The Oppressed People Of Varrag

[Nugog]

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag
"Doing what we are told is good for our health"


UN Category: Compulsory Consumerist State
Civil Rights:
Below Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Unheard Of

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Ambassador

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, safe nation, renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 734 million are rabid consumers, partly through choice and partly because the government tells them to and dissenters tend to vanish from their homes at night.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Healthcare. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 56%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Arms Manufacturing.

Protesters are up in arms over new nuclear power stations, waste is frequently shipped to other countries, 'Mountain Doobie' is widely regarded as the nation's favourite drink, and major cities are suffering under water rationing. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

Cannibals Demand To Taste What Varaag Has To Offer

Government Acts
The Issue
A coalition of tribalists, health experts, and civil rights proponents have recently suggested legalizing cannibalism for consumers of willing would-be meals.

The Debate
"I see absolutely no problem with people digging into each other at dinnertime, so long as everyone is willing," Lars Jong-Il, the editor of the monthly magazine 'To Serve Man', quips, "Not only does it solve hunger problems and create jobs, but it also adds variety to Varaag's sometimes dull palette."
[Accept]


Civil rights leader Colin Hanover came out publicly for moderate pro-cannibalism legislation, commenting, "While it may strike some as a crude, even evil practice, our ancestors have practiced cannibalism for years. If we create a government organization to strictly regulate and grade all human meat prior to its arrival on the market, we can ensure that respect for diversity is maintained while health concerns are also allayed. And instead of killing average people, why not make being turned into snack foods a post-mortem option? Like donating your body to science!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"You're all absolutely out of your minds!" exclaims Chastity Mombota, head of Varaag's largest health-food manufacturer. "It's immoral, it's unhealthy, and it's disgusting. Not only are these so-called 'dietary rights' activists leading us down a dark path of sin, but right into a marketplace with yet another product that's almost as bad as beef!"
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.

[Nugog]

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag
"Doing what we are told is good for our health"


UN Category: Compulsory Consumerist State
Civil Rights:
Below Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Unheard Of

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Ambassador

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, economically powerful nation, remarkable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 745 million are rabid consumers, partly through choice and partly because the government tells them to and dissenters tend to vanish from their homes at night.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Healthcare. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 57%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Arms Manufacturing.

Waste is frequently shipped to other countries, 'Mountain Doobie' is widely regarded as the nation's favourite drink, major cities are suffering under water rationing, and soylent products are an expensive commodity due to a lack of volunteers. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

Water Supply Problems Becoming a Major Drain

Government Acts
The Issue
Due to the explosive population growth in Varaag, coupled with recent droughts, people are beginning to worry about the nation's decreasing water supply, and who should get first dibs on the vital H20.

The Debate
"We need this water to raise our crops," says incensed farmer Beth Thiesen. "If it wasn't for us farmers, the rest of Varaag would be starving. How about laying the blame where it belongs, and look to those cookie cutter suburban houses with their green lawns and pristinely washed mini-vans!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"It is my right to have the most beautiful lawn in the neighborhood," says neighborhood spokesman Buffy Licorish. "Our community spends a lot of effort cultivating a nice environment for our kids to grow up in. Why, if they didn't have these nice lawns to play in, they would be hanging out on street corners peddling drugs, or worse! Won't someone please think of the children?"
[Accept]


"Here is a novel idea," proclaims Freddy Hanover, spokesperson for radical environmental group Leave Nature Alone. "How about getting rid of all these dams and irrigation projects that are getting in the way of Mother Nature's plans for the water. It is time to allow the rivers to take their natural courses and leave the environment alone. I'm sure things will work out fine if we let Nature take its course."
[Accept]


"Obviously, who gets how much water is only a part of the problem," notes famed population-control advocate Jennifer Licorish. "We must try to curtail the rapid growth of our population, whether by limiting the amount of children people may have, or by deporting immigrants and criminals... we must get a handle on our population before we can hope to correct this water supply problem."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

No Pain, No Gain!

Government Acts
The Issue
Due to the recent capture of a foreign terrorist in Varaag, high-level military officials want the government to authorize torture to extract information about other terrorist activities.

The Debate
"Torture is the only way that we can get these idiots to tell us anything," says General Peggy Dodinas of Varaag's special forces division. "After all, violence is the only shared language we have with these scum."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"Are you kidding?" states political activist Beth Clinton. "Torture never works. If anything, it should be outlawed. What do we want to become, genocidal maniacs?
[Accept]


"There's nothing wrong with torture, but we can't make it too obvious," says Secretary of Defense Gregory Utopia. "How about we simply ask them nicely, and then, if they don't tell us, we kill them? That's better just from the intimidation."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

Hackles Raised Over Fur Clothes Debate

Government Acts
The Issue
Several animal rights groups have protested the continuing use of fur as a material for clothing.

