Histórico de votações

Issue 26: Should The Government Grant Estates And Titles Of Nobility?

The Issue

A peculiar confederacy of small-government advocates, regular attendees at Portugal Virtual's annual Medieval Faire, and the super rich have demanded that the government grant estates and confer titles of nobility upon certain influential persons.


The Debate

1. "Of course I should be appointed as the Duke of Portugal Virtual City," says multi-billionaire Samuel Wu. "Not only would it be an apt reward for my contributions to Portugal Virtual, but the citizens who become landed serfs on my estate would work harder than they ever have in all their lives." Adds small-government advocate May Johnson, "Government would at last return to the local level, close to the people and the land to which they would be bound for life."


2. "I can't believe I'm hearing this," exclaims noted civil rights advocate Samuel Clinton. "Those who are behind this espouse a system that grants inordinate amounts of institutional power to the rich and ensures that no one will be able to climb the social ladder. Everyone in society must be granted an equal opportunity to succeed or fail. Say 'no' to a nobility!"


3. "I think both of the other parties are taking this issue to the extreme," argues a learned elderly gentleman resting on a park bench. "All that's being advocated is giving those who have contributed to their nation a ceremonial title and a bit of land. Besides," he adds, "the government can tax their estate."


4. "A good day to thee, milord," counters Miranda Rifkin, an amateur Medieval Faire actor dressed in period costume, "I would suggest that thou hasten thyself to spectate at the jousting competition this forenoon. Aye, quite a bout we have arrayed for thee this day. However, the whole affair could be much grander if only we received a few more gold crownes from the government. Aye, 'twould be a grand tourney of knightly skill and courage indeed!"


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: citizens are allowed to rise or fall based on their own merits.

Issue 27: Genetics Brings New Life to Extinct Species

The Issue
Scientists have announced they are close to a breakthrough in their quest to revive the feather-bellied Lince Ibérico, a species related to Portugal Virtual's national animal that has been extinct for more than a century.

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

2. "This is a sacrilege!", says religious leader Elizabeth Clinton. "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 Lince Ibérico, who will be extinct."

3. "Now, come on," says Beth Rubin, well-known philosopher. "You don't need to be religious to be unnerved by the top of this particular slippery slope. Today it's Lince Ibéricos, 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."



Vitória da Opção 3

Efeito na nação: genetic research is temporarily tied up in government red tape.

Issue 28: Computer Users Fed Up With Heaps of Spam!

The Issue
A survey citing a tremendous increase in unsolicited emails has added fire to the subject of what many view as a scourge of the Internet.

The Debate
1. "The spam problem is out of control," states anti-spam advocate Roxanne Jong-Il. "I get at least fifty spam e-mails a day. That isn't even counting the spam people are posting to my newsgroup and to my messageboard. This junk is a waste of time in that I have to delete it and a waste of my money in that I have to buy anti-spam programs-which hardly work anyway. People get swindled by this stuff - it should be a crime, just like regular fraud."

2. "A ban on all spam is a restriction on our freedom of speech and on the freedom of the press!" screams Jazz Gutenberg president of Citizens for Internet Freedom. "What is the government to say what is and isn't commercial spam? Could they haul charity representatives off to jail for seeking donations? Could they jail politicians for using e-mail to try and gain votes? Could they arrest me if I accidentally send my erotic novel-in-progress to the wrong address? Seriously, spamming is a subjective offense and as such should not be considered a crime."

3. "Both sides are wrong," grumbles government paper-pusher Clint Rifkin. "Spam is definitely a problem, yet so is the restriction on freedoms which some draconian anti-spam codes would impose. I propose a ban on overtly fraudulent spam, and a tax on more legitimate businesses that rely on spam as an advertising method, and a strict legal definition of spam that would ensure no innocent person was prosecuted or taxed."


Vitória da Opção 3

Efeito na nação: the government is making attempts at curtailing the flood of spam emails with little progress.

Portugal Virtual was reclassified from "Left-Leaning College State" to "Inoffensive Centrist Democracy".


