NationStates

Merni wrote:"Madam Speaker, the transport infrastructure of Banduria is outdated and crumbling. What is the government's plan for infrastructure investment?"

"I thank the Honorable Member for her question, Madam Speaker."

"I must first regret to inform this house that this government's Public Services Minister, the Honourable Siew Wan Loei, has had to leave the cabinet (OOC: Inactivity). This government is working dutifully to find a fill-in, Madam Speaker, and the decision will be announced in short order. It shall be the premier priority of that minister to introduce legislation to fund the development for the proper infrastructure that the Bandurian people deserve. I can also assure the Honourable Member that this government's budget will amply fund infrastructure and public service projects upon their establishment."

"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

"Madam Speaker, why would we want to ally with China? I'm Chinese myself and I hate what those bastards in the CCP have turn China into. Atleast the Americans will honor their friendship with us because I have live there for many year while I was going to USC Law School. South Korea, Japan, and the Republic of China would make better allies the PRC."

American Pere Housh wrote:

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

"Madam Speaker, why would we want to ally with China? I'm Chinese myself and I hate what those bastards in the CCP have turn China into. Atleast the Americans will honor their friendship with us because I have live there for many year while I was going to USC Law School. South Korea, Japan, and the Republic of China would make better allies the PRC."

"Madam Speaker, the idea that the US honours its friendships is rather laughable when you consider the current president's policies, but at least the US is a democracy and not a faux-communist genocidal dictatorship."

American Pere Housh wrote:

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

"Madam Speaker, why would we want to ally with China? I'm Chinese myself and I hate what those bastards in the CCP have turn China into. Atleast the Americans will honor their friendship with us because I have live there for many year while I was going to USC Law School. South Korea, Japan, and the Republic of China would make better allies the PRC."

"Point of Order, Madam Speaker, the question was addressed to the Prime Minister, and I would also inquire if the word he used to describe the PRC is parliamentary language.

"However, if the Member would like to engage in this topic, the non-ideological benefits of allying with China are extremely obvious. Aside from being our largest trading partner and thus an economic benefit, they are also a strong, useful ally. There is no reason to alienate them and lose security and money."

American Pere Housh wrote:

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

"Madam Speaker, why would we want to ally with China? I'm Chinese myself and I hate what those bastards in the CCP have turn China into. Atleast the Americans will honor their friendship with us because I have live there for many year while I was going to USC Law School. South Korea, Japan, and the Republic of China would make better allies the PRC."

"Order. I request that the member withdraw the term innapropriately used/"

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

"Madam Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his questions, and I shall endeavour to answer them in such a way as he should deem sufficient."

"The Honourable Member has asked me what this government will do to alleviate the pain of the poor working class in this country. The answer is twofold: Get them into jobs and promote their businesses. If there is one catchphrase, one line, that could summarise this government's philosophy, it is that government does not create wealth, business and the free market do. This government will strive to promote low unemployment and economic stability. This government will promote the expansion of land, labour, capital, and, this one being key, entrepreneurship to promote long-term, healthy economic growth."

"The Honourable Member has asked me for specifics. I have but to point to the legislation this government has passed thus far. Consider, Madam Speaker, the Economic Modernisation Act. Consider, Madam Speaker, the Green Energy Financing Act. These jobs have, and will, create thousands of jobs in our country. Jobs translate into growth, which translates into the prosperity of those neediest in our country. I point to my own bill, the Bandurian Small Businesses Act, which, if passed, will promote startups and help people get their foot into the door. That is what creates economic growth. Give a man a fish—give a man a handout—and he eats for a day. Teach that man to fish—teach that man a trade—and he eats for a lifetime. That is the core, Madam Speaker."

"Most simply, Madam Speaker, the greatest nations of this Earth—the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea—the titans of the world's economy, did not get to where they were by being insolent welfare states. No, Madam Speaker. They rose to the heights they occupy now because they were, and still are, industrious. They promoted the free market, they didn't hinder it. They promoted job growth, they didn't hinder it. We must follow in their path. For I see in us a great city upon a hill, as those pilgrims once saw in the lands of the New World. It is only upon us to guide this nation to that end."

"And in terms of my Honourable Colleagues comments on China, I would most appreciate it if he would point out to me where I have recklessly angered the CCP. Is it because this government has declared itscommitment to democracy? Is it because this government condemns genocide, no matter who is the target and who is the perpetrator? If it be so, I recall only the words of the Barry Goldwater: 'Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice!'"

