The Official January 2016 Southern Legislative Debate

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

January 2015 Southern Legislative Debate

Haslam (FED-TN)   Kingpoleon (IND-AR)   Pingvin (FED-TX)   Steelers (LAB-SC)   Young Conservative (FED-FL)

Good Evening from the atrium of the A.H. Duke Presidential Library in Charleston, South Carolina! I'm Harry S Truman, and on behalf of the Mideast Record-Courier I welcome you to the official debate of the January 2016 Southern Legislative election between incumbent Legislators Haslam, Pingvin, and Steelers and challengers Kingpoleon and Young Conservative.

The rules of the debate are simple. The debate will consist of several rounds: at the beginning of each round, I will pose a question relating to either social, game, or fiscal policy to the candidates, who will then have twenty-four hours to respond. As a reminder, only the five candidates and myself may ask or answer questions in this thread. This policy is to ensure that the debate progresses in a timely manner and to make it easier for voters to judge the positions of the candidates. Citizens are invited to discuss the content of the debate in the official Commentary Thread.

And now, without further ado, let us welcome the candidates! Each candidate will have 48 hours to make an opening statement.

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

"Well thanks to the moderators for moderating this debate. Hello my fellow Southerners. In the days this great debate will occur, we shall discuss the issues that face us today. We have many that challenge us and I hope this will lead to some help. I am Speaker of the Assembly, my name is Haslam2020. I was a local Tennessean, I had no plans to run for political office, in fact I never knew I even would run. The local Federalist party leadership needed help, I decided I was gonna help. We won with a narrow plurality of votes. I promised change and leadership. I delivered. We passed several bipartisan acts but I also stood for my values, many southerners' values. I look forward to debating the issues in the coming days. I ask for your support in this great endeavor. Thank you!"

[Young Conservative]

"Welcome fellow southerners. Today you will examine each candidate and I encourage you to look beyond partisan affiliation and look to character and ideology. I am a man of the people and I am a man of God. Everything I do in office will be directly related to that. I may not always do what you feel is right, but trust that every action, every vote, and every statement I conduct in office will be thoroughly considered from every view point and that my decision will never be brash or misinformed or malicious, but careful, well thought out, and benevolent. As a Southerner I am proud of our people and our culture. I believe that together we can change America for the better. The South's best days are ahead of us, so let me be your voice in the state assembly. Let me speak for you. Let me lead you. Let me represent you. Thank you and God Bless you.

[Pingvin]

"First of all, I want to say thanks to Mr. Truman for providing us an opportunity to have a debate.

Tonight you will hear every candidate speaking about the issues and their personal views. And we will surely ask ourselves an important question, "What have the current legislators done for our region?" And I believe that we have done a lot of important things to help the South and the Southerners and I think that we should keep on going with that route.

A lot of people had criticized me for being a staunch traditionalist - and I'm not afraid to say that I agree with that label. But traditionalism is never about preserving the ashes - traditionalism is about keeping the flame and passing it to the future generations. I ask you for your help in doing this. Thank you."

[Kingpoleon]

"Hello, fellow Southerners. I am here to debate my honorable opponents, and so I ask that all candidates refrain from name-calling and negative tactics so that all here are recognized as the honorable and upright citizens and politicians they are. I appreciate the moderator, those who read this debate, and my opponents for participating in our debate.

"The problem before us today is not rallying your bases by 'standing by values' and begging for moderate votes the second before with 'bipartisan acts'. The problem before us is this: A lack of people actively participating in government, a lack of economic prosperity, a lack of regional control, and a lack of a truly independent voice in the Assembly. I am here before you today to declare this: if you elect new leadership, if you want real change, then the buck will not pass me or the South by. If you elect me, I promise you: The buck stops here!"[hits fist on podium

"I promise I will be specific. I support true reform, true change, and unity throughout the South. We need to understand that the compromise and maverick stances I strongly urge and push for isn't just being wishy-washy, go-along-to-get-along 'moderates'. I stand strongly on the issues, and I stand strongly for the South. I will never caucus with partisans, and I will be an independent voice to the South! I will ensure that our best days are not behind us, where the incumbents talk about their records. Our best days are ahead of us, and if I am elected, the South will rise to its zenith once more!"

