BeIR/webis-touche2020 huggingface dataset:
In 2020, an additional 17% of fresh water will be required to satisfy human needs

If consumption patterns remained unchanged as of now, in 12 years-time an additional amount of more than 17% of current water available will be required. As far as people have tap water readily available in their homes, they will assume that water handiness is something obvious and natural. Average daily consumption per capita in the USA and Japan is around 350 litres: in Europe around 200 litres: as for African countries, it barely reaches 10-20 litres on average per capita
As far as we pay for the water we consume, we can use it as we wish.

In industrialised countries water tariffs have been increasing dramatically over the past years, trying to control the supply and demand for this resource. As people pay for it, they can use it without discrimination. Additionally, most of the disposed water is currently treated and purified to make it available again for consumption. Anyway, there is no connection between water available in Industrialised Countries than in under-developed ones (say, Africa). If we stop consumption in Europe doesn’t mean that African people will have more fresh water available.
In all democracies around the world voter apathy is highest among the poorest and most excluded sect...

In all democracies around the world voter apathy is highest among the poorest and most excluded sectors of society. Since they do not vote the political parties do not create policies for their needs, which leads to a vicious circle of increasing isolation. By making the most disenfranchised vote the major political parties are forced to take notice of them. An example of this is in the UK where the Labour party abandoned its core supporters to pursue ‘middle England’.
In all democracies around the world voter apathy is highest among the poorest and most excluded sect...

This idea is nonsense. Political parties do try and capture the ‘working-class’ vote. The labour party shifted to the right in the UK because no-one was voting for it; the majority of the population, from across the social spectrum, no longer believed in its socialist agenda and it altered its policies to be more in line with the majority of the population. Low turnout is best cured by more education, for example, civics classes could be introduced at school. In addition, the inclusion of these ‘less-interested’ voters will increase the influence of spin as presentation becomes more important. It will further trivialise politics and bury the issues under a pile of hype.
A high turnout is important for a proper democratic mandate and the functioning of democracy. In th...

Just as fundamental as the right to vote in a democracy is the right not to vote. Every individual should be able to choose whether or not they want to vote. Some people are just not interested in politics and they should have the right to abstain from the political process. It can also be argued that it is right that voices of those who care enough about key issues to go and vote deserve to be heard above those who do not care so strongly. Any given election will function without an 100% turnout; a much smaller turnout will suffice. The same is not true of juries which do require an 100% turnout all of the time! However, we can take a more general view by noting that even in a healthy democracy it is not surprising people should not want to do jury service because of time it takes, therefore it is made compulsory. However, in a healthy democracy people should want to vote. If they are not voting it indicates there is a fundamental problem with that democracy; forcing people to vote cannot solve such a problem. It merely causes resentment.
Compulsory voting is effective. In Australia the turnouts are as high as 98%!...

The idea is not feasible. If a large proportion of the population decided not to vote it would impossible to make every non-voter pay the fine. If just 10% of the UK voters failed to do so the government would have to chase up about 4 million fines. Even if they sent demand letters to all these people, they could not take all those who refused to pay to court. Ironically, this measure hurts most those who the proposition are trying to enfranchise because they are least able to pay.
"Law on Battling Propaganda of Terrorism in Mass Media."

Russia's policy is simple 'You have to see it to believe it'. [[http://cpj.org/2002/10/media-face-government-restriction-and-pressure-on.php]] as there is no film, no photographic evidence , there will be almost no noise on the subject of some 700 hostages. Here is China wailing about two dead Chinese, out of four that were held captive. And Russia silenced the Chechen rebels and their hostages just by restricting media coverage. No one asked Russia to apologize.[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_theater_hostage_crisis#International_reaction]] In fact the United Nations , the British prime minister, Saddam Husein and former President Bush were all on Russia's side. Despite the death of more than 129 civilians(including 9 foreigners) that resulted from Russia's reaction to the Moscow theater hostage situation.[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_theater_hostage_crisis]] Margaret Thatcher said "Don't show the hostages or their masked captors, don't publicize the demands or chart the progress, don't mention the be-headings or the agonies of their families. What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over. Enforce blanket silence and (perhaps) the hostage takers will go away. " [[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3702574.stm]] In the same B.B.C article(just cited) , the journalist defends the media by saying the media show released hostages celebrating. But I would like to address this by sharing the fact that: the objective of the hostage-takers IS to release hostages, once their demands are met. Hostages give them leverage in negotiations ,media attention and so forth. Once they've gotten what they wanted:"They" win, not us and not our governments. The hostage rescue team (FBI) has had over 200 successful, mostly under-cover missions, worldwide.If all was in the open their success rate would be significantly lower. In fact the few missions with media attention have been under intense scrutiny. [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostage_Rescue_Team_%28FBI%29#Operations]]
Can Lead To Wars after sparking hateful sentiment across the board

