Land of The Free: American Political Roleplay (OOC V)

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

(Image)

Resolution

Demanding the designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

Sponsor: Representative Crawford Clay (R-TX-4)
House Co-Sponsors: N/A

Whereas members of Antifa, falsely equating the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution to wanton violence, have threatened and perpetrated violence to suppress conflicting political viewpoints;

Whereas Antifa stands opposed to the Constitutional ideals of peaceful assembly and free speech for all Americans;

Whereas members and affiliates of Antifa have physically assaulted journalists and law-abiding citizens during countless protests and riots, including those in Berkeley, California;

Whereas in February of 2018, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was coerced at threat of violence by individuals affiliated with Antifa;

Whereas on June 29, 2019, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was physically attacked by individuals affiliated with Antifa in Portland, Oregon;

Whereas employees of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (henceforth referred to as "ICE") were subjected to doxing and violent threats after their social media profiles, phone numbers, and home addresses were posted on the internet by left-wing extremists;

Whereas, according to the Wall Street Journal, an ICE officer was followed by left-wing extremists and "confronted when he went to pick up his daughter from summer camp," and another "had his name and photo plastered on flyers outside his home accusing him of being part of the 'Gestapo'";

Whereas the ICE office in southwest Portland, Oregon, was inoperable for days due to threats and occupation by Antifa members;

Whereas Rose City Antifa, an Antifa chapter established in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, explicitly rejects the authority of local, State, and Federal governments law enforcement officers to protect free speech and stop acts of violence;

Whereas Rose City Antifa rejects the civil treatment of individuals the group labels as fascists, stating: "We can’t just argue against them; we have to prevent them from organizing by any means necessary.";

Whereas numerous law enforcement officers and agencies have linked a spurt in anarchist extremism to Antifa; and

Whereas the political discourse of the United States has no place nor tolerance for violence, because the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to all Americans:

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives—

(1) Demands the groups and organizations nationwide rallying under the banner of Antifa be designated domestic terrorist organizations;

(2) Emphatically condemns the violent acts of Antifa as intolerable in the United States;

(3) Propounds the need for the peaceful diffusion of differing ideas in the United States;

(4) Urges any group or organization in the United States to voice its opinions without resorting to violence or threatening the health, safety, or well-being of any other persons, groups, or law enforcement officers in the United States;

(5) Calls upon the Federal government to redouble its efforts, using all available and appropriate tools, to combat the spread of all forms of domestic terrorism.

Ok, this is looking like something we could work with

Maybe put all the Whereas stuff in Section 1 and everything after it in a Section 2

All the real-life simple resolutions I've seen are formatted in this way, without sections. Example: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-con ... xt?r=7&s=1

However, if the RP has a different format I'll change it ofc.

Now, how do I go about getting this on the House docket?

Resolution

Demanding the designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

Sponsor: Representative Crawford Clay (R-TX-4)
House Co-Sponsors: Jason Evander (R-SD-At large)

Whereas members of Antifa, falsely equating the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution to wanton violence, have threatened and perpetrated violence to suppress conflicting political viewpoints;

Whereas Antifa stands opposed to the Constitutional ideals of peaceful assembly and free speech for all Americans;

Whereas members and affiliates of Antifa have physically assaulted journalists and law-abiding citizens during countless protests and riots, including those in Berkeley, California;

Whereas in February of 2018, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was coerced at threat of violence by individuals affiliated with Antifa;

Whereas on June 29, 2019, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was physically attacked by individuals affiliated with Antifa in Portland, Oregon;

Whereas employees of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (henceforth referred to as "ICE") were subjected to doxing and violent threats after their social media profiles, phone numbers, and home addresses were posted on the internet by left-wing extremists;

Whereas, according to the Wall Street Journal, an ICE officer was followed by left-wing extremists and "confronted when he went to pick up his daughter from summer camp," and another "had his name and photo plastered on flyers outside his home accusing him of being part of the 'Gestapo'";

Whereas the ICE office in southwest Portland, Oregon, was inoperable for days due to threats and occupation by Antifa members;

Whereas Rose City Antifa, an Antifa chapter established in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, explicitly rejects the authority of local, State, and Federal governments law enforcement officers to protect free speech and stop acts of violence;

Whereas Rose City Antifa rejects the civil treatment of individuals the group labels as fascists, stating: "We can’t just argue against them; we have to prevent them from organizing by any means necessary.";

Whereas numerous law enforcement officers and agencies have linked a spurt in anarchist extremism to Antifa; and

Whereas the political discourse of the United States has no place nor tolerance for violence, because the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to all Americans:

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives—

(1) Demands the groups and organizations nationwide rallying under the banner of Antifa be designated domestic terrorist organizations;

(2) Emphatically condemns the violent acts of Antifa as intolerable in the United States;

(3) Propounds the need for the peaceful diffusion of differing ideas in the United States;

(4) Urges any group or organization in the United States to voice its opinions without resorting to violence or threatening the health, safety, or well-being of any other persons, groups, or law enforcement officers in the United States;

(5) Calls upon the Federal government to redouble its efforts, using all available and appropriate tools, to combat the spread of all forms of domestic terrorism.

[The Orion Islands]

Ok, this is looking like something we could work with

Maybe put all the Whereas stuff in Section 1 and everything after it in a Section 2

All the real-life simple resolutions I've seen are formatted in this way, without sections. Example: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-con ... xt?r=7&s=1

However, if the RP has a different format I'll change it ofc.

