NationStates Jolt Archive

The liberals have controlled Congress and the presidency since 1988; does that sound like democracy to you?

Since the liberals have monopolized our political system, taxes have risen to mind-boggling limits. The average New Genoan makes 52,000 credits per year. We do not need to pour funding into social welfare. We need cuts in welfare, putting more money in your pockets.

Let me remind you, Senator, that there are still those who NEED the welfare. The average New Genoan does not represent the entire population. And have you forgotten that from 1976 to 1988 was controlled by the conservatives?

Please, Mr. Vice President. That’s a bunch of hogwash. The taxes you are imposing upon the New Genoese people are unacceptable. Welfare doesn’t do much when you have to surrender all the cash you just got from the government to pay your taxes. Also, the liberals claim to bring equality to New Genoa; then tell me why the higher income makers of this fine nation must pay ten percent more in taxes than the rest of this nation? Is that equality?

The Liberal Party has cut spending in military to the point where our troops will not be able to field a standard-issued rifle. New Genoa is defenseless, plagued with unnecessary taxes, and corruption in the Liberal Party has reached an all-time high.

During the Conservative Party’s tenure, the economy was just as strong, taxes were low, and the military was well-equipped.


Myths and lies and slander, Senator, and you know it. Under our administration, we’ve developed the esteemed KAF-90 battle tanks, KAT series, KAW series, and Crusader 2 howitzer. And we’ve recently adopted the NGR-18 standard-issue rifle. We have not forgotten about the military.

The economy under the Conservative Party was classed by the United Nations as “Very Strong.” The UN has classed the economy under the Liberal Party as “Frightening,” the highest rank achievable.

The wealthy pay a higher tax, because they bring in more money. It isn’t much of a loss to their total wealth. Mind you, the Liberal Party has relieved high-income earners and corporations of many business laws that were imposed by previous administrations.

Both parties have had their difficulties. New Genoa needs change. The Green Party is ready to offer that. We promise to bring peace to New Genoa, unlike what the Liberal and Conservative parties have done.

We promise to make further cuts in taxes by cutting spending to the military to achieve that peace. New Genoa has no enemies and if we mind our own business, we will not encounter war.

We promise to protect the environment. The Liberal Party has done a dismal job at this and the Conservative Party has plans to make cuts to spending to maintaining a beautiful environment.

Baloney. What about the “Environmental Protection Act” passed by Congress in December? The Liberal Party is dedicated to protecting the environment.

The Conservative Party wishes to protect our environment as well. But we understand that sheathing our abundant forests from lumber companies is insane. You’re denying thousands of jobs to New Genoans. Thousands. We will protect the environment, but we will not leave the average New Genoan out on the street to starve and die.

There are plenty of other jobs available to the average New Genoan. There are alternate solutions to cutting down our national forests. Alternate sources of energy. These provide job opportunities.

The costs are unimaginable. All this will do is burden the average New Genoan with even more taxes.

In the long run, it will prove productive.

The Liberal Party respects both parties in this issue. We will respect the lumber industry, while limiting what they can cut down. We will seek alternate sources of energy and building materials as well – therefore not burdening the New Genoan with heavy taxes, but protecting the environment as well.

We'll continue this debate later, but you have the candidates. Vice President Derek Jackson representing the Liberal Party, Senator Walter Mangon representing the Conservative Party, and Mr. Jack Neil representing the Green Party.

Stay tuned for more coverage of "Decision 2004: New Genoa Decides."

The Issues

Derek Jackson:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/22m.jpg

-Lower taxes
Cuts in military
-Pro-choice except in third trimester cases
-AGAINST the death penalty
-FOR the legalization of marijuana for recreational and medicinal use
-AGAINST the legalization of LSD, cocaine, heroine, and other drugs for recreational use
-FOR euthanasia for peoples suffering from a terminal disease as long as there is consent from a licensed doctor, the victim's family, and the victim. Done by licensed doctor. Legal papers needed.
-Keep the current gun laws
-Increase welfare and environment spending
-Loosen regulations on big business slightly

Walter Mangon:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/rau.jpg

-Lower taxes
Cuts in healthcare, welfare, environment
-Increase military funding
-Pro-Life except in severe cases of rape and death
-FOR the death penalty
-AGAINST the legalization of marijuana, LSD, and drugs for recreational use
-AGAINST euthanasia of people with terminal diseases (who request it, conditions diagnosed by certified doctor, etc. -- the "formal" way)
-Lift regulations put on big business
-Loosen gun laws slightly

Jack Neil:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/alman9898/random/clinton.jpg

-Lower taxes
Big cuts in military spending
-Pro-choice in all cases
-AGAINST the death penalty
-FOR the legalization of all recreational drugs
-Tighten gun laws
-Tighten regulations on big business
-Raise minimum wage by five credits
-FOR euthanasia for peoples suffering from a terminal disease as long as there is consent from a licensed doctor, the victim's family, and the victim. Done by licensed doctor. Legal papers needed.
-Increase spending in environment

All candidates support the separation of Church and state, gay marriage, and setting up clinics for people struggling with depression, alcoholism, etc.

