Leader Norton’s Congressional Model

Originally published Feb 12,200

NORTON PROPOSES CONGRESSIONAL MODEL

(TEXT OF PROPOSAL FROM LATEST PROPOSITION AND SUPPORTING THOUGHTS)

 

Even if we manage to agree on majority that we use a certain style of Congress, the site work would be enormous.

 

Don't mistake my words - I still remain fully supportive of a Congress and will work hard to bring it about, along with my proposed working group as per my campaign agenda.

 

There's a greater difficulty here though beyong politics itself.  It's a question of governmental system, first and foremost.

 

The nation is divided on this issue, from all sides of the political spectrum.

 

Half want a constitutional republican style of Congress.

 

Some want a constitutional monarchist ("Westminster") style of Parliament.

 

Some want a combination in between.

 

 

It goes without saying (and I run the risk of probably being the first to publicly suggest it) is that the first stage of of the debate is probably this.

 

Some preliminary questions for different citizens to answer, if I may:

 

1)  The basic role of Congress;

 

2)  How Congress is elected;

 

3)  What official functions would they hold as part of the Legislative Branch of Government?

 

4)   The passage of legislation/propositions and whether or not they would have the standard three reading, committee hearings etc?

 

5)  Will legislation passed by Congress be subject to authorisation by the Executive Branch (President) before it becomes law?

 

 

I think by answering these exploratory questions, it will give us all some information on various views so as to come up with a consensus on each individual point.  When we have agree on one point, we move onto the next etc when we become more aware of our collective needs from such an entity.

 

Sorry if I seem like I'm trying to be bossy.  I'm perhaps trying to get us started on a direction where it's more laid out.  We all seem to be "chasing our tails" as the metaphor goes.

 

I'll go first:

 

 1)  The basic role of Congress

 

A.  To represent the citizens.  To vote on drafter legislation.  To confirm nominations made by the President of the Republic.  To hold committee hearings on various subjects attended by the Cabinet portfolio member which Department the hearing is over.  To censure and impeach the President for unconstitutional and purposefully unlawful acts made during terms in office.

 

 

2)  How Congress is elected

 

A.  Titulia has an approximate population (in values of 100) of around 700.  As such, a Congress the size of one-twentieth (one-tenth being 70 is too many considering those are how many participate on a weekly basis).

 

Establish the 35 electoral districts of Titulia and give them names.

For example:  1st District of Titulia, 2nd District of Titulia, etc. 

 

There is no restriction in the number of candidates for each of the 35 seats.  Should particular political parties wish to have a single candidate, processes should be put in place to allow primaries/pre-selections for their party's congressional nomination.

 

The election itself shall be conducted in accordance with the current ballot conditions as covered by the Elections for President of the Republic as per the Constitution.

 

The candidate in each district who wins by popular vote, shall be elected as the Representative of the 'X' th/nd District of Titulia.

 

 

3)  What official functions would they hold as part of the Legislative Branch of Government?

 

Please see A #1 for details.

 

 

4)   The passage of legislation/propositions and whether or not they would have the standard three reading, committee hearings etc?

 

Three readings, allowing for amendments, provided that all amendments are carried by majority before proceeding to the next reading.

 

At the conclusion of the third reading of the proposed legislation, a final vote shall be called.

 

 

5)  Will legislation passed by Congress be subject to authorisation by the Executive Branch (President) before it becomes law?

 

If the legislation is carried, it shall be send to the President of the Republic for signature or veto.

 

Should the President veto legislation sent by Congress, Congress can either vote to:

 

1) Withdraw the legislation;

 

2)  Amend the legislation, as per the methods of passage as explained above and send the new legislation to the President; or

 

3)  Move a Motion to Override Presidential Veto.  Should the Congress vote by over 75% popular vote (i.e. 27 votes out of 25),the override vote is successful and it is entered into law provided the President is notified.

Statement on President-elect Luxis Avaram

Originally published April 21,2009

Inauguration of the Fourth President of the Republic of Titulia Luxis Avaram The Compassionate Conservative

At this defining moment, we come together to celebrate the birth of a new administration and pay tribute to the outgoing servants who have given to the foundation of our nation. We thank President Alexander Pijanowski for his laudable and courageous service to Titulia and stand in honour and he exits the grand doorways of Liberty House as our third president for one last time. As one people we stand, however brief in pose, behind President-elect Avaram as he takes office to get to work for the people of this virtual domain.   God bless our fourth president as he scribes a new page to be added to the annuls of history, alongside the pages of his predecessors.     T. J. Norton Republican National Committee

Norton for RNC Leader

Originally published May 6,2009

 

Moving Titulia Forward – People First
Nominee for Leader of the Republican Party

President Avaram is a great President - for business.

Dennis McVicker would be a great President - for business.

When I take a trip back to shortly after Titulia began, I can never seem to remember where there was such a push for business. When newer neo-cons arrived, it turned Titulia into a Monopoly revival.

What about virtual estate? Land we can look at, water we can see, touch, feel (virtually speaking, of course).

