Tradition and Change: SDixie / PoD Gunner for Delegate / Vice-Delegate

[PoD Gunner]

Esteemed Taijituans,
it is my honor to bring before you the opening statement of SDixie. Due to RL reasons, he will be away until tomorrow. Until that time, I will be taking any questions. Before leaving you with my running mate's discourse, I just want to add one thought: the community we have created and are shaping in Taijitu is the envy of the NS world, and it is so only because of the way we understand to protect democracy and take care of our citizens. We must continue to do so and while consolidating tradition, we also must make way to the New. It is a very valuable lesson which even the biggest and mightiest seem to forget these days, both IRL and in NationStates.
As promised:

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Ladies and Gentlemen, brothers and sisters, friends,

  We stand here together on the precipice of greatness. A young region in it’s adolescence, Taijitu, since it’s inception, has shattered almost every NS growth record ever set. More than a paper tiger, our ommunity is bustling with activity abound with diversity. Conceived in freedom, born in a malestrom of conflict, she has withstood every challenge thrown at her, and come through brighter and stronger because of it.

 But a region when it comes down to it, is a page on NationStates, A forum with a few boards, it’s the people that make a region great, or not. Whatever Taijitu was, is, or ever will be, is because of the people that call it home. For all of the things we have done, there is much that lies ahead. Summer is the crucible against which strong regions are forged, our first summer is a proving ground, in terms of more than just numbers of nations, but the vital signs of our community.

 Contributing to the region goes far beyond being in the senate, an ambassador, recruiter or minister, each and every one of you, whether you relies it or not, makes a vital contribution to this community. Because all it takes is a post, popping into IRC to say hi, or helping a new player with their questions. Great societies are not built upon large accomplishments, but by people large in spirit accomplishing small things all of the time.

 I ramble on about the region because I am proud, not blinded by patriotism, but by the light I see shining from those around me. And if this is the first thread you have seen since coming to Taijitu, or only the latest among hundreds, know that here you are special, here you are welcome and among friends.

 Our region is strong, but not invincible, wise but not infallible dedicated but not tireless, it is our actions this summer, but the latest of many tests, that will define our place within nationstates, and demonstrate whether this region will show its greatness once again, or be but one of hundreds of regions which is crippled by summer inactivity.
 
 But more than any other region, we need not meet such a fate, we have the tools, we have the talent, and we have the drive. Community is the focus, and will be the focus of the Sovereign Dixie PoD Gunner administration if elected. Recruiting, accessibility to all players, and the fostering of new talent, the cornerstones of building a region that will not only break growth records in a flash of glory, but stand rock solid over time.

 As the crisis in The North Pacific escalates by the day, we must remain vigilant, and steadfast in our support of democracy, but mindful of those embroiled in conflict, and serve as a reminder that peace and understanding are the hallmarks of governments for the people and by the people. While affairs at home take first precedence our eyes abroad will remain watchful, and our region ready to support that which is right and just.

 Both myself and PoD gunner have the experience, knowledge, and dedication, to serve this region over the coming months, and to face coming challenges with tenacity and resolve. You give us the job, and it will be done. That’s the only way we know how to do things. And after all the pretty words have been said, and all of the cookies handed out, at the end of the day, its actions which will determine the future course of the region. We stand ready and willing to serve.

Thank you all.
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[Allama]

A most excellent opening statement, SD, and a wise introduction by Pod.  Well done!

My first question is a ticking time bomb, of course, so I'll just throw it out there: What do you plan to do in response to the governmental crisis in TNP?  What position would you take as Delegate (neutral is, of course, a viable option) and would you intervene on behalf of it or simply lend "moral support" to the side you choose?

[Khem]

Of course this is a duo that has had much experience being at the forefront of the region, however... don't you feel it may be time for new blood to take the delegacy? what do you plan on doing to prevent nations from CTEing? do you have any plans to get more members of the region to join the forum and become deeper members of our wonderful community?

[PoD Gunner]

A most excellent opening statement, SD, and a wise introduction by Pod.  Well done!

