Political Campaign For Lord Protector

[Delfos]

"This is going to be fun if it continues like this, don't you agree?" looking to King and a quick look to Finestone.

[Zimmerwald]

"For the aid of those watching this debate, I request that Mr. Belecono's original statement be replayed sentence by sentence so I may rebut each point of his seperately."

"Some of this talk is near traitorous! Restricting the powers of the Crown? Removing them? Unacceptable! I find each of your lack of faith in Her Majesty deeply disturbing.

Please stop with the ad hominem attacks, Mr. Belecono, and you too, Mr. Finestone, or I will ask the moderator to censure (ooc: not censor; it means to condemn conduct) you both.  Furthermore, Mr. Belecono, you will find that the Constitution is quite clear on the powers of the Empress.  Excepting the power to veto laws, the Empress' power is solely confined to the appointment of officials.   It is not only the Socialist Party, or the Progressive Party, or the Conservative Party, who want to restrict the Empress' powers; the people who wrote our Constitution saw clearly that such powers do not belong in the hands of a hereditary official whom nobody has the power to legally remove!

Let us not betray our traditional values and roots in these modern times - we should be encouraging the survival of such things!

If you want to talk about tradition, Mr. Belecono, you cannot simply elevate Canada's monarchical tradition; you must take our entire tradition, including our democratic tradition, into account.  And given the state of our government before the Border War, before Alia was elevated by her emergency powers, one can clearly see that our democratic tradition was, and should remain, the stronger.

"If anything we should broaden the powers of the monarchy. For the Empress to be a figure of hope and justice to the people, she should have the power to act as one! Let us not sell out to the demands of modern politics. Emergency powers are a necessity, especially in the current climate. I'd rather a divine Empress than a fascist dictator."

Actually, Mr. Belecono, and I have already pointed this out, the "current climate" does not demand that any figure, including the Empress, retain emergency powers.  The "current climate" does not in any way resemble an emergency.  Dysanii is dismembered, unable to attack Canada.  The DSA is occupied in the south, and our military is able to prevent any surprise attack that may come our way from the south.  The domestic state is stable, as evidenced by the fact that we are able to have this debate at all.  In point of fact, there is no emergency, and thus no need for emergency powers.

And as to your point about the current state being preferable to a fascist dictatorship, I totally agree.  However, the point is moot.  No major group in Canada is advocating fascism, nor is there any danger that a fascist group might take power.  No power in Taijitu has the military fiat to impose fascism on Canada.  Therefore the choice is not between fascism and autocracy.  The choice is between autocracy and democracy, and the Canadian people will support me when I say I prefer the latter!

[Aquatoria]

"Alright, it now seems that we know everyone's views on this topic, so we will move on. The place of Canada in the world;since we are a fomer colony of the Inglish Empire, have the Inglish through PI as will as other PI members used us? Furthermore, should we pull away from PI? Canada has always been more worried about regional concerns, should Canada now get involved in golbal concerns, for example the Xyraeli-Colonial Wars? Also should the Canadian government continue to have the Imperial Federation or should that be dissolved?

[Zimmerwald]

"You've asked several complex questions that demand nuanced answers, Charles.  I'll try to cover each as best I can; perhaps we can bicker amongst ourselves for a while after we've each given our opinions, so we may get a better understanding of one another.

"I believe that to answer your first question properly, it is important to look at the geopolitical situation of the American and European continents (OOC: if that's not the correct terminology, please let me know), particularly the geopolitical role played by Inglo-Scotia.  It is in the interest of that country to have a base of support on the American continent.  In the past, that interest has been achieved through Inglish colonialism, in Canada and further south.  It is the position of the Socialist Party that Inglish imperialism operates today through the PI alliance, and that Canada has been a tool of that imperialism by its participation.

"The Inglish have gained moral ascendency over us through their intervention in our wars with the DSA and Dysanii.  Though this intervention was vital in securing our continued existence, it did have the effect of placing Canada under Inglish influence.  It is the Inglo-Scotian position that we now owe them a favor or two.

"There are also powers in the PI that are, shall we say, unsavory, and with whom we should not be allied.

"It is the position of the Socialist Party that Canada should abandon not our staunch PI allies, but the PI structure that allows them to dominate us.  We should replace the PI treaty with bilateral treaties between Canada and: Myroria, the CSSD, Inglo-Scotia, and Christstan.  Bilateral treaties for mutual assistence will allow us to conduct our relations with these powers on a plane of equality and not be tools of their imperialism, while simultaneously cooling relations with such imperialistic powers as Feniexia.

