America the Beautiful: An American Political RP (IC)

[Lavan Tiri]

Max groaned, made himself a whiskey sour, and sat in one of the armchairs, inviting Hertzog to sit once he'd made up his own drink.

"Look, Ben, Nate's a good kid. He's got a lot of potential. Sure as hell better than Wolf, that's for damn sure. But...god damn. He alternates wildly between being too cautious and too bold. And he tries to throw his weight around too much."

The old man shrugged. "Men who become President are all the same. Arrogant and a little clueless. The only one I've ever worked under who had half a damn clue what he was doing was Burke. The older one. John Burke was a good man. I guess technically I served under LBJ too, in Vietnam. Gah, but I'm rambling."

"I'd call it passive aggression more than throwing his weight around or alternating too much or but hey, I'm not in the same party as him," Ben joked back as he finished making his highball and made his way back over to the armchairs.

"It's the Governors I feel bad for, they have no idea how Washington works and they always get a rude awakening at some point."

Max snorted and drank his whiskey, then waved at Emily, who brought over a notepad covered in the Majority Leaders blocky writing. "They're all idiot assholes. Now, Benjamin...let's talk about this organizing resolution. I want the Senate to be a semi-functional body while we're still so evenly divided, meaning I want a minimum of foolishness and obstructionism. What are your priorities?"

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

Email

---

Senator Ellis Mackay <Ellis.Mackay@gmail.com>
to Brendan Lee Rettman <clarke4va@gmail.com>

---

I'm open to discussing such a prospect, tell Mayor Clarke I'll be there - It'll be a worthwhile talk

Best Regards

April 23rd
Alexandria, Virginia

Michael arrived at one of his favorite places in Alexandria--an out of the way hole-in-the-wall bar, tucked out of sight of the fancy D.C. suburbs. He took a seat in a corner booth and waited for Senator Mackay to arrive.

Ellis took a glance around the bar, he hadn't been in a place like this since college - in fact he hadn't even drank since college. He came to the Mayor and took the seat opposite him.
"Nice place you picked out," he said half-jokingly, "out of sight."

[Lavan Tiri]

April 23rd
Alexandria, Virginia

Michael arrived at one of his favorite places in Alexandria--an out of the way hole-in-the-wall bar, tucked out of sight of the fancy D.C. suburbs. He took a seat in a corner booth and waited for Senator Mackay to arrive.

Ellis took a glance around the bar, he hadn't been in a place like this since college - in fact he hadn't even drank since college. He came to the Mayor and took the seat opposite him.
"Nice place you picked out," he said half-jokingly, "out of sight."

Michael grinned and raised his glass to Mackay. "Out of sight, cheap, has the best damn beer and burgers in town. How you doing?"

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"I would like to apologize for my earlier outburst on Twitter. I have had some complicated feelings over the President's decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan."
"I spent four years there, I signed up for the Marines the day after 9/11, I wanted nothing less than to send Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban who enabled him to their maker. I wanted to help cleanse the Earth of those who would wage war on America."
"I did my best to ensure the Taliban were gone, but when I went back to civilian life, I had this feeling that the job wasn't done, as the Taliban continued to exist and attempt to destroy what I had done my small part to help build."
"Seeing Richardson decide to pull out, I had fears that it would mean a total Taliban victory, and the erasure of all that I personally, and the United States had invested there. Over 2,000 lives. A trillion dollars. It would be absolutely devastating to myself, the families who lost their loved ones, and the people of Afghanistan who fought for twenty years for freedom if it was all for nothing, to end up back at square one twenty years later. The President needs to have a plan to ensure that outcome does not happen."

[Madrinpoor]

Sal Carmi
Campaign Lunch at Katz's Deli
April 26th, 12:13 PM

AT KATZ'S DELICATESSEN, a landmark of New York since the 1880s, Sal held a down-to-earth campaign lunch over pastrami and soda. He had no campaign folks with him, except Tom, his city-issued bodyguard since he got shot. Here, all sorts of people could come up to him and ask him any questions about his policies, plans, or opinions on anything.