Martune wrote:

American Pere Housh wrote:"Madam Speaker, why would we want to ally with China? I'm Chinese myself and I hate what those bastards in the CCP have turn China into. Atleast the Americans will honor their friendship with us because I have live there for many year while I was going to USC Law School. South Korea, Japan, and the Republic of China would make better allies the PRC."

"Order. I request that the member withdraw the term innapropriately used/"

"Madam Speaker, I said nothing inappropriate and I won't apologize for the criticism the PRC and CCP so rightfully deserves."

Inhorto wrote:

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

"Madam Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his questions, and I shall endeavour to answer them in such a way as he should deem sufficient."

"The Honourable Member has asked me what this government will do to alleviate the pain of the poor working class in this country. The answer is twofold: Get them into jobs and promote their businesses. If there is one catchphrase, one line, that could summarise this government's philosophy, it is that government does not create wealth, business and the free market do. This government will strive to promote low unemployment and economic stability. This government will promote the expansion of land, labour, capital, and, this one being key, entrepreneurship to promote long-term, healthy economic growth."

"The Honourable Member has asked me for specifics. I have but to point to the legislation this government has passed thus far. Consider, Madam Speaker, the Economic Modernisation Act. Consider, Madam Speaker, the Green Energy Financing Act. These jobs have, and will, create thousands of jobs in our country. Jobs translate into growth, which translates into the prosperity of those neediest in our country. I point to my own bill, the Bandurian Small Businesses Act, which, if passed, will promote startups and help people get their foot into the door. That is what creates economic growth. Give a man a fish—give a man a handout—and he eats for a day. Teach that man to fish—teach that man a trade—and he eats for a lifetime. That is the core, Madam Speaker."

"Most simply, Madam Speaker, the greatest nations of this Earth—the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea—the titans of the world's economy, did not get to where they were by being insolent welfare states. No, Madam Speaker. They rose to the heights they occupy now because they were, and still are, industrious. They promoted the free market, they didn't hinder it. They promoted job growth, they didn't hinder it. We must follow in their path. For I see in us a great city upon a hill, as those pilgrims once saw in the lands of the New World. It is only upon us to guide this nation to that end."

"And in terms of my Honourable Colleagues comments on China, I would most appreciate it if he would point out to me where I have recklessly angered the CCP. Is it because this government has declared itscommitment to democracy? Is it because this government condemns genocide, no matter who is the target and who is the perpetrator? If it be so, I recall only the words of the Barry Goldwater: 'Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice!'"

"Hear,Hear."

American Pere Housh wrote:

Martune wrote:"Order. I request that the member withdraw the term innapropriately used/"

"Madam Speaker, I said nothing inappropriate and I won't apologize for the criticism the PRC and CCP so rightfully deserves."

"Very well then. Under the power delegated to me by the Rules of Procedures I order the member to withdraw from the chamber for the remainder of this day's sitting. It is quite unfortunate that you wouldn't just retract the inappropriate language so that you can continue in this sitting. Maybe some time outside the chamber will let you reflect on what the good and bad words are for this chamber, huh? Back to the questions..."

Martune wrote:

American Pere Housh wrote:"Madam Speaker, I said nothing inappropriate and I won't apologize for the criticism the PRC and CCP so rightfully deserves."

"Very well then. Under the power delegated to me by the Rules of Procedures I order the member to withdraw from the chamber for the remainder of this day's sitting. It is quite unfortunate that you wouldn't just retract the inappropriate language so that you can continue in this sitting. Maybe some time outside the chamber will let you reflect on what the good and bad words are for this chamber, huh? Back to the questions..."

"Fine, Madam Speaker, its you thats restricting my freedom of speech." Michael walks out of the Chambers flipping the speaker off in the process.

American Pere Housh wrote:

Martune wrote:"Very well then. Under the power delegated to me by the Rules of Procedures I order the member to withdraw from the chamber for the remainder of this day's sitting. It is quite unfortunate that you wouldn't just retract the inappropriate language so that you can continue in this sitting. Maybe some time outside the chamber will let you reflect on what the good and bad words are for this chamber, huh? Back to the questions..."

"Fine, Madam Speaker, its you thats restricting my freedom of speech." Michael walks out of the Chambers flipping the speaker off in the process.