Now, how do I go about getting this on the House docket?

Resolution

Demanding the designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

Sponsor: Representative Crawford Clay (R-TX-4)
House Co-Sponsors: Jason Evander (R-SD-At large)

Whereas members of Antifa, falsely equating the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution to wanton violence, have threatened and perpetrated violence to suppress conflicting political viewpoints;

Whereas Antifa stands opposed to the Constitutional ideals of peaceful assembly and free speech for all Americans;

Whereas members and affiliates of Antifa have physically assaulted journalists and law-abiding citizens during countless protests and riots, including those in Berkeley, California;

Whereas in February of 2018, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was coerced at threat of violence by individuals affiliated with Antifa;

Whereas on June 29, 2019, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was physically attacked by individuals affiliated with Antifa in Portland, Oregon;

Whereas employees of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (henceforth referred to as "ICE") were subjected to doxing and violent threats after their social media profiles, phone numbers, and home addresses were posted on the internet by left-wing extremists;

Whereas, according to the Wall Street Journal, an ICE officer was followed by left-wing extremists and "confronted when he went to pick up his daughter from summer camp," and another "had his name and photo plastered on flyers outside his home accusing him of being part of the 'Gestapo'";

Whereas the ICE office in southwest Portland, Oregon, was inoperable for days due to threats and occupation by Antifa members;

Whereas Rose City Antifa, an Antifa chapter established in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, explicitly rejects the authority of local, State, and Federal governments law enforcement officers to protect free speech and stop acts of violence;

Whereas Rose City Antifa rejects the civil treatment of individuals the group labels as fascists, stating: "We can’t just argue against them; we have to prevent them from organizing by any means necessary.";

Whereas numerous law enforcement officers and agencies have linked a spurt in anarchist extremism to Antifa; and

Whereas the political discourse of the United States has no place nor tolerance for violence, because the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to all Americans:

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives—

(1) Demands the groups and organizations nationwide rallying under the banner of Antifa be designated domestic terrorist organizations;

(2) Emphatically condemns the violent acts of Antifa as intolerable in the United States;

(3) Propounds the need for the peaceful diffusion of differing ideas in the United States;

(4) Urges any group or organization in the United States to voice its opinions without resorting to violence or threatening the health, safety, or well-being of any other persons, groups, or law enforcement officers in the United States;

(5) Calls upon the Federal government to redouble its efforts, using all available and appropriate tools, to combat the spread of all forms of domestic terrorism.

Colbert would co sponsor if it goes before the Senate.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

(Image)

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Character Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Lavan Tiri

Character Name: Alexander Lawrence "Alec" Matthews

Character Gender: Male

Character Age: 60--born July 4th, 1959

Character Height: 6'4

Character Weight: 190 pounds

Character Position/Role/Job:
- Representative for Maine's 1st Congressional District (since 2008)
- President of IAFF Local 740 (2005-2008)
- Portland Fire Department Firefighter (1993-2005)
- United States Marine Corps Infantry (1977-1993)

Appearance: Nicolas Cage

Character State of Origin: Maine

Character State of Residence: Maine

Character Party Affiliation:
- Republican (1977-2001)
- Independent (2001-2003)
- Democratic (since 2003)

Main Strengths:
- Blue-collar background and union work, plus military service
- Masculine image and personality appeals to Republicans and conservative independents
- Strong progressive policies, especially economically, endear him to blue-collar workers and the Baginski-Murphy wing of the party
- Safe Democratic district
- Has never taken money from Super PACs or fundraising organizations, instead running a grassroots campaign funded by individual contributions.

Main Weaknesses:
- Linked with the more wealthy, urban 1st District, which could hurt his popularity in rural or less wealthy areas.
- Evolving social views and political positions can be used to paint him as a flip-flopper
- Friction with the younger, diverse progressive wing of the party, due to being an old white guy and some of his views
- Tendency to be blunt, crass, and rude.
- Friction with anti-gun Democrats
- His tendency to buck the party and vote his conscience no matter what hasn't made him the most popular with leadership at times.
- Strained relationship with Democratic establishment due to primarying his predecessor.
- Was a Republican for most of his life
- Multiple divorces.

Biography: Matthews was born in Bangor, Maine, on Independence Day in 1959, to Edward Alexander Matthews, (1930-1962) a Korean War veteran and police officer, and his second wife, Jeanne Charlotte Matthews, nee Lewis (1937-present) a homemaker. Alec was the 6th of 8 children Edward had with a total of 3 women--he had been married to Laurie Schrader from 1950-1952 and had two daughters, Andrea Ruth (1950-2016) and Gillian Roberta (1951-present), before Laurie died in a car crash in 1952 while pregnant with their third child. In 1955, Edward married Jeanne in a shotgun wedding, and between 1955 and 1960 they had five children: Edward Alexander Matthews, jr. (1955-1997); Paul Richard Matthews (1957-2009), Isabelle Marie Matthews (1957-present), Alec (1959-present), and Sean Thomas Matthews (1960-present).

Life in the Matthews household was turbulent--Edward was stricken with PTSD from his military service, and took it out in physically, emotionally, and verbally violent ways on his wife and children, often beating them and on occasion neglecting to feed the children. Jeanne had to rely on the kindness of neighbors and friends to get by many times, and would frequently take the children to her parents' home to get them away from Edward. Alec has few memories of his father, however, since Edward died when he was 3--while Jeanne was at her parents' with the children, he shot himself in the head. His body was found two days later when the family returned home.

