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Fitzgerald Interview Transcript
Kalek_HanneDate: Thursday, 16 Apr 2009, 1:37 PM | Message # 1
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Kalek Hanne:
Alright, welcome back to Kalek Hanne Live. Now, as I said earlier we have a special guest today...well, that man is none other than, Chief of State Eli Fitzgerald. Chief, welcome to the show.

Eli Fitzgerald:
Glad to be here, Kalek.

Kalek Hanne:
Can I interest you in some coffee?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Ha! Always. You must know I have something of a reputation as a coffee addict. In fact I always tell people, my first official act as Chief of State was to replace the liquor cabinet in the executive office with a coffee bar. So yes, definitely.

Kalek Hanne:
Alright. Now, I don't know what you're served in the office, but here we have the good ole' Navy coffee, thanks to my producer who served several years for the Old Republic and Alliance

Eli Fitzgerald:
The best kind, in my opinion. And I mean that with all due respect to coffee farmers on Tanaab. I hope I don't lose their votes.

[both laughing]

Kalek Hanne:
Well, here's your caf and here we go. Now, the hot topic in the news lately is Acherin... and for those who have been living under a rock, a Senate Resolution was passed that encouraged a regime change on the planet Acherin...at first through military force, but the resolution currently calls for diplomatic means to be pursued first. However, the worlds of Brentaal and Neimoidia alongside the Intergalactic Mining Core have taken it upon themselves to blockade the planet...and some rather questionable actions have resulted. Now...this conduct...would you say this stems from the Borosk Incident? And could these involved bodies be the new Vjun for the Republic?

Eli Fitzgerald:
You know, it's a comparison that hadn't occurred to me. Borosk and Acherin, that is. There were, of course, a lot of circumstances at play at Borosk, and Vjun. That's been covered, though, I think, and I won't use your time to dwell on it. Suffice to say, Acherin is an interesting dilemma for us. First of all, I'm sure you've followed the Senate debate and know I'm not in support of this blockade, and I don't accept the sort of byzantine logic we've seen from certain Senators, supposedly to justify it. I won't name names, but look. It's a complicated issue, a lot of it is going to have to be sorted out in the courts, but I believe that at the end of this episode, Kalek, we're going to see some firmer rules as regards planetary fleets, at least as regards their relationship to the New Republic, and their responsibilities and frankly, their limitations as members. Senator Forte, a freshman Senator from New Plympto, I believe, has spoken on this subject and plans to introduce legislation to that effect. Now, I just want to clarify briefly, you know I've always defended the autonomy of our members - their sovereignty, their right to defense and self determination - I'll continue to defend that, because I firmly believe that a smaller, more streamlined government that lets its planets be responsive to their own people is what differentiates us from the Empire. But that said, this Acherin affair is proving, I think, that we need some limitations on planetary fleets. So to answer your question, I like to think that this will really be an opportunity for us when it's over, rather than a liability.

Kalek Hanne:
On the liability aspect, and in the Borosk-Vjun comparison, does this present a risk in possible aggression against Republic worlds, and not necessarily by the Remnant, but perhaps independent anti-Republic groups?

Eli Fitzgerald:
You mean a risk of retribution?

Kalek Hanne:
Yes.

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well it's not something that I'm too concerned with. That is to say, it's not something the New Republic generally should be concerned with. We should all be upset, I believe, that this blockade is being done in the name of the New Republic. Perhaps "upset" is a strong word, but no I don't think it's something the entirety of the Republic should be concerned with. The Remnant is the Remnant, of course, and I would never underestimate that risk. We underestimate it at our peril. But in terms of independent factions, I'm not aware of any, let's say, widespread discontent over Acherin. Let's take for example the Norat Sovereignty, a neutral faction comprising several worlds that seems to fit your description. We've received no formal complaints from them, or from any other independent factions. It's something we'll monitor closely, of course. But no, I do not believe we should be concerned about retribution.

