Washington 2017: The U.S. Political RP IC-Volume II (OPEN)

[The Orion Islands]

"4.25%. That is as far as I am willing to go. I do not like raising taxes through the roof, and unless the Republicans agree, it is 4%."

"Look I love working with you folks, and 4.25% might be able to pass, but any higher would make the Republican Rank and File revolt."

"Okay. Then we agree at 4.25%. Now about adopting Chained-CPI to measure COLAs that would result in slower benefit growth, resulting in more savings?"

[Dentali]

Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Senator McGareth's Office
1636
Monday
3 July
2017

(Image)

"That is not my area of expertise." McGareth admits.

"But I am not against it if a good formula for an effective metric can be made."

"Well can we take a bit of time? do some research on it?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

"4.25%...hmm...how about 4.75%? The Democrats certainly aren't going to be happy and many will want higher. But I can help make sure this passes, 4.75% that is"

She turned to the Governor.

"Hmmm, the elderly tend to be harmed if those are used. And it hardly is without its controversies. Thoughts?"

She gestured at the others.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

She had been in deep focus reading, so the comment seemed to pass over her for a while before she realized what had been said.

"Um, you intend to run for Senate?"

[Prolieum]

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

Appleby shrugged.

"Sure."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Meeting a Concerned Constitutent

Brooklyn District Office
Greenpoint
New York

---

She was still turned around, admiring her post, before she returned to the topic at hand.

"I am still unsure...unsure about a lot of things. But yes, yes. You have my support. Of course, I think we should speak more. Both in a setting like this, but in more, in more informal ones. Go ahead and start things up."

Her leg had a searing pain and she instinctively reached to rub it.

"It will require lots of preparation."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

"Care to elaborate?"

She turned to face him, her interested piqued.

[Prolieum]

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

"You're not running. Progressive has the seat now. Party needs a Democrat. I can handle that," Appleby succinctly elaborated.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Spurred By The Moment

Villa de Johnson
Los Angeles
California

---

"I am glad to hear that. So, while we understand you may seek to support your Republican friend, if you could limit your support or your political targetting to them...that would be ideal."

He had pointed to the names listed on the paper, excluding the first one obviously.

"And of course we may also allow the wonderful statue of Cox to remain, as a thanks."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

"Hmm, you certainly fit the bill. I will definitely need to look you over more. But you haven't hurt your chances so far with this meeting"

She smiled slightly.

"Is that why you accepted this meeting?"

[Dentali]

Jason Samara Campaign Stop #10
MIRA Headquarters Boston, Massachusetts



Jason Samara had spent the last two weeks making phone calls and attending meetings in the building and now he got to hold a press conference in front of it. MIRA stood for The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition which was the largest organization in new England advocating for the rights and integration of immigrants into the country. The meetings and calls had been concerning the development of his immigration platform of which the organization had major input.

Now on this crisp Boston day Samara stood outside the HQ flanked by organization leaders. Samara began to speak and unveil his immigration policy to the press and his loyal supporters

“Elections are about all of us, every American whether your family came to this country hundreds of years ago or yesterday. In recent years our politicians have cared more about papers than people, not recognizing the millions of men, women and children desperately seeking the American dream… we be a beacon of inclusion and fairness, not a nation that threatens to tear families apart. We need to find a workable and humane solution to fix our immigration system, pairing security with humanity. So I want to start by calling on Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, Progressives… and everyone in between to come together to create an immigration system that keeps families together, strengthens our economy and helps our nation move forward into the future.”

“I want to ensure that in Massachusetts, in America… that no one has to live in fear because of how they came to this country… that everyone’s civil and human rights will be respected. That’s why I wrote a bill that will make DACA federal law, protecting those who came here as children and had no choice in the matter of crossing the border by giving them permanent legal status and a path to citizenship.”

“DACA is our most pressing concern but it is not our only fight. Equal means equal, immigration is a major part of what has made this nation great and it will continue to do so in the future. No matter the color of your skin, your nation of origin, the language you speak. Comprehensive immigration reform is necessary to bring workers and families out of darkness and into the full economy where they receive the same rights as the rest of us.”

