NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is pretty much going to work like Drosk's election thread, with a few minor changes. So, here's some background and OOC knowledge first.

The Premier is the second highest ranking position in the Federation government. They are elected by the people, and can serve two, eight year terms (If they are elected a second time, of course). The Premier becomes President if they are in power when the current President steps down. Once he becomes President, he serves until he either decides to retire or dies in office, at which point whoever is Premier then would take office. Get the picture?

Current President Justin M. Ambrose has announced that he will be stepping down as soon as a new Premier is elected, no matter who it is. Ambassador to Foreign Lands Benjamin J. Douglas has announced that he will not run for the office. This election is historic because it will mark the first time in history that no one with either the name Ambrose or Douglas has held power in the Federation.

This thread is the question and answer thread, and the format is pretty much the same to Drosk's (so thanks to him for the idea). A voting thread will come later, where all the members of EFJ will play the Federation voting populace, so you guys will get to choose who you like the best and get to work with them more. So, let the debate begin...

IC:

Grand Federation Auditorium, Arkanis, (RL Havana) Ambrose

"Good evening, everyone. Jonathan Isnaris, ADNN News here and we're ready to televise the live debate between the three candidates running for the office of Premier, who will be your next president as President Ambrose announced today that he'll be stepping aside after the next election."

"So, let's meet the candidates. First, we have Charles J. Turian. Mr. Turian is the owner of the Federation's largest tourism company, "Sea Ambrose-Douglas", which he started out of his garage and with an old seaplane back in Haler (RL Les Cayes, Haiti). Since then, his business has grown in leaps and bounds. He has been given the "Citizen of the Year" award three times, and has been noted for helping out employees with money troubles and paying them nearly twice the minimum wage as a starting salary. Criticisms against him include that he would be too corporation friendly, raise taxes on middle class families, which he strongly denies, and that he has no international political experience. He would be considered the people's candidate if not for the next candidate..."

"Representative Amanda Parsons, Speaker of the Nation's House. Congresswoman Parsons grew up in the slums of Arkanis, with her mother and three sisters. She was the oldest and decided to forgo college to help her family. After her mother died, she started going to law school while still working to support her siblings. After eight years, she graduated, and quickly became known as "The Defender of the Poor" in Arkanis. She was elected to the Nation's House twelve years ago, and has served ever since. She has said she will increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% to pay for social programs for the poor, increase the minimum wage, and fight for a smaller income gap between men and women. Criticisms include that she will raise taxes, holds an favorable view of socialist and communist states, plans on decreasing the defense budget, and plans on taxing the Karlonian Canal."

"Our final candidate tonight is from the Department of Internal Affairs, Director Samuel Darcy. Director Darcy's record includes many years of service to the Ambrosian Republic, and is the only candidate to have held political office in all three periods, that of separation, unification, and Federation. Some have accused him of instituting his own secret police force, which he strongly denies. Others worry that electing Darcy will bring about more of the same agenda that has been present throughout the past few decades. Others worry about his age, with Darcy easily being the oldest candidate at age seventy eight [78]. Proponents say that his long history of political experience speaks for itself and that he is easily the most qualified candidate for the position."

"Now that introductions are out of the way, we will begin taking questions from the audience."

OOC2: Like I said before, this will run pretty much the same way Drosk's is. Any questions as to how the government goes (Premier to President, etc) please keep OOC.

A tall blond man stood up in the front row and raised a placard.

"Viktor Speer, SCNN. How do each of you view the use of mercenaries in conflicts around the world. And how do you view foreign intervention on sovereign nations? Do you believe that if restricted it could lead to an endless series of proxy wars in which mercenary armies fight in place of their employers, and eventually just to keep the profits rolling in?"

"A question to all canidates: To an outsider it seems incrediably unwise to allow the Karlonian canal to go untaxed. It thier a paticular reason as to why it is not being taxed, when it is arguabely the most important waterway in the world? Where is your position on the canal an either, where would the money go if it were taxed or why should it remain free?" A non descript Waldenburg reporter asked tentatively.

