Party of Liberty Campaign Trail (Term XIV)

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*Jerome addresses a select crowd of party supporters in his home town of New Lancaster City*

Friends,

once again, election time is upon us. Thanks in large measure to the unceasing efforts by President Leary, the PL will be a strong competitor at the polls. What other party has our enviable record? What other party has achieved so much, in such a short time, with so little? Remember that, three years ago, we entered the General Assembly as the smallest party. We controlled no executive office. The General Assembly looked poised to be dominated by a coalition of ENP and MRP.

Yet, only three years later, here we are: a party that controls the Presidency. A party that, for much of the past Term, controlled the Speakership, and did so with an excellent track record. A party that, indisputably, has become a major force in the General Assembly and racked up a great number of legislative accomplishments.

Today, I ask for your support. I ask for your support in order to ensure that the PL can continue its work on behalf of all Eutopians. We have achieved much, but in politics as in life in general, one can never rest on one's laurels: now is the time to push for further change, and to consolidate the progress that has been made over the last few years. With your help, we will be able to further advance the cause of individual liberty, against those on the Left and Right who would infringe on it.

With your support, we will be able to achieve further welfare reforms - reforms that will free individuals from the tutelage of the state, reforms that will give less fortunate citizens a true opportunity to control their own fate, reforms that will breed individual initiative rather than a spirit of dependency. We will be able to free up economic potential and encourage economic dynamism by reducing taxes on individuals and corporations. We will be able to defend the right of *all* Eutopians to lead a life of their own choosing and to enjoy the same privileges as everyone else, free from discrimination. With your support, the PL will be able to work towards a peaceful end to the conflict that has been festering on our doorsteps for so many years, has brought so much tragedy, and has cost so many lives.

The PL will continue its fight for individual lives and liberties. I ask for your support in this fight. Your support is our strength. The cause of liberty depends on you.

Thank you.

 

[Craig Ashley]

Colin addresses his home crowd in Kirby.

"As you well know, election season is upon us. Soon you, the voters of Eutopia, will be called upon to perform your duty to democracy and cast a ballot for one of today's political parties. I suspect each party will be campaigning furiously for your support. I know the PoL will be, and I'd like to share a few things you may want to consider when you step into the polls come election day."

"First is accomplishment. Every party is going to promise you the sky. It's a campaign tradition, but the question you must ask is who will deliver on their promises? The PoL has an established track record for accomplishing what it sets out to do. We promised to focus on the economy, and we passed several pieces of legislation - IEA, STMCSB, and the ERTRA to be precise - that have fostered significant economic growth. Despite Amric Al'Aeshir's selfish meltdown, our economy is growing leaps and bounds. Projected government revenues for the next term stand to increase over 5% after inflation next term! That means there is more money out there. More jobs out there. More opportunity out there! All for you, the Eutopian worker and entrapenuer."

"Of course, that wasn't our only accomplishment. We removed needless regulations from our labor market. We secured higher pensions for our brave veterans who sacrificed on our behalf. We fought to clean up the enviroment so we will never have to endure another catastrohpe like Helia. We've fought so that equality applies to all members of Eutopian society. And we will continue to fight for your safety, your freedom, and your liberty!"

"Of course, this is all fine and dandy, but I realize many of you do not want a history lesson on the good deeds of the Party of Liberty. You want to know what we will do for you next."

"Let's start with reform. Tax reform. We don't just want to cut taxes, we want to reform the system so that more people pay less taxes. The ECB projects a large surplus for the next term. I fully intend to ensure that part of that surplus is used to pay down our minor debts, but the way I see it, the rest of that money is your money, not the governments. I want to see it put back in your pockets, so you can spend your hard earned money as you see fit. Not so the federal government can spend your hard earned money as they see fit."

"And our reforms won't stop there. How about welfare reform? Instead of fostering a spirit of dependency and disillusion, let's turn welfare into what it was meant to be - a helping hand to get people back on their feet and contributing to society. Let's use welfare to ensure that everyone has the basic skills necessary to compete in today's workplace. Let's use welfare to help the hopeless find hope, in the form a honest wage from an honest day's work."

"Next, let's try government reform. The PoL is dedicated to making sure the cabinet works for you, the people who pay their salaries, and not for themselves and their own political agendas. We feel the you, the Eutopian people, have a right to know what goes on behind closed doors. We want open communication and accountability for the executive branch. We want a cabinet that coordinates its efforts, not carves up the federal government into personal fiefdoms. We think you have the right to know what the government is doing, afterall, it is a government elected by you for you."

"So remember the word reform when you go to the ballot box. Remember the results of this term. Remember the Party of Liberty!"

 

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*Jerome speaks to a crowd in central Eutopia City*

Friends, opponents, innocent bystanders:

It's official: the campaign has its first negative ad. It was bound to happen, of course. Nonetheless, the ENP's recent attack ad is remarkable: it is remarkable, not because it is effective - which it is not. It is remarkable, not because it is spot on - which it is not. It is not even remarkable because it is entertaining - which it is not. It is remarkable, because it not only launches a vicious attack on gay and lesbian equality, but at one and the same time suggests that anyone who supports same sex rights does not care about "Eutopian values." The attack on same sex rights is deplorable enough, but hardly new: the ENP's regrettable track record on gay and lesbian equality is well-known. What is new, however, and equally troubling, is the ENP's attempt to claim a monopoly on the definition of "Eutopian values" - and by extension, of what it means to be a true Eutopian.

What, precisely, is a Eutopian value, you ask? Beats me. I was under the impression that we live in a plural democracy, where diversity of values abounds and is freely expressed. A country where people are allowed to hold to their beliefs and voice them without fear of suppression and reprisal. A country without an officially sanctioned and imposed set of beliefs. A country, in short, that is free. Luckily, we have the ENP to disabuse us of that notion: if we are to believe the Nationalists, a "Eutopian value" is, apparently, any value that the ENP happens to agree with. This excludes such niceties as equal rights for all Eutopians - the same Eutopians the ENP claims to represent! Support for same-sex rights, according to the ENP's new gospel of "Eutopian values," is simply un-Eutopian.

