Lets begin the conversation!

Second Life, just like Real Life is all about finding your niche. It's about discovering who you would like to be and what activities interest you. Similarly, the Republican Party of SL is going through this process of self discovery. As we look to the future we must ask ourselves how we can differentiate ourselves from all the other political groups of Second Life.

Besides the obvious differences like the way we think (conservatively) and the ways we would choose to change our government, what else makes us different? Are we merely the reverse side of the same coin or are we unique? How can we use Second Life to bring about awareness of the principles (specifically economic and political principles) of the Republican Party of SL?

My idea would be to host nightly discussions, hosted by officers or those approved by an officer, on subjects they are passionate about. Each night could be a new subject with a different moderator. My belief is that if people are exposed to conservative thought they can't help but to walk away changed.

Ideally, by talking of controversial issues in a reasoned manner, we can change the minds of a few and at very least combat some of the liberal thought head on. By holding these discussions on our territory, it makes us less scary (lets face it the liberal media has seceded in painting conservatives as the "other") as well as introduce people to thoughts they might not encounter in their real life.

It would be relatively easy to start this program, all it would take is a topic, a good time for a moderator, and listing it on the events calendar with Second Life, under discussion. I would suggest with tax season upon us, perhaps the best beginner subject would be on taxation. Where conservative thoughts like the flat tax ( http://www.cse.org/flattax/index.php ) and fair tax ( http://linderfairtax.house.gov ) could be discussed in opposition to the current system.

Take the Challenge - How Republican are You?

I ran across Marcburmeister Bury in world today, and at the end of a long conversation with liberals that at points touched on topics like taxation, consumption, social security, and the rich, he pointed me towards a website that helps you select your candidate for president based on your views, rather than party affiliation.

The results where, in my case, rather predictable. My first match in a candidate was Rep. Duncan Hunter (R), Second was Rep. Ron Paul (R), and third was Sen. Sam Brownback (R). Perhaps the most telling ranking from this quiz was who were the bottom three candidates. At dead last, was Ex-VP Al Gore (D), followed by Sen. Hillary Clinton (D), and Sen. Barrack Obama (D).

Of course, this website ( http://selectsmart.com/plus/select.php?url=08frontrunners ) won't really influence me as to who I choose to vote for, but it does stand as a vivid reminder as to why I am a republican. Obviously, on the issues I care about the Republican's most represent the views I stand for. But what a great device for people that can't even choose a Party!

If you would like to take the test, please post your top and bottom three Candidates, lets see where we as the Republican Party of SL stand. Hopefully, we aren't surprised and our conservative credentials will shine through.

Democrats Vs. Republicans of SL - Strategy 101

Second Life politics is really begining to pick up this week as the John Edwards HQ had a large gathering today and the Obama HQ has two gatherings planned for Sunday. Which beggs the question, what are the Republicans doing? The answer is... nothing APPEARS to be happening. And why not, you might be wondering. To answer that you have to look to the differences in political strategy that the Democrats and Republicans of SL are taking.

On the one hand you have the Democrats. They have four campiagns that are vying for the attention (Clark, Clinton, Edwards, and Obama) of the Democrat vote within Second Life. Each campaign has its own Headquarters, its own leaders, its own supporters, and its own agenda. Every campaign is trying to highlight the "wonderful" ideas of their candidate.

The Republicans of SL have chosen a different route. By design we have built One Headquarters, One leadership, One group of supporters, and most importantly One agenda. We will see our group united behind One candidate AFTER the primaries. Until then we will develop into a party of ideas instead of just another cult of personality.

As the Democrat campaigns begin tearing eachother down, just wait untill we get closer to February 2008, we will be building our party up. We choose slow growth based on conservative principles over the personality of one candidate. So, when you ask why aren't the Republicans doing anything, the best answer just might be that we are taking the time to get it RIGHT.

After a spirited showing at the second meeting of the reconstituted Republican Party of SL, things have begun to move at a rapid pace. Literally, overnight the Republican Party of SL has moved from a good concept to an idea in motion. As that idea takes shape two area's of change are most worth keeping an eye on.

The first area is the Headquarters itself. Not only has there been flowers added to the outside planter, but the inside is now aflower with promise. As you approach the entrance, you can't help but be struck by the simple beauty of a solitary WonderFrame with the logo of the Republican Party proudly emblazoned across its surface. Moments later a welcome message appears, followed by these three profound sentences, "truth. justice. the American way." Finally we are treated to the vision of our proud flag unfurled across the screen. If that weren't impressive enough, a quick right turn inside of the Headquarters reveals a rotating portrait of those that have inspired the Republican Party in the past. Following the circle within the Headquarters you will notice snapshots that have vividly captured the return of the Republican Party of SL. Again to your right you will notice a Kiosk on the wall. Though just a promise of the information that will one day be available at the Headquarters, its prominent placement speaks to the desire of the Republican Party of SL to help enlighten all visitors on the finer points of our philosophy.

Moving from the "physical" embodiment of the Republican Party of SL to the ideas behind the party has also become much easier. With the introduction of a forum ( http://slrepublicans.freeforums.org ) in which members can share ideas, we now have the ability to communicate with each other in a well thought out and easy to moderate system. Gone are the days where we will have to spend large amounts of time on relatively simple issues. We will now have the capability to summarize the important points and do the arguing over internal policy, out of world. Leaving valuable time for in world voting and political discourse.

Taken together it is obvious that we are building not just a wonderful place to get together and discuss the important issues of our times, but a community that will help balance the liberal lean in Second Life for a long time to come.

Welcome

Stay tuned....this will be the site for all blogs regarding the Republican Party in SL. We have a lot of fantastic things planed. Stick around to see how they unfold.