Jeanne, as a single widow with 7 children to raise, took up a job working at the courthouse as a stenographer. She held that job from 1962 until her retirement in 2007 at age 70. In 1966, she married Andrew Black (1932-2017), a science teacher at Bangor High School. Black has been the only father Alec has known for his entire life--a kinder, gentler man than Edward Matthews, to be sure.

Alec was an entirely average student in high school, but a highly-skilled and regarded football player. When he graduated in 1977, he was courted by several colleges with athletic scholarships, but he'd decided to enlist in the Marine Corps, in order to get out of Maine and see some of the world.

Alec left basic training as a Lance Corporal, and was assigned to the Echo Company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, based out of Des Moines. He was noted for his natural command skills and willingness to do ugly, dirty, and awful jobs without grumbling or complaint.

In 1978, on a Christmas visit home to Bangor, Alec married his high school sweetheart, Linda McDonald. She moved to Des Moines with him later that year, and the pair bought a house off-base. The couple had 2 children: Andrew Paul Matthews (August 1st, 1980-present) and Gabriel Sean Matthews (January 19th, 1982-February 7th, 1998). Alec was as good a father as he could manage, far better than his own father had been, and the family was happy.

By 1987, his tenth year in the Corps, Alec had been promoted to E-7, a Gunnery Sergeant.

In 1990, the battalion was mobilized and sent to Camp Lejune, to train for Operation Desert Storm. They were deployed to Saudi Arabia, and shortly thereafter, Echo Company was deployed to Ras al Mishab, while Alec's platoon became involved in the fighting in Ras al Khadijah. Gunnery Sergeant Matthew's took a bullet to the leg during the fighting, an injury that still pains him at times, but led his men through the combat capably. For the rest of Desert Storm, Matthews and his fellows provided security to various high-risk targets and processed massive numbers of POWs.

In 1993, Linda revealed to Alec that she'd had an affair with a neighbor, and she wanted a divorce so she could be with him. Alec fought and lost for his marriage, but won custody of his sons.

He chose not to reenlist, and separated from the Marines. He moved back to Maine--not his native Bangor, but Portland--and became a firefighter with PFD, living with his sons. His relationship with Andrew was combative during this time, as the boy was just hitting puberty when his life was ripped apart and he was dragged a thousand miles from Des Moines, his home. Eventually, the bonds were repaired, but many things were said in the heat of many moments that still lurk beneath the surface.

In 1995, Alec met Isabelle Dunning, a waitress at a restaurant he frequented. She was 8 years his junior, and they were smitten with each other. After dating for 8 months, they married--a move supported by the more-mature Andrew, who liked Isabelle a lot, and by Gabe, a generally happy kid.

In 1997, Isabelle and Alec had their first child, Breanna Jeanne Matthews (May 10th, 1997-present).

Gabriel took his driver's license test on February 6th, 1998, liberating himself from being driven to school by Andrew. Alec helped him buy a shitty beater car, and the next day--a snowy, beautiful morning--he took off for school.

He never made it.

En route, Gabriel lost control of the vehicle due to the wintry conditions. He collided head-on with another vehicle, killing himself and the driver of the other car.

Alec was destroyed. He took up drinking, blaming himself for his son's death, for Gabe driving on that stormy day. He isolated himself for long periods of time, focused solely on his work. It took an intervention from his stepfather to help set him right, as well as endless, still-going hours of counseling.

Later that year, his surviving son, Andrew, joined the Marines out of high school. Alec was beyond proud of Andrew, although he worried for the boys safety.

In 2000, Alec and Isabelle had their second child, Michael Kenneth Matthews (October 20th, 2000-present). Alec wanted to name him Gabriel, or make that his middle name, but Isabelle shot him down. Cracks had begun to grow in their relationship, cracks which only widened after 9/11. Alec despaired for Andrew, fearing he'd be killed fighting a war of revenge against the terrorists. The War on Terror, combined with the PATRIOT Act, were what pushed Alec away from the GOP for good, and in 2004 he voted Democrat for the first time. The political fractures were one of many differences that had grown between Alec and Isabelle during their marriage, and they were divorced in 2002. Isabelle won custody of their children, although Alec still has a close relationship with both of them.

During his time in the Fire Department, Alec had become more appreciative of and engaged in the local Firefighter's Union (another factor in his movement to the left), and in 2005, he was elected President of IAFF Local 740. He used his position to lobby the Portland City Council and state legislators to increase pay and pensions for fightfighters, as well as expanded benefits for their spouses and children in case a firefighter died on the job. He also kept very involved in the community, doing endless outreach and community events.

In 2008, Alec, pushed by his friends and son, decided to run in the Democratic primary for Maine's first district. Due to the seat's heavily Democratic lean, the primary was essentially the general, and Alec took on the incumbent Congressman in a long, dirty fight. He accused the incumbent of being disconnected from the district, of being owned by Washington interests and corporate executives, while portraying himself as a salt-of-the-Earth, down-home guy, a veteran and a firefighter, a father who had lost a son tragically. He played up his progressive economic stances, developed over years in the IAFF, and barely won the primary. He coasted to victory in the general, outperforming Baharia by 2 points due to crossover Republican support.