Except, of course, that it is not. We need go no further than our Constitution - the one document that supposedly embodies the values fundamental to the governance of Eutopia - to remind us of the fact. Since this seems to have escaped the ENP's attention, let me quote our Charter of Rights to prod them in the right direction:

Art. 28. [Discrimination] No right or privilege, whether granted publicly or privately, by statute, code, regulation, common law, practice, or other means, shall be denied, abridged, or otherwise altered on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or indicia of those.

It seems that Eutopians consider equality an important enough value to entrench it in the Constitution. Equality, one is tempted to point out for the ENP's benefit, that applies to all - not equality for some.

If equality doesn't cut it for the Nationalists, here is another value for them to consider: it's called liberty. As in, an individual's liberty to hold whatever opinion they damn well please. As in, an individual's liberty to act on that opinion, provided it does not infringe on the lives and liberties of others. As in, liberty entails respect for another's opinions, beliefs and values - not just those sanctioned by the ENP. As in, there is no such thing as a "Eutopian value" - only different values held by different Eutopians.

If the ENP is truly concerned with protecting "Eutopian values," I'd urge them to consider that intolerance is the one thing that is sure to unravel Eutopia's fragile social fabric. Everyone else, I urge to disregard the ENP's drive-by smear against the ELP. You or I may disagree with the Socialists on a good many issues, but that does not make their beliefs un-Eutopian, and it does not make our values any more "Eutopian" than theirs. I urge you to show the ENP that you truly care about values: values of liberty, equality, and democracy. Show the ENP that you see its attack for what it is: a desperate attempt by a desperate party to mobilize hatred and spread division for narrow political ends.

 

[Hyzhenhok]

A television ad appears throughout Eutopia. It features Dr. Jonathan Glasser of the ELP speaking in the back ground, with recent speech quotes underneath. After each quote, the screen blacks out and additional, large white text is shown to finish Glasser's sentence for him.

“…the ELP, the friend to all Eutopians…”

Besides those hard-working individuals who own businesses and drive our economy.

“We know that we must work to make sure that the lives of hardworking Eutopians are not shattered and destroyed by capricious whims...”

By more heavily taxing and losing jobs for the same hard-working Eutopians.

”We want to make sure the best have the best opportunities in a society that does not place artificial challenges in their way based on…any other factor besides ability...”

Because of course, we should punish those of ability and reward laziness.

"For that is what Eutopia needs…no, deserves..."

and that is more governmental interference, a socialist government and a sluggish economy.

The ad ends with more bold white text on a black background.

Vote for those who truly have Eutopia's interests at heart. Vote for the Party of Liberty

 

[Hyzhenhok]

A political cartoon, published online and in several nation-wide newspapers, appears. It features a short, dwarfed charicature of Alexi Gonzov seated on top of a large sheet-covered object. Gonzov is wearing a Soviet-style military uniform. He is adorned with an assortment of metals so large and heavy they are causing him to fall forward off his seat. The medals are labeled PoL Accomplishments. Also causing him to fall is the fact that the sheet-covered object is slanted incorrectly. Gonzov's fall is pulling the sheet off the object, revealing an elephant labelled Accounting Irregularities, who is on its hind legs apparently frightened of a mouse labelled ELP Accomplishments. Gonzov is falling off the elephant into a large abyss labelled Term XIV Elections.

 

[Hyzhenhok]

Zhokhyen makes a speech to a crowd in St. Brendanstown, St. Brendan

“Now, I understand all of you are probably staring in wonder at me. Three years ago I campaigned for the ENP and was chosen as President. Today, I am part of the PoL, and once again I am simply Zhokhyen. No longer President Zhokhyen.

“What caused this amazing turnaround in events? Frankly, it is because of the ENP’s politics’, indeed all conservative parties’ politics’, many faults. The ENP, nor their young twin the PEL represent mainstream conservatism. In my years serving the ENP, the struggle simply to maintain a decent party state was enormous. All of you likely remember Jim Sykes’ un-conservative support of the Emergency Industrial Administrative Act. A bill that unlawfully would have seized the property of a legitimate, if insane, business owner, and had it stood it likely would have set the precedent to simply write away all Eutopians’ rights to their property. Now, I could be wrong, but last time I checked the idea of the government seizing private assets for ‘the good of all’ was called socialism.

“And Sykes supported it, supposedly for ‘nationalist’ reasons. Pride in one’s nation is a good thing, but if you are using it as a reason to support a bill so blatantly opposed to your party’s entire foundation, you are either a liar or you have gone too far. Amric Al’Aeshir’s actions were inexcusable, but logic must prevail over emotion, and if Sykes could not recognize that the Emergency Industrial Administrative Act would have been terrible for Eutopia, then he was not and is not a mainstream conservative.

“The parties that claim to represent the mainstream right claim so falsely. There is no mainstream right party in Eutopia. Conservatives are terribly divided – and this negatively impacts their ability to act on issues that unite them. The Ban on Abortion? Even supported by the PoL’s rising star Colin Leary, it still failed because the ENP was too divided and distracted to put up a directed fight, despite my own best efforts. The economy – what exactly did the ENP accomplish in this last term in that respect? They voted for Leary’s economic stimulus bills, and I signed them. But Leary had produced all of the sweat. And finally when the time came to stand up for their economic beliefs, petty party politicking gracefully split the party because of nothing more than a rumor, and they failed where there was the fullest chance of success.

“The ENP and her sister party, the PEL, whose platform is identical to the ENP’s in every way besides the exact wording, represent a morass of impenetrable pet issues and irreconcilable differences, ranging from social issues, economic issues and the monarchy. They will accomplish nothing in the coming term but more petty bickering and splitting.

