office of Senator Franzl (WITHDRAWING from Senate election)

[Alexander Hamilton]

I don't think you have much to worry about come reelection time, Franzl.


And I doubt any libertarian, big L or small L, would vote for this tax bill. That word is getting thrown around a bit too much lately in Atlasia.

No, the fact is that ultralibertarian hacks on this forum do consider that you need to oppose any sort of progressive economic policies in any circumstance to be A True Libertarian. You just have to realize that moderate libertarians exist.

Are you so stupid as to think moderate is synonymous with throwing out everything you believe in (or at the very least, should be)?

[Хahar 🤔]

Franzl's not a libertarian. He's a liberal.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Franzl's not a libertarian. He's a liberal.

In the original sense of the world, yes.
In the PM system, he is a moderate left-libertarian.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I don't think you have much to worry about come reelection time, Franzl.


And I doubt any libertarian, big L or small L, would vote for this tax bill. That word is getting thrown around a bit too much lately in Atlasia.

No, the fact is that ultralibertarian hacks on this forum do consider that you need to oppose any sort of progressive economic policies in any circumstance to be A True Libertarian. You just have to realize that moderate libertarians exist.

In what fashion? Even moderate libertarians would oppose a 60% tax on any level of income. Hardcore libertarians would favor a flat tax or no tax at all. I think even Franzl would agree that he is a liberal, not a libertarian.

[Franzl]

Since everyone is so interested in discussing what to call me....

I would certainly refer to myself as liberal. Interestingly enough, that label probably applies in the United States and elsewhere.

I'm certainly without a doubt center-right in Europe. I believe in equality of opportunity (even if such a thing never will truly exist), I believe in personal responsibility for the most part, and yes, I believe in hard work.

I support free trade, I dislike labor unions, I don't want to raise the minimum wage any higher than it is, I don't support unnecessary protection from being fired, etc.

What I do believe in is a social safety net that allows poor people to live in a dignified manner, because it usually isn't their fault that they become poor. At the same time, I support things to help people out of poverty that will eventually lead to self-responsibility. Education being the most important thing to help one succeed. Healthcare, for example, is also something that needs to be guaranteed by the state to make sure that nobody is placed at a completely unacceptable economic disadvantage because of poor health, which is frequently not the fault of the sick person.

I advocate policies that hopefully treat everyone as a human, regardless of social or economic standing. I hope that as many people as possible will be able to support themselves without state aid, but I recognize that despite all attempts to create opportunity for everyone, it isn't universally successful, and I believe we have a moral responsibility to take care of people that don't make it.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Since everyone is so interested in discussing what to call me....

I would certainly refer to myself as liberal. Interestingly enough, that label probably applies in the United States and elsewhere.

I'm certainly without a doubt center-right in Europe. I believe in equality of opportunity (even if such a thing never will truly exist), I believe in personal responsibility for the most part, and yes, I believe in hard work.

I support free trade, I dislike labor unions, I don't want to raise the minimum wage any higher than it is, I don't support unnecessary protection from being fired, etc.

What I do believe in is a social safety net that allows poor people to live in a dignified manner, because it usually isn't their fault that they become poor. At the same time, I support things to help people out of poverty that will eventually lead to self-responsibility. Education being the most important thing to help one succeed. Healthcare, for example, is also something that needs to be guaranteed by the state to make sure that nobody is placed at a completely unacceptable economic disadvantage because of poor health, which is frequently not the fault of the sick person.

I advocate policies that hopefully treat everyone as a human, regardless of social or economic standing. I hope that as many people as possible will be able to support themselves without state aid, but I recognize that despite all attempts to create opportunity for everyone, it isn't universally successful, and I believe we have a moral responsibility to take care of people that don't make it.

Those views are great, and I agree in most parts. However you're still a moderate libertarian IMO.

[Alexander Hamilton]

Okay, it's apparent that Antonio has no idea what the  a libertarian is.

[Franzl]

I will be making an important announcement soon.

[Franzl]

My friends,

It is with some regret that I make this statement now.

After thinking about it for a good deal of time, I have decided that I will not be a candidate in the upcoming Senate elections.

This does not mean that I am leaving Atlasia or will stop being an active poster, but I need a break from elected office and everyday political debate.

It has been a great pleasure to serve you all for the last 2.5 terms since my election to this great body last Spring.

We have many excellent candidates, and I don't wish to make specific endorsements at this time. My supporters should vote their conscience and make a good and educated decision.

I apologize that this is short notice, and I hope that it doesn't cause too much disappointment.

Thank you.

[Barnes]

So sad to see you go.

[Alexander Hamilton]

Aww, I really wanted to see you return. Hope to see you back in the Senate, you've done some great work.

[afleitch]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

If you are taking a break; please make a short one. It's been a pleasure to have you as part of the game.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

This is surprising. Why are you leaving, Senator?

[Badger]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

If you are taking a break; please make a short one. It's been a pleasure to have you as part of the game.

^^^^^^ this.

First Fritz, then Marokai Blue, now Franzl. This is sad indeed.

[Хahar 🤔]

Indeed. It shall be a shame tos ee you go.

Good and Good Luck in all your endeavors.

[HappyWarrior]

FRANZL!!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[Vepres]

And then there was one...

[Psychic Octopus]

[Franzl]

I appreciate all the comments

And I promise I'll remain active....and I can't imagine I'll remain out of office for too long, this place is too addictive!

[Associate Justice PiT]

     It is sad to see you go.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

If you are taking a break; please make a short one. It's been a pleasure to have you as part of the game.

^^^^^^ this.

First Fritz, then Marokai Blue, now Franzl. This is sad indeed.

     I think it's good actually to see new blood enter the Senate. Currently, afleitch is the only incumbent running for re-election.

[Antonio the Sixth]

First Marokai, and now Franzl... Senate has lost very much in those times.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

ARE YOU KIDDING US?

[tmthforu94]

You have been an asset to the Senate and a great friend. Best of luck in the future.

[Purple State]

If you're still on the ballot, you will be one of my preferences. Your work on the Senate has been invaluable and I can't wait to see where you go from here.

[Vepres]

First Marokai, and now Franzl... Senate has lost very much in those times.

While it is sad to see such an established member leave, it is also exciting as now there is only one incumbent on the ballot which will shake up the election and the new Senate. The last at-large election was dominated by incumbents, so it's a nice change.

BTW, I never said this, but it is unfortunate that you're leaving the Senate. You were in the body since I registered to vote here, and while lately you seem to have had some distaste for my positions, I still respect your pragmatism.