“I am pro-immigrant, but I recognize not everyone trying to come into this nation has the best intentions, not everyone should be allowed into our nation. But a zero tolerance policy does not reflect our morality, turning away families looking for a better life, those fleeing poverty, violence and starvation… turning them away is not American.”

“America has always and should always be a haven for the oppressed, the vulnerable and the downtrodden. We cannot shirk that responsibility now. Our immigration policy must stop the criminalization of entire communities, the tearing apart of families, and the exploitation of new Americans. My immigration policy is grounded in putting the sanctity of families first, and will enforce civil, human and labor rights, continuing our tradition of embracing diversity letting it push our nation to new heights.”

“Those who enter the country illegally who do not have a criminal record should be given temporary amnesty and a simple path to citizenship. If an immigrant pays taxes they should receive the same benefits as citizens. We must dismantle our inhumane deportation programs and detention centers that tear families apart, replacing them with a system targeted on criminal activity besides crossing the border and make sure DHS agencies have oversight. We need a swift and fair legislative roadmap to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants. We must respect local communities, ensuring their positive interactions with law enforcement instead of forcing them to live in hiding out of fear. We must modernize the visa system, especially regarding family visas which has a massive backlog. We must reverse the criminalization of immigrants, no person is illegal and in most cases the act of an illegal border crossing is one of desperation not malice, we must recognize that.”

“I will fight for protecting immigrant workers whistleblowing labor violations, ensuring all workers are treated fairly and paid the same regardless of immigration status, and without fear of deportation. I will fight for the expansion of parole-in-place policies, to include the relatives of US citizens and lawful permanent residents provided they pass a criminal background check. I will fight to end the policies that seek to turn local law enforcement into immigration officers that only leads to the deterioration of the relationship between immigrant communities and law enforcement that should be protecting them. I will fight to properly fund our nation's immigration courts to ensure constitutional protections for undocumented workers, guaranteeing due process and bond hearings.”

“We cannot keep having piecemeal border enforcement, rather than a wall we need resources allocated to CBP training and oversight, to rebuilding our border infrastructure and improving our ports of entry. We must also allow immigrant families be able to purchase healthcare regardless of immigration status.”

“Our immigrants are an asset to the nation not a liability, making immigration easier and quicker, ensuring families stay together, is the kind of reform we need in our nation. Our borders can be protected humanely and in accordance with our values, we must provide a path to citizenship to new Americans. After all we are STRONGER TOGETHER!”

“Together we can accomplish great things, I pray you join me, I pray you stand and march forward with me, and one day we will have built a country worthy of the principles we were founded on. Thank you, God bless America and God bless the Great State of Massachusetts.”

[Tallahassee News Station]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

(Image)

"4.25%...hmm...how about 4.75%? The Democrats certainly aren't going to be happy and many will want higher. But I can help make sure this passes, 4.75% that is"

She turned to the Governor.

"Hmmm, the elderly tend to be harmed if those are used. And it hardly is without its controversies. Thoughts?"

She gestured at the others.

"All right, 4.75% it is. Now let's talk about the rest of the budget"

[Granluras]

VOID

[The Orion Islands]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

(Image)

"4.25%...hmm...how about 4.75%? The Democrats certainly aren't going to be happy and many will want higher. But I can help make sure this passes, 4.75% that is"

She turned to the Governor.

"Hmmm, the elderly tend to be harmed if those are used. And it hardly is without its controversies. Thoughts?"

She gestured at the others.

"All right, 4.75% it is. Now let's talk about the rest of the budget"

"4.25% is about as high as I am willing to go. Now the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget had some cost cutting ideas, like allowing private plans to compete with Medicare and lowering prescription drug costs. I want to discuss these."

