The Objective Republic

<strong>BUSINESS

Svalbard & Jan Mayen </strong>
Sep19
Day 669 of the New World
Author: Zipperhead

In 5 days eNorweigane will be heading to the polls to choose members of congress. One of those hopeful members is Maarten Buitendijk the general manager of Benevolence Inc and a recent immigrant to eNorway from the eUSA.

Maarten left the eUSA because that country has become a constant battlefield, as some people in the eWorld try to show strength or chutzpah by second handedly striking out at what is the most powerful nation in the real world in the virtual reality of this one.

Our interview begins in a small café in Longyearbyen overlooking the town’s iconic miner statue as it walks resolutely toward his days work, a fitting scene for a future Captain of industry and a man not afraid to work hard for what he wants...

Objective Republic: Thank you for the interview Mr. Buitendijk.

Maarten Buitendijk: My pleasure, please call me Maarten.

OR: Okay Maarten. I understand that you left the eUSA because of all the wars gripping that country is that correct?

MB: Yes, In the Real World America is a land of opportunity (still, I think) but here in the New World, not so much.

OR: What is your overall personal view of these kinds of wars?

MB: It really depends on the war, and why it is being fought. I don't think I would support an invasion of a foreign country just for "our" national gain; but if a trusted ally is being invaded by another war-mongering state (such as is happening right now in eUSA), I support helping them. I think that's the right thing to do.

OR: So fighting for eNorway is a duty?

MB: I didn’t say that. It is moral, of course because of the freedom we enjoy as citizens of a free prosperous state but to tie that to duty is wrong. Duty implies coercion, and I think if people love living here, they will help defend the country in the face of aggression. There is no need to use force, they are trading value for value, protecting their rights and their freedom in the process.

OR: What do you see as the most important issue in this campaign?

MB: I think the most important issue in this campaign would be taxes; I think several of our taxes are too high and take too much money away from our hard working citizens, and by lowering them Norwegians will be able to buy more with their labour and live better lives.

OR: So if you could change one thing by being elected it would be taxes?

MB: Yes. If I am successfully elected I will propose changes to the taxation structure that make it more productive both for businesses and individuals to work and operate here in eNorway, I think that's the best way to attract more hardworking citizens to a country.

OR: Being a free market advocate where do you stand on eNorway’s plan to provide a government owned and operated Q5 hospital in every region?

MB: In principle I do not support government intervention of that kind. If the service can be provided by business, then it should be. That is how nations become rich, by growing prosperous businesses.

Unfortunately I am not sure at this moment if there's any other way to supply health care in this game. I have to look into that further; the resource investments for hospitals are so large that very few individuals could make them.

It might be worthwhile to see if eNorwegians are willing to donate to an organization with just that aim, and I would support such an initiative because I think it gives people more choice in whether they want to pay for this service. Hospitals do not benefit everyone equally, so why should everyone have to pay for them equally?

OR: Why are you entering politics?

MB: I am running for congress because I want to make eNorway a better, more productive place for everyone living in it. Also it is a chance to have a representative from our region, at last!

It seems that with so few people living here, not many congressmen are from Jan Mayen and I think it is important that every region be represented, because people in each region may have different values and needs, and I think the government should recognize and find representation in their voices.

OR: Finally sir, why should people vote for you?

MB: They should vote for me because I believe we can make this country a better place by enacting more free market reforms and lowering taxes; it will make it more attractive for other people to move and work here, and that's good for everyone.

OR: Thank you for your time today sir.

MB: You are welcome.