Office of Fmr. Governor Simfan34

[Simfan34]

Many thanks, Clarence!

[Simfan34]

Thank you, Senator Nix (that'll take some time getting used to!), for your kind endorsement! I look forwards to campaigning with you on the trail.

Now, I am about to retire, but let me give you the text of a bill I plan to introduce, which isn't all that exciting because I've introduced it before.


Simfan34 introduced his first bill at a cocktail reception for early supporters at the The Westin Princeton on Thursday evening.

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This is partially meant as a response to the Medical Research Act. Atlasia has seen a marked drop in basic science research spending in recent years, and many of our vaunted private institutions that conducted such research such as Bell Labs, Sarnoff Corporation, or XEROX PARC, have either dropped out of basic research for projects that are lucrative in the short term or folded entirely. Indeed, in these days of fierce competition and dwindling profit margins it makes little sense to invest in research in the fundamentals or theory with little connection to daily operations.  As was written in Bloomberg BusinessWeek:

With the increasing focus on shareholder value that began in the 1990s as global competition heated up, Fortune 500 companies could no longer justify open-ended research that might not directly impact their bottom line. Today, corporate research is almost exclusively engineering R&D, tending more toward applied research with a 3- to 5-year time horizon (or shorter).

This was a luxury the monopolies or conglomerates of yesteryear had, but today’s corporations do not. But it is not a luxury, but indeed a necessity.

The many inventions of today- the tablet computer, the smartphone, the LCD television- were made possible by the innovations of decades prior- the transistor, the graphical user interface, and so forth, and those were backed up by simple scientific discoveries from even further beyond. This is something that Governor Nix noted in the past. But a link has been broken in that chain of discovery- the same science.  We are not engaging in basic science research, and thus cannot expect further innovation if we do not invest in the foundations of that innovation- such is common sense.

We today have seen manufacturing leave our shores, and whilst I would hope our government may one day take pains to see its return that is not the issue at hand today. We have placed our hopes for the time being in a “service economy”, but that, in the vein of thought of a Missourian expatriate I am loathe to find myself agreeing with, has given a few of us jobs in the finance sector whilst this “service economy” has meant, for the most of us, a job servicing customers at a fast food restaurant or clerking a checkout counter at a supermarket. Our rate of personal debt has soared, whilst growth in the economy is funneled to a select few. This is not their doing; it is instead that of the general business climate.

But we have a chance to rectify this. By investing in basic research we lay the seeds for another burst of innovation and the invention of the next generation, the chance to funnel their benefits into millions of well-paying jobs. But we need this soon, and indeed we need this now. Thus it is imperative that we conduct these efforts on a wide scale to achieve a “critical mass” of basic science research to accelerate innovation and bring their benefits to market sooner rather than later. That is also why we need to involve, and indeed make central, the private sector. The government may be good at conducting basic research, but it does so in a vacuum, where its only use is for paper writing and further experimentation. The private sector can bring these goods to market; make the experimental into the practical.

But this is a cycle, and it is only if we keep it rotating we can bring gain fruit from it indefinitely. I would like to see this bill replicated federally someday, and perhaps replace subsidization with tax credits, but until that day I think we can create millions of new jobs, and spur medical innovation to boot, with this legislation.

With tax credits, however, I think we reduce the expense dramatically and the governmental risk involved. Many other proposals made by think-tanks along these lines involved credits as opposed to subsidies and I think those work better. Otherwise I see this bill as being good federally.

[Simfan34]

Endorsed for first preference.

Above yourself?

[Simfan34]

Endorsed for first preference.

Above yourself?

I dropped out already.

Oh. I didn't know. Many thanks! Is there still an open slot on the Pingvin Report?

[Simfan34]

Today's schedule: Friday, October 26

Simfan34's supporters spooned split pea soup, munched Verlasso salmon, and sipped mimosas as spoke about his "ideas-based campaign" at the historic Hotel du Pont in Wilmington.

8:30am 10:00am 2:30pm 5:30pm 7:30pm

Attending a fundraiser breakfast at the Hotel du Pont, Wilmington, DE Visiting preformers at the Opera Delaware, Wilmington, DE Touring the Inova Biomechanical Research Laboratory, Falls Church, VA Hosting a town hall meeting at John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD Attending a fundraiser dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Nyman, D.C.

I intend to propose a new piece of legislation at the town hall meeting at Johns Hopkins later today.

I shall be staying at the Mandarin Oriental, which I checked into last night.

[Simfan34]

Simfan34 spoke today at Shriver Hall at John Hopkins University to an audience of faculty and students, proposing innovative new legislation to achieve substantial education reform.

