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Thomas Stammer's Big Press Conference (about a year ago):
General government goals and priorities for the coming years:
Greetings to everyone at today's conference. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have concerning the state, naturally. Although only a year has passed since the crisis in the country receded and I had the honor of being elected president of the Republic of Kvasardastan, I think that is quite enough time to draw certain conclusions and consider the new goals the current government is setting for itself at present.
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Civil Rights.
People must possess all the rights and freedoms they would in any civilized society, but at an acceptable and permissible level. The state must "gently" control its own residents and encourage their sense of independence and self-reliance, while at the same time developing in them clear, conscious boundaries of behavior beyond which it is unacceptable to step.
Economy.
At the moment our great country is moving on the right course. Our strength and our ability to resist difficulties and endure the various unpleasant events that will undoubtedly arise in our path lie in a stable and confident economic system that would allow the state and its residents to be supplied with all the goods necessary for their continued existence without difficulty. Even now we hold leading positions in Aktea, easily occupying an absolutely deserved second place in many parameters and gradually approaching our dear allies from Rex Ventorum.
Political Freedoms.
At the moment our citizens lack the confidence and courage to take the governance of the state into their own hands, although we are trying to show them how simple and effective the democratic process is in absolutely any state. For too many long years these people lived under... the sole rule of one man, a great man. But now those times have passed irrevocably, which means the time has come to take the initiative and decide their own fate for themselves. We are your humble servants, elected representatives, ready to work tirelessly for the good of the Motherland.
Population.
During the crisis, the number of Kvasardastanians fell by slightly less than a third and reached seventy million people. We, however, expect obvious demographic growth caused by the state's current domestic social policy, which will allow us to reach the ideal figure in the shortest possible time. We all know the problems of excessive overpopulation, and unemployment is only one of many. But we will not permit the reduction in the number of our dear citizens that has been observed in recent years either. Our projects to support large families and the ban on same-sex marriages should serve as a positive factor in the present situation.
Authoritarianism.
It is very bad when a state is ruled for too long by one person or by a group of people. The longer you remain at the helm of a country, the more irresistible the desire to stay there becomes, and the fear of losing power turns into the foundation of your rule. It is like a drug. At the very same time, too frequent reelection of governing bodies also has an extremely unfavorable effect on the country. It not only exhausts the people, but also negatively affects the state itself, whose priorities change every few years. It is precisely for this reason that the president and directors are currently elected for an unlimited term. If you are satisfied with our work and your life, no one prevents you from continuing to give us the chance to grant you happiness. The Regional Council in this case reflects the effectiveness of conducting and spreading our domestic policy among the country's residents themselves. Nevertheless, you, the citizens, must understand that at any minute you can personally change the state apparatus and its goals at your own discretion.
Average Normality.
Some may call it ordinariness, some grayness and boredom, but I can assure you with absolute certainty that people who have a stable high income, possess all the necessary social benefits, are free from excessive state control, and feel their own rights are the happiest people. They are not burdened by everyday problems and difficulties, they do not need to break their backs in low-paid professions to feed a family and sick children, they believe in the future and know what awaits them ahead. This, in my view, is one of the most important goals toward which we will strive with all our strength.
Business Subsidies.
The state undertakes to devote a major role to supporting beginning entrepreneurs and private business in general. Nevertheless, we will try to prevent the creation of monopolies in any particular market sector and to ensure equal opportunities for each and every person to open their own business, thereby making their contribution to the country's development.
Compassion.
Well, it is rather difficult simply to evaluate such... qualities. Certainly compassion, support, and mutual aid are absolutely necessary for any civilized society, but one should not go from one extreme to another here. I believe that every worthy citizen should sympathize not so much with the troubles of some unfamiliar unemployed outcast as worry about, say, the difficulties of the state itself, because those are precisely what negatively affect his own existence as well. Of course, putting money into a charitable organization's fund and handing it to some filthy beggar on the street are completely opposite things, both evaluated in one way or another by the degree of human compassion. And it seems to me obvious exactly how you should act in such a situation.
Corruption.
Unfortunately, it is often very hard to accustom people to place the welfare of the people above their own and to overcome in themselves the urge to profit from taxpayers. And if we take into account that a developed state apparatus as such appeared in our country relatively recently, it is quite easy to answer why at present we occupy leading positions in the world according to the estimated corruption rating. But I would like to assure you that in the very near future we will begin the fight against bribery and profiteering at others' expense in all their numerous forms.
