Announcement

**Nugog** · May 25, 2006, 05:34

The Issue
Far-right-wing Nazi supporters plan to stage a rally in the city center tomorrow, giving voice to their violent, racist views.

The Debate
"Frankly, I'm appalled that the government can even consider allowing this travesty to go ahead," says prominent Jewish personality Freddy Wall. "We can't let these animals broadcast their message of hate. Surely Varaag is too civilized for that."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

"It's exactly because we're civilized that we must let the demonstration proceed," says free speech campaigner Stephanie Chicago. "We may not like what they have to say, but in this society, people have the right to argue whatever political view they want, no matter how hateful, selfish, or stupid it is."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

**Nugog** · May 25, 2006, 16:46

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

UN Category: Corrupt Dictatorship
Civil Rights:
Below Average Economy:
Fair Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Minnow

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a small, environmentally stunning nation, renowned for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, cynical population of 7 million are ruled with an iron fist by the dictatorship government, which ensures that no-one outside the party gets too rich. In their personal lives, however, citizens are relatively unoppressed; it remains to be seen whether this is because the government genuinely cares about its people, or if it hasn't gotten around to stamping out civil rights yet.

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked, corrupt, socially-minded morass -- is effectively ruled by the Department of Law & Order, with areas such as Social Welfare and Religion & Spirituality receiving almost no funds by comparison. The average income tax rate is 41%, but much higher for the wealthy. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Woodchip Exports.

Elections have been outlawed, tics are considered a delicacy, and it is illegal to make racist remarks in public. 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.

Varaag is ranked 11th in the region and 46,156th in the world for Most Comprehensive Public Healthcare.

**Nugog** · May 25, 2006, 16:47

The Issue
The Police department is considering installing surveillance cameras in all major public areas, in an effort to crack down on crime.

The Debate
"This is a blatant invasion of the right to privacy!" says libertarian web site operator Billy-Bob Rifkin. "Now I can't even go out in public any more without being watched? And you know this is just the beginning. Today there are cameras in city streets. Tomorrow they're peering through your bedroom window."
[Accept]

"Hey, I've got news for you," says Police media liaison Jennifer Wu. "When you're out in public, PEOPLE CAN SEE YOU. These cameras will be extremely helpful in reducing the national crime rate. Frankly, I can't see what the fuss is about."
[Accept]

"This 'slippery slope' argument has got me thinking," says Police Minister Beth Rubin. "You know, it would be a lot easier to fight crime if we watched people all the time. Not with cameras, of course. That's clearly an invasion of privacy. But how about a national database of our citizens, coupled with compulsory ID cards and barcoding? It would stop crime dead in its tracks."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

**Nugog** · May 26, 2006, 07:30

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

UN Category: Psychotic Dictatorship
Civil Rights:
Rare Economy:
Fair Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Minnow

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a small, safe nation, renowned for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, cynical population of 8 million are ruled without fear or favor by a psychotic dictator, who outlaws just about everything and refers to the populace as "my little playthings."

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked, corrupt, moralistic, socially-minded morass -- is effectively ruled by the Department of Law & Order, with areas such as Social Welfare and Religion & Spirituality receiving almost no funds by comparison. The average income tax rate is 41%, but much higher for the wealthy. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Woodchip Exports.

Elections have been outlawed, tics are considered a delicacy, it is illegal to make racist remarks in public, and citizens are barcoded to keep track of their movements. 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** · May 26, 2006, 07:32

The Issue
Children as young as eight have been spotted gambling in some of Varaag's seedier casinos.

The Debate
Social activist Al Barry is outraged. "Gambling needs to be outlawed immediately. It's no wonder children are becoming sucked into the vice, with adults setting such a poor example. Gambling is a stain on Varaag's international reputation and it must be stopped!"
[Accept]

However, Crown Casino chairperson Jean-Paul Christmas says, "What's wrong with children gambling? It prepares them for the realities of life, teaching them that success or failure is not due to hard work or intelligence, but the roll of the dice. Besides, if kids weren't gambling, they'd be spraypainting trains."

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** · May 27, 2006, 07:28

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

UN Category: Iron Fist Consumerists
Civil Rights:
Rare Economy:
Good Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Minnow

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a small, environmentally stunning nation, remarkable for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, cynical population of 9 million are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked, corrupt, moralistic morass -- is effectively ruled by the Department of Law & Order, with areas such as Social Welfare and Religion & Spirituality receiving almost no funds by comparison. The average income tax rate is 38%, but much higher for the wealthy. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Gambling.

Tics are considered a delicacy, it is illegal to make racist remarks in public, citizens are barcoded to keep track of their movements, and young children are regularly seen wagering pocket money at blackjack tables. 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** · May 27, 2006, 07:31

The Issue
Hospitals have requested that they be allowed to pay people for donating blood and other bodily organs, such as kidneys.

