The Oppressed People Of Varrag

[Nugog]

The Issue
Top military designers in your secret laboratories have proposed projects to create nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and are looking to you for government support and funding.

The Debate
"This is a necessary step towards the creation of a safer Varaag," claims Bianca Rubin, the leading researcher. "Yes, it will mean a large areas of land will become unusable as a result of the testing, and it will cost billions of varaag chips, but that's the price we must pay for our national security. Just think of the power we will have if we can turn our enemies into plate glass!"
[Accept]


"Why stop with making weapons for ourselves?" asks Falala Broadside, CEO of Wendy's Weapons stores. "We can sell them to all sorts of groups and organisations: other nations, the UN, terror- uh - freedom fighters, anyone! And we produce our own for our protection. Think of the money we can make! I'm sure none of our clients would ever even think of trying to use them to influence our government with threats or anything like that!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"You want to bring NUKES into Varaag?!" screams anti-nuclear protestor, Jean-Paul Barry. "This won't make us safer - it will just give the power to destroy everything to a few people! We must hunt down the people who suggested this evil plan and have them hanged! We must protect nature from the horrible influences of science. I say ban all new weapons research!"
[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: Father Knows Best State
Civil Rights:
Below Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Handshaker


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 161 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 concentrates mainly on Law & Order, although Defence and Commerce are on the agenda. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 41%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Public loudspeakers constantly tell citizens they are "happy people", gigantic new prisons are springing up all over the nation, women earn less than half the salary of men if they can even find a job, and the nation has recently been attributed to the funding of terrorist organisations. Crime is moderate. 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
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 Melbourne McGuffin, 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."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I'm not giving any of my hard-earned wages to a bunch of old fossils," says Miranda Dredd, 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."
[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:
Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Handshaker


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 166 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 government stops and the rest of society begins, but it is mainly concerned with Law & Order, although Defence and Commerce are on the agenda. 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.

Gigantic new prisons are springing up all over the nation, women earn less than half the salary of men if they can even find a job, the nation has recently been attributed to the funding of terrorist organisations, and retirement homes are often fitted with luxurious suites. Crime is moderate. 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
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 Billy-Bob Nagasawa, 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. Prudence Utopia, 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 Issue
This weekend, a citizen's group calling itself Gun Owners of Varaag has petitioned Congress with a controversial bill making gun ownership compulsory.

The Debate
"This is a very important step to securing the rights and lives of our families and controlling the government," urges noted gun ownership proponent Aaron Shiomi. "Not only would it significantly decrease crime, but it would also effectively stop government tyranny in its tracks. Of course, this also means that every wacko and their cousin will have a gun, but don't worry, you'll have a gun to defend yourself from them, so it will all work out."
[Accept]


"While the Gun Owners of Varaag have the safety and security of our people in mind, it would simply be impractical to enforce," comments Police Chief Steffan Chicago. "A better option would be to legalize, and encourage use of, concealed carry laws, which would allow responsible citizens to keep firearms with them at all times, on their person, to kill any wacko or their cousin who they think is threatening them."
[Accept]


"Compulsory gun ownership?! Concealed carry?! Are these fools nuts?!" rants an enraged Million Mummy March activist. "We don't need any of these things! What we need is complete gun registration, so that the government can track down dangerous people, like those people who possess unregistered weapons."

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 Issue
The Batter Up! Baseball League has begun to grow in popularity and is now seeking government support in establishing teams and stadiums throughout the nation.

The Debate
"Holy cow, is this gonna be great!" hollers BUBL President and sports nut Hope Longfellow, wearing a fashionable giant foam finger on his right hand. "Baseball is just what Varaag needs right now! Think about it: soda, popcorn, hot dogs... oh, and I'm sure the economy will benefit somehow, too! All we need is the government funding to build stadiums and teams, and we'll be on every TV and in every city in the country!"
[Accept]


"You're going to spend the taxpayer's money on WHAT?" counters Minister of Finance Jack Longbottom, from a newly furnished office. "I mean, I love playing a good game of baseball every now and then, but does the government really need to go around supporting this? The only people that are going to benefit are a bunch of fat-cat burger vendors and bored hicks with nothing better to do on Sunday afternoon! We need to stop spending so much money on these ridiculous games and get back to what's really important: running the business of the country."

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:
Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Handshaker


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, renowned for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 182 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 government stops and the rest of society begins, but it concentrates mainly on Law & Order, although Defence and Commerce are secondary priorities. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 45%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Retirement homes are often fitted with luxurious suites, the nation is experiencing a severe shortage of sporting events, several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation, and all guns must be registered. Crime is moderate. 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 Oppressed Peoples of Varaag
"Doing what we are told is good for our health"


UN Category: Compulsory Consumerist State
Civil Rights:
Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Handshaker


The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a very large, economically powerful nation, renowned for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 182 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 government stops and the rest of society begins, but it concentrates mainly on Law & Order, although Defence and Commerce are secondary priorities. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 45%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Retirement homes are often fitted with luxurious suites, the nation is experiencing a severe shortage of sporting events, several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation, and all guns must be registered. Crime is moderate. 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
In order to curb youth-related crime, the police have suggested a national curfew.