Alec has been reelected five times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018), and currently serves as Maine's only Congressional Democrat, making him something of a powerbroker in the state's Democratic politics. He voted with 99% of Baharia's agenda, and has generally kept his head down in Congress, aside from his occasional clashes with the establishment when it comes to his constant votes against gun control, his initial resistance to gay marriage (although he supported civil unions), and his support for Medicare for All. He has also faced several more establishment-friendly or socially progressive primary challengers, and nearly lost his first reelection, but has otherwise always come out on top. He's also well-known in his district for being easy to contact, with the Congressman frequently personally answering calls and emails from constituents.

Alec has voted for all Democratic legislation this session, as well as the Doggies for Veterans Act and the Iran Sanctions Act.

In June 2019 he announced he was "considering" a run for Senate in 2020, although he did praise not-Collins for her bipartisanship and connection with Maine voters. At the same time, he endorsed Senator Murphy for President, saying that "[Murphy] has the best economic policies and plans for America and for Maine."

Other Info:
Ideology

-Immigration: No wall, but we need better enforcement and a more humane and efficient system. Supports working with Central and South American nations to improve conditions for immigrants at home. Does not want to dissolve ICE but significantly reform it.

-The environment: A balance needs to be struck between long-term livability and current prosperity. Matthews supports the idea of the Green New Deal but wants to make sure industries like timber and fishing are protected. American oil sources should be used while we work to transition to a green energy economy.

-Foreign Relations: Matthews believes in a generally non-interventionist policy, except in cases of genocide or human rights abuses, or an attack on the USA. He wants to cut ties with brutal regimes like Saudi Arabia, and supports a 2-state-solution in Israel, as well as sanctions on North Korea, Iran, and Turkey. He thinks China is the biggest geopolitical threat to America and needs to be handled somehow.

-Policing: Matthews tries to strike a balance between the need for law enforcement and the demands of protestors and activists. He supports community-based policing, and is working on writing legislation to make a 2-year law and civil rights degree mandatory to become a LEO, saying that it will improve the situation for police and communities. Overall he supports law enforcement.

-Healthcare: Medicare for All, now.

-Worker's Rights: Strongly pro-union, especially in the public sector.

Committee and Caucus Memberships

-House Agriculture Committee
- House Conservation and Forestry Committee
- House Appropriations Committee
- House Education and Labor Committee
- House Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee (Chair)

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- Army Caucus
- Blue Collar Caucus (Co-Chair)
- Congressional Coastal Communities Caucus
-

Presidential votes

1980-Reagan
1984-Reagan
1988-Burke
1992-Burke
1996-Not-Dole
2000-Baby Burke
2004-Not-Kerry
2008-Baharia
2012-Baharia
2016-Baginski in the primary, Clifford in the general

I have read and accept the rules of the roleplay: no.

Do Not Remove:

Full disclosure Maine politics are a black-box to me, so I don't know what type of politics would be appealing to the good folks of ME-1
-Friction with "diverse" communities is not likely to be a big problem in Maine
-Superhero origin stories are highly discouraged, tone down his background a bit, IE no single widowed mother raising 7 kids like that is a huge anomaly
-It is very difficult for men to win custody of their children, even in cases of infidelity. Give another reason why, maybe the wife had some sort of minor mental disorder
-We have too many union leaders already, but we do appreciate the law enforcement background

I like the character development that this character had, just tone the superhero origin aspects

[Lavan Tiri]

(Image)

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Character Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Lavan Tiri

Character Name: Alexander Lawrence "Alec" Matthews

Character Gender: Male

Character Age: 60--born July 4th, 1959

Character Height: 6'4

Character Weight: 190 pounds

Character Position/Role/Job:
- Representative for Maine's 1st Congressional District (since 2008)
- President of IAFF Local 740 (2005-2008)
- Portland Fire Department Firefighter (1993-2005)
- United States Marine Corps Infantry (1977-1993)

Appearance: Nicolas Cage

Character State of Origin: Maine

Character State of Residence: Maine

Character Party Affiliation:
- Republican (1977-2001)
- Independent (2001-2003)
- Democratic (since 2003)

Main Strengths:
- Blue-collar background and union work, plus military service
- Masculine image and personality appeals to Republicans and conservative independents
- Strong progressive policies, especially economically, endear him to blue-collar workers and the Baginski-Murphy wing of the party
- Safe Democratic district
- Has never taken money from Super PACs or fundraising organizations, instead running a grassroots campaign funded by individual contributions.

Main Weaknesses:
- Linked with the more wealthy, urban 1st District, which could hurt his popularity in rural or less wealthy areas.
- Evolving social views and political positions can be used to paint him as a flip-flopper
- Friction with the younger, diverse progressive wing of the party, due to being an old white guy and some of his views
- Tendency to be blunt, crass, and rude.
- Friction with anti-gun Democrats
- His tendency to buck the party and vote his conscience no matter what hasn't made him the most popular with leadership at times.
- Strained relationship with Democratic establishment due to primarying his predecessor.
- Was a Republican for most of his life
- Multiple divorces.