[Madrinpoor]

Sal Carmi
Campaign Lunch at Katz's Deli
April 26th, 12:13 PM

(Image)

AT KATZ'S DELICATESSEN, a landmark of New York since the 1880s, Sal held a down-to-earth campaign lunch over pastrami and soda. He had no campaign folks with him, except Tom, his city-issued bodyguard since he got shot. Here, all sorts of people could come up to him and ask him any questions about his policies, plans, or opinions on anything.

A group of college students come up to him. One of them asks about his stance on expanding or defunding the police force.

"As someone who has worked very closely with police, for a very long time, I have seen everything. I've seen good cops, bad cops, corrupt cops, and lazy cops, but I'll assure you that the majority of cops I've seen are good, hard-working people who actually want to help the city and keep us safe, though they're usually not very bright. Defunding the police is not the way to decrease crime. But as a D.A. I have not let power or politics stand in the way of persecuting people who are corrupt, and that will not stop as mayor. I will reduce qualified immunity for police officers and make sure that police officers who can't do their jobs right or well aren't going to remain on the city payroll."

---

A financial executive in a rumpled suit asks about Sal's plans to expand parking in the city.

"Well, I think parking in a big city is bad. A big city, like New York, has, or at least should have, a well-established public transit system like subways and buses. Cars clog streets, take up space, pollute the environment, and are very, very expensive in the city. I've taken the subway to work since I started working. Our city will invest in public transit and bike sharing, not parking lots."

---

A round middle-aged man holding a beer asks Sal if he supports the Mets or Yankees.

"Yankees all the way."

[Sulwaya]

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

Ellis took a glance around the bar, he hadn't been in a place like this since college - in fact he hadn't even drank since college. He came to the Mayor and took the seat opposite him.
"Nice place you picked out," he said half-jokingly, "out of sight."

Michael grinned and raised his glass to Mackay. "Out of sight, cheap, has the best damn beer and burgers in town. How you doing?"

"Nothing more you could ask for," he answered with a smile, "everything's been swell. We're really hitting our stride now, with Wisconsin and everything else - it's great. I'm not even cancelled yet, who'da thought."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

CNN
@CNN

BREAKING: Everson Boyd planning 'major announcement', will announce it at a rally in his home town of La Crosse at 3pm EST.

(OOC note: this occurs on the Saturday of the week)

[Maugrym]

April 30, 2021
Staunton City, Virginia
A Public Park

Cassandra had decided that cities like Staunton were essential to rebuilding the once moderate image of the GOP, and she needed to campaign as hard as she could there. Staunton was the perfect example of where the GOP had simply lost its power, going from a 21.3% pro-Republican city in 2004 to a city that Democrats had narrowly won again and again since 2008. Cassie had been working to build a moderate, pro-suburban image specifically to take back counties like these, to regain the voters that had been driven away by pro-Wolf extremists and others. If nothing else, she might be able to win a Democratic-leaning House district or something of the like next year, but the governor's race is what she truly wanted to win.

Cassie nodded to Congresswoman Chen as she stepped onto a stage and began to speak to a crowd of at least five hundred people. It was honestly more than she had expected, but it was a welcome sign of what could happen in the fall. Given that the national environment would likely be extremely Democratic, though, part of her doubted her chances.

"Thank you all for being here!" Cassie began. "Wow, what a turnout. This is just incredibly humbling. Thank you. My name is Cassie Hepburn-Smith, and I am running for governor. But I know why you’re here. You’re not here for a lot of political rhetoric. You didn’t show up to hear a lot of talk about how things could be different and better than what they are. You’re here because you’re done with politics. You’re here because the promise of American democracy— the promise of opportunity for all— remains unfulfilled for too many. Politicians across the state and the nation— from John Mattox to Maxime Durant— are trying to tell you that we have to choose between two extremes to get things done that help working people. That's simply not true, and the Commonwealth knows it. We're tired of politicians saying that it's an either/or with how we do things because we all know that there's a path to compromise— we just need to elect leaders that will seek them.

The far left will tell you that you shouldn't love your nation because there are problems. The far-right will tell you that looking at the problems and saying we need to fix them means that we don't love our country. The truth is that we love our country and want to fix our problems. But you'll be told it's complicated and that you should just trust whoever's in charge. It’s actually not complicated, and Americans aren’t going to trust them anymore. In fact, this election boils down to a few very simple principles. To understand these principles, you don’t need an advanced degree in the latest trendy subject from an Ivy League school. You don’t need to get your opinions from the New York Times. You don’t need to be some policy wonk in Washington, and you don’t need to be a member of the intelligentsia. You really just need two things to understand what this election is about: You need your God-given intelligence, and you need a deep and abiding love for this country.