The Debate
"The youth-related crime statistics in Varaag are appalling," says police chief Beth Dredd. "If kids can't go out at night, they won't have any opportunity to roam around in their baggy pants and backwards hats mugging the elderly and causing a general ruckus. Just last night I had to run down some punk who tried to steal a mailbox right off the post! This is getting ridiculous. Sure, it'll require more funding, but think of all the mailboxes we'll save! Our youth need to spend the wee hours sleeping or studying--not out gallivanting with their friends."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I'm not a criminal just because I'm seventeen!" shouts honors student, Beth Rubin. "Yeah, I like to go out partying, but I'd never hurt anybody! Besides, we've already got enough problems with these pigs breathing down or necks. If anything we need MORE freedom. It's time for the government to step up to the plate and tell these power hungry swine to stop cramping our style!"
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

The Issue
After a recent spate of high-profile lawsuits against corporations concerning the safety of their products, corporations have appealed to the government to change the laws of compensation.

The Debate
"It's crazy!" cries Faith Wall, CEO of Sharp 'n' Pointy Things Incorporated. "These people should simply not be allowed to put the blame on us if they mindlessly abuse our products! I'd have thought it would be common sense not to stick your hand in a blender to 'see if it was working properly'. We need to outlaw these ridiculous lawsuits so I can get on with my business and those working in the law profession can get on with theirs."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I'm almost inclined to agree," muses Fleur Jefferson, a nearby firefighter. "People really should know better than to dry their cats in the microwave oven. But it's also that microwave oven that should not start a fire if one leaves it running overnight. Let's just put higher national safety standards in place that all products must be certified to meet. The extra expense shouldn't worry people if it's the difference between life and death after all."
[Accept]


"There's nothing wrong with victims getting a little money for the damage they've suffered," claims Johann Washington, Varaag's most notorious lawyer. "In fact we should be increasing court capacities so everyone with a complaint to file won't have to wait long before they can get before a judge. Sure it'll be expensive to implement, but maybe then the manufacturers will think twice before selling their unsafe junk without explaining things clearly in the manuals!"
[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:
Good Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Duckspeaker


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 189 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 government stops and the rest of society begins, but it concentrates mainly on Law & Order, although Defence and Commerce are on the agenda. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 45%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation, all guns must be registered, corporations cut costs by taking away safety-features on their products, and teenagers are sent to jail for being out too late. Crime is moderate. 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
After the tabloid magazine "The Bun" outed a supermodel to have been born male, the state has anulled her marriage to her husband.

The Debate
"I have gone through twenty years of internal pain about my external appearance and I put so much effort and money into finally having the world see the real me!" says transsexual activist Jean-Paul Clinton. "The government needs to recognize my true gender as well as cover the surgeries and medicines needed to get me where I am today!"
[Accept]


"Transsexuals are delusional if they think they will ever be members of their gender they wish they were." says right-wing radio show host Hope Chicago. "It is a biological fact that our gender is determined by our chromosomes, anyone who tries to act like the gender they are not should be immediately arrested and taken to a psychiatrist!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"You know everyone, gender isn't a black and white proposition," states self-identified "genderqueer" Jean-Paul Chicago. "There are XX males, XY females, and many people who have ambigious sexual characteristics or just don't feel they belong in the category male or female, the government must recognize our existence!"
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 2.

[Nugog]

The Issue
Last night the respected tabloid TV show "60 Minutes" ran a report on Varaag's rising divorce rate. What is happening to the nuclear family?

The Debate
"There's a simple solution," says Pastor Felix, of the Catholic Church. "Divorce should be illegal. 'For better or worse,' anyone remember how that goes? We should return to the good old days, when you got married for life and stuck by your partner no matter how much of a drunken, abusive, adulterating disappointment they turned out to be."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


John Black, author of the hit book, 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Some Whole Other Place,' has a simpler solution. "If couples would just call each other 'darling' once in a while, there would be far fewer relationship breakdowns. A little affection is all it takes. So the government should make it mandatory: call your spouse 'darling' at least once a day, or face a fine."
[Accept]


"There's a simple way to boost the marriage rate," says gay rights activist Lars du Pont. "Abolish those arcane laws that discriminate against same-sex marriages. It's obscene to treat people differently because of their sexual preference. Besides, everyone knows gay relationships are more stable than straight ones."
[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:
Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Duckspeaker


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 194 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 government stops and the rest of society begins, but it is mainly concerned with Law & Order, although Defence and Commerce are on the agenda. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 45%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Uranium Mining.

Corporations cut costs by taking away safety-features on their products, teenagers are sent to jail for being out too late, divorce is illegal, and the psych wards are overflowing with transsexuals. Crime is moderate. Varaag's national animal is the tic, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the varaag chip.