So whilst I have abundant respect for these people, and after attempting to get through to the President - largely without success - I am left with little option than to again run for the Presidency with one key platform - PEOPLE FIRST.

My former plan will be reviewed and released not one moment later should I succeed in securing the Republican leadership once more and moving the party back to the centre.

Capitalism isn't only about a pliable relationship with economics, it's a centred belief in achieving the most you can by making the most out of the resources available.

Here's the centre of my campaign message - If you want to see more font, vote for one of my honourable opponents. If you want to see a nation, I ask for your vote to deliver it.

This will be my one and only message to you during this campaign. By reading this, the Party knows where I stand and they know I'll always tell it like it is. I work for them, not for myself.

When voting for President of the Republican Party – vote for who shares your ideals, your hopes, your dreams, your aspirations and your futures. Vote to end raging mediocrity and bring the balance of power back on home where it belongs.

VOTE 
T. J. NORTON
‘The Name You Know CAN Deliver’

AUTHORISED BY T. J. NORTON –
CAPITALIST BRANCH PRESIDENT, REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Press Release from Capitalist branch President

Originally published May 10,2009

PUBLIC STATEMENT (For Immediate Release)

OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE CAPITALIST BRANCH
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

My fellow Titulians, Good morning.

I would like to take this occasion to address some important questions regarding my vote on the nominees for the General Court.  Further, to admonish the President's personal position that a citizen's right to question to the direction of the Court as "icing".

For the record, I voted against Mr Negron not because of any position I may hold, rather that a citizen should not be appointed to the position of Titulia's chief arbitrator.  A position which is best served by a non-citizen, say the Administrator as previously constituted prior to Drmanhaton's back-door negotiations.

If it was simply a question of ability, I would have supported Mr Negron's nomination pending satisfaction that he would strictly interpret the Constitution - not legislate from the bench.

After receiving answers to this important question, I am satisfied that Mr Negron would be a substantial nominee for this office and submit that he be subsequently confirmed.

On two occasions now we have seen serious concerns regarding Drmanhaton.

The first, as reported, was the closed-door establishment of the Court under the Pijanowski Administration.  This places the nominations of both Manhaton and the former President under intense scrutiny.

In a recently uncovered conflict of interest, which at this stage has not been declared by Drmanhaton, it has come to light that President Avaram hired Manhaton's law firm - Manhatten, LLP - to advise on the General Court Mark.2's creation.

Legal training aside, it is a concerning proposition from a self-declared moderate President to put up such a controversial figure for the important position of Associate Justice on Titulia's highest bench.


In terms of action on the issue there are a number of options available to us to address these concerns on point.  The difficulty would be assuring the President prohibits the exercise of his Executive authority in the Republican caucus.

Just today the President wrote to the Republican Party pushing his nominees to the Court.  It is concerning that President Avaram continues to take the path of executive dominance in-power instead of working with the Party on nominations.

If President Avaram can attempt to apply political pressure on Party members to ridicule personal opinion on judicial conviction, it would only be appropriate for the President to accept that he hasn't been consultative of the Party machine on judicial nominations and admit that there are multiple conflicts in-play.

Intra-party discussions will commence in the next few days over the separation of Executive Office and Party Leadership in-power and the necessity of freedom to exercise the personal conviction of each and every party member.

I have initiated these important discussions in the current party leadership challenge debate and I invite the President to join with me in affirming his credentials to individual freedom and greater democracy.


T. J. Norton

T. J. NORTON
LEADER, CAPITALIST BRANCH
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

* Mr Norton holds an LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) and a B.Econ. (Bachelor of Economics) and took International and Constitutional law as course electives. Now studying an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in part-time mode of study.

Statement from Capitalist President TJ Norton

Originally published May 11,2009

PUBLIC STATEMENT (For Immediate Release)

OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE CAPITALIST BRANCH
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

 

My fellow Titulians,

I am speaking to you directly about an issue which I believe has been leaked to the media, or would be in due course, by sources with ties to the administration.

With the President due to announce his new running mate, there are whispers of my potential nomination to the General Court in a vague attempt to remove me from active politics, in the event of confirmation failure of one of the nominees for Associate Justice.

As to internal rumours of the President's relationship with Libertarian Leader Dennis McVicker, this is trash politics of the worst kind and I'm not going to entertain hypotheticals.

The President should be free to run with and when his time comes to endorse any individual he wishes regardless of party or persuasion.  Is it right to question and expose if warranted?  Absolutely.  Is it right to tarnish a citizen for reaching out across the aisle?  No.

In the event that either of these occur, I would like to affirm that I have no intention to join the Judicial Branch of Government and I unequivocally rule out any approach by the administration to do so.

I remain completely focused and look forward to continuing pressure on the Administration to deliver solid and productive services for all Titulians.

As this is likely the President's last term and the high likelihood of a win for Mr McVicker, I will continue to work with the sitting President of the day - whoever that may be - to be assured that they are working for the entire nation on social and national development issues and not special interest agendas.

 

 

Thank you 

 

T. J. Norton

RNC Chairman-elect TJ Norton’s statement

Originally published May 19,2009

MAY 2009 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
RNC DOME AND CONVENTION CENTRE - TITULIA

ADDRESS OF

RNC CHAIRMAN-ELECT T. J. NORTON

Thank you, Mr President.

