[WHPR Day 2526] Work Tax raise, new series, and interview with Azazel Romanov

Day 2,526, 15:12 Published in USA USA by James S. Brady Press Room


[WHPR Day 2526] Work Tax raise, new series, and interview with Azazel Romanov

Dateline: Wednesday, October 21st, 2014 (Day 2526)
Location: James S. Brady Press Room, The White House

Today’s WHPR:
: 1: Education: Weekend report
: 2: Why raise the Work Taxes?
: 3: War Maps
: 4: Interview with Azazel Romanov
: 5: War Analysis
: 6: Musings of a Has-Been

Editor: Secretary of Media ErrOrka
Contributors: Deputy Secretaries of Media: MrCarey, Alexander_Auctoritas, Blande, and dmjohnston



Education: Weekend report
MrCarey

Hello eAmerica! MrCarey here with another weekly report from the Department of Education.

There were 60 participants last week for the Question of the Day. If you’re not answering the QotD, you’re missing out on 50 Q5 food each day.



We currently have 7 students in the American University. If you’d like to enroll to better learn about the game, click here to apply!

The new DoE website should be up and running sometime this week. Personal Missions may also see a return in the next couple weeks as well.



Why raise the Work Taxes?
ErrOrka

The short answer: to build up our reserves. But you are here for the long answer, so let's talk about our recent wars a bit.


-It's not that bad eUSA, keep your chin up.-

As you might remember, a Thai Air Strike hit New York on 9/11. As disgusting and upsetting it was, we still had to spend part of our reserves on CO's to deflect the attack - which we did by the way.

And then we had the Argentinian Air Strike against Mexibro. Argentina is a force to be reckoned with, they rarely lose wars, and to top it off they had a superior MPP stack. We showed the eWorld what we are capable of by helping our friends strike down the attack in a long, epic, and sadly, rather expensive war in Pacific Coast of Mexico. There are no public official figures, but it's known that Oblige lent approximately 3000 Q7 tanks and 385,000 USD to Arm America when we ran out of money, and there were no CBO officers online to approve emergency spending. But the most impressive thing is not the amount of money spent, it's that we won the war! Losing, of course, wasn't an option this time. A successful landing in Mexico would've meant a certain wipe for them and us too, so it was absolutely necessary to win.

In the end we spent a significant amount of our reserves, but in turn we won.


-Say my name!-

This shows us just how much money does mean in times of need. Now imagine us being invaded, our reserves half empty, regions stripped away one by one. We can't let that happen; we always have to prepare for the worst. That's the whole reason for having reserves. It is crucial. And don't forget the fact that if we are losing regions, we will have to set the tax rate to 1% to deny our enemies our tax income. These are all pieces of a puzzle you have to put together yourself to understand the importance of proper preparation. No victorious battle ever started with a "Hey, let's wreck those guys right now.". Because if "those guys" have 10 million more CC to throw at their soldiers, or at mercenaries, no matter how strong, angry, enthusiastic, or drunk you are, you're done for.

So we've raised our Work Taxes to 12% for each market. That nets us approximately 750,000 USD every month. To build up our reserves to 15 million USD, it would take us around 5-7 months. Then we could lower the taxes again to 10%, or even 8%, depending on our situation. This is by no means a final tax change. It's merely for the sake of safety.

I've asked a handful of people, not all of them experienced in economical matters, to see their point of view.



From USWP, I asked Kemal Ergenekon.

"A country needs sufficient reserves to beat its opponents via supplies and COs, and a rainy day stash in case it is invaded by opponents. The new tax mechanics mean that 80% of the tax revenue of an invaded country goes to the invaders. Hence, the tax rate will be 1% for the whole period we don't own our cores, meaning Government revenue will be close to zero.

I had also supported going with 10% in the previous tax discussions when it was lowered to 8% by populists. If we had maintained the 10% rate back then, we wouldn't have to spike it up to 12% now. What would you prefer: 10% for a year, or 8% for six months, and 12% for another six months? I prefer the prior due to consumption smoothing. The anti-tax people who voted for 8% back then are responsible for the 12% we now need.