“The truth of the situation is only one party can actually look after conservative economic interests. And that party is the PoL. Look at the record – a number of economic stimulus bills, penned by Mr. Leary and signed by myself. Under my presidency and the PoL’s active legislation, we have passed through the disaster of Al’Aeshir’s folly with relatively little harm. The governmental budget, revised and supported by the PoL and the moderates, and originally penned and signed by myself, will result in a very large surplus in the coming term. Al’Aeshir’s actions forced the government to withhold its promises for tax cuts until the situation has improved. The situation is now improved. We are finally in a position to return excessively taken tax-money to hard-working Eutopians. I myself pledge that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the majority of that surplus is slashed from the budget entirely through tax reductions. As a result, our economy will be kick-started. We will finally leave the sluggishness that has plagued us since the Socialists took power so many years ago.

“Please, do not throw away your votes on the useless PEL and ENP. Do not vote for the ELP, who will seek to undo all of the accomplishments of the past term. Vote for the PoL. We have the best interests of everyone in our country at heart. We can best lead Eutopia into the imminent prosperity.”

 

[Craig Ashley]

"I had hoped to come out here and discuss some reforms to the justice system the PoL would like to see implemented. But, sadly instead I feel it necessary to address the comments made by the ENP's Per von Hapsburg. He stated, 'Do you want a Libertarian, who will not give a fig about the dying soldier?'"

"So let me make this quick and clear. First off, despite what von Hapsburg says, war is not imminent. Myself, and others such as Per Park, are working furiously to pursue diplomatic channels regarding the situation in New Bengal."

"Furthermore, I am already workign with the Joint Chiefs to ensure our men have proper training for any role they may be called upon. No one, certainly not myself or the PoL, wants to see soldier's die. That's why military force remains the absolute last option in any situation."

"And beyond that, I might add that the PoL was behind ensuring that our brave veterans got a well deserved increase in their pensions. And we remain committed to seeing our military as a modern, effective force, capable of defending our lands and our liberties."

"Frankly, I'm disgusted that Per von Hapsburg would make such a vulgar claim in the name of politics. No matter what our political differences, I'm sure no politician wants to see Eutopian men and women dying. I'll simply end with this, I and the PoL, remain committed to our brave men and women in the armed forces. We remain committed to ensuring that they have quality equipment, adaquete pay, and that they are never recklessly called into action before every possible peaceful solution has been exhausted."

"Thank you."

 

[Craig Ashley]

Speaking in Eutopia City.

"Good government. It's what we all want, right? An honest, efficient government that puts the needs of Eutopia ahead of partisan politics and petty power plays. Unfortunately, that's not always what we get."

"The ELP has been demonstrating that sad fact with their antics in the legislative branch. They refuse to vote on electing a new Speaker, denying both candidates the required 51 votes. They've forced what was once an active body to a grinding halt. And now, they hope to hold it hostage."

"Unable to push through their big government agenda on merits, they hope blackmail works. The ELP has stated that they will continue to withhold their vote until their agenda is placed at the top of the list."

"It seems the ELP doesn't care about process or ground rules, they want their way and they want it now, and that's all that matters. If they can't get it, they've decided to take their ball and go home, shutting down the entire GA as they go."

"Whether or not you support the ELP agenda, surely you have to recognize that this is no way to conduct government business. The General Assembly has very specific rules in place for what bills have standing. The ELP voted in favor of these rules. Now when the rules don't go their way, they throw a tantrum that Amric Al'Aeshir would be proud of and kill the General Assembly."

"This is not responsible government. This is not building a concensus of ideas. This blackmail, and you, the Eutopian voter, should not tolerate it! I say this election day, we kick the partisan bums outta office, and we elect new leaders who will put Eutopia ahead of partisan politics."

"As a legislator, I never allowed partisan politics to factor into my actions. As Speaker, I never let partisan politics get in the way of my duties as Speaker. As President I have not let partisan politics enter into my decision making. The PoL is against partisan politics. The PoL is against gridlock. The PoL is for progress and responsible government. And the PoL is the party that will represent these ideals in the next term."

"Thank you."

 

[Craig Ashley]

Speaking in Nuewestbaden:

"A lot has been said this campaign season about the civil rights of same sex couples. Some have tried to claim this somehow violates "Eutopian ideals". I've always believed that the only Eutopian ideals were regarding democracy and freedom, and I sayd denying same sex couples the same basic freedoms as traditional couples is a violation of Eutopian ideals."

"But I'm not here to talk about same sex marriage. I'd like to address a different and even more appalling violation of civil rights. Hate crimes. Crimes motivated by bigotry, prejudice and sheer hatred are among the most vile and offensive acts known to man."

"Unfortunately, as of today, Eutopia has no laws concerning hate crimes. It is true that by defination a hate crime is still a crime and therefore punishable by law, but hate crimes represent a special depravity. It represents a mindset that can lead to great evil and destruction, and it should be punished accordingly. Our criminal justice system already considers motive in many other proceedings. Death caused by negligence or accident is not the same as murder. Even murder is sub-divided between actions in the heat of the moment and cold, calculated premeditation."

"The PoL wants to put hate crimes on the books. If you attack another human simply because of their race, religion, ethnic group, gender, or sexual orientation, you will be charged with hate crimes along with your other offenses. No free society can tolerate such vicious and unthinking violence. Thank you."

 

[Hyzhenhok]

Zhokhyen makes an impromptu speech in Farpoint

“All of you have probably heard by now – von Habsburg, the new chairman and the ENP’s presidential candidate, has suddenly left his party. He called the ENP ‘doomed to collapse’. Well, there’s self-fulfilling prophecy for you. The ENP still maintains a strong base with Admiral Tulp and Jim Sykes, but can conservatives really expect much from the ENP if this kind of thing happens? My own words, on how the ENP would unable to fulfill the wishes of conservatives, have seemingly been fulfilled. Because, frankly, when the Party Chairman and presidential candidate betrays a party in the middle of a campaign for no other reason besides ridiculous political ones – it is clear von Habsburg has realized that the ENP is not the path to the presidency which he covets – it shows a lot about a party’s stability and strength.

