AHSCA Congressional Elections (Polls are open)

[AHSCA]

PART A

This is a Special Report Created by the newly established state media for the AHSCA Islands and outlying territories and states, as administered by the United Island Propaganda Office. The lights rise on two young ladies behind them a very simple background of the island looking out to the ocean at dusk.


"Good day to you all. I'm Momo Tomoe, native of Aurora Island"


"And I'm Theodroa Scott , recently nationalized citizen from Stillestando or Truce."

TOMOE:"Thank you those world wide for joining us on this pilot broadcast of our new media center which is also in print and broadcasted via short wave radio. And it's election time again"

SCOTT: "AHSCA is a complex republic made of monarchs, chiefdoms and autocracy, nothing is more important than ensuring all citizens have a voice that can be reached to our Grand Duchess by electing our national congress."

The rest alternates between them

"While the NLP has long held it's grip as the majority party of the nation the minority has put out a candidate really grabbing some attention in what is being called the most wide open race in our history. Today we'll examine the candidates one of whom has agreed to appear on this show. She's also one of the chief voices to establish the Propaganda Office but it's important to know she has no editorial control over this show. Before we do begin I need to talk to you Thea, this being your first election since you became a citizen must be exciting."

"Oh quite exciting. I'm from Kurona originally which too is a monarchy but quite different from this here but the same in the sense we don't elect our monarchs or senators. But I'm pleased to see how much the Grand Duchess has given Congress the ability to be the voice of the people for her. She has so much power but is so kind with it."

"She is our beloved leader and has been for a long time. Now onto our candidates, we have a much smaller campaign for the first time since our elections were set up we only have TWO parties competing. The National Christian Party has resigned it self from the congress as a political party and has said it will focus on continuing fellowship for Christians on the island. While the Communist Party and the Socialist Party have declined a running for this race. This has left a new gap to fill in, so we have our two major parties, the National Liberal Party, or NLP and the United Island Party, or UIP. The NLP was once known to be the National Lesbian Party but has since changed it self to become an all inclusive party."

"The UIP has been the minority party for a long time long outvoted by the ever present NLP. But citizens are abuzz saying this time could be different for the minority. No one is as excited as Mikalea Olaf a native of my own Truce Island. Competing against the incumbent Kaena Arorah. Both do have their agreements and their disagreements as we are sure to see on many debates to come. Senator Aroah is running on her promises of her other terms to maintain AHSCA's beauty in environment, positive foreign relations with our friends "

"On the other side, Madam Olaf has said she's been pleased with the establishment of Government but would love to see more created. More offices for specialties such as forecasting the weather, monitoring our currency and even setting for our agriculture. But what is really striking a cord is her plans for establishing a mandatory education for all citizens something that has long been very controversial. Mrs. Olaf if joining us now. Sen-er-madam welcome to our first show."

OLAF: "No thank you ladies, I'm very honored."

TOMOE: "We have to say Missus, you are perhaps the most ambitious already seeking the title of Speaker what is basically the Chief of Congress when you your self have never served in office. Why such high ambitions?"

OLAF: "I feel I am an ambitious person by nature. It's true I'm but a wife and mother but I've always had that streak in me."

SCOTT: "But why go for that instead of starting off as running for senate for your reselected island and what is now my island too. We can see you have a streak of passion."

OLAF: "Well I'm sorry to repeat my self but it is part of my nature to really reach high but you're right it is sort of crazy given that I have never served in office before. Many who do seek the high position for speaker usually have served in the senate for some time but I feel I'm a bit impatient and would like to see greater progress that can get done if I'm the one to take charge."

TOMOE: "You feel that if you simply run for the senate without taking charge your ideas could likely die on paper."

