[NSGS] (WIP) Progressive Movement

[Skyviolia]

I have a feeling your inboxes are full to the brim with telegrams, so I'll also go ahead and bring our discussion about which coalition we should support public.

I'm neutral at the moment, although I would support either coalition if either the LDP agreed to support social programs and regulation of the economy, or the NC agreed to more civil liberties.

The National Coalition has steadfastly stood in support of expanding the rights of the Elizian people, which we can demonstrate in terms of real, concrete actions.

• The Hons. Tjilik Beluluk (then PtH, now SEP) and John Chiu (then ChIP, now SEP) authored the Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents and Non-Resident Aliens, the ultimate guarantor of the Elizian people's liberties. In it, we permanently removed Parliament's ability to enact a death penalty, protected religious rights within the context of a secular state, and put strong restrictions on the ability of the government to erode the liberty and equality of the Elizian people.
• The Hon. Cornelius Van Der Loon (then Labour, now caucusing with the NC) authored the Collective Bargaining and Trade Union Rights Act, which ensured fundamental labour rights for all Elizian workers.
• The Hon. John Chiu wrote the Federal Civil Service Act, which provides public sector employees with a right to strike, free speech, due process before termination, and equal opportunity for historically oppressed groups, and the Obstruction of Justice Act (since superseded by the Criminal Code), which protects the judicial independence and right to a fair trial that are necessary in any functioning democratic society.
• The Hon. Emilia Larsen (then NWP, now SEP) wrote the Elizian Housing Act, which by providing the poorest and most disadvantaged in society with dignified housing ensured what FDR would call the freedom from want.
• Under the direction of the NC Cabinet, the Solicitor-General opened a probe into Markson Industries after it infringed upon the freedom of conscience of its employees -- resulting in a groundbreaking settlement that ensured their right to hold political beliefs without undue interference.
• The Rt Hon. Siva Jeyaratnam (EFP) wrote the Competition and Consumer Act, which protects the freedom of choice of Elizian consumers by preventing the formation of anti-competitive monopolies and ensuring that consumers have a series of enumerated rights when shopping.

As we have outlined in our platform, Vision 20/20: A vision for Elizia in 2020, we will be replacing the Emergency Policing Act with a permanent federal police force that is trained to focus on de-escalation and community policing, ensuring that the police remains unarmed, and establishing an independent board to investigate all incidents involving police use of force. We will be introducing additional labour laws to end exploitative and dangerous working conditions and strengthening the Elizian Business Regulator so that it can stand up for consumer rights. We will furthermore establish an autonomous coroner's office to impartially investigate suspicious deaths.

We are more than willing to work across the floor to protect these rights and more from attack, and to further expand the rights and liberties of all Elizians.

As a note and in regards to something I am privy to, if the Liberal Coalition is elected into government we plan to establish a commission and an investigation led by myself as Secretary of Law to investigate allegations of abuse not only in the police force but also in the Department of Justice in regards to allegations of severe abuse stemming from the Sayid Kasturi case when the National Coalition failed to properly investigate. In addition, I plan on producing bills to establish the offices of the Court of Audit, to ensure the transparency of government finances, the Comptroller, responsible for transparency, and an overhaul of our premature criminal code.

[Belmaria]

I've never had two guys fight over me before. This is fun.

[Skyviolia]

Let me just comment that many of the 'accomplishments' that Ainin is citing in the first place happened under the Provisional Government, when the ChIP was in league with the Liberal Democrats, Labour-NWP was by itself.

[Ainin]

Care to list the social programs and regulations you support? I haven't found a list publicly.

You can always look a our platform, or at the many bills, including government healthcare, that were passed when we were in Government.

---

Belmaria: On mobile, will respond later.

[Progressive Movement]

Should have posted this earlier. Sorry.

Since Belmaria's proposal is the only one that has been published in detail, and we need to get this settled before the presidential election, let's proceed to have a vote on it.

