Getting blown up in a reactionary coup... Let's Play: Hidden Agenda!

[Cycloneman]

 

Welcome to Hidden Agenda.

 

Hidden Agenda is an text-based computer strategy game whose scenario was designed and written in 1988 by Jim Gasperini, intended to simulate the conditions of a post-revolutionary Central American country. It is considered a forerunner of the Games for Change movement, alongside other early Macintosh games including Chris Crawford's Balance of Power and Balance of the Planet.

 

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.

Edited May 6, 2009 by Cycloneman

[Cycloneman]

"...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."

[Slowtrain]

Bravo, sir. Bravo.

 

I wil leave the name to someone else since such are not my forte.

 

1) - B Eliminating government corruption not only helps the average person, but it leaves us in a postion free to institue our own self-serving corruption

 

2) -A It will undoubtedly be painful for some and may hurt the natural beauty, but we need growth to compete on the world stage.

 

3- A Infrastructure is the life blood of a modern economy. It will indirectly help everyone

[Deadly_Nightshade]

Name: Adolf Regan de Marx

 

1) - C. Information is paramount to the success of our new nation and thus I will be revoking any and all censorship laws.

 

2) - B. Yes Commands -errr, I mean fellow citizens-, we should do away with the elite class and re-distribute their monies!

 

3) - C. If we do not appease the poor and undereducated masses they shall rise up and lop off our heads!

[Tigranes]

Awesome stuff.

 

1) B, just because it gives us some newsworthy 'achievements' like catching a corrupt official (and also gives us some time).

 

2) A, people might be happy with tax breaks or redistribution programs at the start, but one, two, three years down the line, they're going to look at how many jobs there are around and how many cars are in the streets to judge your regime.

 

3) A, which helps the economy too - and also because I'm not sure in this context which demographic is our biggest supporter.

 

Yes, I'm not very moral when it comes to governments.

[Blarghagh]

A

C

A

 

Also, I should not be reading this at work. Damn you.

[Cycloneman]

"...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.

[Tigranes]

Awesomeness.

 

Agriculture: Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Christian Reform Party.

No strong feelings on this one, just like the idea of slow but gradual land reform. Also balances the rest of the cabinet nicely.

 

Defense: Antonio Alejos Espinales, Popular Stability Party.

It's always good to have a war hero (revolution hero) on your cabinet, and US ties are pretty pragmatic at this stage anyway.

 

Internal: Julio Olivares Las Casas, National Liberation Party.

I don't like the whole 'Liberation Theology' business and would have picked Fleming, but I like his idea on literacy, and you might need a principled man like him to reduce corruption in the government.

 

External: Francisco Ferrante Oberon, Christian Reform Party.

Sounds like an able guy that'll get the job done without screwing it up with anyone - just what we need.

 

Trying to get a good mix of young and old, throw in different types of popular picks (war heroes, caring priest, intellectual) and of course skills. They should work well with each other, having excluded Rosanes (which might have consequences later?)

[Cycloneman]

"...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.

Edited May 8, 2009 by Cycloneman

[Tigranes]

It's out of the spoiler forum now, so perhaps deserves a bump.

 

I'll give my picks soon.

[Maria Caliban]

Name: Antonio Delgado

 

1: C) Ensure free distribution of information.

2: A) Promote the growth of the economy.

3: A) Infrastructure, such as roads and utilities.

 

EDIT --

 

Ministry of Agriculture - Bernardo Whitmyre Alvarado

Ministry of Defense - Antonio Alejos Espinales

Ministry of Internal Affairs - Gloria Jimenez Fleming

Ministry of External Affairs - Ignacio Nunez Laranjera

 

EDIT --

 

Six people to speak to:

The Doctor, Dr. Judith Escobar de Royce

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.

 

Sub-Comandante, Gabriel Correa Fernandez

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.

 

The Bishop, Placido Dimas Hernandez

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.

 

Trade Union Leader, Hector Ferrera Contreras

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

 

Coffee Worker, Sergio Espinosa Castaneda

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

 

USA Ambassador, L. Quentin Buffard

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

Edited May 11, 2009 by Maria Caliban

[Cycloneman]

It's out of the spoiler forum now, so perhaps deserves a bump.

 

I'll give my picks soon.

Cool. I'm no longer able to edit the title, so could somebody put "Spoilers" in the description?

 

Name: Antonio Delgado

 

1: C) Ensure free distribution of information.

2: A) Promote the growth of the economy.

3: A) Infrastructure, such as roads and utilities.

 

EDIT --

 

Ministry of Agriculture - Bernardo Whitmyre Alvarado

Ministry of Defense - Antonio Alejos Espinales

Ministry of Internal Affairs - Gloria Jimenez Fleming

Ministry of External Affairs - Ignacio Nunez Laranjera

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.

 

[Maria Caliban]

We're a little past that, sorry.

 

Err.. so?

 

The current vote is on who we should talk to - see my previous post for the options.

 

See my previous post for my answers.

[Cycloneman]

We're a little past that, sorry.

 

Err.. so?

Well, previous votes generally aren't voted on, you see.

 

The current vote is on who we should talk to - see my previous post for the options.

 

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.

[Walsingham]

I think we should talk to

The coffee workers. Lets hand out cake.

[Rostere]

Let's talk to the IMF Representative and the Sub- Comandante.

[SteveThaiBinh]

IMF Representative, Alice Beadle Sourwine

The Doctor, Dr. Judith Escobar de Royce

Coffee Grower, Jesus Cabrales Murillo

The Teacher, Leticia Azurdia de Granados

Rights Activist, Gloria Mendoza de Lerma

Banker, Jorge Quezada Sonnichsen

TNC Representative, Andreas Von S. Weiser

Guard Leader, Roberto Padilla Pasquale

USA Ambassador, L. Quentin Buffard

 

Nine, is that right?