Kalek Hanne:
That is assuring, Chief. On the topic of discontent, some believe this action, specifically the questionable missions undertaken by civilian forces present, are turning the civilian population against us, especially if the claims of reform are true that the Acherin diplomats claimed in their recent visit to the Republic. What are your thoughts on this concern?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well first of all, Kalek, with all due respect to the fine people of Acherin, I think we should consider their government with some healthy suspicion. Or I suppose "skepticism" is the more correct term. This is a government that has a lot to answer for. It has censored its holonet, and it’s failed to explain these rumors - I call them rumors because NRI hasn't been able to confirm them, because the planet is closed to us - rumors of systematic killings of dissidents and public officials. These are serious accusations that Acherin needs to answer for before I'm going to believe these claims about reform. I'll believe it when I see it, and when Acherin proves it to us and the rest of the galaxy. All of these are accusations against Acherin's government though, not its people. I want to make that distinction. If these accounts are true, then its people are suffering under this regime. They suffered under Imperial bombardment after the Clone Wars, and now they're suffering under an apparently Imperial friendly government. The people of Acherin should know that the New Republic stands with them and their aspirations, even if it must be skeptical of the regime there. Now, on the blockade, and the questionable missions, as you say: if it's true, and at this point I should stress we do not know, and won't know until the fleet has arrived and we've secured the planet and conducted an investigation, but if it's true that Brentaal, Neimoidia or the IMC are conducting any sort of plundering at Acherin, then there will need to be consequences for that. But again, I don't want to come to a judgment before the facts are in, but rest assured there will be light shone on this blockade, and we will find out what's happening there and as I've said, there will be consequences.

Kalek Hanne:
Some have thrown around words one never thought possible to be associated with the New Republic. "Oppression," "tyranny," "New Order." The Acherin government has been said to have requested defensive and humanitarian aid from the Pentastar Alignment. Do these claims, and the fact that a world we are attempting to liberate is calling for Imperial aid, concern you?

Eli Fitzgerald:
They don't, really. I think that's because I'm confident in our cause, and also Kalek, you have to consider who is making these sorts of claims. The Acherin government, as I've said, doesn't have a lot of credibility on what is oppressive, and what is tyrannical. They're an Imperial friendly regime, and it doesn't surprise me that they would seek support from an Imperial faction. That's one. But more importantly we are the New Republic that stands for peace, justice and prosperity in the galaxy. I know it sounds sentimental, but it's true. We stand in solidarity with the rights and aspirations of sentients everywhere, to be sovereign over their own lives, and their own affairs. And it's not just words; these are hard principles, principles that we've fought a war for, that our crews and soldiers have died for, and that we continue to fight for. The reason it doesn't trouble me I think is that, in my experience, liberty is a sort of force unto itself. Once it's started, I think it's very hard to stop, and I'm sure that's why Acherin's government makes those sorts of comments. But I do believe, and call me sentimental if you must, but I do believe that the New Republic is on the side of liberty, we are advancing it, and so we're on the right side of history.

Kalek Hanne:
My sentiment as well, but we of course have to cover all the angles...that is part of being fair and balanced, unlike other news networks. Now, we've seen an odd occurrence in this situation we find ourselves. Senator Forte, who was initially very passionate about hitting Acherin hard, is now one of the most vocal supporters of diplomatic actions. What are your thoughts on this stance switch?

Eli Fitzgerald:
I'm not so sure he's changed his stance. I think he understands, like I believe, that the Acherin resolution (which you mentioned was the resolution that Senator Forte proposed to authorize force against the Acherin regime) is actually a useful diplomatic instrument for us. I mean, insofar as Acherin is really willing to negotiate with us, and explain itself, the resolution gives the New Republic more leverage in discussions. It demonstrates to Acherin that no, we do not approve of the treatment of your people and yes, we are willing to use force against you if need be. It's important that Acherin understands that, and it's important that Acherin's people understand that we're doing it for the right reasons. We're doing it for them. So I think it's possible to be passionate about freeing the people of Acherin, with force if necessary, but also doing everything we can to spare them from more fighting, more bloodshed. They've seen enough of that under the Empire. But the resolution does make it clear that the Republic is serious, and we are willing to use force if necessary.

