Canadian National Coalition Party President Debate Transcript

Day 782, 20:14 • Published in Canada New Zealand • by Ozymandias Malifozik
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If you don't wan't to read the entire transcript, here's a cheat sheet of what the candidates sai😛

THE CANDIDATES ON THE ISSUES

Canadarocksandisnumber1

Reaching out to smaller parties: More contact between Ambassadors
2-Clickers: Recruitment Drives don't work, I will create new ideas
Strategic Voting Teams: Promises to hold 25% of congress (10 seats) next term
Settling Ties in CNC Poll: Let the Party President decide
Party Companies and Militia: Help grow parties, militia and companies fine

20person

Reaching out to smaller parties: Small, but not unimportant. Open up forums and diplomacy
2-Clickers: Recruitment Drive via Articles
Strategic Voting Teams: Will better organized SVT, promises more Congressmembers
Settling Ties in CNC Poll: High Council decides, PP in case of time constraints
Party Companies and Militia: Supports Party companies, doesn't like party militias

Greg McNeish

Reaching out to smaller parties: Run candidates of small parties alongside CNC candidates
2-Clickers: Small scale recruitment of active new Canadians
Strategic Voting Teams: Efficient SVT
Settling Ties in CNC Poll: PP+High Council chooses, PP only if time constraints
Party Companies and Militia: Favours funding militias by gov, party referendum for company/militia

~DEBATE~

Moderator: Ozymandias Malifozik
Participant: Greg McNeish
Participant: 20person
Participant: Canadarocksandisnumber1



The Canadian National Coalition Party President Debate was held January 10, 2010, 8-9:30 p.m. EST on irc in #CNC

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Hello, welcome to the Canadian National Coalition Party President Debate. I'm your moderator, Ozymandias Malifozik. Today we have a three way debate between, Greg McNeish, 20Person, and Canadarocksandisnumber1. The format of the debate is as follows: Each candidate will have 5 minutes to compose an opening statement, outlining who they are, their background, why they're running for Party President, what their plans are for the CNC, etc. Following that, there will be a series of questions. Each candidate will have 3 minutes to respond to the question as they see fit. Rounding out the end of the debate will be a closing statement, which each candidate will have 5 minutes to compose.

The order will be chosen by random for each statement and question. For a lack of anything better, different colored guitar picks will be picked from a bag. 20Person is the blue guitar pick, Canadarocksandisnumber1 is the red guitar pick, and Greg McNeish is the pink guitar pick.

Candidates, please refrain from interrupting your opponents when it is their turn in any circumstance.

Alright, the debate has officially begun. The order of guitar picks was pink, red, and then blue. The order of the speakers shall be Greg, Canadarocksandisnumber1, and then 20person.

Greg, you have 5 minutes for your opening statement, starting...NOW

Greg McNeish:

Thank you. First off, I'd like to take a moment to recognize Treian, the outgoing PP. He's done an outstanding job, and leaves big shoes to fill.

A brief introduction of who I am: I began eRepublik in September, and became a CNC member in early October. I joined because the CNC represents balance. It is a party that understands the true power of debate, and that solutions take work, and compromise. I served the December term in Congress, and was thrilled at the opportunity to participate in our national assembly. I have since become the founding Editor of the eCBC.

My goals for the party are to see us become more efficient, and better capable of achieving our objectives. There are a number of ways that I hope to bring this about, which I look forward to discussing, here tonight. Thank you to my opponents, for making this campaign special, for all CNCers.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, Greg. Canadarocksandisnumber1 now has the floor. You have 5 minutes, starting now.

Canadarocksandisnumber1:

Now before any of you think that I am not all that experanced to lead the CNC I would like to tell you that I have spent a lot of time study about eCanada's history and about many other things in the eRepublik world.

I have always personally felt that the best ideas come from competion so tonite I hope many ideas will come from this debate.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your coments. 20person now has the floor. You have 5 minutes, beginning now.

20person:

Hello. As most of you may know, I am 20person. I have been playing this game for nearly six months, and feel it is time to seek power in eCanada. I have learned a lot over the months i have played. I feel I am qualified to lead the CNC.

Ozymandias Malifozik:


Thank you for your opening statements. We now move on to the questioning portion of today's debate. Same rules, same format as above, but you have only 3 minutes to respond.

First question: Do you plan to reach out to smaller Canadian political parties, and if so how?. The order is canadarocksandisnumber1, 20person, then Greg. You may begin.


Canadarocksandisnumber1:

Well smaller partys in eCanada have always been were interesting. Smaller partys are usually formed when the larger partys such as the CNC don't share the same ideas. I feel it is importent to open our Ambassador area to them but we must also make that at the end of the day we remain true to our ideas and goals.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, Canadarocksandisnumber1. 20person now has the floor. You have 3 minutes.

