388:1

388:1

388:1

388: 2

388: 2

388:2

With a near-identical number of votes for and against freedom to roam (and a small number of votes for commercialisation of paths), we unfortunately cannot come to a conclusive decisions this time. The issue is dismissed.

==== Overview ====
Civil Rights: Very Good (68)
Economy: Fair (29) [-6]
Political Freedoms: Superb (76)

The Free Land of Gogan is a massive, genial nation, ruled by Doctor Marcin with a fair hand, and notable for its museums and concert halls. The compassionate, intelligent population of 2.697 billion Goganians enjoy a sensible mix of personal and economic freedoms, while the political process is open and the people's right to vote held sacrosanct.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent government stops and the rest of society begins, but it devotes most of its attentions to Education, with areas such as Religion & Spirituality and Defence receiving almost no funds by comparison. It meets every day to discuss matters of state in the capital city of Keanesomnia. The average income tax rate is 67%, and even higher for the wealthy. A healthy private sector is dominated by the Book Publishing industry.

Citizens are expected to be proficient in at least five languages, all guns must be registered, 'The Anti-Government Hour' is a popular programme on many of Gogan's radio stations, and the nation is experiencing a severe shortage of sporting events. Crime is totally unknown. Gogan's national animal is the Goglodyte, which is also the nation's favorite main course, and its currency is the Gog.

Gogan is ranked 3,670th in The North Pacific and 99,801st in the world for Largest Basket Weaving Sector, scoring -3 on the Hickory Productivity Index.

==== Issues ====
3 days 17 hours ago: Following new legislation in Gogan, the nation is experiencing a severe shortage of sporting events.
The overview has been updated following the last decisions made.

Nazi Sympathizers Plan Rally (issue 389) (#22)
Far-right-wing Nazi supporters plan to stage a rally in the city center tomorrow, giving voice to their violent, racist views.

1. "Frankly, I'm appalled that the government can even consider allowing this travesty to go ahead," says prominent Jewish personality Hillary Falopian. "We can't let these animals broadcast their message of hate. Surely Gogan is too civilized for that."

2. "It's exactly because we're civilized that we must let the demonstration proceed," says free speech campaigner Wil Yeats. "We may not like what they have to say, but in this society, people have the right to argue whatever political view they want, no matter how hateful, selfish, or stupid it is."

==== Public announcement ====

389:2 Let the idiots speak and show how wrong they are...

389:2

389:2

Thanks, Obama. :P

389:2 - free speech is free!

Let me just quote what I wrote the last time:

"As much as I hate Nazis and every form of racism, fascism and anti-semitism, I think we shouldn't forbid their rally. Freedom of speech should be there for everyone. Of course that doesn't mean we have to let them march undisturbed. I hope for broad resistance and lots of counter-demonstrations by Gogan's more intelligent population."

389: 2

389:2

389:2