[Ex-Assemblyman Steelers]

Ladies and gentlemen, dear Southerners
i am very happy that this debate held in our great state .  As i said already last legislative was very active and i am very proud for being part of that.
In next election we are in danger that Southeast Assembly become more conservative then last one.
From myself i can promise to be even more active then now.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Thank-you to the candidates for those timely responses. As all five candidates have completed their opening remarks ahead of schedule, we will now proceed with the first question of the debate:

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[Young Conservative]

If elected I will vote to reduce corporate, business, and personal taxes to help the working man and spur economic growth. We need to bring jobs to the south and the way to do that is by making our business the climate the most friendly in the nation. Regulations dampen economic growth and hurt the average american. They fail at their attention and are a drag on our society. i'm a capitalist and so I believe that the freer the market, the freer the people, and the healthier economy. There is basic logic behind the ideal that when taxes are higher for businesses and the cost of doing business is higher, that naturally, in order to keep prices down and profit high, the business will either move or cut employees. But, if we are to reduce regulation and reduce taxes, we can inspire a healthy business climate where businesses grow, expand, and need more workers. This will not only decrease unemployment but increase the standard of living and average income. We need to encourage businesses to come to the south, not hinder them with bloated and needless government intervention. In addition I will put forth legislation to establish a flat income tax among corporations and a separate one for businesses with no deductions that will be reduced and easier to manage, further encouraging businesses to join america. I will also vote and put forth legislation to abolish corporate subsidization, which isn't beneficial to the economy and serves only to give those with friends in washington an upper hand on small business. In order to achieve  totally free economy, we need both a flat tax and an end to corporate subsidies. A free market is the best market for the american people.

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

"Good question. For the south this is completely unacceptable, and whoever wins has a responsibility to fix it. I believe the way to create jobs is to get the government out of jobs, our private sector. We needa ease tensions on businesses. I believe that with low taxes, and a small government without all these tight regulations, our businesses will thrive. I am also putting forward a Clean Energy Plan, which shall be hopefully voted on once all the other things are put up to a final vote *smiles*. It would create thousands of solar panels and wind mills, something I believe will drastically increase employment, and is easily bipartisan. And I as a former worker and a small businessman from Tennessee, I know what it's like when people can't get jobs. I know how to create jobs. Get the government out. Once, before I ran for office, I saw a man, an employee of a fast food restaurant, wont say which one of course, but he couldn't afford a dollar for cheese on his burger. They're treated so badly then this? It's an outrage. I've seen these things, and I've helped. We're gonna help the Southern worker and get the people jobs! I solemnly swear to do what is good for the Southern Worker. Thank you."

[Kingpoleon]

"I propose a loosening of economic regulations on labor unions, cutting corporate taxes on companies with under fifty employees, cutting taxes 10% on the poorest tax bracket, and 5% on the middle tax brackets. Additionally, a new sales tax of 5% will be created to pay for these cuts, which will be exempted for those who make $50,000 or less. Those who make $25,000 or less or have been unemployed for less than 120 weeks or cannot be employed due to disabilities will be provided with food stamps, clothing stamps, and $500 a month. Most additional welfare programs will be streamlined and cut slightly. We will probably follow other regions on high speed rail.

"My proposals allow for an economic loosening on small businesses and labor unions, which will cause growth from the working poor and middle class up and down. I am confident that this will work, and that our employment will be driven up. Once it does so, we can combat any inflation with raising the minimum wage and a balanced budget when the economy stabilizes.

"I will also consider ways to encourage inter-regional and international commerce without undermining our regional interests. Under a Kingpoleon-encouraged Assembly, I promise you our employment will be down at least to the national average as soon as I can get my economic plans passed and in action for a few months."

