Antillian Constitutional Convention

[Dr. Cynic]

Egbert Dudley (ALP-New Ulster)

Second.

[afleitch]

Mr Denoix rises (after his cup of tea)

I will also support Mr Khans proposal which would be unique, but in keeping with our little island's status. I am more than willing to accept that a monarchy will not be a viable option. I also want to see as little government as possible. A Head of State nominated by a parliament, which my friends will be elected by and accountable to the people, in a cross partisan free vote is in itself an admirable proposal. It has my backing unless any other tangable proposal is tabled.

[Hashemite]

Jack Cooke (PC-North Antillia)

We second the honorable Mr. Tudor's statement. The PC finds itself in favor of the monarchy and of the Commonwealth, while allowing for membership in other linguistic organizations. We will however further study Mr. Khan's proposal before seconding or not.

[Dr. Cynic]

Egbert Dudley (ALP-New Ulster) rises

Mr. Cooke, I myself would ask you if you wanted an Antillian as Head of State or someone with no real concern or knowledge of the problems our tiny island faces. I am strongly opposed to Monarchy of any kind, particularly monarchy from someone of a different nation.

[Χahar]

Mr. Khan rises, trying not to interrupt Mr. Dudley...

This is somewhat...um...off-topic, but I am wondering why Mr. Cooke uses we as the default first-person pronoun. I am assuming he is speaking for his party, but I believe that at this convention, each delegate speaks for himself and only for himself. I am just hoping that Mr. Cooke has no pretentions to royalty...

S.A. Khan
SDP-Le Gran

[Sibboleth]

Watson turns Dudley and mutters something that sounds like "Thatcheritis"

[ilikeverin]

(he sighs) Well, if we're just gonna jibber-jabber without any order, I resign as president.  Who wants to be it?

Oh, goody, now I can talk! (he rubs his hands together excitedly)

[Dr. Cynic]

Dudley nods and smiles at Watson's comment, then rises again after Davey Jones' resignation

Perhaps if Mr. Jones had been able to establish some kind of order, it wouldn't have been necessary. Mr. Khan is quite correct, although I don't believe Mr. Cooke meant any harm. However, for future reference, the other members of that party should speak for themselves. Just because you sit together like Mr. Watson and I do, doesn't mean you have to comply with one individual's thoughts. Take your own and speak for yourself. Mr. Cooke should take notice and refrain from using "we", and rather use "I".

I would like to move that the position of convention president be named immidiately, and motion for an individual voice vote from each member.

[Χahar]

I nominate A.E. Watson.

S.A. Khan
SDP-Le Gran

[Dr. Cynic]

Dudley

Second

[Platypus]

Now, I have some questions regarding human rights:

• Do you believe there should be a right to bear arms?
• Do you believe there should be a right to vote?

Vijay Prabhusanjil, SDP-Reginia (Jennings)

Bears most certainly have a right to their own arms, but it is cruel to allow Antillians to have them.

Personally, I support significant regulation of guns, including a universal ban on semi-automatic weaponry.

I also believe there is not only the necesity of a right to vote, but indeed a responsibility to vote. I strongly support universal francise and universal compulsion for adults to vote in our nation.

[The Man From G.O.P.]

William Tudor (ACP New Wales)


Gentlemen, can we keep one issue on the table at a time, I will make it known I appreciate Mr. Cooke and the PC's support, but, if Mr. Cooke agrees I would have no issue with confirming an Antillan HOS but also at the same time joining the Commonwealth, I believe this would be acceptable to most if not all the members.

[Χahar]

Mr. Khan rises...

So, then, let's take it to a vote. I propose that the Head of State be a nonpartisan Speaker elected by Parliament who only votes to break ties (much like the British model), and that Antillia join the Commonwealth as a republic.

[The Man From G.O.P.]

Mr. Khan rises...

So, then, let's take it to a vote. I propose that the Head of State be a nonpartisan Speaker elected by Parliament who only votes to break ties (much like the British model), and that Antillia join the Commonwealth as a republic.

Unless Mr. Cooke objects, I believe this is a fair compromise.

Seconded

[Hashemite]

Jack Cooke (PC)

I do not object and I support.

[True Federalist]

The advantage of having a monarch as head of state is that such a person is by definition outside politics.  I could reluctantly support an elected or appointed monarch if this body is determined to have a republican government instead of a constitutional hereditary monarchy.  By I ask my fellow members of this convention, do you truly expect a member elected to Parliament on a partisan basis, under our current conditions which ensure that we will have minority or coalition governments for some time to come, to abandon the chance to argue for their views, and become a non-partisan functionary?  You are asking us to find a saint amongst the elected sinners!

I oppose this motion.  If we must have a republic, choosing the head of State from amongst the MP's is not the way to proceed.

[Dr. Cynic]

Egbert Dudley (ALP-New Ulster)

Then Mr. Hordern, we need to elect a member not of this body. I am strongly opposed to monarchy of any kind. Of the choices presented, I stand in support of Mr. Khan.

Also, I would like to inquire as to why Mr. Hordern believes us all sinners and that there isn't a man among us who would act in a nonpartisan manner?

[Χahar]

Mr. Khan rises...

In response to Mr. Hordern's question, indeed I do. I am looking for a Speaker much like the British Speaker of the House of Commons. Investing the Speaker with ceremonial Head of State duties would not be a great stretch. If Britain has been able to convince one of its MPs to set aside party politics for centuries, then I hope that Antillia can at least do the same.

[Dr. Cynic]

Dudley

I motion Mr. Khan's proposal to a vote.

[Χahar]

Aye.

[The Man From G.O.P.]

Aye

[HappyWarrior]

Al Hill(SDP): Aye

[Dr. Cynic]

Aye

[Hashemite]

Aye

[afleitch]

Aye