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

[Louisianan]

"Well, I think it's going just darn dandy!" Hypolite replied as he followed the Governor inside, "I've been having a lot of fun! You know, as a retired old fool you don't meet too many people, but when you're out on the campaign trail, phew. How're things going for you over yonder?"

"I know that feeling." The Governor's smile faded a bit as he sat down. "Things haven't been quite as peachy on my end. The incoming recession means pretty much everything is being kicked into high gear. Lots of activity going on. We've got a Republican legislature, so it won't be too difficult to get something passed, but, y'know, this whole thing could've waited a year or two for me to get situated. Rather rude of it to start the moment I get into office." He chuckled, obviously speaking in jest.

"Regardless, we're getting a plan together at a good pace, so hopefully we'll be able to keep the economy from collapsing into a void. Anyways, would you like anything to drink?"

"Very rude ain't it?" Hypolite laughed, "I tell ya, God has a plan, how you handle this may determine you're future in this state." Hypolite winked, "Anywho! I'd like a coke if you don't mind. Whatever ya got, a coke, a pepsi, ice tea, sweet tea. Anything'll do."

[Jovuistan]

"I know that feeling." The Governor's smile faded a bit as he sat down. "Things haven't been quite as peachy on my end. The incoming recession means pretty much everything is being kicked into high gear. Lots of activity going on. We've got a Republican legislature, so it won't be too difficult to get something passed, but, y'know, this whole thing could've waited a year or two for me to get situated. Rather rude of it to start the moment I get into office." He chuckled, obviously speaking in jest.

"Regardless, we're getting a plan together at a good pace, so hopefully we'll be able to keep the economy from collapsing into a void. Anyways, would you like anything to drink?"

"Very rude ain't it?" Hypolite laughed, "I tell ya, God has a plan, how you handle this may determine you're future in this state." Hypolite winked, "Anywho! I'd like a coke if you don't mind. Whatever ya got, a coke, a pepsi, ice tea, sweet tea. Anything'll do."

"I just hope God's plan turns out well for us..." Holland thought for a moment, then briefly left the room. He returned holding a cup of coke and a cup of tea. He passed the coke to Gaspard and sat back down, sipping his tea lightly. "I'm not going to panic about this, though. I remember when the recession hit in 2008, it was hell for a lot of us. My work then gives me some experience for this one."

[Louisianan]

"Very rude ain't it?" Hypolite laughed, "I tell ya, God has a plan, how you handle this may determine you're future in this state." Hypolite winked, "Anywho! I'd like a coke if you don't mind. Whatever ya got, a coke, a pepsi, ice tea, sweet tea. Anything'll do."

"I just hope God's plan turns out well for us..." Holland thought for a moment, then briefly left the room. He returned holding a cup of coke and a cup of tea. He passed the coke to Gaspard and sat back down, sipping his tea lightly. "I'm not going to panic about this, though. I remember when the recession hit in 2008, it was hell for a lot of us. My work then gives me some experience for this one."

"Yea," Hypolite gulped his can, "I remember back in the 70s, we had a slight recession. THE END OF THE AMERICAN ERA! That's what we'd say, the 1970s was a decade of change, god knows the white picket fence dream was gone from a lot of people, they were all too busy with the peace and love movement, the Women's movement, and the like. I also remember the Eisenhower Recession, which caused my grandpa to shut down his business. But, they all made us stronger you know?"

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

---

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[Jovuistan]

"I just hope God's plan turns out well for us..." Holland thought for a moment, then briefly left the room. He returned holding a cup of coke and a cup of tea. He passed the coke to Gaspard and sat back down, sipping his tea lightly. "I'm not going to panic about this, though. I remember when the recession hit in 2008, it was hell for a lot of us. My work then gives me some experience for this one."

"Yea," Hypolite gulped his can, "I remember back in the 70s, we had a slight recession. THE END OF THE AMERICAN ERA! That's what we'd say, the 1970s was a decade of change, god knows the white picket fence dream was gone from a lot of people, they were all too busy with the peace and love movement, the Women's movement, and the like. I also remember the Eisenhower Recession, which caused my grandpa to shut down his business. But, they all made us stronger you know?"

"Indeed." Holland nodded. "We'll get through this one in time." He took a drink.

"So, was there anything in particular you wanted to discuss with me?"

