The Presidents: 1836-1936 - An Interactive US AAR

[Devotist]

What need have we to purchase such obscure and relatively useless islands? What's wrong with allowing a tiny enclave for perfectly good slavery? It will, at most, only be extended to a population of a hundred-thousand, if we're being generous. North Carolina feels there is no need to act against a non-threat, nor to purchase useless land. However, we will not stand in the way if our sister colonies, especially Georgia and Texas, desire to have it so.

 

[atomicsoda]

It is nothing to do with being a threat. Denmark can not afford to defend these islands and we will pay a fair price for them. They are well located for a naval base. They also have fine tobacco fields for making cigars.

 

[Seek75]

That announcement from the Confederate terrorists in not a surrender and changes nothing. They still claim the Southern States as theirs and have a new leader who is not offering to surrender himself to us. The liberation of Cuba is about the Spanish support of the confederate violence against the US and general Spanish tyranny in enslaving the Cuban people. The Republicans were the party that supported ending the evil that is slavery in our nation, why do they turn a blind eye to it 90 miles from our shores.

Spanish support of Confederate violence? The Spanish tolerate the Confederates, at best, and not once have they ever openly supported Confederate terrorism.

Besides, what need have we for the surrender of one who's only power presides over a nation that does not exist? What, should we fear the oh-so-terrifying New England separatist government too? Perhaps those awe-inspiring Alaskan nationalist fiends as well, while we're at it?

Again, the only plausible reasons for wanting Cuban blood are a lust for imperial power and a want for vengeance. The first goes against the very idea of America, the second is petty and childish. I've out-grown my utter resentment of the rebels, it's time you did the same.

 

[Devotist]

By non-threat we mean slavery on the Virgin Islands, Mr. Walker. Remove the offending clause, and we will support such a purchase. It is mutually beneficial to allow an exception in the Virgin Islands, so there is no need to prevent the purchase of the Virgin Islands.

As for Mr. Carr, those are the sentiments of North Carolina precisely.

 

[zagoroth]

Senator Brockman, Slavery is illegal in all US States, and Territories. What you ask for in leaving a potential Virgin Island Territory slave based, is contradictory to our Republic, and neigh treasonous in the face of our constitutional amendments.

Texas does not support your want in continually instituting slavery in these free United States.

 

[atomicsoda]

By non-threat we mean slavery on the Virgin Islands, Mr. Walker. Remove the offending clause, and we will support such a purchase. It is mutually beneficial to allow an exception in the Virgin Islands, so there is no need to prevent the purchase of the Virgin Islands.

As for Mr. Carr, those are the sentiments of North Carolina precisely.

((I believe slavery is outlawed in all of the United States due to the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Williams, so the clause doesn't really have any effect except to remove any doubt over its status on the Islands. BBB can clarify if there is a constitutional amendment banning slavery))

 

[Devotist]

The South must speak with one voice. As there is considerable debate over the legality and constitutionality of such a move, we will respect the opinions of our Texan brethren. North Carolina will rescind its demands for slavery.

 

[zagoroth]

Consider this an opportunity for economic, capitalistic gain, jobs for people, investment, etc... etc... for the US

 

[Revan529]

Why do we need more naval bases in the Gulf? Are we planning for war? With whom? The Spanish, The Mexicans, The Colombians? We have no need for these islands; they provide no significant bonus to our economy, provide some rare good, or other some such good. If it is only to give us new ports, for military use, in the Gulf, I cannot see a good reason to endorse this bill.

As well, Mr. Howard, aren't the rich and poor being treated fairly under my tax system; they pay the same rate, not amount. If you are so concerned, why not create a charity, a foundation, with your wealth? With your business acumen and experience, I am certain you could aid the poor much more efficiently than the government. My sons are already in the process of creating charities to aid the poor. Furthermore, if you don't want them taxed excessively, would ten percent be bad; or would you rather accept the one-fourth percent rate that Mr. Callahan endorses?

As for the Confederate government, if that is what that rump state, that remnant, wishes to call itself. I find it... amusing that it is simultaneously surrendering and attempting to reassert its authority in the South. All the more reason to let it die a sad, lonely death. I see no reason making them 'martyrs' for the 'Rising South.'

 

[komisha]

Admittedly, the Danish Virgin Islands are an excellent base for a fleet protecting the southern and eastern sides of South America. The only limit our fleets now face is their range of supply, an issue that faces many who would invade the continental states. I would approve this purchase, because it is a matter of time before it falls to someone that is a threat.

 

[BigBadBob]

So, is the fusion ticket going to go forward?

Or can I ask for policies from the candidates?

 

[Mikeboy]

What's wrong with allowing a tiny enclave for perfectly good slavery?

Perfectly good slavery is an oxymoron, and the fact that you don't think so if most worrying. Also these islands could prove a great asset for reasons said by Mr Callahan.

((BBB, we're negotiating and I think we will see a fusion ticket. It takes a bit longer because he's in Australia and I'm in the UK.

Also if the Virgin Islands purchase act passes and you need an event made then I can do so.))

 

[Revan529]

Yes, Mr. Callahan, the Virgin Islands will only fall to an imperialist state, hellbent on destroying America.

