Editorial: It?s Time for Mr-President to Resign
by Alphaville Herald on 31/07/04 at 12:39 pm
With recent revelations that AVG officer Chad Thomas voted up to 200 times in the AVG Presidential elections, David Pierce has filed a class action lawsuit vs. Mr. Thomas. We believe that this is a classical case of an underling taking a hit for the party that is ultimately responsible. In part one of this two-part editorial we make the case that the locus of responsibility must lie with Mr-President himself, that he failed to nurture the proper democratic values within his administration, and hence that he must resign. In part two, we look at the meta-game and suggest that from this vantage point as well, it is high time for Mr-President to move on.
Part I. It is time for Mr-President to resign.
1) The Chad Thomas revelations and democratic values. The admissions of Chad Thomas that he used proxy servers to vote multiple times for Mr-President are troubling on a number of levels. In the first place, it raises the natural question as to whether Mr-President was the legitimate winner of the election. Beyond that, however, it raises serious questions about the values that were inculcated within the AVG. Why was it not made clear to the officers of the AVG that democratic values were more important than just hanging onto power? Mr. Thomas tells us that he was pressured to ?do something? to help Mr-President by Jason Sim of the AVG. This suggests that it was not Mr. Thomas acting alone but a pervasive attitude within Mr-President?s administration ? an attitude that it was more important to stay in power and retain the status quo than to protect democratic values.
2) The unanswered questions about the JC Soprano involvement in the election. The Chad Thomas incident does not resolve the question of the troubling chat logs involving Mr-President and Mafioso JC Soprano, but only makes them appear more suspicious. The defense of Mr-President and Mr. Soprano was that they were only engaged in a verbal pretense that they were engaged in an election rigging scheme ? in effect a pretense within the pretense of a role playing game. This is obviously an unstable position in the best of times, but what is particularly troubling is comments from Mr. Soprano to the effect of ?we didn?t have to do that? ? in effect, they did not have to interfere with the election process because Mr-President won. But this suggests a conspiracy to the effect that if Mr. Thomas had not voted multiple time other mechanisms would have kicked in to ensure that Mr-President won the election. Even if this was pretense all the way through, the conversations are damning. No real world politician could survive the revelation of a chat log like that, joke or no joke. One does not engage in chit chat with Mafiosi about fixing elections.
3) The CIA director Alex Sanchez. For months after the revelation in the Alphaville Herald that the AVG CIA director was in fact mafia Kingpin JC Soprano, Mr. Soprano and Mr-President denied this fact. It is now clear that Mr-President knew for several months that Mr. Sanchez ? his CIA directory ? was in fact a Mafioso, did not admit this fact (thus misleading the citisims) and did nothing to remove Mr. Sanchez from this sensitive position. This is inexcusable.
4) Even in recent days there has been a pattern of questionable judgement within the AVG. In his exit letter, noted scammer Mr. President Bradley has claimed that he gave some six million simoleans to Mr-President. Members of the AVG have said they would resign if this were true. Meanwhile, the silence from Mr-President has been deafening.
5) Ultimately the most serious problems with the AVG have not been the direct actions of Mr-President, but rather the actions and words of his underlings. In the aftermath of the AVG elections his minions undertook a smear campaign against Ashley Richardson that was sexist at best, and well beyond ugly on many occasions. At times these smears emanated from the official press office of the AVG. This again demonstrates the failure to inculcate the proper democratic values in his staff, and more, the failure in inculcate the values of respect for other citisims ? including the opposition.
For these and other reasons, The Herald believes it is time for Mr-President to step down.
Part II. Meta-commentary
On the meta-level of course this is a game, and it is a game of Mr-President?s invention, but we think that the rules of his game dictate that he resign. The AVG game included many of the trappings of political life, including campaigns, elections, press conferences, and rapid response teams to handle breaking scandals. The logic of this game suggests that when a virtual scandal becomes big enough it is time to step aside. Well, a series of virtual scandals has now achieved such a level of magnitude that the rules of Mr-President?s own game dictate that he step down. It?s his game, of course, and no one can make him do it, but if he is to be honest to the game, that is the move.