[Louisianan]

"Yea," Hypolite gulped his can, "I remember back in the 70s, we had a slight recession. THE END OF THE AMERICAN ERA! That's what we'd say, the 1970s was a decade of change, god knows the white picket fence dream was gone from a lot of people, they were all too busy with the peace and love movement, the Women's movement, and the like. I also remember the Eisenhower Recession, which caused my grandpa to shut down his business. But, they all made us stronger you know?"

"Indeed." Holland nodded. "We'll get through this one in time." He took a drink.

"So, was there anything, in particular, you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Oh yes! My campaign of course! I think I'm on my way to the Senate as we speak, I'm pretty high in the polls, the people seem to like me still." Hypolite laughed, "We support different presidential candidates, for different reasons I assume. I'd just like to make sure that that won't affect your support of me should the race get a little tricky between me and the other candidates. The Democrat is from round near NOLA I think, and you, my friend, have a good bit of popularity round them parts." Hypolite sat on the end of his chair,

"There are a good bit of similarities between you and me you know, that's why I think we should band together. And it's a shame that my opponents, even the Republicans, try to slander my good name, and I think your support could end any doubt that solid conservatives like us don't stick together. We need to, and I think your support could prove that, especially through thick and thin."

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

---

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[Jovuistan]

"Indeed." Holland nodded. "We'll get through this one in time." He took a drink.

"So, was there anything, in particular, you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Oh yes! My campaign of course! I think I'm on my way to the Senate as we speak, I'm pretty high in the polls, the people seem to like me still." Hypolite laughed, "We support different presidential candidates, for different reasons I assume. I'd just like to make sure that that won't affect your support of me should the race get a little tricky between me and the other candidates. The Democrat is from round near NOLA I think, and you, my friend, have a good bit of popularity round them parts." Hypolite sat on the end of his chair,

"There are a good bit of similarities between you and me you know, that's why I think we should band together. And it's a shame that my opponents, even the Republicans, try to slander my good name, and I think your support could end any doubt that solid conservatives like us don't stick together. We need to, and I think your support could prove that, especially through thick and thin."

The Governor nodded in agreement. "Certainly. I believe you and I have similar goals, despite some differences in the presidential race. I think you'd be a fine returning Senator, Hypolite. I'm willing to throw my support behind you and do a bit of campaigning when I'm free." He drank again. "This is going to be a really important decade, and we need people in Congress who really have what it takes."

"One thing, though. Try not to let your staff get too wild on your Twitter. We don't want another spat with high-ranking Republicans. I'm sure you've got that covered, though."

[Louisianan]

"Oh yes! My campaign of course! I think I'm on my way to the Senate as we speak, I'm pretty high in the polls, the people seem to like me still." Hypolite laughed, "We support different presidential candidates, for different reasons I assume. I'd just like to make sure that that won't affect your support of me should the race get a little tricky between me and the other candidates. The Democrat is from round near NOLA I think, and you, my friend, have a good bit of popularity round them parts." Hypolite sat on the end of his chair,

"There are a good bit of similarities between you and me you know, that's why I think we should band together. And it's a shame that my opponents, even the Republicans, try to slander my good name, and I think your support could end any doubt that solid conservatives like us don't stick together. We need to, and I think your support could prove that, especially through thick and thin."

The Governor nodded in agreement. "Certainly. I believe you and I have similar goals, despite some differences in the presidential race. I think you'd be a fine returning Senator, Hypolite. I'm willing to throw my support behind you and do a bit of campaigning when I'm free." He drank again. "This is going to be a really important decade, and we need people in Congress who really have what it takes."

"One thing, though. Try not to let your staff get too wild on your Twitter. We don't want another spat with high-ranking Republicans. I'm sure you've got that covered, though."

"Absolutely Governor, trust me, I got things covered now. Nothing goes out without being seen by me first, but I can tell you, I think it may have been a Democrat plant placed into my staff, but alas, it was taken care of." Hypolite said with a smile, "I really look forward to working in Congress, working for the same people who I've always loved, the people of Louisiana. Alright, do you have anything you'd like to discuss with me specifically? Otherwise, I'd better get out of your hair, a lot of work you need to do in regard to this e-co-nomic crisis."

[Jovuistan]

The Governor nodded in agreement. "Certainly. I believe you and I have similar goals, despite some differences in the presidential race. I think you'd be a fine returning Senator, Hypolite. I'm willing to throw my support behind you and do a bit of campaigning when I'm free." He drank again. "This is going to be a really important decade, and we need people in Congress who really have what it takes."

