[NSG Senate] Senatorial Database

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

(1. Do you think the so called "Pink Tide" that has swept portions of Latin America could harm Calaverde?
Absolutely not. Indeed, I feel that the opposite would be true, as nations are finally no longer being subjugated by the Imperialistic US and its corporations. I hope that the Pink Tide also enters Calaverde, particularly if they use the style of governing used by the Frente Ampilo in Uruguay, with its liberalizations and massive poverty reduction.
(2. Should our nation look into taking part in free trade agreements similar to CAFTA?
I would work my hardest to make sure that does not happen. CAFTA, as well as NAFTA, the WTO and the proposed TPP is simply American imperialism disguised as 'free trade'. We must keep our national sovereignty.
(3. How can Calaverde have a bigger voice on the global stage? Furthermore, should it?
I feel that by joining organizations like CARICOM and the UN, along with being very vocal about international issues, we can have a bigger voice on the world stage. I feel that this is also highly desirable.

[Maklohi Vai]

Questions for all senators,

(1. Do you think the so called "Pink Tide" that has swept portions of Latin America could harm Calaverde?

(2. Should our nation look into taking part in free trade agreements similar to CAFTA?

(3. How can Calaverde have a bigger voice on the global stage? Furthermore, should it?

1. I think the Pink tide is moving away from the radical left and more towards the center. I believe that trend is beneficial for Calaverde.

2. Yes. Regional free trade agreements are an excellent way to boost our economy as well as strengthen our relationships with our neighbors.

3. We must start small, as we are only newly a democratic country. We should start by having a voice in the issues that matter to us the most: environmental protection, cultural protection of minorities, etcetera. Once we are established as a contributor on those fronts, we can expand our presence. Of course, the timeline for this is many years long. We cannot expect to be a global force soon.

[Imyoji]

Senator Eric Lee-Valdez is open for some questions.

[Argentarino]

Cristobal Marcelino Costa Araullo - Liberal Democrats

Account Name: Argentarino
Occupation: MP, Diplomat
Party Position(s):

Member

Positions in Government:

Vice President and Minister of Justice

Constituency: San Jerónimo
Political Ideology: Social liberalism
Family: Husband: Francisco "Paco" Jimeno Belmonte
Background: Born in San Jerónimo, Calaverde on February 14th, 1984, the 30 year old Senator has struggled to get to where he is now in life. Born to an impoverished family that struggled to make ends meet, it was by mere luck that he received his station in life. The youngest of six children, four brothers and a sister, it was always assumed that he would amount to nothing in life. However, he persisted in school, earned good grades, and worked his way through college, paying for his own university education, earning a B.D. in Foreign Affairs at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in Mexico City. He returned to Calaverde after graduating, and became a diplomat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2006, serving in embassies in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Mexico, up until 2010, when he resigned over a scandal concerning his sexual orientation, that and his frustration over first serving a junta and then a weak Provisional Government. From then until 2013, he served in the local assembly in San Jerónimo, building a reputation for himself with the lower and lower-middle classes in the city. In 2014, he ran for the open Senate seat in San Jerónimo for the Liberal Democrats, and fought large conservative opposition when it was revealed that he had a steady boyfriend, Francisco, of one year. Despite this, he achieved enough votes to win his seat. He ran on a platform of social, economic, and judicial reform, and improved protections for Calaverdean citizens against crime. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the O'Hara and Morales governments, and is currently serving as the Minister of Justice for the Giulani government.
Faith: Roman Catholic
Likes: Social justice, constitutional monarchy (Spanish), pro-LGBT, pro-justice, pro-CAFTA, pro-diplomacy, spicy food, sweet wine, Cuban cigars
Dislikes: Fascism, communism, stubbornness, beer, idiots
Any Questions from the Public to be answered?

