Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Nym90 Interview

Akno21: How do you answer charges about you not being active enough?
Nym90: Well, I have posted nearly every day in the fantasy elections section of the forum, and have voted on every piece of legislation that has come forth that i am aware of, including the many amendments to legislation. There has certainly been a glut of legislative activity lately, which is a positive sign for the future of Atlasia. My campaign team is being assembled and we are ready to start actively campaigning soon, and there is a debate scheduled for this Saturday night in the Teamspeak chat room. I think I'm a pretty known quantity in Atlasia, and my positions are well known both inside and outside of the Fantasy Elections.
Akno21: What is your position on abortion, and how does it compare to that of Mr. Naso?
Nym90: I feel that abortion is a terrible thing. We should make it one of our foremost priorities to reduce abortion. However, I feel that that is best done through reducing the economic necessity for abortion. I strongly support the Unwed Mothers Act proposed by my esteem colleague Mr. Supersoulty, and though I am pro-choice, I do support banning abortion after 5 months of a pregnancy except in cases where the mother's life is at stake. But above all, we must do everything in our power to reduce the conditions that lead to abortion, and I feel those are poor education and a lack of economic opportunity. This is paramount to solving this problem.
Akno21: How would you fix the education problem, from a federal standpoint?
Nym90: I think the main thing that we must do is devolve power from Nyman back to the regions, and especially to the local communities. Local school boards, teachers, parents and administrators know what's best for their children, not federal bureaucrats. A "one size fits all" approach will never work in education. The federal government's primary role should be to disburse funds to local communities which can then solve the problem in whichever unique way is necessary for their area. Certainly we shouldn't abandon a set of basic standards, but overall, localized education works better when it comes to how to manage schools.
Nym90: That being said, I am a strong supporter of public education, and I strongly support increasing its funding, along with localizing the control.
Akno21: How much would you increase funding for education by, ideally?
Nym90: Well, I think that's something we have to look at within the reality of the federal budget. Given our current budget situation we have to be realistic about it. But I think that we definitely need an increase, which will be greatly beneficial to the economy of Atlasia, and will close the opportunity gap, ensuring that all Atlasians have the chance to get ahead in life. This will improve the economy and largely if not completely pay for itself in the process, I believe. It's definitely an area that needs to be addressed.
Akno21: What is your view on our China policy at the moment, and what should be done differently?
Nym90: Well, I think that the most important thing that must be done is to look into some sort of reduction of trade with China. We shouldn't be coddling dictators and supporting these repressive regimes by helping to prop up their economy, undermining the basic underpinnings of our own in the process. Most Favored Nation trading status with that regime is a blight on Atlasia. Although we need to be diplomatic in our relationship with China, we definitely do need to draw a line in the sand and make it clear that we stand strongly in favor of democracy and against tyranny and oppression.
Akno21: What are your opinions about your Senate opponents?
Nym90: Well, I look forward to debating them. They are both fine men but I think that the voters of District 3 have to look at them closely, and their past actions, and decide whether they want to take this District in that direction. It's something that I trust the voters will be looking at closely come election weekend.
Nym90: I think there's a pretty stark contrast, between myself and my opponents, in many ways.
Akno21: Which ways?
Nym90: Well, ideologically and in terms of experience. I think my record speaks for itself, and I have worked well with many members of the Senate to forge coalitions and get things done. I think that's important to the voters, the ability to work well with others in a cordial and responsible manner.
Akno21: Mr. Naso has attacked you for being liberal, and some would say tried to turn liberal into some sort of curse word. Is there anything wrong with being liberal?
Nym90: Well, there's certainly never anything wrong with standing up for your convictions, no. I haven't run from the label in the past, and I won't now. However, it's also important to get past labels, and look at the person. I'm curious as to how his positions are moderate as he's claimed. As I've always said, I am a pragmatic progressive, and while my convictions and positions are well known, I think I've shown a good ability to reach out to others and work well with Senators of different ideologies. I represent all of the people of my District, not just those who may be of a similar ideological persuasions, and I always work hard to represent the views of all Atlasians.
Nym90: So while my opponent is attacking people and applying liberals, we're doing the people's business and getting things done.
Akno21: What is your biggest achievement as a Senator?
Nym90: Well if I had to pick one, I'd say the Competitive Contracting bill, which I think will show many positive results in improving the efficiency of government while ensuring that vital services are provided to the people. I strongly believe in better government, more effective government, not bureaucratic red tape, and this bill, which had support from those of all political persuasions, will greatly improve the way government works and make it work for the people, as it should.
Akno21: Do you believe your experience makes you more qualified for the job?
Nym90: Well, it's something that the voters care about, I think. It's not just the experience, but the formation of good working relationships that counts. The ability to reach out, which I've demonstrated time and time again. So I'd say yes, but not just experience in and of itself; the ability to work well with others is paramount. That's how things get done in Nyman, and it's something that we need more of.
Akno21: All in all, you believe you represent your district better than Mr. Naso, correct?
Nym90: I think so. I think I am more in line with the views of most District 3 residents. But of course the voters will decide on election weekend who they feel best represents them. Right now we are most focused on getting our message out and highlighting my accomplishments and my record. We're confident that the voters will see the contrast on election weekend.
Akno21: Who do you support in the other senate races, or are you undecided?
Nym90: I'm definitely saddened to see Nation forced to drop out in D1. I'll hold off on any endorsement there until we know the full scope of who is running.
Nym90: Otherwise, I'm for Akno in D2, Hughento in D5, and I'm officially undecided on D4, though I like a lot of what George W. Bush has been saying. I think he's shown that he could be an excellent addition to the Senate.