Culture.
It is very difficult to call our people cultured in the full sense of the word; you are right about that. For too long such qualities gave way to somewhat different ones, and the harsh disposition of the local residents is not so easy to change. But we place our hopes in our younger generation, in the residents of Istiia and other regions, among whom the beautiful, pure flower of poetry, music, art, and ultimately science itself is already blooming. Young and inquisitive minds are needed in absolutely every sphere of activity, and for our part we promise to devote sufficient attention to the development of culture. The construction of museums, art galleries, and theaters has already begun, as has the introduction of the local population to beauty.
Armed Forces.
The situation in the international arena at the moment is not the most favorable, although it is encouraging. Many countries have fallen under the yoke of dictatorships and excessively radical organizations. It would have been better for them to have no government at all. That is why we are forced to completely reconsider our entire military system in order to ensure effective defense of the state's borders and at the same time the ability to quickly and properly invade the territory of any country in Aktea with minimal losses. Even Kittipink, you ask? Well, considering that in recent years we have reached heights in this matter that others managed to achieve over decades, yes, we must be prepared to defeat even Kittipink if it comes to that. Not now, of course, but in the near future. Returning to our question, I am certain that Kvasardastan not only can but must possess the most powerful armed forces in all Aktea. We have everything necessary for this, except time, of course. Do not worry, military service will not be mandatory. But we will try to do everything possible so that citizens consciously aspire to serve for the good of the Motherland, understand the importance of this decision, and receive appropriate support from the state. For example, servicemen who suffer serious injuries in the performance of their duty will, upon returning home, receive guaranteed medical care, free treatment, benefits, and monthly allowances. We will provide the highest level of training, and as for shooting, by the way, you already know how to do that simply superbly.
Environmental Responsibility.
As we all know, despite numerous efforts, Kvasardastan still remains one of the most polluted states in Aktea. Although this year we managed to reduce the toxicity share by more than twenty percent, that is still not enough. All large plants and production facilities will be placed under the strictest state control for the safe disposal of waste without harm to the environment; recycling factories will be built; special bins for various kinds of refuse will be installed in cities. We will encourage and in every way assist residents in supporting this difficult task, and together, I am sure, we will in time overcome this problem.
Employment.
The fight against unemployment is one of the most important tasks we are setting for ourselves at present. Of course, in part we have already successfully fulfilled this goal, but one must never stop at what has been achieved; it is necessary to move forward. We set ourselves the difficult task of involving and using the country's human resources to the maximum and completely eradicating unemployment. A person who for whatever reason does not wish to contribute to the development of the country should not feed at its expense for his entire life. But that is unfair to disabled and sick people, you will say. In that case, we have in development the broadest program for employing such people as well, although with certain limitations. As for... the mentally retarded and similar incapacitated persons? Such people should be cared for by relatives and various charitable organizations, but not by the state. Harsh? Perhaps. But these are the times we live in.
Natural Beauty.
Not every country is given the chance to exist in ideal weather and climatic conditions; this is important to understand. Yes, we do not have warm summer sunshine, nor pleasant winter frost, but I am sure this is not the most important thing in life. Torrential rains and months-long droughts, impenetrable fog and a constant zero to plus five? Such is our lot, and although it may bring on a certain melancholy and despondency, we Kvasardastanians are a patient people, so this is no time for complaints. As for acid rain, enormous dumps, and polluted waters, we will deal with that, rest assured.
Religiosity.
My point of view on this matter will be fairly similar to the position of Old Kvasardastan: we will treat virtually any religion in our country with full tolerance. Of course, if it is not ritual sacrifice; that is already absurd. Incidentally, a serious struggle is currently being waged against those fanatics. Although they fled to Nirmia, rest assured that in the near future they will all be caught and brought to fair trial. As for this question, I repeat: for the most part the local residents are atheists and do not consider it necessary to devote their lives to serving some mystical being, or even several, but that by no means means that the state will oppress the feelings of believers or restrict the spread of religion. Not at all.
Size of Government.
