Milarqui
Deity
OOC: This part of the update is going to be all in English, I don't want to translate all the answers into Spanish.
Before the debate, a draw was done to determine the order in which the candidates are to answer the questions. This draw determined that Mr Dovah Kin will be the one to answer the odd questions in first place, and Mr César Oleastro will answer the even questions in first place.
(The candidates nod and prepare their notes)
This is the first question: if you are elected El Presidente, which is the first thing you are going to concentrate the nation's efforts into?
(Dovah Kin smiles)
A Power Station with which to light up the streets of Tropico.
And you, Mr Oleastro?
If elected as the representative of the people of Tropico, I will focus on developing a stronger military in order to defend our nation and secure our future. Once this is complete, Tropico will be able to build and grow to our hearts' content without fear of damning outside influences. Once Tropico is safe, then we are able to move on to other important issues, such as housing, employment, and medical care - which I will also address early during my employment as Tropico's leading civil servant.
Very well. Now, the second question. Mr Oleastro, how do you plan to combat the housing problems Trópico has?
(César Oleastro thinks hard)
Housing in Tropico is a very serious issue. Unlike my opponent, who has made it clear to me he wishes to deport Tropicans, both natives and past immigrants, in order to make space, I wish to cater to the needs of all Tropico's current residents. I will see to the construction of housing projects which will provide shelter to as many Tropicans as possible. In addition, I will ensure all housing in Tropico is subsidized as to allow even those who would be unable to afford rent to have a roof over their head. I believe inexpensive and effective housing is exactly what Tropico needs.
In addition, my planned construction of a military base will see to it that soldiers and their families have guaranteed housing. This will free up residences in civilian housing developments, meaning more people can find homes without worrying about us soldiers taking up space.
What is your opinion in this matter, Mr Kin?
I don't plan to do anything. Housing will be solved once everyone is at work. With unemployment down and productivity up, we will be able to afford the luxuries of a house for every Tropican.
Interesting answers. Third question: Mr Kin, how do you plan to combat the lack of jobs in Trópico?
I plan to increase the amount of agriculturally based jobs and the overall amount of infrastructure related employment for the nation. Specifically my administration will focus all of its efforts into 100% employment for the Tropican people. That is one of my top priorities.
How about you, Mr Oleastro?
(César Oleastro shakes his head)
Unemployment in Tropico is crippling! We need more jobs and we need them immediately! As I stated in 1951, I have a plan to drastically increase employment by establishing a new, extremely profitable industry in Tropico. This industry would create more jobs and provide just as much income, if not more, as the oil industry established under Vásquez. Should this industry prove to be highly polluting, I will make sure to enact policy to counter said pollution without destroying jobs. In short, I will see to it that extremely profitable industry which employs vastly more people is established here in Tropico.
In addition, my expansion of the Tropican military will see to it that men with a highschool education have other options for employment. Not only will this employ many Tropicans and provide them good pay, but it will free up jobs for Tropicans without a highschool or college education. This means more options for employment for all Tropicans, and the availability of more job openings in previously fully staffed areas.
Fourth question: Mr Oleastro, what are your plans in regards to the demands for an army to protect Trópico?
As a soldier, I see the defense of Tropico in a way not many can. Our army is undermanned, underequipped, undertrained, and generally incapable of fulfilling the duties we have taken oath to carry out. Correcting these problems and forming a more capable military which can best serve and defend the Tropican people is of the utmost importance. Without such a military, we Tropicans can easily fall victim to any number of foreign influences which wish to do us harm, and I would rather die than see that happen! A stronger, more capable military means a safer Tropico which is free to exercise its rightful sovereignty.
What do you believe about this matter Mr Kin?
I plan on focusing on the development of a modern, but modest military force. I plan to develop ties with the United States to keep our army competitive with all of our neighbors. I will continue initiatives put in place by President Vasquez. I believe we should focus on building our economy rather than building a military state.
Good. Now, fifth question: Mr Kin, are you pro-immigration or anti-immigration?
As all are aware, I am pro-immigration and freedom of movement. Let our shores be flushed with the people of the world searching for a better life, and all the economic opportunities this brings. Look at the United States and their own history, they were built into a power on the back of immigrants, and we shall be as well.