Mike Naso Interview

Akno21: In a district that elected a staunch liberal, Al, by a overwhelming margin, why can you win?
Mike Naso: I am attractive towards moderates, and I know this race will be down to the wire despite what some think. I know I am going to win, and I am confident.
Akno21: How are you attractive towards moderates?
Mike Naso: If moderates had to choose between a liberal from Michigan, or a moderate Republican, most moderates would, and will vote for me. And by the way, I know for a fact I am appealing to democrats, moderates, liberals, and conservatives.
Akno21: on what issues are you moderate?
Mike Naso: Abortion, I support it except in the case of rape or incest. I want some longer cooling off periods for buying weapons.
Akno21: You are opposed to abortion in cases of rape or incest?
Mike Naso: Yes
Akno21: Ok, next question
Mike Naso: ok
Akno21: Do you feel you have become a running joke?
Akno21: with all the "vigor and decisiveness"
Mike Naso: No, and I wish people would stop looking at my running that way. I am really running, I really want to get things done in the senate. I want longer cooling off periods, I want to propose new legislation, I want lower income taxes for all in District 3, and the people with the lowest income will get the most relief. I plan on being senator and a damn good one at that.
Akno21: What legislation would you like to propose?
Mike Naso: I would like to edit some of Statesright's legislation on the weapons act, I will propose legislation for lower income taxes for District 3, and I plan on proposing more ideas that come to mind.
Akno21: Cut income taxes only for D3, or for all of Atlasia?
Mike Naso: You need to start with District 3, and steadily spread through out all of Atlasia.
Akno21: If you cut the government's income, what spending will you cut?
Mike Naso: Look, lower income taxes for people of District 3 and then all of Atlasia will cause small business and corporations to invest more, and build more, which, in times of a weak economy, would help the economy for all of Atlasia.
Akno21: but how do you pay for domestic programs now without increasing the deficit?
Mike Naso: Look, I know that my plans seem a little off. But, giving the economy a second wind will make our deficit go away, and give us at least some surplus.
Akno21: Fair enough
Akno21: Earlier, you mention liberals support you. Which ones?
Mike Naso: Well, i do not think it is right to give out the names of voters.
Mike Naso: Now, I know what some will do.
Mike Naso: They will spin that to I HAVE NO VOTERS.
Akno21: Why will liberals abandon a "liberal" such as Nym?
Mike Naso: But I do, I just do not think revealing their name is alright.
Akno21: Fair enough
Mike Naso: Nym has not been as active as a Senator should be. He has not campaigned, which all but says he does not care.
Akno21: How do you answer charges that you have been the subject of patronage appointments?
Mike Naso: Look, I am a straight shooter, which I think voters will appreciate. I have held positions as Sec of Senate, Liaison to VP Supersoulty, and I have worked hard as Chief of Staff.
Akno21: Do you feel you have been cheated out of several positions?
Mike Naso: No.
Akno21: Final question, do you believe your threats/actions against Senator StatesRights in the teamspeak chat room were appropriate?
Mike Naso: No, and I have nothing against Statesrights, and it was all for fun.
Akno21: Thanks for your time.
Mike Naso: Sure thing.
Mike Naso: Thank you.

