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Bush's rotten capitalist system
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THE SOCIALIST PARTY USA stands for the abolition of every form of domination and exploitation, whether based on social class, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
We are committed to the transformation of capitalism through the creation of democratic socialist society.
Socialism will establish a new social and economic order in which workers and consumers will take responsibility for and control of production, and the residents will take responsibility for and control of their homes, schools, and local government.
For these reasons we call for social ownership and democratic control of productive resources, for a guarantee to all of the right to participate in societal production, and to a fair share of society??¢â???¬â???¢s product, in accordance with individual needs.
As we pursue a socialist transformation of society, we join with others in demanding fundamental changes
within the existing system. As we build the socialist movement, we organize around a platform committed to our common and interdependent struggles and aspirations.
We are committed to the transformation of capitalism through the creation of democratic socialist society.
Socialism will establish a new social and economic order in which workers and consumers will take responsibility for and control of production, and the residents will take responsibility for and control of their homes, schools, and local government.
For these reasons we call for social ownership and democratic control of productive resources, for a guarantee to all of the right to participate in societal production, and to a fair share of society??¢â???¬â???¢s product, in accordance with individual needs.
As we pursue a socialist transformation of society, we join with others in demanding fundamental changes
within the existing system. As we build the socialist movement, we organize around a platform committed to our common and interdependent struggles and aspirations.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
HUMAN RIGHTS
Women
The Socialist Party recognizes that a struggle against habitual male dominance and patriarchy must go hand in hand with any struggle against capitalism. Therefore, we pledge our opposition to all forms of sexism, and demand equality for women in all aspects of life.
1- We support comparable worth laws and affirmative action for women.
2- We believe women should be free to improve their own working lives through unions and other organizations.
3- We support the expansion and full funding of 24-hour childcare facilities, community education to combat violence against women, and the establishment of crisis lines and shelters for women and children in abusive situations.
4- We believe that work at home, including childcare, should be shared to enable women to fully participate in society.
5- We call for one years paid leave to be shared by new parents or in its entirety by a single parent.
6- We support the rights of all women to birth control information and supplies, and to all reproductive health services (including abortion).
7- We call for the banning of all involuntary sterilizations.
8- We support organizational structure based on such elements of feminist process as rotating leadership, gender balance, and systems for ensuring full and open participation in discussion and decision-making.
9- We support links with women's sections of democratic socialist parties and women's rights organizations worldwide.
People of Color
The Socialist Party recognizes the intimate link between racism and capitalism and is committed to the creation of a pluralistic
society and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in housing, jobs, education, and health care.
1- We strongly support affirmative action, civil rights, and anti-discrimination laws and programs to end institutional racism.
2- We call for protection of all Native American treaty rights, support for tribal schools and colleges, living wages on Native American reservations and democratization of power and wealth in tribal governments.
3- We oppose all efforts to declare English an official language.
4- We oppose the police practice of racial profiling.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
The Socialist Party recognizes the human and civil rights of all, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.
1- We call for the repeal of all sodomy laws and anti-lesbian and gay restrictions, and the legalization of same-sex unions or marriages.
2- We are committed to confronting the heterosexism that provides the fertile ground for homophobic violence, and support all
efforts toward fostering understanding and cooperation among persons and groups of differing sexual orientations and identities.
People with Disabilities
The Socialist Party recognizes the human and civil rights of all, without regard to physical or psychological limitations.
1- We call for full enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
2- We call for a network of support for people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities (including home assistance, recreation centers, guaranteed income, voting access, and quality control in residential facilities) that enable them to be as active as possible, and that fully protect their human and civil rights.
3- We call for the continuation of full Social Security benefits for people with disabilities who are able to work part-time.
Seniors
The Socialist Party recognizes the right of seniors to a dignified life, freed from economic hardship and discrimination in employment and credit. Adequate housing, income, health care and medication, and access to social services should be guaranteed.
1- We support an increase in home service and hospice care for older people so that they can remain independent in the community.
2- We support the formation of publicly funded and democratically controlled senior centers to provide positive opportunities for community involvement.
3- We defend the right of seniors to a generous, publicly funded retirement income.
4- We call for vigorous enforcement of standards for nursing homes, elderly advocates to ensure the protection of rights in nursing homes, and a stimulating environment in group home and nursing home situations.
Youth
The Socialist Party believes that a person does not have fewer rights because he or she is a minor. We oppose measures that increase responsibilities and penalties on youth ostensibly to curb crime.
1- We call for an end to military draft registration, and an end to military recruiting in educational institutions.
2- We call for children's allowances in order to satisfy every child's basic rights and needs in a stimulating, empowering, and caring environment.
3- We support the rights of parents, grandparents, and all other caring adults to share in the child-rearing process.
4- We support free, quality, care and education for all children and young people, federally financed and community controlled through democratically elected local boards.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Women
The Socialist Party recognizes that a struggle against habitual male dominance and patriarchy must go hand in hand with any struggle against capitalism. Therefore, we pledge our opposition to all forms of sexism, and demand equality for women in all aspects of life.
1- We support comparable worth laws and affirmative action for women.
2- We believe women should be free to improve their own working lives through unions and other organizations.
3- We support the expansion and full funding of 24-hour childcare facilities, community education to combat violence against women, and the establishment of crisis lines and shelters for women and children in abusive situations.
4- We believe that work at home, including childcare, should be shared to enable women to fully participate in society.
5- We call for one years paid leave to be shared by new parents or in its entirety by a single parent.
6- We support the rights of all women to birth control information and supplies, and to all reproductive health services (including abortion).
7- We call for the banning of all involuntary sterilizations.
8- We support organizational structure based on such elements of feminist process as rotating leadership, gender balance, and systems for ensuring full and open participation in discussion and decision-making.
9- We support links with women's sections of democratic socialist parties and women's rights organizations worldwide.
People of Color
The Socialist Party recognizes the intimate link between racism and capitalism and is committed to the creation of a pluralistic
society and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in housing, jobs, education, and health care.
