1st Parliament of South America

[Simfan34]

Aye

[Oakvale]

AYE.

[PJ]

Aye

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Aye

[Murica!]

aye.

[Talleyrand]

Aye

[rpryor03]

AYE

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Aye

[Potus]

Aye

[Dereich]

Aye

[TNF]

Nay

[Хahar 🤔]

Aye

[Cassius]

Aye

[Barnes]

Division No. 4 -- Called September 2, 2015, at 3.31 pm
On the motion made by Mr. Oakvale (Minister for Justice) that the bill be read a third time.

Ayes -- 15
Goldwater
SJoyce
Blair
Simfan34
Oakvale
Politics Junkie
Al Sibboleth
Murica
Talleyrand
rpryor03
ChairmanSanchez
Potus2036
Dereich
Xahar
Cassius

Noes -- 2
Turkisblau
TNF

Motion agreed to.

Members not in attendance: Spamage, Crabcake, and Vega

[Barnes]

I would like to update the House on several items that have been affected by the adoption of the Constitution of South America Act.

Firstly, the act reaffirms the previously established term of a Parliament.  I think it is in the interest of the House to be aware of that timetable.  The present Parliament first sat on August 20, 2015 at 11.23 pm, and is thus scheduled to expire by effluxion of time on Thursday, October 29, 2015, at 11.23 pm.

Secondly, in accordance with the act, the election by Parliament of the President of South America is scheduled to be held in one week's time beginning on September 10.

And finally, as is the case with the election of the President, the act further stipulates that the Government will nominate a person to serve as State Justice a week after the adoption of the act: that date is also on September 10.

I thank the House.

[Oakvale]

Mr. Speaker,

Today marks an important step on the road to building this new republic. I would especially like to thank all those members of the opposition who put aside their political differences with this government in the interests of the nation and voted for this Constitution. We now have a Constitution, and we have achieved this quickly and without the tedious legalism that has collapsed nations in the past.

Problems lie ahead, of course. In our own land, rebels and drug cartels continue to wreak havoc. Myriad economic challenges face our constituent nations. To our north, the pigheaded isolationists squawk and squeal at the thought of granting our nation diplomatic recognition. But this government stands ready to meet these challenges. With that in mind, the Prime Minister will now move to holding a vote on a motion of confidence on a sweeping policy agenda that will continue our work in moving South America forward.

[Barnes]

I note that Mr. Theodore Cranberry has been elected as the Parliamentary Leader of the Socialist Party and, in accordance with my ruling on Wednesday, is duly recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.

However, considering that Mr. Cranberry is not at the present a Member of Parliament, he may not participate in any debates or activities within the House.  While Mr. Cranberry remains outside of the House, I would ask the Socialist grouping within the House to designate to me a Member to serve on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition within the House.

[Murica!]

I note that Mr. Theodore Cranberry has been elected as the Parliamentary Leader of the Socialist Party and, in accordance with my ruling on Wednesday, is duly recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.

However, considering that Mr. Cranberry is not at the present a Member of Parliament, he may not participate in any debates or activities within the House.  While Mr. Cranberry remains outside of the House, I would ask the Socialist grouping within the House to designate to me a Member to serve on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition within the House.

Would it not be easier to replace Crabcake with Cranberry?

[PJ]

I note that Mr. Theodore Cranberry has been elected as the Parliamentary Leader of the Socialist Party and, in accordance with my ruling on Wednesday, is duly recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.

However, considering that Mr. Cranberry is not at the present a Member of Parliament, he may not participate in any debates or activities within the House.  While Mr. Cranberry remains outside of the House, I would ask the Socialist grouping within the House to designate to me a Member to serve on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition within the House.

Would it not be easier to replace Crabcake with Cranberry?

Our constitution, drafted by the Conservatives, fails to address the issue of inactive or resigning MPs.

[Barnes]

As a matter of information, nothing prevents a Member from resigning their place at any time.

[Murica!]

As a matter of information, nothing prevents a Member from resigning their place at any time.

But what if said member is inactive?

[Barnes]

As Mr. PJ pointed out earlier, there is nothing in either the Constitution Act or ottherwise that deals with inactive Members.

[Simfan34]

I note that Mr. Theodore Cranberry has been elected as the Parliamentary Leader of the Socialist Party and, in accordance with my ruling on Wednesday, is duly recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.

However, considering that Mr. Cranberry is not at the present a Member of Parliament, he may not participate in any debates or activities within the House.  While Mr. Cranberry remains outside of the House, I would ask the Socialist grouping within the House to designate to me a Member to serve on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition within the House.

Would it not be easier to replace Crabcake with Cranberry?

Our constitution, drafted by the Conservatives, fails to address the issue of inactive or resigning MPs.

I object to the honorable member's use of terms. Had he objected to such a perceived omission he should have introduced an amendment.

[Oakvale]

To address the honorable member's concerns, there's no need for the Constitution, which was of course by popular and internal government demand written to be minimal, to address the exact specifics of resignation procedure. By longstanding convention, a resigning MP will be automatically replaced by the next unelected member on the party list.

[Potus]

Mr. Speaker,

I speak under direct request of the President of South America and move for a vote of confidence in my Government. As Prime Minister, it is partially my duty to rally the nation behind a unifying governing vision.

Our Government has already showed tremendous leadership in the face of smouldering structural challenges and flaming crises. Our Government has overseen the completion of a solid Constitution, established the normal working orders of Parliament, and laid the foundation for a free society. On the other hand, our Government has dealt effectively with a high-stakes, high-risk hostage crisis which saw the liberation of dozens of our own citizens from a left-wing terrorist organization.

Ahead lie even more challenges for our young nation. It is my pleasure to proudly champion the honorable Chancellor's economic standardization plan. If South America is to be free and prosperous, we must pursue economic harmonization. The Chancellor will be coming forth with legislation that creates a common currency, standardizes interest rates, and makes coherent our international trade laws. This economic union must be coupled with a national commitment to fair labor relations for both job workers and job creators.

Central to our national develop is the Ministry of Infrastructure. Our national infrastructure is central to both personal and economic freedoms. Rights to movement must not be impeded by a weak infrastructure. Our Government is greatly committed to this common good. Similarly, we show strong commitment to a national energy policy that promotes national growth and preserves our most fundamental responsibilities.

The economic prosperity that ensues from these reforms will be used, in part, to fund the first continental social protection ministry. Firstly, our government will pursue a reasonable, fair, responsible healthcare safety net that makes our nation healthier and happier. We will seek to strengthen our relations with civil institutions, communities, churches, and businesses to construct a comprehensive social safety to provide for the least fortunate among us.

If our society is to be both fair and free, then we must give due consideration to a continental education policy that fosters upward mobility and readiness for success. Education offers the surest, safest, and most effective route out of poverty, out of destitution, and into the vibrant economic and social life South America has to offer.

Greatness at home can only go so far when there is trouble abroad. My Government has been and will continue to be solidly committed to achieving diplomatic recognition around the world. To couple with this recognition, we must move forward with plans to provide for the common defense.

We must be equipped to deal with threats both foreign and domestic. As has been made clear by the recent FARC raid, our internal security is contingent on the cooperation of selfish political actors. That journalist and those soldiers are not the only hostages. As was exhibited by the President of Colombia's loud condemnation of South American action, we are all hostages to the political whimsy of arrogant, ineffective leaders.

Enough is enough. In the days ahead, my Government will pursue legislation that prepares South American countries and peacekeeping forces to more effectively deal with threats both foreign domestic.

Our Government responds to the clear mandate of the people with a clear plan of action. I speak for all members of our Government when I say that we are excited for the opportunities and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.