Cycloneman

Sorry, European exceptionalism is just as dumb as American exceptionalism. This is your American counterpart: "Oh, UHC can't work here because people are more spread out!" Perhaps it's due to the expensiveness of immigration from Southeast Asia, thus selecting out the poor? No, it must be because culture culture entire racial region culture culture.

Bad news. Lots of crap we can't actually choose this update. I mean, we got three four five "choices" where there wasn't a real choice in a row. Ministers pretty much decided it for us, and I told you they were important. If you guys want, we can replace a current minister with one that we haven't used, but the minister we replace will be pissed off. Anyway, on to what happened: Meeting #1: REFUSE or ACCEPT PROPOSAL (advice is same as proposal) The Campesino, Ernesto Alarcon Mendez Senor Alarcon holds up a large can. "President, do you know what this is? It is a poison we use to kill insects. Very dangerous, unless it is used properly. "How do I know how to use it well? That's easy. Instructions are written all over the can. So it is easy to know -- for me. I can read. "But Presidente, what of the many thousands of campesinos who cannot read? How can they avoid poisoning themselves?" "My proposal: Increase funding for education." Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) Your minister looks at you studiously. "Why was it that Farsante spent so little on education? "Because the less people know, the more easily they will believe the lies they're told. Teaching someone to read gives him power, power the dictator didn't want them to have. "But to teach the people to read costs mony: for books, for pencils, for the teachers' salaries. Such an expense is a necessary investment in our nation's future." "My advice: Increase funding for education." Meeting #2: REFUSE PROPOSAL, ACCEPT PROPOSAL or ACCEPT ADVICE Coffee Grower, Jesus Cabrales Murillo Cabrales folds his arms and looks at you askance. "All my life I have worked hard. Starting with very little, I built a business I can be proud of. Coffee is my life, my blood. "But now it seems that I am not good enough to get a loan from my own nation's Bank! I must get in line behind the men who used to pick for me. "Is this what you call justice?" "My proposal: Shift credit priority back to the experienced producers of export crops." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "While we can afford to, we can try to improve the lot of the campesinos. If we manage to increase production of basic foods, we won't have to import so much of them. "But it is still the export producers who keep this economy going." "My advice: Continue to divide credit resources between food growers and export crop producers." MEETING #3: NO CHOICE; we must AGREE Mothers of the Disappeared Hundreds of women dressed in black march through the streets of the capital carrying large crosses and banners reading "Where Are Our Children?" Spokeswoman for the Mothers is Senora Gloria Mendoza Lerma. This requires our immediate attention. Rights Activist, Gloria Mendoza de Lerma Mendoza speaks with a voice of quietly controlled fury. "Presidente, it has been a year since the Guard took my daughter away. With my own ears I heard her screams as their van disappeared into the night. "Since that moment, my life is hell. Every night in dreams she comes to me. 'Mother,' she asks, 'does my murderer still walk the streets?' "Will the torturers ever be prosecuted, Presidente? Many have not even been arrested. Can you at least force them to say where they buried our children?" "My proposal: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Gurad." Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) When I think of our fallen brothers, I am overcome with sadness. "So many of them, disappeared without a trace. So many brave sisters brutally murdered. "But when I hear some people say 'all this must be forgotten, the murderers must be set free,' in their memory I burn with rage." "My advice: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard." MEETING #4: NO CHOICE; we must AGREE WITH ADVICE Sub-Comandante, Gabriel Correa Fernandez "You must be aware, Presidente, that the United States has begun sending military equipment directly to the faction of our Army controlled by Colonel Ehrlich. This direct tie between my counterpart foreign country seriously undermines my authority." "My proposal: Assert the authority of the Presidente to decide what aid Chimerica receives." [ed's note: if we choose this, we get another emergency meeting, with the US Ambassador, and we have no choice.] Antonio Alejos Espinales, Defense Minister (img) "Presidente, shall we speak without undershorts? I mean frankly? "For years Farsante relegated our Army to second-class status while pampering his private Guard. If it is ever to become again a first-class keeper of the peace, the Army will need sophisticated training and equipment on a scale that only the North Americans can supply." "My advice: Do not disturb the traditional connections between the US and Chimerican militaries." MEETING #5: ACCEPT ADVICE or ACCEPT PROPOSAL Thousands of angry laborers stream in from the countryside to fill the square in front of the National Palace, chanting "Give us land, now!" Claudio Aguilar speaks for the Land Now Movement. This requires our immediate attention. Landless Laborer, Claudio Aguilar Herrera "We have heard much talk about the reform of the land. This made us happy -- at long last, justice! But what has come of this? My Presidente, the process is so slow... and we cannot wait forever. "The land, salted with the sweat of our ancestors, belongs to those who have worked it for so long. We are tired of promises. We demand only what is rightfully ours!" "My proposal: Announce plans to give power and wealth to the poor through a land reform program." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "The people of the countryside grow restless. Too many poor families have barely land enough to grow corn and beans to feed themselves. Many more have no land at all. They look with envy at their neighbors and bosses, some of whom own vast estates with thousands of hectares of unused land. "The voices demanding change grow louder and louder. We have no choice but to break up some of the largest estates." "My advice: Announce plans to develop a land reform program." MEETING #6: NO CHOICE; we must ACCEPT ADVICE [ed's note: if we go with the proposal, we get lobbied directly by the unions and have no choice] Industrialist, Tomas Dias Valenzuela "The dictator's ouster," Diaz says carefully, "has been purchased at the cost of a considerable loss of investor confidence in the stability of our nation. We must take steps to calm fears that the new government will adopt radical, anti-business policies. "I suggest therefore that labor agitators be handled firmly, so that we may regain the trust of our transnational partners." "My proposal: Direct the police to keep union agitators from corrupting the work force." Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) "The workers are the backbone of the Revolution. For too long they have been denied basic rights. "The National Liberation unions must become a key part of the revolutionary process." "My advice: Guarantee unions the right to organize and strike." MEETING #7: NO CHOICE; must REFUSE. [ed's note: absurdly enough, Ignacio is a flip-flopper. If we choose to eliminate price controls, he will immediately cave as soon as Herrera comes along with his merry band of protestors.] Shopkeeper, Esmeralda Manzon de Osorio Manzon stands with arms akimbo, glaring at you. "So now you have long lines outside the shops with food, and many shelves always bare. Why? Why is there so little food for sale? Because at the low prices the government sets, it doesn't pay for the farmers to grow it anymore. "To tell you the truth, Presidente, food is bought and sold all the time, but not at the prices you set. Is it because we sellers are bad people? No! It is because your policies force us to sell at prices higher than the official ones, just to stay in business." "My proposal: Eliminate all controls on food prices." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "The fabled generosity of revolutionaries is catching up with us. We can no longer afford to subsidize our consumers so lavishly! "We've been selling corn, beans and other staples for less than we paid for them. And who has been paying for the trucks to bring these products to market? To dry them, store them, package them, and administer the whole process? We have! "We simply cannot afford to do this any longer." "My advice: Eliminate all controls on food prices." MEETING #8: AGREE TO PROPOSAL, ACCEPT ADVICE or REFUSE PROPOSAL TNC Representative, Andreas Von S. Weiser "Your arrival is like a breath of fresh air, Excellency," Weiser says with a smile. "Those of us who had to deal with Farsante always felt a bit, well, compromised. It was like cutting a deal with a Latin version of the Mafia! "We look forward to establishing a mutually beneficial, completely aboveboard relationship geared to the full optimization of investor-oriented marketing potential." "My proposal: Allow free-market principles to govern trade relations. Francisco Ferrante Oberon (img) "The large export produces already have enough clout to get good terms when they sell to transnational exporters. But what about all the small producers, especially of coffee? They don't have enough leverage. "We propose an alternative: a voluntary National Marketing Board to compete with private marketers, buying crops at the same floating prices offered to the larger farms." "My advice: Establish a voluntary National Marketing Board to aid smaller export producers." MEETING #9: REFUSE PROPOSAL, AGREE TO PROPOSAL or ACCEPT ADVICE Coffee Worker, Sergio Espinosa Castaneda Espinosa looks unhappy. "Presidente, the good Lord has given us land to distribute. But to whom does it go? "To people who already have some land, we give more. To the many who have no land at all, we give none. Where is the sense in that?" "My proposal: Turn state farms into cooperatives owned by the workers." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "Our program to help the small coffee growers is a popular success. Once a farmer has enough land, he can take advantage of more sophisticated technology, especially if we use some of the proceeds from the sale to give them technical advice. "Studies have shown that the kind of medium-sized family farm we support is, in the production of coffee at least, the optimum unit for maximum production." "My advice: Continue to gradually give state farm land to the small coffee producers."

