The Office of Former President & Senator Polnut - Deregistration
       |           

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?
March 18, 2024, 11:34:05 PM
News: Election Simulator 2.0 Released. Senate/Gubernatorial maps, proportional electoral votes, and more - Read more

  Talk Elections
  Atlas Fantasy Elections
  Atlas Fantasy Elections (Moderators: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee, Lumine)
  The Office of Former President & Senator Polnut - Deregistration
« previous next »
Pages: 1 ... 12 13 14 15 16 [17] 18 19 20 21 22 ... 32
Author Topic: The Office of Former President & Senator Polnut - Deregistration  (Read 95316 times)
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #400 on: July 21, 2013, 01:37:47 AM »

The Pacific, like all the other regions, do not exist in a bubble. The near-collapse of the economy of one-quarter of the country has impacts.
Logged
Хahar 🤔
Xahar
Atlas Legend
*****
Posts: 41,731
Bangladesh


Political Matrix
E: -6.77, S: 0.61

WWW Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #401 on: July 21, 2013, 01:56:59 AM »

That is entirely beside the point. Why do regional governments need to exist?
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #402 on: July 21, 2013, 02:08:51 AM »

That is entirely beside the point. Why do regional governments need to exist?

So that was behind the actions?
Logged
Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee
North Carolina Yankee
Moderator
Atlas Institution
*****
Posts: 54,123
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #403 on: July 21, 2013, 05:27:43 AM »

I have having a hard time navigating your campaign page now for some reason. It usually happens when someone posts with signature containing a lot of pictures that haven't been loaded before. So If I ask a question you have already answered for the most part that is why.

There have been lost of critiques against the Committee system established mid last year by the Senate. There is a presently a legislation that some would like to think abolishes them (that is an issue for later though). Do you think there is a way to salvage the system based around some more consolidation, with perhaps a clearer understanding of how the system is to be utilized as some have expressed a desire for, or would you just scrap it like many others want to do?

On a side note, do you support the preservation of the bifurcated Senate administration  (defined as the process by which both the PPT and VP have bills to adminster) started back in March and continuing under the Nix administration? Lastly, do you think that the Senate should maintain the non-partisan and impartial process that allows everyone to get legislation on the floor and not just those in the power structure?
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #404 on: July 21, 2013, 05:47:16 AM »

I admit being initially sceptical of the Committee system when it was first established. While I think it does have some shortcomings, I think it did highlight some things we should be taking advantage of.

I would oppose the dissolution of the system myself, but I think a reform which creates two Committees with broader remits, which I hope would have a committee which is more reflective of  the Senate and can filter through legislation, so the Senate debates those which have the support of a Committee.

I do support the continuation of giving the VP responsibility of certain Bills. I don't see any particular downside to justifying undoing it.

I think the only reason for a Bill to not be considered by the Senate were it not to receive enough support in the relevant committee. Beyond that, each Senator should have equal access and priority.
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #405 on: July 21, 2013, 05:55:35 AM »

CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE

Sunday 21 July: Miami, Florida - Atlanta, Georgia

Monday 22 July - Nashville, Tennessee - Louisville, Kentucky

Tuesday 23 July - Indianapolis, Indiana - Chicago, Illinois

Wednesday 24 July - Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Thursday 25 July - Lawrence, Kansas - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Friday 26 July - Fairfax, Virginia - Trenton, New Jersey

Saturday 27 July - Bangor, Maine - Concord, New Hampshire - Boston, Massachusetts


There will be major policy announcements on:
* Healthcare and social security
* The economy
* Climate change
Logged
Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee
North Carolina Yankee
Moderator
Atlas Institution
*****
Posts: 54,123
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #406 on: July 21, 2013, 06:13:50 AM »

Would you support having the bills that lacked committee support got fast tracked to an up or down final vote like I have been doing with the largely unsupported Drug bills in slot five?
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #407 on: July 21, 2013, 07:19:57 AM »

Would you support having the bills that lacked committee support got fast tracked to an up or down final vote like I have been doing with the largely unsupported Drug bills in slot five?