More importantly maybe, we think that Mr-President did a fantastic job in setting up the AVG and playing along, and we have enjoyed playing along with him, breaking stories that are sometimes serious and sometimes downright silly (remember scorned Relina?). All along the way, Mr-President played along with great panache and made the whole game lots of fun. But we now believe it is time for Mr-President to move the game elsewhere ? or start over in a new MMORPG. He has outgrown Alphaville and TSO, and the resources of TSO severely limit the kinds of things that Mr-President can accomplish. Put another way, we think he is far too creative to be stuck in TSO.
Accordingly, we are not just encouraging Mr-President to resign his post in the AVG in Alphaville, but we are encouraging him to set up shop elsewhere. In particular, we would *love* to see him set up a new Government in Second Life. OK Pez? Think about it. And may the new games begin!
Unknown
Aug 2nd, 2004
This comment is for everyone who writes on this web page. This is what the AVherald wants a Huge fight over a silly little thing. Mr-President should get on with his life think about a family maybe even a girlfriend.And for all you “Sims” chill out just ignor the fact that you diss like Ashley Richardson”Laura”,Don’t talk to her if you can’t stand her. This is getting everyone worked up over nothing .Alpha Ville is going down hill,It is a pole play game but people go to far. It should be a peaceful game for rl people to escape the real world .But its not its just like the real world.With the Wars hateful words, Mafias and even enemys. I mean come on now make this a place where people actually can come to and have a nice time without getting called something unnecessary.
Unknown
Loxee
Aug 2nd, 2004
Mr.President Bradley is not all that bad sure he was a scammer but its a game as you all say “ROLL PLAY”I am sure he is normal in rl. I have talked to him before on AOL AIM and to tell you all the truth he is decent and after that I became good friends with him . And for anyone who does not kno He did quit TSO he said it was because he was getting sick of people saying SCAMMER when he would try to make a new sim and quit his old ways.
You people need to understand and not just say its ROLL PLAY. Get your facts right.
-Loxee
Cocoanut
Aug 2nd, 2004
Uh . . . Mr. President Bradley makes his own bed and lies in it.
I had had no dealings with him whatsoever, but I had heard of him.
He came to the Game Show Channel one night not long ago during games. I treated him just the same as anyone else. Someone IM’d me, “Don’t you know he’s a scammer?” “Yes,” I said, “but let’s see how he behaves.” Because that is always my policy.
He went about his business of misbehaving slightly, with some humor, helping himself, unasked, to a podium.. After a while, it was clearly interfering with the game. After a warning, he still didn’t quit.
So he got the boot. After that, he im’d me: “Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, didn’t she?”
So, no, I don’t have any sympathy for this guy. He was given the same chance as everyone else, but he wouldn’t cooperate. Cause that’s the way he is.
coco
ShawnRyanII
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ok, Reading ALL of this, here’s what i have to say:
Ashley: SHUT THE HELL UP ONCE AND FOR ALL! NOW, YOU’VE GONE SO FAR, THAT WE REALLY ALL DON’T CARE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY ANYMORE, AND I’M SORRY BUT YOU ARE THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO GET A LIFE!!!
Mr-President: GREAT speech, your a great guy, and i agree with you 100%! Good job dude! And keep it up!
ShawnRyanII
Aug 2nd, 2004
PS: Mr-P, can I please get my money back that Bradley stole from me when i was hacked? thanks!
Loxee
Aug 2nd, 2004
Coco as you all say its ROLL PLAY and thats exactly what Bradley is doing,He is playing the game!
And as for you Shawn Don’t speak for others,I am sure we all can talk for our selfs
And how do you kno Bradley Hacked you????