[Dentali]

Congressman Jason Samara Campaign Stop #11
New Bedford, Bristol County



Jason Samara was enjoying quite a bit of good buzz from his immigration rally and was eager to keep the momentum up. He and his team decided to hold a protest outside the Smith and Wesson Corporate HQ in Springfield, but first were going to try and get some anti gun activists to increase the publicity of the event. Until then Jason wanted to continue with his campaign stopping in New Bedford.

Samara arrived by ferry coming from Nantucket, it was packed with supporters and he held a small informal rally and Q&A session with his supporters on the ferry ride to New Bedford. Upon making landfall he was greeted by local council members and other local politicians, who supported his campaign. From there he went to Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, where he met with students and teachers, asking how he could best support them and what resources they needed to improve education.

After the trip to the school Samara went to a site where the company Deepwater Wind had leased some land for the staging of wind turbines and platforms. Samara inspected the site and spoke with representatives of the company as well as community leaders who helped bring the project to the city. Afterwards Samara held a rally in front of the site.

“Good Morning! What a crowd, it’s really an honor to be here thank you all for coming and for the warm welcome.”

“I’m Congressman Jason Samara, I am a man raised in Boston, Massachusetts. I grew up walking the Freedom trail, I grew up watching the South End of Boston go from dangerous and remote in the 80s flourish, I grew up jogging along the Charles river and rooting for the Red Sox. But I was born to two loving parents in Puerto Rico, my father was an immigrant and a psychiatrist, my mother was a social worker who devoted her life to helping people get back on their feet. When I was 2 my father passed away in an car accident and my mother took me to Boston to live with her mother. Times were hard, money was short, we relied on family, community and at times the government to get by. I am a product of public school, I grew up hearing stories of my family that fought for civil rights, of my uncles that marched next to Doctor King, who stood on the bridge at Selma, who marched on Washington and I took that to heart.”

“I dedicated my life and schooling to community outreach and service, I married my high school sweetheart and we have beautiful daughters. I was elected to Congress in 2010 becoming the first African American to represent the state, I have fought for welfare reform, consumer protections, providing affordable college and healthcare, LBGTQ rights, a woman’s right to choose and housing reform. I proudly stand by the work I have done for this state. As a Congressman I proudly voted against the RLSA, WAC and BBA. My parents and my grandmother are no longer with us today, but I know they look down on our work with pride.”

“My last name is Samara, a name that comes from half a world away. In America though your name should be no barrier to success, no matter your name or circumstances of birth, the color of your skin, no matter who you love or how you choose to worship... America should be a place where none of that matters. I stand here now proud of my heritage, knowing that I am just a part of the greater American story. I have a vision for America where there are no barriers to success - no matter what color you are, no matter where you're from, no matter how much money you have.”

“Thats where I come from, not let me tell you what I stand for. I stand for no PACs just people, I have pledged to no longer accept donations from corporate PACs, this is just the first step in Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform that is necessary for our growing Democracy. I stand for the scientific consensus that Climate Change is real, and that we must take steps to build a clean energy economy to make fuel and energy cheaper, better for the environment and free of our dependency on foreign countries.”

“I stand for those who serve are nation in uniform, and making sure that when they return to civilian life we are there to support them in the challenges they face. I stand for Expanding medical care and support services for our service members is a moral duty.”

“I stand for Universal Healthcare, Health Care is a Human Right, a moral responsibility. I will fight to make sure that insurance companies no longer turn people away for pre-existing conditions or discriminate against women. I will work hand in hand with our governor to craft and support a healthcare plan that covers all of Massachusetts so it can continue to be the national leader in coverage and innovation.”

“I stand for Equal Pay for Equal Work. An economy that works for everyone, a $15 minimum wage, affordable childcare, parental leave. No one who works full time should live in poverty and its time big business and the 1% paid its fair share.”

“I stand for LGBTQ equality, I go to Boston’s Pride Parade every year, I marched in DC and spoke on LGBTQ rights and progress. I will stand against any attempt to take away our progress, LGTBQ rights are human rights and we need an equality act to ban discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in employment, housing and other areas.”

