The Office of Former President & Senator Polnut - Deregistration

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

SENATOR POLNUT CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE

Wednesday 8 February

Trenton, NJ
New Haven, CT
Providence, RI
Cambridge, MA

Thursday 9 February

Burlington, VT
Manchester, NH
Bangor, ME
New York City, NY

Friday 10 February

Trenton, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Cincinnati, OH
Detroit, MI

Saturday 11 February

Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Chicago, IL
Indianapolis, IN

Sunday 12 February

Louisville, KY
Memphis, TN
Atlanta, GA
Orlando, FL

Monday 13 February

Miami, FL
New Orleans, LA
Denver, CO

Tuesday 14 February

Las Vegas, NV
Phoenix, AZ
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA

Wednesday 15 February

Seattle, WA
Billings, MT
Lincoln, NE
Witchita, KS

Thursday 16 February
St Louis, MO
Sioux City, IA
Fairfax, VA
Boston, MA

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Burlington City Hall
Burlington, Vermont


Good morning everyone!

I know it's very early and it's incredibly cold out there and so I'm so thrilled to have so many out today.

This tells me that you are concerned about the future of your country and are here to listen to me garble on about why you should be voting for this ticket next week.

Yes, I garble, and I am really trying to talk less, so please bear with me.

This time in Atlasia has presented us with huge opportunities, but to say that this new Atlasia has completed its transition is incorrect. The reforms in place, which led to the dissolution of our bastions of left and right, has begun to transform the country, but it is not yet transformed. Atlasia needs strong, stable and consistent leadership for the future. In both Tmth and myself you have two records of achievement and activity.

We are in this race because we know that Atlasia needs stability and we will deliver. But this is not a campaign without a real concrete agenda. We will continue to ensure that our social services are solvent, effective and are of the highest quality.

We will cut wasteful spending, including reducing our military presence overseas, streamlining our homeland armed forces, we will also reduce the overall costs of the administration of government. But this measure will not cost a single job, we cannot work to reduce unemployment but creating it.

Through these and other measures, we will reduce the deficit by at least 18% in the first year, with room for further economies. One thing this ticket is unique in this race for, is the fact that we have a plan that doesn't recklessly cut taxes which is a recipe to ensure that debt will be with us for decades, nor do we believe the answer to economic problems is to tax people and stymie economic growth just as it's most needed.

A steady and moderate approach to this delicate issue is needed. I know some don't trust any measure which isn't radical or extreme. This method will cut spending without creating a drag on the economy, and this is what we need.

I should also say that it's also great that my fellow candidate ZuWo has said that his ticket is the ticket of reform, and what is his solution? To re-instate the Game Reform Panel I created as President, it's great to see that he agrees with our approach. I will not only restore the panel, but I will also place the Vice President personally in charge of the panel and wider reform agenda, and in Tmth we will have a Vice President with one of the strongest histories of successful reforms.

This is a huge time for this country, and this election is offering stark choices for the future of this country. My fellow candidates and their running-mates are good people, we just disagree about how we bring change about. This election will be so incredibly close and every single vote and every single preference will be important. We need to consider who is ready to lead this country in into this new time. I hope that you will decide this ticket will bring the stability, experience and greater opportunities for this nation to continue to evolve.

OK, sorry, that was a bit lengthy...

Anyway, again, thank you so much! I can't do this without you!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I am not trying to be critical but curious- what do you mean by streamlining our homeland armed forces

Thanks for the question.

What I mean by streamlining is that in order to do the job Atlasia's military should be smarter not bigger. National security is deeply important, and the Atlasian men and women in uniform have nothing but my eternal respect and thanks for their service and dedication. In my Budget plan, we don't touch military support.

We need to stop thinking that in order to project our military prestige in the world, we need to be a massive and bloated behemoth. We can focus on maximising our technological advantages but we will not be firing members of our armed forces, if that is your concern. Warfare has changed so much since over the last 50 years, our ability to put fewer troops in harm's way and achieve the same goals means we have opportunities to really look at military engagement as a fight of brawn over brains, and if we have both, then I think we'll be in a better position.

We will work with the military leadership to make sure our genuine capacity is not undermined, while at the same time finding strategies that consolidate the military where possible. These are practical steps to reduce costs without undermining that all-important military capacity.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Lake Eola Park
Orlando, Florida

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for giving up your Sunday evening to come down here.