My fellow Republicans,
It is with tremendous honour and humility that I accept this office and thank our Party President Luxis Avaram for convening a well ordered Convention.  In a way, I see this as returning to a role I loved, albeit with a different title.  It is clear that we have succeeded in having a democratic election within the framework that we currently have.
Once the election for President of the Republic is concluded - which takes priority at this time - I will get to work with President Avaram on recruiting new citizens to the Republican Party and try my best to ensure that this Party is seen across the nation as the moderate house of choice for all Titulians to come together.
In a vibrant democracy we share differences, sometimes strained by passion and a steadfast commitment to the issues we believe in.  I have always respected President Avaram as a capable leader, although there have been brisk exchanges at times where we have shared differing view points.
Today we have committed to charting a new course.  The Republican movement of Titulia has solidified its position as a place of ideas and unbridled unity.  Where others have failed, President Avaram and I have come together for the betterment of the Republican cause and through you - the virtual land we love.
With the Libertarian Party again bitterly divided, today is a clarion reminder that in the heat of debate - people can come together and only in the great party of Lincoln can THAT HAPPEN!
When voting opens in the 2nd Round, let's work together to send President Avaram back to Liberty House for a second term of prosperity and compassion.
Whether you have T$2,000 or T$0.02 to your name - we need a Commander-in-Chief who is compassionate, caring and concerned about your issues and your needs.
We need someone who understands the sacred duties of our highest office and the burden it carries.
We need moderate leadership that can reach out - not someone who is electorally untested at a time of urgent national building.
As the inaugural Chair of the Republican National Committee, I will fight with every power of my citizen being to ensure that this nation remains strong.

In the words of former US Republican nominee, the maverick gentleman from Arizona, Senator John McCain from the stage of the 2008 US Republican National Convention -

"Stand up for what you believe in!"
Stand up!  Stand up!  Stand up!
May God bless you all.  May He continue to bless our President, our Administrators, our citizens, our members .. the Party of individualism and collectivism alike, the Party of faith, the Party of hope, the Party to lead, the Party that is united, the greatest Party in Titulia's history - the Republican Party - and may He continue to grace the virtual Republic of Titulia.
Thank you!

Statement on May 2009 Presidential Election

Originally published May 23,2009

 

TITULIA DECIDES:  MAY 2009
AVARAM RESIDENCE, TITULIA CITY

  STATEMENT BY RNC CHAIRMAN T. J. NORTON

I start by thanking former President Avaram for his service, yet again - and jest that it might feel better tonight sleeping in your own bed as opposed to Government lodgings heh.  Nonetheless, that's President McVicker's problem to deal with and I enjoy saying - I hope he and the mice get along nicely. haha!

Just kidding in the spirit of fun.

Despite our differences - we are men and women above politics when the dust settles and I know that every member of the Republican Party - in this grace period of inauguration - wishes the incoming administration team the best of luck.

But it is important to note that the Government has not only changed leaders, it has more importantly changed the balance of leading parties in-power.  Now, I don't know about you - but I'm not keen on seeing opposition of any stripe take our money out of our hands and put it to waste.


Thanks to the media hype and special interests of the Libertarian-right juggernaut, the best economic plan Titulia will likely see in a while has just been shown the door.
Now now, that's the people's decision and we honour that.  But we need to start fighting today for a new tomorrow.

I will do what I can to prevail upon our party leader - the former President - to give strong consideration to running again at the next election.  Through his dedication we saw the first Republican hold the presidency against one party with two minds - US liberals or economic neo-conservatives?

Why not join a party that stands up for what you believe instead of a party that is divided by Big and Little "L" s?  The Libertarians are NOT the Democratic Party opposition to the Republican movement and our job is to make that message clear to all immigrants that arrive on these shores.

Thank you to our campaign staff - Campaign Media Director Julian and Assistant Director JI.

A big thanks to our friends in the supportive branches of the Whig Party, Conservative Party and indeed the Libertarian Party (HOORAH!).

We especially thank the Whigs for giving us the gift of Trvthseeker.  Mate - you gave up a lot to join our ticket, with little hope of getting it back.  That takes guts and sacrifice and I'm sorry that we couldn't deliver the vice presidency for you today.  We've come a long way together and thanks for your hard work.

On behalf of the National Committee of the Republican Party of Titulia, to everyone that voted Avaram-Trvthseeker, to our members, friends and extended family - my sincere thanks.  As to remarks on behalf of the Campaign to Re-elect the President - I'll let the former President to speak to that if he wishes.

As far as what we achieved - our record is vast and clear.  As to what we didn't - I'll let history decide that.  If anything is true it's this - history in Titulia has a strange but advantageous way of shaping itself.  From the most negative event comes a rare positive opportunity.  One day, those who opposed us will see this and move forward knowing they were better off for having heard it.

The Republican Party's best days are ahead and thanks to President Luxis Avaram we have the start we needed.  Thank you for all of your hard work, bless you all and bless Titulia.


Thank you!