I think there should be clear processes. I would support some kind of fast-track mechanism in time of emergency or something that requires that the Senate's attention and committee processes would be too lengthy.

One of the reasons I support fewer but larger committees, is to create fewer situations where the will of the committees is considerably different to the larger body. Therefore, I would support such a situation when it's clear the committee is not reflecting the will of the Senate.
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #408 on: July 21, 2013, 06:44:05 PM »

MINIMUM INCOME

I have been briefed on the discussions currently in the Senate on a Bill guaranteeing a minimum income for all Atlasians. The President was a strong advocate for such an action during the campaign.

While I agree that focusing on the impacts on the deficit and debt is myopic, the degree that such a program would add to it, deserves attention through that prism. This is no a small amount of money, and we need to be serious about how its paid for. The virtue of such a program does not undermine the need to ask some basic questions.

I would need to double-check, but I'm pretty sure, one cannot receive back as a tax refund, more than one has paid in taxes. I would imagine a $10k tax credit would create such a situation. That risks opening up a new loophole for the wealthy to exploit.

I support a basic guaranteed income, I'm just concerned about the implementation and administration being suggested. I don't think this is as straight-forward as it is being argued at the moment. I hope to see further development of the underpinning of this program and making sure it doesn't just trigger a cash drain.

Logged
sentinel
sirnick
YaBB God
*****
Posts: 4,733
United States


Political Matrix
E: -1.94, S: -6.61

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #409 on: July 21, 2013, 06:59:54 PM »

What is the federal deficit and debt right now btw?
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #410 on: July 21, 2013, 07:04:50 PM »

What is the federal deficit and debt right now btw?

I believe we've had about a $90b turnaround in the Budget from about $60b in the black to $30b in the red and the debt is somewhere around $12-13 trillion. This isn't my overriding, be-all-end-all concern, but considering the potential impacts, you have to ask the serious questions.
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #411 on: July 21, 2013, 08:20:34 PM »
« Edited: July 21, 2013, 08:22:50 PM by Fmr. President and Secretary Polnut »


Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta GA


Ladies and gentlemen, I'm thrilled to be back in Atlanta.

We have a lot pressing issues in this country, we have tremendous opportunities and serious problems. So in the Senate, we need people who can capitalise on those opportunities and have the proven ability to create solutions for our problems.

I've been getting a lot of questions about our national economy and what my views are and what I would be pursuing should I be elected next weekend.

Having been president for two-terms, hopefully, many of you have an idea of what my personal economic views are, but I'll repeat my basic mantra - I've no time for ideology, I want to do what works. We hear too much about 'if we just cut taxes' and 'if we increased taxes' and not enough of 'we know this works, so let's do that'.

As president, I supported tax cuts for lower and middle income families. I did this with a purpose, not with some ideological view that taxes should always go down, because at a time when the economy was depressed, you need to put money in the hands of the people who need it to spend. Tax cuts require strategy, they require a scalpel, not a machete. Across the board tax cuts, driven by ideology, focus almost all of their supposed benefits on the richest. Evidence shows that they don't spend it, they don't add liquidity or significant activity to the economy. Now, let's be clear, punitive tax rates on anyone is a block on economic activity, but I want lower and middle income families to get any tax cuts before people like me.

I believe in the system of free-enterprise, driven by entrepreneurs and those with a good idea and dream to achieve and build something. This is the corner-stone of our economy and I will always support that. This was a big reason why I advocated for small-business tax cuts during my first term. 

The other issue is how we respond to crises. As we are currently seeing in the Pacific, the regional economy is verging on collapse. As we know, I strongly opposed the direction taken by the Pacific Council, but for the sake of the people who were not responsible nor consulted on this step, they need the help of their Federal Government. This isn't a point of political principle, is this a practical reality, and those who know me well, know that pragmatism drives me.