Voting will last 24 hours, and a simple majority of votes shall be required in order for the proposal to pass. If the proposal passes, we'll proceed to have a 24 hour nomination period for leader, and a voting period for the leadership election will potentially be shortened to 24 hours due to the urgent nature of the matter if no one objects before then. If anyone objects to the shortening of the period, please do so before voting starts, assuming the proposed constitution passes. This notice is being posted now in case we get to that point, so as to allow plenty of time for people to object if they so wish.

[Socialist Nordia]

I vote aye

[Arachaea]

I vote aye.

[FreYhill]

Let me just comment that many of the 'accomplishments' that Ainin is citing in the first place happened under the Provisional Government, when the ChIP was in league with the Liberal Democrats, Labour-NWP was by itself.

^^ So True. Belmaria- I'd be glad to talk on the IRC (as Telegrams are blocked at school) about Social Issues (Our OP isn't our platform, it's a rather small taste)

[Belmaria]

Let me just comment that many of the 'accomplishments' that Ainin is citing in the first place happened under the Provisional Government, when the ChIP was in league with the Liberal Democrats, Labour-NWP was by itself.

^^ So True. Belmaria- I'd be glad to talk on the IRC (as Telegrams are blocked at school) about Social Issues (Our OP isn't our platform, it's a rather small taste)

I'll join NSG's room and PM you.

I abstain from the vote.

[Ainin]

Again, this is also the case with the Liberal Coalition's stated accomplishments, by Collatis' own admission.

Care to list the social programs and regulations you support? I haven't found a list publicly.

You can always look a our platform, or at the many bills, including government healthcare, that were passed when we were in Government.

---

What are the National Coalition's stances on the following issues?

• Encryption
• Surveillance
• LGBT issues
• Proliferation of technology
• Internet freedom and censorship
• Patent and copyright law

Encryption: We do not have the means, the motivations, nor the desire to bypass encryption systems or to compel private corporations to install backdoors. (...nor do most Elizians have encrypted phones, I reckon.)

Surveillance: Targeted surveillance of individuals suspected with probable cause of committing a felony is justifiable with a judicial warrant and a widely-recognised tool across the world in criminal investigations and attack prevention strategies. However, mass surveillance is not just blatantly illegal, it is unjustifiable from both a moral standpoint and a factual standpoint. The National Coalition is therefore opposed to establishing a signals intelligence service.

LGBT issues: The National Coalition has not, and will not, criminalise same-sex sexual activity or otherwise punish gay people for being gay; as our Constitution states, "the freedom of conscience is unalienable," no matter how unpopular or socially unacceptable the conviction is. However, the recognition of same-sex unions is not a step that we, nor an overwhelming majority of Elizians, are willing to take.

Proliferation of technology: The proliferation of technology is a net benefit for the Elizian economy and people. The National Coalition is currently writing a telecommunications bill that would bring cheap, competitive access to mobile coverage through spectrum licencing, and will empower the Elizian Business Regulator to prevent the tragic consolidation of telecom utilities into overpriced, underperforming oligopolies as has happened elsewhere.

Internet freedom and censorship: The Bill of Rights that the National Coalition wrote is clear on Internet freedom. "All (...) forms of media, regardless of means of communication, shall have the unconditional freedom of the press in the instances of political speech or similar reporting thereof (...). The Elizian state may not censor or regulate any truthful information, nor may it shut down or censor a media outlet for publishing truthful information." We fully intend to keep it this way.

Patent and copyright law: Customary international law (and the desire to create an atmosphere conducive towards economic prosperity) compels us to recognise intellectual property rights. A National Coalition government will support terms of 20 years on patents (with compulsory licensing) and of 50 years or life plus ten (whichever is shorter) for copyrights. We support a liberal set of fair dealings exemptions to ensure that copyright holders cannot shut down legitimate commentary or usage of their works.

[Belmaria]

I think I speak for the majority of members when I say that we do not intend to support a coalition that isn't willing to support recognition of the secular union of same-sex couples in the interest of protecting them under the law.

[Progressive Movement]

With two votes in favor, the proposed constitution passes. We will now entertain candidates for leadership. Candidates may announce their intention to run over the next 24 hours.