Will the candadites field questions from reporters?

<OOC: yes, they will answer several questions from reporters.>

OOC: Will they do that now, or wait till after the debate?

<OOC: fire away.>

Finding a unique moment in the pause, a young Asian woman stood, and started to talk. She was every politicians second worse nightmare...a reporter.

"Mr. Jackson, a few brief questions if you will." Before he could acknowledge her, she spoke. "You are pro death to inocents but not to convicted persons. I mean, in your liberal double speak, you are pro choice. Yet science as prooven that while in the womb, a child shows both brain waves and a heart beat. Clinically, the child is therefor alive, yet you openly support the death of this child." Before he could answer, she continued her free fire barrage.

"Also, you wish to hold the rich to a higher tax rate. So you wish to punish the few non lazy souls who desire to work for a living, while rewarding those who sit around all day and not work at all with welfare and lower taxes? Why not just follow the Imitoran example, and offer an increased pay to those who fall in the welfare applicable bracket if they serve in the military? Also, the ultra conservative Imitoran government was able to achieve frightining economy without the help of ultra liberal ideals."

Again, before the candidate's mouth could open, she continued. "Its also known that you are opposed to the legalization of most form of hallucinagenic narcotics, yet support the legaliziation of Marijuana. Can I ask why, considering the both have the same effects in the end?"

And finally she spoke one last time, this time to one of the other candidates. "Mr. Mangon, how do you feel about the offer from the Imitoran government to donate 3.2 billion in order to assist your campaign."

"Mr. Jackson, a few brief questions if you will." Before he could acknowledge her, she spoke. "You are pro death to inocents but not to convicted persons. I mean, in your liberal double speak, you are pro choice. Yet science as prooven that while in the womb, a child shows both brain waves and a heart beat. Clinically, the child is therefor alive, yet you openly support the death of this child."

"Addressing your first question: I do not neccesarily condone abortions. This is a common misconception. I support a woman's CHOICE to abortion. A fetus is not by any means a human being. It has the POTENTIAL to be human being but it isn't a human being. Skin is living tissue; but is it against the law to scrape your knee -- that is, kill your tissue? Let me stress that I would never, ever support the legalization of third trimester abortions and never have. Concerning condemned criminals: these people are human beings. And there's always the possibility of sending an innocent man to his death. The system isn't perfect; I think we all know that."

"Also, you wish to hold the rich to a higher tax rate. So you wish to punish the few non lazy souls who desire to work for a living, while rewarding those who sit around all day and not work at all with welfare and lower taxes? Why not just follow the Imitoran example, and offer an increased pay to those who fall in the welfare applicable bracket if they serve in the military? Also, the ultra conservative Imitoran government was able to achieve frightining economy without the help of ultra liberal ideals."

"Onto your second question. Not to offend anyone, but not all wealthy people are 'non lazy souls' as you so put it. What about those who were born into a wealthy family? And to those whom you address as 'lazy.' I wouldn't call a homeless person lazy. It's extremely difficult for someone who doesn't have home, decent clothes, or even education to obtain a decent-paying job. Manual labour isn't exactly the best-paying job. I'd like to note under the Liberal Party's leadership, New Genoa was able to achieve a Frightening economy and reduce the rich-poor gap significantly. In fact, as of now, New Genoa has one of the smallest rich-poor gaps in our region. The rich have plenty of money. I don't think it's too much to ask if they pay a little extra, seeing as they have so much. You can't expect someone with no money to pay the amount as someone with millions. I do plan on lowering the difference within my term, however."

"Its also known that you are opposed to the legalization of most form of hallucinagenic narcotics, yet support the legaliziation of Marijuana. Can I ask why, considering the both have the same effects in the end?"

"Marijuana has far less harmful effects on the human body. Cigarettes are legal, are they not? We are NOT outlawing DUI's, these will always be a crime. Marijuana is also been known to relieve the pain of terminal cancer patients."

--

"Mr. Mangon, how do you feel about the offer from the Imitoran government to donate 3.2 billion in order to assist your campaign."

