The Red-Greens Headquarters [NSG Senate]

[Polvia]

Erm, hello, I'm not yet a senator - though I would indeed like to be at some point - mainly because I'm undecided as to which political party I'd like to join. Now, I largely agree with most of the policies the Red-Greens support here, however, I'm probably a bit softer in economic terms than some of you. I'd probably be more in the social democracy box rather than the economic policy you support (I do have some leanings in democratic socialism, but I'm probably not as economically leftist as the majority of the party).

I imagine I'd probably be on the right of the party (economically, as I do believe in some privatised business, socially I'll be far, far, far left I imagine), but I think the choice is between you guys and the Liberal Democratic Party so just wondering what you think really.

The major beliefs of The Red-Greens is in Democratic Socialism and environmentalism, so we do believe that workers have a right to the democractic control the means of production, and we encourage the legislation to that effect, as well as the establishment of a proper welfare and public services infrastructure including green energy, public transit, and other environmental policies geared towards the reduction of pollution. In terms of such policies as welfare, you would likely see us to be very similar, if not more left-wing, to most Social Democratic parties.

If you do feel that our economic positions are too left-wing then the parties such as the Totally Rad Party (a Social Democratic party) may be better suited for you.
I hope I helped you with your questions, but feel free to ask more if you have any.

[Polvia]

Fellow members of The Red-Greens, I am looking for members who are willing to fill the position of Election Commissioner in the Party Administration. Is anyone interested?

[Yanalia]

Fellow members of The Red-Greens, I am looking for members who are willing to fill the position of Election Commissioner in the Party Administration. Is anyone interested?

I am interested in this position. Does it conflict with my current position?

[Polvia]

Fellow members of The Red-Greens, I am looking for members who are willing to fill the position of Election Commissioner in the Party Administration. Is anyone interested?

I am interested in this position.

Beginning now any other member interested in the position must voice such within twenty-four hours. If no one does Yanalia shall be appointed by default.

I would say that you are fine in holding the position.

[Phing Phong]

Fellow members of The Red-Greens, I am looking for members who are willing to fill the position of Election Commissioner in the Party Administration. Is anyone interested?

I am interested in this position. Does it conflict with my current position?

I would like to informally endorse Yanalia's candidacy for this position.

[Free South Califas]

Erm, hello, I'm not yet a senator - though I would indeed like to be at some point - mainly because I'm undecided as to which political party I'd like to join. Now, I largely agree with most of the policies the Red-Greens support here, however, I'm probably a bit softer in economic terms than some of you. I'd probably be more in the social democracy box rather than the economic policy you support (I do have some leanings in democratic socialism, but I'm probably not as economically leftist as the majority of the party).

I imagine I'd probably be on the right of the party (economically, as I do believe in some privatised business, socially I'll be far, far, far left I imagine), but I think the choice is between you guys and the Liberal Democratic Party so just wondering what you think really.

If I might add a note about LDP, I think I can contribute something: I've been watching them closely lately because they have been flirting with the right coalition, and TR are planning to follow them left or right. Once LDP and TR are in the boat, NSP, CSP and others will be strongly considering it.

The LDP isn't really a party with a ton of room for leftist activity as such, IMO; you can push for a mixed-market socialist economy under their platform but they're not a pro-socialist party. The left wing of the party, AFAIK, has basically one active Senator, and they seem to be drifting apart. They're also disturbingly comfortable with the idea of joining a coalition which asks them to give up on the freedom to unionize which they proclaim in their platform.

To me it sounds like your best bet is either the right wing of RG or the left wing of TR. The latter party is explicitly mixed-market in its platform and has people on the economic left and center; for example, they had a free vote on WEA (workers' majority could take control of a workplace), because it split the party. On the other hand, the Red-Greens didn't have any opposition to WEA if I recall correctly.

All of that being said, of those two best options, I would urge you to consider the RG. TR are willing to run with a rightist coalition, while RG are firmly socialist. I wouldn't be completely surprised if a handful of TR senators and maybe one or two from LDP caucus with us due to agreement with our economic platform (the prospective left coalition that is), but AFAICT a leftist could chafe a bit in those parties.