My first question is a ticking time bomb, of course, so I'll just throw it out there: What do you plan to do in response to the governmental crisis in TNP?  What position would you take as Delegate (neutral is, of course, a viable option) and would you intervene on behalf of it or simply lend "moral support" to the side you choose?

Ty for your nice words, Allama.

Heck, that is a really good question!  You understand that because of the situation, I cannot release an official statement just yet. I have made a statement in the North Pacific's forums, affirming our neutrality and hope that no harm will come to the community, however this situation might be resolved. As some further details regarding the development will be made public tomorrow, we are still assessing the situation. I cannot make any comment regarding a possible involvement of our region as of yet. It is not our place to intervene in the internal affairs of another region, but the situation is affecting the whole international scene, and should support be requested officially, we will have to reach a decision. That is all I can comment on the topic atm.

 

Of course this is a duo that has had much experience being at the forefront of the region, however... don't you feel it may be time for new blood to take the delegacy? what do you plan on doing to prevent nations from CTEing? do you have any plans to get more members of the region to join the forum and become deeper members of our wonderful community?

Thank you for the recognition, PUR. However, I shall try to answer your questions: Heh, nice wording. I could ask you if you think it might be ok for young blood with very little or no executive experience to take over the delegacy, but I guess we are here to find out what Taijitu thinks. By running, I obviously think that we can still do a pretty good job  otherwise I wouldn't have done it, and I actually feel pretty young also, despite of what others may think. 
Preventing nations from CTEing? Well, we have started sending in-game TGs, but I think you are rather confused there. Nations cte in every big region at up-date because a lot of people forget about their nations or get bored with NS.
I do have plans concerning your 3rd question, in fact we have been implementing them already. If you take a look at the list of government officials, I think you will see the truth of my words. Thank you for your questions and good luck with your campaign. 

[Tacolicious]

A very nice intro, although a few questions:

1) What do you feel Taijitu's greatest flaw or weakness is right now and what would you do as Delegate to fix this problem?

2) What do you feel Taijitu's greatest strength is and do you feel this could be improved upon? If so, how?

3) How do you plan to run against the sexy?

4) Do you feel the lack of urinals in the women's washroom is a form of sexual discrimination? Why or why not?

5)If you won this election, could you please describe how you see Taijitu being before the next election?

[Eluvatar]

What do you plan on doing that is sort of Awesome but not so Awesome that you can't tell me or we'd all die?

[Sovereign Dixie]

First off, thanks to PoD for running shop for me. Great job!

 Before I answer the last few questions, I'd like to extrapolate a bit with some of my own thoughts on the questions already posed and answered by Mike.

A most excellent opening statement, SD, and a wise introduction by Pod.  Well done!

My first question is a ticking time bomb, of course, so I'll just throw it out there: What do you plan to do in response to the governmental crisis in TNP?  What position would you take as Delegate (neutral is, of course, a viable option) and would you intervene on behalf of it or simply lend "moral support" to the side you choose?

 I agree with Mike in that to commit to any steadfast course at this juncture would be folly, however, Taijitu does support democracy, and any action taken, if it is in fact taken, will be done to support that end.

Of course this is a duo that has had much experience being at the forefront of the region, however... don't you feel it may be time for new blood to take the delegacy? what do you plan on doing to prevent nations from CTEing? do you have any plans to get more members of the region to join the forum and become deeper members of our wonderful community?

 Though we do have experience, in the case of myself, I was for a while "out of the loop' any time removed from a situation enables one to reapproach it with a new perspective, the question of "new blood" is one that I have discussed with several people, and in fact was a cornerstone of my previous campaign, and that is also the case here. It is in the interests of the more experienced players to make sure Taijitu lives on, and that her future stewards are capable, reliable, and most of all, trustworthy. It is for the people to decide ultimately, however if given charge over the region, the fostering of new talent will be a high priority of my administration.

 PoD did a great job of showing some of how that will be done, with new players brought into cabinet level positions so that they can get the feel for the inner workings of the government. This is a policy I plan on continuing and expanding upon, if possible. It's time for the newer players to start on the way towards becoming experienced players, and I am commited to that philosophy.

