Histórico de votações

Para a posteridade:

Issue 1: Should Democracy Be Compulsory?

The Issue
In response to a slow news week, certain highbrow newspapers have stirred up the debate over voluntary vs compulsory voting.

The Debate
1. "Compulsory voting makes about as much as sense as having the death penalty for attempted suicide," says civil rights activist Zeke King. "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."

2. "It's not contradictory at all," argues political commentator Aaron Spirit. "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."

3. "This raises an interesting issue," says Chastity Spirit, 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?"


Vitória da opção 1

Efeitos na nação: Voting is voluntary.

Issue 2: Military Demands Increased Spending

The Issue
The Department of Defense has put its case for a substantial increase in funding for the coming financial year.

The Debate
1. "These are turbulent times we live in," says Defense Chief Klaus Frederickson. "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 Portugal Virtual's sovereign borders from rogue nations and foreign powers. Or those leaky boatloads of refugees, for that matter."

2. "NO MORE BOMBS," chant the protestors outside Parliament House, in a repetitious and increasingly annoying appeal. Spokesperson Pip Bush, speaking through a feedback-afflicted microphone, says, "Portugal Virtual needs fewer weapons, not more! Make the world a safer place! Disarm now!"


Vitória da opção 1

Efeito na nação: military spending is on the increase.

Issue 3: Appointment Of Spiritual Advisor

The Issue
It's time for the government to hire a new religious advisor. Your people have narrowed down the candidates to:

The Debate
1. Catholic Archbishop Buy Wong: boasts an excellent track record, having rapidly increased church attendances in his constituencies through the "Reaching God Through Guilt" program. Seen as a solid choice.

2. New Age thinker Beth Summers: a left-field candidate with some radical ideas. "For me, it's not about the name of your religion. It's about discovering your spirituality in whatever guise that takes. Some people call that a cult: I call it taking spirituality to the people."

3. Finally, there's Hope Gutenberg. "If I am awarded the appointment, I will immediately resign," the ex-schoolteacher has declared. "Because, frankly, God is a big load of hokey. I'll be doing everyone a favor by just shutting up about it."


Vitória da opção 3

Efeito na nação: the government is avowedly atheist.

Issue 4: Corporations Demand Political Say

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

1. "This is supposed to be a democratic country," Pizza Delivery industry spokesperson Randy Rifkin 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!"

2. "You say political freedom, I hear vote-buying," says popular anarchist Steffan Jong-Il. "If these fat cats get their way, politicians will buy their own seat in the Assembleia Portuguesa. 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!"

3. "Frankly, I don't see why we need to have elections at all," says your brother, Buffy Fellow, 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."


Vitória da opção 2

Efeito na nação: political parties are banned from advertising and receiving private donations.


Descrição depois desta issue:

Category: Democratic Socialists Ordinary
Civil Rights: Very Good
Economy: Reasonable
Political Freedoms: Very Good

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, socially progressive nation, remarkable for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 431 million are fiercely patriotic and enjoy great social equality; they tend to view other, more capitalist countries as somewhat immoral and corrupt.

The medium-sized government concentrates mainly on Defence, although Education and Social Welfare are on the agenda. The average income tax rate is 22%, but much higher for the wealthy. A large private sector is led by the Retail industry, followed by Pizza Delivery and Basket Weaving.

Voting is voluntary, military spending is on the increase, the government is avowedly atheist, and political parties are banned from advertising and receiving private donations. Crime is moderate, and the police force struggles against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Portugal Virtual's national animal is the Lince Ibérico, and its currency is the Escudo.

Issue 5: Cancer Sufferer Demands Euthanasia Bill

The Issue
Dorothy Terwilliger lies immobilized in a hospital bed, unable to move. She has end-stage cancer, and wishes to end her struggle against death. However, laws prevent her doctors from obeying her wishes.

The Debate
1. Dorothy and her family are campaigning for a "Dying with Dignity" bill, to change this situation. She implores the government to legalize euthanasia.

