New Islander Political Debates!

[Dominion of Compassion]

Greeting new islanders!

I am Dominion of Compassion, New Republica South Senator! As such, it's part of my job to oversee the political parties, encourage recruitment to them, and generally help in the upkeep! And, in the spirit of that, I'd like to welcome you all, newcomers and old islanders, to the NRS Debate Thread! This thread is specifically for new and old islanders to mix and mingle, express political views (in terms of nationstates as well as real world politics) in a polite, civilized manner. This is also the place where new islanders can find the party that's right for them, create one of their own, and/or be recruited by existing parties that share their philosophies.

Now, for the rules:
1) Absolutely NO insulting other islanders. We all are different and have various political beliefs, religious affiliations, etc. But we're also all members of the 10KI, the greatest region out there! Our debates and discussions need to reflect that.

2) I'd prefer you not insult political or religious leaders either, as that could spiral out of control as well. Examples include, but are not limited to- "(insert political leader here) is an idiot." "(Insert religious leader here) is a religious wack job moron." Appropriate remarks can be, but are not limited to the following- "(insert political leader here) doesn't sit well with me. I don't agree with his/her policies, and I feel like they aren't the best option for (insert country here). (List your reasons why you believe that). Or "(insert religious leader) seems to be a bit bigoted in their beliefs, and I don't agree with what they have to say. (Insert reasons why you believe that).

3) Have fun with it! Debates can be stressful, but not if executed properly! Debates should be fun exchanges and comparisons of ideas and beliefs! By actively engaging in this, we are strengthening the 10KI political party system and the Islands as a whole!

Witchcraft and Sorcery I want you serving with me and Odrin as moderators. We will help make sure the rules are observed and that people don't get out of hand.

Thank you, and have fun! Let's get the party system active once more!

DoC
(Witchcraft and Sorcery have I left anything out? As a debater yourself, I'm using your expertise here! )

[NeoYundar]

I'll start then. I am from TPD, the defender party. I am an American conservative and I am leaning towards Ted Cruz for the general election. I believe in individual liberty and a smaller government. as my hero Optimus Prime once said "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings". Also "Mad" Wayne Anthony and Commodore Oliver Hazzard Perry are some of my heroes. Google those for a good story.

[thewestmarches]

Bernie Sanders ftw

[Dominion of Compassion]

Yeah, I'm a Bernie man myself, his policies are too good to pass up, and he's insanely kind and compassionate.

[Louisistan]

I don't care for the AfD.

[Witchcraft and Sorcery]

I second that Louis - how do you even describe them? They're basically the Pegida movement with actual political power is the way I kind of see it. That terrifies me.

I don't know if you saw this but Stern ran an article the other day about some AfD big shot getting drunk and singing Nazi songs at one of their victory parties. I'm mightily confused as to how they have a political say after that and Frauke Petry's comments that police should shoot refugees.

[Confederacy of Swapothia]

What parts of Germany are you guys from?

[Louisistan]

Mar 17, 2016 8:06:34 GMT -5 Witchcraft and Sorcery said:

I second that Louis - how do you even describe them? They're basically the Pegida movement with actual political power is the way I kind of see it. That terrifies me.

Tea Party meets UKIP meets Donal Trump meets people who are very very confused and irate.

It started out on a solid idea. For some time now, the feeling has been omnipresent in Germany that the government basically does what it wants and not what the people want and get away with it, because there's no one else running for office. Enter AfD. They introduced themselves as the alternative everyone had been waiting for. They also started to openly criticize the EU, which up until then had been taboo in German politics. Basically, everything related with the EU was treated as sacrosanct, and that's not good. Especially not considering the state the EU is in. It badly needs to be reformed.

But sadly, they started to go downhill rather rapidly. Like any conservative movement in Germany, they started to attract right-wing extremists, which quickly gained more and more control. By the time the refugee crisis unfolded, they were already far to the right of the Kaiser.

Problem is, many people still remember the beginning. They still view AfD as an alternative - which can be seen by the high voter turnouts in Sunday's state elections. Many people who didn't vote before were brought to the polls by the AfD (either to vote for them, or to vote against them). What's surprising is, how many working class and poorer people voted for them, even though they plan on cutting taxes on the rich, cutting down social security, want to increase surveillance of citizens, etc.. It was a protest vote.

We'll have to wait and see how things unfold. Then again, we've had right-wing extremists in state parliaments every so often. Usually they don't stick, especially in the west. After one or two terms, they disappear again. But with them coming in second place in Sachsen-Anhalt, things are going to become a bit uncomfortable in German politics for a while.

Confederacy of Swapothia, I'm from Baden-Württemberg.

[Confederacy of Swapothia]

Ah, I'm an American living in Bayern in a small town outside of Nurnberg. I'm happy you guys don't support the AfD. Who would make the doners?

[NeoYundar]

whoah, Interesting to see the a view of European politics from a European perspective. American news is very self-centered, though I know of UKIP and the rise of the right wing parties.

[Witchcraft and Sorcery]

I'm also an American, living in the US now but I did live in Germany over the summer. Whereabouts in relation to Nurnberg Swapothia? I lived in Kulmbach while I was there.

I do agree that the EU needs some reform Louis. The AfD just isn't the alternative we're looking for. The "original" AfD faction also split off from the current party a little while ago didn't they?

[Louisistan]

Yeah. They're now called ALFA. But they got about as much votes as other splinter parties and are far from being anywhere close to a parliament (except the EP, because some of them still hold their mandates from when they were elected as AfD candidates).