The Debate
"This is an outrage!" cries Faith Rifkin, president of the Be Nice To Animals society. "The manufacture of fur apparel is unethical, cruel, and disgusting! People just don't seem to realise that millions of animals die each year in fur farms, crammed into tiny cages and suffering the most terrible treatment just so someone can look appealing and rich! This is a sick practice and must be stopped! The same can go for leather shoes and snakeskin belts too."
[Accept]


"You can't mean that, surely?" snorts Clint Frederickson, adjusting his hat, made from real tic hide. "It's the people's choice what they wear. I don't think it's fair that the majority of the public should be deprived of fur clothes because some people are a bit queasy. In fact, if the government would allow us to stock rarer animals, we could produce even finer products. In the end, it's up to the consumer, don't you think?"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.

[Nugog]

Animal Experimentation Laws Under Scrutiny

Government Acts
The Issue
Scientists and animal rights activists have once again brought up the debate over animal experimentation to your attention.

The Debate
"What have those poor, defenceless animals ever done to us?" asks Jazz Jefferson, owner of the East Varaag tic Sanctuary. "Kidnapping these helpless creatures from their habitat simply to stick probes and needles in them is just barbaric! How would you like it if someone caged you in a lab and conducted tests on you just to find out whether a new product was fit for sale? Experimenting on animals ought to be banned!"
[Accept]


"It is not unethical," replies Dr. Steffan Washington, the chief surgeon at Varaag's largest Cancer Research Clinic. "The unethical thing to do would be to deny the public of the benefit of the great scientific advancements we're making! If we have to sacrifice some animals in the name of science, healthcare, or a commerical venture, then that's just what we've got to do! Think of the lives we could save! All we require is more government support and funding for this worthy cause."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.

[Nugog]

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag
"Doing what we are told is good for our health"


UN Category: Compulsory Consumerist State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Thriving Political Freedoms:
Unheard Of

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Ambassador

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, economically powerful nation, notable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 751 million are rabid consumers, partly through choice and partly because the government tells them to and dissenters tend to vanish from their homes at night.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Healthcare. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 61%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Arms Manufacturing.

Soylent products are an expensive commodity due to a lack of volunteers, fur coats have become the latest fashion trend, several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation, and torture is commonly used to extract information from suspected criminals. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

Mobile Maladies

Government Acts
The Issue
Recently, there has been increased commotion from your citizens about the possible health risks caused by using mobile phones.

The Debate
"Have you seen these statistics?!" yells anti-mobile lobbyist Falala Wu, gesturing towards a wiggly line on a clipboard. "Mobile phones now kill more people in this country than exploding cupboards, the ironing board, and Godzilla put together! And that's not including the number of people who die every year from car crashes caused by chit-chat while driving! These things fry your brain with microwaves while you speak! We must ban mobile phones now!"
[Accept]


"This is utter nonsense," argues Melbourne Spirit, CEO of Amber Phones, while nonchalantly slipping a wad of varaag chips into your pocket. "Mobile phones are totally harmless - I'll have you know that not one of our privately-funded studies has found the slightest bit of evidence to the contrary! Have you ever seen anyone drop dead in the street just because they were chatting on one of our new M/A models for sale now at low, low prices? No! It's just blatant scaremongering! I implore the government to dismiss these crackpots' complaints."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I don't believe they're harmful either," says Abraham du Pont, a teacher. "But it's obvious to everyone what a detrimental effect it has on our children! Everywhere I look, I'm seeing children as young as four tapping away at the blasted things! Do you know how many lessons I've had interrupted by the 'Crazy Tic' ringtone? Do you know how many of my pupils think 'great' is spelled with a number? Too many! Only adults should be allowed to own and use mobile phones!"
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.

[Nugog]

Deserts Devouring Varaag's Countryside

Government Acts
The Issue
Due to desertification, the transition of habitable land to desert as a result of overcultivation and the increasing degradation of the environment, much of Varaag's once-green rural areas are turning into barren, rocky deserts.

The Debate
"This is a disaster," wails Pete Steele, your Minister of the Environment. "We've been too lax on letting the agriculture sector overgraze and overcrop our lands and now we're paying the price. There needs to be some serious cutback on what these companies are allowed to do, or before you know it we're going to be scaling sand dunes on the way to work."
[Accept]


"'Ey there, you stupid townie, what about us?" shouts Farmer's Union Leader Dave Bush, waving a pitchfork from atop a combine harvester parked outside. "We's just goin' t' be tole we're out of a job? Tha' best way t' goes about this is t' promote stuff like that there recyclin', crop rotatin', an' biodiversity, and t' gives us tha' subsidies we needs t' work in 'armony wi' mother nature. Desertification ain't no irreversible thing, an' claimin' tha' land back will be slow and bloody expensive, by thunder. But oi'm sure tha' taxpayers will be more than 'appy t' aid us 'umble farmers in our plight, and maybe gives us a little more say in things in future, so's this can't 'appen again."
[Accept]


"Yee-haw, these here deserts are the greatest thang that's happened in YARS!" drawls noted cowboy Hamish McGraw, twirling his shootin' irons. "This is just what Varaag needs! Just git a stagecoach out har an tha' foreign types will come a-flockin,' y'all see if ah'm wrong! We don't need no fundin' f' tha' environment! Them's farmers c'n jus' git minin' fer GOLD!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 3.

