Subject: Addendum: curb the banking bonuses
Author:
Posted on: 2017-03-23 06:10:00 UTC
Those things are getting out of hand
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Democracy by
on 2017-03-21 19:09:00 UTC
Reply
Yaaaaaaawn.
Wha'? Oh, right, it was the election last night. Did we manage to win a seat? Who won, anyway?
... whaddaya mean I'm Prime Minister now?
So this is Democracy 3. For the real oldbies among us, it's a lot like NationStates, but decisions actually mean something. We've just been elected to rule an entire country, and that big sprawling mess up above is it. White circles are our policies, anything from taxes to legal drinking age to creationism:evolution balance. Blue circles are stats about our society, such as poverty, literacy, car usage and so on. And red... well, red is bad things. We've got alcohol abuse, we're a technological backwater... yeah, things aren't looking good.
And that's how not-good they are. Our GDP is at baseline, our income is way below our expenditures... and we've just been elected to deal with this fiasco.
Though I'm not sure how we got elected. We're polling spectacularly badly - perhaps only one person turned up to vote? I bet it was one of you, wasn't it? Rascals.
Well, there's no help for it: we're going to have to run this country. We'll need to adjust our policies - they all run on sliders, which have a cost to adjust, so we can't just change everything at once - to try andhold on to powerimprove our country. Well... by 'we', I mostly mean 'me'.
But you, dear Boarders, are my appointed ministers. Yeah, I've got an in-game cabinet, but they're a waste of space. So if we're going to do this, I need your advice. I will play through a year at a time (four turns to the year, and elections take place every four years), and together we can try to get re-elected, while avoiding assassination.
Oh, did I mention the assassinations? Yup, that's in there.
Here's what I need from my trusty ministers:
1/ Our citizens are from a wide variety of backgrounds. The coloured bars here show how much each group likes us, while the grey background shows how prominent they are:
You, dear ministers, need to tell me which demographic(s) you want me to focus on pleasing. I'll then look for policies that will make those groups happier - for instance, parents support child benefits, but are against legalising drugs.
2/ The policies are split into seven sections (look back at the overview higher up): Transport, Foreign Policy, Welfare, Economy, Taxes, Public Services, Law & Order. Please tell me which section I should focus on this year. I'll probably have to also adjust things outside that section, but I want a priority.
3/ We're not just limited to the policies we've inherited from our predecessors (whoever they might be): we can also enact new policies!
These are the options our cabinet have presented to us. If you want me to try and implement one of these, tell me and I'll do my best to scrape the political capital together.
4/ It is essential that you give yourself a title. As Wikipedia shows, ministerial positions in the UK range from 'Minister of State for Employment' to the delightfully-named 'Minister for the Northern Powerhouse'. I'm pretty sure you can craft yourselves some interesting titles... go nuts ^_^
Now, let's crack on! This country isn't going to run itself, except possibly into the ground. As soon as I get the advice of a couple of ministers, I'm going to plough on and try to make our nation prosper! Or suffer. Or just implode. Up to you!
For those who have played Democracy 3 before, we're playing as the UK (probably obviously). For those who haven't, but are interested, it's currently 75% off on Steam. For those who want to get away from the West, there is also a Democracy 3: Africa standalone expansion, so you can go wreck Ghana instead of Germany.
Now, come on, folks: let's goruinrun a nation!
hS -
Meanwhile, in the Mirror Multiverse... by
on 2017-03-22 18:38:00 UTC
Reply
Democracy is a failed system. We know this - the imbeciles in our nation have elected us, for Filth's sake.
Well, we'll show them. We've been granted a four year term, but reaching the next election will be considered an utter failure. So whether you're from the Ministrt of Ice Cream Suppression or Falsified Statistics, I want you to bend all your efforts to one goal: getting me assassinated.
I won't actually die, of course. But the attack will prove once and for all that democracy has failed, and that our enlightened, untrammeled rule is the only true option.
Do not fail me, my ministers.
((This is a second game, from the same start position as the first. Same rules, but this time your goal is to make me so hated that the terrorists - who can come from any demographic - successfully take me down. How you do it is up to you.))
hS FC -
Well, it's been a year, and I'm not dead. by
on 2017-03-22 21:23:00 UTC
Reply
Quite frankly, it's been a disappointing year. Okay, everyone hates us:
But no-one really hates us:
And frankly I don't blame them. I mean, what've we done? Oh, we've slashed the education budget, ramped up the sales taxes, thrown up tax shelters everywhere, and tried to make them all ill by crippling the food standards agency, and do you know what happened?