“So the ENP is barely viable now that it has been stripped of its libertarian and moderate wings. It is now undoubted – the ENP and PEL are twins of one another. And the PEL has hardly made a whisper this election season thus far. Who knows what they are planning to do? The economic hopes of conservatives lie only with the PoL. The PoL has a record, and has made real promises. Tax reduction. Economic stimulus. Fair treatment for all Eutopians, in all situations. There should be no discrimination against any Eutopian based on skin color, sexuality – nor should there be discrimination based on economic status. The PoL will do all in its power on the former. Anti-hate crime legislation will be one of our first priorities. So too will be the economy.

“The ELP has recently been promising the Eutopian people the moon. They speak of all the wonder they plan to bring to Eutopia, but speak on nothing but how they will do it. This is the truth: they will buy us the moon with everything else we already have. President Leary has already re-submitted the Housing Reform Act. I vetoed this bill as a matter of principle. However, I admit now that that was a rather hotheaded action. The PoL plans to push through this bill and take care of housing, giving more equal opportunity to all Eutopians.

“The ELP will argue that this is not enough. That is false. Reverend Woody Park has an extended plan to virtually shackle the real estate industry in Eutopia. He wishes to give the government the power to force landowners into being landowners only in name. In fact, one of his proposals virtually legalizes squatting! This may be nice for the homeless, but it is not nice for anyone else. The government has no place to over-regulate apartment buildings nor does it have or deserve the power to violate the rights to property of land owners. The ELP’s agenda is ridiculous and overbearing.

“Next, the ELP wishes to reduce the capability of our defense force. The military is barely capable as it stands. Tilapia, our neighbor who is much smaller than us, in fact has a larger navy! I do not believe that increases in the military more than the 8% approved by the General Assembly at the beginning of Term XIII are necessary, but certainly holding that number is necessary. The current spending rate of 7.25 is the very minimum. And yet, the ELP wishes the reduce our military capabilities despite the fact that there is a volatile situation very close to home.

“The ELP’s economic proposals are foolish. A bloated government cannot compare with the robust capabilities of a capitalist free market. If we reduce the government’s interference and lower taxes substantially, Eutopia’s economic fortunes will rise. If we reverse the small gains that have been made in the past term, we will lose any hope for the economic recovery that the ECB has predicted. The improving economy is a joint result of PoL legislative action and my presidency. Give your votes to those who have proven their own capability at running the country. A better economy means more wealth for everyone. This is the true answer to increased home ownership – not legalized squatting. Don’t allow the ELP to shackle our economy. And don’t expect the PEL or ENP to be capable of standing up to their socialism. Vote for the PoL.”

 

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*Jerome's latest campaign stop is Chateauvallon, his mother's hometown. He takes the opportunity to impress Franco-Eutopians (or so he hopes) with his fluent command of Eutopian French [OOC: the usual disclaimer applies: Jerome may be fluent in French, but I am not - so the French text is courtesy of Babelfish and hence riddled with errors. It's simply there for flavour. The English "translation" of the speech can be found below. ]*


Chers amis,

les élections tendent souvent à être des affaires désagréables. Le concours entre les différentes parties luttant pour votre appui a été intense, et a désagréable direct devenu dans certains cas. Soyez cela comme il peut, un des effets agréables de cette campagne d'élection - au moins de ma perspective personnelle - est l'occasion de retourner à cette belle ville. Je n'obtiens pas de visiter ville natale de ma mère presque assez souvent.

Mais je m'écarte. Les politiciens réclament souvent qui, n'importe quelle élection ils contestent à l'heure actuelle, s'avèrent justement être l'élection qui formera notre destin pendant des décennies pour venir, auront un impact durable sur vous et vos enfants, apporteront la richesse ou l'ennui de pays. Tous les platitudes, tout bien usées, et tous, en fait, tout à fait vraies.

Cette élection, vous êtes confronté à un choix clair : un choix entre l'impôt et dépensent des socialistes de l'ELP ; les réactionnaires rabiques dans l'ENP ; et le PL, avocats de bon sens. Celui qui votre décision, il détermine le destin de notre pays et la région bien au delà des trois années à venir. Permettez-moi de rendre un couple des observations - entièrement impartial, naturellement que j'espère vous aiderai en se décidant.

Je ne perdrai pas votre temps valable parlant de l'ENP. Il n'y a pas simplement beaucoup à dire au sujet d'une partie qui est parvenue à se critiquer tellement tout à fait dans une période si courte. Les semaines de la mise leurs narrowminded la bigoterie sur l'affichage ont endommagé la crédibilité des nationalistes au delà de la réparation.

L'ELP, cependant, est une question différente. Pour donner le respect où le respect est dû, l'ELP a remonté bien-court la campagne. C'est-à-dire, jusque récemment. Considérez la tentative honteuse de l'extorsion de l'ELP dans l'Assemblée générale. Apparemment, l'ELP pense que le bon gouvernement signifie promouvoir l'ordre du jour de leur partie à n'importe quel coût - même si ce des moyens empêchant l'Assemblée générale élue par vous, les citoyens, de faire son travail.

Nous dans le PL pensons que le bon gouvernement signifie le gouvernement responsable : un gouvernement qui est non seulement responsable au peuple, mais décharge les fonctions qu'il dedans une mode responsable. Un gouvernement qui traite vos libertés comme base d'action de gouvernement. Un gouvernement qui a le bon sens d'identifier des réalités économiques. Un gouvernement qui travaille à votre nom et dans votre intérêt.

L'ELP veut que vous croyiez qu'il offre quelque chose de frais, quelque chose de différent. En fait, les politiques de l'ELP sont éventées, et ce qu'ils offrent est plus de la même chose. Des jeux plus partisans. Plus d'interférence d'état. Stagnation. En même temps, ils offrent le gouvernement moins responsable, moins de liberté, et moins de croissance économique.