PBrunsel Interview

President PBrunsel: Indeed
Akno21: Ok, I'll begin
President PBrunsel: Cool
Akno21: What, to date, has been the biggest accomplishment you have made as President?
President PBrunsel: The Passage of the Taiwan Protection Act.
President PBrunsel: Taiwan, of course.
Akno21: Do you feel at all rejected that your "Old Glory" bill was voted down so heavily?
Akno21: in fact, it did not receive a single vote
President PBrunsel: No, it was a silly piece of legislation in retrospect. I didn't think any Senator would introduce it.
Akno21: Why did you veto the restructuring of the cabinet bill as proposed by Senator Al?
President PBrunsel: The Bill had glaring problems, such as combining the state and defense departments. I feel that the best way to deal with some of our problems is to out right abolish the Treasury Department [sorry King:-D] and reform the State Department so that actual diplomatic mission threads could be made. Al's Bill was simply big government in it's biggest form.
Akno21: Do you believe that you have less pressure now that you are not running for President
President PBrunsel: Yes I do. No threat of being replaced by voter anger. I feel the "Let's Attack the Administration" fad that happened in late December 2004 is now over and I am back to the high 50's in public approval. More is to come.
Akno21: There is a notion in some circles that you were a small town governor with little to guide him but basic, stubborn, conservative principles, and not able to deal with the Nyman culture. Is that accurate at all, and where do you think it stems from?
President PBrunsel: Well being a West Branch boy may make me seem out of touch with the "Nyman Insiders" but I don't give a dang if those "insiders" like me or not. They remind me of the political bosses of the 1880's. I am a Conservative who feels government is a problem and I think that small government is the best government. Whether you call this "stubborn" or not is an opinion, plain and simple. I am a believer in world freedom and that Atlasia is the Great Beacon of World Freedom. I am a strong believer in liberty, Democracy, and the American Dream, and if that makes me out of the loop with these so called "Nyman Insiders" than i'll be out of the loop.
Akno21: If there are "Nyman Insiders", who are they?
President PBrunsel: A man I beat for the Presidency and you know well Akno, is Harry. He was Vice President, President Pro Tempe, and A long standing Senator, now he is my Attorney General.
President PBrunsel: Harry is probably the biggest "insider" in Nyman.
Akno21: Do you feel there is too much political correctness in Atlasia, inability to take a joke, or inability to adapt to a new way of doing things?
President PBrunsel: Yes indeed. Our government has too many starch shirted and gray suited politicians and lobbyists. We must be hard workers, as hard work is the keystone of any government, but we must be good natured as well.
Akno21: Do you think the constitutional crisis has abated?
President PBrunsel: The Constitution is still a major issue of my administration. I urged the Delegates to start working harder to correct the problems SoFA StevenNick pointed out, and now I urge them again. We must get going so we can end the crisis.
Akno21: Which Senate candidates do you support?
President PBrunsel: I, obviously, support Mike Naso in District 3. I am sure this will be his long awaited victory.
President PBrunsel: In District 4 I am backing Senator StatesRights.
President PBrunsel: In District 1 I throw my support behind my friend and a great editor of your rival newspaper, The National Atlasian, Mr. Colin Wixted.
President PBrunsel: In District 2, sorry Akno, I support Senator Bono for reelection.
President PBrunsel: In District 5 I am supporting King.
Akno21: Not surprising
Akno21: One question, how can you expect Mike Naso to win a district that elected Al by such an overwhelming margin?
President PBrunsel: Al won by an overwhelming margin because he had no competition. Texasgurl, may God bless her, decided that she had had enough of fantasy politics and left the race, as you remember. Al won a huge victory because of no opposition.
President PBrunsel: Nym90 has led a lack luster campaign to go with a lackluster Senate career. Mike Naso is an active man.
Akno21: even so, demographics favor Nym, you cannot deny that
President PBrunsel: Naso is able to attract moderate support. Nym90 is a far left Senator who has become out of touch with his region and with Atlasia as a whole. He has let down his constituents by failing to show up for work. If the voters of District 3 have any dreams for their District, they'll vote for Naso's solid plan.
Akno21: on what issues is the Former President far left on?
President PBrunsel: Abortion, labor, government spending. Voted for that school act you introduced, that would have cost tax payers countless millions.
Akno21: How could he vote for my school act, we were never both in the senate?
Akno21: Are you keeping mind that being pro-choice, pro-labor, and for increasing government spending is not far left, but a view shared by half Atlasia?
President PBrunsel: Well the half that the Democratic GOTV effort was able to muster up the last election. :-D
President PBrunsel: Besides, I have yet to see Nym vote on any recent legislation passed.
Akno21: on a related note, is being pro-choice and pro-labor far left?
President PBrunsel: When he, like his former VP Al, seem to put the interests of labor unions first, I can see that as being too far left.
Akno21: Thanks for your time
President PBrunsel: It was nice to be interviewed.
President PBrunsel: I thank you Akno, and good luck on election day.
Akno21: Thanks