And you, Mr Oleastro?
I am an immigrant, plain and simple. I was born in Cuba, and while there, I saw the injustices that foreign influence can bring. However, I am not in Cuba anymore. Tropico is my home, and home is more important than anywhere else. While I support immigration to Tropico, I feel that the needs of its present citizenry, the people of Tropico, take priority. Before immigration can even be considered, we need to make sure there is enough housing, food, jobs, and other essentials for all. To open our borders without having adequate housing, job opportunities, and plentiful food is to dig the hole which is Tropico's problems even deeper. In short, no immigration will be strictly controlled until Tropico is physically able to take on immigrants.
Very good answers. This is the sixth question: Mr Oleastro, do you hold yourself to traditional values or prefer to engage in progressive thought?
(César Oleastro seems confused)
Would you mind simplifying that question? I fear that it was too vague.
(Manuel Pardiño Turando covers his face, Marta Mariscal Fuentes decides to aid him)
I think that the question refers to whether you support keeping the old values or adopting new ideas.
(César Oleastro looks at Marta, nods gratefully)
I see myself as a bridge between traditional values and progressive values. While I believe in socialist values, I still regularly attend church and believe strongly in the values of Catholicism. While I am a practicing Christian, I believe secular schools are part of the backbone of modern education. I feel I cannot be pinned to either traditional beliefs or progressive beliefs, because both are vital to a modern and just society.
What is your opinion, Mr Kin?
Traditional values and progressive thought are not mutually exclusive to each other. My stance is that all thoughts towards the future should be dominated by the morals and traditions of Tropico. All clear thinking people should acknowledge the existence of God, and moralists such of myself ought to be also aware that we do not yet understand all of God's mysteries.
Interesting, seeing the similarity between both candidates' answers. Now, this is the seventh question: what do you say to those people that accuse you of planning to ruin Trópico, Mr Kin?
I say to my detractors that we need only to look at the smoldering ruins of Eastern Europe, the horrors perpetrated by Stalin's Russia to see what communism has in store for the world. We in Tropico watched as the world tore itself apart in the Second World War. There has been enough tyranny, and a vote for my opponent is a vote for the worst sorts of Stalinist dictatorship.
Thank you. And you, Mr Oleastro, what would you say to your detractors?
To those people who have been falsely informed or otherwise believe I am out to destroy our beautiful country, know that I truly wish only the best for my countrymen. My goals for Tropico if I am elected, are my attempt at appeasing, not only my core constituents, but all Tropicans. I doubt my opponent can say the same. My ears are always open to all of Tropico's people. On my platform, I have carried goals and supported ideas that represented every faction's desires. I don't openly alienate any faction, and I never wish to attempt it. I am willing to look at any ideas Tropicans have, and will seriously consider them as long as they are beneficial to the nation. That is the job of a civil servant, and that is what I wish to be.
Good answers, both. Now, the eigth question: which is your stance in the current international political climate?
If I may ask this... what do you refer to exactly when you say "current international political climate"? There are too many nuances in that question that I could answer.
(Marta covers her face, Manuel is looking at César as if he had grown a second head)
I am referring to the climate in general, to the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, the Cold War, not to a certain specific point of it.
This Cold War that "rages" across the globe is horrible for all. The United States and the Soviet Union both strive to dominate the third world, of which Tropico is a part of. While some nations, especially some of our Latin American neighbors, become part of the American or Soviet spheres, Tropico must not. We cannot allow our nation to lose its sovereignty because of fears instilled by superpowers nor can we be corrupted by their dirty money. We must carve our own path, blaze our own trail, and avoid an American or Soviet future...and ensure that we live a Tropican future.
It is a good answer. How about you, Mr Kin?
I believe that internationally we should be firmly sided with the United States of America and Europe. A victory in the ongoing Cold War by the Soviet Union would be a disaster for the world, and ultimately end the freedoms we hold dear. Communism must be halted in its mad expansion across the world, and forced back by the united democratic nations.
Indeed. Now, this is the ninth question: Mr Kin, what do you expect to have done when the time for the elections arrives again in four years?