Biography: Matthews was born in Bangor, Maine, on Independence Day in 1959, to Edward Alexander Matthews, (1930-1962) a Korean War veteran and police officer, and his second wife, Jeanne Charlotte Matthews, nee Lewis (1937-present) a homemaker. Alec was the 6th of 8 children Edward had with a total of 3 women--he had been married to Laurie Schrader from 1950-1952 and had two daughters, Andrea Ruth (1950-2016) and Gillian Roberta (1951-present), before Laurie died in a car crash in 1952 while pregnant with their third child. In 1955, Edward married Jeanne in a shotgun wedding, and between 1955 and 1960 they had five children: Edward Alexander Matthews, jr. (1955-1997); Paul Richard Matthews (1957-2009), Isabelle Marie Matthews (1957-present), Alec (1959-present), and Sean Thomas Matthews (1960-present).

Life in the Matthews household was turbulent--Edward was stricken with PTSD from his military service, and took it out in physically, emotionally, and verbally violent ways on his wife and children, often beating them and on occasion neglecting to feed the children. Jeanne had to rely on the kindness of neighbors and friends to get by many times, and would frequently take the children to her parents' home to get them away from Edward. Alec has few memories of his father, however, since Edward died when he was 3--while Jeanne was at her parents' with the children, he shot himself in the head. His body was found two days later when the family returned home.

Jeanne, as a single widow with 7 children to raise, took up a job working at the courthouse as a stenographer. She held that job from 1962 until her retirement in 2007 at age 70. In 1966, she married Andrew Black (1932-2017), a science teacher at Bangor High School. Black has been the only father Alec has known for his entire life--a kinder, gentler man than Edward Matthews, to be sure.

Alec was an entirely average student in high school, but a highly-skilled and regarded football player. When he graduated in 1977, he was courted by several colleges with athletic scholarships, but he'd decided to enlist in the Marine Corps, in order to get out of Maine and see some of the world.

Alec left basic training as a Lance Corporal, and was assigned to the Echo Company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, based out of Des Moines. He was noted for his natural command skills and willingness to do ugly, dirty, and awful jobs without grumbling or complaint.

In 1978, on a Christmas visit home to Bangor, Alec married his high school sweetheart, Linda McDonald. She moved to Des Moines with him later that year, and the pair bought a house off-base. The couple had 2 children: Andrew Paul Matthews (August 1st, 1980-present) and Gabriel Sean Matthews (January 19th, 1982-February 7th, 1998). Alec was as good a father as he could manage, far better than his own father had been, and the family was happy.

By 1987, his tenth year in the Corps, Alec had been promoted to E-7, a Gunnery Sergeant.

In 1990, the battalion was mobilized and sent to Camp Lejune, to train for Operation Desert Storm. They were deployed to Saudi Arabia, and shortly thereafter, Echo Company was deployed to Ras al Mishab, while Alec's platoon became involved in the fighting in Ras al Khadijah. Gunnery Sergeant Matthew's took a bullet to the leg during the fighting, an injury that still pains him at times, but led his men through the combat capably. For the rest of Desert Storm, Matthews and his fellows provided security to various high-risk targets and processed massive numbers of POWs.

In 1993, Linda revealed to Alec that she'd had an affair with a neighbor, and she wanted a divorce so she could be with him. Alec fought and lost for his marriage, but won custody of his sons.

He chose not to reenlist, and separated from the Marines. He moved back to Maine--not his native Bangor, but Portland--and became a firefighter with PFD, living with his sons. His relationship with Andrew was combative during this time, as the boy was just hitting puberty when his life was ripped apart and he was dragged a thousand miles from Des Moines, his home. Eventually, the bonds were repaired, but many things were said in the heat of many moments that still lurk beneath the surface.

In 1995, Alec met Isabelle Dunning, a waitress at a restaurant he frequented. She was 8 years his junior, and they were smitten with each other. After dating for 8 months, they married--a move supported by the more-mature Andrew, who liked Isabelle a lot, and by Gabe, a generally happy kid.

In 1997, Isabelle and Alec had their first child, Breanna Jeanne Matthews (May 10th, 1997-present).

Gabriel took his driver's license test on February 6th, 1998, liberating himself from being driven to school by Andrew. Alec helped him buy a shitty beater car, and the next day--a snowy, beautiful morning--he took off for school.

He never made it.

En route, Gabriel lost control of the vehicle due to the wintry conditions. He collided head-on with another vehicle, killing himself and the driver of the other car.

Alec was destroyed. He took up drinking, blaming himself for his son's death, for Gabe driving on that stormy day. He isolated himself for long periods of time, focused solely on his work. It took an intervention from his stepfather to help set him right, as well as endless, still-going hours of counseling.

Later that year, his surviving son, Andrew, joined the Marines out of high school. Alec was beyond proud of Andrew, although he worried for the boys safety.

In 2000, Alec and Isabelle had their second child, Michael Kenneth Matthews (October 20th, 2000-present). Alec wanted to name him Gabriel, or make that his middle name, but Isabelle shot him down. Cracks had begun to grow in their relationship, cracks which only widened after 9/11. Alec despaired for Andrew, fearing he'd be killed fighting a war of revenge against the terrorists. The War on Terror, combined with the PATRIOT Act, were what pushed Alec away from the GOP for good, and in 2004 he voted Democrat for the first time. The political fractures were one of many differences that had grown between Alec and Isabelle during their marriage, and they were divorced in 2002. Isabelle won custody of their children, although Alec still has a close relationship with both of them.

During his time in the Fire Department, Alec had become more appreciative of and engaged in the local Firefighter's Union (another factor in his movement to the left), and in 2005, he was elected President of IAFF Local 740. He used his position to lobby the Portland City Council and state legislators to increase pay and pensions for fightfighters, as well as expanded benefits for their spouses and children in case a firefighter died on the job. He also kept very involved in the community, doing endless outreach and community events.

