The Oppressed People Of Varrag

[Nugog]

History A Mystery To Most Of Varaag

Government Acts
The Issue
Historians and educators have campaigned against the skewing of historical facts for artistic purposes following the premier of the new historical drama titled 'It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad Revolution!'

The Debate
"It is completely outrageous!" cries media critic Hack Summers. "The Captain was our most inspiring war leader and is a national hero! He never had a teen sidekick named Pogo! And he certainly didn't come from outer space! We should protect ourselves from such wanton revisionism and outlaw so-called artistic licence. That way we can be happy that what goes on in these movies is for real!"
[Accept]


"Oh, that's nonsense, yeah?" says film director Calvin Broadside, while polishing a small statue of a golden tic. "If anything, it helps our nation by familiarising everyone with historical figures and gets them more interested in the subject, yeah? It's not boring like real history; it can be exciting! With car chases and explosions, yeah! Hey, I'm excited already! Besides, what is history? Just memories from a certain viewpoint, yeah? Well, if you make all history classes see it from our viewpoint there'll be no more problem! Oh, yeah!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"I'm sure there's a middle ground," suggests Charles McGuffin, your minister of History. "If we just made history classes mandatory for pupils until they leave school, increased taxes to raise funding for history classes a bit- no, make that a LOT, and encouraged history-related professions, then eventually everyone will realise that these films are simply pale, inaccurate imitations of events that really happened. People will be historically aware, and directors get to make their films. Everything sorted."
[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:
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 barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 813 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 44%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Female newsreaders distract the nation by breastfeeding during broadcast, Varaag is notorious for its citizens' infidelity, Varaag has become a gigantic dustbowl filled with tourists and mean desperados, and it is widely believed that the first citizen of Varaag was called 'Wild-eyed Daddy-O'. 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]

Compulsory Military Service Under Attack

Government Acts
The Issue
Concerned mothers and nervous school-leavers are petitioning the government to abolish compulsory military service.

The Debate
"Our children are forced to be trained to murder!" protests Melbourne Dredd, chairman of the Parents Against All Things Violent organisation. "For too long now the government has been snatching away our children and training them to become killing machines. This arcane practice must be banned at once! Sure, some of them could end up breaking into cars or terrorising old people, but hey, kids will be kids, right?"
[Accept]


"What a preposterous idea!" scoffs Drill Sergeant Tobias Barry. "The youth of Varaag has never needed the discipline provided by the armed forces more than it does today, and with all those rogue states out there we need all the recruits we can get! If anything, the government should lengthen the required service and drop the minimum age to something more reasonable."

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:
Unheard Of

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, safe nation, renowned for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 825 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 45%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Varaag is notorious for its citizens' infidelity, Varaag has become a gigantic dustbowl filled with tourists and mean desperados, it is widely believed that the first citizen of Varaag was called 'Wild-eyed Daddy-O', and children as young as twelve are conscripted into the armed forces. 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]

For Whom The Road Tolls

Government Acts
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 Roger Nagasawa, 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."
[Accept]


"These tolls are a preposterous idea," argues road lobbyist, Billy du Pont. "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."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"Allowing cars to scoot around and pollute our cities was a bad idea in the first place," says Roxanne Steele, 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 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 Max Frederickson, 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. Johann Gutenberg, 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]

Citizens Struggle Under "Unfair" Tax Burden

Government Acts
The Issue
A recent poll has revealed high levels of dissatisfaction among the populace about tax rates.

The Debate
"Do you know how much of my year's work goes to the government?" demanded angry worker Bianca Gutenberg. "Too much! Government spending has gotten way out of control. It needs big cuts in welfare, health, and education. But leave those subsidies to business alone. We need them to create jobs."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"It's not the AMOUNT of tax, it's where the burden falls," says student activist Roger Nagasawa. "And at the moment, far too much of the burden is falling on the poor. People on high incomes still have more money than people on low incomes. I don't think I need to say anything more than that."
[Accept]