"One thing, though. Try not to let your staff get too wild on your Twitter. We don't want another spat with high-ranking Republicans. I'm sure you've got that covered, though."

"Absolutely Governor, trust me, I got things covered now. Nothing goes out without being seen by me first, but I can tell you, I think it may have been a Democrat plant placed into my staff, but alas, it was taken care of." Hypolite said with a smile, "I really look forward to working in Congress, working for the same people who I've always loved, the people of Louisiana. Alright, do you have anything you'd like to discuss with me specifically? Otherwise, I'd better get out of your hair, a lot of work you need to do in regard to this e-co-nomic crisis."

Holland pondered for a few seconds before smiling. "I think that'll be all. I appreciate you coming here, really. Good luck with your campaign, Senator-to-be." He put down his cup and walked with Hypolite to the door. Waving to him as he left.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Representative Katherine Edwards
Georgia
Monday 16th through Sunday 22nd March, 2020

The week before the Georgia Primary was likely to be the busiest for Katherine. As Bernie Porter's most eminent Georgian endorser, she had a lot of work to do. As the daughter of a Governor of Georgia, no less, her ties to the local party were deep and substantial. Her ties to her state were deep and substantial. She had been seen often with her father, and she moved well in the local social circles. To that end, she dedicated her campaigning not just on the direct level, but the indirect, seeking to cultivate the broader base of support that he needed to win the state and upset Nate Richardson's expected win.

Monday was spent first on these infrastructural concerns. Meetings with State Senators and State Representatives in Atlanta to try to eke out endorsements for Bernie on a local level, weaponizing both her influence in Georgia politics, her connection to her father's wealth, and her obvious feminine charm. There were just over 130 Republicans in total in the Georgia General Assembly, so she had to make an effort to tick off those who weren't dependent on her father's money and connections as she couldn't coerce them, and those who were likely to react poorly and swing for Richardson in reaction. So she made a list of those most likely to support and be a boon to Bernie Porter, and those most vulnerable to her influence and connections, and set about those meetings for the majority of the day.

Tuesday was spent on a rural tour, focusing on agriculture. Although her father was white collar and Kathy herself as a doctor the same, she had served, and the veneer of veterancy allowed her to comingle with blue collar workers with more confidence on the farms of Georgia. Rolling her sleeves up, dressed for the rural scene, she went to take a look around the local farms, get hands-on with the work (she was a sturdy woman and was unsqueamish, getting hands-on with farmers was not beyond her abilities), and spoke with both farm owners and farm workers about how Bernie Porter came from a farming family, whilst Nate Richardson was a realtor. The generosity by which Bernie's plans would ringfence farming away from radical economic shifts, and his priority on American industry means that the market for American food will be protected from Canadian milk, or Australian beef... She hoped it was a compelling line to wield for the farmers of Georgia.

Wednesday turned her attention to defense spending. Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics alone spent hundreds of millions of dollars in investment in the State of Georgia. A veteran and a military wife, Kathy hoped to be a convincing surrogate when it came to talking to workers. She started the morning talking to workers from the plants in Atlanta, and the evening speaking to those from the plants in Macon. In each case, she brought particular attention to instances in the past where Nate Richardson spoke about spending "smarter" on defence, highlighting that as a buzzword for eventual cuts to the funding which sustained their jobs. Bernie Porter's commitment to expanding and strengthening the forces meant safety and stability in their jobs, not just for them but their families going forward, and with the growing economic uncertainty, the danger posed by Richardson's implied cuts was an attack on them and their families.

Thursday was a day taken off of campaigning to focus instead on fundraising. It was an inescapable fact that Bernie's coffers were smaller than Nate Richardson's, and that meant Bernie needed people closer to the establishment - people like her - to cultivate that kind of backing. Savannah, with its major seaport, was a major business center for Georgia away from Atlanta. Her pitch at an evening function at a seafront venue centered predominantly on the notion of electability, and that whilst some have leaped to the conclusion that Richardson was a 'safer bet', the electoral lessons of 2016 actually favored Bernie. Whatever problems they may have with Bernie as a candidate, ultimately, he's their best chance of retaking the House for the Republicans and delivering on their priorities. Another 2008 or 2012 blowout, which is highly possible with the volatile economy, would be a misstep that would likely happen under Richardson. Thus, their money and their PACs and their support would receive their best investment from Bernie Porter.