The Debate
"We remain critically short of blood plasma and various organs," says Varaag One hospital administrator Fleur King. "Especially hearts. A good heart is hard to find. But if we were allowed to pay for donations, we'd get more of them and could save more lives. Plus the donor takes home a few hundred varaag chips in compensation. Unless it's a post-mortem donation, of course. In that case we'd pay the family."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

"Great idea," says social commentator Jazz Chicago. "Except for one thing. You know who's going to be selling their organs? Poor people! They'll be so desperate for money that they'll sell their own kidneys. Well, a kidney. This is just another way for the rich to buy themselves a better life at the expense of the poor. It must be outlawed."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

**Nugog** · May 30, 2006, 01:39

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

UN Category: Iron Fist Consumerists
Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Good Political Freedoms:
Outlawed
Location: Apolyton

Regional Influence: Minnow
Varaag is a UN Member

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a small, environmentally stunning nation, notable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, cynical population of 12 million are kept under strict control by the oppressive government, which measures its success by the nation's GDP and refers to individual citizens as "human resources."

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked, corrupt morass -- is effectively ruled by the Department of Law & Order, with areas such as Social Welfare and Religion & Spirituality receiving almost no funds by comparison. The average income tax rate is 37%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Gambling.

Citizens are barcoded to keep track of their movements, young children are regularly seen wagering pocket money at blackjack tables, college students make ends meet by selling their kidneys, and political activists are routinely executed. 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** · May 30, 2006, 01:40

The Issue

Scientists using cloned human embryos for research are on the verge of a medical breakthrough.
The Debate

1. "It's really very exciting," says lab head George W. Wong. "Until now, we've kept very quiet, to avoid being targeted by lunatic fringe groups who for some reason think it's wrong to clone human embryos. It's too early to promise anything, but we hope that one day we will have genetic cures for a whole range of debilitating illnesses. I certainly hope the government will support our work."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

2. "Well, if you have to be part of a lunatic fringe group to object to this barbaric practice, I'm a lunatic," says placard-waving protestor Bill Thiesen. "Of course it would be nice to cure these unnamed diseases, but at what cost? They're messing with the sanctity of human life. It's wrong, and the lab should be shut down immediately."
[Accept]

The Government Position

The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

**Nugog** · May 30, 2006, 22:13

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:
Good Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Minnow

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a small, environmentally stunning nation, remarkable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, cynical population of 14 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.

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked, corrupt morass -- is effectively ruled by the Department of Law & Order, with areas such as Social Welfare and Religion & Spirituality receiving almost no funds by comparison. The average income tax rate is 37%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Gambling.

Young children are regularly seen wagering pocket money at blackjack tables, college students make ends meet by selling their kidneys, political activists are routinely executed, and scientists regularly clone human beings for research purposes. 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** · May 30, 2006, 22:14

The Issue
A group of emergency room doctors has petitioned the government to introduce mandatory organ donations.

The Debate
"It's not as crazy as it sounds," says Dr. Jack Spirit. "Every day, people die because we don't have the organs to save them. Well, that and widespread under-funding of the health system. But the point is, if the government allowed us to take organs from dead people, we could save hundreds of lives a year. And come on, it's not like dead people need them."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

"You keep your damn hands off my organs!" says alarmed hospital patient Aaron Winters. "They are my organs, and I'll do with them what I like. The government has no right to my body."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

**Nugog** · May 30, 2006, 22:15

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

The Debate
"We are the backbone of this country, and we demand a fair wage rise!" says union leader Al Johnson. "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 Gambling, huh?
[Accept]

"We pay our employees very generous wages," says employer representative Bianca Wall. "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** · May 31, 2006, 02:52

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

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

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Minnow

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a small, economically powerful nation, remarkable for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 16 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.

The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked, corrupt morass -- is effectively ruled by the Department of Law & Order, with areas such as Social Welfare and Religion & Spirituality receiving almost no funds by comparison. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 31%. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Gambling.

Political activists are routinely executed, scientists regularly clone human beings for research purposes, employers may fire workers without giving any reason, and organ donation is compulsory. 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** · May 31, 2006, 02:53

The Issue
Dorothy Terwilliger lies immobilized in a hospital bed, unable to move. She has end-stage cancer, and wishes to end her struggle against death. However, laws prevent her doctors from obeying her wishes.

The Debate
Dorothy and her family are campaigning for a "Dying with Dignity" bill, to change this situation. She implores the government to legalize euthanasia.

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

"I understand this is a very difficult time for these people," says freelance medical writer Steffan Mombota. "But the solution is not to let our medical system slide down the slippery slope of killing people in pain. We must cure, not kill. This is not the right time for euthanasia."
[Accept]

"I agree, but go further: there is never a right time for euthanasia," says Bishop Johann Longfellow. "The lives we lead are given to us by the grace of God, and he decides when they end. It is not for us to question God's divine purpose, no matter how odd or screwed-up it may seem."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

Announcement

The Oppressed People Of Varrag

The Oppressed People Of Varrag

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