Uh, I think you're misremembering on the facial expression thing. You do however pick an "expression" or "stance" or "way of speaking" or "political ideology" and the various conversation options (other than "**** you, i'm a dragon") are tied to one of three political ideologies, but they also include a short word or phrase that reveals the gist of it. So you would pick, say, the "jerk" political ideology, and your character would act like a jerk. Then you could change to the "cool dude" political ideology, and your character would act like a cool dude. And then you could change to the "aspergers" political ideology, and your character would act like a self-diagnosed aspergers sufferer. But, on the other hand, you might be deciding what to say piece by piece, so you pick the option which says "lie," which might by a "jerk" option, then the one that says "come clean" which is a "cool dude," option.

Agreed. How about, FAR LESS ITEMS TO PICK UP AND CLUTTER YOUR INVENTORY? or UNIQUE ITEMS YOU OBTAIN FROM DOING SIDE QUESTS? or POPULATED WIDE OPEN CITY AREAS? or SOME PLANETS WHICH TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO COMBAT? or A FREAKIN JET PACK OR SOMETHING TO DECREASE TIME ON FOOT? or A RUN COMMAND THAT ACTUALLY MAKES YOU MOVE FASTER RATHER THAN JUST ZOOMING THE CAMERA IN AND ADDING A MOTION BLUR? That was perhaps the second most egregious of Mass Effect's flaws (the most egregious being loading, particularly "you have to use the elevator every time you go to the Citadel, heh heh heh, enjoy").

Yeah, it's nine. Are you sure that you don't want to speak to one of our ministers? It seems weird that no one ever wants to do that. You actually get four opinions (you can ask your other ministers about it), rather than just two.

And here's the current statistics on the "welfare"* of Chimerica: * Chimerica is a pretty crappy place to live.

