Clips from the Debate
I have forgone commentary during the debate, in accordance with the moderator's wishes. But now here below are a selection of quotes from both parties in the debate. Each quote is linked with its source, so you can easily check its context.
A clear and reasoned philosophy of legislation.As a general matter of principle, I oppose creation of new government agencies and positions unless there is a distinct and current need for them. In a nation as small as ours, they will otherwise suck up the time of our active citizens. When I look at a piece of legislation that proposes to institute a new agency or position, there are all kinds of questions. Is it Organic? Is it redundant? Is it procedurally sound? But the most important question: is this necessary?
Most of our great contributions and works come from people who are outside of official positions, working on things that they just think are fun or interesting. This is not to say that our official positions are useless (although some of them could easily go unfilled and be unnoticed), but that Talossa is a country that is powered by enthusiasm first and regulation second. Voters are forgiving and the Corts are glaciers, so violations of regulations are seldom punished. It is the smiling face of a quiet citizen who writes a new Talossan song or proposes a grand bit of nonsensical fun that makes Talossa run. Anything that saps away that smile and leaves him less time for his song - or for his charity - is to be viewed with suspicion.
I hope he'll always have someone to double-check his votes...I regret to say that MC Tzaracomprada appears to be mistaken. The email sent out by the Secretary of State is called an "Act," and makes no amendments or changes to the Organic Law. It is a simple statute. As such, it is in fact beyond the Ziu's power to pass it in my opinion, because no statute can contradict or amend the Organic Law. To change the meaning of a phrase is to amend it, and an amendment requires 2/3 of the Ziu and a referendum. It is unfortunate a vote was made in such error.
I must say that I agree with S:reu Davis. A statute cannot amend the Organic Law. I have changed my original "PER" vote to "NON" accordingly as my initial vote was on the mistaken assumption that MC Molinar had changed it back to an Amendment. If MC Molinar and cosponsors resubmit as an Amendment in future they can count on my support.
How odd, to support a bill you don't want passed. Unless someone just double-checked the bill for you in a debate and now you need to adjust your position...As a matter of procedure concerning electoral reform I support forms of preferential voting, one of which is indeed Instant Runoff Voting (IRV), and while I think that the bill
would need some significant revisions I find myself still in support of the Election Reform Act Take Two.
...
Concerning IRV, I agree with Sir Briga and S:reu Asmourescu who suggested a pilot program in one of provinces rather than an immediate and large-scale change to our realm-wide election system.
I don't want to seem like I'm picking on MC Tzaracomprada, especially not when he has already had to change one vote in the Cosa because of our discussions. But it's hard to reply when I don't know where he stands.
When this amendment was discussed, I opposed it and instead joined MC Grischun in proposing a trial program in a province. But where does MC Tzaracomprada stand? He co-sponsored it and supports it, but also opposes it and wants a trial program instead?
A knowledge of law and how it works in our nation...The Senäts serves terms of three or four Cosas, far longer than any other elected office. It is called the upper house of the Ziu, but yet has inferior powers because it can appropriate no monies and has no power to dismiss the Government. So what is the purpose of this seemingly contradictory house of the Ziu?
The Senäts is intended to provide a considered buffer on the functions of the Ziu. Standing apart from immediate reactions because of long terms, a Senator is supposed to vote his conscience and sometimes make the unpopular decision. The keys to the treasury and the government remain in the indirect hands of the people, through the frequently-elected Cosa – this helps ensure that the Senäts doesn't wield undue power. But a Senator is supposed to be more than a census-taker. He's supposed to be a legislator.
In the scenario outlined, I would vote my conscience. A Senator should always listen to his constituents because they may have good arguments or good ideas. But when it comes to the question of doing what is popular or doing what is right, then he should always choose to do what is right. He should use his knowledge and experience with the law, history, and his province and have the courage of his convictions. Anything else demeans the purpose of his noble institution.
The first of many replies to the Tzaracomprada single-issue campaign. I guess when all you have is a hammer...Please explain to M-M voters the reasons for your (11/16/2009) resignation as Senator for M-M.
Earlier I had thought someone was attacking Secretary of State Preston, and I lashed out at that person's party. It was silly and stupid. I resigned because I thought I had made a mistake, and wanted to give voters a chance to decide if I should keep serving as their Senator.
I guess maybe that was shooting myself in the foot in some ways. After all, in only the last election I was re-elected by Maritiimi-Maxhestic with almost every vote. I received endorsements by every party that endorsed a candidate. So I could have just cruised on by in office, apologized and moved on.
But even though it was to my personal disadvantage, I thought the citizens deserved to vote to see if I should keep my seat. So I resigned, and I hope the electorate sees their way through to forgiving a single lapse in light of my years of service and accomplishments.
I appreciate your take on it, though. "Fits of unreason"... hm. I guess that's fair, if a little self-serving. But please don't disparage the history of our province. You may not think it matters, but citizens like Istefan Lorentzescu have a clear concern for it. Knowing where we have been can help guide us into the future. Plus, I think it shows a decent appreciation for our province to take the trouble to learn its history. At least don't be as snide when you call me a "history professor," maybe?