20person:


Smaller parties are parties just starting out in Canada, filled with old and new players alike. But just because they're small, doesn't mean they're unimportant. Working together, they could easily change the course of an election, in our favour or against. That is why we should reach out to these parties. We must welcome them to our forums and send ambassadors to theirs, if they have one.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, 20person. Greg now has the floor. You have 3 minutes:

Greg McNeish:

One of the primary aims of my Plans for the Party (copyright 2010) is to turn the CNC into a vehicle for the inclusion of non-Top 5 parties in our national debates. Former CNC PP Rainer N has recently published an article, that clearly demonstrates the staggering differences in activity levels, between the major and minor parties in eCanada. As I'd mentioned in my opening statement, one of the CNC's major calling cards, is that we believe good ideas come from all areas of the political spectrum.

With that in mind, we really should be doing everything we can to include these active, passionate eCanadians, in our political process. Under my leadership, we will reach out to these smaller parties, and offer to run a select number of candidates, in the Congressional elections. We will still make sure that our own membership is served, but history has proven that we not only do not fill our slate, but that we also do not have the voting power to elect all of our candidates.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, Greg. Question 2: What will you do to better include 2-clickers into the eCanadian landscape? The order is Greg, 20person, then canadarocksandisnumber1. Greg, you have the floor.

Greg McNeish:

2-Clickers are a hot issue, in every election. Much has been said about the DAL, and their "2-Clicker Army". As a party, we have repeatedly mentioned the need for a recruitment drive. Under my leadership, we will aim to recruit active eCanadians, rather than sending mass-invites to every Canadian baby. Once again, I refer to Rainer's article, which clearly points out the flaws in 2-clicker recruiting.

Now, that is not to say that we will not be inclusive. Our aim must always be to turn inactive players into active ones. That is best done on a small scale, than a large scale, and that is why we will take a more structured approach to recruitment.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, Greg. 20person now has the floor.

20person:


Two clickers are those players that do not get actively involved in the game. It is well known that 2 clicker voters have changed the tides of elections before. My plan is to run a recruitment drive. An article will be written to convince those partyless people to join the CNC. We will also run ads.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, 20person. Canadarocksandisnumber1 now has the floor. You have 3 minutes:

Canadarocksandisnumber1:

Wow Greg I didn't realize that you were running on Rainer N's campaign. We are now in a new decade new ideas and new problems are going to be brought to the table and I don't feel like Greg or 20Person will be able to deal with those problems. 2Clickers are very importent in eCanada and we have two options which we can do:

1. We can convince them to join our party by running a recurtment drive

2. WE NEED NEW IDEAS Recurtment drives work before but there not going to work now as PP I will creat new ideas and help bring 2 Clickers to the CNC.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, canadarocksandisnumber1. Question 3: Do you believe in the merits and substance of a candidate's congressional platform, or do you believe Strategic Voting Teams must be employed to win? The order is canadarocksandisnumber1, Greg, then 20person. Canadarocksandisnumber1, you have the floor.

Canadarocksandisnumber1:

Strategic Voting Teams are WERE importent. But recently we have decovered that they work work if there is not order brought to them. As PP i will insure that in the nest election we will have control of over 1/4 of the congress. I will meet and will possibly excead that goal.


Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, canadarocksandisnumber1. Greg, you have the floor.

Greg McNeish:

Canadarocksandisnumber1, I will not apologize for respecting a former-Party President. Now to the question at hand. I would love to stand here, and shout from the rooftops that the individual platforms of candidates are immensely important. We all know that they are not, though. Strategic voting is the name of the game, and we must do everything we can to improve how we use ours. We must be prepared to make tough choices, to sacrifice candidates that are fighting losing battles, so that we can pick up more victories. We must realize that we do not have the shear numbers of the DAL, the CPF, or even the CSD. To compensate, we have to be efficient, and ensure that we fully utilize 100% of our resources. Under my leadership, we will have the best organized Strategic Voting Force in eRepublik history, to maximize the number of candidates that we see elected.

Ozymandias Malifozik:


Thank you for your comments, Greg. 20person, you have the floor.

20person:

Platforms are important, but they do not influence very many votes. Too often in the past, candidates with a very well-written platform have lost to those with no platform at all. The reason this happens is because of Strategic voting forces. The point I am now emphasizing, is that we practically do not even have a strategic voting force. My goal is to create a well run strategic voting force ready to deploy voters everywhere. We must only vote where we can win, to maximize votes. We will have more congress members in next term.

Ozymandias Malifozik:


Thank you for your comments, 20person. Question 4: How do you think ties in the CNC Country President Nomination poll should be settled? The order is Greg, canadarocksandisnumber1, then 20person. Greg, you may begin.

Greg McNeish:

This has been a hot topic, and one that I weighed in on, in our forum discussions. My views haven't changed. There has been talk of removing the PP's vote, while giving them exclusive rights to break ties. I think that this is a poor policy. The PP is inevitably going to be one of the more active members of the party. Why would we silence that voice, on the off chance that there will be a tie? Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. I support the idea of having the PP, along with the High Council, choose a winner, with all of those members having regular votes, as well. Also, in time-sensitive situations, the PP should be authorized to make a unilateral decision.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, Greg. canadarocksandisnumber1, you have the floor.