Friday, her attention turned to suburbia, and that would be the theme for the rest of the weekend, through Saturday and Sunday. Starting in suburban Savannah on the Friday, she went door-to-door, ingratiating herself with locals. She planned her 'route' around predominantly white suburbs, those most likely to be perturbed by 'law and order' issues so that she could hammer that home with Bernie's support for the police and to end chaos in the US, but she also bigged up the need to work away from the 'failed' Burke-Baharia paradigm on education and to find a new path on healthcare, which Bernie had promised to do whilst Richardson had fallen back on his typical, impotent solutions. This was repeated in suburban Columbus on the Saturday, and then suburban Atlanta on the Sunday. Her tour of Georgia was, she prayed, enough of a boost to get Bernie over the line there.

---

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
West Virginia
Sunday 22nd March, 2020

Jonah didn't like Nate Richardson. He thought he was a slimeball, and he'd entered into the agreement to support the other against Bernie Porter with extreme hesitancy. As much as Bernie Porter alarmed Jonah on a very deep, moral level, he had grown to seriously doubt Nate Richardson's convictions. Already unsteady by the pared back nature of Richardson's plans, the fact that the other was still presenting milquetoast, debunked solutions on the debate stage as the country teetered on the edge of recession, well - it reeked of fiddling whilst Rome burned. It was the debate that really cemented for Jonah that endorsing Nate had been a mistake, and one that he had little time to rectify. The impending Georgia primary was a vital turning point in the campaign. If Bernie Porter won Georgia, it would put some serious doubt in Richardson's camp, and hopefully, he'll either course correct, or he'll go down in flames. Earnestly, Jonah was leaning more and more to the 'nominate Bernie and just pray the Senate can keep him contained' ideal. It had worked for Warrick with Wolf, and at least there would be a pro-worker Republican in the White House.

For that reason, Jonah decided it was time to remove himself from Nate's equation, and on social media - Twitter, Facebook and other platforms - he put out another video. Its title? "Hard Decisions". With Jonah sat in front of his fire, grandfatherly and authoritative, he took his words directly to those who still listened to him, hoping that the following and attention he had built during his sadly abortive campaign would give him enough sway to break Nate's coalition just a little bit.

"My fellow Americans,

The last time I addressed you from here, my home in Charleston, West Virginia, I laid out the choice we had ahead of us in the Republican primary. And in that instance, I had thrown my weight behind Nathaniel Richardson, in the hope that he would grow into the kind of candidate worthy of following the realignment of the Republican Party in 2016 as a party of American family values wedded with a conviction to put working Americans first. That was at the center of my campaign for President, and that consideration was at the center of my mind when I made my decision to endorse.

I wish I could say I stand by my decision, but we need to be real and we need to face the facts. Facts, as it has been often said, don't care about your feelings. And the facts are not good. America's economy has been shaken by a real, shocking blow. The situation has changed, and we must change with it in order to protect jobs, to protect your homes and livelihoods. Radical action is demanded, and Senator Warrick was right when he said we need to turn away from orthodoxy to get there. That, unfortunately, has not been the position of Nate Richardson.

Nate Richardson has regressed, as a candidate. He has retreated from a conviction to work with and respect blue collar conservatives, like those here in West Virginia, or in upstate New York, or in rural Georgia. He has reverted to putting the world of ideology and finance ahead of the real needs of the people, and that is a kind of bankruptcy I cannot support. It is for that reason that, with a heavy heart, I am announcing that I withdraw my endorsement for Nate Richardson. I cannot, in good conscience, support a man who has paid lip service to our new Republican coalition but has refused to back it up with substantive changes in policy, especially at a time when American workers are in more danger than ever before.

I appeal to all Americans, and all Republicans, to vote with their conscience over the primary season, and in November. Take a look at the country around you, as Congressional inaction and hostile foreign action inflict real harm on our livelihoods and our communities, and make your decisions based on that. I trust in the American people, I believe in the American people, and I hope that through the power of our almighty democracy, we shall do right as we see the right. We need real, conservative change in this country, and it is only through we, the people, that it will get delivered. No more kow-towing, no more compromising, and no more broken promises. That is how we guard our Greater America.

