Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 NOW, IF THIS SUBJECT IS TOO TABOO, AND HAS TO BE MODDED/LOCKED, I UNDERSTAND. I'M SORRY, I'M NOT TRYING TO CAUSE TROUBLE HERE, ESPECIALLY WITH THIS SUBJECT. PLEASE DO NOT RIDICULE, MOCK, FLAME, OR INSULT ANYONE HERE. I personally always wondered what it would be like if I could start my own nation. There are many ways to do it, -Traditional Sovereignty -Vonu (out of sight, out of mind) i.e. "Traveling Circus/Carnival" type nations, occupying vacant lands in remote regions of Canada, or encampments occupying the sandbars in the Suez Canal (so I've heard) -Principality (Monaco, etc.) -Some have created their own nation, like "Sealand" of England, an old artillery derrick of the coast of the U.K. -Ship Convoys -buy your own island(s) off the coast of an already existing nation (some nations are selling these simply because those islands will be worthless soon, as they will be submerged) -Other Regardless of how you do it, what kind of government would you have? What would your national flag look like? What would you call your country? How would the leaders be determined? Where in the world would you establish your nation/how would you obtain that? Would you make allies, or trust no one? How would your military work? Your constitution (if any)? National Anthem? Sports Team(s)? Laws? Society in general? (Traditions, beliefs, etc.) Healthcare? Education? How would things work in general? Feel free to discuss the subject of creating your own nation, in this day and age, it's hard to do, but not all together impossible. Please try not to offend/be offended by the opinions of others and how they would run their nation. I'll start: I would create a -Traditional Sovereignty -A government Based on Militarism, we'd be like that government in "Starship Troopers", or like the Helghast of "Killzone", an imperialist/warmonger society. -We would be called "The Nation of Lost Souls" or "The Nation of No Return" -Our Flag would look like an old TV Test pattern, black, white, but also with red, and it would have a skull in the middle of the test pattern cross, an 8-Ball in the upper left circle, a Death Spade in the bottom left circle, a run out, bottom full/top empty hour glass in the top right circle, and the number "13" in the bottom right circle, and the words "Technical Difficulties" on the top, and "Please Stand By" on the bottom. -Our National Anthem: Instrumental, something like out of the soundtrack of Ace Combat 5, here's a link, (Be advised, some bad language on this film), fast forward to "8:00" on the film to hear the music I'm talking about: (bad language warning) *UPDATE* here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxboIzX5E-I&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLAEtcf7yXA (new[er] version) Razgriz-The Warsaw Philharmonic, Ace Combat 5 -We would probably invade and conquer Vancouver Island of Canada, willing to provoke a war with Canada and all other nations, OR more likely we would invade and conquer all of the northern and northwestern coastal regions of Africa, not caring who gets killed, or who we piss off. -There would be NO Democracy whatsoever, to even speak of it would result in severe punishment. -We would institute a forced military draft of no less than 3 months training, AND 2 Years Active Duty for all men and women, the only reason you didn't serve is due to crippling disabilities, or religious beliefs (which we will honor, within reason). -A civilian is someone who did not serve in the draft for the reasons above, or a tourist/foreigner of any kind, or a minor/child too young to serve yet, or a legal immigrant who has not yet but soon will serve in the draft. Dodging the draft will result in extreme punishment, and execution. Civilians have basic rights, but not full rights. -A citizen is one who has served the minimum or more requirements for military service, and is entitled to all constitutional rights and benefits. -Our constitution would be similar (but not the same) to America's, but only the top 10 Bill of Rights are all that civilians may enjoy, they cannot vote, run for political office, work any government jobs, own/drive their own cars, go to college, or enter the nation's capitol (dignitaries exempt from the banishment form our nations capitol) -Universal Healthcare (Basic for civilians, Premium for Citizens.) -Congress and government have NO power or jurisdiction over the military, they are separate, as are church and state. -Cruel and unusual punishment is REQUIRED, not banned in our 8th Amendment (behave yourself!) -Frivolous Lawsuits and Frivolous Countersuits are banned in our constitution, all/any civilians, citizens, companies, foreigners, lawyers, paralegals, clerks, and/or judges, etc. involved in such litigation will be either punished or executed. -Allies: None LIMITED, WE TRUST NO ONE! -Laws...No accepting ANY foreign aid, under penalty of death, no contributing to foreign aid/countries...no organized sports whatsoever, being an athlete or coach is an arrestable offense (although it's legal to be a fitness trainer coach for schools, gyms, spas, etc.). The Olympic Committee will be killed on sight for walking on our soil. Only "Traditional Unions/Marriages" are allowed, although people of "other lifestyles" are permitted to live, and are "tolerated" within reason. Racism is discouraged/not condoned, although it's hard to stop people from being who they are.... Hate crimes are definitely illegal. -Sports Teams: NONE. Sports teams of all kind are illegal. I'm sick of pro athletes making practically $1,000,000,000,000 a year. -Guns: everybody will be armed to the teeth, no gun laws whatsoever. Citizens may have small arms only, BUT Civilians may have more than just small arms. -Leadership: Rule until your death, be it age, revolution, etc. A supreme Warlord is chosen, as are regional warlords, hailed by the people, whom they fought along side with in war. "All in favor of a regime change, say 'die'!" -Education: 6th Grade maximum, although there might be 2 more years of trade school/art school/ genius/gifted/talented programs for students who possess such powers. Military Draft is at Age 14, or sometimes allowed at age 12...College and all "higher learning" is for citizens only, no civilians may attend our colleges, you must serve in the draft first, no exceptions. College is not just limited to geniuses and talented/gifted/skilled people only. *EDITED* -Military: Mandatory Draft, starting at age 14, or age 12 in some cases...Tactics: Steal, Kill, and Destroy...be like the Cossacks, or the Mongols, or the Huns....no mercy, march and conquer, scorched Earth...we'd have armies like Andross' fearing us. Pacifism is illegal, and so is treason, both crimes punishable by a slow, painful, gruesome torturous death. -We would deal guns, narcotics (all narcotics are legal in our nation), and allow gambling, and other stuff like that in our nation, we'd be like the Las Vegas of Nations, sans the tacky tastes (mostly)... -Our judicial system is that