The Land of the Free: American Political Roleplay (IC II)

[Velahor]

PAULSON'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON D.C.
RICHARD SLATER

Senator Slater breathed a heavy sigh as he stood in wait. He was well aware that this could be a big moment in the early Presidential race if it gained traction, and it would surely put him in the spotlight. It made him rather excited, actually. In his mind, this was his chance to make a substantial impact on the political discourse of the moment, and he would take it no questions asked. Guided by an intern, he politely knocked on Rep. Paulson's office door, remembering for a brief moment the Brown incident as he did so.

“Senator, come in!” said Diane, scrolling Twitter on her phone.

She put it down and prepared to make eye contact.

“Please, take a seat.”

[Jovuistan]

PAULSON'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON D.C.
RICHARD SLATER

Senator Slater breathed a heavy sigh as he stood in wait. He was well aware that this could be a big moment in the early Presidential race if it gained traction, and it would surely put him in the spotlight. It made him rather excited, actually. In his mind, this was his chance to make a substantial impact on the political discourse of the moment, and he would take it no questions asked. Guided by an intern, he politely knocked on Rep. Paulson's office door, remembering for a brief moment the Brown incident as he did so.

“Senator, come in!” said Diane, scrolling Twitter on her phone.

She put it down and prepared to make eye contact.

“Please, take a seat.”

Slater opened the door, eyeing Paulson with a nod. He sat down and clasped his hands together.

"Congresswoman, I appreciate you wanting to help organize this whole thing. Having a major candidate for President helps give us the momentum to grow this into a large-scale event, and I thank you for that. What I'm thinking right now is that we should stage a march in support of the Second Amendment through D.C, likely stopping at Capitol Hill. Potentially we could have a few speeches from gun rights activists like ourselves at that point. Thoughts?"

[Velahor]

“Senator, come in!” said Diane, scrolling Twitter on her phone.

She put it down and prepared to make eye contact.

“Please, take a seat.”

Slater opened the door, eyeing Paulson with a nod. He sat down and clasped his hands together.

"Congresswoman, I appreciate you wanting to help organize this whole thing. Having a major candidate for President helps give us the momentum to grow this into a large-scale event, and I thank you for that. What I'm thinking right now is that we should stage a march in support of the Second Amendment through D.C, likely stopping at Capitol Hill. Potentially we could have a few speeches from gun rights activists like ourselves at that point. Thoughts?"

“That sounds exactly like what we should do. We need to take a stand. But we have to talk security. The last thing we need is gun violence at a gun rally. We’re going to have to get a huge security presence together to protect this rally from any infiltrators or any nonsense like that.”

“But it’s exactly what we should do. We need to make a statement against the gun bill, I believed we needed a hard whip on it, but maybe the whip of public opinion will do the trick.”

“I want to get Allen there himself, but he’ll need to discuss with his lawyer if he can go across state lines. I don’t care that he’s a Richardson surrogate, the guy is going to have a following as the gun rights martyr, and it will be a big focal point for the rally. We should get each other Republican presidential candidate, you should speak as well, and I believe that we should get Representative Daniel Park in the lineup. He’s got a good following from gun people for being one of the guys who defended Koreatown from the LA riots. The President also could make an appearance, if we can convince him that it’s worth coming out of hiding for.”

[Jovuistan]

Slater opened the door, eyeing Paulson with a nod. He sat down and clasped his hands together.

"Congresswoman, I appreciate you wanting to help organize this whole thing. Having a major candidate for President helps give us the momentum to grow this into a large-scale event, and I thank you for that. What I'm thinking right now is that we should stage a march in support of the Second Amendment through D.C, likely stopping at Capitol Hill. Potentially we could have a few speeches from gun rights activists like ourselves at that point. Thoughts?"

“That sounds exactly like what we should do. We need to take a stand. But we have to talk security. The last thing we need is gun violence at a gun rally. We’re going to have to get a huge security presence together to protect this rally from any infiltrators or any nonsense like that.”

“But it’s exactly what we should do. We need to make a statement against the gun bill, I believed we needed a hard whip on it, but maybe the whip of public opinion will do the trick.”