It a pleasure to be here today at John Hopkins University, and I'm thankful you were able to arrange this on such short notice. So far, I've spoken for the need for change, reform. Well today I'd like to tackle teacher quality.

Sadly, the quality of our teachers in Atlasia has been lacking in recent decades. Less than 20% of all teachers today rank in the top third of their graduating classes. The majority of ours come from the bottom third. In contrast, those countries that preform well draw their teachers from the top 10% of their class. In Singapore, one out of every eight applicants for a teaching position are accepted. Why can't we be one of those countries?

In some cases, we are. In New York, the Teaching Fellows program has submits teachers to rigorous training and selection- one out of ten are accepted. A full 15-20% of Ivy League students now go into Teach for Atlasia, and some 2/3rds stay in the profession. These are great steps forward, and we should implement them on a wider scale. We need a professional teaching force. It is for that for that reason I am proposing

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Additionally, I propose;

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It is my belief that we can see dramatic improvements in teacher quality if we pass these bills. In New York graduating members of the Teaching Fellows program in just 2007 now compose one third of the district's teachers. We can see these effects in Atlasia as a whole, if we can pass these bills in time.

Thank you, and Dave bless you.

[Simfan34]

While I agree wholeheartedly, you really gave a speech about how dumb teachers are here in front of teachers?

Professors at a top-20 institution, quite the difference.

[Simfan34]

My friends- are they listening?

[Simfan34]

Assemblyman, could you share your positions on some of the bills being debated in the Senate right now?

I would.

Yesterday's schedule: Saturday, October 27


Simfan34 took questions from Virginians at a town hall meeting in Charlottesville.

7:30am 8:15am 11:30am 2:30pm 5:30pm 8:00pm 11:30pm

Flight from Mondale National Airport to Richmond International Airport, VA Having a  breakfast open house at Buzz and Neds restaurant, Richmond, VA Hosting a town hall meeting at the Main Street Arena, Charlottesville, VA: "Facing the 21st Century Head-on" Reception for students and faculty at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA Reception and speech for local officeholders and notables at the Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, VA Attending a fundraiser dinner at the Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, WV Retire at the Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, WV

At the town hall meeting in Charlottesville, Simfan34 spoke on immigration:

"Atlasia has thrived off of immigration. Many of our greatest minds: Einstein, Gershwin, Tesla, came from abroad- they were especially motivated by the opportunity the Atlasia provided. It pains be indescribably to see bright young minds in our universities be sent home, against their will, because they couldn't get a visa or green card. And there are those that go home because they think opportunity is better there, that Atlasiawon't have them, and then those who can't even ever come over here. We lose those people. Today, competitiveness is about having the best people, the greatest minds, the most innovation, on your side, in your company or country, and here we are not letting them be in our country. We need to change that.  We need to staple green cards to international students' diplomas, we need to dramatically increase the amount of H-1B visas we grant, we need to say to people with advanced degrees 'we want you here'.  For example, most of the large recipients of H-1B visas are Indian IT companies. They want their workers here. They want to be close to the hubs of global business. Think of the jobs we're losing out of by sending them home.

And then we have illegal immigration. We need to stop that; it harms the already fragile economy and saps political capital for increasing the sorts of legitimate immigration I spoke of. I personally find the idea of a border wall repugnant- it goes against what it stands for. But we need to stop the tide of illegal immigration, and if it involves a wall, then we will build a wall. I hope it won't come to that.

I don't want to see a bifurcated society. I don't want people who had no say over their journey in life, when they were so young, they had no say over it, to find themselves trapped without opportunity or education. I don't think that's right"


Speech in Chattanooga: "Every city a gig city"

Today's schedule: Sunday, October 28


Simfan34 met with students at the University of North Carolina and spoke about his plans for Atlasia, particularly in education reform.

9:00am 11:30am 4:30pm 5:30pm 8:00pm 11:00pm

Services at St. Charles' Catholic Church, White Sulphur Springs, VA Golfing at the Greenbrier Country Club, White Sulphur Springs, VA Flight from Greenbrier Valley Airport, WV to Durham Airport, NC Speech at the University of North Carolina's business school, Chapel Hill, NC Private dinner with Chancellor Holden Thorpe of the University of North Carolina and Duke University President Richard H. Brodhead at Bin 54 restaurant, Chapel Hill, NC Retire at the UNC McLean Hall, Chapel Hill, NC

[Simfan34]

Many thanks, Gov. Winfield. Due to inclement weather campaigning has been suspended for the past two days, but shall resume on Wednesday.

[Simfan34]

My fellow Atlasians-

I shan't lie to you; I have no idea whether I've won or lost. I'm cautiously optimistic, at the last time someone counted up votes, Spamage was ahead by one, he gained one while I gained three votes, so perhaps I've won, and with SoS saying he's lost, it seems fairly probable. But yet again I or anyone else may be wrong, so we'll just wait and see. I am not banking on a victory here.

