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

[Dentali]

Gene Eric's Office, Harte Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.

"Looks like you did your homework," Eric commented. "Is this more of an issue of pragmatism for you, or principle, ending subsidies?"

"Bit of both. I'm a policy guy, i'm a numbers guy. People don't like taxes so the least we can do is ensure we are spending their money how it pays off the most. Lowering taxes will have a greater economic impact and create more jobs than the current subsidies."

[Dentali]

Glen Anderson Campaign Stop #80
Coudersport, Potter County



The Last of the Wilds. With Potter County Anderson would finally be out of the boonies, a fact that Anderson was probably more excited about it than he should have been. Anderson had always been very aware of his privileged upbringing and wealth, and had compensated for it by trying very hard to seem down to earth and folksy, he never looked down on these rural and remote communities and had a legitimate appreciation for them. But after weeks spent in the middle of nowhere he was sick of it.

Another thing he would never share publicly is that Potter County was in his opinion the most beautiful place in the world. He actually owned a secret cabin deep in the woods, isolated from the world. It was there he could disappear to when he needed solitude the most, not even his ex wife or child knew about it.

To start his campaigning in the county they did an event at Cherry Springs Picnic Pavilion, hosting a free picnic complete with games and cookout food. His daughter was there and a few of his family members, it was folksy but well promoted and hundreds came out. He took the time to meet with almost everyone and engage them in conversation, trying to steer away from politics but answering any questions people might have.

After the full day picnic Anderson went to Coudersport visiting the famous railway station and a few other scenic areas. He went to a meeting hosted by the Scottish Rite Consistory, where members could ask him questions individually and he could meet members. Finally he did a 10 minute interview with the local WFRM radio station.

After 3 days in the County he held a rally in Coudersport

"Thank you all for being here today, and for caring enough about our great state to be involved in this effort to Get Pennsylvania Working for the better. This is an incredible turnout and its truly humbling.”

“Let me begin by introducing myself, I am Congressman Glen Anderson I was born in Lebanon and I have devoted my life to public service. Since I first start representing the 17th district in 2012 I have constantly asked myself, ‘how do I best serve my state?’ Searching for an answer to that question I have traveled to every corner of the state, from my alma mater Penn State, to the streets of Philadelphia, the rusted factories of Erie, to the farms of Lancaster I have consistently traveled and spoke to countless residents of our state, people from all walks of life about their concerns and hopes.”

“The common theme I've been hearing is frustration. People everywhere see a real disconnect between Harrisburg and the rest of Pennsylvania. We feel that not only are our elected leaders not solving the serious problems that face us, but that they are actually causing the problems, and making things worse.”

“The average Pennsylvanian sees a governor and a legislature willing to impose record tax increases on the rest of us that we don't need, don't want, and simply cannot afford.”

“We are perfectly situated to become the strongest state in the union, a economic powerhouse. 1/3rd of our nation’s population is within a 24 hour drive, we have a strong work ethic, our universities are leading advanced research that will change the way we live, and yet every day I see our state hemorrhaging jobs, businesses, and taxpayers at an alarming rate, with no discernible response, or action from Harrisburg other than imposing more taxes and stressing our economy to the breaking point.”

“Regardless of party the people of our state constantly tell me we are heading in the wrong direction, and through all my discussions, my travels across the state and country it has become abundantly clear that our state cannot change direction without changing governors, that is why I am running for governor, to get Pennsylvania working again, I refuse to accept the status quo, the politics as usual.”

“Let me tell you what i stand for... I’m proud to say that in during my tenure in congress, i’ve fought to expand healthcare to our first responders, I have championed education, supporting Education Savings Accounts and merit pay for teachers. Just this year I introduced bills in Congress designed to strengthen our pediatric workforce, to protect and encourage innovation for small businesses, to reform onerous regulations stifling the growth of our communities, and to start a grant program to rehabilitate our crumbling schools. I proudly introduced the “21st Century Agriculture Act of 2017” which will revolutionize how we farm and improving quality of life across the state. I’m Pro-Life, Pro-Free Speech, Pro-Second Amendment, Pro-Student, Pro-Small Business and Firmly against the bloated government and fiscal irresponsibility of Harrisburg.”

“As it stands today Harrisburg has 150,000 pages worth of regulations that impact business and every single citizen, we have a heroin and opioid crisis, we have a skilled labor crisis, we have an economy has stay flat for years under the current administration. And for every problem facing our state, the current administration seems to only find one solution… raise taxes.”

“Harrisburg looks out for itself not the state, from day one as governor I will push to cut property taxes, cut wasteful spending and work to create a more efficient government in Harrisburg that works for the people of our state. I pledge that as your governor I will begin a policy of zero based budgeting, we will track every dollar being spent and we will treat with respect every single one. Despite claims to the contrary I can tell you that Harrisburg does not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, and today I am calling on the state legislature to begin working on a taxpayer bill of rights.”

“We're standing up for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are losing their pensions because of politics and incompetence. We're standing up for the Pennsylvanian’s who have lost their jobs and we're standing up for their families who are struggling to make ends meet. We're standing up for those thousands of small business owners who have closed their doors, and the thousands of others who are struggling just to keep them open.”

“I know the anxiety you all are feeling, I have a young daughter myself. She wants to grow up to be a dentist, and I want to not only make sure she can go to college and pursue her dream but that their will be good jobs and economic security when she graduates. Jobs will come from a healthy modernized economy not one built behind barriers to growth or handouts to a privileged few through corporate welfare. In congress I have made my first priority the economic security for families, that is something I will continue as governor, building a 21st century economy where people can work hard not just to get by but to thrive and give their children a better life then they had.”

“You feel like they live in the forgotten land, that no one understands what a blue-collar, working-class family has to go through in Pennsylvania today. You’re good, hard-working people, and ready for a change."

“A few weeks ago I was speaking with some of my fellow congress members from Florida. They told me of Dorothy Famiano and her kids Danielle and Nicholas. Nicholas was born with a condition called spina bifida and is confined to a wheelchair, Danielle has autism and cerebral palsy, and they were both in the foster care program. Dorothy looked at these kids and where others may have seen challenge raising children with special needs instead only saw love and adopted the pair. Today Danielle and Nicholas are thriving teenagers with lives more promising than anyone could have expected.”

“Dorothy deserves all the praise and credit in the world for her actions, but she had hardships raising these kids. The public school system didn’t work for them, there was no place to put them, placed in classrooms overfilled with students that had severe behavioral issues it was not a environment where they could learn or thrive. It wasn’t until Dorothy learned about the Gardiner Scholarship that things turned around. The scholarship was specifically for children with special needs, applying through the Step Up for Students program the Scholarship gave her the ability to homeschool her children, letting her teach her children at their own pace and meeting their needs, from there her kids blossomed and made great progress.”

“Dorothy said ‘They have gifts that aren’t necessarily discovered in a classroom setting. I saw that potential in them from the first time I met them. The success my children are enjoying is due to the fact the Gardiner Scholarship is geared towards each child’s strength. It’s the personalized learning experience that has made it so successful. A lot of people don’t understand this.’”

“Thousands of students in our state face the same challenges that Dorothy’s kids faced. Programs similar to the Gardiner Scholarship program could prove a turning point in the education and development for our children. We need Education Savings Accounts, programs where parents can provide children with the education that best suits them, tuition, special needs services, curriculum and more can be funded based on the individual needs of the kids. This is educational innovation, this is bringing closer to bringing education into the 21st century, people demand choice in every area of life, education should not be the exception.”

“Six States have already enacted ESA’s and families are extremely satisfied with the results, over a 90% satisfaction rate. Empowering parents is a necessity to improving education, and ESAs promise to improve the lives of student by letting parents choose what’s best for their child.”

“Pennsylvania was once the leader in education choice, in 2011 the tax credit cap for EITC scholarships here was $60 million, it served 38,000 students the most in the country, Florida served 29,000 students. Audits of the program have found it saves billions for taxpayers and provides better education for the students through school choice and empowering parents. Now Florida serves 107,000 students while Pennsylvania doesn’t serve half that many, and is forced to turn down thousands every year. The EITC should not be arbitrarily capped but should be based on demand. As governor I will pursue legislation to increase tax credits automatically if 90% of available credits were claimed in the previous year. I will not allow partisan political skirmishes disrupt valuable programs as we have seen too often in the past.”

