The Death of Ideology

Day 2,235, 15:01 • Published in Canada Pakistan • by Prinz von Panzer

In eRepublik political parties can proudly announce their economical and social orientations, from the far-left to the far-right, from totalitarian to anarchist. However, people easily forget or ignore what these actually presume. If they may serve at attracting new, enthusiastic players (with a decent knowledge of history and politics) eager to be a part of political life, the social and economical ideologies mean absolutely nothing when it comes to the real game.

One can hardly find at least two vocal political leaders in the same party before they are pulled out of the party hat leading up to the presidential elections. Finally, finding themselves on the major political scene, the candidates, no matter the orientation of their party, blabber out the same solutions to our well-known problems.

TemujinBC's candidacy (despite his unquestionable value as a soldier) sounds like for the lulz, as he is promising everything from fraternity between all ehumanity to "fighting for higher taxes" and "lower costs" (sounds like a good mix) so we won't be looking into his promises. He may very well be a breath of fresh air of chaos.

As for the outspoken Claire Louise and the rising noble-blooded star, they both start by promising a new and unexpected flip in foreign politics (transparency much?).

New player retention is also an issue they both approach. As it should be, judging from her background and far-left orientation (player retention is a social measure) the blunt redhead (politically) seems to get the upper hand, presenting an actual plan, not just wishes and ideas.

War, the ever-denied guilty pleasure of eCanadians is shyly discussed by IBB, who shows a mix of readiness, uncertainty and caution while Claire shares only his caution when proposing a kind of training war with the tea drinkers.

They both promise to be more open about the Government's shady doings, IBB tempting us with cabinet seats (thus getting the support of tankers wishing to build up some influence). Claire does the same with her eagerness to answer the questions of all the new, confused players, not to mention her "Free stuff for Comrades" programme.

Towards the end of the speech, Claire rushes to announce in two seemingly harmless lines that she'd "like to look into possibly extending the land rented out to other allied nations who are facing a long wipe and need resources or a congress". Might not be a smart move, as eCanadians still have in mind the long period during which eCanada itself was wiped, and no one offered any land. IBB, on the other hand, shows a mind for politics by securing the backing of French community of eCanada.

Now, these would all mean something in real if the reds wouldn't have switched sides, thus making IBB virtually unopposed. Addy Lawrence, an obviously experienced player, both politically and as a soldier, called off his campaign as a sign of unity. Saudi Arabia is the perfect example of political unity, as only one party exists (Saudi United Party) but it is also perfectly wiped. Conflict, both external and internal, is beneficial. The political part shows that you cant just click away into battles and become an influential player, also giving people the opportunity to formally oppose ideas or measures, an essential part of a democracy.

The political maturity of a candidate is shown by his ability to respond to criticism. To make it clear, I am not criticizing any candidate, nor do I support them. Frankly, I have no idea who I'll be voting for. But I do want to make it clear that the Right should start acting like the Right (economical plans, firm military actions) and the newly born Left should focus on the social and diplomatic part.

I too wish that all our problems would be solved in one term, but it is simply not possible, as proven by all the ePresidents of all the eNations. Set a goal and achieve it. Otherwise, your stay in office is of little practical use.




*The name seemed appropriate, since the original group is based in Canada