“I want to get Allen there himself, but he’ll need to discuss with his lawyer if he can go across state lines. I don’t care that he’s a Richardson surrogate, the guy is going to have a following as the gun rights martyr, and it will be a big focal point for the rally. We should get each other Republican presidential candidate, you should speak as well, and I believe that we should get Representative Daniel Park in the lineup. He’s got a good following from gun people for being one of the guys who defended Koreatown from the LA riots. The President also could make an appearance, if we can convince him that it’s worth coming out of hiding for.”

He nodded. "We definitely need security so things don't get out of hand. Getting Allen and the other candidates in is really important to ensuring that this leaves an impact. I'll send a message to the other candidates to try and get them on board, and I'll also look to see about getting the President involved. When do you think we should hold it?"

[Velahor]

“That sounds exactly like what we should do. We need to take a stand. But we have to talk security. The last thing we need is gun violence at a gun rally. We’re going to have to get a huge security presence together to protect this rally from any infiltrators or any nonsense like that.”

“But it’s exactly what we should do. We need to make a statement against the gun bill, I believed we needed a hard whip on it, but maybe the whip of public opinion will do the trick.”

“I want to get Allen there himself, but he’ll need to discuss with his lawyer if he can go across state lines. I don’t care that he’s a Richardson surrogate, the guy is going to have a following as the gun rights martyr, and it will be a big focal point for the rally. We should get each other Republican presidential candidate, you should speak as well, and I believe that we should get Representative Daniel Park in the lineup. He’s got a good following from gun people for being one of the guys who defended Koreatown from the LA riots. The President also could make an appearance, if we can convince him that it’s worth coming out of hiding for.”

He nodded. "We definitely need security so things don't get out of hand. Getting Allen and the other candidates in is really important to ensuring that this leaves an impact. I'll send a message to the other candidates to try and get them on board, and I'll also look to see about getting the President involved. When do you think we should hold it?"

“It’s probably best to check the Senate calendar and find the date when the gun bill comes up. We need to schedule it for a day or two before then, or maybe even the day of. Then we need to make sure the bill doesn’t make the floor until after the protest, I’m sure Warrick would be willing to make that happen.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“He sees opportunity. He’s looking for power. Look at Russ Long in Louisiana. The Longs have stayed in power for a century, because they abuse the word by twisting it to support bribing the constituents. That’s what Porter is trying to do too. These people see him as everything good and vulgar about Wolf, but Porter will also give them free money.”

“He’s got some book of Revelation vibes that I really can’t shake. We need to do something about him. Do you know anyone whose worked with Porter?”

"No. I've asked Senator Frankston to try to dig up anything he can from the Armed Services Committee but I've got this ugly feeling that Porter's just smart enough to have kept his nose clean."

[Velahor]

“He sees opportunity. He’s looking for power. Look at Russ Long in Louisiana. The Longs have stayed in power for a century, because they abuse the word by twisting it to support bribing the constituents. That’s what Porter is trying to do too. These people see him as everything good and vulgar about Wolf, but Porter will also give them free money.”

“He’s got some book of Revelation vibes that I really can’t shake. We need to do something about him. Do you know anyone whose worked with Porter?”

"No. I've asked Senator Frankston to try to dig up anything he can from the Armed Services Committee but I've got this ugly feeling that Porter's just smart enough to have kept his nose clean."

“Clean enough that he hasn’t tied himself to any white supremacist groups?” she asked.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Clean enough that he hasn’t tied himself to any white supremacist groups?” she asked.

"That wasn't enough to sink Wolf, and it wouldn't be enough to sink Porter. I think we've got to play the seniors angle, and I think we've got to play the farmers angle, but I don't quite know where else to hit him from. Well, aside from the fact he's a secret elitist." He shrugged, shaking his head. "Part of me is just telling me to keep campaigning relentlessly. Don't stop. Keep sprinting. But indefatigability, whilst a virtue, is not enough..."

[Velahor]

“Clean enough that he hasn’t tied himself to any white supremacist groups?” she asked.

"That wasn't enough to sink Wolf, and it wouldn't be enough to sink Porter. I think we've got to play the seniors angle, and I think we've got to play the farmers angle, but I don't quite know where else to hit him from. Well, aside from the fact he's a secret elitist." He shrugged, shaking his head. "Part of me is just telling me to keep campaigning relentlessly. Don't stop. Keep sprinting. But indefatigability, whilst a virtue, is not enough..."