“I stand for A God Given Right to Safety, the Minutemen Act showed that Congress cares more about handouts to Gun Manufacturers than safety for our people, and across the country children are paying the price. Gun Violence plagues our communities every day and as your Senator I will fight back against the epidemic, thoughts and prayers are not enough we need action to take dangerous weapons off our streets and out of the hands of dangerous individuals.”

“For most folks, one income isn't enough to raise a family and send your kids to college. Sometimes, two incomes aren't enough. It's harder to save. It's harder to retire. You're doing your part, you're meeting your responsibilities, but it always seems like you're treading water or falling behind.”

“I’m tired of waiting, waiting a decade for a pay raise while CEO pay is soaring, i’m tired of waiting for Republican Senators to act while more Americans fall into poverty, i’m tired of waiting for them to realize that their are kids with the knowledge and the drive to go to college and change the world but can’t because its not affordable. I’m tired of waiting and that’s why I am seeking the Democratic nomination for Senator of the great state of Massachusetts.”

“I am pro-immigrant, but I recognize not everyone trying to come into this nation has the best intentions, not everyone should be allowed into our nation. But a zero tolerance policy does not reflect our morality, turning away families looking for a better life, those fleeing poverty, violence and starvation… turning them away is not American.”

“America has always and should always be a haven for the oppressed, the vulnerable and the downtrodden. We cannot shirk that responsibility now. Our immigration policy must stop the criminalization of entire communities, the tearing apart of families, and the exploitation of new Americans. My immigration policy is grounded in putting the sanctity of families first, and will enforce civil, human and labor rights, continuing our tradition of embracing diversity letting it push our nation to new heights.”

“Those who enter the country illegally who do not have a criminal record should be given temporary amnesty and a simple path to citizenship. If an immigrant pays taxes they should receive the same benefits as citizens. We must dismantle our inhumane deportation programs and detention centers that tear families apart, replacing them with a system targeted on criminal activity besides crossing the border and make sure DHS agencies have oversight. We need a swift and fair legislative roadmap to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants. We must respect local communities, ensuring their positive interactions with law enforcement instead of forcing them to live in hiding out of fear. We must modernize the visa system, especially regarding family visas which has a massive backlog. We must reverse the criminalization of immigrants, no person is illegal and in most cases the act of an illegal border crossing is one of desperation not malice, we must recognize that.”


“We, the people of Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Revolution, Birthplace to presidents and patriots, heroes of war and peace, a place of science and philosophy, a state that has ALWAYS pushed America forward. And we know the way forward don’t we? We know how to make our economy stronger and fairer, how to make our communities safer and education more affordable, how to make our retirement security and our healthcare the gold standard.”

“We know that we should not abandon our public education to benefit private and religious schools, but we must strengthen our public education. We know that inclusion and diversity make us stronger, that we must encourage new Americans to come here to build better lives. We know that we must protect members of the LGBTQ+ community, we know that ALL are created equal and must be protected as such under the law!”

“We start right here, right now by talking about the economy. An economy that works for too few at the expense of the many. A rigged game where wall street wins and main street loses, when bankers rig interest rates so you pay more for a house or a car thats a rigged game. When companies use tricks and loopholes to avoid taxes and don’t pay their fair share? Thats a rigged game, and when the top 1% has more than the bottom 99% IT’S A RIGGED GAME!”

“Close the Loopholes, lets tell American companies that if they want to benefit from our laws and our protection they need to bring those profits home. We need a fairer economy because the market the republicans claim is ‘free’ is just a game with loaded dice. We have seen wall street billionaires declare bankruptcy a half dozen times and get bailed out, but someone who can’t afford to pay a speeding ticket goes to jail. IT’S A RIGGED GAME. “

“Since 1978 CEOs have gotten paid over 900% more, workers are 65% more productive and they get 9% more. When America’s workers play a rigged game we all lose, when unions get busted and workers can’t organize? We lose... and when you don’t give people a livable wage we all lose. Basic decency and sound economics both bring you to the same conclusion: IT’S A RIGGED GAME thats why it’s time to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.”

