AmericanGovSim - jf-3-house-debate

DisguisedJet719 06-Mar-20 07:27 PM

The candidates are: @John F. Kennedy @MonarchJared @Ben Please ask any questions now.

Ben 06-Mar-20 07:30 PM

I will answer any question and am ready and willing to be as honest, open, consistent, and steadfast as possible. I could use a ping when a question is directed at me but I promise I’ll get to any questions that need my answer.

Anarchist 06-Mar-20 07:31 PM

What makes you different from the incumbent, your federalist counterpart? And, do you believe that the two of you will split the vote leading the way for John. F. Kennedy to win in this race?

Stoped 06-Mar-20 07:31 PM

John F. Kennedy has yet to make any public statements, so I doubt their success.

Ben 06-Mar-20 07:32 PM

One major difference that I have with the incumbent is that I am not only active but very active. I will be steadfast in moving forward with my agendas, and I promise to never be slow or low-energy.

I run to serve, and nothing less. (edited)

Thank you for the question.

DisguisedJet719 06-Mar-20 07:36 PM

( @Stoped only questions directed to the candidates, please.)

1

MonarchJared 06-Mar-20 08:38 PM

I have a solid record of showing up to represent my constituents.

Ben 06-Mar-20 10:35 PM

I am open to any and all questions at any time.

ThanosBaby 07-Mar-20 02:05 AM

@Ben In a question to Senatorial Candidates you inferred that the countries of Bolivia, France, and Canada, among others, no longer have, or have much more limited political freedoms than we do, care to elaborate on what you mean by that?

Putbye1 07-Mar-20 03:52 AM

Would you support the removal of Federal regulations on State minimum wages?

Is it OK to punch a Nazi?

Ben 07-Mar-20 08:43 AM

@ThanosBaby I would love to elaborate. In many different countries around the world, including Bolivia, France, and Canada, political freedoms have eroded over the decades at a dismaying rate. Whether it be comedians arrested and put before courts and tribunals for offensive jokes in Canada or the U.K., or the fact that you can be fined in Bolivia for criticizing the government in the news media, or the fact that the right to bear arms is nearly non-existent according to the British government, or even the simple fact that many countries around the world simply do not have a Bill of Rights officially enshrining our most basic political freedoms, it is very clear that most countries are not politically free ones. And this seems to be especially true for ones that have socialized their economies.

@Putbye1 1. I believe that states should be able to set minimum wages if they want to (it’d certainly be preferable to federal control in that area), although personally I’d prefer having no minimum wage at all. Above all, I think that we should abolish most if not all federal wage controls and let the free market decide if it wants to tick off employees by paying them rock-bottom wages. (edited)

And 2. No, it is not okay to “punch a Nazi”. Political violence is and always will be wrong and evil, even when perpetrated against those who support evil ideologies or ideologies that one may disagree with. I will always fight for freedom of speech, especially for those with unpopular views, as they need it most. Thank you.

Legendstorm TV/Andrew 07-Mar-20 12:58 PM

@Ben I saw you were a pro life supporter, if a mother’s life was at risk if the baby was taken to term, would you really give a life of a mother for the life of her baby. Do you think that we should have certain circumstances where abortion should be allowed, like in life threatening situations or in rape cases?

Ben 07-Mar-20 01:02 PM

That’s a good question @Legendstorm TV/Andrew. I do believe that abortion should perhaps be legal in the extremely rare cases in which a woman could die as a result of her pregnancy, but not in any other cases. If it were up to me, there’d be no abortion. I believe that every state should classify this brutal and medieval practice as what it is: murder. And as the Representative from Jefferson’s 3rd District I promise that I will propose a Constitutional amendment to reverse the awful Roe v. Wade decision and allow states to make that choice and finish the civil rights challenge of our time by ending abortion.

Legendstorm TV/Andrew 07-Mar-20 01:02 PM

Thank you, Mr. Goldwater.

Ben 07-Mar-20 01:03 PM

Thank you for the question. (edited)

Putbye1 07-Mar-20 04:22 PM

Would you publicly urge all US States to impose stricter regulations on CATGIRLs?

Ben 07-Mar-20 04:28 PM

Could you please elaborate?

Otherwise no comment.

