TITLE:
Levelled Accusations
VALIDITY:
Low or no public transport spending, low safety / low safety standards, cars not banned, low compliance with laws (i.e. high crime), some corruption
DESCRIPTION:
Tragically, a freight train collided with a minibus at a level crossing, resulting in 26 deaths and 28 injuries. It's been pointed out that sad though this is, it represents just the latest in a series of lethal accidents involving road and rail safety, with level crossings representing a point of especial danger.
OPTION 1
"Not my fault! The crossing was closed, there were warning lights," observes the head of the Railway Authority. "On my way into work todat I saw commuters ignoring the rules, jumping traffic lights, overtaking like maniacs. It was enough to make me and my chauffeur mess up the harmonies on our carpool karaoke session! This is a law enforcement problem, which could be fixed with stricter penalties for breaking the rules of the road, and more traffic cops. Lives are at stake, and it's your job to fix this!"
OUTCOME:
a special "Victim Blaming Unit" has been set up by the national police
OPTION 2
"Police are overstretched and underfunded as it is!" declares your Transport Police Chief, striding into the meeting after as a special constable opens the door for him, having left the official police limo outside. "Clearly what we need here is better infrastructure, with more rail bridges and tunnels, and automated solid barriers where a level crossing is unavoidable, plus infrared safety sensors, cameras, all those things! Investment! Economic regulations! This is not a police matter -- it's your job to fix this!"
OUTCOME:
in the @@DEMONYM@@ version of 'The Railway Children' the three little tykes never make it past the thirty-foot steel safety fences
OPTION 3
"Oh, there's plenty of funding for transport and police, but all that money is disappearing into the pockets of corrupt officials!" rages your part-time tea lady, whose sister has just dropped off to work. "You need to set up an anti-corruption watchdog that will clean house, and make departments properly accountable! Not an easy job, and one that will require balancing and juggling a lot of different factors with considerable skill. That's your job to fix! Yours! Though I'm sure if you think hard, you could think of a suitable candidate to run the task force." She balances a third loaded tea tray on her left shoulder, and gracefully walks out of the room.
OUTCOME:
anti-corruption legislation is served mid-morning with a biscuit on the side
OPTION 4
"Poor duckiboo," coos your massage therapist / driver, working the tension out of your shoulders. "All these nasty people shouting at you, and not doing their jobs properly. Nobody wants to be hearing about depressing things like this before they've had their morning tea, do they? Do you want me to make the noisy people go away? We can just stop the trains and block the roads for a bit, to give you a bit of breathing space. No trains and no traffic means no collisions. Why not have a nap before lunch? Go on, you know you deserve it."
OUTCOME:
the economy isn't in recession: it's just having a little rest from growing
