PERSPECTIVE IV - The Moderative

The Moderative/Presidential Branch of VoD’s government is what sets VoD apart from other similar polsims. The Presidential Branch is an entirely non-partisan branch of government that is solely responsible for the enforcement of VoDs basic rules and ensuring the server can operate smoothly. The Presidential Branch is composed of the President (VoD’s Head of State), the Vice President, and the Presidential Assistants. The President is also advised by the Council of State, a group of important officials on VoD that helps them make many important decisions. 

However, this branch of government is not without controversy. The current President (along with the previous one) have been subject to public backlash many times over the last few months. I, along with many others, would argue that the President is the most stressful job on VoD - they usually get a large amount of public backlash regardless of what decisions they make on vital issues pertaining to the server.

Obviously the best representation of the Moderative Branch is the President herself, currently Momo. My interview with her, along with my (1 & 2) and Muggy’s (3 & 4) comments, will be outlined below.

1. How do you feel about your time as President so far?

• “I feel that I've become a lot more comfortable as President, and that it was exactly what I wanted in VoD. Although my duties are changing slightly, I still find enjoyment in being Head of State. The citizens of VoD make this position worth it, and I owe all my success and happiness to them.”
  
  I find it interesting that Momo is still able to find enjoyment in her job even after the countless controversies she has faced. Her consistent optimism and humbleness is truly what sets her apart from other Presidents, and is the reason she has been a consistent symbol of stability and positivity in the VoD community.

2. What do you think about the JRs filed against you?

• “I think the JRs are obviously necessary to keep the Presidency in line and held accountable. Although the EC JR wasn't exactly aimed at me, if I had been more firm in my opinion at the time, it could have avoided the situation. I may get a little bratty when a JR is filed, but I truly understand why they are. I am so very glad that people are passionate about making sure the laws are followed and all actions remain in the scope of people's positions.”
  
  This is a very healthy outlook on legal action taken against some of Momo’s decisions. Momo seems to understand that Judicial Reviews are not adversarial, and she acknowledges that people have passion in ensuring that all laws are followed to a tee,an essential component of polsims that will not change anytime soon. Also, the fact that she recognizes her flaws in acting somewhat bratty whenever a new JR is filed shows that she has a capacity for self-reflection that is imperative for a Head of State to have.

3. Will you be running for re-election next month?

• “It has been weighing on my mind. I don't think people would like to see another term with me as the Head of State, but I really would love to. If I thought I could win, I will. I want to keep giving to VoD and being active in this community, I've found my place in the Presidency and out of politics' limelight. If the citizens of VoD want me to rerun, I will do so gladly.”

• “I've been honestly toying with the idea of leaving completely after my term. I feel that I have so much more to give to VoD, but maybe I'm not what it needs. I'm someone who needs to see positive results on a poll about my popularity to consider rerunning because I don't want to run against public interest. The people of VoD matter the most to me, and I will rerun if they truly want me to stay and lead.”
  
  As stated earlier by Birdish, self reflection is an essential trait for a President to have in any polsim. I know that I look back on my days as SimDemocracy and think about my actions. Momo’s mindset here may seem depressing for the future, but it shows a greater maturity as a person and as a head of state.

4. Is there any decision you have made as President that you have come to regret?

• “The only decision I regret is letting my fear of retaliation during intense moments in chat stop me from doing what I'm meant to do - keep VoD safe and moderate responsibly. I know there are laws and of course rules that must be followed, but I can't effectively moderate if I am chained to the basic rules only. I opt for verbal warnings because it lets people know I am watching and will issue consequences if we can't behave accordingly. Although toxicity is not part of the basic rules, creating scenarios where you fight with each other in meaningless arguments - not debates - is where I find the most toxicity.”

• “Like in the survey situation, I waited way too long to shut down general with slow mode. I was afraid of overstepping my power, but once things became too intense, I didn't care anymore and realized how difficult and unsafe the environment was becoming.”

• “Even recently with William, Notcom and Myth, I knew that there would be no end to the constant provocations on both sides and that they would continue to bicker until things became personal and hurtful. I regret not taking action then, and doing what was right.”

Alas, the grievances of a moderator and a head of state. As stated earlier, growth is what is best for the person and for the position. Regardless of what decisions Momo has regretted, she has certainly been incredibly stable and reasonable for most of her time as President.

I asked Momo a fifth question, however, as with Noll’s, Griffey’s and Hacker’s responses, I will be saving the answer to that question for PERSPECTIVE V.