Yeah you probably don’t.STOP ASUMING
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Shawn, nice asskissing. I hope that is just for you to get your money back. If Mr-President put shit on a platter, would that be a great dinner, a great guy and you agree with him 100%..the fact is, he took stolen money, hacked money, doesn’t seem to take responsibility for his members of rigging the elections…in fact the guy who did rig the elections is FBI Director, and the one who pressured him to is the CIA Director. So please, cocoa, get your lips on mr-presidents ass, because you obviously don’t see the continued corruption going on
ShawnRyanII
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ok, once again, first off:
Loxee: I’m not really speaking for others, i’m speaking from what i’m reading, and from what people are telling me! And about Bradley being the one who hacked me… HOW DO I KNOW? BECAUSE HE TOLD ME ON YIM CHAT!! THAT’S HOW I KNOW!! So before accusing ME of assuming, YOU don’t ASSUME that i don’t know for sure that it was Bradley!!
As for you, Ian: I wasn’t asskissing, yes i want my money back, but also YES i did mean those things, Mr-P is a cool guy dude!
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Shawn call it whatever you want to. But you are compareable to those EA Cheerleaders at stratics… Mr-President got into his office by illegiment terms, and hasn’t taken responsibility by it. So are you saying it is okay for someone to cheat into office, with knowledge of it or not….
Loxee
Aug 2nd, 2004
These Coments have turned into our own problems that have nothing what so ever to do with Mr.Baynes.You all are getting knocked off subject.I kno I went off the the path once about Bradley. But still Try and keep on the path..
Anonymous Person
Aug 2nd, 2004
Hello all! I’ve been reading these comments from all of you. I personally think that you all need to stop all this praising Mr-President. Look at what extremely scandalous acts the AVG has managed to take part in. You all insult anyone who thinks otherwise, but when you think about it something is very wrong. What kind of government is this? It looks an awful like the Bush Administration.. except of course they have some more intelligent criminals than the AVG.. excluding President Bush of course! Also, you all need to quit bashing Ashley Rchardson and focus more on the scandals of the AVG and what the outcome of all this should be. In my opinion, I think that Mr-President should quit this game and find himself something better to do with his life. From what I’ve read, Ashley seems very intelligent and ready for a job in politics!
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Anonymous, aka Ashley’s mom… In your comment you are self-contridicting your self, about insulting others beliefs. Back up your statements wiht proof, listen to CSPAN once in a while.
Cocoanut
Aug 2nd, 2004
I’ll be happy to play with Mr. President Bradley once he decides to start role-playing an non-obnoxious person.
coco
Nataleigh
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ok, everyone…..calm down. If you don’t like the AV government, you can simply not pay attention to it. They do not force anything onto the sims of AV, unless they want to become involved. There is going to be controversy with or without AV gov (ie Miss AV pagent 2004). Mr-President, I think you do a great job in providing us this outlet. Keep up the good work and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Ashley, again this should not be a comparison between TSO and the real world. You say because we use this as an escape, we need our heads checked. Maybe thats because we have experienced what the real world is like and you have not. Despite what you believe wisdom does come with age. When you become an adult you will realize this. At 14, you do not have the pressures and burdens that come with being an adult. Sometimes adults need that escape, something that helps relieve the stress of life. I also have a suggestion for you Ashley. Why don’t you ask the men and women of the armed services who they would like to be president of the U.S. 80 percent of them would say Bush. They are willing to fight and die for the causes of this country and this president. This November, I will be joining these brave people in voting for Bush.
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
w00t Nataleigh….well said. Ashley you are not of voting age, so you can not associate yourself with a party, perhaps your thinking would make you a liberal. But until you are 18, do not say you are a proud democrat who has been at many democratic events. First of all, your mind is young and very easy for politicans to take advantage of. you might be the next monica lewinsky for all we know.
Realist
Aug 2nd, 2004
Amen!
Wow… finally someone worth listening to.
Who in the hell would say such words about Ashley? Intelligent? Thats not the choice word I would use.
Shawn; CALM THE HELL DOWN! Nobody likes a bitch.
Face it Mr-P wont give you the money back. He’s too busy buying dog statues.
Uri- I hit a tender spot eh? Was it the comment about Demoncrats?
Oh well…
Realist
Aug 2nd, 2004
WHOOPS! I meant Democrats*. Well damn.