"...though the Presidente has not asked for military aid, the US in its wisdom has decided to send it anyway. Is Chimerica a child to be treated so? Will the Presidente permit this to continue?" - El Independente, following the resumption of the US' funneling of supplies to the Chimerican army. "...the campesinos greeted the historic change in National Bank priorities will jubilation. As Father Julio Olivares once wrote, 'The last must be first, and the first last. It is time for the meek to inherit, if not the entire earth, at least the blood-soaked soil of Chimerica...'" - El Independiente, following the regime's announcement of a change in banking policies. Responses to our decisions: On health care: YES to increasing funding The Doctor, Dr. Judith Escobar de Royce Escobar gathers up her papers and smiles. "I am pleased to see, Presidente, that our government has a clear sense of priorities. The people of Chimerica thank you." Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) "If a revolution truly serves the people," Julio Olivares says, "it will remind us of those crosses that we ought to bear but find it convenient to ignore. "It is good to see you take up your responsibilities with such an even hand." On control of the army: YES to support Correa Sub-Comandante, Gabriel Correa Fernandez Correa smiles, still observing you carefully. "We shall be ever vigilant for the revolution, Presidente, and follow the correct path that you have chosen for us. Never will we surrender what we have so dearly gained. Antonio Alejos Espinales, Defense Minister (img) Alejos studies you carefully. "Very well then. We will proceed as you instruct. Everyone has his own way of killing fleas, isn't it so?" On the former Farsante Guard: REJECT arresting them. The Bishop, Placido Dimas Hernandez Bishop Dimas shakes his head mournfully. "Must we play the Jeremiah with you, Presidente? 'They have healed the hurts of the daughter of my people only slightly, saying peace, peace, when there is no peace.' Are you not ashamed?" Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) Olivares looks troubled. "Very well, Presidente. But for how long can we stand aside and wash our hands, like the Roman procurator of ancient Judea? "Shall we try to imitate Christ in our lives, or Pontius Pilate?" On price controls: IRRELEVANT, selection of AGREE forced Trade Union Leader, Hector Ferrera Contreras Ferrera grips your hand and squeezes it tightly. "Well done, Preidente! When the poor judge a revolution, they weigh their plates of beans. By this decision, you help bring them to your side." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) Nunez nods. "The overthrow of the dictator was not our most difficult task. The most difficult task lies ahead: we must build a bright future on a shadowed, underdeveloped past." On distribution of credit: AGREE to divide between food and export crops. Coffee Worker, Sergio Espinosa Castaneda "As the vanguard of the Revolution," Espinosa declares, "we support you one hundred percent. Viva la Revolution! Viva el Presidente!" Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "Once again, you have chosen well," Nunez says with measured enthusiasm. "We will use all means at our disposal to attain our policy objectives." On US foreign aid: AGREE to accept USA Ambassador, L. Quentin Buffard "Then it is agreed," Buffard says with a firm handshake. "Chimerica and the USA shall be partners in progress. Our unique reservoir of experienced engineers, scientists and agribusiness managers will be at your disposal." Francisco Ferrante Oberon (img) Ferrante smiles with approval. "To cross a river, you must be willing to get your pants wet. It is time to start wading, Presidente." On IMF loans: AGREE to reschedule debt and secure further loans. IMF Representative, Alice Beadle Sourwine "It will be a pleasure," Sourwine says with practiced warmth, "to be of some assistance in the economic recovery of your nation." Francisco Ferrante Oberon (img) Ferrante gives a slight bow. "Be assured, Presidente, that the loyal officials of our ministry will warmly welcome the news of this decision." On distribution of land: AGREE to distribute to poorer producers Coffee Grower, Jesus Cabrales Murillo Cabrales nods, and smiles. "A good choice. Put your trust in those who have earned it. As they say, a bird in the hand is worth a hundred flying birds." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) Nunez nods. "The overthrow of the dictator was not our most difficult task. The most difficult task lies ahead: we must build a bright future on a shadowed, underdeveloped past." On education: REJECT increasing funding The Teacher, Leticia Azurdia de Granados "I must say I'm disappointed in you," Azurdia scolds, scowling with disapproval. 'You and your revolution will never amount to anything anyway,' her expression seems to say. Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) Olivares sighs. "'What man is there af you, whom if his child asks for bread, will he give him a stone?' "The people are our children, Presidente. They will not long be satisfied with stones." We can talk to the same batch of people, but the concerns of our ministers have changed slightly: Our Agriculture Minister is concerned about: > Nationalism, Popular Organizations and Democracy > Land Reform > Control of Marketing of Exports Our Defense Minister is concerned about: > Control of the Army > Shortages of Food > Corruption Our Internal Affairs Minister is concerned about: > Death Squads and Human Rights > Nationalism, Popular Organizations and Democracy > Education Our External Affairs Minister is concerned about: > Military Aid from the USA > Aid from Socialist Countries. > Control of Marketing of Exports Vote, as last time, on who you wish to speak with, or what about (in the case of our Ministers). A total statistics update is forthcoming.

The computer couldn't possibly know where it's going to land before I even throw it, since I could change where I'm going to throw it. If it could, they could use that to develop a brilliant system for stock investment, using the AI's ability to see into the future..

Because it breaks immersion! The immersion will be broken. Is that what you want, to break the immersion? Why don't you care about the immersion? How does a human looking at an incoming grenade and going "uh oh, that grenade is going to land near me" and then dodging out of the way break immersion? Please explain.

Uh, I can figure out where my grenades are going to hit before they get there. One of the things the human brain is pretty good at is guesstimating trajectories. I don't see why my enemies couldn't look at my grenade and figure out where it's headed.

