The Oppressed People Of Varrag

[Nugog]

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


UN Category: Corporate Police State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Vassal


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, remarkable for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 62 million are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

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 Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 39%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Skateboarding is punishable by heavy fines, the country's famous rainforests are being bulldozed by the mining industry, a crusade against barbaric religious practices has begun, and citizens are allowed to rise or fall based on their own merits. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is relatively low, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

The Issue
Citizens all over Varaag have been petitioning for firmer action on public graffiti.

The Debate
"It's a disgrace!" declares Faith Johnson, middle class and proud of it. "I can't even go downtown without seeing these hideous eyesores debasing the streets! We need to arrest the scumbags at the root of this, lock them up, and teach them a jolly good lesson! More policemen on the beat should do the ticket, even if it does require a slight augmentation in taxes!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I don't see what's so bad," comments Thomas Trax, a famous art critic. "This is urban art at it's finest. It's vibrant, colourful, and simply reeks of culture! Just look at the form displayed in this string of racist expletives! Wonderful. Simply wonderful. I think we should really be encouraging these budding Rembrandts, not putting them down! I say we legalise it, in the name of culture!"
[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: Corporate Police State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Vassal


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, safe nation, notable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 68 million are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

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 Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 39%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

The country's famous rainforests are being bulldozed by the mining industry, a crusade against barbaric religious practices has begun, citizens are allowed to rise or fall based on their own merits, and graffiti artists spend lengthy periods of time in jail. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is relatively low, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

The Issue
A group of transport analysts have suggested that a charge of five varaag chips a day for vehicle access to Varaag's most congested inner-cities during peak hours is the only way to solve their ever-growing traffic problem.

The Debate
"Similar schemes have been very effective elsewhere," says Peggy du Pont, Varaag's most infamous traffic warden. "It's common sense that the best way to curb dangerously high demand is to raise the price of the supply - or, as in this case, to create a price. Charging citizens to go into more congested areas could, combined with the improvements to public transport it will finance, actually make people choose public transport over their cars. I don't see why people shouldn't pay tax for a little less traffic on our roads."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"These tolls are a preposterous idea," argues road lobbyist, Roxanne Falopian. "Public transport will never replace the car - I don't want to be forced to share my space with a bunch of malodorous working-class people on my way to work. Not that I would be, because I could afford the charge, but really, it's the principle of the matter! The only solution is to expand urban road networks. True, some pavements and green spots would have to go, but those pedestrians should be able to put up with that if they're to expect Varaag to be part of the modern world."
[Accept]


"Allowing cars to scoot around and pollute our cities was a bad idea in the first place," says Jennifer Bush, a famous environmentalist. "The solution is to restrict private transport to main roads and motorways whilst funding a major urban public transport scheme. Our buses and undergrounds could be the envy of the world! Yes, the car companies will suffer a little, and yes, there'll be a bit more tax, but wouldn't it be worth it for a bit of fresh air and safe streets for the children?"
[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: Corporate Police State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Vassal


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, notable for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 68 million are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

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 Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 40%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

A crusade against barbaric religious practices has begun, citizens are allowed to rise or fall based on their own merits, graffiti artists spend lengthy periods of time in jail, and motorists must pay to enter inner-cities during peak hours. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is relatively low, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

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 Tobias Longbottom, 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 Steffan 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: Corporate Police State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Vassal


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, renowned for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 74 million are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

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 Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 42%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Citizens are allowed to rise or fall based on their own merits, graffiti artists spend lengthy periods of time in jail, motorists must pay to enter inner-cities during peak hours, and citizens are regularly arrested in queues for 'loitering'. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

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 Abraham Longbottom, 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 Sue-Ann Chicago, 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 Johann Rifkin, 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]

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


UN Category: Corporate Police State
Civil Rights:
Few Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Truckler


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, notable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 74 million are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

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 Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 42%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Graffiti artists spend lengthy periods of time in jail, motorists must pay to enter inner-cities during peak hours, citizens are regularly arrested in queues for 'loitering', and mobile phone masts are being erected all over the country. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is well under control, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

The Issue
A young mother was recently thrown out of a restaurant in Varaag for publicly breastfeeding her baby and 'upsetting the customers'. There are now demands for the government to state their position on the issue.