OLAF: "Well I'm weary of saying that, I do believe Senator Kaena is a honorable woman and I believe she has served her country in congress faithfully and according to the Constitution and to the Duchess but I also believe it is time for a change. I worry more about her getting complacent with her long held incumbency, I do worry about her wife, Arorah as well as C.A. Adorina who's politics are certainly a lot more radical in nature. I do not feel Senator Kaena her self would go out of her way to kill minority bills but if the UIP takes majority hold I feel more of our work that we have been working on the last few years can finally get implemented faster."

TOMOE: "So you do feel there has been some influence in stalling bills and proposals by the Minority?"

OLAF: "I feel maybe our process has been slowed greatly being we have been in the Minority. I feel that's simply politics more than undue influence but it's something I feel concern for."

SCOTT: "Mrs. Olaf we know you may be wanting to save some of your platform for the upcoming debate but is there anything you might want to share with us and the world watching to get us to better understand you?"

OLAF: "You are right I do want to hold off on divulging too much before I debate Senator Kaena but I know my education proposal has many concerned I want to say right now it's nothing to fret about but please listen to the debate because I'm sure that will come up. Since the Defense Office was established to better manage our growing army I feel more offices for other areas that concern the islands should also be established. I will work out these for Her Royal Highness to approve and I'm sure when she sees what I have in mind they will work. So please do watch the debate you will not be disappointed."

SCOTT: "I know you've mentioned your ambition and your streak but what else drives you?"

OLAF: "My young son for sure. As a parent I want to really provide a good life for him and I feel entering into public service like this, I can accomplish that."

TOMOE: "That's very sweet. Thank you very kindly for joining us and good luck."

OLAF: "My pleasure, thank you for having me."

TOMOE: "Please stay tuned for further updates on the election. If you want to share your opinions for those native to AHSCA please write to our station. Those abroad can visit our media section hosted via LBC in Lamoni."

The Lights go down the camera pulls out, director yells CUT. A very successful first broadcast for this new experiment in national journalism. Information can now reach the masses.

[AHSCA]

This is a Special Report Created by the newly established state media for the AHSCA Islands and outlying territories and states, as administered by the United Island Propaganda Office. The lights rise on two young ladies behind them a very simple background of the island looking out to the ocean at dusk. The two young ladies behind stand in one of the few solid structures on AHSCA, the Congress, made of simple stone not much more, the congressional room is full of the island's senators and even some spectators.

TOMOE: "Good day to you all I'm Momo Tomoe."

SCOTT: "And I'm Theadora Scott."

TOMOE: "Reporting here from Congress where the debate for the Congress is about to begin, it is a full house here today the busiest it has ever been for an election since the inception."

SCOTT: "So being this full is not very common, Momo?"

TOMOE: "Not usually Thea, it's usually business as usual with the ten senators and the senator aides but today we not only have all the senators present we also have citizen spectators it's not uncommon but it is mighty full today, in fact many aides were sent home to allow more room for citizens to be present. We also have special delegates representing Catabumbo Island and Passchendaele Island which are none-states."

SCOTT: "Passchendaele Island is held by Imperial, yes?"

TOMOE: "That is correct there has been some discussion as to whether it will be given over to AHSCA control, in fact Madam Olaf has said the Passchendaele is on her agenda. As for Catatumbo that still remains to be seen what our high Duchess wishes to do as that is under military control and thus her decision."

From out of sight of the cameras the voice of C.A. Adorina calls for a RISE TO ORDER

TOMOE: "That is Congressional Assistant Adorina calling for a rise to order that means Her Highness, Duchess Shino is ready to enter the chambers. Her grace is overseeing today's debate."

ADORINA: "We are pleased to welcome in our presence, her highness, Duchess Shino Villa."

A Polite quiet as Shino enters and takes her seat at the high podium of the chamber, usually reserved for the Speaker/Congressional leader but it's always given to the Villas. Shino gives her usual warm sweet smile and people carry on business.

SCOTT: "Her majesty in all her beauty and grace has graced us all with her presence. For those abroad it is customary to give the Duchess a reverence when she is has entered the chamber, which is why no applause is given."