Simfan34

[Simfan34]

I would hope you've waged correctly.

[Simfan34]

A STATEMENT FROM SIMFAN34

Good evening, my fellow Atlasians. Let me begin, before everything, with a word for my supporters This as our effort, our work, all of us, and I'm glad that so many of you came out in support of my campaign, listened to what I had to say, volunteered. Well, I suppose I shan't linger, I shan't pontificate, and I would like to give you all my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for all you've done throughout the course of this campaign.

Now, as you may know, I have decided to contest the results of the Senate election. The reason for this is simple- I believe votes cast in my favor have been erroneously invalidated. Looking at the election from a layman's perspective, I have won- going about our system I should be in a two-vote lead. However, the provisional results do not agree- those two votes have been deemed invalid. This is where I and the Department of Federal Elections must digress.

One vote, that of NCYankee, has been deemed invalid because of the fact it was cast after the polls were closed, the SoFE states. Yet precedent shows that the use of the term "EDT", assumedly "Eastern Daylight Time", has been irregular and at times erroneous. It seems highly odd to cast out his vote singularly while many other votes in prior elections, by that standard, would be considered valid

Another vote, that of DC Al Fine, has been deemed invalid, this time because he was supposedly not registered in time for the election. Yet it seems that the information given with the ballot clearly indicated that he could take for granted the fact that he was eligible to vote. I quote, "if your name appears on the Census list, you can presume you are eligible." He had been told to make that presumption by the SoFE- and now the SoFE says he was wrong in doing so. That does not seem to be in any way legally valid or even just.

There is also the issue of OAM's vote, which had two second preferences. In most other jurisdictions his vote would be deemed spoilt and invalidated. Yet the SoFE has chosen to accept it. This too seems irregular. The 2004 Supreme Court case Akno v. Fritz ruled that "For any vote to be valid, there must be no doubt as to the intent of the voter," and there is very much a doubt as to the intent of OAM.

Now I hold the SoFE in the highest regard, and his service to our country is unmatched by any other contemporary. If that is not enough to dispel any thought I am alleging conspiracy, I need only remind you the SoFE gave me his first preference. But the people of Atlasia have spoken, and it has been in our favour, and I seek only to rectify an incorrect assessment of that mandate.

Thank you, and Dave bless you.

[Simfan34]

VICTORY SPEECH- Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York

My friends,

Let begin by simply telling you how overjoyed I am to be standing before you today. I shall admit I did not think there was much chance of this happening. But here we are, standing here tonight, out in the snow, at this victory we have achieved- together! Let me once more thank, a million times, all my supporters and followers who made this victory possible.

Let me thank those who, in the early days of the campaign, encouraged me to run for the Senate. Let me thank those who gave me their endorsements and joined me on the campaign trail. Let me thank those, when the result was up in the air, encouraged me to persevere and fight for the right result- and were they right! Let me thank all those who voted for me, all the volunteers, and all who gave me their support.

Now I know this election was close, perhaps closer than any other before in this nation’s history—don’t quote me on that, although that shall be a futile request! Let me thank, then, my opponents for the dynamic ideas they introduced into this campaign.

Let me give particular consideration to Governor Spamage, who I believe shall advance the interest of The People and The People's Party well and to the most of his ability throughout his career. Let me say this- I hold no animosity or resentment towards you. I have instead the highest of respect and admiration for your service for both Party and Country.

The same goes for Snowstalker, who I look forward to serving with in the Senate.

So let me not delay; I shan't linger, I shan't pontificate, and I would like to give you all my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for all you've done throughout the course of this campaign. And now let us get down to the business of legislating.

[Simfan34]

I too would like to query the President's actions.

[Simfan34]

Senator Simfan34 earlier today.

The president's intransigence is becoming increasingly frustrating.

[Simfan34]

The Trade Agreement Re-Evaluation Committee Act manages to somehow hurt everyone on the entire planet. Amazing yet horrifying.

[Simfan34]

The president's intransigence is becoming increasingly frustrating.

I understand attacking me is very much the popular thing to do, but frankly, your recent actions in the Senate boil down to "I can't believe this is even an argument" when the Senate is pretty clearly divided on a bill, and "how dare we even look at the policies we have in place to see where we can improve."

But the Senate is not divided. We passed the Dream Act. We passed the Late Term Abortion Restriction Act. We passed the Right Wages for the Right Regions Act. We called for swift disaster relief. But through your actions- veto or not, none of those have come to fruition. We had our debates in the house. We took our votes. How can you say that we haven't looked at our policies and made that introspection?

[Simfan34]

It is an invitation for economic disaster and global misery, that's what it is.