L'ELP veut que vous croyiez que le PL a un ordre du jour caché. Selon une de leurs principales lumières, nous projetons nous embarquer sur une estafilade importante et brûler l'opération conçue pour supprimer des services sociaux de base dans Eutopia. Les accusations de cette sorte peuvent être acceptables dans des films de Hollywood de troisième-taux, mais je plutôt l'ELP n'ai pas essayé de tromper le public d'Eutopian par le dépassement outre des fictions de leur imagination fébrile en tant que fait réel.

Le PL a-t-il un ordre du jour ? Naturellement . Autrement, quel est le point de courir pour le bureau ? Oui, nous avons un ordre du jour : un ordre du jour de changement progressif pour Eutopians, un ordre du jour de croissance économique, et un ordre du jour de protéger différentes droites. Cet ordre du jour a conduit nos accomplissements cette dernière limite. Que l'ordre du jour peut être glané des nombreux discours nous ont fait sur la traînée de campagne. Cet ordre du jour est, en fait, la base de notre plateforme de partie. Nous voulons le changement, et nous voulons le bon gouvernement pour Eutopians.

Ainsi, de que notre ordre du jour se compose-t-il ? Laissez-moi accentuer quelques choses. Le PL coupera vos impôts. Le PL combattra pour différentes droites et égalité, y compris les mêmes droites de sexe. Le PL s'assurera que le gouvernement redresse par les hommes et les femmes de braver dans nos forces armées. Le PL travaillera vers un règlement paisible de conflit pour le nouveau Bengale.

Le PL, en bref, fonctionnera pour vous.



*A translation of the speech is made available to the English-language media*


Dear friends,

elections often tend to be an unpleasant business. The contest between the different parties vying for your support has been intense, and has become downright unpleasant in some cases. Be that as it may, one of the enjoyable effects of this election campaign - at least from my personal perspective - is the opportunity to return to this beautiful city. I do not get to visit my mother’s hometown nearly often enough.

But I digress. Politicians often claim that, whichever election they are contesting at the moment, happens to be the election that will shape our fate for decades to come, will have a lasting impact on you and your children, will bring the country wealth or woe. All platitudes, all well-worn, and all, in fact, quite true.

This election, you are faced with a clear choice: a choice between the tax and spend socialists of the ELP; the rabid reactionaries in the ENP; and the PL, advocates of common sense. Whatever your decision, it will determine the fate of our country and the region well beyond the next three years. Allow me to make a couple of observations - entirely unbiased, of course - that I hope will aid you in making up your mind.

I won’t waste your valuable time talking about the ENP. There simply is not much to say about a party that has managed to so utterly discredit itself in such a short period of time. Weeks of putting their narrowminded bigotry on display have damaged the Nationalists’ credibility beyond repair.

The ELP, however, is a different matter. To give respect where respect is due, the ELP has put together a well-run campaign. That is, until recently. Consider the ELP’s shameful extortion attempt in the General Assembly. Apparently, the ELP thinks that good governance means furthering their party’s agenda at any cost - even if that means preventing the General Assembly elected by you, the citizens, from doing its job.

We in the PL think that good governance means responsible government: a government that is not only responsible to the people, but discharges the duties it has been entrusted with in a responsible fashion. A government that treats your liberties as the foundation of government action. A government that has the good sense to recognize economic realities. A government that
works on your behalf and in your interest.

The ELP wants you to believe that it offers something fresh, something different. In fact, the ELP’s policies are stale, and what they offer is more of the same. More partisan games. More state interference. More economic stagnation. At the same time, they offer less responsible government, less liberty, and less economic growth.

The ELP wants you to believe that the PL has a hidden agenda. According to one of their leading lights, we plan to embark on a major slash and burn operation designed to eradicate basic social services in Eutopia. Accusations of this kind may be acceptable in third-rate Hollywood movies, but I’d rather the ELP did not try to mislead the Eutopian public by passing off the figments of their feverish imagination as actual fact.

Does the PL have an agenda? Of course we do. Otherwise, what’s the point of running for office? Yes, we have an agenda: an agenda of progressive change for Eutopians, an agenda of economic growth, and an agenda of protecting individual rights. That agenda drove our accomplishments this last Term. That agenda can be gleaned from the many speeches we have made on the campaign trail. That agenda is, in fact, the basis of our party platform. We want change, and we want good governance for Eutopians.

So, what does our agenda consist of? Let me highlight a few things. The PL will cut your taxes. The PL will fight for individual rights and equality, including same sex rights. The PL will ensure that the government does right by the brave men and women in our armed forces. The PL will work towards a peaceful conflict settlement for New Bengal.

The PL, in short, will work for you.

 

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A recap of Emil's previous speech ~

There is a strong breeze whipping through an open square of gardens and walkways in New Lancaster City. Positioned at the head of the square in some of his better clothes and a long woolen coat to guard against the wind is Emil Lucescu. Walking toward a podium which has been hastily thrown up upon an elevated platform, Emil gazes out across the square. There is a decently sized group of people standing around nearby watching him idly, if not intently. While the show-up for the speech is nothing stunning, Emil can’t be dissapointed. This is merely the beginning and, after all, some of the commuters who are scurring to their jobs might get the gist of his message.

Approaching his proper position before the podim and tapping the waiting microphone to check for sound, Emil both tries and fail to put a confident look on his face. Moments later, booming within the dim of the morning commute, comes the sound of Emil’s voice, seeking out the ears of passing Eutopians;

“Good morning, my fellows… It’s a bit windy today isn’t it? *Emil makes a grab at his bowler cap which had been making a bid for freedom with the wind, an action that receive chuckles from onlookers* I’m glad that you ‘ave all decided to come down a listen to what I’ve got to say. This is, I’ll admit one of the least planned pre-election speeches that I believe has ever been made… However, I thought that, even if my party is only just gearing up for the campaign race, you all have a righ to know what to expect…

"Allow me begin by asking you a question; what is libertarianism? I’m sure some, if not many, of you well educated Eutopians know the answer. For the rest of us who did not bother to pay much attention is school, however, I’ll define the term. *Emil’s, jab at himself receives only some strange looks from the crowd* Libertarianism is a political philosophy that favors individual rights, private property rights, and free markets. Libertarians believe that individuals should be free to act as they wish as long as they do not initiate or threaten the use of physical force or fraud against another person or their property. Thus, libertarians oppose most government intervention in private affairs.