All just the humble opinion of one Communist

[Phing Phong]

Erm, hello, I'm not yet a senator - though I would indeed like to be at some point - mainly because I'm undecided as to which political party I'd like to join. Now, I largely agree with most of the policies the Red-Greens support here, however, I'm probably a bit softer in economic terms than some of you. I'd probably be more in the social democracy box rather than the economic policy you support (I do have some leanings in democratic socialism, but I'm probably not as economically leftist as the majority of the party).

I imagine I'd probably be on the right of the party (economically, as I do believe in some privatised business, socially I'll be far, far, far left I imagine), but I think the choice is between you guys and the Liberal Democratic Party so just wondering what you think really.

Fortunately, Aurentina's multi-party system gives you the choice to decide which party fits you best, rather than wondering how you can best fit a party.

The Liberal Democrats are a good party, and I am certainly pleased to be in coalition with them—we do not differ radically on most issues. However, they are more likely to coalition with the right than us, and it is very unlikely we would enter a right-wing coalition. We also emphasise social justice and environmentalism much more strongly than the LibDems. I personally have nothing against private business in industries and circumstances where it is more efficient than public businesses, though I favour community-run co-operatives as they balance social justice with free-market efficiency.

I for one would encourage you to join the Red-Greens, but I guess that's kind of obvious as I'm in the party. With the current coalition in power, it doesn't make so much difference, but things may change in the future. I would consider how you would feel about being in a rightist coalition as opposed to a leftist one, even if the leftist one had to go into opposition.

[Yanalia]

Erm, hello, I'm not yet a senator - though I would indeed like to be at some point - mainly because I'm undecided as to which political party I'd like to join. Now, I largely agree with most of the policies the Red-Greens support here, however, I'm probably a bit softer in economic terms than some of you. I'd probably be more in the social democracy box rather than the economic policy you support (I do have some leanings in democratic socialism, but I'm probably not as economically leftist as the majority of the party).

I imagine I'd probably be on the right of the party (economically, as I do believe in some privatised business, socially I'll be far, far, far left I imagine), but I think the choice is between you guys and the Liberal Democratic Party so just wondering what you think really.

Fortunately, Aurentina's multi-party system gives you the choice to decide which party fits you best, rather than wondering how you can best fit a party.

The Liberal Democrats are a good party, and I am certainly pleased to be in coalition with them—we do not differ radically on most issues. However, they are more likely to coalition with the right than us, and it is very unlikely we would enter a right-wing coalition. We also emphasise social justice and environmentalism much more strongly than the LibDems. I personally have nothing against private business in industries and circumstances where it is more efficient than public businesses, though I favour community-run co-operatives as they balance social justice with free-market efficiency.

We are no longer in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The Progress Coalition is done. The Liberal Democrats have expressed their willingness to join the forming rightist coalition, while we are in discussion with the CP and USLP for our own coalition.

[Phing Phong]

Fortunately, Aurentina's multi-party system gives you the choice to decide which party fits you best, rather than wondering how you can best fit a party.

The Liberal Democrats are a good party, and I am certainly pleased to be in coalition with them—we do not differ radically on most issues. However, they are more likely to coalition with the right than us, and it is very unlikely we would enter a right-wing coalition. We also emphasise social justice and environmentalism much more strongly than the LibDems. I personally have nothing against private business in industries and circumstances where it is more efficient than public businesses, though I favour community-run co-operatives as they balance social justice with free-market efficiency.

We are no longer in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The Progress Coalition is done. The Liberal Democrats have expressed their willingness to join the forming rightist coalition, while we are in discussion with the CP and USLP for our own coalition.

Damn, things move fast in the Senate! The Senator is, of course, correct, and I apologise for my misinformation.

[Yanalia]

We are no longer in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The Progress Coalition is done. The Liberal Democrats have expressed their willingness to join the forming rightist coalition, while we are in discussion with the CP and USLP for our own coalition.

