"To suffer the fate of becoming a Pokémon Trainer...that truly is something you should wish upon no one." - Jason Fultz, former Pokémon Trainer, 1996
Intro: Interview With Lance
"...the four regions have always been nation states promoting the right to life. This means that abortion has effectively been outlawed within our national borders," explained Lance. "This also means that there are no birth control pills, or condoms if you will."
The commentator nodded. "Right...now this was set into place by the Pokémon League in the early 1950s. At the time, did the Pokémon League predict that there would be so many orphans?"
The leader of the Pokémon League shifted uncomfortably before carefully speaking. "No, of course not. But that is why the state has provided orphanages in every town, where each child is taken care of and looked after if they were abandoned."
"But the state only takes care of the child until age fifteen, correct? If those children can't find a job at that age, which they likely won't, then they have no other option but to either become a trainer or a homeless person. Correct me if I'm wrong," said the commentator, his voice carrying a more serious tone.
Lance shifted again. "Well, the answer to your question is correct. Obviously, the state can't support a child past fifteen years old – there are simply too many, and our fragile economic system would become trashed. Training employs these children early on and eases the taxes on our regular citizens. This is why the Orphan Act was passed."
"Well, how would you address the criticisms of the Orphan Act? A lot of people, quite a few trainers themselves, argue that the legislation was passed so that Pokémon training stays in existence. It's no secret that trainers stimulate the economy. They claim that the act was passed to force people to become trainers – to keep the nation out of debt and in an economic boom."
Lance frowned visibly, as though the interview had taken a wrong turn. "Yes, the Pokémon industry generated billions of dollars in the last year. But that is not why Pokémon training exists. It is a traditional sport ingrained within our founding constitutions - a right guaranteed to the people."
"But most trainers are not where they are by choice. Their rights were violated when they were forced out of the system," noted the commentator.
Lance stood up in a blur. "Listen, this interview is over, sir. This is an ambush on the reputation of the Pokémon League, and an insult to my organization. Everyone has a choice...those kids who are trainers are on the road because they couldn't pay a debt! That debt is paid when they acquire five badges!"
"But hardly anyone can pay for fifteen years of rent at the age of fifteen!" countered the commentator, standing up as well. He knew that the network affiliates would fire him for pressing such an important figure this hard on national television, but he no longer cared. "How much do you get paid, Mr. Dragonstone?"
Lance snorted wryly. "I choose to keep my income private, thank you very much. Besides, a champion makes more than I do after winning a Pokémon League tournament. We have made multimillionaires out of every Champion."
"And training has resulted in the deaths of plenty more."
"Training is dangerous! It comes with the choice of the profession - "
The commentator cut in again quickly. "A profession which is often not voluntary. These children are walking thousands of miles unsupervised, possessing Pokémon that can level whole villages. It seems like a violation of constitutional rights!"
Lance was turning out of the camera angle now. "This interview is over. I have no further comment. If you wish to attack the Pokémon League verbally, mail this to the Indigo Plateau. I bid you good day."