Canadarocksandisnumber1:

Have you all seen what has been happening 20Person and Greg have done nothing these past rounds. I have several times hit them with insulting their ideas and practices and they have not mentioned anything about it. The point I am trying to make is that we need a PP that can stand up and fight for the party. 20Person and Greg can’t even stand up for their own ideas so how are they to stand up for the party. Now on to this topic. Why not just let the Party President decided if there is even a tie then both canadates must be great choices. So etheir way the PP goes then there be a great president Giding eCanada. So just let the PP decided the vote in the event of a tie is pretty much it summed up.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, Canadarocksandisnumber1. 20person, you have the floor.

20person:


Tiebreakers for presidential nominations have always been a sticky issue in the party. In December, we had a tie. We still do not have a system in place for tie breaking. I've read up on the CNC forums and this is my solution: Have the high council conduct a voice vote or a poll to break the tie. The high council has an odd number of people, so a result is guarenteed. However, when we have time constraints, the PP will break the tie regardless of whether they voted or not.


Ozymandias Malifozik:

Alright, Question 5: What do you think of party companies and militias? In your opinion, do these have a place in political parties, and as Party President would you support their creation in the CNC? The order is 20person, Greg, and then canadarocksandisnumber1.


20person:

These days many parties have companies, and in one case, a militia. I cite the CPF as the best example. I think party companies are an excellent way to promote party activity and increase membership. Like, you don't work here, you don't get votes. That's what the CPF does. Overall, i support party companies. As for militias, that's just going too far for a party. We run countries, not fight for them. Also, it would require a large complicated system. I don't really like party militias.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you, 20person, for your comments. Greg, you have the floor.

Greg McNeish:

To quickly respond to Canadarocksandisnumber1, please excuse 20person and I for using our time to address the questions being asked, instead of partaking in petty mud-slinging. I would kindly suggest that you focus a little more time on presenting your own ideas, instead of simply saying that we "don't get it". Party companies and militias are just fine, in my book. If they work for the party, and its membership, then more power to them. Having a militia is a hot-button issue, as 20person pointed out. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with having a militia associated with a political party. In fact, I would even support them receiving government funding, similar to the Crimson Canucks. We all fight the same battles, on the same side, so the political affiliation should not be a factor.

All that said, it is debateable whether the CNC would benefit from party companies and/or militia. Under my leadership, I would put the issue before the party membership, to have a full discussion. I would fully support whatever direction the party chooses to go, on this issue.


Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments, Greg. Canadarocksandisnumber1, you have the floor. Since you are now on a mobile device, you will have extra time to type your thoughts. Say, 5 minutes.

Canadarocksandisnumber1:

First Greg you have just played this game SO wrong. Now onto the issue. I personally think that party companies and army are fine. They help increase the party's treasury and help the party grow even more.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your comments. And now for the final section of todays debate. Each candidate will have 5 minutes to give a closing statement. There are no restrictions on what you may say. The order is canadarocksandisnumber1, 20person, then Greg. canadarocksandisnumber1, you may start.

Canadarocksandisnumber1:

Well I have allways stood for what I felt was right. If elected PP I will countinue to do that. If anybody has anymore questions feel free to PM me. Good Luck to Greg and 20Person this I feel has been a great debate.

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you for your final comments, Canadarocksandisnumber1. 20person, you may begin.

20person:

I have been at this game for many months. In that time, I have gathered my ideas. I will be writing my platform in my newspaper, the Exterminator Times. I have many great ideas for the party right now, and I feel i will do well as PP. Good luck to the other candidates. Also, vote 20person as president of the CNC!

Ozymandias Malifozik:

Thank you, 20person. Greg, you have the floor.

Greg McNeish:

The CNC has undergone many changes, since its inception. Goran Thrax, among others, led us through our infancy, as a non-partisan entity, that existed to allow more people to run for office. Rainer N brought us into the partisan age, which led to a mass exodus from our ranks. Many people took the opportunity to search for the party that best fit their ideals. Some chose the new-look CNC. Treian continued this work, and took great strides to build bridges between the CNC and the other parties in eCanada. We are now entering a new chapter for our party. No matter who is chosen to lead the CNC into the future, we can rest assured that they will put their own stamp on things. My goals are to respect our past, while changing to best tackle the future. Under my leadership, the CNC will once again step forward as the vehicle for all eCanadians to enter our national debates. At the same time, we will position ourselves to better speak with our own voice, as a distinct part of the great country.

Under my leadership, the CNC will complete its journey, from its beginnings to what we will become. On January 15th, I hope that all CNCers will speak their voice, make themselves heard, and choose who they feel will best lead them into the future. I want to thank Ozy, for putting this debate together, and moderating it. He has done a fantastic job, and will leave a big hole in the party, as he leaves to tour the world. To Canadarockandisnumber1 and 20person, I want to extend my deepest thanks, for taking part in this debate. It has been a terrific opportunity to present our ideas. I look forward to the rest of this campaign, and working together, no matter who the party selects as our leader. Thank you, and good night.


Ozymandias Malifozik:

And that concludes today's debate. Good luck to all three candidates, and don't forget to vote on January 15th. Thank you for watching the 1st CNC PP Debate, brought to you by eRepublik Labs.