1- We strongly support affirmative action, civil rights, and anti-discrimination laws and programs to end institutional racism.
2- We call for protection of all Native American treaty rights, support for tribal schools and colleges, living wages on Native American reservations and democratization of power and wealth in tribal governments.
3- We oppose all efforts to declare English an official language.
4- We oppose the police practice of racial profiling.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
The Socialist Party recognizes the human and civil rights of all, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.
1- We call for the repeal of all sodomy laws and anti-lesbian and gay restrictions, and the legalization of same-sex unions or marriages.
2- We are committed to confronting the heterosexism that provides the fertile ground for homophobic violence, and support all
efforts toward fostering understanding and cooperation among persons and groups of differing sexual orientations and identities.
People with Disabilities
The Socialist Party recognizes the human and civil rights of all, without regard to physical or psychological limitations.
1- We call for full enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
2- We call for a network of support for people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities (including home assistance, recreation centers, guaranteed income, voting access, and quality control in residential facilities) that enable them to be as active as possible, and that fully protect their human and civil rights.
3- We call for the continuation of full Social Security benefits for people with disabilities who are able to work part-time.
Seniors
The Socialist Party recognizes the right of seniors to a dignified life, freed from economic hardship and discrimination in employment and credit. Adequate housing, income, health care and medication, and access to social services should be guaranteed.
1- We support an increase in home service and hospice care for older people so that they can remain independent in the community.
2- We support the formation of publicly funded and democratically controlled senior centers to provide positive opportunities for community involvement.
3- We defend the right of seniors to a generous, publicly funded retirement income.
4- We call for vigorous enforcement of standards for nursing homes, elderly advocates to ensure the protection of rights in nursing homes, and a stimulating environment in group home and nursing home situations.
Youth
The Socialist Party believes that a person does not have fewer rights because he or she is a minor. We oppose measures that increase responsibilities and penalties on youth ostensibly to curb crime.
1- We call for an end to military draft registration, and an end to military recruiting in educational institutions.
2- We call for children's allowances in order to satisfy every child's basic rights and needs in a stimulating, empowering, and caring environment.
3- We support the rights of parents, grandparents, and all other caring adults to share in the child-rearing process.
4- We support free, quality, care and education for all children and young people, federally financed and community controlled through democratically elected local boards.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
HUMAN NEEDS
Health Care
The Socialist Party stands for socialized medicine -- a health care system based on universal coverage, salaried doctors and health
care workers, and revenues derived from a graduated income tax.
1- We support a single-payer National Health Program with full standard and alternative medical and dental coverage for all,
publicly funded through progressive taxation, and controlled by democratically elected local boards.
2- We call for a health care system that emphasizes preventive care, respects patients privacy, gives special attention to the needs of the physically and mentally disabled, and conducts treatment and research unimpaired by sexism, racism, or homophobia.
3- We call for full funding for AIDS research.
4- We call for the management of heroin addiction other than replacing it with an addiction to methadone.
5- The Socialist Party would re-fund community mental health services so that low-cost or no cost treatment is available on a voluntary basis, with patients rights respected.
6- The Socialist Party opposes involuntary incarceration without due process for treatment, except in the most extreme cases.
Housing
The Socialist Party recognizes the right of all people to high quality, low cost housing.
1- We call for large-scale public investment in the construction of low cost, scattered site, community-based, high quality housing.
2- We call for rent control for all rental units, and the right of tenants to organize.
3- We support the formation of housing cooperatives and nonprofit land trusts, the adoption of advanced and cost-cutting technology in building, and the rehabilitation and weatherization of existing housing.
Education
The Socialist Party recognizes the right of students of all ages to a free, quality education in a safe and supportive environment,
and of all school employees to good wages, benefits, and working conditions.
1-We call for full and equal funding of public education, for free tuition at the post-secondary level, and for an end to all public funding and subsidizing of private schools.
2- We support public childcare starting from infancy, and public education starting at age 3, with caregivers and teachers of young children receiving the same training, wages, and benefits as teachers at every other level of the educational system.
3- We oppose tying teachers' pay to student performance, forcing schools within a system to compete against each other, selling on-campus advertising in order to raise funds, and the increasing dependence of post-secondary institutions on corporate funding.
4- We call for fewer students per teacher.
5- We call for vigorous affirmative action programs so that each public institution of higher education reflects the community at
large in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, and economic background.
6- We support multicultural, multilingual, experimental education at all levels.
7- We call for an egalitarian educational system with teaching methods that accommodate the wide range of teaching and learning styles, and that provides all students with the means to obtain the post-secondary education they desire.
8- We support student input into curriculum formation and in the hiring and dismissal procedures of school personnel.
9- We call for student representation on school boards.
10- We call for opportunities for lifelong self-education, with retraining programs and transitional financial support for workers
displaced by.
11- We call for free and open access to information, including the public ownership of all large databases, so that access cannot be restricted to those able to pay transaction fees.
Transportation
The Socialist Party calls for extensive publicly owned mass transit systems in both urban and rural areas, at no or minimal cost to the users.
1- We call for government-subsidized programs to expand safe routes for foot and bicycle paths.
2- We call for the creation of fully funded high-speed rail transportation systems between cities, with fares set low enough to be a viable alternative to the use of the automobile.
3- We call for pedestrian ways, which exclude vehicles from the downtown area of cities and towns, accessible by mass transit.
4- We call for an end to the expansion of the interstate highway system in conjunction with the reduction of combustion engine/auto based transport.
<>5- We support all types of federally funded insurance designed to increase the pool of those insured, to combat profit motivated price gouging, and to prevent racial and geographical profiling, and gender and class discrimination that is inherent in the insurance industry.
HUMAN NEEDS
Health Care
The Socialist Party stands for socialized medicine -- a health care system based on universal coverage, salaried doctors and health
care workers, and revenues derived from a graduated income tax.
1- We support a single-payer National Health Program with full standard and alternative medical and dental coverage for all,
publicly funded through progressive taxation, and controlled by democratically elected local boards.