"Now, I ask you, doesn’t that sound nice? I sure think it does, maybe that is why I’m up here trying to swing your votes toward a libertarian political party, the Party of Liberty… I think that each and every one of you good people have the right to your privacy and freedom, as do my party mates. That is why, in the past months, we have worked hard to ensure that legislation which supports freedom possess through the General Assembly! We desire that you all live healthy and happy lives. To get that ideal, we try to ensure that the government, which we hope you will throw us into so that we might make sure of this, tends to your needs without bothering your way of life…

"There are some things we at the Party of Liberty want to do for you, the Eutopian people, this coming term. We can’t, however, do them without your support and trust. (A trust that I hope our capable management of the Speaker’s chair and vacant Presidency warrant!)

"First, and foremost, we at the PoL recognize that everyone is not wealthy, many of us are even only just scrapping by on government salaries. It is difficult to imagine how dismal the financial situation of a working Eutopian sometimes becomes. To ensure that everyone can live happily, we want to encourage welfare reform. You know, change the system so that it actually helps those in need get on their feet, find a job, and become productive citizens. Next, something anyone who is still breathing will like: tax cuts. Across the board, on income and corporate earnings. Further, why not try and tackle tax reform? Change the way things are done to make your payments better… Then there is New Bengel, something we feel strongly about fixing. I won’t go into detail on the subject other than saying we want to fix it now, though. Finally, gay marriage. We want to make the rights of every citizen equal so they can live in harmony!

"I refuse to stand here and lie to y’all. Thus, I won’t promise all of those things. In fact, I won’t promise any of them. They have been said to give you an idea of what you might expect. In the future, you will receive a promise though; a promise the Party of Liberty will stand for your rights and strive for freedom and social justice… I thank-you for you time. Good day!”​

 

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Emil offers a somber spoken speech in Eutopia City's heart following his recent actions with the General Assembly...

“It is not in the nature of the average man to be unnaturally resilient. It is in the nature of an extraordinary man to be strong against the tides of opposition. As has have demonstrated well recently, I am an average man in every conceivable way. I allowed myself to be broken down and my stance beaten by the tactics of a political blackmailer. While this is not a fact is admirable and is not the action of a member that you would expect a political party to point out in the middle of an election, I feel it deserves explanation.

“Recently, serving in the capacity of acting Speaker for the General Assembly, I was compelled to conduct an election for the permanent chair. When the results of that vote were skewed by the silence of ELP members of the legislative body, I sought to correct the problem. I received only demands and harsh words from the ELP member with which I spoke. The messages I received to my replies, friends, were nothing more than petty blackmail!

“In a state of outrage at the conduct of my fellow MGA, I decided to retract my standing bid for the Speaker’s chair. It was my thought that, perhaps, my strength is not a powerful enough force to contend with the apparent unsavory political actions that power the General Assembly. However, my refusal to place myself into a potentially compromising situation should be no indication of the Party of Liberty’s nature.

“The Party of Liberty will not stand for corruption, whether moral or tangible. We will take steps to protest such flaws in the current government by serving the public’s wishes from elected office. Entrust us with power and we will show that we have the strength to oppose the tides of Eutopian political mongering and serve the people. While alone I was unable to achieve success for my cause, the party as a whole is well suited to serve. I am not an extraordinary man, but President Colin Leary is. Former President J.R. Zhokhyen is also such. All of my fellow party members are the extraordinary type of people you want to lead you upon a path of political responsibility.” ​

 

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*Jerome latest campaign stop sees him in Dunwich; a small crowd has braved the inclement weather to hear him speak*

Good evening,

by now, many of you will have heard of Admiral Tulp's attempt to resuscitate the ENP's electoral fortunes. He frankly admits that the ENP has failed Eutopia's citizens and promises to do better. To this, one is tempted to respond: too little, too late. It's beyond me why anyone would expect you to vote for a party that, by its own admission, has let you down.

But enough of the ENP. The Nationalists have thoroughly discredited themselves, and their vows to do better are but empty words. To paraphrase the ELP's rising star, Mr. Berenguerr: "I say to the wavering voter, your choice is simple" - do you vote for the PL, a party that will deliver good governance, or do you vote for a party that tries to disguise partisan ambition as high-minded principle?

Over the last few days, the Socialists have shown a disconcerting disregard for the rules of Eutopian government. Their partisan attempt to use the Speaker elections as a means to push through their agenda has been well-publicized, and they caught a lot of well-deserved flak for it. Now, in the face of massive public criticism, they are backpedalling at a speed that would do Jan Ullrich proud. They expect you to believe that they had your best interest at heart all along. In fact, their hold-up of Assembly business serves no one's interest, least of all yours.

Let me explain this to the Socialists in simple terms: the Speaker's job is not to push a political agenda. The Speaker's job is to run the General Assembly. And running the Assembly properly requires neutrality. The ELP, meanwhile, has treated the Speaker elections as an exercise in partisan manipulation. They have no compunction preventing the General Assembly from fulfilling its duty to you, the citizens. The ELP makes much noise about working for the Eutopian people. If that is the case, they have a strange way of going about it. You elected 100 members to the General Assembly to represent you. Yet, 28 of them have obviously decided that they have a right to prevent the other 72 from doing their job.

The ELP claims they didn't vote in the Speaker elections because the choices were poor. How extraordinarily transparent. Even now, the Socialists are unable to tell us *why* they supposedly felt the choices were poor. You'd think they would have come up with *something* by now. But if they truly had misgivings about the quality of choices, why did they not voice their concerns before the vote? Why did they not make an effort to find more acceptable candidates? Why, for that matter, did they not simply run a candidate of their own?

