My two cents to start worth:
First, great idea, I'd love a viable third party. Various political pundits however seem to think that multiparty systems are less stable then dual-party ones, and more vulnerable to extremes, which is not your goal here.
The term Citizen smacks a little of Comrade to me, and would more so to people on the right. Manifesto is also a bit contaminated in that regard. The two together, unavoidably so. Not that I have any brilliant names, but a marketing survey might be in order.
The Five Guiding Principles & related Specific Proposals:
Does the order reflect an intended ranking?
1)Middle Class
2)Pragmatic Policy
3)Balanced Budget
4)Local Social Control
5)International Relations
I'd be inclined to place 2) in the top slot and rename the party to something like the Pragmatic Party, although I dislike that name as well. Two is the guiding method by which all other choices are made, including the fact that a strong middle class is important.
A strong statement regarding how pragmatic decisions are arrived at is important. In particular, the party should strongly endorse scientific principles as the fundamental basis for modern societies and our standard of living. I known that this will be a red flag for some as well, so wording is important. I'd like to see an Office of Science established in a similar manner to the Federal Reserve, staffed with non-political appointees, and charged with reviewing all scientific input used in legislative decision making, as well as reviewing legislative output for scientific compatibility.
In addition, I would like a statement regarding the importance of biological systems analysis as an input to social & legislative affairs.
Regarding the Middle Class. Keep the death tax! It is one important mechanism that helps prevent the eventual accumulation of wealth in the hands of a small minority of citizens. There are other means, such as asset taxes of various sorts.
Balanced Budget: My inclinations are towards a balanced budget, but Keynes had some useful ideas. Deficit spending now and then provides additional economic control which is a good thing. The problem is in restricting the use of that tempting lever. The final chapter in economics has not be written, and the function of deficit spending is not clearly mapped yet. The party needs to adopt the best economic theory available.
Employee Compensation: Living wage & health care. Minimum wages should be upped with an eye on productivity. Regarding health care, we must work on cost effective health care. That could be a thread on its own!
Illegal Immigration. Secure the boarders! I'd be in jail under your proposal. If you have ever tried to employ farm labor you would understand. I collect the required info, which often I find out after the fact is bogus. And calling it in to verify is not bullet proof either. Around here, even white teenagers will sell their SS numbers to illegals, which they'll regret a few years later, but what the heck, teens will be brainless at times.
Lastly I would add a six'th plank to the party. We seek solutions. Steer the Federal government away from a legal/enforcement view to one of identifying problems, and actively enabling solutions. |
