Hajji Giray I said:
Ms. Van Ewen, not sure of Mr. Vandelft's party membership, gives Olson a very meaningful, somewhat unhappy look. She is about to start speaking, but decides to let Olson comment.
Ms. Van Ewen, I can assure that Mr. Vandelft is a member of the party. Olson assures her. As far as equal protection under the law goes, we have stated publicly in our platform that law enforcement falls under the federal government, along with trade and defense. It would be ludicrous to suggest that because we believe in decentralization that we do not hold certain rights inaliable. The Constitution applies to all Eutopians, regardless of what province they are from.
Certain rights, free speech, freedom of assembly and religion, are considered paramount to the Party of Liberty. I would hope that my actions during the Coup would show that I value free speech and assembly over my own personal safety. This is something that is incredibly important to me at both a personal and professional level.
The idea behind decentralization is to acknowledge the unique heritage that different provinces have. If, for example, Tilapia was to rejoin Eutopia, then the Party of Liberty would fully support Tilapia deciding whether or not to emphasize their Latin heritage (we wouldn't support the Tilapians teaching classes in English unless the Tilapians wanted to teach classes in English).
I don't think we are proposing anything extreme. I think that acknowledging that we don't all have the same history, culture and ideas is a practical way to look at things in our great country.
As far as entitlements go, the Party does not turn a blind eye to the unfortunate and disadvantaged, whatever the preception might be. We believe in giving aid to those who are physically unable to work, whether they are physically/mentally disabeled, or too young, or too old. We also believe in fair unemployment benefits, i.e. everyone gets a certain amount based on their household size.
It is true that the Party does not believe we have a role in subsidizing extravagent lifestyles. If you're rich, and happen to be out of work, we do not feel the need to give a fat check to you, so that you can support your 'standard of living'. This, to me, is not an extreme view.
I hope that cleared some things up. If you have any more questions, please ask. Hopefully, we can clear up our view point.