NationStates Jolt Archive

Many of you who actually play the game have probably seen this issue -

A new book, Jennifer Government, by Max Barry, has been causing quite a stir in governmental offices across Libertty.

The Debate

1. "At first I liked the book," says famous politician Johann Jefferson, "but then it clearly turned out to be just a mockery of our government! This is brainwashing our citizens into thinking that they're being governed badly. I suggest we hang, draw and quarter the author of this book and take satires off the shelves!"

2. "Don't be silly" says book reviewer Elizabeth Chicago, "it's a great book and you don't necessarily have to take the views inside seriously! If anything, there should be more satires. Maybe then, we'll get the right people in charge of this messed-up country!"

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Now maybe it's just me, but the fact we're talking about the very book this game is based upon makes me lean towards position #1. I'm willing to bet 90% of NS players vote for position #1 on this question.

But if the question was about a book by a neo-nazi or some other less popular ideaologue, I think the issue would give NS players a little more introspection.

Does the inclusion of Max Barry's name and the book title "Jennifer Government" make a mockery of an otherwise serious issue?

Comments, anyone?

(edited for spelling, content unchanged)

I'd go with 1. I want my citizens to be able to evlove the government into what best serves them. If you can't question the establishment, then you might as well have a monarchy.

I'd go with 1. I want my citizens to be able to evlove the government into what best serves them. If you can't question the establishment, then you might as well have a monarchy.
1 :confused:
if you want your citizens to have freedom of political power and choice, don't stop political satire

i choose 2 as its the option that allows Oksana's quesioning of the establishment (edit: which is why i am confused)

Yeah, what the fuck? I'd definately go with Option #2.

if you assume that all your citizens are so easily brainwashed by a single book then surely the government you have could already do or have done this for their own gain? if your citizens are able to accept this as satire and recognise that being able to critisise your government is a vital part of democracy, then maybe you stand a chance of getting a gov't that meets the requirements of the people it represents.

I choose #2.

no one in Hitlerreich questions the government and lives to tell about it, mr Barry would be well adviced to stay away :D

;)

Oh. That's what I meant.

Originally posted by Hitlerreich
no one in Hitlerreich questions the government and lives to tell about it, mr Barry would be well adviced to stay away

That's because your government is Nazi or Fascist or something. I don't know which one. I'll have to look at your nation sometime to find out.

All you have to do is look at his "Saddam's $2m Bribe" thread. He's very much a Nazi/Fascist.

Many of you who actually play the game have probably seen this issue -

A new book, Jennifer Government, by Max Barry, has been causing quite a stir in governmental offices across Libertty.

The Debate

1. "At first I liked the book," says famous politician Johann Jefferson, "but then it clearly turned out to be just a mockery of our government! This is brainwashing our citizens into thinking that they're being governed badly. I suggest we hang, draw and quarter the author of this book and take satires off the shelves!"

2. "Don't be silly" says book reviewer Elizabeth Chicago, "it's a great book and you don't necessarily have to take the views inside seriously! If anything, there should be more satires. Maybe then, we'll get the right people in charge of this messed-up country!"

-------

Now maybe it's just me, but the fact we're talking about the very book this game is based upon makes me lean towards position #1. I'm willing to bet 90% of NS players vote for position #1 on this question.

But if the question was about a book by a neo-nazi or some other less popular ideaologue, I think the issue would give NS players a little more introspection.

Does the inclusion of Max Barry's name and the book title "Jennifer Government" make a mockery of an otherwise serious issue?

Comments, anyone?

(edited for spelling, content unchanged)

Funny... I'm completely unaware of this issue....

All you have to do is look at his "Saddam's $2m Bribe" thread. He's very much a Nazi/Fascist.


so not supporting Saddam is fascism these days?

I guess Saddam was a peaceful man then, with no WMD ambitions (which has been proven false, everything was ready to go once those nasty sanctions were lifted).

I've never seen that issue, but it's obvious that Max is secretly watching each nation's answer very carefully, and having his Moderator goons rough up anyone who chooses the incorrect option. It's plain to see. Also, George W. Bush is really an alien from the planet Omicron Persei 8 who is part of an elite reconnaissance team sent as a precursor to an invasion. It's so transparent.

Futurama fucking rocks, man.

Id choose #2.

I can't wait to get this question.

I'd choose #2