Descrição após esta issue

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
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 914 million have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Law & Order, Education, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 26%. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

The children of Portugal Virtual are often remarked upon for their cheery attitude to extreme violence, citizens are allowed to rise or fall based on their own merits, genetic research is temporarily tied up in government red tape, and the government is making attempts at curtailing the flood of spam emails with little progress. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is moderate. 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 29: Tourists On Death Row

The Issue
A group of holidaymakers from Portugal Virtual have been arrested while visiting the scenic, yet corrupt and totalitarian, nation of Maxtopia on charges of drug trafficking - an offence which carries the maximum sentence of the death penalty. The story has provoked outrage from citizens, many believing the government should intervene to bring the tourists back home.

The Debate
1. "Everyone knows what barbarians those Maxtopians are!" says Colin Bush, parent to one of the arrestees. "They've not even allowed my son and his friends access to lawyers! That government is as corrupt as they are cruel, my boy would never have anything to do with drugs! You need to do something to save them, I'm begging you! I'm sure the Maxtopian officials will back down if you threaten trade sanctions or something. Right?"

2. "You've got to see it from the other side," argues Hack Clinton, a customs official. "While it's unfortunate that the sentence is so stiff, they really shouldn't have been smuggling drugs. I'm sure we wouldn't be happy if Maxtopians came over here with banned goods. I just can't sympathise: they were greedy, they broke the law, they got caught. What makes them so special that they should be bailed out? At the taxpayers' expense I might add. Let them be - it'll show we respect the judicial rights of other countries."

3. "I agree," chimes in Calvin Clinton, an anti-drug campaigner, waving a banner which reads 'Don't Be a Fool, Drugs Aren't Cool'. "Did you ever stop to think that our foreign neighbours might have the right idea? A zero-tolerance attitude to the drugs issue is what this country needs! Death to the dealers!"

4. "You people are so quick to lay the finger of blame," says Naki Shiomi, an ambassador at Portugal Virtual's embassy in Maxtopia. "My motto has always been 'If you want something, give something away'. It is the government's duty to protect its citizens from harm! We don't want to cause too much international friction by making a mockery of their laws so we've got to settle things more diplomatically: they scratch our backs now and we'll scratch theirs later."

5. "That's what they want! Leverage!" hollers Konrad Gutenberg, your Minister of Defence, storming into your office. "Advances in our markets, political favours - they'll do anything to undermine us! They've always hated us, those rats! If you ask me, this brouhaha isn't about drugs - it's a spit in our eye, that's what it is! What kind of people execute kids for having a few ounces on them? We ought to give them a good bombing, then they'll know how a proper country behaves!"



Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: the people are furious with the government for allowing citizens to be executed for petty crimes in foreign countries.


Descrição após esta issue

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Civil Rights: Excellent
Economy: Strong
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, environmentally stunning nation, remarkable for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, hard-working, intelligent population of 945 million have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 25%. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

Citizens are allowed to rise or fall based on their own merits, genetic research is temporarily tied up in government red tape, the government is making attempts at curtailing the flood of spam emails with little progress, and the people are furious with the government for allowing citizens to be executed for petty crimes in foreign countries. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is moderate. 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 30: Hackles Raised Over Fur Clothes Debate


The Issue
Several animal rights groups have protested the continuing use of fur as a material for clothing.

The Debate
1. "This is an outrage!" cries Buffy Falopian, president of the Be Nice To Animals society. "The manufacture of fur apparel is unethical, cruel, and disgusting! People just don't seem to realise that millions of animals die each year in fur farms, crammed into tiny cages and suffering the most terrible treatment just so someone can look appealing and rich! This is a sick practice and must be stopped! The same can go for leather shoes and snakeskin belts too."

2. "You can't mean that, surely?" snorts Peggy O'Bannon, adjusting his hat, made from real Lince Ibérico hide. "It's the people's choice what they wear. I don't think it's fair that the majority of the public should be deprived of fur clothes because some people are a bit queasy. In fact, if the government would allow us to stock rarer animals, we could produce even finer products. In the end, it's up to the consumer, don't you think?"


