Furbish Islands wrote: Once again, thank you all for attending the debate last night. As promised, I will put it on the RMB for all to read, behind this spoiler because it's pretty long.
[spoiler]
Furbish Islands :
Good evening, residents of the FCN, and foreigners, I hope you had a good Saturday, and thank you all for tuning in to the January 2020 FCN Presidential Debate. I am President Furbish Islands, and I will be the host of the debate. This election has an unprecedented five candidates, Ulrech , Gagium , The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire , Holy Rhinish Islands , and New Waldensia , the most of any election in FCN history.
Here in this channel, the debate will be taking place. I will be asking questions, directed at specific candidates. The candidate must answer, and the other four can then respond to that answer to start up some debate. I have some of my own questions, and I will be taking some from the audience. The audience will be discussing the debate in #presidential-commenting. After it finishes on discord, I will release the transcript of this debate to the RMB the next morning.
Here are the results to the pre-debate poll, which was up for a few hours before the debate started:
Ulrech - 6
New Waldensia - 4
Holy Rhinish Islands - 3
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire - 2
Gagium - 1
Will these results hold up in the post-debate poll and the election? Only time will tell.
The five candidates may begin writing their opening statements.
Ulrech :
Greetings members of the FCN...I thank you for the opportunity to debate and discuss matters of the region with my fellow candidates...I ask each and every one of you to listen to what each candidate has to say before deciding on who to vote for...because although I believe I am the best choice we all have to glory of the Federation in mind... and once again thank you for the opportunity
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Ok, hello there. I am the legion as you can tell. I dont expect to win but this is extremely fun nevertheless. I wish luck to the rest of my opponents and god bless the FCN. If you dont vote for me you will be destroyed by me personally. You are a bold one and you will die braver than most if you do not comply. You are as clumsy as you are stupid if you dont do as I am asking. Thank you for letting a foreigner become the soon to be dictator of the FCN.
New Waldensia :
Greetings, FCN. I am honored to present my qualifications and goals to you this evening in my campaign to serve as President. I am also honored to share the stage with such a stellar and full stage of candidates. Any of these individuals will make fine presidents, and the FCN can rest assured that they will continue to be in good hands following this election.
If I am so fortunate as to earn your vote, I hope to bring my experience to best in leading the FCN to even greater heights over the next term.
Thank you for your attention and consideration during this election. FCN forever!
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Hello all! I am the ex-Vice President, current Senator, Holy Rhinish Islands! I have a long story to tell, but I cannot tell all of it in the current time we have. I am very sorry for such a late night debate, but we must do what we must do. I have been an on and off member of the FCN since before the FCN was even thought of, back around January or February of the year 2017. There I had climbed up the ranks and, then, once the CCN moved to the CCN2, became a very important character, right next to Topeka and New Waldensia, in the founding of the region. I served a little while as the Secretary of Roleplay, which is now the Secretary of Internal Affairs, the position Mr. Secretary now holds. I had left the region prior to Topekas tyranny, and had came back and left again in September of 2017. Between 2017 and 2018 I was awarded a spot in the Hall of Fame by the name St. Rhiney the Vindicated, making me technically the only Religious figure in the FCN, which is funny considering my religious views. Thank you to the current Mr. Delegate for that one. Anyhow, I came back and left again in 2018, and was then transferred to the Hall of Shame. Sorry for the delay in this message. In July of 2019 I came back to the region, got temporarily switched back from the HoS to the HoF and am now in neither category. I have passed several successful pieces of important legislature, such as that of making 9/11 an FCN Holiday, setting a limit on how long a President can ignore a bill before it becomes signed into law, allowing the Senate to pass its own laws, and the failed-passed, legally failed, but if current laws were in affect passed, Impeachment of President Furbish. I have also re-proposed the Freedom of Political Association Act, which failed due to abstentions the first time it was proposed by Mr. Delegate, but had passed the Second time when proposed by myself, due to other laws fixing the abstention countings. I am a member of the National Populist Party, the NPP, lead by Former Senate Pro-Tempore New Inglaterra, who also happens to be running for Senate Speaker. My Running Mate is Mr. Senator Greater Bastion, who is an independent candidate in no way affiliated with the National Populists. Mr. Bastion is an accomplished individual that I think can really do the job of Vice President very well, considering it has little to no duties. Just kidding on that last bit, he can do really well. As did most of this cabinet for the last 3 months, under President Furbish. Under me you can expect much Government Transparency, Stamping out Corruption, more Raids, more Activity from the Government, and Getting Things Done! Mr. Furbish accomplished 0/6 of his campaign promises, lets turn this Region back on a good note, eh!