Let's look in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis. It demonstrates two very different approaches to this kind of fundamental economic shock. Many countries engaged in direct stimulus of the economy others cut public spending and engaged in austerity. What worked? This is what matters to me. My view is that in times of economic recession and even mild depression, you are not going to get business confidence up by sucking liquidity out of the market, what happens when there's no money in the market to spend? Evidence shows, direct stimulation worked. Those countries who said 'we're going to put money into the system, because it needs to be there' are the ones who are currently thriving, while we're seeing mass unemployment and double-dip recessions in Europe. I believe in doing what works, not something that a libertarian pamphlet tells me I should.

We need to manage spending, we need to balance our needs with our wants. Being prudent does not necessitate being extreme or drastic. Look what we did over my last term as president and that of my successor, we reduced bloated overheads, cut taxes on the lower rates and increased spending in a number of vital areas. We did what worked, and what happened? We had a surplus two years ahead of schedule. We are going through another rough patch and we need people in the Senate with experience and pragmatism to do what works.

Thank you all, thank you Atlanta, I need your vote and I need your support next weekend!
Logged
Maxwell
mah519
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 28,459
Germany


Political Matrix
E: -6.45, S: -6.96

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #412 on: July 21, 2013, 08:58:16 PM »

I believe in doing what works, not something that a libertarian pamphlet tells me I should.

Going negative so soon?
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #413 on: July 21, 2013, 09:05:34 PM »

I believe in doing what works, not something that a libertarian pamphlet tells me I should.

Going negative so soon?

My views on libertarian economics are well known, it was not directed at anyone.
Logged
Sec. of State Superique
Superique
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,305
Brazil


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #414 on: July 21, 2013, 09:19:42 PM »

I believe in doing what works, not something that a libertarian pamphlet tells me I should.

Going negative so soon?

I wouldn't say that your the kind of libertarian that Polnut was criticizing...
Logged
Fmr. Pres. Duke
AHDuke99
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 23,956


Political Matrix
E: -1.94, S: -3.13

P P
Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #415 on: July 21, 2013, 09:54:24 PM »

I endorse you. I wasn't sure if I had made any public announcement, but here it is, for the whole world to see.
Logged
Dereich
Moderators
YaBB God
*****
Posts: 4,887


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #416 on: July 22, 2013, 12:48:23 PM »

How do you feel about TNF's package of anti-business legislative proposals?
Logged
PJ
Politics Junkie
YaBB God
*****
Posts: 4,788
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #417 on: July 22, 2013, 01:05:23 PM »

How do you feel about TNF's package of pro-working class legislative proposals?
Fixed. Tongue (I don't support all proposals)
Logged
Dereich
Moderators
YaBB God
*****
Posts: 4,887


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #418 on: July 22, 2013, 01:18:45 PM »

How do you feel about TNF's package of pro-nobody-except-ivory-tower-socialists legislative proposals?
Fixed. Tongue (I don't support all proposals)
Fixed your fix. I don't oppose ALL of them either.
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #419 on: July 22, 2013, 10:38:01 PM »

I will be providing responses to those questions shortly.
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #420 on: July 22, 2013, 11:06:17 PM »

In relation to the President's questions, I'm going to  list the currently debated Bills and how I'd vote and my reasoning, including those I've already discussed.

1. Income guarantee - I could not comfortably vote for it until savings or additional revenues to pay for it, as well as some administrative issues are cleared. I'm not a nay, but at present, I'm an abstain.

2. Education modernisation - I support a lot of element of the Bill, but as I mentioned there's a lot, in fact, too much detail. There's more about teachers than there is really is about students and how to better structure the system to benefit them. I admit being torn on the issue of federal vs local oversight. I would want to see clear national standards, even a basic national curriculum with regional and local input. The problem with such a detailed Bill, is there's a lot I like in it, and lot I would not be comfortable voting for. I would lean nay, but only to have the opportunity to re-structure and re-focus the Bill.