Sure. It apparently confused a lot of people here, too, so I guess I didn't explain it properly. It's a lot simpler if you're actually playing it, but here's how it works: You pick someone to talk to. We did this. Then, you read what they say. You can then agree with it, disagree with it, or ask your advisor for advice. Then, you read what they say. You can the agree with it, or look at the original proposal. So you have, basically, three options: Agree with Proposal, Disagree with Proposal, or Agree with Advice. The advice and the proposal are NOT separate; vote on which one you want in particular.

Just FYI, this will happen in 2010 or some such. Seriously, it's going to take at least until June. Incorrect, it will happen in June/July this year. Sorry, I've just been informed that... it looks like I'm right? Yes, yes, that's correct.

Guys, guys. Clearly you missed something: we talked to Sub-Comandante Correa, who wants us to support his efforts to control the army. Our Defense Minister wants us to favor Colonel Ehrlich, who is quite a different man! One of them is a member of the revolutionaries and one is the precise opposite! Also, if we decide to side with our minister, we just get Streets of Poyais, This Matter Requires Your Immediate Attention, and have to talk to Hector again, only this time our minister sides with him, leaving us no choice. And you can't vote for both the Advice and the Proposal. I'm pretty sure the only other option is to hand it over to cooperatives, but we don't have an Agricultural Minister who will suggest that.

Yeah, I found another proxy and made another alt-account, just so it would be a surprise this time. Please. This is not a troll.

I determined who we would speak with, in which order, based upon posting order and popularity. Those suggested first came first amongst equally-voted for candidates. The Bishop and the Rights Activist were lumped together into one vote, since at least at this stage they both propose the same thing. We can agree to a given person's proposal, refuse it or agree with the advice of our appropriate minister. In the end, the order determined was: The Doctor, Dr. Judith Escobar de Royce "Presidente, for decades this nation has ignored the health care needs of all but the wealthy few. Children die of measles, of malaria, of diseases easily prevented with proper sanitation. Many rural areas have no doctors, no nurses, no medicines, no medical services at all. Is it surprising, then, that we have one of the highest levels of infant mortality in the hemisphere? "We must build clinics in the small villages throughout the country, with people trained to run them. We must begin at once!" "My proposal: Increase funding for health care." Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) "Medical care in this country is a disgrace. Here, the rich can afford private doctors and fly off to Mexico or the USA whenever they need to see a specialist. Meanwhile the poor die of easily preventable diseases. "We must build community clinics throughout the nation, but especially in rural areas where the need is greatest. Creating a primary health care system must be a top priority for a truly revolutionary government." "My advice: Increase funding for health care. Sub-Comandante, Gabriel Correa Fernandez Sub-comandante Correa's watchful eyes appraise you with care. "Presidente, we have agreed to share power in the armed forces with those whose guns were recently trained upon us. This does not mean surrender -- surrender, never! "But for the forces of liberation to be effective, we must have the clear support of the highest civilian authorities." "My proposal: Continue to support my efforts to discipline the Army." Antonio Alejos Espinales, Defense Minister (img) "The Army is a complex and delicate machine, Excellency. It requires constant maintenance at the hands of those who know it best. This is especially true just now, when we are trying to take parts from two different machines and make them run as one. "Those who know it best are the professionals, like Joint Chief of Staff Ehrlich." "My advice: Continue to support Colonel Ehrlich's efforts to discipline the Army." Message from: US Ambassador Buffard "I am pleased to report that my government has decided to resume shipments of military aid to the Chimerican Army. Arrangements are presently being made with Colonel Horacio Ehrlich." The Bishop, Placido Dimas Hernandez "It is written, 'there is a time to keep silent, and a time to speak,'" Bishop Dimas says. "Our time to speak has come. "All Chimericans know of the inexcusable brutality of the Farsante Guard. Torture, vicious beatings and murder long were matters of everyday routine. "To reestablish faith in moral behavior in Chimerica, those responsible must be brought to justice." "My proposal: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard." Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) When I think of our fallen brothers, I am overcome with sadness. "So many of them, disappeared without a trace. So many brave sisters brutally murdered. "But when I hear some people say 'all this must be forgotten, the murderers must be set free,' in their memory I burn with rage." "My advice: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard." Streets of Poyais Thousands of urban residents, both workers and unemployed, march through the streets of the capital protesting skyrocketing food prices. Union organizer Hector Ferrera Contreras is among them. This matter requires our immediate attention. [Ed's Note: We do not have the choice to refuse this proposal. Even if we decide to listen to our minister's advice, it just makes Hector come back and take up another week of our time, and then we are forced to listen. Don't even bother voting on this one.] Trade Union Leader, Hector Ferrera Contreras Hector Ferrera tucks his hard hat under his arm and strides forward. "Presidente, the situation is intolerable. The same beans that last week cost one chimera today cost five! Workers with good jobs can barely afford to pay the family grocery bill. "And what about the really poor, the ones with no jobs at all? They cannot even afford corn and beans. Something must be done." "My proposal: Set price controls for basic foods." