POLITICS: NOV. LRP CONFERENCE WRAP UP

SPECIAL EDITION: THE NOVEMBER 2010 LIBERAL REPUBLICAN FEDERAL CONFERENCE

It's conference time for the Liberal Republican Party once again and it's been full of debate and emotion due to the events of the past week.

Party founder Leah Carmody made an appearance to thank members for their expressions, visits and gifts and to thank US and UK members new to the Titulian party who were only too glad to pay their respects in the wake of the passing of her mother, Christine, last week.

Acting party president TJ Norton opened the conference with the traditional acknowledgement to the native peoples of the world and a special moment of silence for the Carmody family.

A motion of thanks was successfully proposed to honour the immediate former party president, current attorney general Reg Ambrose, who stood down from the position midterm. Conference committees presented their reports and made few changes to existing policy positions.

Honouring the old and the new: changes to the LRP leadership

This conference has seen the largest change in the party's leadership since its inception in May. In addition to the party presidency, branch and committee figures have also changed hands.

COMMITTEE CHANGES

The party's two standing policy committees - Development; and Justice and Public Law Reform - were disbanded and merged into a central committee, aptly titled "the Policy Committee".

The structural changed dissolved the chairmanships of public law reform chair Todd Richards and development chair Cara Dellahunty. In the nomination ballot for the new central policy committee, Todd Richards and Cara Dellahunty were elected unopposed to the posts of chair and deputy chair respectively.

BRANCH NAME CHANGES

Conference resolved that the party's central branch "GOP" was overdue for a name change. The original name was adopted as a political statement when the foundation membership of the LRP were run out of their original RNC branch for being 'too liberal'.

Former president Reg Ambrose proposed that the time had come for a change.

"The names of our party units must reflect who we are as a party ....other branches have adopted the name of their location or grouping. Is this something we should consider?" said Ambrose in his floor speech.

It was agreed to change the name of the branch. After several suggestions were proposed a proposal was taken and by an up or down vote of 12-2 the name 'Brisbane City Branch' was officially adopted.

A notion was put that Reg Ambrose will be entered as the second and last president of the GOP branch, with the new branch presidential election to be conducted under its new name.

BRANCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

The vacancy of the Brisbane City (formerly GOP) branch presidency was conducted under new Titulia site rules introduced after the transition that removed the qualification to stringently conduct branch presidential contests contingent of the party presidency.

Two nominations were moved and seconded: Renee Buchanan and John Baxter. A ballot was conducted, with Renee Buchanan easily succeeding to become the first leader of the new branch.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Renee Buchanan was nominated for the position and was elected unopposed.

PARTY PRESIDENT

Special guest, founder and first LRP president Leah Carmody was applauded for her rousing speech to conference, much due out of personal support in the wake of her mother's recent passing.

In her address, she congratulated acting party president TJ Norton for successfully leading the party to its victory in ousting the establishment government after only its third contested election. Ms Carmody also had plenty of praise for Renee Buchanan in succeeding Norton, as she did for Reg Ambrose in representing the party's core beliefs of fairness, balance and good public law as the attorney general under presidents Buchanan and McVicker.

"and you all said you would die without me" Carmody joked.

In her first address about Titulia since her long expired ban was imposed by the General Court, the founder commented on her love of family and friendship as her inspiration not to return to Titulia.

"Life brings new meaning when you're raising a daughter, a career and now taking care of your Dad. Mum was still with us when I stepped away from Titulia and I had little time to do a really good job then" said Carmody.

"I joined up at first to help out a mate and not long after it drew me into it and I too became interested. Titulia presented an opportunity to put my skills and my talents to use to help out building the digital nation".

In questions without notice from the conference floor, new member and film maker Carl Horner asked her if she had any regrets or bad memories of Titulia.

"Do I harbour any bad memories or feelings toward anyone? That's crazy not in the least. I do regret not being able to fight my case on merit and real common law".

Prompting a question about the case that determined the LRP to succeed more than ever, acting party president TJ Norton asked the practising solicitor and former leader at what point did she feel it was over for her, both for her legal plight and for her future in Titulia.

