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Josephus I

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With Josephus, President Josephus, still engaged abroad, the ESA campaign HQ begins to take shape. Volunteers start manning the presses, printing the posters, making the phonecalls. Logistics are arragned as for the first time Josephus' campaign will have to be coordinated with Party Security and State Security.
 

unmerged(41776)

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Per Olson stands outside ESA headquaters, a copy of news clippings in his hand. The clippings contain quotes from the UMP campaign trail.
"Workers, friends, gather round." Olson waves the clippings around. "We have some interesting comments from Per Fourgeres."
Olson clears his throat. "Per Fourgeres seems to want to 'modernize' our military, which is all well and good, but there are some problems. First, he wants to rebuild the air force, but has admitted a major problem, which is how to gain enough recruits. Young workers have better things to do then die in aircraft crashes and becaus of this, recruitment is low. I would like to know, how does Per Fourgeres intend to increase the ranks? Through 'incentives'? Through bonus pay? Or through something much more abominable, such as conscription?
"Per Fourgeres also seems to believe that we need local air superiority. Why? What neighbor is threatening us? When speaking about our offensive capabilities, Per Fourgeres himself admitted our tanks are unnecesary. Speaking about an offensive war, Per Fourgeres said, and I qoute, 'Given that our only neighbors are St. Esprit and Tilapia, we are not planning anything of the sort.' SO, if we have peaceful neighbors, why do we need local air superiority?"
"Workers, we do not need more guns, we need more butter. I for one do not know why we need a superior military to our neighbors, if we truly want peace." Olson continued. "And I do not want our fair country turned into a manufacturing plant for tanks."
"The ESA will always stand up for worker's rights." Olson summed up. "No matter who is President."
 

Josephus I

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Josephus is seen descending from the presidential helicopter and taken immediately to a podium set up outside the ESA Campaign Headquarters where Josephus address a small group of people, mostly loyal campaigners.

Greetings brothers and sisters of Eutopia. Greetings workers, labourers and the unemployed.

Citizens, a few years ago I was given a mandate to rule. A lot of this mandate came from people willing to give me a chance, who normally did not vote for the ESA. They handed me the presidency and basically told me..."here's your chance...put up or shut up."

Citizens, while they handed me the presidency, at the same time they provided me with a divided House. This is the beauty of our democracy and at the same time its failing.

I blame no one other than myself for the failure of the past term. Even though the government was hindered by inactivity and defections, by terrorist plots and insurgencies; ultimatley the onus is on the head of the household to provide stability.

My failing this term was based on my counting on the passage of one bill. From this bill everything else would have flown neatly. I wanted Eutopia to have VAT. A simple tax that just about EVERY OTHER NATION on earth has. But I was thwarted on this not once but twice.

No VAT. No Budget. No budget; no expenditures. If my backers really wanted to see what I could do in power they would have allowed VAT to pass. Instead they hummed and hawed and endlessly debated insignificant items that had no real bearing on it; such as the purchase of fishing boats--which we explained would not be part of VAT.

But these failures aside, we have made some progress. I have improved relations with Tilapia and St. Esprit and have set the stage for a future administration to make some significant treaties with them on cross-border labour, shopping and military ties.

The ESA is failing a crisis of support now. But the membership continues to put their trust in me. We have weeded the membership of terrorists and capitalists and we're left now with a small but devoted crew.

It's time to put an end to part-time politicians who get elected and then disappear. I have been around for years and you know will never disappear---much to some peoples' disappointment.

John Liep is also a veteran from the ESRP. Quiet,perhaps, but devoted to the cause and always willing to step up when necessary.

And Jeremiah Olson is one of our newer members but shows a vigour and determination that reminds me of myself. He may have gotten caught up in that ill-advised demonstration but I can assure you has made amends for that.

Now that we are smaller again we can devote ourselves to the grassroots free of the distraction of running a government. But we need to count on you once again to elect two or three of us to the Assembly. Let us do what we do best. Let us represent you, the worker, the everyday man and woman.