The simple truth is, the ELP tried to stall the country's business in the interest of their own agenda. Personally, I expected more from them - if not better practice, then at least a better excuse.

Expect more from your elected representatives. Expect results rather than excuses. Vote PL.

Thank you!


Edit: typo

 

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*Responding to a TV-reporter's question about the ELP's latest attack ad, Jerome can't suppress a wry grin*

Yes, I've seen the ad. Quite something, isn't it? It seems we've had a libertarian government these past three years. If this comes as a bit of a shock, don't worry - I was unaware of it myself. Apparently, the PL has been able to totally control the General Assembly with a mere 16 MGAs. And we have apparently been so frightfully effective that we also completely dominated the executive, despite holding no Ministry.

*Jerome looks directly into the camera and winks*

Just think how much good we'll be able to accomplish if the people of Eutopia actually give us a majority this time.

 

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*A TV crew catches up with Jerome, just as he is about to board a train at Dunwich's main station*

Have I seen Mr. Jones's latest comment? Yes, yes I have. It seems campaign stress has taken its toll on the good Minister, so I will save him further embarrassment by pointing out a few fairly elementary facts for his benefit.

*ticks comments off on one hand*

The ENP are nationalists, not libertarians. To insist that they are libertarian only goes to show that Mr. Jones understands neither the philosophy of libertarianism, nor the party platform of the ENP.

The ELP laments the state of Eutopian health care. They are, of course, welcome to do so, but perhaps they should direct their complaints to the party in control of MoSS? Especially since they wouldn't have very far to go.

The ELP claims that our policies have had a detrimental impact on health care, crime, education, poverty, and unemployment; presumably, we are also guilty of causing solar flares and the occasional meteor shower. Now, I enjoy fiction as much as the next guy, but the ELP would perhaps make a better impression on voters if they based their attacks on actual facts. Or at least got a better writer.

*train whistles*

Well, gentlemen, I'm afraid that's all I can tell you for now. Do let me know if the ELP tries its hand at fiction again, will you?

*tips hat and is off*

 

[Hyzhenhok]

A speech in Douglas

“Richard Berenguerr, one of the ELP’s new notables, has recently saw fit to accuse me of ‘not caring for the Eutopian people’ because of my opposition to Dr. Park’s Housing ‘Reform’ Package. And frankly, he is wrong. The ‘Reforms’, most importantly the Housing Renovation and Investment Act and the Land Lease/Sale Authorization Act are in fact dangers to Eutopia. By opposing them, I am showing that I care for Eutopians. Let me explain why – these acts violate important property rights and pave the way to a government that is simply stealing from its citizens.

“First, the Housing Renovation and Investment Act. The first thing this bill would do if passed is remove the ability of landlords in certain areas to control what goes on in their own property. ‘Improvements’ are good, but the government does not have the right to force land owners into them against their will. This is what the forces of the free market are for, not government intervention. Our economy is improving and under the PoL it will continue to improve. This alone will give tenants the economic capability to abandon sub-par apartments in favor of better ones. The economy is what should force landlords to improve their property – not over-reaching government action. The most ridiculous part of this bill is the part that forces landlords to pay for the improvements their tenants make on their property. This is a terrible idea. How would you feel if someone in the dead of night washed your car sitting safely in your driveway, and then the government forced you to pay them $20 for the service? If someone owns property, they own it. Especially in this situation, when tenants may simply choose to leave the apartments. If one has a problem with his or her dwelling, the answer is the move to a better location. The answer is not to steal from landowners for providing a ‘service’ they never asked for.

“The other bill I oppose is the Land Lease/Sale Authorization Act. This bill’s title claims to ‘authorize’ leasing or sale of property, but in fact it merely forces it. It rewards those who commit crimes by squatting on property that they have no right to by forcing the owner of the said land to rent it and/or sell it. Here is an extreme analogy – say one day some scoundrel invades your property and places a dog house on your porch, and sleeps there for a night. Then, the government, on the grounds that he has lived on the property and has improved it, forces you to sell him your front porch for a ‘reasonable’ sum of $50. This analogy is extreme, but it demonstrates the stupidity of this act.

“If you own property, you have rights with that property. The government has no place to force you to do one thing or another with it, unless you are doing damage to society on a whole. Seeing how people are not being forced to live on the property in question, and instead choose to, a landlord refusing to improve his property or sell his land to a bunch of squatters is not party of ‘doing damage to society on a whole’. The government has no right to improve restrictions on these areas therefore.

“These problems seep from the very foundation of the ELP. Their platform states that they are in favor of increasing civil rights. But the ELP has not said a word on that this campaign season. Instead, they preach on how they will gradually shackle Eutopians’ economic rights. They believe the government should treat all Eutopians equally in everything except economic matters. This double-standard is despicable. The ELP will continue to promise the moon while hiding the oppression that will be necessary to fulfill their promises. Our economy is on the rise. It will be on a further rise if the PoL is voted into power. We will maintain the improvement. The ELP seeks to only to go backwards into the economic stagnation of the socialist era. Do not fall for their white elephant. I pledge we will do everything to fight the monster-government tyranny they seek to engage in. Vote for the PoL."

 

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*Jerome arrives in Neuwestbaden late at night. The following morning, he addresses a crowd in the city centre*

Friends, opponents - citizens,

as the campaign draws to a close, I find myself in the surprising position of having to agree with one of my venerable opponents from the ELP. Good Mr. Berenguerr, in a recent public utterance, complained that the campaign is getting increasingly ridiculous. I'm forced to agree: with the PL and ELP, there are only two serious contenders left in this race, yet the ELP sees fit to use the campaign as an opportunity to hone their fiction writing skills. I'd recommend they sign up for a writing workshop at one of Eutopia's many excellent universities, because their skills need some improvement.