"My greatest disappointment wasn't the judgement but how the case was heard and what the court applied in its reasons for adopting the judgement weighting. It was obvious after the submissions were entered that the judicial system in Titulia wasn't anywhere near based on a true respect of real common law or practice pursuit. If it had been and I say this with humility that my case would have been thrown out on at least four different points of law " she answered.

When asked what she thought about party co founder James Matthews taking robes on the Titulian bench, Carmody responded that it 'represented a spark of hope for Titulia'.

"Titulia struggled so much with setting up a good system of government that works. it needs a judiciary of talented lawyers and an executive of experienced policy servants. I would have never thought that Jim excuse me 'Justice' Matthews would have ever made it through. He's a tough lawyer but extremely fair minded in his approach to the law. It represents a spark of hope for its [Titulia's] future".

Taking one last question before the nominations and balloting for the position she originally held, Mr Norton asked her what she believes a party president's qualities should be.

"It's not for me to say that's up to the members but that's the point isn't it? Our party was founded on the platform and I'm glad it continues to be so that the party president has no actual power other than to engage, argue for and represent the decisions of the party members. That's a powerful quality that has always and seems to continue to separate the LRP from other Titulian parties" she said.

"The LRP was never and hopefully it will never take a top down attitude to policies or decisions. The LRP is the party for all that want to direct what it does and not just be the voice of the people but the people themselves be its voice. if there's any one thing candidates to be the next party president should think about ask yourselves 'can I lead like that?' If anyone can truly answer yes then that makes all that do good candidates for the job".

In her closing, Ms Carmody extended her thanks to everyone who made the LRP the success it has been.

"To me you're not some political party on a computer-I knew most of you before Titulia existed and I will know you after its gone. You're part of my family and have ben for a long time. I love you all like my sisters and brothers and I hope you do well. Thanks and toodle-oo".

The next party president: nominations opened

TJ Norton was elected by majority vote.

PARTY SECRETARY

Malinda Noble was reelected unopposed as party secretary, the most senior leadership member to remain since the day the party was established.

This concluded day one.

DAY TWO

New LRP president TJ Norton opened the floor for the question of the next government elections to be held in three days. Conference decided to delay consideration until talks were held with the current government, though it reserved its decision to contest the vice presidency.

Thanks to all LRP members for permitting the Express to record contents of the conference for dictation and reporting.

'J Dawgs' prove hit in satirical media

Creators of satirical new Titulian web series The J Dawgs are on the move as they release their line up of follow on clips on YouTube. Creators Lisa Carpenter and Chris Hoyt came up with the idea of satirising the political establishment, taking a poking iron to both government and opposition MPs alike.

"[Titulia] is boring as shit at the moment so Lis and I got together and thought of something people would want to follow" said Co creator Chris Hoyt.

Co creator Lisa Carpenter was surprised by the quick take up above and beyond Titulia's borders.

"I checked out the party's channel [on Youtube] this morning and saw that 27 people have watched the pilot so far. I thought holy shit that's more than visit Titulia in a week".

Today the web series entrepreneurs released a 10 second opening titles sequence with the track Hey J Dawg! with annotations to the next succeeding episode for faster viewing. They have also released their second instalment in the comedy sketch titled Campaign Routines but with a change in characters.






"We've used a combination of web creation technology site Xtranormal as well as our own software to spice it up more than XN can provide" said Hoyt.

"Through feedback received we've also made some minor touches to the series. For instance you'll now notice in ep 2 that we swapped around the characters so 'J Dawg' as was known from the pilot is now 'J2 Dawg' and vice versa. We've also changed the voice for [the new] J2 Dawg so he'll have his own unique sound".

Hoyt doesn't think the changes will impact the future success of the show.

"Pilots are there for a reason. It's to put something out there and see how others react. Anyone used to seeing this with television shows will notice more substantial changes that go as far as changing actors before the second episode comes out".

"....and this is Titulia too. If we put up a big poster in the background with the words 'fu-- yourself' I'd be surprised if anyone noticed".

