Eternity RPC Board
11-27-2016, 01:57 AM
Christel Schäfer: We have one question from a 12 year old boy, a Voltan expatriate who claims his family was forced to leave the country. Let's see what he has to say.
Question: Chancellor Krenz, my name is Volker Munz , I am 12 and had to leave due to my bad treatment in Volta because I am Autistic. My family and I didn't want to as we love Volta but we couldn't live in country that saw me as sick. As you know Volta has had a bad history with its treatment of autistics and I am not the only one who was badly treated , with Volta even outright oppressing people like me. Now I know many reforms have made a huge difference but what do you plan to do to integrate autistics in a positive way that allows them to be themselves and will the state apologise for its past and give the deserved compensation? Also do you agree if we want to get the best out of autistics we need to accept them in positive way, work to their strengths and get them involved in the party in a meaningful way?
Ernst Krenz: Well, this is a very difficult question. I will definitely acknowledge that the government has in the past done some horrible things to the autistic community in Volta, acts that undoubtedly led to them being discriminated against when it was not justified at all. I also feel that the government should apologize for it's failures, particularly the failure to recognize sociopathic hysteria as a disorder separate and unrelated to the autism spectrum. This one failure can be said have been the root cause of most of the problems the autistic community in Volta faces, considering that most policy decisions regarding the autistic community that were made by the government were in some way affected by that failure. This is something that the government needs to face, it is a wrong that needs to be corrected.
Regarding the question of providing compensation, I believe that the government should do that. But not in the form of monetary compensation. If we were to give monetary compensation, that would simply give them temporary relief. Once that money runs out they simply go back to the situation they were in before, what good would that do? No, compensation has to come in policy changes meant to correct this wrong. Government programs meant to guarantee employment need to be expanded to allow autistic people to be granted jobs much easier. We also need to provide more support services to those who are autistic, so that they can better function in society. Compensation shouldn't be just giving away money and calling it a day, it needs to take the form of actual policy decisions meant to fix the damage that was done.
A number of policies have been proposed in the government regarding that recently. These proposals include reforming the guaranteed employment program to accommodate the needs of autistic people, reforming and expanding support services for autistic people, and implementing mandatory early-screening for newborn children to help detect autism at an early age so that necessary support can be given as soon as possible. There are even proposals that there should be a formal branch of government, made up of not only experts in autism but also people with autism themselves, that advises the government on policy proposals that would directly impact the autistic community. All of these ideas have my full endorsement, though how many of them get enacted is a question that can only be answered after each proposal has been reviewed by the Federal Assembly.
And to answer your final question, none of these proposals would have my endorsement if I didn't believe one thing. That is that the problems the autistic community in Volta face is not because of their own failures, but because the rest of the country failed to provide an accommodating environment that would allow them to thrive. I believe that autistic people can be just as successful as others, the reason that they haven't I think is that Volta simply hasn't allowed them to develop to their full potential.
Iztli Olin: We have another question, this one from a reporter in Angiris. Here is the question.
Question: Chancellor Krenz, my name is Leos Thias and I am a reporter for the Angirisian Foreign Policy Inquirer. My question, sir, is with the recent rise of Akhadist terrorism in the Near East and around the world where do you see Volta's place in that battle, if any? Or do you think more regional powers, like the Angirisian and Mestran Empires in the Near East, should bear the bulk of responsibility?
Ernst Krenz: This is an interesting question. Obviously, the Voltan government opposes these terrorists. They are religious fundamentalists that don't represent the overall Akhadist faith, they give all Akhadists a bad name with every act of terror that they do. However, as much as I would like to assist in this program, part of me feels that if Volta gets too involved it could actually backfire. Many people know that the government of Volta is secular, and that the government rejects any sort of religious influence in politics. Now imagine how that would play out in the narrative of the terrorists, I'm certain that many of them would have a propaganda field day. I can already imagine their slogans, for example "destroy the godless infidels", or "protect the religion from godless enemies". We can't have this happening.