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
(Holy hell)
Gagium :
Hey everyone, Im glad to see you all turn out for this debate..To the audience and the other presidential hopefuls. I have full confidence that everyone standing here today loves our region and would make a great president, though I believe that I can do better and lead the region to a new era of unprecedented greatness, which is why I am running. I am running to put the region first and revive all aspects of our cabinet and region.
Watch this debate carefully, and vote for who you want to, not who your party leader or anyone else tells you to vote for..Unless its me telling you to vote for me, then vote for me! Kidding, but..Do consider voting Gagium 2020!
And remember - Theres always a bigger fish
Furbish Islands :
Thank you to all. Now the first question I have, for all of you, have you decided who to put on your cabinet and Supreme Court if you win the election?
And a follow-up, Holy Rhinish Islands , in his dispatch, mentioned appointing a Secretary of War, and as you know my administration has had no one to fill the position, after Legion resigned, and no one else was interested for the position(who I believed was qualified for a cabinet position). How do you plan on solving this, and other vacancies if no one who is qualified is interested?
Also, as with all questions, I encourage some debate between all candidates.
Gagium :
No. I have not.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I have not done my cabinet, but I have not decided my VP
Gagium :
I will not until the election is over (If I win, of course) to ensure a fair cabinet with no vote buying for positions or the like
Ulrech :
I have thought about who Im going to appoint to said positions however I dont intend to release them unless Im elected
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Mr. President, I have not decided, but have thought and will not release the positions until after election occurs, if at all.
Gagium :
Ulrech , have you told your potential appointees your thoughts?
Ulrech :
I have not
Nor do I intend to
If I win this election it will be on my merit alone
Gagium :
Good to hear
Ulrech :
Not any corrupt backroom deals
I hope I can say the same for all of the other candidates
Gagium :
I am glad that the CP seems to not be doing that this time around unlike last election
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Ok, Dragons Of Power is in fact my VP
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Vice Presidential choosing has been a culture for prior to elections, as one can see by the Elections Archive.
Mr. Legion, that shouldn't be an issue that you've chosen a VP already
Furbish Islands :
Interesting. What about my follow-up question to that?
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I plan on searching around and looking for anyone who would like to be the SecWar I have had raiding experience and (like a week of SecWar of doing nothing). I believe someone would like to lead raids and such
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Well your first mistake was not appointing a person to the position. For example, I've been notified of a person requesting the position and you taking it as a meme. The goal is to have the cabinet filled with the most qualified members. If that includes shuffling around members, firing one when a better one comes up, then so be it. As long as the position is filled.
Now the other vacancies are now the issue of Mr. Secretary of Internal Affairs, the Chief of Intelligence and the Deputy Secretary of Internal Affairs, along with the Deputy Secretary of War. At that point it is past the issue of the Presidency and now lies in the hands of the Secretary.
Gagium
Furbish Islands If there is no interest in the Department of War, there doesnt need to be a department of war
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
That is true
Gagium
If there is interest, even by one person, in the department of war, there will be a secretary of war
Holy Rhinish Islands :
I'm sorry, my words weren't clear, the Secretary of Internal Affairs needs to appoint a Chief of Intelligence and Deputy Secretary. The vacant Secretary of War needs to appoint a Deputy for his office.
New Waldensia :
Furbish Islands re: Justices, I hope to reappoint the current batch as I feel they have done a tremendous and professional job. That would be my preference. If any are unable or unwilling to, I would seek individuals who maintain the same level of commitment to justice and following the Constitution.
Ulrech :
My apologies
Holy Rhinish Islands :
New Waldensia I wouldn't have said that if I were you, a Citizen that is quick to jump to conclusions could charge you with Bribery if a Justice were to vote for you.