A massive budget surplus! I asked you to get me assassinated, not fix the national debt! The anti-health measures were so feeble we actually ended a doctor's strike.
As for you, Minister for Evil Overlordship - oh, I followed your advice. I completely revoked rail and bus subsidies. And do you want to know what happened to car usage?
It. Went. Down.
Get your act together, Ministers and Monsters. No more of these trifling evils. We've got a huge budget surplus right now: stop arguing over whether we need security increases (of course we don't! How am I going to get killed with all those guards and spies watching out for me?), and find me something truly heinous to spend the budget on.
Oh, and the banks want to know if they're allowed to profit off the backs of the poor. I trust you know what to say.
hS FC -
Two years. Still not dead. by
on 2017-03-23 21:32:00 UTC
Reply
Still not king.
Oh, I admit it's been a good year:
We've crushed the legal system. We've destroyed our intelligence community. We've ended foreign aid and prohibited alcohol - those were our first actions this year. We've swung the employer-worker balance entirely over to employers - we've even permitted child labour!
And we have a black market. We have tax evaders. We have class warfare and riots.
But we don't. Have. The hate.
Our number one haters are the Liberals and Socialists, but there are still too many reasons for them to like us. Look at these plots!
We're halfway through our term. If we don't shape up, we're going to be voted out - an ignominious end indeed! I'd much rather be killed.
Solve it.
hS FC
Oh, and there's some people we need to deal with. Let me know.
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Year 3. Irritatingly not dead. by
on 2017-03-24 21:31:00 UTC
Reply
You'll be pleased to know that the Socialists tried - but apparently we acquired some Secret Service types? I don't know where from, the Intelligence agencies have been entirely defunded.
But there is still hope for them. By following your wise policies - ending policing, banning abortion, cutting benefits and anti-discrimination laws - we have ensured that our country is going down the drain:
We are achieving failure on an international scale.
We are... somehow doing well on the economic front.
But most of all: we are hated. We are reviled.
They will come for us. And we will open our arms to welcome them.
This is the final year before we are 'voted' out. Make it count.
((I just hope there's not a limit on the frequency of assassinations...))
hS FC -
Well, darn. by
on 2017-03-25 15:00:00 UTC
Reply
My most sincere condolences to hear that my—uh, I mean, those men made an attempt on your life, sir. I would most like to hear about future security measures that will be put in place. For the press, you understand.
—Iximaz, reporter for the Sunflower Times -
There will be no securit-- I mean: by
on 2017-03-27 15:23:00 UTC
Reply
Every measure will be taken to suppress the blah blah blah. We will be targetting the Socialist and Liberal demographics for broad-scale anti-terrorism measures, which will consist of taking away everything they love and building up everything they hate.
It's gonna be great. You'll see.
hS FC -
From the Minister of Falsified Statistics... by
on 2017-03-24 19:25:00 UTC
Reply
Honorable First Consul,
Extreme measures must be taken, sir. Whatever remains of our social support system must be gutted. Likewise, environmental protections must be curtailed. The community policing program and the Race Discrimination Act must be either done away with or neutered to the point of uselessness. If abortion can be banned, then do so. Evict the squatters.
Remember, sir: 139 percent of all plans take time to come to fruition.
PoorCynic, MOFS -
Good. Good. by
on 2017-03-24 20:27:00 UTC
Reply
We agree with MOFS: Let the hate flow through you.
-MoSH -
First Consul, it would seem that your nation is ripe for... by
on 2017-03-23 22:49:00 UTC
Reply
...a vigilante.
Crime through the roof? Unemployment rising? Poverty going up?
If you're not careful, you'll start seeing vigilantes spring up, and where one vigilante rises, five more soon follow. And then you've got a mess with them starting to be labeled superheros, or at least working unofficially with the police...and, well. You can't have that.
My suggestion as Super-Analyst? Cut police funding. Encourage super-villains--better yet, encourage *smart* super-villains. Import them from other places, if need be--increase immigration but don't increase funding to support immigrants. And raise the cost of living. As conditions turn harder, comic books suggest that super-villains will rise. (Varieties include the "I will make my city better and squash all vigilantes trying to stop me"--you may eventually be assassinated by one of them, of course, but that seems to be your goal, no? It can't hurt!)
