Exposing the World Assembly Elite

[ShrewLlamaLand]

Greetings NationStates,

I'm ShrewLlamaLand, WA Delegate of the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators. The Confederation is, and by extension, I am, by all accounts a nation wielding significant influence within the voting block of the World Assembly. At the present moment I have 121 WA endorsements, which as WA Delegate of the Confederation gives me 122 votes for any proposal that reaches quorum. This means that my vote alone, is worth 122x that of any other WA nation within the Confederation, and indeed 122x that of the vast majority of nations within the world who are not WA Delegates. Even among other WA Delegates, as a relatively large region by population, we exert far too much power over the voting process; yet we aren't even close to influence of many other nations, Delegates of large and powerful regions comprising the so-called WA elite, members of which individually hold voting power equivalent to thousands of nations.

And yes, before you bring it up, I am acutely aware of the reputation the Confederation has developed among NationStates, and yes, we deserve some of that reputation. But some things are bigger than stalking the forums to bring up what some could argue is a "shady past", and today I speak not to look back at this past, but to protest the present, to protest the enormous influence that a few influental magnates serving as WA Delegates of sinker, feeder and the largest user created regions exert over the World Assembly voting process. Almost all voting power within the World Assembly goes directly to the top one percent of powerful WA Delegates. There is something profoundly wrong when, in any given vote within the World Assembly Security Council or General Assembly, the top two-tenths of one percent, not one percent, top two-tenths of one percent, of voting nations control up to 50% of all votes cast. This is immoral, wrong, and represents a grotesque level of inequality between nations, and indeed regions, of the World Assembly, allowing such a powerful few to exert their excessive, unjust influence over the relatively powerless many.

Today, I ask you to join with me in protesting the current system of governance within the World Assembly. When so few nations hold so much power, we are no longer talking about democracy, we're talking about an oligarchy and this has got to end.

The Confederation has a long history of rallying against the current voting system within the WA, and we have a little something planned. Please telegram my nation, ShrewLlamaLand, if you want to help bring this unjust system to an end.

In solidarity,

ShrewLlamaLand
Confederation of Corrupt Dictators

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1328927

[Cedoria]

Greetings NationStates,

I'm ShrewLlamaLand, WA Delegate of the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators. The Confederation is, and by extension, I am, by all accounts a nation wielding significant influence within the voting block of the World Assembly. At the present moment I have 121 WA endorsements, which as WA Delegate of the Confederation gives me 122 votes for any proposal that reaches quorum. This means that my vote alone, is worth 122x that of any other WA nation within the Confederation, and indeed 122x that of the vast majority of nations within the world who are not WA Delegates. Even among other WA Delegates, as a relatively large region by population, we exert far too much power over the voting process; yet we aren't even close to influence of many other nations, Delegates of large and powerful regions comprising the so-called WA elite, members of which individually hold voting power equivalent to thousands of nations.

And yes, before you bring it up, I am acutely aware of the reputation the Confederation has developed among NationStates, and yes, we deserve some of that reputation. But some things are bigger than stalking the forums to bring up what some could argue is a "shady past", and today I speak not to look back at this past, but to protest the present, to protest the enormous influence that a few influental magnates serving as WA Delegates of sinker, feeder and the largest user created regions exert over the World Assembly voting process. Almost all voting power within the World Assembly goes directly to the top one percent of powerful WA Delegates. There is something profoundly wrong when, in any given vote within the World Assembly Security Council or General Assembly, the top two-tenths of one percent, not one percent, top two-tenths of one percent, of voting nations control up to 50% of all votes cast. This is immoral, wrong, and represents a grotesque level of inequality between nations, and indeed regions, of the World Assembly, allowing such a powerful few to exert their excessive, unjust influence over the relatively powerless many.

Today, I ask you to join with me in protesting the current system of governance within the World Assembly. When so few nations hold so much power, we are no longer talking about democracy, we're talking about an oligarchy and this has got to end.

The Confederation has a long history of rallying against the current voting system within the WA, and we have a little something planned. Please telegram my nation, ShrewLlamaLand, if you want to help bring this unjust system to an end.

In solidarity,

ShrewLlamaLand
Confederation of Corrupt Dictators

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1328927

Got bored of suppressing RMB posts and trying to rebuild your shattered region Shrew? CCD must be in real trouble if they’re beating this desiccated carcass again.