3. Regional exception - easy, yea.

4. Mental Health Reform - I have had to go back a LONG way to get a real understanding of what the intent is. When I was Mideast Governor, I put in place a regional mental health plan and it's an issue I care a lot about. Again, I'm concerned that contingencies are outweighing what a more streamlined Bill could achieve. But, I'd lean aye, with reservations.

5. Canabanoid - I do have issues with the legalisation of this particular synthetic, as the health impacts are believed to be much worse than marijuana. However, I would support the current incarnation which required FDA approval. Aye. 
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #421 on: July 22, 2013, 11:18:33 PM »

As to the Bills suggested by Senator TNF... I know how passionate the Senator is about worker's rights and ensuring that people receive fair compensation for their labour.

There are elements in these Bills that I think are well overdue, that highlight significant short-comings in our system of industrial and workplace relations. I believe there are a lot of elements that would be unworkable, let alone being applied in a universal setting.

For example, one Bill orders that all people who work on Saturday or Sunday must be paid at time and a half. Now, I fully support penalty rates for working on weekends. But there circumstances where a store might be closed on Sunday and Monday, in order to take advantage of Saturday custom. I wouldn't expect, considering they're having as essentially part of their weekend, to be paid at a higher rate on a Saturday. But I do support in principle penalty rates for people working outside of normal hours.

I also don't think it's appropriate to determine what the frequency of wages payments should be. I know it varies from weekly to every two weeks to monthly. I believe that should be down to a arrangement between the employer and the employee.

But I do agree that anyone who works outside of their contracted hours, should be paid overtime. Paid leave entitlements are important. People should not fear getting sick in case they lose their jobs. Everyone needs and opportunity to wind down, everyone needs the opportunity to recover if they're unwell.

For me, it is those staff welfare issues in the Bills that I see the best opportunities for something concrete to come from.

I know there MANY other elements in the Bills, and if you have specific questions about them, I'd be happy to answer.
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #422 on: July 23, 2013, 09:05:29 PM »


Millennium Park, Chicago IL



Thank you all, Chicago is one of the places in Atlasia I call home, so it's great to be back...

We are only a few days away from the beginning of voting, and each and every one of us has that most valuable of gifts and important of responsibilities, making that determination as to who you think is ready to hit the ground running from day one  and work hard for you and represent you.

I've been talking about a number of issues over the last week and there's one that's been mentioned before but that I want to get into a little more deeply, climate change.

I'm aware that people out there, including some on my side of politics, are still not sold on the idea that 98% of climate scientists believe is the case. That is, the Earth has been on a warming trend for the last century, our climate is changing and our activities are a primary driver of that change.

Now, I've never been part of the 'Day After Tomorrow' school, that suggests this will bring about the end of the world, but I do believe it will change our world, and if we don't do what we can to address it, locally, nationally and globally, I don't believe it will be for the better.

We have had a lot of discussion in the past about the mitigation exercise, we have a carbon tax in place to send a price signal out there to let people know that if they're going to emit large amounts of carbon, then there will be a cost.

But, I wanted to deal with other elements of this issue, namely adaptation. How do we deal with the change that is unavoidable? The impacts of issues like more severe storms are numerous. How do we best deal with damage to vital costal infrastructure? Our roads, our railways and our airport are vulnerable. Our shipping ports are vulnerable. Our nuclear facilities are vulnerable.

This also has knock-on effects of endangering land values and economic sustainability if we don't make the right calls and get started now.

I will be pursuing a policy to encourage greater research of adaptation issues, gaps in our coverage and what resourcing will be needed to protect what we can. Investment now, saves us money in the future if we only deal with problems once they occur. For example, building a retaining wall along a coastal road, will cost a lot less than having to rebuild and protect the new road after a disaster.

This initial stage will not be expensive and it will lay down the groundwork for future planning and development.

