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Well

I have not been in Senate in eAustralia since May 2009. So, WHY THE HELL WOULD I CONSIDER RUNNING AGAIN!?!

AM I _STUPID?!_

Short answer: No. But eAustralia, you need two things this coming election. Perspective, and partisanship.

I am kinda experienced at this game. My qualifications stand for themselves, and I'm not going to bore you with them - frankly, who gives a flying what I've done - I'd rather tell you what I am GOING to do.

I will be running as AI, _but_, I am a member of the AMP. Sure, many think it's a failed party, with only one agenda (Military). And, sure, the Milirary is a key interest of mine this election. But let me explain - it's not the only one.

Military and fighting is an IMPORTANT mechanic behind this game. And let's face it, fighting is fun! But there is a lot of other great aspects to this game - and in the end, it doesn't matter how strong or how much damage you do - it's about retaining people in this game because they find it FUN!

AMP is great, because they seek to find the BALANCE between game mechanics and this being a social game. One can't live without the other.

I believe the military needs a bit of a reality check over being a more unified, social unit. I will be pushing for funding for the Military - not purely in terms of weapons or crap like that (which, I agree is awesome - but is not everything!) - but also in terms of social activity, inter-forces contests and more than anything, a place where we focus on what's important! Making friends, and kicking ass!

I won't repeat all I have said in my prior article about the redbacks, or my other ideas. But, we need to think about how to make the most of our military - we aren't a big country, but by god - look at our IRC and Forums - we are an ACTIVE one.

On to alliances. EDEN. Enough said. 😛 The boat has well and truly sailed on this.

Economy. I have believed for months, and continue to believe, the Government has a role AND a responsibility to intervene in market matters. However, we also need to let the company owners and GMs regulate themselves. The trick is education.

I still don't get why we don't tell people to get the HELL out of the RM industries which are low in our country. We DO NOT need, NOR SHOULD WE HAVE, industries where we cannot compete internationally. It hurts us, it hurts our active workforce, and people need to stop making Iron companies etc when Weapons manufactures can source their Iron at a 'nth' of the cost. Newer GMs need support and education, and we need to excel at what we are good at. I proposed a GM mentorship scheme, and if you elect me, you will get one.

All this brou-haha over gold. At the moment, the eWorld is in a shortage. It's a double edged sword as a result of more game money 'sinks'. MPPs cost more. Training now costs more if you want to move up the ranks faster. There are now new ways of obtaining gold - but many don't like the spam as a result. So, generally, we are all poorer in game.

We (eAus) are doing ok if you look at our balance over the last few months - but then again, we are not blowing thousands on huge battles really. So, how do we increase our reserves and budget?

Well, through two key ways. Supporting the move to globalisation of the resources and products we are good at manufacturing. AND, through increasing our population base (which, supports the above goal). We need more people in eAus prepared to take the time to be 'ambassadors' - not the eRep Game kind, but in our own RL communities, and through known other forums etc. I know many people use facebook to sell the game, and seek referrals. You wanna shiny medal? Get 10 people to hit level 6 and you will get it! It's all about how we sell it. And, we should be looking at focussing on support on how we can give people the tools/words/means to do so!

Finally, I want to kick the HELL out of senate's arse. There are many people on there that do a great job. But, I believe:

- the IG needs the ability and independence to do their job.
- while I agree oversimplification is BAD, the rules/governing laws of the Senate need to be centralised, if not SOMEWHAT simplified.
- the PM needs their Executive Orders powers reviewed. I am not saying the use of these is a bad thing, but there needs to be the balance between wider authority to do what is needed, and FASTER senate oversight of these matters. We should not be a dictatorship. Allow me to be clear on that point. BUT there were good means introduced (such as the War Council) to ensure if the PM is making a call, senate (or their designated reps) had a seat at the table.

Thanks for listening, and vote me on Jan 25 to come back. I am open, will listen and communicate the views of YOU to senate. I will also make sure you know what I think before I vote on an issue, and make sure you are heard.

ranger.