• Thoughts on Adrian Independence?: To grant the Adrian minority independence would weaken Calaverde significantly. United, Calaverde has a chance. I believe in a strong, united Calaverde, no matter how diverse it may be.
• Stance on autonomy, not independence, for Adrius, and other ethnic and linguistic minorities?: I believe that the Adrian people may be given greater autonomy, and if it were put to a vote, I would not mind voting for such a proposal. However, everything else would be by a case-by-case basis.
• What was your relationship, if any, with the Calaverdean Junta?: Besides serving as a lowly diplomatic officer with the Foreign Ministry during the last year of the junta's reign, I did not have any kind of relation with the leadership. Most of my career was in service to the Provisional Government.
• How many languages do you speak?: I speak Spanish, English, and some French.
• What are your thoughts on Israel?: I believe that the Jews have the right to their own nation-state, but I also firmly believe that the land must be peacefully shared between Israelis and Palestinians. A two-state solution is something to be advocated for, should one wish to see long-term peace in that region of the Middle East.
• What are your thoughts on abortion?: I am a supporter of the right to choose, but I believe that it should be limited to be within the first trimester.

1.How did your upbringing influence your desire to enter politics? "I grew up in an impoverished, urban familial lifestyle. I learned to be grateful for what little I received, what little I earned, and every big achievement I earned. I knew many people, many friends, who were in my situation who never made it out of the slums. Some joined gangs, some became prostitutes, some remained poor, and others died. It was a hard life. Also, learning about my own sexuality was a struggle. I learned how to deal with hardship on every level, from my socioeconomic status to my sexual orientation. And looking at that...I wanted to improve the quality of life for impoverished people. They needed food, and the junta gave them war. They needed rights, and the Provisional Government dragged its heels. I feel that I can help them achieve the kind of life I have grown to live. That's what inspired me to enter politics."
2.What is your opinion on the situation in Ukraine and its effects rippling across Europe, particularly in Russia? "Russia's actions are despicable and reprehensible. The Putin regime is struggling to claim its old hegemonic status, and by doing that, has threatened peace in Europe. I believe the Ukrainians have a long way to go, as their government is not perfect, but the only way they can achieve true political & economic reform, as well as democratization, is when they are at peace. Calaverde can't do much, but it can lend its voice to the Europeans and Americans in calling for peace and the guarantee of Ukrainian sovereignty."
3.What international organizations do you believe Calaverde should join? "we must earn international recognition. The first step is obviously to join the United Nations. We can also join the International Criminal Court (ICC), which will give us some judicial recognition, not to mention a resource to try former junta officials guilty of crimes against Calaverde. WTO, WHO, and CAFTA are other organizations we should join."

[Skeckoa]

Ariana de los Ángeles Guzman Herrera - Free Citizens Party

Account Name: Skeckoa
Occupation: Senator, Businesswoman, Author
Party Position(s): Member
Positions in Government: Shadow Minister of Culture
Constituency:
Political Ideology: Liberalism, Pan-Americanism, Free Trade
Family: Daughter Ángela (25), Daughter Andrea (23), Son Tenoch (22)
Background: Ariana was born in San Esteban, Calaverde in 1971. Her father was the well-off Hernán, son of a coffee plantation owner whose family had connections with the military dictatorship that ruled the country prior to the seventies. Her mother, whom she would treat as her only parent, is the house servant Lupe. At the time of Ariana's birth, Lupe was illiterate, and working in the house of Hernán's father as a servant despite being just a teenager. Ariana would consistently hate her father for essentially denying her and leaving her to be raised as a peasant. Through a series of marriages, and running away, and living in the barber shop where she worked, she found herself as a prominent voice in one chain of a national retail store. She worked herself up, and in that time, also found time to study economics and business management. She has since ended her marriage, and focused more on her business. When she saw the events that put the businesses of millions go to smoke in neighboring countries, she made it her mission to preserve the relative prosperity of Calaverde as well as to better the lives of the people like her mother, the peasant illiterate woman.
Faith: Roman Catholic
Likes: Business, Classic Latin Music, Fútbol,
Dislikes: Her father, the United States,
Any Questions from the Public to be answered?

