Game Moderator noticeboard (GEN STRIKE SUSPENDED IN FACE OF POLICE INTERVENTION)
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Author Topic: Game Moderator noticeboard (GEN STRIKE SUSPENDED IN FACE OF POLICE INTERVENTION)  (Read 2322 times)
Foucaulf
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« on: August 25, 2015, 08:30:53 PM »
« edited: September 27, 2015, 06:34:53 PM by Foucaulf »



The role of the Game Moderator is to promote activity in the game, through providing information to players and simulating events requiring response.

This is a thread where I, current GM Foucaulf, will elaborate on the game's South American setting and archive policy briefs of note. Active players should check this thread frequently for new ideas and the most pressing events facing Parliament.

By a policy brief, I mean a post of about 800-1000 words describing a policy issue and how it has been implemented in South America.

By "events requiring response" I really mean crises. Every now and then, government must take action on a crisis situation under limited time. Players should feel free to praise or criticize how the current cabinet handles these matters.


List of policy briefs

The baseline scenario
The second brain drain


List of past crises

The first political hostage (Part 1) (Part 2)
Occupy Cochambamba (ongoing)
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Foucaulf
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« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2015, 09:11:48 PM »

The Baseline Scenario



Artyominc/Wikimedia


South America is at a crossroads. Though the twelve nations that compose this continent never had it easy - grown in dictatorship and economic uncertainty - the continent can only prepare for hard times ahead. It is the early 21st Century, and only after the consequences of a "lost decade" have the nation's leaders agreed to regional unification.

While South America seemed to be returning onto the right track in the eighties, quickly taking up governmental reforms and economic liberalization, forces beyond their control crippled progress. The late nineties saw banking and financial crises throughout Latin America, culminating in the default and collapse of Argentina's monetary order in 2002.

A year later, a radical government change in the United States harshly reduced the demand for South American exports, trapping the continent in a period of high inflation and low growth.

There are reasons to be optimistic; global growth is finally rebounding after years of coping with North America's confused reorganization, and the former hegemon itself is rebuilding its political structure. More nations are willing to seek deals and obtain South America's natural resources. And, now that a Parliament of South America exists, the continent can plan a cohesive growth strategy.

For now, the Parliament must deal with eight major problems:

Citizenship and open borders. Forging a South American identity will not be easy, given constant conflict between its constituent nations in the past and the present. Parliament will have to decide the rights conferred onto the South American citizen, as well as how free movement can be in the continent.
Is there a fear that migration towards certain areas, like Southern Brazil or Argentina, will cause inequality and tension?

Trade with other nations. South America's growth strategy must involve exports to other nations, whether it's North America, Europe or the Asian economies.
But what will those other nations demand in return? What will be the consequences if South America also lets foreign investors continue unimpeded on the continent?

Rebuilding diplomatic relations. While South America should obviously restart ties with their northern neighbour, the former United States, doing so will not be easy for both sides. As an alternative, South America could get close with other nations across the world.
But how will South America deal with influential countries with tainted human rights records and more belligerent intentions?

Reversing inequality. South America has had a reputation for being one of the most unequal societies through history, with power concentrated from the landed elite to authoritarian rulers. What policies will Parliament offer to South America's poor for a better future?
Some innovative policies experimented upon include universal cash transfers, microfinance or even wage controls - but at what cost?

Social liberalization. There is still talk in South America of liberalizing abortion, gay rights and other ideas swirled around in North America two decades before. Economic depression has only strengthened the hand of the Church and of officials keeping to their doctrines.
Any attempt at rolling back criminalization of certain personal activities will face strong opposition from the religious lobby.

The environment. A lack of economic opportunity has not stopped the exploitation of South America's natural resources by its citizens, and the excavation continues with any future trade deal.
At what point does it stop? What responsibilities does the continent have toward the world in terms of preventing climate change, and how can Parliament ensure its citizens are safe?

Infrastructure. South America is a notorious laggard in investment, which leads to unrepaired roads and an economy heavily reliant on foreign capital.
As national currencies depreciate on the world stage, the country is further trapped in a state of "dependency." Parliament should support research and development on home soil, but they don't have a huge budget to deal with.

National security. Importantly, one domain the Parliament has little powers over are the national militaries. For all intents and purposes, national governments continue to control their monopoly on violence until further integration is possible.
Parliament have funds and a peacekeeping force, but that will not be enough to handle conflicts between political actors that will eventually arise...
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Foucaulf
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« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2015, 06:42:31 PM »

The First Political Hostage



   José Daniel Rojas, a Colombian journalist with ties to the Rojas clan in his native country, was last seen in Medellin, Colombia two weeks ago. A rookie correspondent that nevertheless has a series of hard-hitting exposes into Colombia's criminal network, Rojas was working on a story investigating the narcotics network run by FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) when he was kidnapped by assailants at his hotel.
   