My main objectives for the next four years are first to provide electricity for the Tropican people. Second, I plan to establish all the essential components of government, such as a police force, a firefighting unit, and a hospital, in order to care for the Tropican people. Third, I plan to dramatically expand Tropico's agricultural production in order to reduce food prices at home, create jobs, and expand our presence in the international markets. Fourth, I plan to do my best to protect Tropico's environment, while undetaking a beautification project of downtown Tropico. Lastly, I intend to grace Tropico with the most magnificent cathedral in the Caribbean. I believe that we are worth the creation of a monument to our religion and that God deserves the finest house we can provide.
And you, Mr Oleastro?
If I am elected, I guarantee Tropico will have a military of adequate size and strength, with the ability to properly defend Tropico and its citizenry. I will also bring employment up to a minimum of 80% and see to it that at least 80% of the population has affordable housing. I will export more goods to markets abroad and make sure there is enough of a diverse food supply to feed all Tropicans. I will make sure the will of the Tropican people is met and will make that my priority over all foreign wants. I will make Tropico great using the ideas of the people and I will be as good a civil servant as any man can be. You have my word.
Now, this is the last question for both of you. Mr Oleastro, which are your greatest hopes for Trópico?
My hopes for Tropico? My only hope for Tropico is that it is better off tomorrow than it is today; and I will work tirelessly to make sure that happens.
And yours, Mr Kin?
My greatest hope for Tropico is to be lit up as a shining beacon of prosperity, freedom, and enlightenment across the Caribbean. Let us outshine the world with our brilliance and dazzle tourists with our beautiful landscapes. We have an island that we can and should be proud of, let us share it with the world!
Very good. This concludes the first part of the debate.
A great applause sounds in the square.
Now, both candidates may make a small speech of about five minutes. Please, Mr Dovah Kin and Mr César Oleastro, make your speeches.
------
Dovah Kin
+1 Nationalists
+5 Capitalists
+1 Communists
+2 Intellectuals
+1 Environmentalists
+2 Religious
+1 Militarists
César Oleastro
+4 Nationalists
+2 Capitalists
+2 Communists
+1 Intellectuals
+3 Militarists
Before the debate, a draw was done to determine the order in which the candidates are to answer the questions. This draw determined that Mr Dovah Kin will be the one to answer the odd questions in first place, and Mr César Oleastro will answer the even questions in first place.
(The candidates nod and prepare their notes)
This is the first question: if you are elected El Presidente, which is the first thing you are going to concentrate the nation's efforts into?
(Dovah Kin smiles)
A Power Station with which to light up the streets of Tropico.
And you, Mr Oleastro?
If elected as the representative of the people of Tropico, I will focus on developing a stronger military in order to defend our nation and secure our future. Once this is complete, Tropico will be able to build and grow to our hearts' content without fear of damning outside influences. Once Tropico is safe, then we are able to move on to other important issues, such as housing, employment, and medical care - which I will also address early during my employment as Tropico's leading civil servant.
Very well. Now, the second question. Mr Oleastro, how do you plan to combat the housing problems Trópico has?
(César Oleastro thinks hard)
Housing in Tropico is a very serious issue. Unlike my opponent, who has made it clear to me he wishes to deport Tropicans, both natives and past immigrants, in order to make space, I wish to cater to the needs of all Tropico's current residents. I will see to the construction of housing projects which will provide shelter to as many Tropicans as possible. In addition, I will ensure all housing in Tropico is subsidized as to allow even those who would be unable to afford rent to have a roof over their head. I believe inexpensive and effective housing is exactly what Tropico needs.
In addition, my planned construction of a military base will see to it that soldiers and their families have guaranteed housing. This will free up residences in civilian housing developments, meaning more people can find homes without worrying about us soldiers taking up space.
What is your opinion in this matter, Mr Kin?
I don't plan to do anything. Housing will be solved once everyone is at work. With unemployment down and productivity up, we will be able to afford the luxuries of a house for every Tropican.
Interesting answers. Third question: Mr Kin, how do you plan to combat the lack of jobs in Trópico?
I plan to increase the amount of agriculturally based jobs and the overall amount of infrastructure related employment for the nation. Specifically my administration will focus all of its efforts into 100% employment for the Tropican people. That is one of my top priorities.
