This is an issue regarding airport security, targeting authoritarian nations that have intense security regimens in place. It is very much based on my very real experience working in airport security a number of years ago, with pretty much all the speakers being representations of people and perspectives I interacted with on a regular basis.
3rd Draft
[TITLE]
Liquidity Problems
[DESCRIPTION]
After one of your senior government ministers missed a speaking engagement at an important conference, due to delays caused by having a small bottle of water tucked in a carry-on bag at the airport, a horde of soi-disant policy wonks has intercepted you as you step off a plane, shouting their proposals to overhaul the complicated system of checks and restrictions in your airport security.
[VALIDITY]
Allows aircraft
High authoritarianism
[CHOICE 1]
"The problem, @@LEADER@@, is that we're stuck being reactionary" sighs security manager @@RANDOMNAME@@, after filling out the paperwork for @@HIS@@ 74th water bottle seizure of the day. "We're always adding new policies after a threat has been discovered, but we never get rid of policies when they're no longer needed. Why are we still banning liquids? That's old news! Trim out the old stuff and let us base our restrictions on future threat assessments. That will keep those lines moving!
[EFFECT 1]
terrorists are back up to their old tricks
[CHOICE 2]
"If we reduce restrictions, the terrorists win!" bellows hawkish legislator @@RANDOMNAME@@, grabbing the water bottle and eyeing it suspiciously. "Terrorism thrives on fear, not actual effects! How does John Q. Public know what's in this? How does Susie Homemaker feel if we let unknown items on planes? Things like our liquid ban ensure citizens feel safe, and that is what beats the bad guys. As a matter of fact, I think another couple restrictions might help us show the public how much we care!"
[EFFECT 2]
@@DEMONYMPLURAL@@ breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of long security lines
[CHOICE 3]
"It's not a liquid, it's water!" retorts your brother, ignoring confused looks and taking a sip to make his point. "If water's the problem, you should just make an exception so security doesn't need to worry about it. If a passenger says it's water, have them take a drink to show it's harmless and let them be on their way. Oh, that case from the duty-free store? Don't worry, that's all just water. Here, I'll prove it!"
[EFFECT 3]
a surprising number of travelers carry their water in vodka bottles
[CHOICE 4] (ban all carry-ons)
"Seems to me that the real problem is all these carry-on bags" offers flight attendant @@RANDOMNAME@@, shuddering as a passenger trundles past with a large rollaboard. "Security lines would be a breeze if you just prohibited passengers from carrying all these unsafe items like suitcases, laptops, and purses. If they need a drink while on the plane, we'll be happy to sell them water at a reasonable mark-up, all government-screened and taxed, of course!"
[EFFECT 4]
airlines are reporting record profits from their new 'bread and water' service
2nd Draft
1st Draft