The Oppressed People Of Varrag

[Nugog]

Where There's A Will There's A Tax

Government Acts
The Issue
After the vast fortunes of a recently deceased oil tycoon in Varaag were left to a small cactus plant, citizens nationwide have been asking the same question: should the inheritance tax laws be changed?

The Debate
"Every time I see a stupid rich kid having an easy ride of life with money they did nothing to deserve, I go into a jealous rage and start punching walls," says economically disadvantaged individual Jean-Paul Mistletoe. "Abolish inheritance entirely! If the government takes the inheritance then we can spend all that cash on things that make ordinary people's lives better, like education, social welfare, and attack helicopters."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"This is a disgusting breach of my human rights," says Steffan Chicago, heir to an international widget empire. "Just think of all the poor families who have spent their lives scrimping and saving with the dream of passing on a modest luxury yacht to ensure the security of their children's children. All that sacrifice, all that toil, all those long nights working their fingers to the bone setting up offshore accounts - it brings a tear to my eye. Inheritance tax has got to go!"
[Accept]


"Surely we can arrange some sort of compromise here," says comfortable knitwear fan Aaron McGuffin. "Yes, it's true that some people exploit the system - but a lot of people rely on inheritance for their basic support! Why don't we just set a sensible ceiling on how much you can inherit? That way you get to keep the family farm, but not the five mansions and the oil refinery."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

Birds, Bees, And Breeding Teens

Government Acts
The Issue
A study has shown that an increasing proportion of teenagers in Varaag are falling pregnant.

The Debate
"We need comprehensive sex education to be mandatory in all schools," says Miranda Thiesen, a teacher while tidying away some diagrams that make your eyes water. "The plain fact is that teenagers will experiment with sexual intercourse despite what society or their parents wish. So I say give these kids free contraceptives, and make them fully aware of the consequences of their actions. Information is what they need, not condemnation. If they ignore it then hey, it's their own damn fault."
[Accept]


"If you give them contraception it'll just encourage them to do... terrible things," says Hack Silk, a religious parent and member of Moral Minority. "And what's with giving them so much information? There's even diagrams for goodness sake! Have they never heard of 'monkey see, monkey do'? They'll just go and try it out, mark my words! The solution is simple: girls should be kept at home and away from the monkey house of lustful impetuousness and young males until they are of marriageable age. Teaching teenagers abstinence and chastity is the key, not giving them step-by-step manuals."
[Accept]


"However sex education is taught, it is still social engineering and so undermines parental authority," says conservative newspaper columnist George W. Love. "My own son learned about something called 'homosexuality' the other day! For shame! We all know it should be Adam and Eve, not Adam and... Geoff? Anyway, my point is that sex education should be dropped from schools and instead taught by parents the way they see fit. That way children will get consistent messages and parents, not society, will cop the blame if any of their kids fall pregnant."
[Accept]


"No-one's asked me my opinion yet," says Catherine Gratwick, a teenage mother as she bottle-feeds her baby. "I think it's perfectly obvious what the cause of teenage pregnancy is - teenage boys! My son's father is the one that got me into this mess. He's the one who pressured me into having sex, but all the education is focused on the girls. Teenage fathers should be made responsible for their actions for once and be made to join the military so they can send their wages back to pay for their children's upkeep. If that's not a deterrent, then I don't know what is."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I think we've missed the fact that maybe this teenage pregnancy phenomenon is not such a bad thing," says Bill Gutenberg, a famous demographer. "We need the population to grow, we need more people of working age, we need more tax for public services, et cetera. There are plenty of sound demographical reasons why we should be encouraging women to have families. By all means educate them about the dangers, but I don't think we ought to discourage teenagers from procreating - it's nature's way you know."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 4.

[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:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, devout nation, renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 996 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 Religion & Spirituality. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 46%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Information Technology and Gambling.

Euthanasia is legal, college students make ends meet by selling their kidneys, teenage fathers are forced to join the army, and the government seizes the property of the recently deceased. 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]

Where There's A Will There's A Tax

Government Acts
The Issue
After the vast fortunes of a recently deceased oil tycoon in Varaag were left to a small cactus plant, citizens nationwide have been asking the same question: should the inheritance tax laws be changed?

The Debate
"Every time I see a stupid rich kid having an easy ride of life with money they did nothing to deserve, I go into a jealous rage and start punching walls," says economically disadvantaged individual Abraham Shiomi. "Abolish inheritance entirely! If the government takes the inheritance then we can spend all that cash on things that make ordinary people's lives better, like education, social welfare, and attack helicopters."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"This is a disgusting breach of my human rights," says Randy Rubin, heir to an international widget empire. "Just think of all the poor families who have spent their lives scrimping and saving with the dream of passing on a modest luxury yacht to ensure the security of their children's children. All that sacrifice, all that toil, all those long nights working their fingers to the bone setting up offshore accounts - it brings a tear to my eye. Inheritance tax has got to go!"
[Accept]


"Surely we can arrange some sort of compromise here," says comfortable knitwear fan Randy Longbottom. "Yes, it's true that some people exploit the system - but a lot of people rely on inheritance for their basic support! Why don't we just set a sensible ceiling on how much you can inherit? That way you get to keep the family farm, but not the five mansions and the oil refinery."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

International Community Comes Doorknocking

Government Acts
The Issue
The international community has appealed to Varaag to increase humanitarian aid to the world's poorer nations.