"Oh my-Order! Order! Make that tomorrow's sitting as well. I am so unbelievably perturbed by the insolence I see in the member. Serjeant-at-arms, please note that they are not permitted within the chamber for tomorrows sitting either. Their lucky I don't move to expel, I'm sick and tired of this childish nonsense. Can we get on the with a reasonable debate? And if your answer is no to that, then leave. If you can behave, then let us carry on."

Martune wrote:

American Pere Housh wrote:"Fine, Madam Speaker, its you thats restricting my freedom of speech." Michael walks out of the Chambers flipping the speaker off in the process.

"Oh my-Order! Order! Make that tomorrow's sitting as well. I am so unbelievably perturbed by the insolence I see in the member. Serjeant-at-arms, please note that they are not permitted within the chamber for tomorrows sitting either. Their lucky I don't move to expel, I'm sick and tired of this childish nonsense. Can we get on the with a reasonable debate? And if your answer is no to that, then leave. If you can behave, then let us carry on."

Michael turns to look at the Speaker, "Alright, I apologize for my rude behavior earlier, Madam Speaker."

American Pere Housh wrote:

Martune wrote:"Oh my-Order! Order! Make that tomorrow's sitting as well. I am so unbelievably perturbed by the insolence I see in the member. Serjeant-at-arms, please note that they are not permitted within the chamber for tomorrows sitting either. Their lucky I don't move to expel, I'm sick and tired of this childish nonsense. Can we get on the with a reasonable debate? And if your answer is no to that, then leave. If you can behave, then let us carry on."

Michael turns to look at the Speaker, "Alright, I apologize for my rude behavior earlier, Madam Speaker."

"Oh well apology accepted, but I'm not reversing the decision."

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, I apologize for repeating my question from the last PMQs, but I feel it has not been sufficiently answered. What is the Government doing, specifically, to address poverty and inequality in Banduria? Thousands of people live in poverty, in slums, hungry and cold, and the best the Prime Minister can refer me to is the EMA, which gives out money to corporations? Is he doing anything else, anything real, to lift people out of poverty?

"Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire about the People's Republic of China. Regardless of how much he hates them ideologically, does the Prime Minister believe it is wise to continue to recklessly anger them? As our largest trading partner and what could be our strongest ally or our most dangerous enemy, it seems dangerous to provoke them."

“Madam Speaker, in response to the member’s question, I want to point the member to the Building Block Savings Account Act, the Bandurian Small Business Act, and the Revenue Act. BBSAs will allow all individuals, but especially lower-income individuals, to save tax-free money for their future, and for their children’s future. Individuals will set aside money to be used in times when they have lost a job or for advancing their wealth, like starting a business, buying real estate, or paying for education. Their employers will contribute to their accounts, and the government will top up everyone making under the median income each year. This will help low-income individuals to save for actions that will help them to increase their wealth. The Ministry of Finance will work diligently to ensure that banks extend the opportunity to save to traditionally under-banked individuals, so they too can save for their future.

Secondly, the Prime Minister has mentioned the support this government intends to give to all small businesses, the backbone of our economy. But the Act specifically reserves 20% of its loans per year for very small businesses, the kind of business that poor or rural individuals especially might start to support themselves and their families. This government will work tirelessly to extend to all Bandurians the right to create their own prosperity, with startup capital, and without onerous taxes or regulations.

Finally, the Revenue Act provides for personal exemptions from taxes, as well as exemptions for small businesses. This is in addition to at least 50% of revenues from our carbon tax being returned to those who make less than the median income. Our land value tax will encourage development, as individuals will not be penalized for improving their land, only keeping it idle. This will stimulate the production of housing, leading to lower housing costs for all Bandurians.”

"Madam Speaker, in all their responses so far, the government has focussed on businesses. What do they plan to do for poor farmers, farm workers, factory workers, construction workers, sanitary workers, etc., who do not have their own businesses?
And regarding housing: does the government plan to mandate that housing projects, especially in urban areas, include some proportion of affordable housing?"

Merni wrote:"Madam Speaker, in all their responses so far, the government has focussed on businesses. What do they plan to do for poor farmers, farm workers, factory workers, construction workers, sanitary workers, etc., who do not have their own businesses?
And regarding housing: does the government plan to mandate that housing projects, especially in urban areas, include some proportion of affordable housing?"

