Washington 2017: The U.S. Political RP: IC [CLOSED]

[Tumblrena]

Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Senator Fowler's Office
1829
Tuesday
7 March
2017

"Come on now that's pretty goofy. You don't just research in general and discoveries appear. You have to be targeted if you want to achieve anything." McGareth says.

[Dentali]

Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Senator Fowler's Office
1829
Tuesday
7 March
2017

(Image)

"Come on now that's pretty goofy. You don't just research in general and discoveries appear. You have to be targeted if you want to achieve anything." McGareth says.

"We'd establish a grant program based on set parameters."

[Tumblrena]

Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Senator Fowler's Office
1830
Tuesday
7 March
2017

"Then we maybe see something in ten years and its gas guzzlers that whole time. Research is great but we need something on the ground." McGareth says.

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
1:30 pm.
Henry Caldwell

Making his way into West's apartment Henry greeted Sarah with a friendly "Good afternoon."

Having taken off his coat and winter shoes Henry was lead into a room decorated with futuristic imagery, somewhat foreign to him.

"Nice apartment." Henry said more out of curtesy than actual appreciation.

Trying to avoid talking about the pictures and possibly making a fool out of himself Henry tried to change the subject.

"So, what brings me here today?" he said in a usual for him friendly manner.

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

"Well thank you!" Sarah smiles. "Can I get you something to eat or drink? As for why are you here, I wanted to talk to you about plans for future cooperation. You probably know I used to be in Democratic party before joining the Progressive Party of America, right?"

[Dentali]

Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Senator Fowler's Office
1830
Tuesday
7 March
2017

(Image)

"Then we maybe see something in ten years and its gas guzzlers that whole time. Research is great but we need something on the ground." McGareth says.

"Then lets write a bill with both"

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
Henry Caldwell

"Well, I was promised a cup of tea." Henry replied cordially.

"I do." he replied, unsure of the direction the conversation was headed for.

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

Sarah brought them tea and sat across from Caldwell: "I'll be straight with you, because you have more experience in politics then I do and beating around the bush would only make me seem shady and I'm not shady- my heart is always on my sleeve. I left for one reason: the state of Democratic Party after the 2016 election was not fertile ground for the kind of policies I wished to see implemented. Policies that guarantee true social equality, end of economic divide and exploitation and battle against poverty. Now I know you are, just like myself, man who cares more about policies than about partisanship. Since I joined Progressives I found men and women who are willing to help me in constructive way to achieve my vision for Mass and my vision for America. I hate to see people who think alike divided along party lines so I'm asking you to join our party. I see no differences in politics between us and you'll have much greater support here."

[Bruke]

"I know North Andover. A lot of beautiful 18th century mansions are there. I'm sorry if my question came off as a little nosy. I wasn't going to ask you about your personal problems, but about political challenges you faced as State Senator." Sarah paused, a bit unsure how to change the subject without sounding too abrupt. "I heard you're in software development for some time. I know that because I used to be in IT before I started writing full time. Although, I was in games while you did business oriented software. Do I remember right?"

"To your first question: as a State Senator, my greatest political challenge was finding issues that brought together people of both parties. I was elected with a slim margin, so I knew if I was too ideological the people of my district wouldn't support me. I worked across the aisle to help small businesses and make sure financial institutions were properly regulated. That's another thing I forgot to mention: your experience before getting into office can determine the issues you take on as a legislator. For instance, I was in finance, so I took an interest in financial regulation."

He paused and took a sip of a pale ale he had ordered.

"As for your second question, I'm still involved in the IT business. I started out at CALCOT as a senior consultant 13 years ago. But when the Recession hit and the company went under, I was the one who was tapped to pick up the pieces. I brought in some old-timers- people who were active long before the rise of Silicon Valley, who know what they're doing. Now the company is expanding into overseas markets, especially India. We're make the most popular software for brokers at the Bombay Stock Exchange." He chuckled.

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

Sarah took a drink and nodded:

"Yes, you said that right. One's experience before getting into the office determines the issues you take on as a politician. As a person interested in technology and as science-fiction author I want to emphasize that I consider tackling something not many politicians want to tackle and that's the way we as society, use technology. You see, this is one of the reasons I wished to talk to you. As a legislator I aim to help socially responsible and goal-oriented development of technology. And Information Technology is core technology of modern era- from robotics to advanced business and medicine, you cannot do it without good software solutions. Are there any types of legislation software manufacturers would like see passed on state or federal level?"