In 2008, Alec, pushed by his friends and son, decided to run in the Democratic primary for Maine's first district. Due to the seat's heavily Democratic lean, the primary was essentially the general, and Alec took on the incumbent Congressman in a long, dirty fight. He accused the incumbent of being disconnected from the district, of being owned by Washington interests and corporate executives, while portraying himself as a salt-of-the-Earth, down-home guy, a veteran and a firefighter, a father who had lost a son tragically. He played up his progressive economic stances, developed over years in the IAFF, and barely won the primary. He coasted to victory in the general, outperforming Baharia by 2 points due to crossover Republican support.

Alec has been reelected five times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018), and currently serves as Maine's only Congressional Democrat, making him something of a powerbroker in the state's Democratic politics. He voted with 99% of Baharia's agenda, and has generally kept his head down in Congress, aside from his occasional clashes with the establishment when it comes to his constant votes against gun control, his initial resistance to gay marriage (although he supported civil unions), and his support for Medicare for All. He has also faced several more establishment-friendly or socially progressive primary challengers, and nearly lost his first reelection, but has otherwise always come out on top. He's also well-known in his district for being easy to contact, with the Congressman frequently personally answering calls and emails from constituents.

Alec has voted for all Democratic legislation this session, as well as the Doggies for Veterans Act and the Iran Sanctions Act.

In June 2019 he announced he was "considering" a run for Senate in 2020, although he did praise not-Collins for her bipartisanship and connection with Maine voters. At the same time, he endorsed Senator Murphy for President, saying that "[Murphy] has the best economic policies and plans for America and for Maine."

Other Info:
Ideology

-Immigration: No wall, but we need better enforcement and a more humane and efficient system. Supports working with Central and South American nations to improve conditions for immigrants at home. Does not want to dissolve ICE but significantly reform it.

-The environment: A balance needs to be struck between long-term livability and current prosperity. Matthews supports the idea of the Green New Deal but wants to make sure industries like timber and fishing are protected. American oil sources should be used while we work to transition to a green energy economy.

-Foreign Relations: Matthews believes in a generally non-interventionist policy, except in cases of genocide or human rights abuses, or an attack on the USA. He wants to cut ties with brutal regimes like Saudi Arabia, and supports a 2-state-solution in Israel, as well as sanctions on North Korea, Iran, and Turkey. He thinks China is the biggest geopolitical threat to America and needs to be handled somehow.

-Policing: Matthews tries to strike a balance between the need for law enforcement and the demands of protestors and activists. He supports community-based policing, and is working on writing legislation to make a 2-year law and civil rights degree mandatory to become a LEO, saying that it will improve the situation for police and communities. Overall he supports law enforcement.

-Healthcare: Medicare for All, now.

-Worker's Rights: Strongly pro-union, especially in the public sector.

Committee and Caucus Memberships

-House Agriculture Committee
- House Conservation and Forestry Committee
- House Appropriations Committee
- House Education and Labor Committee
- House Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee (Chair)

---

- Army Caucus
- Blue Collar Caucus (Co-Chair)
- Congressional Coastal Communities Caucus
-

Presidential votes

1980-Reagan
1984-Reagan
1988-Burke
1992-Burke
1996-Not-Dole
2000-Baby Burke
2004-Not-Kerry
2008-Baharia
2012-Baharia
2016-Baginski in the primary, Clifford in the general

I have read and accept the rules of the roleplay: no.

Do Not Remove:

Full disclosure Maine politics are a black-box to me, so I don't know what type of politics would be appealing to the good folks of ME-1
-Friction with "diverse" communities is not likely to be a big problem in Maine
-Superhero origin stories are highly discouraged, tone down his background a bit, IE no single widowed mother raising 7 kids like that is a huge anomaly
-It is very difficult for men to win custody of their children, even in cases of infidelity. Give another reason why, maybe the wife had some sort of minor mental disorder
-We have too many union leaders already, but we do appreciate the law enforcement background

I like the character development that this character had, just tone the superhero origin aspects

Working backwards here:

- I am, honestly, not willing to change the union background without a plausible alternative, and I can't think of one. His membership was one of the main factors in his character growth and political change/involvement

- Perhaps his mother remarried right away, the implication/rumor being that she was having an affair with his stepfather before she was widowed?

- Perhaps his first wife just...didn't want custody of the kids for some reason?

[Lavan Tiri]

Also wow is Jillian in trouble.

[United Hemand Insia]

Also wow is Jillian in trouble.

What happened?

[Bruke]

Also wow is Jillian in trouble.

What happened?

The race is close

[New Cobastheia]

Also wow is Jillian in trouble.

That Iowa clout tho

[United Hemand Insia]

What happened?

The race is close

Oh.

[Lavan Tiri]

Also wow is Jillian in trouble.

What happened?

If the Super Tuesday polling holds she's gonna get her back blown out harder than Felix did by Vohotsky.

What happened?

The race is close

She's lagging by large margins in too many places.

Also wow is Jillian in trouble.

That Iowa clout tho

She needs to win South Carolina and New Hampshire and keep the margins thin in Nevada to recover.

[Kargintina the Third]

Dayton could come back in SC, after all SC is what saved Biden’s campaign.

