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Fellow Libertarians,

Once more I polled the Libertarian candidates with a series of questions. I only sent these questions out last night, so do not take it as a slight against a candidate if his response is not included below. I preferred to have a partial list of responses out at the beginning of election day and to update it over the course of the day, rather than holding the responses. Expect this article to be updated—at the very least my response will be added to those below.

Best of luck to those running in today’s elections.

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-Publius

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Questions
1) Hot topic: One justification for the changing of the tax rates was to increase funding for the military so that eAmerica can reform into a well-supplied, experienced fighting force. What's your take on military matters? Would you like to see us move towards this 'professional' model or would you prefer disbanding in favor of a privately funded 'militia' system?

2) Wildcar😛 It has been argued that socialism may well be the most efficient economic system for this game due to its design. Do you agree or disagree? In-game, in what areas (if any) would you advocate nationalisation of industries?

3) Economic: Economic issues are always a hot topic and the economy is one of the few places where congress has a large legislative authority. What is your assessment of our current economic situation? What changes (if any) would you seek to enact to improve it?

4) General Policy: Briefly summarize your beliefs. Do they coincide with Libertarian ideals?

5) General Qualifications: Are you currently signed up on the US forums, and can you devote about an hour a day to policy discussion? Do you use the US IRC channel?


John Winston Lennon (Alabama)
I've had a change in schedules and will rescind my nomination. Sorry but I feel if I can't devote the time needed to ensure obligations will/can be met it would be best bow out.
Thanks,
JW Lennon


Dragonknight (Arizona)
1) I would like to see an all tank military (probably need more numbers in here though) and cut everything else. This is for two reasons. First, it cuts down on the huge buearcracy that is created to give every soldier a weapon in every battle, which most of the time (see Op. French Toast+Azores) are not delivered in any case. This means we can concentrate our efforts and gain better results. Secondly, it would be far more reliable and for all intents and purposes, cheaper in terms of winning battles. A last point in this is that it assumes that eAmericans aren't patriotic enough to fund their own battles, which I find quite disconcerting.

2) I definately disagree. Whilst in a game mechanic sense (ie in theory) it may be more efficient, in practice it would be quagmired in buearcracy, and unable to enforce, with free gold handed out my the admins. I don't think nationalisation has been considered (taking over existing companies), but I may support some Q5 weapons companies formed to stockpile weapons for tanks, however these companies would have to be self-sustaining and not greatly effect the price in the industry.

3) The economy is doing fine, we raised taxes, contracted the money supply so our exchange rate rose but have we benefited, no nominal wages and prices have fallen by the same amount (roughly). All the government should really do is cut taxes and 'pork' spending on infrastructure (DS's and Hospitals) which are largely supporting those close to those in government.(excepting the possibility of a Q5 hospital inland away from potential takeover).

4) I believe in low taxes, limited government, freedom of speech and the press and generally personal liberty. I would hope that these coincide with Libertarian ideals.

5) Yes I am signed up on the forums, and I'm sure many folks can vouch for my activity when the debate gets going. I use the IRC channel occasionaly but I have found it to be not as useful as on eRep or the forums.


badules (Colorado)
1) In my opinion is better to achive a professional experienced fighting force.

2) I’m agree, the socialism is the most efficient economic system. Gun industry could be controlled by the goverment for achiving a good army.

3) Nowadays we have a good economic system, but we can improve it. For example, we can try to reduce the taxes of our companies are paying in other countries with agreements.

4) My idea are similar with Libertarian ideals.

5) I can devote time a day to policy discussion without problems, except the days i had lot of work in the real life.


TheBooms (Florida)
1) I think that it is not necessary to jump into war in every opportunity, but we still need the ability to conduct ourselves in a military aspect. I think this professional model is worth a try.

2) I disagree, and would not like to see socialism. I could see a possibility of nationalization in weapon and gift sectors (for war), but I prefer to avoid it.

3) I think that right now the economy is doing well, being fueled by the recent war. I think everything should continue as normal.

4) Because I'm in the Libertarian party, I would fully represent and support any preferences put forward by this part. I'm not strongly opinionated.

5) I'm already part of the US forums, and already spend around 1 hour on erepublik per day. I look forward to using the IRC channel to communicate more rapidly.


Matthew29 (Georgia)
1) I believe that the tax increase was necessary in order to replenish the depleted eUSA treasury. However, I am a firm believer in low taxes and high taxes need to be lower once the treasury is replenished. As far as the military is concerned, it is a good idea to have a few government owned weapons businesses so that the military can be supplied quickly and efficiently in the time of war. However, they should be kept at a small level and only be used for emergencies so that the government owned businesses will not affect the private sector.

