(http://i84.servimg.com/u/f84/18/36/44/16/mrhead10.jpg)
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Pentatonix - Can’t Hold Us (http://tinyurl.com/ngs2dv9)
It's so hard when people knock you down and tell you that you're never gonna get a shot at glory
But that's when you rise to the challenge,
'cause it's your time,
your moment,
and nothing can stop us now!
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I spent quite a bit of time thinking about this. It has honestly been something I’ve wanted to do for years, but I never felt ready. It’s an important job and I believe that someone needs to feel ready and not rely on everyone telling them they are, while those opinions are great none of it matters if I don’t feel ready.
I now feel ready,
I am formally announcing my candidacy for President of the United States for the month of April.
(http://i84.servimg.com/u/f84/18/36/44/16/mrbord10.jpg)
I’m sure this announcement is not going to come as a shock to quite a few people because I haven’t exactly been quiet about my intentions.
The vast majority of my first few years playing were totally party focused because that is where I felt I needed to be. Once I’d done all I could do within my party I ventured out.
My first foray out into national politics was quite a while ago. Colin was CP and I was barely on the radar as a worker bee in Monkey Business. I spent the next bit of time off the Meta and in game. I helped where ever I was needed but really didn’t embrace the eUS forums.
All of that changed when I started working with George Armstrong Custer on the WHPR. Suddenly I was pushed into the Meta and what I discovered is that, for the most part, I liked it. It has it’s downsides but it’s where the work actually gets done. My Story was briefly discussed
in my last article (http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/-why-are-you-here-2588421/1/20). I’m going to try to expand on that without completely reiterating it.
SecMed was/is one of the busiest jobs in the cabinet, but during my time working with Custer we were able to maintain a 3 day a week publish while still putting out an additional Pony Express twice weekly. At that time, the SecMed was also in charge of eNPR. eNPR had tapered off but, along with the help of my Co-Host Talostastic, we were able to revive it, and bring back a small but loyal audience, for the few months we worked it. I truly enjoyed my time Co-Hosting eNPR and If there is any interest left in reviving it, I would be more than willing to consider it.
While continuing to work as CoSecMed, Oblige offered me the opportunity to help as DoHS. The previous Secretary had been dealing with Real Life issues. For that reason MazzyCat and I stepped up to be sure that the work was getting done and because of our efforts we were able to pound one more nail into the coffin of the PTO
After Oblige left office Josh Frost promoted me to SoHS, while still maintaining my advisory roll on the WHPR. SoHS spends the quite a bit of it’s time negotiated with countries outside of the eUS but it’s main focus was to keep all of the parties free from PTO. With the help of my deputies Mazzy and Talostastic we were able to not only keep our top 5 safe but severely damage the Ajay’s ability to get into the Top 5. Because of this we were able to end Unity elections and have free and open elections again.
(http://i84.servimg.com/u/f84/18/36/44/16/mrbord10.jpg)
Anyway I’ve digressed enough.
A few months ago Israel posted on the AMP boards that there aren’t any honest campaign articles anymore and he challenged us all to be honest with our intentions. If this were two years ago, when I last thought of running, this would be a very different article. I was a huge fan of bringing in new blood to the White House, I still am for the most part, but there are not many new people to bring in these days. I still firmly believe that finding new players to bring into national politics is important but you need experienced people in the main slots of your cabinet to teach them.
Which brings me to now.
The last month has been very interesting as Chief of Staff under Israel Stevens. He has a style of presidenting that is more old school then we have become use to over the last few years. It has been invigorating. My purpose in accepting this position was because I believed I could help Israel understand the differences between the game we all played years ago and the current state of the game. I was mostly successful in that endeavor although I believe he has a bit more to learn.
This coming month I plan to focus on Media and Foreign Affairs
I have always believed that the WHPR is a very important part of the administration because it gives the people that don’t go into the meta a small insight into what’s work is being done and what is going on in the eWorld. Our current Secretary of Media has done a wonderful job and I plan to continue that level of commitment.
Aramec has been a brilliant Press Secretary, his brand of Press Briefing has been a refreshing change. While I believe it is important that people know what is going on I also believe that it is equally important to be entertained while doing so.
After all this is a game.
Foreign Affairs is a bit of a different story. Entertainment is important but our relationships with our allies is the most important. We need to take the time to assess the damage done to our FA by recent events and move forward in repairing any issues that have come out of it. FA isn’t about meetings and public conversation it is about personal connections and the ability to listen to, and understand, the issues other governments are facing. It’s about negotiation and being willing to give a little in order to maintain alliances.
My next article will expand on my thoughts on Foreign Affairs but I believe this article is long enough.
(http://i84.servimg.com/u/f84/18/36/44/16/mrbord10.jpg)
One last thought
I am of the mindset that there are quite a few people outside of the meta that are still active enough to participate and care about what the PoTUS does. Those people just don’t want to be in the Meta or on the forums. I have no issue with that, how you play is up to you, but you need to feel like you have a voice. I would like to open a dialog with people that don’t go to the eUS forums.
Feel free to ask me questions either in the comments or by PM and I will respond.
(http://oi43.tinypic.com/2rm2gb4.jpg)