For this reason, while I believe Volta should play a role in the fight against terrorism, I think that Volta needs to approach this issue with caution. The best option would probably be for Volta to play no more than a supporting role, with local powers taking the spotlight.
Christel Schäfer: We also have several questions from a reporter in Carpathia. Let's go through them one at a time.
Question:Chancellor Krenz, my name is Octavian Dumitru and I am a reporter for Info.Net. Given recent events which seem to indicate the formation of closer ties with the Allied States, such as the Voltan purchase of Carpathian military hardware, is it possible for Volta to join the Trilateral Alliance in the near future?
Ernst Krenz: Well, I don't see Volta joining the Trilateral Alliance as a full member anytime soon. This is not to say that Volta won't continue to pursue reconciliation with Carpathia, we will definitely continue to do that. Joining the Trilateral Alliance as a full member simply isn't a step that my administration believes would be appropriate considering the current political situation. However, if some form of observer status were available, the government may pursue that.
Question: Also, a second question: There are rumors circulating about possible further purchases of Carpathian military hardware, by Volta, such as the NX-36 assault rifle, CARPAT camouflage and even X-17 "Hatchet" Air Superiority Fighters. Can you confirm any of these rumors? If so, please explain what made you choose Carpathian hardware, over Severyan or Nylander?
Ernst Krenz: Unfortunately, I can neither confirm nor deny these rumors. All I can say is that the government is considering all available options, including but not limited to those from Carpathia, and will announce it's decision when it sees fit.
Question: Question number three: Would Volta consider approving the opening of a local Info.Net office? This would also mean the creation of a Voltan branch of the CBN television and radio channels, as well as a printed newspaper.
Ernst Krenz: I cannot say whether or not it would be approved, you would have to go through the legal process of doing so and follow all of our laws. If the decision was left up to me I would approve it, but I cannot say for sure whether or not such a branch would be approved by regulators.
Question: And the final question: Considering the nearly fifteen years since obtaining independence, as well as the fact that the Monroe Republic has repeatedly and consistently demonstrated that it is a viable state with viable, functioning institutions, as well as its consistent track record of respecting civil rights and constitutional order, is Volta going to officially recognize the Monroe Republic as an independent, sovereign state?
Ernst Krenz: Until now Volta has refused to recognize Monroe, and I don't see the government changing that position anytime soon. However, I will acknowledge that for all intents and purposes Monroe is functioning as if it were an stable independent state with viable, functioning institutions. I am open to talks with the leaders of Monroe, though I will emphasize that diplomatic recognition from Volta is contingent upon the resolution of the conflict involving Monroe in a peaceful manner that respects popular sovereignty.
Iztli Olin: Thank you. We also have a question coming from the Socialist State of Tollan, it seems to be a question about education and the Tlaloc language.
Question: I am Cualli Ipil, and I come from the Socialist State of Tollan. Tollan is one of the very few places in Volta where the native Tlaloc people are still a majority, and the Tlaloc language is still thriving. But on a national scale, the Tlaloc language has been on a decline. This is something I find very sad, I feel like an important part of my people’s heritage is going to go away. So my question to you, Chancellor, is do you have any plans on addressing this issue?
Ernst Krenz: I do find it sad that the native tongue of your people has been on the decline. Not only is the Tlaloc language an important part of the heritage of the Tlaloc people, but it also is one of the languages that greatly contributed to the development of the Voltan language. It’s an important part of the culture of all Voltans, not just that of the native people. But this isn’t an issue that has a simple solution, language decline is a complicated issue that can arise from a variety of factors.
That said, the government does have a plan to address this issue. First of all, we plan on encouraging more people in the Socialist State of Tollan, those who don’t speak the native Tlaloc language, to take Tlaloc language classes. Secondly, we plan on adding the Tlaloc language to our elementary and middle school curriculum. Of course, once a child gets older they should be allowed to choose whether or not they want to continue taking those courses, but we will make a concerted effort to teach our children a language that is an important part of our nation's culture and heritage.
