The White House - Polnut Administration

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I don't believe in trickle-down economics ?

The economy is in too delicate a state to deal with broad tax reforms - especially if you're talking about broad-scale cuts. This is targeted and strategic cutting, both where I think it's needed and where the Budgetary impacts will be minimal.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

This to me, is a first phase.

If you noticed in the response to the Sentiel article

My key immediate economic concerns are

1. Increase business confidence
2. Lower unemployment
3. Maintain reduction in the deficit
4. Lower the debt

Now, I make no apologies for focusing my cuts at small businesses - who are getting some significant cuts, and the personal income tax cuts at lower-middle incomes.

I've made no secret that I believe the top two tax brackets are too high, and I have also made clear that it is my intention to drop them, but I don't have time for economic theory, let alone one that has scant evidence of its effectiveness, I want what will work in practice. You should be thrilled considering that I had people trying to get me to lift upper-bracket tax rates.

We need to increase employment now, especially in small businesses, I'm making cuts to small business corporate tax rates - and personal income tax cuts for that workforce.

I said this before, and I'll say it again - our economy is not stable enough for the kind of sweeping cuts many on the right want.

I may as well make this point now, there will be a second-phase of tax reforms - what I am proposing now is about addressing our short-term needs.

But let's be frank, I expected that some of the left would be angry that I was cutting any taxes and I expected the right to be annoyed that they were deep or broad enough for them.

But, as President, I cannot dictate this - this will be up to the Senate, and I'm prepared to work with the Senate on this.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS NOTE

The President will be have limited availability this weekend - any pressing matters should be directed to the Vice President.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I guess that means you don't like my surtax proposal?

PM me and we can go through it.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

a) get out of my office...

b) as I said before, I think the Green Jobs Bill is a good one... but the detail isn't very good.

I think it should be about phases - you can't just say - here's $x and say that you'll start building renewable plants from next year and have them done by 2018...

It's about financial and existing workforce planning as much as creating jobs in a new sector.

It's not just about making people feel good by dumping money in the Green sector - it should be done very smartly.

I think a process for providing incentives within existing industry to 'green-up' is a good start - then processes to transition them across ... etc etc.

As it stands, I can't support it but I don't think there's enough strategy behind it. 

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Someone obviously lost their ability to detect humor.  But thanks for actually responding, this time. 

I'm teasing ... lol... sigh

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be making a brief press statement 8pm EDT.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The President

I will be brief.

It is with a heavy heart that I have removed the Secretary of Internal Affairs from his post due to inactivity.

I asked him to come on board after a lengthy period of discussion in which he convinced me of his enthusiasm for this game and especially for the opportunities this position offered. Early on, he showed the enthusiasm and forward thinking I had hoped he would bring to this vital position.

Unfortunately after more than 2 weeks without any engagement and attempts at contact from the Game Moderator and myself, and taking into account how important it is to have an active SoIA – it is clear that he cannot continue in his current position.

I would like to announce, that I have asked the former SoIA, Yelnoc to again serve in this role. I look forward to a thorough, but speedy confirmation hearing.

I will also be issuing a Cabinet code of conduct – this will outline a series of responsibilities that Cabinet officers will have and the consequences for not abiding by those rules. Being in the Cabinet is a privilege but one that requires commitment and I intend to make this change to make sure that all those who enter those important positions do so knowing what is expected of them.

Thanks.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The President

Cabinet code of conduct

Keeping in mind that being in the Cabinet is a privilege; and

Noting the importance of an active Cabinet in the proper functioning and therefore good government for the people of Atlasia...

I have written this code of conduct to ensure that those who enter the Cabinet do so in the correct spirit and with commitment to their roles and the Atlasian people.

1. Any Cabinet official who is absent/unavailable without prior notice for more than 14 days will be removed from office

2. Any Cabinet official who anticipates being absent or unavailable for more than 30 days with notice must submit their resignation to the president

3. Any Cabinet official who breaches Cabinet-confidence will be immediately removed from office

4. Any absences of between 5 and 14 days must be noted by a 'leave of absence' notice in the White House thread.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be traveling to San Francisco tomorrow to meet with the Governor of the Pacific and other senior lawmakers to discuss issues relating to the disquiet in Oceania.

He will also attend a fundraising dinner in Los Angeles tomorrow evening.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has regretfully accepted the resignation of the Attorney General.

"I thank him for his service, and wish him every success with his future endeavours"

Anyone interested in the position should contact the President.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS NOTE

The President will be addressing the ASPCA National Conference Fundraising Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Chicago on Saturday night.

He will speak not only on the present Canine Protection Bill before the Senate, but the broader issue of animal abuse and the need to take crimes against animals seriously before the law.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's remarks to the Atlasian Society for the Conservation and Preservation of Animals (ASPCA) Annual Conference fundraising dinner

Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Chicago, Illinois


Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you so much for the invitation to speak with you all today at this very important event.

