Terrorists Strike City Centre
Hi again, you benevolent dictators of this fictional utopian society of yours that you've probably already shaped beyond repair by taking a series of decisions in a number of ridiculously dichotomous situations, previously presented by Yours-truly. The following situation has been inspired by the NationStates game, where you're the guy one calling the shots (admit it, who wouldn't want that?) The last time the debate was about affirmative action in school, and a slight majority of you chose to favor the argument of Mr Zeke Utopia, conservative speaker who argued that the current education system is working perfectly well and doesn't need changing. But now the situation is quite different. So here goes...
The Issue
All of Insert Country Name has been in an uproar since yesterday when a car exploded in the middle of Insert City Name, killing dozens and injuring hundreds. This terrorist act was traced back to a violent minority group known as the Lilliputian Freedom Fighters, a group allegedly supported by an unfriendly regime, despising Insert Country Name for its heathenish ways and political bent, but more particularly for supporting the recent occupation of their homeland by an ally.
The Debate
1. "They simply crossed the line!" shouts General Jessica Longbottom. "Far too long have we tolerated these terrorist threats, it's time that they realise they can't mess with us. Send the order to prepare an invasion, and we will show them who is boss! Our brave soldiers are prepared to die for their country, all we need is your signature and a lot of money. But what is the cost of freedom and safety for Insert Country Name's peoples?"
2. "Attacking another country isn't the answer," says Don Cho, director of the The Insert Country Name's Intelligence Agency. "The problem doesn't lie abroad, but within Insert Country Name itself! We should have more freedom to do our work. Protecting our nation from these cowardly scaremongers would be much easier if we had an inherent right to tap phones and other communications, get search warrants whenever we need, and detain suspects indefinitely. Remember, to prevent is better than to cure."
3. "No, that's what those terrorists want us to do!" speculates chairperson Zeke McKay of the Patriots' Tea and Biscuits Club. "We don't want to give the Agency any more responsibility, they're the ones who messed up in the first place. What we need is to purge Insert Country Name of these rats who don't respect the laws and traditions of our way of life. We know who they are and where they come from, so the solution is obvious: we just won't let those sorts of people cross our borders and kick out those who are already here. It might seem a bit harsh, but hey, we were here first. Long live Insert Country Name!"
4. "I think it's clear to anyone with half a brain in their head that this will just not work," says Lauren Jefferson, a noted professor of social studies. "The people who perpetrate these terrible crimes do so because they feel they have no other recourse to demonstrate their political opinions. They'll do anything and I'm sure they're not above hiring mercenaries. You must understand why terrorists act as they do and fix it! What we should do is to reach out to the ethnic and religious minorities and seek common ground! Negotiation is the key! Violence solves nothing."
5. "We spit on Insert Country Name!" expectorates Xu "The Badger" Wei, leader of the Lilliputian Freedom Fighters. "You disrespect our people and our country and everything we are! You spread your sickening influence where it is not wanted! You must change your ways and cease to oppose us or else there will be more bloodshed. You have been warned!"
6. "Is terrorism such a terrible thing? Really?" asks Doris Tan, avant garde journalist, discreetly sliding a pipe bomb under your desk. "These people are simply expressing their political opinion the best way they know how. I think we should legalise terrorism as a legitimate form of political commentary. It'll certainly get people interested, don't you think?"
The legislature of Insert Country Name is preparing to adopt a decision.
Poll Terrorists Strike City Centre
The Issue
All of Insert Country Name has been in an uproar since yesterday when a car exploded in the middle of Insert City Name, killing dozens and injuring hundreds. This terrorist act was traced back to a violent minority group known as the Lilliputian Freedom Fighters, a group allegedly supported by an unfriendly regime, despising Insert Country Name for its heathenish ways and political bent, but more particularly for supporting the recent occupation of their homeland by an ally.
The Debate
1. "They simply crossed the line!" shouts General Jessica Longbottom. "Far too long have we tolerated these terrorist threats, it's time that they realise they can't mess with us. Send the order to prepare an invasion, and we will show them who is boss! Our brave soldiers are prepared to die for their country, all we need is your signature and a lot of money. But what is the cost of freedom and safety for Insert Country Name's peoples?"
2. "Attacking another country isn't the answer," says Don Cho, director of the The Insert Country Name's Intelligence Agency. "The problem doesn't lie abroad, but within Insert Country Name itself! We should have more freedom to do our work. Protecting our nation from these cowardly scaremongers would be much easier if we had an inherent right to tap phones and other communications, get search warrants whenever we need, and detain suspects indefinitely. Remember, to prevent is better than to cure."
3. "No, that's what those terrorists want us to do!" speculates chairperson Zeke McKay of the Patriots' Tea and Biscuits Club. "We don't want to give the Agency any more responsibility, they're the ones who messed up in the first place. What we need is to purge Insert Country Name of these rats who don't respect the laws and traditions of our way of life. We know who they are and where they come from, so the solution is obvious: we just won't let those sorts of people cross our borders and kick out those who are already here. It might seem a bit harsh, but hey, we were here first. Long live Insert Country Name!"
4. "I think it's clear to anyone with half a brain in their head that this will just not work," says Lauren Jefferson, a noted professor of social studies. "The people who perpetrate these terrible crimes do so because they feel they have no other recourse to demonstrate their political opinions. They'll do anything and I'm sure they're not above hiring mercenaries. You must understand why terrorists act as they do and fix it! What we should do is to reach out to the ethnic and religious minorities and seek common ground! Negotiation is the key! Violence solves nothing."
5. "We spit on Insert Country Name!" expectorates Xu "The Badger" Wei, leader of the Lilliputian Freedom Fighters. "You disrespect our people and our country and everything we are! You spread your sickening influence where it is not wanted! You must change your ways and cease to oppose us or else there will be more bloodshed. You have been warned!"
6. "Is terrorism such a terrible thing? Really?" asks Doris Tan, avant garde journalist, discreetly sliding a pipe bomb under your desk. "These people are simply expressing their political opinion the best way they know how. I think we should legalise terrorism as a legitimate form of political commentary. It'll certainly get people interested, don't you think?"
The legislature of Insert Country Name is preparing to adopt a decision.
Poll Terrorists Strike City Centre