My "Traditional Progressive" Party
This morning, I was thinking "what platform planks would MY political party have?"
This is what I came up with in my head this morning. Keep in mind, these are platform planks, not policies or plans. they are not minutely detailed or specific.
Tax Policy....taxes should be minimalized and simplified. Not endorsing a totally "flat tax" but the tax code should be simple and universal. The poor do not pay taxes, except "use taxes" such as sales tax. Fairness is key.
Foreign Policy...America First. But we are also not here to make enemies. Allies are important, and in some cases, vital. But it is America's self interest that shall prevail when push comes to shove. Let other countries handle their own affairs. Only involve America when requested or when it directly involves America's self interest. Always help when we can. Reach out to other nations where opportunities exist.
Health Care...All American children are inherently covered by their citizenship. Universal coverage is the ultimate goal, but the needs of children, followed by seniors, comes 1st and foremost. Health care cannot be denied to any child by anyone licensed to practice in the US.
Abortion Rights....Roe v Wade is established law. Americans recognize the right of a woman to make her own health care decisions to a point. Americans also realize that at some point the rights of a developing child in the womb must be recognized. After a scienifically agreed to "point" in which the fetus is considered a viable human being, the woman who chooses to terminate the pregnancy must agree to sterilization or a suitable way to ensure society won't be burdened with irresponsible behavior infringing on others rights over and over. Things happen beyond our control in life and bad judgement happens. repeated abortions go beyond the realm of "a mistake" and into the realm of irresposible behavior. women are not criminals for making this choice, but the choice cannot be made without consequence.
Euthanasia...If a person is deemed viably "sane" by an independent body, a person does have the right to terminate their own life and may be assisted if necessary.
Drug Laws....Marijuana should be legalized, regulated and taxed. More emphisis should be put into more effective means of education and rehabilitation rather than law enforcement. Law enforcement should be emphasized in connection with large scale (kingpin) dealers and cartels of hard narcotics and meth amphetamine. More research should be spent in the areas of alternative fuels, materials, nutrition and pharmecutical values of marijuana and hemp.
Immigration....Amnesty is not acceptable, but neither is impossible systems of deportation and fencing. Businesses that employ illegal aliens must be cracked down on and penalized. this will create much less incentive for people to cross as they do now. Border patrol must be increased and modernized. Mexico must put more effort into improving domestic economic conditions and helping with border security in a tangible way. Paths to citizenship must be rigorous and fair. An emphisis on families will be important to smoothly integrate the millions of people living illegally in this nation.
Gay Marriage...Not for the idntical title as it only invokes emotions, but for the evening of rights and recognition by the state as a domestic partnership with the same rights and responsibilities as a traditional marriage.
Church & State...No official religion. Religious holidays, cerimonies and traditions which are not overtly offensive to others and promote harmony throughout all peoples can be acknowledged by the state. the state must give equal time / space to any legitimate group within a juristiction if requested and the above conditions are met. all religions may be practiced in america outside of goverment owned property.
Social Security....Social Security has worked and is the most successful public system ever created. Social Security will not be privatized and must be kept out of "for profit" interests. It is a public trust which must be upheld. Suggestions for improvement must have the forementioned requirements.
Electoral College...is obsolete. 1 person, 1 vote.
Environment /Global Warming...Is real and must be invested in to ensure our children's futures. Envormental concerns are to be considered at all times and given proper weight against other factors.
Freedom of Press...Must be restored to where journalists do not feel threatened by the goverment as it has in the recent past.
Iraq....There is no military solution there. Iraq must stand up on it's own. We can assist if requested, and vital. But for now, plans should be directed towards redeployment in the region to better serve America's overall interests in the War on terror. Humanitarian, diplomatic and consulting services should continue as needed and can be afforded.
Campaign Financing....No official position as of yet. still hearing debate. same for other voter issues such as electronic voting and fraud. all must be dealt with but still debating which way to go.
Stem Cell Research...Sides with science and will take science's reccomendations on progress in this area.
Maybe i'll add or change this up a bit after some further thought.
Wanna join the party?