• Question to all senators: do you support laws against hate speech? We have just left an era where we could not speak out against the government, nor speak ill of the people who were part of the government. Just banning certain words certain words in certain circumstances will not change the fact that minorities in this country don't always get along. Anyone trying to legislate this, and even enforce it, are wasting their time.
• What is your stance on Space Exploration? I don't mind it, I would not even mind if Calaverde sold off land or bases in order to attract the industry. We are a gem in the tropical Caribbean and I feel that we have the tools to bring smart talented people here to work. As for actually sending out projectiles into the skies, Calaverde has no business.

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

[Beta Test]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

Let other people do it.

[Estva]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

León Suero

While I believe space exploration is admirable, and should be pursued, we are far too poor a country to allocate serious funding into the endeavor. However, should one of our citizens prove bright and resourceful enough to become a candidate in the space program of a foreign power, I say we should support them.

[Imyoji]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

Desirable, but it is not a priority. However, we should cooperate with the EU or the US if we ever wish to start a space program of our own.

―Senator Eric Lee-Valdez

[Maklohi Vai]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

We do not have the funds for it at the moment, but we must consider it to be a possibility in the future.

[Argentarino]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

"This is the last thing that Calaverde should even care about. Our people are starving, they are healing from the rifts of a civil war, and our economy is struggling. While we can hope for it, space exploration is not even a priority to be considered by any sane government of this nation."

- Senator Cristobal Marcelino Costa Araullo

[Heraklea-]

Questions for all:

1. What are your views on LGBT rights, and would you like to see legalization of gay marriage?

2. How do you believe the international community should handle illegal activities occurring on international waters, like whaling?

3. How much autonomy should the indigenous people's of Calaverde be allowed?

1. Every member of the LGBTQ+ communities should be free to participate fully in our society, including marrying and adopting children.

2. The international community should apply diplomatic and economic pressure on countries which flag vessels that engage in illegal activities. In particular to whaling, the IWC must be given the authority to be more stringent with limits on whaling for scientific purposes. Allowing naval vessels to seize ships engaged in illegal whaling operation should be considered.

3. The indigenous peoples of Calaverde have been much abused over our countries history. No honest man could deny this. They should be afforded reparations and affirmative action programs to help balance out past wrongs and help them achieve full and equal membership of our society.

Questions for all senators,

(1. Do you think the so called "Pink Tide" that has swept portions of Latin America could harm Calaverde?

(2. Should our nation look into taking part in free trade agreements similar to CAFTA?

(3. How can Calaverde have a bigger voice on the global stage? Furthermore, should it?

1. The "Pink Tide" I think is something of a myth. It is undeniable that there has been a shift to the left in much of Central and South America, but this is not the rise of a single left wing ideology, certainly not Chavismo. This is more a rejection of the neoliberal ideology that dominated the United States, and as we reject it we begin to explore new paths. Already we have seen the slide back to the center for much of the "Pink Tide" movement. It is good that so many have shaken themselves free from the bonds of profit driven society, but now they must find their way forward.

2. No. "Free Trade" ultimately becomes a means for wealthier nations to exploit the poorer ones. Trade agreements must be built on the concept of "Fair Trade," with the standards being rigorously enforced.

3. Calaverde has an important story for the world to hear, but it is only one voice. And one voice, no matte how loud, cannot be heard over many. We must work together with other like nations to protect the environment, establish a fair trade international economics and global peace and security. Through our collective efforts we will bring more nations to our causes until a more responsible global society is achieved.

[Heraklea-]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

We should cooperate with other nations on scientific endeavors, especially space exploration. We do not currently posses the resources to pursue such efforts unilaterally, and there are more pressing issues, though I will say that we should try to send a Calaverdean to the ISS. Our country and our world need scientists and nothing bring little boys and girls to science quite like the thought they too may one day go into outer space.

[Ikania]

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

Far too expensive an expedition for such a poor country as ours. We've got plenty of room here, let the others go to space. Maybe we'll follow suit, but it's definitely not in my or our best interests.