The issues are simple: Virginians want an economy that works for them, they want more money in their pockets, and they want to focus on issues here at home. As your governor, I would eliminate taxes on all essential items, such as groceries, childcare items, and some kinds of clothing. I promise that I'll tell the drug companies that they have an obligation to more than just their stock price, that they have an obligation to us. And I also promise that we're going to put parents in charge of the education of their children and not let the government decide what our children can and cannot read in school. I promise to suspend the latest increase in the gas tax so that we can lower the cost of living in Virginia. It is imperative that we win Virginia so that we can send a message to politicians on both sides of the aisle: we want moderation to make a comeback. One of the few people in Washington that still believe in moderation is Congresswoman Chen. She's here today to say a few words. I welcome her and know that she is fighting the good fight for the people of America."

With that, Cassie smiled, stepped aside, and led the crowd in applauding the Congresswoman.

[Sulwaya]

April 30, 2021
Staunton City, Virginia
A Public Park

Cassandra had decided that cities like Staunton were essential to rebuilding the once moderate image of the GOP, and she needed to campaign as hard as she could there. Staunton was the perfect example of where the GOP had simply lost its power, going from a 21.3% pro-Republican city in 2004 to a city that Democrats had narrowly won again and again since 2008. Cassie had been working to build a moderate, pro-suburban image specifically to take back counties like these, to regain the voters that had been driven away by pro-Wolf extremists and others. If nothing else, she might be able to win a Democratic-leaning House district or something of the like next year, but the governor's race is what she truly wanted to win.

Cassie nodded to Congresswoman Chen as she stepped onto a stage and began to speak to a crowd of at least five hundred people. It was honestly more than she had expected, but it was a welcome sign of what could happen in the fall. Given that the national environment would likely be extremely Democratic, though, part of her doubted her chances.

"Thank you all for being here!" Cassie began. "Wow, what a turnout. This is just incredibly humbling. Thank you. My name is Cassie Hepburn-Smith, and I am running for governor. But I know why you’re here. You’re not here for a lot of political rhetoric. You didn’t show up to hear a lot of talk about how things could be different and better than what they are. You’re here because you’re done with politics. You’re here because the promise of American democracy— the promise of opportunity for all— remains unfulfilled for too many. Politicians across the state and the nation— from John Mattox to Maxime Durant— are trying to tell you that we have to choose between two extremes to get things done that help working people. That's simply not true, and the Commonwealth knows it. We're tired of politicians saying that it's an either/or with how we do things because we all know that there's a path to compromise— we just need to elect leaders that will seek them.

The far left will tell you that you shouldn't love your nation because there are problems. The far-right will tell you that looking at the problems and saying we need to fix them means that we don't love our country. The truth is that we love our country and want to fix our problems. But you'll be told it's complicated and that you should just trust whoever's in charge. It’s actually not complicated, and Americans aren’t going to trust them anymore. In fact, this election boils down to a few very simple principles. To understand these principles, you don’t need an advanced degree in the latest trendy subject from an Ivy League school. You don’t need to get your opinions from the New York Times. You don’t need to be some policy wonk in Washington, and you don’t need to be a member of the intelligentsia. You really just need two things to understand what this election is about: You need your God-given intelligence, and you need a deep and abiding love for this country.

The issues are simple: Virginians want an economy that works for them, they want more money in their pockets, and they want to focus on issues here at home. As your governor, I would eliminate taxes on all essential items, such as groceries, childcare items, and some kinds of clothing. I promise that I'll tell the drug companies that they have an obligation to more than just their stock price, that they have an obligation to us. And I also promise that we're going to put parents in charge of the education of their children and not let the government decide what our children can and cannot read in school. I promise to suspend the latest increase in the gas tax so that we can lower the cost of living in Virginia. It is imperative that we win Virginia so that we can send a message to politicians on both sides of the aisle: we want moderation to make a comeback. One of the few people in Washington that still believe in moderation is Congresswoman Chen. She's here today to say a few words. I welcome her and know that she is fighting the good fight for the people of America."