Christel Schäfer: Building on the subject of education, we have many people asking if the government has any plans to improve the education situation in Volta. Let’s go to a question from a teacher in Kerseruck and see what she wants to ask.
Question: Hello Chancellor, I am Elsa Hildebrand and I am a middle school teacher in Kerseruck. I have a question about education. Our schools are fairly decent, but they aren’t the best in the world by any measure. Where some foreign countries have already moved to regularly incorporating computers into their classes, we haven’t been able to do anything like that because of a lack of funding. In fact, our education system has largely remained unchanged for the past 30 years. Is there anything the government is planning to do to improve the education situation in Volta, so that our children can grow up to be smarter, more productive members of society?
Ernst Krenz: This is an issue that I’ve thought quite a bit about, and I think it can ultimately boil down to several things. First of all, our education system as a whole needs more funding. Not only do teachers deserve a long-deserved raise, but we need to provide schools with the funds necessary to acquire better learning materials.
Secondly, we need to reform classes so that children are more engaged in them. Sure, there are some Ostaran countries that produce superb results with the standard lecture model, but their specific models come with it’s own set of problems. Namely that children are given a massive amount of pressure to succeed in school, to the point that some children are driven to extremes such as suicide if they fail. I feel that Volta needs to develop it’s own model, one which teaches children what they need to learn and keeps them engaged throughout the classes, pressuring them to where they are learning at a regular pace but not causing them a ridiculous amount of stress.
These reforms will not be easy to make, and I feel that the government shouldn’t act on it’s own when it makes these reforms. Input from not only the educational community, but also experts on child psychology will be key to developing such a system. Perhaps we could look to certain other countries which have had success stories with such models. The point is, we have to develop a model that works for Volta.
I can’t say how soon these reforms will happen, it will most likely happen after the constitutional convention. However, they will happen eventually.
Iztli Olin: Thank you. Let’s again turn to questions from foreign countries.
Question: Chancellor Krenz, my name is Volker Munz , I am 12 and had to leave due to my bad treatment in Volta because I am Autistic. My family and I didn't want to as we love Volta but we couldn't live in country that saw me as sick. As you know Volta has had a bad history with its treatment of autistics and I am not the only one who was badly treated , with Volta even outright oppressing people like me. Now I know many reforms have made a huge difference but what do you plan to do to integrate autistics in a positive way that allows them to be themselves and will the state apologise for its past and give the deserved compensation? Also do you agree if we want to get the best out of autistics we need to accept them in positive way, work to their strengths and get them involved in the party in a meaningful way?
Ernst Krenz: Well, this is a very difficult question. I will definitely acknowledge that the government has in the past done some horrible things to the autistic community in Volta, acts that undoubtedly led to them being discriminated against when it was not justified at all. I also feel that the government should apologize for it's failures, particularly the failure to recognize sociopathic hysteria as a disorder separate and unrelated to the autism spectrum. This one failure can be said have been the root cause of most of the problems the autistic community in Volta faces, considering that most policy decisions regarding the autistic community that were made by the government were in some way affected by that failure. This is something that the government needs to face, it is a wrong that needs to be corrected.
Regarding the question of providing compensation, I believe that the government should do that. But not in the form of monetary compensation. If we were to give monetary compensation, that would simply give them temporary relief. Once that money runs out they simply go back to the situation they were in before, what good would that do? No, compensation has to come in policy changes meant to correct this wrong. Government programs meant to guarantee employment need to be expanded to allow autistic people to be granted jobs much easier. We also need to provide more support services to those who are autistic, so that they can better function in society. Compensation shouldn't be just giving away money and calling it a day, it needs to take the form of actual policy decisions meant to fix the damage that was done.