"I'm... I'm flattered. I'd rather not discuss this here, though," Mangon said. He really didn't want to accept the donation publicly as so to appear as if needed the funds. Or that he was only concerned with winning the election at any cost rather than serving the people.

"Well Mr. Jackson, I wish I was a poor mother who had several abortions so that I could have a reason to live in New Genoa under your rule. However, this is not the time for me to debate your veiws, even if they are wrong. Thank you."

At the same time, the Imitoran people were already pouring in donations towards Mangon's campaign. Even if the election was in New Genoa, and had no bearing at all on Imitora, it was always nice to have another conservative government in power. At the end of the first week, public and private donations were pushing 5 billion, with First Speaker Fortier promising to match however much the Imitoran people donated.

Decision 2004: New Genoa Decides

It's election time once again and this year it looks like the race will be closer than it has been in over 16 years. We have all three major candidates with us today, and they'll be answering questions. But first, a brief rundown of the issues again.

VICE PRESIDENT DEREK JACKSON
-Lower taxes through cuts in military
-Pro-choice except in third trimester cases
-AGAINST the death penalty
-FOR the legalization of marijuana for recreational and medicinal use
-AGAINST the legalization of LSD, cocaine, heroine, and other drugs for recreational use
-FOR euthanasia for peoples suffering from a terminal disease as long as there is consent from a licensed doctor, the victim's family, and the victim. Done by licensed doctor. Legal papers needed.
-Keep the current gun laws
-Increase welfare and environment spending
-Loosen regulations on big business slightly

SENATOR WALTER MANGON
-Lower taxes through cuts in healthcare, welfare, environment
-Increase military funding
-Pro-Life except in severe cases of rape and death
-FOR the death penalty
-AGAINST the legalization of marijuana, LSD, and drugs for recreational use
-AGAINST euthanasia of people with terminal diseases
-Lift regulations put on big business
-Loosen gun laws slightly

JACK NEIL
-Lower taxes through big cuts in military spending
-Pro-choice in all cases
-AGAINST the death penalty
-FOR the legalization of all recreational drugs
-Tighten gun laws
-Tighten regulations on big business
-Raise minimum wage by five credits
-FOR euthanasia for peoples suffering from a terminal disease as long as there is consent from a licensed doctor, the victim's family, and the victim. Done by licensed doctor. Legal papers needed.
-Increase spending in environment

We will also be interviewing political expert Peter Hamden to delve further into this year's election and what each candidate needs to do to win.

<OOC: this is where you, the people of NS, can take on the role of a reporter from New Genoa or your own nation and ask THREE questions MAX to each candidate>

o.o.c Only two? is this a response to Imtoria's liberal bashing?
has your country ever had a death penalty in recent times?

<OOC: changed it to three; that gives you nine questions to ask. I'm trying to get a spread of questions to all the candidates. we've had the death penalty before. and please address the candidate you're speaking to. :) >

A young reporter from Celack stands up.

"Senator Magnon the death penalty has not been proven to be a deterrent for crime and study show that on average countries with capital punishment have much larger crime rates than those without. Also these men have been exucuted in this country and were later proven innocent." the reporter pulled a list out of his pocket and read several names. "After this evidence of the wrongness of the death penelty why do you support it?"

"Senator Magnon the death penalty has not been proven to be a deterrent for crime and study show that on average countries with capital punishment have much larger crime rates than those without. Also these men have been exucuted in this country and were later proven innocent." the reporter pulled a list out of his pocket and read several names. "After this evidence of the wrongness of the death penelty why do you support it?"

Senator Mangon cleared his throat. "There is no conclusive evidence, really, to discredit the death penalty's effectiveness. Though it is true that there have been mistakes, they are often kept to a minimum; the names you list only prove that only a small percentage of those executed are actually 'innocent.'

"However, I'd like to note that these men and women are not being executed cruelly. The death penalty I would support would be execution by lethal injection -- painless, quick, and humane. The pain they will endure is far less than what they inflicted on their victim. They're lucky, if you ask me.

"Furthermore, I do not believe that the taxpayers of New Genoa should be burdened with unneccessary taxes so we can pamper a convicted murderer or rapist for their entire life in prison. In the long run, the death penalty costs the taxpayer less, will reduce crime by removing potential criminals, and will be done humanely to ensure that no further suffering will ensue."

"Thank you for tuning into Decision 2004: New Genoa Decides again; the polls closing in mere hours. This election year looks to be a tight race and we have political anaylst Michael Coulter here with us to give us his opinion on the election. Michael?"