Our tasks include providing every possible social benefit and condition for the comfortable existence of the state's residents. Of course, such work is beyond the power of a small group of people; it requires coordinated interaction and a clear distribution of duties, which leads to greater efficiency and, ultimately, to an improved standard of living for citizens. The costs of maintaining such a number of civil servants may certainly increase, but as long as the return from their productive work covers such expenses, all of it makes sense.
Happiness.
Oh, these emotional concepts again, as I call them. I am not strong in this, to be honest, but I can say that from the standpoint of objective meaning, happiness lies in the freedom to think, speak, and feel; in good work and a beloved family; in success, health, and confidence in tomorrow. Of course, the last drunkard who begged money to buy booze may be no less happy than an entrepreneur who pulled off a profitable deal. So let us evaluate people from the outside. Think and ask yourself: which happiness appeals to you more? And if the second option seems more attractive to you, then there is still meaning in our work.
Health.
And now we have reached one of the sore subjects. Frankly, despite all efforts and active financing of social medicine and various clinics and centers, we have not yet managed to achieve great success here. This is probably connected with the fact that the modern population spent many generations before this in a poisoned environment, breathing polluted air and drinking toxic water. These changes have already struck these people's bodies too deeply, and it is too late to treat them. But we all know the limitless capabilities of the human body and its unique ability to adapt to new conditions, and therefore we hope that our efforts will not be in vain and that with each new generation the residents of Kvasardastan will be born healthier and healthier.
Human Development.
I must say, our education program and other social projects are bearing their first fruit. People are becoming much more educated, cultured, and calm. They can perceive current events and the surrounding reality differently, are capable of making an objective assessment and a logical conclusion, which in some sense is our merit as well. We try, wherever possible, to encourage higher education and to train first-rate specialists in many fields: technicians, engineers, doctors.
Ideology.
We do not welcome excessively radical ideas of socialism or capitalism, and instead try to maintain a calm and confident course between them. We are not going to force residents to pay one-hundred-percent taxes and shoot them for pronouncing the leader's name incorrectly, but neither are we at all going to turn them into slaves and make them labor day and night in the mines. Moderation in everything is, in this case, a very precise definition of our current course. Who knows what will happen in these six years; perhaps I will forget these very words of mine, ha-ha, but while I am still of sound mind and memory we will move exactly this way: clearly, consistently, and in concert.
Income Equality.
At present the state is pursuing a policy of reducing social inequality and raising the minimum wage. After the crisis, fortunately, there were not so many overfed rich people left in the country, but this by no means should mean that we intend to impose huge taxes on them and take away money earned by honest and backbreaking labor. Under current conditions there is no need for that. Our task is to provide citizens with every possible benefit for an amount they would be able to pay. This will be a serious test for our economy and international market relations, but I believe we are quite ready to take this step. If a road worker can live a well-fed and healthy life while receiving ten thousand acends, then our task is fulfilled. If not, he will receive twenty thousand, and do not even think of starting comparisons with the other countries of Aktea and their weak currency potential.
Weapons Production.
Any state that in one way or another lays claim to world recognition must be ready to provide itself with first-class weapons of its own manufacture. Of course, we are glad and ready for absolutely any support from allies or private financing, but this sphere must nevertheless remain under state control. Even now we produce rather good weapons and equipment, which could quite compare with the armaments of Rex Ventorum and Kittipink. We also try to introduce new technological developments as quickly as possible and to conduct all sorts of research in this field. In addition, at present we have several units of nuclear weapons at our disposal, posing a small but worthwhile danger to a possible aggressor. And although most of these developments were sold to terrorist organizations and other countries, we will continue developing this industry.
Automobile Production.
Many countries once claimed primacy in this field, but practically all of them sooner or later dropped out of the race. Only the Champignons continue producing cheap explosive cars for their citizens; in general, the market is currently divided between Kvasardastan and Rex Ventorum, or, more simply, Afta. The state simply could not sufficiently finance and maintain this industry, and therefore I decided to transfer it under the control of the private sector. Of course, we monitor compliance with all legal and labor standards without laying claim to profit, apart from reasonable taxes. At the same time, we encourage various projects and developments for creating environmentally clean fuels and transport, including electric vehicles. In addition, management of most federal roads and highways has been transferred to private persons. This has allowed us to significantly reduce state budget expenditures and ensure the cleanliness and good condition of those roads. Of course, a certain toll may somewhat upset motorists, but in the end you do not move between states all that often, and given the reduction in gasoline prices it will look like a mere trifle.