Putbye1 07-Mar-20 05:07 PM

The CATGIRL issue is arguably an issue on the state level. But as a Congressman, would you publicly support action that would impose stricter regulations on the state level?

LOTR_1 07-Mar-20 05:14 PM

@Ben education is perhaps the number one issue we face. What are your thoughts and proposals for the issue?

rat randy 07-Mar-20 05:15 PM

What is your opinion on the distribution of narcotics across the southern border, and what do you plan to do about it?

Ben 07-Mar-20 05:15 PM

@Putbye1 I’m neutral on the issue.

@LOTR_1 I believe that education, like most things, should be as privatized and government-free as possible. I oppose the tone-deafness and out-of-touchness of Common Core standards. I believe that education should be a state issue, and that most if not all schools should receive no government money. Finally, I support charter schools and vouchers for these reasons.

@rat randy I believe that the movement of narcotics from across the southern border is a huge issue, and a national security issue. I support John Smith’s proposal to build a barrier on the border to help stem this flow and the flow of criminals, and I very much support border security. One note I have on the border barrier idea though; I’m a libertarian, so I’m still thinking about the eminent domain part of the idea.

Putbye1 07-Mar-20 05:31 PM

How can you defend the sanctity of life by being pro-life, and be neutral on the CATGIRL issue? Should we be allowed to toy around with human embryos in unrestricted desire?

Ben 07-Mar-20 05:31 PM

No, we definitely should not be.

Human embryos are meant for one thing - life - and should be handled with respect.

MonarchJared 07-Mar-20 05:47 PM

Pro Life, means being able to defend that child starting at conception. We cannot allow these constant abortions happening. However we need to make condoms available, and other birth control widely accessible before a child is created. Once it develops a beating heart it is a human and deserves life. @Putbye1

MonarchJared 07-Mar-20 06:06 PM

@rat randy Well with states moving toward decriminalization, and my own having legalized, the issue should be on its way out. Of course we need to protect our borders, but the drug issue is one that we're fixing at home

MonarchJared 07-Mar-20 06:30 PM

@Putbye1 I believe the state governments are fully capable of managing that sector of regulation, on both questions. (edited)

Also, no it is not alright to punch a Nazi.

Ben 07-Mar-20 08:47 PM

I’d like to remind all voters to only go out and vote if you are sure on who you want to vote for.

Regardless I am here and ready to answer any and all questions that may come up between now and when debating voting close tomorrow.

MonarchJared 07-Mar-20 10:16 PM

First and foremost I am promising the public to present a bill the first week of my re-election, to dedicate enough money for government agencies to be properly funded, and to federally take care of the COVID-19 virus. Theres a lot we don't know about it and we need these agencies funded, and have extra to take care of everything to keep the mitigation up, and the public safe.

Right now only the North State is doing anything to combat this, but upon my re-election I will ensure this bill is presented and passes, and gets its way to @Valerie's desk where she will sign it and the entire U.S. will begin to prepare for a potential mass spread.

rat randy 08-Mar-20 09:30 AM

Do you plan on doing anything about Daylight savings, or is it alright to you as it stands?

Ben 08-Mar-20 09:53 AM

I’d be very much open to supporting getting rid of the nuisance that is Daylight Savings Time.

rat randy 08-Mar-20 11:24 AM

@Ben The latest predictions have you sitting at 38% as opposed to the 41% your opponent, @MonarchJared holds. How do you respond to these predictions and what do you plan to do to ensure people you are the right choice? (edited)

Ben 08-Mar-20 11:26 AM

Well, this race for the JF-3 House seat has become a close one according to the latest predictions from various sources. But I am a fighter, and a candidate of substance, drive, and vigor, and I will fight to the last second to win this race and bring conservative change to the capital. (edited)

rat randy 08-Mar-20 11:27 AM

Thank you.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 12:51 PM

@Ben are you aware that Jefferson actually started construction on a border wall before the people rejected it and progress stopped? How can you justify bringing back a project that was so incredibly unpopular to your constituents?

Ben 08-Mar-20 12:53 PM

Because I’d rather be honest than popular, @Cabin. (edited)

Cabin 08-Mar-20 12:53 PM

Perhaps I can rephrase. Will you push projects that the voters have clearly expressed that they do not want?

(You can't edit to add statements)

Ben 08-Mar-20 12:54 PM

But looking at the predictions, I think my party will be both, especially compared to yours.

