Patra Caesar
09-12-2004, 06:25
The following is an interview on Patra Caesar State run Television that aired last night, Mike Hunt interviews Senator Barris.
Mike HUNT: The Aristocratic Party has offered selected executives in the information technology and communication industry a role in devising Aristocratic Party policy provided they each pay a fee of $7,500 to join a new party forum. The person orchestrating the scheme is the Aristocratic Party’s James Barris. Senator Barris, isn’t this a case of selling access to Government ministers?
Sen. BARRIS: Everyone has access to Government ministers, Mike. That’s what democracy is all about. But people who pay a fee can have additional access where the Ministers actually listen.
Mike HUNT: So you are selling access to Government ministers?
Sen. BARRIS: Mike, as Senator Malston has said this process is not part of the Government, it’s an Aristocratic party forum.
Mike HUNT: Isn’t the Aristocratic Party in Government?
Sen. BARRIS: No, the Coalition of the Aristocratic and Nobel parties are in Government.
Mike HUNT: But the Aristocrats don’t listen to the Nobels.
Sen. BARRIS: Well $7,500 could change that Mike. Look, what’s the big deal here? Just because you pay money to have access to a minister and make a policy recommendation doesn’t mean they’ll implement that policy.
Mike HUNT: No?
Sen. BARRIS: No, there are many, many other people paying ministers money to have access and make a different policy recommendation. It’s a complex process.
Mike HUNT: So you can guarantee a minister’s decision making process won’t be unduly influenced by donations?
Sen. BARRIS: Certainly not at this stage Mike. We haven’t even got all the RSVPs yet. Then we need a calculator and a credit check.
Mike HUNT: Senator Barris, thanks for your time.
Sen. BARRIS: You got it cheap at half the price Mike.
Mike HUNT: The Aristocratic Party has offered selected executives in the information technology and communication industry a role in devising Aristocratic Party policy provided they each pay a fee of $7,500 to join a new party forum. The person orchestrating the scheme is the Aristocratic Party’s James Barris. Senator Barris, isn’t this a case of selling access to Government ministers?
Sen. BARRIS: Everyone has access to Government ministers, Mike. That’s what democracy is all about. But people who pay a fee can have additional access where the Ministers actually listen.
Mike HUNT: So you are selling access to Government ministers?
Sen. BARRIS: Mike, as Senator Malston has said this process is not part of the Government, it’s an Aristocratic party forum.
Mike HUNT: Isn’t the Aristocratic Party in Government?
Sen. BARRIS: No, the Coalition of the Aristocratic and Nobel parties are in Government.
Mike HUNT: But the Aristocrats don’t listen to the Nobels.
Sen. BARRIS: Well $7,500 could change that Mike. Look, what’s the big deal here? Just because you pay money to have access to a minister and make a policy recommendation doesn’t mean they’ll implement that policy.
Mike HUNT: No?
Sen. BARRIS: No, there are many, many other people paying ministers money to have access and make a different policy recommendation. It’s a complex process.
Mike HUNT: So you can guarantee a minister’s decision making process won’t be unduly influenced by donations?
Sen. BARRIS: Certainly not at this stage Mike. We haven’t even got all the RSVPs yet. Then we need a calculator and a credit check.
Mike HUNT: Senator Barris, thanks for your time.
Sen. BARRIS: You got it cheap at half the price Mike.