"More to the matter what are all of your positions on the invasions on Carribbeans islands, including the federation's own? What is the neccesity of the attack?"

A tall blond man stood up in the front row and raised a placard.

"Viktor Speer, SCNN. How do each of you view the use of mercenaries in conflicts around the world. And how do you view foreign intervention on sovereign nations? Do you believe that if restricted it could lead to an endless series of proxy wars in which mercenary armies fight in place of their employers, and eventually just to keep the profits rolling in?"

"We will address the question from Mr. Speer first, and then the question from the representative from Waldenburg." Isnaris spoke quickly, to avoid confusion. "Mr. Turian, for the sake of order, would you please begin?"

"Certainly, Jonathan." Charles Turian smiled cordially. "Personally, I don't have a problem with mercenaries. I believe that they are a legitimate business the same as everyone else's is. As long as they adhere to the same rules of war as everyone else, I don't see the problem. As for intervention, now, I'm no isolationist, but I believe that there shouldn't be intervention unless the country being intervened with asks for it. You see what I'm saying? It's all well and good, as long as it's wanted. Finally, I don't see your "mercenary wars" idea ever coming to pass. National pride plays a big part in a war, and as long as there's patriotism, there'll be people willing to fight."

"And now on to Congresswoman Parsons."

"Thank you, Jonathan. First, I believe mercenaries should only be used as a last resort, though I agree with Mr. Turian here that if they are forced to adhere to the same rules of war as everyone else, then they aren't really a problem. I do consider it a shady business, seeing how their loyalty can be bought, but I do not think they should be illegal. With foreign intervention, I believe that this is a world community, and as a world community, I believe the world should take charge for policing it. I don't believe random nations should go popping in where they don't belong, but unified foreign intervention is not out of the question should the transgression be large enough. Also along with Mr. Turian, I don't see the mercenary war idea coming to pass. I believe that conflict should be used only after all other methods of diplomacy have expired."

"And finally, Director Darcy."

The Director chose not to even acknowledge Isnaris' presence. "Mercenaries should not be used in any conflict. If the nation cannot fend for itself, then it should not be attacking at all. If they cannot defend themselves, then they deserve to be defeated. Foreign nations should keep their noses to only their own business. They have no business getting involved in our business, or the business of any other nation besides their own. Period. As for your final question, I refer you to my earlier answer about mercenaries."

"This question comes from the KNN in Granate. What is your opinions on the current upswing of Imperialist Actions Taken by many of the world's governments. Also, can you give us a few reasons why your nation has decided to invade numerous islands in the Caribbean?" Ingrid Romanov asked in a thick Ukrainian Accent.

"A question to all canidates: To an outsider it seems incrediably unwise to allow the Karlonian canal to go untaxed. It thier a paticular reason as to why it is not being taxed, when it is arguabely the most important waterway in the world? Where is your position on the canal an either, where would the money go if it were taxed or why should it remain free?" A non descript Waldenburg reporter asked tentatively.

"More to the matter what are all of your positions on the invasions on Carribbeans islands, including the federation's own? What is the neccesity of the attack?"

"And now onto the questions posed by Waldenburg. Mr. Turian, you first please."

Charles Turian nodded and smiled graciously at Jonathan. "Thank you... first on the question of the Karlonian Canal. I believe that it is unwise to let a resource like the Canal go untaxed. However, I don't believe that we should tax every single ship that passes through. I think we should keep an inventory of all ships that pass through, and then institute a flat tax on 5% of the ships that travel through the Canal, per country. For a certain number of ships, a certain charge applies. I think that is fair to all. The money received from the taxation would go to fund programs for small businesses and people living below the poverty line. As for the invasion of the Bahamas, as long as the nation of Canadstein does not enter Federation territorial waters, I don't see a problem. With the Federation's own invasions, I don't see what is wrong with the invasions since diplomatic actions were tried beforehand and civilians aren't being fired upon."

"Congresswoman Parsons?"