“But if we are really going to create permanent lasting change we MUST support education. Now i’m not supporting teaching our kids how to better answer a multiple choice question on a test. I want to build real strong communities around schools, have teachers who are well-trained motivated and LOVE what they do. I want schools and teachers that really prepare our children not just for college but for life. We need to treat teachers with the respect they deserve and like the professionals they are!”

“The average student graduates with over $35,000 in debt, I want to make sure that every student gets the opportunity to go to college and that they can go to community college for free and when a student borrows money to go to college they get low rates.”

“The ACA was not perfect, it could have been improved BUT I would take the ACA over having tens of millions without healthcare, without a net, where the only time they see a doctor is in the emergency room. We must continue to improve healthcare, making sure coverage is truly universal and held to the highest standards. I will work hand in hand with our governor to get the best possible healthcare after the RLSA until we can finally repeal it.”

“Everybody deserves affordable healthcare, nobody should have to choose between filling a grocery cart or a prescription jar. The Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other programs that allow people to retire with dignity, that gives survivor benefits to their partners and families…. These are programs I will fight tooth and nail to defend, to make sure Social Security is there for you. It’s the least we can do.”

“As we make peoples healthcare secure let us also secure our communities…. Mass Shootings capture headlines, but daily tragedies we see in towns and cities across the nation are just as tragic. Thirty Thousand Americans are killed by gun violence every year, the madness must end. I have given my thoughts and prayers to victims too many times but as great man once said ‘when you pray move your feet’. We need to move, we need to realize that we have options and ways to bring down gun violence without dismantling the second amendment which I respect. Ways to ensure criminals, terrorists and other dangerous individuals don’t get firearms. This is not about hunters, this is not about responsible gun owners looking to protect their family… This is about realizing that there is no good reason to own an assault rifle. If you buy a gun, no matter where or when, you should get a background check. The gun lobby owns many in Congress but they do not own the conscience of the American people.”

“As your Senator I will fight to ensure that no one who works full time will live in poverty, I will fight to raise the minimum wage, get better work scheduling, get paid family and medical leave, I will work towards giving every kid in America an opportunity to go to college without being buried under a mountain of debt, and for the debt that is owed now I will fight to make that burden easier.”

“As your Senator I will fight for retirement with dignity, an expansion of Social Security, Strengthening of Medicare and Retirement accounts, and to reform the ACA.”

“As your Senator I will fight against attempts to strip control of a woman’s body away from her. Defending a woman’s right to choose, supporting education and easier access to contraception is vital to promoting sexual health.”

“We need stronger laws to govern Wall Street, we need to keep the 1% accountable and when banks get too big they need to be broken up, the people of this country and this state deserve someone who will hold their feet to the fire and make sure they are accountable. We deserve someone who will support trade deals that don’t just favor the big corporations, trade deals that don’t leave you in the dirt and left behind as the gap between rich and poor widens and the middle class disappears.”

“In too many places the poor are getting poorer, families who need help will find essential services cut, they will find healthcare cut and they need to ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps’ while the boot of the 1% is on their back. Americans trapped in poverty, no hope of a job or education, many turning to drugs and gangs. We as a nation cannot abandon them, and as your Senator I swear I will fight for them.”

“Call it ‘trickle down’, call it ‘supply side economics’ but its the same story, the shining city is for the privileged few not America as a whole. But democrats have always fought for a different vision, a vision of a nation where we pursue new frontiers in education, healthcare, and prosperity, a nation where we all move forward to that new frontier together, where no-one is left behind.”

"To this end I want to reform and improve the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child Tax Credit. My goal is to make work pay, the EITC and Child Tax Credit is great for increasing employment and labor force participation, but they can be improved. I want to make the Child Tax Credit fully refundable for families with children under 17, increase the phase in rate to 50 for families with children under the age of 6. This could lift over a million people out of poverty."