[Lavan Tiri]

Dayton could come back in SC, after all SC is what saved Biden’s campaign.

Biden is built different.

[Bruke]

:?:

What happened?

If the Super Tuesday polling holds she's gonna get her back blown out harder than Felix did by Vohotsky.

The race is close

She's lagging by large margins in too many places.

That Iowa clout tho

She needs to win South Carolina and New Hampshire and keep the margins thin in Nevada to recover.

Isn’t she already on track to win SC and NH, though? It’s really only Nevada she has to worry about among the early states.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

All the real-life simple resolutions I've seen are formatted in this way, without sections. Example: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-con ... xt?r=7&s=1

However, if the RP has a different format I'll change it ofc.

Now, how do I go about getting this on the House docket?

Resolution

Demanding the designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

Sponsor: Representative Crawford Clay (R-TX-4)
House Co-Sponsors: Jason Evander (R-SD-At large)

Whereas members of Antifa, falsely equating the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution to wanton violence, have threatened and perpetrated violence to suppress conflicting political viewpoints;

Whereas Antifa stands opposed to the Constitutional ideals of peaceful assembly and free speech for all Americans;

Whereas members and affiliates of Antifa have physically assaulted journalists and law-abiding citizens during countless protests and riots, including those in Berkeley, California;

Whereas in February of 2018, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was coerced at threat of violence by individuals affiliated with Antifa;

Whereas on June 29, 2019, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was physically attacked by individuals affiliated with Antifa in Portland, Oregon;

Whereas employees of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (henceforth referred to as "ICE") were subjected to doxing and violent threats after their social media profiles, phone numbers, and home addresses were posted on the internet by left-wing extremists;

Whereas, according to the Wall Street Journal, an ICE officer was followed by left-wing extremists and "confronted when he went to pick up his daughter from summer camp," and another "had his name and photo plastered on flyers outside his home accusing him of being part of the 'Gestapo'";

Whereas the ICE office in southwest Portland, Oregon, was inoperable for days due to threats and occupation by Antifa members;

Whereas Rose City Antifa, an Antifa chapter established in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, explicitly rejects the authority of local, State, and Federal governments law enforcement officers to protect free speech and stop acts of violence;

Whereas Rose City Antifa rejects the civil treatment of individuals the group labels as fascists, stating: "We can’t just argue against them; we have to prevent them from organizing by any means necessary.";

Whereas numerous law enforcement officers and agencies have linked a spurt in anarchist extremism to Antifa; and

Whereas the political discourse of the United States has no place nor tolerance for violence, because the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to all Americans:

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives—

(1) Demands the groups and organizations nationwide rallying under the banner of Antifa be designated domestic terrorist organizations;

(2) Emphatically condemns the violent acts of Antifa as intolerable in the United States;

(3) Propounds the need for the peaceful diffusion of differing ideas in the United States;

(4) Urges any group or organization in the United States to voice its opinions without resorting to violence or threatening the health, safety, or well-being of any other persons, groups, or law enforcement officers in the United States;

(5) Calls upon the Federal government to redouble its efforts, using all available and appropriate tools, to combat the spread of all forms of domestic terrorism.

Colbert would co sponsor if it goes before the Senate.

As far as I know this would be classified as a simple resolution, it's only voted on by the chamber in which it is introduced. Mainly because it... doesn't actually do anything, other than voicing the House's opinion.

[Bruke]

Also, she needs to take Texas from Velez... it may be time for the establishment candidate and Dayton to work out some sort of mutual endorsement deal.

[Meelducan]

Y’all underestimating Donaldson

[New Cobastheia]

Colbert would co sponsor if it goes before the Senate.

As far as I know this would be classified as a simple resolution, it's only voted on by the chamber in which it is introduced. Mainly because it... doesn't actually do anything, other than voicing the House's opinion.

If you think it should be a simple resolution, might be best to put that in that title rather than just Resolution, also Chip Renfus (R-MS-4) would like to co-sponsor

[Lavan Tiri]

Also, she needs to take Texas from Velez... it may be time for the establishment candidate and Dayton to work out some sort of mutual endorsement deal.

She should focus on Texas, Maine, and the Carolinas.

Then for Super Tuesday II, Missouri, Mississippi, should be easy for her. Focus on Washington and Michigan.

[Kargintina the Third]

Dayton needs to try and convince Velez to drop out

[Bruke]

Also, she needs to take Texas from Velez... it may be time for the establishment candidate and Dayton to work out some sort of mutual endorsement deal.

She should focus on Texas, Maine, and the Carolinas.

Then for Super Tuesday II, Missouri, Mississippi, should be easy for her. Focus on Washington and Michigan.

Dayton might know a guy who knows some guys who can help with winning Maine.

[Bruke]

Dayton needs to try and convince Velez to drop out

Bribe him with a Cabinet position?

[New Cobastheia]

Dayton needs to try and convince Velez to drop out

Bribe him with a Cabinet position?

Ah, the go too strategity

She should focus on Texas, Maine, and the Carolinas.

Then for Super Tuesday II, Missouri, Mississippi, should be easy for her. Focus on Washington and Michigan.

Dayton might know a guy who knows some guys who can help with winning Maine.

Does Karel really have the clout to move people around in Maine?

[Bruke]

Bribe him with a Cabinet position?

Ah, the go too strategity

Dayton might know a guy who knows some guys who can help with winning Maine.

Does Karel really have the clout to move people around in Maine?