God bless you all, and God bless these United States of America."

[Sarenium]

Deb Feyrer
@AlabamaDeb

---

Governor Prendergast sees through RINO Richie's fake hippy dippy bullshit! Vote Porter!

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

---

Governor's Press Conference
March 24
Columbia, South Carolina

---

Wesley Bucknell grumbled slightly as he mounted the podium, sending a look of mild disgust at the press junket arrayed before him. The reporters had been stringently vetted, and after four years of the Beaufort Bulldog, they were well aware what would befall them if they were too liberal with their camera flashes. Forcing his icy blue gaze up every few moments, the Governor launched into his speech, typical gruffness suffused with a passionate undertone.

"Good morning, Carolina. As y'all know, our nation is teetering on the brink of another recession. Now, as per usual, we can't rely on the federal government to fix it. But y'all can rely on me. I wasn't elected on empty promises. I'm a man of action. And I won't stand by as my state suffers. Ever since the first signs of an economic downturn, I have been working night and day with my advisors to fix up a plan that will not just prevent a crisis in our state, but will lift us higher than we've ever been before. Today I am pleased to unveil the 'Food Stamps into Plowshares' Program.

"I will use every effective strategy there is to fight this thing, but today I want to focus on the three I'm most excited about. First, there will be a huge re-organization of the Department of Employment and Workforce. It was not doing enough to employ our good men and women whose talents were going to waste. I'm cutting the red tape. From now on, it will just be the Department of Work, because that's exactly what it'll do. Every single person who applies will get a job. Government jobs. Contracting jobs. Private sector jobs. We're going to connect the unemployed directly to the employers. We're going to get rid of welfare queens, and replace them with workers. No more welfare, workfare. Food stamps into plowshares."

Bucknell paused, sweeping the room furtively for its reaction before pressing on. "Second, there will be an immediate moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. When our workers are worrying about losing their jobs, they don't need to worry about living in the streets. It will expire at the end of next month, unless we need it longer. My objective is to help the people of Carolina, and like I said, I will use every weapon I have to fight this crisis until it's licked.

"Finally, each and every Carolinian worker who's laid off in the next six weeks will get a $500 check. That will be more than enough to tide our workers over until the Department of Work re-employs them. No family is going to go hungry, no man is going to go unemployed, no household is going to be kicked to the curb under my watch. We aren't just going to avert this recession, we're going to end unemployment and make Carolina the best state in the Union."

Wesley drained a glass of water that had been placed on the lectern before reluctantly turning back to the press. "Any questions?"

[Louisianan]

(Image)

---

Governor's Press Conference
March 24
Columbia, South Carolina

---

Wesley Bucknell grumbled slightly as he mounted the podium, sending a look of mild disgust at the press junket arrayed before him. The reporters had been stringently vetted, and after four years of the Beaufort Bulldog, they were well aware what would befall them if they were too liberal with their camera flashes. Forcing his icy blue gaze up every few moments, the Governor launched into his speech, typical gruffness suffused with a passionate undertone.

(Image)

"Good morning, Carolina. As y'all know, our nation is teetering on the brink of another recession. Now, as per usual, we can't rely on the federal government to fix it. But y'all can rely on me. I wasn't elected on empty promises. I'm a man of action. And I won't stand by as my state suffers. Ever since the first signs of an economic downturn, I have been working night and day with my advisors to fix up a plan that will not just prevent a crisis in our state, but will lift us higher than we've ever been before. Today I am pleased to unveil the 'Food Stamps into Plowshares' Program.

"I will use every effective strategy there is to fight this thing, but today I want to focus on the three I'm most excited about. First, there will be a huge re-organization of the Department of Employment and Workforce. It was not doing enough to employ our good men and women whose talents were going to waste. I'm cutting the red tape. From now on, it will just be the Department of Work, because that's exactly what it'll do. Every single person who applies will get a job. Government jobs. Contracting jobs. Private sector jobs. We're going to connect the unemployed directly to the employers. We're going to get rid of welfare queens, and replace them with workers. No more welfare, workfare. Food stamps into plowshares."

Bucknell paused, sweeping the room furtively for its reaction before pressing on. "Second, there will be an immediate moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. When our workers are worrying about losing their jobs, they don't need to worry about living in the streets. It will expire at the end of next month, unless we need it longer. My objective is to help the people of Carolina, and like I said, I will use every weapon I have to fight this crisis until it's licked.