of England's, and America's, but with professional jury pools, no "jury duty" like America. -Society: No snobbery, asking "What do you do for a living?" is declared obscene and vulgar a question, as is asking how much one makes per year (except in legal/business/accounting matters), eye contact is avoided, you are defined by your military service, where you fought, and how many enemies you killed. That earns you more respect than how much you earn per year, or your occupation. We enjoy the darker, more macabre aspects of existence, including the supernatural, the paranormal, and the spiritual (especially the afterlife). Things would have lots of dark, spooky aesthetics, appearances, and mentalities in the people. The culture, art, music, media, architecture, etc. are all dark, macabre, sinister, and hauntingly attractive. The people of my nation take the law into their own hands, and let their fists, knives, guns, and grenades do the talking...lots of roughhousing and fistfights, kind of "Wild Wild West" or "Old Dodge City" mindset. -No outsourcing of jobs allowed, there are regulations on all companies that serve the public (i.e. utilities, fuels, etc.), no illegal aliens allowed to work in our nation, ever. Foreign "work permits visas" and "student visas" are technically available, but rarely granted. All citizens and civilians MUST pay taxes, no exceptions. There will always be a middle class, always jobs, no homelessness, starvation, or poverty. (I'll come up with more later) *EDITED* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabre Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 My civilization would have it's own planet, or failing that be cities in space or underwater. Dunno the name. Regardless of how you do it, what kind of government would you have? Not sure. Probley a mix of democracy and royalty probly What would your national flag look like? Dunno. Gas mask? How would the leaders be determined? By votes. There would be a ruler to say yay or nay to certain things though. This is to stop Parties going mental and causing havock when they are ellected. Eg. no putting up petrol prices just after elections, and lowering them just before. Where in the world would you establish your nation/how would you obtain that? See above Would you make allies, or trust no one? I wouldn't mind allies. None of this pracing about them tending to their every whim like britain does to the US How would your military work? Tau from warhammer basicly. High tech, frequently updated tactics and stratagies. Victory through supirior firepower, technology, training, and cybornetics. Your constitution (if any)? Science, Free Speach, No ludite morality issues. Science trumps all, and the ends justify the means. NO CENCORSHIP unless it is within public domain. (a statue in the centre of town for example) National Anthem? Something modern, probley instrumental Sports Team(s)? None, were science based. Laws? Some. Written in plain English as was there origian intent, so no worming around loop holes. Common sence rules. Society in general? (Traditions, beliefs, etc.) No shame, guilt, gender roles ect. Low workers would get similar respect as skilled workers. Let's face it, I'm not willing to empty a bin or grow food. The willingly ignorant would be frowned upon and maybe even cast out though, as would ludites. Healthcare? National Health with a black list for idiots. Education? Very. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DZComposer Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 My country would be a Constitutionally limited, democratic, representative republic. It would be a three-branch system: Legislative, Executive, Judiciary. Legislature: Bicameral - A National Assembly and a Senate. Assembly: Each province is represented according to population. Senate: Two senators from each province. They function much like the House and Senate in the US, with the exception that individual senators are not allowed to hold-up legislation. A filibuster must be motioned for. If a filibuster motion passes (simple majority), a senator must continue verbal debate from an unassisted standing position. It ends upon a vote of cloture (60% vote) OR if the filibustering senator leaves or sits down (if a senator wants to sit down, but wants a fillibuster to continue, (s)he may yield to another senator, who must then remain standing and talking. But, each senator may only participate once in each fillibuster). Six term limit on all congressional representatives. Executive: The executive branch is much like the US. With exceptions: 1: The president may only issue executive orders within legislation passed by congress 2: The president may not issue signing statements. 3. The president has limited line-item veto power: Any part of a bill that is unrelated to the rest of the bill may be line-item vetoed. The line-item veto can be overruled by a 2/3 vote in congress, just as a full veto. Executive posts are appointed by president, and confirmed by the senate. Two-term limit on President Judicial: All federal justices are appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate. Supreme Court: Set at seven justices. Justices may only serve until two terms after their appointing president leaves office. Justices may be impeached by 2/3 vote of the senate Constitutionally granted judicial review Military: The country would have a small, but technologically advanced defense force, but may not have a dull-fledged military in times of peace. The Military may only enter a combat role under a formal declaration of war, which requires a 60% vote in both houses, or upon direct attack on the country The country's constitution would guarantee the following rights to all persons: 1. Freedom to Live - No person shall be denied the basic necessities of life, being water, food, shelter, and medical care. The government provides a basic supply of these things, though if one chooses, one can purchase higher-end versions. 2. Freedom to Own Property - Persons have the right to accumulate material and real goods. The government may not take these things away without due process of law. The exception is dangerous goods, IE chemicals, Weapons, etc. 3. Freedom of Speech, Press, and assembly - No person shall be prohibited from speaking out. Anything may be published so long as it does not preach real violence against others or is libelous. People are not to be prohibited from assembling in order to exercise their free speech rights as a group. 4. Freedom from unjust search and siezure - No person, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, shall have their persons, property, documents, or electronic records searched without a warrant obtained through due process of law. 5. Freedom from unjust eavesdropping - All persons have a right to reasonable privacy. No person shall, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, have their communications of any kind monitored without a warrant obtained through due process of law. 6. Freedom Of Religion - The state shall not prohibit any person from worshiping any religion, unless the religion is demonstrated to be a cult. The state shall not establish a religion. Religion and State must be wholly seperate. THE STATE IS SECULAR. No religious test shall be required for ANY public office, local, provincial, or federal. Candidates for office are forbidden from using religion in their campaigns. 