The Canadian Free Press

This interview is a continuation of my series of conversations with candidates for the Prime Minister's office. Today I have the opportunity to speak with Banach, who I did not pay 10 dollars for the interview

Jayson V: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with the Canadian Free Press.

Banach: No problem, that’ll be ten dollars

Jayson V: Could you tell our readers a little bit more about your history and background in the game?

Banach: I started off as a humble journalist. I moved up in activity and began my journey as a cabinet minister, then a congress person. Between wars, I travelled around the world, getting a feel of each nation in the game and befriending everyone I met. Once I built ten months of experience in this game, I decided I was mature enough as a citizen to try out running a nation. I won Premiership in October under the Norsefire banner. From there, I just continued accomplishing tasks on my list: hosting literary tournaments and creating a writer’s guild for Canada, giving money away to Canadians who needed it and deserved it, ranking up in the military to the highest rank, being a Justice, being a party member of various parties, moving to Switzerland and becoming the Vice President, moving to USA and becoming a lieutenant in an American platoon, and so on and so forth. I even started a company, but I sold it as my priorities changed! Overall, I think I’ve done almost everything in this game and would encourage everyone to reach for the sky in this, and have fun in different roles.

Jayson V: From what I have read in past articles and shouts, it seems you advocate private programs (citizens helping other citizens) over government programs? Is this a fair assessment? What role do you think government should have in helping players?

Banach: A balance of both would be awesome. I always had a mentality that is up to the individual citizen to help his brother and sister. I take my fellow citizens extremely seriously and probably donated more money to countless people than I ever got to keep for myself. Although, to help spur this mentality, the government should definitely aid a hand and through programs like mortgages, gifting, food giveaways, basically any social services, help out the community.

Jayson V: I have also noticed that you have consistently helped new players out with free guns and our committed to making players and Canada stronger. How would your administration work to do this on a greater scale?

Banach: Its hard to translate my personal generosity to the government. What I do is from my own wallet, and for my sake only. The government works with tax payer money, it’s not MY money. In that regard however, I do like what we have right now where our Industry creates free supplies that can be given out, and of course, if the nation pledges their support for the greater good, my administration might just become the most generous and socially involved administration in the nation’s history. It’s all about being fiscally responsible first and foremost however. If we have the money, and opportunity, we should use it for the benefit on the public.

Jayson V: What are your thoughts on the recent rumblings between Acacia Mason and William Duncan?

Banach: I’ve stated my view on this, like I do on everything, in great detail. Let us just say that William had a lapse in good judgment, and that he is who he is. There really is no more need to stress his mistake, he learned and overcame it.

Jayson V: Many Canadian businesses are unprofitable at this time. What economic reforms would your administration make to improve this situation? What are your thoughts on the government intervening regarding currency valuation?

Banach: Let me just start by saying that I will, besides the Ministers of Industry and Finance, be relying on three talented financial gurus within my Economics Advisory Board that will guide my good judgement and decisions. In this time of peace, and an opening international market, our economy begs for a stimulus in exporting and overall heightening of both worker salaries and business profit. We don’t need the money like we did in war time so let’s take advantage of our ridiculously generous situation and stimulate our industry. A good place to start, and a move which I really support, is the decreasing value of our currency. Bringing it down to 40 CAD per GOLD putting us on par with USA, and similarly to other economic powerhouses will help our exports. We have a giant resource base that we need to get shipped out and into foreign markets. This will in turn, raise salaries, raise profits for companies and, as a side effect, raise some tax money for the government, without raising taxes.

Jayson V: Many people in Spain have expressed disappointment at our treaty with the French. What are your thoughts on this matter? How or would a Banach lead administration deal with this situation differently?

Banach: Communication is key. Always consult with our EDEN brothers, make sure they understand exactly what our LONG TERM goals are, not just short term. This goes both ways, Canada must be aware that it belongs to a community of defensive and economic agreements, moving our chess piece in the right direction is good, or may result in simply check mating ourselves or our allies.

Jayson V: With five candidates, competition will be tough in this election. What do you believe is the key strength or attribute that you bring to the table that your opponents do not?

Banach: I am an all around more experienced individual than any of my other candidates. While many posses crucial skills, and are in my cabinet because of them, I believe I have a more capable leadership personality, a more vast array of knowledge spanning the entire eRepublik horizon, I have the most connections from being one of the oldest Canadians in the game and I sincerely think that my activity will lead to a very fruitful, productive and most importantly, attentive administration.

Jayson V: Politics and alliances of the e-world are shifting quickly. What actions do you think government should be taking to best position Canada in this new landscape?

Banach: Drop all our predispositions. Give former PEACE nations a chance to prove themselves. Half of them aren’t a threat to us, and some are potential allies, as we have noticed. I really hate the idea of labelling nations as enemies, even if they want to attack us. I believe Canada must be accepting and fair tempered to any hostility shown from opposing nations and try diplomacy and friendship with the administration, before being tangled in a pointless cold war.

Jayson V: Which parties would you like to receive the nomination from for your candidacy? Are there any parties whose nomination you would not accept?

Banach: Hehe, the more the merrier right? I would never decline a party nomination, that would just be silly, nay, insulting to me and to the public.

Jayson V: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview, and I wish you luck in your upcoming campaign.

Banach: Cheers, you bring up fantastic questions.