What sort of silliness, you ask, are the Socialists up to this time? Well, for one thing, they try to convince you that their utter disregard for proper governance is but a storm in a teacup. Some teacup. But since the Socialists have caught considerable public flak for their obstructionist behaviour already, I will not belabour the point. You all know what they did, and you have all seen their transparent attempts at justifying their actions. Let's leave it at that. You'll have ample opportunity to punish them on election day.

In any case, after the Speaker affair, I was convinced the ELP couldn't get any sillier. I stand corrected. The ELP now claims that the PL has effectively controlled the government these past three years, in league with - no, sorry - as part of a *cabal* of Moderates, Nationalists and Libertarians. The ELP insists that all the other parties have formed a unified voting bloc - against which, presumably, the poor Socialists were unable to accomplish anything.

Funny thing is, I was looking through the General Assembly voting records, and was unable to find any evidence of this so-called cabal. I don't want to question my good friend Berenguerr's skills of observation, but it does seem he has some trouble processing certain fundamental facts. Such as the fact that the ELP voted with the PL in the majority of Assembly votes. Such as the fact that the PL voted along with the ELP more often than with the ENP. Such as the fact that the Moderates voted along with the ELP just as often as they did with the ENP.

For a unified cabal trying to keep the poor Socialists down, we seem to be pretty disorganized.

So, here are some simple questions for the Socialists: you claim the other three parties formed a cabal to control government. Yet, you controlled two Ministries out of five this entire last Term. If you were not a part of government, where were you? Your recent attack ads complain about the state of Eutopian health care. Yet, you controlled the Ministry in charge for three whole years. Where were you? You held 28 seats in the Assembly. Yet, you claim you were dominated by the PL's 16 MGAs. If that is the case, why were you this ineffective? And why do you expect Eutopians to vote for a party that couldn't get its act together?

Citizens: vote for a party that delivers results instead of excuses. Vote PL!

 

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In retort to recent ELP remarks, Acting Speaker Lucescu makes a speech in Eutopia City.

The Eutopian Labor Party has recently raised a crucial point in their election campaign. That is, mainly, that the Party of Liberty acts similarly to the conservative right upon economic issues and, at the same time, does not care about the needs of the have-nots in society. This claim, I believe, is not true. There have been several key economic issues this term. The Party of Liberty has fought against the far right and left with regards to most trying to find a non-interventionist solution. The ELP might also note that, when it comes to voting in the GA, they have acted almost exactly like the Party of Liberty, and twice the ENP, on major economic bills. I will not stand here and say that all my party’s policies have aided in ensuring job security and good wages. To say that would be to be saying a false thing. Some legislation that the Party of Liberty has pushed forward in the name of progress might have hurt the economy. I will, though, note out a few points upon my party’s economic legislation that I find interesting.

How many of you remember the Infrastructure Expansion Act? That bill was meant to aid the common man in the years to come. I distinctly remember that both I and President, then MGA, Leary voted in favor of the document. Per Sykes, of the ENP, and Dr. Park, of the ELP, acted similarly with regards to voting on the piece. Hmm… I think that might be something worth consideration.

Further, didn’t the Party of Liberty, along with the ELP, support the Eutopian Federal Mortgage Guarantee Corporation Establishment Act? Yes, it did.

As another point, consider the Shipping, Transportation, and Maritime Construction Stimulus Bill. That was a bill that had the potential to help the have-nots by aiding the companies for which they work. When I looked at the voting record for that legislation last night I noticed that the Party of Liberty, ENP, and ELP all supported it. Am I the only one starting to see a trend here? No?

Okay, let us refine this voting pattern a little more. The Economic Recovery and Tax Reform Act was a piece that tried to force Eutopia’s economy into a rebound and give hope to the have-nots. It was supported by... and this is really freaky… the PoL, ENP, and ELP. Wow.

True enough. The Party of Liberty did not vote the same as those two parties on all economic related acts, nor does it think the same as those parties with regards to the economy. It has not, however, been walking by the have-not without caring It is crucial to note that my party may have mirrored the conservatives in economics this term, but, in many cases of fact, the ELP did similarly. The fact of the subject is this; we all want to help those who can not help themselves due to our overburdened economy. We just disagree in theory on how to do it sometimes. The Party of Liberty’s economic policies are very much beneficial to the common person. Do not listen to biased words of a campaigner. Listen to the facts. Vote for the Party of Liberty.​

 

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*Jerome switches trains en route to his next campaign stop. Putting the time between trains to some use, he browses the station bookstore, grabs a sandwich and a cup of tea, and answers a few questions from the few reporters intrepid enough to follow him around on his campaign trip*

Berenguerr did what, now? *takes a sip of tea to hide a smirk* Well, Mr. Berenguerr is of course free to issue whatever "challenge" he pleases. We do have free speech, after all. If you don't mind me saying so, he seems a bit confused, though.

*leans back against the counter of a fast food booth, accidentally getting some mustard on his suit in the process*

Quite frankly, if the ELP wants to claim that the PL's economic stance is the same as the ENP's, it's their job to prove it. Unfortunately for them, the facts simply don't square with their claim. But who am I to insist that the ELP stick to facts? They seem so much happier in la-la-land, after all. And if I remember my Napoleon correctly, he *did* say not to interrupt your opponents while they are making a mistake.

But seriously: any citizen who is not aware of the economic differences between the PL and ENP need go no further than the Assembly's voting records.

*Jerome languidly uncrosses and recrosses his legs*

Oddly enough, Mr. Berenguerr also seems to believe that social issues really don't matter. By his own admission, the PL has an enviable record on social issues. A record, I might add, that differs significantly from that of the ENP. Yet, to Mr. Berenguerr, all that is trumped by our supposed economic similarities to the ENP.

The PL is a strong supporter of women's rights and same sex rights, quite unlike the ENP. Mr. Berenguerr seems to believe this is inconsequential. And here I was, thinking that social issues actually mattered.

I can't help but wonder just how strong the ELP's commitment to equality really is. It seems rather selective, no?

*checks watch*

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a train to catch. I'd hate to miss my next campaign stop.