The election will be baring down on us in a matter of days, what we do know, is that it will be extremely close. This, however, is a good thing for Atlasia. I admit being a little unsure about the full consequences of dissolution, whether or not we would just end up conglomerating back into a two-tribe nation again. However, it looks like my initial concerns were unfounded. This election is testament to how, when challenged, Atlasia can renew itself.

This election is about stark choices, but choices presented by very good people. All those us running bring talents and our personal views of what the future of Atlasia should be.

One area where there is a strong difference between some candidates is the role of the family in Atlasia.

All of us belong to a family, however, most of us belong to more than one.

I have my biological family and I also have my social family, other have sporting families or whatever else joins people together and allows people to feel part of something beyond themselves.

The nuclear of family of a mother, a father, 2 kids and a dog, living in suburbia is something that some look to as some kind of gold standard in how things should be.  My view is, if that is what makes you happy, then it should be embraced and supported. But we shouldn't discriminate against those in healthy, happy families that might not necessarily conform to what some would see as 'ideal'.

I want to talk to you today about continued efforts to fight for gay and lesbian equality. We are, in Atlasia, one of the most progressive nations in the western world when it comes to this issue. However, we must always be vigilant that those rights and freedoms are not undermined by a minority who feel threatened, for whatever reason.

What matters to a child is that they are secure, cared for, loved and encouraged to be whatever and whoever they truly are.

One of the proudest moments I had after leaving office, was seeing my successor sign the Atlasian Anti-Bullying Act into law. This was a measure to work with the regional governments to get resources out into schools to prevent bullying overall. But also to especially target bullying of kids who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual or have gender issues.

However, what children are taught at home is translated to the school playground. Now, I know people have religious objections to homosexuality, let alone same-sex marriage or adoption, but I believe that personal objection should not be based on personal hatred toward another person.

I have always respected religion and the role it plays in the lives of people, and what it does in the community. But equally, I believe in the separation of Church and state. Our constitutional freedom of religion is a two-way street. You have the right, assuming you do not undermine the rights and freedoms of other, to believe whatever brings you comfort and solace. However, in a secular state, you also have the freedom to not believe, nor have the beliefs of others imposed upon you.

Yes, as a society of laws, our laws do have a connection with the Judeo-Christian ethos, but our laws have developed beyond those narrow confines to represent the community we have built today. A community where numerous faiths are respected. But also one where we do not claim to be a nation of any specific denomination nor any specific religion.

I will never stop defending the rights of gay and lesbian people who love each other and want to share their lives united together under the law, equally I will protect their rights to take in children who deserve the love and support of a family, because studies show that's what matters, love and support.

Thank you all, this election will be very important and I need you to help me make this happen!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas

Hello Wichita!!

This campaign is coming towards its finish line, and while I am tired and my voice is starting to give out, I am so determined to win this election and continue the program for pragmatic progressive reform that I began in June last year.

Being elected by you as President has been the great honour of my life. So last November, instead of giving you an inactive and ineffective president, I chose to not seek your endorsement for another term. It was a difficult choice, but I believe the right one.

But I believe the time is right to get our agenda going again.

I wanted to take this opportunity, before my voice goes completely, to talk about healthcare.

During the debate, we were asked how to address the issue of healthcare in Atlasia for the future. I believe our position shows both our commitment to public healthcare along with our commitment to ensure that it remains solvent and effective for decades to come.

We must ensure that every man, woman and child in Atlasia has access to healthcare that is not just adequate, but world class. Like in education, some, even some in my own party want to privatise our health system. While I understand their concerns and their issues, in fact, I share them, but we can protect our health system for the future without having to give up on it.

However, we also need to be realistic, we are about to head into a period where the population over 60 will sky-rocket, with an increasingly aging population, the result will be tremendous pressure on our public system. Like in many things, we do not believe the answer to this is to continue to increase the payroll tax. This is inefficient and doesn't address the core problem. For those who are very financially comfortable, we may need look at what they are able to cover themselves. The exact how of those reforms will need to worked out with the Senate should we be elected. However, I will never give up on the Atlasian public health system.

During the debate Earl made an excellent point that I was remiss for not bringing up myself. We treat our health system as a method to handle our bodies when something goes wrong. We don't spend anywhere near enough time using our health system to promote health. A little money at the front-end to promote a healthier society, will save us an absolute fortune down the track. As they say, prevention is better than cure.