Kalek Hanne:
With that said, how possible is it to bring about diplomacy at this point...especially with the Alignment involved. Would you be open to, perhaps, three-party talks?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well I've said before, that the Republic will talk to Remnant factions that are willing to make practical, and reasonable concessions for peace. Frankly, most of the Remnant is not, as you know. They cling to this authoritarian philosophy, this "rule by fear," and there's no negotiating with that. There's no negotiating with Imperials who oppress and persecute their own people, and different species. There's no negotiating with factions that support the slave trade, for instance, or who kill innocent people indiscriminately. That's despotism, and that's tyranny, and there's no negotiating with it. Now, the Pentastar Alignment is somewhat different from most Remnant factions, and I say that cautiously because they are still "Imperial." There is still a lot of despotism in the Alignment, and a lot of persecution. They are, however, among the more moderate Imperials. I mean, historically they have not actively fought against the Republic. They tend to be isolationist. Does that mean we're going to negotiate with them? And with Acherin, no less? I think we should be skeptical, but we'll see what happens. One thing's for certain though, if I can just add one more point?

Kalek Hanne:
Sure.

Eli Fitzgerald:
The Republic will absolutely not reward persecution or despotism. It will never do so, whether it's a regime that's clearly despotic, such as with Acherin, or moderately so, as with the Alignment. I just wanted to make that clear. On some things, you don't compromise. Things like sentience rights, individual freedoms and liberties, and so on. The premises of the Republic, as I've said.

Kalek Hanne:
What would be the course of action should talks occur, and the something occur where the local population remove their current government however choose to be independent, or with dealing with the current regime, become an official Alignment protectorate, or even worse, an Alignment world

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well, it's a hypothetical question and I'm reluctant to comment on it for that reason. I'll just say this, again, that the New Republic stands for the right of the people to self determination. That is what differentiates us from the Empire; membership is voluntary, and we do not compel anyone to join us, although of course we think it's in their interest to do so. We won't just sit by and allow people's rights and freedoms to be trampled, but part of standing for the right of self determination is respecting the will the people. It's another fundamental premise of the New Republic.

Kalek Hanne:
Granted, of course this is hypothetical, but would you respect the world's decision to join the Alignment?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well, I think it would be presumptuous of me to assume what Acherin's intentions are. They're a people who are, by all accounts, suffering under this Imperial friendly regime, not to mention under Imperial bombardment after the Clone Wars. I would expect the people of Acherin to know even better than most how bankrupt the Imperial ideology truly is. I don't want to take up all of your viewer's time on Acherin though, Kalek. I feel like I'm doing you a disservice here.

[both laughing]

Kalek Hanne:
Well, Acherin is something on everyone's minds...but you are right, let's move on. Some more general Senate news...although this first bit some view related to Acherin, it is rumored your office is forming a Corruption Panel, to investigate, and act as a watchdog against, corruption within the Senate. Is this true?

Eli Fitzgerald:
It's something that is being considered, yes. This is not to say that the Senate is corrupt. I do not believe that it is, generally. It is, as they say, the greatest deliberative body in the galaxy, but I'm sure we can all agree it deserves, and the people deserve, the highest possible standards. So yes, it is something we're considering.

Kalek Hanne:
We also have a new applicant, Druckenwell. Their elected representative is a man by the name of Jericho Novak. Although everyone is climbing over one another to find out who exactly he is, it is known that he is a former Separatist Commander. What are your feelings on Druckenwell's application and Jericho Novak. And what information does your office have, if any, on Novak?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well you know, Kalek, I've been looking forward to this interview all morning and to be honest I've not yet reviewed the most recent Senate application. It's been brought to my attention, but I think it'd be premature for me to comment at this point. I'm sure I'll have more to say when I return to preside over the Senate this afternoon, and have a chance to browse through the files, but I've not had the chance yet this morning. So I'm sorry to disappoint you, although I will say that Druckenwell is a fine world and a famed industrial power, and I would like to see them represented in the Senate.