    Two weeks later, an email from a Hotmail account was sent to Colombia's Office of the President, but as well to South America's Parliament in Colombia. In it, Daniel Rojas's purported captors claimed they were members of FARC, demanding a deal from the new Parliament. To quote,

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A few hours later, a propaganda video circulated on social networks, in which Daniel Rojas declares he is a captive of FARC (see above). What happened after that was extraordinary.




At 8 PM Brazil time, the President of Brazil, flanked by two colonels in the Brazilian military, announced that her country's special forces engaged in a rescue mission for Daniel Rojas.

After receiving data from the Colombian government, three Brazilian commandos stormed a FARC compound in the Guaviare, Colombia, where Daniel Rojas was taken captive. Killing two FARC officers in the process, the Brazilians flew away from the Guaviare and landed in Brasilia, where Daniel Rojas is recovering from a life-threatening gas pushed on him by FARC.

The President of Colombia has been contacted, and plans are to return Daniel Rojas to Bogota by tomorrow morning. There are reports of jubilation in Colombia's capital, with citizens praising the Brazilians for their astounding courage. The name of the colonel who appeared beside the President, João Gilberto Marcius Teixeira, is already trending online.

Reports are that the President of Colombia will issue a fuller statement later tonight, and journalists are standing by.

More to come...
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Foucaulf
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« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2015, 06:31:38 PM »

The First Political Hostage (Pt.2)

...Live coverage has concluded of the Colombian President's press conference. Some quotes of note from the replayed footage:

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Earlier, a FARC statement was circulated on the internet, condemning the Colombian government for unlawful use of chemical weaponry and disregard for human rights:

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The Minister for Justice of South America has made a statement on the operation, which can be seen here. The Prime Minister has yet to speak on the matter, and his speech is believed to be broadcast across the continent.
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Foucaulf
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« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2015, 10:34:19 PM »

Occupy Cochabamba


MPs who tried to leave the South American Parliament tonight were surprised to see armed guards waving them to trucks and being told that they needed the protection of Bolivian police for the short term. In the past week, the atmosphere around the South American capital has grown tense, spurred by an insurgent protest movement.

Modern Bolivia is known for two things: natural gas and popular protests. Natural gas reserves began to be heavily exploited as the country's mines fell into disuse, a product which was then exported to Argentina and Brazil. However, the economic decline of North America produced a general recession throughout the continent, causing investment in further excavation to drop. The Bolivian government, first elected on an appeal to nationalize the gas reserves, is now strapped for money.

One condition of the South American union has been to liberalize markets across nations - this must imply that, one day, Bolivia must allow South American corporations to return to excavate gas, in sites that were confiscated from them a decade ago. But the question is also practical: the country is in the doldrums and further investment in the gas industry requires funding offered by the President of Brazil, among others.

This is not an easy issue. There is a reason why previous protests on gas nationalization were called the "Gas War." Hundreds of thousands of indigenous Bolivians went to the streets, blockading cities and fighting with police. Tensions have only worsened, as Bolivian police continue to crack down on coca leaf production with some racist sentiment.


The current crisis in Cochabamba is lead by an alliance of Indigenous activists and Bolivia's primary labour union, the COB. Capturing a popular sentiment opposing rising costs of living and moribund economy, the protesters have occupied the heart of the city, including the area surrounding the South American Parliament. Their demands: "No gas until the foreigners appease, no peace until the people can eat." (Add drinking to that too, since affordable water in the city is still hard to find after the 2000 "Water War.)

Tonight, the movement began a blockade of the city. People will barricade highways into the urban center, with intention of blocking food and gasoline transports until their demands are met. Similar protests are reported to be in planning in La Paz, the Bolivian capital.

The President of Bolivia, himself a former activist, has not called a stage of emergency like his predecessors. But clashes between police and protesters in the city itself seems inevitable. Police, in particular, suggest that South America support them by sending in the continental Peacekeeper force, as well as persuade other continental leaders to pledge aid.

But what else can be done? Can Parliament defuse the crisis? Could it set precedent and override the government of Bolivia on this issue? Should it even consider an immediate evacuation of the Parliament buildings?


