The White House - Polnut Administration

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's remarks to airport press-conference, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Reporter: Mr President, is this visit the unofficial start of your re-election campaign?

President: *laughs* No, not at all. I have to decide whether I'm running again before conversations start about campaigns, official or unofficial.

Reporter: What are main issues you think the Mideast region is dealing with, that you could have an influence on?

President: Look, the entire nation is very slowly recovering from the fundamental economic shock from nearly 3 years ago. Considering how severe and deep those problems were and are, we are getting there. But unemployment is still far too high, too many people without jobs and too few businesses with the confidence to hire.

Reporter: Back in Nyman you are dealing with a sometimes hostile Senate, which is largely made of people from your own party, how does that make you feel?

President: What I feel is immaterial, I think both myself and all Senators know that what we do in our capacities, we do in those roles. The issues being debated are very important to people all over the country, so passion is expected and to be fair, a bit of a necessity. I don't think the Senate is actual hostile, no more than I am to them. It's a robust exchange of views and ideas and we need that in a democracy. But sometimes words are said that shouldn't be and passion overwhelms reason, but that's very human.

Reporter: Given what's going on in Libya right now, what are your hopes for your Troop Withdrawal plan being implemented over the more dare I say ambitious plan supported by Senators Napoleon and Snowguy?

President: I think what's going on in Libya is positive, but it's too early to claim any sort of victory, the rebel forces still need to do a lot of work before any sort of practical end game comes about.

In relation to the competing withdrawal plans, I think we do need to tone down the rhetoric and the temperature. I've said from the outset that our plans have the same end goal. We both want our troops extricated from the theatres. I do understand the position of those who want a more rapid withdrawal, but I want to know that they also understand where I'm coming from. The position my administration has come to, has been developed with the involvement of the highest levels of our military and diplomatic services. We can move out of Libya and Iraq the fastest, because our involvement is smaller and less crucial, but we need to realise that the Afghanistan theatre is the one that cannot be exited rapidly from without consequences. The situation on the ground is not stable enough. I truly hope some kind of compromise can be reached.

Reporter: If the current Bill passes the Senate, will you veto it?

President: I really hope I don't have to. I think some clear thinking and better understanding of each other's positions would cure a lot of the ills we're dealing with. But I've said that if I'm presented with a Bill that is militarily irresponsible or endangers the situation that so many have fought and died to achieve, then I will veto it. But, there are other options before a blanket veto. But in the end, I do respect the constitutional role for the Senate to declare war and reverse that declaration and to withdraw funding. I will not go beyond what are my constitutional powers but I will argue until I'm blue in the face for what is the better approach to our joint goal.

I think the first step is to calm down and work through our differences.

Guys, I've got to go, thanks.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President intends to pursue a policy to increase the penalties for acts of cruelty against animals.

He looks to work with the Senate to bring these about.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President is keeping abreast of the current status of Hurricane Irene.

He made some brief comments...

"I urge all Atlasians along the Eastern sea-board to take seriously the warnings and advice of your regional governments.

The Federal Government stands ready to assist the regional Governments in the aftermath of this storm.

One thing I will add is that very often in conditions like this, animals will be frightened and run away. So make sure that you have your animals in the safe place, or if you see an animal wandering around after the storm, if you can, bring them inside and take them to the closest shelter, as animal care agencies are putting on more resources"

The President will be remaining at the White House during the storm.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TPP - You previously voted for Junkie, but now changed your vote in the runoff election for Pacific Governor.  There are rumors that you plan to make Junkie AG, or even SOIA.  Any truth to these?

All in good time... all in good time.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be making an announcement on his re-election plans sometime in the next few days.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS NOTE

The President will be visiting areas hardest hit by Hurricane Irene on Thursday.

Tour schedule

Jacksonville, NC
Havelock, NC
Virginia Beach, VA
Cape May, NJ
Ocean City, NJ

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's address to the Nation

My fellow Atlasians,

There comes a time in every president’s first term when they must make the decision whether or not they will seek the endorsement of the people to continue their work.

As the October election draws closer I have spent considerable time asking myself many questions.

Recently, I have felt that my ability to bring about important policies has been ineffective.

I came in to this office in July to bring about pragmatic progressive change in Atlasia.

So far I have created the Presidential Game Reform Panel, the final report of which will contain concrete plans that will inform the reform agenda in this country for years to come; I have fulfilled my Inauguration promise to have a plan in place to get our troops out of Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan and doing so to make sure that we leave in the right way.

Very soon a Bill will put before the Senate to reduce the tax burden on small businesses to increase their confidence and get them hiring again. Through diligence, determination and some difficult choices we are getting our economy back on the path to prosperity.
I believe in practical and pragmatic solutions to problems.