“I think he’ll trip. He’s going to have to push further right, there’s no room in the middle. But we can’t rely on that, we need a backup plan.”

She turned her head and coughed lightly, and then looked back at him and smiled.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I think he’ll trip. He’s going to have to push further right, there’s no room in the middle. But we can’t rely on that, we need a backup plan.”

She turned her head and coughed lightly, and then looked back at him and smiled.

"You sound like you have a mischief in store, Mrs. Prendergast."

[Velahor]

“I think he’ll trip. He’s going to have to push further right, there’s no room in the middle. But we can’t rely on that, we need a backup plan.”

She turned her head and coughed lightly, and then looked back at him and smiled.

"You sound like you have a mischief in store, Mrs. Prendergast."

“Look, all I’m saying is that there has to be a hole in armor somewhere. Something bigger than just being an idiot on taxes or UBI or social security. I don’t have any plan, but you and I both know that we know people who can end his career.”

She laughed a little at this nearly true statement like it was a joke.

“I’m kidding of course. But I do have a couple ideas.”

“We could also have my boss condemn him...being too extreme for the (not-Falwells) probably would play badly for him in the Bible Belt. Of course, they will not be easily swayed, and they will want Liberty University to be involved in this low-cost education thing you mentioned in some way or another.”

“There is also the Federalists. Some of them might want to do something nice for us to pay respects for my dad. Maybe some judges could write something up, maybe a statement, but that’s hardly going to have an effect.”

“Maybe I’m missing something obvious....”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Look, all I’m saying is that there has to be a hole in armor somewhere. Something bigger than just being an idiot on taxes or UBI or social security. I don’t have any plan, but you and I both know that we know people who can end his career.”

She laughed a little at this nearly true statement like it was a joke.

“I’m kidding of course. But I do have a couple ideas.”

“We could also have my boss condemn him...being too extreme for the (not-Falwells) probably would play badly for him in the Bible Belt. Of course, they will not be easily swayed, and they will want Liberty University to be involved in this low-cost education thing you mentioned in some way or another.”

“There is also the Federalists. Some of them might want to do something nice for us to pay respects for my dad. Maybe some judges could write something up, maybe a statement, but that’s hardly going to have an effect.”

“Maybe I’m missing something obvious....”

"He's tacking hard on the Christian right, despite the fact I got there first when I went on Duncan Flanagan's radio show. He's trying to justify his socialism behind loose ends of holy writ. If we could get him to be condemned by prominent evangelicals, that'd be a boon. I don't think the constraints of judicial authority really apply to him though."

[Velahor]

“Look, all I’m saying is that there has to be a hole in armor somewhere. Something bigger than just being an idiot on taxes or UBI or social security. I don’t have any plan, but you and I both know that we know people who can end his career.”

She laughed a little at this nearly true statement like it was a joke.

“I’m kidding of course. But I do have a couple ideas.”

“We could also have my boss condemn him...being too extreme for the (not-Falwells) probably would play badly for him in the Bible Belt. Of course, they will not be easily swayed, and they will want Liberty University to be involved in this low-cost education thing you mentioned in some way or another.”

“There is also the Federalists. Some of them might want to do something nice for us to pay respects for my dad. Maybe some judges could write something up, maybe a statement, but that’s hardly going to have an effect.”

“Maybe I’m missing something obvious....”

"He's tacking hard on the Christian right, despite the fact I got there first when I went on Duncan Flanagan's radio show. He's trying to justify his socialism behind loose ends of holy writ. If we could get him to be condemned by prominent evangelicals, that'd be a boon. I don't think the constraints of judicial authority really apply to him though."

“Evangelicals it is. I know a lot of people whose voices mean a lot to our fellow Christians, if we can convince somebody to make a statement on how his beliefs contradict with Christianity, we can hurt his chances.”

[Jovuistan]

He nodded. "We definitely need security so things don't get out of hand. Getting Allen and the other candidates in is really important to ensuring that this leaves an impact. I'll send a message to the other candidates to try and get them on board, and I'll also look to see about getting the President involved. When do you think we should hold it?"

“It’s probably best to check the Senate calendar and find the date when the gun bill comes up. We need to schedule it for a day or two before then, or maybe even the day of. Then we need to make sure the bill doesn’t make the floor until after the protest, I’m sure Warrick would be willing to make that happen.”