[WayNeacTia]

Greetings NationStates,

I'm ShrewLlamaLand, WA Delegate of the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators. The Confederation is, and by extension, I am, by all accounts a nation wielding significant influence within the voting block of the World Assembly. At the present moment I have 121 WA endorsements, which as WA Delegate of the Confederation gives me 122 votes for any proposal that reaches quorum. This means that my vote alone, is worth 122x that of any other WA nation within the Confederation, and indeed 122x that of the vast majority of nations within the world who are not WA Delegates. Even among other WA Delegates, as a relatively large region by population, we exert far too much power over the voting process; yet we aren't even close to influence of many other nations, Delegates of large and powerful regions comprising the so-called WA elite, members of which individually hold voting power equivalent to thousands of nations.

And yes, before you bring it up, I am acutely aware of the reputation the Confederation has developed among NationStates, and yes, we deserve some of that reputation. But some things are bigger than stalking the forums to bring up what some could argue is a "shady past", and today I speak not to look back at this past, but to protest the present, to protest the enormous influence that a few influental magnates serving as WA Delegates of sinker, feeder and the largest user created regions exert over the World Assembly voting process. Almost all voting power within the World Assembly goes directly to the top one percent of powerful WA Delegates. There is something profoundly wrong when, in any given vote within the World Assembly Security Council or General Assembly, the top two-tenths of one percent, not one percent, top two-tenths of one percent, of voting nations control up to 50% of all votes cast. This is immoral, wrong, and represents a grotesque level of inequality between nations, and indeed regions, of the World Assembly, allowing such a powerful few to exert their excessive, unjust influence over the relatively powerless many.

Today, I ask you to join with me in protesting the current system of governance within the World Assembly. When so few nations hold so much power, we are no longer talking about democracy, we're talking about an oligarchy and this has got to end.

The Confederation has a long history of rallying against the current voting system within the WA, and we have a little something planned. Please telegram my nation, ShrewLlamaLand, if you want to help bring this unjust system to an end.

In solidarity,

ShrewLlamaLand
Confederation of Corrupt Dictators

https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1328927

Bitley tried this shit and it failed then. You posting a thread isn't going to magically change how the WA works, and even if people did support you, it still isn't going to change. Take a hint: No one gives a shit. If you don't like how the system works, don't play the game.

[Albennia]

and even if people did support you, it still isn't going to change.

2004: "even if people did support you, the mods will never allow raiding"

Things do change.

Take a hint: No one gives a shit.

No, you don't give a shit. You shouldn't pretend you speak for everyone.

If you don't like how the system works, don't play the game.

He's making a perfectly reasonable point about WA reform and this is the response he gets.

[ShrewLlamaLand]

Thank you to the number of individual nations and less influential regional delegates who have contacted me so far - we've had quite a positive reponse!

[Legolannd]

Two things:

#1: Your region's reputation isn't going to gain much support for your proposal, and if you haven't noticed, MAX BARRY MADE IT THIS WAY. For him to change this would require him spending weeks, maybe even months overhauling the coding of this game. Everything in this game is code, he had to write it himself. So, unless you want to send Max Barry an email/letter asking him to overhaul a game that is fine, then be my guest. Otherwise it ain't happening.

#2: While the system does seem unfair to the average layperson, this is how the House of Representatives here in the US works. The Senate is the equal one. Could Barry add a Senate/House style system? Maybe. But that'd take forever and he has more important things to do, like making money to buy food. If he does, that'd be just fine and dandy, but I don't see him doing it unless there was a big enough movement for it, and even then he wouldn't lose anything. After all this game is free except for a few in-game purchases. Would it be great if he did? Sure. I do think it'd make it easier for WA Proposals to make it through, but Barry wouldn't do it.

Sincerely,
Legolannd, President of The Grand Republicss.

[Gorundu]

It's a game mechanic. Ever heard of that? It's made to make the WA Delegacy more attractive. Had you not gone down the stupid path of joining the CCD, and say, somehow became a WA Delegate of a GCR or close to a Delegate of a GCR, I doubt you'd be complaining.

Plus, there is a reasonable premise for this. Most people do not even read resolutions before casting a vote. As such, WA Delegates, especially in GCRs, being elected or chosen in some way by the people of their region to lead, are likely more knowledgeable or have a greater interest in these matters. Thus, the power of the region's vote is entrusted to them.

[Blood Wine]

[Inven]

"When so few nations hold so much power, we are no longer talking about democracy, we're talking about an oligarchy and this has got to end"

Your region is fascist, isn't it, so why do you want democracy here?

It's hard to grow a region to several hundred WA Members, so they deserve large vote. You trying to buy thousand of stamps to grow your region, and when CCD is smaller than other regions, you complaint?

Even if we abolish this system, GCRs except Warzones will have hundreds of WA member and the situation is the same as before, except there are fewer votes.