 With regard to CTE's... they happen. It's an unavoidable fact of NS life. Especially during the summer months. Any plan focusing around this must be two fold.

 1) Make sure recruiting efforts are sufficent to replace CTE'd nations.

 2) Create a player environment that gives people a reason to stay

 Step one is easy enough to do, just time consuming. But, we've done it before, and we can continue to do so. The second part is tougher, a large region makes for a large and complex community. Implementing measures to get more players on the forum, and to encourage activity by those already on it, will require time and manpower. Taijitu has the capicity to do it, but we need the people willing and able to not only say they will help, but actualy do so. I plan on working closely with the MoCR(s) to facilitate this.

A very nice intro, although a few questions:

1) What do you feel Taijitu's greatest flaw or weakness is right now and what would you do as Delegate to fix this problem?

2) What do you feel Taijitu's greatest strength is and do you feel this could be improved upon? If so, how?

3) How do you plan to run against the sexy?

4) Do you feel the lack of urinals in the women's washroom is a form of sexual discrimination? Why or why not?

5)If you won this election, could you please describe how you see Taijitu being before the next election?

1) Our weakness is that the larger a region becomes, the more it takes to maintain. The best way to alleviate the problems caused by this is to maximise the efforts of our available talent pool, by making sure those with the job have what they need to do so, making sure the executive office has an open door policy to all players, and by communicating often and effectively with other branches of government. In short, things get done when everyone's on the same page.

2) Our greatest strength is our community of players, the most talented and diverse in NationStates, and it's the gov't duty to make sure that the community grows and innovates, by giving new players personal attention and coaching when needed, pointing those interested in the right direction towards getting involved in the government, and by making sure that we provide an environment that keeps the balance between freedom of speech and responsibility to create a welcoming environment.

3)The same way I'd run against anyone, put my thoughts an ideas out there, and let the people decide. *shrug*

4)This question suggests we have a growing segment of the transgender population, if sufficent interest is present, urinals can be installed in womens bathrooms as well.

5)I see our region being slightly larger, alot stronger, with a more active and vibrant community.

What do you plan on doing that is sort of Awesome but not so Awesome that you can't tell me or we'd all die?

Completion of the Death Ray,,, shit, wait, *Not* so awesome that we have to kill ppl we tell... oops... um, if you could just step right over here please...

[Khablan]

Alright, my turn to grill you two.

1.  SD, if you obtain the delegacy, will there be any notable differences from how things were done during PoD Gunner's tenure?  Any specifics that you can think of at this point?

2.  How would you rate your Sexiness and Awesomeness next to that of PUR and Soly?

3.  Do you have any ideas regarding the budget?

4.  What are your plans for redecorating the delegate's office, should you obtain it?  Details, please!

5.  If you were a cookie, what type of cookie would you be?

6.  With SD's experience as Minister of Defense, do you have any plans toward thwarting the Dreaded Ping Monster that resides in IRC?

[Sovereign Dixie]

Alright, my turn to grill you two.

1.  SD, if you obtain the delegacy, will there be any notable differences from how things were done during PoD Gunner's tenure?  Any specifics that you can think of at this point?

2.  How would you rate your Sexiness and Awesomeness next to that of PUR and Soly?

3.  Do you have any ideas regarding the budget?

4.  What are your plans for redecorating the delegate's office, should you obtain it?  Details, please!

5.  If you were a cookie, what type of cookie would you be?

6.  With SD's experience as Minister of Defense, do you have any plans toward thwarting the Dreaded Ping Monster that resides in IRC?

 1) PoD and I obviously share alot of common ground, otherwise we wouldn't be on the same ticket. There are, of course, some differences, though. PoD's term as Delegate was short, so I'll answer in broader terms. I tend to be more reserved and cautious in decision making, perhaps a bit more thorough when examining cause and effect of a given situation. In running an administration, I tend to be more laid back, giving a lot of authority to my Ministers, and overseeing and co-ordinating the broader strokes of things. But most of this impacts areas of the government not readily visible from the outside looking in. When it comes to decision making, we constantly sound things off of one another, as usually the other has some viewpoint that we've overlooked, no matter how much thought we've tried to put into it. Though similar, it's the subtle differences in personality that make us such a good team, I think.