With that, Cassie smiled, stepped aside, and led the crowd in applauding the Congresswoman.

Christy Chen, although a political newcomer, was eager to shine. Perhaps her years of writing for the LA Times could come in handy. Her persuasion, her ease of boiling down complex subjects down to the bare essentials -- that was what she hoped to do today with the people of Staunton. Despite being tired from her flight, she was reinvigorated by the thought that Cassie needed her. And of course, a triple-shot espresso.

Putting on her widest smile, Christy waved to the crowd, mouthed a word of thanks to Cassie and picked up the microphone.

"Hello Staunton!"

Taking the time time to look around the crowd.

"I would first like to thank Cassie for inviting me here today, it's truly a pleasure. My name is Christy Chen and I'm a Congresswoman from California." Pausing to catch her breath and to begin her segue. "California and Virginia for too long have been characterized as blue states. Political pundits easily cast us aside, assuming that there isn't much to look at. But let me tell you. In every state, no matter the political leaning, voters are worried about the economy, healthcare, and their children's future. That is something that we can all agree on. In every state with big cities, there are also the hardworking families in suburbs and small towns; who are just as every bit important as those in the big cities. And unfortunately, there has been a shift these past couple of years. DC, Richmond, you name the big city, have been losing touch with suburban voters -- voters like you."

Seeing some nods in the crowd, Chen continued. "When I first got an invitation to campaign on behalf of Cassie, I did some research. Cassie is an exemplary model for the entirety of America. She will focus on common sense issues, things that matter to everyday people. Let's do away with identity politics, let's do away with divisive rhetoric and focus, on the issues. Ms. Hepburn-Smith has a plan to get Virginians back to work, to make living more affordable. Not everything has to be partisan. Scrapping the punitive sales taxes affects not the upper-class, it only affects those living pay-check to pay-check having to budget to the dollar. Let's make sure that Virginians have the right to work and live!"

There are light claps in the crowd and Christy Chen proceeds. "Now let me now talk about why political moderacy is so important, and why you need to choose Cassie in the Republican primary. It comes down to one word. Healthcare." While she lets it sink in, she takes a sip of water. "Healthcare has become a dirty word, and it shouldn't. While universal healthcare is way too expensive to implement. We as a government should be ensuring that medication such as insulin stays low, not price gouged by greedy corporate interests. Cassie promises and will humanize the industry, she will be the one who makes healthcare more affordable for Virginia."

"In these past few years, we have had Democratic lawmakers institute policies that educate children with selective reading choices. And this starts at quite a young age. They say that this is to atone, to remember and to analyze the past. But it's quite clearly based around a liberal worldview. I will not censor liberal teachings, it's one's right to access such education. And perhaps when children are older, they can select electives that help them formulate their own opinions. But to have it instilled from a young age, as fact. Well, I think that parents deserve a say in what their children are being taught, should they not? The information in these textbooks include details that can be traumatizing to children. This is where parents step in. Just like any institution there are checks and balances. Let's strengthen the influence parents play in their children's education."

"So let's fight the good fight. Fight for lower taxes, more money in your pocket. And vote for common-sense policies. Vote for Cassie Hepburn-Smith!"

[Greater Arab State]

To: Representative Christy Chen

From: Representative Thomas Volker

RE: A meeting

Congresswoman Chen,

I hope you’re well and that you’ve managed to settle into Washington these past few months. As I’m sure you’re aware, each day brings us closer to the 2022 midterms elections, and thus, placing pressure on us to hold our current House majority. Consequently, I was wondering if you would be available for a meeting at some point in the near future in my office in order to discuss potential ways through which the Republican Party can hold swing districts similar to yours whilst capitalising on sympathetic voter demographics?

Most Respectfully,

Congressman Thomas Volker

[Maugrym]

April 30, 2021
Staunton City, Virginia
A Public Park

Cassandra had decided that cities like Staunton were essential to rebuilding the once moderate image of the GOP, and she needed to campaign as hard as she could there. Staunton was the perfect example of where the GOP had simply lost its power, going from a 21.3% pro-Republican city in 2004 to a city that Democrats had narrowly won again and again since 2008. Cassie had been working to build a moderate, pro-suburban image specifically to take back counties like these, to regain the voters that had been driven away by pro-Wolf extremists and others. If nothing else, she might be able to win a Democratic-leaning House district or something of the like next year, but the governor's race is what she truly wanted to win.