Kalek Hanne:
Indeed, that sentiment is shared here. Now one of your famed efforts as Chief of State has been to bring democracy to Raithal. Although we haven't heard much news since its rightful government's return to power. Has there been any progress in restoring this world to its rightful state of being?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Oh, absolutely. You know what they say, that "no news is good news." Raithal has been quiet, but there's no shortage of good news from that planet. The people there now enjoy full democracy, and the Raithal Academy is one of the great success stories of the war, I believe. You don't hear much about it, but it has expanded its curriculum and coordinated with a number of Universities, both civilian and military institutions. It's safe to say that Academy is the envy of the sector. I know Governor Moreland is proud of it, as I think we all should be proud of Raithal. It has endured much under Imperial rule, and now it's truly an egalitarian society.

Kalek Hanne:
That is surely good news to all of our viewers out there. Now another staple of your administration is the Braxant Run Defense Initiative. Although obviously defending a major trade route, some would say it was structured against the hyper-expansion of the New Imperial Order. With that threat non-existent, will the BDI see a possible restructure against the Moff Council?

Eli Fitzgerald:
If anything, I believe it should be strengthened. Don't get me wrong, we've seen some successes on the Braxant Run, which as your viewers will know is the primary trade route through much of what's considered Remnant space. We've liberated Esfandia, Generis and most recently Phaeda, all within the region. I think much of this has to do with the Braxant Defense Initiative, with strengthened our presence there and prepared us to move on these places, and to support our allies there. I think we should build on those gains, and build on the success of the BDI by expanding it to include support for Phaeda especially. I mean, we're dealing now, in the Braxant region, with the Moff Council, which is much more dangerous and much more conservative than its predecessor. It's really the worst of the Imperials. As we've seen recently at Dantooine, this Moff Council is willing to essentially use terrorism against innocent people. Moff Gemmell, I think is his name, is a regular psychopath, Kalek. Not someone we can deter or contain. So yes, I believe we've had some successes with the Braxant measure, but I think now we have more reason than ever to be vigilant and prepared, and to take the fight to the Remnant, instead of allowing it to take the fight to us.

Kalek Hanne:
Well, although there are several other items on the list for discussion on the Senate activities, we can't avoid it at this point with talk on this region. Lasergate. To be honest sir, the question on my mind, and several others out there, to be blunt...what the hell is going on?

[Fitzgerald laughs]

Eli Fitzgerald:
I don't blame you for being confused, Kalek. There's a lot of ins and outs, and while I don't want to deemphasize the severity of it - the accusations against Senator Ray are serious - at the same time it is one of those scandals that outside of Coruscant, probably doesn't much resonate with the people. Essentially, Senator Ray, who is as you know the Chairman of the Defense Council and a fine man, is accused of having misled the Senate about the number of planetary weapons he has on his planet, Dantooine. This would have occurred during a debate on a measure to give more defenses to Dantooine, following the recent attack there. Now, it's been said, and certainly Senator Kruus has made this point, that it's dishonest or at least unbecoming to mislead the Senate on a measure it's currently debating, especially when the measure is about defense and you're the Chairman of the Defense Council. That's the controversy, essentially. I want to be fair to Senator Ray though, and point out that he does not believe he deliberately misled the Senate. But it's one of those issues where I think it would be premature for me to comment while Senator Kruus and his Council are still investigating. So it's a serious charge, but I don't blame you for being a bit confused on it. Lot of ins and outs, as I said.

Kalek Hanne:
Well, although we have questions on Ray, my first question is why the Economics Committee is investigating this issue, not the Defense council, minus Ray of course, or the Council on Intelligence and Security?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Now that is a very good question. I know that Senator Ray has made that same point in court, but the court made its ruling that some elements of this scandal are relevant to economics, apparently. Both the Chair of the Senate, Gus Emerest, a good man and a good friend, and also the courts have approved the investigation, so it's really more of a legislative and judicial matter now, outside of my expertise, though of course I'm following it closely. But suffice to say, it's a good question to ask of Senator Kruus' committee, or the courts.