"I'll go over it with Warrick, I'm sure he'll be supportive. Hopefully, the Democrats don't try to derail it, but we can fight back if they do."

[Velahor]

“It’s probably best to check the Senate calendar and find the date when the gun bill comes up. We need to schedule it for a day or two before then, or maybe even the day of. Then we need to make sure the bill doesn’t make the floor until after the protest, I’m sure Warrick would be willing to make that happen.”

"I'll go over it with Warrick, I'm sure he'll be supportive. Hopefully, the Democrats don't try to derail it, but we can fight back if they do."

“Okay, so then we’ll need a speakers list. The five of us presidential candidates, you, Allen, what about any Senate colleagues?”

[Agarntrop]

(Image) Richard Slater @SenatorRSlater We should have a PROTEST in D.C. against the efforts by Democrats to suppress our 2A rights and the kidnapping of Mark Allen! WE MUST MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD!

(Image) Richard Slater @SenatorRSlater Constitutionalists should be organizing en masse to tell the Socialist Left that their tearing up of our Constitution WILL NOT STAND! I will for sure be joining in!

Liked and retweeted by anderson

Barry Anderson @MissouriPeoplesSenator Let's EXERCISE OUR RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS and BRING OUR GUNS to the PROTEST AGAINST FEDERAL TYRANNY!!

[Kargintina the Third]

Earl Tenson @MTAtLarge Lieutenant Governor (Not-Cooney) is just like (Not-Bullock)! We must allow him to continue the current administration’s disastrous policies. #TakeMontanaback

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Porter shook Wolf Jr's hand, realising the similarities between him and his father, at least in terms of looks, and yet they seem worlds apart when it comes to behaviour.

"Good afternoon to you too."

“Well, shall we go in, Secretary?” Wolf Jr asked.

"Of course, you first." He nodded, giving way to the younger Wolf.

[Dentali]

Nate Richardson
In transit

(Image)

Nate called up the phone number of Mark Allen's home following the AP News report hoping to find his wife "Hello? Is this the Allen residence?"

Phuong Allen, or as she sometimes went by, Phoebe Allen, went to the phone. She was a Vietnam war refugee, and had lived in Texas for nearly fifty years, more of her life than overseas, a self-declared Viet-Texan. This life experience meant that her Vietnamese accent had by this point in life, fluidly mixed with her newfound Texas accent.

“Hel-lo, Allen residence, if you’re the news sta-tion, we are not taking questions at this tiiiime.” She said, her accent stretching out the I in the word time.

"No this is Nathaniel Richardson... is this Phuong? I just wanted to express my sympathies as to the situation. Whatever I can do to help, you just need to ask."

[Velahor]

Phuong Allen, or as she sometimes went by, Phoebe Allen, went to the phone. She was a Vietnam war refugee, and had lived in Texas for nearly fifty years, more of her life than overseas, a self-declared Viet-Texan. This life experience meant that her Vietnamese accent had by this point in life fluidly mixed with her newfound Texas accent.

“Hel-lo, Allen residence, if you’re the news sta-tion, we are not taking questions at this tiiiime.” She said, her accent stretching out the I in the word time.

"No this is Nathaniel Richardson... is this Phuong? I just wanted to express my sympathies as to the situation. Whatever I can do to help, you just need to ask."

“Ohhhh, thank you, thank you much,” she said, clearly grateful. “God bless you Nathaniel, you are good man. Mark is on his way back to the house, Kare-ren Brook-sure bailed him out. Drove all the way to San Antonio to do it too. She got big heart Nathaniel, really big heart, we’re so grateful she helped, Mark says it’s all a big mis-un-der-standing.”

[Kargintina the Third]

Representative Earl Tenson
Billings, Montana

"Good Evening Billings!"

"I do love this great city. The largest in our state, its been called the Magic City due to its massive economic growth during the late 19th century, a major trade powerhouse on the west side of the continental divide. What could there be to not love about this city? Its kind and elegant people, its sublime nightlife, its proximity to some of our nations most beautiful national parks. Due to the Bakken Oil development, Billings has become one of the most successful cities not just in Montana but in the entire nation. Billings growth rate has been outstanding, an absolutely fantastic sight to see.