Vitória da Opção 1

Efeito na nação: the wearing and manufacture of fur apparel is banned.



Descrição após esta issue

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Civil Rights: Excellent
Economy: Good
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, environmentally stunning nation, remarkable for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, hard-working, intelligent population of 957 million have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 28%. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

Genetic research is temporarily tied up in government red tape, the government is making attempts at curtailing the flood of spam emails with little progress, the people are furious with the government for allowing citizens to be executed for petty crimes in foreign countries, and the wearing and manufacture of fur apparel is banned. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is moderate. 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 31: Underage Drinkers: Social Menace Or Misunderstood?

The Issue
With the advent of alcopops and other cheap liquors marketed at younger drinkers there has been public outcry at the sharp increase in underage drinking.

The Debate
1. "I never wanted my poor babies to grow up to be alcoholics!" wails Jennifer Hendrikson, a parent of three, striding into your office. "And now I'm worried they'll drink themselves into being no-good slobs before they've even grown up! The only way to stop this madness is to really crack down on under-age drinking. Stricter identification laws and severe punishments should do the trick! The present laws are much too soft!"

2. "What is it with parents making society discipline their children because they don't want to?" asks Colin Steele, a schoolteacher. "These wishy-washy parents are to blame for their kids' misdemeanours! It is the parents who should be held responsible and be fined- no, even better, arrested and jailed!"

3. "Keep your hands off my Spinning Mermaid, Mac," says ten-year-old Steffan Chicago, an all-round unruly youth while downing some sort of shocking pink beverage. "Why shouldn't us kids be allowed to drink? We're reshponshible enou- HIC- enough. Don't oppress us like this, we're jusht havin' some fun."

4. "To be honest, this doesn't surprise me," says Akira Summers, a cultural attaché from East Lebuckte. "Back in my country it is customary for children to have a glass of wine with their main meal of the day. If you make alcohol an everyday mundanity then they're not going to go overboard with it later. Educate them in culture and sophistication so that they truly appreciate their senses instead of trashing them on low-grade hooch."

5. "I agree that we should educate them about alcohol rather than simply hope punishments will get through to them," says Dr May Jefferson, an expert on alcoholism. "But teaching those hoodlums culture? It just won't work. If we're going to get them to drink less then we must impress on them the DANGERS of alcohol, not the benefits! We'll scare them into drinking sensibly!"

6. "This wouldn't be a problem at all if alcohol was banned altogether," says Jean-Paul Love, enjoying a fine ginger beer. "It's not just kids who break the law when under the influence you know."


Vitória da Opção 1

Efeito na nação: underage drinkers are dragged through the streets and put in the stocks.


Descrição após esta issue

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Civil Rights: Very Good
Economy: Good
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a huge, socially progressive nation, renowned for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, hard-working, intelligent population of 969 million have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 28%. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

The government is making attempts at curtailing the flood of spam emails with little progress, the people are furious with the government for allowing citizens to be executed for petty crimes in foreign countries, the wearing and manufacture of fur apparel is banned, and underage drinkers are dragged through the streets and put in the stocks. Crime is relatively low, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. 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 32: Compensation Culture Must End, Say Corporations


The Issue

After a recent spate of high-profile lawsuits against corporations concerning the safety of their products, corporations have appealed to the government to change the laws of compensation.


The Debate

1. "It's crazy!" cries Al Hanover, CEO of Sharp 'n' Pointy Things Incorporated. "These people should simply not be allowed to put the blame on us if they mindlessly abuse our products! I'd have thought it would be common sense not to stick your hand in a blender to 'see if it was working properly'. We need to outlaw these ridiculous lawsuits so I can get on with my business and those working in the law profession can get on with theirs."