Basket Weaving.
We try to support all branches of industry, and this one is not such an exception. Of course, the private sector gladly takes most such things, and we do not particularly hinder such initiative. The main thing is that everything be legal.
Beverage Sales.
At present most clean sources of fresh water in Kvasardastan have been polluted and destroyed, and therefore we are making every effort, as before, to provide residents not only with drinking water but also with various beverages that replace it in one way or another. As for the sale of alcoholic beverages, this area will be controlled in the strictest manner so as not to allow excessive consumption of this kind of product by residents. Incidentally, in the near future we plan to introduce a ban on smoking, since I personally see much greater harm in it than in the consumption of certain kinds of soft drugs.
Book Printing.
For a long time Kvasardastan remained almost the only country producing an enormous quantity of such products, and considering the government's full-scale education reforms, we do not intend to slow down. Of course, ideally it would be best to move the entire population of the country to electronic devices and thereby reduce the cost of wood for paper production, but in the current situation there are not sufficient technologies or funds for that.
Food Exports.
We will make every effort to provide affordable food to every resident of Kvasardastan. Various shops will be opened, and the state will begin producing its own goods, such as grain, bread, and dairy products. Raising import tariffs will favorably stimulate the economy and attract the attention of the private sector to the development of production within the country. Surplus food-industry output will reach international markets; equal trade with Afta will continue first and foremost, but even despite that, I personally would not very much like to depend on allies all the time. This industry was practically abandoned and completely unfunded for many years, but it is not too late to change everything.
Furniture and Small Household Goods.
If there is one thing we not only love but know how to make, it is good furniture. As you remember, eighteen years ago the small company Mitasacker began precisely with the production of cheap but high-quality furniture. Now our goods enjoy a certain popularity on world markets, but the main goal is to provide for the country's residents. At present we do not allow private operators into this field, because we believe it is a direct duty of the state, which will cope with it far more effectively, better, and faster.
Gambling.
It is no secret that the industry of various gambling entertainments was fairly well developed in Old Kvasardastan. At present we would not like to restrict or prohibit such amusements, but nevertheless I believe that a sensible and adequate person should not spend free time in such establishments. For this reason we will gradually reduce state support for this area and watch the private persons who own it with the utmost attention. For the most part this is also connected with the fact that gambling entertainments are quite firmly linked to crime and various illegal schemes, and fighting them is our main task.
Information Technology.
For a long time this field remained poorly developed in our state, but even now we are trying to make every effort to change this stereotype. Various research and development will be conducted in this sphere on a permanent basis, and its usefulness is difficult to underestimate. The success of this project will make it possible to significantly increase not only Kvasardastan's military power, but will also have a favorable effect on the introduction of distance learning, the development of the internet, and the transition to electronic currency.
Insurance.
Many will say that in a safe country with healthy residents there is no need to insure one's life and property, but that is not so. You cannot protect yourself from chance; you cannot defend yourself against the unexpected. We would like residents not to worry needlessly about their cars and homes, confident that in the event of any emergency they can count on qualified rapid assistance and monetary compensation. Together with the private sector, we are developing a convenient and transparent program that will reflect all aspects of this field in clear and understandable language.
Mining Industry.
The depths of our beloved planet contain countless varied useful minerals and natural resources that could serve the state well. Most existing mines and shafts were constructed back in prerevolutionary times, and we are only now actively modernizing them. Representatives of private business may buy deposit territories from the state, undertaking to pay a fairly substantial sum and corresponding taxes. It is necessary to use the full power of this industry to the maximum to satisfy the needs and requirements of the country's residents, after which it may be possible to export the remaining share to other states. Citizens of Kvasardastan must have light, electricity or gas, and water in absolutely every home. In addition, we are actively searching for alternative energy sources and building nuclear power plants, which will provide additional environmentally clean energy.
Retail Trade.
Not many countries can boast of the successes achieved in this field, and Kvasardastan is one of them. In the future we intend to continue developing this sphere, which will have a positive effect on the state's economy and the welfare of its residents.
Logging.