Damn, things move fast in the Senate! The Senator is, of course, correct, and I apologise for my misinformation.

Feel free to give your input in the coalition negotiation thread. All coalition members should have a voice.

[Mytannion]

Having originally joined the Liberal Democrats I have now reconsidered my opinion due to the input from Free South Califas and Phing Phong. I thank you for your help and I am proud to now join the Red-Greens.

Now, can anybody update me on things that are currently going on and what sort of thing I can get involved in? I'm a bit green to all this (pardon the pun, no really).

[Yanalia]

Having originally joined the Liberal Democrats I have now reconsidered my opinion due to the input from Free South Califas and Phing Phong. I thank you for your help and I am proud to now join the Red-Greens.

Now, can anybody update me on things that are currently going on and what sort of thing I can get involved in? I'm a bit green to all this (pardon the pun, no really).

The formerly governing coalition (the Progress Coalition, of which we were a part) has fallen apart. The other left parties(LD and TR) have gone over to join the rightist coalition with the Libertarians and CFE. As a counter, we are negotiating with the Communists and the USLP for our own coalition. Your input in the coalition discussion thread would be appreciated.

As for general Senate happenings, four bills are currently at vote. You can read them in the Chamber. The Senate works by the submission of bills to the queue by Senators. You can write your own bills for the consideration of the rest of the Senate, as well as sponsor others' bills.

[Mytannion]

Voted on the current legislation. On the topic of entering into a new coalition I do believe that we should try and combat all authoritarian elements of any parties entering the coalition, particularly in social matters and we should fight hard to keep people's freedom on all matters to do with civil rights etc.

Economically, as part of the less hardline left of the Red-Greens, I think we should leave room for some mixed-market strategies. Nothing much and if anything more geared towards worker's cooperatives making profits, is all I'd be looking at it here. I don't know how agreeable that'd be for some though.

[Yanalia]

Voted on the current legislation. On the topic of entering into a new coalition I do believe that we should try and combat all authoritarian elements of any parties entering the coalition, particularly in social matters and we should fight hard to keep people's freedom on all matters to do with civil rights etc.

Economically, as part of the less hardline left of the Red-Greens, I think we should leave room for some mixed-market strategies. Nothing much and if anything more geared towards worker's cooperatives making profits, is all I'd be looking at it here. I don't know how agreeable that'd be for some though.

Here, give your input in this thread. Things currently under discussion: logo, coalition platform, and ministry assignments. There are proposals for each of them, please give them your support or criticism.

Seeing as you are a moderate member of this party, and that this party is already the right of the coalition, your policy may not be agreeable to the rest of the coalition members. Please do give your input on it in the thread, though.

[Polvia]

Having originally joined the Liberal Democrats I have now reconsidered my opinion due to the input from Free South Califas and Phing Phong. I thank you for your help and I am proud to now join the Red-Greens.

Now, can anybody update me on things that are currently going on and what sort of thing I can get involved in? I'm a bit green to all this (pardon the pun, no really).

Welcome, we are glad to have you join us.

[Free South Califas]

Thanks for taking my advice into consideration

Voted on the current legislation. On the topic of entering into a new coalition I do believe that we should try and combat all authoritarian elements of any parties entering the coalition, particularly in social matters and we should fight hard to keep people's freedom on all matters to do with civil rights etc.

I don't at all want to silence you, but just to summarize the situation you've entered into: our strategy so far has been to leave that kind of stuff to free votes so that the USLP can continue to propose and vote the way they would have anyway, while we continue to propose and vote the way we would anyway. Meanwhile, we try to all agree on firm antidiscrimination policies. At least, that's my understanding - USLP aren't going to have enough ballot returns by themselves to push state control of everything, and they're the small party in this group so it's not like they can set the terms. If I've shared an inaccurate or incomplete impression here, I'd definitely appreciate someone correcting me

Economically, as part of the less hardline left of the Red-Greens, I think we should leave room for some mixed-market strategies. Nothing much and if anything more geared towards worker's cooperatives making profits, is all I'd be looking at it here. I don't know how agreeable that'd be for some though.