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "The disruptions of the past year have created some food shortages, but rumors have blown them way out of proportion. People hear that the supply of sugar may run out, so they rush out and buy as much sugar as they can find. This means, of course, that the supply of sugar does in fact run out. "Things will calm down soon." "My advice: Issue warnings about the dangers of hoarding and speculation, and call for calm." Coffee Worker, Sergio Espinosa Castaneda "Presidente, many of the coffee pickers are really food growers," Espinosa says, gesturing at a crowd of workers. But to meet the needs of their families they must also work as pickers for the coffee harvest. They are treated as the least important of our farmers, even though it is they who feed our people. "Why should they not get credit from the Bank, just as we coffee growers do, so they can grow more corn and beans?" "My proposal: Divide credit resources between the food growers and the producers of export crops." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "In deciding how to encourage the growth of our agricultural economy, we must consider our international reputation. Encouraging the export producers is the best way to present Chimerica as a fiscally responsible member of the international community." "My advice: Direct the National Bank to give priority to the producers of export crops." USA Ambassador, L. Quentin Buffard "We are pleased," the ambassador says warmly, "to be able to offer development assistance to your nation. This assistance will be earmarked for private enterprises only, I should point out. All associated goods and services must, of course, be of American origin. "Though we start off in a limited way, the potential exists for expansion. We look forward to seeing what direction your new government chooses to take." "My proposal: Accept North American offers of development assistance." Francisco Ferrante Oberon (img) "The timely development aid offered by the United States will help us get back on our feet after so many years of the dictator's mismanagement." "My advice: Accept North American offers of development assistance." IMF Representative, Alice Beadle Sourwine ] "The new government of Chimerica faces many difficulties, but also many opportunities," Sourwine says encouragingly, "I am pleased to report that we have approved a package of loans designed to stimulate the production of your primary export crops." "My proposal: Accept a package of loans from the IMF and international banks." Francisco Ferrante Oberon (img) "The confidence international financial institutions have shown in our new government is gratifying. We must hasten to take advantage of their offers of assistance." "My advice: Negotiate the rescheduling of debts. Secure further loans from the IMF." Coffee Grower, Jesus Cabrales Murillo "Presidente, sometimes a farmer can run a government. But a government should not try to run a farm! The lands the dictator stole should quickly return to private hands. "When I was a young man, I had very little land. It was so difficult! There were times, if just a few more of my trees had caught the coffee rot, I would have seen my children begging in the street. "There are many coffee producers who struggle now just as I struggled then. We can make their lives easier and our country more productive at the same time." "My proposal: Give the dictator's land to the less-well-off coffee producers." Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister (img) "Managing the Farsante estates as state-owned properties is a terrible idea. Without an owner putting in long hours worrying about the success of his business, no one has the incentive to run such farms efficiently. "Coffee can be best produced on small and medium-sized farms. We recommend a gradual policy of privatization, with emphasis on enlarging the size of existing small farms." "My advice: Give the dictator's land to the less-well-off coffee producers." The Teacher, Leticia Azurdia de Granados "Presidente, half the population of our nation cannot read. Fewer still can even write their names. But is this so surprising, when vast areas of our countryside contain no teachers and no schools at all? "For too long we have neglected the needs of our children. We must establish schools and hire teachers to build our country's future. Let us begin at once!" "My proposal: Increase funding for education." Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister (img) Your minister looks at you studiously. "Why was it that Farsante spent so little on education? "Because the less people know, the more easily they will believe the lies they're told. Teaching someone to read gives him power, power the dictator didn't want them to have. "But to teach the people to read costs mony: for books, for pencils, for the teachers' salaries. Such an expense is a necessary investment in our nation's future." "My advice: Increase funding for education." Vote whether to Accept the Proposal, Refuse the Proposal or Accept the Advice for all nine eight of these (excepting the Union leader).

