Mideast gubernatorial debate: Joe Republic vs. Opebo

[Ebowed]

This debate has been excellent so far.  Kudos to both Opebo and Joe.

[opebo]

My opponent clearly has a very different vision for the future of our region than I.  Though I am not averse to deficit spending during economic downturns, should the Mideast face any systemic budget deficits during my tenure, I would fill them by raising taxes on the wealthiest citizens.  I am confident that these fortunate few at the pinnacle of our social heirarhcy will feel happy to do their bit for our social well being. 

Far from considering cutting programs, I plan to increase spending on the social safety net.  This benefits all in society, even the rich.  According to the theory of social mobility, it should be possible for the poor to advance to the position of net tax-payer, and the rich to find themselves in need of the safety net due to financial reversals.  I think we all know this almost never occurs, but nevertheless, a reasonable social contract requires that we consider the possibility, as well as understand our fellow citizen's positions and interests.  My fellow Mideasterners, I do not propose to turn our social heirarchy on its head, but I do propose to blunt its worst inequalities.

[Emsworth]

Mr. Opebo,

Do you believe that the government should regulate businesses so as to protect wildlife and the environment?

[opebo]

Mr. Opebo,

Do you believe that the government should regulate businesses so as to protect wildlife and the environment?

Yes, I think this is a good idea.  No one, either business or governement, should be allowed to destroy our Mideastern quality of life by polluting our environment.  However I think that realistically a balance must be struck against the needs of humans and the needs of wildlife.  I would prefer to implement measures to preserve wildlife, whenever possible, through State ownership of land rather than excessive regulation of private lands.  As an alternative to purchase of private land, I will create a program which will subsidize farmers for the lost income if  they discontinue environmentally damaging but profitable uses.  I will maintain and extend the network of state parks and maintain hunting regulations carefully calibrated to balance animal populations. 

Some kinds of pollution do not merely reduce quality of life by destroying wilderness areas or wildlife.  Certain areas of industrial operation must be regulated, particularly power generation, heavy industry, and the waste disposal industry.  I will work with the legislature to determine if federal rules are sufficient to safeguard Mideasterners, and to form a Mideastern region EPA if they are not.

(edit in italics)

[Joe Republic]

My opponent's plan to increase state ownership of land through purchase of private land would not only contribute to a bankrupt economy, but would also create a vast and unmanageable bureaucracy in order to cope with it.  That kind of regulation is unacceptable.

However, I also recognize the need for a balance between our own interests, and the interests of the world around us.  But instead of cajoling and scolding the business community to improve their practices, it would be far better to engage in a more co-operative understanding that the environment is not our property to exploit.  I'm generally opposed to excessive restrictions on the business community, but I also see the need for targeted spending in specific areas.  In particular, I'll impose harsher penalties for persistent EPA offenders, and use the revenue to invest in cleaner alternative fuels.  I'll also offer tax break incentives for corporations to improve their production methods if they harm the environment.

Protecting the welfare of the environment is not the sole responsibility of just a few people.  It's the collective effort of everybody that really makes the difference.

[Emsworth]

Mr. Governor,

One of the most controversial issues in modern politics is the balance between the free exercise of religion and the prohibition on the establishment of religion. For example, some suggest that providing chaplains in the National Guard and after-school Bible study groups serve to foster the free exercise of religion. Others, however, argue that such actions violate the separation of Church and State.

What do you think is the appropriate balance between permitting free exercise and failing to establish religion? (Perhaps you could refer to the above-mentioned scenarios to illustrate the specifics of your position.)

[Joe Republic]

Mr. Governor,

One of the most controversial issues in modern politics is the balance between the free exercise of religion and the prohibition on the establishment of religion. For example, some suggest that providing chaplains in the National Guard and after-school Bible study groups serve to foster the free exercise of religion. Others, however, argue that such actions violate the separation of Church and State.

What do you think is the appropriate balance between permitting free exercise and failing to establish religion? (Perhaps you could refer to the above-mentioned scenarios to illustrate the specifics of your position.)

My belief is that the concept of the separation of church and state is one of the most important defenses of social freedom that our Constitution provides.  For as long as I am able, I will fight to protect against an established church in Atlasia.

However, it is important to note that religion has always, and I expect, will continue to play an incredibly important part in the history of our nation.  Without it we wouldn't have so many of our essential moral beliefs and standards.  So while I strongly oppose official state recognition of any church, I also oppose official state denial of religion.  After all, we can't go the other way and start claiming that politicians declaring any religious beliefs of their own are violating the separation of church and state!

I don't believe that offering spiritual guidance, such as army chaplains or Bible study groups, is necessarily a 'violation' of the separation.  At no point are any of those services forced on anybody.  If they are, then I will fix it.  In fact, the people who take advantage of those services are probably the least likely to complain, and those who don't have no reason to.

[opebo]

Free exersize of religion does not require State assistance.  Religion should be practiced privately, and not imposed on others.  Providing chaplains, or allowing public school grounds to be used for 'bible study' meetings both violate the separation of church and state.  I will remove all reference to religion from government operations, and return these practices to their proper place - in private, behind closed doors.

[Emsworth]

Mr. Opebo,

Do you believe that those who commit serious crimes (such as terrorism or multiple murders) should be punished by death, or are you opposed to capital punishment?