"Thanks, Michelle; you're right, the election is tight and all three top candidates have drawn much support. Let's take a look at the major issue: taxes. There are several other social issues such as abortion and the death penalty, but taxes are the issue of this election and all three candidates plan on lowering taxes -- each with a different plan.

"First, Liberal Party Vice President Derek Jackson. Vice President Jackson has promised to lower taxes to further cuts in military spending. Is this a good idea? Personally, I think so, as long as it's in moderation. President Carter made numerous cuts in the military these past two years and I don't know how much more the military can cut. Again, will cuts in the military make a significant difference in the taxes? Probably not much of a difference.

"With that I bring up the second candidate, Walter Mangon from the Conservative Party. Mangon plans on making cuts to social welfare and healthcare, but INCREASING spending in the military. The cuts in welfare and healthcare won't be too much and the extra funding in the military will cancel out the cuts. Mangon needs to formulate a plan to cut taxes significantly if he wants support from the New Genoese people.

"And finally, Jack Neil. Neil wants cuts in the military like Jackon, only larger. I don't like this. New Genoa is still a member of the international community and too many cuts will leave us defenseless and I'm sure there are a few nations that do not want New Genoa to exist as a sovereign nation. I'm not being paranoid here, I'm being honest. But those are my opinions. The New Genoese people need to decide which of these three plans will work to their benefit."

"Thanks for your input, we've got more coverage of the '04 election coming up, so don't change that station."

August 7, 2004
Dear New Genoa,

The Larogeran Leadership Council has voted to endorse Jack Neil of the Green Party.

"Your environmental issues are quite outstanding, and Larogerans love 'fighters'. That is why we have thrown all our support into helping Mr. Jack Neil win this election", Thomas J.H. Muskey (a candidate for priminister) said.

Larogerans have wanted a strict environmental plan for years (and that is finally coming to a start), and we want every single other country to share that dream with us.

We thank Jack Neil for running under the Green Party, and helping us with a strict environmental plan. That is why today, on Trato 7, 4002 we are supporting Jack Neil of the Green Party for New Genoa President.

Sincerely,
G.A. Fischer
Deputy of Intelligence
Leadership Council 2004

---
LAROGERAN ELECTION 2004 VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

"The polls are in and the vote counting process has nearly completed. Within hours, we expect to get the official word on who will win Election 2004. And it sure looks to be close. Several days ago, we had political anaylst Michael Coulter visit and give us his opinion on the election and the issues. Today we have Dr. Raymond Haroldson with us to give us a breakdown over who will probably win where and why."

"Thanks, Michelle. I'm glad to be here. Well, my analysis of course will not determine who wins the election as there are several key areas where it's anyone's game. But I'll divulge into that later.

"First and foremost: Liberals. The Liberal Party has pretty much secured the vote in Blue City, North Genoa. Why? Well, North Genoa has a track history for voting Liberal for one. Secondly, the areas around Blue City are poorer, plain and simple. Thus, the Liberal and the Greens as well, offer a very appealing welfare program to the less fortunate in finances. I'm also going to point out that the last census showed that Blue City, North Genoa has the highest number of abortions. Greens and Liberals are secured there. Medical marijuana has already been legalized in North Genoa so it's quite obvious that they support Vice President Jackson and Mr. Neil's stances on that issue.

"The second area the Liberals have secured is undoubtedly East Genoa. After experiencing Hurricane Saddam last year, many residents have been left homeless and impoverished and welfare has helped those who have been unable to get reimbursed for their losses as of yet. However, the because of these lack of reimbursements, the Conservatives will score a considerable number of votes -- obviously because the people are upset over the Liberal Party's lethargy to address the disaster (in some people's opinions, at least). So East Genoa, heavily Liberal, will get some Conservative votes but will ultimately be dominated by Liberal votes. Keep in mind that East Genoa is very heavily populated as is North Genoa. That's alot of popular vote -- which is the ultimate factor in these elections.

"Second: Conservatives. The Conservatives have been undoubtedly the underdogs in the past several elections. That's a given. However, two likely spots where Conservative voting will be heavy will be the wealthier West Genoa (Southport) and the more traditionalist/Conservative Blaine. However, neither of these areas are heavily populated. West Genoa will provide more weight than Blaine, though. Several clearer reasons as to why the Conservatives will take West Genoa: West Genoa is undoubtedly richer. Magon's tax cuts will benefit them moreso than Jackson's or Neil's. Loosened labor and corporate regulations will mean more income for businesses and large corporations -- most of which are based in Southport, New Genoa's richest city. While in social issues many New Genoans may be in support of abortion and the abolishment of the death penalty, money and business will be the deciding factor to go Conservative this election.