The ASPCA has a proud history of advocating for the humane treatment of all creatures great and small,  bringing light and hope into the lives of animals who want nothing more than to be loved and cared for, and the opportunity to return that unconditional love that we have experienced from our pets, and I hope this will continue for many many years to come.

I have a long been an advocate for greater protections for those animals with whom we share this planet. I had planned some issues later in this term, but the current Bill to guard against canine abuses has sparked me to start a broader dialogue.

I believe the issues around animal abuse are too important to allow our political discussions to be distracted by sensationalism.

I do support the intent behind the Bill to stop the availability of dog meat – we must make it so commercially and economically unattractive that it becomes more of a non-issue than it already is.

However, I want to address my firm views on animal cruelty and the law.

Like all of you here, I have heard horrific stories of people abusing helpless animals. People kicking kittens onto railway tracks, chopping the nose, leg and ear off a puppy, setting a cat on fire… as far as I’m concerned abuse of the helpless is to me one of the lowest acts you perform and if there’s a hell, there is a special place reserved for all who commit such foul and disgusting crimes.

However, very often, the legal response to these crimes is ‘well, it was just a cat or dog, or horse’. People who are charged and found guilty of crimes of animal abuse end up with mere slaps on the wrist. But what does that say about us as a community, that we don’t consider the willful torture of an animal to be a serious enough crime to warrant serious punishment?

Now  a lot of people who consider these issues to be unimportant, think of them to be issues of people who throw red paint, who live on tofu, and worry more about plants and animals while humans suffer. This is not true, I believe people have room for compassion for both people who are need of help and to prevent cruelty and abuse against animals.

I personally believe that this extends to all animals including those we use for food and other goods. Those animals may not have a full-life, and I’m sure many here would rather that we didn’t use animals for anything, but if they are to have that end, it should be done with the utmost respect for that animal.

I believe these issues require a lot of work from all of us who believe that animals are not tools placed on this planet to use as we please, but creatures who feel as much as we do, and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, even if it is to end their lives.

You have my best wishes for a successful conference, and in me you will always have an ally.

Thank you all.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President welcomes the positive economic news released today.

"We have a long way to go to bring Atlasia back to the prosperity we once enjoyed. But these positive numbers show that we are certainly on the right track. My administration continues to work to build business confidence and reinforce the Government's economic credentials"

The President will be visiting Pittsburgh and Detroit on Tuesday to meet with those interested in the state of the Atlasian manufacturing industry.

The President will be speaking on the Somalian Famine and what Atlasia will be doing to assist on Sunday evening.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The White House is announcing that the Atlasian Government will be contributing specific aid to deal with the Somalian famine.

The aid package will consist of food, transport, staff and military escorts - the package will cost $38million. The first shipment will be on the ground tomorrow.

The Department of External Affairs will announce any further specific details on this aid mission.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be visiting parts of the Mideast next week, the tour will take in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

The schedule will be released later this week.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Mr. President, do you have any comments on the Game Reform Committee's Interim Report, or any suggestions for the committee to take into consideration before the final report?

Firstly, I want to thank the Committee members for their efforts so far.

I will be reading over the report and will have some comments shortly.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President is currently in the negotiations with Senators over The End to Imperialism Bill. He firmly hopes that a compromise will be reached soon.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's remarks to late-night press conference
Troop Withdrawal Bill before the Senate


Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for coming in so late, but the issue is important.

I want to make clear that the goals of this Administration and those currently opposing the Bill are in fact the same.

It just the details in which we find ourselves in very different places.

I believe that this issue has been debated, the positions are clear now and I believe that for the good the troops, and for our polity in general - the Senate should make its decision as soon as is practicable.

I have negotiated in good faith with those Senators opposed to my Administration's withdrawal plan, I do understand the position of those who want a more rapid withdrawal, and I have great sympathy for it. I have given a lot of ground and I believe the case for a more staggered withdrawal, especially for the Afghanistan theatre is well made, and is the right thing to do.

For me, this debate is not about the pros and cons of war. My view on War is known, as was the policy of this administration, from the very beginning to extricate ourselves in a responsible manner.

But, as is right in our system of government, the final say lies with the Senate.

Thank you.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President is being briefed on the situation that is rapidly unfolding in Libya.

He will issue a more detailed comment later.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President and the Secretary of External Affairs have recently concluded a meeting in the White House to progress Atlasia's formal position on the events in Libya.

No further statements will be forthcoming this evening from the White House.

The President did say that the events in Tripoli were "positive".

Further comments for the time being will be coming from the Department of External Affairs.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS NOTE

The President will  be leaving tomorrow for a 4-state visit of the Mideast.

SCHEDULE

Tuesday 23 August

Cleveland, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Indianapolis, IN

Wednesday 24 August

Bloomington, IN
Chicago, IL

Thursday 25 August

Springfield, IL
Milwaukee, WI
Madison, WI

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President and Vice President congratulate all of those elected or reelected to the Senate.

"There are a great many serious issues that face our nation, I look forward to a positive and effective working relationship with the Senate, with the aim of serving as the people who sent us to our respective offices expect"

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Will your tour bus be an Australian import by any chance?

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