7. No person shall be discriminated against in any right, including voting and employment, nor be precluded from national service based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. 8. All citizens have the right to bear arms, provided that they can demonstrate competence with the weapon and have not been convicted of a felony. The state has the authority to regulate the distribution and manufacture of arms. This right does not extend to military-grade weaponry. 9. Persons may not be detained indefinitely without charge. The right of Habeas Corpus is not to be infringed. 10. All persons charged with a crime have the right to a fair trial - The accused has the right to counsel, to be provided by the state if the accused cannot afford it. The accused also have the right to a jury trial. The accused must be tried within a reasonable amount of time. 11. All persons have the right to education - A well-educated populace makes for a strong nation. All children are to be educated. College is optional, but must be made available to anyone who wants to go, even up to doctorate-level. 12. All workers have the right to organize - Neither the government nor business may in any way block the formation of a union to collectively bargain for fair wage, benefit, and working conditions, however union participation may not be compulsory. Any corporation that engages in union-busting is to immediately have it's charter revoked. Noteworthy constitutional tidbits: Patents and Copyrights exist solely to advance science and the arts, and may not be used as a security of corporate profit. Patents are in effect for ten years. Copyrights are in effect for twenty years or until the death of the author, whichever comes first. Corporate copyrights end after 20 years. The public domain is sacred, and no public domain work may be copyrighted unless the work is clearly derivative to the average person. If a work goes out-of-print, the copyright is forfeited. Trademarks last the life of the business. Corporations may only exist in one industry, and for a limited amount of time to be determined at time of charter. When the time expires, the business must re-incorporate. Corporations may not invest in other corporations. Corporate mergers must go through a period of public comment. All corporations must give back to the state through charity or community service. Any corporation that interferes with government affairs shall have it's charter revoked. Any corporation that is headquartered in the country and manufactures in another country is to have the imported finished goods charged a 90% tarriff. Any corporation that violates federal law may have it's charter revoked, though only through due process of law. Treaties and alliances must be approved by congress. Congress has the authority to regulate business. The constitution is amendable, but the process is lengthy and difficult. END CONSTITUTION Sports teams: Whatever teams the people want to form, they can. If public money is used to build a stadium, free tickets are required to be made available. If the people pay for it, all people get to enjoy it. Laws: In addition to the extremely populist constitution, other populist laws are on the books. Strong environmental and labor laws. Public financing of all elections In general, the laws tend to favor the population as a whole. Society: Personal morality is not heavily legislated. IE: "Obscenity Laws" are unconstitutional. The populace values commitment to the community over personal wealth. Wealth is not frowned upon, but the wealthy are expected to give back to the community. Misers who do not give to charity are shunned. Hard Work = Success, even if it is hard labor. Although there are strong social safety nets, society shuns freeloaders. All members of society are expected to give back to the community in some way, and freeloaders are just leeches as all the do is take. Note that freeloading is no illegal, but in a "we" society, you are considered a "Bad person" for this. Bums on the street are considered the lowest of the low. Since the government is constitutionally bound to provide food, water, and housing for those who can't afford it, street bums are there by choice. Healthcare: The constitution requires healthcare for all. There is a very strong singe-payer system, where the care facilities are private, but the money come from the government. There are no barriers to choice, and doctors control the treatment of their patients: The government may not second-guess them. Education: Society believes that an educated populace leads to a strong nation. Compulsory K-12. College is made available to all who want to go, even up to doctoral degrees. Next to freeloading, Dropping-out of high school is the second-worst thing you can do in this society. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabre Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Patents and Copyrights exist solely to advance science and the arts, and may not be used as a security of corporate profit. Good one. Am I the only person not to put much thought or effort into this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Healthcare? National Health with a black list for idiots. I agree with you there, Sabre. Freedom from unjust eavesdropping - All persons have a right to reasonable privacy. No person shall, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, have their communications of any kind monitored without a warrant obtained through due process of law. I soooo agree! I'd have that too for my nation. All citizens have the right to bear arms, provided that they can demonstrate competence with the weapon and have not been convicted of a felony. The state has the authority to regulate the distribution and manufacture of arms. This right does not extend to military-grade weaponry. Pffft! No offense, but that wouldn't work...felons, they'd get guns illegally anyways, including miltary grade weapons (look at California, or New York) As for my nation, no restrictions on arms, the felons, they usually get executed for committing a felony (1 strike, you're out! haha!). A nice idea [in theory], though... All persons have the right to education - A well-educated populace makes for a strong nation. All children are to be educated. College is optional, but must be made available to anyone who wants to go, even up to doctorate-level. to me, education must be earned, not "given"...granted, basic education to kids should be given, but higher education...no, that's earned, through military service and I think that only the gifted, skilled, and talented geniuses should be allowed higher education...in my nation, it would be (OOPS!), but