“School Choice and Education Savings Accounts put choice back in the hands of parents, they provide an escape route from failing and violent schools, they save money and lead to smaller class sizes, they give lower income families the same options as upper income families, and they force schools to improve to attract students. Perhaps most importantly it rejects the notion of a “One-Size-Fits-All” education, it creates diverse schools that respond to the needs of the children instead of forcing children to respond to the needs of a rigid curriculum.”

“ For towns like this I wrote the Student Fiscal Literacy Act, supports schools that try and teach their students practical financial literacy, how to balance a checkbook, save for the future and make smart financial choices that let them pursue the American dream. Its for towns like this that I wrote legislation like the 21st Century Agriculture Act, which amends the tax code to reflect the modern realities of farming, lowering the cost of doing business and making things easier, a goal I will continue as your governor. ”

“For towns like this I authored the Save Local and Small Business Act, which rewrote regulations a rules governing businesses on main street, making it easier to do business, lowering taxes and increasing investment in the small businesses that need and deserve it the most. It reforms the worst parts of Dodd-Frank, that have so badly impacted small banks and businesses and made it easier for entrepreneurs to get loans.”

“For towns like this I wrote the Invent and Manufacture in America Act, which promotes and protects manufacturers in America, not just helping keep our job right here in Pennsylvania, but beginning the process of bringing them back home.”

“For kids like ours I wrote the Educational Facility Rehabilitation Act, a bill that will help ensure that kids don’t need to attend crumbling schools, schools without heat in the winter or air conditioning in the Summer, because schools should have to worry about teaching children, not whether the facilities are safe. For kids like ours I authored the Strengthening our Pediatric Workforce Act, which encourages doctors to enter into the field of children's health, a field that desperately needs more doctors.”

“As your governor my agenda will all works towards the prosperity of Pennsylvanians, not select corporations or special interests. I will push for policies that promote charter schools and quality education, doubling down on policies like your county has where residents may apply to attend cyber charter schools with no additional costs to parents. And when we send our children to college I will pursue a policy of openness and much needed transparency regarding tuition and what your children will get out of college.”

“On day one as governor I will declare a statewide disaster and state of emergency regarding the opioid crisis, this will enable us to take immediate measures to enhance response, increase access to treatment and save lives. It will be the first of its kind for a public health emergency in the state.

“Step one will be to create an Opioid Command Center located at PEMA. The Command will meet weekly and be responsible for coordinating all elements of our response to the crisis. Next we will expand access to the prescription drug monitoring program to ensure prescribers are in compliance with opioid regulations.”

“We must make Overdoses and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome as reportable conditions, so that prescribers know if a patient has a history with abuse, keeping prescribers informed and making sure data is available is vital to curbing future addiction. We must also give the DDAP further emergency purchase authorization, allowing us to purchase more lifesavings drugs. Other aspects of this include amending regulations so that EMTs can dispense naloxone, waiving regulations that keep pharmacists from interacting with other organizations that deal with at risk individuals. Make rescheduling of fentanyl derivatives permanent as long as the crisis continues.”

“We have a shortage of doctors certified for the Narcotic Treatment Program, we need to allow nurses and physician assistants to expedite initial intakes which will greatly speed up the certification process and provide more qualified doctors to fight the crisis. For the duration of the crisis we will waive ALL licensing requirements and fees for high-performing drug and alcohol treatment facilities.”

“We also need to start exploring any and every option to combat this crisis, a plan that addresses the crisis from the top down, start to finish. This is just the first step in addressing this crisis, I just hope the current governor finally realizes the severity of the crisis. Even now I am speaking with members of the Pennsylvania legislature to secure funding exclusively to fight this crisis and the greater crisis with addiction as a whole. Moving forward we need to ask ourselves 3 major questions What treatment programs are proven to be effective?‘How can we fast track the most effective programs? How can we educate people about the dangers of opioids?’”

“The same moral commitment that calls us to act on the Opioid Crisis calls us to move to protect the most vulnerable among us, the lives of the unborn. In the words of Ronald Reagan ‘I’ve noticed that everybody that is for abortion… has already been born’. I’ve heard some claim you can’t determine where a life begins, that its a matter of debate, well here is where I stand… if we don’t know when the unborn becomes a human life then we MUST opt in favor that it is a human life until someone proves it isnt. And as a life they are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“We also must address the immigration crisis on our country’s southern border. In short we must reject universal amnesty and open border policies put forth by Democrats and Progressives, we must redouble our efforts to secure our border, end ‘catch and release’ combat criminal networks that cross our border daily, combat fraud and humanitarian abuses, and perhaps most importantly end the practice of human trafficking. Doing this will restore the integrity of our immigration laws while promoting sustainable growth and immigration.”

“We must transition into a merit based system, promoting skills and patriotism while responding to the needs of employers from farms to pharmacies. Congress must establish a point system by which in demand skills are emphasized, as well as financial resources and assets, educational achievement, professional credentials, job experience, and fluency in English. Additionally individual states should be given input in this process, the skills needed by Pennsylvania may not be the same as the skills needed in Mississippi so immigrants should be directed to where their skills are most in demand.”

“As it stands our state levys one of the highest taxes on natural gas in the nation, and the democrats in Harrisburg have tried to raise it higher every year. That hurt every one of those jobs pipelines like Mariner East has created, the permit delays, the fee increases on gas wells, raising a tax on gas sold to homes… the energy sector is one of our states most promising sectors, we shouldnt shackle it to the greed of bureaucrats in Harrisburg. As your governor I will fight every proposed tax increase, and do everything I can to relieve your regulatory and tax burden.”

“Not only that I am going to support research on how to make fossil fuels, natural gas, every form of energy, cleaner and more efficient, so you can do more business and bring home a bigger paycheck to your families. The future of energy is not more corporate welfare, its cutting the oppressive regulatory and tax burden so companies can pay more, hire more and expand to their full economic potential. We have a 21st century industry operating under a 1970s regulatory regime, changing this alone would make a huge difference in the industry.”

“Our current state government is too focused on doling out taxpayer cash and promulgating regulation than on fostering an environment for good-paying jobs and economic growth.”

“We don’t do enough… not nearly enough to support our farmers. I’m not talking about subsidizing farmers more i’m talking about farming smarter. The truth is the average farmer receives little to no actual support with the vast majority going to corporate farmers and massive land holders. Our farmers facing burdensome regulations, negative stereotypes, children fleeing the family business. As governor I will reform how we approach farming, I’ll make sure aid goes to the people who actually need it not corporate mega-farms. We will foster an environment of community, accountability and stewardship, we are seeing our small rural communities falling apart, their vibrant spirit becoming ghost towns in the same way our proud industrial towns turn to rust.

Our government federal, state and local saddle our farmers with excess paperwork, regulations and an increasingly burdensome bureaucracy. Big corporate farms set high barriers that small farms cont overcome, thats not a free market. As Governor I will cut back on the red tape that hurts so many, you will not need an army of lawyers to contend with a mountain of paperwork and regulation. We will deregulate locally produced foods, and work to exempt local sales from government licensure, permitting, certification, inspection, packaging, and labeling requirements, and applies to farmers’ markets as well as on-site stores at farms.

“As it stands the democratic leadership in Harrisburg is a relic, large scale standardization, control, spending and bureaucracy, things do not reflect a highly diverse society, a highly diverse population and a highly diverse state, instead we have an lumbering ‘one size fits all’ government that doesnt fit with the 21st century. With all our advantages jobs are growing at less than 1% a year, Pennsylvania unemployment increases while the rest of the country decreases. Business and entrepreneurship has been stifled by over taxation and regulation, an unbroken 45 year streak of tax increases. We need new solutions, new innovation not more of the same.”

“The policies of Harrisburg have resulted in companies like GE sending jobs to Texas, our wealth and factories overseas leaving thousands of Pennsylvanians out of work. The negligence of those in Harrisburg have seen the jobs of skilled craftsman and tradespeople moved thousands of miles away, it has devastated our middle class, it has devastated our nation. Staying on this path and continuing these policies of relentless taxation, and allowing our communities to deteriorate will keep our factories closed, our inner cities poor, and special interests in control.”