2- We call for a health care system that emphasizes preventive care, respects patients privacy, gives special attention to the needs of the physically and mentally disabled, and conducts treatment and research unimpaired by sexism, racism, or homophobia.
3- We call for full funding for AIDS research.
4- We call for the management of heroin addiction other than replacing it with an addiction to methadone.
5- The Socialist Party would re-fund community mental health services so that low-cost or no cost treatment is available on a voluntary basis, with patients rights respected.
6- The Socialist Party opposes involuntary incarceration without due process for treatment, except in the most extreme cases.
Housing
The Socialist Party recognizes the right of all people to high quality, low cost housing.
1- We call for large-scale public investment in the construction of low cost, scattered site, community-based, high quality housing.
2- We call for rent control for all rental units, and the right of tenants to organize.
3- We support the formation of housing cooperatives and nonprofit land trusts, the adoption of advanced and cost-cutting technology in building, and the rehabilitation and weatherization of existing housing.
Education
The Socialist Party recognizes the right of students of all ages to a free, quality education in a safe and supportive environment,
and of all school employees to good wages, benefits, and working conditions.
1-We call for full and equal funding of public education, for free tuition at the post-secondary level, and for an end to all public funding and subsidizing of private schools.
2- We support public childcare starting from infancy, and public education starting at age 3, with caregivers and teachers of young children receiving the same training, wages, and benefits as teachers at every other level of the educational system.
3- We oppose tying teachers' pay to student performance, forcing schools within a system to compete against each other, selling on-campus advertising in order to raise funds, and the increasing dependence of post-secondary institutions on corporate funding.
4- We call for fewer students per teacher.
5- We call for vigorous affirmative action programs so that each public institution of higher education reflects the community at
large in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, and economic background.
6- We support multicultural, multilingual, experimental education at all levels.
7- We call for an egalitarian educational system with teaching methods that accommodate the wide range of teaching and learning styles, and that provides all students with the means to obtain the post-secondary education they desire.
8- We support student input into curriculum formation and in the hiring and dismissal procedures of school personnel.
9- We call for student representation on school boards.
10- We call for opportunities for lifelong self-education, with retraining programs and transitional financial support for workers
displaced by.
11- We call for free and open access to information, including the public ownership of all large databases, so that access cannot be restricted to those able to pay transaction fees.
Transportation
The Socialist Party calls for extensive publicly owned mass transit systems in both urban and rural areas, at no or minimal cost to the users.
1- We call for government-subsidized programs to expand safe routes for foot and bicycle paths.
2- We call for the creation of fully funded high-speed rail transportation systems between cities, with fares set low enough to be a viable alternative to the use of the automobile.
3- We call for pedestrian ways, which exclude vehicles from the downtown area of cities and towns, accessible by mass transit.
4- We call for an end to the expansion of the interstate highway system in conjunction with the reduction of combustion engine/auto based transport.
<>5- We support all types of federally funded insurance designed to increase the pool of those insured, to combat profit motivated price gouging, and to prevent racial and geographical profiling, and gender and class discrimination that is inherent in the insurance industry.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
The Socialist Party stands for political activity independent of the two major corporate parties. We view electoral activity as an
important component of the struggle for fundamental social change. Participation in elections (local, state and national) is a
valuable means of clarifying our position on a wide range of issues, of broadly disseminating our principles and programs, and of
asserting and reaffirming our commitment to the democratic process.
Grassroots Democracy
1-We call for the overhaul of the constitution of the United States in order to achieve a diverse legislative body.
2- We call for ballot access laws that give all political parties a fair chance to have their candidates appear on the ballot.
3- We support the introduction of proportional representation at every level of government.
4- We call for full representation for the US territories of Guam and Puerto Rico, all Native American reservations, and the
District of Columbia.
Fair Elections
The Socialist Party supports the public financing of candidates for public office as long as this funding extends to the candidates of
alternative political parties.
1- We call for the closing of the loophole sanctioned by the Supreme Court under which candidates can spend an unlimited sum
of their personal wealth on their own campaigns.
2- We call for equal access to media for all political parties.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
The Socialist Party stands for political activity independent of the two major corporate parties. We view electoral activity as an
important component of the struggle for fundamental social change. Participation in elections (local, state and national) is a
valuable means of clarifying our position on a wide range of issues, of broadly disseminating our principles and programs, and of
asserting and reaffirming our commitment to the democratic process.
Grassroots Democracy
1-We call for the overhaul of the constitution of the United States in order to achieve a diverse legislative body.
2- We call for ballot access laws that give all political parties a fair chance to have their candidates appear on the ballot.
3- We support the introduction of proportional representation at every level of government.
4- We call for full representation for the US territories of Guam and Puerto Rico, all Native American reservations, and the
District of Columbia.
Fair Elections
The Socialist Party supports the public financing of candidates for public office as long as this funding extends to the candidates of
alternative political parties.
1- We call for the closing of the loophole sanctioned by the Supreme Court under which candidates can spend an unlimited sum
of their personal wealth on their own campaigns.
2- We call for equal access to media for all political parties.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
"War On Terrorism"
The Socialist Party condemns the so-called War on Terrorism as a crime against humanity. The U.S. Government has been using
the fear and grief of September 11 to enact the right wing political agenda of September 10.
1- We condemn the crusade (George W. Bush's word) against Islam as racist.
2- We call for the immediate repeal of the U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Acts and the Anti-Terrorism & Death Penalty Act.
3- We oppose the Homeland Security department with its sweeping police powers.
4- We demand the exclusion of the military from domestic law enforcement.
5- The United Nations Charter permits member nations to defend themselves only if attacked. The U.S. government policy of attacking first, on the grounds that the target nation is (in Washington 's sole opinion) a threat, is plainly criminal, and we condemn it.
"War On Terrorism"
The Socialist Party condemns the so-called War on Terrorism as a crime against humanity. The U.S. Government has been using
the fear and grief of September 11 to enact the right wing political agenda of September 10.