On election day vote for the ESA

Thank you

Josephus
 

unmerged(41776)

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Per Olson applauds wildly after Josephus' speech. He grins and gives the party leader a good natured slap on the back. "Great speech, Josephus. It is good that we admit our mistakes. It is also good that we recognize that we are a stronger and more commited, if leaner bunch."
Per Olson realizes he has more to say. "Um, okay. So, gather around people." Olson waves for his fellow workers. "This isn't an official speech or anything, but a response to our friends at the UMP. And I don't say that as a slight, they are our friends. These are people that the ESA has worked with before, and their past assistance is always appreciated. Reaching across party lines is always an admirable thing."
"Now I have come out against military spending." Olson continues. "In particular, I have questioned the need for air superiority. This isn't because I want our young Eutopians to be strafed and bombed from the sky. It is because I don't want them in a war at all. It may be utopian to not want Eutopians in war, but I'm, er, sticking behind that."
"My whole point in my previous speech was, who is the threat? Who is the boogeyman that is going to unleash their military upon us? Surely not our neighbors. A superior military force is not always necessary, especially when their are no concrete threats. There are islands in the Caribbean that have no military at all.
"That being said, I was intrigued by Per Fourgeres latest speech in which he discussed joining NATO. I was particularly pleased with the 'prudently have a smaller military' line. I am all for a smaller military. It may be in Eutopia's best intrest to protect itself from danger through alliances rather than fighters.
"Finally, I just want to thank our friends in the UMP for their spirited debate, and I promise that even if I attack a position, it isn't because of some personal animosity. The ESA must stand up for the Workers and address concerns from a Workers' perspective. We have to get back to our roots. We may be a minority, but we intend to be a vocal one."
 

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Josephus takes to the podium at a rally organized by the ECL

Greetings workers of Eutopia. Brothers and Sisters of the Unions.

Citizens, not long ago, as we all know, the million worker march turned into nation wide riots. This was a horrible ending to a worthwhile cause.

Unfortunatley those that dared to take over the march for their own causes not only failed in their own plans to hijack the cause, but destroyed the credibility of the ECL and its clients.

All the news coverage of the March focused on the riots and the arrest of its alleged instigator. Little was said of the cause for the march itself and of the mini-riots and labour unrest that followed the March nationwide.

That so many people turned up, brothers and sisters, implies the obvious. Our workers are not content with the system. We are once again prepared to take up the fight.

Our workers are smart enough to know that a four-hour work day is unfeasable and uncompetitive. Of course I'd like to promise you a four hour work day and full pay to each and everyone of you. But I am a pragmatist.

But we can fulfill your dreams. I got distracted from proposing some of the promises I made last term...and, frankly, our GA would never have gotten around to vote on anything anyway.

Our Unemployment Benefits Scheme needs a review and an overhaul. If elected to the GA, I will make this my NUMBER ONE priority.

Two: Parents of newborns should be entitled to a year off work. We believe that the bonding of a newborn with its parent is of supreme importance. A parent should be entitled to a year's salary to stay at home and look after their newborn.

Three: We believe in creating a universal free daycare system for all pre-school children. This allows parents to return to work after one year without worrying about finding affordable, quality daycare.

Four: We believe in mandating a minimum of 10 days vacation for each worker at full pay. A rested worker is a more productive worker.

Five: We believe in encouraging profit sharing for companies. Profit dividends paid out to employees will be considered tax shelters.

Six: We believe in our commitment to the environment. Workers will be encouraged to take public transport to and from work. Companies that provide workers with monthly transit passes will be subsidized by up to 70 per cent of the cost. We will raise gas taxes to cover this cost.

Seven: Taxes. We are still committed to VAT; a Restreaming of our current income tax levels and higher corporate and gasoline taxes. New revenue will be directed towards health care and environmental benefits.

Citizens. I can promise you one more thing. Each elected member of the ESA will participate in GA debates and turn up for each round of voting. I will not tolerate absenteeism from anyone in my party.

Workers: The struggle is not over. We have not failed. Vote for the ESA. I can assure you we will make a difference.

Thankyou

Josephus
 

unmerged(41776)

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Per Olson is dressed in a buttoned down collared shirt and dark blue dress pants. He is reasonably clean shaven and is attempting to look the part of a respectable citizen and GA member. Amazingly, his current dress doesn't make him feel uncomfortable as he begins to speak in front of a busy intersection.

"Friends, I am Jeremiah Olson, with the ESA." Olson clears his throat. "I am coming before you today to ask you to vote for Loic De Fourgeres for President. He is dedicated, to say the least and his moderate views will be an asset, as long as he is held accountable.
"And that is the catch, dear friends. As our party's leader Josephus pointed out in the news recently, checks and balances are very important for a democracy. It is important that the GA is filled with outspoken people of all political persuasions. It has always been the ESA's policy to fight for the workers and the disadvantaged. We will not stop that commitment. If elected to the GA, any and all ESA representatives would work persistently to impact any policy discussions.
"While we support de Fourgeres, it is important to have a balancing effect on the administration. Which is why I am asking you, dear friends and fellow citizens, to vote for the ESA."
 