[opebo]

Mr. Opebo,

Do you believe that those who commit serious crimes (such as terrorism or multiple murders) should be punished by death, or are you opposed to capital punishment?

I am completely opposed to capital punishment.  The practical criticisms are two fold -  there is little gained by it, as life imprisonment accomplishes the same purpose, which is to prevent further contact with society.  And even the slightest possibility of error in convictions is a sufficient reason to oppose capital punishment.   Every Mideasterner should realize that false accusation is a possibility in his or her life, and we should all consider this in devising our penal system.

As a moral relativist, I do not believe that murder is 'wrong', merely inconvenient for the rest of society.  For those of us that believe what other's claim is objective morality is in fact subjective preference the reasons for using State power against society's most rebellious is a practical one only.  Obviously this need not preclude capital punishment, but it should preclude sanctimonious critiques and demonization.  The least we can do for those we impose our preferences upon against their will is to refrain from claiming they are 'bad' men.  Send them to a decent, humane, well-run prison - for our convenience. 

[Joe Republic]

I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling disturbed by my opponent's claim that murder is merely an 'inconvenience' for society.  I doubt very much that the relatives of murder victims quite see it in those terms.  I have always considered murder to be one of the most abhorrent and selfish crimes that we must face, and I always will.

And yet I find that I too oppose capital punishment, but for very different reasons.  My core belief is that to grant death to a convicted murderer is to give them an easy way out.  Whatever your belief on their judgement in the afterlife, I'd prefer to make doubly sure that they're sufficiently punished in this world first!  That's why, if elected, I will propose to increase all jail sentences for murder to permanent life sentences with hard labor.  In addition, and as far as it would be constitutionally permitted, I plan to impose financial compensatory liability on all convicted murderers, in the hope that they will be able to provide further redress for the damage they have caused.

[Emsworth]

Mr. Governor,

A school voucher program would provide money to parents to help them pay for the education of their children in private schools. What is your position on school vouchers?

[Joe Republic]

Mr. Governor,

A school voucher program would provide money to parents to help them pay for the education of their children in private schools. What is your position on school vouchers?

Generally, I support the school voucher scheme.  Ultimately it's all about choice, and I firmly maintain parents' rights to choose where their child is educated, and how their tax dollars are spent.  Plus it gives the added benefit of increasing competition between the public schools, in the hope that they improve their standards and conditions for their students.  This is why, if elected, I will support a measure to create a school voucher system in the Mideast, in which the value of the voucher will equal the total cost to the taxpayer of the child's education in their assigned public school.

[opebo]

I oppose the idea of school vouchers.  The public educational system was created as a gaurantee that all Americans, including the poor, will recieve an education.  I'm against any attempt to privatize this commitment, including the gradualist move of providing vouchers.  There is nothing to prevent Mideasterners from sending their children to private schools, if they can afford it.  Lastly, the practical effect of vouchers is to reduce the separation of church and state - money is drained from public education and sent to religious schools.

[Emsworth]

Mr. Opebo,

The government has criminalized several allegedly "victimless" actions: prostitution, underage drinking and smoking, failing to wear seat belts, etc. What is your stance on "victimless crimes"?

[opebo]

Mr. Opebo,

The government has criminalized several allegedly "victimless" actions: prostitution, underage drinking and smoking, failing to wear seat belts, etc. What is your stance on "victimless crimes"?

I'm glad you asked this question.  Legalizing such private and victimless activities will be the number one priority of my administration.  It is a deep offense against the independence and freedom of every citizen of the Mideast that the State intrudes into their private behaviour in this way.  In the case of prostitution police persecution drives this industry underground, creating much more dangerous condtions for both seller and buyer. 

You did not mention the sale and use of drugs in your list of victimless crimes, but clearly this should be included.  The war on drugs has led to a Police State in our country, and our prisons are filled with people who present no more threat to society than the owner of the corner pub.  Legalization will be like a breath of fresh air in our oppressed land, and the police can get back to investigating real crimes.  A vote for me is a vote for freedom, tolerance, and reasonable limitations on State intrusion in your private lives.

[Joe Republic]

(Apologies for the late reply.)

My opponent believes that the legalization of such 'victimless' crimes will let the police, as he puts it, "get back to investigating real crimes".  Given his views on most crimes (including murder), that leaves the police with very little left to do.  And I for one wouldn't welcome anarchy on the streets.

I don't usually believe in 'victimless crimes', as we tend to forget that the perpetrators themselves are the biggest victims of such crimes.  I strongly disapprove of the state tolerating its citizens to freely ruin their own lives.  But I also strongly disapprove of state intervention in private affairs and personal choices.  That's why I believe in finding a suitable compromise on each issue, based on common sense and the public will.

[Emsworth]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This brings us to the conclusion of the first Mideast Gubernatorial Debate. I wish to thank both candidates for participating. There will be a second debate - which will use a "town hall" format - after a few days.

I invite the members of the audience to offer comments and analysis on the debate. Criticism and comments relating to the questioning are also welcome.

[Joe Republic]

I would like to thank Emsworth for his excellent moderating, and my opponent Opebo for providing a most challenging discussion.  I look forward to the upcoming townhall debate!

[opebo]

I would like to thank Emsworth for his excellent moderating, and my opponent Opebo for providing a most challenging discussion.  I look forward to the upcoming townhall debate!

Yes, excellent job Emsworth - thank you.  I enjoyed our repartee, Joe.  See you at the town hall.