To the Candidates (Senate 5/11)

[Shizensky]

It's admirable that you all wish to serve your region by serving in the senate. However, only two of the candidates will have a seat in the senate once the election is over.

If you lose the election, don't lose heart. The point of serving in the senate is to make this region better, or at least that's what's being campaigned. The truth of the matter is that there is an unlimited amount of ways in which single members of this region can make a positive change.

Some of the greatest and most popular attractions of XKI didn't start in the senate, but with the voice of regular citizens. In fact, it was a proposal from a couple of citizens that turned into Taco Island. Also, the senators have open door policies that allow citizens to contact them with concerns or ideas, and these thoughts can be further discussed with the entire region.

Being elected into the Senate is an achievement, to be sure, but you have the power to cause as much change - if not more - with your voice as a citizen.

If you have the heart for service, then it never was about what your region could do for you, but what you could do for your region

[Wordy]

I never go to meet you Shizensky and after reading that post it makes me very sad I was not in 10KI sooner.
You ROCK. That post ^should be up there for every election.

[Blbbo]

well said, Wordy---and beautifully put, Shizensky.

[iPad/GIR - The Awesome One]

Wow. That was pretty inspiring. Thank you for your kind words Shizensky, Kudos.

[Isles of Nixon]

I could not have said it better myself. In recent elections, I have been amazed at the number of candidates who have stepped into the arena to serve. Even if you are not successful, the credit belongs to those who step into the arena, as Teddy Roosevelt famously said.

But I would also add that if elected, you are given an enormous responsibility, and you were not just elected the Council, but entrusted by your fellow islanders to represent them in the distinguished body. Do not take that trust for granted. I never understood how folks could take the honor to be elected for granted, it just boggles the mind.

If you're given such an honor to serve your region in the Council, never lose the appreciation your islanders have given you and never lose the respect that the office deserves. I've had the opportunity to serve my region three terms as a senator, it was the highlight of my time here, unparalleled except for maybe when I was knighted.

In other words, for those fortunate enough to be elected, don't take it for granted. Do all that you can and make us proud. And for those who don't make it around this time, there are always other elections - every two months, like clockwork. If you care deeply enough, you can be terribly, terribly effective if you want to be. I'm sure I just pilfered that from someone

[Paffnia]

These words are spot on.

[Inquirius]

This is how winners think.

You pm'd me something similar to this when I got my ass handed to me in a Senate election. It's probably what kept me active here.

[Anime Daisuki]

Yep. You don't need to be in the Council or have an official position to help improve the islands. When I started the first Best Flag Contest, I wasn't in the council, nor was I a TO. I just went ahead and did it after talking to Jes and Grub. Similarly Mut was not in the Co9 when he asked to revamp the RP forum. Once he came up with a plan we just rolled on with it. We're more than happy to have him be in charge of RP stuff.

The point is, so long as you have the initiative to make a positive change, you don't need an official title. (Grub must give his okay, of course).

[HumanSanity]

Well said by everyone. Really inspiring

[Anartonia]

Now off to influence the Co9 to bend to my will! Heh heh heh hehe...

[Free Guns For All]

I'm not that corrupt...ooh, a cookie. How much tax do you want removed?

[HumanSanity]

100% please sir!

[Free Guns For All]

150% it is.

[Walabamba]

I don't get a cookie?

[HumanSanity]

So we get payed 50% of what our taxes used to be?

[Free Guns For All]

I think so...wait, you're not Anar. You're paying double now.

[HumanSanity]

*gives 12 cookies*

[Free Guns For All]

1800% off.

[Anartonia]

Here, Gunny, just sign this contract that'll give you free cookies for life... YES! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-- oh, yes, I would like some tax removed, please.

[Takaram]

HEY! No cookie bribing without me getting a cut!