"If I am elected Premier, the Canal will not remain free. I was against the move from the beginning, and I still am. I propose a flat tax on every ship to pass through the canal, whether it be in proportion to their cargo or just a flat tax on every ship. But, be assured, the Canal will be taxed. The money from the taxes will be used to alleviate the tax burden on our lower and middle class citizens, and a lot of the money will go to improve the living conditions of those living in our slums. I don't condone the Canadstein attack on the Bahamas and I don't condone our government's attack on Jamaica. All avenues of diplomacy were not followed through with, so no, I don't condone them."

"And last, but not least, Director Darcy."

"The Canal should remain free as a gesture of goodwill to the international community as a whole. I feel my other two competitors must have been blind not to see the international outrage and backlash that the Drosks suffered for trying to tax trade in the Red Sea. Do we want that type of thing to happen to the Federation? No! The Canal will remain free with the specifications outlined if I am elected Premier. Further, I am forced to agree with Mr. Turian. As long as the Canadstein forces do not enter Federation territorial waters, then we are fine. However, should they, I fully expect the might of our military to be brought down upon them. As for our invasion of Jamaica, they sit along a critical trade route and have done so for years. I support the current administration's decision to attack since they have not accepted our generous offer."

"This question comes from the KNN in Granate. What is your opinions on the current upswing of Imperialist Actions Taken by many of the world's governments. Also, can you give us a few reasons why your nation has decided to invade numerous islands in the Caribbean?" Ingrid Romanov asked in a thick Ukrainian Accent.

Charles Turian cleared his throat first. "Personally, in regards to the imperialist action, I believe that, if the nation bordering you has poor relations with your government, or no relations at all, and they are a threat to your business enterprises, I think it is a country's national right to be able to invade and make sure that their interests are protected. As for the Federation's current actions, I believe the official explanation for Jamaica was that there were no relations, they sat near a valuable shipping lane, and they were only a few hundred miles from being able to strike our capital. If there were reasons beyond that, I wasn't privy to them."

Congresswoman Parsons spoke next. "As stated before, I believe that war should be an option taken as last resort, after all diplomatic functions have expired. Further, as also stated before, we are a world community, meaning that single nations should not be stepping in and deciding fates of other single nations. It should be a world decision as a whole, or no decision at all. As for our current conflict with Jamaica, again, I don't condone it. I don't think all diplomatic gestures had been exhausted, and I think that it is wrong to do so, especially with the international outcry from the likes of Honako."

Director Darcy rolled his eyes at the Congresswoman's last statement. "Please, Congresswoman, is all you do rail against the current administration? And when did Honakoan opinion constitute the world opinion as a whole? I must have missed the memo."

"Director, please direct your responses to the person asking the question, not the other candidates." Isnaris spoke up, hoping to end the spat.

"Very well." The Director took a drink from his water before continuing. "If a nation feels the need to invade another, as long as it isn't in Federation territory, then have at it. It is no worry of mine. As for Jamaica, it was invaded for the reasons that Mr. Turian listed above, but also because their incorporation into the Federation benefits all as a result. Last year, Jamaica's GDP was over $11 billion. Adding that to our economy would be a big help, and a big step in furthering the Federation's desire to be a world player."

Oliver Roué is an outspoken critic of everything un-Honakon and writer for the Honakon Free Express, the most popular non-government run newspaper in Honakon. He follows the widely believed view in Honako, that, due to years of isolation meaning they heard little about outside nations, Honako is the world, or at least the dominating superpower.

"Oliver Roué, Honakon Free Express. You talk about making the Federation a world player - however, it is the peoples view in the majority of Honakon that by invading what now has passed one nation and spending so much on defence you are merely making the world see you as somewhat of a rogue. Public opinion lies very much with the Governor of Huise, Andre Tallon, in Honakon - and many critics have pointed out this could be due to your poor reasons for war, which seemed to view taking over Jamicia as a precautionary measure encase they do something that could hurt your country in the future - Honakon views something like this as to be better responded to by diplomatic meetings with leaders of nearby "threatening" nations to discuss how you can co-operate, not invading them. Perhaps our cultures are different, but in Honakon an invasion is seen as a last measures, something to do after relations have deteriorated to nothing and your nation is provoked, such as was the case in Mongolia."