[Pingvin]

"Current unemployment numbers show us why the burden of big government regulation of small businesses continues to kill the job growth. Our economy is in a terrible shape, but I believe that South can lead the way for it to recover. What I believe is that we must take a number of radical steps to change the current situatuion.

First and foremost, I propose establishing a single, 15% flat tax rate for every citizen and eliminate every possible legal tax loophole for big corporations. Sure, it's a chainsaw to the current tax rates, but it is necessary if we want to have a huge number of new start-up ventures. The socialist, European-styled solutions to this problem has proven themselves to be killers of any new incentive - and we don't want them to be enforced here. Lassiez-faire capitalism, in my opinion, is the only possible model for Atlasian economy that works.

Secondly, if we want to be sure that fellow Southerners have jobs, we must be sure that they don't get stolen from them. Our law enforcement needs to have a crackdown on major businesses that keep hiring illegal aliens. This is the only way we can deal with the immigration that is destroying the chances of a Southerner to be hired and if I'm re-elected, I will be standing firm to address the issue and have Legislature discuss it.

Thirdly, we must be very careful with considering the new foreign free trade deals even if we encourage businesses to do everything possible for generating profit and new jobs. Of course, signing them is a responsibility of the Federal government, but if we see that some deal can possibly hurt the South, then we must oppose it and deliever the message to the Senate and President.

And last, but not least, I believe that current labor-related legislation makes it impossible for employers to do something and don't get under fire. Big union bosses keep blackmailing businesses and force them to blatantly overpay for unqualified workers. This is one of the worst things that destroys our economic stability - and we must find a solution that will appease both demands of the labor and business."

[Ex-Assemblyman Steelers]

Its a very sad that all what fellow Southerners heard till now about this main issue is cut taxes, throw out government from jobs and private sector and so on. My opinion about this is very simple, those who exploit our resources (people, land,  natural resources etc. ) must pay for it.

How to bring jobs to the Southeast?
We must improve our infrastructure, this is main condition for making Southeast competitive for investments. Also what i heard here from my opponents, how we must reduce labor rights. This is absolutely intolerable and i will always be a staunch fighter against this.
We need to improve and subsidies green jobs and energetic jobs from renewable resources and that is only sector when we need to cut taxes for those who make jobs.

[Kingpoleon]

I request permission to offer a rebuttal to these two comments, particularly the parts in bold.

Its a very sad that all what fellow Southerners heard till now about this main issue is cut taxes, throw out government from jobs and private sector and so on. My opinion about this is very simple, those who exploit our resources (people, land,  natural resources etc. ) must pay for it.

How to bring jobs to the Southeast?
We must improve our infrastructure, this is main condition for making Southeast competitive for investments. Also what i heard here from my opponents, how we must reduce labor rights. This is absolutely intolerable and i will always be a staunch fighter against this.
We need to improve and subsidies green jobs and energetic jobs from renewable resources and that is only sector when we need to cut taxes for those who make jobs.

"Good question. For the south this is completely unacceptable, and whoever wins has a responsibility to fix it. I believe the way to create jobs is to get the government out of jobs, our private sector. We needa ease tensions on businesses. I believe that with low taxes, and a small government without all these tight regulations, our businesses will thrive. I am also putting forward a Clean Energy Plan, which shall be hopefully voted on once all the other things are put up to a final vote *smiles*. It would create thousands of solar panels and wind mills, something I believe will drastically increase employment, and is easily bipartisan. And I as a former worker and a small businessman from Tennessee, I know what it's like when people can't get jobs. I know how to create jobs. Get the government out. Once, before I ran for office, I saw a man, an employee of a fast food restaurant, wont say which one of course, but he couldn't afford a dollar for cheese on his burger. They're treated so badly then this? It's an outrage. I've seen these things, and I've helped. We're gonna help the Southern worker and get the people jobs! I solemnly swear to do what is good for the Southern Worker. Thank you."