2. "I understand this is a very difficult time for these people," says freelance medical writer Miranda Wu. "But the solution is not to let our medical system slide down the slippery slope of killing people in pain. We must cure, not kill. This is not the right time for euthanasia."

3. "I agree, but go further: there is never a right time for euthanasia," says Bishop Freddy Longfellow. "The lives we lead are given to us by the grace of God, and he decides when they end. It is not for us to question God's divine purpose, no matter how odd or screwed-up it may seem."


Vitória da opção 1

Efeito na nação: euthanasia is legal.

Issue 6: Secret Police In Portugal Virtual?

The Issue
Anarchists have been covertly putting up anti-government posters all over Portugal Virtual. Some of your closest advisors have suggested the implementation of a secret police force to deal with the more... difficult members of society.

The Debate
1. "Sometimes a government has got to deal with something without having to go through the 'proper channels'," says Larry Silk, who does not exist within any of Portugal Virtual's records. "It happens sometimes and we have to deal with it. It's not just anarchists either - it's the terrorists, the criminals, the traitors, and the goddamn hippies. With a secret police we can arrest the troublemakers and torture them to find other dissenters without having to worry about fiddly matters like human rights."

2. "Don't listen to that idiot!" whispers Billy O'Bannon, one of your more guilt-ridden henchpersons. "I don't know how you feel about this but I think this would be a bad path for our government to go down. Portugal Virtual shouldn't resort to deceit and off-the-record brutality to put away people. A secret police force would ruin our fine nation. It's time our government was candid with its people and let them say what they want!"

3. "Or how about we be candid AND have a secret police force," says Hack Spirit your head spy from behind a newspaper with eyeholes cut out. "We could just reassign all the normal police into secret police. The beauty of it is that we won't have to bother solving crimes if it doesn't benefit the government! It's what we've always wanted! Not what the people want of course, but if they complain we can just make them... disappear."


Vitória da opção 2

Efeito na nação: anti-government political posters adorn every building like wallpaper.

Issue 7: Scandal Rocks Portugal Virtual's Government!

The Issue
A tabloid magazine, The National Incriminator, has revealed the sordid details of an affair between one of your top advisors, Robert Lotsalovin, and his secretary.

The Debate
1. "They found out I did WHAT?!" Advisor Lotsalovin says in his morning meeting in your office. "This just can't happen! How can government officials do their jobs properly if we have to work under the constant scrutiny of these idiotic supermarket tabloids? I say tabloid newspapers must be banned, and we must not allow newspapers to speak ill of our government officials... for the good of Portugal Virtual, of course..."

2. "Unbelievable!" says Reverend Thomas Mombota of the local Catholic church. "Our government officials must be held to a higher standard than this! Mr. Lotsalovin must be removed from office and jailed. We cannot allow such disgusting corruption within the halls of justice!"

3. "Whoa, whoa, hey, now..." argues Senator Konrad Hanover. "What happened to Mr. Lotsalovin is no different than affairs that happen all over Portugal Virtual every day! Before you know it, they'll be after YOUR sexual history! I think what we need to do is take the public attention off of it somehow, perhaps by... oh, I don't know... giving them a tax cut! That'll divert their attention from this momentary distraction just long enough for Mr. Lotsalovin's divorce process to end!"


Vitória da opção 3

Efeito na nação: government officials frequently cut taxes as a distraction from antics with their secretaries.


Descrição depois desta issue:

Category: Scandinavian Liberal Paradise
Civil Rights: Superb
Economy: Fair
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, socially progressive nation, remarkable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 474 million enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The small government is mainly concerned with Defence, although Education and Social Welfare are on the agenda. The average income tax rate is 17%, but much higher for the wealthy. A large private sector is led by the Retail industry, followed by Pizza Delivery and Basket Weaving.