Err.. so? Well, previous votes generally aren't voted on, you see. See my previous post for my answers. Ah, okay. We actually can talk to nine people, so if you want add a few more, feel free.

Cool. I'm no longer able to edit the title, so could somebody put "Spoilers" in the description? We're a little past that, sorry. The current vote is on who we should talk to - see my previous post for the options. Also, I meant to post these earlier, but forgot. Graphs.

It doesn't matter how fun the tutorial is, it's a bitch to play through the fifteenth time.

Will I be forced to go through the tutorial? Because it really sucks to have to drag yourself through the tutorial every time you want to start a new game.

"...not since Juan Jose Arevalo returned from exile to lead Guatemala in 1944, after the fall of the dictator Ubico, has a civilian leader so little known come to play a crucial role in the region's politics as Adolf Regan de Marx does today..."* - Edition Mondiale, in the first week of the regime's rule. Sorry about the lollygagging - just finals, laziness and figuring out how exactly to do this part. Our ministers are: Agriculture: Ignacio, CR Defense: Antonio, PS Internal: Julio, NL External: Francisco We can now speak to any of the following people. We must speak to nine people, but certain events may pop up, forcing us to speak with a particular person. We can also speak to our ministers about one of three things, and we can talk to our ministers as much as we want, though not about the same thing twice. Once you guys pick the people we'll talk to, we can move on to what we actually do when we talk to them. Sometimes, these events will be a direct consequence of a choice we make during the season, and so might not be predicted. But, these are generally "are you sure you want to do that?" kind of things, so I'll just go with "yes." Landless Laborer, Claudio Aguilar Herrera (img) As the spokesperson for the "Land Now" movement, Aguilar will focus foremost on land reform, moving the underutilized land held by the richest Chimericans to the hands of poor laborers. IMF Representative, Alice Beadle Sourwine (img) As the representative of the International Monetary Fund, she will be involved in all international aid we get in the form of loans from countries other than the USA, the USSR and Cuba. The Doctor, Dr. Judith Escobar de Royce (img) As the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Escobar holds the highest position in the (weak) health care industry of Chimerica. She will advocate reform of our nation's abysmal health care system. The Teacher, Leticia Azurdia de Granados (img) As the President of the Federation of Chimerican Educators, Azurdia will focus on the reform of our nation's education system, which lags far behind that of many other nations. The Campesino, Ernesto Alarcon Mendez (img) As the President of the Union of Campesinos of Chimerica, Alarcon represents the interests of the farmers who produce 80% of staple foods. He will ask for the government to aid, and even emphasize, beans and other staple foods over export crops like cotton and coffee. Cotton Cultivator, Vicente Castillo Ayala (img) One of the most powerful private citizens in Chimerica, Castillo owns the 400-acre cotton farm "Los Chiles," is the part owner of several other farms, is president of the Chimerican Association of Cotton Cultivators, and is a member of one of the "nineteen families" long dominant in Chimerican life. He will push his economic interests, which are export crops and a prevention of land reform. Coffee Grower, Jesus Cabrales Murillo (img) As the Chief of CHICAFE, the coffee growers' association, he represents the interests of smaller farm producers. As such, he will push reforms targetted at state-run farms, once owned by Farsante but now bureaucratic and inefficient, and pushes for their privatization. Army Colonel, Horacio Ehrlich Mercado (img) As a Colonel and a charismatic "rising star" of the younger Army officers, Ehrlich prefers that the military retain its political power and autonomy, and favors more right-wing policies. Sub-Comandante, Gabriel Correa Fernandez (img) As a sub-comandante of the guerrilla forces, and now of the ARmy, Correa focuses on a reformist look at the military, prefering to reduce its political power as well as the power of the reactionary subfaction. USA Ambassador, L. Quentin Buffard (img) As the newly appointed ambassador to Chimerica, Buffard will push US interests, particularly in the sectors of the military and our relations with the USSR. However, he will also be crucial in securing US aid to help our slagging economy. USSR Ambassador, Vladimir N. Razumov (img) As the ambassador from the USSR, Razumov will push communist interests. He will supply us with a good deal of Soviet aid if we show ourselves to be fairly to the left. The Bishop, Placido Dimas Hernandez (img) As the bishop and special legate of the Archbishop of Poyais, Dimas seems to focus on rights issues more than anyone else, and kind of overlaps with Gloria Mendoza. Guard Leader, Roberto Padilla Pasquale (img) As a former major-general in the Farsante Guard and (reportedly) it's chief interrogator, Padilla will push the interests of former members of the Guard, attempting to help them avoid prosecution and punishment. Rights Activist, Gloria Mendoza de Lerma (img) As the leader of the "Mothers of the Disappeared," Gloria represents the interests of those whose family members were "disappeared" by the Farsante regime. She will push for punishment of the former Farsante Guard. Industrialist, Tomas Dias Valenzuela (img) As the Head of ACMA, a leading association of businessmen and merchants, Dias will push against workers' rights and the reduction of "union agitators." Trade Union Leader, Hector Ferrera Contreras (img) As the head of the Independent Workers' Syndicate, an apolitical union, Ferrera is focused on workers' rights, particularly the right to strike, as well as on making sure that workers can purchase basic foodstuffs. Shopkeeper, Esmerelda Manzon de Osorio (img) As the owner of the Occidental, the largest marketplace in the country, Manzon represents the interests of shopkeepers across the nation, putting an emphasis on assuring the free flow of goods on the open market. Banker, Jorge Quezada Sonnichsen (img) As the President of the National Bank of Chimerica, Quezada is extremely flexible and quite important in the loans process. TNC Representative, Andreas Von S. Weiser (img) As the vice-president of International Marketing of Providential Foods, the US subsidiary of Sussag S.A., Weiser represents the supplier of and purchaser of many producers of coffee, cotton, cattle and bananas. Coffee Worker, Sergio Espinosa Castaneda (img) As the spokesman for the Association of Coffee Workers, Espinosa seeks aid for the impovershed, hard-working coffee workers, who often have so little as to be unable to feed their families. Cuban Consul, Dr. Ricardo Guzman Micola (img) As the ambassador of Cuba, Ricardo will be our source of Cuban economic and military aid. Our Agriculture Minister is concerned about: > Disposition of the Dictator's Estates > Nationalism, Popular Organizations and Democracy > Land Reform Our Defense Minister is concerned about: > Control of the Army > Corruption > Nationalism, Popular Organizations and Democracy Our Internal Affairs Minister is concerned about: > Death Squads and Human Rights > Nationalism, Popular Organizations and Democracy > Health Care Our External Affairs Minister is concerned about: > Economic Aid from the USA > Military Aid from the USA > Aid from Socialist Countries. Remember, when considering your choice, that money doesn't grow on trees. * Juan Jose Arevalo was the first democratically elected leader of Guatemala in its' republican history. He was succeeded by Jacobo Arbenz Guzman, whose land reforms were reacted to by Operation PBSUCCESS, a US-backed invasion by exiled troops. This was one of the first US-backed, post-WW2 coups of communist or socialist governments which had no relation to the USSR, alongside Operation Ajax in 1953. After Operation PBSUCCESS, the CIA enacted Operation PBHISTORY to secure evidence that Arbenz was in league with the Soviets - they found none.