I know that I have disappointed some on the left, because I did not do what they felt I should do, or in the way I did it. I have worked very hard to do what I felt was the right thing to do, sometimes that upsets people, I’m sorry for disappointing some, but I do not apologise for doing the right thing for the country.

I still have plans for the rest of this term, such as sterner punishments for those who abuse animals, a student-loan forgiveness scheme, among other policies.

However, due to pressures both internal and external, I have determined that I will not seek and will not accept the nomination of my party, nor any other, to serve another term as your president.

This decision has been taken carefully, while I believe I would win in October, the right of the Atlasian people to have an active and effective president outweighs the pride or ego of one person.

To my supporters from across the political spectrum, that support has meant so much to me, the faith you placed in me in record proportions has not been discounted in my decision.

I want to thank Vice President Bacon King and all current and former members of my Cabinet for their service and dedication to their country.

The Atlasian progressive movement must continue, we must hold true to our ideals, but equally we cannot be governed by them in the face of effective compromise. We cannot allow stubborn self-righteousness to taint this movement. We must be inclusive, we must be prepared to work with those with whom we disagree and we must remember that when we work with progressive ideals in mind, we are doing so because we believe in them and what they can do for all. 

When I leave office at the end of my term, I intend this to be the last elected office I will hold in Atlasia.

While this is a sad time in many ways, this is a great opportunity for people who really want to make a difference to the lives of the Atlasian people to stand up.

Thank you and may Dave bless.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be visiting the Northeast next week.

The Schedule will be
Thursday 8 September - Philadelphia, PA - Trenton, NJ - Princeton, NJ
Friday 9 September - Boston, MA - Providence, RI
Saturday 10 September - Manchester, NH - Bangor, ME
Sunday 11 September - New York City, NY
Monday 12 September - Montpellier, VT - Hartford, CT - New Haven, CT

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

LEGISLATIVE REQUEST

The President requests a Senator submit this piece of legislation.

Amending F.L. 36-13: Animal Protection Act

1. Amend section 5 to read If a person over the age of 18 commits animal abuse, said person shall serve a maximum 3 years in jail and/or 15,000 dollars fine.

2. Amend section 9 to read An organization, business or individual proprietor who violates Section 6 above may be fined up to $1,000,000 per violation and/or the revocation of their operating authority.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

LEGISLATIVE REQUEST

The President requests a Senator submit this piece of legislation.

Rewarding Hard Work College Loan Forgiveness Scheme Bill

1. From 1 July 2012 any student enrolled in a publicly-funded University will be eligible to have their Federal Government-funded College loan debt reduced, depending on their academic performance at graduation.

1a. A student who receives a 4.0 GPA (or equivalent) will be eligible to have 75% of their College debt forgiven
1b. A student who received a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.99 (or equivalent)  will be eligible to have up to 50% of their College loan debt forgiven
1c. A student who receives a GPA of between 3.0 and 3.49 (or equivalent)  will be eligible to have up to 25% of their College debt forgiven.

2. The Scheme will operate alongside all other Government financial aid schemes in public universities. Debt forgiveness will be done by application at time of graduation, with University financial aid authorities making forgiveness determinations.

3. Any student who feels circumstances affected their ability to achieve a GPA which gave them access to debt forgiveness, or a higher level of debt reduction may apply for an appeal through regular internal University appeals processes, but any appeal must be lodged prior to graduation. Once a determination is made on the validity of the appeal, the student may apply for the original or adjusted debt reduction rate after graduation.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has requested an emergency meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Atlasian Postal Service and the head of the Atlasian Postal Workers Union to discuss on-going issues.

It will take place on Wednesday evening at the White House.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has formally changed his state of residence from Washington to Massachusetts.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be visiting the Midwest later this week.

The schedule will be:
Wednesday 14 September: Sioux City, IA - Minneapolis, MN - Duluth, MN
Thursday 15 September: Pierre, SD - Bismark, ND - Lincoln, NE
Friday 16 September: Topeka, KS - Oklahoma City, OK - Billings, MT
Saturday 17 September:  Cheyenne, WY - Boulder, CO - Denver, CO

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's address at the World Trade Center Memorial

My fellow Atlasians,

10 years ago on a beautiful September morning, the security we had had always felt through all the Wars our nation had fought through, was suddenly gone in a horrific instant.

Young men, women and children who were innocently doing what we all do, were brutally targeted. Children lost parents, husbands and wives now without each other, friends gone. The unity of resolve to support those lost and to ensure that such things never happen again, was something that should never vanish.

Every year since the attacks that morning, my predecessors have spoken about our resolve and how we will beat those who sought to do so much damage to us.

But to a large extent, I believe everything on that matter that can be said, has been. We saw in the bombing of the St Louis Arch and the External Affairs Building that the threat that terror poses has not gone away.