As for the squatters...if you wish to increase super-villainy rates (do you? Of course you do!) my super-analysis is that evicting the squatters will provide more angry people to become super-villains' minions! Wins all around. Well, sort of. The super-villains win, I guess.
((hopefully it's okay to join the advice giving two years in? If not, feel free to go 'who is this what are you doing here' in character or something, or else just let me know OOC. Couldn't resist, though :D))
~Zing -
Yesssss. Yes, we shall do this. by
on 2017-03-24 17:21:00 UTC
Reply
The police will be broken. Immigration shall be massive. Every way we can make the poor miserable will be considered - and guns, the weapon that can make the commonest man a superpower, will be available to all (for sure this time!).
Welcome to the cabinet, Super-Analyst Zingenmir. May your tenure be short (because your advice is successful, and I get 'assassinated' and take over as dictator).
hS FC -
Now that's more like it. Here's what we'll do. by
on 2017-03-23 16:49:00 UTC
Reply
Alcohol is out. The legal system is out. Guns are in. Foreign aid is out. Any nonsense which provides 'rights' for 'workers' is out, smashed, and gone. The Socialists and the Liberals will be lining up to take us out.
Good! Your hate has made you... powerful!
hS FC -
Minister of Falsified Statistics here. by
on 2017-03-23 06:16:00 UTC
Reply
Honorable First Consul,
I would not heed the numbers too much, sir. No doubt the feckless false media has distorted this government's actions. I have it on excellent authority that we are loathed in many quarters.
Now then, as to plans. First, we must swing labor laws in favor of the corporations. Letting them work their employees for hours on end will no doubt push people to the breaking point. Then, we should pass both a plastic bag tax and a junk food tax. Hit the people who can afford it the least right where it hurts: in their wallets.
119 percent of the ministry stands behind you, First Consul.
PoorCynic, MoFS -
Furthermore... by
on 2017-03-22 22:02:00 UTC
Reply
If you're going for the socialists, cut all government spending that increases employment. The more people can't find work, the angrier those socialists will get. Of note are state schools. If they're receiving anything but the bare minimum, they haven't been cut enough. Also cut legal and foreign aid, which will irritate the socialists, but won't make the Capitalists happy. If you want to irritate the Capitalists, increase all the taxes, not just the income tax, and increase limited automated trade, then state pensions, and then child benefits, in that order. Those all have people who benefit from them, unfortunately, but we can't offend everybody.
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Oh, I'm sorry... by
on 2017-03-22 21:43:00 UTC
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...you wanted Cackling Evil not Corporate Evil. We can help.
1) Take away the booze. Total Prohibition.
2) Make the death penalty all but mandatory in all cases
3) More guns.
4) Take away all socialist programs. Child care, maternity leave, everything.
The Liberals and socialists hate us, so let's give them something to really hate us for.
-Phobos, Monster of Sinister Hates (for good reason) -
I want hate. I don't care how they get there. by
on 2017-03-22 22:03:00 UTC
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"Let them cackle, so long as they kill me."
((So I didn't feel comfortable saying 'let's play an evil game where we support [insert demographic]!' Instead, I've gone for the other evil: making them hate us soooo much that they kill us all. It'll be fun!))
hS FC -
((Strategy)) by
on 2017-03-22 22:10:00 UTC
Reply
((Especially the chart that tells us who is a threat to us. It was based on this chart that I decided to ramp up the pressure on our two biggest threats, the Liberals (Human Rights Society) and the Socialists (Communist Party). This is a tactical strike where it will do the most damage.))
((-The Strategist)) -
The Minister of Evil Overlordship has some suggestions. by
on 2017-03-22 19:54:00 UTC
Reply
First, you'll want to crank out as much exhaust into the atmosphere as you can; the parent demographic will hate you for the increased chance of asthma. Put ludicrous restrictions on any public transport, and if you have a hybrid car initiative, get it out of there! We don't need that!
Second, you need to make your people desperately unhappy. Don't provide any state healthcare and hamper private healthcare as much as possible. I second the Minister of Sinister Hates; make sure they're as poorly educated as possible.