Laura McKnight
Aug 2nd, 2004
Alright Nataleigh, you go do that. I am a proud American, and if I was 18.. I’d be voting for Senator John Kerry. After he wins the election, (let’s HOPE they don’t cheat AGAIN) in the next election, I will hopefully be able to vote for him! You tell me that I have not experienced life. Well, I am 14.. BUT that does not mean that I have not had my share of hardships! I’m big on the theory, “Get on with your life!” Don’t escape from reality and not face your problems! FIX your problems!! I mean, come on.. if you all just do well in school, go to a good college, and find a job that you enjoy – what’s wrong with the world? I personally love the life I live, and I played Sims for fun. I understand that some people have had it harder than others, but voting for George W. Bush in 04 is NOT going to help them AT ALL! American’s with a strong military family background tend to be Republican, but let me tell you: Bush is doing nothing for the soldiers! Check out Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore, and there are soldiers who want him out of office and refuse to even go back to Iraq! They should not have to be there to fight for oil to make Halliburton, Cheney, and the rest of the Republicans more money! The problem with *most* American’s is that they are afraid of change, they’re ignorant, and they don’t read. THAT is why they vote Republican.. Voting Bush for President *seems* patriotic since we are in war and all, but the thing is – WE SHOULD NOT BE THERE!! Richard Clark stated, “Frankly,” he said, “I find it outrageous that the president is running for re-election on the grounds that he’s done such great things about terrorism. He ignored it. He ignored terrorism for months, when maybe we could have done something to stop 9/11. Maybe. We’ll never know” in an interview on 60 Minutes. In my opinion, America can do A LOT better than W in 04!
Ashley Richardson
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Okay so Republicans are: ignorant and do not know anything. And the military is a bunch of stupid right wing country folk, who were brainwashed to do everything at George Bush’s command. I happen to hail from the south, and you KNOW NOTHING of what you are talking about. You are from New York, one of the most liberal of all states. Go back to Hillary.
If you take anything from F9/11 being even close to fact, then you are wrong. F911 is NOT a documentary, but a work of fiction, and some facts that are one sided, and provide 1% of peoples actual beliefs. Infact, someone on the Stratics OFfTopic Forum, named all of the things wrong with the first 20 minutes of the movie, and he had 6 pages typed…. JUST ON THE FIRST 20 MINUTES….
Michael Moore even has said before…that when he said “This is a fake war we are fighting” (6 days into the war), that he didn’t know what he was talking about, but it turns out I was right….
Please this is a sick man who has nothing better to do, than to humuliate innocent people…
You know I was watching NBC Nightly News tonight and there was a story on kids about your age, that have been gathering used cell phones and giving (and selling) them to Soliders and with the money they have made, they buy phone time cards to give out to other soliders, so they can call there loved ones….that is how bad it is, they cant talk to their loved ones, without an expensive phone bill. You take soo many things for granted, but when people are fighting over there for your life, this is how you talk to them. You are more sick than michael moore.
Loxee
Aug 2nd, 2004
You all get mad at Ashley for talking about the presidential stuff in rl.There is a law that you have to be 18 to vote.But there is No such law saying a girl her age can not talk about who she wants to win GET OVER IT she likes politics!Nothing wrong with that now is there???? Ah don’t think so.
Cocoanut
Aug 2nd, 2004
?The problem with *most* American’s is that they are afraid of change, they’re ignorant, and they don’t read.”
Most Americans don’t base their decisions on a “fear of change.”
Most Americans are not ignorant.
Most Americans do read.
coco
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Cocoa, don’t waste your education on some dumb valley girl who thinks she knows, but is dumber than an ol’ country bumpkin
Nataleigh
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ashley, do you work for Michael Moore? Sure sounds like it. You said “there are soldiers who want him out of office and refuse to even go back to Iraq!” Ummmm……yeah they can’t do that. They will go to jail. Once you sign up, you have to go no matter what. Saying that TSO is an escape for me is not me ignoring my problems. It is called a HOBBY. Thats why I don’t understand why everyone acts like this is real life. This is a GAME. How do you know what Bush is planning to do in a second term. It is your political imperialism that gets everyone upset. You shove your opinion down our throats and thats why people get so upset. I am a Republican and I will be voting for Bush, but I don’t bash Kerry supporters or tell them they are wrong.