"I don't object to the amount of tax, I object to where it's being spent," says social reformer Melbourne Washington. "I'd like to see everyone have a choice as to where their varaag chips go every time they fill out a tax return. Everyone would feel a lot better about opening their wallets if they had a say as to where the money went. I think you'd see a lot more public money going to education and a lot less to business."
[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:
Unheard Of

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, safe nation, renowned for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 832 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 33%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

Children as young as twelve are conscripted into the armed forces, new urban roads are threatening city parks, several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation, and the government is reigning in public spending. 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]

Appointment Of Spiritual Advisor

Government Acts
The Issue
It's time for the government to hire a new religious advisor. Your people have narrowed down the candidates to:

The Debate
Catholic Archbishop Jack Longfellow: boasts an excellent track record, having rapidly increased church attendances in his constituencies through the "Reaching God Through Guilt" program. Seen as a solid choice.

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


New Age thinker Jazz Jong-Il: a left-field candidate with some radical ideas. "For me, it's not about the name of your religion. It's about discovering your spirituality in whatever guise that takes. Some people call that a cult: I call it taking spirituality to the people."
[Accept]


Finally, there's George W. Clinton. "If I am awarded the appointment, I will immediately resign," the ex-schoolteacher has declared. "Because, frankly, God is a big load of hokey. I'll be doing everyone a favor by just shutting up about it."
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

A Request For Military Aid

Government Acts
The Issue
A small nameless nation within your sphere of influence has gone on a genocidal rampage within its own borders, ridding itself of what their Supreme Ruler For All Eternity, Emperor Falala Love, refers to as 'those pesky Bigtopians'. Some escaped refugees are requesting that your government do something to end the slaughter of millions.

The Debate
"They're killing everyone!" gasps Larry Utopia, one of the refugees. "I implore you to please intervene and stop this murder of my people! If Varaag has any compassion at all then it must help us! With these madmen out of power we can finally go about rebuilding our nation as a land of justice and freedom!"
[Accept]


"Woah, woah, we can't just go around being a knight in shining armour for every random hell-hole on this planet," says Pete Longfellow, your minister of Foreign Relations. "Should we send citizens of Varaag into war just so we can save a bunch of foreigners? I don't think so! Now, I'm no xenophobe, but I've gotta ask: what's in it for us? Nothing but the death of our soldiers and criticism from the rest of the region, that's what. Trouble is we're getting too much of a reputation for having a big army. So drop some of our military funding and let them fight their own wars. It's got nothing to do with us."
[Accept]


"Well, maybe this nation does have something we need, sir," says Peggy McAlpin, your Military Advisor, while perusing a giant map of Varaag. "We're fast running out of land and resources here, so why not invade this place, kick out whoever's in power there, and take over? We've got the military power, so why wait? If any of those hippies in the region have somethin' to say about it, they can say hello to our missile programmes, haha!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"They have as much right to their own internal politics as we do," says activist and peacenik Freddy Steele. "While their actions may be deplorable by our standards, we can't intervene unless the legitimate government requests it. It's just an invitation to anarchy on an international scale, and nobody but a few crackpots want that."
[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: Compulsory Consumerist State
Civil Rights:
Average Economy:
Powerhouse Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, economically powerful nation, renowned for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 839 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 36%. 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, the government is reigning in public spending, the country has been 'going shopping' by annexing nearby nations for their resources, and the government is seen to favor Catholics. 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]

Suits in Protest

Government Acts
The Issue
Thousands of business men and women have taken to the streets in protest of their working conditions and pay. "It's not fair that we can't have a union," says Stephanie Washington, VP of Sales at SlothCorp. "Just because we make six figures doesn't mean we don't deserve overtime too! It's high time that the lower classes come to appreciate our hard efforts."