Third, and this will sound odd, you need to pick one demographic to please completely. That way, you'll have enough political capital to make everything else worse. I'll leave what demographic that shall be to your own unfailing wisdom, First Consul. *bows*
-Alleb, the Minister of Evil Overlordship -
The Ministry of Ice Cream Suppression has a simple answer. by
on 2017-03-22 19:41:00 UTC
Reply
Increase the taxes as much as you can, particularly those which harm the capitalists to a staggering degree. That should have you dead within the time limit. Also, reduce security forces as much as possible.
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The Monster Of Sinister Hates wants... by
on 2017-03-22 19:07:00 UTC
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We must protect ourselves from the imbeciles who elected us! More private prisons, more police drones, and more tax shelters (somewhere nice so I can vacation with my money).
We'll get the funds from the public libraries and the schools. After all, an uneducated populace is more easily manipulated.
-Phobos, Monster of Sinister Hates -
Oh, look, a new NationStates region! by
on 2017-03-22 01:15:00 UTC
Reply
Behold! I have created a new NationStates Region: Plort! Feel free to join! Password is JayandAcacia, case sensitive.
Also, darn you, hS. You got me hooked on Democracy 3, too. There goes all my time.
-Alleb -
State of the Nation, 1 year in. by
on 2017-03-21 23:32:00 UTC
Reply
Well, folks, I was always taught to lead with the bad news, and in this case, it's pretty bad. Our economy is... not an economy, as such. It's more of a black hole.
It's been a rough year. Our credit rating has been downgraded, which I'm afraid means more interest on our debt.
And... there's no easy way to put this, but halfway through the year, a General Strike was announced. The strikers - Socialists and Trade Unionists - placed the blame on high unemployment levels.
But don't let that get you down! We're only a year in, and any attempt to bring about true change will have a temporary impact.
And we have made a change, trusty ministers. At the combined urging of Non-Propaganda Communications, Silly Hats, and Ice Cream Affairs, we've focussed on the environment of our beloved nation; at Surprisingly Important Things' suggestion, we've done so primarily through the Transport sector, building bus lanes and subsidising the railways (with some clean energy subsidies thrown in for good measure). And we have had an effect!
It's a small effect, but this is early days. We're not up for election for another three years, we have time to do this right.
On Technological Advancement's advice, we've raised science funding, implemented technology grants, and then raised them later in the year. And it's paying off, folks, it's paying off:
We've followed Non-Propaganda Communications' lead in taxes, raising Capital Gains and Inheritance taxes. We've also implemented a strong program of funding the arts, and provided winter fuel allowances - gotta take care of the elderly!
So there have been changes. And I think a lot of them have been good changes:
And, I gotta say, the poll results have been heartening.
We're not exactly popular yet... but we will be!
So now we need to set our priorities for the coming year. Should we stay the course on our environmentalist-technologist path? Who should we tax (everyone, obviously, but how should we split it?)? What demographics do we want on side, and who can we ignore? (The so-called cabinet are offering pretty much the same new policies as before, minus the ones we implemented!)
And one more question... I've had a bunch of lobbyists pestering me about some sort of debt collection thing. Wanna give me your opinions on that? I could use the help.
((More ministers are always welcome!))
Prime Minister Huinesoron -
State of the Nation, 2 years in. by
on 2017-03-22 21:12:00 UTC
Reply
Folks - I have news, and it's good news!
Our government has just passed 50% in the polls. If we can keep this going, we're sure to win the next election two years from now.
We've spent this year doing as you recommended. We've boosted funding to state schools and outlawed the teaching of creationism, to boost our science, and it's having an impact:
We've limited the power of those debt collectors, and established rent control and a luxury goods tax to improve the lot of the poor. We haven't left business out, though - we've subsidised small business, trying to diversify our economy.
And we've shown improvement, we really have. Take a look at this!
I mean... not much improvement, granted. But our income has increased! Though, uh, our credit rating is now CC. So, y'know, two steps forward, one step back. And at least we've nearly put an end to the general strike!
Our past policies are still paying fruit, too: check out the environment in our enlightened nation!
Funny story for you - middle of the year, we had a bona fide real-life superhero show up. Apparently we've got some crime issues? Don't know if you folks want to do anything about that, I don't understand it myself.
Know what I do understand, though? Questions! And I've got a neat one for you:
I'll leave you to consider that. Here's the overview of our fair nation. Guidance on a postcard, please (is that how the kids say it these days?).