"As for a question to be directed to your canditates, I have none currently, though hopefully they will respond to my statement."

Oliver Roué is an outspoken critic of everything un-Honakon and writer for the Honakon Free Express, the most popular non-government run newspaper in Honakon. He follows the widely believed view in Honako, that, due to years of isolation meaning they heard little about outside nations, Honako is the world, or at least the dominating superpower.

"Oliver Roué, Honakon Free Express. You talk about making the Federation a world player - however, it is the peoples view in the majority of Honakon that by invading what now has passed one nation and spending so much on defence you are merely making the world see you as somewhat of a rogue. Public opinion lies very much with the Governor of Huise, Andre Tallon, in Honakon - and many critics have pointed out this could be due to your poor reasons for war, which seemed to view taking over Jamicia as a precautionary measure encase they do something that could hurt your country in the future - Honakon views something like this as to be better responded to by diplomatic meetings with leaders of nearby "threatening" nations to discuss how you can co-operate, not invading them. Perhaps our cultures are different, but in Honakon an invasion is seen as a last measures, something to do after relations have deteriorated to nothing and your nation is provoked, such as was the case in Mongolia."

"As for a question to be directed to your canditates, I have none currently, though hopefully they will respond to my statement."

Before anyone else could speak, Director Darcy spoke up first. "First, I'd like to ask how this invasion has "passed one nation". As far as I am aware, we are only invading Jamaica, as a diplomatic solution was reached with the people and government of Puerto Rico. So, unless you know of some phantom invasion that I don't, I would suggest reconsider your 'statement'. Also, seeing us as a rouge? I would like to see the rest of the world tell us this. You Honakoans seem to think that you are the only other people occupying this world of ours. Let me tell you something. Your opinion matters very little to the Federation, in my opinion, and it certainly means nothing to me. We have one of the most important waterways in the world to protect, that is why our defense budget is high. What your nation does is up to you, but stay out of our business."

A slightly stunned silence followed the Director's outburst, but Congresswoman Parsons cleared her throat next. "First off, I would like to apologize to the representative from Honako for my colleague's outburst. Second, let me say that, on some points, I agree with you. Diplomacy should be the only course until there are no other options, and then military conflict should be considered very, very carefully before being carried out. I know that Governor Tallon is extremely concerned about the plight of his homeland, and I sympathize with that. I encourage him, as well as His Royal Highness, the King, to accept the President's offer to come to Ambrose-Douglas so they can discuss the situation. I do not believe that slinging harmful and false rhetoric, as Governor Tallon has done, from half a world away does anyone any good. It only leads to intolerance, something that this world could use much less of."

Charles Turian straightened his suit slightly before speaking next. "Allow me to echo the words of Congresswoman Parsons when I say that Director Darcy's view should not and does not reflect the view of the Federation populace as a whole regarding the Imperial Empire of Honako. However, I will say that I believe Governor Tallon's words and actions to be just as hurtful and misleading as those of Director Darcy's. Saying that we favor "big guns over our people" is plain wrong. As stated before, our defense budget is high because at the moment there is a necessity for it. Once the necessity goes away, the budget will go down. As for Jamaica, they were a threat, at least indirectly. For years pirates had preyed on shipping lanes and found safe haven in Jamaican ports. The Mongols used terror on your populace, the Jamaican government allowed terror on our economy. I, for one, fail to see the difference. And finally, as for the Federation being a world player, I believe that we already are and will continue to be. While we may not have the economic or military prowess of our brothers to the north and to the west, we are a world player nonetheless. Anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves."

"It is not me who said that you were not a world player, your strategic position makes you one to some extent, but one of the candidates here was the one who said that they wished to develop your nation into a world player. As for the response of Director Darcy, it only goes to further show me that he is the least fit of the selection to govern - his little outburst failed to address my many valid points made, including the fact that Jamaica was preyed upon for existence and somewhat hindering your nation economical, which I doubt was much consider Jamaica is in no way a rogue nation who would prevent your ships greatly - these are hardly reasons for war."