Can't speak for everyone but I'm open to an electable platform that draws in centrists, if such a thing is possible, without overrunning the wishes of economic stalwarts in my Party to stay firmly on the left. To me, encouraging coops is a major focus of legislation, and I've had the cautious support of others in the CP, and they made the excellent point that when we pass legislation to start more new coops, we are gonna have to watch over those new businesses like a hawk.

[Yanalia]

Coalition talks have been ongoing, and I would like to keep the process moving. So I am presenting the current proposals discussed in the coalition thread to each party in the potential coalition to present their input on the coalition and its terms before any official agreement is created.

Better logo :

(Image)

I have had an idea on how to resolve the issue of the President and PM spots.

I'm going to use the same process I did with the ministries but throw in Prez, VP, PM, and Deputy PM.

So now, 87 divided by 16 means 5.44 Senate seats = 1 government position.

USLP: 4.23 positions
Red-Greens: 5.15 positions
Communists: 6.62 seats

So, rounding:

USLP: 4 positions
RG: 5 positions
CP: 7 positions

Then we could choose our spots in order of size, so Communists pick first, then RG, then USLP, going around. We can use a snake draft to make it more equitable. What does the coalition think of this arrangement?

The numbers there have changed with regard to Senate seats, but I did the math and it doesn't currently affect the positions. This will be adjusted if the Transportation or Commerce Ministries are created.

United Workers' Front
United for an unshackled society!
Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains!

Coalition Programme
Economic Policy

(1) We stand for the expansion of democracy into the workplace. We see it as imperative that the proletariat be granted control over the means of production, and recognize the ability for workers of all professions to unionize as an irrevocable right. We support such efforts as worker cooperatives, credit unions , trade union movements and the rights of workers be they domestic or foreign.
(2) We stand for a society where access to education is not limited by the social or financial status of individuals. We believe in the right of all people to have access to a proper education free of fees and with assistance granted to those individuals who struggle with other costs related to schooling. We stand for an excellent quality of education available to all students through public schools free of fees from the nursery place all the way to tertiary studies.
(3) We stand for a strong safety net for the needy in society. We believe in the right of all people to the needs of life and support such programs as social housing, food assistance, in-home care to the aged, sick and disabled, job training and finding assistance programs, et cetera.
(4) We stand for the right of all people to proper quality medical care that is free at the point of delivery. We support universal healthcare and stand for the right of all people to a safe, well-funded, and quality medical service.
(5) We stand for a steeply progressive income tax, and a higher tax on unearned income. We stand for the reduction or full elimination of all regressive taxes such as sales taxes.
(6) We stand for a pension system that works for pensioners and people with disabilities. We stand for a minimum income for all pensioners and people with disabilities that assure them of an adequate standard of living that they may have a dignified retirement in old age or disability.
(7) We stand for a assured living wage to all working people in the nation, and for a minimum income, or equivalent benefits, to all those who are unemployed.

Social Policy

(1) We stand for the emancipation of all people from the effects of inequality, poverty and discrimination, and seek to establish a society where no person is in want of the needs of survival, or the ability to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
(2) We stand against all discrimination of people on such matters as race, sexuality, gender or in having a disability, and work to establish a society where no person suffers discrimination socially, economically or politically and hold to prohibit social, economic or political discrimination of all people by law.

Environmental Policy

(1) We believe that the establishment of a safe and sustainable environment is critical in assuring the good health and further prosperity of future generations.
(2) We stand for an environmental policy that will establish a green energy policy and for the elimination of the reliance on fossil fuels and nonrenewable resource.

[Polvia]

I will give until 19:00 UTC (7:00pm UTC) for any oppositions to be made on the issue. If it pleases the party members the first order of business after the appointment of the election commissioner is to be a vote on our membership in the United Workers' Front being discussed in the coalition talks, and the ratification of its Programme.