Ulrech :
We constantly have new individuals coming into the FCN as we are a growing region...I positively one of them will fulfill my requirements for Sec of War
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Now I'm not going to make that conclusion, Mr. Delegate, but that was the main reason we didn't release any Cabinet positions yet.
I haven't even talked to my Party Leader or my Vice President about Cabinet Positions.
Furbish Islands
While on the topic of secretary of war, something multiple people have said in the campaigns is creating a strong FCN defense force and raiding again. This is a question I have marked down for New Waldensia , but all the candidates may answer.
A problem with raiding is a lack of interest, which is understandable, considering that raiding requires often being awake at late hours and losing all world assembly endorsements. How do you plan on fixing this lack of interest?
Ulrech :
^^^^^
Gagium :
Dont fix it if it aint broke. Im not one to tell anyone whether they should like raiding and defense or not. If nobody is interested in raiding or defense (After an effort is made to at least promote the AoF), then we simply wont be doing that. However, I do feel like the Army of Freedom May be useful or cool as an organization asides from NS raiding and defensive gameplay.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Tbh I cant make people stay up for raiding. This can make people even more annoyed with raiding. Either we coordinate time zones. Like create a channel which everyone that has the war dogs role will mark their time zone. Or... we stick with EST time zones and try to hit in the day and have a special team ready for deployment at any time at night, and if nobody is interested in raiding then that wont be a main priority for me
I do agree with Gagium
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Mr. President, I do believe giving people an incentive to raid would be best. We have around 104 WA nations in the region - if we could get all of them to raid, then we'd be one of the largest raiding forces on NationStates. Like Mr. Secretary said, if there still is no interest, then we could always shut down raiding. That would be a sad ending to the AoF however.
Ulrech :
Like I've mentioned...I intend on creating a defense force which will require much less upkeep and probably much less effort...attack other regions and becoming the aggressor too often can open up a can of worms none of us want to deal with...I've seen it happen before and I'd hate to see it happen here
Gagium :
What incentive, Holy Rhinish Islands ?
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Gagium the Medals do not seem to work, however, giving the Generals a place in the Hall of Fame, or some other Presidential Award, could in theory work
Gagium :
The Generals? Not everyone is a general and will be
How is that an incentive for everyone else?
Ulrech :
I 1000% disagree here
A place in the hall of fame for the generals
absolutely not
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Gagium there is a possibility for Privates to become Generals by participating in raids, I do believe.
Ulrech :
Although they do need to be awarded a place in the hall of fame is too too much
Gagium :
A possibility? Hmmph
Theres also a possibility of you winning the election
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Ulrech of course, a separate Hall could do.
Gagium :
Now, what sort of possibility? Nobody is going to be motivated to become so dedicated to the AoF that they gain a special hall of fame trophy and a general rank, and just for that
And that would require leaders. Leaders to guide these people to become hardened AoF raiders and defenders. Now, tell me, what do you know about leadership?
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Holy Rhinish Islands I think the only reason someone would raid is for a medal tbh.
That doesnt seem like a good idea. I mean.... who knows if right when they get the medal theyll end raiding altogether
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Gagium lemme see, I have helped found the CCN2, have been Secretary of Roleplay for around a month or two, have been Chief Justice of the FCN Court at a time, and have been Vice President of the FCN.
Ulrech :
I think he's hinting at military experience
Gagium :
You..helped found the CCN2? You were Secretary of Roleplay? Someone made you Vice President because they had no other choices?
Ulrech Not necessarily, Im just talking about leadership in general.
Ulrech :
Fair
Gagium :
Not necessarily related to NS or NS experience, as Holy Rhinish Islands seems to think.
Titles dont make you a leader, no
Experience doesnt even make you a leader by any means
Ill stop at there so Furby can get to the next question
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
In my time, experience outranks everything
-Captain Rex
Furbish Islands :
Nice transition to the next topic, experience. The candidates have some varying levels of experience, in and outside the FCN.
Gagium and New Waldensia have both been longtime members of the FCN since the days of CCN1, holding numerous positions in government in the past, including President.