"And, although you claim to have a thriving culture and happy populous, you cannot blame Tallon's thoughts about your nation saying that you may favour guns over people. From an outsider your high military spending indicates that many other sectors, probably to do with the people, are under funded - this is bound to leave some kind of bad mark on your nation. The Imperial Empire of Honakon has made no attempts to stick its noise in your business - we have merely spoken against your invasions of perfectly peaceful countries, and even then it was not official. However, some of the statements made in this room today have done nothing to further improve public opinion of your nation."

"I, again, have no questions."

OOC: Don't mean to keep bashing your defence budget, OOCly I'm fine with it now, though I've mentioned it in IC so I might as well continue. :p

A short Arab man stood up " I'm Mujak Arafak with Droskian Free News, I just wanted to ask all three of you, What is your position on Droskianishk? What do you think of Djibouti conflict? And what do you think of the Droskian elections?"

A short Arab man stood up " I'm Mujak Arafak with Droskian Free News, I just wanted to ask all three of you, What is your position on Droskianishk? What do you think of Djibouti conflict? And what do you think of the Droskian elections?"

OOC: Honako, no worries, I understand. I'm not going to have my candidates respond, however, since I don't want this to turn into a pissing match. If you have any questions though, I'll be happy to answer them.

IC:
Once again, Director Darcy spoke first. "My position on Droskianishk is that they are a nation that does not receive enough respect from the world as a whole. They are in the bottom third of nations in terms of GDP, and wish to increase that. I, personally, see no problem with that. As for the Djibouti conflict, I think it was mismanaged and handled poorly, though the intentions were just. As for the elections, I am personally supporting Mr. Kaliem Kalied. I think he is the best person to lead Droskianishk through their currently troubled times."

Charles Turian spoke next. "In a rare occurrence, I actually agree with the Director as to who should be the next president of Droskianishk. I believe that Mr. Kalied would be the best choice for the Droskian people. But, that is their choice, and is not for us to decide. I believe the current Droskianishk administration to be corrupt and power-hungry, as evidenced by the Djibouti conflict. I believe that there were no reasons to invade, other than for oil. And, as much as the representative from Honako may disagree, I believe we had better reasons for attacking Jamaica than the Drosks did for attacking Djibouti."

Finally, Congresswoman Parsons cleared her throat. "I would first like to speak on the Djibouti conflict. I believe that it was horribly mismanaged, and an insult to diplomacy, as practically none was attempted before the conflict began. As of right now, I view Droskianishk much like I view our Federation, imperialistic, corrupt, with little knowledge of how its actions influence the world as a whole or its image on the world stage. As for who would be the best candidate to lead the Droskians to the next level on the world stage, I am forced to agree with my colleagues, and say Mr. Kalied would be the best choice in my opinion."

"Kyle Phillips, Amazonian News Corporation," a reporter from the rear stood and said flatly. "Just a few quick questions here, candidates. Unlike my Honakoan collegue's nation here, the Dominion views your assault on Jamaica as justified-unlike the Droskianishk attack on Djibouti," Phillips said with an indignant slur to the end. "However, how do you feel about armed intervention against clearly unjustified attacks against innocent sovereign nations, as was the case in the Djibouti crisis? Additionally, what is your individual concepts on both of the following: international economics, free market economy, absolute political and state rule, and the East Asian sphere as a whole? Finally," Phillips paused momentarily. He had been paid handsomely to ask this one. "what would your opinion be on a nation if they veered from democracy to improve the overall state of their nation and people?"

"Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, International Affairs Reporter Htume Emasfiu. First of all, I'd like to give my compliments to the three candidates. I am sure you are all very qualified to be the next Premier of Ambrose-Douglas.

My question is simple. What is your stance on the formation of the Commonwealth of West African States, and your opinion on the recent integration of Togo into the previously mentioned organization?"