Cassie nodded to Congresswoman Chen as she stepped onto a stage and began to speak to a crowd of at least five hundred people. It was honestly more than she had expected, but it was a welcome sign of what could happen in the fall. Given that the national environment would likely be extremely Democratic, though, part of her doubted her chances.

"Thank you all for being here!" Cassie began. "Wow, what a turnout. This is just incredibly humbling. Thank you. My name is Cassie Hepburn-Smith, and I am running for governor. But I know why you’re here. You’re not here for a lot of political rhetoric. You didn’t show up to hear a lot of talk about how things could be different and better than what they are. You’re here because you’re done with politics. You’re here because the promise of American democracy— the promise of opportunity for all— remains unfulfilled for too many. Politicians across the state and the nation— from John Mattox to Maxime Durant— are trying to tell you that we have to choose between two extremes to get things done that help working people. That's simply not true, and the Commonwealth knows it. We're tired of politicians saying that it's an either/or with how we do things because we all know that there's a path to compromise— we just need to elect leaders that will seek them.

The far left will tell you that you shouldn't love your nation because there are problems. The far-right will tell you that looking at the problems and saying we need to fix them means that we don't love our country. The truth is that we love our country and want to fix our problems. But you'll be told it's complicated and that you should just trust whoever's in charge. It’s actually not complicated, and Americans aren’t going to trust them anymore. In fact, this election boils down to a few very simple principles. To understand these principles, you don’t need an advanced degree in the latest trendy subject from an Ivy League school. You don’t need to get your opinions from the New York Times. You don’t need to be some policy wonk in Washington, and you don’t need to be a member of the intelligentsia. You really just need two things to understand what this election is about: You need your God-given intelligence, and you need a deep and abiding love for this country.

The issues are simple: Virginians want an economy that works for them, they want more money in their pockets, and they want to focus on issues here at home. As your governor, I would eliminate taxes on all essential items, such as groceries, childcare items, and some kinds of clothing. I promise that I'll tell the drug companies that they have an obligation to more than just their stock price, that they have an obligation to us. And I also promise that we're going to put parents in charge of the education of their children and not let the government decide what our children can and cannot read in school. I promise to suspend the latest increase in the gas tax so that we can lower the cost of living in Virginia. It is imperative that we win Virginia so that we can send a message to politicians on both sides of the aisle: we want moderation to make a comeback. One of the few people in Washington that still believe in moderation is Congresswoman Chen. She's here today to say a few words. I welcome her and know that she is fighting the good fight for the people of America."

With that, Cassie smiled, stepped aside, and led the crowd in applauding the Congresswoman.

Christy Chen, although a political newcomer, was eager to shine. Perhaps her years of writing for the LA Times could come in handy. Her persuasion, her ease of boiling down complex subjects down to the bare essentials -- that was what she hoped to do today with the people of Staunton. Despite being tired from her flight, she was reinvigorated by the thought that Cassie needed her. And of course, a triple-shot espresso.

Putting on her widest smile, Christy waved to the crowd, mouthed a word of thanks to Cassie and picked up the microphone.

"Hello Staunton!"

Taking the time time to look around the crowd.

"I would first like to thank Cassie for inviting me here today, it's truly a pleasure. My name is Christy Chen and I'm a Congresswoman from California." Pausing to catch her breath and to begin her segue. "California and Virginia for too long have been characterized as blue states. Political pundits easily cast us aside, assuming that there isn't much to look at. But let me tell you. In every state, no matter the political leaning, voters are worried about the economy, healthcare, and their children's future. That is something that we can all agree on. In every state with big cities, there are also the hardworking families in suburbs and small towns; who are just as every bit important as those in the big cities. And unfortunately, there has been a shift these past couple of years. DC, Richmond, you name the big city, have been losing touch with suburban voters -- voters like you."

Seeing some nods in the crowd, Chen continued. "When I first got an invitation to campaign on behalf of Cassie, I did some research. Cassie is an exemplary model for the entirety of America. She will focus on common sense issues, things that matter to everyday people. Let's do away with identity politics, let's do away with divisive rhetoric and focus, on the issues. Ms. Hepburn-Smith has a plan to get Virginians back to work, to make living more affordable. Not everything has to be partisan. Scrapping the punitive sales taxes affects not the upper-class, it only affects those living pay-check to pay-check having to budget to the dollar. Let's make sure that Virginians have the right to work and live!"