PM hS
((We didn't do anything with the alcohol tax because you couldn't agree on it. Silly Hats and Distressing Statistics will need to consult before we can make a change.)) -
State of the Nation, 3 years in. by
on 2017-03-23 21:01:00 UTC
Reply
Housekeeping first: the Minister for Surprisingly Important Things has taken a leave of absence. I'm sure the lack of his counsel will be noticed.
Folks, I've gotta tell you, we were able to do everything we agreed on. Bank bonuses? Limited. Alcohol tax? Raised. Drugs? Legalised and taxed. Cuts? Made, mostly in road building (which will cut car use, and improve our environment).
Now, some of you may have heard the damning news reports back in the first quarter - the ones that ignored the strike we'd just put an end to, and focussed on the way our credit rating had just been downgraded yet again. And yes, it's true that our policies led to a brain drain on our country, and rampant drug addiction. But we've been countering those!
We've reduced the luxury goods tax to half the brain drain. We've boosted the health system to counter the drug issue. We've helped out the environment with a recycling initiative, and we've even found the funds to increase police presence. Heck, this last quarter, we won a major aerospace contract! Check out these beauties:
Yes, you read that right: we are on course to win this election! Keep it up, folks, we're doing great.
Now, I admit, there are still problems. The brain drain has killed our economy back off:
(Though our technological backwater status is about to go away, helping with that.)
And the capitalist terrorists named after cake are coming for us:
But our policies are working! Our people like us... slightly more than average! Stay the course, loyal ministers.
PM hS
((Democracy 3! The game for anyone who ever looked at their workday and thought "needs more spreadsheets!".)) -
From the Minister of Distressing Statistics... by
on 2017-03-24 19:14:00 UTC
Reply
Prime Minister,
Let us not mince words. We are on the verge of a major economic crisis. My analysts (the ones who are either not fleeing the country with all of their money or currently standing on a ledge outside the building) have predicted a 79 percent chance that the country will default on its loans over the next year. We must find a way to reinvigorate our GDP without further spending ourselves into debt. My suggestions will not be popular, but we have some popularity to spare.
1) Make cuts to several of our largest programs, those being social programs and the military. I'm not suggesting to gut them, but we have to tighten our belts a little bit.
2) Fractionally lower the capital gains tax and corporate tax rates. Businesses are not investing, and we're going to need to give them some incentives to do so again.
3) Consider making hard drugs illegal again, or at the very least restricted. I know that flip-flopping is seen as a major political sin, but so far the negatives for this policy are outweighing the potential positives. We've lost the support of parents and damaged our nation's health, and for what? Some support from the liberals and about 1.5 billion in revenue?
Yours sincerely,
PoorCynic, MoDS -
Year 4. Yes, let us not mince words. by
on 2017-03-24 21:17:00 UTC
Reply
I followed your advice, loyal minister, and for a time it seemed good:
But it was not. We cut back on the military, and the polls went down. We cut the legal drugs back to cannabis, and the polls stayed down. We reduced the taxes you suggested, and the polls went further down.
In the last quarter, I did everything I could to restore our popularity, to appeal to our supporters. I raised legal aid. I raised foreign aid. I raised state housing. I created a whole new branch of the government just to promote health and safety.
And it wasn't enough.
The Suvians carried the day. We have lost. All we can do is say that we have, in some ways, left our nation better off than it began.
Maybe election year wasn't the best time for a drastic economic stimulus plan...? ^_~ Well, saves me the trouble of figuring out whether to play past the election, anyway.
I had a really great time with this. It was fun trying to implement everyone's ideas, and I think I've learnt a thing or two about the game as well. Maybe I can use it to get my own save out of debt at last...
PM hS (ret'd) -
I should add that the election is next year. by
on 2017-03-23 21:20:00 UTC
Reply
This is our final meeting. In four quarters, we will find out the result.
PM hS -
If I don't receive advice, I shall continue as before. (nm) by
on 2017-03-24 17:22:00 UTC
Reply
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The plan so far. by
on 2017-03-23 16:45:00 UTC
Reply
It looks like DisStat, ICAff, and SuImThi are all in favour of raising the alcohol tax, and using the money to fund our efforts. There's also a 2:1 agreement that we need to make cuts, though not in our areas of interest; I'll see if there's anything unpopular that we can slash.
Distressing Statistics has proposed giving tax breaks to foreign investors. Surprisingly Important Things suggests legalising and taxing some drugs.
Unfortunately there is no agreement yet on the banking bonuses; unless someone else can comment, I'll have to make the decision myself.