When asked what we can expect for the future of the web nation's crazy canines, Carpenter (the editing queen of the series) was as off the charts as her new web show.

"I can proudly say that it looks like Titulia has gone to 'the dawgs' ", referring to the name of the show.

Stay at the Express for the scoop on every new episode that comes the way of the webisphere!

Express applauds launch of satirical media

By Editor John Baxter

The ongoing battle between the LRP and RNC camps has taken on a whole new level. Both parties have taken to satirical media as a way to entertain the republic and add flavour to the grey state, using their media factories to pump out one laugh after another.

Here at the Express we give it a big 10/10 for effort. Keep them coming.

The J-Dawgs: Episode 1 (Pilot)




TNC News parody: Vote for "Blondie"

Profile:Titulia covers Todd Richards

Profile:Titulia is a new column started at the Express covering Titulians and telling their story.

The first profile subject is senior LRP political strategist and campaigns director Todd Richards.

Little known behind the scenes numbers man Todd Richards has been the force of electoral strength for Titulia’s largest political party. In every campaign the Liberal Republicans have led, Richards hit the jackpot each and every time. With two successful elections under his belt, there’s no end in sight for the continued success of the centrist political movement in the republic.

The Express thanks Mr Richards for agreeing to speak with us as part of our latest Profile:Titulia lifestyle column.

Ed: Todd Richards thanks for the interview. You’re kind of a mystery man when it comes to Titulian politics. Former presidents have praised you, pointed to you and yet you never take a bow. Excuse my being abrupt-is that modesty or embarrassment?

TRichards: Thank you. I always loved numbers and data analysis. At school I pondered a future in mathematics or statistics though it soon became apparent it shrouded by true calling in law. I enjoy Titulia because it keeps up my passion for demography and electoral strategy. I like my low profile intact and to be a small part of the larger engine and by remaining focused on one goal the more concentrated the end result is.

Ed: Right from the start since the LRP’s registration you’ve had the lead hand in shaping the increased success of every campaign contested in the journey from opposition to government. I’m sure others would like to know what are the magic ingredients to a good campaign?

TRichards: I don’t believe it’s possible in a web creation like Titulia to adhere to any specific formula or checklist though I do stick to constant electoral principles that contribute heavily towards political success in any sphere. A consistent, clear and coherent campaign message has set the LRP apart and I take past results to confirm its value.

Ed: The first campaign you directed was for former Liberal Republican president Leah Carmody. You brought a first time party against a popular opponent in at 40%. The next you ran came in at 46%, followed by Norton’s third and successful run at 53%. The last LRP run you took it out for 60% of the vote going to Renee Buchanan.

Out of all the strategies you took to the candidates what was the greatest deployed?

TRichards: Like before when you used the cooking analogy, a good chef never reveals all. I am truthfully modest about any role I played that contributed to the strength of these campaigns. A lot of the reason I find was the efforts of the candidates in the field. I pitched in from a marketing and strategy take and I can only wish that it had helped. There’s never any way of knowing for sure how successful individual efforts are. It’s the group effort that matters.

Ed: What advice would you give to any political aspirant who might one day want to run for office?

TRichards: Above all be clear in the campaign’s message. Over the course of the campaign period walk softly and slowly. The slightest error can easily bog the vehicle and stall momentum.

Titulian politics in particular reminds me of the Battle of Gallipoli between the Australians and the Turks. The greatest single casualty take was the moment they landed and it was inevitable. Our soldiers needed to take the hill, similarly with the American plight on Okinawa. When the opportunity presents that’s when you should advance.

Sometimes there is no option but to push forward even if it’s unwise though the best manoeuvre is to not needlessly rush. Watch your opponent, know your opponent and seize the opportunity when it presents.

Ed: Great advice. This has been an interview with the Liberal Republican Party campaign director and senior strategist Todd Richards. Thanks a bunch.

TRichards: Thank you and congratulations on the success of your paper.

Ed: appreciated.