Of course, it is necessary to understand what truly dreadful harm excessive greed in the trade of forest resources inflicts on nature, local ecosystems, and the environment as a whole. Naturally, this should not mean that we will meet the mad fanatics and fighters for a green world halfway, but we will listen to some of the projects they propose. The volume of the timber industry must not exceed the average mass of trees grown in a year, and accordingly we will have to work properly on calculations, provide sufficient financing for environmental research, and engage in planting forests.
Tourism.
Truthfully, this sector has never been Kvasardastan's strong side. There were not many attractive zones for tourists in our state, the climate here is not entirely favorable, and I will not even mention the excessive pollution of the environment. Nevertheless, we will try to make every possible effort to change this stereotype. Even now the southern regions of the bay are being rapidly modernized; beaches, hotels, and entertainment establishments are being built. I would very much like Kvasardastan one day to be able to call itself, by right, a state with a developed tourist industry.
Fishing.
It would seem that our state possesses the necessary water resources and everything needed to achieve success in fishing, but that is not entirely so. First, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the climate of the northern part of the continent, which makes these places not very favorable for most sea life. In addition, one must not forget the pollution of most coastal territories, which prevents us from achieving proper success in this field. Even now the state is financing and encouraging projects to clean the polluted waters of the bay, and we will be endlessly glad of any private assistance.
Influence.
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Intellect.
If by this you mean certain skills, abilities, and properties of the human mind acquired in one way or another through education, then I assure you that the state will do everything necessary to provide its residents with all the conditions needed to receive a proper education. If, however, a person in one way or another has no inclination toward most sciences, but work on a construction site suits him perfectly well, we will in no way hinder that. Every profession is useful to society, and the level of intelligence should not be measured by the number of books read.
Law Enforcement.
We do not call ourselves a police state or a country with absolute power for structures of that sort. This does not mean, however, that you should not obey established laws and bear fair punishment for violating them, of course. But I believe that precisely in this area, strange as it may be, Kvasardastan has achieved unthinkable heights in such a short time, turning from the most unsafe state in Aktea into a fairly calm and quiet place. Financing will continue for the forces responsible for the state's internal security and for careful monitoring of compliance with all laws. There is no need to think that your civil liberties are being oppressed when your internet traffic or something of the sort is monitored, because we are concerned for your own safety and are trying to protect the country from terrorist and other threats.
Life Expectancy.
Like the overall level of health among Kvasardastanians, average life expectancy still remains rather low overall. Although some progress is being observed in regions with the least polluted environment, our medical programs here have still not achieved the desired result. But we hope that in the future we will manage to make the residents of Kvasardastan healthy people in the full sense of the word.
Free Market.
We do not plan in the near future to interfere in any way with the established infrastructure of free market relations in Kvasardastan. The state will concern itself only with regulating various formalities, including the protection of property rights and the like. I proudly inform you that our country at the present time is the most attractive field for trade and private investment on the entire continent, which is not surprising. By adhering to this course, we will be able to achieve success.
Nudity.
What interesting questions we have reached, hm. I believe every citizen of the country is free to dress however he pleases, but by that term I mean the presence of clothing as such. As for various "provocative" outfits that might be condemned in a more conservative society, no such customs or traditions have ever been observed in Kvasardastan, and accordingly moral and ethical norms do not apply to this situation.
Obesity.
Of course, such a problem exists, primarily among representatives of the upper and middle classes. The point is that the residents of our country have not yet independently come to understand the need and advisability of proper and healthy nutrition instead of fatty and cheap fast food. Nor do they understand the value of sports, which help keep oneself in proper physical shape. But we have statistics, and they show that the problem of obesity in Kvasardastan is gradually receding, which means we are moving on the right course.
Peacefulness.
Pacifism, as some experts call it, is somewhat uncharacteristic of the citizens of our state. But I know another good word beginning with P: patriotism. Nothing in common, you say? Personally, I hold the view that this amusing parameter precisely reflects the current tense situation in the international arena. It is no time to make concessions and show softness on one issue or another; otherwise you will simply be eaten. Of course, excessive aggressiveness is not a positive side of this question either, but we must sincerely believe in the correctness of our ideas and our course, and be ready to defend our Motherland and Fatherland to the end. And that is right.
Healthcare.