“Our nation, our republic will not work if we do not get out there and fight for what we believe in. Politicians from the President to the local dog catcher need to hear from you, they hear plenty from the 1% and Wall Street, from Super-Pacs and giant corporations and those who can fill their pockets and campaign chests. If we don’t speak now, make our voices heard, our politicians will ONLY work for the wealthy few.”

“So while I am asking for your vote, but more importantly asking for your engagement. I hope that when election day comes you put a check mark next to my name on a ballot, but should you decide that you disagree I hope that you still get involved. Raise the level of debate and discourse, demand the highest standards not just from your elected officials but from those who elect them. Do not take your vote for granted, your country needs you, your nation needs you, and those who do not have the chance to vote need you.”

“Our state has a strong Irish tradition, and the Irish tell the story of a man reaching the gates of heaven asking to be let in, St. Peter says ‘of course just show us your scars’ to which the man replies ‘Scars? I have no scars’ St. Peter says ‘what a pity, was there nothing worth fighting for?”

“In the days to come we will accomplish much, we will push our state and our nation continually forward, but no progress worth making has ever been made with self sacrifice, personal suffering and sometimes even death. Find your truth, fight for it, pray and move your feet, show others the path forward by blazing the trail.”

“We are STRONGER TOGETHER, that means everyone who works hard has an equal shot at America’s promise, at joining the middle class and having a better life. We are STRONGER TOGETHER yet so many of our corporate and political leaders seem content to pursue their own self interest, leaving so many hard working Americans struggling and without a fair shot. So lets not give up now, abandon our dreams to dark apathy we are STRONGER TOGETHER and we can achieve the American Dream.”

“Together we can accomplish great things, I pray you join me, I pray you stand and march forward with me, and one day we will have built a country worthy of the principles we were founded on. Thank you, God bless America and God bless the Great State of Massachusetts.”

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

"Good 4.75% is set. And getting prescription drug costs under control for New Yorkers is very important."

[The Orion Islands]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

(Image)

"Good 4.75% is set. And getting prescription drug costs under control for New Yorkers is very important."

"I said 4.25%. Now where did you get 4.75%?"

[Prolieum]

National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

"Good," Appleby approved with a nod, "And yes," he continued, making no attempt to deny the motivation behind his acceptance.

"Anything else I can do in this meeting to not hurt my chances?" he inquired directly.

[Alozia]

Rep. McCroskey's District Office,
Greenpoint, New York

John nodded in agreement when Eleanor spoke about their future meetings.

He took a sip of his water again.

"I know. That's why I'm glad to have people helping me in this endavour."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Meeting a Concerned Constitutent

Brooklyn District Office
Greenpoint
New York

---

She chuckled at his bizarre pronunciation, before turning back.

"Is that all then?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Of Michiganites and Museums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington
District of Columbia

---

"I don't think so but if we could go to the space part of the museum, I would love that."

She chuckled, before thinking over why the man would want to run. It honestly surprised her and while she was unsure completely if she should support him, there seemed to be something about him that kept making her unwilling to let go of the notion.

[Tallahassee News Station]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

(Image)

"Good 4.75% is set. And getting prescription drug costs under control for New Yorkers is very important."

"I said 4.25%. Now where did you get 4.75%?"

"That's what we agreed on of course. And I agree with my colleague that prescription drugs are an important issue, do you have any suggestions?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

She winked at the Progressive.

"That is what we agreed on....colleague."

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

---

The Healthcare Conference

State Capital Building
Albany
New York

---

(Image)

She winked at the Progressive.

"That is what we agreed on....colleague."

"If this is how you are approaching the negotiations, then i would have no choice but to walk out. 4.25% or i walk"

[Meelducan]

Villa De Johnson

"May? It's either you keep it, or alternatively, I create an Alphonsey situation." Donald said making his demands clear.

"I also want Scotty to be my new best friend in return for my limited backing of other candidates."