2. "I'm almost inclined to agree," muses Freddy Utopia, a nearby firefighter. "People really should know better than to dry their cats in the microwave oven. But it's also that microwave oven that should not start a fire if one leaves it running overnight. Let's just put higher national safety standards in place that all products must be certified to meet. The extra expense shouldn't worry people if it's the difference between life and death after all."


3. "There's nothing wrong with victims getting a little money for the damage they've suffered," claims Thomas Hamilton, Portugal Virtual's most notorious lawyer. "In fact we should be increasing court capacities so everyone with a complaint to file won't have to wait long before they can get before a judge. Sure it'll be expensive to implement, but maybe then the manufacturers will think twice before selling their unsafe junk without explaining things clearly in the manuals!"


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: every product goes through extensive safety-testing by the government.


Descrição após esta issue

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Civil Rights: Very Good
Economy: Reasonable
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a massive, socially progressive nation, renowned for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 1.024 billion have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 34%, but much higher for the wealthy. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

The people are furious with the government for allowing citizens to be executed for petty crimes in foreign countries, the wearing and manufacture of fur apparel is banned, underage drinkers are dragged through the streets and put in the stocks, and every product goes through extensive safety-testing by the government. Crime is relatively low, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. 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 33: "Don't Dam Our Rivers, Damnit!" Say Protesters


The Issue
A group of Greenpeace protesters have called for an end to a government proposal to begin damming rivers in Portugal Virtual to increase water supplies and generate power.

The Debate
1. "Don't build dams!" shouts protestor Faith Wall through a microphone heavily afflicted with feedback. "Do you know how many fish die in other dams in our region each year? Have you heard of the adverse effects building a dam has on the surrounding environment? Dam up this flood of dams, damn it!"

2. "Think before you open your mouth," says engineer Tobias McAlpin. "While Portugal Virtual may have to pay the price in animal diversity, as well as adverse effects on the environment, do we really want fossil-fuel based plants polluting Portugal Virtual? If you use your common sense, I think you'll find that damming some rivers would be a good idea. Plus, think of how much the economy would benefit from all the jobs these projects would create."



Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: scenic mountain valleys are flooded with water as damming projects get underway.


Descrição após esta issue

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Civil Rights: Very Good
Economy: Reasonable
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a massive, socially progressive nation, renowned for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 1.031 billion have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 33%, but much higher for the wealthy. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

The wearing and manufacture of fur apparel is banned, underage drinkers are dragged through the streets and put in the stocks, every product goes through extensive safety-testing by the government, and scenic mountain valleys are flooded with water as damming projects get underway. Crime is relatively low, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Portugal Virtual's national animal is the Lince Ibérico, and its currency is the Escudo.

Issue 34: Power Problems Need Bright Solution

The Issue
The oldest power station in Portugal Virtual suffered a catastrophic failure last night, plunging a third of Portugal Virtual's national power supply grid into darkness. There is no debate that it needs to be replaced, but the question is with what?

The Debate
1. "The solution is clear," says environmental activist Buffy Nagasawa. "Wind turbines and solar power stations are the cleanest there are. We must switch power production to forms of renewable energy, that will never run out. The only minor problems are that wind farms will take up a great deal of space and of course we can't exactly rely on the weather. It isn't as though we control it. But think of how much healthier people will be without all that pollution!"

2. "Wind power? Solar collectors? Bah! Have you ever wondered when the least amount of strain is placed on the national grid? WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING!" exclaims Southern Portugal Virtual Electra official Buffy Jones. "We need power under our control, and cheaply. Coal has been the cheapest and most abundant power source for ages. We don't need this airy fairy wind malarky when we have cheap and reliable power available for all. True, pollution will be a bit on the heavy side but I'm sure that's only a minor problem, with how well funded our health system is!"

3. "Now the way I see it is that it's either green, expensive, and sprawling; or compact, polluting and cheap. Wouldn't it be nice if we had the best of both worlds? Well, we can!" claims fission technician Tobias McAlpin. "Nuclear power is reliable, clean, and although it isn't cheap, it won't break the bank. There is a risk of deadly meltdown, but this is relatively small, and the only people who could be against this are anti-nuclear protesters, but what do we care about those tree-hugging hippies?"


