceasing course of history!'

Done

[Hatman 🍁]

I'd like to motion that the original party platform be read aloud to the convention.

No need to motion that, I can do it right now. It's not really a platform, just some crudely jotted "core beliefs". However, they shall henceforth be known as the Washburnist Manifesto,

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[Hatman 🍁]

I shall submit to the party the following constitution

Preamble

The Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party believes that the in order for a more perfect Atlasian utopia, democratic revolutionary change must occur in our society in the realms of social, economic, political and environmental policy. These changes can be assured only by the application of Washburnist socialism to government and the administration of public affairs.

The principles of Washburnist socialism can be defined as:

That the production and distribution of goods and services shall not ignore the social and individual needs of the people within a sustainable environment and economy.

The dignity and freedom of the individual in his or her social lives is a fundamental human right that must be enshrined further then the status quo. 

A commitment to protecting the environment, at all costs, for the enjoyment of further generations.

And, to ensure the well being and love of all people, to ensure the basic fundamentals of life for all people, no matter their circumstances. And, to ensure that all persons have the right to be productive members of society.

Article 1: Name

Name: The name of this political party shall be the “Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party”

Article 2: Membership

Membership within the party shall be open to any Atlasian citizen who undertakes to accept and abide by the constitution and principles of the Party and is registered as a member of the party with the  Registrar General of the Census Bureau.

Article 3: Conventions

Conventions shall take place every two months, at a time and place determined by the membership at the preceding party convention.

Conventions are the supreme governing body of the Party and shall have final authority in all matters of party policy, program and constitution.

Delegates to conventions shall consist solely of the party membership.

Resolutions at conventions
At any time prior the closing ceremonies of a convention and after the opening of the convention, shall a member submit a resolution to alter party policy or the constitution.

Article 4: Officers
All party members shall be considered equal, and have equal powers. The party shall elect one member to be the chair of the party, and shall be deemed “comrade chairman” is he is male, or “comrade chairwoman” if she is female. He or she shall be solely charged with the responsibilities of ensuring that party matters are in order, and party rules are followed.

The comrade chairman or chairwoman shall be subject to a vote of confidence at each convention. If he or she does not secure a majority of votes, then an election for said position must be held. Also, if the comrade chairman or chairwoman shall resign or die, an election for his or her successor shall occur at the next convention. Upon a vacancy in the position of comrade chairman or chairwoman, then the said position will fall upon the longest serving member of the party in the interim.

If the comrade chairman or chairwoman fails to fulfill his or her duties as comrade chairman or chairwoman, then any party member shall be entitled to intervene to fulfill said duties.

Article 5: Amendments

The constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all delegates present and voting at any convention.

[Hatman 🍁]

Today is day two of the convention.

Showcase: Elections!

At present, Washburnist socialism occupies a small part of the Atlasian political compass. Our goal as a party is to one day change this, so that we can bring true change to the people.

One way to get this message out is through electoral success. It is clear that this will not come immediately, but even just running in elections, participating in debates and in campaigns will allow us to get the message out. This is why I plan on running for electoral office this February.

I have a number of different options. Preferably will be running for President. The only thing stopping this right now is if another member of the party would like to do so. Or, if the party thinks it's wiser for me to run for another office. Governor of the Northeast would be a secondary option. The benefit of that is, I could say "re-elect Earl!", since I was governor six years ago

What does everyone think? Obviously I would need a running mate as well, if I run for President.

[Hatman 🍁]

I'd like to nominate Belgiansocialist for Vice President.

I'd also like to humbly nominate Dr. Cynic for Vice President.

Don't make me choose between the both of you!

[Hatman 🍁]

Alright then. The other item on the agenda for the day is debating resolutions. There are two items up for debate. Of course, I will still accept submissions.

The delegate from Montana submitted this:

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

'Long live the Revolutionof the people! Long live the never-ceasing course of history!'

This item is now up for debate.

If I may start, I would like to ask the sponsor of this resolution, what is feelings are towards these three regionalist movements are. I am particularly interested in the South-East. That region has historically been quite conservative, and I am concerned that any regionalist movement there might not be in the best interests of the people.

I'd like to nominate Belgiansocialist for Vice President.

I'd also like to humbly nominate Dr. Cynic for Vice President.

Don't make me choose between the both of you!

Well, if he really wants the job, I'll back out, no problem.

Excellent. It is great to know that I will have someone to run with me I will declare my candidacy as soon as I know who my running mate will be. (that is unless belgiansocialist would like to be at the top of the ticket)

[Hatman 🍁]

In case your party nominates a presidential ticket, would you be inclined to have a presidential and vice-presidential debate with the other candidates in the race (that is, me and Jbrase and Polnut/Tmth)?

Well, it looks like it's settled. We will be running an Earl / Dr. Cynic ticket!

I would be happy to participate in a debate with you.

I move that Dr. Cynic be our Vice-Presidential candidate, so we can spread the revolution of the people all the way to Nyman.

