- 12 Apr 2009 04:56
#1867224
PoFo Unity Coalition - Liberal (PUC-L)
“PUC, But Now With A Sexy 5 O'Clock Shadowâ€
What is PUC-L?
PUC-L is the liberal wing of the PUC, a centrist party. PUC-L caucuses with PUC and votes as a single party on economic issues, foreign policy, and negotiates as a single party in forming governments, but votes and operates independently on social issues. The current chairman of PUC is Nets, who will represent the party in negotiations respecting government formation, and the current chairman of PUC-L is Clausewitz.
The platform of the conservative/centrist wing of PUC may be read here. The economic and foreign policy positions of this party are derived from that platform in totality, and criticism and commentary on economic and foreign policy issues should be directed to all-PUC threads (such as that one).
VOTE NOW FOR PUC-L.
Party Philosophy
Party Outline
Political Platform
This document derives from Nets's excellent document, with minor changes in wording in some areas to reflect this party's more secular perspective, and significant modifications to the Party's social positions.
“PUC, But Now With A Sexy 5 O'Clock Shadowâ€
What is PUC-L?
PUC-L is the liberal wing of the PUC, a centrist party. PUC-L caucuses with PUC and votes as a single party on economic issues, foreign policy, and negotiates as a single party in forming governments, but votes and operates independently on social issues. The current chairman of PUC is Nets, who will represent the party in negotiations respecting government formation, and the current chairman of PUC-L is Clausewitz.
The platform of the conservative/centrist wing of PUC may be read here. The economic and foreign policy positions of this party are derived from that platform in totality, and criticism and commentary on economic and foreign policy issues should be directed to all-PUC threads (such as that one).
VOTE NOW FOR PUC-L.
Party Philosophy
Party Philosophy
The PoFo Unity Coalition represents a compromise between the economic liberalism of the right and the socialism of the left; an economic golden mean which promises prosperity and growth for all citizens.
(PUC) believes in a new social contract between the government and the people. Namely, responsibilities run in both directions; the government is obligated to further the welfare of the people, but the people in turn must give back to the state. There is no such thing as a free lunch is one of our guiding principles, but so is social justice and welfare for all citizens of PoFo. These concepts are not mutually exclusive. No citizen who works to the best of his ability to contribute to the society and who follows the law need ever fear hunger, homelessness or lack of healthcare. None of these things are considered by the PUC to be human rights; quite the contrary. These are benefits that are earned through dedicated contribution to the community. You Work Hard and Play by the Rules; We’ll Make Sure You Get Ahead
Similarly, as opposed to some of the parties of the left, we fundamentally endorse a free market system; those who labor should be allowed to enjoy the fruits of that labor. While the PUC supports increased government oversight in many sectors of the economy to prevent malfeasance and corruption, as well as better union-corporation relations, fundamentally we believe that people should be allowed to enter into economic transactions as they wish. To this end, the PUC favors a broad-based coalition for PoFo comprising the moderate parties on the left and right.
The PUC is committed to creating a just society in which all life is sacred, and in which humans act as better stewards of planet earth.
Party Outline
Party Outline
- We divide the PUC into two wings, PUC and PUC-L (PoFo Unity Coalition-Liberal) which write a common platform and voting policy on issues of economic and foreign policy, but on social policy the two parties write their platforms and vote according to rules independently determined by each wing of the Party, although coordination and consensus between the two wings is preferred. The platform of PUC-L in these areas is derived from the overall PUC platform, and discussion of the overall PUC economic and foreign platform should be discussed in that thread.
- The leaders of the combined party remain Arbiter Azariah and Nets. For clerical purposes, electoral purposes, leadership within this wing of the party, and for distributing the seats allocated to this wing of the party, PUC-L has its own party chairman, currently Clausewitz (yours, truly).
- For the purposes of forming governments, the two parties operate as a single bloc, the lead negotiator will be the head of the combined caucus (currently Nets) and PUC-L will not join governments that do not include both wings of the party. In other words, don't talk to us if you want to form a government with us - talk to the PUC leadership.
- According to the terms of the Common Platform, PUC-L is committed to opposing government funding for abortions and abortions after the first trimester except in extraordinary circumstances, a position similar to many European nations. Amendments to this portion of the Common Platform will have to be made in consultation with the common caucus of PUC, including its conservative wing.
Political Platform
Economic Policy
Minimum Wage – the minimum wage should be decided on a regional basis in order to guarantee a bare minimum of self sufficiency.