PM hS
((About three hours to go)) -
Silly Hats by
on 2017-03-23 17:39:00 UTC
Reply
We agree with our esteemed colleagues on the alcohol tax. We also agree that cuts must be made, but we do not know to what areas.
Distressing Statistics might be correct on tax breaks for foreign investors, but I would like to wait another year to see how our agreed upon measures do, before we move on this.
We also support the SIT proposal to legalize and tax certain drugs.
We would also like to vote in favor of limiting banking bonuses. It will likely cause that money to be reinvested in the business (hiring more workers, perhaps) or invested elsewhere in the economy.
-Phobos, MoSH -
On foreign investment tax breaks by
on 2017-03-23 17:16:00 UTC
Reply
If the gain in revenue from new business would outweigh the direct tax losses, do it. Otherwise, don't.
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DoTA agrees with SIT on the issue of a Drug Tax (nm) by
on 2017-03-23 16:51:00 UTC
Reply
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Given our popularity at the moment... by
on 2017-03-23 06:59:00 UTC
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... I think we need either an alcohol tax, or a tobacco tax. We can't allow our popularity to be shaken too much, and those are unpopular measures, so, even though we need the money, both is out of the question. However, an increase in one or another tax might be a good idea. I am afraid I believe we must also cut spending in some areas. They cannot be ones that we have focused on improving, nor can they be ones that reduce the value of the situations we are currently dealing with, however, so it must be selected carefully. It also should be an unpopular measure, as I believe reducing it will increase our popularity, however, that is, in my opinion, the least of our worries.
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Report from the Misistry of Suprisingly Important Things by
on 2017-03-23 06:08:00 UTC
Reply
Well, there's not much suprisingly important stuff going on. However, we do have a bit of an obvious problem. We need money, and cutting spending would be a bad idea, not to mention unpopular.
So, I propose raising the tobacco tax (we do have an asthma problem, I think, and I'm pretty sure fewer cigarettes means less asthma), raising alcohol taxes, and, if we can do it without spending too much political capital or making everyone angry, legalize some drugs and tax the heck out of them. -
Addendum: curb the banking bonuses by
on 2017-03-23 06:10:00 UTC
Reply
Those things are getting out of hand
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From the Minister of Distressing Statistics... by
on 2017-03-23 06:00:00 UTC
Reply
Prime Minister,
It appears that the economy, both at home and across the entire globe, is in latrina. Given the direness of the situation, it may be time to make some harsh cuts to existing programs so as to bolster our GDP. We might possibly pass tax breaks for foreign investors? It is also for this reason that I argue we should not restrict banking bonuses. While this may strike some as odious, we must provide at least some corporate-centric incentives.
There are also multiple issues with crime and criminality in our fair nation. Organized crime, uncontrolled public drunkenness, lynch mobs—the entire situation is a dire one. Once again, I encourage us to—at the very least—increase the alcohol tax. Possibly even the drinking age. Eliminating the alcohol problem may also help alleviate some of our economic issues. It may not be popular, but neither is all the vomit in the gutters.
Yours respectfully,
PoorCynic, MoDS -
From the Ministry of Definitely Fair Elections by
on 2017-03-22 17:05:00 UTC
Reply
I propose that we increase education funding, hopefully that will makes the parents happy.
Pressure the debt collectors, they are evil, I would know.
OrangeYoshi
Minister of Definitely Fair Elections -
So here's the consensus so far: by
on 2017-03-22 11:54:00 UTC
Reply
Non-Propaganda Communications, Ice Cream Affairs, & Technological Advancements want us to improve our schools. N-P Comms and Distressing Statistics want us to subsidise small businesses. Distressing Stats also supports a high alcohol tax (and the evolution thing, but that's really expensive; we'll see). Surprisingly Important Things proposes a luxury goods tax. And everybody wants us to limit the debt collection agencies.
It's still a good eight hours before we can even think about starting the new year, so there's plenty of time to get your thoughts in.
PM hS -
Ministry of Silly Hats Report: Year 1 by
on 2017-03-22 15:56:00 UTC
Reply
It was a good year for Silly Hats. We've finally run through our fez surplus from the Matt Smith years, so it's all Tricornes, Jesters' Caps, and Mitres from here on in.
On the policy side of things, the ministers of N-P Comms, ICA, Tech Adv, and Distressing Stats have some good ideas. I support most of their proposals.
