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PDD Election -> The Primaries
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| Krypton |
Here we go with our first primary round of voting. I changed the election a bit though. Instead of 3 rounds of voting. There will only be two. Call this the primaries. The two candidates with the highest votes will go on to the final round vote.
You will choose your favorite candidate based on his political platform. The primaries ends September 30, 2008 . Here are the candidates and their platform...
KRYPTON
PARTY: Progressive Party of America
POLICY: | quote: | Education policy
I give all freedom of school choice to the parent. That means the parent would decide what school to send the child, and not the school district. Each parent would be given a voucher for the amount of money assigned for each student's education, and that parent would give the voucher to the school of their choice. Schools which don't perform would lose money by virtue of losing students. Schools which perform well would gain money by virtue of higher student enrollment. I would make part of the core curriculum personal finance because most of the country doesn't know jack squat about balancing their checkbook..
Economic Policy
Any company which required a bail out because of a systemic risk of collapse on their part would be taken over by the government, and sold off to the highest bidder. Those companies which survive the bailout period could still be allowed to operate, but the capital coming from the government would be repaid as an equity stake in the company. I would eliminate all taxes except for a consumption sales tax. I would drastically reduce the amount of military bases around the world, withdraw from Iraq, and thus save this country trillions of dollars. This money could then be used to pay down the national debt and improve the federal balance sheet.
Energy Policy
I would limit oil futures leveraging by half to a ratio of 1:5, meaning traders can only get $5 loans for every $1 the trader has. Substantial tax breaks for all alternative energy companies, and new consumers of alternative energy. The goal of any energy policy would be to set the course to eventually get off using carbon emitting hydrocarbons completely.
Environmental Policy
I'de set the stage for the trading of carbon credits, and give an entire tax-free year to any company, person, or family whose buildings or homes were completely modified to run on alternative energy.
Foreign Policy
I'de withdraw from Iraq completely. Not a single soldier left there. The only contingent I'de leave is a military unit to protect the US embassy, and a special forces group to make quick strikes at any resurgent terrorist groups. I would also withdraw completely from Afghanistan. The Taliban did not attack us on September 11th nor played any part in planning the terrorist operation. I'de close down military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, and Dubai. I'de substantially curtail military and economic aid to Israel, and treat the Israelis just like any other country with which we are friendly too. Our primary goal would be to maintain the order of nations through United Nations jurisdiction and increase our trade with all countries of the world, regardless of what form their government may take, unless there are instances of revolution, civil war, genocide, or systematic violent subjugation of a civilian populace.
Health Policy
I would set up a state health insurance company with which any person unable to afford private health insurance could be covered. A certain percentage of each enrolled person's income would be charged as a premium for their coverage. 49% of the company's equity would be traded on the open market. Drastic measures would be taken to lower the cost of health care. The principle behind this policy is that health is a basic human right and is represented in the ideal of a right to life.
Monetary Policy
Government would no longer be allowed to inflate the currency in order to pay for expenditures in excess of the tax revenue unless in a time of war in which our country's sovereignty is under threat.
Public Policy in Law
I would end the "War on Drugs" and decriminalize all forms of drug use. Marijuana would be legalized on both the buy and sell side of the market but with heavy regulations. All other narcotics such as prescription drugs, cocaine, methamphetamine would remain illegal to sell, but not use. Gay marriage would be recognized by the state. Prostitution would be legalized and heavily regulated. All incarcerated non-violent drug offenders would be released, and their offenses expunged from the public record.
Urban Policy
Suburban sprawl would be drastically curtailed and urban development drastically revamped. Increased investment in mass transit, urban redevelopment, and encouragement of people living in downtown areas of the city.
Social Policy
I would make it very expensive for companies to ship jobs overseas.
