The Time For Action Is Now

Dear friends,

It seems not so long ago that we were a community united in concern and support for our fallen Commissioner. When the news of the Oyster's infirmity reached our box, we put aside partisan differences and stood as one behind our elected leader. For a time, we forgot about the very real challenges that confront us, and turned our attention to prayer, meditation, and other philosophical endeavors.

To a grieving community, this period of repose was necessary -- even salutary. Yet as long hours have turned into long days, and long days into even longer weeks, inaction has curdled into something like inertia. It is neither unpatriotic nor unfriendly for us to ask: where are we going? And what are we waiting for?

During the Oyster's recuperation, we of the Playt Progressive Party chose not to press the Commissioner about housing, education, the environment, meaningful political reform, and change we can believe in. Although these issues are as critical as ever, we tabled our agenda out of respect for our leader. It was our hope that after a period of repose, the Oyster would return to its duties with renewed energy and a vision for our future.

Alas, it was not to be. The Oyster has turned up to games intermittently, grumbled out an anthem or two, and returned to its gated community. It has held no press conferences and it has failed to establish a timetable for its return to full power. It is unclear who is in charge: has Cloten's term as Acting Commissioner drawn to a close? Will the Oyster ever return to active duty? Worse yet -- is this criminally lethargic effort the Oyster's idea of active duty?

Allow me to be the first to commend Cloten's cerebral efforts as temporary leader. Despite taking the reins during a difficult time, Cloten has kept his head, maintained composure, and preserved the dignity of our highest office. During the Acting Commissioner's term, we have incorporated two new games into our repertoire. A shortage of coal and indigo was met with a sterling diplomatic effort. Scoring has been fair and games have largely been controversy-free.

By no means is Cloten a progressive. Yet it is apparent to me that progressives in our community can work with this leader. We believe that the Acting Commissioner has felt fettered by lingering responsibility to the prior administration he helped elect: given the opportunity to effect true change, Cloten has demurred, choosing instead to defer decision until the Oyster recovers. If Cloten was made full Commissioner with all immediate and concomitant powers intact, we believe we would have a better chance of advancing our agenda.

Cloten was the Oyster's own choice for temporary office. Time has demonstrated the wisdom of this selection. Will the Oyster complete the gesture it began on its gurney, post-suicide attempt? Will our Commissioner now step aside and make room for the better leader?