"...the new Presidente faces a deteriorating economic situation, a splintered military, shortages of food, and a potential power vacuum now that the strong hand of Farsante no longer guides the nation... searching for historical parallels, one might best compare the current situation to the fall of Haitian despot "Baby Doc" Duvalier in 1987..." - Chimerica Ahora, in the first week of the regime's rule. "...speculation centers today on the thoughts and aspirations of one individual. In 1959, when Fidel Castro overthrew the Cuban dictator Batista, no one knew if he would turn out to be a true revolutionary or a weak-willed reformer. Today, no one can say with certainty what leadership the nation can expect from this Regan..." - El Independiente, in the first week of the regime's rule. Winner is B,A,A, and apparently we're named "Adolf Regan de Marx," since nobody suggested anything else. Okay, so now we have to fill our four ministry positions, choosing from nine people from three political parties. Our four ministry positions are: Ministry of Agriculture They'll deal with export crops, food subsidies (or lack thereof) and land reform (or lack thereof). Land reform is pretty serious business and will take up a good chunk of our time, so it's best to pick this one wisely. Ministry of Defense They'll deal with modernizing the military, integrating it, and determining whether it will be under civilian or military control. Our military is fragmented between revolutionary forces and former soldiers for Farsante, so this is a very important decision in the long term. Ministry of Internal Affairs They'll deal with corruption, the election, and the general gamut of social policies. Pretty much all social reform other than land reform is going to be under the auspices of the Internal Affairs Ministry. Ministry of External Affairs They'll deal with foreign policy, trade policies, and they'll be our guys for dealing with the USA, the USSR and Cuba. As foreign aid is important, we'll want to pick a minister who has particular skill in this realm. And the political parties and prominent members thereof: Popular Stability Party Formed during the last years of the dictatorship by landowners and industrialists fed up with the self-aggrandizement of the ruling family, Popular Stability has its roots in the old Conservative party of Emilio Rosario. The party is supported by those Army leaders who did not flee with Farsante, the cotton-growing elite, and by many less privileged Chimericans whose fortunes nevertheless depend on these powerful interests. Prominent Members: Bernardo Whitmyre Alvarado With financial backing from his family, started a successful automobile import business... when the dicator's cousin insisted on becoming a 'partner' to his enterprise, courageously (some say foolishly) objected... subsequently forced out of business... after undergoing conversion to an evangelical Protestan sect, entered politics as a spokesman for free trade and individual liberties. Age: 47 In speeches and interviews he has spoken out in favor of: -encouragement of investment in large-scale mechanized agricultural projects -use of the military to reestablish order -elimination of all restraints on trade and investment -close ties with the United States and other Western nations. Antonio Alejos Espinales Among the more independent-minded of current Army generals... grew up in a well-to-do family of coffee producers... trained long ago at West Point, in his younger days regarded as ablest field commander in the Army... during the Insurrection, led a faction of the military that broke with Farsante at a crucial juncture, effectively sealing the dictator's fate. Age: 56 From statements made over the years, his priorities are believed to be: -modernization of methods of export agriculture production -increased military preparedness through US aid and training -elimination of governmental corruption -maintenance of close ties with the United States. Fransisco Rosario Rosanes Scion of one of the wealthiest families of Chimerica... has extensive holdings in cotton and cattle... Grandson of Emilio Rosario, a long-ruling Presidente overthrowwn in a 1948 coup... outspoken, temperamental and ambitious... eager to resume the family tradition of service and power. Age: 38 The Rosarios have long advocated: -encouraging direct foreign investment in agriculture -strengthening of armed forces but without excessive foreign assistance -measures to stimulate industry -maintenance of close ties with the United States. National Liberation Party Labeled an "illegal criminal association" by the dictatorship, the perseverance of the National Liberation Front in the face of brutal persecution put it in the forefront of the revolutionary movement. Some National Liberation Party leaders consider themselves Marxists. For others, ideas about social change are inspired by the interpretation of the Gospels known as 'Liberation Theology.' Speaks for the large population of rural poor. Prominent Members: Gloria Jimenez Fleming Daughter of a doctor... Professor of Sociology at the National University of Chimerica... published a book-length analysis of the Chmerican peasantry... contributing editor of the French Marxist journal "Dialogue Dialectique"... forced to go underground when University shut down by the Farsante Guard... sub-commander of an importan raid on Guardia headquarters, which gave her prominence in the growing revolt. Age: 36 In her articles and books, Jimenez has advocated: -forceful land reform aimed at helping the landless -bringing Army officers guilty of human rights abuses to justice -increased attention to the health care needs of the poor -closer relations with socialist nations. Julio Olivares Las Casas Grew up in a well-to-do family... since taking his vows has been a tireless advocate for the rights of the poor... gave refuge to the underground opposition during the Insurrection... narrowly escaped arrest on numerous occasions... A well-known writer and exponent of Liberation Theology... after admonishment from the Vatican against direct involvement in political affairs, left the Society of Jesus in order to devote his full energies to the service of "my people." Age: 39 In his writings and sermons he has called for: -sweeping land reform to help the poorest Chimericans to help themselves -curbing the abusive power of the military -a nationwide campaign to teach the poor to read -reducing dependency on larger nations. Manuel Calderon Iglesias Comandante of the guerrilla forces, led several of the most importan victories of the Insurrection... moved to the capital at a young age from a rural village... became active in the resistance while still a teenager... jailed and tortued repeatedly by the Farsante dictatorship, including a four-year stint in Teluco Prison... known as one of the most level-headed and pragmatic of the revolutionary leaders. Age: 34 In clandestine radio addresses duing the Insurrection to topple Farsante, Comandante Calderon called for: -sweeping land reform to share wealth and power with the poorest Chimericans -integration of the Revolutionary Army with progressive elements of the old Army -promotion of nationalist ideology -nonalignment in foreign affairs. Christian Reform Party Formed in the 1940s as a "popular alternative," Christian Reform had its heyday during the short-lived reformist government of Leonard Flores (1950-1954). Long the only tolerated opposition party, it managed to avoid banishment even during the worst of the dictator's excesses. Its appeal is strongest among the small urban middle class, though it is also favored by elements of the coffee producers and the leadership of the Catholic Church. Prominent Members: Ignacio Nunez Laranjera The son of a well-known Poyais lawyer... earned degrees from the University of Mexico and the Londol School of Economics before entering politics... Gradually became more outspoken against the Farsante dictatorship, but strongly opposed attempting to solve the country's problems with violence... Nevertheless, endured several periods of house arrest and a long period in exile after receiving death threats. Age: 43 In the several books he has authored, he has called for: -regaining the campesinos' trust through limited land reform -pragmatic recognition of the political power of the military -timely preparation for elections -improving ties with neighbors and Europe. Liliana Ortiz de Lanza A former teacher, mother of four, and member of the board of trustees of several social service agencies... Widow of Armando Lanza, a popular university professor, politician and critic of the Farsantes, whose assassination in the last year of the dictatorship helped spark the dictator's final fall from power. Still carries the banner of her outspoken and influential husband, but has now become an important figure in her own right. Age: 47 Recent statements indicate her support for: -assistance to needy farmers -civilian control over the military -increased funding for education and health care -stable relations with all countries. Francisco Ferrante Oberon Grew up in Poyais... family owns the Plumed Serpent rum distillery... opted to leave the family business to his brother and take a position with the party... regarded as the consummate behind-the-scenes player, preferring to work through others rather than seek the limelight himself... widely respected for his abilities as a negotiator. Age: 52 When the dust settles, Ferrante is usually found on the side of: -measures to increase the production of export crops -careful balance of the two newly-merged military forces -protection of the rights of individuals -stronger relations with major trading partners. So vote! Put whichever guys you want in whichever position. But two notes: 1) there are two Fransiscos, so make it clear which one you're picking. 2) you can't put the same guy in multiple positions, and you can't put two guys in the same position. So write something like: Agriculture: Julio (NL) Military: Manuel (NL) Internal Affairs: Francisco (CR) External Affairs: Francisco (PS) Another special note: the "Ministry of [whatever]" and the "[whatever] Party" are all links to images, in case you didn't notice.