your idea is good too. *EDITED* 12. All workers have the right to organize - Neither the government nor business may in any way block the formation of a union to collectively bargain for fair wage, benefit, and working conditions, however union participation may not be compulsory. Any corporation that engages in union-busting is to immediately have it's charter revoked. Totally! I agree there! Although I'd have the corrupt CEO's blindfolded, bound, forced to their knees, and executed with a bullet to the head in town square, and bill the families of the corrupt CEO's for the bullets. Noteworthy constitutional tidbits: Patents and Copyrights exist solely to advance science and the arts, and may not be used as a security of corporate profit. Patents are in effect for ten years. Copyrights are in effect for twenty years or until the death of the author, whichever comes first. Corporate copyrights end after 20 years. The public domain is sacred, and no public domain work may be copyrighted unless the work is clearly derivative to the average person. If a work goes out-of-print, the copyright is forfeited. Trademarks last the life of the business. Corporations may only exist in one industry, and for a limited amount of time to be determined at time of charter. When the time expires, the business must re-incorporate. Corporations may not invest in other corporations. Corporate mergers must go through a period of public comment. All corporations must give back to the state through charity or community service. Any corporation that interferes with government affairs shall have it's charter revoked. Any corporation that is headquartered in the country and manufactures in another country is to have the imported finished goods charged a 90% tarriff. Any corporation that violates federal law may have it's charter revoked, though only through due process of law. Treaties and alliances must be approved by congress. Congress has the authority to regulate business. The constitution is amendable, but the process is lengthy and difficult. END CONSTITUTION very good, although I wouldn't allow any companies in my nation to have outside manufacturing or "cubicle" jobs Laws: In addition to the extremely populist constitution, other populist laws are on the books. Strong environmental and labor laws. Public financing of all elections In general, the laws tend to favor the population as a whole. nice, good! Education: Society believes that an educated populace leads to a strong nation. Compulsory K-12. College is made available to all who want to go, even up to doctoral degrees. Next to freeloading, Dropping-out of high school is the second-worst thing you can do in this society. I agree with you about freeloading, I'd have "freeloaders" executed by death squads in my nation. I think that basic education should not exceed 6th grade, to me, it's the "quality", not "quantity" that determines education (besides, we send all the kids in my nation off to war immediately after school, although there may be 7th and 8th grade vo-tech, art, computer, or other trade schools they can/may attend first) but good job, sorry to go all "Ebert" on you, I just found what you said fascinating... *by the way, I had to edit my earlier post to say "Civilians have basic rights, but not full rights". Citizens have full rights (a 'la Starship Troopers) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapidfire Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Hmm...reminds me a little of the game NationStates. Anyone ever play that? Anyway... The Republic of Texnaeria Rather than the conventional tripartite system of government, the Republic boasts four branches of government: legislative, executive, judicial, and federative. Legislative Branch The national legislature is bicameral. The lower chamber, the Assembly, has one representative per X amount of citizens residing in the represented district. The upper chamber, the Council, retains two representatives for each represented district. Filibuster cannot be used; each representative is granted only a certain amount of time to speak at a turn before the chair of the chamber must recognise another representative on the floor. All bills pertaining to appropriations must originate in the Assembly. "Riders" cannot be amended to bills, except for omnibus bills. Members of the Assembly and Council are popularly elected in their districts. The legislature must be seated for 12 hours a day for at least 300 days out of the year. Executive Branch To be qualified for the office of Commissar, one must be at least 30 years of age and a citizen of the Republic (naturalised or otherwise). The Commissar is popularly elected. The Commissar enacts all laws passed by the legislature, holding the authority to use the line-item veto. The line-item veto may be overridden by a 3/4 majority of both legislative houses (this majority is reduced to 2/3 in the case of vetoing appropriations). The Commissar is limited to two five-year terms and may be impeached by a 2/3 majority of the Council. The Commissar is permitted no more than 100 days of holiday out of a year. Judicial Branch All federal judges and justices must be lawyers of good standing. Federal justices are appointed by the Commissar and confirmed by a simple majority of the Council. The number of justices seated on the Federal Supreme Court is not set, save for the proviso that the number of sitting justices at any time must be an odd number. All federal justices have life tenure on the bench. Federal justices have the power of judicial review. Impeachment against federal judges requires a 2/3 majority of the Council. Federative Branch The federative branch consists of a single twenty-one person body, the Senate. The Senate sets the tone on most foreign policy matters and acts in coordination with the executive. To be qualified for the Senate, one must be 40 years old and have served in either the military for 20 years, in the legislature for 10 years, or as the Commissar for at least one term. The principal role of the Senate is to be an advisory body to the rest of the government, being composed of the most senior policymakers and military officers. While only the Senate can declare war by a 3/4 majority, it is the Commissar alone who can make the decision to use the force authorised by the Senate. The Senate also ratifies all treaties by simple majority. Senators are elected at-large in the nation and are confirmed by the Council. Senators serve a maximum of 15 years. International Relations The Republic will traditionally provide consistent aid to less fortunate nations, but usually tries to remain neutral in international disputes. If the Republic is directly attacked, or if another nation-state takes aggressive actions that jeopardise the Republic's national interest (attacking its nationals in a war-torn part of the world, as an example), it will likely declare war against the aggressor and ally with any of the aggressor's enemies as a natural matter of course. Trade agreements are only struck with