Ulrech , while also experienced, joined the FCN relatively recently compared to the rest. Most of his experience, according to his dispatch, is from Redlandia and the GC.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire has founded and lead the Monarchist Democratic Alliance, currently an FCN protectorate, and is now an FCN citizen and Senator.
Finally, there is Holy Rhinish Islands , who is the youngest of all the candidates. And while he was around nearly as long as Gagium and New Waldensia , he has had a controversial past, and held little positions in government compared to the rest.
Do any of you wish to comment on your experience, including things I left out?
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Ive raided plenty in the past. I think I am a sergeant or major?
I dont remember
Ulrech :
I think I bring an interesting perspective to the table as I have substantial experience elsewhere so I have a different outlook on things...as you said yourself I'm by no means a rookie at NS
Gagium :
I dont intend on running based off of experience or fancy titles that Ive garnered over the years, though if the people are concerned about my experience please let me know
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Well you are missing the fact that I have just about as much experience in the little times I've stayed in the region for lengthy times. For example, I was Secretary of Roleplay until I had left the CCN2, was Chief Justice until I left that as well in the FCN, and have served as Vice President and Senate Clerk more recently.
I'm not going to use my age as an excuse for being less experienced or less mature, in fact maturity by no means is related to age. Correlation is not necessarily Causation.
Gagium :
Former President SecWar Current SecInt and Longtime FCN Patriot :fcn:
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
And to be fair, if I recall I think Gagium or Furbish Islands said Im the most patriotic foreigner theyve ever seen
Ulrech :
The only reason I mention most of my experience is because most of it involves leading regional military forces as the AoF and our military operations seem to have come to the forefront
New Waldensia :
Backing up a bit, regarding our War Department. This will be a priority for me. In the past we held some competitions with other regions to boost military involvement -- I would probably try to do that again. In the event of a SecWar who was inactive, as Commander-in-Chief I would take that responsibility upon myself to lead until I was able to find someone able to fulfill the duties of the post.
Regarding experience, I have held most of the possible posts in this government, at one time or another, and so I am well aware of the duties and responsibilities of each Cabinet position. Having such a background, I can assist the Secretaries if needed in achieving goals and hiring staff, helping to direct the administration as it seeks to grow the region.
Furbish Islands :
Next topic, foreign affairs. Many of you stated your wishes for improving relations with other conservative regions. What do you hope to accomplish in that realm?
And while on the topic, the LCN, which has been a controversial issue since last June. New Waldensia , for example, has been a strong opponent of the embassy closure, while Gagium was a strong proponent. To both if you, why do you hold such strong views towards the LCN? And what do you plan on doing with them in your term?
New Waldensia :
Our relationship with the LCN is unfinished business. I would like to see that chapter closed, and a new page turned. So, specifically, I would seek to restore the embassy and begin a start with a clean slate with the region in particular.
Gagium :
I want to reach out to our current embassy regions and open up communications - Send a diplomat or our Head Diplomat to their servers and have them send a diplomat to us if possible, and maybe even show up on some of our embassy regions discord servers and RMBs myself. Through initial cooperation and communication com friendship
Holy Rhinish Islands :
WA voting bloc with other Conservative Nations seems the best idea here. If we can rally up enough Conservative Regions, such as the LCN and/or MDA, to vote along with each other against Liberal proposals, then we could increase the Conservativeness of the World Assembly.
New Waldensia :
I would also seek to assist RTL in restoring activity again, and carry out our treaty that calls for periodic State visits.
Gagium :
New Waldensia Why did you begin with the LCN? It seemed as if you began typing that before he mentioned it - When he spoke of foreign policy, why did you instantly jump to the LCN?