How about you, Mr Oleastro?
(César Oleastro shakes his head)
Unemployment in Tropico is crippling! We need more jobs and we need them immediately! As I stated in 1951, I have a plan to drastically increase employment by establishing a new, extremely profitable industry in Tropico. This industry would create more jobs and provide just as much income, if not more, as the oil industry established under Vásquez. Should this industry prove to be highly polluting, I will make sure to enact policy to counter said pollution without destroying jobs. In short, I will see to it that extremely profitable industry which employs vastly more people is established here in Tropico.
In addition, my expansion of the Tropican military will see to it that men with a highschool education have other options for employment. Not only will this employ many Tropicans and provide them good pay, but it will free up jobs for Tropicans without a highschool or college education. This means more options for employment for all Tropicans, and the availability of more job openings in previously fully staffed areas.
Fourth question: Mr Oleastro, what are your plans in regards to the demands for an army to protect Trópico?
As a soldier, I see the defense of Tropico in a way not many can. Our army is undermanned, underequipped, undertrained, and generally incapable of fulfilling the duties we have taken oath to carry out. Correcting these problems and forming a more capable military which can best serve and defend the Tropican people is of the utmost importance. Without such a military, we Tropicans can easily fall victim to any number of foreign influences which wish to do us harm, and I would rather die than see that happen! A stronger, more capable military means a safer Tropico which is free to exercise its rightful sovereignty.
What do you believe about this matter Mr Kin?
I plan on focusing on the development of a modern, but modest military force. I plan to develop ties with the United States to keep our army competitive with all of our neighbors. I will continue initiatives put in place by President Vasquez. I believe we should focus on building our economy rather than building a military state.
Good. Now, fifth question: Mr Kin, are you pro-immigration or anti-immigration?
As all are aware, I am pro-immigration and freedom of movement. Let our shores be flushed with the people of the world searching for a better life, and all the economic opportunities this brings. Look at the United States and their own history, they were built into a power on the back of immigrants, and we shall be as well.
And you, Mr Oleastro?
I am an immigrant, plain and simple. I was born in Cuba, and while there, I saw the injustices that foreign influence can bring. However, I am not in Cuba anymore. Tropico is my home, and home is more important than anywhere else. While I support immigration to Tropico, I feel that the needs of its present citizenry, the people of Tropico, take priority. Before immigration can even be considered, we need to make sure there is enough housing, food, jobs, and other essentials for all. To open our borders without having adequate housing, job opportunities, and plentiful food is to dig the hole which is Tropico's problems even deeper. In short, no immigration will be strictly controlled until Tropico is physically able to take on immigrants.
Very good answers. This is the sixth question: Mr Oleastro, do you hold yourself to traditional values or prefer to engage in progressive thought?
(César Oleastro seems confused)
Would you mind simplifying that question? I fear that it was too vague.
(Manuel Pardiño Turando covers his face, Marta Mariscal Fuentes decides to aid him)
I think that the question refers to whether you support keeping the old values or adopting new ideas.
(César Oleastro looks at Marta, nods gratefully)
I see myself as a bridge between traditional values and progressive values. While I believe in socialist values, I still regularly attend church and believe strongly in the values of Catholicism. While I am a practicing Christian, I believe secular schools are part of the backbone of modern education. I feel I cannot be pinned to either traditional beliefs or progressive beliefs, because both are vital to a modern and just society.
What is your opinion, Mr Kin?
Traditional values and progressive thought are not mutually exclusive to each other. My stance is that all thoughts towards the future should be dominated by the morals and traditions of Tropico. All clear thinking people should acknowledge the existence of God, and moralists such of myself ought to be also aware that we do not yet understand all of God's mysteries.
Interesting, seeing the similarity between both candidates' answers. Now, this is the seventh question: what do you say to those people that accuse you of planning to ruin Trópico, Mr Kin?
I say to my detractors that we need only to look at the smoldering ruins of Eastern Europe, the horrors perpetrated by Stalin's Russia to see what communism has in store for the world. We in Tropico watched as the world tore itself apart in the Second World War. There has been enough tyranny, and a vote for my opponent is a vote for the worst sorts of Stalinist dictatorship.