The Iran hostage crisis from 1979-81 , covered continuously by the media adversely affected American-Iranian relations and possibly caused , America to ally with Iraq against Iran on the battlefield. [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis#Aftermath]]Iran 'previously' had international support against 'Saddam-Hussein-ruled-Iraq' and lost it all because of the kidnappers. If the hostage situation were kept in the quiet and the U.S and Iran would have made clandestine efforts in appeasing the hostage-takers then the turn of events would have been very different. Iran-U.S relations would NOT have been hindered(since they would be working together to save the American hostages). The U.S would, along with the rest of the world be on Iran's side in the Iran-Iraq war. Consequently Saddam would've been dethroned back then and the Current Iraq war would not have occurred.
Since the opposition is silent

One point that the opposition could've argued is that relatives of the victims/hostages are more assured of the hostages' safety/security when they are watching it on the news, since they know that if the government makes one false move or shows the slightest bit of carelessness then it will suffer adverse consequences. I would counter this point by pointing out that the victims' relatives/friends are informed(at some point) even when operations are covert. Secondly and more importantly: Since ,the government WILL always be judged harshly irrespective of whether they are compromising their country or the hostages, this sense of security and assurance is false.[[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8112057.stm]] Another point that Chile could've argued was that sometimes it is not the government but the 'media' that is negotiating with hostage-takers. And it can be said that the media does not make 'any' political/economic sacrifices, it only gives criminals/terrorists/hostage-takers their 6 minutes of fame. However, the media compromises its objectivity/integrity and/or credibility to save hostages. These criminals can post videos all over the internet, but the reason they want BIG news organizations advertising/broadcasting them is because BIG media gives WEIGHT/VALUE/VALIDITY to their opinions. Which needless to state, is very dangerous. If THIS ban was exercised by the government then hostage-takers would be UNABLE to coerce big media to compromise its credibility. "Day 3 – (hours 48-72) You can now see the first set of arguments made by your opponents and how they have countered your points. This is the last opportunity for you to respond directly to them and come up with new arguments. Tip: Don’t forget to add counter-arguments to your opponents’ points. You will be marked down if those fields are empty and you will not be able to add any arguments during the summation phase."--um, I don't know if this is a website glitch or if Chile has 'actually' NOT responded. Either way, my team is not responsible for not countering their points, since we cannot SEE them. Please, do not mark us down.
Iraq, five British hostages and a compiracy theory about embezzled funds is unchecked propaganda: That damages the host Country's reputation and thus economy . And only a small group of people made larger than life, by the media are to blame.

Another hostage situation, churns a conspiracy touted by various newspapers about the Iraqi government's 'alleged' involvement with the criminals and how the entire hostage situation is an act to cover up funds stolen by the government. The news would be objective if they only covered the facts and not conspiracy theories and opinions from strange and illusive leads. The media always blames governments for hostage situations , it is against government interests to allow the media to follow these situations.[[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/30/kidnap-men-uncover-corruption]] 12 Nepalis shot and no Nepali will risk going to Iraq[[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3614866.stm]] There are daily riots in Iraq , the situation is known to be not under control, Nepalis already knew that EVERYONE in Iraq is in danger of being killed BUT the killing of 12 Nepalis and The Iraqi government's helplessness in the situation has prohibited/banned them from going to Iraq. More unchecked propaganda in Somalia: When hostage situations are broadcast.Two french security guards were taken hostage, 'suspicions' fall on two specific Islamic insurgent groups.[[http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE56I05720090719]] The government has negotiated hostage situations with media attention innumerable times before BUT the perpetrators still remain suspect? In the end the media is only slandering the reputation of 'suspected' groups without any substantial evidence. An array of conspiracy theories still surround the Iran hostage crisis.[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis#Conspiracy_theories]]
Exaggeration by the media hurts the situation more than helping it along