Holy Rhinish Islands :
And I'd like to point out around 70% of people who voted in my most latest poll believe in a WA voting bloc, and on another topic 70% agree to rebuild relations with the LCN
Ulrech :
Like Gagium mentioned, I'm going to refrain from telling you my titles and why I should be the one to do so....instead I'll say this... looking at each conservative region and what they are interested in is a good way to build relations... taking CCD for example they seem to have a focus on roleplay so reaching out to them to talk about the possibility of setting up a roleplay is a great method to build relationships...but as the FCN is pretty large simply putting our names out there is an excellent way of finding and building relationships with other conservative regions
Also THE LCN ISNT THE ONLY CONSERVATIVE REGION
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I hope to expand our relations with other regions who arent just conservative case that is to be fair.... boring. I would like more people to see the FCN as a home to not just conservatives but to many ideologies on the terms of democracy and such.
As with the LCN. They are not bad people. In the name of the MDA I am active in their server. We should stay in contact with them. As for the WA I would like to see it balanced (even if that is possible). I want some conservatives and some liberal views. Most of the WA is sadly infested with left wing ideologies... too many to say. Since the FCN is already pretty big I say lets get out there and make pals with other regions!
New Waldensia :
Gagium because I'm so intelligent I knew if would become the primary focus of this topic. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: As I said, it's the biggest "unfinished business" of foreign relations at this point in time. I'd like to see it resolved and push on with new endeavors. While I don't see us cooperating with the LCN in the manner we did against Farkasfalka, I don't want the one region we have outlawed relations with to be one that has Conservative tags and Conservative in the name, as well as one that, for better or worse, has members with FCN ties in it.
Gagium :
New Waldensia I would like to disagree. There is nothing unfinished with the LCN. It seems as if youre seeking to ride off of the (now kind of distant past) in foreign affairs and thats why youre looking at the LCN, but I would like to disagree with that means. I would like to evaluate them like any other conservative region thats out there under my presidency, nothing of the past factoring in. Theyre not unique.
New Waldensia :
Furthermore, on foreign relations, I would try to make sure we don't lose a step on our Delegate's endorsement level. Currently, we have the most Delegate endorsements of any Conservative-focused region, and thus hold a position of some prominence.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
The LCN have said before that they are not a conservative region fully.
Gagium :
If I were president, that wouldnt exactly matter..Id look for regions that would be friendly to us and that an alliance would be mutually beneficiary for both involved parties
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
^^
Holy Rhinish Islands :
I'd like to request to move on from this topic, seeing as it is nearing the end of debate time with few questions answered.
Ulrech :
Regions we align ourselves with must be carefully vetted as at the end of the day I have the glory of the Federation as my primary goal
New Waldensia :
As I mentioned, there is currently only one region in the entirety of NationStates that we have officially cut ties with, and it is the LCN. Not TCB, not Farkasfalka, not The Leftist Assembly -- it's the LCN.
To me, that is something that should be corrected.
Gagium :
New Waldensia Thats not a good thing
Ulrech :
establishing relations with the wrong regions would open up a massive can of worms
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
True, it can lead us into conflicts or drama
Gagium :
Now, New Waldensia , apart from the LCN, what is your foreign policy?
Do you have a foreign policy in general?
From your tenure as Head Diplomat, no offense, I saw no relations strengthened.
I saw no new strong allies or friends.
Why would anything change once you garnered an office thats not specifically oriented towards foreign policy, as your current office is?
New Waldensia :
For one, in my current position I am not necessarily able or supposed to forge my own way in policy
Ulrech :
Sadly I'll have to agree with Gagium here... you have managed to increase the number of endorsements however other than that I've seen no growth in relations
New Waldensia :
I am subordinate to the President
Gagium :
You are your own person and you run your own office, not the President.
Ulrech :
Reaching out to other regions isn't new policy
New Waldensia :
As President, I have more leeway in setting a tone for the measures that would be sought by the FCN government
Gagium :
If I were in your position, I would go for anything that would benefit us and garner more allies and friends unless the President specifically said not to.
Did Furbish Islands tell you not to do your job?
Ulrech :
Sending a telegram to an ambassador from a different region isn't necessarily something that requires presidential approval
New Waldensia :
That said, there certainly are some things that I wish I had been able to accomplish. I would like to see us continue to press into the legislative arena, as I did earlier this term.
In the past, we had FCNers actively involved in writing legislation (Dobrobyt comes to mind)
Ulrech :
Gagium sounds like you'd make a great WA delegate
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Gagium I'd like to note the Constitutional Clause that states that the Delegate must follow the majority of the Senate as a matter of Formality.