My Party, USWP is the least populist Party in the country which aims to further the interests of the country no matter what. We have always stood on the side of responsible fiscal policy for years, curbing military spending when the populists were on the Government's teat and asking for more, and asking for more tax revenue when the deficits ensured going bankrupt if the status quo were maintained." - Kemal Ergenekon




And we have WookyJack here representing the Feds.

"For the past 6 months or so, since we fought Canada tooth and nail, we have done very well in holding our resources and farmvilling it up. All the meanwhile, the Federalists fought alongside the Black Sheep Party and a few others from other parties to lower the tax rate from 10% to 8%. We succeeded.

Right at the beginning of Tyler's first Presidential term we were attacked. Money was spent to defend those resources from RWs. This money came from the Congressional Budget Office (tax money). Same thing happened recently where we used the same money we had saved up in our reserves to defend Argentina’s Air Strike of Mexico. RWs were again started in those colonies that provide us those resources. Mexico was very appreciative of our support.

Our savings were diminished to hold off those attacks to our nation. We need to save up money again, and more quickly due to the increased cost of defenses, so we can be victorious in defending our resources, friends and allies later.

Some might say we spent a ridiculous amount of money to justify such an adjustment to our country’s tax rate! Well, consider this: our NSC department has worked FLAWLESSLY with our national and Private Military Units to ensure the safety of our nation. Ask yourself: Are we wiped? Do we still have resources that give us great bonuses?

If we are NOT wiped and we DO still have all the resources available to us...what's the worst thing that could happen? A tax increase? Yeah, actually, that’s the worst out of all this. Now ask yourself: do you want to lose the next big campaign?

We, the Feds, supported it fully and completely. It was difficult to swallow a tax increase considering the Federalist party is and still will be dedicated to lowering the tax rate, but after seeing the amount of strategic organization and execution that was provided by our country’s departments, I can very much say we have a strong Government supporting our needs against a tireless enemy.

Is the tax increase an enemy? No, it was discussed fully and completely by the Congress members that were elected by the people of this nation.

Does it suck? Yes, but its an investment I am willing to support for the defense of our nation. Will the tax rate last forever? Maybe; maybe not. This depends on how the top 5 parties decide to work together or against each other to lower it and raise it when its necessary. It's not impossible. This was proven earlier this year despite the naysayers."
- WookyJack



From WTP, I had a chat with Oblige.

"So here's the deal, I hate paying taxes. But who doesn't. And yet I'm one of the top tax payers in the eUSA. Currently I pay 325.2 USD in taxes each and every day. I have 100 companies that I WAM in. But you know what I hate even more? Losing bonuses and being wiped. The loss of 2 bonuses would cost more to my production than all of my work tax put together. Let me give you an example. In my Q7 tank company, at 100% weapons bonuses I make 20 tanks and use 4k WRM. With that I make ( 20.0 * 6.8 ) - ( 4000.0 * 0.03 ) = 16.0. So I make $16 per WAM click. With 80% weapons bonuses that would change to ( 18.0 * 6.8 ) - ( 3600.0 * 0.03 ) = 14.40. So we lose $1.60 in profit for each bonus we lose. Compare that to the $3.25 I pay in tax.

I support minimum viable taxation, so as low as our rates can possibly go while affording us the lifestyle we've become accustomed to. WTP supports replenishing the reserve through the lowest possible taxes. We generally agreed 12% was the optimal rate, while some of our caucus stated they would've preferred a 10% rate. At 12% it will take us over 6 months to replenish the reserves. At 10% it would take a year+."
- Oblige



From the Party that consistently opposed the tax raise, The Black Sheep Party, I asked Arrden.

