Decizii festive

Tarabostes Decides:
Traffic Cops Needed on Information Superhighway?

Government Acts
The Issue
Certain shadowy ministerial figures have proposed government monitoring of individual internet usage.

The Debate
1."In these days of terror and uncertainty, it's exactly what we need," says Roger Silk, signing an arrest warrant. "Every pervert, terrorist, bomb-building maniac and anti-government idiot is currently online. I'm not saying that we should block citizens from seeing it, but let's also watch who's seeking it out. This will give our law enforcement officers the chance to prevent crimes before they happen. If you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to hide."
This is the position your government is preparing to adopt.

2."Well, I AM saying we should block out that filth," says a man in a dark hat, stepping from the shadows. "If people want to use the internet, they can view our government-approved sites. Those are swell."

3.Privacy activist Dave Summers is outraged, as usual. "Tyranny is the natural result of limiting information! Someone, somewhere, will always find something offensive -- mimes for example. Those scare the hell out of me. But should we ban them? No! Free the internet! We have nothing to fear from free information but pop-up advertising!"

The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

Police Wanting Help With Their Inquiries

Government Acts
The Issue
After delayed DNA evidence put a notorious rapist behind bars the police have demanded that it be mandatory for those accused of a crime to surrender blood and tissue samples to aid the elimination process.

The Debate
1."I'm surprised this hasn't been brought up sooner," says Chief Constable Larry Wong. "If we have DNA samples of all the accused it will make solving crimes like rape and murder that much faster! Sure, some people will think it's a tad invasive, but in my experience if you're worried by something like giving up a few drops of the red stuff then you've probably got something to hide."

2."This is a breach of privacy in every meaning of the word!" criminal defence attorney Fleur Falopian exclaims. "Or three words, but this is an outrage! It's these peoples' bodies, not the government's nor the police's. If they want to give a DNA sample it should be THEIR decision! Now I'll admit there have been times when DNA sampling has helped solve a case or two but shouldn't we be upholding the inherent right of every man and woman to have their body remain unmolested unless they should so choose it? Undoubtedly! DNA sampling should only take place with the person's informed consent."

3."What about the victims of these crimes?" asks DI Charles du Pont, ever gruff and stalwart in the face of adversity. "Do they not have rights? Their right to privacy's been violated so it ought to be the responsibility of the criminal to give up his own. What I propose is the collection of DNA samples from every citizen in Tarabostes so we can track down the culprit if none of our suspects come up with anything. It'll be expensive, sure, there's 133 million people to go through... but it's just a small blood sample. Don't you think it's worth it?"
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The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 3.

Tarabostes Plagued By STD Epidemic!

Government Acts
The Issue
A medical report has detailed a twenty-fold increase in infection rates over the past ten years of the sexually transmitted disease VODAIS (Viral Overactive Dysfunction of the Auto-Immune System). People all over the nation are petitioning that the government do something about the epidemic.

The Debate
1."This situation is about to explode. At this rate, this epidemic could severely impact our economy, our way of life, and even our government," says Doctor Klaus Mistletoe. "We must supply powerful drugs to all infected people, even if we have to produce and distribute it ourselves. We must also educate people on the dangers of VODAIS and supply condoms to all sexually active males. Sure, we'll need to divert tax money from the military to fund all this, but what good is a military if the soldiers are too sick to fight?"
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2."If you supply condoms, you'll increase sexual promiscuity," scoffs religious leader Freddy Broadside. "If you supply drugs, you'll risk creating an aura of invincibility which in turn increases sexual promiscuity. Sexual abstinence is 100% effective in preventing VODAIS infection. This knowledge must be taught at all schools and workplaces, and all other choices must be ridiculed. Make celibacy the only option!"

3."Supplying drugs and condoms will not stop VODAIS infections and forcing everyone to be celibate will be the slow death of Tarabostes," whispers Health Minister Billy Hamilton in a poorly-lit back room. "Segregating the infected people is the most effective method. Everybody in Tarabostes must be tested for VODAIS. Then all the VODAIS positive people will be shipped to seperate gated communities away from the rest of us. If they need to mingle with uninfected people, then they must wear distinguishing badges that feature a Grim Reaper holding a skeletal sabertooth-tiger."

The Government Position
The government has indicated its intention to follow the recommendations of Option 1.

Genetics Brings New Life to Extinct Species

Government Acts
The Issue
Scientists have announced they are close to a breakthrough in their quest to revive the feather-bellied sabertooth-tiger, a species related to Tarabostes's national animal that has been extinct for more than a century.

The Debate
1."I, for one, applaud their work," says scientist Pete Longbottom. "And not just because I'm the project leader. This is an example of how Tarabostes's brains can mix it with the world's best. Can you imagine how wonderful it will be to have feather-bellied sabertooth-tigers frolicking in the meadows again? I say full steam ahead, and more government funding!"

2."This is a sacrilege!", says religious leader Al Washington. "These animals are extinct because God wants them dead. Cloning them would merely incur his wrath! If we proceed down this path, it'll be humans, not the feather-bellied sabertooth-tiger, who will be extinct."

3."Now, come on," says Beth Mistletoe, well-known philosopher. "You don't need to be religious to be unnerved by the top of this particular slippery slope. Today it's sabertooth-tigers, tomorrow it's dinosaurs, and we all know how that turns out. This research shouldn't be banned, but there must be strict government controls over its use."
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 3.