[Nugog]

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag
"Doing what we are told is good for our health"


UN Category: Compulsory Consumerist State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Thriving Political Freedoms:
Unheard Of

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Ambassador

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, safe nation, notable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 756 million are rabid consumers, partly through choice and partly because the government tells them to and dissenters tend to vanish from their homes at night.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Healthcare. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 61%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation, torture is commonly used to extract information from suspected criminals, Varaag has become a gigantic dustbowl filled with tourists and mean desperados, and mobile phone masts are being erected all over the country. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

Road Rage Rampage

Government Acts
The Issue
Due to the ever-increasing traffic on Varaag's highways, commuter tempers are flaring, leading to an increase in road rage related accidents. A recent case in which a very impatient driver attacked and seriously injured a slow driver has brought the subject rapidly to the highest levels of the government.

The Debate
"The problem is that our highway system is sorely in need of an overhaul," claims social commentator Billy-Bob Longfellow. "Varaag's highways were constructed with a far smaller number of cars in mind, and we've exceeded that traffic load by a substantial amount, resulting in traffic jams. Traffic jams lead to impatience, impatience leads to anger, anger leads to road rage, and road rage leads to violence. We need to expand the freeway system by adding more lanes to relieve the traffic congestion."
[Accept]


"You add new lanes, even MORE people will drive, putting us right back at square one!" counters George W. Mistletoe of Varaag's public transportation committee. "Instead of throwing tons of money at a short-term solution, why not spend it on improving bus and rail service and encouraging carpooling? Oh, and get more highway patrol officers to crack down on these violent drivers who pose safety threats to the rest of us."
[Accept]


"*BLEEP!* that *BLEEP!*" Catherine Gratwick yells at the top of her lungs from the window of her very large pickup truck with a gun rack mounted in the rear window. "The government should just *BLEEP!*ing stay out of our daily *BLEEP!*ing drive! They ought to let us *BLEEP!*ing rushed businesspeople go about our daily *BLEEP!*ing business, no matter what *BLEEP!*ing measures we have to take to get to *BLEEP!*ing work on time!

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 3.

[Nugog]

Ornery Overcrowding Problem

Government Acts
The Issue
A survey recently released by the Varaag Housing Authority indicates that the country's burgeoning population is rapidly leading to a housing crisis as families find themselves crammed into increasingly cramped living spaces.

The Debate
"What we need are more high rises, whether low-cost or fancy condos," says demographic expert Chastity King. "They're efficient, waste little land, and wouldn't you love to wake up to the bright cheery sky in front of you every morning? Of course, there's the problem of higher contagious disease transmission, but I'm sure our health system is robust enough for that. Not to mention all the jobs these new buildings will bring."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"All these industrial factories take up so much space," argues social welfare commentator Gregory Johnson. "The fact is, not only do they pollute, but they hog land that is better used for low-cost housing. Studies show that apartments are just too cramped for people to be comfortable in. We would be a lot better off in simple single-floor houses. Especially if they're subsidised by the government."
[Accept]


"This raises an interesting issue," says Charles Summers, staunch supporter of birth control. "And that is: why do we need to build more housing anyway? Why don't we just limit the number of children each family can have? Besides, pregnancy causes all sorts of complications. We're better off with less of it anyway."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

Police Too Pushy?

Government Acts
The Issue
A group of 'concerned compatriots' (Citizens Raging Against the Police) have protested against the enormous numbers of policemen enforcing the law on their daily lives.

The Debate
"I'm constantly surrounded by over-zealous policemen!" deplores Max Fellow, a spokesman for the group. "Just last week I was arrested for letting my baby cry too loudly in public! This is ridiculous! The government needs to cut back the police force and let citizens get on with their lives without interference! If that means allowing muggers, thieves, burglars, pickpockets, murderers and all the rest to not have coppers breathing down the back of their necks constantly then so be it! This really is too much!"
[Accept]


"You can't listen to what they're saying!" gasps Police Chief Roger Rubin, horrified. "These nuts would have us living in utter anarchy! If some robbers suddenly decide to break into a shop and steal everything, what's the owner going to do? What could anyone do without a well-funded police force? There has to be justice and law or we'd be nothing better than a bunch of savages. Stick to your guns, I say, and let me arrest these subversives - people need to be taught to show some respect!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.

[Nugog]

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag
"Doing what we are told is good for our health"


UN Category: Compulsory Consumerist State
Civil Rights:
Below Average Economy:
Thriving Political Freedoms:
Unheard Of

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Ambassador

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, economically powerful nation, renowned for its punitive income tax rates. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 772 million are rabid consumers, partly through choice and partly because the government tells them to and dissenters tend to vanish from their homes at night.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt, pro-business government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Healthcare. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 60%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Mobile phone masts are being erected all over the country, citizens are regularly arrested in queues for 'loitering', the government regularly hires contractors to construct high rise apartments, and it's a common sight to see angry commuters with grenade launchers mounted on their vehicles. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, and its currency is the varaag chip.