TOMOE: "We are just now awaiting Senator Kaena and Madam Olaf to enter, now Senator Kaena will be received by applause given her position but Madam Olaf will not. They will be both greeted by Her Majesty and then allowed to begin their debate."

ADORINA: "We welcome our Senator and Speaker, Kaena."

Senators stand and politely applaud as she took to the lower side of the grand podium under Shino. Given a greeting she turned to face the senate chamber.

"Fellow senators, I'm pleased to welcome my opponent, Mikalea Olaf hoping to represent her island of Stillestando Island."

Mikalea entered as her introduction was finished, her husband and her toddler son sitting in the row nearest to the two ladies preparing to debate. She gave her friendly wave to other senators and her family.

SHINO: "Shake hands."

The two ladies exchanged a handshake.

SHINO: "I'm honored to be present for your debate please argue well and poignantly. Represent your islands well and our nation well."

BOTH: "Yes your grace."

SCOTT: "Today's Debate is moderated by Mako Kamiya he's an educator from Hoshino Island."

KAMIYA: "Majesty Duchess, Senator, Madam are we ready to begin?"

SHINO: "Please begin."

KAMIYA: "We'll begin today's debate with a topic of the Education Matters in the nation. Senator you were on of the drafters of The Education Choice Act. Do you continue to stand by that bill or would you like to see revisions?"

(ONSCREEN [SPECIAL NOTE: The Education Choice Act which gives parents the right to decide if and how their children should be educated. The law separates the Government from mandating any type of education and generally prohibits from private financial support by the taxpayers for any educational system.])

KAENA: "I do stand by my bill and I do not feel it needs to be revised in any way."

KAMIYA: "Madam Olaf you disagree."

OLAF: "Senator it mystifies me how an educated woman such as your self would say 'we should not have an education program you were educated abroad. I would have taken you would have taken that back here with you."

KAENA: "You know we are regarded as being in the third world because of this but Madam you must understand the modern industrial world relies on a system of which there is no way to fix it. More and more students are finishing school finding there is no work for them despite their supposed gained knowledge from an institution. Many say education solves the key to poverty, I think education leads to poverty. Private schools charge greatly forcing students to borrow cash and they are stuck with debt for so very long."

OLAF: "I do not believe every single nation in the world has this issue, Senator."

KANEA: Maybe not but it doesn't work for our society. Young people should be allowed to work with their parents, marry, join the armed forces do things that will contribute to society rather than sit idling for many hours only to forget. It's not healthy it's not worthwhile it's pointless. Last year 2200 youths became farmers, fishermen, parents, militia or armed forces units at ages where many children in industrial nations are drinking themselves to death on alcohol, abusing dangerous chemicals, studying subjects that will serve them no purpose in life. Imagine us on such a nation now imagine a chunk of your hard earned credits going to funding children who are wasting time and life away."

OLAF: "Senator I don't disagree some children will grow to be valued laborers in fishing or agriculture or any other important industry. Senator, people like us benefit greatly with education. Now I didn't see me going into politics, I thought I'd be raising my child and keeping house but my education has allowed me to chose to go into this. Just as I want my son to have choices. If he wants to be a fisherman I will proudly build his first ship with him, he wants to farm I will buy his first seeds for him whatever he wants to do."

KANEA: "I'm not disagreeing children benefit from reading and writing but I think this is a skill that can easily be taught by parents."

OLAF: "Where do you propose parents learn if they don't have a school. As high as our population of youth is we still have a great population leftover from the days before we were a unified government, many of them cannot read or write."

KANEA: "Those who want it will seek it out, we do not need to send them to school to do so. We should not force a child who has no interest in gravity to listen about gravity when all he wants to do is join his father out on the ocean to feed his family and feed his village."

OLAF: "Very well Senator but why not give a basic education?"

KANEA: "Why fund what isn't desired?"