The Unanswerable Question.Aside from your role in the development of our constitution (i.e. declaring the convention's start and making some suggestions, which were very helpful) and the process of this special election, what have you done for Maritiimi-Maxhestic specifically? Please don't indulge in generalities or by referencing some national legislation that incidentally includes our province - what have you done for your province, prior to wanting its Senate seat? Also, maybe avoid writing an essay on an unrelated matter instead of answering.
I'm actually going to repeat my last question, a little reworded. I understand that you were intimately involved with censuring my regrettable action. And of course as soon as I resigned, you leap to the process of replacing me. Intriguingly, I think it was actually your first-ever action taken as Grand General Secretary.
But again, aside from your role in the development of our constitution (i.e. declaring the convention's start and making some suggestions, which were very helpful)
and the circumstances leading to this special election, what have you done for Maritiimi-Maxhestic specifically?
You appear to be misunderstanding my repeated question.
I know that you called me out, and think it was right of you. That's part of the whole "circumstances leading to this special election." Those circumstances include your calling me out, your decision to act as Grand General Secretary for the first time and decide to whom to give the seat, your graceful acceptance of your actual powerlessness this term when reminded by myself and S:reu Lorentzescu of the State of Emergency, your campaign, and this debate. I understand you really want this seat, so I'm not asking about those actions you've taken to get it.
Honest. When I say I'm not asking about the circumstances leading to this special election, I actually and seriously mean I'm not asking about those circumstances. It's not some sort of trick where I mean the opposite of my words, like someone sponsoring a bill they oppose.
I want to know what
else[/i][/u] you have done for your province.
So yet again,
aside[/i][/u] from your role in the development of our constitution and the circumstances leading to this special election, what have you done for Maritiimi-Maxhestic specifically?
I'm not sure how I have to phrase this question to get you to answer it. When I ask what you did aside from A, you answer A. I say, "Okay, but
aside from A, what have you done?" You answer... A!
You were head of the Constitutional Convention (until you disappeared). I know that. The voters know it. You confronted me when I screwed up recently. I know that. The voters know it. What I'm asking is if you've ever done anything
else[/i][/u]. When all you can do is repeat the two things I asked you to exclude, it makes it seem like you've never done anything for Maritiimi-Maxhestic. Is that the case?
Aside[/i][/b] from those things (i.e. not including them), have you ever done anything for your province?
My intentions had been to ask MC Tzaracomprada what he had done for his province, then I was going to compare my record with his. But he has no intention of ever answering that question beyond chastising me over and over, and doesn't seem to understand that I was hoping for some small morsel of accomplishment beyond that. So I cede my question, and will just let MC Tzaracomprada take another round and ask me the last question of this phase.
What legislation would MC Tzaracomprada propose? He would propose S:reu Davis' legislation!Though I must confess that initially, I had wanted to follow the route of Vuode, upon the popular approval of the Constitution that S:reu Davis drafted and which was approved by the Convention. I thought this would be an ideal first act as Senator that might unite and activate the people of M-M, but after seeing the King’s veto, I reconsidered.
And after some more consideration, I was led to my current stance. It may not be politically expedient but I am going to be frank and say that S:reu Davis’ “The Justice Act” attempts to address an important problem: the inactivity of the Kingdom’s judicial process. After over a year of anxious waiting, the Kingdom still awaits judgment on the pending case of
Government v. Chancery. This is an issue that has worried me for some time.
Therefore, I would seek to collaborate (should I win or lose this great contest with my honorable colleague, S:reu Davis) on addressing this issue through a revised version of the former Senator’s suggested bill above or completely new legislation. I believe that it is a great starting point and upon legislative review in the Hopper would be ready to tackle this troubling problem.
True!I have corresponded with kings, both fallen and reigning.
I have written sweeping new laws which mandate changes, and repealed ancient ones which offered nothing but uselessness.
I have delved deep into the depths of the tradition and history of my nation and province, emerging enlightened and awestruck.
I have served in many cabinets and advised three Seneschals. I have led the Senate in spirit, in fact, and in office. I have served my country for years with all of my creativity, talent, and strength.
I have done all of these things.
But never will I dare argue with Mick Preston about baseball.
S:reu Davis take a clear stance, eschewing easy promises.MC Tzaracomprada hints at compromises on “the Monarchy, claimed provinces and the logistics of reintegration.” And I'm not sure what that means, exactly. But I do know that I am unwilling to abolish the Organic Law. I am unwilling to abolish our monarchy and our Good King John. And I am unwilling to cede my home province to the Republic. When they have not only said, but actually legislated a law, stating that they will accept nothing less... what more can we do?
...
I would welcome specifics otherwise. What shall we abolish?
Thank you Senator Preston. I think my words stand as they are. I support reunification and as I told another M-Mer in answering his question on my views on this same question...I suspect that the knitting of our fractured realm may be as painful as the initial fracture itself.
Alexander Davis: Experience and Knowledge of the Law and His Province. Years of Solid Effort and Real Results. Vote Davis in 2010.
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