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
Henry Caldwell

Henry was only partially surprised. To his dissapointment it was, in fact, a partisian meeting.

"It would be foolish to disagree that the Democratic Party has failed in 2016." he replied before taking a sip of tea. "But since then I see attempts to enact change from within. I have a pleasure of working with bright young people such as Congresswoman Smith or Mr. O'Leary, who are both progressives and Democrats. Those people are working for a progressive America and a more progressive Democratic Party. I, just like Congressman O'Leary, was given a position in the Democratic leadership. I don't mean to be harsh, but strength is in numbers as they say. If we keep being divided into two different camps we're not going to achieve anything. And at the moment the Democratic Party is stronger. They have the means to push for a progressive agenda, they need the people to lead the charge, such as me, such as Mrs. Smith or Mr. O'Leary. There's a reason why I stayed there. Not because of partisanship - I can't stress that enough - but because this divide is the biggest threat to the values, both you and I, share."

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

"I agree with you in principle." Sarah said. "It is true that Democratic party is older and more established than the Progressive Party. However, strength is not something that can be percieved only in status quo it is also relative to trends. Progressive Party was non-existent before 2016 and see what have we achieved in less than a year. That is some rapid growth there, in both institutional infrastructure and popular support. So you cannot deny thatthe Progressives are party that is at this moment weaker than Democrats, but is growing stronger.

On the other side, you'll probably agree that the state of Democratic Party leaves a lot to be desired: recently we had witnessed some of the Democratic Senators voting for proposition of Senator Amaras and helping it pass. When Mayor Walton, Ambassador Singh or myself express our progressive politics publicly we are quickly personally attacked by Vilseck or Johnsons. Congressman O'Leary and Congresswoman Smith often have their propositions in the House voted down by fellow Democrats. I am against divisions, but I see Democrats as those who want to advance the split on the left. If the progressive members of the Democratic Party joined Progressive Party the values they stand for would get strong representation that would not be opposed from their own ranks.

Personally, I'd rather have Democratic Senator representing my own ideals than Progressive one fighting only to get elected for one more term. Do you really think that the Blue Dogs who voted for POMA represent you or your voters better than Progressives who voted against it? I believe the best way to end the divide is by forming a party that is based on set of common principles. "

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
Henry Caldwell

"The problem is that the Blue Dogs are only a part of the wider Democrat 'coalition'. There are also people left of centre, who might not call themselves progressives, but in the end might support our ideals."

Henry didn't want to fight West, using a calm, even friendly tone when giving his arguments.

"I am sympathetic to the cause of the Progressive Party. But I can't leave people like Congresswoman Smith or Congressman O'Leary behind. Especially when I was given a certain set of responsibilities as the Deputy Assistant Leader."

Smith and O'Leary. Two Democrats most liked by Caldwell. He was glad to see such bright young people like them in Congress, especially fighting for values the three of them shared. Henry sometimes wondered if the liked him or respected him. Being a humble man Caldwell didn't spend much time pondering these questions, yet now, for some reason, they came back to him. Either way he was determined on not abandoning them.

"And correct me if I'm wrong, but the Progressives don't have organized leadership in Congress. It would be hard to get anything done in the current format."

Samara - that's the other name. Their homestate wasn't the only thing the two shared. As the leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus he shared Caldwell's views on a number of issues. Henry was curious what he would say about the idea of switching parties. "Nothing good." Henry thought to himself almost adding "I'm afraid." at the end.

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

Sarah was likewise calm and respectful, showing agreement on better articulated points of the argument:

"I know that there is such thing as camaraderie, but I also believe Representatives Smith and O' Leary are able to come to their own conclusions regarding where they wish to be. What you can do for them is too show by your example that you're willing to make a stand to achieve things you believe to be right. Switching parties is a brave thing, because you're leaving entire support structure behind, but it is worthwhile in the long run because you will be working with even more people that share your vision. As for people left of the center who are not progressives, I am sure Progressive party is able to accommodate them too, if they wish to become part of it. If not, the door to working with them certainly won't be closed to you- many Progressives are actively working with Democrats in House and Senate."

