Speaking in Congress

Day 3,387, 01:59 Published in United Kingdom United Kingdom by wingfield

721 days since I last published - wow!

I've returned to this medium as I was just elected to Congress, the final successful position on the combined ESO/WRP ticket. Congratulations to my colleagues and to all other successful candidates. I look forward to working with you all.

Now, just a reminder: I don't do forums. This is a very long standing approach of mine. I have seen them misused too much and independently minded players bullied mercilessly.

That being said, there is ample opportunity within the game mechanics for communication and discussion before people push buttons. I remember the bad old days of rogue or maverick proposals: perfectly legitimate although often inappropriate. I will not propose any laws without 24 hours notice in this paper and in whatever feeds are made available to Congress members. Alternatively, if I am asked to propose a law for the good of the country (by the right people), I will do the right thing.

Now, I have just seen a law proposed on a tax question. I don't know what discussion took place but I will vote on its merits. My policy is always that work taxes should be 1%. Plato puts too much power into the hands of governments, including the power to put their grubby fingers into the pockets of workers. Let a government tax the market instead, at reasonable levels, of course, if it wishes to raise more revenue.

Accordingly, I have voted yes to the proposal to reduce the work tax from 6% to 2%. It is not quite enough but a step in the right direction.

Citizens are entitled to accountability of both government and Congress. Here is where I'll do my explaining and commenting.

Here's to a happy and successful month in our newly liberated country!