Care for the health of our residents is one of the main tasks of the current government. This includes various social programs aimed at supporting healthcare: for example, completely free annual medical examinations, consultations, and medical assistance, and in some cases even provision of the necessary preparations and medicines. At the same time, we try to encourage private investment in this field and the opening of various non-state clinics where the most difficult and costly operations can be performed, which in essence is enormous help to the state.
Public Transport.
Our direct duty is to provide every major city in the state without exception with a network of roads and motor highways that will be necessary for the development of a public transport system, such as buses, trains, trams, and in some situations even aviation. Unfortunately, the state budget simply cannot contain enough funds for the full modernization of the entire country, and therefore wherever possible we try to transfer large sections of highways to non-state persons who improve them independently while charging a certain toll. At present such a system is proving rather effective, and therefore we do not plan to abandon it in the future.
Drug Use.
The government and law-enforcement structures have carried out extremely difficult and labor-intensive work, the fruits of which have been an almost complete victory over drugs and over the persons directly engaged in their distribution. Citizens of Kvasardastan must themselves understand what harm such substances cause to health, to say nothing of addiction and the body's habituation. Last week, by a vote of the Regional Council of Centria, a bill restricting the distribution of tobacco products was already accepted for consideration and approved, which in the future will allow us over time to overcome this unpleasant ailment of the modern world as well.
Rudeness.
Once again I encounter these subjective concepts, which have absolutely nothing to do with the current topic of discussion. Nevertheless, if you are truly interested in this question, I can assure you that according to the sociological studies and surveys of the local population at my disposal, it is possible to conclude that overall the country's citizens are becoming less rude people. This is primarily connected with the improvement of the standard of living and average wages, and with the state's care for its own residents. Personally, I hold the view that a person should not be so much aggressive toward his relatives and loved ones, work colleagues, or simply an unfamiliar person, as he should show contempt for various sources of state problems, whether a foreign aggressor or international terrorism and crime. In such matters it is simply impossible to show softness; one should remain firm, harsh, and unprincipled.
Security.
I still cannot fully believe the fact that by joint efforts we have managed to almost completely overcome crime and make most regions of the country safe. Of course, this problem still exists in some states, including Midlia or Vistia, but it is obvious to everyone that in the very near future this too will come to an end. At first it was hard, difficult to convey to the citizens of Kvasardastan the simple understanding of the necessity and correctness of our actions, that one must not distribute drugs, rob, and kill innocent people, but in the end the desired result was achieved. Certainly, the problem connected with the black market and the illegal turnover of unlawful products remains a rather serious obstacle on the path to a bright future, but I think that by joint efforts we will manage to overcome this trial as well.
Scientific and Technological Progress.
It is pleasant to realize that from a poorly developed state with no technological successes of its own, we have in the shortest possible time turned into a country where the development of all branches of this field is supported and financed by the state and private persons, which in the very near future will allow us to catch up with the other states of Aktea and even surpass some of them. We will continue to pay great attention to the development of science in Kvasardastan, encourage amateur research and various projects in every way, and train and attract professional specialists in all spheres of this activity.
Agricultural Industry.
For a long time this field remained neglected in Kvasardastan for the quite obvious reason of serious environmental pollution, but even now we are taking the first steps toward restoring the lost industry, farming, which already allows us to obtain vegetable, grain, and dairy products to satisfy the needs of the common population. Although obtaining such goods costs the state considerable expenditures, which entails absolute noncompetitiveness on the markets of Aktea, I hope that in the next four years Kvasardastan's agricultural industry will be fully capable not only of providing the necessary resources for the state's citizens, but also of feeling confident in world market relations.
Manufacturing.
The state's confident economic policy, cooperation with the private sector, and the stability of the national currency allow us to actively continue the development of production in all areas and spheres of industry, which cannot fail to have a positive effect on the country and its residents. Our current financial system is, without doubt, close to ideal: we are able to endure the most serious crises without difficulty, both global and domestic, and for a long time withstand various kinds of trade sanctions through our potential power, while also having a certain authority and influence on world markets. The Afta trade association is an absolutely economically invincible community, and as long as Kvasardastan and Rex Ventorum remain in alliance, it will be absolutely impossible to harm these countries in such a way by any means.
Social Conservatism.