nations whose human rights and corporate practises are comparable to the Republic's own. Military Service in the Texnaerian military is optional, unless the Senate unanimously motions for a levy in wartime. To enter, one must be at least 19 years old. The Texnaerian military maintains an army, a navy, and air force. The military may not be used in any way to instil order in the nation during peace. Citizens are under no obligation to provide shelter or succor to the military even in war. Discrimination of any kind in the military is grounds for court-martial. Veterans are eligible for pensions once they reach retirement age, or immediately upon discharge in case of receiving a debilitating injury. Constitution The Constitution grants full faith and credit of records, acts, and judicial proceedings between districts. Guaranteed in the Constitution is interdistrict extradition and admission of new districts. Amendment to the Constitution occurs when a simple majority of both legislative houses agree to a proposed amendment and 2/3 of the voting public approves on a ballot referendum. The Constitution contains a supremacy clause establishing it as the supreme law of the land that supersedes local ordinances. Additionally, the Constitution grants: - Freedom of religious worship (the Republic recognises no official state religion) - Freedom of speech, within the bounds that it does not recklessly endanger lives or provoke others to violence - Freedom of peaceable petition government and assembly in union - Freedom of press - Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure - Freedom to due process of law, public trial, and habeas corpus - Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment - Freedom to privacy upon which the government itself cannot impinge - Freedom to property, unless it poses a significant threat to the general public (assault weapons, lethal biochemicals, and the like) Sports Teams Comes under the jurisdiction of the private sector. Laws The government is authorised to conduct trust-busting at the ruling of a federal court. Unionised federal workers may not hold strikes. "Blue laws" (personal morality laws) are unconstitutional. Electoral campaigns are publicly financed to prevent graft; individuals may contribute to candidates of their choice, but there is a modest cap on the amount of money an individual can contribute. Corporations that offshore and outsource will be recipients of punitive taxes, while tax incentives are given to manufacturing corporations that remain in the nation. Aggressively "green" energy policies are the standard in the Republic. The government has the special authority to regulate firearms as it sees fit; there is no particular guarantee of the right to own them. Though the public has a tendency toward charitable behaviour, a social security safety net exists for senior citizens. The amount of money one draws from such security is determined on a scale that factors in one's income and other assets, to prevent the rich from draining the fund. Society Texnaerian society emphasizes hard work, intelligence, and dignified personal behaviour. While regulating morality is out of the question, society tends to impose its own unspoken standards. Texnaerians are perennially sceptical of big business but embrace government as the solution to most problems (one populist DJ notably said, "If the government can't do it, what are we paying all those suits in the capital for?"). Deadbeats receive no quarter from condemnation. The public also abhors and detests wilful ignorance and undue sanctimony. Moderation is the watchword in society; Texnaerians always try to strike a balance between public and private, business and pleasure, cities with environment, etc. Healthcare A single-payer system sponsored by the government offers insurance to all those who cannot afford private insurance. Private insurance companies still offer additional insurance to those who wish to purchase it. Private insurers who kick people using fine print clauses and other tricks get smacked with heavy fines (this is applicable to credit cards, mortgages, and most other contractual obligations as well). Special trusts exist for the elderly and disabled if they need additional financial support for their medical bills. Education Mandatory public schooling applies between the ages of 5 and 18. In public school, the emphasis is not on standardised test performances, but on the quality of the teaching. Teachers are paid according to merit and conduct peer reviews of one another; poor teachers are dismissed. Universal standards of education apply; some districts cannot simply drop teaching subjects or single them out as unproven just because it contradicts personal faith. Public universities are free, but the option to attend private universities remains. In public universities, the focus is less on the abstract and more on the operational element of one's selected field (vocational, in a word; none of this "educational theory" malarkey if one is studying to be teacher). Sciences and arts are valued far more highly than less instrumental fields such as business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 I'll start: I would create a -Traditional Sovereignty -A government Based on Militarism, we'd be like that government in "Starship Troopers, or like the Helghast of "Killzone", an imperialist/warmonger society. -We would be called "The Nation of Lost Souls" or "The Nation of No Return" -Our Flag would look like an old TV Test pattern, black, white, but also with red, and it would have a skull in the middle of the test pattern cross, an 8-Ball in the upper left circle, a Death Spade in the bottom left circle, a run out, bottom full/top empty hour glass in the top right circle, and the number "13" in the bottom right circle, and the words "Technical Difficulties" on the top, and "Please Stand By" on the bottom. -Our National Anthem: Instrumental, something like out of the soundtrack of Ace Combat 5, here's a link, (Be advised, some bad language on this film), fast forward to "8:00" on the film to hear the music I'm talking about: -We would either conquer and Vancouver Island of Canada, willing to provoke a war with Canada and all other nations, OR We would invade and conquer all of the northern and northwestern coastal regions of Africa, not caring who gets killed, or who we piss off. -There would be NO Democracy whatsoever, to even speak of it would result in severe punishment. -We would institute a forced military draft of no less than 3 months training, AND 2 Years Active Duty for all men and women, the only reason you didn't serve is due to crippling disabilities, or religious beliefs (which we will honor, within reason). -A civilian is someone who did not serve in the draft for the reasons above, or a tourist/foreigner of any kind, or a minor/child too young to serve yet, or a legal immigrant who has not yet but soon will serve in the draft. Dodging the draft will result in extreme punishment, and execution. Civilians have basic