Vitória da Opção 1

Efeito na nação: prime real estate is devoted to wind farms and solar energy generators.

Issue 35: Violent Violetists Protest Artists

The Issue

Several musicians have recently produced songs in which "Violet" sings silly and offensive things, causing outcries of horror from the Order of Violet.


The Debate

1. "THIS IS BLASPHEMY!" shouts Anne-Marie Thiesen, Grand High Poobah of the Order of Violet. "Our holy scriptures specifically forbid any portrayal of our prophet's most holy voice. We cannot permit people to slander and mock our prophet and insult all of us. These people are simply doing this to see if we are extremists. Death to the blasphemers!"


2. Speaking anonymously and from hiding, one of the musicians says, "It was just meant to be a joke! I never thought that they'd take it so seriously. I just wanted to give them a little ribbing like I do the other major religions of Pastafarianism and Frisbeetarianism." Jennifer Jones glances over their shoulder to see if anyone is watching, "Please don't try to figure out who I am. I'm scared for my safety. The government should protect my freedom to insult whomever I want. Freedom of speech should hold nothing sacred, not even God."


3. "Freedom of speech is important, but so is freedom of religion. Surely we can strike some sort of balance?" says Billy-Bob McGuffin, chief spokesperson for the PVSOC (the Portugal Virtual Society of Compromisers). "Freedom of speech comes with a responsibility. People must avoid anything that insults another's religion, and if they aren't willing to do it themselves, the government must enforce it."


4. "His Holiness, the Grand High Poobah of Violet, has the right idea, but the wrong religion," says Anne-Marie Spirit, the Prelate of Primary Public Relations for the fanatical organization Portugal Virtual's Concerned Citizens for Our God. "This nation needs an official religion, and not support the Godless heathens who worship the idolotrous Violet. Appoint me as your spiritual adviser an I'll ensure that all people worship God in the correct way."


5. "They've got it all wrong. Freedom of speech isn't the problem, religion is!" shouts Billy Wong, at a local AA (Atheists Anonymous) meeting. "If religion were outlawed, this problem would solve itself. Just send them in for medical treatment. After all, anyone who believes in some big invisible dude who can do anything is clearly nuts."


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: the Portugal Virtual Enquirer offers weekly cash prizes for 'most blasphemous song, story, or cartoon'.

Issue 36: Too Much Yakking, Already, Say Delegation

The Issue
Some people say Portugal Virtual's policy on free speech has gone too far.

The Debate
1. "These days, anyone says whatever they want with no regard to what kind of dribble is coming out of their mouths!" says angry commuter Tobias Shiomi. "It's gone too far. We should go back to the good old days, when if someone started talking garbage, we'd smack them one."

2. "We need more free speech, not less," argues civil rights campaigner Roger Fellow. "Free speech allows ideas to be explored, challenged, and discussed in a productive, open forum. It teaches our kids to be critical thinkers. And dirty words, of course, but that's just the price you pay."

3. "The right to free speech is a central tenet of our system of democracy," says religious leader Jazz Christmas. "But surely the right to not have your religious beliefs mocked by others is worth something, too? We mustn't put up with intolerance!"


Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: Portugal Virtual's children are widely acknowledged as the most foul-mouthed in the region.


Descrição após esta issue:

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Civil Rights: Excellent
Economy: Reasonable
Political Freedoms: Excellent

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a massive, environmentally stunning nation, renowned for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 1.094 billion have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Education, Law & Order, and Healthcare. The average income tax rate is 34%, but much higher for the wealthy. A large private sector is led by the Pizza Delivery industry, followed by Book Publishing and Basket Weaving.

Scenic mountain valleys are flooded with water as damming projects get underway, prime real estate is devoted to wind farms and solar energy generators, the Portugal Virtual Enquirer offers weekly cash prizes for 'most blasphemous song, story, or cartoon', and Portugal Virtual's children are widely acknowledged as the most foul-mouthed in the region. Crime is relatively low, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. 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 37: Organic Outburst

The Issue
After a recent left-wing broadsheet exposé of agricultural practices, an outburst of public paranoia has stirred up the organic foods debate.

