Date: Any time as long as Felicia Winters is still Shadow President
Title: On The Record - Shadow President Felicia Winters
It's a three parter so I'll post all three, use them if/when you can
Part I
GalNet recently sat down with Federation Shadow President Felicia Winters for an extended conversation. Here is part one of a three part series.
GN: You hold the position of Shadow President in the Federation. Can you explain to our readers what that means exactly?
FW: In Federation politics, the Shadow President is the voice of the opposition party not currently in power. The President, Zachary Hudson, is the voice of the party in power and the Federation as a whole. While our principles are dissimilar, our overall goal of advancing the ideals of the Federation throughout space is not. We have a spirit of cooperation in that way.
GN: You have openly questioned President Hudson’s plans and the processes by which he has decided to guide the Federation. You have even recruited your own navy and have set your sights on star systems to control. Is that really the “spirit of cooperation”?
FW: There are other Powers in civilized space from the Federation, Empire and Alliance currently spending billions of credits to marshal forces, distribute propaganda, and address the needs of citizens everywhere in an effort to advance their own vision of what civilization should look like. While some like Zachary Hudson - and to a somewhat lesser degree Aisling Duval - hold views similar to ours others are quite different and must not go unchallenged. The Liberal wing of the Federation will be heard.
GN: Madam Shadow President, recent Federation leaders have left office by violent means. Do you see sinister forces or incredibly bad luck as the culprit?
FW: President Smeaton was murdered which was an obviously premeditated event. President Halsey was lost when Starship One experienced difficulties while in hyperspace. Though both tragic, I would hesitate to connect the two to any conspiracy. The fact is and always will be that leaders, especially Presidents and Emperors, will be targets for those that violently oppose their views.
That’s all we have time for in this session. Look to future GalNet articles for insight and information.
Part II
This is part two of a three part series that has GalNet engaged in a frank conversation with Federation Shadow President Felicia Winters.
GN: Could you tell our readers what you see as the most pressing issues facing civilized space today?
FW: The term civilized carries weight and responsibility. If we are civilized, and we are leaders, then we have a responsibility to those whose lives and circumstances are less prosperous than our own. Only by raising the fortunes of those at the bottom can those at the top truly be called civilized. More directly, the issues of poverty, famine, and education must be addressed so all may participate fully in the galactic family.
GN: Your sentiments are very similar to those of Aisling Duval. Some have equated that to you being soft on the Federation’s historical opposition to the policies of the Empire. How would you answer that?
FW: The fact that the Princess and I share comparable views on human dignity issues shouldn’t alarm anyone on either side. The Federation, Empire and Alliance should all have these issues at the top of the agenda. All problems aren’t solved at the pierce of a laser.
GN: Madam Shadow President, do you believe a true and lasting peace with the Empire can be achieved?
FW: I am encouraged by elements in the Empire that are more liberal leaning in terms of wanting to outlaw slavery and secure a basic living standard for its citizens. The People’s Princess is on the forefront of that effort but she is not the only expansive thinker in the Empire. We may yet figure out how to live together in peace. The more belligerent blocs on both sides will have to be dealt with first however.
Look for the last article in this series soon. Until then, remember to access GalNet for all the important news and information.
Part III
This is final installment of a three part series where GalNet has been speaking with Federation Shadow President Felicia Winters.
GN: In our last session you said “All problems aren’t solved at the pierce of a laser”. That sounded like a direct jab at President Hudson. Are you satisfied with your current role of Shadow President or do you have higher political aspirations?
FW: Recent polling has placed me and President Hudson virtually even. This is not long after a huge post-election bounce he received indicating to me, and others, that Federation citizens are now wondering about the wisdom of being on the road to war. Charting a new course for the Federation would be something I’d be comfortable with doing. I’m willing to let voters decide.
GN: You have said before that “We should do what is right, not necessarily what is easy or popular”. Is this to say President Hudson’s hardline “we’ll fire the last shot” posture is opinion poll driven?
FW: The art and act of governing often requires decisions that will impact some segment of society in a negative fashion. Those are hard for a politician to make and not all are willing to do so. Even though it might be for the greater good, telling a corporation new policies may cut their profits is a quick way to get credits funneled to your opponent’s campaign fund. I’ve accepted those eventualities but will not compromise my ideals.
GN: Last question Madam Shadow President. If you had only one sentiment you could present to describe your platform, what would it be?
FW: Virtuous and honorable people make a faction strong, not combat results.
GalNet thanks the Shadow President for her time and willingness to be On The Record.
Commander Name: Barney Five