Check up next week for our exclusive with former Titulian president and now deputy LRP president TJ Norton, LRP secretary Malinda Noble and commentary from none other than Todd Richards himself.

POLITICS: WRAP UP OF LRP OCTOBER CONFERENCE DAY ONE

The Liberal Republican Party completed their first day of their monthly conference yesterday, with the second day to commence in a little over nine hours. Day one's agenda dealt with the acceptance and debate of the party's two committee meeting reports from development and the justice and public law reform committees, questions without notice to party and government leadership in attendance on matters of member interest and adoption of amended and new policies.

Reaction from the party eminence to the first day's proceedings was positive, giving new members who hadn't previously had a chance to address conference the opportunity to do so. Conference secretary Christopher Hoyt was the presiding officer for all sessions.

"It was a fun first day, everyone was organised and it ran well. The hardest part was working against time zones this month and the new conference system but we sorted it", Mr Hoyt said.

Envisaging that some of the membership were going to be abroad this conference on real life work related business, the conference was shifted to Skype this month which allowed the moderator the ability to call on and moderate speakers with ease, with non speakers able to listen in and take part in the LRP's premier event.

Day two resumes at business voted to carry over for further debate from day one, with Titulian president Renee Buchanan scheduled to address conference at 4:00pm Eastern to thank members for their work over the past month. The nightly session will feature the official legislative elections balloting for candidates to contest three of Titulia's districts.

Day three contains a floor speech from former Titulian president and innovation secretary TJ Norton on the future of the republic.

Conference is traditionally used to decide the party's presidential and vice presidential nominations for the following election period, although sources say sitting president Buchanan has yet to make a decision on reelection. Should Buchanan decide to call it a day after conference is finished on day three, a special nominations meeting will convene at a time to be determined.

Ed: Thanks to Chris Hoyt and Malinda Noble for taking questions for this report.

TECHNEWS: EXPRESS GOES LIVE ON TWITTER

Titulia Express has debuted on Twitter today and created a unique hash tag system for news categories.

All Express stories are easily identified by the #tex_ hash tag followed by the abbreviated news category. Adopted tags are #tex_govnews, #tex_business, #tex_technews, #tex_lhelect, #tex_legelect, #tex_sports, #tex_live.

To follow us visit twitter.com/tituliaexpress

Board response to the Titulian Conservative Group of newspapers

It has come to the attention of the Express that unnamed representatives of the Titulian Conservative newspaper group have defamed our newspaper for it's reporting methods. It was news to us at the Express that there was ever any tension between the two companies.

Our board was always under the impression that the Titulian Conservative newspaper, though hard right-wing in it's reporting, was independent of any political organisation. We were aware that shareholding in the board comprised members of the RNC, but interested to discover only today how much influence the Republican National Committee had over the TC Media Corporation. Up until this week, the group had only ever pointed to the RNC Daily as their sole political party publication.

It was suggested in previous weeks that TC Media may have also been in receipt of corporate support from the Social Democratic Party although we have not found any evidence to back this claim.

It has been put in criticism of the Express that our newspaper operates solely for the benefit of the Liberal Republican Party. In the interests of corporate transparency, not all editors at the Express are members of the LRP. The Express has one full time editor and several contributing editors with a carried interest, expertise of research or skill to aide a story's reporting. This ethical standard supports our counter claim that the Express is the most balanced in Titulian journalism.

The Express supports healthy competition for the best reporting, although attacking a competitor for covering issues that Titulia cares about is spiritless, scurrilous and a cheek. Any Titulian can ask the Express to cover a story at any time. We do our best to ensure all sides of a story are told with equal weighting. It's not the fault of editors if the story is published without sufficient bias applied on the view of the reader. We are a registered news company, not a polling or opinion group.

Only through the diversity of Titulia's national media can all citizens be assured that the best coverage of news and issues are reported. We take no issue with the Titulian Conservative group of papers reporting on what they wish. It does raise the question on how confident they must be with their reporting technique if they see the need to unduly attack their competition, however if they take issue with the Titulia Express that is no fault of ours.

John Baxter
Editor