I certainly wouldn't mind it being moved, though it would be up to the mods (mods, feel free to move it, please do). I can't really add a spoiler warning since the forum prevents you from editing posts X minutes after they've been made, and my ability to do so on the OP has since expired.

Just an FYI, CrashGirl, if you do do the LP: You can't post more than ten images per post. Blugh. I know imageflooding is obnoxious, but come on. I can't post sixteen images that measure in at under 1 kilobyte each? But I can post this* in image tags? bluh bluh wha? *don't click that link, it's 5000+ KB of image. So, yeah... plan your posts accordingly. You could use links instead of image tags, and maybe recommend people get Text-to-Images. I dunno. Also, the Hidden Agenda LP is up, in case you were interested, but didn't notice it over in the lonely C&C Spoilers subforum.

"...the streets of Poyais became one endless parade as enthusiastic crowds demonstrated their hopes for the future by honking horns, waving banners and joyfully traipsing through the city... the spontaneous bursts of affection reminded an observer of the enthusiasm Corazon Aquino met once Ferdinand Marcos had finally left the Philippines..." - USA Yesterday, in the first week of the new regime's rule. What's our name? We need a first name, a last name and a "second last name." To quote the game: "In Spanish-speaking cultures, this is either your mother's maiden name or your husband's name preceded by 'de.'" Next, we have to deal with the press! Q1. A crowd of reporters presses towards us. "Presidente," one calls, "there has been much talk recently of the need for 'justice.' Which of these would be most important in achieving a more just society?" A) Protect citizens from violent repression. B) Eliminate government corruption. C) Ensure free distribution of information. Q2. Another reporter pushes to the front and raises her hand. "Everyone agrees that we must develop our nation's economy. But what should be the first priority of this development effort?" A) Promote the growth of the economy. B) Distributing the nation's wealth equitably. C) Protecting the free movement of capital. Q3. A third reporter raises his hand. "Thank you, Presidente. One more question: which of the following will your administration work hardest to improve?" A) Infrastructure, such as roads and utilities. B) Services for the city dwellers. C) Living standards for the rural poor. There's one more nagging issue we have to deal with before we can get on to the heart of the game, but it's going to be complicated, so I'll save it for the next update. To vote, just post something like "A, B, C."

Welcome to Hidden Agenda. The Farsante dictatorship has been toppled in the Insurrection. An alliance between people across the political spectrum pulled the rug out from under his reprehensible regime, and a coalition government has formed, with us as the Presidente. Chimericans are hopeful for a better tomorrow, but will the new leader bring true change or weak-willed reform? Or perhaps he will merely make himself a new Farsante... only time can tell. This game is pretty straightforward - what you see is what you get, so there's not much to explain in the way of game mechanics. The US will get all pissy if you act like a socialist, but we'll be informed of that a good while before they actually embargo us and start supplying aid to rebels. Just run the country like you would in real life, and you'll be overthrown in a bloody reactionary coup, just like you would be in real life. This is a hard game. That's why I plan to foist the responsibility for the inevitable coup (it's not really inevitable, but this is a hard game) on you guys, with audience participation. Be forewarned though: debt is very easy to get very deep into, and very difficult to get out of.