“Jobs will come from a healthy modernized economy not one built behind barriers to growth or handouts to a privileged few through corporate welfare. In congress I have made my first priority the economic security for families, that is something I will continue as governor, building a 21st century economy where people can work hard not just to get by but to thrive and give their children a better life then they had.”

“Under the absent leadership of the democrats an average family of four in our state now owes nearly $20,000 to pay off the state pension fund alone. Many of our school districts, our urban areas spend over $300,000 per high school graduates, half aren’t proficient in basic algebra, they can’t read at a high school level. And for all the accolades the democrats have received for increasing education funding, less than 30% has actually gone to teaching.”

“10 years ago democrats denied the existence of a pension crisis, 2 years ago Vilseck vetoed vital pension reforms, but because of the advocacy and had work of Pennsylvania citizens like you I have some good news... our Senate Majority Leader has introduced SB 1, and it is going to be a major turn around for our state. It moves us away from the unsustainable pension system to a system that provides choice for workers and stability for taxpayers. I have spoken with the leader at length about SB 1 and I am proud to fully endorse this legislation and I encourage all of you to contact your representatives and voice your support!”

“SB 1 is just one step in the right direction, we need to lower taxes of all forms, property, sales, income and whatever else overburden Pennsylvanians. Our budget deficit grows not because of a lack of revenue but because these high taxes, overregulation and a state government that continues to fund failing programs. As your governor I will institute an automatic sunset provision for under-performing programs and require the implementation of cost-reducing changes recommended by the IFO or Performance based Budget Board. We are going to introduce transparency measures and pass the taxpayer protection act to control spending and protect the hard earned money of families across the state.”

“We are going to become the most business friendly state in the nation, not through reckless corporate welfare that the current administration engages in but by actually creating a environment of growth, an environment where the American Dream can thrive. Our state has countless advantages, we have some of the largest, cheapest deposits of natural gas and coal in the world, we can utilize that to bring back the manufacturing jobs of years past we can become the global leader in manufacturing and energy exports once again. I refuse to accept Pennsylvania’s place at the bottom of the country for job growth and economic output, its time for that to end.”

“As your governor I will put an end to a lack of transparency in Harrisburg, the shadow budget, the lack of accountability. I am going to start a policy of job growth, education and fiscal responsibility. I will make blue collar communities like this one, ones that have been left behind by Winston and Harrisburg, my top priority unlike the democrats who have taken communities like yours for granted. How many years have democratic leaders made promises that never came to fruition? You all deserve economic strength and stability, accept nothing less.”

“Despite this lack of transparency, the state lawmakers are some of the best paid in the nation, the governor makes over $190,000 a year, the highest in the nation. I pledge to you today that as governor I will not take a dime of that salary until the salary is lowered! The lowest salary of a governor in the nation is $70,000, Maine, I call on the legislature to make it at least that low. All elected officials working for the state will have a pay freeze while I am governor until the budget is balanced.”

“I will do everything in my power to create an environment more friendly to business encouraging the growth of industries new and old. I am going to fight for the expansion of healthcare and higher education here, i’m going to fight for tax cuts for small businesses and across the board. As your governor I will be an advocate in Washington for the renegotiation of trade deals that are now outdated and costing jobs.”

“The policies of Harrisburg have resulted in plants like GE to send jobs and plants to Texas, our wealth and factories overseas leaving thousands of Pennsylvanians out of work. The negligence of those in Harrisburg have seen the jobs of skilled craftsman and tradespeople moved thousands of miles away, it has devastated our middle class, it has devastated our nation. Staying on this path and continuing these policies of relentless taxation, and allowing our communities to deteriorate will keep our factories closed, our inner cities poor, and special interests in control.”

“Ladies and gentlemen let’s have the economic resurgence of our state begin today. Lets send a message to Harrisburg a message that enough is enough and we need an economy that is growing not stagnant, it’s time to stop over-taxing, over-regulating, and crippling ourselves. It’s time to get Pennsylvania working again, I hope you join me, God bless America and God Bless the Great State of Pennsylvania, Thank You!.”

[Prolieum]

Gene Eric's Office, Harte Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.

Eric nodded slightly, acknowledging the point, but not explicitly accepting or rejecting it.

"When you were giving me your full pitch, you said some things about federal intelligence and surveillance, where you stood. Would you be doing anything on that as Governor, or is that just where you stand?"

[Dentali]

Gene Eric's Office, Harte Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.

Eric nodded slightly, acknowledging the point, but not explicitly accepting or rejecting it.

"When you were giving me your full pitch, you said some things about federal intelligence and surveillance, where you stood. Would you be doing anything on that as Governor, or is that just where you stand?"

"Its just where I stand. As Governor I don't plan on fighting federal law or anything, besides President Reed is already fairly establish on his position regarding surveillance... he and I are on the same page so I doubt an issue would arise."

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

Doing an AMA in the next few days on Reddit on r/socialism, r/LateStageCapitalism and r/ChapoTrapHouse along with the launch of our new subreddit, r/AmericanLabor. Hope to see as many of you there as possible!

[Alozia]

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

Doing an AMA in the next few days on Reddit on r/socialism, r/LateStageCapitalism and r/ChapoTrapHouse along with the launch of our new subreddit, r/AmericanLabor. Hope to see as many of you there as possible!

John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Bold new idea from Martin Taylor!

A AmA sesh + a 9 y/o subreddit! Way to go!

(Srsly buddy, just log off - you're not helping)

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

Doing an AMA in the next few days on Reddit on r/socialism, r/LateStageCapitalism and r/ChapoTrapHouse along with the launch of our new subreddit, r/AmericanLabor. Hope to see as many of you there as possible!

John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Bold new idea from Martin Taylor!

A AmA sesh + a 9 y/o subreddit! Way to go!

(Srsly buddy, just log off - you're not helping)

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

And who the hell are you?

[Alozia]

(Image)
John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Bold new idea from Martin Taylor!

A AmA sesh + a 9 y/o subreddit! Way to go!

(Srsly buddy, just log off - you're not helping)

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

And who the hell are you?

John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Dunno. Ask Stansky, McCroskey, Stevenson or Brennan, really. Maybe they have the answer.

Alternatively ask the Medicare For All campaign.

[Greater Arab State]

(Image)
John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Bold new idea from Martin Taylor!

A AmA sesh + a 9 y/o subreddit! Way to go!

(Srsly buddy, just log off - you're not helping)

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

And who the hell are you?

Alois Kramer
@GoodOle'American
@MartinTaylorWA, I believe sir, that he is someone who finds that you are not helping the left in at least appearing to be presentable to the American people.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

And who the hell are you?

John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Dunno. Ask Stansky, McCroskey, Stevenson or Brennan, really. Maybe they have the answer.

Alternatively ask the Medicare For All campaign.

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

The inherent contradictions of the capitalist system won't be fixed by meaningless reform. I mean, look at Greece. A capitalist economy with universal healthcare, yet its citizens are homeless, unemployed and starving.

[Alozia]

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

And who the hell are you?

Alois Kramer
@MartinTaylorWA, I believe sir, that he is someone who finds that you are not helping the left in at least appearing to be presentable to the American people.

John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

!!! CURSED CROSSOVER WARNING !!!

[Alozia]

John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Dunno. Ask Stansky, McCroskey, Stevenson or Brennan, really. Maybe they have the answer.

Alternatively ask the Medicare For All campaign.

Martin Taylor
@MartinTaylorWA

The inherent contradictions of the capitalist system won't be fixed by meaningless reform. I mean, look at Greece. A capitalist economy with universal healthcare, yet its citizens are homeless, unemployed and starving.

John P. L. Malinowski
@Malinowski4NY12

---

Quit larping as a tankie, won't get you very far.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Taylor Suicide Attempt No. 2

"It's time to die."

"Time..."

"To..."

"Die..."