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

I request permission to offer a rebuttal to these two comments, particularly the parts in bold.

Go ahead.

[Young Conservative]

Its a very sad that all what fellow Southerners heard till now about this main issue is cut taxes, throw out government from jobs and private sector and so on. My opinion about this is very simple, those who exploit our resources (people, land,  natural resources etc. ) must pay for it.

How to bring jobs to the Southeast?
We must improve our infrastructure, this is main condition for making Southeast competitive for investments. Also what i heard here from my opponents, how we must reduce labor rights. This is absolutely intolerable and i will always be a staunch fighter against this.
We need to improve and subsidies green jobs and energetic jobs from renewable resources and that is only sector when we need to cut taxes for those who make jobs.

I would like to rebuttal this statement. Particularly the parts in bold.

[Kingpoleon]

"Good question. For the south this is completely unacceptable, and whoever wins has a responsibility to fix it. I believe the way to create jobs is to get the government out of jobs, our private sector. We needa ease tensions on businesses. I believe that with low taxes, and a small government without all these tight regulations, our businesses will thrive. I am also putting forward a Clean Energy Plan, which shall be hopefully voted on once all the other things are put up to a final vote *smiles*. It would create thousands of solar panels and wind mills, something I believe will drastically increase employment, and is easily bipartisan. And I as a former worker and a small businessman from Tennessee, I know what it's like when people can't get jobs. I know how to create jobs. Get the government out. Once, before I ran for office, I saw a man, an employee of a fast food restaurant, wont say which one of course, but he couldn't afford a dollar for cheese on his burger. They're treated so badly then this? It's an outrage. I've seen these things, and I've helped. We're gonna help the Southern worker and get the people jobs! I solemnly swear to do what is good for the Southern Worker. Thank you."

"Mr. Speaker, you are the legislative leader of the South. If this is truly unacceptable, why is it that you only talk about fixing it during elections? I ask for you to support my economic reforms, push our Senators to allow regional currency, to be allowed in over time so as not to destabilize the economy, and to introduce your own ideas if you truly want to fix it. Your platitudes are unacceptable, and I call on you to step down as Speaker to whoever wins first place if it is not you."

Its a very sad that all what fellow Southerners heard till now about this main issue is cut taxes, throw out government from jobs and private sector and so on. My opinion about this is very simple, those who exploit our resources (people, land,  natural resources etc. ) must pay for it.

How to bring jobs to the Southeast?
We must improve our infrastructure, this is main condition for making Southeast competitive for investments. Also what i heard here from my opponents, how we must reduce labor rights. This is absolutely intolerable and i will always be a staunch fighter against this.
We need to improve and subsidies green jobs and energetic jobs from renewable resources and that is only sector when we need to cut taxes for those who make jobs.

"I've suggested cutting taxes for the middle and lower class and small business while creating growth and a new sales tax our poorest are exempt from. If it was legal, I'd suggest major currency reform and a Southern Regional Bank. Unfortunately, you wish to let the federal government dominate our monetary system and our trade. I am for the South first and foremost in fixing our economy, but are you?"

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

We will now proceed to the second round of the debate. Candidates have 24 hours to answer the following question:

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[Former Senator Haslam2020]

Ya know, I introduced this bill with one single goal. Ending abortions. What is forgotten in the question is the adoption bill that it was introduced alongside. The adoption bill would pay to keep babies AND end abortions. I believe it's wrong how we want people to have rights yet don't stand up for the right to life. I believe that every human being has a right to live, to fight for an existence, we've probably killed people who could do great things by abortion, we're silently killing a generation and many people aren't standing up for the unborn. As proven by science, if it has a heartbeat, it's life. I am proud to have introduced this bill, it protects life, it may not be "politically correct or sound" but it's the right thing to do. And if women didn't want the babies, they could let someone adopt it. Think about it, if for some reason they can't have the baby, they let a small innocent soul live and also get money to help with the struggles of pregnancy. Who wouldn't be for this??? Thank you.