[Belmaria]

I, Jason Xuang, hereby announce my intention to run for party leader.

[The Sarian]

I, Willy White, announce my candidacy for party leader.

[Skyviolia]

Again, this is also the case with the Liberal Coalition's stated accomplishments, by Collatis' own admission.

You can always look a our platform, or at the many bills, including government healthcare, that were passed when we were in Government.

---

What are the National Coalition's stances on the following issues?

• Encryption
• Surveillance
• LGBT issues
• Proliferation of technology
• Internet freedom and censorship
• Patent and copyright law

Encryption: We do not have the means, the motivations, nor the desire to bypass encryption systems or to compel private corporations to install backdoors. (...nor do most Elizians have encrypted phones, I reckon.)

Surveillance: Targeted surveillance of individuals suspected with probable cause of committing a felony is justifiable with a judicial warrant and a widely-recognised tool across the world in criminal investigations and attack prevention strategies. However, mass surveillance is not just blatantly illegal, it is unjustifiable from both a moral standpoint and a factual standpoint. The National Coalition is therefore opposed to establishing a signals intelligence service.

LGBT issues: The National Coalition has not, and will not, criminalise same-sex sexual activity or otherwise punish gay people for being gay; as our Constitution states, "the freedom of conscience is unalienable," no matter how unpopular or socially unacceptable the conviction is. However, the recognition of same-sex unions is not a step that we, nor an overwhelming majority of Elizians, are willing to take.

Proliferation of technology: The proliferation of technology is a net benefit for the Elizian economy and people. The National Coalition is currently writing a telecommunications bill that would bring cheap, competitive access to mobile coverage through spectrum licencing, and will empower the Elizian Business Regulator to prevent the tragic consolidation of telecom utilities into overpriced, underperforming oligopolies as has happened elsewhere.

Internet freedom and censorship: The Bill of Rights that the National Coalition wrote is clear on Internet freedom. "All (...) forms of media, regardless of means of communication, shall have the unconditional freedom of the press in the instances of political speech or similar reporting thereof (...). The Elizian state may not censor or regulate any truthful information, nor may it shut down or censor a media outlet for publishing truthful information." We fully intend to keep it this way.

Patent and copyright law: Customary international law (and the desire to create an atmosphere conducive towards economic prosperity) compels us to recognise intellectual property rights. A National Coalition government will support terms of 20 years on patents (with compulsory licensing) and of 50 years or life plus ten (whichever is shorter) for copyrights. We support a liberal set of fair dealings exemptions to ensure that copyright holders cannot shut down legitimate commentary or usage of their works.

The Bill of Rights was not written by the National Coalition, it was written by two delegates on their own conscience who now happen to both be members of the National Coalition. The National Coalition exists to protect itself, like when they refused to investigate charges of corruption in the Justice Department and in the Police Force, trusting them is a terrible idea.

[The Sarian]

Again, this is also the case with the Liberal Coalition's stated accomplishments, by Collatis' own admission.

---

Encryption: We do not have the means, the motivations, nor the desire to bypass encryption systems or to compel private corporations to install backdoors. (...nor do most Elizians have encrypted phones, I reckon.)

Surveillance: Targeted surveillance of individuals suspected with probable cause of committing a felony is justifiable with a judicial warrant and a widely-recognised tool across the world in criminal investigations and attack prevention strategies. However, mass surveillance is not just blatantly illegal, it is unjustifiable from both a moral standpoint and a factual standpoint. The National Coalition is therefore opposed to establishing a signals intelligence service.

LGBT issues: The National Coalition has not, and will not, criminalise same-sex sexual activity or otherwise punish gay people for being gay; as our Constitution states, "the freedom of conscience is unalienable," no matter how unpopular or socially unacceptable the conviction is. However, the recognition of same-sex unions is not a step that we, nor an overwhelming majority of Elizians, are willing to take.

Proliferation of technology: The proliferation of technology is a net benefit for the Elizian economy and people. The National Coalition is currently writing a telecommunications bill that would bring cheap, competitive access to mobile coverage through spectrum licencing, and will empower the Elizian Business Regulator to prevent the tragic consolidation of telecom utilities into overpriced, underperforming oligopolies as has happened elsewhere.