OLAF: "We can make our laborers skilled by giving them good knowledge. They can do math to fund their businesses and get money from their business. They can read when traveling to far lands they can barter and trade outside their villages and bring more back."

KAMIYA: "TIME."

SCOTT: "Each topic is given a two minute time to discuss then the next topic is up for debate."

KAMIYA: "Next topic is what to do with the unincorporated territories. Senator, the floor is yours."

KANEA: "These islands do serve important strategic points to AHSCA's security in the region. They are small, remote and serve greatly from our presence."

KAMIYA: "Madam Olaf?"

OLAF: "I do agree these islands serve us well and they are friendly to us in combating piracy as well as the slave and drug trade in the region. I do feel though we should help them move towards independence and allow them the choice of continuing hosting us."

KAMIYA: "What of TXP33?"

OLAF: "I can hope that Imperial will once again come to the table to negotiate it's continued cooperation. I would like to see a greater flow of trade from that island to allow us more access to food. If I am chosen I will certianly work with her Highness Villa to bring this so."

KANEA: "I agree."

KAMIYA: "Anything more you wish to on the subject, ladies? If nothing I will close the topic and we will move on."

KAENA: "Close please."

OLAF: "Close."

KAMYA: "Madam Olaf you wish to create new government offices for various matters related to the nation but opponents feel this is an unneeded expansion of government how do you respond?"

OLAF: "Well I feel the Duchess can bring structure in a multi office system, Many government have departments and ministries relating to defense, agriculture and many others. I would like to do the same to help us organize our congress and cut down on waste and time for senators sorting matters out. I'm not out to create enforcers only aides."

KANEA: "The point of any ministry is enforcement. Creating these offices is creating more bureaucracy and red tape something we don't need. Do I need permission from you if I want to build a hut two meters from where it was?"

OLAF: "That's not my intent senator, this is not for regulating small matters this is for organizing tasks to be done quickly without a session of congress or the need for legislation. One such office I'd like to see is meteorology to better prepare us for storms and protect lives."

KANEA: "Isn't that why we have our spotters? We going to tell our spotters 'you can't go out looking for violent storms today, you have to do your paperwork first."

OLAF: "Senator please do not twist my intentions."

KANEA: "All offices are bureaucracies madam all of them are wastes and slow things down."

KAMIYA: "Time. Next subject is environment. Both of you agree our environment is worth protecting and preserving, Madam Olaf you want to see some deregulation? "

OLAF: "Only on the matter of making it easy for some folks to upgrade their homes. Imperials have provided us the resources to build cabins or even use modified cargo containers as home but to get these is a series of legal headaches. The senator wants to talk about bureaucracy it's three times as difficult to build a wood cabin as it is a thatch hut."

KANEA: "You have no issues living in one?"

OLAF: "None, senator. I'm merely saying I feel it is a person's choice--"

KANEA: "You want mega mansions sprung up on our islands?"

OLAF: No. I'm merely--"

KANEA: "Deregulating our regulations will allow things like this to happen, it's space taken up. We are a proud people of tradition and humble living I don't think it needs to be muddled."

OLAF: "THe law does not dictate our moral traditions."

KANEA: "It sees that we abide by them."

OLAF: "We are not a theocracy, Senator. Everyone has their right of choice in life."

KANEA: "And should not be infringed on by others. The law is fine and it protects our natural beauty."

KAMIYA: "TIME. Ladies you have debated well and hard today. Good luck to you both."

--

TOMOE: "The debate has closed not many topics on the agenda but a real look of Mrs. Olaf's platform very dedicated very strong. Please continue to stay with us as we cover our election when the polls officially open.

[AHSCA]

This is a Special Report Created by the newly established state media for the AHSCA Islands and outlying territories and states, as administered by the United Island Propaganda Office. The lights rise on two young ladies behind them a very simple background of the island looking out to the ocean at dusk.