Josephus I

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Citizens, friends, brothers, sisters.

I have been asked many times...."Why do you want VAT?"

I understand the question. If I was on a fixed income like many of you, I would question supporting something that will eat away at my income.

Other Parties talk about cutting taxes. Wow, that's great. Wouldn't we all love to stop paying taxes. Hell, I would.

What the opponents of VAT don't tell you is that our economic situation, while not desperate yet, is dire. When I worked on a proposed budget this term, I realized just how short we are. Immediately things came up that I didn't realize.

Our security forces are stretched to the limit. Our military technology is outdated. Situations like what just came to light involving the Chinese vessel could maybe have been avoided.

Our police force budget is stressed. In order to add to all of this, I would have had to slash other areas...areas like social services, welfare, healthcare.

I would never do this. I promised I wouldn't.

VAT can be a windfall for all Eutopians. With the extra government income we can afford to increase both our security, our safety and our health.

Consider VAT more like an investment. You pay pennies a day and get so much more.

Also, I have repeated many times over. There will be allowances on some necessary items. We would not tax your bread and milk, nor would we tax your children's clothes. And those who fall below a certain income would be entitled to VAT rebates.

But, opponents say...this would mean more people hopping over to Tilapia or St. Esprit to shop.

No. For one thing I am trying to get our neighbours to harmonize their tax system with ours. But in the meantime cross-border shopping will still be subject to VAT. And this does not violate CAFTA.

Citizens, VAT is a no brainer really. Which is why most countries have VAT or something similar. Those who oppose it are opportunists. They see it as a good vote grabber. But when they slash and burn our social security net...it will be all of us and our children who suffer.

Vote for the ESA.

Thank you


Josephus
 

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Josephus takes to the stage in New Lancaster City.

Greetings fellow citizens, brothers and sisters in solidarity and equality. Workers, businessmen, unemployed, disenfranchised, students, children, pensioners.

I've been feeling a bit down lately and one of my assitants, to cheer me up, brought me transcripts from the campaign speeches made by the members of CUE.

At first I thought it was a joke, I laughed so hard. Is this the new Warlus Party, I thought. No...this turned out to be for real.

Unbelievable.

Here's a party, that instead of taking us forward, seeks to take us back the most reactionary road possible.

Unification they cry. Was it not two terms ago that Eutopia officially recognized our two brother nations? Have we not progressed along the road of mutual cooperation, both economically and polticaly. Have we not just gained their trust?

Do they really think that Tilapia and St. Esprit, having just tasted sovreign independence are gonna go..."yeah, OK. We want to rejoin Eutopia."

Their platform is a waste of time, brothers and sisters. Everything that my government, and the previous government has done to ensure trust with our neighbours will be flushed down the toilet. Is this how we thank our brothers and sisters in Tilapia for their aid during the ECB bombing?

Have they even visited Tilapia and St. Esprit? I have. And I can ensure you that they are in no mood for reactionary Eutopian politicians like the CUE.

They make a big deal about my earlier speech about the four-hour work day. Obviously they didn't listen to me closely. I never said the four-hour work day is feasible. It's a pipe dream, I said. Obviously sarcasm is beyond the intelligence of the CUE.

LIsten carefully CUE. I'll repeat this just for you.

Our workers are smart enough to know that a four-hour work day is unfeasable and uncompetitive. Of course I'd like to promise you a four hour work day and full pay to each and everyone of you. But I am a pragmatist.


Look up pragmatist.

So apart from jingoism and abolishing sarcasm ---what else does the CUE have in store for us?

Oh yeah, the singing of national anthems and raising of Eutopian flags. Talk about reactionary. And they say I promise a Soviet style nation. I can assure you there was lots of that in the USSR. And Nazi Germany for that matter.

Citizens, there is nothing wrong, absolutly nothing wrong with singing the anthem and raising our flags.....but seriously, there are far more important things to worry about.

Obviously CUE has no ideas. They're bereft of anything interesting to say. Join the Coalition of the Willing. Yeah, good idea. Let's spend millions killing foreigners. And cut taxes too.

If you want a reactionary government whose solution to Eutopian problems is to have flags flying on public buildings, then by all means vote for CUE.

Thank you

Josephus