2)Heheheh, I'm about as sexy as a walrus in a mudbath. Awesomeness, lol, well, um... I suppose that's the kind of thing that's best to let others decide.  I just am what I am.

3) Well, to be brutally honest, our money hasn't much value. For a budget to have any real relevance, we need to add value to the currency. I like the idea of taijitu having money, and would like to see it pursued to greater depth, but not so much so that it becomes comebersome (or else what's the point of a game, if your money situation is going to suck as much as it does in RL) But I'd really like to see some new and innovative ideas regarding giving our currency some more relevance. As that comes to pass, I expect to see new opportunities open up for budgetary expansion.

4) Well, the outer lobby would remain unchanged. Business-casual. Inside, however, where most of the nuts and bolts thinking would be done, I plan to have a wurlitzer jukebox put in the corner, to hang up a Jethro Tull poster, and I think the beer on tap has been left in place since the last time I was in office. LOL

5)Chocolate chip, no other kind exists as far as im concerned lol (though I'd take a pepperoni and jalepeno pizza over cookies any day)

6) Nuke the bastard.

[Durnia]

1) Why have you applied to the Regional Assembly of The North Pacific? (I'm not against it by the way, you would be a good addition, just asking)

2) Have you started endotarting for the Delegacy yet? How long do you think it would take to get you there?

3) Are you happy with the Supreme Court Justices and how they function?

4) Will you be creating any new ministries?

5) What member(s) of NationStates do you most admire? If any.

6) Could you compare you leadership style to any other RL leader? If yes, please explain.

7) Please go into detail about your plans for Taijitu's foreign policy?

8. How sure can we be that you will complete your term as a fully active Delegate?

9) Your opinions on the other candidacies?

10) Your detailed opinion on Taijitu/Feederite relations?


Thanks in advance.

[Sovereign Dixie]

1) Why have you applied to the Regional Assembly of The North Pacific? (I'm not against it by the way, you would be a good addition, just asking)

2) Have you started endotarting for the Delegacy yet? How long do you think it would take to get you there?

3) Are you happy with the Supreme Court Justices and how they function?

4) Will you be creating any new ministries?

5) What member(s) of NationStates do you most admire? If any.

6) Could you compare you leadership style to any other RL leader? If yes, please explain.

7) Please go into detail about your plans for Taijitu's foreign policy?

8. How sure can we be that you will complete your term as a fully active Delegate?

9) Your opinions on the other candidacies?

10) Your detailed opinion on Taijitu/Feederite relations?


Thanks in advance.

 1) Thank you. I applied to the RA for several reasons. I wont be active in the government of Taijitu forever. There will be a day when a new generation takes the wheel, when that day comes, I will still be here to offer whatever help and guidance I can, but I'm not going to sit around doing nothing. TNP, being a close friend and ally of Taijitu, seems like a good place for me to get involved and try to make a positive difference. I also did it as a show of support for the legal democratic government of the region. The same government that did so much for us during the early days of Taijitu's existence.

 2) Yes, I started actually a few minutes ago, I would have started last night, but technical issues prevented it. I will be finished as early as tonight, as late as sometime tommorrow.

 3) Yes actually, I am. The SC was not around during my first term as Delegate, but I worked closely with Amy during her term to discuss who would make good choices, and those she chose were the same I would have. None of them has given me any reason to doubt their ability or commitment to the region.

 4) To be honest, I don't know. I've given some thought to it, but haven't reached any clear conclusions as of yet.

