AT-LARGE SENATE DEBATE-Atlas Tribune

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

First off, I'd like to thank the Tribune for setting up this debate. I look forward to this endeavor.

My first priority will, naturally, be the same as Kalwejt's: being an active Senator for the people. While I'm doing that, I'll introduce legislation to allow our foreign citizens to vote in other languages, because that's a thing that should happen and I don't care what Homely thinks. I'd also strive to help the millions of Atlasians who can't find work to do so, especially in the Pacific Region, because those people don't seem to be doing sh**t right now. I'd propose several public works programs, coordinated by the regions and the federal government alike, to both rebuild our infrastructure (and make some new stuff too while we're at it) and give Atlasians a good job upon which they can rely, at least until they get a job on their own.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Thank you Mr. Spamage. Good evening Atlasians.

My main goal will be to keep our country in good economic shape and the government in a healthy budgetary situation. That means control public spending and adopt policies that I believe will favor economic growth and make us more productive. I will do that by carefully examining bills, ask questions to get information and evaluate the effects of bills. Since you, citizens, don't always have time to keep an eye on Senate affairs, I want to be your eyes. 

Secure beneath the watchful eyes, eh, Hercule?

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Well, I read through the other candidates' responses, and I agree wholeheartedly with Senator X on the subject of education being a "great equalizer". It damn well should - it should be a symbol of Atlasian, meritocratic values - but sadly it is not. Atlasia's poorest children simply can't afford to go to a good, top-level school or don't even know about it. That's why I, like the gentleman from the Mideast, would support a form of income-based affirmative action.

In addition, we must make our teachers the greatest teachers in the world, and that's why I support incentivizing more good Atlasians to become teachers by increasing salaries and keeping benefits safe. However, I believe that if a teacher is not properly educating his or her students, that teacher should be let go - a good or bad teacher can make all the difference in a student's life. In addition, I would support the Gaining Excellent Teachers Act, because our poorest school districts need their kids to be educated to get them out of the hole of poverty and all that bad stuff (that is the whole point of affirmative action, is it not?), and the best way to do that is with a good teacher.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

I agree wholeheartedly with Senator X on the subject of education being a "great equalizer".

Ahem.

Frankly, Mr. Senator, I didn't say I agree with you because I don't. You say that education is the great equalizer. Senator X and I say that it should be, but tragically is not right now.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

I agree wholeheartedly with Senator X on the subject of education being a "great equalizer".

Ahem.

Frankly, Mr. Senator, I didn't say I agree with you because I don't. You say that education is the great equalizer. Senator X and I say that it should be, but tragically is not right now.

Education is the great equalizer. If it isn't, what else is? Are you saying that because our system is imperfect, that we need to find something other than education to achieve these goals? Otherwise you aren't making any sense by saying you disagree with me. Or are you saying you disagree with my stances on education? If so, which?

I think he means we need to improve our education system so that it can be the great equalizer of Atlasian society.

Which is what I'm saying. And doing. Anyway, I'm interested in hearing how Alfred intends to make improvements. We already have the GET Act and affirmative action won't improve the quality of our schools' provided education.

But it will improve access to education for poor Atlasians, making it more equalizer-y.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

I agree wholeheartedly with Senator X on the subject of education being a "great equalizer".

Ahem.

Frankly, Mr. Senator, I didn't say I agree with you because I don't. You say that education is the great equalizer. Senator X and I say that it should be, but tragically is not right now.

Education is the great equalizer. If it isn't, what else is? Are you saying that because our system is imperfect, that we need to find something other than education to achieve these goals? Otherwise you aren't making any sense by saying you disagree with me. Or are you saying you disagree with my stances on education? If so, which?

I think he means we need to improve our education system so that it can be the great equalizer of Atlasian society.

Which is what I'm saying. And doing. Anyway, I'm interested in hearing how Alfred intends to make improvements. We already have the GET Act and affirmative action won't improve the quality of our schools' provided education.

Also, Mr. Senator, may I point out that you, in fact, during debate on the act, had this to say:

I mean why is this a two way conversation between my and Nix?

Because its a lot of talking and not a lot of doing. I don't think this legislation will have a meaningful impact if it passes. I'm listening but I don't have much to say here. And if we go in a different direction, it'd be better to start over with a new bill.

You seem to be playing up the GET Act in this debate, Mr. Senator, but this shows that you in fact were not big on this bill originally.