"As for intervening in Xyrael's wars with its colonies, Canada does not have the power or the influence in the region to be able to do so.  We should work through the IPO to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, preferably involving independence.  Not only would such an arrangement be a blow to imperialism as a whole, it would demonstrate to the powers currently occupying Dysanii that Canada under the Socialist Party stands for the independence of all nations.

"Another step that would demonstrate this would be the dismantling of the Imperial Federation, which serves Canadian imperialism much as the PI serves Inglo-Scotian imperialism.  Again, the Socialist Party suggests substituting bilateral treaties with the former members of the Federation."

[Talmann]

     "Though I do agree with some of your points, Mr. King, I do not think we should dismantle the Federation. It brings money to all parts of the Empire, and we can only benefit by maintaining what we have, though I think we can all agree that we need not go further, am I right? My views on Canada's place in global politics is to draw back, though not exit, from any military alliances such as Pax Imperium. I would refrain from entering in other alliances of the same and back off from those we are currently in. If the other nations will not accept us from backing off, only then will we cease membership.
     Also, I would invest more time in peace-spreading organizations, such as IPO. I feel that the press world-wide has focused too much on Canada's seemingly imperialistic attitude, and not enough of our peaceful nature. It's time we showed Taijitu that we can be helpful, too. You mentioned the wars in the Xyreali colonies. Here, I do agree with you, Mr. King. Canada should work with the IPO to end this hostility in the best manner possible, peace. Not only to show the Dysaniians... Not even to show our allies... But to show every citizen of every nation that we, Canadians, represent Peace!"

[Zimmerwald]

"The problem with that argument, Mr. Martin, is that it is fundamentally inconsistent.  I agree with you that peace is a worthy goal, but to achieve it, the strictest consistency must be applied to all our policies.  The issue of the Xyraeli colonies and the Imperial Federation are parallels; no doubt the Xyraelis would say that their colonies bring money to all parts of their empire, at least when the population is compliant.  However, the fact that an independent government has claimed responsiblity over at least part of the territories in question, and the fact that Xyraeli forces have yet to quell what appears to be a popular uprising, shows us that the population there is likely ever to be compliant again.  Therefore, the only way to peace there is immediate and unconditional independence.

"As I said, Acadia represents a parallel situation.  Moderate forces there have indicated their wish for autonomy from Canada by creating their own regency, soon to be replaced by monarchy (OOC: see Canada's news thread).  There is armed rebellion in Acadia too, which is being directed against, and suppressed by, Canadian troops (OOC: see Red Uprising).  All this illustrates perfectly that Acadia, at least in the opinion of its population, is not independent, and that it should be.  The Socialist Party agrees with the people of Acadia, and would, if we gained power, withdraw our occupation troops and allow Acadia to go its own way.

"This sort of action would enhance our international prestige and make us more able to insert Canada as a benevolant presence elsewhere.  Only once we've established that Canada is no longer imperialistic, only once we've established good faith in the international community, will Canada be a force for peace.  Taking half measures and then demanding that other countries hold themselves to scruples which we ourselves scorn will get us nowhere."

[Delfos]

"I believe Canada should be part of globalization, Canada can't loose the train. This would practically mean the reinforcement of Peace Keeping operations, and diplomatic attitude towards any issue in the world, such are the Xyraeli colonies matter. Also be part of economic globalization, also moderated through IPO, specially from Loyan coordinators. The News show Canada's internal market strenght to overcome from the Myrorian depression, this strenght must be used now to enforce our position in the Global market. I firmly believe this is the time to boost our economic capacity, so that we can be unchallenged in Taijitu."

[Templarios]

"I believe Canada should be part of globalization, Canada can't loose the train. This would practically mean the reinforcement of Peace Keeping operations, and diplomatic attitude towards any issue in the world, such are the Xyraeli colonies matter. Also be part of economic globalization, also moderated through IPO, specially from Loyan coordinators. The News show Canada's internal market strenght to overcome from the Myrorian depression, this strenght must be used now to enforce our position in the Global market. I firmly believe this is the time to boost our economic capacity, so that we can be unchallenged in Taijitu."

We agree with our Honorable collegue here but only on the terms that it will benefit our people. We must use this global market to create more jobs for our citizens, lower the costs and use the increased money flowing into our country to make the heath service free, free education for all under the age of 22 and drive forward our social polices!

[Aquatoria]

OOC: You all could agree on something? Since you all are answering questions outside of the ones I give, which is good this will be the last question.