"Finally, each and every Carolinian worker who's laid off in the next six weeks will get a $500 check. That will be more than enough to tide our workers over until the Department of Work re-employs them. No family is going to go hungry, no man is going to go unemployed, no household is going to be kicked to the curb under my watch. We aren't just going to avert this recession, we're going to end unemployment and make Carolina the best state in the Union."

Wesley drained a glass of water that had been placed on the lectern before reluctantly turning back to the press. "Any questions?"

A college newspaper journalist stands, "Hi! Clemson University Paper, by turning welfare into workfare, don't you fear that you may be putting people who really need food stamps and welfare and things like that at risk? People, who are disabled with children and people like that?"

[Concerned American Workers]

(Image)

---

Governor's Press Conference
March 24
Columbia, South Carolina

---

Wesley Bucknell grumbled slightly as he mounted the podium, sending a look of mild disgust at the press junket arrayed before him. The reporters had been stringently vetted, and after four years of the Beaufort Bulldog, they were well aware what would befall them if they were too liberal with their camera flashes. Forcing his icy blue gaze up every few moments, the Governor launched into his speech, typical gruffness suffused with a passionate undertone.

(Image)

"Good morning, Carolina. As y'all know, our nation is teetering on the brink of another recession. Now, as per usual, we can't rely on the federal government to fix it. But y'all can rely on me. I wasn't elected on empty promises. I'm a man of action. And I won't stand by as my state suffers. Ever since the first signs of an economic downturn, I have been working night and day with my advisors to fix up a plan that will not just prevent a crisis in our state, but will lift us higher than we've ever been before. Today I am pleased to unveil the 'Food Stamps into Plowshares' Program.

"I will use every effective strategy there is to fight this thing, but today I want to focus on the three I'm most excited about. First, there will be a huge re-organization of the Department of Employment and Workforce. It was not doing enough to employ our good men and women whose talents were going to waste. I'm cutting the red tape. From now on, it will just be the Department of Work, because that's exactly what it'll do. Every single person who applies will get a job. Government jobs. Contracting jobs. Private sector jobs. We're going to connect the unemployed directly to the employers. We're going to get rid of welfare queens, and replace them with workers. No more welfare, workfare. Food stamps into plowshares."

Bucknell paused, sweeping the room furtively for its reaction before pressing on. "Second, there will be an immediate moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. When our workers are worrying about losing their jobs, they don't need to worry about living in the streets. It will expire at the end of next month, unless we need it longer. My objective is to help the people of Carolina, and like I said, I will use every weapon I have to fight this crisis until it's licked.

"Finally, each and every Carolinian worker who's laid off in the next six weeks will get a $500 check. That will be more than enough to tide our workers over until the Department of Work re-employs them. No family is going to go hungry, no man is going to go unemployed, no household is going to be kicked to the curb under my watch. We aren't just going to avert this recession, we're going to end unemployment and make Carolina the best state in the Union."

Wesley drained a glass of water that had been placed on the lectern before reluctantly turning back to the press. "Any questions?"

A stout man stands up.

"Fox News here. Governor, how do you expect the state legislature to support this bill given the state's multi-billion dollar deficit, including millions in unpaid state retirement benefits? Where is this money coming from without any new federal support announced yet?"

[Concerned American Workers]

Mac Faulhaber
@MemphisMac

---

If South Carolina pushes through with this plan to destroy welfare in the state and gut all of its social programs, I hope they are ready to foot the bill. Per the statutes of these programs, such a drastic change would make the state's programs ineligible for federal funding.

Mac Faulhaber
@MemphisMac

---

I am prepared to draft legislation mandating a complete and immediate recall of all federal funding from any program or department that wants to take away support from families and children. It's the law and announcing it so brazenly at a press conference will only result in the state's ludicrous plan going bankrupt immediately.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

A college newspaper journalist stands, "Hi! Clemson University Paper, by turning welfare into workfare, don't you fear that you may be putting people who really need food stamps and welfare and things like that at risk? People, who are disabled with children and people like that?"

Bucknell thought for a moment.

"People don't need to be on welfare. Not Carolinians. Welfare makes a man into a tick, sucking on the government to survive. Nobody wants to live that way. We're going to give those that live on welfare jobs so that they can put food on their tables the good, honest way, and feel proud of themselves about it. We're not shutting down all welfare programs immediately, nobody's gonna go hungry, we're beginning a transition that will end the need for food stamps and other humiliating handouts."

