The first message to be sent is a protest, but not in the manner Joseph had expected. The protest is, "Is that not too little?"

Joseph smiles. "Then, by how much should we raise it?", and the momentum raises anew. It is finally decided to raise it by $4, and, depending on the effects, could be considered to raise it even further. And they come to the 7th question.

Joseph smiles thinly. "I don't have much experience in economics, but," he gestures to the projector, "I'm certain that certain committees do. I would like to propose this policy. Please tell me if it is feasible.

If the corporation's total profits after taxes are below $100k per month, they get a subsidy of 5% on all their supplies. This is recaculated every month."

There is a period of silence as the fine people of the government ponder over it. "President, the 7th question is meant to ensure that small businesses do not go bankrupt due to the increase in minimum wage. As such, it would be better if we increase that percentage to 7%."

Joseph asks, "All in favor?"

The majority vote yay. Joseph is scribbling down something.

"Alright, I'll pass it through once I have the time." He passes the note to the Assistant. It's filled with the names of those who voted nay, or abstained.

The 8th question. "Alright, how do we ensure that the employers will not take the money for themselves? I mean, since we have a policy that raises the minimum wage, and also a policy to increase the money on hand for the employer, it is illegal for them not to pay the full amount of the new minimum wage to their employees. Unfortunately, there would be too many cases to go through on a case by case process. I think the only thing I can do would be to make a hotline and establish a group to listen to the employees' grievances, then promote it online on through advertisments. Anyone have other ideas?"

"An app?" "A website." "Have a public talk service."

Joseph smiles. "Okay. I will take those into consideration. The 9th question. ...We can skip this at the moment." Wouldn't want the momentum to be wasted on this long question when there are other short questions that can be answered.

"Lessening the reasons to do crime... If everyone has enough money, they would not need to do crime. In rder to get enough money, they need a job. However, there are already ex-convicts out there who cannot get a job due to their criminal record. This is America not using all their manpower. In fact, with the new policy to subsidise the supplies for the companies... Hmm. Perhaps, we could add a new policy." Joseph turns and starts writing on the whiteboard. "For the first year for new start-up companies, they get an additional 7% discount. This means that it would be a...107.49% discount... No...Make it an additional 10% to get 107.7%? Or just add in another 3% and clarify that together, it's a discount of 10%..."

"If we make this policy, added together with the earlier policy of a subsidy, then more people will be encouraged to make start-up companies, and that would get more jobs. Due to the sudden influx of jobs, the demand for people to take up these jobs would also increase, plausibly to the point where the qualifications needed for a job is lowered... however, we must also learn from our those before us. In order for this reform to work, we still need to be rid of corruption... Hmmm. Nationalising industries would create more jobs, but...Hm. What does everyone think?"

"Think what? On clearing corruption or of the policy?"

"Both, I suppose." Joseph throws a straight ball!

The people launch into discussion. The basic consensus is that the policy is acceptable, but there may be a few things to iron out and word properly. On corruption, everyone agrees that it would be best to launch another clearing of corruption, but all are unsure as to how and when it should be carried out.

Joseph knocks on the wall.

...

He knocks harder. "The meeting will be adjourned for lunch."

It is now 3.15 pm. Pie time. "We will continue this at 4.45pm."