[Cycloneman]

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).

[Rostere]

I vote to accept every proposal except the one from the Teacher, which I'd like to refuse.

[Maria Caliban]

"My proposal: Increase funding for health care."

[Whipporwill]

"My proposal: Increase funding for health care."

 

--> Yes. We need to show some improvement immediately.

 

"My proposal: Continue to support my efforts to discipline the Army."

"My advice: Continue to support Colonel Ehrlich's efforts to discipline the Army."

 

--> Yes. A badly disciplined army is a major problem.

 

"My proposal: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard."

"My advice: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard."

 

--> No. This is asking for an insurrection.

 

[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.]

 

"My proposal: Set price controls for basic foods."

 

--> Too bad. Price controls muck up an economy like nobody's business.

 

"My advice: Issue warnings about the dangers of hoarding and speculation, and call for calm."

 

--> Yes. This won't do much good, but might do some.

 

"My proposal: Divide credit resources between the food growers and the producers of export crops."

 

--> Yes. The farmer is the man la laa la la.

 

"My advice: Direct the National Bank to give priority to the producers of export crops."

 

--> No. (Wouldn't this contradict as the previous one?)

 

"My proposal: Accept North American offers of development assistance."

"My advice: Accept North American offers of development assistance."

 

--> Yes.

 

 

"My proposal: Accept a package of loans from the IMF and international banks."

 

--> Yes.

 

"My advice: Negotiate the rescheduling of debts. Secure further loans from the IMF."

 

--> Yes.

 

 

"My proposal: Give the dictator's land to the less-well-off coffee producers."

"My advice: Give the dictator's land to the less-well-off coffee producers."

 

-->Yes.

 

"My proposal: Increase funding for education."

 

"My advice: Increase funding for education."

 

--> No. This is a long-term investment and it won't hurt the kids to skip school for a year or two until we have a better grasp of our finances.

[Tigranes]

"My proposal: Increase funding for health care."

Yes.

 

"My proposal: Continue to support my efforts to discipline the Army."

Yes.

 

"My advice: Continue to support Colonel Ehrlich's efforts to discipline the Army."

Yes.

 

"My proposal: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard."

No, I don't see a point in doing that wholesale. Maybe specific groups once there is a sign of unrest (to absolve us of any claims of heavy-handed purging).

 

"My advice: Issue warnings about the dangers of hoarding and speculation, and call for calm."

Yes, why not.

 

"My proposal: Divide credit resources between the food growers and the producers of export crops."

No opinion.

 

"My advice: Direct the National Bank to give priority to the producers of export crops."

No opinion.

 

"My proposal: Accept North American offers of development assistance."

Yes.

 

"My proposal: Accept a package of loans from the IMF and international banks."

Yes. I don't like IMF dependency but as long as we are accepting NA aid...

 

"My advice: Negotiate the rescheduling of debts. Secure further loans from the IMF."

No, just to keep things at reasonable levels.

 

"My proposal: Give the dictator's land to the less-well-off coffee producers."

No if that means the game will later present us with options to distribute the land differently; otherwise, Yes.

 

"My proposal: Increase funding for education."

No, not yet - not enough $.

[Cycloneman]

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.

No if that means the game will later present us with options to distribute the land differently; otherwise, Yes.

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. Edited May 13, 2009 by Cycloneman

[Blarghagh]

Is it okay if this game confuses me super much?

[SteveThaiBinh]

The Doctor, Dr. Judith Escobar de Royce

"My proposal: Increase funding for health care." - YES

 

Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister

"My advice: Increase funding for health care. - YES

 

 

Sub-Comandante, Gabriel Correa Fernandez

"My proposal: Continue to support my efforts to discipline the Army." - YES

 

Antonio Alejos Espinales, Defense Minister

"My advice: Continue to support Colonel Ehrlich's efforts to discipline the Army." - NO

 

The Bishop, Placido Dimas Hernandez

"My proposal: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard." - NO

 

Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister

"My advice: Arrest the members of the defeated Farsante Guard." - NO

 

 

 

Trade Union Leader, Hector Ferrera Contreras

"My proposal: Set price controls for basic foods." - YES

 

Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister

"My advice: Issue warnings about the dangers of hoarding and speculation, and call for calm." - YES

 

 

Coffee Worker, Sergio Espinosa Castaneda

"My proposal: Divide credit resources between the food growers and the producers of export crops." - NO

 

Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister

"My advice: Direct the National Bank to give priority to the producers of export crops." - NO

 

 

USA Ambassador, L. Quentin Buffard

"My proposal: Accept North American offers of development assistance." - YES

 

Francisco Ferrante Oberon

"My advice: Accept North American offers of development assistance." - YES

 

 

IMF Representative, Alice Beadle Sourwine

"My proposal: Accept a package of loans from the IMF and international banks." - YES

 

Francisco Ferrante Oberon

"My advice: Negotiate the rescheduling of debts. Secure further loans from the IMF." - YES

 

 

Coffee Grower, Jesus Cabrales Murillo

"My proposal: Give the dictator's land to the less-well-off coffee producers." - YES

 

Ignacio Nunez Laranjera, Agricultural Minister

"My advice: Give the dictator's land to the less-well-off coffee producers." - YES

 

 

The Teacher, Leticia Azurdia de Granados

"My proposal: Increase funding for education." - YES

 

Julio Olivares Las Casas, Internal Affairs Minister

["My advice: Increase funding for education." - YES

 

YES = Accept the Proposal/Advice

NO = Refuse the Proposal/Advice