"Hear, hear! Madam Speaker, I think the Prime Minister should note that some of the countries he listed have had extensive public assistance programs. If he would like to get to their levels, he should look at FDR's New Deal or Attlee's NHS. Does the Prime Minister have any plans like this for the poor?"

Merni wrote:"Madam Speaker, in all their responses so far, the government has focussed on businesses. What do they plan to do for poor farmers, farm workers, factory workers, construction workers, sanitary workers, etc., who do not have their own businesses?
And regarding housing: does the government plan to mandate that housing projects, especially in urban areas, include some proportion of affordable housing?"

"Madam Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for asking a question."

"Madam Speaker, the categories the Honourable Member listed—farmers, farmhands, factory employees, construction workers, sanitary workers, etc. etc.—are all businesses. While those professions do not commonly conform to the stereotype of suit-and-tie businessmen hauling around suitcases, they are still businesspeople, or employees of businesses. A farmer is a businessman just the same as any CEO of a Fortune 500 company. In terms of what this government is going to do for farmers, the §2.1.a Bandurian Small Business Act provides for farmers making less than 300,000 in revenue the ability to receive loans from the government. If the Honourable Member is concerned with employees, I can assure her that supporting business and businessowners, allowing them to expand and gin up wealth, benefits their employees in terms of higher salaries, in terms of greater benefits, in terms of greater opportunities, and so forth. The fundamental ingredient for economic growth is, at its core, government support for business and business owners, common people like the members of this House. We must let the wheels of the free market turn of their own accord."

"In terms of housing, Madam Speaker, I am happy to inform this House that the Right Honourable Mr. Willem Dirksen has been selected to be this country's Public Services Minister. An announcement will be made in short order. I can assure this house that among the first of that ministry's priorities shall be housing and infrastructure development."

"Madam Speaker, is the Government satisfied with promoting a blatant racist to the Cabinet? What does the Prime Minister think it says to Chinese Bandurians when he promotes a man who called us the 'yellow menace'? This is disgusting, and they have no shame."

Roosevetania wrote:"Madam Speaker, is the Government satisfied with promoting a blatant racist to the Cabinet? What does the Prime Minister think it says to Chinese Bandurians when he promotes a man who called us the 'yellow menace'? This is disgusting, and they have no shame."

"Madam Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for their question."

"I believe the comment in question was taken out of context. Although I will acknowledge that the comment was made in somewhat poor taste, I can assure members opposite that members of this cabinet are honourable and diverse people. I will point out that I, myself, am Han Chinese, as is the Foreign Minister. I implore the Honourable Members of this House to move past petty phrasing and to focus on the issues that count."

Wim Dirksen chuckles.

[OOC: my character app isn't finished, but it should be up by this evening]

"Madam Speaker, what is the government's policy with regards to national defense? As a reservist in the Bandurian Army, it troubles me deeply that we must rely upon the might of other powers to protect our sovereign territory. Does the current Government have any plans to modernize or otherwise expand the military, so that it may begin playing a larger role in regional affairs? If we cannot rely on either the United States or the PRC to respect our independence or protect us from outside interference in our affairs, how can we expect to be taken seriously on the world stage, diplomatically and militarily? I thank the Speaker for my time."

"The government will answer the question before we move to the next agenda."

Mersdon wrote:[OOC: my character app isn't finished, but it should be up by this evening]

"Madam Speaker, what is the government's policy with regards to national defense? As a reservist in the Bandurian Army, it troubles me deeply that we must rely upon the might of other powers to protect our sovereign territory. Does the current Government have any plans to modernize or otherwise expand the military, so that it may begin playing a larger role in regional affairs? If we cannot rely on either the United States or the PRC to respect our independence or protect us from outside interference in our affairs, how can we expect to be taken seriously on the world stage, diplomatically and militarily? I thank the Speaker for my time."

"I apologise, Madam Speaker, for keeping the Honourable Member waiting (ooc: got tied up in something)."

"I too agree with the Honourable Member; it is vital that we have a strong, robust defense force to secure peace and prosperity in our nation. I am fearful, however, that overspending in the military sector will translate into depriving funding for needy areas, areas that will boost our economy, promote long-term growth, and improve the standard of life of our citizens. This is where, Madam Speaker, I think Reagan got it wrong. I can assure the Honourable Member that the defense force will be adequately and appropriately provided for."

"Order. This chamber will move to the reading and debate of the Central Bank of Banduria Act."