2) Socialism in no way should be implemented into the game. Not only would it destroy competition among businesses, but it will also severely reduce the fun level of the game. Many people, including myself, are acting as entrepreneurs and are trying to create successful businesses. This takes time and effort that has a large reward if time is put into it. In a socialist society people would only be able to work and train by clicking two buttons and possibly fight in a war. Without economic competition there is little reason for citizens to continue to use their time for the game.

3) The economy is in a good situation, but has room for improvement. The value of the dollar is at a good state. It is high enough to have international purchasing power, but at the same time, it is low enough for our products to purchased around the world. One of the few changes I would implement is tax reform. I understand that the eUS needs to replenish the treasury, so the high taxes should be in use for another two to three weeks at most, and then lower taxes should be implemented.

4) I am a firm believer in small government and the free market. The government's job is to defend our nation for foreign adversaries and provide minimal help to those in the country that need it. The free market will eventually work itself out on its own with little government intervention. Moreover, taxes should be low and remain low so the workers may receive as much of their paycheck as possible, while also allowing companies to obtain a profit and keep prices low.

5) I am signed up for the US forums and I will be able to devote at least an hour a day to policy discussion. I currently do not use the US IRC channel, but am planning on starting within a few days.


Jeremy Hutchinson (Louisiana)
1) I am not for the war, nor against it. I feel that, we should hang low for a tad, before all this happens. I'm not saying dump Alantis and go to PEACE. I just wanna cool off our Rep a little, unless the people of eUSA Don't want to.

2.) I am actually not sure. It could be, but I need to compare two economic systems, and I can give you an answer 🙂

3.) Not to get on Sam's bad side, but I think that taxes shouldn't be this high. Lower taxes and the war will probably be the biggest.

4.) Everyone of them. 🙂

5.) I do use the US IRC, but my computer has a spazz attack every time I try to go to the US forums. I don't know why. I think that there's a virus. 🙁


Kirkex (Missouri)
1) At first, I was outraged by the new taxes, as were many Americans. After looking at the benefits of the system (not to mention the higher import taxes that it brings 😃) I was sold. I beleive that this system will allow our country to compete in the modern eRepublik world. We have the population, all we need are these taxes to bolster our military strength and compete with the likes of Indonesia and Romania.

2) I strongly agree that socialism works in this game. People can make enough to support themselves along with having a powerful government that also supports them via gifts and weapons, which brings me to my next point. I support the nationalization of weapons and maybe even gift companies. This would allow the government to put our money to work and give back to us.

3) I think the economy is doing pretty could considering we were robbed not too long ago. Not much else to say besides I support a medium strength dollar.

4) My beleifs outside of eRepublik are Libertarian. I'm a supporter of limited government, ending the war on drugs, legalization of cannabis, removing or replacing the IRS, eradication of lobbyists, and getting rid of useless spending in general. In eRepublik I beleive in what ever is best for eAmerica, it's that simple.

5) Yes and Yes 🙂 The community is the best part of the game. If you're not on the forums and irc, I suggest you join (eusforum.com).


The Cheezeburgerler (Nevada)
1) I understand the temptation to move towards the professional model, but I do not find this model necessary for our country. I do not support the imperialistic empire-building that several past administrations have pursued, and believe that our military should be used only to defend ourselves and promote freedom and liberty abroad. We do not need the professional model to do this. We can capably defend our country with the militia system. For the needs of our economy and our defense, I am in favor of lowering taxes and disbanding to a privately funded militia system.

2) It is true that socialism seems to function fairly well in this game, partly because the eEconomy is weak and large purchasers, like the government, are such a large part of the economy. Even so, I reject the notion that socialism is the most effective economic system, and believe that a lassiez faire system with low taxes would lead to the highest increase in productively, output and economic gain for our nation. I would not advocate for any nationalization.

3) The economy in this game is very frustrating at times, especially for newer players. Back when I had level 2 skills, I remember being particularly affected by high taxes. When you are only earning 5 or 6 USD a day, it is extremely burdensome to have to pay any income tax at all, lest you be unable to feed yourself. Therefore, I believe our current 20% income tax on food is punitively high. I would definitely seek to lower these taxes and stop government from robbing its citizens when some can barely feed themselves.

4) I believe that taxes on necessary daily actions are wrong, that imperialistic government is wrong and that any restrictions on freedom and liberty are wrong. I feel that my beliefs align very closely with Libertarian ideals.