 5) There are a few, for different reasons. I admire TCM for the tireless work and many many hours she put into helping build this region. I admire Gallipoli-China for his dedication to fairness and civility. I admire (yes, I know...) Insane Power to a degree, for his public speaking abilities. Thyatira for creating the Order of Gryphons, Moldavi based on his sheer balls and boldness alone. Eluvatar for his brilliant and mind blowing work he's done for the region, Saint Oz for a great map, steadfast dedication, and a truly intricate and detailed RP nation. PoD Gunner for his "outside the box" thinking... to name a few

 6) Hmmm... Henry Ford, perhaps. Like Ford, I know where my weaknesses are, and I try to surround myself with people who's knowledge compliments my gaps in knowledge. I also share Harry Truman's "The buck stops here" mentality, in that if someone screws up on my watch, its *me* that will take responsibility, I will not cast blame or make scapegoats of anyone. I also like to view myself (rightfully or not lol) as being a bit like Teddy Roosevelt, with regard to that I have balls, but not so much so as to make me do anything incredibly foolish. In foreign policy, "walk softly and carry a big stick" is a good philosophy. Treat others as you wish to be treated, but if the time and need arises, do not hesistate to do what needs to be done.

 7) Revive activity amongst the ambassadors, or get new ones who will be active. Promote and defend democracy. Make the executive more active in foreign affairs, complimenting the efforts of ambassadors with visits by myself and the Vice Delegate to various forums and IRC chats. Continue our close relationship with DEN and foster better relations with the NPO.

  The only time I wasn't sure, was the race I backed out of. If I'm not sure I'll be around enough to do the job, I don't run. That being said, I'm as sure as a person can be without having a crystal ball.

 9) PUR's kindness and vibrant personality are well known, she's good people and a wonderful asset to the region. Soly is very original and well liked by many.

10) I hesitate to try to categorize all of the feeders into a group. They share the word "Pacific" in their names, and they're all feeders, but beyond that each one is very much it's own region, just as much as Taijitu or any other founder created region. Relations with NPO are good, but rather stagnant. We're closest to TNP than any other feeder, and have, barring regime change, a good close relationship built on friendship and trust. Of the three remaining, we're probably closest to TWP. Relations with the others could be described as cordial.

[Durnia]

Thanks for your answers, you most likely have my vote.

I also admire Insane Power and whether you love or hate him, Moldavi was certainly interesting and bold, actually a car salesman in real life, which I found interesting.

[Khem]

9) PUR's kindness and vibrant personality are well known, she's good people and a wonderful asset to the region. Soly is very original and well liked by many.

awww thanks, i was going to vote for you anyhow but you definately have my vote now.

[Myroria]

1) What do you plan to do as Delegate? Answer yes or no.

2) Serious question. Assume I was after the lucrative "Minister of the Community" position. Since I'm clearly not cut out for it, you stupid poopiehead, would you appoint me it anyway?

3) Assume I want to be the Minister of Finance (And by assume, I mean "I want to be the Minister of Finance"). I have no prior experience with the job, but that didn't stop whoever was delegate at the time to appointing me Minister of Internal Affairs back in The Lexicon, or you appointing Soly it when it was first made. Even though I have no experience with dealing with fictional money, would you appoint me anyway? Note this is not the same as question 2.

4) I already know I'm voting for you, but assume I'm not sure yet. Will I vote for you? A delegate needs to have very well-trained psychic powers if he is to be a good one.

[Sovereign Dixie]

1) What do you plan to do as Delegate? Answer yes or no.

2) Serious question. Assume I was after the lucrative "Minister of the Community" position. Since I'm clearly not cut out for it, you stupid poopiehead, would you appoint me it anyway?

3) Assume I want to be the Minister of Finance (And by assume, I mean "I want to be the Minister of Finance"). I have no prior experience with the job, but that didn't stop whoever was delegate at the time to appointing me Minister of Internal Affairs back in The Lexicon, or you appointing Soly it when it was first made. Even though I have no experience with dealing with fictional money, would you appoint me anyway? Note this is not the same as question 2.

4) I already know I'm voting for you, but assume I'm not sure yet. Will I vote for you? A delegate needs to have very well-trained psychic powers if he is to be a good one.

1)yes

2)I will not comment on possible appointments to the cabinet at this time

3) Actually, TGR appointed Soly, not me or PoD. Beyond that, please refer to my previous statement.

4)LMAO I say yes, you will vote for me, and i didnt even have to pay 89765.99$ a minute for it