"I was not initially in complete opposition to a tax raise. But it did not take long at all in the Congressional discussion before I was pushed into complete opposition." - Arrden

"After the disrespect and disregard for our position, we were quickly pushed into complete opposition on the current Tax legislation." - Arrden

Arrden's main concern was the lack of time limit on how long the taxes would remain higher. He proposed we pass an Amendment into law which would control our taxes on a congressional level, but said Amendment could be repealed by future Congresses so it wouldn't really guarantee anything. Those who opposed this idea said the following:

"Set the taxes where we need them, if people want that changed later, they can make their case." - Pfeiffer

"Taxes are never included in the constitution IRL for a reason: You shouldn't be able to affect the decisions of future congresses. Such an Amendment would let majorities in the past dictate terms on majorities in the future with no respect to something as fluid as Government revenue decision." - Kemal Ergenekon

Every Congressman understands that we NEED this raise, yet some stood against it merely because they were afraid it wouldn't be reverted after our reserves got filled up. Arrden had the following to say about this:

"Congress had an opportunity to put forth a fair piece of legislation to accommodate the worries of so many that taxes can be raised without any notion or responsibility to lower them again to a fair point. Congress was given the choice to pass a Constitutional Amendment before raising taxes to cap both time on a tax hike and price. When I implored this needed to be done, I was given answers such as "No promises can made" & "Nothing stops a newer Congress from repealing it."

I've tried having a discussion with Arrden on IRC, but sadly, we couldn't agree on anything, and I'd rather not quote logs, except this line:
"I wanted a short cap on the 12% increase, to then be lowered to 10% with a cap on that as well. I wanted everyone in our nation to have peace of mind, that unlike last time, Congress would make it fair and make it right."
I told him maybe he should act and write up a proposal, even it there's little chance it will pass. Anything is better than shouting from the sidelines.

So America, this was my quick look at the reasons and consequences of the tax change. 🙂



War Maps
Alexander_Auctoritas



Hello again folks. As we all countdown to the next Epic Warfare tournament, things are relatively quiet. We can expect that to change quickly. Enjoy the festivities.

Right now, we see Russia playing with Norway up north. Russia has won four of five battles and Norway is down to three regions. I was told the Russian-Iranian war is a land swap, but how could Iran hope to hold any regions from RW? Land deals just don't make a lot of sense for weaker nations these days, but whatever floats it.

In North USA, the United Kingdom is playing with Canada. The UK won the first battle, but Canada secured the second and look to win the third. I hope this doesn't accidentally go wrong for the UK. Meanwhile, Croatia and Turkey are booting Canada from Asia. Bye, bye.

In other news, where is China? Anyone seen it? I left it right in Asia, but I cannot seem to locate it at this time. Well, if you see her, let her know that it would be great to be pals again someday. But not the kind of pals where you call all the time and they dont call back. Like, legitimate friends, would be cool.

And Finland and Estonia are at it again. This is a game we like to play called "How can we f*** up the alliance MPPs and get away with it?" After winning three battles over Estonia, Finland lost the fourth and Estonia is about to attack. I wonder what will happen next...snoooooore*
I was born in a flame
Mama said that everyone would know my name
I'm the best you've ever had (that's right)
If you think I'm burning out, I'm never am
I'm on fire
I'm on fire
I'm on fire

Keep burning and shaking that ASS.



Interview with Azazel Romanov
ErrOrka

Hey Azazel, first and foremost let me thank you for taking the time to answer my questions 🙂

No problem! I love helping out and doing interviews, especially for the WHPR.

What's your opinion about the presidents nowadays. Do you feel like they are doing everything that needs to be done (and doing it the way it's supposed to be done?)

Being President now is a bit harder than it was when I was serving (which is now about a year ago). We have lower activity, Cabinets are harder to build, and motivation is down. We've had a string of good presidents since my terms, and Tyler is doing his best with what situation he was given. I don't envy him, and he's proving to be a capable leader for our country.

What are the changes/achievements of eUSA that you would highlight as the most beneficial for the country?

