Issue Roundup 4/12

In a worldwide survey, it has been revealed that Kristalmaan's population has been graded 'dim' by international comparison.

Accepted Position

"These results are terrible!" wails Doris Levy, a concerned teacher. "Something has to be done, and done quickly, if anyone's going to take today's youth seriously. It's high time we started to promote our gifted children; it is they who are the ones that bring us forward! The rest of today's youth shouldn't worry though, a basic education should be enough for a factory worker."

Result

The government funds private schools for intellectually gifted children.
-----

The Issue

The fanatical religious organization Kristalmaan's Concerned Citizens for Our God has brought it to your attention that there are many non-believers in your nation, and that they think something should be done about this.

Accepted Position

"Oh Lady, please don't let our noble leader listen to these extremists!" prays your religious advisor, Samuel du Pont. "Religion is an important guiding force in peoples' lives, but we have no right to force it on people. Atheists, since they don't have a religion, are less ethical and their actions cost society more, so it's only fair that they should be taxed more heavily to make up the difference."

Result

Atheists are heavily taxed.
-----

The Issue

After claims of two-headed rabbits being seen near the numerous landfills of Kristalmaan, there have been calls for the government to act.

Accepted Position

"Look at that thing!" wails famous environmentalist Robin Li, pointing at one of Kristalmaan's largest dumps. "It's an eyesore, a pollutant, and a damn disgrace! What we need to do is get everyone recycling their waste! What we have left we can shoot into space in specially-made space shuttles and we'll never have to think about it again! Sure it'll be expensive, but considering the benefits to the great outdoors, I think we should consider it."

Result

Space shuttles regularly launch rubbish into space.
-----
The Issue

Conservative commentators have remarked that many foreign immigrants in Kristalmaan are failing to take part in, or even acknowledge, the country's rich and varied culture, traditions, and social mores. This has caused some interethnic strife, and reports of violence in minority-dominated neighbourhoods have been increasing every day.

Accepted Position

"Oh, there's no need to be like that!" says Erica Dimitrov, president of the Multiculturalism Society in a cheery tone. "Kristalmaan should be a more accepting country, open to new experiences! Embrace difference, people, don't reject it! These folk aren't hurting us or our traditions, they are showing us different ways of life and making us wiser and richer beings in the process! It's our responsibility to take the first step towards reparations and remove any ethnic bias from the names of our public holidays - how does Winter Day sound to you? I like it."

Result

Religious figures have been banned from public holidays to make them more multicultural.