rights, but not full rights. -A citizen is one who has served the minimum or more requirements for military service, and is entitled to all constitutional rights and benefits. -Our constitution would be similar (but not the same) to America's, but only the top 10 Bill of Rights are all that civilians may enjoy, they cannot vote, run for political office, work any government jobs, own/drive their own cars, go to college, or enter the nation's capitol (dignitaries exempt from the banishment form our nations capitol) -Universal Healthcare (Basic for civilians, Premium for Citizens.) -Congress and government have NO power or jurisdiction over the military, they are separate, as are church and state. -Cruel and unusual punishment is REQUIRED, not banned in our 8th Amendment (behave yourself!) -Frivolous Lawsuits and Frivolous Countersuits are banned in our constitution, all/any civilians, citizens, companies, foreigners, lawyers, paralegals, clerks, and/or judges, etc. involved in such litigation will be either punished or executed. -Allies: None, WE TRUST NO ONE! -Laws...No accepting ANY foreign aid, under penalty of death, no contributing to foreign aid/countries...no organized sports whatsoever, being an athlete or coach is an arrestable offense (although it's legal to be a fitness trainer coach for schools, gyms, spas, etc.). The Olympic Committee will be killed on sight for walking on our soil. Only "Traditional Unions/Marriages" are allowed, although people of "other lifestyles" are permitted to live, and are "tolerated" within reason. Racism is discouraged/not condoned, although it's hard to stop people from being who they are.... Hate crimes are definitely illegal. -Sports Teams: NONE. Sports teams of all kind are illegal. I'm sick of pro athletes making practically $1,000,000,000,000 a year. -Guns: everybody will be armed to the teeth, no gun laws whatsoever. Citizens may have small arms only, BUT Civilians may have more than just small arms. -Leadership: Rule until your death, be it age, revolution, etc. A supreme Warlord is chosen, as are regional warlords, hailed by the people, whom they fought along side with in war. "All in favor of a regime change, say 'die'!" -Education: 6th Grade maximum, although there might be 2 more years of trade school/art school/ genius/gifted/talented programs for students who possess such powers. Military Draft is at Age 14, or sometimes allowed at age 12... -Military: Mandatory Draft, starting at age 14, or age 12 in some cases...Tactics: Steal, Kill, and Destroy...be like the Cossacks, or the Mongols, or the Huns....no mercy, march and conquer, scorched Earth...we'd have armies like Andross' fearing us. Pacifism is illegal, and so is treason, both crimes punishable by a slow, painful, gruesome torturous death. -We would deal guns, narcotics (all narcotics are legal in our nation), and allow gambling, and other stuff like that in our nation, we'd be like the Las Vegas of Nations, sans the tacky tastes (mostly)... -Our judicial system is that of England's, and America's, but with professional jury pools, no "jury duty" like America. -Society: No snobbery, asking "What do you do for a living?" is declared obscene and vulgar a question, as is asking how much one makes per year (except in legal/business/accounting matters), eye contact is avoided, you are defined by your military service, where you fought, and how many enemies you killed. That earns you more respect than how much you earn per year, or your occupation. We enjoy the darker, more macabre aspects of existence, including the supernatural, the paranormal, and the spiritual (especially the afterlife). Things would have lots of dark, spooky aesthetics, appearances, and mentalities in the people. The culture, art, music, media, architecture, etc. are all dark, macabre, sinister, and hauntingly attractive. -No outsourcing of jobs allowed, there are regulations on all companies that serve the public (i.e. utilities, fuels, etc.), no illegal aliens allowed to work in our nation, ever. Foreign "work permits visas" and "student visas" are technically available, but rarely granted. All citizens and civilians MUST pay taxes, no exceptions. There will always be a middle class, always jobs, no homelessness, starvation, or poverty. (I'll come up with more later) *EDITED* No offense, but your country sucks big time. It's like a double f@#$ed up Cuba, speaking of which *kills Fidel Castro*, and just as bad as North Korea, speaking of which *suffocates Kim Jong*. I'm serious, I hate all countries run by bad polititions, and Julius this post gives me a very negative impression of you. 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DZComposer Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 The idea behind my country is that elitism destroys a free society. This can be seen in the US right now.The government, including the courts, is favoring the elites over the populace. Making higher education only available to the "gifted" creates a society of educated elites, while the rest of the population is not given an opportunity to advance their knowledge. It also allows unpleasant history to be repeated without knowledge of the people. Your country is based around totalitarian militarism, whilst mine is based on peaceful populism. I would like to comment on a particular aspect of your idea: The idea of a military that is separate from the government is very dangerous. The situation is ripe for Coup d'état by overzealous generals. It also makes it much easier to get into wars that may not be in the interest of the country as a whole. It may also lead to policy problems: What if the current head general wants, for instance, to divert spending from healthcare to the military? An entirely armed populace may serve as a barrier, though it could also easily lead to civil war. Many African nations have similar setups, and every once in a while you hear of someone getting into power that another group doesn't like. The lack of arms control leads to the development of a sustainable rebellion. Look at Somalia, for instance. The military dictatorship collapsed under unrest, and the infighting continues to this day. Though, you do seem to have one important aspect of a successful totalitarian state: The people have their needs met. What often leads to the fall of totalitarian governments is the lust for power of the dictator begins to erode the provision of needs of the populace. When that happens, the fear control fails, as the lack of the need causes a worse death than getting shot by the dictator's men. I love this thread. You can learn so much about someone when you give them the chance to design a government. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Yeah, what DZC said, and for threatening Canada Julius *breaks a chair over your head* Hold me down!!! :evil: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 No offense, but your country sucks big time. It's like a double f@#$ed up Cuba, speaking of which *kills Fidel Castro*, and just as bad as North Korea, speaking of which *suffocates Kim Jong*. I'm serious, I hate all countries run by bad polititions, and Julius this post gives me a very negative impression of you. Well, yeah, that's your opinion, Arwingcommander, and you have a right to them (within reason) but....bear in mind, you have opinions of your own that I don't agree with, but I respect them anyways, and I don't say "I hate you because of your opinion" like you said to me.... The idea behind my country is that elitism destroys a free society. This can be seen in the US right now.The government, including the courts, is favoring the elites over the populace. Making higher education only available to the "gifted" creates a society of educated elites, while the rest of the population is not given an opportunity to advance their knowledge. It also allows unpleasant history to be repeated without knowledge of the people. Your country is based around totalitarian militarism, whilst mine is based on peaceful populism. I would like to comment on a particular aspect of your idea: The idea of a military that is separate from the government is very dangerous. The situation is ripe for Coup d'état by overzealous generals. It also makes it much easier to get into wars that may not be in the interest of the country as a whole. It may also lead to policy problems: What if the current head general wants, for instance, to divert spending from healthcare to the military? An entirely armed populace may serve as a barrier, though it could also easily lead to civil war. Many African nations have similar setups, and every once in a while you hear of someone getting into power that another group doesn't like. The lack of arms control leads to the development of a sustainable rebellion. Look at Somalia, for instance. The military dictatorship collapsed under unrest, and the infighting continues to this day. Though, you do seem to have one important aspect of a successful totalitarian state: The people have their needs met. What often leads to the fall of totalitarian governments is the lust for power of the dictator begins to erode the provision of needs of the populace. When that happens, the fear control fails, as the lack of the need causes a worse death than getting shot by the dictator's men. I love this thread. You can learn so much about someone when you give them the chance to design a government. My nation is more of a militaristic, fascist, warmonger/imperialist nation...I think that congress should not have any say in military because the draft dodgers who are members of Congress, who have never fought in wars, have weakened America's Army. They pass laws so that now American soldiers are "Cops"...(sorry to sound political)...but yes, there is a chance my nation would end up something like General Scales' leadership, however...better your nation be a fierce, violent, barbarian headhunter warmonger nation that can survive in an unjust, unforgiving world, than one that is soft and weak, taken down in a second. And uh, I guess you're right about banning non-geniuses from higher education, I'll strike that in a second *edits threads and posts* although I would still require military service first before any college education is taken by the people. *EDITS* Yeah, what DZC said, and for threatening Canada Julius *breaks a chair over your head* Hold me down!!! I said maybe I'd take Vancouver Island, of Canada, not "I definitely would"...it was nothing personal... *beats you over the head with a metal bar stool, and breaks a pool cue and rams that broken off pool cue between you ribs into your left lung* :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DZComposer Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 After some thoughts, I made some amendments to mine: Constitution: No cruel and unsusal punishment The government has the authority to reasonably tax goods, services, and income. President is popularly elected. The Electoral College is bullshit. President must be at least 35 years old and must be a natural born citizen. Congressional rules may not be stacked to favor a small number of political parties The government may break-up any corporation that it feels has an unfair control of a market. Laws: Medication, medical devices, or medical treatments may not be patented. Software may not be patented. Business Methods may not be patented. Legal immigration is encouraged. There are strong penalties for business that hire illegal immigrants, including revocation of a corporate charter. Although the outsourcing tariff is high, all other tariffs are much lower. Trade is encouraged, so long as it is fair trade. Illegal immigrants may be deported, but law enforcement does not actively look for them. Instead the focus is on people who hire illegal immigrants. If there is no demand for illegal labor, illegal immigrants won't come. Society: Although there are many laws that regulate business, entrepreneurship is encouraged by society. Society loves small business. People love the internet. 100 meg connections are a norm, and not very expensive. The people love technology. The country is a significant exporter of electronic devices, and has the best silicon labs in the world. Art and Music are heavily appreciated. Healthcare: Private healthcare institutions and insurance may exist, but no primary care or emergency facility may reject the single-payer system's payments. It is illegal for primary or emergency medical care to be a for-profit enterprise. It may still be a private non-profit corporation, but it must make patient care the #1 goal, not the earning of profit. Education: Private schools are not illegal, but the public schools are funded and run in ways that make them just as good. Major focus on math, science, and technology. Basically the economic system is a socialized commons and a regulated private sector. Also, the economics are looked at from the demand-side of the equation more than the supply-side. --- Commentary: I know that I didn't make outsourcing illegal. There are some very rare situations where is is necessary. My intent was to remove the economic incentive to do it. 90% of the value of the good must be paid as a tariff. That effectively makes it cheaper to make stuff domestically. Rapidfire: Your Federative branch is a very interesting idea. I am fascinated by it. Julius: When you favor diplomacy, you can make friends with your neighbors. You can trade with them. Maybe even sign alliances with them. When you get along with your neighbors, you have a much smaller chance of war. My country would highly likely be a large exporter. The economic input would give it more than enough capital to adequately defend itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 After some thoughts, I made some amendments to mine: Constitution: No cruel and unsusal punishment The government has the authority to reasonably tax goods, services, and income. President is popularly elected. The Electoral College is bullshit. President must be at least 35 years old and must be a natural born citizen. Congressional rules may not be stacked to favor a small number of political parties The government may break-up any corporation that it feels has an unfair control of a market. I agree, although I'm for cruel and unususal punishment, as I find it funny (I have a dark, and sardonic sense of humor) I hate the electoral college, too.... Laws: Medication, medical devices, or medical treatments may not be patented. Software may not be patented. Business Methods may not be patented. Legal immigration is encouraged. There are strong penalties for business that hire illegal immigrants, including revocation of a corporate charter. Although the outsourcing tariff is high, all other tariffs are much lower. Trade is encouraged, so long as it is fair trade. I agree with that.... Society: Although there are many laws that regulate business, entrepreneurship is encouraged by society. Society loves small business. People love the internet. 