ShawnRyanII
Aug 2nd, 2004
Nataleigh… THANK YOU, THANK YOU, AND THANK YOU!
I could not have said it better myself! Yet, i will just add ONE MORE TIME, SHUT UP ASHLEY!!
Also, to others who talk bad about Mr-P, saying he cheated, i believe that he didn’t, but even if he did, WHO CARES, can you please tell me what TSO is again?? A GAME!! GET OVER IT!! I’m sorry but if Mr-P DID Cheat, what is that gonna change in YOUR life??? NOTHING, so shut the hell up! And by the way, for whoever said: Shawn, you probably won’t get your money back? Well, MR-P, has ALREADY answered me on MSN, and he told me that he WILL give me that money back! Later!
Mafioso
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ashley, if you believe so firmly that you can’t change the virtual world you live in, why did you run for president?
It sounds to me like you’ve become bitter.
Mr-President
Aug 2nd, 2004
Richard Clark?
When he was put under oath, he was singing a different tune.
Loxee
Aug 2nd, 2004
Shawn how about you shut the hell up for a change.
And coco Ashley is not just some valley girl she is really smart although you may not think so but you wouldn’t kno now would you?? Nope! Lay off her jesus christ don’t yall have anything better to do beside harrassing a 14 yr old on her ways of living and playing a roll play game ???
Probably not so that was a waste of time …
-Loxee
Mafioso
Aug 2nd, 2004
I apologize, coco beat me to my comment
Nataleigh
Aug 2nd, 2004
Loxee, we are not harassing a 14 yr old. Just because she is underage, she should be able to put everyone else down? If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. If she is going to talk about grown up matters, she should take the response. Call it a life lesson.
Cocoanut
Aug 2nd, 2004
Loxee, I didn’t call Ashley a Valley Girl. In fact, I’ve stood up for her before on these forums when she has been baited on grounds that aren’t germaine to anything, such as her looks (which are just fine).
If you would read more carefully, I doubt you would find anything in my posts that constitues “harrassment.” Quite the contrary.
coco
urizenus
Aug 2nd, 2004
All I have to say is this:
Michael Moore is God.
Cocoanut
Aug 2nd, 2004
Glad you aren’t a complete atheist, Uri.
coco
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Uri, put down the bottle of Jack Daniels.
Mafioso
Aug 2nd, 2004
One last thing. I really need to finish reading before I post, lol.
Ashley will realize her political shortcomings when she is older. I just wish for her own sake that she would realize that, SOMETIMES, silence is golden.
Mafioso
Aug 2nd, 2004
Michael Moore is God??
Some might argue that you put forth such a claim because you are following in his footsteps..
Laura McKnight
Aug 2nd, 2004
Uri, wonderul comment! I think Michael Moore is awesome
Ian, you are an ignorant prick and you’re never going to change your views in politics even if Bush becomes the next Hitler. I have nothing else to say to you, so just like the WONDERFUL Teresa Heinz Kerry says.. SHOVE IT!
Cocoanut, I do not know what American’s you hang around with .. but just look at this blog and listen to Ian, Mafiosa, and Nataleigh because they clearly are a prime example of what I’m talking about. If they did read, weren’t so ignorant, and weren’t so afraid of change then they would know that Bush is probably the worst President America has seen – even worse than Hoover.
Mafiosa, I voice my opinion – THAT is what our founding father’s gave to us! Do you have a problem with me being so *opinionated*? You are not an intelligent man (or kid .. w.e.) and I think you need to look around!
Nataleigh, just because I am 14 does NOT mean I cannot talk about politics and have an opinion on the matter. What’s going on now will affect me when I grow up, and not to sound full of myself.. but I know more about politics than most adults.. Do not treat me like a 5 year old. I understand that your boyfriend is in the military and since a lot of military people are Convservative you are jumping on the band wagon. Well, a have a piece of advice for you – stop telling me that I don’t know what I’m talking about because if you are seriosuly voting for Bush you obviously are not in your right mind! Most intelligent people are Democrats, or Republicans who do not like Bush.