No, it is obvious that the state is in no case going to brazenly intrude into the private personal lives of its residents and impose order there, but a certain control must be present one way or another; that is a fact. Of course, the institution of the family will mostly not be touched, although at present same-sex marriages are prohibited by a decision unanimously supported by the Directors of the seven states. But if the situation in the state suddenly changes and it becomes necessary to raise the level of civil liberties among the population, well then, do it by an honest democratic path; I assure you, no one will hinder it.
Taxation.
No state in the world can provide a comfortable standard of living and care for its own citizens if they themselves do not want it. By paying taxes, you personally care for yourself, your children and relatives, your health, and much else. In the past year the tax level in Kvasardastan became too high, and that is an obvious fact. And no, we did not plan such a jump, although we anticipated it. But even now the absolute majority of the country's residents feel more than comfortable, as do various private organizations and communities. Having reviewed the exact detailed statistics, one can easily conclude that lately our tax system has finally reached normality and calm, meaning that we have managed to achieve a certain ideal indicator. But do not forget that the first years after a serious crisis are always the hardest. Gradually the numerous current problems will fall away, issues will be resolved, and there will be no need to maintain projects for cleaning the environment, soil, and water, building free housing, hospitals, schools, and other educational and medical institutions, modernizing the state's regions, and constructing new roads. All this will allow us gradually to reduce the main taxes and bring them to the ideal value. Everything lies ahead.
Pollution.
We have discussed this topic many times already, and it has also been mentioned repeatedly during this conversation. It is possible to overcome crime, turn a savage into a civilized person, and achieve social equality and prosperity, but it is impossible to imagine what incredible efforts and expenditures of time and finances are required to clean a hectare of land where radioactive waste was dumped for fifteen years. But it is necessary to understand quite clearly that our efforts now will more than pay for themselves in the future. The inhabited territories of Kvasardastan must be expanded not only from the standpoint of economic and demographic questions, but also to increase the country's defensive capability. It is much easier to bomb a small territory than a much larger area with missile-defense systems installed.
Material Prosperity.
We have already discussed the difference in income and social inequality one way or another; now let us touch on the state's predominantly well-off residents as well. It is obvious that high taxes have a rather unpleasant effect on successful entrepreneurs and large companies, and despite everything we would very much not like to turn the country into an excessively socialist-minded state. The difference between the incomes of poor and rich people that we have now is ideal for a society of this structure, and changing it in one direction or the other will not entail any pleasant consequences. Above all, a high level of income should speak of an individual's abilities and knowledge, his diligence, enterprise, even luck, but others should not get the impression that success can be achieved only by dishonest and illegal means. We will try to prevent this kind of illegal accumulation of capital and bring all guilty parties without exception to trial, regardless of their material prosperity and services to the state.
Civilian Armament.
I do not consider it necessary to forbid peaceful residents from keeping certain kinds of weapons. Perhaps this can increase the crime rate and probably may lead to frequent accidents and incidents, but the experience of many states shows that it also has several positive effects. Excellent command of weapons is in our people's blood; preserving such traditions and customs is of incredible value for the cultural improvement of the state, and drafting various laws that prohibit carrying kitchen knives is not our goal. It is obvious, however, that most kinds of weapons must be registered without fail, but this is only a necessary measure and does not very seriously restrict the rights of the country's residents.
Well-being.
Questions of this sort should have been asked at the very beginning of the conference, not at its conclusion. Nevertheless, you yourselves can form a certain opinion regarding the current priorities and goals the state is setting for itself at present to improve the well-being of its own citizens. Or consult the statistics; there you will find reliable confirmation of your own guesses.
Juvenile Crime.
All sorts of rumors circulate, and we have various information regarding the frightening level of crimes committed by underage residents of the state. In part this is true, and in part disinformation. In any case, we are trying to make every effort so that the modern generation strives for self-development and education rather than moral decay. This is partly the fault of parents who spent most of their own lives in a state with a far greater level of freedoms, but if they are in one way or another unable to take up the education of their offspring, we will try at least partly to take it upon ourselves.
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With this our big conference is coming to an end, and I am forced to say goodbye to you. It seems to me that it would be no bad thing to hold such gatherings every year, because they allow people to better understand the structure and goals of the government and the current situation in the country, and they bring many benefits to society. I will look forward eagerly to our next meeting and hope that the situation in the world and in the state does not change for the worse in the near future.