1- We condemn the crusade (George W. Bush's word) against Islam as racist.
2- We call for the immediate repeal of the U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Acts and the Anti-Terrorism & Death Penalty Act.
3- We oppose the Homeland Security department with its sweeping police powers.
4- We demand the exclusion of the military from domestic law enforcement.
5- The United Nations Charter permits member nations to defend themselves only if attacked. The U.S. government policy of attacking first, on the grounds that the target nation is (in Washington 's sole opinion) a threat, is plainly criminal, and we condemn it.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
FOREIGN POLICY
The United States is the sole remaining global superpower. The U.S. government uses its overwhelming military power to consolidate its strategic hold over the entire world and to defend and protect U.S. owned corporations as they exploit the working people and natural resources of the entire planet. We stand in total opposition to U.S. imperialism.
* We call for an immediate withdrawal of all US military and paramilitary forces stationed outside the borders of the United States.
* We call for the United States to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
* We call on Israel to end the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, as a precondition to peace. We support an immediate cutoff of all U.S. military aid to Israel.
* We call for the abolition of the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and all other institutions of covert warfare.
* We stand for an international treaty outlawing all weapons of mass destruction, including the use of depleted uranium in conventional weapons.
* We call for an immediate cut off of 50% in the military budget followed by additional cuts, with the aim of rapidly reducing the military budget to less than 10% of its current level, with the "peace dividend" directed to essential social services and to the cost of cleaning up contaminated military sites.
* We call for the disbanding of NATO and all other aggressive military alliances, and the closing of all overseas bases.
* We call for an end to US arms sales throughout the world.
* We call for the US to end its domination of the United Nations, and to pay off its debts to that organization.
* We call for an end to veto power in the UN and and end to permanent membership in the Security Council.
* We call for an end to the US occupation of the province of Guantanamo.
FOREIGN POLICY
The United States is the sole remaining global superpower. The U.S. government uses its overwhelming military power to consolidate its strategic hold over the entire world and to defend and protect U.S. owned corporations as they exploit the working people and natural resources of the entire planet. We stand in total opposition to U.S. imperialism.
* We call for an immediate withdrawal of all US military and paramilitary forces stationed outside the borders of the United States.
* We call for the United States to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
* We call on Israel to end the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, as a precondition to peace. We support an immediate cutoff of all U.S. military aid to Israel.
* We call for the abolition of the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and all other institutions of covert warfare.
* We stand for an international treaty outlawing all weapons of mass destruction, including the use of depleted uranium in conventional weapons.
* We call for an immediate cut off of 50% in the military budget followed by additional cuts, with the aim of rapidly reducing the military budget to less than 10% of its current level, with the "peace dividend" directed to essential social services and to the cost of cleaning up contaminated military sites.
* We call for the disbanding of NATO and all other aggressive military alliances, and the closing of all overseas bases.
* We call for an end to US arms sales throughout the world.
* We call for the US to end its domination of the United Nations, and to pay off its debts to that organization.
* We call for an end to veto power in the UN and and end to permanent membership in the Security Council.
* We call for an end to the US occupation of the province of Guantanamo.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Justice
The Socialist Party recognizes that the mechanisms in capitalism that oppress and alienate humans are the same mechanisms that
destroy the environment.
1- Therefore we call for public ownership and democratic control of all our natural resources in order to conserve resources, preserve our wilderness areas, and restore environmental quality.
2- We call for placing financial responsibility on private companies for cleaning up their own toxic wastes.
3- We call for requiring manufacturers to contribute to research and development of new technologies for cleaning up and
preventing future toxic wastes.
4- We oppose any policies that encourage corporations to place local municipal landfills, toxic waste disposal sites, or incinerators in minority communities.
5- We call for legal action against any U.S. corporation that violates any U.S. environmental laws in the operation of facilities overseas.
Worker Protection
We support the creation of a Superfund for Workers that would pay a workerâ??????s full wages and health insurance as well as
necessary educational and/or retraining costs if that worker loses a job due to environmental transition, downsizing, corporate
dismantlement, or capital flight.
Natural Resources
1- We support a policy of no clear cutting in commercial forestry, a ban on commercial cutting in old-growth forests, and an
environmentally sound timber policy that takes into account the historical ecology of the region.
2- We call for endangered species protection that focuses on habitat-centered protection for plants and animals.
3- We support the democratic management of grazing lands, safe drinking water, and stringent air pollution standards.
Environmental Policy
1-We oppose nuclear power projects and call for the immediate decommissioning of all nuclear power plants, a ban on the
export of nuclear technology, and any efforts to use nuclear technology in space.
2- We support large-scale environmental restoration efforts. We support large-scale environmental restoration efforts.
3-We support the recycling of glass, metals, plastic, paper, and chemicals, and creating markets for recycled materials.
4- We call for reforestation programs, which will include preservation of an ecological balance in existing forest areas.
5- We support mass development of solar technology and other renewable, non-polluting energy sources.
6- We call for shutting down waste incinerators, and phasing out landfills. We also support Research and Development efforts into recycling technology.
Energy
1- We call for municipal ownership and control of energy plants, in a non-profit and decentralized system that assures the most
careful use of natural resources.
2- We call for the development of alternative energy sources including solar, geothermal, wind, hydropower, and biomass.
3- We call for a sliding-scale index, which is in favor of low-income people to ensure that all people have access to utility services.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Justice
The Socialist Party recognizes that the mechanisms in capitalism that oppress and alienate humans are the same mechanisms that
destroy the environment.
1- Therefore we call for public ownership and democratic control of all our natural resources in order to conserve resources, preserve our wilderness areas, and restore environmental quality.
2- We call for placing financial responsibility on private companies for cleaning up their own toxic wastes.
3- We call for requiring manufacturers to contribute to research and development of new technologies for cleaning up and
preventing future toxic wastes.
4- We oppose any policies that encourage corporations to place local municipal landfills, toxic waste disposal sites, or incinerators in minority communities.