A stout man stands up.

"Fox News here. Governor, how do you expect the state legislature to support this bill given the state's multi-billion dollar deficit, including millions in unpaid state retirement benefits? Where is this money coming from without any new federal support announced yet?"

Bucknell nodded to himself, knowing he had a good response.

"Funding will not be an issue. Our government has a huge budgetary surplus, and our debt is under control, especially when you consider Carolina relative to the rest of the Union. We're in a good place economically. And right now, getting relief out to our people is more important that paying off debt. But if the state legislature can't understand that, and fast, then I will issue executive orders accomplishing everything I've just promised.

[Kargintinia]

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---

*Sound of gunfire, screaming*



On August 3rd, 2019; a man motivated by hate committed an act of evil within our state





Bernard Porter preaches this same hate at his rallys



And Crawford Clay stands beside him



Mayor Harold Baines rejects this kind of hate, and will fight to stop white supremacy and hatred.



Vote to stop Clay's hate. Vote Harold Baines for Senator on November 3rd


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[Louisianan]

A college newspaper journalist stands, "Hi! Clemson University Paper, by turning welfare into workfare, don't you fear that you may be putting people who really need food stamps and welfare and things like that at risk? People, who are disabled with children and people like that?"

Bucknell thought for a moment.

"People don't need to be on welfare. Not Carolinians. Welfare makes a man into a tick, sucking on the government to survive. Nobody wants to live that way. We're going to give those that live on welfare jobs so that they can put food on their tables the good, honest way, and feel proud of themselves about it. We're not shutting down all welfare programs immediately, nobody's gonna go hungry, we're beginning a transition that will end the need for food stamps and other humiliating handouts."

A stout man stands up.

"Fox News here. Governor, how do you expect the state legislature to support this bill given the state's multi-billion dollar deficit, including millions in unpaid state retirement benefits? Where is this money coming from without any new federal support announced yet?"

Bucknell nodded to himself, knowing he had a good response.

"Funding will not be an issue. Our government has a huge budgetary surplus, and our debt is under control, especially when you consider Carolina relative to the rest of the Union. We're in a good place economically. And right now, getting relief out to our people is more important that paying off debt. But if the state legislature can't understand that, and fast, then I will issue executive orders accomplishing everything I've just promised.

"But sir, 371,443 children receive SNAP benefits. Some people simply can't work. In 2017, 730,000 people had disabilities, stopping them from working. By cutting various welfare programs you are putting these people out in the cold, with no means of survival. Those people don't find it embarrassing, they are grateful that they are getting help. Don't you have any fears at all that these people will be hurt?

[Concerned American Workers]

A college newspaper journalist stands, "Hi! Clemson University Paper, by turning welfare into workfare, don't you fear that you may be putting people who really need food stamps and welfare and things like that at risk? People, who are disabled with children and people like that?"

Bucknell thought for a moment.

"People don't need to be on welfare. Not Carolinians. Welfare makes a man into a tick, sucking on the government to survive. Nobody wants to live that way. We're going to give those that live on welfare jobs so that they can put food on their tables the good, honest way, and feel proud of themselves about it. We're not shutting down all welfare programs immediately, nobody's gonna go hungry, we're beginning a transition that will end the need for food stamps and other humiliating handouts."

A stout man stands up.

"Fox News here. Governor, how do you expect the state legislature to support this bill given the state's multi-billion dollar deficit, including millions in unpaid state retirement benefits? Where is this money coming from without any new federal support announced yet?"

Bucknell nodded to himself, knowing he had a good response.

"Funding will not be an issue. Our government has a huge budgetary surplus, and our debt is under control, especially when you consider Carolina relative to the rest of the Union. We're in a good place economically. And right now, getting relief out to our people is more important that paying off debt. But if the state legislature can't understand that, and fast, then I will issue executive orders accomplishing everything I've just promised.

"South Carolina has nearly a $20 billion budget shortfall. That is not a surplus." responded the man dryly.

"So you are saying you are comfortable moving forward with deficit spending, in contrast to traditional fiscal conservative values?"