The Debate
"We should have a perfect right to feed our babies where we want and when we want without fear of harassment from anyone," declares Catherine Gratwick, a likewise young mother. "Why should women hide themselves away just to assuage the silly attitudes of these narrow-minded fogies? It's totally natural, and much healthier than bottle-feeding for both mother and child so why the fuss? Today, women are afraid to breastfeed in public and the law should be on their side - if not for their benefit, then for that of the children."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I think it's just wrong, wrong, wrong," says Billy Hanover, in reply to an online survey. "These women should cover themselves up and feed their kids away from sight like respectable folk. It's not like bottles don't exist! I don't want to have to look at that sort of thing when I'm having a romantic dinner or going on a nice leisurely walk down the street, you know. It should be a private thing, like other bodily functions that I rather care not to mention."
[Accept]


"I'm not against mothers breastfeeding in public," says Violet Wall, a manager of human resources. "But what I find objectionable is that women could be allowed to breastfeed at the workplace when they should be doing more productive things like, well, working. They can't do that if they want to entertain and feed their baby at the same time can they? Can you imagine policewomen doing this on the job? Doctors? Politicians? Mark my words, this is a bad path to take and will ultimately be disruptive to the national economy. And my bonus."
[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: Father Knows Best State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Truckler


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, safe nation, notable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 81 million are ruled by a mostly-benevolent dictator, who grants the populace the freedom to live their own lives but watches carefully for anyone to slip up.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 44%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Motorists must pay to enter inner-cities during peak hours, citizens are regularly arrested in queues for 'loitering', mobile phone masts are being erected all over the country, and female newsreaders distract the nation by breastfeeding during broadcast. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is well under control, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

The Issue
A small religious group is lobbying the government to allow them to take multiple wives.

The Debate
"It's about time we had our religious rights recognized," says May Nagasawa, a devout member of a faith that is never made quite clear. "Who is the government to tell me I can't love more than one woman? The government doesn't know how much of me there is to go around!"
[Accept]


"This is nothing more than sexual deviants using religion as a pretext for perversion!" says Reverend Akira Barry. "Marriage is one man, one woman, and death do we part. What's so hard to get? Anything else is a perversion, and must be banned."
[Accept]


"Multiple wives? Excellent!" says passer-by Jack Jones. "Presumably we will allow multiple husbands, as well. And gay marriages, of course. In fact, now is probably the time for the government to butt out of marriage altogether. Let people marry their cats, if they want."

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: Father Knows Best State
Civil Rights:
Below Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Truckler


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, safe nation, remarkable for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 81 million are ruled by a mostly-benevolent dictator, who grants the populace the freedom to live their own lives but watches carefully for anyone to slip up.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 44%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Citizens are regularly arrested in queues for 'loitering', mobile phone masts are being erected all over the country, female newsreaders distract the nation by breastfeeding during broadcast, and there have been reports of people marrying housepets. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is well under control, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.

[Nugog]

The Issue
A monstrous debate between pro-life groups and pro-choice groups has erupted as a Varaag citizen launches an high-court appeal to overturn an ancient law prohibiting all abortions. Pressure groups have demanded the government step in to make a ruling.

The Debate
Prudence King, lawyer for the woman known only as Miss X, says, "It is Miss X's right to choose! It's her body; she can do whatever she wants with it. In the interest of women's rights, abortion MUST be legalised throughout the country!"
[Accept]


"I most vehemently disagree," says Johann Jong-Il, a pro-life activist. "I'm all for women's rights in general, but what about the child? Does it have no rights either? Abortion is totally immoral and I insist that it be outlawed except in cases of rape, or when the mother's life is in danger."
[Accept]


"You're not going far enough! Abortion is murder!" shouts Reverend Beth Gutenberg, waving a placard with a picture of a foetus on it. "God decides which babies live and which will die, not us! The government must maintain a stern anti-abortion stance to preserve the morality of Varaag!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"Abortion has to be legal if we're going to last as a nation," says Jazz Love, President of the Society of Bitter Old People. "Have you ever thought that with Varaag's growing population of 81 million, we soon aren't going to be able to squeeze any more people within our borders? If we use abortion to control the population, we'll make great savings and can spend the money elsewhere. One child per family should just about do it I think. Extraneous ones can be sold to other countries."
[Accept]
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: Father Knows Best State
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Truckler


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, remarkable for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 86 million are ruled by a mostly-benevolent dictator, who grants the populace the freedom to live their own lives but watches carefully for anyone to slip up.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, corrupt government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Defence, and Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 44%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Mobile phone masts are being erected all over the country, female newsreaders distract the nation by breastfeeding during broadcast, there have been reports of people marrying housepets, and abortions are carried out secretly in shady backstreet clinics. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is well under control, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.