Internet freedom and censorship: The Bill of Rights that the National Coalition wrote is clear on Internet freedom. "All (...) forms of media, regardless of means of communication, shall have the unconditional freedom of the press in the instances of political speech or similar reporting thereof (...). The Elizian state may not censor or regulate any truthful information, nor may it shut down or censor a media outlet for publishing truthful information." We fully intend to keep it this way.

Patent and copyright law: Customary international law (and the desire to create an atmosphere conducive towards economic prosperity) compels us to recognise intellectual property rights. A National Coalition government will support terms of 20 years on patents (with compulsory licensing) and of 50 years or life plus ten (whichever is shorter) for copyrights. We support a liberal set of fair dealings exemptions to ensure that copyright holders cannot shut down legitimate commentary or usage of their works.

The Bill of Rights was not written by the National Coalition, it was written by two delegates on their own conscience who now happen to both be members of the National Coalition. The National Coalition exists to protect itself, like when they refused to investigate charges of corruption in the Justice Department and in the Police Force, trusting them is a terrible idea.

Bad arguments are bad.

[Arachaea]

I, Thu Trân, announce my candidacy for Party Leader.

[Socialist Nordia]

So most of the other parties have official sigs, what is ours going to be?

[Belmaria]

So most of the other parties have official sigs, what is ours going to be?

I quite like mine. We would need to agree on the colors though.

[Socialist Nordia]

I personally like green as our primary colour, and it's not in use by any other parties, to my knowledge.

[Skyviolia]

In regards to Belmaria's concern for Liberal Coalitions stance on economic issue, I have proposed this bill which will raise tariffs against foreign companies exporting rice to protect the interest of the Elizian Farmer.

[Belmaria]

In regards to Belmaria's concern for Liberal Coalitions stance on economic issue, I have proposed this bill which will raise tariffs against foreign companies exporting rice to protect the interest of the Elizian Farmer.

I've already made up my mind about which coalition I personally want to support. I can't speak for other members, but after talking with a National Coalition leader, it appears that they are willing to support a substantial amount of reform in the area of civil liberties. I've tried talking to a number of LC members, most of whom appeared to not even want to budge on the issue of economics.

Therefore, I officially believe that our party should ally with the National Coalition. They appear much more willing to work with us.

[FreYhill]

In regards to Belmaria's concern for Liberal Coalitions stance on economic issue, I have proposed this bill which will raise tariffs against foreign companies exporting rice to protect the interest of the Elizian Farmer.

I've already made up my mind about which coalition I personally want to support. I can't speak for other members, but after talking with a National Coalition leader, it appears that they are willing to support a substantial amount of reform in the area of civil liberties. I've tried talking to a number of LC members, most of whom appeared to not even want to budge on the issue of economics.

Therefore, I officially believe that our party should ally with the National Coalition. They appear much more willing to work with us.

You didn't give many ideas to work with, to be honest.

[Belmaria]

I've already made up my mind about which coalition I personally want to support. I can't speak for other members, but after talking with a National Coalition leader, it appears that they are willing to support a substantial amount of reform in the area of civil liberties. I've tried talking to a number of LC members, most of whom appeared to not even want to budge on the issue of economics.

Therefore, I officially believe that our party should ally with the National Coalition. They appear much more willing to work with us.

You didn't give many ideas to work with, to be honest.

I asked for your economic positions, having already known about the SLP's positions, and after hearing from your party, and your open admission of your party's probable unwillingness to work with us to compromise between social democracy and the neoliberalist nonsense you espouse, the choice wasn't hard.

[Collatis]

You didn't give many ideas to work with, to be honest.

I asked for your economic positions, having already known about the SLP's positions, and after hearing from your party and your open admission of your party's probable unwillingness to work with us to compromise between social democracy and the neoliberalist nonsense you espouse, the choice wasn't hard.

err no, you asked if we were social democrats and we said no... because we obviously are not. We consistently showed a willingness to compromise and find a middle ground.