If the Senate doesn't vote, how can he act on it?
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Holy Rhinish Islands if you can pass legislation easily why dont you change it to your likeness?
New Waldensia :
Holy Rhinish Islands is correct - the Delegate is not an independent office apart from the rest of the government
Gagium :
Holy Rhinish Islands Can you rephrase?
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Gagium sure:
The WA Delegate is expected to follow the will of the majority and the Senate on any resolution or matter of foreign affairs, as a matter of formality.
Gagium :
The WA delegate follows his own mind if the senate isnt telling him to do his job.
Ulrech :
I delegate can act on his own volition but for major actions of course he needs Senate approval
Gagium :
Which the senate shouldnt have to tell him to do his job
New Waldensia :
There may be some discretion, but the Delegate is bound by restrcitions laid upon him
In foreign affairs, I was legally restricted from carrying out the duties of a diplomat in reference to a particular region, for example
Ulrech :
I personally haven't seen anything brought to the Senate in regards to this issue
New Waldensia :
Those are handcuffs on the Head Diplomat
Gagium :
How many regions are there? How many embassies do we have?
New Waldensia :
We have... 130+ embassies
Gagium :
New Waldensia , now, what stopped you from doing your job? Is there anything or anyone who told you not to strengthen our current allies, form new alliances and friends, etc etc?
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
New Waldensia then why dont people break those chains and reach out to certain regions? Try to end conflict and such.
Gagium :
No. You did little to nothing during your term when it comes to foreign affairs, and that is on you. Not on any restrictions or likewise.
Now, how would these restrictions you speak of magically disappear as President?
Furbish Islands :
Lots of good debate here. But I'm afraid our time is limited, so we must move on to the next topic, internal affairs. There are plenty of plans from various candidates, on this, and plenty of good ideas.
New Waldensia , you stated your hopes to revive the FCN Olympics, which currently is indefinitely postponed because few people applied. How do you hope to fix this?
Gagium , in your dispatch, you mention holding regional polls on ideas given by people in the region, and that is a campaign promise you also had in the last election. How exactly will people be able to give you ideas to be voted on, and do you already have any ideas you want to begin polls on?
New Waldensia :
Gagium is putting words in my mouth that I did not say in an attempt to distract from his stance on holding to the status quo on FCN-LCN relations. I have made my position clear on that matter.
Gagium :
You have, and yet you havent made your stance clear on the other thousands of regions on this site
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I must say the RPs here have good taste.... but.... they die out after a couple of weeks or so. The WW2 one was good until it was stale.
Gagium :
I am done with that topic.
New Waldensia :
Furbish Islands I would make sure that regular regional telegrams are sent out on events like the Olympics. Additionally, I helped several individuals put together their delegations for the previous Olympics, and in an effort to get the next Olympics off the ground I would offer assistance to those who are interested but perhaps don't know quiite how to go about joining.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Havent we tried TGs before? What happened then?
I would make RPs open to allied regions
Holy Rhinish Islands :
New Waldensia As far as I have received Mr. Secretary has done an excellent job on informing the region of the Olympics, FCN World Cup, etc.
New Waldensia :
The regional newspaper was a great thing for our region. I would love to see it revived, though perhaps it should be spaced out more in order to not burden the Head Journalist too much.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
If they werent already, I would send a RMB or discord messages to allied regions about our RPs
The head journalist left as soon as he was appointed
Gagium :
Furbish Islands I intend on making this very simple:
1. Person telegrams me on NationStates or discord with an idea. Ill bring this to my cabinet and get some short discussion on it.
2. If the idea isnt extraordinarily absurd (I.e. the FCN should fund and build a Death Star), well have a poll on it to see what the people want using NS.
3. Im not the one coming up with the poll topics, the people are. I have no idea what ideas people have if they havent spoken out on them, but Im aiming on giving everyone a chance to have their ideas heard - literally - by the rest of the region.
New Waldensia :
I am pleased with the status of our current RP. Although I have been unable to join it due to other constraints, I have heard great things about it. I would work with my SecInt on ensuring that efforts are made to continue it.