5- We call for legal action against any U.S. corporation that violates any U.S. environmental laws in the operation of facilities overseas.
Worker Protection
We support the creation of a Superfund for Workers that would pay a workerâ??????s full wages and health insurance as well as
necessary educational and/or retraining costs if that worker loses a job due to environmental transition, downsizing, corporate
dismantlement, or capital flight.
Natural Resources
1- We support a policy of no clear cutting in commercial forestry, a ban on commercial cutting in old-growth forests, and an
environmentally sound timber policy that takes into account the historical ecology of the region.
2- We call for endangered species protection that focuses on habitat-centered protection for plants and animals.
3- We support the democratic management of grazing lands, safe drinking water, and stringent air pollution standards.
Environmental Policy
1-We oppose nuclear power projects and call for the immediate decommissioning of all nuclear power plants, a ban on the
export of nuclear technology, and any efforts to use nuclear technology in space.
2- We support large-scale environmental restoration efforts. We support large-scale environmental restoration efforts.
3-We support the recycling of glass, metals, plastic, paper, and chemicals, and creating markets for recycled materials.
4- We call for reforestation programs, which will include preservation of an ecological balance in existing forest areas.
5- We support mass development of solar technology and other renewable, non-polluting energy sources.
6- We call for shutting down waste incinerators, and phasing out landfills. We also support Research and Development efforts into recycling technology.
Energy
1- We call for municipal ownership and control of energy plants, in a non-profit and decentralized system that assures the most
careful use of natural resources.
2- We call for the development of alternative energy sources including solar, geothermal, wind, hydropower, and biomass.
3- We call for a sliding-scale index, which is in favor of low-income people to ensure that all people have access to utility services.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
ECONOMICS
The Socialist Party stands for a fundamental transformation of the economy, focusing on producing for need not profit, with the goal of a new society without social classes, and without exploitation based on class, race, or gender.
1- We call for a minimum wage of $12 an hour, indexed to the cost of living.
2- We support the provision of a livable guaranteed annual income for those outside the work force.
3- We call for a full employment policy and programs.
4- We call for all financial institutions to be socially owned and operated by a democratically-controlled national banking authority, which should include credit unions, mutual insurance cooperatives, and cooperative state banks, in order to meet the diversity of local and regional needs and the needs of various sectors of the economy.
5- We call for a steeply graduated income tax, and a maximum income of no more than ten times the minimum.
6- We oppose the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization as instruments of oppression throughout the world.
7- We support restoring and increasing federal grants to democratically controlled local and state governments.
8- We oppose balancing the federal budget at the expense of funding basic human services.
9- We call for a National Pension Authority to hold the assets of private pension funds and a levy against corporate assets for any pension fund deficits.
10- We call for increased unemployment compensation.
11- We support a program of massive federal investment in both urban and rural areas for infrastructure reconstruction and economic development.
12- We call for the elimination of subsidies and tax breaks that benefit corporations and wealthy households at the expense of working people.
13- We call for the creation of new jobs through the formation of worker- and community-controlled cooperatives, for the purpose of providing quality housing, health care, education, food, and clothing for all.
14- We call for Social Security, health, disability, and unemployment insurance to be paid for by a steeply graduated income tax
and by a steeply graduated estate tax. We oppose such regressive taxes as the payroll tax, sales tax, and â?????sinâ???� tax.
15- We support tax benefits for renters equal to those for homeowners.
16- We support the use of any federal budget surplus on human services rather than tax cuts that will only benefit the rich. We call for the creation of new jobs through the formation of worker- and community-controlled cooperatives, for the purpose of providing quality housing, health care, education, food, and clothing for all.
17- We call for Social Security, health, disability, and unemployment insurance to be paid for by a steeply graduated income tax
and by a steeply graduated estate tax. We oppose such regressive taxes as the payroll tax, sales tax, and â?????sinâ???� tax.
18- We support tax benefits for renters equal to those for homeowners.
19- We support the use of any federal budget surplus on human services rather than tax cuts that will only benefit the rich.
ECONOMICS
The Socialist Party stands for a fundamental transformation of the economy, focusing on producing for need not profit, with the goal of a new society without social classes, and without exploitation based on class, race, or gender.
1- We call for a minimum wage of $12 an hour, indexed to the cost of living.
2- We support the provision of a livable guaranteed annual income for those outside the work force.
3- We call for a full employment policy and programs.
4- We call for all financial institutions to be socially owned and operated by a democratically-controlled national banking authority, which should include credit unions, mutual insurance cooperatives, and cooperative state banks, in order to meet the diversity of local and regional needs and the needs of various sectors of the economy.
5- We call for a steeply graduated income tax, and a maximum income of no more than ten times the minimum.
6- We oppose the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization as instruments of oppression throughout the world.
7- We support restoring and increasing federal grants to democratically controlled local and state governments.
8- We oppose balancing the federal budget at the expense of funding basic human services.
9- We call for a National Pension Authority to hold the assets of private pension funds and a levy against corporate assets for any pension fund deficits.
10- We call for increased unemployment compensation.
11- We support a program of massive federal investment in both urban and rural areas for infrastructure reconstruction and economic development.
12- We call for the elimination of subsidies and tax breaks that benefit corporations and wealthy households at the expense of working people.
13- We call for the creation of new jobs through the formation of worker- and community-controlled cooperatives, for the purpose of providing quality housing, health care, education, food, and clothing for all.
14- We call for Social Security, health, disability, and unemployment insurance to be paid for by a steeply graduated income tax
and by a steeply graduated estate tax. We oppose such regressive taxes as the payroll tax, sales tax, and â?????sinâ???� tax.
15- We support tax benefits for renters equal to those for homeowners.
16- We support the use of any federal budget surplus on human services rather than tax cuts that will only benefit the rich. We call for the creation of new jobs through the formation of worker- and community-controlled cooperatives, for the purpose of providing quality housing, health care, education, food, and clothing for all.