This is an ongoing crisis. New updates to the situation will be posted at least once every 24 hours. The immediate deadline is that, in 48 hours' time, Cochabamba police intend to conduct a siege in the city centre and break up the protestors. Casualties from the crackdown are probable.
The countdown starts now.
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Potus
Potus2036
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« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2015, 10:48:42 PM »

A Cabinet meeting has been scheduled to plan the path ahead in response to this crisis.
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Foucaulf
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« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2015, 11:37:44 PM »
« Edited: September 27, 2015, 06:33:23 PM by Foucaulf »

"Occupy Cochabamba" live update thread


16:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/27 - The NCL has called off the general strike to allow for negotiations between the Government and protesters to occur, but not before a major crackdown on protesters took place in Sao Paulo. Riot police broke up the main march down city centre, wielding a mix of weaponry. Uncorroborated reports are that live ammunition was used, though no deaths have been reported.

The Cochabamba Police have released a terse statement:
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14:30 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/27 - The Minister of Justice has released a statement on the Cochabamba situation. Main takeaways are as follows:

  • An investigation will open on abusive practices used by the city police in dealing with protesters.
  • Total disapproval of the strike launched by the NCL, with threat of Government legislating its dissolution if the strike action continues.
  • Reiteration of the Government's line: the protests must stop before negotiations can occur.


12:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/27 - Crowds have again gathered on the streets of Cochabamba, but one major cluster were attacked by police again. This time, protesters retaliated with Molotov cocktails and other small projectiles. Nonetheless, the crowd was pushed away from downtown and the seat of Parliament.

South American peacekeepers have arrested protesters blockading the Eastern highway entrance into Cochabamba, though struggling with further blockades of roads in the city. Gasoline tanks are reentering the city, as well as hospital supplies. An airlift of supplies is also expected at Jorge Wilstermann Airport, and peacekeepers were sent to ensure safe passage.


07:30 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/27 - While the announcement was sudden, walkouts and protests did occur in many major South American cities today as a response to the NCL's general strike. For example, 30,000 protesters are readying for a march on the streets of Sao Paulo, 20,000 in Lima and up to 50,000 in Buenos Aires.

The CBO has released a statement thanking the support across the continent, and states:
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03:15 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/27 - The NCL has sent out a communique that a general strike is called for a period of two days, with an official statement coming in the early morning.

The CBO will also release a statement at that time.


01:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/27 - News from Cochabamba grinded to a halt the past hours, amid reports outside that Cochabamba police raided the centre of the city to disperse the crowd.
 Police in riot gear, followed by water cannons (a cruel irony), entered downtown in two flanks. From there, police threw tear gas at the crowd, among other reports. Through the internet, some protesters showed bruises purportedly from police batons and water cannons. No count of casualties, or hospital intakes, have been reported.

To add to the confusion, skirmishes also commenced between the police and South American peacekeepers. The peacekeepers, demanding a cessation to riot control tactics "in the name of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Government," soon found themselves ganged up by police officers. Members of the Ministry have confirmed no deaths, though the number of injuries is in the tens.

The protesters' crowd has been diffused, and conflict has died down. A tense moment is occurring in downtown Cochabamba, as peacekeepers surrounding the South American Parliament are surrounded by a police blockade. Internet reports are that scattered groups of protesters remain in some neighbourhoods.

Statements from the Cochabamba police are expected tomorrow morning, as well as from the NCL. Requests have been made for a statement from the Justice Department and the Prime Minister.


21:40 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/26 - Among the speeches given among Cochabamba's protesters today, there were many strident criticisms of the South American Parliament. Many denounced all its members for being "imperialistic" and "Yanquis selling out our country." A Bolivian union leader even said the following:
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Others were more sympathetic. The most conciliatory message remained as follows: "You pass and enforce our policy demands; we need nothing else from you.
Regardless, South American peacekeepers began poring into the city. Some skirmishes were had with protesters, but for tonight they were not serious. A hundred peacekeepers arrived at the Parliament building in time to stop vandals spraying graffiti and bottles of liquor at the exterior.


20:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/26 - BREAKING NEWS: Police have dispersed a solidarity march in La Paz with Cochabamba with tear gas.


19:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/26 - The Cochabamba Police Force releases the following statement:
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The Presidency of Argentina released a statement, echoing the same message as the President of Brazil.


18:40 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/26 - Following on the PM's statement, the Leader of the Opposition Cranberry dismissed accusations from the Government and reiterated his position on the situation.

"I will propose a substantial bill including their demands from government in parliament, if in turn they let the provision of basic supplies into Cochabamba and to the city's residents," he said. "The NCL will include itself and spearhead the distribution of supplies to Cochabamba."