I'm here to ask for you support in this agenda, by coming out and voting for me this weekend. The balance of the Senate is at stake here, and in order for a pragmatic and progressive Atlasia to move forward, we need those voices in the Senate. I'm proud of my progressive record but I believe I and we have more to do.
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #423 on: July 24, 2013, 10:39:08 AM »


University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee


Thank you all for coming out this morning,

While two weeks ago, we didn't know this election was going to happen, it does not change the fact this is this an important election. We all have a choice to make, it starts with asking a lot of questions - who is ready? who has the record? who can work across the aisles to get something done?

I should stress, I have nothing personal against whomever my opponent will be, they both bring talents and unique perspectives.

I am running for this seat because I believe I bring the experience and the record to the Senate we need to deal with our challenges. I have been laying out my vision and my agenda for the future and how I intend to proceed if given the honour of representing you in the Senate.

My beliefs, my values and my political views are no secret to anyone. What you see is what you get. The advantage of having been around a long time is that you've ear-bashed the Atlasian people so often, that there are not going to be any surprises.

I believe in compromises when they need to be made, but I will never compromise my views or my values to win. I have often irritated my own party because I have held to my principles, when it would have been easier to buckle. But I didn't, I can guarantee all of you, my job will be to represent you, you won't always be happy with me, but you can always be assured that I will be working for you.

I am running for this seat, not as a place-holder, I am running to advocate for pragmatic solutions to the problems we face. I am running to win. But more importantly, I am running to serve you and use my experience and knowledge for those ends.

I need your drive and your enthusiasm, I need your vote... thank you all!!
Logged
Fmr President & Senator Polnut
polnut
Atlas Icon
*****
Posts: 19,489
Australia


Political Matrix
E: -2.71, S: -5.22

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #424 on: July 25, 2013, 05:37:59 PM »

Boarding plane in Lawrence, Kansas

Ladies and gentlemen thank you for coming out today to see me and I have a talk about what this election means for the future of this country.

It won't be long before voting starts, this race will be close, I always said it would, I'm going to need every single one of you that believes in true progressive courses and pragmatic solutions to get out and vote. I congratulate Governor Maxwell on winning the primary are welcome Fuzzy to the race, this gives us cleat choices maybe not as the stark as people think, but i believe they are.

I want to talk tonight about our national insurance schemes  for health care and for social security. I've said before that I believe in doing what works not what I believe should work. The view of many that the government having anything to do with health care is flawed is a flawed idea in itself. I fully support the health system put in place under the President Fritz, In fact the changes that started on the my presidency and then seen through by my successor, but criticized by the left were designed to make sure that generations have access to this care.

To me that's what universal health care is about, not just about treatment but  guaranteed access to treatment. Countries that decades ago introduced universal health care have records to be proud of and I intend that we will join the list of those nations. It cost less to run, the health outcomes are better and it says a lot about how we value each and every one of us.

Universal healthcare works. I believe in doing what works, I refuse to be dictated to by ideology and my positions on this and other issues are clear.

We also have the system of national insurance to make sure that in times of difficulty, when people get sick and when  people no longer work, that they can enjoy a decent life. It is the position of some that this system should be, in essence, privatised. They want to risk your money, the money that you and your family will need to the whims of the stock market. Why? Because they believe the market will make things work better, without any evidence to support it. Again doing what people feel they should do versus operating on the evidence and experience.

We are seeing some more difficult economic times ahead. There will be pressure on the federal budget. We cannot afford to have our national insurance systems threatened. Whoever is elected at this election will have a crucial vote. I am pledging right now I will not allow these programs become victims of cost-cutting. I am pledging to protect these programs. I urge my opponents in this race to do the same.

Thank you all, I need your support I need your vote. Every vote and every second preference will make a difference.
Logged
Pages: 1 ... 12 13 14 15 16 [17] 18 19 20 21 22 ... 32  
« previous next »
Jump to:  


Login with username, password and session length

Terms of Service - DMCA Agent and Policy - Privacy Policy and Cookies

Powered by SMF 1.1.21 | SMF © 2015, Simple Machines

Page created in 0.089 seconds with 11 queries.