A number of policies have been proposed in the government regarding that recently. These proposals include reforming the guaranteed employment program to accommodate the needs of autistic people, reforming and expanding support services for autistic people, and implementing mandatory early-screening for newborn children to help detect autism at an early age so that necessary support can be given as soon as possible. There are even proposals that there should be a formal branch of government, made up of not only experts in autism but also people with autism themselves, that advises the government on policy proposals that would directly impact the autistic community. All of these ideas have my full endorsement, though how many of them get enacted is a question that can only be answered after each proposal has been reviewed by the Federal Assembly.
And to answer your final question, none of these proposals would have my endorsement if I didn't believe one thing. That is that the problems the autistic community in Volta face is not because of their own failures, but because the rest of the country failed to provide an accommodating environment that would allow them to thrive. I believe that autistic people can be just as successful as others, the reason that they haven't I think is that Volta simply hasn't allowed them to develop to their full potential.
Iztli Olin: We have another question, this one from a reporter in Angiris. Here is the question.
Question: Chancellor Krenz, my name is Leos Thias and I am a reporter for the Angirisian Foreign Policy Inquirer. My question, sir, is with the recent rise of Akhadist terrorism in the Near East and around the world where do you see Volta's place in that battle, if any? Or do you think more regional powers, like the Angirisian and Mestran Empires in the Near East, should bear the bulk of responsibility?
Ernst Krenz: This is an interesting question. Obviously, the Voltan government opposes these terrorists. They are religious fundamentalists that don't represent the overall Akhadist faith, they give all Akhadists a bad name with every act of terror that they do. However, as much as I would like to assist in this program, part of me feels that if Volta gets too involved it could actually backfire. Many people know that the government of Volta is secular, and that the government rejects any sort of religious influence in politics. Now imagine how that would play out in the narrative of the terrorists, I'm certain that many of them would have a propaganda field day. I can already imagine their slogans, for example "destroy the godless infidels", or "protect the religion from godless enemies". We can't have this happening.
For this reason, while I believe Volta should play a role in the fight against terrorism, I think that Volta needs to approach this issue with caution. The best option would probably be for Volta to play no more than a supporting role, with local powers taking the spotlight.
Christel Schäfer: We also have several questions from a reporter in Carpathia. Let's go through them one at a time.
Question:Chancellor Krenz, my name is Octavian Dumitru and I am a reporter for Info.Net. Given recent events which seem to indicate the formation of closer ties with the Allied States, such as the Voltan purchase of Carpathian military hardware, is it possible for Volta to join the Trilateral Alliance in the near future?
Ernst Krenz: Well, I don't see Volta joining the Trilateral Alliance as a full member anytime soon. This is not to say that Volta won't continue to pursue reconciliation with Carpathia, we will definitely continue to do that. Joining the Trilateral Alliance as a full member simply isn't a step that my administration believes would be appropriate considering the current political situation. However, if some form of observer status were available, the government may pursue that.
Question: Also, a second question: There are rumors circulating about possible further purchases of Carpathian military hardware, by Volta, such as the NX-36 assault rifle, CARPAT camouflage and even X-17 "Hatchet" Air Superiority Fighters. Can you confirm any of these rumors? If so, please explain what made you choose Carpathian hardware, over Severyan or Nylander?
Ernst Krenz: Unfortunately, I can neither confirm nor deny these rumors. All I can say is that the government is considering all available options, including but not limited to those from Carpathia, and will announce it's decision when it sees fit.
Question: Question number three: Would Volta consider approving the opening of a local Info.Net office? This would also mean the creation of a Voltan branch of the CBN television and radio channels, as well as a printed newspaper.
Ernst Krenz: I cannot say whether or not it would be approved, you would have to go through the legal process of doing so and follow all of our laws. If the decision was left up to me I would approve it, but I cannot say for sure whether or not such a branch would be approved by regulators.