Whether this implies that the NCL will continue to call a general strike tomorrow, in the presence of police brutality, is uncertain.



18:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/26 - In a continental-wide address to South Americans, PM Potus2036 outlined his approach to the situation in Cochabamba. Major takeaways from his speech are as follows:

  • Peacekeepers under control of the South American Parliament will assist in sending supplies and aid to Cochabamba's citizens. An implicit commitment to breach the blockade follows as a consequence.
  • Cabinet promises to negotiate with the protestors in the future, after the blockade is lifted. The PM also calls out the Opposition's general ineptitude to the situation.
  • No promises of Cabinet implementing policies demanded by the protestors.

Cochabamba is mostly quiet on the second day of the occupation. Media has reported that residents on the road range from supportive to frightened about police retaliation. Says a Ms. de Olivera:
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Says a M. Henrique:
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07:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/26 - Rumours early this morning suggests the Minister for Finance will assuage protesters that no liberalization of Bolivia's gas industry is imminent, though it is unknown if he will subsidise the industry back to its full capacities.


23:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/25 - As the first day of the blockade of Cochabamba finishes, a mass rally was held by the seat of the South American Parliament. There, trade union leaders offered the first sign of compromise by proposing demanded policies.

"We demand the simple right of food and water for all," began the speakers. A surprisingly technical list of demands followed:

  • Food subsidies for Bolivia's poorest until the economy improves, ideally from other South American nations "for true continental solidarity."
  • South American investment into Bolivia's gas industry without repossession of domain. Specifically, the South American Parliament was singled out in providing the funds for investment.
  • A clear condemnation from the President of Bolivia, along with the South American Parliament, to guarantee in law Bolivian autonomy over its natural resources.
  • Continued engagement by government with activists even after resolution.


19:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/25 In a short statement, the Presidency of Brazil appealed for a peaceful resolution to the occupation, though also adding that "freedom of capital movement is an unconditional right between members of the South American Union."

Further, spontaneous protests have taken place in La Paz and Santa Cruz, two of Bolivia's largest cities. Santa Cruz is the proposed new seat of the Parliament.


17:00 BOLIVIA TIME, 09/25 Reports are that Cranberry, leader of the Socialists in the South American Parliament and leader of the National Congress of Labour, will negotiate with activists in an attempt to defuse the situation. Members of Cranberry's Socialist Party are unanimous in their opposition to police intervention.
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Foucaulf
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« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2015, 12:08:14 AM »

The Second Brain Drain


Associated Press/Huffington Post

South America has a refugee problem, but not in the sense of people rushing onto the continent. The problem is a sudden surge of people leaving the continent, suddenly motivated by a policy loophole that can grant them residency in North America.

As parts of South America will perform better than parts of North America, the reverse also holds. The recent push out of the continent comes from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, each nation faced with its own set of problems. Without delving into technicalities, the major threat each country faces is hyperinflation, terrorism/crime and a currency crisis, respectively (they will be covered in more detail in due time).

The policy loophole was first realized this summer by members of the Venezuelan diaspora living in the Southern states of the American nation's collapse. In June, the Southern states approved a law that allows a single individual to possess multiple marriage licenses. Meanwhile, the immigration policy of the American nation remains focused on family reunification, with an additional backdoor to residency through graduation from an American college.

To understand the size of this exploitation, it is estimated that 200,000 South American citizens travelled to the South in August to apply for a marriage license with a permanent resident there, who may well be just a friend of the migrant, a pact enabled by loose restrictions on same-sex marriage. Not all have been approved; reports are that Venezuelans and Ecuadoreans are packed together in houses and motels waiting for approval.

Figures for September will be released this week, and expectations are that even the visa system in North America will be clogged by the demand to travel over. South Americans must also brace for further rises as youth attempt to exploit the education channel to residency.


For all of North America's faults, its major cities still operate, it has an abundance of resources and face no supply shortages of essential goods for the time being. The fear is that migration to North America will be a "brain drain," taking away South America's talented youth and professionals. Even on the lower tail of the ability distribution, expect manual labourers trying to arrange a pathway to North America, where minimum wage and union laws provide them with much higher standards of living.

South Americans may either decide to increase restrictions on travel, perhaps proposing a common borders law in Parliament. However, this may come at a high cost for an ultimately weak deterrent. Solution to the South American nations' structural problems cannot be solved in the short term.

South America could reach out to North America for them to toughen their border laws, but this requires goodwill between the two sides not yet reached - if the other side acknowledges this policy crisis in the first place.

What is there to be done?
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