Fwurg

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"Fellow Senators!

In this electoral period, I have assisted Chancellor as the Minister of Defence. I agree with the Chancellor on one thing: the Union should indeed expand. However, unlike the Chancellor, I believe this should not happen at the expense of our military capability.

Make no mistake, regions like the Hutt Families are right on our borders, and as we have already seen from the attacks on Unity, these ruffians have no trouble disrespecting our borders or shooting down ships even on top of our own planet!

The Chancellor has overstretched her budget and has misdirected it and I will correct this.

In the past I have always supported a large, and expensive army controlled from the Union, but the Senator of Wrarrbo, whom I have invited to join my cabinet, has convinced me that there is a different, cheaper alternative.

I will stimulate nations to build their own armed forces and defences - together we will be strong yet this way we may retain our independence as well. The Senator of Niom agrees that this is the most efficient way of raising the armed forces we so desperately need in this dangerous galaxy.

I promise to strengthen Union growth, reduce taxes and stimulate the building of military forces with subsidies and further tax-breaks.

Our newest members need protection, so I ask them to ask themselves: Can your world resist invasion?

Thank you"

- The message was delivered with the Senators of Wrarrbo and Niom standing behind the Excarian candidate, both immediately voicing their seconds for the candidacy.

((OOC: If you wish to discuss the military strategy of the Confederacy of Excaria or ask clarifications and positions on various issues, this is where to do it ))

[The Lifebringer Clans]

The Clans' Senator states "We have two questions. What is your view on the current policies of extensive support of new Union members? What is your view on the current policy of subsidizing research?"

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

The Clans' Senator states "We have two questions. What is your view on the current policies of extensive support of new Union members? What is your view on the current policy of subsidizing research?"

"We believe that the current policies are misdirected. They are making nations dependent on the Union for succulence, like they are babies on a mammals breasts. Instead we should help them grow strong and promote the development of their own defences and armed forces. When war comes, we don't want our members to be crying babies, we want them to be strong warriors, capable of standing together against our common foes.

We do support the development of new technologies in all area's. Knowledge is power and it is much easier to share within the Union than say, the Bozzy Spine extension."

[Nehket Aeka]

The Veolian Senator asks the follow question: "How do you envision the development of the Union infrastructure?"

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"In our opinion the construction cost of a fleet is not the problem, the high maintenance cost is. This issue is probably the same as with hyperspace lanes, the building cost is doable but the upkeep is way too high for a starting Union world. What will you do about this?"

[Former Senator Bolv'ar of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"Yes, you raise a valid point, Senator Ardios Eldrilith." Senator Bolv'ar agreed "Upkeep is as much an issue as purchase.

Fortunately, most new worlds will not have need of offensive fleets and the cost of deploying them. Such ambitious goals are noble and just and support the interests of the Union, but it is too early for that. Instead, I will focus on helping new worlds set up a Defence Force on their own world. These do not require upkeep, allowing nations to use that money to improve their economy and grow strong enough to support those offensive fleets.

We will not offer special attention to the area of infrastructure - this is a matter for individual member worlds. We will however see how we can offer assistance should cases of rising prices such as with the recent industrial accident arise."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"What use is a Defence Force is it cannot be paid for? I have great respect for your plans Senator Bolv'ar, but please consider the primary needs of the smaller members - they need to grow to become as mighty as the Excarians before they are ready for military plans. That growth requires care and economic resources which my plans will provide for them. Not preparations for wars that will never come. Surely you see that the Union is strong enough to offer mutual protection for all its members already?"