eAmerica Decides: Land of opportunity or entitlements?
Ananias
A short while back on the eUS Forums, Justinious McWalburgson III put forth an idea of restructuring our government to support what he referred to as a “House of Lords”, ostensibly to provide the opportunity for several respected individuals to maintain influence and input into the governing process by being allowed to bypass voter accountability through the congressional election process. There were many perspectives shared, from outrage to support of the systematic re-structuring of our democracy to form a bicameral oligarchy/democracy blend. While I considered it an interesting debate, I am strongly against the reformation of the eUnited States of America into a feudal system complete with landed titles.
At the beginning of this congressional term, I personally experienced surprising and extraordinary backlash when I put forth the idea that the citizens of Rhode Island should be permitted a voice in our democracy because of the extenuating circumstances of their election, in which mexidus won the congressional election but Rhode Island was unable to seat a congressional representative due to mexidus’ banning from eRepublik allegedly for the use of multis during the election.
Currently the media and the eUS forums are receiving their monthly dose of outraged articles from all segments of the eUS political spectrum over the USWP’s determination, my determination, to provide as many opportunities to run for Congress by our members prior to endorsing non-USWP members. I believe it is my responsibility to provide opportunity and advocate for USWP members, I also believe it is my responsibility to educate and support those members in a manner which will reflect well on the USWP as an organization. That is the role that I was elected to, and no amount of angry PMs are going to dissuade me from my focused efforts to provide the eUnited States of America with qualified choices on the congressional ballot, Saturday, April 25th, 2009
While I’m not surprised at some of the response to that effort, I am surprised by the vehemence and sources of the extremely negative rhetoric being passed off as “protecting the integrity of the eUS electoral system”. I feel that it is important to point out to all eAmericans that the sources of much of the rhetoric are spurred not by fear regarding the quality of the 17th Congress or concern for the success of the eUS, the are instead spurred by a keenly developed sense of personal entitlement.
They feel that they are entitled to their position as your representatives rather than accountable to the eAmerican people for their performance in that position, they would prefer to be ordained rather than risking their perceived entitlement by performing on their commitments to their constituents. For all of the anti-monarchal rhetoric on display in the “House of Lords” thread, from so many different segments, the reality remains that those that berate the USWP for providing additional quality choices for the citizens of the eUnited States of America (which I am sure will escalate to an even more fevered pitch after the publication of this article) subscribe to the notion of entitlement over performance.
Recently an article was written by Cromstar regarding the establishment of a coalition of party members that represent the ideological “right”, which appears to be a direct response to the efforts of the USWP to offer more quality choices to the eUS voters…and frankly, as a three term congressman currently representing Florida, as the Party President of the USWP and, most importantly, as a citizen of the eUnited States of America…
I could not be more delighted.
I think that any effort undertaken to provide additional quality candidates to the ballot in every region of the eUS is a win for the eUS citizens.
Does is mean that many competitive races are going to spring up across the country? Absolutely.
Does is mean that the USWP and non-USWP candidates that run under our banner will have to focus their efforts and clarify their platform to educate voters on their distinction from the competition? Absolutely.
Will it require all incumbent congressmen seeking re-election to clearly identify their performance in relationship to their campaign commitments for the citizens of their state to review and decide for whom they will vote? Absolutely.
And that is the way it should be.
Those that embrace entitlement over performance will, of course, follow up with allegations that game mechanics negate the value of offering qualified and quality choices to eAmericans; when that does not work they will begin the process of demonizing those that support the efforts to provide those choices, and with it accountability, to the voters; when that does not work, they will begin withdrawing from Congress or contention in the races as some form of “punishment” to the voters for embracing more choices…
And, perhaps the most disappointing part of the effort will be that, those congressional representatives that are performing fabulously for their constituents will decide that the effort to campaign based on their proven accomplishments during this term, will instead support the promoters of entitlements and “House of Lords” ideas, rather than promoting their extraordinary performance while in Congress.
While it appears not to be a uniformly shared political campaign philosophy, I seek to be accountable for my performance in representing Florida. That is why I will provide an article this week to my constituents to share my successes and those items still to be done on my “to do list” for the next term, if elected. However, I also recognize that on the 26th I may not be returning to Congress if the voters do not agree that my performance in Congress matches their expectations. Will I be disappointed if I fail in my re-election bid? Of course. Will I be angry at the voters of Florida if they choose not to return me to Congress? No.
I am accountable to the voters for my performance, not entitled to my congressional seat.
So to those that would like to berate (or hate) the USWP for providing more choices this election, I would encourage you instead to berate (or hate) me (which from the PMs I have received is already taking place), because I have unilaterally made the decision to foster opportunity, choice and accountability to the voters, and I reject the institution of contemporary feudalism and landed titles in the eUnited States of America.
To conclude, I want to remind all the congressional candidates seeking election on April 25th, 2009: A congressional seat is not an entitlement, it is a responsibility to the citizens of the region state you represent, and by extension the eUnited States of America.
Do not take it for granted.
Ananias – Congressman for Florida
Proud member of the United States Workers Party
Comments
Well said. Every congressman should be held accountable. That's how government should work.
Movable voters does not a good congressman make.
Voted, why isn't this man king yet?
Excellent article Ananias. I agree completely with your stance on this issue.
Something smells like resentment, I can't figure out where its coming from though.