The PTO we were dealing with was ending during my terms, and has now completely evaporated. Our foreign affairs have been smart and on point for the last year and that is great to have. Our military structure is now less hectic and more organized which is also great for damage output and consistency.

Do you miss being President? Does it feel good not having to worry and be present as often as possible, or do you miss being the highest authority?

I miss it sometimes; it was a great experience and the best time of the game for me. I don't miss the schedule, as I have always liked operating on my own time, but it's something worthwhile and great to be the point person for the country.

How did you handle being president? Any tips&tricks?

Time management and delegation are key. You need to know when to do things and you need to have good people in place in each department to make sure things get done.

Is there anybody that you'd like to give a shout out for doing his/her best in a job (any job), somebody who is pushing the eUSA forward, helping our country greatly.

Wild Owl and DMJohnston have consistently proven themselves as valuable assets to our country, and our NSC team is stellar. They deserve all kinds of praise.

What are you up to nowadays? RL? Ingame?

In real life I work at a nonprofit dealing with homelessness, and in-game I am attempting to run a media mentor program while just enjoying my free time.

Are you considering running for the office again?

I am interested in getting back into Congress again, but I'd have to give the top slot more thought and time. A third term is not currently on my to-do list.

Would you like to tell the readers anything?

Always write! We need more media in the system, even if you are new to the game.



War Analysis
Blande

For most of us, we start our eLives every day by working, training, and then looking for the right battle to fight in. Those who bother to take a look at the DoD Orders (everyone should do this and subscribe) would find wars listed under different priority levels.

The NSC War-Room on a normal day

Have you ever wondered why a battle is listed under a certain priority level? Have you ever questioned why some battles are prioritized more than others? On a more basic note, have you ever wondered why certain battles are fought?

Field Command Center - Mexibro!

Look no further than at your Sunday Edition of the WHPR. Once every week, this segment would dive into a recent war or battle and perform an analysis for the benefit of our citizens who are eager to learn some of the things our NSC and Defense staff do.

For the sake of full disclosure and transparency, I would let you know now that some things might be slightly altered in order the name of Operational Security (OPSEC).

I leave you with this picture of my desk, till Sunday!





Musings of a Has-Been
dmjohnston

It’s been a very serious few days in eRep, what with the repelling of the Argentine Air Strike and the subsequent tax increase. I even wrote a serious article. So let’s tone it down a notch in this edition of Musings of a Has-Been.

One of the benefits of no longer being POTUS is that I have more time for family fun. Yesterday, we took the little one to a corn maze and pumpkin patch. No amount of military land navigation training can fully prepare you for a corn maze.


To start with, the weather wasn’t fantastic. This being Washington, it was raining on and off all morning, but with the threat of working next weekend looming, this was really the only opportunity to have this adventure.

A few years ago, my sister visited me during the month of October so we went to a corn maze, wherein, thanks to Washington rain, she slipped in the mud and fell. I thought the whole thing was hilarious. I have a different perspective now, thanks to yesterday.

While it did stop raining shortly after we embarked on our journey, the mud was still ever-present, and about 5 minutes into our trek, I nearly fell. Then a couple minutes later, I did fall. With an almost-one-year-old strapped to my back, I went down a little harder than was enjoyable, and now that wife is saying she wished she had seen it.


I was not amused by this.

Luckily for her, I am a forgiving man, and we finished the rest of the 3-mile maze and determined who it was that kidnapped the Farmer (it was the dog, always the dog). And we got our pumpkins.


To round out the evening, I made my mother’s famous sugar cookies (I’m the baker of the house).

This has been the Musings of a Has-Been. I’m dmjohnston asking, “Who told you you could eat my cookies?!”


_________________________________________

Secretary of Media:ErrOrka

Deputy Secretaries of Media:MrCarey, Alexander_Auctoritas, Blande, and dmjohnston



[WHPR Day 2526] Work Tax raise, new series, and interview with Azazel Romanov
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