But there is one who seeks to take it all away. Governor (Not-Bullock) wishes to cancel it all to promote his green revolution! The black blood of this city has provided its citizens with countless opportunities and economic gains, but the Governor of this state intends to see that all wiped away! There is hope though. While Governor (Not-Bullock) seeks to chase national fame off in Washington after failing to even take care of his own state's citizens, he wishes to install (Not-Cooney) to continue his goal of infecting this state with his green poison. This cannot happen!

That is why I am seeking to pursue and win this state's Gubernatorial! We cannot allow (Not-Cooney) to continue the Governor's assault on the economic prosperity of this state. When I am governor, I will insure the black blood of Montana continues to flow freely through it's veins. I will make absolutely certain that the crucial Keystone Pipeline, no, scratch that, Keystone LIFELINE is fully completed and used to the fullest extent to keep this beautiful running at full growth.

But I won't stop there. Governor (Not-Bullock) has betrayed Montanan's trust and turned back on defending their Second Amendment rights. In 2016 he claimed that he was against gun control and that he would seek to expand the gun rights of Montanans, only to turn tail and run to his parties' standard positions just two years later. Firearms have been a way of life for decades here in Montana. When settlers first arrived in this beautiful land they saw fit to use firearms to protect themselves from the many animals that roamed the virgin land. Disagreements in those days were solved the old school Montanan way, with a gun. As governor, I will never, and I mean NEVER compromise on the gun rights of Montanans. The Second Amendment is the most important one in the entire Bill of Rights, it defends the rest. I will never make Montanans give up their God-given rights.

Governor (Not-Bullock) didn't just stop there. He has launched an all out assault on the lives of Montanans unborn children. He has received endorsements from the horrific Planned Parenthood, and gotten a perfect rating from the awful pro-abortion organization known as NARAL. One hundred percent! You heard that right. Governor (Not-Bullock) is one hundred percent against our unborn children! And his successor is the exact same way. This must be stopped. Like the scripture says, A child is God's ultimate gift to the world. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace. When I am Governor, I will pass laws to end this horrific practice once and for all in Montana. We already have an example set by Governor Lee in Alabama that it can be done, and I plan to fully follow that example.

During its time reigning over this state, the (Not-Bullock) regime has set fit to attempt to flood it's borders with illegal aliens in an attempt to take away jobs from Montanans to garner more votes for himself. He deliberately saw fit to bring in Syrian refugees and potentially dangerous Islamic terrorists in order to get more voters. What kind of leader puts his own people in danger with the exclusive goal of winning himself more terms? What kind of leader, no, what kind of MAN would try and risk the lives of his own constituents, the people who choose him, simply to win a second term. These actions are horrific and immoral, and a prime example of why (Not-Bullock)'s lackey must not be allowed to continue the disastrous scorched earth tactic that the current administration has deployed to win elections. How could you be so unconfident in your own ability to win you have to bring in possible group of terrorists simply to win?

I can promise this to you my fellow Montanans, I will defeat Governor (Not-Bullock)'s lackey. I will return economic growth to this entire state. I will return Billings to it's full potential by allowing for the Brakken Development to continue being used. I will defend Montanan's Second Amendment rights. I will always look after and protect the dignity and lives of our unborn. And I will keep this state safe from Terroristic harm. I promise you, that together we can lead Montana to greatness. Montana is a beautiful shining city on a hill, and once we work together to restore this state to the correct path, it will shine even brighter.

Now, without adieu, let me proudly introduce the President of the United States Arnold Wolf!"

[Dentali]

"No this is Nathaniel Richardson... is this Phuong? I just wanted to express my sympathies as to the situation. Whatever I can do to help, you just need to ask."

“Ohhhh, thank you, thank you much,” she said, clearly grateful. “God bless you Nathaniel, you are good man. Mark is on his way back to the house, Kare-ren Brook-sure bailed him out. Drove all the way to San Antonio to do it too. She got big heart Nathaniel, really big heart, we’re so grateful she helped, Mark says it’s all a big mis-un-der-standing.”

"I'm incredibly grateful to hear that. Please give him my best... Phuong we are not out of the woods yet but I want you to know I will back you both up in this. Whatever I can do please don't hesitate to ask. This is my personal number, no secretaries or screeners... you call me if you need anything. And please have your husband give me a call when he gives me a chance."