"The concern regarding leadership is legitimate. Building it is a part of our growth as a party. I don't have to stress how new we are. After all, someone with your experience might be instrumental in building the organized leadership and helping us make things done. This is what I consider the main strength of Progressive Party- we help each other make things done. We don't vote for POMA's or raise our hands against propositions of our Representatives because we are afraid of what conservatives might say about us."

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
Henry Caldwell

Henry was never an overtly ambitious man. If he were he'd put the progressive politics aside in favour of more moderate, politically convenient views.

But the idea of being a part of the leadership of a party was somewhat appealing. When he was offered the position of the Deputy Assistant Minority Leader, however, he accepted it for idealistic reasons.

Now he was faced with killing two birds with one stone - going up the political ladder while promoting his agenda, his beliefs. On the other hand he would have to abandon his colleagues. If only there was a way to not abandon them.

Henry returned with his thoughts to the meeting after what surely was a noticeable pause. A sign of hesitation.

"You say that the party's strength is it's unity, it's members helping eachother and being able to rely on one another. I'm sure you understand that I have a lot of factors I need to consider before making a decision as important as this. Would you mind if I took some time to consider your proposal?"

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

While Henry was thinking Sarah poured more tea for them.

"Of course. Give it as much thought as you need . I didn't make my decision overnight. What I can certainly tell you is that I hadn't come to regret my choice one bit. If anything, I was pleasantly surprised with how positive and willing to cooperate everyone was."

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
Henry Caldwell

Not wanting to leave too early Henry started to drink his tea again.

"How are you holding up after the March?" Henry asked sincerly, trying to change the topic.

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

"Well, I talked with people from my party and they had shown great deal of, you know, emotional support." Sarah shrugged. Talking about her emotions wasn't easy for her. "I mean, it's not that I felt guilty- those kinds of things are hard to avoid and I certainly couldn't predict Senator De Pena coming to the March without personal security and contact with me as the organizer. But it is not easy seeing those scenes of violence regardless. And the way my name was dragged through the mud by Vilseck of all people, saying I should be prosecuted. It was nasty. But in politics one has to learn to take blows to one's ego. I had my deal of hardship and I can soldier on, because the things I've decided to fight for are bigger then my personal issues."

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
Henry Caldwell

"Im glad you're not taking it too hard." Henry replied.

"I should get going." he said before standing up and heading for his coat.

[The Free Territory of Makhnovia]

"We'll certainly talk more. Let me know what your decision is." Sarah said extending her hand in greeting.

[Alozia]

Parker Street 11, Mission Hill, Boston
March 11th, 2017
Henry Caldwell

"I will." he said before shaking her hand and leaving shortly thereafter.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Hitchens picks up the phone

[Greater Arab State]

Hitchens picks up the phone

"Good day Sir. Unfortunately I will be requiring legal representation as I have been arrested for aiding and abetting Ms Nobles entry into Montana."

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Hitchens picks up the phone

"Good day Sir. Unfortunately I will be requiring legal representation as I have been arrested for aiding and abetting Ms Nobles entry into Montana."

"Alright, when and where?"

[Helowi]

---

Governor Chalmers Press Conference
Governor’s Mansion
Raleigh, North Carolina.
March 12th, 2017

---

“Good Evening, my fellow North Carolinians. While Congress is currently out of session and we may not get back to it in a while, I would like to voice my opinion on a piece of legislation that will be voted on soon. As you may know, the Preservation of Marriage Act will be voted on in the senate when congress is back in session. I would like to call on the Republican Majority to vote for the Act in order to preserve states rights as well as religious freedom for religious figures across these United States of America. I believe that once this piece of legislation is passed, religious people will be given the freedom that they have so dearly lost since the supreme courts Obergefell ruling.”

“I would next like to talk about a piece of legislation that is currently going through our state legislature, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This act will defend the religious freedoms of business owners across North Carolina by allowing them to service to people based on the business owners own religious beliefs. And while some may call it discrimination, it is not. This RFRA will be making sure that religious business owners of North Carolina know their freedoms are being protected by the government.”

Governor Chalmers then takes a sip of his water. “I will now be taking questions from the press.”