NationStates Jolt Archive

The Bubblewrap Resolution
A resolution to slash worldwide military spending.

Category: Global Disarmament
Strength: Mild
Proposed by: Kefalia


Description: The Bubblewrap Resolution intends to redirect the research and manufacturing of weapon systems towards research and manufacturing which seek to improve the lives of all world citizens.


Instead of building supperior materials for fighter aircraft, or more effective missle systems; nations will apply their knowledge across national and regional boundaries to improve improve textiles, medicines and the general environment (i.e. using our technology industries to create bubblewrap which is biodegradeable and moreover upon use convertable fuel--yes turning packiging/play material into fuel instead of bombs into death)

This proposal is made with regard in part to Resolution 36.

However, it strengthens the aims of Resolutions 2, 7, 9, 12, 13, 37 and 48.

Should biodegradeable materials be made through this resolution it strengthens Resolution 34.

This Resolution provides an alternative to those who lost out on resolutions 40, and 41 (and still want to maintain high levels of environmentally friendly regulation).

This Resolution helps in the implementation of Resolutions 44, 45, and 50, as well as easing the use of resolution 43.

Depending upon implementation this Resolution provides additional support to Resolutions 71, and 72.

Finally, the Bubblewrap Resolution is in a common vein as Resolution 39.

Since the effects of this resolution apply more broadly in effect than in the category of Global Disarmament it may need additional resolutions to take its full effect.


The final intentions of the Bubblewrap Resolution should positively impact Environmental, Free Trade, Global Disarmament and possibly Human Rights/Social Justice.

Approvals: 7 (Donan, Talthia, Lasagnaland, Styrland, New Hamster, Sheeping_Hollow, The Free Tanuka Cities)

Status: Lacking Support (requires 130 more approvals)

Voting Ends: Sat Oct 30 2004



Feel free to contact Minister A. Madonis of Kefalia with any questions or comments. Or just post here. I hope to tack on trade and environmental rules if you folks want it, but I need help. Please approve this proposal first if you want more mention it and with enough support we can create a multi-step resolution.

I'll resort to the argument I'm using to repeal resolution 18 to argue an issue with this. This resolution is if I understood it right, instructing nations to make bubblewrap instead of military technology.

1. Not all nations have the expertise, nor is it in their economic interest to have to make bubblewrap. There are many other green technologies and green products nations can build and if there currently aren't bubblewrap plants but there are plants which make other biodegradeble products which that nation is good at making, why should it have to put up the funds to create this industry. Nations tend to produce products which they have a comparitive advantage in and research in areas their citizens have expertise in. Perhaps the resolution could instead advocate shifting focus away from military expenditures to green technology in general. The principle is a good idea but asking all nations to produce bubblewrap isn't the best way to go about it.

2. If every nation complied with this and made bubblewrap, it would cause a large surplus of this product which would dramatically lower prices and cause the closure of hundreds of bubblewrap plants around the world. Back to point number 1, if all nations complied with a resolution to specifically divert some attention from military production to the production of green products, some would have a comparitive advantage in bubblewrap, some would have a comparitive advantage in electric automobiles.

3. By focusing so specifically on the development of one product, this narrow focus can cause a slow down in the evolution of green technology as nations divert energy from new products and ideas in order to build bubblewrap factories. This can lead to fewer new innovations in other important areas of green technology. If everyone specialized in researching and producing the area of green technology where they had expertise and a comparative advantage in, everyone wins. This technology can also be shared rapidly thanks to the UCPL.

All in all, good idea theoretically but the DRA can't support it unless it has some changes.

I like the intent of this proposal, however I see it as fatally flawed. It needs to clearly, explicitly state what it intends. Instead it talks around the issue. Read over the resolutions that have passed and try resubmitting something more concrete (or even better in draft form as for help here).

Joseki ruler of Josekistan by default

Greetings,

Thank you for taking the time to Read over my proposal and comment.

First off let me tell those who don't know that the Bubblewrap Resolution is found on pg 17.

Secondly, and this migt clarify my meaning (I will rename the resolution to this if it doesn't pass), this resolution is essentially a Swords to Plowshares Resolution.

The Bubblewrap was used as simply an example (hence the use of i.e.) and the true intention of this resolution is reduce arms research and production in general so that resources can be shifted to other pursuits (in general, not just Bubblewrap) which are more beneficial to humanity, and/or your specific nation.

Given the mechanics of the game the impact would be the same regardless of how the resolution is stated (I made it slightly humerous, because the Resolution on Humour allows me to do so, and I think it may attract some people to the UN that usually shy away because they think it is completely serious debate ground). I apologize if because in my attempt at a bit of humour I made my proposal less than clear, it is intended as a serious resolution which will have both a positive effect (and I hope invigorate the UN).


Unfortunately, those nations with large military industries may effected negatively (but ever so slightly) due to this resolution. In essence it lowers the cost that a nation needs to spend on the UN military budget, and allows the nation to use this money for other purposes.

Sorry if this, too, was unclear.

I hope you may reconsider.


Sincerely,
Minister A. Madonis

Alright fair enough, thanks for the clarification

Good effort, Kefalia. I might also state that there are a number of spelling and grammatical errors in your proposal. Others on the forum might be able to help you with that if and when you re-submit a proposal in the future.

Thanks Peaonusahl.

I forgot that I probably should have had forum members look it over.

Who knows it may pass anyways.

Arrrr, bubblewrap be fun, mateys!

*pop-pop-pop-poppitypopp!!*

But so's war.

Yes, but think carefully which is more fun?

Actually you can use large swathes of bubblewrap in the place of landmines (note it is of a different design).

you can use large swathes of bubblewrap in the place of landmines.

I sure am *pop* looking forward to our next *pop* military exercise. *pop*

Just thought I'd point out it's more than halfway to the resolution stage. It has 78 endorsements and only needs 59 more.

its a step in the right direcion for world disarmament. However, it is not explicit, as has been mentioned, and the ultimate product - bubblewrap - is not exactly in short supply. unless I misread it.

I approved it for my region. It should get on the floor, it's approaching quorum.

Cut! That's a wrap!

"I've been watching you for days now baby
I just love your sexy ways now baby
You now my love will never stop now baby
Just put your loving in my box baby
Wrap it up - I'll take it
No more will I shop around baby
You know I've got the best thing in town now baby
I've seen all I wanna see baby
What your loving means to me now baby
Wrap it up - I'll take it
I'm gonna treat you like the queen you are
Give you sweet things from my candy jar
You've got treats you ain't ever used
Give it give it to me
It won't get abused "

Just to clarify, the actual resolution does not specify that every nation need increase their production of bubblewrap. Indeed, this is simply an example offered within the resolution. You can make more bubblewrap (or make it more environmentally friendly) or you can improve drugs/medical techniques, etc. etc.

Essentially what happens with this resolution is each nation is required to shift a small percentage (it is only a small step, but a good beginning--more importantly it will bring more attention to the issue) of their production from military research/manufacture to an industry which "benefits mankind" (almost any other industry, of course we hope with this resolution that people will try to meet the spirit of the law as best they can, but we will not police someone if say this means they will create a new sitcom which brings laughter to people around the world (or create fire-proof shirts) with their former military funds). The law is what you make of it.


Minister A. Madonis