It would depend on the project.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 12:54 PM

How about a border wall?

Ben 08-Mar-20 12:55 PM

I support more border security; if that means a barrier like a fence or a wall and it comes to that, yes, I would definitely support it.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 12:55 PM

Also, do you make a habit of attacking voters who ask questions based on their political affiliation?

Ben 08-Mar-20 12:55 PM

I do not, as you can see from my history.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 12:56 PM

Your history as of two minutes ago shows you doing just that

Ben 08-Mar-20 12:56 PM

I do have a habit of pointing out desperation when I see it though.

Because I pride myself on honestly.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 12:56 PM

Are there any other proposals that the voters have rejected outright that you would promote against their wishes?

Ben 08-Mar-20 12:57 PM

I don’t think so.

But I’m no shill: I support what I support because I actually support it.

If that’s a problem for Federalists, then so be it.

Thank you.

Any further questions from anyone?

LOTR_1 08-Mar-20 12:59 PM

@Ben what is your opinion on the current prison system, and what ideas do you have for it?

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:01 PM

@MonarchJared would you seek to build a border wall, even though the voters have clearly expressed that they don't want one?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:03 PM

Well, I must admit that the prison system is not one of my main issues, but I do have this opinion at least: I prioritize punishment over rehabilitation for convicted criminals, especially violent ones. Most humans in society need some sort of rehabilitation, as no one’s perfect and everyone has problems and makes mistakes; but the main difference between most people and convicted criminals is the offense, often an awful offense, that they’ve been convicted of in a fair court. Plus not every criminal - especially the worst ones - is capable of or wants rehabilitation as the main priority for them. So I prioritize punishment over rehabilitation in most prison cases. Thank you for the question @LOTR_1

LOTR_1 08-Mar-20 01:04 PM

@Ben what about victimless crimes and nonviolent crimes, such as related to drugs?

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:05 PM

Do you believe that our system is not currently punitive enough?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:06 PM

@LOTR_1 I support the current liberal policy in Jefferson in regards to marijuana, but I still have thinking to do about most drug laws. But in general, I believe that victimless crimes should not be crimes, and that the only goings-on that should be illegal are those that violate people’s rights. Thank you, I hope I was able to answer the question.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:06 PM

How do you feel about Jefferson's legalization of all drugs?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:08 PM

And Mr. @Cabin, I did not speak on the current system, I only spoke on my general opinion. And as for your other question, I believe I already stated what I think; I generally support drug liberalization policy due to its generally victimless nature, especially in the case of marijuana, but I still have thinking and advisory I am in need of to form a full legal opinion. Thank you anyway.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:08 PM

I only ask because the original question specified "the current prison system"

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:10 PM

@Cabin I believe that some offenses are in need of more punishment, and others less, based on what I have said on the nature of law, crime, and punishment. Is that a simple enough answer?

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:10 PM

Do you support mandatory minimum sentences?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:11 PM

In general?

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:11 PM

Yes

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:12 PM

I have problems with the general idea, as every legal case is technically different, but in the cases of some sentences, like for state murder charges, it certainly makes sense in my opinion. Thank you.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:12 PM

What about the bond system?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:13 PM

I like the idea of bonds and bail for crimes (other than the most serious ones like murder and rape, including child molestation), and otherwise I don’t have much of an opinion.

Thank you @Cabin. (edited)

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:14 PM

Just to clarify, for crimes less serious than the worst you support cash bail?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:15 PM

For most, not all. Especially for the most minor crimes.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:16 PM

Then you support the system that leads to poor Americans, not convicted of any crime, being locked up because they are unable to pay for their freedom?

NYCDOT 08-Mar-20 01:16 PM

Would you allow cash bail for hit and run accidents

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:17 PM

I believe that anything can be phrased in such a way as to make it sound awful, but I support the rights of innocent Americans who get arrested and detained by government to be allowed to become temporarily free once more with some of their legally-obtained money, do you oppose that Mr. @Cabin sir, you authoritarian? (edited)

See what I mean?