[West Aurelia]

Some labour isn't worth minimum wage,

"One of the reasons I oppose the minimum wage. Say someone gets a job which requires them to vacuum one small room a day. Is that really worth $8 or $9 or $10 an hour?"

so the absence of a minimum wage law would result in workers not taking jobs best fitted for them because it does not pay well enough. Minimum wage jobs do, however, ensure that workers are paid fair (but meddled with) amounts, all the while not posing too much of a burden on the individual employer.

"They could protest company policies if they are unfair, or, like in Singapore (which has no minimum wage), become self-employed."

This means that the only course of action would be to put up with a starving, impoverished underclass whose labour would anyway bring them to that situation, or to reintroduce a suitable minimum wage law. Employers only care about their employees: employers can't take care of the unemployed, so this is de facto a government's option.

"I will now elaborate on the 'self-employed' option. Singapore has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world* (9th excluding territories of other countries) and the highest percentage of millionaires in the world (one in six) despite not having a minimum wage. Companies like McDonald's prefer to employ young workers, such as university students. So where do the older, uneducated job-seekers who would never get a chance in a large company go? Hawker centers:

These are basically large, open areas with many stalls selling food. People who own stalls (hawkers) are usually older men and women who have never graduated and can't get a good job. Their only option is to set up stalls and sell food (self-employment). I visited Singapore last year, and hawker center food is cheap and in many cases, equal to or better than traditional restaurant food. And the food needs to be good - if it wasn't, people would prefer to sit in air-conditioned restaurants. Many hawker centers are near office buildings, because white collar office workers will crowd them at lunch to buy food. Many hawkers become so successful they don't even bother to open at dinnertime as they can collect enough money from the lunchtime crowd. If you can't cook, simply work as a helper in a hawker center - cleaning tables, taking orders, and the like.

Now, let's examine a hawker center in a minimum wage environment. In addition to rental costs for the stall, the costs of purchasing equipment and ingredients, and electricity, gas, and water costs, the hawker must pay whatever the government sets to his or her helpers. While this may not be a concern for successful hawkers, think about those who have just started or do not generally provide good food. They would either have to raise the price of food - driving away customers who think it's not worth it, losing money in the process - or close down. And who becomes unemployed when a stall closes down? The hawker and his or her helpers.

So yes - employers can't take care of the unemployed. But no, the government doesn't need to do it for them. And no, Singapore does not have a 'starving, impoverished underclass' despite its lack of minimum wage laws."

* Qatar, which has the lowest unemployment rate in the world, Tonga, which has the fourth lowest unemployment rate in the world, and Cambodia, which has the sixth lowest unemployment rate in the world, also lack minimum wage laws.

What would you suggest the government does to counter the mass strikes?

"Allow the people the right to express themselves. Singapore, without a minimum wage, has had two major strikes (only one of which was related to wages) in its 49-year history as an independent nation, zero major strikes in its 2-year history as a Malaysian state, and one major strike during its 143-year history as a British colony."

OOC: I think this has gone a little too far, if anyone wants to continue this discussion or prove me wrong or whatever TG me.

[Ainin]

*admin hat* The Database is IC. Your OOC experiences about Singapore don't belong here.

[West Aurelia]

*admin hat* The Database is IC. Your OOC experiences about Singapore don't belong here.

I just need to remove those references right?

[Ainin]

*admin hat* The Database is IC. Your OOC experiences about Singapore don't belong here.

I just need to remove those references right?

You don't have to do anything, just a note for the future.

[West Aurelia]

I just need to remove those references right?

You don't have to do anything, just a note for the future.

Ah well, just did. I'll keep that in mind.