Question: And the final question: Considering the nearly fifteen years since obtaining independence, as well as the fact that the Monroe Republic has repeatedly and consistently demonstrated that it is a viable state with viable, functioning institutions, as well as its consistent track record of respecting civil rights and constitutional order, is Volta going to officially recognize the Monroe Republic as an independent, sovereign state?
Ernst Krenz: Until now Volta has refused to recognize Monroe, and I don't see the government changing that position anytime soon. However, I will acknowledge that for all intents and purposes Monroe is functioning as if it were an stable independent state with viable, functioning institutions. I am open to talks with the leaders of Monroe, though I will emphasize that diplomatic recognition from Volta is contingent upon the resolution of the conflict involving Monroe in a peaceful manner that respects popular sovereignty.
Iztli Olin: Thank you. We also have a question coming from the Socialist State of Tollan, it seems to be a question about education and the Tlaloc language.
Question: I am Cualli Ipil, and I come from the Socialist State of Tollan. Tollan is one of the very few places in Volta where the native Tlaloc people are still a majority, and the Tlaloc language is still thriving. But on a national scale, the Tlaloc language has been on a decline. This is something I find very sad, I feel like an important part of my people’s heritage is going to go away. So my question to you, Chancellor, is do you have any plans on addressing this issue?
Ernst Krenz: I do find it sad that the native tongue of your people has been on the decline. Not only is the Tlaloc language an important part of the heritage of the Tlaloc people, but it also is one of the languages that greatly contributed to the development of the Voltan language. It’s an important part of the culture of all Voltans, not just that of the native people. But this isn’t an issue that has a simple solution, language decline is a complicated issue that can arise from a variety of factors.
That said, the government does have a plan to address this issue. First of all, we plan on encouraging more people in the Socialist State of Tollan, those who don’t speak the native Tlaloc language, to take Tlaloc language classes. Secondly, we plan on adding the Tlaloc language to our elementary and middle school curriculum. Of course, once a child gets older they should be allowed to choose whether or not they want to continue taking those courses, but we will make a concerted effort to teach our children a language that is an important part of our nation's culture and heritage.
Christel Schäfer: Building on the subject of education, we have many people asking if the government has any plans to improve the education situation in Volta. Let’s go to a question from a teacher in Kerseruck and see what she wants to ask.
Question: Hello Chancellor, I am Elsa Hildebrand and I am a middle school teacher in Kerseruck. I have a question about education. Our schools are fairly decent, but they aren’t the best in the world by any measure. Where some foreign countries have already moved to regularly incorporating computers into their classes, we haven’t been able to do anything like that because of a lack of funding. In fact, our education system has largely remained unchanged for the past 30 years. Is there anything the government is planning to do to improve the education situation in Volta, so that our children can grow up to be smarter, more productive members of society?
Ernst Krenz: This is an issue that I’ve thought quite a bit about, and I think it can ultimately boil down to several things. First of all, our education system as a whole needs more funding. Not only do teachers deserve a long-deserved raise, but we need to provide schools with the funds necessary to acquire better learning materials.
Secondly, we need to reform classes so that children are more engaged in them. Sure, there are some Ostaran countries that produce superb results with the standard lecture model, but their specific models come with it’s own set of problems. Namely that children are given a massive amount of pressure to succeed in school, to the point that some children are driven to extremes such as suicide if they fail. I feel that Volta needs to develop it’s own model, one which teaches children what they need to learn and keeps them engaged throughout the classes, pressuring them to where they are learning at a regular pace but not causing them a ridiculous amount of stress.
These reforms will not be easy to make, and I feel that the government shouldn’t act on it’s own when it makes these reforms. Input from not only the educational community, but also experts on child psychology will be key to developing such a system. Perhaps we could look to certain other countries which have had success stories with such models. The point is, we have to develop a model that works for Volta.
I can’t say how soon these reforms will happen, it will most likely happen after the constitutional convention. However, they will happen eventually.
Iztli Olin: Thank you. Let’s again turn to questions from foreign countries.