[Simfan34]

THE PEOPLE'S DEBATE


Sen. Simfan34 looks at his computer at the questions that will inevitably be asked.

Let's have a debate. There is one candidate: me. There are many moderators: you. I am open to any question, any question, and will answer each and every one of them. Grill me for being too soft on Napoleon. Roast me for being too harsh. Ask me why I haven't proposed any of my bills. Inquire if I eat babies. Anything and everything is fair game.

[Simfan34]

As a known social conservative, why have you sided with the LGBT community in your support of the LGBT Dignity act and went against religious freedom?

As a country predicated on the principles of equality and the right to the equal enjoyment of liberties, the lack of the right of gay people to have their sexuality respected runs counter to those principles. In a time where a farce is made of the institutions of marriage, both religious and civil, it seems disingenuous to deny men and women, who are comfortable with themselves, to be categorically denied to the right to be treated with respect.

What you deem religious freedom is in itself a categorical denial of the rights of others; look at your question, for one thing. Why have I sided with the LGBT community? Because I want their liberties to be respected. I am an ardent supporter of religious freedom, and a traditionalist, but I do not think that extends to the right to oppress other people and suppress their identity. I think you can agree with me no interpretation of freedom could possible include such things. 

Let's keep the questions coming in!

[Simfan34]

As a known social conservative, why have you sided with the LGBT community in your support of the LGBT Dignity act and went against religious freedom?

I'd hardly call that legislation "against religious freedom."

I see this as an attack on religious institutions abilities to serve those who want to seek the faith route out of such a lifestyle.

The bill was amended, if I recall properly, and I'm sure I do, to exclude voluntary self help groups and "ex-gay" ministries, associations, and so forth. We made a specific provision for those, who, as you put it "want to seek the faith route out of such a 'lifestyle'." Of course, I refute the idea homosexuality is a lifestyle choice, but we specifically chose to allow those who deem it so and want to attempt to change that aspect about themselves to be free to do so. I had my concerns about the bill, much along the lines you put forward, but the amended bill addressed those concerns adequately, in my mind, and I don't see why it shouldn't for you.

This is exactly what I'm looking for. A conversation with constituents.

[Simfan34]

As a known social conservative, why have you sided with the LGBT community in your support of the LGBT Dignity act and went against religious freedom?

I'd hardly call that legislation "against religious freedom."

I see this as an attack on religious instituitions abilities to serve those who want to seek the faith route out of such a lifestyle.

You sound like this. Please stop.

I'd think you would have question for me... on the Trade Review Commission perhaps?

Also I actually feel dumber for watching that. I feel as if I have had been punched in the head and hit my bishop in the process.

[Simfan34]

My vote for you in the special election will translate into some top 5 preference in the upcoming election. You are highly intelligent, moderate and the only TPP candidate as well. I'm glad to have cast my ballot for you.

Many thanks for your (upcoming) vote and kind words!
 

Why, of course I do. Why, instead of stridently objecting to a committee presenting a report, did you not merely demand to be seated on said committee and thus block any, what was your term, "protectionist reactionism and amoral Randian objectivism"?

Glad you asked. I agree that the committee will likely not have much of a direct effect of things. I'm far more concerned about the message it send to markets, governments, and peoples,  both at home and abroad. From my perspective, setting up a committee that does what bill would have it do- "reevaluate" trade agreements and aid disbursements- send the message that Atlasia is willing to renege on its dealings with other nations, even if we don't have any intention of actually doing so.

The simple indication that we are considering the possibility is enough to send shock waves through global financial markets and inject uncertainty into our economy, worrying foreign and domestic investors alike that getting involved in the Atlasian economy is a risky proposition if the spectre of a canceled trade deal looms over the project. I come from a business background, and I can tell you if a risk like that exists, a company won't invest. Now I know "investment" brings forth the image of vague finance and manipulating money markets and the like, but I'm talking about real, concrete involvement. Factories, services, even retail- much of that comes from abroad. We've been seeing a nascent "reshoring" trend with manufacturing as of late, and I'd like to see that continue. Such uncertainties would all but obliterate that progress.

The same goes for Atlasian business abroad- if companies think the conditions that allow them to do business there won't exist a year or two down the line, they'll close up shop or not enter at all. Even domestically, if they think less trade will occur, the same will happen. This would create economic uncertainty across the world, not to mention Atlasia. All because companies see a reasonable possibility of trade agreements being overturned.

[Simfan34]

The People's Debate continues, but in order to better serve my constituents, I shall not be running for reelection. After the end of this term I shall take up the post of the John L. Weinberg/Goldman Sachs & Co. Visiting Professor at Princeton University, and work as a consultant for the shipbuilding industry.