"Kyle Phillips, Amazonian News Corporation," a reporter from the rear stood and said flatly. "Just a few quick questions here, candidates. Unlike my Honakoan collegue's nation here, the Dominion views your assault on Jamaica as justified-unlike the Droskianishk attack on Djibouti," Phillips said with an indignant slur to the end. "However, how do you feel about armed intervention against clearly unjustified attacks against innocent sovereign nations, as was the case in the Djibouti crisis? Additionally, what is your individual concepts on both of the following: international economics, free market economy, absolute political and state rule, and the East Asian sphere as a whole? Finally," Phillips paused momentarily. He had been paid handsomely to ask this one. "what would your opinion be on a nation if they veered from democracy to improve the overall state of their nation and people?"

This time, Congresswoman Parsons was able to get the first word. "While I would like to thank Mr. Phillips for not condemning our Federation in this attack, I would like to once again repeat that I do not agree with it. As for the Droskianishk attack on Djibouti, I deplore such an attack and urged our government to support the resistance movement, which they did not. I feel that any unprovoked attack should be met with world response against the attackers. For international economics, we are a world economy. Every nation, whether they like it or not, depends on each other for something. If one nation goes down, it hurts the others. I am in favor of a free market economy, especially in developing nations. Free market economies have generally done better than socialist ones, and smaller nations need as much economic power as they can get. I don't believe in absolute power of anything. I tend to live by the view of "absolute power corrupts absolutely." There should always be checks and balances. I believe the East Asian sphere is important as they are quickly emerging as a major world player, especially in terms of economics and population. Finally, I believe that democracy and civil rights are two of the most important things. While I wouldn't ostracize a nation should they veer from democracy to another form of government to improve their nation, as long as it wasn't an oppressive dictatorship, I believe that relations would cool somewhat."

Director Darcy had the microphone next. "Let me just also thank Mr. Phillips for not condemning our nation for things that they know nothing about." He said with a pointed look towards the Honakoan representative. "I don't believe that nations should be attacked without provocation or reason. That is senseless war that there is no reason for, whatsoever. International economics... I believe that trade is important, but only to a point. I believe that all nations should strive, as much as possible, to be self-sufficient. As for a free market economy... I prefer more of a government run economy. I believe that for things such as gasoline, healthcare, and others, they should be government run and government regulated. I don't agree with absolute power of anyone either, though I wouldn't be against more government power and regulation in the areas I mentioned a moment ago. As for the East Asian sphere, I don't believe them to be a world player, and I think that them thinking that they are the world's superpower is misguided and delusional. For your final question, if that is what the nation needs, or even if it isn't, I wouldn't get involved. Again, each nation should really keep out of each other's politics."

Charles J. Turian spoke last. "Along with my other two colleagues, I do not agree with unprovoked or unnecessary attack on innocent sovereign nations. There should always be a reason for something as destructive as war. I believe an international economy is wonderful. I disagree with Director Darcy that each nation should be as self-sufficient as possible. I would encourage global trade as much as we could. It only serves to better the businesses doing the trading and the economy. A free market economy is the only way to go, in my opinion. Let corporations run their course, let people spend their money on what they want... everyone's happy. I personally think that there should be less government regulation on businesses and corporations. If anyone should have absolute power, it should be the corporations over how things are run in their own business. The East Asian sphere is an already-present economic powerhouse, and will continue to be so. I believe that trade with them could be important, if not vital, to our Federation's survival. Also, I don't believe that there is any excuse to veer away from democracy. If a nation did that, they would be seriously regarded for economic sanctions if I was in power, and, depending on how extremely they veered, if their people were being oppressed, military action might be in order."

"Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, International Affairs Reporter Htume Emasfiu. First of all, I'd like to give my compliments to the three candidates. I am sure you are all very qualified to be the next Premier of Ambrose-Douglas.

My question is simple. What is your stance on the formation of the Commonwealth of West African States, and your opinion on the recent integration of Togo into the previously mentioned organization?"

Charles J. Turian was able to speak first this time. "I think that it is wise that the West African area is finally receiving some stability throughout their region due to CWAS. As for the integration of Togo, I am sorry to say that I have not had enough time to examine the issue due to limited foreign policy experience and therefore will have to decline comment at this time.

Director Darcy rang in next. "I agree with Mr. Turian that CWAS is an excellent thing for West Africa and hopefully with bring strength and stability to that region for decades to come. As for the integration of Togo, as I've said all debate, if that is what is best for the country, then the rest of the world should keep their nose out of CWAS's business."