@NYCDOT I would support allowing bail and bonds for hit-and-run accidents, for example. Thank you.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:18 PM

I don't see, actually, considering I wrote and passed the bill abolishing cash bail in Dixie. Are you entirely misinformed about our justice system?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:19 PM

@Cabin I don’t recall saying that there was no cash bail or bond system in Dixie, do you? I only recall stating my general opinion and nothing more, because that’s all I was asked for.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:19 PM

Now that I think of it, Jefferson's system is gone too! Do you believe it should be reinstated? (edited)

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:20 PM

I like the idea of bonds and bail for crimes (other than the most serious ones like murder and rape, including child molestation), and otherwise I don’t have much of an opinion.

I believe I already stated my opinion @Cabin, were you not paying attention, you authoritarian? Were you too busy trying to Gotcha me instead of listening to my thoughts on the issues like a normal voter or citizen? (edited)

Stop with the partisan nonsense.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:21 PM

You claimed you don't, but I have to ask again because you've done it several times now. Do you generally attack voters for questioning your beliefs?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:21 PM

No, and I never have. I just respond to your attacks.

Now Cabin, let someone else ask. Thank you.

April 08-Mar-20 01:23 PM

Jefferson is certainly not a majority Conservative. Why should members of other parites vote for you instead of your opponents?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:24 PM

Because I am more than just the “(C)” next to my name on the ballot; I am an individual candidate with my own individual views, personality, and humanity. I invite anybody who wants to vote for me to do so, regardless of official party affiliation.

Thank you.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:30 PM

@MonarchJared do you believe in locking up the poor for the crime of being poor?

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:32 PM

Was Chargerman locked up himself? He hasn’t answered as many voters’ questions as I have Cabin.

rat randy 08-Mar-20 01:34 PM

@Cabin Why do you find it necessary to use your time and effort to attack the candidates while you aren’t even running here? I would assume better from the Speaker, and not childish attacks on a candidate whom you have no affiliation with. I believe this channel is for debates among the candidates, not a partisan war through questions.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 01:34 PM

If you have questions for me, feel free to take them to #dx-3-house-debate

Ben 08-Mar-20 01:52 PM

As for questions (not attacks) for me (or Chargerman?), ask them here.

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 03:45 PM

@rat randy I would support a bill to get rid of daylight savings time. @Cabin The voters have said they don't want it, of course I'll listen to their wishes. I'm here to serve my constituents, not to force my will on them No locking up the poor for being poor is genuinely one of the worst things i’ve ever heard. To serve my constituents involves helping them get through tough times, not considering the fact to arrest someone over a few bad financial opportunities. I support the full legalization of all drugs. I feel like Jefferson did a great job and has seen huge success with that rather than a complete ongoing war on drugs, destroying families

Cabin 08-Mar-20 03:46 PM

Do you believe that making drugs less taboo in Jefferson was a more effective solution for smuggling across the border than a wall would have been?

LOTR_1 08-Mar-20 03:48 PM

@Ben opinion on interventionism vs isolationism in foreign policy?

Ben 08-Mar-20 03:50 PM

I believe that it depends on the case, but I despise the ideology of isolationism in general. I do not believe in a weak, ignorant, and stubborn American foreign policy; I believe in a strong, smart, and real American foreign policy for the greatest and most powerful nation on Earth. I hope that I have answered your question well.

Thank you.

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 03:57 PM

@Cabin I do, I think making everyone have access makes it loose it’s taste among people, as it’s more acceptable people are more educated about it and stay away from it. I do not think a border wall would stop much of drug trafficking compared to making it all legal.

Cabin 08-Mar-20 04:05 PM

@MonarchJared same question from the Congressman, thoughts on interventionism vs. isolationism?

Ben 08-Mar-20 04:15 PM

And another question, from your opponent, ChargerMan, how do you feel about Cabin attempting to solely prop you up and trying to take your place in debating me?

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 04:16 PM

I don't believe intervention should be our first choice in nearly any situation. There are diplomatic channels and America has very high standing on the world stage. Of course we need the option, and I'm not suggesting full isolation. But the idea that the US needs to be the world's police is outdated and harmful to our troops and their families at home

@Ben I disagree that I'm being propped up by anyone. I'm here to answer questions from voters, if you're uncomfortable taking tough questions then maybe you shouldn't be in this race.

Ben 08-Mar-20 04:22 PM

@MonarchJared I’ve taken a much fairer share of tough questions than anybody in this race. I’m a free man, you’re the puppet of Cabin and the a Federalist leadership - a placeholder for the caucus.