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

"But sir, 371,443 children receive SNAP benefits. Some people simply can't work. In 2017, 730,000 people had disabilities, stopping them from working. By cutting various welfare programs you are putting these people out in the cold, with no means of survival. Those people don't find it embarrassing, they are grateful that they are getting help. Don't you have any fears at all that these people will be hurt?

Bucknell began to get irritable.

"You haven't been listening to what I'm saying. Did I mention any immediate cuts? No. We're gonna wean people off of welfare over time. There are plenty of jobs for disabled people. Plenty of ways for them to do an honest day's work. Working from home. Freelancing. Customer service. Internet jobs. We will find a solution. As I said, nobody's going out in the cold under my watch."

"South Carolina has nearly a $20 billion budget shortfall. That is not a surplus." responded the man dryly.

"So you are saying you are comfortable moving forward with deficit spending, in contrast to traditional fiscal conservative values?"

Bucknell blinked as he was reminded why he hated the media. Here was FOX News, and even they couldn't cover him favorably.

"No," the veteran said with a small smile, "we don't. Get your facts straight. There will be no deficit spending, because we don't have a deficit."

[Dentali]

A college newspaper journalist stands, "Hi! Clemson University Paper, by turning welfare into workfare, don't you fear that you may be putting people who really need food stamps and welfare and things like that at risk? People, who are disabled with children and people like that?"

Bucknell thought for a moment.

"People don't need to be on welfare. Not Carolinians. Welfare makes a man into a tick, sucking on the government to survive. Nobody wants to live that way. We're going to give those that live on welfare jobs so that they can put food on their tables the good, honest way, and feel proud of themselves about it. We're not shutting down all welfare programs immediately, nobody's gonna go hungry, we're beginning a transition that will end the need for food stamps and other humiliating handouts."

A stout man stands up.

"Fox News here. Governor, how do you expect the state legislature to support this bill given the state's multi-billion dollar deficit, including millions in unpaid state retirement benefits? Where is this money coming from without any new federal support announced yet?"

Bucknell nodded to himself, knowing he had a good response.

"Funding will not be an issue. Our government has a huge budgetary surplus, and our debt is under control, especially when you consider Carolina relative to the rest of the Union. We're in a good place economically. And right now, getting relief out to our people is more important that paying off debt. But if the state legislature can't understand that, and fast, then I will issue executive orders accomplishing everything I've just promised.

“Governor how many hours a week will be required for welfare and will you increase measures to help the recently unemployed find new or temporary positions so they can qualify?”

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

“Governor how many hours a week will be required for welfare and will you increase measures to help the recently unemployed find new or temporary positions so they can qualify?”

Bucknell was glad to hear a non-accusatory question.

"Many of the details are still being adjusted. However, I think a thirty hour work week would be a minimum requirement. And yes, absolutely, getting those who are laid off during this crisis back on their feet will be our foremost goal until the recession is gone."

[Sarenium]

“Governor how many hours a week will be required for welfare and will you increase measures to help the recently unemployed find new or temporary positions so they can qualify?”

Bucknell was glad to hear a non-accusatory question.

"Many of the details are still being adjusted. However, I think a thirty hour work week would be a minimum requirement. And yes, absolutely, getting those who are laid off during this crisis back on their feet will be our foremost goal until the recession is gone."

"Given that recessions tend to wipe out tax receipts, and your plan would effectively employ the entire unemployed population of the state for an undetermined amount of time," asked Judith Fitzhenryingtonal, of the WSJ, "how will the state remain financially solvent with such enormous inbound deficits?"

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Bucknell was glad to hear a non-accusatory question.

"Many of the details are still being adjusted. However, I think a thirty hour work week would be a minimum requirement. And yes, absolutely, getting those who are laid off during this crisis back on their feet will be our foremost goal until the recession is gone."

"Given that recessions tend to wipe out tax receipts, and your plan would effectively employ the entire unemployed population of the state for an undetermined amount of time," asked Judith Fitzhenryingtonal, of the WSJ, "how will the state remain financially solvent with such enormous inbound deficits?"

Bucknell's irritation mounted visibly.

"You're puttin' the cart before the horse," he said, grinding his teeth. "As I said, this is our vision, not the specifics. First of all, there is no recession yet. Second of all, the government will not be directly paying many of the people we employ. We'll be working hand-in-hand with the private sector to employ Carolinians while keeping our businesses afloat. Trust me, my plan is approved by very smart economists."