TOMOE: "Thank you for joining us here at home and around the world. I'm Homu Tomoe."

SCOTT: "And I'm Theadora Scott."

TOMOE: "Continuing our coverage of the next Congressional Elections for the islands and what a fiery debate we had yesterday."

SCOTT: "You're right so much passion from each candidate. To sum up each candidate we have Senator Kaena from the island of Corona, running on her promises to continue her job as Senator and keep pushing the ideas of the NLP. She stands for the continuation of The Educational Choice Act allowing parents to decide if they want to send their children to school or not, she wants to expand community relations with our nearby island neighbors and show greater military strength in our immediate region and increase the output from TXP33 or what is known locally as Passchendaele."

TOMOE: And her opponent is Madam Olaf who is not currently in the political sector but is ambitiously seeking to take her party to the lead and beating the iron grip of the Majority NLP. She would like to see a compulsory education for all children of the island, increase foreign relations with more nations, create multiple offices of Government to handle specialized areas and lighten some but not all environmental protection restrictions which would give easier access to specialized housing. "

SCOTT: "Specifically Mrs. Olaf refers to cargo homes, homes built from heavily modified cargo containers. She has said she wouldn't have the big mansions that some of the affluent islanders have built on the off shore rock reefs. Well Homu, it was pretty contentious when it came to the education it was the area the two disagreed most."

TOMOE: "You're right, Thea, schooling has always been a really debated issue. Since the days of the ABC Bill which was really narrowly defeated when it was up for vote. Corona and Animalpolis were really the two most vocal opponents to such a bill but it remains to be seen what Primer Biscotti will do and with rumors of Chief Ayla resigning soon it will remain to see what the new chief will desire."

SCOTT: "Well I think Senator made some interesting points that many schools in the industrial world are producing a great amount of students but there are not enough jobs. In my own life my father lived in Ganosia before moving to Kurona with my mother he got out of school but had a really tough time finding work even with his degree. He did eventually, thankfully."

TOMOE: "I do feel for him but I don't think it's fair to tear a system down just because of that."

SCOTT: "Well she also has a point about many students wasting time in subjects they don't need hurting themselves with drugs and alcohol . I'm sorry I'm not trying to argue with you."

TOMOE: "It's okay well you know Kurona I know has quite ridged substance and even alcohol was only recently legalized there so I think this is your own cultural background speaking about the concerns for drugs and students abusing them. But think about girls like us who were educated and are now having the pleasure of running this new newscast, I like Senator Olaf using her own son saying she wants him to have the chance that we have. We could have done things like farm, fish, raise a family and we still can with this because we know."

SCOTT: "You're right she does have a good point there. Now Government Offices is something Olaf would like. Could work for the benefit after all Congress and her Highness currently manage all areas of Government that's quite a load for her family and for them. During the monsoonal seasons it's tough to get business done."

TOMOE: "Well allowing me to play devils advocate, Senator raises the issue of possible red tape, government bureaucracy, you know what's to say some suit isn't going to say 'you cannot fish until you fill out paperwork' "

SCOTT: "That is an interesting point. But I think islanders here have a lot of common sense. I think back to my birth land of Kurona even though there are departments and ministries, it's not hard to take to the seas, start your own farm, start your own business. Here would be the same. And here even now you have people looking over passports, we came here as missionaries no issues. "

TOMOE: "There you go."

SCOTT: "Who do you think has the edge?"

TOMOE: "Well Mrs. Olaf certainly is going to get plenty of attention but I do feel Senator Kaena still continues to connect among locals and has her stronger following there."

SCOTT: Actually don't think there has been much reaction among the global community."

TOMOE: "NO not really. Our matters don't gain the attention of much media."

SCOTT: "Ah well. Thanks for joining us again, Good night and May God Bless."

TOMOE: "Thank you for joining us. May the Light of the Wonderful Sun Goddess Madoka fill your spirit."