Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we live in a post-ideological society. The non-democratic Communism and revolutionary Socialism have been discredited. Cyberia has countered assaults from the extreme right and left. Democracy has prevailed in three separate elections and we have purged Cyberia of non-democratic forces. In fact, while many of us hold deeply seeded beliefs based on old ideologies, we all acknowledge the need to forge new political belief systems that merge the best of previously opposite ones. Communists have endorse democracy; conservatives acknowledge that economic regulation is needed in many incidents. The recent debate between Hickey and I showed the problem with rigged partisanship and ideology, and we realized that problem and helped put it aside for the betterment of this country.
And it is in the interest of improving Cyberia that I speak before this gathering today. My proposals to improve the State of the Commonwealth are not liberal, nor are they right-wing. They're progressive, and yet moderate. Their futuristic, but not blind to the past.
Cyberia has faced many crises over the last six months under my Administration, but it is the current problems that concern me. Most of the Cyberian Right has flocked to Cyberland. This adds a new dimension to our virtual nation: international affairs. However, war is not the answer to the problems that arise with violations of our sovereignty. The best solution is a treaty that closes the books on any relations with Cyberland that is not in the best interest of Cyberians. I urge the Chamber of Deputies to support a resolution that puts the Kerns-Layne treaty into effect. Layne and I are currently revising the treaty to clear up some points, but you all know the basic elements in the treaty.
Next, I return to domestic affairs. Our economy is booming, I tell you! Stock prices have nearly doubled in two weeks! Yet, we have a serious problem on our hands. I proposed a balanced budget back in September while Interium President of Cyberia. It has not even been considered since then, let alone voted on. This balanced budget provides a welfare-state, substantial support for economic growth, and a progressive tax system. To secure the economic prosperity for the Cyberian people, we must pass this budget with in the next three months. This budget will be cleverly redesigned to incorporate needed changes in it, as well as a retiring of our nation's debt that has been created due to neglect over the last six months. I urge the Chamber to make a balanced budget a high priority in their legislative agenda.
I would also like to see that the crime bill sponsored by Deputy Goldman be passed. There is no reason to have a justice system willing to work when there are no crimes or punishments. This crime bill will make many things such as spam illegal, which is a necessary first step to secure more active and productive population. While we're at it, we need to pass a bill that clearly defines what the term treason is.
It is also my concern that our Constitution, ratified last fall by more than 80% of the voters, is less than perfect. There are many things we need to do to ensure that Cyberia is the best democratic virtual nation on the Net. One such change is to amend the Constitution to create the office of the Vice President. This amendment will reduce the possibility of another Layne-Harrop crisis, which we all know was the worst thing to happen to Cyberia in its history.
Another change that needs to be made is one to clarify somethings about the Judiciary Branch. Some minor problems with the interpretation lead to the recent fight I had with the distinguished Mr. Hickey. I believe such an amendment should include that the Chief Justice be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Chamber for a life-time tenure, while the Associate Justices shall be appointed by the President for life-time tenures. It will also reaffirm the impartiality of justice.
Next, our government needs some major restructuring. First, the Executive Branch needs to be fine tuned. The Executive Branch Amendment should include the ability of a Vice-President (if the VP amendment is passed before this) to serve in at least one Cabinet position (which shall not need confirmation from the legislature), changing the name of the Minister of Trade and Industry to the Minister of Labor and Commerce, and placing the duties of the Ministers of Health and Social Security, Education, and Transportation under the Minister of Interior and eliminating those three Ministries.
The Constitution should be amended to clarify that any references to a legislative body should be to the National Assembly. Also, we should create a Government Restructuring Amendment. This amendment would expire once Cyberia reports more than 200 active citizens. It would remove the provinces in every respect except preparing the population for the post-amendment time. It would also allow the President to create a new map for the country. Also, it would temporarily abolish the Chamber of Deputies and make the Senate a legislative body consisting of people elected via proportional representation (in competition for 15 seats).
I believe these pieces of legislation are necessary to improve the State of the Commonwealth, and all should be passed within the next three months to help the country get back on its feet again.
Thank you for your attention. This is your President, Ken Kerns, waiting and willing to serve in the best interest of this great country.