Political parties are banned from advertising and receiving private donations, euthanasia is legal, anti-government political posters adorn every building like wallpaper, and government officials frequently cut taxes as a distraction from antics with their secretaries. Crime is moderate, and the police force struggles against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Portugal Virtual's national animal is the Lince Ibérico, and its currency is the Escudo.

Issue 8: Private Lab Holds Portugal Virtual's Sick To Ransom

The Issue

Scientists at a private medical research laboratory have announced that they have produced a drug which will combat Portugal Virtual's most notorious malady - Spon Plague.

The Debate

1. "This pill is the only known and unknown cure for the Spon Plague!" proclaims Professor Calvin Falopian, the inventor of the cure. "But if we are to go ahead with the production of this drug, we must get some government support. We're set to make a fortune from this drug - the money we earn will help us develop even more cures for other as-yet untreatable diseases. Some people won't be able to afford it of course, but hard cheese on them: they should have got a paying job while they were still capable."

2. "That's a disgraceful way to think!" says equal rights activist, Randy Wong. "So the people who need the most help shouldn't get any? I propose that the government subsidises the production of all drugs so everyone can benefit from them, rich or not! That way the money-hungry corporations won't profit from the suffering of the masses. Of course there will be the matter of a small tax rise to fund it - but what's that when lives will be saved?"

3. "I can't believe what I'm hearing," deplores well-respected religious leader, Chastity Dodinas. "If God didn't want people to have this disease he wouldn't have created it in the first place. This is completely against the will of God and if the government allows this drug to go on sale we will all be doomed to an afterlife in a dark and fiery place! Now let's end this madness and abolish the production of pharmaceuticals and drugs altogether!"


Vitória da opção 2

Efeito na nação: pharmacies close down as medicinal drugs are sold freely by the government.

Issue 9: Compulsory Organ Harvesting Proposed

The Issue
A group of emergency room doctors has petitioned the government to introduce mandatory organ donations.

The Debate
1. "It's not as crazy as it sounds," says Dr. Konrad Chicago. "Every day, people die because we don't have the organs to save them. Well, that and widespread under-funding of the health system. But the point is, if the government allowed us to take organs from dead people, we could save hundreds of lives a year. And come on, it's not like dead people need them."

2. "You keep your damn hands off my organs!" says alarmed hospital patient Freddy Barry. "They are my organs, and I'll do with them what I like. The government has no right to my body."


Vitória da opção 2

Efeito na nação: organ donation rates are among the lowest in the region.

Issue 10: Gypsies In A Field

The Issue
After a much-publicised incident involving a farmer's attempts to drive a family of travellers off private property, there has been a call for you to review the laws governing gypsies.

The Debate
1. "These pikies just rolled onto my field in those caravans of theirs and camped out," says Hope King, the enraged farmer. "And when I tries to run 'em over with my tractor, it's me who gets stuck in the cells overnight! I've tried getting the government to evict them but they take too long over it. How would these people have reacted if I'd set up a tent in their back garden? There should be a law so I can get rid of them any way I choose. Gypsies should not be allowed to go wherever they like. It's just not fair to landowners."

2. "All we wanted was a place to stay the night," says Clint King, a traveller and parent of fourteen children. "Or maybe for a week or so. Or a month. Perhaps through winter; it's pretty mild around here, I don't know. But is that such a crime? We weren't stealing anything, or harming anyone. All we ask is to be allowed to continue our travels without harassment."

3. "I don't think that's a good idea," says Peggy Li, one of your advisors who happens to own an extensive greenfield site. "We can't just let people go living wherever they like just because they've been doing it for hundreds of years. It's very untidy! What I suggest is that we dip into the coffers and buy plots of land, all over the country, and turn them into nice safe areas where these folks can stay for as long as they want for a weekly rent before they decide to move on. See? Problem solved."

4. "I have the best solution," says Fleur Rifkin, in response to a street survey. "These gypsies should be chucked in jail, their caravans sold for scrap, and, and... told not to do it again! I think we've all had enough with the government pussy-footing their way around these criminals! The way they just swan in and disrupt communities any way they please! And think of what their presence would do to the value of my property! People ought to live in bricks and mortar, not tins on wheels!"