The Debate
"We must increase foreign aid," says beaded local peace activist Freddy Falopian. "Compared to some of these nations, Varaag is swimming in varaag chips. Let's face it, not every nation in the world is lucky enough to have a government like ours. Let's show some compassion to our less economically gifted neighbors."
[Accept]


"Talk about a way to flush varaag chips straight down the toilet," argues Think Tank member Elizabeth Falopian. "What I've noticed is that whenever we do give something, it's never enough: a few years later they're back asking for more. The best way to help these poor nations is to stop shielding them from the logical consequences of their idiotic, long-debunked socialist economic policies."
[Accept]


"Relief wouldn't hurt us... if we 'relieved' the right countries," suggests government advisor Stephanie Nagasawa. "We give them a little humanitarian aid, they give us access to their Uranium Mining markets... it's win-win. Nothing wrong with a little quid pro quo, especially for a good 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 3.

[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:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a massive, economically powerful nation, remarkable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 1.003 billion 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 Religion & Spirituality. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 48%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Teenage fathers are forced to join the army, the government seizes the property of the recently deceased, young children are regularly seen wagering pocket money at blackjack tables, and the government extracts trade concessions from poor nations in exchange for humanitarian aid. 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]

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:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a massive, safe nation, remarkable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 1.009 billion 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 Religion & Spirituality. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 41%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

The government extracts trade concessions from poor nations in exchange for humanitarian aid, the alarmingly racist TV show 'Bigtopians Say the Darndest Things' is a hit, new urban roads are threatening city parks, and travellers are often forcibly evicted by torch-bearing mobs. 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]

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 Bianca Jong-Il, 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 Pip du Pont, 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]

Painful Prices Paid At The Pump

Government Acts
The Issue
Commuters are complaining about the ongoing rise in gas prices, causing a massive debate in the government about what should be done.

The Debate
"Who cares about a few trees?" says oil executive Falala McGuffin. "Gas prices are six varaag chips per gallon, and rising! There is lots of oil to be found in areas currently protected as parks! Solving our energy needs are more important than conserving the environment. Just give us permission to go in there and start drilling, and gas prices will plummet!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"There are other ways to recover from the fossil fuel crisis besides ruining forests," says environmental activist Melbourne du Pont. "We shouldn't just take the short way out and drill here. I suggest spending more money on public transportation systems and encouraging people to carpool - if people weren't so reliant on fossil fuel powered cars, we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place, and if we start using less oil, the price will drop with the demand."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[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:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a massive, economically powerful nation, notable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 1.026 billion 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 Religion & Spirituality. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 40%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

New urban roads are threatening city parks, travellers are often forcibly evicted by torch-bearing mobs, pristine wilderness has been trashed in the quest for cheaper oil, and fur coats have become the latest fashion trend. 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]

Uranium Mining Workers Strike!

Government Acts
The Issue
Workers across the nation have gone out on indefinite strike over what they claim are substandard wages in the Uranium Mining industry.

The Debate
"We are the backbone of this country, and we demand a fair wage rise!" says union leader Freddy Jong-Il. "I don't think a 20% increase over two years is too much to ask. Unless the government forces employers to give us our due, we'll shut this whole industry down! Let's see how well Varaag's economy manages without any Uranium Mining, huh?
[Accept]


"We pay our employees very generous wages," says employer representative Aaron Gutenberg. "Especially when you consider that without us, they'd be OUT ON THE STREET. Hear that, you scumbags? OUT ON THE STREET! Anyway, my point is, if you cave in, you make our entire industry uncompetitive. You can't do that in the global marketplace. It'll hurt the whole country. The best solution, economically speaking, would be to relax industrial laws and allow us to fire troublemakers on the spot."

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:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a massive, devout nation, renowned for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 1.033 billion 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 Religion & Spirituality. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 40%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Travellers are often forcibly evicted by torch-bearing mobs, pristine wilderness has been trashed in the quest for cheaper oil, fur coats have become the latest fashion trend, and employers may fire workers without giving any reason. 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]

Pensioners In Protest

Government Acts
The Issue
Falling standards at Varaag's retirement homes have prompted OAPs to take to the streets and demand better treatment.

The Debate
"There needs to be more done for the elderly," says Pete Falopian, a resident of 'This Old Man' retirement home. "We can't work to support ourselves anymore, and the pensions we get are measly. We need more benefits such as higher standards of living, free bus tickets, and a continuous supply of varaag chips. All it requires is a little more generosity on the part of the tax payers - after all, we fought the war for their sort."
[Accept]


"I'm not giving any of my hard-earned wages to a bunch of old fossils," says Anne-Marie Rubin, a devout taxpayer. "If they weren't smart enough to save enough money for their later years, then why should the government pay out for them now? They had their chance and they didn't take it. If they really want money so bad, they can go out and work for it like everyone else."

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]

Painful Prices Paid At The Pump

Government Acts
The Issue
Commuters are complaining about the ongoing rise in gas prices, causing a massive debate in the government about what should be done.

The Debate
"Who cares about a few trees?" says oil executive Billy Winters. "Gas prices are six varaag chips per gallon, and rising! There is lots of oil to be found in areas currently protected as parks! Solving our energy needs are more important than conserving the environment. Just give us permission to go in there and start drilling, and gas prices will plummet!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"There are other ways to recover from the fossil fuel crisis besides ruining forests," says environmental activist Buffy McAlpin. "We shouldn't just take the short way out and drill here. I suggest spending more money on public transportation systems and encouraging people to carpool - if people weren't so reliant on fossil fuel powered cars, we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place, and if we start using less oil, the price will drop with the demand."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[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:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a massive, devout nation, notable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 1.033 billion 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 Religion & Spirituality. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 38%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Pristine wilderness has been trashed in the quest for cheaper oil, fur coats have become the latest fashion trend, employers may fire workers without giving any reason, and senior citizens can usually be found doing heavy manual labour. 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.