[Velahor]

Fox News Exclusive Interview
Host Tony Newton
With Former Houston Mayor M.C. Fenton
July 5th, 2019

Wilson: “I’m Tony Wilson, and this is a Fox News exclusive interview. Today, I’m joined by Former Houston, Texas Mayor M.C. Fenton. Mayor Fenton, I’m glad to have you on the show. Let’s begin with our first question: there was a ‘Draft M.C.’ movement in 2016...are you considering a 2020 presidential run?”

Fenton”: I have not decided to run," Fenton replied in her best attempt to finesse the question.

Wilson: “Is there any candidate in the race currently that catches your eye?”

Fenton: “Bernie Porter. He has supported a land value tax. You may know that during my time as mayor, I replaced the property tax with a land value tax in order to reward people for using land productively by building houses and businesses there."

Wilson: “Does Porter’s cozy relationship with white supremacists bother you?”

Fenton: “I only said Porter has caught my eye, because he is, to my knowledge, the first major presidential candidate to come out in favor of a land value tax. I never said that I supported or approved of him, although I am excited by his support of a land value tax."

Wilson: “Quite interesting. Could you explain a land value tax to our viewers? Many Americans may not be familiar with the term.”

Fenton: “Certainly. A land value tax is a tax that is assessed on the basis of land value. It is not the same as a property tax because only taxes land, not the buildings that are on that land. A land value tax rewards homeowners and businesses because it taxes them less and shifts the burden onto speculators who hold onto land without using it."

Wilson: “The first thing that comes to mind is farmers. Estimate say that Porter’s plan will increase taxes by nearly $100,000 for farmers. In a land value tax, is farmland taxed like unused land? What about grazing land?”

Fenton: “To answer your question, yes, farmland and grazing land is taxed the same as any other land, although it would be possible to provide tax relief to farmers and ranchers as part of a land value tax plan."

I would also like to ask you where you obtained those estimates, and which farmers would see their taxes raised by $100,000. I sincerely doubt that the average family farmer would see their taxes raised by nearly that much.

Wilson: “Interesting...those are the estimates based on the rate which Bernie Porter said he would tax land value. They’ve been cited by several other candidates for President.” “Anyway, Texas just saw a big, divisive special election race resulting in the first Democratic win for Senator in about half a century in that state. What are your thoughts on the race? What could Karen Brookshire have done to pull off the win?”

Fenton: “I think that it was bound to happen at some point. The Republican Party is losing its dominance over Texas, just as the Democratic Party lost its dominance over Texas during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s."

Wilson: “So do you think that this is temporary, or a long-term shift to a blue Texas?”

Fenton: “I think this is a long-term shift."

Wilson: “Why do you think that?”

Fenton: “I think that Texas is undergoing both demographic and political shifts. I think that it is changing demographically in that the Latino share of the population is growing, and Latinos tend to vote for Democrats, and I think that it is changing politically in that people are becoming more liberal. Both houses of the legislature are only a few seats away from changing from Republican to Democratic hands."

Wilson: “Is the Republican Party in danger nationally? You speak from a unique position, as not a member of any party.”

Fenton: “The Republican Party is in danger. I think that the Democrats will be the dominant party for a while."

Wilson: “What is the biggest issue you’ve faced as mayor of Houston?”

Fenton: “I had to help the city recover from Hurricane Ike, which caused billions of dollars worth of damage."

Wilson: “How exactly did you do that?”

Fenton: “Since so much property was destroyed, I replaced some of the property tax with a land tax in order to reward people who tried to build businesses and create jobs in the wake of the disaster. This attracted job-creators to Houston and reduced the deficit that the city government faced, which allowed it to spend more money to rebuild the city and help those who had lost their jobs and homes."

Wilson: “Houston must thank you for your efforts. Houston is also remarkably America’s largest city to have zero zoning laws. Is this something acceptable to you, or something you want to change?”

Fenton: “I think zoning laws in their current form are excessive. I think that cities should allow people to use land as they please and only tax them for their use of land, not for what they build upon that land."

Wilson: “Houston is the one major city in America without zoning laws, correct? How can the laws be excessive if they don’t currently exist?”
Fenton: “I don't mean zoning laws in Houston. I mean zoning laws in the cities that have chosen to implement them."

"I’m sorry if I wasn't clear with that."

