The Issue
In recent weeks, there has been growing concern over the quality of automobiles made in Blaist Blaland. Representatives from all sides have gathered in your office and are asking you to make a decision.
The Debate
"This is ridiculous!" cries Stephanie Hernandez, chairperson of the Association of Scorned Shoppers, while frantically waving a stack of papers. "Some of these stories are just obscene! We've got water pumps ceasing at 12,000 kilometers, airbags not deploying in accidents, and this one guy's gas tank just fell off! I can't make this stuff up! Our auto industry has gotten lazy and corrupt and is in desperate need of stronger regulation!"
"I've never heard such nonsense!" scoffs Agnes de Vries, an executive representing Blaist Blaland's largest automaker. "Our cars are perfectly fine! These allegations are completely baseless. Thing is, these proposed regulations are going to make us uncompetitive. Is this what you want? Foreign cars clogging our streets while our factories close down? Get rid of some of the regulations we have now, so we can do our jobs! While you're at it, a government subsidy would safeguard domestic auto manufacturing ..."
"What is this? Subsidies? Deregulation? Lies, all of it!" shouts prominent communist Dave Sparkle, sporting a practical yet stylish red beret. "These companies, they're always willing to sell their ethics for a quick Property Note! They always cut corners for a little extra profit, and look where it's gotten us! You want to make good cars, cars the people can be proud of? Have the people take control of the car companies! If we remove the profit motive, Blaist Blaland can finally produce quality vehicles, without wasteful bourgeois stuff like chrome wheels, air conditioning, and reclining seats!"
A wheelchair-bound man wearing a bicycle helmet on his head, plaster casts on his legs, and an irate expression on his face rolls himself into your office. "Hey, I got somethin' to say," he growls as he deliberately bumps into your desk. "You and your government have been playing nice with the car companies for far too long, and a lot of us cyclists are sick of it. I might have an axe to grind, but Blaist Blaland and our environment'll be better off if you just banned cars entirely. Who cares if people complain? They'll adjust."