5) I am signed up to the US forums, and would find the time to devote to policy discussion should I be elected. I do not currently use the US IRC channel, but definitely can and would.


pcmetoo (New York)
1) professional is awesome, still it comes at a pretty high cost; militia is amateurish, still when there's enthusiasm it can turn great. In the end i'd sacrifice that little bit for professional military

2) Socialism is always subjected to reason!! No one could impose socialism strictly on a human rights basis. I'd advocate nationalism as far as culture is regarded.. People have the right to cherrish their own values ancestry and the means to do so should be provided as much as possible; On the other hand industries are ultimate as far as individual/group potential regarded. It's the necessary evil and the best fortune maker.

3) I think there's a crisis just as it is in the real life. There isn't a balance between offerings and demand; Cheap speculation all over the place... I need to appeal entrepreneurs on that.. They are the ones who could change some of that; More realistic approaches; More work to be done towards productivity efficiency.

4) I do believe humans should be allowed individual freedoms as much as they don't hurt the other humans they interact with. Freedom is awesome for all human beings who are able to compile its vast complexity; So if you're a Libertarian just go wild.. Make business, live intense, socialize, experiment! You need to be sharp on all issues though.

5) I've used them forums, still i'm not a regular though. I can devote as much as possible for constructive discussions; I cannot identify other more positive activity than spreading the good word. I'm not familiar with the IRC channel yet, still i'm looking forward to try it.


Muljo Gobet (North Carolina)
1) Like most matters, the answer is in the middle. A professional fighting force does give us an advantage but I’m not willing to raise the taxes so high to where the citizens can’t afford to buy weapons or move. Having a good professional force and good militia instead of a superior pro force and bad militia, or the opposite, will give us the optimum military fighting force.

2) In this game, as of right now, socialism may work and help us out. I believe the people who are supporting this position are shortsighted. What happens when we’ve all stopped playing the game? Giving the government more money WILL lead to something bad. Sure all we’re doing is giving the military guns but what is the next congress going to use the money for? What about the congress after that? Too many bad possibilities can occur if we let the government nationalize this industry or any industry.

3) So far I’m liking the new import tax. It’s high enough to where we can make lots of money but not high enough to turn other countries off from trading with us. We all know war costs money, and if these new higher taxes are used to make the game more fun for everyone then I support them. However there’s a lot of talk about spending on many other things and lets not forget the construction industry. They’re not getting their fair share. If these taxes aren’t used directly for war, construction, and possibly MoW then I PROMISE to lower them.

4) In RL I’m hard core conservative, however, this is a game and should be treated as such. Many issues that I’d never support in real life I might support here. On those issues RL rules don’t apply here. So far there are many different opinions in the Libertarian party which is why I like it. Instead of following one idea we’ve all got our own to make our country greater. Only through debate can we find the best decision for all, but yes, I think I am in line with Libertarian beliefs.

5) Yes to both. Here’s my platform. http://www.erepublik.com/en/newspaper/order-66-182370/1


Cerebus Wyndsor (Pennsylvania)
1) As someone who has served in the National Guard's 2nd and 1st divisions, and fought in every war we've been involved with, I have seen the "goods" and the "bads" of how our military has been run. We definitely have the numbers when we go to war, but, more often than not, our communication breaks down. Perhaps it is because we are so large that we have communication problems, but I have seen us moving forward so that things are getting better. One of our problems was using public channels, such as IRC and the forums for discussing military procedures. This gave our enemies the opportunity to plant spies and learn of our attacks before they occurred. We need to further protect our information by using private channels and protected documents in order to ensure our plans are carried out with the utmost secrecy. The "professional" model of the military is really the only way I see to effectively organize the large amount of soldiers. It allows for a central command to pass down orders, rather than leave small militias in charge. These militias may leave some of our best allies undefended and put us in a bind with regards to our international affairs. The truth is that the military structure has been getting better and abadoning that forward progress at this point, I believe, would hurt us more than help us.

2 & 3)Socialism may appear to be the most efficient economic system at this point in the game, but I'm far from being an advocate of this system. I really think that the idea of nationalizing any of the industries would be counterproductive in the long run. While it may seem that strict governmental regulation of our industries would refine our economy, the truth is that it can be done by less intrusive means.
I have seen the economic ups-and-downs of the eUSA, and I have been part of a Congress who had to work through some major economic issues. I really think the economic problems we face are largely based on inexperience and ignorance. There are a lot of companies for sale everyday that prove my prior statement. We need successful businesspeople to be examples for the newer players and GM's. We cannot have people starting grain companies in a region where wood is in high abundance, because it is not profitable for the GM, which, ultimately puts a strain on the workers and the national economy.
The top GM's in our country need to band together and start an economic newspaper, and Congress needs to update the populace on how to better run businesses. The government doesn't need to directly interfere and force people into certain industries, but, instead, the government needs to be that guiding hand that gives the people a chance to be successful. I've always said that the slightest nudge in one direction can create an avalanche, and that nudge is what the economy needs. We don't need Congress to build the avalanche and put it out there.