Congresswoman Parsons brought up the rear. "I also would like to commend CWAS on bringing stability to the troubled West African region, however I must caution them with their action against Togo, especially being such a new player on the world stage. I don't believe all diplomatic actions were taken, though I could be mistaken, and that should be the primary course of action, especially for young nations."

OOC: Bump and announcement

Announcement

Question period will end this Thursday (tomorrow) so get all your questions in before then. After that, I will open up an election thread (linked to this one so you can review responses) where you all can vote for one of the three candidates. You will represent the people of the Federation, and whoever has the most votes, wins, whoever has the second most is the new Premier once the one you guys elected takes over the Presidency. So, you're voting for who you'd most like to work with. Hope that works for everyone.

"Htume Emasfiu again. I assume that you have all at least heard of the formation of rival camps, composed of the Imperialist League, and as yet unnamed organization stemming from the Lagos Conference. What then will the Federation's position be regarding imperialism in Africa like that we are currently seeing in Tunisia?"

"Htume Emasfiu again. I assume that you have all at least heard of the formation of rival camps, composed of the Imperialist League, and as yet unnamed organization stemming from the Lagos Conference. What then will the Federation's position be regarding imperialism in Africa like that we are currently seeing in Tunisia?"

Director Darcy was able to ring in first this time. "I have heard of these leagues and conferences and couldn't care less about either. Let Africa and Europe blow themselves to hell and back, for all I care. It is no business of mine, and no business of the Federation's as to what is going on over there. We need to worry about our stuff going on at home."

Charles J. Turian spoke up next. "I disagree with Director Darcy. Both European and African nations trade through the Karlonian Canal and trade with the Federation. Many Federation businesses have interests in European and African countries. The two continents feuding would be extremely bad for, not only the Federation's economy, but the world economy as a whole. Therefore, I would respectfully ask that they try and resolve these matters peacefully."

Congresswoman Parsons spoke last. "These groups and leagues being formed are, quite frankly, knee jerk reactions to each other. Why must we revert to imperialism when we can have diplomacy? Why war when there can be peace? Why refugees and strife when we can have economic prosperity and unity? I would ask that these two parties come to the table and talk, not just for economic reasons, but for the well-being of the world as a whole."

A South African man stands up and shouts to Congresswoman Parsons.

"Because peace is bad for business!"

A South African man stands up and shouts to Congresswoman Parsons.

"Because peace is bad for business!"

Congresswoman Parsons did not flinch at all, but spoke directly to the man in a calm, but forceful, voice.

"Peace may be bad for your business, but it is not bad for the business of the world as a whole. Why make your business in something that kills other human beings? Do you know how many wars your weapons may have started, or how many innocent children you may have killed? Or do you not care about that and only worry about your bottom line? Is that all people are to you, a bottom line? Well they should be more than that, sir. People are human beings, your brothers and sisters. Maybe you should think about that next time before you sell weapons to whoever just happens to have enough money."

"Well, Congresswoman, the last time I checked, arms deals seem to pay out more than other legitimate jobs. A shipment of medicine doesn't pay out as much as a shipment of main Battle Tanks or bombs, not even pistols. War pays well, and peace gets in the way of good money. And no, people are not a bottom line. They are figures. If I sell a shipment of R7's, each of those men receiving them is a figure. The more figures I have with MY equipment, MY ammunition, and MY business, then the more money I come out with in the end. That is what a battlefield is becoming, Congresswoman. ID tagged soldiers with ID tagged equipment killing each other with ID tagged weaponry. It is one big business transaction, and when you own an army of 800,000 men ready to fight for a profit, then you are in business no matter what the cost is to those who start thje copnflicts in the first place."

