This is the forum for decisions on Goulashistan's Issues.
Here are the first 4.
The Issue
A well-heeled lobby group is pushing for the elimination of regulations that prevent corporations from donating money to political parties.
The Debate
"This is supposed to be a democratic country," Tourism industry spokesperson Alexander Shiomi says. "Yet these archaic laws say I can't donate money to support a political party. They put ceilings on the amount any party can spend on advertising. It's time to stop treating voters like children, and trust them to make up their own minds. Free the ballot box!"
Accept
"You say political freedom, I hear vote-buying," says popular anarchist Rochelle Khan. "If these fat cats get their way, politicians will buy their own seat in Congress. And let's face it, a slick advertising campaign can convince a lot of apathetic voters. We need to tighten the laws, not repeal them. Money should have no place in politics!"
Accept
"Frankly, I don't see why we need to have elections at all," says your brother, Xu Jamieson, over a late-night malt whiskey. "You always seem to know what's best. Why not scrap the whole political system? It would make things so much simpler."
Accept
The Issue
In response to a slow news week, certain highbrow newspapers have stirred up the debate over voluntary vs compulsory voting.
The Debate
"Compulsory voting makes about as much sense as having the death penalty for attempted suicide," says civil rights activist Aaron Eliot. "You can't force people to be free! You can only give them the choice. Besides, if all those derelicts who can't be bothered to get off their butts once every few years voted, who would they elect? I shudder to think."
Accept
"It's not contradictory at all," argues political commentator Chloe Christensen. "The fact is, if not everyone votes, the outcome isn't truly representative. Some groups--like elderly gun nuts--vote more often than others. That's why we always end up with such terrible politicians."
Accept
"This raises an interesting issue," says John That, your brother. "And that is: why do we need elections, anyway? Seems to me it would be much simpler if you just decided what was right, and did it. Wouldn't that save everyone a lot of time?"
Accept
The Issue
Prospecting company Nukes4U has uncovered a large uranium deposit in Goulashistan's south-west.
The Debate
"This is a terrific find!" claims Nukes4U CEO Pete Sato. "It will provide an enormous stimulus to our economy and create thousands of new jobs. It's win-win! All we need from the government is permission to bulldoze the rainforest that's on top of the deposit."
Accept
"You've got to be kidding," says Green politician Elizabeth Giono. "This rainforest is thousands of years old! This country needs more environmental protection, not less. And to destroy the environment in order to mine uranium that then goes into nuclear bombs--well, that really sticks in my craw."
Accept
"There's no need for an either-or decision," says the government's Minister for Mining, Clear-Felling, and the Environment. "We can preserve most of the rainforest and allow mining of a small part. After all, think of all the good that the money from this uranium deposit can bring to Goulashistan."
Accept
The Issue
The Department of Defense has put its case for a substantial increase in funding for the coming financial year.
The Debate
"These are turbulent times we live in," says Defense Chief Mary Wong. "Turbulent and dangerous. And the only sensible response to that, of course, is to build a lot more weapons. Unless we get the funding we need, I can't promise that we'll be able to defend Goulashistan's sovereign borders from rogue nations and foreign powers. Or those leaky boatloads of refugees, for that matter."
Accept
"NO MORE BOMBS," chant the protestors outside Parliament House, in a repetitious and increasingly annoying appeal. Spokesperson Ruby Singh, speaking through a feedback-afflicted microphone, says, "Goulashistan needs fewer weapons, not more! Make the world a safer place! Disarm now!"
Accept
Make your votes!