I personally am contemplating a run for At-Large Senator.

That's in two months, right?

I would like to add for the benefit of members and observers that in reality, we should not be favoring one region over another. We want the same good things for citizens of all the regions.

This seems to be my point of view as well. We should want no special rights for some regions and not others. However, we could support certain regionalist movements if they fall in line with the doctrines of Washburnist socialism!

[Hatman 🍁]

I'm happy to accept the spot as Vice Presidential nominee of the WSRP!

I'd also be glad to take part in a VP debate should the opportunity present itself.

Excellent. Don't forget to put yourself on the ballot!

[Hatman 🍁]

I would also like to submit my proposed constitution up for debate:

I shall submit to the party the following constitution

Preamble

The Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party believes that the in order for a more perfect Atlasian utopia, democratic revolutionary change must occur in our society in the realms of social, economic, political and environmental policy. These changes can be assured only by the application of Washburnist socialism to government and the administration of public affairs.

The principles of Washburnist socialism can be defined as:

That the production and distribution of goods and services shall not ignore the social and individual needs of the people within a sustainable environment and economy.

The dignity and freedom of the individual in his or her social lives is a fundamental human right that must be enshrined further then the status quo. 

A commitment to protecting the environment, at all costs, for the enjoyment of further generations.

And, to ensure the well being and love of all people, to ensure the basic fundamentals of life for all people, no matter their circumstances. And, to ensure that all persons have the right to be productive members of society.

Article 1: Name

Name: The name of this political party shall be the “Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party”

Article 2: Membership

Membership within the party shall be open to any Atlasian citizen who undertakes to accept and abide by the constitution and principles of the Party and is registered as a member of the party with the  Registrar General of the Census Bureau.

Article 3: Conventions

Conventions shall take place every two months, at a time and place determined by the membership at the preceding party convention.

Conventions are the supreme governing body of the Party and shall have final authority in all matters of party policy, program and constitution.

Delegates to conventions shall consist solely of the party membership.

Resolutions at conventions
At any time prior the closing ceremonies of a convention and after the opening of the convention, shall a member submit a resolution to alter party policy or the constitution.

Article 4: Officers
All party members shall be considered equal, and have equal powers. The party shall elect one member to be the chair of the party, and shall be deemed “comrade chairman” is he is male, or “comrade chairwoman” if she is female. He or she shall be solely charged with the responsibilities of ensuring that party matters are in order, and party rules are followed.

The comrade chairman or chairwoman shall be subject to a vote of confidence at each convention. If he or she does not secure a majority of votes, then an election for said position must be held. Also, if the comrade chairman or chairwoman shall resign or die, an election for his or her successor shall occur at the next convention. Upon a vacancy in the position of comrade chairman or chairwoman, then the said position will fall upon the longest serving member of the party in the interim.

If the comrade chairman or chairwoman fails to fulfill his or her duties as comrade chairman or chairwoman, then any party member shall be entitled to intervene to fulfill said duties.

Article 5: Amendments

The constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all delegates present and voting at any convention.

[Hatman 🍁]

Welcome to day 3 of the convention. I am excited at the prospects of having a presidential ticket in this upcoming election, and look forward to running with Dr. Cynic.  Together, we can revolutionize Atlasia!

But on to the matters of the day,

As founder of this party, it is clear that I am the first comrade chairman of the party. If a majority of party members oppose me leading the party for the next 2 months, please let your voices be heard in the next 24 hours.

Thank you, and have a pleasant day, delegates!

[Hatman 🍁]

Alright, I am going to put this  up for a vote:

I'd like the party to take a positive attitude towards regionalist movements in the Mid-West and the South-East, while also taking an explicitly anti-Mid East stance.

'Long live the Revolutionof the people! Long live the never-ceasing course of history!'

Without any background on this resolution, I will have to abstain.

[Hatman 🍁]

The motion fails.

I would like to submit my proposed constitution to be voted on.

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I vote aye, of course.

[Hatman 🍁]

Excellent. That concludes the day's agenda. Good night, delegates

[Hatman 🍁]

Alright, it's the final day of the convention!

It's time to nominate locations for the next convention. I nominate Billings, Montana.

Anyone else care to nominate?

[Hatman 🍁]

Alright, that's time enough. Let's put this to a vote: Billings or Pittsburgh

• - Billings

[Hatman 🍁]

Billings wins!

We'll have it in Pittsburgh next time

And so, that concludes the inaugural Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party convention. I'd like to thank belgiansocialist and Dr. Cynic for making this convention successful.

I now turn our sights to the Presidential election in a few weeks. Dr. Cynic and I have our work cut out for us as we battle our corporatist opponents who favour the status quo, or worse yet, libertarianism. We will not settle for ideologies that continue to punish the working class and the middle class, the poor, and the down trodden! A vote for us, is a vote for the revolution of the people. A vote for us, is a vote for a new Atlasian utopia. Together, we can make this country great!

Good night, and long live the revolution!