Empate entre as opções 3 e 4

Efeito na nação: sem efeito (dismiss).


Descrição depois desta issue:

Category: Scandinavian Liberal Paradise
Civil Rights: Superb
Economy: Fair
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, socially progressive nation, remarkable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 547 million enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Defence, Healthcare, and Education. The average income tax rate is 18%, but much higher for the wealthy. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Retail.

Anti-government political posters adorn every building like wallpaper, government officials frequently cut taxes as a distraction from antics with their secretaries, pharmacies close down as medicinal drugs are sold freely by the government, and organ donation rates are among the lowest in the region. Crime is moderate, and the police force struggles against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Portugal Virtual's national animal is the Lince Ibérico, and its currency is the Escudo.

Issue 11: Animal Liberation Front Strikes Again

The Issue
The increasingly militant Animal Liberation Front struck again last night, freeing dozens of chickens bound for delicious snack packs.

The Debate
1. "These nuts have got to be stopped," demands concerned consumer Aaron O'Bannon. "They need to face the fact people want snack packs, no matter how many innocent chickens must be sacrificed. Besides, chickens would do the same to us if they had the chance."

2. "These Liberationists are highlighting an important issue," pleads Beth Spirit. "Too often, animals are put through needless cruelty, just to make their flesh taste a little more deliciously succulent. I'm sure we could ban the more horrific abuses without putting too much of a dent in our national obesity figures. Couldn't we?"

3. "Animals have feelings too!" yelled protestor Roger O'Bannon, before being set upon by hungry passers-by. "Free the animals! Ban meat-eating!"

4. Economist May Mombota has an alternative. "You don't need to take away the people's right to choose. You just need to build the costs of animal suffering into the price. A tax on meat-eating, in proportion to the amount of cruelty involved, would do the trick. Plus think of the benefit for the national coffers! Of course, poor people wouldn't be able to afford meat, but that's just more incentive for them to get jobs."


Vitória da opção 2

Efeito na nação: meat-eating is frowned upon.

Issue 12: "Give Us Money!" Quoth the Poet

The Issue
The National Poetry Society of Portugal Virtual is demanding government-funded programs to promote the arts, especially poetry.

The Debate
1. "We need government help to promote culture." says Akira Jong-Il, chairperson of the National Poetry Society of Portugal Virtual. "Poetry is the soul of our nation, the very pulse of humanity! We will ultimately be judged according to our contribution to artistic enlightenment. In other words, please provide funding for our humble mission to bring the beauty of poetry to the masses!"

2. "Artists and poets should support themselves, like everyone else," replies Calvin Chicago, spokesperson for the Capitalism Now Party. "The suffering taxpayers should be given a break. In fact, we should abolish all government subsidies for special interest groups."

3. "Poets--who needs them?!" scoffs Bill Steele, Chairperson Emeritus of the Troglodyte Coalition. "These long-haired troublemakers should all be lined up against the wall and shot! That would be far more entertaining than reading some dumb poems!"


Empate entre as opções 1 e 2

Efeito na nação: sem efeito (dismiss).

Issue 13: The Great Wall of Portugal Virtual?

The Issue
Due to the ongoing wars in neighboring countries, a recent rash of illegal immigrants have been caught at the borders of Portugal Virtual, prompting many citizens to call for tighter immigration laws.

The Debate
1. Clint Washington of the Portugal Virtual National Purity League says "These illegal aliens are just an eyesore with their strange customs and funny languages. Uneducated immigrants like these only worsen crime and steal valuable jobs! I say we should boot them all out on their ears and put a big fence around the country!"

2. Billy-Bob Chicago of the Portugal Virtual Civil Liberties Union says "We must welcome these refugees from any nation into our open arms, they are fleeing one oppressive dictatorial regime in the only way they know, we must not let them think they're jumping from the frying pan into the fire!"