Taylor lept from the highest window of his house, crashing violently on the floor like a cockroach. But like a cockroach...he still lived. He laid for hours and hours....nothing. Nobody. Silence.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Hammitch Residence, Anchorage, Alaska

Hammitch started to fumble around on his cluttered desk for a calendar, but abandoned the effort after a few seconds. He knew he didn't have anything going on.

"Next Friday would be a fine time for me, Senator. It's a late hour, but I should be all right with a little coffee for reinforcement. I would come to you of course, at your convenience. Spokane, you said?"

"Umm... yeah. If you want there is a small coffee shop called Atticus Coffee and Gifts. If you do not mind, would that be a good place meet?"

[Dentali]

Congressman Michael Emberton
Pikeville, Kentucky




Emberton took out his old fashioned Rolodex and flipped through names, over the afternoon he had made a dozen calls. Governors, Congresspeople, Senators, and those without title. He had 6 house co-sponsors, 1 Senate Co-Sponsor and a dozen other promising to promote and push for the bill. His next call was to Reverend Ebeneezer Bello of North Carolina...

"Hello is this the office of Reverend Ebeneezer Bello?"

[Dentali]

Glen Anderson Campaign Stop #81
Tunkhannock, Wyoming County



The final 5, Anderson took great pride in how far his campaign had come and how far he had come. A spoiled brat with no ambition was now a respected congressman and leading contender for the governorship of Pennsylvania. Internal polling had shown that in some areas his name recognition was on par with the sitting governor and his favorables were higher across the board.

With this renewed sense of optimism Anderson struck forth into Wyoming County, striking out and visiting suburban and rural homes. He knocked on door after door, shook hand after hand, he visited every small town store and waystation from one side of the county to another. His energy level was higher than it had been in weeks, it was infectious and his team felt it. He was a marathon runner with the finish line finally in sight.

In Tunkhannock proper he took in a film at the Dietrich Theater and spent time in the business district shaking hands and speaking to patrons and owners alike. In the afternoon Anderson visited the Wyoming County Historical Society, examining their expansive records and artifacts while asking questions about the county to the members of the society. That evening he took in a performance at the Northern Tier Symphony.

The next day he gave a stump speech

"Thank you all for being here today, and for caring enough about our great state to be involved in this effort to Get Pennsylvania Working for the better. This is an incredible turnout and its truly humbling.”

“Let me begin by introducing myself, I am Congressman Glen Anderson I was born in Lebanon and I have devoted my life to public service. Since I first start representing the 17th district in 2012 I have constantly asked myself, ‘how do I best serve my state?’ Searching for an answer to that question I have traveled to every corner of the state, from my alma mater Penn State, to the streets of Philadelphia, the rusted factories of Erie, to the farms of Lancaster I have consistently traveled and spoke to countless residents of our state, people from all walks of life about their concerns and hopes.”

“The common theme I've been hearing is frustration. People everywhere see a real disconnect between Harrisburg and the rest of Pennsylvania. We feel that not only are our elected leaders not solving the serious problems that face us, but that they are actually causing the problems, and making things worse.”

“The average Pennsylvanian sees a governor and a legislature willing to impose record tax increases on the rest of us that we don't need, don't want, and simply cannot afford.”

“We are perfectly situated to become the strongest state in the union, a economic powerhouse. 1/3rd of our nation’s population is within a 24 hour drive, we have a strong work ethic, our universities are leading advanced research that will change the way we live, and yet every day I see our state hemorrhaging jobs, businesses, and taxpayers at an alarming rate, with no discernible response, or action from Harrisburg other than imposing more taxes and stressing our economy to the breaking point.”

“Regardless of party the people of our state constantly tell me we are heading in the wrong direction, and through all my discussions, my travels across the state and country it has become abundantly clear that our state cannot change direction without changing governors, that is why I am running for governor, to get Pennsylvania working again, I refuse to accept the status quo, the politics as usual.”

“Let me tell you what i stand for... I’m proud to say that in during my tenure in congress, i’ve fought to expand healthcare to our first responders, I have championed education, supporting Education Savings Accounts and merit pay for teachers. Just this year I introduced bills in Congress designed to strengthen our pediatric workforce, to protect and encourage innovation for small businesses, to reform onerous regulations stifling the growth of our communities, and to start a grant program to rehabilitate our crumbling schools. I proudly introduced the “21st Century Agriculture Act of 2017” which will revolutionize how we farm and improving quality of life across the state. I’m Pro-Life, Pro-Free Speech, Pro-Second Amendment, Pro-Student, Pro-Small Business and Firmly against the bloated government and fiscal irresponsibility of Harrisburg.”

“As it stands today Harrisburg has 150,000 pages worth of regulations that impact business and every single citizen, we have a heroin and opioid crisis, we have a skilled labor crisis, we have an economy has stay flat for years under the current administration. And for every problem facing our state, the current administration seems to only find one solution… raise taxes.”

“Harrisburg looks out for itself not the state, from day one as governor I will push to cut property taxes, cut wasteful spending and work to create a more efficient government in Harrisburg that works for the people of our state. I pledge that as your governor I will begin a policy of zero based budgeting, we will track every dollar being spent and we will treat with respect every single one. Despite claims to the contrary I can tell you that Harrisburg does not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, and today I am calling on the state legislature to begin working on a taxpayer bill of rights.”

“We're standing up for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are losing their pensions because of politics and incompetence. We're standing up for the Pennsylvanian’s who have lost their jobs and we're standing up for their families who are struggling to make ends meet. We're standing up for those thousands of small business owners who have closed their doors, and the thousands of others who are struggling just to keep them open.”

“I know the anxiety you all are feeling, I have a young daughter myself. She wants to grow up to be a dentist, and I want to not only make sure she can go to college and pursue her dream but that their will be good jobs and economic security when she graduates. Jobs will come from a healthy modernized economy not one built behind barriers to growth or handouts to a privileged few through corporate welfare. In congress I have made my first priority the economic security for families, that is something I will continue as governor, building a 21st century economy where people can work hard not just to get by but to thrive and give their children a better life then they had.”

“You feel like they live in the forgotten land, that no one understands what a blue-collar, working-class family has to go through in Pennsylvania today. You’re good, hard-working people, and ready for a change."

“A few weeks ago I was speaking with some of my fellow congress members from Florida. They told me of Dorothy Famiano and her kids Danielle and Nicholas. Nicholas was born with a condition called spina bifida and is confined to a wheelchair, Danielle has autism and cerebral palsy, and they were both in the foster care program. Dorothy looked at these kids and where others may have seen challenge raising children with special needs instead only saw love and adopted the pair. Today Danielle and Nicholas are thriving teenagers with lives more promising than anyone could have expected.”

“Dorothy deserves all the praise and credit in the world for her actions, but she had hardships raising these kids. The public school system didn’t work for them, there was no place to put them, placed in classrooms overfilled with students that had severe behavioral issues it was not a environment where they could learn or thrive. It wasn’t until Dorothy learned about the Gardiner Scholarship that things turned around. The scholarship was specifically for children with special needs, applying through the Step Up for Students program the Scholarship gave her the ability to homeschool her children, letting her teach her children at their own pace and meeting their needs, from there her kids blossomed and made great progress.”

“Dorothy said ‘They have gifts that aren’t necessarily discovered in a classroom setting. I saw that potential in them from the first time I met them. The success my children are enjoying is due to the fact the Gardiner Scholarship is geared towards each child’s strength. It’s the personalized learning experience that has made it so successful. A lot of people don’t understand this.’”

“Thousands of students in our state face the same challenges that Dorothy’s kids faced. Programs similar to the Gardiner Scholarship program could prove a turning point in the education and development for our children. We need Education Savings Accounts, programs where parents can provide children with the education that best suits them, tuition, special needs services, curriculum and more can be funded based on the individual needs of the kids. This is educational innovation, this is bringing closer to bringing education into the 21st century, people demand choice in every area of life, education should not be the exception.”

“Six States have already enacted ESA’s and families are extremely satisfied with the results, over a 90% satisfaction rate. Empowering parents is a necessity to improving education, and ESAs promise to improve the lives of student by letting parents choose what’s best for their child.”