17- We call for Social Security, health, disability, and unemployment insurance to be paid for by a steeply graduated income tax
and by a steeply graduated estate tax. We oppose such regressive taxes as the payroll tax, sales tax, and â?????sinâ???� tax.
18- We support tax benefits for renters equal to those for homeowners.
19- We support the use of any federal budget surplus on human services rather than tax cuts that will only benefit the rich.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
Animal Rights
The Socialist Party recognizes the rights of animals to lives free from unnecessary pain and suffering, and the responsibility of
people to protect those rights.
1- We support the spaying and neutering of pets to prevent the massive extermination resulting from overpopulation.
2- We oppose entertainment that causes pain to animals.
3- We call for the banning of the fur trade.
4- We support greater inclusion and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act.
5- We call for a ban on animal experimentation for product development, and support products that are not tested on animals.
6- We oppose factory-farming practices of overcrowding, drugging, and otherwise cruelly treating animals, practices that are inhumane.
Animal Rights
The Socialist Party recognizes the rights of animals to lives free from unnecessary pain and suffering, and the responsibility of
people to protect those rights.
1- We support the spaying and neutering of pets to prevent the massive extermination resulting from overpopulation.
2- We oppose entertainment that causes pain to animals.
3- We call for the banning of the fur trade.
4- We support greater inclusion and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act.
5- We call for a ban on animal experimentation for product development, and support products that are not tested on animals.
6- We oppose factory-farming practices of overcrowding, drugging, and otherwise cruelly treating animals, practices that are inhumane.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
LABOR
The Socialist Party stands for worker control of all industry through the democratic organization of the workplace, for the social ownership of the means of production and distribution, and for international solidarity among working people.
Unions
1- We support the right of any number of interested workers in a workplace to form a union and bargain with their employer, with no limits on the subjects upon which employees and unions may bargain with employers.
2- We call for recognizing a union based on cards signed.
3- We call for the democratic control of all unions by their membership, and independent of employer domination and influence.
4- We support efforts to organize all workers, particularly workers in the service industries, enlisted personnel in the Armed Forces, and the difficult to organize (including students, home workers, homeless people, prison inmates, and the unemployed).
5- We support militant, united labor action including secondary strikes and boycotts.
6- We support the right of first-time and part-time workers to full benefits.
7- We call for the repeal of all repressive labor legislation such as the Hatch Act, the Taft-Hartley Act, the Landrum-Griffin Act,
and all the so-called â?????right-to-workâ???� laws.
Worker Control
1- We call for workplaces free from discrimination and harassment based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual preference, or
physical or mental disability.
2- We support the right of workers to hold shop meetings on company premises, elect their immediate supervisors, and administer health and safety programs through the formation of shop councils.
3- We call for full disclosure of corporate plans to close and relocate plants, a punitive tax on runaway industry, and compensation for the workers and communities affected by plant closings.
4- We support the right of workers, consumers, and communities to information on plant safety, hazardous wastes, toxic substances, and the quality of goods and services.
Internationalism
1- We call for the international organization of labor as the only way of combating the exploitation of workers in a global
economy based on the transnational corporation.
2- We call for international labor standards, including the unrestrained right to organize labor unions and a 30 hour work week
at no loss of pay, with six weeks annual paid vacation, and one year parental leave for new parents at no loss of seniority.
3- We support the use of secondary boycotts, hot cargo agreements, and sympathy strikes to defend workersâ?????? rights worldwide.
4- We support the right of all workers to organize irrespective of job titles and responsibilities, citizenship status, method of payment, or sector of the economy where employed.
LABOR
The Socialist Party stands for worker control of all industry through the democratic organization of the workplace, for the social ownership of the means of production and distribution, and for international solidarity among working people.
Unions
1- We support the right of any number of interested workers in a workplace to form a union and bargain with their employer, with no limits on the subjects upon which employees and unions may bargain with employers.
2- We call for recognizing a union based on cards signed.
3- We call for the democratic control of all unions by their membership, and independent of employer domination and influence.
4- We support efforts to organize all workers, particularly workers in the service industries, enlisted personnel in the Armed Forces, and the difficult to organize (including students, home workers, homeless people, prison inmates, and the unemployed).
5- We support militant, united labor action including secondary strikes and boycotts.
6- We support the right of first-time and part-time workers to full benefits.
7- We call for the repeal of all repressive labor legislation such as the Hatch Act, the Taft-Hartley Act, the Landrum-Griffin Act,
and all the so-called â?????right-to-workâ???� laws.
Worker Control
1- We call for workplaces free from discrimination and harassment based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual preference, or
physical or mental disability.
2- We support the right of workers to hold shop meetings on company premises, elect their immediate supervisors, and administer health and safety programs through the formation of shop councils.
3- We call for full disclosure of corporate plans to close and relocate plants, a punitive tax on runaway industry, and compensation for the workers and communities affected by plant closings.
4- We support the right of workers, consumers, and communities to information on plant safety, hazardous wastes, toxic substances, and the quality of goods and services.
Internationalism
1- We call for the international organization of labor as the only way of combating the exploitation of workers in a global
economy based on the transnational corporation.
2- We call for international labor standards, including the unrestrained right to organize labor unions and a 30 hour work week
at no loss of pay, with six weeks annual paid vacation, and one year parental leave for new parents at no loss of seniority.
3- We support the use of secondary boycotts, hot cargo agreements, and sympathy strikes to defend workersâ?????? rights worldwide.
4- We support the right of all workers to organize irrespective of job titles and responsibilities, citizenship status, method of payment, or sector of the economy where employed.
SOCIALIST PARTY PLATFORM
Agriculture
The Socialist Party envisions a system of organic agriculture based on farming cooperatives.
1- We support agricultural worker cooperatives, and oppose large corporate factory farms that lower food quality, cause profound damage to the environment, push farmers off the land, cruelly treat animals, and wreck small town culture.
2- We call for a farm price support system that guarantees farmers a return on the full cost of production.