3. "Hold on there, hold on people!" says Steffan McAlpin of the Portugal Virtual Broadcasting company, "We don't have to take either extreme, all we have to do is make a TV game show out of it! We put deadly obstacles on the border and monitor it with television cameras! Those that make it across win freedom and citizenship, and those who don't, well, lets just say that our buzzards won't starve. We could call it 'Who Wants to be an Immigrant?'!"


Vitória da opção 2

Efeito na nação: refugees from other nations are flocking to Portugal Virtual's border.


Descrição depois desta issue:

Category: Scandinavian Liberal Paradise
Civil Rights: Superb
Economy: Fair
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, socially progressive nation, renowned for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 610 million enjoy extensive civil rights and enjoy a level of social equality free from the usual accompanying government corruption.

The medium-sized government juggles the competing demands of Defence, Healthcare, and Education. The average income tax rate is 18%, but much higher for the wealthy. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Retail.

Pharmacies close down as medicinal drugs are sold freely by the government, organ donation rates are among the lowest in the region, meat-eating is frowned upon, and refugees from other nations are flocking to Portugal Virtual's border. Crime is moderate, and the police force struggles against a lack of funding and a high mortality rate. Portugal Virtual's national animal is the Lince Ibérico, and its currency is the Escudo.

Issue 14: Bug 'em All, Say Police

The Issue
The Portugal Virtual police force have come to you for permission to use phone taps to trace suspected criminals.

The Debate
1. "This is a great idea," says police officer Chastity Summers. "We can never have too much evidence in a case, and this will be of enormous help to us at reducing crime and seeing that those who deserve punishment get justice! If we could just get those silly privacy laws repealed and some funding we could find out stuff the government wants to know too."

2. "This is an unacceptable intrusion into the personal lives of the population," says Zeke McAlpin while checking under your chair for bugs. "Just imagine all of the sensitive personal information that the police will pick up! Would you like someone listening to your calls to your mother or your lover? I think not! Laws should be passed so that the government and police can't stick their big noses where they're not wanted!"


Vitória da Opção 1

Issue 15: Bus Drivers Say No To Double-Decked Deathtraps

The Issue

After several tragic bus accidents across Portugal Virtual, bus drivers have started a strike until safety standards have been raised.


The Debate

1. "Every morning I step into that thing I wonder when it's finally going to fall to bits," grumbles Chastity Mombota, a bus driver. "The lights don't work, half of the seats are either vandalised or missing, the top deck smells like something died there, and something HAS died right at the back. We need more money to improve our buses. It's that simple. If you don't do it then more people will die."


2. "People always want money," whines Hack du Pont, one of your financial advisors. "And they always want guarantees. I'm willing to bet every single Escudo on me that they're making a big fuss about nothing. The strike's no big deal, we can always find plenty of other people willing to take the job. Public transport is a financial black hole anyway, there's no profit in it for us. If someone really wants to go somewhere they drive. Withdraw some of our public transport funding out and let them have enough money to buy themselves a car."


3. "That sounds to me," says another of your financial advisors who just so happened to be walking past. "Like a stellar reason to do away with the public transport system altogether. The only people who really lose out are the poor and the disabled, but there's no profit in them either so it's win-win."


4. "Now now now, there's no need to be quite so gung-ho," says Miranda McAlpin. a city planner. "The public transport system is vital for cutting down congestion and pollution within urban areas. Less vehicles on the road, less fumes, you with me so far? What we need to do is put a tax on car-use within the cities and promote our mass transit. That way everyone gets what they want, and cleaner air to boot."



Vitória da Opção 4

Issue 16: Nazi Sympathizers Plan Rally


The Issue
Far-right-wing Nazi supporters plan to stage a rally in the city center tomorrow, giving voice to their violent, racist views.

The Debate
1. "Frankly, I'm appalled that the government can even consider allowing this travesty to go ahead," says prominent Jewish personality Larry Winters. "We can't let these animals broadcast their message of hate. Surely Portugal Virtual is too civilized for that."