“Pennsylvania was once the leader in education choice, in 2011 the tax credit cap for EITC scholarships here was $60 million, it served 38,000 students the most in the country, Florida served 29,000 students. Audits of the program have found it saves billions for taxpayers and provides better education for the students through school choice and empowering parents. Now Florida serves 107,000 students while Pennsylvania doesn’t serve half that many, and is forced to turn down thousands every year. The EITC should not be arbitrarily capped but should be based on demand. As governor I will pursue legislation to increase tax credits automatically if 90% of available credits were claimed in the previous year. I will not allow partisan political skirmishes disrupt valuable programs as we have seen too often in the past.”

“School Choice and Education Savings Accounts put choice back in the hands of parents, they provide an escape route from failing and violent schools, they save money and lead to smaller class sizes, they give lower income families the same options as upper income families, and they force schools to improve to attract students. Perhaps most importantly it rejects the notion of a “One-Size-Fits-All” education, it creates diverse schools that respond to the needs of the children instead of forcing children to respond to the needs of a rigid curriculum.”

“ For towns like this I wrote the Student Fiscal Literacy Act, supports schools that try and teach their students practical financial literacy, how to balance a checkbook, save for the future and make smart financial choices that let them pursue the American dream. Its for towns like this that I wrote legislation like the 21st Century Agriculture Act, which amends the tax code to reflect the modern realities of farming, lowering the cost of doing business and making things easier, a goal I will continue as your governor. ”

“For towns like this I authored the Save Local and Small Business Act, which rewrote regulations a rules governing businesses on main street, making it easier to do business, lowering taxes and increasing investment in the small businesses that need and deserve it the most. It reforms the worst parts of Dodd-Frank, that have so badly impacted small banks and businesses and made it easier for entrepreneurs to get loans.”

“For towns like this I wrote the Invent and Manufacture in America Act, which promotes and protects manufacturers in America, not just helping keep our job right here in Pennsylvania, but beginning the process of bringing them back home.”

“For kids like ours I wrote the Educational Facility Rehabilitation Act, a bill that will help ensure that kids don’t need to attend crumbling schools, schools without heat in the winter or air conditioning in the Summer, because schools should have to worry about teaching children, not whether the facilities are safe. For kids like ours I authored the Strengthening our Pediatric Workforce Act, which encourages doctors to enter into the field of children's health, a field that desperately needs more doctors.”

“As your governor my agenda will all works towards the prosperity of Pennsylvanians, not select corporations or special interests. I will push for policies that promote charter schools and quality education, doubling down on policies like your county has where residents may apply to attend cyber charter schools with no additional costs to parents. And when we send our children to college I will pursue a policy of openness and much needed transparency regarding tuition and what your children will get out of college.”

“On day one as governor I will declare a statewide disaster and state of emergency regarding the opioid crisis, this will enable us to take immediate measures to enhance response, increase access to treatment and save lives. It will be the first of its kind for a public health emergency in the state.

“Step one will be to create an Opioid Command Center located at PEMA. The Command will meet weekly and be responsible for coordinating all elements of our response to the crisis. Next we will expand access to the prescription drug monitoring program to ensure prescribers are in compliance with opioid regulations.”

“We must make Overdoses and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome as reportable conditions, so that prescribers know if a patient has a history with abuse, keeping prescribers informed and making sure data is available is vital to curbing future addiction. We must also give the DDAP further emergency purchase authorization, allowing us to purchase more lifesavings drugs. Other aspects of this include amending regulations so that EMTs can dispense naloxone, waiving regulations that keep pharmacists from interacting with other organizations that deal with at risk individuals. Make rescheduling of fentanyl derivatives permanent as long as the crisis continues.”

“We have a shortage of doctors certified for the Narcotic Treatment Program, we need to allow nurses and physician assistants to expedite initial intakes which will greatly speed up the certification process and provide more qualified doctors to fight the crisis. For the duration of the crisis we will waive ALL licensing requirements and fees for high-performing drug and alcohol treatment facilities.”

“We also need to start exploring any and every option to combat this crisis, a plan that addresses the crisis from the top down, start to finish. This is just the first step in addressing this crisis, I just hope the current governor finally realizes the severity of the crisis. Even now I am speaking with members of the Pennsylvania legislature to secure funding exclusively to fight this crisis and the greater crisis with addiction as a whole. Moving forward we need to ask ourselves 3 major questions What treatment programs are proven to be effective?‘How can we fast track the most effective programs? How can we educate people about the dangers of opioids?’”

“The same moral commitment that calls us to act on the Opioid Crisis calls us to move to protect the most vulnerable among us, the lives of the unborn. In the words of Ronald Reagan ‘I’ve noticed that everybody that is for abortion… has already been born’. I’ve heard some claim you can’t determine where a life begins, that its a matter of debate, well here is where I stand… if we don’t know when the unborn becomes a human life then we MUST opt in favor that it is a human life until someone proves it isnt. And as a life they are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“We also must address the immigration crisis on our country’s southern border. In short we must reject universal amnesty and open border policies put forth by Democrats and Progressives, we must redouble our efforts to secure our border, end ‘catch and release’ combat criminal networks that cross our border daily, combat fraud and humanitarian abuses, and perhaps most importantly end the practice of human trafficking. Doing this will restore the integrity of our immigration laws while promoting sustainable growth and immigration.”

“We must transition into a merit based system, promoting skills and patriotism while responding to the needs of employers from farms to pharmacies. Congress must establish a point system by which in demand skills are emphasized, as well as financial resources and assets, educational achievement, professional credentials, job experience, and fluency in English. Additionally individual states should be given input in this process, the skills needed by Pennsylvania may not be the same as the skills needed in Mississippi so immigrants should be directed to where their skills are most in demand.”

“As it stands our state levys one of the highest taxes on natural gas in the nation, and the democrats in Harrisburg have tried to raise it higher every year. That hurt every one of those jobs pipelines like Mariner East has created, the permit delays, the fee increases on gas wells, raising a tax on gas sold to homes… the energy sector is one of our states most promising sectors, we shouldnt shackle it to the greed of bureaucrats in Harrisburg. As your governor I will fight every proposed tax increase, and do everything I can to relieve your regulatory and tax burden.”

“Not only that I am going to support research on how to make fossil fuels, natural gas, every form of energy, cleaner and more efficient, so you can do more business and bring home a bigger paycheck to your families. The future of energy is not more corporate welfare, its cutting the oppressive regulatory and tax burden so companies can pay more, hire more and expand to their full economic potential. We have a 21st century industry operating under a 1970s regulatory regime, changing this alone would make a huge difference in the industry.”

“Our current state government is too focused on doling out taxpayer cash and promulgating regulation than on fostering an environment for good-paying jobs and economic growth.”

“We don’t do enough… not nearly enough to support our farmers. I’m not talking about subsidizing farmers more i’m talking about farming smarter. The truth is the average farmer receives little to no actual support with the vast majority going to corporate farmers and massive land holders. Our farmers facing burdensome regulations, negative stereotypes, children fleeing the family business. As governor I will reform how we approach farming, I’ll make sure aid goes to the people who actually need it not corporate mega-farms. We will foster an environment of community, accountability and stewardship, we are seeing our small rural communities falling apart, their vibrant spirit becoming ghost towns in the same way our proud industrial towns turn to rust.

Our government federal, state and local saddle our farmers with excess paperwork, regulations and an increasingly burdensome bureaucracy. Big corporate farms set high barriers that small farms cont overcome, thats not a free market. As Governor I will cut back on the red tape that hurts so many, you will not need an army of lawyers to contend with a mountain of paperwork and regulation. We will deregulate locally produced foods, and work to exempt local sales from government licensure, permitting, certification, inspection, packaging, and labeling requirements, and applies to farmers’ markets as well as on-site stores at farms.

“As it stands the democratic leadership in Harrisburg is a relic, large scale standardization, control, spending and bureaucracy, things do not reflect a highly diverse society, a highly diverse population and a highly diverse state, instead we have an lumbering ‘one size fits all’ government that doesnt fit with the 21st century. With all our advantages jobs are growing at less than 1% a year, Pennsylvania unemployment increases while the rest of the country decreases. Business and entrepreneurship has been stifled by over taxation and regulation, an unbroken 45 year streak of tax increases. We need new solutions, new innovation not more of the same.”