However, I think now that a decade has passed, and we have fought in this cause all over the world, we need to ask some fundamental questions about how we can beat terrorism, not just the terrorists.

The view of many who believe that terrorism can be beaten like any other combative enemy is to me, the view from the cheap seats. It is, despite our loss of young life and the expense of money, the easy way out. The simplistic view that a is bad, b is good and b must defeat a.

We need to face some difficult truths that terrorism is a cancer in our world, and much of what we have done since 9/11 has been to treat the symptoms, not the cause. Perhaps, because asking those causal questions makes us uncomfortable… suggesting the role of Western policy to radicalise people in the Arab and wider-Muslim world was considered tantamount to blaming those killed for their deaths. It is not. Like any illness, you need to understand why and how it came about before you can begin to truly excise it. Understanding a justification in someone else’s mind, does not mean that you have to accept it.

Many leaders have trumpeted that we have made it harder to terrorists to function, that is a fact. The work done to disturb communications, money and intelligence has inhibited groups like Al Qaeda from acting in the way they have in the past. But that defeats the terrorists as people, like any other ideology, you cannot defeat it with bombs, guns or drone strikes. You defeat a toxic ideology with better ideas.

For the history of terror as a tactic, from medieval germ warfare, the Assassins during the Crusades, to the PLA, Black September and the IRA in our recent past, there are some common threads. Terror was used as a tactic with a cause, however repugnant. The wave of Jihadism we’ve seen is now clearly without a motive, except simply to disrupt our lives and cause chaos and fear. The other common thread is the terror in our modern time has never achieved the aim of that terrorism. The PLA did not become the PLO, nor did members of the IRA become members of the Northern Ireland Assembly through terror. Terrorism did not win then and it will not win now.

We can defeat terrorism, and do it in the memory of this innocent people who lost their lives 10 years ago, but also those who died in Bali, Madrid, Riyadh, Marrakesh and London… the battle against these fanatics is global and the cause must be global.

All of those who believe that all men, women and children deserve to live in peace with each other, without concern for race, religion or any other artifice of separation need to realize that the solution to terrorism is our universal humanity. Whatever we are or appear to be is merely a casing that contains what we truly are, human beings.

By uniting together and saying ‘no’ and by showing those most vulnerable to the lies of those evil people, are indeed that, then can we  move to truly defeating terrorism. And the best part is that we can do this without more bloodshed. There people who must pay for what they have done, and as president, commander-in-chief and proud Atlasian, I will not rest until they have. However, we must stop the lies and persecution. We have to stop looking at each other as ‘the other’ and be filled with fear and mistrust.

It is said, that September 11, 2001 was the day we lost our innocence. In simple sense, that is accurate. But every day since, opportunities have been lost to work together to defeat the foul ideology or terrorism, which threatens every country, city, community, family and individual that lives with respect and tolerance for our brothers and sisters and works together towards the common goals of human family.

This is a much harder and bigger task than many want to face, but I believe that those who were lost deserve such a living memorial.

Thank you all, may those who have died rest in eternal peace, and may those who remain be comforted in that thought. 

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has made a statement on the signing of the Bill to establish a timeline to bring troops home from Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

"I was very proud to have signed the 'End to Imperialism Act' this evening. This Administration began with a promise to bring our troops home. While it a took a lot work, sometimes involving some dramatic arguments, we all went into this discussion with the same goal, to bring our troops home and do so in a responsible and honourable way.

Now we have a process in place to do that.

I want to thank the Senate, especially those Senators I personally negotiated with, for their work and commitment"

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's remarks to the crowd at Bayfront Festival Park

Duluth, Minnesota


Thank you Duluth!

I’ve had a great day here in the Midwest meeting so many people and I look forward to meeting many more during this week.

Oh… and I haven’t got my cake yet.

I wanted to take this opportunity to talk with you about one of the biggest challenges we face as a nation.

Our economy is slowly starting to recover, however, we must be mindful of the dangers that lurk beyond our shores. The response to that is to be ready and get our domestic economy firing again.

This city has a proud industrial history, and now many of you are working in renewable technologies. In fact Duluth is one of the powerhouses of renewable technology production. But the problem we face is that they are not being sold here, they are being shipped off-shore to other countries who have embraced the renewable revolution. Atlasia sits on the edge of the precipice, we can step back and reside in our old world of coal and oil and hope they don’t run out and try to ignore the rampant environmental damage done…. Or we can take the leap into renewables.

The difference is that it is not a true precipice, but those who are financially supported by vested interests tell us it’s a massive drop with jagged rocks at the bottom. However, in reality, the precipice I speak of is a place to launch ourselves forward.

The Senate recently passed a Green Energy Program to provide low-interest loans to businesses, and grants to communities and Universities to develop and install the newest generation of renewable technology and keep them here in Atlasia.

