The Sky Is Falling
19/1/14 19:28![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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talkpoliticsHi again, you benevolent dictators of this fictional utopian society of yours that you've probably already shaped beyond repair by taking a series of decisions in a number of ridiculously dichotomous situations, previously presented by Yours-truly. The following situation has been inspired by the NationStates game, where you're the guy one calling the shots (admit it, who wouldn't want that?) The last time the debate was about the sex and violence epidemic on late night television, and Ms Mikaela Boogeyman, the free-speech advocate won the poll by an overwhelming margin, arguing that the government needs to get the hell out of people's TV receivers, and allow the market to adapt to the needs of the customers/viewers. Ultimately, you've decided that it's all up to the parents. But now the situation is quite different. So here goes...
The Issue
A particularly bad spate of bombings, hijackings and snake attacks aboard airline flights has crippled the air travel industry in Insert Country Name. The government has convened to discuss possible ways of improving airport security.
The Debate
1. "It's a no-brainer," bellows Sgt. Calvin McKarthy, frisking you as you enter the meeting. "Put police officers on every flight, armed and ready to deal with those blasted sky pirates! It's deterrence and protection wrapped up in one. If anyone so much as says the word 'bomb' they'd better watch out!"
2. "You want to put people with guns on aeroplanes?!" asks Stefanie Lee, a private security guard at Beebopolis International Airport. "And at the taxpayers' expense to boot? For the love of the Holy Teapot, keep the police out of this! Airport security should remain in private hands! Think realistically for a moment: government priorities change all the time but companies are in it for profit. Bombings are bad for business! We don't let them happen! So just... butt out will you? I'm not losing my job to a flatfoot!"
3. "We don't need no copper protectin' us! We can look after our own hides!" laughs Georgina Broadside, president of the Trigger-Hippie Rifle and Revolver Association. "Air flight passengers should be allowed to carry concealed weapons. If one of them terr'ists thinks he's gunna walk all over Insert Country Name like he owns the place then he's got another thing coming, ha!"
4. "I only wanted to tour this lovely place for a few w-weeks," wails bewildered tourist Miss Jennifer Gutenberg, recovering from a particularly vigorous strip search. "I have a right not to be probed and prodded at the whim of some wand-waving monkey with a high school education! For a whole hour I might add! They treat us like cattle! In the name of decency, I request, nay demand an end to the disgrace that is airport security! I mean, really, it's like they don't trust me or something!"
5. "Let's just ban all planes!" shouts Juanito Sanchez, prodding you persistently in the chest. "Bombings and terrorist attacks aren't the only problems these things cause! The aeroplane is one of the worst pollutants mankind has ever created! They're loud, they're ugly, and they burn fuel like there's no tomorrow! There are more environment-friendly ways to travel than by plane even if they are slower! Much slower. But cleaner!"
The legislature of Insert Country Name is preparing to adopt a decision.
[Poll #1952741]
I think it's become more than clear by now that you're not gonna get a "none of the above" option here, and for a reason. ;-)
The Issue
A particularly bad spate of bombings, hijackings and snake attacks aboard airline flights has crippled the air travel industry in Insert Country Name. The government has convened to discuss possible ways of improving airport security.
The Debate
1. "It's a no-brainer," bellows Sgt. Calvin McKarthy, frisking you as you enter the meeting. "Put police officers on every flight, armed and ready to deal with those blasted sky pirates! It's deterrence and protection wrapped up in one. If anyone so much as says the word 'bomb' they'd better watch out!"
2. "You want to put people with guns on aeroplanes?!" asks Stefanie Lee, a private security guard at Beebopolis International Airport. "And at the taxpayers' expense to boot? For the love of the Holy Teapot, keep the police out of this! Airport security should remain in private hands! Think realistically for a moment: government priorities change all the time but companies are in it for profit. Bombings are bad for business! We don't let them happen! So just... butt out will you? I'm not losing my job to a flatfoot!"
3. "We don't need no copper protectin' us! We can look after our own hides!" laughs Georgina Broadside, president of the Trigger-Hippie Rifle and Revolver Association. "Air flight passengers should be allowed to carry concealed weapons. If one of them terr'ists thinks he's gunna walk all over Insert Country Name like he owns the place then he's got another thing coming, ha!"
4. "I only wanted to tour this lovely place for a few w-weeks," wails bewildered tourist Miss Jennifer Gutenberg, recovering from a particularly vigorous strip search. "I have a right not to be probed and prodded at the whim of some wand-waving monkey with a high school education! For a whole hour I might add! They treat us like cattle! In the name of decency, I request, nay demand an end to the disgrace that is airport security! I mean, really, it's like they don't trust me or something!"
5. "Let's just ban all planes!" shouts Juanito Sanchez, prodding you persistently in the chest. "Bombings and terrorist attacks aren't the only problems these things cause! The aeroplane is one of the worst pollutants mankind has ever created! They're loud, they're ugly, and they burn fuel like there's no tomorrow! There are more environment-friendly ways to travel than by plane even if they are slower! Much slower. But cleaner!"
The legislature of Insert Country Name is preparing to adopt a decision.
[Poll #1952741]
I think it's become more than clear by now that you're not gonna get a "none of the above" option here, and for a reason. ;-)
(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:25 (UTC)Instead, arm flight attendants. This solves multiple issues without extra labor costs. Drunk or unruly passengers will think twice, as will any shoe-bombers or other miscreants.
Also, let me take this opportunity to invite people to visit my fair nation of Deadcatistan (http://www.nationstates.net/nation=deadcatistan), located in the friendly and active region of Wysteria (http://www.nationstates.net/region=wysteria).
(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:32 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:48 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:57 (UTC)Problem is, once you've got it in your plate, the wave function is collapsed.
(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 21:57 (UTC)This is the Snowball. I found her almost two weeks ago, huddled in the bushes next to my drive-through coffee place. I couldn't figure out what it was at first. I jumped out of my car and when I tried to pick her up, she feebly hopped a couple steps and I scooped her up. The only things near are a public storage place and a busy road. She was suffering from a respiratory infection, was very dehydrated and starving. Now she's recovered from the cat flu and happily cohabitating with my black shelter cat.
I'd never done anything like that before but I recognized in that moment that if I didn't act, she was almost certainly dead.
(no subject)
Date: 20/1/14 06:58 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 21/1/14 02:54 (UTC)That is one content looking cat.
(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:33 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:49 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:43 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 19:51 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 20:34 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 20:38 (UTC)Let's ban airplanes altogether! Time to move on to flying saucers! Warp drive FTW!
(Can't wait for my first flight as a flight attendant to Mars...)
(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 21:02 (UTC)Warp Drive just means we'd spread the human plague to the rest of the galaxy. They probably don't want us out there creating strip malls and such.
(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 21:29 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 19/1/14 21:57 (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 20/1/14 21:17 (UTC)Nah. Only people who have the capacity and authorization to use them. Like, ya know, air marshals. Or why not plane pilots who already do have them (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Flight_Deck_Officer).
(no subject)
Date: 21/1/14 02:52 (UTC)Provoking an overreaction is the strategic plan for those on the lesser side of asymmetric warfare...