Kalek Hanne:
Some wonder, should Ray have been suspended during this period of investigation. And should he refuse to resign be it proven that he did mislead the Senate, will you take measures to remove him from his Chairmanship?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well the investigation is still running its course, and I think it'd probably be inappropriate for me to pass judgment before the facts are in. I will say though that Senator Ray has always done what's in the best interest of the Defense Council, and I'm sure he will do so when the findings of the investigation are announced.

Kalek Hanne:
As the Coruscant Journal reported, you've said should the need come forth to replace Ray, you would select either Senator Jory Carson or Senator Cul-utaan Forte. What is the reasoning behind this?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well I think I've said both would make fine Chairmen, and they're worth considering. But by no means are they the only possible candidates. But just briefly, Senator Carson is a veteran of the war, a man who understands defense, and understands management as well (from his background at Kuat Drive Yards, which is largely a defense contractor). So he would bring that expertise to the position, and I think he could accomplish much both in making our fleet more efficient, but also helping in possible negotiations with Kuat and other manufacturers, if we decide to pursue a so called "New Class" modernization project, which is something we've been discussing recently. As for Senator Forte, he is new of course, but he also has a wealth of personal, military experience and he's certainly outspoken on defense. We'll need to see what he accomplishes in his tenure over the next few months, but I think he could be promising. But again, by no means are they the only two men qualified for the position.

Kalek Hanne:
Indeed. Well, perhaps once Acherin and Lasergate come to an end, we'll have to bring you back in here for some follow up questioning. Now, we must move on to...you.

[Fitzgerald laughing]

Eli Fitzgerald:
My favorite subject, or so my critics say.

[Hanne laughing]

Kalek Hanne:
Now, awhile ago you had a rather personal family crisis, and I must ask, how is your daughter doing?

Eli Fitzgerald:
She's better. In fact she's completely recovered from the accident, although she has something of a fear of flying which Sena and I have been working on. I think the silver lining to that accident, if there was any, is that it's really taught me to value what little time I have with my family, which I try to make room for as much as possible. For instance, I make a point now of traveling back to Ralltiir at least every other week, to spend time with Jena. It's time that I don't think I appreciated as much before the accident. But Jena is doing much better, thank you.

Kalek Hanne:
You're welcome. It is good to see that you can balance a family crisis, and running the galactic government at the same time. Very encouraging, hopefully, to some of your critics

Eli Fitzgerald:
Ha, well criticism is part of democracy. I figure I wouldn't be doing my job if I wasn't making some people angry. It's politics, you know.

Kalek Hanne:
Of course. Now, unfortunately, we have to hit some of said criticism. Would you agree with the observation that your experience on Ralltiir during the Empire's campaign against your homeworld, perhaps might cloud your judgment in some situations, past, present, and future?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well I would say it's made my judgment clearer. It's helped me to understand the true nature of the enemy that we're up against, and what it's capable of and what senseless, criminal lengths it will go to to maintain its hold on power. It's a point that's really made clearly when you've experienced it yourself; when you've seen your own world subjugated, when you've lost friends and family to the Imperials, it gives you a sort of appreciation - if that's the right word - an understanding of how despotic and how cruel the Remnant is, and it reinforces my belief every day that the New Republic must finish the fight, and liberate other worlds that are not as fortunate as Ralltiir, and are still under the iron curtain of the Remnant. I think it was Leia Solo who said that we call it "the Remnant," but to those people it's still "the Empire," and we as a government cannot be complacent, and cannot rest until we've neutralized the Imperials. That's one conviction that I have, that I believe was probably made to me personally on Ralltiir during the subjugation. So I do think it has clarified my judgment, and strengthened my convictions in that I know it's not just about me. It's about people who are going through the same things that I went through, and my people went through and trillions of sentients endured under the Empire. And continue to endure under the Remnant.