Let's took the current GA resolution: Repeal: “Promotion Of Recycling”
2,691 for and 10,957 against
If we abolish the system: 1164 for and 4166 against.
Nothing change.

I used to be a WA delegate and the votes of superdelegates are really helpful. I know they are voting for their region, and they are knowledgeable in the WA much more than me did.

tldr: It's just CCD spend too much stamp and they still jealous with the votes lol

[McManniaa]

A group of fascists whining that the WA isnt democratic enough for their liking. Hath pigs grown wings? Doth they fly'th through the sky up on yonder like thyne airplanes? Woe is thee, for it is clearly the end of days.

In all seriousness, nothing is going to happen to change this. Doing so would require changes to the games functionality, and the admins have better things to use of time for than fixing an issue no one but you has a problem with.

[ShrewLlamaLand]

While the system does seem unfair to the average layperson, this is how the House of Representatives here in the US works. The Senate is the equal one. Could Barry add a Senate/House style system? Maybe. But that'd take forever and he has more important things to do, like making money to buy food. If he does, that'd be just fine and dandy, but I don't see him doing it unless there was a big enough movement for it, and even then he wouldn't lose anything. After all this game is free except for a few in-game purchases. Would it be great if he did? Sure. I do think it'd make it easier for WA Proposals to make it through, but Barry wouldn't do it.

It's not about the ease of passing a proposal, it's about fixing a corrupt system designed to serve only a small collection of influential delegates.

It's a game mechanic. Ever heard of that? It's made to make the WA Delegacy more attractive. Had you not gone down the stupid path of joining the CCD, and say, somehow became a WA Delegate of a GCR or close to a Delegate of a GCR, I doubt you'd be complaining.

Plus, there is a reasonable premise for this. Most people do not even read resolutions before casting a vote. As such, WA Delegates, especially in GCRs, being elected or chosen in some way by the people of their region to lead, are likely more knowledgeable or have a greater interest in these matters. Thus, the power of the region's vote is entrusted to them.

You're the "Minister of World Assembly Affairs" within The North Pacific - the region with the single most endorsements on their WA Delegate. Thank you for your opinion, but I don't want it.

[The Xaviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Why don't we tell people to endorse ALL WA nations so everyone reaches their 20-50 WA endorsement Cap, and you can Tell them what to vote for?

Of course. the cap could be higher too

[Inven]

Haha, funny to see that the WA Delegate of Confederation of Corrupt Dictators accusing the WA system is corrupt

[A Bloodred Moon]

You’re ranting on how the game mechanics work? That’s not “exposing” anything, that’s telling people what everyone else already knew. It’s literally in the FAQ. Have you considered that the fact you lot can’t get anything passed in the WA might indicate a generally negative opinion towards your proposals instead of how “corrupt” and “elitist” the WA is? Your childish rant only goes to show a complete lack of self-reflection, not proof of your conspiracy theory on the “WA elite”.

In your own words:

Thank you for your opinion, but I don't want it.

[Planetary Republicc]

You’re ranting on how the game mechanics work? That’s not “exposing” anything, that’s telling people what everyone else already knew. It’s literally in the FAQ. Have you considered that the fact you lot can’t get anything passed in the WA might indicate a generally negative opinion towards your proposals instead of how “corrupt” and “elitist” the WA is? Your childish rant only goes to show a complete lack of self-reflection, not proof of your conspiracy theory on the “WA elite”.

In your own words:

Thank you for your opinion, but I don't want it.

Oooohoho! Roasted!

[Gorundu]

You're the "Minister of World Assembly Affairs" within The North Pacific - the region with the single most endorsements on their WA Delegate. Thank you for your opinion, but I don't want it.

Look at that, attacking the person instead of defending your argument.

Oh right, you don't have an argument that can be defended.

[Kuriko]

:rofl:

You stole my post smh

[Kleptocratic Maniacs]

Wow, people are taking this way too seriously. It’s just a game!

[Wymondham]

When I saw the title and author I thought it would be a classically CCD low quality piece of investigative journalism. I must commend you because my expectations were low, but holy shit you've disappointed

[Technocratic Founder]

Just now realising how the game works, are we? Would have suggested doing that years ago. It'd have saved us an awful lot of time.

[The Xaviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Imma just sheiBpost here cuz this doesn't appear to go anywhere

Schwarzbraun ist die Haselnuss,
Schwarzbraun bin auch ich, ja, bin auch ich,
Schwarzbraun muss mein Mädel sein,
Gerade so wie ich.
Holderi juvi juvi di ha ha ha.