Welfare – Welfare transfer payments should be eliminated at the earliest practicable date in favor of employment through government works projects. The PUC believes that a dollar earned gives more utility than a dollar given.
Finance and Banking – Favors stricter oversight of these sectors to prevent bad behavior.
Taxes – Favors roughly the same income tax regimen as current employed throughout much of the EU, with higher capital gains taxes. No citizen will ever be expected to pay more than 50% of his total income. Favors a negative income tax for those earning less than $15,000 USD (with adjustments based on the number of dependants, etc.) Favors the current US corporate tax rate. Supports the use of tax law in order to create incentives for corporations and private individuals towards good behavior; hence tax deductions for charitable contributions and environmentally responsible investments, etc. Similarly, the PUC supports “sin taxes†on socially undesirable goods such as alcohol, pornography, tobacco products and gambling.
Nationalization – Favors nationalization of health insurance companies through buyouts, as well as most utilities. Otherwise, the free market should more or less reign. Supports greater regulation of transportation industries.
Monetary Policy – More or less Monetarist, the money supply should be allowed to grow at more or less a steady, predictable rate, save for national emergencies.
Fiscal Policy – Endorses the basic Keynesian prescription of surpluses in boom times and deficits during busts. Recognized the fundamental cyclicality of booms and busts. At no point should a deficit (or surplus) amount to more than 4% of GDP.
Economic Equality – Does not recognize equality of outcome as a moral, practicable or desirable economic ideal. All those that work should be guaranteed freedom from anxiety over health, shelter, etc. Those who do not put effort into the system should expect no return.
Unions – Supports the rights of unions within reason. No union should be allowed to drive a company into the ground, but likewise no corporation can expect to unfairly treat its employees without government penalty.
Sustainability – In light of dwindling resources, growing populations and severe climate and pollution concerns, the PUC declares that an economically sustainable economy is a primary goal.
Healthcare
- Supports free universal healthcare for all children ages 0 to 18.
- Supports universal healthcare for all adults who either work, have a disability which legitimately prevents them from work, or who can demonstrate sincere attempts to find work in the past year. The unemployed by choice will not be covered.
- Opposes nationalization of healthcare industry and supports the continued freedom of doctors and hospitals to treat patients as they see fit; only supports full- or partial-nationalization of payment mechanisms.
- Supports government incentives
Education
- Opposes social promotion in K-12.
- Supports compulsory free education from K-12, with the option of vocational training in 9-12.
- Supports standardized academic benchmarks for grades K-12 in Mathematics, Reading Composition and Comprehension, History and Science.
- Supports school voucher programs.
- Supports merit-based government funded scholarship and grants.
- Supports full collegiate funding for those who demonstrate actual talent in their chosen field.
- Supports incentives towards increasing the number of natural science, computer science and engineering students.
- Supports a greater role for parents in selecting curriculum in K-8.
- Opposes Race-based affirmative action; mildly supports economic affirmative action.
- Supports increased ethics- and morals-based educational programs in K-12.
Environmental Policy
Global Warming – Acknowledges scientific consensus on issue and endorses Kyoto Protocol. Favors renegotiation of Kyoto towards more strict requirements. Opposes carbon-cap and trade program, supports carbon taxes.
Coal – Supports the complete phase out of coal fired power plants within the next ten years. Favors a moratorium on surface- and mountain top removal-coal mining practices.
Oil and Natural Gas Electricity – Supports the phase out of these electricity sources within 15 and 25 years, respectively.
Nuclear, Wind, Geothermal, Hydroelectric Energy – Supports expansion of all of these energy sources as soon as possible, particularly nuclear.
Solar Power, Biofuel – Recognizes that at the present, solar power and biofuel are not competitive. Supports expanded R&D into solar power, in both photo-electric and solar-thermal energy sources, as well as greater research into biofuel, particular the breakdown of cellulose.
Gasoline – Supports gasoline tax comparable to that found in the EU. Supports tax subsidies towards hybrid vehicles and tax breaks on smaller cars.
Reforestation – Vigorously supports creation and expansion of international reforestation programs, particularly in South America, Europe and Africa. Similarly, supports restoration of many wetland areas.
Conservation – Supports efforts towards conservation of endangered species. Favors illegalization of killing of primates. Supports a 30% reduction in per-capita electricity consumption by 2024 and a 15% reduction in per capita fresh water consumption by 2024. Favors investment in desalinization.
Agriculture – Favors commission to evaluate effects of current pesticide and fertilizer usage on ecosystems. Supports more genetic diversity in current crop portfolios with attendant tax subsidies to achieve this.