Ulrech :
Although I personally don't RP anymore you can easily tie the olympics in with the foreign policy I proposed earlier and inviting other conservative regions into our olympics
Furbish Islands :
Another question about internal affairs, which I believe will be an important issue in this term, which is Senate reform. Ulrech and Holy Rhinish Islands proposed an elected senate. How do both of you envision this elected Senate to be?
To the rest, what are your opinions on this?
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I believe it should be the same. This allows the people to make and vote on what they want. If we have elections, how many elections would that be? How long? How is it decided who gets in the primaries?
Gagium :
If the Senate and the people want to be elected, then they can go on right ahead. Im not going to tell the senate how they should function as head of the Executive branch - if I am elected, I will resign from the Senate. If you want to know my stance on an elected senate from me as a Senator, please tag me in #senate-debate-chamber or #general if you arent in the senate
Ulrech :
My ideas for an elected Senate are obviously still in the works...however, I'd like to maintain the the low barriers for entry for the Senate and possibly turn our government into a bicameral legislator however as President I intend on gradually pulling myself out of the legislative branch
So as President I don't intend on pushing for an elected Senate
I may speak to the future speaker about my ideas but as president I'm out of line to attempt something like that
New Waldensia :
I am excited to see reforms being discussed in the Senate. Activity has increased of late, and I would love to see more members become involved in regional politics. I do agree that Senate proceedings should be opened up to the general FCN public.
Holy Rhinish Islands :
I envision an Elected Senate to have around 12 members, 11 if you do not include the Senate Speaker, with elections being held for 3 seats at a time during general elections and midterms; each Senator would have a 3 month term that could be repeated as long as the people so choose. The 3 Senators Seats would be open for an infinite amount of people to run for, and the top 3 vote getters go on to the Senate. This could, of course, be changed, with term lengths or specific seat numbers being changed however the Senate sees fit.
As President, I would immediately Resign from the Senate, as I have pushed and pushed for separation of the branches for a long time, however, an Elected Senate could still be a possibility. If the people want it, so let them have it. If they don't, don't let them have it.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
To be fair, if an elected senate happened to be in place I wouldnt like it. Seems we should open then to the FCN citizens so keep it the same....
Oh
New Waldensia :
I do not, however, believe that moving the Senate to NS from Discord is a wise move, as the setting would not be as conducive to deliberation, debate, and voting as Discord is
Ulrech :
Holy Rhinish Islands As I've mentioned in the past one of the things I love most about the FCN is how pretty much anyone can get involved in the government
Gagium :
Holy Rhinish Islands Let me get this straight. Youll immediately resign from the senate because you dont want to be involved in it as President, but here you are detailing your perfect 12 member elected senate and how it is elected?
New Waldensia :
12 people seems like a smaller group. Almost an inner circle
Ulrech :
This is why I don't believe a unicameral legislature will work
Holy Rhinish Islands :
An elected Senate doesnt stop involvement. It just means you need consent of those who you legislate.
New Waldensia :
I would propose a grand revision of the FCN government, renaming the President as The Grand Topeka and making it a monarchy after ditching the Senate
Holy Rhinish Islands :
And like I said, The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire , I am open to any changes. 16 members, 32 members, 48 members, what have you.
Ulrech :
Holy Rhinish Islands it does however stop individuals like The Clone Republic from joining the region and fighting for legislation they are passionate about
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I say keep it open.... it limits FCN creativity from the senate and involvement.
Gagium :
Holy Rhinish Islands , are you going to be the one proposing this?
It sounds like youre the one in charge of planning your elected senate..
Ulrech :
He would've had to bring his bill idea to a senator and hope the senator thought enough of him to propose the bill
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Holy Rhinish Islands
I am the senate
Holy Rhinish Islands :
I voiced my opinion and Im open to negotiating with whoever my speaker and all senators over the details of electoral reform
Gagium :
Id you want to negotiate with the senate and take part in it, why resign from the senate?
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I say keep it the same.
Gagium :
That defeats the purpose of separation of powers as youre using it, I believe.