This election is only days away, and every vote and preference will matter. I want to thank you all for coming out and I hope we've been able to convince you that we are ready to provide stable leadership for Atlasia during this time of flux and change, and guiding it towards a brighter future.

Thank you all!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Hudson Theatre
New York City, New York


I have decided to make this one extra visit in order to speak with you all at this very important time.

This election is a test of this new electoral system, the Atlasian people are fortunate to have such a tremendous choice. However, we believe there are clear choices.

This ticket crosses the political spectrum. This is a ticket devoted to uniting this country in order to make sure the advances so far are maintained and strengthened for the future.

We have clear policies that provide for cutting wasteful spending, strengthening our vital social services and reducing the burden of our debt. We are the only ticket to outline such a clear plan. This is a plan that carries on the tax reforms I put in place during my term as president.

This ticket provided clear options for climate change, for a healthcare system that is effective and vital into the future, a plan to continue a positive foreign policy, as well as a policy that creates a public broadcaster.

I will also ensure that the Game Reform Panel I created during my term will be re-instated and will be fully backed by the White House.

I want you all to ask yourself who is ready to get working from day one? Who has the experience to provide stable leadership during this time of flux and who is ready to work every day to make sure that Atlasia is strong into the future!

I know some have already voted, but I hope you will come to the conclusion that this ticket is not able willing but the most able ticket to address the real issues Atlasia faces... thank you all!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I want to thank those who have already voted for us, and also those who have given us a high preference.

This election will be close, there is no doubt of that, every single vote matters. We need votes from the left, from the centre and from the pragmatic right.

We are about results and we are about activity.

So if you haven't voted and want active and engaged leadership, backed by the experience of getting things done and making the hard decisions, I urge you to consider Polnut/Tmth.

Thanks everyone!!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Just a quick note to thank everyone for their votes and preferences so far.

This election still has time to run and despite how it may appear at the moment, we are not complacent. There are a lot of outstanding voters, so this election won't be decided until the polls close on Sunday night.

We are in this election to win it, and we will keep working until the end.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I want to echo ZuWo's call for everyone to make sure they come out and vote.

This election will go down to the wire and everyone needs to let their voice be heard, regardless of how you vote.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

This election is a testament to how Atlasia is changing.

Let's all try to make sure all possible voices are heard, the public makes their decision and whatever it is, that it is respected and celebrated as a part of our renewed robust democracy.

I won't be making any further public statements until after the polls close, it's in the hands of the people now

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I wanted to take this opportunity to make a very brief statement.

I want first note my fellow candidates running, this was a very close race and this was still a positive race. There were no bad choices, just markedly different ones.

I want to thank my running-mate for his work during the campaign.

This was a tough-slog, but it's worth the effort.

This was also a big night for the Liberal Party, with a new Northeast Senator, Governor and a good whack in the Assembly!

I can promise I will try to be less annoying this time, but I see the president as having a bigger role besides assembling a cabinet and signing Bills.

I will speak a bit more later on, but all I can say to those who voted for us or gave us a high-preference, thank you so much. For those who didn't vote for us, I will do all I can to earn your trust.

The work begins tomorrow, thank you and Dave bless.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Announcements on Cabinet recommendations will be made over the weekend.

Anyone interested in serving, please contact me by Friday.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The Office of the President-elect

Boston, Massachusetts


I have asked Homelycooking to continue to serve as both Registrar-General and Secretary of Federal Elections.

He has performed in an exemplary fashion since taking on these two tough jobs, and I'm confident he will continue to do so.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I was always keeping Secretary of Awesome for you!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The Office of the President-elect

Boston, Massachusetts


I have asked Senator Jake Matthews to serve as Secretary of Internal Affairs.

He has shown a consistent desire to work to make Atlasia more interesting, so I can think of no better person to serve in that role.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The Office of the President-elect

Boston, Massachusetts


I have asked former Senator Fuzzy to serve as Attorney General.

I believe he has a lot to offer, and I look forward to him serving in this role and continuing to build on his political and policy experience.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The Office of the President-elect

Boston, Massachusetts


I have asked Secretary Ben to continue to serve as Secretary of External Affairs.


I can think of no other active member who works to advocate for the greater involvement of foreign policy in Atlasia. He and I worked together well in the past, and he often fought against his own personal views in order to further my agenda. I appreciated that devotion and I look forward to him continuing his service as foreign policy will once again be given a high-level priority of my administration.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The Office of the President-elect

Boston, Massachusetts


I have asked Shua to continue as Game Moderator.

