Ministery of Environment and Social Affairs (MESA)

[The_Hawk]

Out of earshot, one aide mutters to another, "Loosen up? We were just the victims of the largest terrorist attack on Eutopian soil in years, and he wants us to loosen up?"

The two grumble and go about their work.

-T_H as NPCs

 

[von Streusser]

The same aide (chatty little bastard!) speaks up again.

"Sir, as I understand, the President has yet to submit a budget and is planning a VAT tax increase? Perhaps we could get him to increase our budget to pay for these programs, and then we could get our money along with the rest of the budget.

Center for Recycling and Renewable Energy? I hate to sound like a broken record sir, but...good general idea, but we'll need more details to actually implement it. What is its purpose exactly? How will it do it? Again, money?

As for the military base...ah...that's a trickier issue. You see, the Americans have a self-renewing lease, much like they do at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. We have no authority over the actual base there, and if you want to do anything with it...you're going to have to get the Americans to revoke their lease, pack their bags, and leave." Reading Rashaad's expression, the aide says "ah, the President didn't mention that part of the equation? Yes, that's a foreign affairs job.

As for creating new national holidays...well, I think we can do that sir. You might want to check with the cabinet and see if we need GA approval, I don't know if we do or not offhand. Center for the Arts, let us know the specifics and we'll get right on it.

Sir, let me just say, I think you have some great ideas for where we should take our ministry work. If we can get a plan behind those ideas, we'll do great things."

As a side note, the staff seems fairly pleased by the new dress code announcement, despite the reservations of some over the choice of language.

-vS as NPCs

 

[unmerged(36605)]

Since apparently culture is in provincial jurisdiction, we'll have to pick a province and negotiate. Since the capital district is the center of most other things, why not try it out here? The purpose of Center of the Arts should be to bring culture to the people. Art to the masses so to speak. It would fund public art shows and to patron new and innovative artist struggling to break in to the mainstream.

How is Eutopia in terms of sex education? Lets start building Planned Parenthood clinics throughout the cities and towns of Eutopia.

And how much control do we have over education? I'd like to make some changes there.

 

[von Streusser]

"Well sir, since former President Al'Aeshir just re-surfaced, you might consider asking him about the safe sex programs he implemented during his time as the old MHES before the new constitution. Health is under federal jurisdiction, but family is under provincial jurisdiction...the provinces might fight a series of Planned Parenthood clinics, and those 'Soldiers of God' would surely raise a stink about it.

As for culture and this center for the arts idea, you're right that culture is provincial, but I think that the Capitol District itself is not a full province and is therefore under complete federal control." He scratches his head, and squints a bit. "But I can't swear to that, I don't know for sure off hand.

Education though is completely the jurisdiction of the provinces, sir. We have no control or authority over it."

-vS as NPC

 

[unmerged(36605)]

Yeah the Capitol District would fall under federal control then huh? That works out good then. No negotiations need. Do you guys have enough to get started on that now?

I talked to Amric and he told me about the television commercials and other things he used to promote safe sex, which apparently worked pretty well. I'd still like to start putting up some planned parenthood clinics, despite what reaction we might get from the religious right. This kind of thing is a public health safety net. It's especially important for kids who need help but don't have anywhere to go. Your church or parents can be hard to approach about these kinds of things.

 

[von Streusser]

"Well sir, we do need to know where the money would come from. Without a new budget, we can't really do anything new."

* * * * *​

Later, an aide arrives with a piece of paper for Lamont to look at. He places it on the minister's desk.

To: CJC General Levarge, Command and Operations Center
From: Admiral Tulp, CoSN, TF Tulp

Will try to solve or stall situation sir, possibility exists that people aboard Hainan Star are refugees or similair but will be dealt with as possible terrorists. Women and children aboard Hainan Star. Help from FLEA or HUPD would be good as well.

"Sir, the military just forwarded this to us. Thought you should see it. We don't have anyone we can send to help out immediately, but if those people are refugees or illegals, then we'll have a social services problem to deal with. Housing, health checks, quarantines, food, that sort of thing. Just wanted to give you a heads up."

-vS as NPC

 

[unmerged(33865)]

A call from MIDA asks whether they have heard about the Hainan Star refugee situation from the Navy. Having confirmed that they have, the conversation ends quickly.

 

[unmerged(36605)]

I'd like to announce that I'm interviewing candidates for the head of the Pension Control board. Anyone interested stop on by.

 

[unmerged(36605)]

I'd like to start planning something new for whenever the budget gets approved. Many Eutopians may be aware of the success of autonomous social centres in other European cities, independent of local authority, church, business or other controlling body. These spaces have provided a focal point for many of the social movements in the West, where public spaces have been eaten away by consumerism, property speculation and the culture of the car.They celebrate collective cooperation and diversity and have numerous day-to-day uses: community drop-in centre, inexpensive cafe, political meeting space, library, gig venue, arts centre, and internet cafe, to name a few. Now, obviously this is under the jurisdiction of local governments, but I'd like to begin dialogue with the local governments of Eutopia and approve federal money to fund such projects throughout Eutopian communities. Perhaps we could invite the City Councils of all the major Eutopian cities to a meeting where we could discuss how derelict buildings in their cities could be put to new use?

 

[unmerged(33865)]

A message arrives from MIDA

There are some 'boat people' of apparently Asian origin that have arrived by probably illegal means. Could you please coordinate with Admiral Tulp at this location to see that the immediate human needs of these refugees are met?