The purpose of the media initially was-and should be-to report the happenings of the world just as they occur.However, the kind of media that exists now-that which exaggerates and embellishes everything, is doing more harm than good. The government should ban the media from reporting hostage taking because initial reports are usually overstated causing alarm to spread throughout the country and the world.This may lead to unnecessary violence elsewhere when people start taking stances for and against,which might lead to disturbance of peace and violence in areas prone to emotional responses. Also, the people responsible for taking hostages and the government both have access to media reports.Fiction reported in such reports,which they believe to be true, might lead to harsh and irresponsible actions being taken by either party.Thus a situation which might otherwise have been resolved might grow, such that it ends in failure-most probably for the government rather than the kidnappers. Additionally, even if the media does not re-write the events, the reports and stories by people which they report are sometimes false, since they do not take the time to confirm in order that they might be the first to take it to the written word.This was seen in 2005 when the media reported that Sunnis in the town of Madain,Iraq,[[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A60817-2005Apr17.html]] had kidnapped several Shittes and demanded that they leave town. This lead to the interim government sealing and searching the town of Madain. They were unable to find insurgents and hostages. The public finds such cases interesting and colorful. The media that exists to sell itself, takes hold of this and makes it even more sensational. I think that the media should be banned from reporting such instances unless and until they are resolved because they seem to do more harm than good.
They make the domestic government appear to be weak and defenseless

In almost all hostage situations , the government seems to to have no control over its country's public, media, crime, terrorism and the kidnappers. [[http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=15333]] Governments are passive in all these arrangements, it is their responsibility to save the lives of their nation's occupants and meet the aggressor's demands at least half-way. The media thus, by reporting these situations brings support for and power to the enemy. Criminals are motivated to act. The kidnappers' financiers celebrate. The government has 'no' choice in the matter. Or if the government does not meet their demands, it looks as though it is ruthless and totalitarian. But it still looks irresponsible from the get-go, for letting this happen. The media is always more critical of governments, as governments are critical of each-other. Either way, the government looks bad. And the criminals get what they want.
Improving earlier point 6, I did not notice lead instead of led before. And the 9/11 thing is important in asserting that each news organization is all too eager to be the 'first' to report ,to even bother checking the credibility of its sources.

The purpose of the media initially was and should be,to report the happenings of the world just as they occur.However, the kind of media that exists today exaggerates and embellishes everything. Thus does more harm than good. The government should ban the media from reporting hostage taking because initial reports are usually overstated causing alarm to spread throughout the country and the world.This may lead to unnecessary violence elsewhere when people start taking 'for and against'-stances,which might lead to disturbance of peace and violence in areas prone to emotional responses. Also, the people responsible for taking hostages and the government both have access to media reports.Fiction reported in such reports,which they believe to be true, might lead to harsh and irresponsible actions being taken by either party.Thus a situation which might otherwise have been resolved might exasperate, such that it ends in failure,most probably for the government rather than the kidnappers. Additionally, even if the media does not re-write the events, the reports and stories by people which they report are sometimes false, since they do not take the time to confirm[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactions_to_the_September_11_attacks#Palestinian_celebrations]] in order that they might be the first to take it to the written word. This was seen in 2005 when the media reported that Sunnis in the town of Madain,Iraq,[[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A60817-2005Apr17.html]] had kidnapped several Shittes and demanded that they leave town. This led to the interim government sealing and searching the town. They were unable to find insurgents and hostages. The public finds such cases interesting and colorful. The media that exists to sell itself(improved ratings, make money), takes hold of this and makes it even more sensational. I think that the media should be banned from reporting such instances unless and until they are resolved because they seem to do more harm than good. It's all good since bad grammar is not being punished/'negatively marked'(I can stop fretting about my missing ands and non-s)
Hostage situations hurt the country's tourism industry

In India [[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3528187/British-hostages-seized-in-India-terror-attacks-that-kill-at-least-80.html]] The Bombay terror attacks were geared mainly at foreign tourists( British and American) staying at five star hotels. Allowing coverage of the event: a) rekindled the Kashmir dispute fire between Pakistan and India.As both Countries played the blame game with each-other , before the trial. b) Reminded all foreigners(not just Britishers and Americans) that they are not safe in India. c) Governments were blamed for allowing this to happen(as though the Indian and Pakistani government were sitting ducks swimming in catastrophe); the death toll was 80 people but media coverage , with constant reminders of the size of the two main hotels, made it seem as though, 'thousands' died. Entry into India is more difficult , there are a host of security procedures that one needs to partake in to get a visa or cross the border(from Pakistan) legally. Where as the criminals were ILLEGAL immigrants and these superficial measures have not made a dime of a difference to THAT kind of border crossing. As going to India legally has been made more difficult and foreigners are too afraid to go there anyway , the Indian tourism industry is naturally damaged. [[http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/16/news/international/india_tourism.reut/index.htm]]
Racial profiling

