American Politics need a 3rd Party

As the divide between the left and right becomes wider, those of us left hanging in the middle are beginning to feel torn between two polar political parties that do not represent the needs of the majority of average Americans. The Democrats and Republicans have sold out to special interests and corporate America. Between Republican's misuse of the military establisment and the Democrats misuse of public tax funds, it seem like most of our opinions and views simply do not matter.

I believe we need a third party, one that represents the center of the political spectrum. I did a little research and found that a centerist party does exist now, being founded in 2005. Check out the site for the Moderate Party. After reading through the party's platform, I feel I could get behind these ideals. The key is getting more support.

http://www.modparty.net/

Party Platform

A number of moderates around the country have been working together on a Platform for the Moderate Party. This draft Platform is a work in progress that sets the framework for an innovative and evolutionary new political party. The Platform is responsible on fiscal issues and inclusive on social issues.

A final Platform will be developed at a later time, ideally at the Moderate Party national convention in 2008. If you join the Moderate Party and have comments about the Platform, we ask that you record them for future discussion.

Government Spending and Taxes

The Moderate Party supports lowering federal spending and paying down the national debt without compromise to individuals, families, and seniors of American citizenship currently in need of Federal assistance.

The Moderate Party supports a simplified tax code, including the Fair Tax or Flat Tax.

The Moderate Party supports closing tax loopholes for corporations.

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International Relations
The Moderate Party believes that the United States must return to its primary role as international peacekeeper.

The Moderate Party believes that although the United States may disagree with other nations' politically and/or socially inhumane ideologies, where those nations have not directly threatened American security, we do not have the right to preemptory invasion.

The Moderate Party believes that the United States must seek economic and diplomatic recourse in bringing corrupt and inhumane governments to justice before the world court, resorting to military recourse only in coalition with other nations in an action sanctioned by an international governing body.

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Defense
The Moderate Party supports a strong national defense. The safety and security of the United States is of utmost importance, including securing our borders.

The Moderate Party supports thorough, verified intelligence to ensure a strong defense.

The Moderate Party supports sensibility with regards to defense spending, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Maintaining a balanced defense budget.
  • Auditing federal contracts as necessary to ensure proper billing.
  • Avoiding conflicts of interests in awarding government contracts.

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Environment
The Moderate Party supports protection of our environment to ensure clean land, fresh air, and pure water for ourselves and for future generations.

The Moderate Party opposes sprawl development by encouraging smart planning, livable neighborhoods, and historic preservation.

The Moderate Party supports alternative sources of energy that can individually or collectively meet demand and are also environmentally responsible.

The Moderate Party supports public transportation to lessen dependence on the automobile and improve the quality of our land, air, and water.

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Religious Freedom
The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution mandates the separation of church and state. It is also supported by the 18th Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The results of this separation for our country has been a vigorous religious life coupled with a relative lack of religious persecution.

The Moderate Party supports the separation of church and state as the guiding principle that truly guarantees and enables religious liberty for all Americans.

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Firearm Responsibility
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states "a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

The Moderate Party supports the right of citizens to keep and bear arms.

The Moderate Party also recognizes that any firearm ownership requires responsibility for the same. In recognizing this responsibility, we believe:

  • That education in the proper and safe use of firearms is fundamental for all new and underage firearm owners. We therefore support legislation that encourages citizen education in firearm safety and use.
  • That both firearms dealers and gun owners have a responsibility to prevent firearms from getting into the hands of criminals. We therefore support legislation requiring background checks on all firearm purchases.
  • That firearms dealers and private individuals who distribute arms to those citizens deemed unfit for ownership because of prior felony conviction, declared mental incompetence, or deficiency in education on proper firearm safety and use, are in effect acting irresponsibly. We therefore support legislation penalizing those firearms dealers and private citizens who act in such an irresponsible manner.
  • That parents, as the primary role models and shaping forces in the lives of their minor children, are accountable for the actions of their minor children. We therefore support legislation that holds responsible any parent or guardian who allows their minor children illegal access to their firearms.

Finally, the Moderate Party supports the enforcement of those laws currently in existence that penalize citizens who use firearms in the commission of a crime.



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Women's Reproductive Rights
The Moderate Party supports a woman’s right to choose, but is hopeful that the decision to go forward with the termination of pregnancy would be made only under the most extreme circumstances such as rape or incest, or if the life of the mother is otherwise in danger.

The Moderate Party does not support the termination of pregnancy in the third trimester except under circumstances in which the life of the mother is otherwise in danger.

The Moderate Party supports the minimization of pregnancy terminations through education (to include birth control and abstinence) and through greater access to birth control.

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Recognition of Unmarried Partners
In agreement with the principles expressed in the Moderate Party's philosophical statement:

The Moderate Party supports the creation of civil unions to provide economic and familial benefits to mutually consenting adult couples.

The Moderate Party opposes any Constitutional Amendment which sacrifices legal recognition of the committed relationships of consenting adult couples on political, economic, or religious grounds.

Although we understand that the federal government must at times, in the interest of the American people, pass legislation limiting our personal liberties, we feel this legislation should only be passed through laws and the government should never use the constitution of the United States to restrict personal liberties.

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