Social Policy
Marriage – Supports same-sex marriage and civil unions. Opposes laws that "define marriage as between a man and a woman." Although the official position of PUC-L is to support same-sex marriage, PUC-L MPs will be allowed to vote against same-sex marriage if they support civil unions. PUC-L opposes polygamy and incest.
Abortion – Supports a woman's right to choose. Women should have the right to procure an abortion for any reason in the first trimester of pregnancy, after which abortion should only be legal in cases of incest, rape, or danger to the life of the mother. Opposes government funding for abortions. Supports creation of better social services to care for unwanted children through more spending on foster and adoption programs.
Stem-cell research - PUC-L supports stem cell research and government funding for stem cell research.
Prostitution – Supports legalization of said practice, with licensing and mandated testing in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the nation.
State and Church – Supports separation of church and state
- Prayer will not be mandated or encouraged in schools, but will not be forbidden.
- Likewise, religious displays on public property are not a priori forbidden, (for example Christmas trees in front of town halls, etc.).
- Creationism (or variants thereof) will not be taught in any science course in public schools.
- PUC-L will not refuse grants to religious organizations performing charitable work if the grant has a primarily secular purpose in mind and the grant is narrowly tailored to achieving secular purposes.
Civil Rights – Supports anti-discrimination legislation, making discrimination based on race, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or nationality illegal. Discrimination is forbidden against disabilities (within reason). Similarly, supports current hate-crime legislation.
Affirmative Action – Opposes any affirmative action based on race, religion, ethnicity or gender. Supports (within reason) economic affirmative action, primarily with respect to college admissions for disadvantaged youths.
Narcotics – Supports removal of minimum sentences for drug possession. Supports reduction in prison terms for most narcotics. Sentences for narcotics dealers will remain in place. Supports rehabilitation programs for users.
Marijuana - Supports legalization of marijuana use and withdrawal or noncompliance with international conventions signed by this nation which prohibit marijuana production, use, and trade.
Alcohol & Tobacco– Supports legal age for each as 18. Supports taxes on tobacco as a major cause of death of PoFo users, and supports campaigns to reduce/discourage tobacco use by informing PoFoites, most especially to at-risk youths in schools.
Gambling – Supports heavy taxation of said activity.
Gun Ownership – Automatic and semi-automatic weapons are fully banned. One requires a background check in order to purchase and keep other firearms.
National Service – All citizens are expected to spend eight months in national service after their 18th birthday. This requirement may be met in a variety of ways, including military service or working in hospitals, schools, parks departments or public works. The PUC believes such a program will help foster national cohesion.
Law and Order – The PUC defines itself as a Law and Order party; the criminal justice system will not lenient with law breakers, no matter their class or origin.
Capital punishment - The PUC-L opposes capital punishment in all circumstances.
Foreign Policy
Israel and Palestine – Supports a two-state solution “roughly†along the 1949 armistice lines, in which a Jewish Israel and Palestinian-Arab Palestine live in peace and security as democratic states. Compensation to all refugees, both Jewish and Arab, created by the conflict.
Iran – Supports the Islamic Republic of Iran’s right to have nuclear energy, provided that appropriate international safeguards are in place to prevent militarization of the program. Will not allow a nuclear-weapon armed Iran.
Iraq War – Supports withdrawal at earliest practicable date, as decided by the UK, US, Iraqi Government and the Arab League.
Afghanistan War – Supports withdrawal at earliest practicable date, predicated on the destruction of the Taliban.
Kosovo – Recognizes de-jure independence of Kosovo.
South Ossetia and Abkhazia – Supports negotiations towards final status pursuant to the withdrawal of Russian forces from said regions.
Zimbabwe – Supports all international efforts towards the removal of Robert Mugabe from power, as well as efforts towards his trial for crimes against humanity.
North Korea – Favors reunification with South Korea under the administration of current ROK government.
Sudan – Supports all international efforts towards the removal of Omar Bashir from power, as well as efforts towards his trial for war crimes in Darfur and South Sudan.
Mexico – Fully supports current Mexican Government’s war against Narcotics cartels.
United Nations – favors massive restructuring of organization to weaken non-democratic states in the general assembly and to promote fairness and objectivity.
This document derives from Nets's excellent document, with minor changes in wording in some areas to reflect this party's more secular perspective, and significant modifications to the Party's social positions.
Last edited by Clausewitz on 12 Apr 2009 05:56, edited 1 time in total.
Faction: PoFo Unity Coalition - Liberal (Econ: 2.38, Social: -1.13)
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