Tax Policy
I would institute the Fair Tax Act abolishing all income, corporate, property, death, capital gains, and estate taxes. The only tax would be a national sales tax. Every citizen would get a monthly prebate check amounting up to 23% of the poverty level income for that particular household. So if I make $10,000/1year I will receive $2,392/1year from the government paid out monthly. This policy would stimulate the economy greatly by curtailing all taxes on investments and income while also returning a portion of taxes paid by consumption. This would also greatly help the middle class and lower class. |
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DERVISH
PARTY: Responsibility, Rights, and Respect Party
POLICY: | quote: | Education policy
Support direct job/area based training from a young age. While I'd remove support of "life style choice" style degrees. Moving support (money) around to suit the market conditions. In fact I would consider giving companies the money to pay for children who they choose (i.e. getting interviewed, rather than just handed cash as happens here now).
Effectively making sure that that which benefits the country would be supported and a competitive and effective attitude is created from the start.
Economic policy
In the UK I'd institute an oil fund. And would tax to the hilt the oil companies. If it depressed oil company interest fair enough that oil will be worth more later.
I would transfer money into MAJOR investment in train infrastructure which would be a key enabler in removing reliance on carbon generating modes of transport. I'd make it cheap and very fast. This would cut the reliance on short distance air travel (would lose taxes on that ok, but then there is more money in peoples pockets).
Energy policy
I'd drive towards nuclear and tidal/wave power. Large scale renewable projects rather than small scale and distributed networks. And the oil taxes detailed above.
Environmental Policy
Drive towards public transport being so cheap that using anything else seems wasteful. And the train investment detailed above also.
Foreign policy
I'd draw the focus back somewhat I'd (harsh as it sounds) cut aid budgets, (but these just create aid based economies and solve nothing). And I would drive for a tighter europe to multiply the force that can be brought to bear. This would mean that we would cede control but the alternative is unthinkable.
Health policy
Keep the NHS as is but remove targets and "bean counting" (this actually costs a fortune). And use the Scottish needs based approach rather than the English/Welsh target/market approach.
But provide dental cover for all.
Monetary policy
This is independent in the UK. But I'd restrict foreign ownership is important companies.
Public policy in law
Make people responsible for their actions. Jail shouldn't a holiday camp either, why should troops get worse conditions than prisoners? If someone proves them self unable to abide by the law then they should stop getting chances and be locked up long term (i.e. 3 strikes and you're out).
And I'd have a hit them hard and hit them young policy. It's the only way to change the culture.
Social policy
Again make people responsible for their actions. If they need support they will get it, but they will have to work for it. That is if you are on benefits you'll be working for them or not get them.
Urban policy
I would disperse government away from the center. Here everything has its headquarters in London at a huge premium with no real reason for it and huge associated costs.
Tax policy
I would have a flat tax system. Anything else just means that effectively higher earning citizens (more productive) dedicate more of their live to providing for the state. It has also, in for example Lithuania, been shown to provide huge growth and a drive to achieve.
It's simpler to administer and just fairer. Also tax evasion laws would be tight as possible too.
People doing things conductive to the development of the country or who require more support would get tax breaks though. E.g. people with children would get staged support. |
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GEORGE SMILEY
PARTY: People's Republic of South Yorkshire
POLICY: | quote: |
Education policy
Free education for all, from infant/pre-school right the way up to university/college. Education is a right, not a privilege. No longer will the right to an education be determined by wealth, but by academic ability. Running in parallel with universities/colleges (for the more traditional academic subjects) will be new vocational academies for those who do not want to attend university, but want to learn specific trades. The increase of a skilled workforce will help fight poverty and make the country an attractive investment for foreign businesses.
Economic policy
Vital public services will be subject to a windfall tax (eg energy, public transport). Privatisation does not work in these sectors as there is little insentive for companies to impprove services or lower the cost to consumers. Profit goes to the shareholders, not for improvements. The windfall tax will pay for improvement to these services and provide cheaper/free services to the poorest families and pensioners
Energy policy
The ultimate aim will be the elimination of our reliance on oil. The revenue the government will receive from the windfall tax on enegy companies will be poured into expanding nuclear power, as well as attaining the maximum energy from renewables. Therefore, energy storage from renewable energy will be the number one objective of the Ministry of Science.