Kalek Hanne:
And we have some news on Leia Organa-Solo. We'll get to that in a moment, but Acherin brings attention to the possible expulsion of Senators. The last man to be expelled from the Senate was Xavier Page. Although the Corulag delegation is in limbo since the mysterious departure of Dorian Covell, what are your views upon Page? The man, the scandal, and his current efforts?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well, my views are the same now as they were then. Egregious Imperial war criminals should not serve in the Senate, people who committed the very sort of crimes as we were just discussing at Ralltiir. It's a simple proposition, and it's something I just won't allow. Some former Imperials who are duly elected, yes. But war criminals, no. What Xavier Page committed during the war was far beyond any sort of forgiveness, as far as I'm concerned. Much different than say, a Crix Madine or a Han Solo, who left the Empire on moral grounds. But again Kalek, that debate's been had, I think. I'm not really familiar with Page's current efforts, and to be honest I'm not particularly interested. I do know, though, that he's wanted to stand trial on something like a half dozen worlds in the Bormea Sector, and I would hope that he would face it rather than remain on Corulag, his haven. But enough said, I think.

Kalek Hanne:
Alright. Now, during his expulsion, some took it that you were suggestion the Former Imperial Caucus should be removed from the Senate. Would you say that is a true assessment?

Eli Fitzgerald:
Oh, no. [Laughing]. I'm sure my opinions don't exactly endear me to the former Imperial caucus in the Senate, but no I don't think they should be removed. As I said, if a former Imperial bureaucrat or representative is duly elected, I don't think it's our place to question that. Leia Organa began the policy of allowing former Imperials to serve in the Senate, and while I disagreed with it then I've not rolled it back during my tenure. We need to have some element of forgiveness after all, as I've said, to encourage former Imperial worlds to feel more comfortable and more welcome in the New Republic, and I suppose the caucus is an important part of that.

Kalek Hanne:
And speaking of the former Chief of State, it brings up back into our breaking news. And this is a TriNebulon exclusive... you heard it here first. Winter Letrac, a senior aide to Leia Organa-Solo has said Leia doesn't support recent budget cuts, and in general, opposes your tax policies. Thoughts?

[Fitzgerald laughing]

Eli Fitzgerald:
Well, Kalek, it's no surprise that the Chief of State and I don't agree on absolutely everything, but who does in a democracy? Let me just say this, that I've made an effort as the caretaker Chief of State to keep a lot of continuity with Leia Organa's policies and my own. However, from the moment I was chosen for the position I decided I was not going to be a potted plant, so to speak. I might be a "caretaker" Chief of State, but I'm still going to use the office to advance the policies that I believe are best for the New Republic. I'm disappointed, of course, that Miss Solo doesn't agree with some of the cuts and tax reforms we've passed lately, but I hope she'll understand that it is in the interest of the Republic. I think it should actually be in line with her own philosophy. She believes, as we all do, that planets should be autonomous, and they should be sovereign over their own affairs, because each world is more responsive to its own people than the "big government" can ever be. That's the difference between us and the Empire, and let's remember the Empire also demanded these oppressive "tributes" to Coruscant, that each world had to pay. It was just another way to enslave them. I happen to believe, and I would hope Chief of State Organa would agree, that cutting taxes for our planets allows them to spend their own money on their own affairs, and provide for their own needs. It also gives them financial autonomy, which is just as important if we're going to talk about autonomy. It's truly self-determination in practice, Kalek. You should keep your own money, and spend it on your own needs, shouldn't you? I'm here on Coruscant, and I don't think I should be taxing your money from you and then telling you how to spend it. It may be a conservative philosophy, but I don't apologize for it. I've always said that essentially everyone who fought in the war against the Empire was essentially fighting for a conservative philosophy; individual liberty and self determination. And yes, just to add one more point. We did have to make some cuts to the budget, but I still think it's best to streamline the government and make it as small as possible, for exactly the same reason. We are not the Empire, we do not rule the people's lives. I think, or I hope that's something that Leia Organa can support.