2. "It's exactly because we're civilized that we must let the demonstration proceed," says free speech campaigner Bill Jefferson. "We may not like what they have to say, but in this society, people have the right to argue whatever political view they want, no matter how hateful, selfish, or stupid it is."



Vitória da Opção 2

Issue 17: Harry Potter Censorship Row


The Issue
The latest "Harry Potter" book to hit schools across Portugal Virtual has stirred up the greatest controversy yet.

The Debate
1. "I quite enjoyed the book, until I got to the part where Harry summons evil demons to do his bidding," says religious leader Buffy King. "Now that's just wrong. We need to restore some sense to this debate, by which I mean we should remove this book from the shelves, salt it thoroughly, and burn it."

2. Teachers union President Charles Frederickson says, "Come on, the book is fantasy! And it's a damn good read. I'd like the government to issue a statement of support for our teachers and librarians, so kids can enjoy good books without interference from religious wackos, like Christians."


Vitória da Opção 2

Issue 18: Kids And Criminality: Whose Responsibility?


The Issue
Recent studies showing that the sources of Portugal Virtual's most common street crimes (vandalism, muggings, joyriding, and witchcraft) are children under the age of criminal responsibility has prompted a national outcry for government action.

The Debate
1. "These damned hooligans are running wild on our streets!" splutters hard-nosed Sergeant Naki Broadside of the police force. "My overworked officers can't cope anymore! Everywhere we look we're being surrounded by mobs of unruly children! I need you to give me and my officers the power to dish out punishment to these little hoodlums. I don't care how young these kids are - they need to learn to behave properly as soon as possible. Even if it requires a short jail sentence of ten years or so."

2. "The last thing we need is a police force that prosecutes, convicts, AND sentences young kids!" yells outraged Child Welfare Officer Akira Utopia. "These youngsters are merely children being playful! Let them learn from their own mistakes! You can't tell me you weren't ever naughty when you were that young! Experience is the tree from which learning is a fruit, remember, and besides: the taxes needed to round them all up would be murder."

3. "Hah! Yeh're lookin' at this the wrong way!" says Bianca Gutenberg, an elderly pensioner, hobbling up to you and poking you in the chest with a walking stick. "When I was wee, and if I was caught breakin' the law, me dad would've beaten seven types of bahoola out of me! If a kid's gone maladjusted and started nickin' cars and whatnot, look at the parents and punish them for not bringin' the tiny scions up right! Yeh can't blame a kid for the environment they were raised in an' that's that!"


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: the nation's youth is held blameless for all crimes.

Issue 19: Get Efficient, Private Sector Tells Nature

The Issue
A group of prominent business identities has proposed privatizing Portugal Virtual's beaches.

The Debate
1. "Have you been to the beach lately? It's disgusting," says company spokesperson Freddy Wu. "There's litter, there's teenagers smoking, and there are people enjoying themselves without paying for it. Let the private sector in on this, and Portugal Virtual's beaches will be the talk of the region! And a nice little earner, too."

2. "Whoa, whoa, we're privatizing beaches now?" says local campaigner Lars Jefferson. "These are public spaces! All Portugal Virtual's citizens have a right to enjoy them, not just the well-off. Yes, we should improve the quality of our beaches, but handing them over to the money-grabbers is not the right way to do it. The right way to do it is to boost government spending by increasing taxes."



Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: a government program is underway to revitalize Portugal Virtual's beaches.

Issue 20: Animal Experimentation Laws Under Scrutiny

The Issue
Scientists and animal rights activists have once again brought up the debate over animal experimentation to your attention.

The Debate
1. "What have those poor, defenceless animals ever done to us?" asks Klaus Hendrikson, owner of the East Portugal Virtual Lince Ibérico Sanctuary. "Kidnapping these helpless creatures from their habitat simply to stick probes and needles in them is just barbaric! How would you like it if someone caged you in a lab and conducted tests on you just to find out whether a new product was fit for sale? Experimenting on animals ought to be banned!"