[Kingpoleon]

"A stand against individual freedom due to my personal beliefs is something I am strongly against. All too often people are quick to speak and slow to listen. My fellow Southerners, there is no doubt in my mind that abortion is as much a sin as it is wrong to ban abortions. This belief that a child molested by family members should have to bear the baby is a direct contradiction to my religious beliefs.

"I intend to ensure abortions are accessible, legal, and rare. A small monthly grant for eighteen years, half or more of their college tuition as long as their ACT score is >24, and subsidized maternal leave for three months, with another eighteen months of partially working part time paid maternal leave is what I intend to enact. I propose an Inspector General of Human Services preventing coercion for abortions, corruption in childcare programs, and the DHS for adoptions. This person would have thirteen staff members(with one heading the state department) and a secretary in each state of the region. They would have an additional twenty staff members and a secretary to oversee the regional operations.

"To be clear, I personally oppose abortions, and I legislatively oppose banning them. I support individual choice over my personal beliefs in the state, but I intend to make sure that we spend every penny we can lowering their number without undue regulation. So yes, I do intend to fight this bill at all costs, though I intend to respect the views of my opponents with views both to my left and right."

[Pingvin]

"While I did support Anti Minor Death Act, I was also the first to introduce the amendment regarding the exception cases for abortions - and I will stand by it. I believe that when situation comes to saving mother's life or terrifying cases of rape and incest, we must allow the procedure - and Governor Leinad has agreed with me on this.

However, even though the act had to be cancelled, we managed to deliver a message that was heard not only in the South, but also by the federal government and President in particular - we stood up for the lives of unborn and we're not gonna back down even if we have to face the administration's court challenge.

And Speaker Haslam is totally right - if it has a heartbeat, it's a life. Period."

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

"While I did support Anti Minor Death Act, I was also the first to introduce the amendment regarding the exception cases for abortions - and I will stand by it. I believe that when situation comes to saving mother's life or terrifying cases of rape and incest, we must allow the procedure - and Governor Leinad has agreed with me on this.

However, even though the act had to be cancelled, we managed to deliver a message that was heard not only in the South, but also by the federal government and President in particular - we stood up for the lives of unborn and we're not gonna back down even if we have to face the administration's court challenge.

And Speaker Haslam is totally right - if it has a heartbeat, it's a life. Period."

Thanks Pingvin, you're a great guy and I agree with the mother's life in danger too! Thank goodness someone understands that life is life.

[Ex-Assemblyman Steelers]

All of you my fellow Southerners knows very well my standings about this question. I was against this bill from the beginning and i will stay against till the end. This bill proposal are regressive and return our democracy for the decades in past. All progressive forces not only in our region, but in whole Atlasia must unite against this bill.
Ladies and gentleman, my honest opinion is that this matter must be resolved between pregnant women and her doctor and not between Mr. Haslam, Mr. Pingvin and me.
Thank you, very much.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

While Mr. Youngconservative has yet to respond, the 24 hours allotted for this question have expired. We will now proceed to the third round: delegates have 24 hours to answer the following question.

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[Pingvin]

"I have voted for this mesaure and I supported it all the way through, because I believe that gun safety lessons are necessary if we want our children to be responsible gun owners and responsible citizens. Look, despite anything that may be said in the media, firearm ownership isn't only a Southern tradition, but it's a natural extension of a human self-defense right. Our country would have never won the Revolutionary War if the Founding Fathers had declared a gun-free zone on our soil and the. right to form an armed militia has proven itself during the events of October 2014, when the South soundly rejected the coup and made sure that any radical communist idiot would get shot here."

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

"Now this is a great bill. First off, children can't be harmed with this, you're only firing blanks and learning how to shoot a gun. This will prevent mass shootings, and help our future generation be safe. I believe we were right by passing it and I will stand for this bill."