First, the Islands wouldn't be able to house a fleet large enough to defeat either the Atlantic Fleet or the Gulf Fleet. Second, you are assuming that Denmark wants to get rid of those islands; we are proposing this deal, it isn't. Third, you are also assuming another nation desires to attack us. Now, under your imperialistic administration, I suppose it is more of a possibility, but under my administration we would be peaceful, and provoke no such aggression. Fourth, what practicable good would those islands do for us? They aren't rich, they aren't heavily populated, they aren't near a major trade lane, they aren't even a great base for a large fleet. I see no reason to purchase it. I would much rather have that money go to the people, rather than the Danes.

((ACCEPTING OFFERS FOR VICE-PRESIDENT!! MESSAGE IF INTERESTED!!))

((And my platform can be ready tomorrow or Monday))

 

[komisha]

((Why isn't Devotist stepping up for the republican ticket? Maybe you should just PM the person ideal to be your VP and ask what it would take to have them on board. It's going to be tough to have a VP join a ticket with no say on the content of the campaign.
Sorry it's taking so long, I forgot Mikeboy was in UK so I wasn't expecting an answer so fast.))

The final draft platform is with Governor Glynne awaiting approval and has already gone to print at the national campaign office. We are grateful for your patience, it is tough communicating swiftly between Concord and Sacramento. We are ready for the campaign come what may.

 

[Marshall Daub]

What Mr. Callahan means is that we would ensure that all sections of society had the ability to feed themselves and their families. Are your precious principles really more important than men's lives? President Mandrake seta more dangerous precedent by saying he would overrule Congress, should it disagree with him. Did that come to anything? No. Will preventing men from starving set anything but a good precedent? No.



He would tax the rich men that own the businesses rather than the businesses themselves. The only thing a business tax would do is create extra bureucracy, something you have seemed to oppose until now.

I set no precedent, Mr. Walsh. The veto has been around since the founding of the Republic.

 

[Revan529]

((The problem I have with Devotist's character is that he has slavery sympathies. Even tough its a non issue now, it would a nightmare in campaign. I'm concerned about that too, but if I get no offers, I'm just may push back my platform presentation a day or two whilst I begin the vetting process for VP))

 

[Mikeboy]

I and Mr Callahan have reached a grand agreement on the policy platform of what's to be known as the Federal-Democratic ticket. A number of highly important cabinet posts have been secured for the Federal Party and our policy is in harmony. We shall do our upmost over the next four years, if elected, to finally see the freedom of Cuba after the issue has too long been swept under the carpet by spineless administrations, we shall if possible reduce taxes on the poorest; the farmers and the factory workers, while not threatening public spending, see shall oversee tariff reform to increase trade with our neighbours and make the system more efficient, and we shall wage a rigorous campaign against corruption on every tier of government. This is the only platform to guarantee freedom and fairness for all.

 

[Devotist]

((I suggest a Southerner. We need a Southerner in the VP again and I have no clue if it will garner sympathy from the rest of the South, but it might work.))

Perfectly good slavery is an oxymoron, and the fact that you don't think so if most worrying. Also these islands could prove a great asset for reasons said by Mr Callahan.

Mr. Governor, these islands are too small for anything other than a token fleet. If we're not going to exploit its economic benefits, how will we gain anything from such obscure territory? I also agree with Mr. Jarvis on his point that Denmark will be reluctant to even consider selling the Virgin Islands. And being the recipient of the offer shall grant it more leverage at our cost, rather than if we were offered the Virgin Islands. For the man who is proud of his herd shall not easily part with his sheep, the man who demands such shall unleash a wily beast prone to exploitation.

I believe you are pandering to your voters when you denounce slavery and support such useless measures, sacrificing our leverage and our treasury as a result. While North Carolina may not have many supporters and legal power regarding slavery, at least our mother state will stand by her beliefs.

 

[Revan529]

We shall do our upmost over the next four years, if elected, to finally see the freedom of Cuba after the issue has too long been swept under the carpet by spineless administrations, we shall if possible reduce taxes on the poorest; the farmers and the factory workers, while not threatening public spending, see shall oversee tariff reform to increase trade with our neighbours and make the system more efficient, and we shall wage a rigorous campaign against corruption on every tier of government. This is the only platform to guarantee freedom and fairness for all.

First of all, this seems vague; you'll 'reform' tariffs. A 'rigorous campaign' against corruption. I am offering tangible, concrete policies; maintaining or lowering tariff rates, and increasing law enforcement, which funds will come from decreased military spending. How will you pay for your programmes, war, law enforcement?

Second, you've moved away from capturing the Confederates; instead, you are advocating imperialism, attacking Spain for no reason. Before you say that you will only invade to grant Cuban independence, what will happen to Cuba when we leave. Their economy in shambles, an impotent army, and a powerless government will not function. Will we aid them, and engage in nation building? Shall we colonize them, as the Spanish did? Or will we abandon them, and allow the Spanish to more forcefully occupy Cuba? This policy is shortsighted and will cost man, money, and prestige.

Third, how will you help the poor by taking away the money from those who give them jobs? If my taxes are raised, I won't be able to have as many workers. Further, I won't be able to create my charity, which would help pay for education. This policy, while aimed at helping the poor, will only produce government dependency, and give you more votes, biasing the electorate.

((I haven't ruled your character out Devotist, but what about Zagoroth's new character (funny, he could very well be president and vice-president at the same time). He's Texan, but I don't know how old he is.))

 

[Devotist]

((I think he's about 45 once the election's done (1876). That's a ripe age, not too young and not sounding like he will die after a few days in the White House(unlike Mr. Jarvis) ))