This is an important role that requires considerable diligence and Shua has shown that in his time in the role. I look forward to Shua continuing in this vital role.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

President's Oval Office Address
The White House


My fellow Atlasians,

On Friday I was sworn in to my second term as your president, I was deeply honoured to have secured your endorsement and support. However, I am very mindful that unlike June 2011, this election was a tight-one. Each ticket worked hard for every vote and preference they received. Considering the number and quality of the opposing tickets, this victory was deeply meaningful to me. This also means that there are many Atlasians did not support this ticket, which only means to me that I need to work doubly as hard to earn your trust, and I will do that.

Unlike a traditional Inaugural Address, I have chosen this opportunity to present you with my ‘statement of purpose’. When I left the presidency last November, I not only believed I was doing the right thing but equally, that I would never again seek this office. But times change and circumstances call some of us to look beyond our own personal interests and step up and serve.

This administration will be about securing the future of Atlasia as we embark on this new journey. During the campaign we spoke of key issues we need to work on, in order to ensure Atlasia is not only strong but vibrant for the future.

The first issue is our economy.  I will be blunt, our unemployment rate is inexcusably high, our debt is too great and we have not worked hard enough to reduce wasteful spending. However, we are faced with stark contrasts in our polity. We have some who believe that the way to address the issue, is to gut spending, slash taxes and in theory, the jobs should come and the money should pour in. On the other side, we have those who believe that we should dramatically increase our government spending and also increase taxes. Respectfully, we believe both of these extremes are counter-productive and could force our economy over the edge.

I have been accused by some, of being a ‘moderate-hero’. Obviously, this description is mean to be a cheeky insult. However, I believe that moderation is often the best course of action, and our economic policy will be a demonstration of that. We need to balance beneficial spending, with that which is wasteful. We need to encourage innovation while at the same time supporting people who have fallen on hard times. At the moment, we believe the tax balance is right. Our focus will be to increase our revenues by stabilizing the economy. We will slightly increase some government charges, which most will not feel, and at the same time, make cuts to wasteful defense projects and reduce the overheads of government. This will reduce our deficit by 18% within the 2012 financial year. By showing a disciplined, focused and steady hand on the economy, this will improve confidence.

Atlasia will again play a role in the wider-world. Under my first administration we brought about an end to our entanglements in theatres of War. It is not my intention to put our young men and women in harm’s way. Atlasia will be a force for good. We don’t need military force to project our values, we will be a living example of a tolerant, open and secular society.

Speaking of a secular society, I want to make this very clear. I respect religion and its role in the lives of Atlasians, and I always will. But I believe that in public policy, we are to serve the interests of all. The freedom of religion contained in our Constitution protects people to practice whatever religion brings them comfort, assuming they do not undermine the rights of others. Equally, the freedom of religion also is to protect people of different or no faith from having the beliefs of other imposed upon you. How you choose to live your life is up to you, but the need to be respectful of religious and cultural differences has never been more important.

This administration will also work to make sure that public education in this country is not only strong but also the best possible. Education is the key to a successful life. We need to make sure that all Atlasians leave high school with key skills in literacy, numeracy as well as a broader math, science, history and classical education. But we also need to encourage students without an academic bent, who still require education and training in their field. We will never support a voucher system, it is a white flag for public education, and I will never give up on it.

We also need to work to address the expected cost blow outs in our health system that comes from a rapidly aging population. There are some difficult choices to be made. But I can assure all Atlasians the decisions made will not undermine the quality of care and they will be made with the utmost equity in mind.

The final issue I’d like to address is game reform. We all know that game reform to me, is a means to an end. However, reform does need to happen and we need a structure to allow options to be developed for the future. During my first term I created the Game Reform Panel, unfortunately, the Senate displayed little interest in the Panel’s work. However, the Game Reform Panel will live again, and I have placed Vice President Tmthforu personally in charge of this panel and he will be driving this Administration’s reform agenda.

Ladies and gentlemen, you have given me this great honour and have invested your time, energy and trust in this administration. I will work every single day to honour your investment and to work for the trust of those who did not vote for me.
Thank you all, goodnight and Dave bless.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Palais de Congress
Marrakesh, Morocco

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today we are gathered here to consider the real threat our common future faces. Yet again, nuclear security and therefore the security of the world is a point of concern.