I will say that Distressing Stats has it wrong with the Alcohol Tax. Everyone likes alcohol, and we want to make that pivotal Everyone group happy.
Another thing that Everyone likes is low rent. I have heard from sources that the rent is...let me get this right..."Too damn high"? Perhaps some rent control would be appropriate? That might even help the economy if people have more money in their pockets. Everyone likes having more money in their pockets.
-Phobos, MoSH -
From the Minister of Distressing Statistics... by
on 2017-03-22 05:22:00 UTC
Reply
Prime Minister,
As the newly appointed Minister of Distressing Statistics, I have noted with no small amount of trepidation the tanking of our economy and downgrading of our credit. As money is rather important to what we're trying to do, obviously this is something that must be addressed immediately. Job-producing programs, such as farm and small business subsidies, should be looked into. If we have the political capital, I would also suggest ending the teaching of creationism in schools and focusing entirely on evolution. This will upset our more religious citizens, but bolster our support with the liberals.
This will not be popular, but I might also suggest increasing the alcohol tax. The rate of drunkenness is too high, and affects the nation's health and economy. Plus, we need more money.
Finally, I would recommend limiting the ability of debt agencies. These pirates must be shown that we will not condone the fleecing of our people.
Yours respectfully,
PoorCynic, MoDS -
Technological Advancements suggests... by
on 2017-03-22 00:30:00 UTC
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To increase funding to the school system. More knowledgeable persons could easily lead to a better economy.
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From Suprisingly Important Things by
on 2017-03-22 00:26:00 UTC
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We should do ... something to help middle-income types. They seem to be in a bad place right now (or at least angry at us).
Something should be done about debt collectors. It's a problem .
Since we need cash, luxury good tax? -
On middle income voters... by
on 2017-03-22 01:17:00 UTC
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I feel we should concentrate our efforts on groups who don't already hate us. Courting the middle may isolate some of our supporters and would be more difficult than getting indifferent groups to support us.
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Well, yes by
on 2017-03-22 02:33:00 UTC
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Especially since they seem to be doing fine economically at the moment. It would help if we know what they were angry about.
If we have the resources, we could try and help out farmers some. That'd help the economy, I think,and get us more votes. -
Here's why the middle-incomes hate us: by
on 2017-03-22 08:39:00 UTC
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Red arrows are negative incentives; green (which there aren't any) are positive. We could try to do something about homelessness, such as increasing state housing or supporting private renting; the alternative is, obviously, lowering those taxes. (Lowering property tax would probably achieve both.)
PM hS -
As I see it, there are two main paths here. by
on 2017-03-22 08:59:00 UTC
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We can either increase old taxes and create new ones, then invest in ending homelessness or some other crisis, or we can cut spending. This depends primarily on how invested we are in keeping the Capitalists from wanting our heads. It's hard enough to effectively get rid of some of the crises in America, where there are a few outlets that can be used to relax the pressure from the Capitalist voters wanting you not just out of office, but dead. In the UK, it's far more difficult. Push taxes up too much, and they will try to assassinate you. Repeatedly. Until it works. And the one thing that makes Capitalists more infuriating to deal with than anybody else is that they hate basically every form of tax. So, basically, if we increase our income, we make the Capitalists want to kill us. So, if we do increase said income, it must be only as much as needed to focus on and eliminate one crisis. After one is eliminated, we can back off on those levels enough to give us funding for other areas, but not so much that we start the crisis all over again. However, should we do this, I'm not sure we should focus on Homelessness. It seems like we should focus our efforts on a crisis that, either by removing it or because these groups like the reforms that would remove the crisis, will win us the support of the Poor, the Liberals, and the Self-Employed, seeing as these are all groups that are neutral to us. We could also attempt to cultivate Farmers and Religious voters.
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The other way of dealing with the capitalists... by
on 2017-03-22 11:49:00 UTC
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... is to ramp up our security presence. In my last/only game, I had slow-burning capitalist extremists for most of the game, but after the nuns tried to assassinate me, I paid the Intelligence service to make them go away. ^_^ CCTV on every street corner helped, too.
At the moment there are no serious terror threats to our fair nation.