"Well, Congresswoman, the last time I checked, arms deals seem to pay out more than other legitimate jobs. A shipment of medicine doesn't pay out as much as a shipment of main Battle Tanks or bombs, not even pistols. War pays well, and peace gets in the way of good money. And no, people are not a bottom line. They are figures. If I sell a shipment of R7's, each of those men receiving them is a figure. The more figures I have with MY equipment, MY ammunition, and MY business, then the more money I come out with in the end. That is what a battlefield is becoming, Congresswoman. ID tagged soldiers with ID tagged equipment killing each other with ID tagged weaponry. It is one big business transaction, and when you own an army of 800,000 men ready to fight for a profit, then you are in business no matter what the cost is to those who start thje copnflicts in the first place."

"And they only pay out more than legitimate jobs because those who need them are desperate and power hungry! They will do nothing to stop until they have won, even if it means placings bombs and mines that will kill dozens of their people and one or two of the enemy." Congresswoman Parsons took a breath to make sure she kept her composure. "You do realize that that is who you are selling these weapons to, correct? And people are not figures. They are human beings. Human beings with families and lives and dreams. Your "ID system" is exactly the reason there is so much war. Because people don't realize that it is their fellow human beings killed. National leaders see their armies as endless pools of resources, not countrymen who will fight and bleed and die while they sit in their offices in their fancy suits with their expensive cigars. War should be a means of last resort, not a profit making venture. Period."

"And they only pay out more than legitimate jobs because those who need them are desperate and power hungry! They will do nothing to stop until they have won, even if it means placings bombs and mines that will kill dozens of their people and one or two of the enemy." Congresswoman Parsons took a breath to make sure she kept her composure. "You do realize that that is who you are selling these weapons to, correct? And people are not figures. They are human beings. Human beings with families and lives and dreams. Your "ID system" is exactly the reason there is so much war. Because people don't realize that it is their fellow human beings killed. National leaders see their armies as endless pools of resources, not countrymen who will fight and bleed and die while they sit in their offices in their fancy suits with their expensive cigars. War should be a means of last resort, not a profit making venture. Period."

"Funny you should call war a last resort, Congresswoman." said the man. "I don't think that Jamaicans feel that way. I am fully aware of what my products do, Congresswoman, and I don't lose a bit of sleep over it. They are the only things that if used correctly, result in death or serious injury. There will never be world peace, Congresswoman, not even close. There will always be differences, and I can guarantee that there will be a vast majority of people willing to fight for what they want than to sit idly by and let the person take it. The only way you could eliminate war between human beings would be for a more powerful, outside source to unite us against it. (OOC: Like the T-Strain...), one which I do not see coming any time soon. (OOC2: He hasn't heard of the T-Strain.)

"Funny you should call war a last resort, Congresswoman." said the man. "I don't think that Jamaicans feel that way. I am fully aware of what my products do, Congresswoman, and I don't lose a bit of sleep over it. They are the only things that if used correctly, result in death or serious injury. There will never be world peace, Congresswoman, not even close. There will always be differences, and I can guarantee that there will be a vast majority of people willing to fight for what they want than to sit idly by and let the person take it. The only way you could eliminate war between human beings would be for a more powerful, outside source to unite us against it. (OOC: Like the T-Strain...), one which I do not see coming any time soon. (OOC2: He hasn't heard of the T-Strain.)

"I did not make the decision to invade Jamaica, sir. I had nothing to do with that. I had voiced my displeasure from the beginning with the operation and to insinuate otherwise just shows how uneducated you are in Federation politics." The Congresswoman nearly spat back. "Never is an extremely strong word, and I suggest you use it carefully. We were told that we'd never fly, that we'd never put a man on the moon, that we'd never be able to use fusion power. But look, here we are today, using all of these things. To write off world peace just because there are differences, well, that just portrays you as an individual of very low morals and quality. I pray you are truly representative of your country's people."

"Enough." Jonathan Isnaris spoke up, his amplified rose over any possible response from the man from Schroeder Corp. "Enough with this petty bickering. Sir, unless you have an actual question for all three candidates, I would ask you to sit down be you will be escorted out. Have I made myself perfectly clear? Good. Now, does anyone from the gallery have any questions..."

Seeing no further questions, Jonathan Isnaris cleared his throat again. "Very well then. The debate is closed. I'd like to thank all three candidates for answering questions so candidly tonight. Elections will be held within the week. Again, thank you all for coming."