“The policies of Harrisburg have resulted in companies like GE sending jobs to Texas, our wealth and factories overseas leaving thousands of Pennsylvanians out of work. The negligence of those in Harrisburg have seen the jobs of skilled craftsman and tradespeople moved thousands of miles away, it has devastated our middle class, it has devastated our nation. Staying on this path and continuing these policies of relentless taxation, and allowing our communities to deteriorate will keep our factories closed, our inner cities poor, and special interests in control.”

“Jobs will come from a healthy modernized economy not one built behind barriers to growth or handouts to a privileged few through corporate welfare. In congress I have made my first priority the economic security for families, that is something I will continue as governor, building a 21st century economy where people can work hard not just to get by but to thrive and give their children a better life then they had.”

“Under the absent leadership of the democrats an average family of four in our state now owes nearly $20,000 to pay off the state pension fund alone. Many of our school districts, our urban areas spend over $300,000 per high school graduates, half aren’t proficient in basic algebra, they can’t read at a high school level. And for all the accolades the democrats have received for increasing education funding, less than 30% has actually gone to teaching.”

“10 years ago democrats denied the existence of a pension crisis, 2 years ago Vilseck vetoed vital pension reforms, but because of the advocacy and had work of Pennsylvania citizens like you I have some good news... our Senate Majority Leader has introduced SB 1, and it is going to be a major turn around for our state. It moves us away from the unsustainable pension system to a system that provides choice for workers and stability for taxpayers. I have spoken with the leader at length about SB 1 and I am proud to fully endorse this legislation and I encourage all of you to contact your representatives and voice your support!”

“SB 1 is just one step in the right direction, we need to lower taxes of all forms, property, sales, income and whatever else overburden Pennsylvanians. Our budget deficit grows not because of a lack of revenue but because these high taxes, overregulation and a state government that continues to fund failing programs. As your governor I will institute an automatic sunset provision for under-performing programs and require the implementation of cost-reducing changes recommended by the IFO or Performance based Budget Board. We are going to introduce transparency measures and pass the taxpayer protection act to control spending and protect the hard earned money of families across the state.”

“We are going to become the most business friendly state in the nation, not through reckless corporate welfare that the current administration engages in but by actually creating a environment of growth, an environment where the American Dream can thrive. Our state has countless advantages, we have some of the largest, cheapest deposits of natural gas and coal in the world, we can utilize that to bring back the manufacturing jobs of years past we can become the global leader in manufacturing and energy exports once again. I refuse to accept Pennsylvania’s place at the bottom of the country for job growth and economic output, its time for that to end.”

“As your governor I will put an end to a lack of transparency in Harrisburg, the shadow budget, the lack of accountability. I am going to start a policy of job growth, education and fiscal responsibility. I will make blue collar communities like this one, ones that have been left behind by Winston and Harrisburg, my top priority unlike the democrats who have taken communities like yours for granted. How many years have democratic leaders made promises that never came to fruition? You all deserve economic strength and stability, accept nothing less.”

“Despite this lack of transparency, the state lawmakers are some of the best paid in the nation, the governor makes over $190,000 a year, the highest in the nation. I pledge to you today that as governor I will not take a dime of that salary until the salary is lowered! The lowest salary of a governor in the nation is $70,000, Maine, I call on the legislature to make it at least that low. All elected officials working for the state will have a pay freeze while I am governor until the budget is balanced.”

“I will do everything in my power to create an environment more friendly to business encouraging the growth of industries new and old. I am going to fight for the expansion of healthcare and higher education here, i’m going to fight for tax cuts for small businesses and across the board. As your governor I will be an advocate in Washington for the renegotiation of trade deals that are now outdated and costing jobs.”

“The policies of Harrisburg have resulted in plants like GE to send jobs and plants to Texas, our wealth and factories overseas leaving thousands of Pennsylvanians out of work. The negligence of those in Harrisburg have seen the jobs of skilled craftsman and tradespeople moved thousands of miles away, it has devastated our middle class, it has devastated our nation. Staying on this path and continuing these policies of relentless taxation, and allowing our communities to deteriorate will keep our factories closed, our inner cities poor, and special interests in control.”

“Ladies and gentlemen let’s have the economic resurgence of our state begin today. Lets send a message to Harrisburg a message that enough is enough and we need an economy that is growing not stagnant, it’s time to stop over-taxing, over-regulating, and crippling ourselves. It’s time to get Pennsylvania working again, I hope you join me, God bless America and God Bless the Great State of Pennsylvania, Thank You!.”

[ThePenguinLand]

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"There may not be any good soap operas left on the air these days, but all our Washingon pals are so dedicated to public service that they've decided to fill in. The heated feud between bitter rivals and possibly secret lovers Peter Amaras and Alexander Breckenridge has been a glorious ride through insult and censure and lawsuit, and now has only gotten juicier, with Democratic Representative Nicole "Tasha" Smith standing up for the fat one to say that the newly independent Breck's beatdown counter is now at two, adding a physical on the Spicy Latina to the verbal one he laid on the Soggy White Chick, tears rather than blood that time. We all want to know who's behind the beating of America's favorite Congressional sexual fantasy into a coma, but today we've got a different New Mexican in the studio. He's the one with the best dress code proposal since Olympic Fields, and the worst tax plan since old Benny Jack, it's Governor Olso Aleravez with us today

I'm Anita Flores and welcome to the Anita Flores show."

"You're on the air, Governor. Welcome to the show."


Aleravez: " Thanks, Ms Flores. I'm delighted to be here on this show tonight. You know this is particularly what I like a chance to come out and talk to the people, which is what I've been trying to do in my state ever since being elected.


Flores: "How well you like the chance might depend on what kind of people you're talking to Jose. Mind if I call you Jose? Take me, for example. We'll see if it's still enjoyable once we're done here"

"So, I've heard that you're calling the legislature back in to talk about shaking up the vote and how New Mexicans will pick their overlords. Why don't you tell us a little about that?"


Aleravez: No, I don't mind. Actually, they used to call me, back in the election, Jose the old donkey, which isn't entirely false as I am getting on now to about 53. I'm sure this will be enjoyable. Now, the idea of changing the voting system is to simply make it fairer and more proportional, as we've seen that first past the post doesn't seem to be working.


Flores: "Proportional's a word that's not too loaded, but fair, now that's one that's got some weight to it. Who are you being fairer to? Your voters? Small parties? People who don't vote at all? Can't vote? What's so unfair about the system right now, except that someone loses? Would participation trophies help?"

Aleravez: The unfairness has been loaded onto the voter's by giving them a system that only favours two parties, anyone caught outside of that has to suffer. We want to make a system that gives smaller parties more representation, that will give the voters more choice. Particularly with the gubernatorial election , the ability to have than a democrat and a republican run without having to split votes would be something that would truly make us a better democracy.


Flores: "That's a pretty bold statement to make for someone who's part of one of those two big parties. Now as anyone with a pulse has noticed, we've got a new party under Walton that wants to turn this couple into a threesome. Is this a little hint that the Old Donkey wants to become the Old Buck?"


Aleravez : I would not be disloyal to my party, these changes are more to include the greens and libertarians who have been shut out of the process for decades. This a change that will give the people supporting those parties more say in the goings on. Although, admittedly I do like the name old buck.

Flores: "The Greens are the Progressives now and the Libertarian party finished its collapse in Miami, the Liberty Party represents rejecting government control over your life now. But there's still that question hanging around, if you're loyal to your party, why would you try something that could let other parties take some bites out of its power? Or do you think this is a way to undermine the Republican majorities in your legislature?"


Aleravez: This is a comment I knew some people would make , there have been some problems with Republicans yet not in my state. I've always found the Republicans very reasonable , I wouldn't use this to gain political power as such. It's a way of breaking the deadlock and allowing other views in. I won't be governor forever, and having the possibility of having face friendly to the democrats and Republicans would help.

Flores: "Well, that's surprisingly noble of you, Governor. Of course, there's not much that's easier to do than say. We can hear you say you want things to be fair and proportional, but what's the system that's going to do that?"


