— The —
Daily Prophet
Daily Prophet
Price One Knut
28 September, 1893
SECOND DEBATE TONIGHT
Candidates Speak Out as Election Draws Nearer
After the last debate came to quite an abrupt end, many are curious to see what this evening holds as the candidates for the position of Minister of Magic once again face off this evening. Tonight's debate, held this time in the village of Hogsmeade, is expected to emphasize public safety.
Voters can be forgiven, however, for needing refreshment as to the poistions of the various gentlemen (and lady) in the running, given the disasaster of September 14th. To that end, the Daily Prophet is here to assist.
The topic of the ban on marriage between humans and non-humans classed by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as "BEINGS" was one of the few specific issues addressed in the initial debate. While none of the candidates offered a wholesale answer of "support" or "repeal", only Miss Sweetie Whitledge and Mr. Jude Wright demostrated, in this reporter's opinion, a desire for change from the status quo. That said, Mr. Ozymandias Dempsey clarified his position later, stating that he believes "individuals should be able to make appeals against the ban both during and after this review process, to argue for legal recognition of specific unions based on their circumstances." Conversely, Mr. Aldous Crouch later said that while he does not believe the Minister's voice alone should be heard on such wide-reaching matters he ultimately would not support a repeal of the ban himself. Mr. Emerett Picardy, who has been campaiging as a stunch advocate exclusively for humans, later confirmed his strong support of the ban as it exists currently.
Another common thread at the debate was the matter of experience—both in life and in the Ministry of Magic itself.
Miss Whitledge has been repeatedly criticized for her youth and lack of standing in the Ministry of Magic, and critics have often said that her frequent touting of school club leadership as genuine leadership experience is entirely juvenile. She is not without her supporters, though, who note that her position as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries points to a degree of trust already placed upon her shoulders by her superiors (fellow candidate Mr. Bernard Prewett and former Minister of Magic, the late Balthazar Urquart).
None can doubt that Mr. Lionel Lupin, Mr. Crouch, Mr. Prewett, and Mr. Timoleon Maxime have the requisite Ministry experience as leaders within their departments (insofar as Ministry experience is a requisite, at least). Even Mr. Picardy was previously a "Ministry Man".
To his own lack of experience, Mr. Dempsesy stated that "Outside perspective is necessary to create real positive change."
There was limited disucssion as to new Wizengamot appointments, with both Mr. Crouch and Mr. Prewett suggesting that it would be in bad taste to name an appointment even before being elected. This might be seen as a slight against Mr. Maxime, who has already stated that he would appoint Mr. Cassian Valenduris (current Squad Head for Law Enforcement) if elected.
There are a number of issues that may be brought to discussion today, not least of which (in the opinion of this reporter) is the matter of women's suffrage. Mr. Write and Miss Whitledge (who cannot vote even as she runs for office) have both been strongly in support of votes for women throughout this campaign. As it stands, a woman may vote only in the stead of an underaged, land-owning son, should she be a widow.
"I believe that voting is a privilege that anyone, regardless of sex, should be able to earn," notes Mr. Crouch. "I do not consider it appropriate that it should be a right conferred upon coming of age—just as not everyone can be considered responsible enough that I would trust them with the care of my owl, so too can everyone not be trusted with the weighty matter of the future of our country."
Mr. Dempsey seems to agree with this principle, stating that, "the right to vote should not be restricted by gender. There must be reasonable restrictions on the right to vote to assure that those making decisions for our country are informed and capable, and at one time gender was presumed to be a signifier of both; this thinking is outdated and must be abandoned."
And of course, there is the matter of security—most pressingly, for now, as it applies to magical creatures.
Mr. Picardy believes that "Policy should be far stricter against this, particularly for creatures classified XXX and above", while Mr. Dempsey feels that "an outright ban, or a "soft ban" achieved by making legal methods of transportation practically unachieveable, would not prevent potentially dangerous magical creatures from being imported, but would incentivize those who engaged in these practices to skirt regulation." Mr. Crouch acknowledges that multiple departments, including his own, have a key role to play in ensruring an event like the dragon attack on the Magical Port of London does not occur again. Miss Whitledge would increase dialogue with Ministry departments, and "perhaps even bring in the Experimental Charms Committee to discuss new containment methods when creature transport is being handled legally."
As the next election draws ever nearer, voters understandably wish to know for what the candidates stand.
MR. ALDOUS CROUCH: Prioritizes strengthening Wizarding Britain through consistency and the building-up of the Ministry of Magic across the board. He has pledged to "bring the matter of voting reform to the Wizengamot for discussion" as well as to continue to build "positive and lasting" relationships with magical governing bodies internationally.
Mr. Crouch is generally perceived to favour the status quo, though some speculate this is to avoid alienating would-be voters. His key endorsements have come from brother (and Senior Undersecretary to Minister Justin Ross) Roman Crouch and Wizengamot Member Gaius Malfoy (married to the former Miss November Crouch).