The Debate
Lars Bush, secretary of commerce, recommends you ignore these commies. "Free enterprise means not having to succumb to unions, and the world has enough unions already."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


Billy Rifkin, secretary of labor, advises you to adjust laws to allow white-collar unions. "It only makes sense that all of the workers in our nation have equal opportunity to benefit from the advantages of collective bargaining."
[Accept]


"Get these people out of the street!" advises Dave Falopian, local police chief. "They're blocking traffic, and making it impossible for the common man to drive to the megamall!"
[Accept]


Finally, Right Reverend Colin Utopia proclaims, "The downtrodden are suffering at the hands of the MAN, and these wealthy upper shelf vice presidents are asking to make the rich richer and the poor poorer! The only reason the common worker needs a union is to be able to fight against the oppression of these slave drivers! It's ludicrous that these greedy scrooges are asking for even MORE money! Send them packing and raise taxes on the wealthy to bring more equality to our nation!"
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

[Nugog]

Waste Going To Waste, Says Industry Lobby

Government Acts
The Issue
Varaag's industries have an ever-growing amount of toxic wastes to dispose of, and doing so in safe ways is becoming prohibitively expensive, leading a group of lobbyists to try and pressure the government into changing existing disposal laws.

The Debate
"These waste dumping laws are destroying our businesses!" rants Anne-Marie Washington, head of the Varaag Bigger Business Bureau. "We need cheaper ways to eliminate industrial by-products, which really aren't as harmful as people think, such as pouring them into rivers or deep ocean ravines where they're harmless to us. Let's remember that the products we manufacture make your life easier and more fun!"
[Accept]


"A better way to deal with this problem is to convince the public it isn't a problem at all," whispers Falala Mombota, head of Scamcorp, an industrial think tank. "Fudge some research, declare that the chemical by-products from industrial processing and production actually make one's teeth and bones healthier. Then, sell them to municipalities to add to their drinking water! Yes! This will not only save us the trouble of disposing of the waste correctly, we'll be able to sell it at a profit! I can taste the money already!"

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"These corrupt, money-hungry corporations are only looking out for themselves and their bottom line!" says Klaus Broadside, an environmentalist from northern Varaag. "The government needs to enact stricter laws for how these companies can dump their waste safely, and when they poison Varaag's people and environment, the government needs the authority and manpower to enforce harsh penalties! These companies make their messes, they should pay to clean them up!"
[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:
Average Economy:
Thriving Political Freedoms:
Outlawed

Location: Apolyton Regional Influence: Negotiator

The Oppressed Peoples of Varaag is a huge, safe nation, notable for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 845 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 Commerce. Citizens pay a flat income tax of 33%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Uranium Mining industry, followed by Gambling and Information Technology.

The country has been 'going shopping' by annexing nearby nations for their resources, the government is seen to favor Catholics, Pinkerton agents are called in to forcibly break up white collar strikes, and the nation's drinking water tends to glow green at night. 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]

Widening Buttocks Cause Movie Theater Havoc

Government Acts
The Issue
Several festively chubby people were lodged in their movie theater seats for hours, as Varaag's Fire Department worked to free them. Health organizations are now expressing concern over the problem of obesity in Varaag.

The Debate
"Clearly, we have to do something about the expanding obesity problem in Varaag, er, no pun intended," remarks Tobias Jefferson of the National Health Bureau. "The government should implement an extensive exercise management program and make it mandatory that all citizens participate in some kind of exercise at least once a week."

This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.


"Mandatory exercise! Get out! I don't have the time!" snorts nationally renowned TV chef Colin Longbottom. "How about banning those greasy fast food joints and drive-thrus? I mean, seriously, if you can't get out of your stupid car to walk in and get a meal, how sad is that? Ban fast food and make junk food more expensive--that way, people will have to think about whether they really want to spend ten varaag chips on a snack cake."
[Accept]


"I don't see why it's anyone's business but my own how I kill myself," says Al Rifkin, a pleasantly plump computer programmer, stuffing a chili dog down his throat. "My weight is my own business, and if I don't feel like exercising, that's my choice. Sure, it'd be healthier to lose a few pounds, but my priorities lie elsewhere. Leave us alone, and we, the citizens of Varaag, will decide what's important to us and what we want to eat."
[Accept]


"What about government-funded liposuction?" asks Larry Steele, while contemplatively chewing a mouthful of chili dog. "If I could get the fat sucked off of these hips, that would give me the willpower to stay thin. Obesity would be a thing of the past! Just think of it! Nothing but svelte, beautiful people everywhere! Ah, bliss!"
[Accept]
The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.