Kalek Hanne:
As an Alliance vet, I can surely agree to that. Now, should we expect to see more tax cuts coming?

Eli Fitzgerald:
I certainly hope so. We'll have to look at the budget again to identify savings, so that we can in turn cut the budget again. I hope that we can, and it's something I plan to work on.

Kalek Hanne:
I know many people hope for this, but would you be up to a total reform of the tax system entirely?

Eli Fitzgerald:
I would, if it can be done practically and without causing any financial instability. I think in order to do it, the Senate will have to reconsider the role of the New Republic, generally. We do exist to defend our worlds of course, and to fight the Remnant, so defense is a large part of our expenses. Rightfully so. But like I said, I do believe that if we can lower taxes on our member worlds, it allows them to spend their own money to provide for their own needs, such as education, health care, and so on, and I think they can do that more efficiently then the Republic can. So if it's a matter of cutting New Republic social programs, so that we can lower taxes or as you say, reform the tax system altogether, then it's something we should consider. There are some things we can do in the meantime, however, such as privatizing the New Republic Bank, which is a measure that I plan to introduce in the coming weeks. I think that's a good start. And there you go, Kalek. I just broke some news on your program.

[both laughing]

Kalek Hanne:
Well if you talk of cutting social programs, perhaps you'll want to keep Senator Cambrist as far away from that discussion as possible

[Fitzgerald laughing]

Eli Fitzgerald:
It's important everyone be heard of course, but yes. I don't think Senator Cambrist and I are going to agree on that particular issue.

[both laughing]

Kalek Hanne:
Well now, the Rotunda should become an interesting place to be in the coming weeks. Now, do you believe this is a sign that perhaps you and Organa-Solo will become more confrontational...and perhaps a sign of her attempting to return to the political spotlight.

Eli Fitzgerald:
Oh, I don't think we'll be all that confrontational. We disagree on this or that but we generally get along, and of course she's welcome to return from maternity leave as soon as she's ready. I suppose her son Anakin is, what, three or four months old now? I remember when Jena was that age, and I know how demanding it can be. All I can say to Chief of State Organa is good luck, and I believe the New Republic is in good hands until your return.

Kalek Hanne:
I'm sure that will be appreciated, Chief. Now unfortunately we're running out of time, but we have one more question for you. What do you see coming in the New Republic's near future?

Eli Fitzgerald:
You know I think there's so much possibility, and the New Republic has so much promise that it's really hard to say. Like I said, I think we're on the right side of history. We have a lot of work that needs doing, don't get me wrong. But I firmly believe that we're up for it. A lot of people have lost their lives in this war, and a lot more continue to be persecuted under the Remnant and still more of us will lose our friends and loved ones before this is over, but at least we can know that we're fighting for hard principles that are right. The New Republic faces other challenges too, of course, besides the Remnant. We're still young, and it may become necessary to restructure ourselves a number of times, as we have done before, but I'm confident our principles will remain the same. I do strongly believe that nothing short of a cataclysm will stop this New Republic from existing for thousands of years, just like the old. I would like to see not just relative peace, but absolute peace in my lifetime, but even if I doubt that I will, I'm absolutely confident that we will eventually achieve it. But here the question was about the near future, wasn't it? [Laughing]. Well, tune in to Holonet Channel 11 for coverage of the Senate, and I guarantee you won't be bored. And TriNebulon News, of course.

[Hanne laughs]

Kalek Hanne:
Of course. And that's all the time we have. Thank you, Chief Fitzgerald, for stopping by today.

Eli Fitzgerald:
My pleasure. Thanks for the coffee.

Kalek Hanne:
Any time. And that's our show. Remember you heard it first on TriNebulon News...fair and balanced. Stay tune, at 1800 Coruscant time, Hanne & Kylini will air. The War Room...is next...

 
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