The Debate
1. "I just can't stomach it any more," rants concerned parent Steffan Rubin. "My children's future is being put at risk by irresponsible corporate practices. We must outlaw the use of pesticides and additives by farmers and food producers."

2. "I've heard enough of this treehugging, lefty nonsense," argues corporate spokesman Lars Love. "The agricultural industry needs to use the most advanced technology available, it's the only way to keep Portugal Virtual competitive in food production. Besides, the studies we have commissioned prove that only a very small number of child deaths are due to our products, and surely that's an acceptable rate in the name of progress?"

3. "Stop torturing Mother Earth!" yells outraged environmental extremist Fleur Steele. "Are we prepared to sacrifice our planet and our souls for the sake of a few extra Escudos? If we hope to live in harmony with the environment that nurtures and protects us, we must ban all industries that pollute our world. Let us return to the trees, my brothers!"



Vitória da Opção 1

Efeito na nação: all-natural foods are becoming a major fad.

Issue 38: Sergeants Are Too Nasty, Say New Recruits

The Issue
A haggard group of new recruits in Portugal Virtual's army have spoken out against the brutal conditions experienced in their military training.

The Debate
1. "It's atrocious!" wails Private Prudence Li, from amidst the cacophony of a parade cadence. "We're forced to sleep in crowded barracks, on hard cots, and do the most inhumane exercises when we wake up! Just today I've had to crawl through a muddy minefield, climb a grease-coated wall, and to top it all off, get mangled by an angry drill sergeant! All we want is a little respect from the officers - maybe to sleep in until noon, and not have to get all sweaty and tired doing stupid things like marching and climbing ropes. Oh, and private bedrooms too - we're risking our lives for the country, after all."

2. "THEY WANT WHAT?!" screams Sgt. Burkz, while pressing back a rising vein on her neck. "This is WAR, not DAYCARE! If anything, the training standards should be tougher! If I want to whip some pasty-faced, beer-gutted greenhorn because he can't climb over a razor-wire fence then I should be be given the permission to do so right away! The cry-babies won't like it, but they can run home back to their rich daddies if that's the way they're having it. War isn't a walk in the park, and training shouldn't be either. For all our sakes."

3. "Training, what a load of old hooey," says renowned spendophobe and radio announcer, Bill Frederickson. "The only thing it teaches our soldiers is how to shine boots and fight plastic dummies. We'd be better off if we just dropped them into the fight so they could learn to shoot for themselves. There might be a few accidents, but it'll be worth it for all the Escudos we'll save."

4. "There is another way, you know..." whispers Colin Jefferson, the Chief of Secret Projects and Shiny Things in Portugal Virtual's military research department. "What if we started taking children and raising them from birth to fight? We'd be able to make them completely immune to propaganda, psychological warfare, and demoralisation. Not only would that stop the crying new recruits, it'd also give us a powerful military edge. People may not like giving up their kids, but that's why we run the country. We know better."



Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: the nation's infamous boot camp is more brutal than most battlefields.

Issue 39: Cannibals Demand To Taste What Portugal Virtual Has To Offer

The Issue
A coalition of tribalists, health experts, and civil rights proponents have recently suggested legalizing cannibalism for consumers of willing would-be meals.

The Debate
1. "I see absolutely no problem with people digging into each other at dinnertime, so long as everyone is willing," Fleur Wong, the editor of the monthly magazine 'To Serve Man', quips, "Not only does it solve hunger problems and create jobs, but it also adds variety to Portugal Virtual's sometimes dull palette."