Thank you. And you, Mr Oleastro, what would you say to your detractors?
To those people who have been falsely informed or otherwise believe I am out to destroy our beautiful country, know that I truly wish only the best for my countrymen. My goals for Tropico if I am elected, are my attempt at appeasing, not only my core constituents, but all Tropicans. I doubt my opponent can say the same. My ears are always open to all of Tropico's people. On my platform, I have carried goals and supported ideas that represented every faction's desires. I don't openly alienate any faction, and I never wish to attempt it. I am willing to look at any ideas Tropicans have, and will seriously consider them as long as they are beneficial to the nation. That is the job of a civil servant, and that is what I wish to be.
Good answers, both. Now, the eigth question: which is your stance in the current international political climate?
If I may ask this... what do you refer to exactly when you say "current international political climate"? There are too many nuances in that question that I could answer.
(Marta covers her face, Manuel is looking at César as if he had grown a second head)
I am referring to the climate in general, to the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, the Cold War, not to a certain specific point of it.
This Cold War that "rages" across the globe is horrible for all. The United States and the Soviet Union both strive to dominate the third world, of which Tropico is a part of. While some nations, especially some of our Latin American neighbors, become part of the American or Soviet spheres, Tropico must not. We cannot allow our nation to lose its sovereignty because of fears instilled by superpowers nor can we be corrupted by their dirty money. We must carve our own path, blaze our own trail, and avoid an American or Soviet future...and ensure that we live a Tropican future.
It is a good answer. How about you, Mr Kin?
I believe that internationally we should be firmly sided with the United States of America and Europe. A victory in the ongoing Cold War by the Soviet Union would be a disaster for the world, and ultimately end the freedoms we hold dear. Communism must be halted in its mad expansion across the world, and forced back by the united democratic nations.
Indeed. Now, this is the ninth question: Mr Kin, what do you expect to have done when the time for the elections arrives again in four years?
My main objectives for the next four years are first to provide electricity for the Tropican people. Second, I plan to establish all the essential components of government, such as a police force, a firefighting unit, and a hospital, in order to care for the Tropican people. Third, I plan to dramatically expand Tropico's agricultural production in order to reduce food prices at home, create jobs, and expand our presence in the international markets. Fourth, I plan to do my best to protect Tropico's environment, while undetaking a beautification project of downtown Tropico. Lastly, I intend to grace Tropico with the most magnificent cathedral in the Caribbean. I believe that we are worth the creation of a monument to our religion and that God deserves the finest house we can provide.
And you, Mr Oleastro?
If I am elected, I guarantee Tropico will have a military of adequate size and strength, with the ability to properly defend Tropico and its citizenry. I will also bring employment up to a minimum of 80% and see to it that at least 80% of the population has affordable housing. I will export more goods to markets abroad and make sure there is enough of a diverse food supply to feed all Tropicans. I will make sure the will of the Tropican people is met and will make that my priority over all foreign wants. I will make Tropico great using the ideas of the people and I will be as good a civil servant as any man can be. You have my word.
Now, this is the last question for both of you. Mr Oleastro, which are your greatest hopes for Trópico?
My hopes for Tropico? My only hope for Tropico is that it is better off tomorrow than it is today; and I will work tirelessly to make sure that happens.
And yours, Mr Kin?
My greatest hope for Tropico is to be lit up as a shining beacon of prosperity, freedom, and enlightenment across the Caribbean. Let us outshine the world with our brilliance and dazzle tourists with our beautiful landscapes. We have an island that we can and should be proud of, let us share it with the world!
Very good. This concludes the first part of the debate.
A great applause sounds in the square.
Now, both candidates may make a small speech of about five minutes. Please, Mr Dovah Kin and Mr César Oleastro, make your speeches.
------
Dovah Kin
+1 Nationalists
+5 Capitalists
+1 Communists
+2 Intellectuals
+1 Environmentalists
+2 Religious
+1 Militarists
César Oleastro
+4 Nationalists
+2 Capitalists
+2 Communists
+1 Intellectuals
+3 Militarists