100 meg connections are a norm, and not very expensive. The people love technology. The country is a significant exporter of electronic devices, and has the best silicon labs in the world. Art and Music are heavily appreciated. COOOL! Healthcare: Private healthcare institutions and insurance may exist, but no primary care or emergency facility may reject the single-payer system's payments. It is illegal for primary or emergency medical care to be a for-profit enterprise. It may still be a private non-profit corporation, but it must make patient care the #1 goal, not the earning of profit. Illegal immigrants may be deported, but law enforcement does not actively look for them. Instead the focus is on people who hire illegal immigrants. If there is no demand for illegal labor, illegal immigrants won't come. true, true! Education: Private schools are not illegal, but the public schools are funded and run in ways that make them just as good. Major focus on math, science, and technology. Basically the economic system is a socialized commons and a regulated private sector. Also, the economics are looked at from the demand-side of the equation more than the supply-side. Excellent! --- Commentary: I know that I didn't make outsourcing illegal. There are some very rare situations where is is necessary. My intent was to remove the economic incentive to do it. 90% of the value of the good must be paid as a tariff. That effectively makes it cheaper to make stuff domestically. Rapidfire: Your Federative branch is a very interesting idea. I am fascinated by it. Julius: When you favor diplomacy, you can make friends with your neighbors. You can trade with them. Maybe even sign alliances with them. When you get along with your neighbors, you have a much smaller chance of war. My country would highly likely be a large exporter. The economic input would give it more than enough capital to adequately defend itself. I see....good points, and I like Rapidfire's Federative Branch, too....I guess you're right, I might form some allies, but I would never trust them 100% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 to be honest, now that I think of it, I probably would not attack any part of Canada, especially Vancouver Island, because it has limited strategic advantage.....and Vancouver Island is too small. *beats you over the head with a metal bar stool, and breaks a pool cue and rams that broken off pool cue between you ribs into your left lung* *throws Julius into a dumpster and blows it up with dynamite* What's wrong with me?!! Why am I a violently tempered maniac?!! *breaks down into tears of rage and anguish* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Also, my nation would definitely have good quality mass transit, so as not to create smog, or need foreign oil. (Cable Cars Rock!!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 *bashes Julius' skull into the cement, kicks him so far and hard that he goes through 5 brick walls* *spits a lot of blood from mouth, laughing hysterically* A little something I need to ask you Julius... *carving a smile into his face with a knife* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderstar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 (Can we get back on topic pwease? OR ELSE ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 (Can we get back on topic pwease? OR ELSE ) I agree, let's stop fighting or this thread will get modded and locked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 *kicks Thunderstar in the ribs* Don't you start either!! I wouldn't make up my own nation, I'd nuke the fu@#ing he@# out of the ones I don't like!! *newspaper the next day reads "Korea, China, and Cuba all left as smoking craters* And as for you Julius...*putting white make up on* That question I have for you...*laughing manically again* Why so serious?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 *kicks Thunderstar in the ribs* Don't you start either!! I wouldn't make up my own nation, I'd nuke the fu@#ing he@# out of the ones I don't like!! *newspaper the next day reads "Korea, China, and Cuba all left as smoking craters* And as for you Julius...*putting white make up on* That question I have for you...*laughing manically again* Why so serious?! *laughs* okay, okay.... I'm half Chinese, and I find that remark you made about China being nuked somewhat offensive... :x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 How do you all think I feel? I have nothing against people of Chinese descent, I just hate the country because of it's government, just like I do with Cuba, Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia! I wish this fu@#ing thread never materialized, that way I wouldn't have hurt so many people!! *has a heart attack and collapses* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderstar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 OR ELSE *Sets up bombs* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 How do you all think I feel? I have nothing against people of Chinese descent, I just hate the country because of it's government, just like I do with Cuba, Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia! oh, okay, I see....maybe I should lock this thread, before it gets out of hand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DZComposer Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Please stop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 I'll have to lock this thread until Arwingcommander3987 shuts up and goes away. *locks thread* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Julius Quasar Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 *UPDATE* I'm going to unlock this thread, now...let's keep this civilized, I'm sorry I locked it before, that was really rash of me... If things get out of hand again, especially from a certain member, than I'll just ask them to leave. Arwingcommander, you are no longer welcome to post here in this thread, if you can't shut up and control your anger. *Unlocks Thread* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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