MR. OZYMANDIAS DEMPSEY: Considers voting reform to be of the utmost importance and promises a measured approach to the running of our government: "I promise not only to thoughtfully consider the consequences of each issue, but to subject decisions to committee review in any situation in which this is practical, to ensure our laws and policies are always viewed through as many perspectives as possible prior to being enacted."
None other than Mr. Meserimus Valenduris, Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, seems to support this approach, having voiced his support for Mr. Dempsey. Mr. Dempsey is generally perceived to be relatively progressive.
MR. LIONEL LUPIN: Considers protection for and from beings such as werewolves and vampires to be an important issue moving forward: "Often, the youngest of them cannot control themselves and have sadly added to the number of murder or assault victims found in Britain. Perhaps if better safeguards and protections were in place, these tragedies for both parties could be prevented."
Mr. Lupin has generally been noted as more traditionalist in his approach, seen as a boon by many more conservative voters.
MR. TIMOLEON MAXIME: Values transparacy from Ministry officials. He is one of the more conservative offerings on the ballot.
Conspicuously, Mr. Maxime's superior, Mr. Murdock Greyback, has yet to formally endorse him. The slightly-less-senior but more-experienced Mr. Lupin has also said of Mr. Maxime that "Maxime is a brilliant young man but there is simply no getting around the fact that he is French. I do not believe that a man hailing from another country should represent magical Britain."
MR. EMERETT PICARDY: Has promised to "improve national security by more proactive investigation into perceived threats and tougher criminal sentencing", as well as to "resolve the concerning pattern of crime and catastrophes in wizarding Britain."
Mr. Picardy has been considered to be quite conservative, with hard stances on non- and part-humans.
MR. BERNARD PREWETT: Sees a "need to review the overall focus of the ministry" and intends to "form a citizens assembly to ascertain what a 20th century magical England would look like". Beyond this, Mr. Prewett does not seem to have any overt positions at all.
The late Mr. Urquart did not endorse his ass. head prior to his passing, though to this reporter's knowledge, was never asked about the matter out right.
MISS SWEETIE WHITLEDGE: Has previously emphasized her support for the rights of women and the poor, as well as the safety of muggleborns and what has been dubbed by some, marital freedom. By virtue of her sex alone, Miss Whitledge is seen to be something of a radical, though in policy does not seem to fit that particular label as much as some of her competition.
MR. JUDE WRIGHT: If elected, considers his top priority to be reforming the Wizengamot to make the organization "more proportionally representative of the citizen body", promising also to extend the vote to women. Mr. Wright is considered to be, frankly, a radical by many.
Two key endorsements are yet missing during the campaign: current Minister of Magic Justin Ross has not yet declared for any particular candidate, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot Lucius Lestrange said that while he "disagrees on principle with making his vote public", he does not think that Mr. Lupin, Mr. Picardy, or Mr. Crouch would be "disastrous to the running of the country".
Voters can be forgiven, however, for needing refreshment as to the poistions of the various gentlemen (and lady) in the running, given the disasaster of September 14th. To that end, the Daily Prophet is here to assist.
The topic of the ban on marriage between humans and non-humans classed by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as "BEINGS" was one of the few specific issues addressed in the initial debate. While none of the candidates offered a wholesale answer of "support" or "repeal", only Miss Sweetie Whitledge and Mr. Jude Wright demostrated, in this reporter's opinion, a desire for change from the status quo. That said, Mr. Ozymandias Dempsey clarified his position later, stating that he believes "individuals should be able to make appeals against the ban both during and after this review process, to argue for legal recognition of specific unions based on their circumstances." Conversely, Mr. Aldous Crouch later said that while he does not believe the Minister's voice alone should be heard on such wide-reaching matters he ultimately would not support a repeal of the ban himself. Mr. Emerett Picardy, who has been campaiging as a stunch advocate exclusively for humans, later confirmed his strong support of the ban as it exists currently.
Another common thread at the debate was the matter of experience—both in life and in the Ministry of Magic itself.
Miss Whitledge has been repeatedly criticized for her youth and lack of standing in the Ministry of Magic, and critics have often said that her frequent touting of school club leadership as genuine leadership experience is entirely juvenile. She is not without her supporters, though, who note that her position as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries points to a degree of trust already placed upon her shoulders by her superiors (fellow candidate Mr. Bernard Prewett and former Minister of Magic, the late Balthazar Urquart).
None can doubt that Mr. Lionel Lupin, Mr. Crouch, Mr. Prewett, and Mr. Timoleon Maxime have the requisite Ministry experience as leaders within their departments (insofar as Ministry experience is a requisite, at least). Even Mr. Picardy was previously a "Ministry Man".
To his own lack of experience, Mr. Dempsesy stated that "Outside perspective is necessary to create real positive change."
There was limited disucssion as to new Wizengamot appointments, with both Mr. Crouch and Mr. Prewett suggesting that it would be in bad taste to name an appointment even before being elected. This might be seen as a slight against Mr. Maxime, who has already stated that he would appoint Mr. Cassian Valenduris (current Squad Head for Law Enforcement) if elected.