Mädel hat mir Busserl geb'n,
Hat mich schwer gekränkt, ja, schwer gekränkt
Hab ich's ihr gleich wiedergeb'n,
Ich nehm ja nichts geschenkt.
Holderi juvi juvi di ha ha ha.

Mädel hat nicht Hof noch Haus,
Mädel hat kein Geld, ja, hat kein Geld.
Doch ich geb sie nicht heraus
Für alles in der Welt.
Holderi juvi juvi di ha ha ha.

Schwarzbraun ist die Haselnuss,
Schwarzbraun bin auch ich, ja, bin auch ich
Schwarzbraun muss mein Mädel sein,
Gerade so wie ich.
Holderi juvi juvi di ha ha ha!

[The Church of Satan]

Here's the thing, Shrew. Regions like TNP weren't just given the massive influence in the WA that they have right now. They worked hard to make it possible. They earned it through recruitment and innovative endorsement campaigns. So why should they give that up?

Because you're jealous of their power? Were you in their place you would scoff at the very notion. You would not dare dream if surrendering the very power your region worked so hard to obtain.

[ShrewLlamaLand]

Why don't we tell people to endorse ALL WA nations so everyone reaches their 20-50 WA endorsement Cap, and you can Tell them what to vote for?

Of course. the cap could be higher too

You're mistaken, only the WA Delegate gains votes based on their endorsement count. Every other nation, regardless of their total number of endorsements, has only one vote.

Of course, you're very welcome, and indeed encouraged, to endorse other nations in the Confederation as well, up to the cap which has now been raised to 80 endorsements.

You're the "Minister of World Assembly Affairs" within The North Pacific - the region with the single most endorsements on their WA Delegate. Thank you for your opinion, but I don't want it.

Look at that, attacking the person instead of defending your argument.

Oh right, you don't have an argument that can be defended.

So far every argument against my post can be summed up by "it's a game mechanic, it's the rules, it's in the FAQ, that's how it works" so I don't really have anything to argue against.

But okay, sure: larger regions having more votes is fundamentally flawed because every piece of legislation that passes through the World Assembly affects every nation, and every region, identically. When you vote in an election, you don't get more votes based on your net worth, or other arbitrary measure of "influence", everyone gets one vote.

I don't like using real-life comparisons, but another nation made a comparison to the U.S. House of Representatives so I'll respond to this. This comparison is flawed for two reasons: first, the House of Representatives proportions more representatives per state based on population, but each representative is appointed individually and can vote independently. As an example, California is a pretty solidly blue state overall, but has several Republican representatives representing that proportion of population with a different political viewpoint. Secondly, there are two houses of government in the United States, and the U.S. Senate exists exactly for this reason - to prevent one state from having too much influence over the U.S. government. The WA doesn't have this.

Here's the thing, Shrew. Regions like TNP weren't just given the massive influence in the WA that they have right now. They worked hard to make it possible. They earned it through recruitment and innovative endorsement campaigns. So why should they give that uo?

This is just completely false, feeder regions are large primarily because nations are founded in them. Sinker regions are large because nations are re-founded in them. TRR is large because nations are ejected into it.

You do raise a valid argument concerning user created regions, but as the WA Delegate of one of the largest UCRs in the game, I strongly disagree. Why should my 122 votes dictate policy in other, unrelated regions just because I'm WA Delegate of a larger region?

[Boda]

and even if people did support you, it still isn't going to change.

2004: "even if people did support you, the mods will never allow raiding"

Things do change.

This has literally been around for years. Is it likely to change? No.

Take a hint: No one gives a shit.

No, you don't give a shit. You shouldn't pretend you speak for everyone.

He was mostly referring to nsgp on that part, we’ve all gotten worn about by CCD nonsense that we literally do not care.

If you don't like how the system works, don't play the game.

He's making a perfectly reasonable point about WA reform and this is the response he gets.

There’s literally nothing wrong with this WA reform. The current system is ok, and even it were to change, everything would just be the same like inven said. This is pointless.

Overall CCD is playing too many games rn.

[The Xaviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Here's the thing, Shrew. Regions like TNP weren't just given the massive influence in the WA that they have right now. They worked hard to make it possible. They earned it through recruitment and innovative endorsement campaigns. So why should they give that up?

Because you're jealous of their power? Were you in their place you would scoff at the very notion. You would not dare dream if surrendering the very power your region worked so hard to obtain.

I have TWO words.

F E E D E R R E G I O N.

get in in ya thick brains man!

Warum hat Wilhelm ein Wörterbuch auf mich geworfen?