2. "It is not unethical," replies Dr. Clint Barry, the chief surgeon at Portugal Virtual's largest Cancer Research Clinic. "The unethical thing to do would be to deny the public of the benefit of the great scientific advancements we're making! If we have to sacrifice some animals in the name of science, healthcare, or a commerical venture, then that's just what we've got to do! Think of the lives we could save! All we require is more government support and funding for this worthy cause."


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation.

Issue 21: Put The Phone Down On Cold Calling?

The Issue
A growing group of Portugal Virtual's citizens are battling for an end to unrequested solicitations from salesmen.

The Debate
1. "This has to stop," says mild-mannered parent Gregory Utopia. "My family can't even have dinner without being interrupted at least five times by telemarketers or door-to-door salesmen! My privacy is being invaded! The government ought to ban all forms of unrequested solicitations from salespeople. The sanity of the populace is at stake here!"

2. "This must be a joke," retorts insurance sales solicitor Bianca Gutenberg, in between cold calls. "Telemarketing and door-to-door sales are some of the most effective methods of increasing revenues. Banning them would be a huge blow to business, and put thousands of workers out of their jobs! Let's face the facts - Portugal Virtual needs an economy, and banning cold calls isn't the best of ways to improve it! One way you could improve it would be to, say, give us some government funds. For the sake of Portugal Virtual, of course."


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: door-to-door salesmen are frequently beaten up by 'vigilantes'.

Issue 22: Raise Duel Standards, Say Fencers

The Issue
A number of well-dressed gentlemen wearing a varied assortment of swords is insisting that they be allowed to settle their private disputes on the field of honourable battle.

The Debate
1. "We must be permitted our inherent right to defend our honour through feats of arms!" exclaims Elizabeth Silk, a bewigged aristocrat sporting a particularly flamboyant swept-hilt rapier. "The right to duel is one found throughout history for the honourable settling of disputes and I must insist that my right to fight be recognised! The world would be so much better - and cheaper too - if conflicts of interest were sorted through trial by combat instead of trial by jury."

2. "Swords? Heavens, what dreadful things. All sharp and pointy - quite dangerous, you know," says Clint Shiomi, an ardent pacifist. "Duelling ought to be banned! The best way to settle these kind of arguments are through trials, we all know that. If we go ahead with what these duelling nutters want then innocent people will die! It will be a sad day when people value money more than justice. Apart from lawyers, obviously."


Vitória da opção 2

Efeito na nação: long arduous trials are held for the most trivial of offences.

Issue 23: Refugees Want To Call Portugal Virtual Home

The Issue
After several bloody conflicts in nearby regions, a stream of asylum-seekers and refugees has been spotted heading for Portugal Virtual's shores.

The Debate
1. "Some of these people have endured terrible hardships to reach our borders," says International Red Cross spokesperson Elizabeth Falopian. "We must welcome these unfortunates with open arms. Let the world see that Portugal Virtual does not turn its back on those in need!"

2. "These grasping freeloaders will swamp our culture and traditions!" argues talk-radio host Johann Utopia. "First they want welfare, next thing you know they're taking our jobs -- and you know they won't bother to learn our language. I say charity begins at home -- and this isn't their home. This is the world's problem, not ours."

3. Economics Professor Pete du Pont offers an alternative. "There is no question that we have to help those who reach out to us in their darkest hour. But on the other hand, we cannot help everybody. So let's just take the ones who are willing to keep our streets clean and our drains flowing in return for a subsistence wage."



Vitória da Opção 1

Efeito na nação: the nation has opened its arms to an influx of refugees.


Descrição da nação depois desta issue:

Category: Left-Leaning College State
Civil Rights: Excellent
Economy: Strong
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, environmentally stunning nation, renowned for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, hard-working, intelligent population of 826 million enjoy extensive civil freedoms, particularly in social issues, while business tends to be more regulated.