2. Civil rights leader Prudence Hendrikson came out publicly for moderate pro-cannibalism legislation, commenting, "While it may strike some as a crude, even evil practice, our ancestors have practiced cannibalism for years. If we create a government organization to strictly regulate and grade all human meat prior to its arrival on the market, we can ensure that respect for diversity is maintained while health concerns are also allayed. And instead of killing average people, why not make being turned into snack foods a post-mortem option? Like donating your body to science!"

3. "You're all absolutely out of your minds!" exclaims Bill Hendrikson, head of Portugal Virtual's largest health-food manufacturer. "It's immoral, it's unhealthy, and it's disgusting. Not only are these so-called 'dietary rights' activists leading us down a dark path of sin, but right into a marketplace with yet another product that's almost as bad as beef!"



Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: soylent products are an expensive commodity due to a lack of volunteers.

Issue 40: Where There's A Will There's A Tax

The Issue
After the vast fortunes of a recently deceased oil tycoon in Portugal Virtual were left to a small cactus plant, citizens nationwide have been asking the same question: should the inheritance tax laws be changed?

The Debate
1. "Every time I see a stupid rich kid having an easy ride of life with money they did nothing to deserve, I go into a jealous rage and start punching walls," says economically disadvantaged individual Beth Jefferson. "Abolish inheritance entirely! If the government takes the inheritance then we can spend all that cash on things that make ordinary people's lives better, like education, social welfare, and attack helicopters."

2. "This is a disgusting breach of my human rights," says Larry Hendrikson, heir to an international widget empire. "Just think of all the poor families who have spent their lives scrimping and saving with the dream of passing on a modest luxury yacht to ensure the security of their children's children. All that sacrifice, all that toil, all those long nights working their fingers to the bone setting up offshore accounts - it brings a tear to my eye. Inheritance tax has got to go!"

3. "Surely we can arrange some sort of compromise here," says comfortable knitwear fan Fleur Jones. "Yes, it's true that some people exploit the system - but a lot of people rely on inheritance for their basic support! Why don't we just set a sensible ceiling on how much you can inherit? That way you get to keep the family farm, but not the five mansions and the oil refinery."



Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: inheritance tax has recently been abolished.



Descrição após esta issue:

Category: New York Times Democracy
Civil Rights: Very Good
Economy: Reasonable
Political Freedoms: Superb

The Republic of Portugal Virtual is a massive, socially progressive nation, renowned for its burgeoning Lince Ibérico population. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 1.271 billion enjoy a sensible mix of personal and economic freedoms, while the political process is open and the people's right to vote held sacrosanct.

The enormous government juggles the competing demands of Defence, Healthcare, and Education. The average income tax rate is 33%, but much higher for the wealthy. A substantial private sector is led by the Book Publishing industry, followed by Basket Weaving and Door-to-door Insurance Sales.

All-natural foods are becoming a major fad, inheritance tax has recently been abolished, soylent products are an expensive commodity due to a lack of volunteers, and the nation's infamous boot camp is more brutal than most battlefields. Crime is relatively low, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. 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 41: Cutting Off Sex Offenders?

The Issue

After the capture and trial of notorious rapist Henry Taiden, who was convicted of the rape of over 50 women in the past two years a debate has emerged on how he should be punished.


The Debate

1. "That psychopath should be castrated!" cries rape victim Akira Mombota, "The agony he put me through must be punished with a means that will ensure that no human being will ever go through what I did! If castration is used more often in these cases you will see rape drop to nothing!"


2. "I understand that this is a terrible time for the poor victims in this case," says defense attorney Bill Longfellow, "However, the answer is not to revert back to the dark ages. Instead, we should focus on rehabilitation of all criminals in our prison system."


3. "Everyone knows re-education is a waste of money, we shouldn't go soft on these crooks!" says CEO Aaron Longbottom of the People Trading Corporation. "Simply place all rapists and criminals in Portugal Virtual into forced labor under the management of our company to serve out their sentences. When we're through with them, they won't even think of jaywalking, much less harming another person. We get cheap labor, and these crooks get put straight. Everybody benefits... well, except the crooks."



Vitória da Opção 2

Efeito na nação: re-education centers are being added to most prisons.