PM hS -
Further comments from Minister Granz. by
on 2017-03-22 00:07:00 UTC
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On the economy, well, I'm not quite sure how to deal with it. I'll consider it, and if anything occurs to me, I'll mention it. I vote we should limit the power of debt collection agencies. I think it will get the poor, who may already be tempted to come to our party, to throw themselves behind our cause. It will also give us that warm, glowy feeling that comes from being decent people. Also, on the unemployment levels, I believe that increasing state schooling decreases those levels, so we might consider investing in that. We may also consider courting the socialist and liberal votes to increase our popularity, given that they seem to have a lot of influence.
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From the Ministry of Non-Propaganda Communications: by
on 2017-03-21 23:44:00 UTC
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I strongly urge you to limit the activities of debt collection agencies. Letting them be is simply not an option; they are a blight on the good name of our nation and their activities must be strictly regulated.
I also believe that the stimulation of small businesses will lead to long-term growth in a variety of economic sectors, thus benefiting the poorer in our society, allowing them to become profitable and provide vital services. Not only that, but the growth generated will be able to fuel our economy, allowing for further revenue streams and the improvement of our economy back to AAA standard. Possibly. I mean, it's worth a shot, right? -
Minister of Ice Cream Affairs Granz weighs in on the matter. by
on 2017-03-21 22:57:00 UTC
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As somebody who is currently playing as America, some of these icons are unfamiliar to me. However, I would advocate playing to the Environmentalists. They already favor our party, so we might as well keep that strong, and most policies that increase their favor benefit the environment, which in turn benefits tourism and the health of the general population.
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As Minister for Suprisingly Important Things by
on 2017-03-21 22:06:00 UTC
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I propose we focus on Transport, because that'll probably help with the whole "terrible economy" thing.
We also might want to help out the Socialists, because I like them and they seem to be rather influential besides. -
The Minister Of Silly Hats wants... by
on 2017-03-21 21:32:00 UTC
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...to get the Everyone Group on our side!
Since everyone likes the Arts, I vote more Arts Subsidies.
Everyone also likes to breathe (with some few exceptions (looking at you Youth)) so any clean energy initiatives would be lovely.
Also, everyone hates taxes, so we should do away with Tax Shelters (why do we need to build houses for taxes anyway? Very silly.) and Foreign Investor Tax Breaks (Unless they are invested in investing in vests, of course.)
-Phobos, Minister of Silly Hats -
Right, so: by
on 2017-03-21 21:54:00 UTC
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Non-Propaganda Communications wants to tax the rich and placate the greens. Technological Advances wants, uh, technological advances. And Silly Hats wants arts funding and green-ness, and no tax evasion. Gentlefolk, I believe we have an action plan; I will reconvene the cabinet at the end of the year to discuss our progess and update our objectives.
Prime Minister Huinesoron (for my sins) -
I second this motion by
on 2017-03-21 21:41:00 UTC
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I do like the idea of more Art stuff
~Mattman, Head of the Department of Technological Advancement -
I call for increases in our Technological Abilities. by
on 2017-03-21 20:21:00 UTC
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This includes Technology Grants, Robotics Research Grants, Technology College, and a Space Program!
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Minor spoilers for an upcoming interlude, but... by
on 2017-03-21 19:58:00 UTC
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Could someone be listed as the Minister for Non-Propaganda Communications?
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Well, if they gave some advice, hint hint. (nm) by
on 2017-03-21 20:11:00 UTC
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Well... by
on 2017-03-21 20:34:00 UTC
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In real life, the elderly always vote in absolute droves, so a Winter Fuel Allowance might be a good idea. However, we do need to balance the books. I'd look into raising taxes on high earners and capital gains/inheritances of large amounts (if that's possible ingame), while also maybe pushing a Plastic Bag Tax as well to get the greenies on side. Additionally, it might be a good idea to get some Micro-Generation Grants going in a limited capacity - again, this is something that'll get the greenies on side, of which we appear to have several. The PPC's economy appears to be in the toilet, though; we need to increase government revenues through a small stimulus package, possibly involving quantitative easing.
I still want the Ministry of Non-Propaganda Communications, though. =] -
So I'm a real oldbie, huh? by
on 2017-03-21 19:33:00 UTC
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I'm fairly certain the 12.876 billion people who live in my nation mean something, even if it is just how many of them get turned into zombies in the annual zombie apocalypse.
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Ooh, is that place still going? by
on 2017-03-21 20:12:00 UTC
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Way way (way way way) back, we had a PPC region over there. Everyone drifted away eventually... anyway, this is a bit like that, but you can lose. ^_^ Want to play?
hS