The race, language and/or religion of kidnappers/hijackers/hostage-takers is demonized. Post 9/11, with the series of Al-Queda video-taped decapitations splurged on televisions everywhere; many people were judged, harassed, arrested, feared and hated for sounding or looking Arab or Muslim. Hostage takers are evil, demonic, merciless(they need to be, to instill fear in both governments and the public,so that the people pressurize their governments to comply with their demands). This detestable image is then stamped onto millions of people who were not even involved directly or indirectly in the hostage-taking nor the hostage-takers' cause. After being attacked with an array of accusations, the millions forcibly associated with terrorists, start defending them(even if they do not believe in the cause), as they feel that they 'themselves', are being personally attacked.[[http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081206232842AALXCiW]] [[http://www.islamfortoday.com/terrorism.htm]] the link between Antisemitism and anti-Zionism or anti German and fascist is also important here.[[http://slackbastard.anarchobase.com/?p=3901]]
Other criminals learn new tactics

Constant media coverage of any hostage taking case provides information to other terrorists about the means that they can use to get their demands met.By watching succesful hostage takers, amateur criminals feel encouraged and persuaded to follow suit.Media gives an oppurtunity to the unexperienced criminals to learn new techniques.Televising such acts of terrorism keeps the other active terrorist groups informed about the weaknesses of the government therefore making it easier for them to blackmail the government for the fulfillment of their political objectives.Blaming the media for indirectly promoting ruthless acts of terrorism, Noemi Gal-Or says "without the assisstance of modern media, terrorism would probably be significantly reduced"[[International Cooperation to suppress terrorism,New York 1985,15]] In my opinion media coverage of hostage taking proves to be quite detrimental to the law and order situation of any country since it triggers similar actions by even the ordinary criminals who learn new ways of terrorising public and therefore it should be banned by the government.
A still mysterious hostage release deal in Iraq

Boosts President B’s popularity. Another point the opposition could have posted was that NOT all governments get negative attention , in light of a hostage crisis.[[http://www.ceeol.com/aspx/issuedetails.aspx?issueid=9995cbde-8508-4e34-a916-9a70bb0da5cb&articleId=c5a45114-6ced-4e7a-8565-8193a4f59a4e]] I would have shot this down with: Either way, the public is being duped and played by either a government or hostage-takers. The media's credibility/objectivity is at stake, rather trampled on, mercilessly. The government should ban this, (as we have typed earlier) to protect the media from becoming 'incredible' entertainment! As opposed to a credible information source. And even with positive attention to Iraq with the case mentioned in the source [[http://www.ceeol.com/aspx/issuedetails.aspx?issueid=9995cbde-8508-4e34-a916-9a70bb0da5cb&articleId=c5a45114-6ced-4e7a-8565-8193a4f59a4e]] the source itself 'is' critical. If governments do not want to be unfairly scrutinized nor play games with predictable/controllable/'randomly-distributed' majorities, then the ban is mandatory.And it IS in the interests of the government in the long run to maintain the media's credibility. Since otherwise once the public is 'wise to the ploy' it will trust less predictable, accessible and/or transparent sources(that the government may not be aware of and may not answer to in time) , which will/can lead to havoc/chaos.
Two Chinese killed in cross fire in the Philippines equals soap-opera-esque drama

Two Chinese men were killed, when the Philippine military exchanged fire with about sixty kidnap-gang members. The Media's intervention has blown the issue out of proportion , if the two men were killed in a mugging or armed robbery , it would not have turned into a Chinese pledge to make the Philippine government apologize. and they have. But the Philippine government was involved in protecting the Chinese captives and it was their responsibility. If they were not involved,if this entire operation was covert, this would NOT be a case of 'Are Chinese safe in your Country?" or 'We are distressed' or 'You must apologize'. [[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/200108/20/eng20010820_77810.html]]
A perfectly good cause may/will/does receive negative attention.

Hostage-takers by employing drastic measures, demonize not only themselves(their Country,religion and race) but also their cause.The cause could be perfectly humanitarian and just but since it is projected as coming out of an evil hostage-taker's mouth, the cause suffers and loses support from normal people , who earlier defended the cause, as they are criticized for defending the cause of terrorists/criminals and therefore by association are accused of defending terrorism. example1:The perfectly racist, anti-Semitic attitude of Islamic terrorists, undermines the anti-Zionist cause; which is not racist but largely about how the Palestinians are stripped of their rights.[[http://web.ceu.hu/jewishstudies/pdf/02_stola.pdf]][[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/nov/29/comment]] example 2: Chechen rebels, by taking hostages in Russia multiple times, under restricted footage ARE revealed as rebels without a cause. They want good and humane treatment for their people and Country but are instead depicting their countrymen as evil people who keep torturing and are responsible for the deaths of many innocent Russian civilians.