The large government juggles the competing demands of Education, Healthcare, and Defence. The average income tax rate is 21%. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

Several citizens have complained about scientists abducting their pets for experimentation, door-to-door salesmen are frequently beaten up by 'vigilantes', long arduous trials are held for the most trivial of offences, and the nation has opened its arms to an influx of refugees. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is a problem. Portugal Virtual's national animal is the Lince Ibérico, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the Escudo.

Issue 24: When Lince Ibéricos Attack!

The Issue
After several reports of pet Lince Ibéricos violently attacking, injuring, and even killing citizens, there has been growing pressure from public safety activists for the government to take action.

The Debate
1. "These creatures are a danger to the public and must be destroyed!" says Naki Chicago, representative of the Public Institution for Social Safety, Equality, and Direction. "I was attacked by one just on the way here and I nearly lost my life! They're a public menace. We must shoot and burn them!"

2. "Why punish the poor things?" asks animal-lover Randy Chicago, covered in scars from previous encounters with Lince Ibéricos. "All they need is good hands to care and rehabilitate them. We need a government education programme to tame them and turn them into loveable pets. The one I'm holding right now shows that it can be done. They are all good, kind creatures deep d- argh!"

3. "I agree that we shouldn't kill them," says Hack Longbottom, a famous lawyer. "But I don't think the owner should get away with breaking the law! This is clearly a case of 'intent to greviously harm' if I ever saw it. All citizens should be held accountable of their pet's actions as if they had done the act themselves. It's the only way to be fair - after all, they're just dumb animals."

4. "Who cares!?" screams Falala Mistletoe as he sends out his pirate radio station broadcast. "Just repeal any laws preventing us from shooting the things when they attack and we'll be able to save ourselves without this stupid, authoritarian, overbearing government and legal system wasting our tax money!"



Vitória da Opção 3

Efeito na nação: expensive lawyers are hired to defend citizens in court for public urination charges against their pets.

Issue 25: Video Games Too Violent, Say Parents

The Issue
Recently, there has been an enormous commercial success for 'violent' video games such as 'Blood 'n' Guts 2: The Revenge', 'Tremor', and 'Grand Theft Tricycle'. Several parents' groups have been calling for tougher restrictions on these games.

The Debate
1. "We must outlaw these violent games immediately!" shouts Catherine Gratwick, a member of Mothers Ordered Against Nastiness, "These so-called 'games' are desensitising our children to violence and making them more aggressive. Why, just the other day I witnessed my son firing a missile launcher in a videogame and the next day he went out and robbed a bank! He may be thirty-five, but you can't possibly say it's a coincidence!"

2. "Oh noez!" cries DEATMASTER_69, one of Portugal Virtual's foremost authorities on video games. "That's stupid! If a child is psychotic, it's not because they played 'Hellstorm of Fireblood 3' or whatever, it's because their parents were stupid enough to not teach little Johnny the difference between right and wrong and don't want to take the blame. Just because I like to n00k countries in games doesn't mean I like to shoot people in real life. That's false data! So just relax and let the kids play their games, hey?"

3. "Why not rate games the same way we rate movies?" asks Hope Li, a spokesperson for the Portugal Virtual Censorship Board. "We could give each game a content rating based on age appropriateness, and add descriptors on the box explaining why the game gets a certain rating. A little funding and we can stop children getting violent video games without affecting all the older 'gamers'. Everyone will be happy. Except tax payers, I guess."

4. "The children will manage to get their hands on the games anyway," says Stephanie McAlpin, a fitness instructor. "Parents can be so ignorant. In my opinion, the only damage these video games are causing is physical: kids are becoming less inclined to exercise, and it doesn't really matter if they are violent; the result is the same either way. The only way to get bums off seats is to ban all video games. Maybe then we'll see a difference in the national waistline!"


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: the children of Portugal Virtual are often remarked upon for their cheery attitude to extreme violence.