3- We call for low-cost loans, grants, and technical help to farmers including help to shift farm production from non-essentials to staple foods and fibers.
4- We encourage the reintroduction of hemp farming.
5- We support the right of farmers and farm workers to organize unions for good wages, housing, and working conditions (including the right to be protected from pesticides).
6- We support the right of farmers and farm workers to be included in negotiating contracts with canneries as well as growers.
7- We support land use planning to protect farmland from suburban sprawl.
8- We encourage plant diversity, and oppose the creating, patenting, and licensing of life forms.
9- We call for the labeling of artificially genetically altered food, and the banning of genetically altered seeds to make them sterile.
10- We call for the democratic control of agricultural research and the complete testing of agricultural products.
11- We support inspections of domestic and imported agricultural products to make sure they meet US standards for food safety, and environmental and worker protection.
12- We call for country-of-origin labeling on agricultural products.
13- We call for the reassessment of all international trade negotiations in light of workersâ??????, farmersâ??????, consumersâ??????, and environmental interests.
14- We call for the production of agriculturally produced and environmentally sound alternative fuels to reduce our dependence on petroleum.
15- We support research toward the elimination of the use of pesticides.
Agriculture
The Socialist Party envisions a system of organic agriculture based on farming cooperatives.
1- We support agricultural worker cooperatives, and oppose large corporate factory farms that lower food quality, cause profound damage to the environment, push farmers off the land, cruelly treat animals, and wreck small town culture.
2- We call for a farm price support system that guarantees farmers a return on the full cost of production.
3- We call for low-cost loans, grants, and technical help to farmers including help to shift farm production from non-essentials to staple foods and fibers.
4- We encourage the reintroduction of hemp farming.
5- We support the right of farmers and farm workers to organize unions for good wages, housing, and working conditions (including the right to be protected from pesticides).
6- We support the right of farmers and farm workers to be included in negotiating contracts with canneries as well as growers.
7- We support land use planning to protect farmland from suburban sprawl.
8- We encourage plant diversity, and oppose the creating, patenting, and licensing of life forms.
9- We call for the labeling of artificially genetically altered food, and the banning of genetically altered seeds to make them sterile.
10- We call for the democratic control of agricultural research and the complete testing of agricultural products.
11- We support inspections of domestic and imported agricultural products to make sure they meet US standards for food safety, and environmental and worker protection.
12- We call for country-of-origin labeling on agricultural products.
13- We call for the reassessment of all international trade negotiations in light of workersâ??????, farmersâ??????, consumersâ??????, and environmental interests.
14- We call for the production of agriculturally produced and environmentally sound alternative fuels to reduce our dependence on petroleum.
15- We support research toward the elimination of the use of pesticides.
Libertarians:
As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives, and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.
We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.
Consequently, we defend each person's right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings. The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.
As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives, and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.
We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.
Consequently, we defend each person's right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings. The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.
Libertarians on taxation:
The Issue: Government manipulation of the economy creates an entrenched privileged class -- those with access to tax money -- and an exploited class -- those who are net taxpayers.
The Principle: All persons are entitled to keep the fruits of their labor. Government activity should not include the forcible collection of money or goods from individuals in violation of their individual rights. No tax can ever be fair, simple or neutral to the free market.
Solutions: Specifically, we: a.) support the right of any individual to challenge the payment of taxes on moral, religious, legal or constitutional grounds; b.) oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes; c.) support the repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, and oppose any increase in existing tax rates and the imposition of any new taxes; d.) support the repeal of all taxation; and e.) support a declaration of unconditional amnesty for all those individuals who have been convicted of, or who now stand accused of, tax resistance. We oppose as involuntary servitude any legal requirements forcing employers or business owners to serve as tax collectors for federal, state, or local tax agencies. We oppose any and all increases in the rate of taxation or categories of taxpayers, including the elimination of deductions, exemptions or credits in the spurious name of "fairness," "simplicity," or alleged "neutrality to the free market."
The Issue: Government manipulation of the economy creates an entrenched privileged class -- those with access to tax money -- and an exploited class -- those who are net taxpayers.
The Principle: All persons are entitled to keep the fruits of their labor. Government activity should not include the forcible collection of money or goods from individuals in violation of their individual rights. No tax can ever be fair, simple or neutral to the free market.
Solutions: Specifically, we: a.) support the right of any individual to challenge the payment of taxes on moral, religious, legal or constitutional grounds; b.) oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes; c.) support the repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, and oppose any increase in existing tax rates and the imposition of any new taxes; d.) support the repeal of all taxation; and e.) support a declaration of unconditional amnesty for all those individuals who have been convicted of, or who now stand accused of, tax resistance. We oppose as involuntary servitude any legal requirements forcing employers or business owners to serve as tax collectors for federal, state, or local tax agencies. We oppose any and all increases in the rate of taxation or categories of taxpayers, including the elimination of deductions, exemptions or credits in the spurious name of "fairness," "simplicity," or alleged "neutrality to the free market."
Social Security
The Issue: Social Security is a bankrupt, immoral pyramid-scheme that has trillions of dollars of unfunded liabilities and yields below average returns for those trapped in it. Any financial advisor who suggested investing in a program like this would go to jail, but the members of Congress get off scot-free.
The Principle: In a free society, retirement planning is the responsibility of the individual, not the government.
Solutions: We favor replacing the current fraudulent, virtually bankrupt, government sponsored Social Security system with a private voluntary system.
Transitional Action: Pending that replacement, participation in Social Security should be made voluntary. Victims of the Social Security tax should also have a claim against government property.
The Issue: Social Security is a bankrupt, immoral pyramid-scheme that has trillions of dollars of unfunded liabilities and yields below average returns for those trapped in it. Any financial advisor who suggested investing in a program like this would go to jail, but the members of Congress get off scot-free.
The Principle: In a free society, retirement planning is the responsibility of the individual, not the government.
Solutions: We favor replacing the current fraudulent, virtually bankrupt, government sponsored Social Security system with a private voluntary system.