[Republic of Coldwater]

Alijah Haider - Independent

Account Name: Republic of Coldater
Occupation: Senator
Party Position(s):

N/A

[b]Positions in Government:

N/A

Constituency: N/A
Political Ideology: Right-Libertarianism with PaleoConservative leanings
Family: Wife: Abigail Haider Children- 2 Daughters (Tracy and Annabelle) 2 Sons (Colton and Alistair)
Background: Alijah Haider was born in rural Nebraska to a Conservative Evangelical Christian Family, as the second of 6 Children. His dad was escaping from a totalitarian regime and married a woman who was a native Nebraskan. Later, Alijah studied economics and later law, and became a lawyer, where he met and later married his wife. After 10 years of being a lawyer, Alijah decided to start a gun business, and allegedly sold fully automatic weapons illegally to people. After years of being a gun business owner, he left the business to his children and ran for office, winning the office as an independent.
Faith: Evangelical
Likes: Guns, Capitalism, Free-Markets, Austrian School of Economics, legal immigration, legalizing drugs, non-interventionism, free trade
Dislikes: Central Banking, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, taxes, regulation, unwarranted wiretapping, illegal immigration, communism, fascism.
Any Questions from the Public to be answered?

• [b]
  What is your stance on homosexuality?
  
  I strongly oppose homosexuality, but it isn't the role of government to regulate their behavior.
  
  What is your stance on abortions?
  
  Abortions are murder, it should be outlawed.

[Lykens]

(1. Do you think the so called "Pink Tide" that has swept portions of Latin America could harm Calaverde?

I believe a bit of leftism, moderate mind you, would do our country much good, and wretch it from the Conservative gridlock our entire region suffers from.

(2. Should our nation look into taking part in free trade agreements similar to CAFTA?

Absolutely, free trade with our neighbors will help us grow economically.

(3. How can Calaverde have a bigger voice on the global stage? Furthermore, should it?

We shouldn't. We are a small country in the Caribbean, and should maintain focus on domestic issues, rather than meddling in world politics that have little to no concern towards us.

To all Senators: What is your stance on Space Exploration?

We have neither the money or time to indulge in such things. We should work on fixing domestic issues before straying from that area.

[Olerand]

1. What are your views on LGBT rights, and would you like to see legalization of gay marriage?
I am supportive of the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders. While, due to my age and the nonexistence of a debate regarding this issue back during the military days, I cannot claim to be an expert on the subject matter, my youngest child, Thierry's...Uhm..."Coming out" I believe the English term is, has incited me to make further inquiries into the subject.

2. How do you believe the international community should handle illegal activities occurring on international waters, like whaling?
I believe every nation should maintain order in its water, and all the nations of a region should come together to prevent crime in international waters.
Especially whaling, such a dreadful occurrence.

3. How much autonomy should the indigenous people's of Calaverde be allowed?
I believe that the few regions of the nation where the indigenous peoples are a majority should be granted autonomy, as the areas of the other ethnicities. Otherwise, indigenous peoples living in non-indigenous areas should be treated as citizens like any others.

[Olerand]

(1. Do you think the so called "Pink Tide" that has swept portions of Latin America could harm Calaverde?
Uhm, no, not particularly.

(2. Should our nation look into taking part in free trade agreements similar to CAFTA?
Well it would depend on who our partners are.

(3. How can Calaverde have a bigger voice on the global stage? Furthermore, should it?
Through the UN, and other democratic bodies. Our size, and our relative un-importance in the global debates of the world make it rather impossible for us to play a major role on the global stage, in my opinion.

[Olerand]

What is your stance on Space Exploration?
Well, I do not believe we can engage in it, due to the shortage of our resources for such a massive project. However, our proximity to the Equator makes us a good "launching" place for other space-capable nations and organizations. I would encourage us to look into American or European missions being sent from our soil, in return for financial benefits of course.

[Ikania]

A question to all Senators:

What partially-recognized countries should Calaverde recognize? (Kosovo, Palestine, etc)

Response from Sen. Simon Almagro:

I think first off we need to recognize Kosovo. It's a sovereign country and it's not under the control of Serbia, no matter how much they say it is. As well, we should recognize the state of Palestine and embargo Israel for their completely inhumane treatment of Palestinian people. Calaverde should also recognize any potential offspring republics in what is currently Ukraine should a democratic and impartial referendum confirm their independence.

I also support independence for the Kurds from Iraq and Turkey should they decide to after the threat of the Islamic State is dealt with.