Call them his second-level contacts- contacts of other contacts. Each big contact has their own circles of contacts.

For example, the President of Teamsters Joint Council 10 (the regional New England organization) knows the heads of the locals in Maine.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Re-designated as simple resolution with Renfus as co-sponsor.

Simple Resolution

Demanding the designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

Sponsor: Representative Crawford Clay (R-TX-4)
House Co-Sponsors: Jason Evander (R-SD-At large), Chip Renfus (R-MS-4)

Whereas members of Antifa, falsely equating the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution to wanton violence, have threatened and perpetrated violence to suppress conflicting political viewpoints;

Whereas Antifa stands opposed to the Constitutional ideals of peaceful assembly and free speech for all Americans;

Whereas members and affiliates of Antifa have physically assaulted journalists and law-abiding citizens during countless protests and riots, including those in Berkeley, California;

Whereas in February of 2018, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was coerced at threat of violence by individuals affiliated with Antifa;

Whereas on June 29, 2019, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was physically attacked by individuals affiliated with Antifa in Portland, Oregon;

Whereas employees of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (henceforth referred to as "ICE") were subjected to doxing and violent threats after their social media profiles, phone numbers, and home addresses were posted on the internet by left-wing extremists;

Whereas, according to the Wall Street Journal, an ICE officer was followed by left-wing extremists and "confronted when he went to pick up his daughter from summer camp," and another "had his name and photo plastered on flyers outside his home accusing him of being part of the 'Gestapo'";

Whereas the ICE office in southwest Portland, Oregon, was inoperable for days due to threats and occupation by Antifa members;

Whereas Rose City Antifa, an Antifa chapter established in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, explicitly rejects the authority of local, State, and Federal governments law enforcement officers to protect free speech and stop acts of violence;

Whereas Rose City Antifa rejects the civil treatment of individuals the group labels as fascists, stating: "We can’t just argue against them; we have to prevent them from organizing by any means necessary.";

Whereas numerous law enforcement officers and agencies have linked a spurt in anarchist extremism to Antifa; and

Whereas the political discourse of the United States has no place nor tolerance for violence, because the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to all Americans:

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives—

(1) Demands the groups and organizations nationwide rallying under the banner of Antifa be designated domestic terrorist organizations;

(2) Emphatically condemns the violent acts of Antifa as intolerable in the United States;

(3) Propounds the need for the peaceful diffusion of differing ideas in the United States;

(4) Urges any group or organization in the United States to voice its opinions without resorting to violence or threatening the health, safety, or well-being of any other persons, groups, or law enforcement officers in the United States;

(5) Calls upon the Federal government to redouble its efforts, using all available and appropriate tools, to combat the spread of all forms of domestic terrorism.

[Kargintina the Third]

Re-designated as simple resolution with Renfus as co-sponsor.

(Image)

Simple Resolution

Demanding the designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

Sponsor: Representative Crawford Clay (R-TX-4)
House Co-Sponsors: Jason Evander (R-SD-At large), Chip Renfus (R-MS-4)

Whereas members of Antifa, falsely equating the freedom of speech enshrined in our Constitution to wanton violence, have threatened and perpetrated violence to suppress conflicting political viewpoints;

Whereas Antifa stands opposed to the Constitutional ideals of peaceful assembly and free speech for all Americans;

Whereas members and affiliates of Antifa have physically assaulted journalists and law-abiding citizens during countless protests and riots, including those in Berkeley, California;

Whereas in February of 2018, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was coerced at threat of violence by individuals affiliated with Antifa;

Whereas on June 29, 2019, journalist [not-Andy Ngo] was physically attacked by individuals affiliated with Antifa in Portland, Oregon;

Whereas employees of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (henceforth referred to as "ICE") were subjected to doxing and violent threats after their social media profiles, phone numbers, and home addresses were posted on the internet by left-wing extremists;

Whereas, according to the Wall Street Journal, an ICE officer was followed by left-wing extremists and "confronted when he went to pick up his daughter from summer camp," and another "had his name and photo plastered on flyers outside his home accusing him of being part of the 'Gestapo'";

Whereas the ICE office in southwest Portland, Oregon, was inoperable for days due to threats and occupation by Antifa members;

Whereas Rose City Antifa, an Antifa chapter established in 2007 in Portland, Oregon, explicitly rejects the authority of local, State, and Federal governments law enforcement officers to protect free speech and stop acts of violence;

Whereas Rose City Antifa rejects the civil treatment of individuals the group labels as fascists, stating: "We can’t just argue against them; we have to prevent them from organizing by any means necessary.";

Whereas numerous law enforcement officers and agencies have linked a spurt in anarchist extremism to Antifa; and

Whereas the political discourse of the United States has no place nor tolerance for violence, because the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech to all Americans:

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives—

(1) Demands the groups and organizations nationwide rallying under the banner of Antifa be designated domestic terrorist organizations;

(2) Emphatically condemns the violent acts of Antifa as intolerable in the United States;

(3) Propounds the need for the peaceful diffusion of differing ideas in the United States;

(4) Urges any group or organization in the United States to voice its opinions without resorting to violence or threatening the health, safety, or well-being of any other persons, groups, or law enforcement officers in the United States;

(5) Calls upon the Federal government to redouble its efforts, using all available and appropriate tools, to combat the spread of all forms of domestic terrorism.

Get Tenson on there