Aleravez: the system I personally prefer is the alternate vote system, although several others have suggested instant runoff voting. Both of these systems have merits and will both achieve the goal . It's simply a matter of working the logistics and deciding on one that both parties will go for. As an added bonus they both stop gerrymandering and will introduce a better districting system.


Flores: "You just said both parties right there. If this is designed for helping parties that aren't part of the duoopoly,shouldn't they get a say in the process?"


Aleravez: I've had meetings with the heads of the smaller parties who've agreed that system like this is needed. The sad thing is they won't get a say in the decision since many of them aren't in the state legislature, due to the lack of such a system.



Flores: What kinds of meetings were those now?


Aleravez: These meetings where held in my office and sometimes on the phone, if it was inconvenient. They were to discuss the reform and to see whether the smaller parties were interested and had ideas of their own. They generally were all in agreement of the need for reform. If such a system was implemented there supporters would be recognised and have a real say in the discussion. Well, I wasn't able to get in contact with all of them yet I would like them to be a part of the discussion. Now , the actual vote will come to the state legislature in which sadly because of the lack of such a system the smaller parties do not have representatives.


Flores: "Why not try to call in those leaders, ones you didn't get before and all, and the legislative leaders to meet? Get a room, big table, hammer out a system there? After all, you can write the bill anywhere"


Aleravez: that Ms Flores is exactly what we are going to do. Everyone involved in a major discussion, which eventually will turn into a bill. If it passes, then well it's first real test will be in the upcoming elections in a year or two.


Flores: "Is passing this going to be your main priority?"


Aleravez: one of my main priorities, I'm also going to be working on other things, yet currently this takes precedent as it will announced and discussed very soon. If this can be done then it frees me up to complete the rest of my proposals.


Flores: "Some people might say you've been scattered in your priorities over these last weeks. You bounced from press conference to press conference to press conference on education, then you're hinting at gun control and suddenly you spin around and changing the voting system is the new priority. Is this a retreat, or 4-D chess, or are you just going at random?"


Aleravez: It may seem like that. I haven't got a lot of time to implement the policies I want to, now the education bill is a different problem let's just say that we've pressed pause for now to review. I want to introduce more concise bills to Improve on what I did earlier on in my term. It may
seem like 4-D chess , It's just an effort to get things done. The aforementioned bills are still a priority going into the voting reform.


Flores: "Are you going to press pause on this voting reform to jump to another issue?"


Aleravez: No, I'm committed to seeing this to a vote. Whatever that vote might bee, we'll deal with the consequences then. This issue is not going to be skipped, as it is grounded and has precedent . It shall not be left behind .



Flores: "And your education bill wasn't grounded and could be left behind?"



Aleravez: Well, certainly it wasn't grounded and needed to be reworked into something more tangible . I will admit that I rushed into it, yet the "feedback" I received clearly indicated that a change was needed. It won't be left behind as such, it will reintroduced in a more comprehensive form at the end of this month.


Flores: "And that 'feedback' wouldn't have anything to do with the House minority leader, now would it?"

Aleravez: Congressman De Nieto was kind enough to send over advisers. Yet, I feel it was slightly uncalled for or even controversial, not too be disrespectful to the congressmen. I have not needed outside advisers for three years of my term and if I do need advise
I have advisers of my own to turn to. As for the education bill the general public voices their concerns, I've spoken to both republicans and democrats in the legislature who've voiced concerns as well. Me and my team of advisers are going or review these concerns and Dr Nieto's advisers are welcome to join.


Flores: "If you were so against these advisors, why didn't you send them back? It looked like you even had them whispering in your ear on stage in your press conference"


Aleravez: Out of respect for the congressmen and the interests of the party, I didn`t. The fact that still remains that I don`t agree with his decision, it is not the congressmen`s place to get involved with my governance. He can voice his concerns and discuss the bill with me, yet not send over advisers to watch me. I won`t lie, they have been rather useful and did provide me with some answers , yet still I see them as essentially an intrusion. Now, before I say anything else I have the utmost respect for congressmen De Nieto, yet on this occasion I disagree with him he should`ve asked me first rather than simply send them over giving me essentially no choice but to accept. To me it seems like a brash move, trying to monitor me. Again, with all this in mind they have been useful and if they so choose can stay on as part of my own advisers not as external ones.

Flores: "So if you're getting your 'answers' from these advisors, isn't that basically making you De Nieto's puppet?"


Aleravez: I hate being anyone's puppet. The situation with De Nieto is unacceptabLe to my administration in New Mexico and the Democratic party as a whole. If De Nieto had concerns he should've voiced them and met with me, instead sending in advisers. I have given them the choice of either joining my advisers, as some of them indeed have been useful and are skilled advisers, if not well they can go back to De Nieto.


Flores: "Very interesting Governor. You said earlier you wanted De Nieto's help in introducing a bill to Congress. After what he just did with his puppeteering, are you still going to work with him?"


Aleravez: If De Nieto proves to be co-operative and is interested in working together as equals. Then there is still a chance for us to co-operate a and introduce a bill. I don't exactly know what that bill will be, yet I have several ideas.


Flores: "Want to share them?"

Aleravez: The bills center around ideas I would trial in New Mexico with a version of our own and then be introduced to congress indirectly. They include the aforementioned Education bill, Gun control bill, Immigration bill and a Justice system reform bill. Now, the education bill is being finished up, the gun control and justice system reform bills are coming up. And before you say anything, the immigration bill is currently being checked. I can`t actually make some of the changes I want on a state level, I will simply use the changes I can make . There is more coming to the legislature in general, several things that will work on things I implemented earlier in my term.

Flores: "Bills you would 'trial' in New Mexico? Are you just using your state for experiments for national ambitions?"


Aleravez: These changes are permanent and hopefully will bring some good back to the state. These are`nt experiments, these are changes made to help the citizens of New Mexico. By trial, I meant to see if they could work in the first place, there are no national ambitions for these bills only that we can help the American people further. If congress doesn`t like these bills on a national level, then they will stay in the state and we`ll go from there. If they need to be modified then they will be, if not then they won`t. These are normal state bills, with the possibility of becoming national ones, yet first and foremost they are state bills to help the state of New Mexico.


Flores: "All right, we've talked about legislation, now lets jump around. Talking about New Mexico, what's your take on the whole Spicy Latina situation?"


Aleravez: Well, I usually don`t get involved in such things. Any inappropriate behavior from any congress should of course be discouraged and penalised . I haven`t actually been following the story too closely, not because I don`t care but because I haven`t had the time to being tied up with governing New Mexico.

Flores: "You don't think the state's Senators are your concern?"

Aleravez: Yes, they are to some extent my concern. In this case however, I am not involved nor would like to be simply because I have been busy with governing the state and this flew over my head. I have a good rapport with the senator and would want that to change. It`s simply a matter I don`t have much knowledge about, as a governor I tend not to hear about such things in the senate and congress although I do keep in contact with representatives of both parties in my state.

Flores: "So no comment on all the controversy over whodunnit?"

Aleravez: I`m not one to pint fingers, besides I have no evidence to base a comment on. I hope that congress can sort this out among themselves and get back to governing our country.


Flores: How about your thoughts on that other pesky federal branch? What do you think about our great Fearless Leader?

Aleravez: I opposed President Reed in the campaign and have been very critical of him since. I do have respect for him particularly over Israel , yet at the same time I think that he`s been rather ineffective. He`s presented as a weak leader, who has no grip. I generally do not approve, yet if he has something meaningful to say then I`ll listen.

Flores: You'd prefer a President with an iron fist?

Aleravez: No, not one with an iron fist. Yet one that knows what they`re doing and has a goal, that being making the lives of the American people better and making America itself better. President Reed is not that type of president for me, while he certainly isn`t the worst president we`ve had and at least he can be presidential. I can think of a few people who would do a better job than him, but it`s still a long way out for endorsing people. I have criticised him and just criticised him now, yet if he has a proposal that will work for our country and will help to strengthen and unify it and this goes for any republican and progressive then I will listen and support it.