4) I've always said that my general policy involves creating opportunites for the citizens of eUSA by using the government as a guiding source. Certainly the government needs to be there to collect taxes, and provide a military to protect the citizenry, but it does not need to be involved in every single part of society. The eUSA provides an opportunity for everyone to have a newspaper, and for everyone to communicate quickly and efficiently. Because of this we can use the government and our more powerful citizens to teach the new citizens, and that is the way to move our country forward.

5) I can easily devote an hour or more, per day, to policy discussions, and I have, during my past term in Congress. I am signed up on the US forums under the name Cerebus_Wyndsor, and I also use the same name on the IRC channels. Anyone can feel free to contact me at any time with any questions they have, and I'm always willing to help out.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you decide that Cerebus Wyndsor is the best choice to represent Pennsylvania in Congress once again.


Perseco (Texas)
1) I think a compromise could be reached here. I do not think eUSA's military should get a spending boost. In fact, I think the military should be disbanded and let a militia system take over. However, I also do not believe the militia system should be privately funded... it should be funded at the state level. Essentially, it would be similar to the national guard.

2) I disagree. In fact, I would probably go ahead and say that it does not seem like this game was designed for socialism because it does not give the government enough power over industries. Thus, I would not nationalize any industries.

3) Our current economic situation is worsening, but I do not think bringing forth more legislation to fix it will do anything but make it worse.

4) I believe that people should be free to do what they want with their money and property as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. More government intervention will only make things worse.

5) I am not signed up on the US forums or use the US IRC, but I can devote the time necessary for discussion, as I am familiar with the use of both forums and IRC.


Constantine IV (Virginia)
1) I support a publicly funded professional force.

2) None. I am a libertarian and I trust in free markets. If this game is biased against capitalism, I would rather work to change that policy.

3) I'm pleased that inflation has receded somewhat. Otherwise, I would interfere as little as possible in the national economy.

4) My previous responses answer this question I believe.

5) No to the forums question. Not always to the hourly discussion question and no to the US IRC channel. As a member of congress representing the Libertarian Party, I would involve myself in these activities and others as my time permits.


RedRooste (West Virginia)
1) I would love to see eAmericans take pride in their country, while seeing the eAmerican government remain small. So I'm completely in favor of privately funded militias.

2) Yes, I must agree socialism works best in this fake world, however I believe Socialism takes the fun out of the individual status struggle all of us strategists so desperately love. I would support no effort to socialize eAmerica in an effort to maintain fun competition.

3) I say we stop messing around in the transfers of large money and allow the government large dealings to become the citizens multiple small dealings!

4) Extremely egotistical I'll admit, I only coincide with Anarcho-Libertarian beliefs. Small government, lower taxes, no alliances, war with only enemies(not out of randomness), and all around less government.

5) I am signed up to the US forums and I'm starting to get used to them, I've been trying to make an effort to associate myself with the forums and try to sway people to the Libertarian ideology. And again as last election I must ask, what in the hell is the US IRC channel?


Leaderrr (Wisconsin)
1) I think for a strong USA it must be a mix between the two

2) I am disagree in this point, maybee only Hospitals and Defence systems

3) I think the import tax in the most industries are not high enough, we must make it higher to protect our companies

5) yes i am and try my best, i must say that my enlish is not very good (i am from Germany in rl) but i try to learn it more.
sory for my english 🙁


hiispie2 (Wyoming)
1) i don't actually think that we need to change rates to increase funding for the military. If we change taxes to fund the military we are just saying to the world that we will bow to our military.military should have weapons though not fighting with our bare hands I do agree through with saving gold for tanking the more tanks we have the more damage we will do.

2) socialism is an ok way to govern your country. I don't agree with that socialism is the best way to govern it because it has it's down sides. The best way to govern the economy is Democracy. I think that Democracy a great way to govern your nation with the least bit government intervention.i advocate the nationalization of the food and gift companies.

3) my assessment of our current economic situation is good. Our economy is doing great after the attack of the reserve. The war module is back on and we have all of our states, so nothing bad has happened, and the jobs here are flourishing.

4) yes they do coincide with the Libertarian ideals. I believe that the government needs to stay out of the economy unless there is a big disaster like the hacking of the federal reserve.

5) my computer is going haywire so i have internet for a part of the day and the next i don't. I can devote about an 45mins to discussing policy.I do use the IRC channel, and its my only way to communicate with people outside erepublik and forums.