The Hindu God Shiva is both a God of destruction and a God creation and renewal. In many ways our approach to nuclear technology is the same. It is, at once, the harnessing of the base elements of our universe to either destroy in an instant or to create energy to power our world.

People of my political persuasion have been caught in the horns of a dilemma for as long as we knew about nuclear technology. It grants some the capacity for destruction that no single country deserves, but as we saw during the Cold War, the presence of those weapons, and the mutual assured destruction they would bring created equilibrium. However, the race to assume and expand our nuclear knowledge has had a tremendous effect on those directly and those innocently nearby. Apart from environmental desolation, what about the cancer clusters directly related to that research in the early days.

We have states across the world, where dangerous nuclear technology is stored in sheds, protected at best by one guy, a German shepherd and a padlock. We will work with our friends and neighbours to remove fissile material and downgrade it, we will work with them to secure material around the world. The common factor is that Atlasia wants to work with the world to clean up and secure nuclear material.

However, we have also used that technology to change our world for the better. While events like Three-Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukishima made as all question the need for nuclear power, the fact remains that in many ways it is the low-emission alternative to fossil fuels for the short to medium term. I know I am at odds with many in my country, in my side of politics and within my party. I believe nuclear power can be harnessed safely and with maximum security.

The other key issue we cannot ignore is the risk posed to the wider world by the obtaining of fissile material by rouge nations and non-state actors, not the least of which being terrorists. Their desire to obtain this material is no secret. I understand the total discomfort by many as I stand here as President of a nuclear-armed state suggesting that other countries do not deserve access to such weapons. I understand it, but that does not mean that I am going to engage in moral relativism. However, I am taking this opportunity to make this pledge here and now. Atlasia will commence a new round of nuclear weapon dismantling. It is my intention to reduce Atlasia’s stockpile of nuclear weapons to 15% of 2000 levels within the next two years. I can hear many saying “why can’t you do it faster?” and “why can’t get rid of all nukes?” the answers to those questions are these, in order to dismantle warhead and dispose of fissile material in a safe manner takes time, and the other is a sheer fact of Geopolitical reality.

However, I believe we should pledge that all of our efforts will lead to a time when nuclear weapons are relic of history. It is not an easy ask, in fact, one of the toughest. But we must start now, and we must be united and prevent further destabilizing proliferation.

I truly believe the energy future of the world lies within clean renewable technologies and I will continue to support more research and development to bring those energies online in a wholesale manner as quickly as possible. But we must be realistic; we cannot wail and gnash our teeth because they’re not here now. For the past two decades we have squandered opportunities to focus on that research. We cannot afford to continue to do so. But we need to understand that because of taking our eye off the ball at a critical time, we need to spend more than we should need to and it will take longer to bring online than we want.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is an opportunity we cannot waste. The time is now, and we must be prepared to act.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

Question asked to the President while visiting a school in Arlington, Virginia


Reporter: What do you have to say about the 'revolution' being advocated? Including by some of your political allies?

PP: I think strong political discussions should happen, we always need to face up to difficult truths if things aren't working. Tweed is welcome back to Atlasia and I'm sure will run a very spirited campaign for the June election. However, I'm concerned that some people are attracted to a strategy that will likely blow up in their faces.

Atlasia is going through a period that is certainly more stagnant than I'd like, but I don't think a 'revolution' will do anything except provide some drama for a while, and because of that, the stagnation will return. I've been around Atlasia for a while, and stagnant periods happen. I don't believe this is a terminal decline. I'd be very interested what happens in Atlasia... say after November. I think you'll see activity return.

I should also say, what I said when a 'founder' returned to Atlasia to personally attack me, you built it, but didn't buy it, so you don't own it. Thanks...

Reporter: However, Mr Tweed has declared the Atlasian Government illegitimate

PP: Last time I checked, the people voted for the Government, in line with the Constitutional authorities that they also voted for. The Atlasian Government is most certainly legitimate, and he has no place to make such proclamations.

In fact, it's a bit like your mother turning up in your house, and proclaiming you divorced because she doesn't like your wife. It's dramatic and a little wacky, but also destabilising, which I presume is the point.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

ok Czar Nick II.  gl

ah.... ha....

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be formally announcing shortly that he will not be seeking another elected term.

He believes two terms is enough.

He also wants to make sure that all interested candidates know his position as soon as practicable.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

President Hilton Hotel
Kansas City Missouri


Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to thank you for extending this invitation to me to be here with you all today.