Wilson: “No issue, moving on. There was a recent mass shooting in Virginia...how would you go about stopping mass shootings? And what’s your stance on gun rights as a whole?”

Fenton: “I think that too much focus is given to the issue of guns. Gun violence is obviously a problem in this country, but it is not as much of a problem as it seems. For every person that is killed or injured by a gun, many more people are killed or injured in car accidents, and yet you don't see anyone trying to regulate cars. I think that the two parties should place less focus on guns and place more focus on issues that have greater effect on people's lives."

Wilson: “So you wouldn’t do anything then?”

Fenton: “If it were up to me, I would probably do something, but I would focus much more on felons illegally possessing guns than I would on mentally sound and law-abiding citizens owning guns. I think that the best solutions are ones that are acceptable to people across the aisle."

Wilson: “Do you agree with the construction of President Wolf’s border wall?”

Fenton: “The border wall is excessive and costly, and it would fail to stop many, if not most, of illegal immigrants. A far better solution would be to strengthen E-Verify and force all employers to use it, and to make sure that people who come here legally do not stay here illegally once their visa expires. If those steps were to be taken, we would diminish the problem of illegal immigration far more than we would by building a wall."

Wilson: “What would you do about all the illegals currently in America?”

Fenton: “I think that we should investigate employers to find out if they are hiring illegal immigrants. We should impose stiff penalties on employers that are found guilty and deport illegal immigrants that are working for them."

Wilson: “What about illegal immigrants who don’t have jobs?”

Fenton: “I don't think unemployed illegal immigrants cause as much of a problem. The ones that do take welfare can be identified by investigating welfare rolls and finding out which ones are not supposed to be in the country."

Wilson: “Moving on. A bill just passed the House to legalize cannabis...do you think that’s a good idea?”

Fenton: “Yes. I think we should do it."

Wilson: “Any other drugs? I know some cities have decriminalized magic mushrooms.”

Fenton: “I think that we should look into the effects first. I don't know enough about the effects of mushrooms or other drugs, but I think that drugs that are generally safe should be legal."

Wilson: “If you were president, what would the first thing on your agenda be if elected?”

Fenton: “Working with both parties to get them on the same page more. I think that they need to work together, not against each other."

Wilson: “With such opposed beliefs between the two parties, how do you see that happening?”

Fenton: “I think they should try to seek common ground where they can and stop opposing each other just for the sake of opposing each other."

Wilson: “I see. How do you feel about how Arnold Wolf has done as President?”

Fenton: “I think that he has been very divisive and negative. To be fair, the Democrats have hardly been helping."

Wilson: "How would you heal that division?"

Fenton: “I would reach out to both sides and pursue an agenda that would take inspiration from both platforms."

Wilson: "So would you label yourself a centrist?"

Fenton: “I reject political terms like left, right, and center. I think that they only serve to distract from the issues."

Wilson: "So how would you define yourself politically?"

Fenton: “I don't want to define myself with any label, because that would put me in a box."

Wilson: "Then what do you believe?"

Fenton: “I believe in ideas, not ideologies. If you want to see where I stand on particular issues, look at my record as Mayor."

Wilson: "Or you could just tell the people now. What do you think about abortion?"

Fenton became rather nervous and annoyed, although she seemed calm on the surface.

Fenton: “I think that it should be a balance between keeping abortion legal while also keeping it rare and imposing necessary restrictions on it. I think that both parties' rhetoric on abortion is overblown, and they are both more radical on abortion than they should be."

Wilson: "So you support finding middle ground on abortion...what issues do you think one party is right about and the other is wrong?"

Fenton: “I think that the Republicans are right about the issue of fiscal responsibility, and I think that the Democrats are right about gay rights."

Wilson: "Very well then. What exactly is your position on gay rights?"

Fenton: “I think people should have the right to live their lives as they please regardless of whether they are gay or straight."

Fenton”: I think that no one should ensure discrimination for being gay, and I think the government should add sexual orientation to the list of protected classes."

Wilson: "What about transgender people?"

Fenton: I think they should be protected too. I would be comfortable with sharing a bathroom with a transgender woman — as long as she washes her hands, of course."

Wilson: "Would you require private businesses to allow transgender people to use the bathrooms of the gender they identify with?"

Fenton: “Yes."