ShawnRyanII, quit telling me to shut up because it is rude and I’m voicing my opinion. OMG!!!.. Is it THAT bad in this country anymore with BUSH running it that I no longer have freedom of speech?! Don’t think so.. wait another 4 years though.
Ciao.
Ashley Richardson
Nataleigh
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ashley, thank you for proving my point exactly and once again shoving your personal views down our throats. I don’t even have to say anything because you dig yourself a deeper hole. I didn’t join any bandwagon,I am republican because I agree with President Bush on a lot of issues. Do not dare call me ignorant, I have a high school and college education, unlike you. You are not as smart as you think you are. Intelligence has nothing to do with political parties. Maybe when you grow up and get an education, you can be taken seriously.
Cocoanut
Aug 2nd, 2004
. . . sigh . . .
coco
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
By saying Ciao, I think you have just made all Italians emabarrased.
Okay everyone, who has the different opinion than Ashley, we are wrong and do not know what we are talkinga bout. Sorry everyone, lets just go home and hang our heads in shame.
Mafioso
Aug 2nd, 2004
I’m eductated, thank you, I just dont shove my opinions down the throats of people who dont care. My time is better spent talking to those who are open minded and wish to listen.
Laura McKnight
Aug 2nd, 2004
Age has no boundaries when it comes to intelligence. I know many down right STUPID adults who have college degrees. A college degree means nothing these days – you need to get your Masters or PhD .. especially with what little possibility normal people have of becomming something under the Bush Administration! People get their intelligence from reading and just common knowledge – also breeding. It does not always have to do with how old you are or how man History classes you have taken. Older age gives you more WISDOM, but not necessarily INTELLIGENCE. There IS a difference between the two!
Ashley Richardson
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ashley this is about your hero, and Uri, this is about your god (Notice the “g” is not capitalized)
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-08-02-moore-apology_x.htm
Nataleigh
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ashley, You think you are so smart! A 14 yr old doesn’t know anything compared to a 19 yr old. I am sorry, but you grow up a lot! That includes getting smarter. You learn more about the world and for that matter world issues. You think you are the only “informed” person posting here. Well take some of your own advise and READ!! You have only read one side on the issues and that is why you are so bias. If you are going to shove this information on us, why don’t you get your facts right and look at the other side. Maybe its all the pagents. Makes you think you are older than you are.
Ian
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ashley please read publications other than the Kerry website. I mainly read USA Today, because there really isn’t a lot of politcal bias and just plain ol’ facts. Fox News is becoming extremely centered too, as much as you dont wanna hear it Ashley. Kerry, has no charisma, or homour, and is very flip floopy. That doesn’t make anyone comfortable to change.
Loxee
Aug 2nd, 2004
If INTELLIGENCE has nothing to do with anything then why say You do not have a high school and college edgucation Like I do. WHO THE HELL CARES???
not me….. WHO CARES IF YOUR BOY FRIEND IS IN THE MILITARy ????? not me….. Just because he is in it doesn’t mean you are a expert at all this stuff.
VOTE FOR BUSH I DON’T CARE!! YOU REPUBLICAN
-Loxee
kisses
Laura McKnight
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ian, I think you’ve forgotton something I’ve said! SHOVE IT!
CIAO.
Ashley Richardson
Laura McKnight
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ian, I think you’ve forgotton something I’ve said! SHOVE IT!
CIAO.
Ashley Richardson
Loxee
Aug 2nd, 2004
Ian why the hell does it matter who ashley wants to win??? IF You hate her so fucking much then don’t talk to her don’t give her your comments DON’T WASTE YOUR BREATH!!!! She can like kerry and can watch fox she can watch CNN WHO THE HELL CARES???? NOT ME!! and neither should you its nothing you should be concerned about!
Loxee
Aug 3rd, 2004
Ian when you comment to Laura you are waiting for more drams,Trouble,Ect.. Don’t waste your breath!
Loxee
Aug 3rd, 2004
Drama*