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Gagium I am still allowed to talk with Senators, no? It shall still ultimately be up to them if they propose the amendments or not.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Dont they do that already?
New Waldensia :
How the Senate decides to conduct or reform itself is primarily a role for the Senate, not the President. In the matter of the President being potentially a member of the Senate, I have begun to think that it may be a bit of a conflict of interest. Perhaps the President should be a non-voting member, able to debate and propose legislation, but unable to vote as he wields the veto pen.
Gagium :
So resigning from the Senate would be a formality, Holy Rhinish Islands ?
Ulrech :
I'd also like to ask if there are any more questions as we are already running over on time
Furbish Islands :
No, I have no more questions.
Ulrech :
Well
Holy Rhinish Islands :
I'd like to move on to the next question rather than to die on this hill.
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Is that a wrap?
Furbish Islands :
I believe it is time for the closing statements. The candidates may give one final position or argument, a campaign promise that has not been mentioned, and why you are the best choice for president.
Gagium :
You dont have more questions then.??
I was just getting started..
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
I am the best choice because I say so. All these other buffoons (besides New Waldensia , Gagium , and Ulrech ) are gay. Vote for me or die!!!!
:joy:
Clown me boys
Ulrech :
I've given my statements I have made a case for my self... I humbly ask for you vote my dms are always open if you have any questions about FCN politics....win or lose my dms will always be open to those who needs help...thank you for your time
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire :
Love you FCN :kissing_heart::fcn:
And hail the NP
Gagium :
Furbish Islands It doesnt matter if I think I should be President, it only matters whether the people think I should be President. Im hoping that my campaign dispatch and debate performance has convinced them that I am the right choice for the elections on the 15th.
To recap though, you should vote for me because I will put you first, simple as that. I look to help each individual nation develop and prosper in our region through activities, meaningful roleplay, an engaging Army of Freedom, beneficial alliances and embassies, and of course a cabinet that cares and shares my enthusiasm and love for the region.
Please DM me if you have any questions. And remember, your vote is your vote, not anyone elses...Though I hope that your vote will be cast for me! :fcn: :fcn: :fcn:
New Waldensia :
I'd like to thank the gentlemen for an invigorating and thought-provoking debate. Furbish Islands , you did an admirable job of designing questions that would prompt in-depth discussion by the candidates, and the FCN is better for having held this event.
Voters of the FCN, you have before you a field of candidates that are determined to see our beloved region flourish. Your decision will not be light, but neither will it be wrong. I am confident that our region will see continued progress with any of the candidates in this contest.
I have served the FCN since the very beginning. I plan to serve the FCN until my dying NS day. My record speaks for itself. My platform can be viewed at https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1303633. There are some additional items that were not discussed tonight that I will make a priority if elected, such as finishing the offical history of the FCN.
We have built a truly wonderful home in the FCN, and I would be honored to receive your trust in leading it through the next term.
:fcn: FCN Forever! :fcn:
Holy Rhinish Islands :
Rather Controversial Topic for a closing statement, but here goes.
I do believe that Government Transparency is the #1 issue for this Government. The Residents outside the Senate and Discord deserve to know how their President, Vice President, Candidate, or Cabinet Members and Senators, vote and how they act in this Discord. Ultimately it would be voter education so that we don't end up with a person that doesn't represent their personal beliefs in office.
I'd like to thank Furbish Islands , Ulrech , Gagium , The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire , and New Waldensia for the time tonight as well. Your decision on Wednesday will not be wrong.
Furbish Islands :
I'm afraid the debate has to end here due to time. Thank you to all who tuned in to the debate, and to all five candidates who participated. Hosting this debate was a pleasure, and I hope all of you had as much fun as I did. As I mentioned before, this will be put on the RMB tomorrow morning, with the results to the pre and post debate polls. Good night, and good luck to all on the elections!
And here are the results to the post-debate poll, which was up for a few hours following the end of the debate:
Ulrech - 9
Holy Rhinish Islands - 4
Gagium - 3
New Waldensia - 3
The Neo Austro Hungarian3 Empire - 2[/spoiler]
Thank you for all who will read this debate which took me quite a bit of time to compile, because now you will be informed about your candidate of choice.