I think we should get the numerous and enormous pink elephants out of the room right up front.

There are obviously many areas in which we are in complete and total disagreement.

I supported full legal equality of same-sex couples, including the right of adoption. I support the use of stem-cell research and believe in the separation of Church and State.

The separation of Church and State is an issue that has been one often fraught with landmines for those who discuss it. For those of strong faith, it is an affront and an assault of your personal religious liberty, for those of no faith, it means that religious beliefs and views should be excluded from our political discourse.

I believe my position on this is clear, but I want to repeat it for you. I believe in State whose administration is free of the involvement of any specific religious interest or group. However, we must also be realistic. For many in our community, their faith is a core factor in what drives them and therefore it must not be discounted as invalid, simply because of the fact it’s faith-driven.

We have a number of clear protections in our system to ensure that policies and their implementation are not discriminatory.

I believe that faith is deeply personal, and in our country, your right to practice or not practice any religious belief is respected as long as you do not impinge on the rights of others. That includes respecting that just because you believe it’s right, does not give you the right to place demands on others who do not follow your own religious views.

I’m going to mention the evil ‘L’ word, liberal. Part of the reason I consider myself a liberal is that I believe that individual rights need to be respected as a paramount element of society. That doesn’t mean we don’t make laws for society as a whole, but those particular rights and liberties need to be acknowledged. I will always defend the rights of people of faith to exercise them, with the same fervor I will protect the rights of those who do not have any or a different faith to live their lives how they see fit.

I’m a liberal, because I believe in the right to choose.

I’m going to go even further here… I spoke to the National Women’s Leadership Congress last week and I discussed my view of the reproductive rights issues currently swirling around. I made clear that I am fundamentally pro-choice. However, many members of organisations such as thing attacked me, suggesting that I am pro-abortion. There is a difference and it’s deeply offensive to suggest otherwise. Abortion is a terrible thing for all parties involved, and support, not guilt, should be there to give women options, I personally a support a graduated system of checks from beginning of the second trimester. One key element that angers me no end, is that no connection is made between those who are pro-life  and those who are opposed to comprehensive sex education.
To me, they are part of the same basket. There is real evidence that if you are given all of the information up front, including the use of condoms and other forms of birth control, the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies is much lower. This also is reflected in the rates of sexually transmitted infections.

Now, let’s work on what we generally agree on.

All religious texts instruct us that we must care  for those unable to care for themselves. That we should be devoting our time and resources to looking after each other and treating all, even our enemies with the respect and dignity we would hope to see from them.

I am about to hand down a Budget proposal to the Senate. I intend to bring down a deficit much faster than originally projected, with the opportunity to start paying down our debt from next year. We will do this, with small increases in some government charges and excises, we will do this from streamlining the way our military operates, we will cut back our military aid, but increase our humanitarian aid and we will cut back the operating costs of government. But I want to make this clear, there will be no cuts to social programs and I will not be cutting back the public sector workforce. I will defend those who administer vital programs for our country and am frankly sick and tired of seeing them attacked by people who know nothing of the work they do, or how hard they work. I will also ensure that those at the top know the need to reign in unnecessary spending. I will personally take a 20% cut in my operating and living allowances, and I will expect the same of all other elected and judicial officials.

We can deal with our economic problems, but we will not apply a machete when a scalpel works better.

Again, I want to thank you for inviting me here today. I’m sure many might not have liked what I had to say, but the opportunity meant a lot to me, so thank you.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

President's Oval Office Statement
The White House


My fellow Atlasians,

Today we learned that Iran has tested a nuclear device.

This is especially egregious as this now flies against their stated public position for the past few years, that they wanted nuclear technology for power and medical purposes.

Atlasia was supportive of that, and along with fellow countries offered to aid them in that endeavour, in most cases that support had been rejected.

The Atlasian Government views this event with the greatest seriousness. Taking that into account, the Secretary of External Affairs will visit Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. I have changed my schedule and will be leaving tonight for Russia and then Germany, and then carry on my previously planned European visit.

I will close by saying this, I urge the entire international community to act calmly and with the utmost consideration for the delicate situation we are now in. Now is not a time to react, but instead to act with clear deliberation and common purpose.

I assure the Atlasian people, that your government is keeping the closest possible eye on this situation and you will not be kept in the dark.

Thank you, and Dave bless