There are light claps in the crowd and Christy Chen proceeds. "Now let me now talk about why political moderacy is so important, and why you need to choose Cassie in the Republican primary. It comes down to one word. Healthcare." While she lets it sink in, she takes a sip of water. "Healthcare has become a dirty word, and it shouldn't. While universal healthcare is way too expensive to implement. We as a government should be ensuring that medication such as insulin stays low, not price gouged by greedy corporate interests. Cassie promises and will humanize the industry, she will be the one who makes healthcare more affordable for Virginia."

"In these past few years, we have had Democratic lawmakers institute policies that educate children with selective reading choices. And this starts at quite a young age. They say that this is to atone, to remember and to analyze the past. But it's quite clearly based around a liberal worldview. I will not censor liberal teachings, it's one's right to access such education. And perhaps when children are older, they can select electives that help them formulate their own opinions. But to have it instilled from a young age, as fact. Well, I think that parents deserve a say in what their children are being taught, should they not? The information in these textbooks include details that can be traumatizing to children. This is where parents step in. Just like any institution there are checks and balances. Let's strengthen the influence parents play in their children's education."

"So let's fight the good fight. Fight for lower taxes, more money in your pocket. And vote for common-sense policies. Vote for Cassie Hepburn-Smith!"

To: Speaker Volker
From: Cassandra Hepburn-Smith
Re: The Virginia Gubernatorial Election (2021)

Mr. Speaker:
My name is Cassandra Hepburn-Smith, and I am a Republican seeking the nomination for governor of Virginia. I would like to meet with you and a number of your colleagues to build establishment support for my campaign so that we might secure the suburbs in November. I have already been endorsed by one of your colleagues. Congresswoman Chen of California. I await your earliest reply.

Sincerely,
Cassandra Hepburn-Smith

While waiting for Chen to finish, Cassie had quickly typed up the email and sent it to Volker. After it had been sent, Cassie took her place at the microphone again and began to speak. "Nelson Rockefeller is one of the great Republicans of our party's history. Here is an excerpt of his 1964 concession speech, slightly modified so that we can apply it to today. These extremists feed on fear, hate and terror. They have no program for America- no program for the Republican or Democratic Parties. They have no solution for our problems of chronic unemployment, of education, of agriculture, or racial injustice or strife. These extremists have no plan and no program to keep the peace and bring freedom to the world. On the contrary, they spread distrust. They engender suspicion. They encourage disunity. And they operate from the dark shadows of secrecy. These words ring true today, and we must bring common sense and decency back into our politics. We can, should, and must reject extremism in all forms. I am in this race all the way, and I am in this race because I want my party, the Republican party, to be a strong, dynamic, responsive force for good government in Virginia. I want to help build our party. I want to help build a Republican party whose doors are open to all men and women in the broad mainstream of American life and American thought, and without regard to race, color, creed, national origin or economic status. We must build a coalition of voters across this state to bring common sense back to our politics. I thank Congresswoman Chen for coming out today. I'm going to join you now, wander among you, and answer questions you might have. God bless!"

[Sulwaya]

To: Representative Christy Chen

From: Representative Thomas Volker

RE: A meeting

Congresswoman Chen,

I hope you’re well and that you’ve managed to settle into Washington these past few months. As I’m sure you’re aware, each day brings us closer to the 2022 midterms elections, and thus, placing pressure on us to hold our current House majority. Consequently, I was wondering if you would be available for a meeting at some point in the near future in my office in order to discuss potential ways through which the Republican Party can hold swing districts similar to yours whilst capitalising on sympathetic voter demographics?

Most Respectfully,

Congressman Thomas Volker

To: Representative Thomas Volker

From: Representative Christy Chen

RE: A meeting

Greetings Representative Volker,

I am certainly open to meeting with House Leadership to discuss the midterms. As the midterms are usually not the best for the incumbent party, I believe we need to have a central message for the GOP. Let's discuss this in further detail on May 3rd. Can I drop by say right before lunch?

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Christy Chen