So this last two weeks has been a whirlwind here for me, personally. As some of you might know, I have my own practice as a CPA and I've spent much of the last two weeks working with my clients and now my own business to handle the impact of COVID-19, the IT issues (and legal) issues with working from home and a host of real-life issues has drawn me away.

As you might have noticed, moderation has been... well, basically non-existant. I've tried to keep up as best I can but I know it hasn't been enough. Just looking at the megathread and then the general sub... yeah. Lots of removals that need to happen. But won't.

Starting today, each Friday I'm going to set up a new COVID-19 thread. And starting at 6p today, I'll be enforcing that so other questions can come to the surface.

But mostly this is me asking everyone here to make sure you follow the rules and help us enforce them. Report offending comments and questions and we'll do our best to get to them as quickly as possible.

But just like you should be washing your hands and following guidance, please keep our rules in mind. There're there on the side for you to review in detail. Be nice to each other as we all get cabin fever and work to get untangled in all of this.

Finally, we were planning on adding a mod or two, but that looks to be almost a certain need now.

Do you enjoy being called a communist and a fascist in the same day? Do you enjoy going through dozens of reports and reading mindless, partisan drivel in an attempt to make things better for everyone else? Do you have an unfilled need to laugh at people who insult you in modmail?

If so, you might fit well in here. If you are interested in being mod, please send us a modmail with the following information:

1. What is your name?
2. Why do you even want to be a punchingbag moderator?
3. What time zone you are in? What times are you usually active on reddit?
4. How long have you been here at /r/ask_politics?
5. How do you affiliate politically and how would you handle moderation of comments that you agree with? You disagree with?
6. Do you feel that you could argue positions that are not your own?

Please also include a reason that you would like to be a moderator and how you have contributed to this community thus far. Please note that we will review your activity here on /r/ask_politics and possibly your history in general.

In addition, please reveal any other accounts you have used here on /r/ask_politics. If you do not disclose this and it is later discovered, you will be removed from the team.

Applications are open now through the end of the month. Please note that these are only the beginnings of the process. We will ask questions and attempt to get to know you. But know that we will be fair and are searching for people who will do the same.

Thank you for your time and your participation here. I pray everyone stays safe and healthy and that your friends and family do as well!