Transitional Action: Pending that replacement, participation in Social Security should be made voluntary. Victims of the Social Security tax should also have a claim against government property.
Freedom and Responsibility
The Issue: Personal responsibility is discouraged by government denying individuals the opportunity to exercise it. In fact, the denial of freedom fosters irresponsibility.
The Principle: Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. We must accept the right of others to choose for themselves if we are to have the same right. Our support of an individual's right to make choices in life does not mean that we necessarily approve or disapprove of those choices. We believe people must accept personal responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
Solutions: Libertarian policies will promote a society where people are free to make and learn from their own decisions.
Transitional Actions: Repeal all laws that presume government knows better than the individual how to run that person's life. Encourage private sector dissemination of information to help consumers make informed decisions on products and services. Enforce laws against fraud and misrepresentation.
The Issue: Personal responsibility is discouraged by government denying individuals the opportunity to exercise it. In fact, the denial of freedom fosters irresponsibility.
The Principle: Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. We must accept the right of others to choose for themselves if we are to have the same right. Our support of an individual's right to make choices in life does not mean that we necessarily approve or disapprove of those choices. We believe people must accept personal responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
Solutions: Libertarian policies will promote a society where people are free to make and learn from their own decisions.
Transitional Actions: Repeal all laws that presume government knows better than the individual how to run that person's life. Encourage private sector dissemination of information to help consumers make informed decisions on products and services. Enforce laws against fraud and misrepresentation.
The War on Drugs
The Issue: The suffering that drug misuse has brought about is deplorable; however, drug prohibition causes more harm than drugs themselves. The so-called "War on Drugs" is in reality a war against the American people, our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It is a grave threat to individual liberty, to domestic order and to peace in the world.
The Principle: Individuals should have the right to use drugs, whether for medical or recreational purposes, without fear of legal reprisals, but must be held legally responsible for the consequences of their actions only if they violate others' rights.
Solutions: Social involvement by individuals is essential to address the problem of substance misuse and abuse. Popular education and assistance groups are a better approach than prohibition, and we support the activities of private organizations as the best way to move forward on the issue.
Transitional Action: Repeal all laws establishing criminal or civil penalties for the use of drugs. Repeal laws that infringe upon individual rights to be secure in our persons, homes, and property as protected by the Fourth Amendment. Stop the use of "anti-crime" measures such as profiling or civil asset forfeiture that reduce the standard of proof historically borne by government in prosecutions. Stop prosecuting accused non-violent drug offenders, and pardon those previously convicted.
The Issue: The suffering that drug misuse has brought about is deplorable; however, drug prohibition causes more harm than drugs themselves. The so-called "War on Drugs" is in reality a war against the American people, our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It is a grave threat to individual liberty, to domestic order and to peace in the world.
The Principle: Individuals should have the right to use drugs, whether for medical or recreational purposes, without fear of legal reprisals, but must be held legally responsible for the consequences of their actions only if they violate others' rights.
Solutions: Social involvement by individuals is essential to address the problem of substance misuse and abuse. Popular education and assistance groups are a better approach than prohibition, and we support the activities of private organizations as the best way to move forward on the issue.
Transitional Action: Repeal all laws establishing criminal or civil penalties for the use of drugs. Repeal laws that infringe upon individual rights to be secure in our persons, homes, and property as protected by the Fourth Amendment. Stop the use of "anti-crime" measures such as profiling or civil asset forfeiture that reduce the standard of proof historically borne by government in prosecutions. Stop prosecuting accused non-violent drug offenders, and pardon those previously convicted.
I don't know if you're a Libertarian but I was back in the early 90's. I like that party much more than the Republicans or the Democrats, they do have 2 or 3 ideas that I dislike greatly.......I would have to read up on their platform to remember what they were.brogers said:
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Foreskin I get a kick out of everything you say. Your young enough to actually believe Politics can be a noble thing, given the right philosophy behind it. Unfortunately I'm old and experienced enough to know they are all a bunch of fucking thieves. Ideology is mostly for the young.......kiddo.
When you turn 48yo remember your Uncle Rich telling you this....................Uncle Rich..............
When you turn 48yo remember your Uncle Rich telling you this....................Uncle Rich..............
Uncle Rich got served.
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ForemanRules said:
sounds more like communism.
here is a great series of ideas:
lets distribute rewards, not based on achievement but based on who can complain the loudest. that definitely won't lead to any problems. lets not reward those who go tens of thousands of dollars in debt and spend years becoming doctors, lawyers, or other professionals. instead, lets incorporate a 'steeply graduated income tax' so that they can make no more than 10 times the guy who achieves absolutely nothing. of course, we will still expect these people to work harder and risk more to become professionals, because we depend on them.
in fact, lets pay the people who do absolutely nothing even more than we pay them now.
lets raise the minimum wage to 12 dollars per hour. that will definitely work, despite the fact that some people do not have a marketable skill worth that much. corporations will not pass these costs on to the consumer, oh no, they will swallow the cost. Because if they did pass on the cost, then that would lead to an increase in the price of all commodities and nullify the increase of minimum wage.
further, we will refer to any decrease in the taxes on the 'rich' as being at the 'cost' of the poor. disregard the fact that they already pay 11 times more tax for the same exact benefits.
those are some great fucking ideas. besides the fact that it is communism and it would never work.
I think corporations are the problem. They have become meglomanical in their pursuit for wealth and power.
You are as clueless on the subject of "me" as you seem to be on all subjects you post about. But if it makes you feel like the wise old owl then keep thinking you know what I believe and thinkRich46yo said:Foreskin I get a kick out of everything you say. Your young enough to actually believe Politics can be a noble thing, given the right philosophy behind it. Unfortunately I'm old and experienced enough to know they are all a bunch of fucking thieves. Ideology is mostly for the young.......kiddo.
When you turn 48yo remember your Uncle Rich telling you this....................Uncle Rich..............
A good woman will fix that for him -ForemanRules said:Another stupid middle class kid who dreams of the day he is a Billionaire
