inKLine Media

By: Governess

Senator at work. (Photo provided by Senator)

Having joined Second Life a little over a year ago, the avatar known as Senator has always made regular visits to Ahern Welcome Center as a source of information, current events, and provocative conversation.  But he hasn’t always been known as Senator.

His SL political career was sparked by a run-in with what he describes as a “griefer”–a Second Life Resident who harasses other residents.  After posting an article that upset  a member of the Ahern ruling elite  (known ironically enough as “the queen”) the Senator developed his handle as a shield to deflect the backlash.

“Its’ hard to disrespect someone and call them Senator,” he said.

The Senator avatar also became a tool of retribution.   He became somewhat of a pacifist “troll,” vowing to “bore this place to death.”

“And they had no idea how committed to this ‘troll’ I would be,” he said.

Senator originally developed his political persona as a tool  to torment his persecutors, but ran into a problem: the occasional intelligent and stimulating conversation.  Now Senator has uses his identity as a platform for political activism in SL.

Although he is not a Senator in real life, he does participate heavily.   As an activist and advocate, he attends rallies, protests, volunteers for canvassing and voter registrations. His beliefs lie, self-admittedly to the left end of the political spectrum, but has been known to wander sims that range the political spectrum in search for debate.

When SLBR asked if he would seek election, Senator pointed out again that he is not a real politician, but that he seeks the re-election of President Barack Obama in 2012.

“If he wins,” the Senator said.  “I get the opportunity in all three forums to gloat.”