Environmental policy
All new structures will be required to fit solar panels, or other means of renewable energy generation, which will feed back into the national grid if not used by that particular structure (energy used by that structure will be free of charge, and energy fed back to the national grid will result in cheaper energy bills). Old high CO2 producing vehicles to be phased out (but not taxed), new high CO2 producing vehicles to be phased out (but will be taxed). I will be a signatory of the Kyoto Agreement.
Foreign policy
Diplomacy is favoured to military action, and has been proven to be more effective. I will stand up for the rights of the oppressed and will never offer my support to any nation that denies individuals the right of freedom or free speech. Military action is a last resort, but it is a course of action that will be taken in an instant where there is an imminent threat. I will pull troops out of Iraq and divert resources to the Afghan mission, which is a higher priority
Health policy
Free health care for all – health care is a right, not a privilege afforded to the rich. I will operate a national health service, paid for by a national insurance tax. The pharmaceutical industry is immoral – it will be nationalised and drugs and medicine will be provided to all that need it free by the state. Running parallel with the national health service will be as many private hospitals as required. Private health care, although not available to the poorest, provides a welcome relief on the burden on the national health service and will therefore be encouraged. However, patients of private hospitals will still be required to pay national insurance.
Monetary policy
Although my aim will be to keep inflation as low and as stable as possible, I believe contemporary governments have given too much attention to a figure than they have to what is actually important – people’s jobs. My monetary policy will therefore has as a priority keeping people in their jobs.
Public policy in law
The death penalty is not the mark of a civilised nation. I will therefore abolish the death penalty for all crimes. However, this will come in tandem with new sentencing where life means life, with no cause for release whatsoever. Prison will be coupled with re-education where criminals will be given the skills they lack in order to give them a chance to make something of their lives once released.
Social policy
Pensions will be provided by the state, however, this will only be intended to provide the recipient with the basic costs of living. This will be available to all citizens commencing at a retirement age of 60 (men and women). A voluntary contributory pension scheme will also be set up for those wishing to invest more into their future. This will help offset the problems faced by an aging population. Tax credits will be awarded to single parents.
Urban policy
It is an absolute crime that so many apartment blocks that have been built remain empty to inflate the price of the ones on the market. It will be illegal to build a house and not put it on the market. 25% of all new apartment blocks must be made available to key workers with either reduced rent or at an affordable price. Millions of new social housing will be built
Tax policy
For individuals, first £10k/$20k earned will be tax free. £10k/$20k - £29k/$59k = 15%. £30k/$60k - £49k/$99k = 35%. £50k/$100k - £99k/$199k = 50%. £100k/$200k + = 60%
Companies will be given 1 year tax free to encourage new businesses to start and assist their growth. After that, companies must pay corporate tax of 30% less than £1m/$2m and 50% over £1m/$2m |
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LIRA
PARTY: Minimal Party
POLICY: | quote: | Education policy: Private companies will be allowed to invest in education, and public-private partnerships will be strongly encouraged, so students will be prepared for the market by the market itself. The government will give poor students financial aid as long as they're doing fine in school. In order to support competition among different educational companies, no company will be allowed to have schools in more than 25% of all states.
Economic policy: Government intervention will be minimal.
Energy policy: Government intervention will be minimal. Private companies interested in investing on energy would be allowed to carry on with their plans, as long as they don't damage the environment.
Environmental Policy: NGO's (religious organisations included) will be encouraged to blow the whistle whenever pollution levels rise, and will be given money to spend on this kind of announcement on the media. Polluting companies, therefore, will have to deal both with the penalties imposed by the government and the possible boycotts that will ensue.
Foreign policy: Other countries? Well, wanna trade?
Health policy: Government intervention will be minimal, as long as there's competition among the different medical companies. Medical companies will be required to give discounts to those in need.
Monetary policy: Government intervention will be minimal.