[Free South Califas]

Are any RGs interested in running for president and/or PM? I've been mulling over what ministry the CP should pick, and it occurs to me that it might depend on whether there is anyone here interested in the presidency in particular. Obviously as the closest to the rest of the Senate your Party would be most electable as Prez. I'm still torn about whether to pick an executive or regular ministry role, and we don't have much debate on the issue over at HQ.

People can TG me about this if they want.

[Yanalia]

Are any RGs interested in running for president and/or PM? I've been mulling over what ministry the CP should pick, and it occurs to me that it might depend on whether there is anyone here interested in the presidency in particular. Obviously as the closest to the rest of the Senate your Party would be most electable as Prez. I'm still torn about whether to pick an executive or regular ministry role, and we don't have much debate on the issue over at HQ.

People can TG me about this if they want.

If we were to claim such a position, I would think our chairman would take it, if Polvia so wishes. As for the decision between president or PM, I personally think our party should pick whichever one you do not. Of course, if you don't pick either, that would be a different decision.

[Polvia]

Are any RGs interested in running for president and/or PM? I've been mulling over what ministry the CP should pick, and it occurs to me that it might depend on whether there is anyone here interested in the presidency in particular. Obviously as the closest to the rest of the Senate your Party would be most electable as Prez. I'm still torn about whether to pick an executive or regular ministry role, and we don't have much debate on the issue over at HQ.

People can TG me about this if they want.

If we were to claim such a position, I would think our chairman would take it, if Polvia so wishes. As for the decision between president or PM, I personally think our party should pick whichever one you do not. Of course, if you don't pick either, that would be a different decision.

I second what Yanalia stated. I think that it would work well if The Red-Greens should pick whichever position the Communist Party does not. If the Communist Party selects neither then we will probably decide among ourselves on which position we hold a preference.

I thank Yanalia for the support, and I do say that I have interest in holding the position of Prime Minister or President, if I have the approval of my fellow party members to do so. If we do not win the elections, then I was definitely planning on voicing my interest in the position of Leader of the Opposition.

[Free South Califas]

Indeed, I've discussed an interest in a prospective opposition leadership role in that case too. Are there 2-3 meaningful roles in opposition leadership which could perhaps devolve to the parties which picked PM/prez/VP? Or, 2-3 meaningful roles in opposition leadership at all? I guess I'm wondering if there's a risk to picking an executive role if we lose.

I'm not sure if the roles of PM and prez are different enough to justify that, because as I've noted elsewhere at least, I'm new to both the senate (this is my first election) and parliamentary politics in general (ditto, I live in US).

I'm mostly asking out of curiosity at this point - I think I know what to choose now. Thanks for the input friends

[Phing Phong]

If we were to claim such a position, I would think our chairman would take it, if Polvia so wishes. As for the decision between president or PM, I personally think our party should pick whichever one you do not. Of course, if you don't pick either, that would be a different decision.

I second what Yanalia stated. I think that it would work well if The Red-Greens should pick whichever position the Communist Party does not. If the Communist Party selects neither then we will probably decide among ourselves on which position we hold a preference.

I thank Yanalia for the support, and I do say that I have interest in holding the position of Prime Minister or President, if I have the approval of my fellow party members to do so. If we do not win the elections, then I was definitely planning on voicing my interest in the position of Leader of the Opposition.

I would support Polvia's candidacy, due to his political positions, activity within the party and holding the chairmanship.

[Mollary]

Ah! I'm gone a few days and everything changed! What has happened while I've been gone?

[Yanalia]

Ah! I'm gone a few days and everything changed! What has happened while I've been gone?

The Progress Coalition fell apart. Most of the rest of the left went over to join the rightist coalition currently forming. So we decided to engage in our own coalition talks with the USLP and Communists. Those are ongoing in the negotiations thread. I made a post about the most recent proposals in this thread just above your post.

Also, the Chairman called for an Election Commissioner, a position for which I expressed my interest. I will be appointed to that position if no one else posts their desire for it by a certain time.