>ordained
Funny for the PP of the USWP to describe getting a USWP endorsement that way. It's funny because that's exactly what a USWP endorsement is, and ordainment.
As for the Conservative coalition, it sucks that we have to do this, but to compete with USWP and AAP's aggressive policking, CvP stepped up last month, and now the rest of us are following suit. Personally, I've always held the believe that a laid back approach to elections was best. It doesn't feel forced, it's just a "Hey, here's my platform. If you like it, vote for me." As opposed to how USWP has always operated, which is more like a sad man trying to get a date, "PLEASE JOIN ME. PLEASE LOVE ME. I'LL GIVE YOU THINGS."
But, if it works and works well, I guess the rest of us have to compete.
Emerick hat trick
I am sure there must be many ways utilize the experiance of our highly valued senior players
There, Rocco. Down from 3 to 1. Happy?
There is ALWAYS resistance to change; look back in history at all the reform movements that have taken place. It is not until after said reforms have been instituted, however, that we can tell whether or not they are justified and working well. Good job, Ananias. Try and remember that there are just as many, if not more, people cheering you on as there are jeering you down! 😉
I think giving rhode islanders a direct voice in government would of been silly and made things too complicated. Yes their congressman got banned but every month at least congressmen leave the country or get banned leaving their state without a voice in congress. Its not gonna hurt a state at all by not having a congressman for a month as regions have such a small impact in this game as it is.
Sorry I got a bit sidetracked there but as for the feudal like system I think it would be fun as long as we were able to refrain from giving it any real power (like we did with that court system). I don't really care about the rest of the article tbh.
Great article.
I feel blessed that I joined the game with just enough time before an election to reach 'voting age'.
How I do love a good voting.
I like you a lot Ananias.
Another well written article!
Another well written article...very articulate....reminds me of another politician I don't trust...who could it be who could it be..
voted anyway because your write so well I feel all happy inside. Others would have you be ordained or maybe even be "anointed"
Well stated.
re: Cromstar, I have a lot of work to do in order to win the next Congressional election against him in PA.
i cant believe you're not a real congressman yet. thhat was a very well thought out article! i commend you on that! subscribed!
I recommend we put people in Congress that have actual ideas, plan on showing up to vote, and put the eUSA ahead of their own egos...regardless of their party affiliation.
Isn't Jusintous USWP. How are we suppose to know who to vote, when all the laws are written behind closed doors. Which committees there are, and their members is also a state secret. Sure, the government should have secrets, like who is in the CIA, but that should be the exception not the rule. The problem is we already have a group of entitled people, mixed with their cronies and a couple of newbs that got lucky.
all laws are discussed in the USA forums at this address before, during, and after they are propose😛
http://eusforum.com/index.php/board,3.0.html
you can also find voting records of responsible congress members, both long-time members and new arrivals on this forum.
Great article,
Voted.
A good article. This is the eUSA...even considering any portion of oligarchy entering our government flies in the face of our ideals, history, and basically everything we identify ourselves with.
-Drake
Thanks for signing your post, Drake. I was wondering who it was, and then I saw your signature at the end. Thank you for clearing that up.
These feudal dogs are trying to set the eUS up as a serfdom. They are pullin the wool over your eyes with this mixed democracy talk. What we need is to get the power and wealth back into the hands of the people; rather than allow all that cream to rise to the top. I'm tellin you these selfish nationalist ideologues are trying to hurt my brothers in the streets...I wonder how man make it out past level 5. I signed up for their "meals on Wheels program" like six times and never saw a single scrap of that cheddar they hoard.
We need a revolution for change up in here...to drive the fascists out of our legislature. If you know what I mean, add me; it's time to get organized and force these congressional candidates to represent for the people. R-E-P-R-E-S-E-N-T!
All I wanted was to be a Countess and be invited to all the best parties....
Now I have to work for a living! 🙁
voted
The HoL in the UK is a useful thing to have,but our problem is that many members are inactive.In the US,where you have a higher population,this could be very good indeed.
The HoL does sort of exist.
Distinguished former officeholders such as Justinious and Talia are present on the forums... they don't get an actual vote, but they do influence policy discussions, and affect the direction of the debate.
I think it's problematic that RI and other states where Congresspersons just quit are left without representation for the remainder of the month.
The only solution I can think of is to give the seat to the 2nd runner up (much like the runner up in the Miss America pageant takes over when Miss America is discovered doing lesbian porn).
RI should have a voice just like every other state. If their congressperson got booted for violations then the runner up in RI elections should be RI's voice.
Well said. And agreed.
Ananias -
Great article. A congressman has to be accountable to the people that put them in office. RL congressmen have to work each election cycle to show that they should represent their constituents.
While I don't agree that there should be a HoL, it would be unwise for newer players to disregard the wisdom and experience of our more advanced players who have already gone through the growing pains. On almost a daily basis, I communicate with much higher leveled players than myself as well as less experienced ones so I can (hopefully) help make the eUS more fun for everyone.
mjdiv
Editor of Freedom & Responsibility
Candidate for Rhode Island April '09.
Well said it is not a right but a responsibility.
To serve the public of your state.
I agree with Desertfalcon mostly. I might be young and new to the game, but if it works like real politics it is really all about who actually has the power. If you must then let the crazies have their titles and parade around in purple, just make sure they don't get any real power under those padded trousers.