"The next set of questions were going to be the Acadian issue, but you all seemed to have given your opinion on that, as well as other issues such as globalization and the Canadian market. So the next questions are about the military size and performance. The Canadian military is large and is powerful, but what will you do with it when you are Lord Protector? The Socialist arty has said that it will increase the Army size. Why? And is that a good idea? The Canadian military is now finally engaging in wars overseas, like the confusing Kailizerc conflct, and the war with the communist forces in Acadia. Will you continue this pattern of sending Canadian soldiers overseas to fight in wars. Also, the Canadian Navy is a powerful force in the American region, but some say that it could be and should as large as the Xyraeli Navy in order to be a force that truly should be reckoned with. Do you agree?"

[Delfos]

"Let me just comment on Mr Finestone's comment, just saying that he's too dreamy, and people will suffer from his dreams. Otherwise, I perfectly agree with the general concept.

About military, I've already commented about it, but let me add that, we shouldn't overcome ourselves, we can't go on there like cowboys and waste money on useless military cockfighting.
We should enforce the defensive structures, more efficient technology and trying to get the edge of it. And let the military personnel defend the territory as it is, with a some reduction."

[Zimmerwald]

"Let me clarify the Socialist Party's position on increasing the size of the military.  This program is not stand-alone, and should be considered as a companion to our policies of letting Acadia be independent and asserting Canada's independence from the PI.  Obviously, eliminating Canada's dependence on its allies, a dependence which puts us basically at their mercy, will require a military buildup, of the Army, of the Navy, of the Air Force.  Increasing the size of the military is also a safeguard to ensure our security should goodwill and goodneighborliness fail to pacify our traditional rivals on this continent.  In addition to this, increasing the size of the military decreases the size of the civilian labor pool, and leads to an increase in wages, something no other party has promised, either in their platform or in this debate.  Needless to say soldiers, sailors, airmen will be well paid.

"In keeping with our vision of a Canada that is at once secure, a good neighbor, and a moral force in Taijitu, this enlarged military will be primarily defensive in nature.  The Socialist Party advocates a military that is able to protect Canada, and whose primary focus is protecting Canada, thus we are against the deployment of troops to other nations unless the nation in question requests their presence.

"As to the Navy, under our plan, it will be modestly enlarged, though not nearly to the size of the Xyraeli navy.  We simply don't need that size navy, as we don't have colonies to protect and pacity, and we can count on our allies as well as ourselves to police the sea lanes.  Not to mention expanding the navy is more expensive than expanding the other services."

[Templarios]

"Let me just comment on Mr Finestone's comment, just saying that he's too dreamy, and people will suffer from his dreams. Otherwise, I perfectly agree with the general concept.

I ask the country and the panel - dreamy or visionary?

[Zimmerwald]

"I think we all know who the visionary is here, folks."

[Templarios]

"and we know who wants to expand our armed forces which equal further military engagements. I know that kind of spin when i see it. Spend your hard earned cash on a bigger armed forces to send aboard to spend even more of your hard earned cash on wars we don't want or need.

*dramatic pause for effect*

We believe in a armed force that can defend us, yes, but not cost us the earth. Cuts in management and cuts over-seas deployment of our brave fighting men and women is the way forward. We don't want they away from their loved ones dieing for causes that just bring more money to the arms dealers of this world. We want them home doing what they are paid to do by you, the tax payer - defending our land and shores.
Do you want your dollars spent on the next thousands bullets to fund some distant war that has no benefit to you or spend those dollars on things that really matter to you? If yes, vote for us and our boys and girls in the armed forces will be home where they belong and we will be able to drive forward our visionary plan for education, health and social policies."

[Zimmerwald]

"Mr. Finestone, don't try to decieve the audience.  You're a better man than that.  Besides, it's a futile exercise.  One need only look at hte platforms to see who's in the right here.  It is not the Progressives' platform that calls for withdrawal of Canadian troops from foreign soil; it si the Socialist Party's.  It is not the Progressive Party that explicitly sets Canada against imperialism; it is the Socialist Party.  If you want to talk about bringing benefits to Canadians, it is not the Progressive Party that has pushed for higher wages, and will deliver if elected; it is the Socialist Party.  It is not the Progressive Party that will help workers to own the businesses in which they labor.  It is the Socialist Party.  If all you've got is a few more addenda to the already comprehensive welfare state, then I'm afraid that your platform comes up rather short.

"Furthermore, I seem to recall that the current government is headed by the Progressive Party.  It is under Progressive leadership that our troops continue to occupy Acadia and intervene in Kaliazerc.  If you wanted to run as a peace candidate, Mr. Finestone, I'm afraid your party's record is against you.

"Folks, even an expanded military stationed safely on Canadian soil would be less expensive than the two occupations which have been the fruits of Progressive rule.  The Socialist Party has shown that a buildup, along with other measures such as subsidizing worker-owned businesses, will increase the wages and economic power of ordinary people.  Just think about it; government working for you, keeping you safe and letting you be happy to boot."