Second Life politics ... on FIRE

We got a press release from a group named F.I.R.E. It's kind of odd, really – as they claim to be Second Life's first political party (they're not, in fact. While Second Life has no governmental or political structure, there are various small private governments that have political parties of their own). Reading through the press release we get the feeling that they're more of a lobby group of sorts, which makes them one among many.

If I'd gotten this on or around the first day of April, everything would be crystal clear. As it is – even as someone who lives and works in Second Life every day – I'm not having a whole lot of luck making much sense of what this is all about. The full release after the fold.

Here's the full release, as we received it (including spelling and grammatical malfunctions). Make of it what you will. If you can work it out, explain it to me.

SL POLITICS ON F.I.R.E.

Recent studies conducted by Second Life's first political party – F.I.R.E. – reveal that SL is lacking in the areas of freedom and respect. On the plus side, research also indicates that SL is improving fast enough and that there is a sufficient amount of 'fun' here in the virtual world.

F.I.R.E. believes that sacraficing "freedom & respect" in favor of "improvement & enjoyment" will not benefit SL and needs to be halted immediately.

F.I.R.E. represents virtual interests. F.I.R.E. is an independent SL-based political party for the promotion and protection of Freedom, Improvement, Respect & Enjoyment.

Since early May 2007 F.I.R.E. has been getting organized. We are currently developing the party platform. On the agenda for the coming months are issues such as "cyberwar draft", "powershifts", "100 dollar laptops" and "squating rights in SL".

More on the research F.I.R.E. conducted:
The Board asked the members of F.I.R.E. about their thoughts pertaining to the four basic areas of Freedom, Improvement, Respect and Enjoyment in SL. Here are the results:
49% of the members of FIRE say that there is enough Freedom in SL.*
67% of the members of FIRE say that there is enough Improvement in SL.**
41% of the members of FIRE say that there is enough Respect in SL.***
84% of the members of FIRE say that there is enough Enjoyment in SL.****

* Note on Freedom:
High costs of SLiving and the prohibition of gambling are seen as the main problems with freedom.
** Note on Improvement:
Most people named themselves and others as the main providers of improvement. Linden Lab came in at second.
*** Note on Respect:
Almost everyone named 'griefing' as the sign of disrespect. 'Rascism/fascism' was the second most mentioned. Some stated that "There is as much respect in SL as in RL."
**** Note on Enjoyment:
To reiterate; most people named themselves and those around them as the main providers.
Cost were mentioned as a problem: "How could I ever afford to play on a descent 18-holes golf course?."

This survey will be repeated in 2008.

Past statements of F.I.R.E.:
* GAMBLING:
Gambling should not have been banned. If things were really getting out of hand, then gambling should have been brought under control and not simply banned. Banning is a sign of weakness and benefits nobody. Under certain improved conditions gambling should once again be enjoyed legally.
* VAT:
The communication concerning the VAT for EU citizens has been handled poorly to say the least. The information provided is lacking in both quality and quantity. The tone in which this message is delivered is horrible. The short notice before the implementation of this measure is ridiculous.
Most importantly, it is unjust to spring this VAT measure on EU citizens and it will simply amount to a substantial increase in SL prices. LL knew or should have known VAT was and is to be paid. EU citizens have rightfully trusted LL to take care of their legal obligations surrounding VAT from the start and they should pay this tax out of money that they have already acquired.

More information:
IM: Datus Clary if you wish to stay informed, or if you wish to join or become actively involved.
IM: Brains Writer if you have a group that wishes to be heard first on issues by becoming a Preferred Knowledge Supplier (PKS).
IM: Creating Infinity if you wish to make a donation.

GET ORGANIZED! GET F.I.R.E.-ED UP!