Public policy in law: Citizens will be given absolute freedom to pursue their own enterprises, as long as they're not harming anyone else (or putting anyone else's freedom in jeopardy). Referendum will be held constantly so the population will be able to decide how it wants to be governed.
Finally, criminals will be taken to "prison towns" where they will be able to live as they wish - with other criminals (and away from those who'd rather abide by the rules).
Urban policy: Companies will be given the opportunity to invest in public transportation, but may have their rights suspended in case there's any kind of abuse. To compensate for the lack of taxes, toll roads will be allowed in urban areas. There's no reason why anyone should pay for maintenance costs but those using the roads.
Social Policy: NONE
Tax policy: Taxation will be minimum, as a minimal state shouldn't be hard to keep. Most of the job will be done by private companies anyway |
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| Dervish |
Opps did I miss tax policy?
Tax Policy
I would have a flat tax system. Anything else just means that effectively higher earning citizens (more productive) dedicate more of their live to providing for the state. It has also, in for example Latvia/Lithuania been shown to provide huge growth and a drive to achieve.
It's simpler to administer and just fairer. Also tax evasion laws would be tight as possible too.
People doing things conductive to the development of the country or who require more support would get tax breaks though. E.g. people with children would get staged support.
EDIT: Can you add that to my policy bit Krypton? Cheers. :) |
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| Kapedano |
| I am voting for you Krypton! :tongue2 |
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| Krypton |
| quote: | Originally posted by Kapedano
I am voting for you Krypton! :tongue2 |
Thank you for your vote!:) |
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| Krypton |
| quote: | Dervish
Make people responsible for their actions. Jail shouldn't a holiday camp either, why should troops get worse conditions than prisoners? If someone proves them self unable to abide by the law then they should stop getting chances and be locked up long term (i.e. 3 strikes and you're out). |
Already been tried here in America and its doesn't work. It just fills up the prisons with non-violent law breakers and simple parole violators. What if someone gets caught with marijuana possession 3 times? |
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| Dervish |
Well here it's a class* C drug hence you basically don't get charged for it. The same for example with speeding/downloading music etc.
At the end of the day persistent offenders will always end up back inside you're just wasting a lot of money (on trials) giving them chance after chance. They don't have the same culture as the rest of us, after 3 stints inside they are already institutionalized.
These people have been convicted over and over in courts that have three verdicts guilty, not guilty and not proven (i.e. basically did it but there was a technicality), and they did it deliberately.
It's not like you get to crime two and then accidentally commit crime three.
EDIT:*Typo |
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| Krypton |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dervish
Well here it's a call C drug hence you basically don't get charged for it. The same for example with speeding/downloading music etc.
At the end of the day persistent offenders will always end up back inside you're just wasting a lot of money (on trials) giving them chance after chance. They don't have the same culture as the rest of us, after 3 stints inside they are already institutionalized.
These people have been convicted over and over in courts that have three verdicts guilty, not guilty and not proven (i.e. basically did it but there was a technicality), and they did it deliberately.
It's not like you get to crime two and then accidentally commit crime three. |
True, I guess it depends on the crime. Here in the states, marijuana can be a felony crime, and land you in prison. I don't know how many people are locked up for simple marijuana possession. |
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| Lira |
| quote: | Originally posted by Krypton
LIRA
PARTY: mnml party (<- Lira you gotta help me out with this one) |
It's the Mnml Prt. Party members have decided that, for our Minimal Party to be truly minimal, the use of vowels should be strictly forbidden. |
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| Lira |
| Hah, I've just realised I've got no social policy. Come to think of it, I'll leave it that way - people ought to learn how to take care of themselves :toothless |
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| Krypton |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lira
Hah, I've just realised I've got no social policy. Come to think of it, I'll leave it that way - people ought to learn how to take care of themselves :toothless |
Freedom I like that...;) |
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| LatinLover |
| You got to be kidding me? I think you people have to much time in your hands for this nonsense. It just shows to what level many members have brought this forum down :rolleyes: |
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