There are a number of issues that may be brought to discussion today, not least of which (in the opinion of this reporter) is the matter of women's suffrage. Mr. Write and Miss Whitledge (who cannot vote even as she runs for office) have both been strongly in support of votes for women throughout this campaign. As it stands, a woman may vote only in the stead of an underaged, land-owning son, should she be a widow.
"I believe that voting is a privilege that anyone, regardless of sex, should be able to earn," notes Mr. Crouch. "I do not consider it appropriate that it should be a right conferred upon coming of age—just as not everyone can be considered responsible enough that I would trust them with the care of my owl, so too can everyone not be trusted with the weighty matter of the future of our country."
Mr. Dempsey seems to agree with this principle, stating that, "the right to vote should not be restricted by gender. There must be reasonable restrictions on the right to vote to assure that those making decisions for our country are informed and capable, and at one time gender was presumed to be a signifier of both; this thinking is outdated and must be abandoned."
And of course, there is the matter of security—most pressingly, for now, as it applies to magical creatures.
Mr. Picardy believes that "Policy should be far stricter against this, particularly for creatures classified XXX and above", while Mr. Dempsey feels that "an outright ban, or a "soft ban" achieved by making legal methods of transportation practically unachieveable, would not prevent potentially dangerous magical creatures from being imported, but would incentivize those who engaged in these practices to skirt regulation." Mr. Crouch acknowledges that multiple departments, including his own, have a key role to play in ensruring an event like the dragon attack on the Magical Port of London does not occur again. Miss Whitledge would increase dialogue with Ministry departments, and "perhaps even bring in the Experimental Charms Committee to discuss new containment methods when creature transport is being handled legally."
As the next election draws ever nearer, voters understandably wish to know for what the candidates stand.
MR. ALDOUS CROUCH: Prioritizes strengthening Wizarding Britain through consistency and the building-up of the Ministry of Magic across the board. He has pledged to "bring the matter of voting reform to the Wizengamot for discussion" as well as to continue to build "positive and lasting" relationships with magical governing bodies internationally.
Mr. Crouch is generally perceived to favour the status quo, though some speculate this is to avoid alienating would-be voters. His key endorsements have come from brother (and Senior Undersecretary to Minister Justin Ross) Roman Crouch and Wizengamot Member Gaius Malfoy (married to the former Miss November Crouch).
MR. OZYMANDIAS DEMPSEY: Considers voting reform to be of the utmost importance and promises a measured approach to the running of our government: "I promise not only to thoughtfully consider the consequences of each issue, but to subject decisions to committee review in any situation in which this is practical, to ensure our laws and policies are always viewed through as many perspectives as possible prior to being enacted."
None other than Mr. Meserimus Valenduris, Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, seems to support this approach, having voiced his support for Mr. Dempsey. Mr. Dempsey is generally perceived to be relatively progressive.
MR. LIONEL LUPIN: Considers protection for and from beings such as werewolves and vampires to be an important issue moving forward: "Often, the youngest of them cannot control themselves and have sadly added to the number of murder or assault victims found in Britain. Perhaps if better safeguards and protections were in place, these tragedies for both parties could be prevented."
Mr. Lupin has generally been noted as more traditionalist in his approach, seen as a boon by many more conservative voters.
MR. TIMOLEON MAXIME: Values transparacy from Ministry officials. He is one of the more conservative offerings on the ballot.
Conspicuously, Mr. Maxime's superior, Mr. Murdock Greyback, has yet to formally endorse him. The slightly-less-senior but more-experienced Mr. Lupin has also said of Mr. Maxime that "Maxime is a brilliant young man but there is simply no getting around the fact that he is French. I do not believe that a man hailing from another country should represent magical Britain."
MR. EMERETT PICARDY: Has promised to "improve national security by more proactive investigation into perceived threats and tougher criminal sentencing", as well as to "resolve the concerning pattern of crime and catastrophes in wizarding Britain."
Mr. Picardy has been considered to be quite conservative, with hard stances on non- and part-humans.
MR. BERNARD PREWETT: Sees a "need to review the overall focus of the ministry" and intends to "form a citizens assembly to ascertain what a 20th century magical England would look like". Beyond this, Mr. Prewett does not seem to have any overt positions at all.
The late Mr. Urquart did not endorse his ass. head prior to his passing, though to this reporter's knowledge, was never asked about the matter out right.
MISS SWEETIE WHITLEDGE: Has previously emphasized her support for the rights of women and the poor, as well as the safety of muggleborns and what has been dubbed by some, marital freedom. By virtue of her sex alone, Miss Whitledge is seen to be something of a radical, though in policy does not seem to fit that particular label as much as some of her competition.
MR. JUDE WRIGHT: If elected, considers his top priority to be reforming the Wizengamot to make the organization "more proportionally representative of the citizen body", promising also to extend the vote to women. Mr. Wright is considered to be, frankly, a radical by many.
Two key endorsements are yet missing during the campaign: current Minister of Magic Justin Ross has not yet declared for any particular candidate, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot Lucius Lestrange said that while he "disagrees on principle with making his vote public", he does not think that Mr. Lupin, Mr. Picardy, or Mr. Crouch would be "disastrous to the running of the country".
C. Neill