"Blaine has only once had a Liberal majority vote. And that was in 1964. Blaine is a given when it comes to the Conservative campaign. The island province has arguably the most Conservative New Genoans -- pro-life, pro-death penalty, and pro-capitalism. Recent surveys taken before the election revealed that 76 percent of Blainains plan to vote Conservative.

"Third: Greens. The Green Party has fourteen seats in the House. They're slowly gaining some political power, however, they will not take the majority of votes anywhere. In North and East Genoa and West Sardinia they will garner their most votes, mostly because those areas are notably liberal as discussed earlier. Jack Neil will get the Green Party some more recognition, but I don't expect him to take a huge chunk of votes from any paticular place.

"And lastly, the undecided areas which will determine the final decision: South Genoa, Central Genoa, and West Sardinia. South Genoa is home to the hub of New Genoa, the Capital. However, the province itself is undecided. Last election, 72 percent of South New Genoans voted Liberal; however, attitudes in some areas have soured. The recent tax rates have disgusted some South New Genoans, most of whom are middle-class workers. The city of New Genoa itself however may be won by the Liberals slightly, but it certainly won't dominate. It's going to be close. Central Genoa has always been a toss-up and the recent tax rates and tax cut plans will ultimately decide who gets their votes. Central Genoa is traditionally moderate and last election the Liberals took 57 percent of the vote. West Sardinia for years has been (in)famous for being far left wing. However, public opinion of the Liberal Party has declined. That's not to say that the population will vote Conservative. The public will vote a multitude of left-wing third parties running, such as the Greens, Communists, and left-wing Independents. West Sardinia is the least populated New Genoese province and will hold less wieght compared to other undecided. This should not rule them out, though, as a deciding factor. The Liberal and Conserative minorities here may decide who wins and who loses."

"Thanks, Dr. Haroldson."

"No problem, I enjoy this."

"Countdown to voting results has begun, less than three hours. Stay tuned."

<OOC: dont bitch and moan at me because nothing exciting or unexpected happened at this election; it was a simple thread that I needed to do to get something out of the way.>

IC: "Thank you for watching Election 2004: New Genoa Decides, we appreciate that you've chosen our network for 24/7 coverage of New Genoa's presidential election.

"And we have good news for you. The countdown clock has hit zero, the votes have been counted and recounted and checked and rechecked numerous times. And we've got the voting results.'

Screen pans to a chart

VICE PRESIDENT DEREK JACKSON: 45%
SENATOR WALTER MANGON: 43%
JACK NEIL: 12%

"There you have it, the results are in and Vice President Jackson has garnered the highest percentage of votes. The Mangon administration has requested that certain areas in West Genoa be recounted for authencity, but otherwise it seems apparent that the Liberal Party has won yet another election, barely.

"As predicted by Dr. Haroldson, North Genoa and East Genoa had a majority of Liberal votes over Conservative and West Genoa and Blaine both garnered more Conservative votes than Liberal. Central Genoa, according to current sources, went 50-50 and South Genoa was clinched by the Liberals just barely with 40-39-11 victory. West Sardinia was where Mr. Jack Neil gained the upper hand with 30 percent of the votes and Hans Richman of the Communist Party also was able to obtain 19 percent of the votes there while the rest went to: the Blue Party, Independent candidate Mike Rammichy, Independent candidate Sandra Herra, and Independent candidate Linda Vinholten.

"More anaylsis on the subject when we return, as we're still receiving news from the Capitol. We now take you to New Genoa, South Genoa where Vice President Jackson is going to make a speech."

Camera pans to New Genoa, South Genoa

President Jackson stepped up to the podium as the crowd cheered.

"Fellow New Genoans," he began, pausing to soak the cheers, "once again you have made the right choice by voting Liberal. Once again you've decided to choose progress. Once again you've voted for a candidate who will improve our environment, cut taxes, and cherish the civil rights and liberties of this GREAT NATION!"

Cheers.

"Furthermore, I wish to thank you for considering me the best choice to lead this fine nation into the future and beyond; to bring respect and prosperity to New Genoa; to bring happiness and peace; to hold to the principles upon which our nation was founded on! But it is not me whom you should congratulate, it is you, the New Genoan, whom should receive the applause. YOU made the choice. YOU decided that you wanted progression over recession. YOU decided that you wanted lower taxes. YOU decided that you want to keep our economy strong. YOU decided to adhere to the civil liberties that I will preserve. YOU are the real winners, New Genoans. Give yourselves a round of applause!"

The crowd cheered wildly as Jackson pumped his fist into the air and exited the podium to go shake hands with the people.