I thank the Senate for its support. Rather than cluttering the board with another thread, I'll ask the Senate indulge me to use this point for a farewell.
<Strides to Senate podium>
It has been a sincere pleasure serving here this past several months. If the real life Senate performed with a tenth the level of bipartisanship and spirit of compromise this chamber embraces, the world would be a far better place indeed.
I urge the Senate especially consider the ramifications of its actions, both fiscal and diplomatic, in the coming months and years. Tax credits and spending projects all sound well and good in the abstract, but every such action this chamber takes
must always be compensated by either increased taxes, decreased services, or incurring additional debt. Many times a new program or tax cut may well be worth the cost elsewhere, but never forget there is always that cost.
Likewise remember spending AND tax cuts both incur costs; assuming they will always generate enough resulting economic growth to "pay for themselves" is decidedly dicey.
Finally, in the post-Cold War era and with recent military ventures in Afghanistan and (especially) Iraq leaving a growing bad taste, its tempting to believe the world's impact on Atlasia is limited and indirect beyond trade and immigration issues. However, one need not be either Dick Cheney or Robert McNamara to still understand that the world in fact remains a dangerous place and the world does look to our country for leadership (though not hegemony). Atlasians do minimize foreign affairs somewhat in the game, and attention certainly can't be and shouldn't be dictated. But being able to
have a role beyond our borders, diplomatically or otherwise, always remains critical.
Thank you all again for all the fun and debate, and I bid you all adieu--for now.
<Walks slowly from Senate floor, stops to hug his tearful staff, then mounts his horse and rides into the Sunset....
....Bar and Grille next door, picks up jalapeno poppers and beer for the party, then heads a block south to the GM's Office Building.>