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 04:32 PM

@Ben What you're saying is absolutely false. I represent my constituents, not my party. You've taken more questions because your positions are full of holes and will harm the American people. People are worried, and they want to understand just what kind of trouble they're in for if you're elected. Locking up the poor, building a border wall the voters have rejected. It's only right that you should get tough questions on stances they don't agree with, that you should have to explain why you want to take back the progress we've made.

April 08-Mar-20 04:33 PM

Question for @MonarchJared, @Ben, @John F. Kennedy: Do you support implementing a Universal Basic Income nationwide?

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 04:43 PM

A small UBI has been incredibly successful here in Jefferson, and I'd absolutely support a similar measure nationwide. Everyone should get a share of the wealth our nation's land brings. The income wouldn't be enough to live on, but would give very valuable support to all American families

2

Ben 08-Mar-20 04:48 PM

I would not support a federal nationwide UBI program, because 1. I am not a socialist, and 2. I am not that desperate for votes.

Allow me to elaborate.

rat randy 08-Mar-20 04:49 PM

@MonarchJared What is your opinion on the words and phrases Cabin has been using, and do you endorse this way of trying to win?

Ben 08-Mar-20 04:51 PM

While it possibly works on a state or local basis, UBI would be grossly (or corruptly) mismanaged on a national or federal level. I do not trust the federal government with such an ambitious program, and I do not believe it the federal government’s duty or job to have such a program. It is an overstep that encourages less work.

@April

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 04:58 PM

I'm not worried about Cabin's words, I'm worried about what my opponent has planned for the people in Jefferson and why my plans are better able to help them. @rat randy

rat randy 08-Mar-20 04:58 PM

But do you agree that it is immature? Do you think it is appropriate for a public figure?

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 05:01 PM

I don't think much of what's happening on Twitter right now from any side is what the people hope for from their government

Ben 08-Mar-20 06:40 PM

Not much time left, please get any more questions in soon, and vote soon!

rat randy 08-Mar-20 06:42 PM

Do you support the death penalty?

@Ben

Ben 08-Mar-20 06:43 PM

I support it, yes, in the worst cases, such as murder and even rape and child molestation, but I believe that state crimes should be handled by state courts and state governments. I do support the federal death penalty though, including for treason.

High treason especially.

Thank you.

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 06:55 PM

My opponent wants to return to having the government kill its people after the people have spoken and deemed it a terrible wrong.

The people have spoken, and I will not support the death penalty.

Ben 08-Mar-20 06:56 PM

How desperate are you for votes?

If the people wanted to kill the Jews would you support that too?

I have my own opinions, and I stand by them.

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 06:58 PM

I am here to represent my constituents, its obvious that you will not represent the people. How low can you go to mention the holocaust for personal gain. This is just sad Ben, I implore you to stop, I've never seen someone go so low.

Ben 08-Mar-20 06:58 PM

It is low to bow to the mob sir. Get your own opinions.

The people don’t want to vote for the letters F or C; they want to vote for a candidate who’s honest.

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 06:59 PM

Opinions? excuse me but the oath you take is to safeguard the constitution, to defend it from all enemies foreign and domestic, but also to represent the people. I cannot sit here and see you defend your statement.

As we come to the end of this debate, I'd like to thank my opponents and the voters who were trying to become more informed. I hope today you make the right choice for Jefferson, and for you. I have worked for you, and I will work for you. I have represented you, and I will fight for you. We've heard some troubling ideas from Mr. Goldwater, and I hope some of them never return to this country. At the end of the day, I will be your true representative in Congress. My opponent himself said he would vote his own way regardless of what you think. Vote for a representative who will vote for you.

Ben 08-Mar-20 06:59 PM

@April I am honest and committed and active.

Thank you.

April 08-Mar-20 06:59 PM

With debate ending now we go to Closing statements

Ben 08-Mar-20 06:59 PM

Thank you all, including @MonarchJared.

MonarchJared 08-Mar-20 07:00 PM

I have already included my closing statement. Good day!

April 08-Mar-20 07:00 PM

@Ben do you have a quick closing statement?

Ben 08-Mar-20 07:00 PM

I believe it’s too late to get into more.

But I hope that what I have said since the literal beginning will be enough. Thank you.