Flores: "Looks like De Nieto's advisors taught you how to give a politicians answer in talking up a paragraph without actually saying anything. C'mon, what about Reed grinds your gears? There's plenty to choose from. What do you want from a President?"

Aleravez: The one thing for me that President Reed has utterly failed to do is help out our States. That is what a President is supposed to do, help out the states in a time of need. We've just been through a reccesion and the Dudley strike, the states, my state of New Mexico can not cope with this alone. We need support from the federal government, yet that support has never come nor even been promised from President Reed. I have unemployment figures and reports on my desk as a daily reminder each morning. I will do all that I can for these people, it's my duty too yet our state has limited funds. I would like the President, just for one moment to show some support. He is contend to sit back and immerse himself in his lifestyle in the whitehouse, well I hope he doesn't drown in it all, because I'm still waiting. So, what I want from a President is the opposite of the above. Someone who will listen to and support the states, in turn making life for all Americans better.

Flores: "So you're just looking for a President that'll give you money?"

Aleravez: Well, that and someone who will protect the rights and freedoms of American citizens. It's not as one sided as it sounds.

Flores: How about we talk about that money. Where do you think it would be coming from, that cash you want from the Prez?"

Aleravez: I know this money comes from the taxation of hard working Americans. Which is why, I am in favour of decreasing the income tax rate. The state is meant to support Americans not the other way round. Corporate tax should should be raised to cover for this, our big corporations are given too much financial leniency. Anyway, I've slightly strayed from the topic. The fact is in this current system the majority of the money will come from taxation, yet I need this for our state to function and to help the people in it.

Flores: "So they're going to tax the people in your state and then give only some of it back, and you're happy about that, think it's a great idea?"

Aleravez: Well, some is still going to the state. This is the main way in which both levels of government get their money. Although as I've said before, income tax should be decreased. The individual who earns a living here working in small business or as a worker in any larger business, should only have to pay a small amount back to the state. Yet Execeutives of large corporations and the large corporations themselves should pay higher taxes , these are the people and institutions who are getting rich and have the means to pay more to help the state. I know these are a large source of employment, yet I've created programs to help people in smaller sectors and areas to flourish financially and keep a stable employment. Anyway, a majority of the population doens't even work in big business. As to whether I think it's a good idea, well it's the system that has been set up the federal government still needs to generate revenue somehow. Yet, if an oppurtunity a rose I would advocate for more state control, although not too much more.

Flores: "And you don't think saying the government should spend more on you is going against state control? Why not call up De Nieto and start pushing to cut all federal taxes so you can make your own decisions on where to set them?"

Aleravez: I did say not too much state control, also these are extreme circumstances. A recession across the country,the Federal government has got it's hands full, or it would if President Reed would care to help. Cutting all Federal taxes would be ridiculous, maybe setting them to minimum or possibly a minimum flat tax. Letting the states decide how to set the rest of their taxes and where, what to spend them on. That is the type of state control I will advocate for. We are a technically a federation afterall.

Flores: "So the RLSA, is that good federalism or bad federalism? Doesn't look like you've done much with it."


Aleravez: Well, the RLSA gives the state's more control over taxation, revenue and benefit programs. It works on the principles of federalism. As to why I've done nothing with it, well a most of the acts concerning such matters were passed before the bill was introduced. Since then they've been adjusted accordingly, although most of them didn't need to be. The funding and expansion of services act, healthcare funding act and to some extent the incentives for small bussinesses all work on the RLSA. I believe that these acts have helped my state recover and helped to improve the conditions of it's people. In essence, yes, so far the RLSA has proven to be good federalism.

Flores: "So you're happy with the status quo there?"


Aleravez: Well, the state of federalism has been managed pretty well so far. If you allow the state's certain areas of their own disgression, such as taxes, healthcare and economical ventures and grant the federal government a role of oversight and possible yet rare intervention. You get a balanced system where power is distributed proportionally throughout the country and it's various institutions.


Flores: "Seems to me like the federal government does a lot more than "oversight" these days. It has all the big taxes, all the big "economical ventures", and I could break your spine by piling the lawbooks of the "inteventions" they have in the legal code. It sounds to me like you're wanting a devolution revolution"


Aleravez: I do have to agree there, the government has at times overstepped and outstayed it's welcome. Yet I'm not arguing for a "devolution revolution", simply some changes and tweaks to rebalance the system and give some control back to the states in areas where they should have more.


Flores: "All right Governor, you've been a good sport here so I'll give you some tax-free airtime to pontificate a little if you want it, give your elevator pitch to the people that are getting you in their ear"

Aleravez: Well, first I am very thankfull to have had this interview and to express some of my views more clearly. I would say that in those elevator pitch those views can be expressed in two points: the right to self-improvement and property and also having the state provide those essiential services that provide a good quality of living so that some do not have a disadvantage start. There it is in a nutshell. Call whatever ideology you want, but there it is.

Flores: "Well thanks for showing up Governor, and good luck with half of your ideology there. You're listening to the Anita Flores show, and we'll be right back."

The entire interview is put up online in the Interviews and public appearances section on the NM.GOV website, so that anyone can look back on it later and gain some insight into the governor's policies. It is also accompanied by this tweet:
Jose Aleravez @NMGOV
I'm very thankfull to have had the oppurtunity to have appeared on the Anita Flores show, it's appearances like this that make sure the public can know a politician's policies clearly.

[Prolieum]

Gene Eric's Office, Harte Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.

Eric listened quietly. "It's a transition, Representative to Governor. Are you planning on keeping one toe in federal politics, or moving down to the state level exclusively?"

[Prolieum]

Hammitch Residence, Anchorage, Alaska

"Just an address or some directions, and I'm sure I'll be able to find it," Hammitch replied.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Hammitch Residence, Anchorage, Alaska

"Just an address or some directions, and I'm sure I'll be able to find it," Hammitch replied.

"Right" Brankers Googled up the site " 222 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201"

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Taylor Suicide Attempt No. 2

"It's time to die."

"Time..."

"To..."

"Die..."

Taylor lept from the highest window of his house, crashing violently on the floor like a cockroach. But like a cockroach...he still lived. He laid for hours and hours....nothing. Nobody. Silence.

Jamie Johnson was doing the reconnaissance of the Progressive Evil Capital of Seattle. When he saw a random man vault out of the window of his bungalow and then proceeded to fall and lay there, he gasped.

"I MUST REPORT TO DONALD IMMEDIATELY! THE PEOPLE OF SEATTLE UNDER ELLEN WALTON'S RULE HAVE DESPAIRED SO MUCH THAT THEY NO LONGER WISH TO LIVE!" He declared loudly to nobody in particular. Jamie then left for the airport to take the Johnson Family Jet back to Washington.

[Prolieum]

Hammitch Residence, Anchorage, Alaska

Hammitch scrawled down the address with a shaky hand. "Thank you, Senator. Is there anything else I need to know before we say our goodbyes?"

[Dentali]

Gene Eric's Office, Harte Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.

Eric listened quietly. "It's a transition, Representative to Governor. Are you planning on keeping one toe in federal politics, or moving down to the state level exclusively?"

“I don’t consider it a step down, I just consider it a way to do more good. If I win the primary I schedule a resignation Then run full time for the governorship. I still plan on being active with the party overall, I want to not only campaign to get other elected but I’ve been increasing active with college republicans and youth organizations, that’s something I only want to continue.”

[Uttland]

Heritage March, Norfolk City Hall, Norfolk, Virginia
July 15th (Route)
Hookstraten

Seeing the last of the speakers go, Hookstraten came up to the podium and took the loudspeaker. “All right everybody, we’ve heard enough! Lets March for our freedom, for our heritage, and this beautiful land! Stick to the barricaded areas of road, and together we shall we reach the site monument on Commercial Plaza and show that we still care to preserve!”

He quickly went off the stage and went to the front of the crowd, loudspeaker in hand, with a assistant following in tow. The ANN staff quickly set to work dismembering the stage, so as not to allow counterprotestors to use it as a prop.

[Prolieum]

Gene Eric's Office, Harte Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.

"That was a poor choice of words," Eric admitted."But I meant to ask the question about politics outside of the party, interacting with the federal government, or federal issues, weighing in on controversies."