Wilson: "Some of the current candidates for President have talked about space exploration, and with NASA facilities in Houston, this is a hot issue in your city. How do you feel about America getting back to the Moon, and should we increase NASA funding to do so?"

Fenton: “I think NASA is massively underfunded. We should try to send humans not only to the Moon, but also to Mars."

Wilson: “Where else should the government spend more?”

Fenton: “I think the government should spend more on healthcare and infrastructure. As much as I hate to say it, America is falling behind other countries in those areas, and we need to do something about it."

Wilson: “Do you support single-payer?”

Fenton: “Having seen what it could potentially cost, I am very skeptical about it. There has got to be a cheaper solution."

Wilson: “What about Universal Basic Income? What are your thoughts there?”

Fenton: “I think it is an interesting idea. I would have to look into it before making up my mind."

Wilson: "Race relations are at a point of intensity in our nation. What do you think is necessary to ease those tensions?"

Fenton: “I think the main cause of racial tensions in this country is inequality of opportunity. Black and Latino people have, on average, less opportunities than white people, and the government should try to rectify this. One way to do this would be to establish baby bonds. When a child is born, the government would open an account in their name and deposit up to $2,000 each year until that child turns 18. At that point, the child — now an adult — would be able to access that money and use it to pay for their education or work towards buying a home. This would give the children a head start and allow them to rise out of poverty and improve their situations."

Wilson: "So $36,000?"

Fenton: “Slightly more, due to interest, but yes."

Wilson: "Would these only be for oppressed minorities? What groups would be eligible?"

Fenton:"People would be eligible regardless of race."

Wilson: "I see. What do you think of Black Lives Matter?"

Fenton: “I support its causes, and I support the non-violent majority of people in BLM. I do not support the violent minority who endorse rioting and looting, because those tactics do not help anyone."

Wilson: "What should we do about police brutality?"

Fenton: “I think police training and protocols should be improved so that officers are better equipped to handle situations without resorting to force. I also think that those officers who abuse their power, which are a small minority, should be held accountable for wrongdoing."

Wilson: "Should they face the same penalties as civilian criminals?"

Fenton: “If they commit the same crime, then yes. A public servant should be held to the same standard as anyone else."

Wilson: “Even for killing in the line of duty, while taking fire from a suspect and saving lives?”

Fenton: “No. That wouldn't be a crime — it would be a justified killing. The officer would deserve an award, not a punishment."

Wilson: “Even if the situation could have been handled without loss of life?”

Fenton: “The officer shouldn't be punished. This would reflect inadequate training, not inappropriate behavior."

Wilson: “Very well. What are your plans as Mayor of Houston for the next year?”

Fenton had a look of incredulity on her face until she broke into an awkward chuckle.

Fenton: "I haven't been in office for five years now."

Wilson: “Eh...let me check my notes. That’s right, you left office in 2014. Do you have other political plans?”

Fenton: “At the moment, no."

Wilson: “What was your biggest accomplishment while in office?”

Fenton: “Bringing businesses and jobs back to Houston in the wake of Hurricane Ike."

Wilson: “What can other gulf cities do to keep themselves protected during hurricanes?”

Fenton: “They should always have an evacuation plan, and they should have a good drainage system to get the flooding under control."

Wilson: “Well we’re about out of time, is there anything else you’d like to tell the people?”

Fenton: “Not really. Thanks for having me here."

Wilson: “You’re welcome...have a great evening.”

[Velahor]

“Ohhhh, thank you, thank you much,” she said, clearly grateful. “God bless you Nathaniel, you are good man. Mark is on his way back to the house, Kare-ren Brook-sure bailed him out. Drove all the way to San Antonio to do it too. She got big heart Nathaniel, really big heart, we’re so grateful she helped, Mark says it’s all a big mis-un-der-standing.”

"I'm incredibly grateful to hear that. Please give him my best... Phuong we are not out of the woods yet but I want you to know I will back you both up in this. Whatever I can do please don't hesitate to ask. This is my personal number, no secretaries or screeners... you call me if you need anything. And please have your husband give me a call when he gives me a chance."

"Mark has his cellphone, the officers took it with them, if they didn't take it for evidence. Go ahead and give him a call, he's probably worried."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

---

Mr. Mark Allen has his #freedom once again! Very harmful accusations against a GOOD FAMILY MAN!