Another element of our economy that we need to address is that we don’t build anything any more. I’m not just talking about our manufacturing sector, I’m talking about why we don’t invest in large nation building projects.

Some have accused me of being too conscious of the pennies, well, the pennies matter. But these projects are not just costs, they are investments in the future of manufacturing, investments in ensuring that valuable skills remain in Atlasia and support to make sure that products get from one side of the country to the other.

We have seen discussions about a large transport infrastructure projects. I believe our highways and bridges need constant high-quality maintenance but until we start taking the challenge of high-speed rail for both passenger and freight movements seriously, I will not entertain building more roads they encourage more cars and trucks onto the road, with all of their carbon emissions. High-speed rail is an answer we need to be considering seriously. We need to start with established high-traffic corridors and use them as points to expand.

And the technology to build the tracks and the trains is here in Atlasia, the people we need to maintain them and to serve on them are here in Atlasia.

At a time when the global economy is unsteady, we need to do all we can to stimulate our domestic economy. I have put forward corporate tax cuts in my tax plan, but tax cuts can only do so much. The idea that cutting taxes cures all is voodoo economics with no justification in history or economics, it’s part of the solution, but not the magic bullet.

We need to think big, we need to not be so afraid, our economy is timid, but it is not weak. We can get our economy roaring again, but we need to invest in our industries, invest in our people and invest in our future!

This is probably my last trip to Minnesota before I leave office, so I want to thank you for your support and you all have my best wishes for a bright, prosperous and happy future, and I will do all I
can until I leave office to help this come about.

Thank you all.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT POLNUT TO VISIT EUROPE

The President will be making a 5-day visit later this month to Europe.

The tour will take in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

Schedule

Monday 26 September - London, UK
Tuesday 27 September - Edinburgh, UK - Paris, France
Wednesday 28 September - Paris, France - Cologne, Germany
Thursday 29 September - Berlin, Germany - Brussels, Belgium
Friday 30 September - Madrid, Spain

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has returned home ahead of schedule due to a family emergency.

Any matters of an urgent nature should be directed to the Vice President.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Due to a death in the family, the President will be on a leave of absence until Saturday 24 September.

According to Article 2 of the Constitution, the President has issued the following statement.

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[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

President Polnut has re-assumed full executive authority, he thanks the Vice President for his work this past week. He also thanks Atlasians for the well wishes directed towards him and his family on the death of his grandmother.

He will asking for a full briefing on the issues in the Southeast.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I support the nomination.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Considering the current issues in the Southeast, President Polnut has postponed his European tour until mid-October.

The President had this to say today...

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[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has just arrived at the White House after spending the day in the IDS.

He made this comment on walking off Marine One.

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[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be making a speech later tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada in which he will outline an ambitious change in the nation's tax system.

Full details of the proposal will be outlined tomorrow morning.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's Remarks to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Dinner

Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, Las Vegas



Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for inviting me here to speak with you this evening.

Given that I have only a short time left as president, I want to make sure that you all know that one thing you haven’t got, is a lame-duck president.

I intend to keep working every single day until I see my successor take the oath of office.

In that spirit, I am announcing one of the most ambitious reforms our economy has ever seen.

If there has been one complaint I have held for a long time about our national finances it is the tiered system of income taxation.

With each region being able to impose its own income tax, it creates disparities and false economies based on the ideological bent or whim of the regions.

Therefore I am today announcing that it will be the policy of my administration to see the abolition of regional income taxation.

Now, regional governments will still need to be funded to do their work, I am not interested in further centralisation of power in Nyman. Regional governments have important roles to play and they need to be able to do their work with maximum benefits for their communities.

This is also not an issue of the abolition of taxation, so the right can stop jumping for joy and the left can stand down from the ledge; this is just a simplifying of a system which I do not think works well. I will convene a meeting of all regional governors within the next week to discuss alternatives.

There are, however, certain conditions that I will apply to alternatives.
•   The Federal Government will not increase its income tax share from either individuals or business
•   The administration of any future finance system will fit within existing bureaucracies
•   There needs to be a uniformity across the regions to ensure a fairer system than currently exists

I cannot and would not seek to impose this on Atlasia, this is an important reform that will require wide-support. I will work with the regional Governors and the Federal Senators to get this done. I know this might not be done within my term, but this is a reform that I believe needs to happen it will simplify our national finances and will lessen the burden of income taxation on many who can least afford it.

This is a golden opportunity for this country to unite and reform our national economy. Yes, we are regions that have separate interests but we are also one nation, with interconnected economies and therefore, an interconnected future.

Finally, I want to thank you for your support during my presidency. It can be a very lonely job, but knowing that the people you serve have your back makes it so much easier. The warmth of the Atlasian people is something I will certainly miss, but I made the decision to not stay on because you deserve an active and available president.

Thank you all.