Platform
The Florida Whig Party
The Whigs have returned to restore “We the People” to our
Government, Constitution, and Independence.
We Deserve Better. We Will Deliver. We are the Whigs.
Preamble
Fiscal Responsibility
Government
The United States Constitution
States Rights
Safety & Security
Taxation
Energy Independence
Education
Health Care
Immigration
Exploration
Abortion
There is a natural tendency to state that the times are unique in American history, that bold leadership is required to solve the problems we face, and that a new agenda is required to move the nation forward. This would be a traditional “call-to-action” preamble to a traditional political party platform.
While it is true that we currently face severe economic conditions, our nation is not in the grips of a depression as some would like everyone to believe.
While it is true that we face a stateless enemy that seeks to destroy us with unconventional warfare and terrorism, and who struck our soil in a profound manner on September 11, 2001, we must accept that we have been attacked before by others, we’ve defended and pursued our adversaries, and we will prevail through strength of conviction, wisdom, and appropriate might.
While it is true that new leadership is needed, it is also true that change is inevitable with each passing generation. With each passing the outgoing must ensure that the incoming maintain the fundamental ideals upon which our nation was founded and for which so many have given so dearly for the benefit of their brothers and sisters of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The Declaration of Independence begins with:
“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Words such as these are rarely spoken, explained, or appreciated by our current generation; resulting in successive generations with less appreciation than that of the prior for the foundation pillars upon which the greatest nation in the history of mankind is based upon.
Written nearly 250 years ago, let us pause to reflect upon the following:
"When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another..."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party believes it is necessary to end the belief of the inevitability of the duopoly that has existed and controlled the nation for over 150 years.
"... to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them a decent respect to the opinions of mankind..."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party believes it is critical to accept the laws of nature, God, and those of man for whom the respect of all mankind must exist.
"... requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party shall work with other state Whig parties who are willing to cooperate to end political radicalism, restore moderate majority rule with sincere respect for the views of the minority, and provide decisive leadership with transparency and adherence to fiduciary standards as has never existed since our Founding Fathers blazed the trail upon which we continue.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party believes that the Creator of mankind has created man to be equal, without worldly peers, and that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has, is, and will remain at the core of what we know to be our mutually connected being.
"That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party shall oppose the practice of dominant political party governance as this is the root cause of special interest domination of the People’s halls of debate, culminating in ineffective accountability to the people.
"That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party calls for an insurrection not against our government but upon the political duopoly that has sought division for personal and political gain from a united nation of brothers and sisters.
"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party accepts that effective political leadership requires a single commander, but that commander must possess the strength to do what is just without regard to personal gain. Furthermore, leadership must not only encourage but demand universal enlightenment of the truths, values, and mores upon which we govern ourselves.
"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."
Be it resolved that the Florida Whig Party believes that the time has come to end the despotism of the duopoly that grips the nation.
Therefore the Florida Whig Party shall work to cast off the decks of government, those who have cast a long shadow of political distrust by the lawful and abiding brothers and sisters who occupy this great land, and shall govern with moderation to guard the present and future of this nation we call:
The United States of America,
so help us God.
Individual Responsibility:
Individuals must be responsible for their financial well being; however, those who suffer physical, emotional, intellectual, and/or family upheaval may need appropriate governmental assistance.
Corporate Responsibility:
Business entities shall operate under a free enterprise system and shall have the right succeed and fail.
Socialism is not progressive but rather regressive.
In the event of a business failure that is deemed critical to the security of the nation, governmental assistance to protect and return the entity to profitability may be necessary.
The determination that emergency government intervention in a business or industry is the prerogative of the Executive Branch, until Congress is convened; whereupon continuation or discontinuation of federal intervention must be publicly discussed and voted upon with all Members present (House and Senate) in their respective Chambers. All other matters before the Congress, other than consideration of an Act of War, shall be suspended until the matter of private industry intervention is resolved with a majority vote.
Government Responsibility:
Federal, state, and local governments must live within their means and maintain balanced budgets.
Trust funds must remain segregated from general funds and may not be used for any purpose other than the original intent; however, funds may be used if deemed dire and necessary for the defense of the nation during times of War as declared and voted upon by the Congress.
Governments must maintain an appropriate level of reserve funds, a portion of which shall be permitted to be used as sovereign investment funds, providing management is through a domestic third-party blind trust.
Government
All federal, state, and local government employees must be free from, nor permitted to engage in, acts of intimidation or bribery of voters or restricted in political speech or campaign activities.
The use of any public funds designated for relief or public works for electoral purposes, directly or indirectly is morally wrong and must be made illegal.
It must be illegal for government officials to promise jobs, promotions, financial assistance, contracts, or any other benefit to coerce campaign contributions or political support.
Free and legitimate elections are critical to the survival of a nation, state, or local government; therefore, there must be zero tolerance with voter fraud.
The election system known as "Instant Run Offs" is efficient, effective, practical, and requires greater engagement by the voting electorate which will result in fewer radical candidates elected to office and greater representation of society.
The "Separation of Church and State" does not preclude mutual tolerance of religious beliefs. While government may not fund, support, or advocate one religion over another, the historical facts regarding the founding of the nation shall not be ignored or erased.
The "Separation of Powers" between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government must remain balanced and consistent with constitutional intent.
Restrictions on individual, corporate, and charitable campaign contributions, necessitates an absolute ban on foreign contributions and strict enforcement.
The United States Constitution
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
The original intent of the Constitution shall govern all branches of the government.
Judicial activism undermines the Constitution.
The Second Amendment specifically states that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms" and thus permits the individual ownership of firearms; however, the states may implement reasonable regulation to ensure public safety.
States Rights
Each state in the union is unique in its people, climate, history, economics, and geography. This union of unique states is what makes the United States special.
The Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution shall govern in that all powers not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states shall be reserved to the states and the people.
Unfunded federal mandates are contrary to the principle of the Tenth Amendment.
The 17th Amendment must be repealed to restore the balance between the three fundamental constituencies; national, state, and individuals. A legislature or governor without the authority to appoint their United States Senators lacks federal representation for the interests of the state. The House of Representatives represents "We the People", the Electoral College ensures the President is lawfully elected to represent the majority (and should remain focused upon national interests, and the Senate represents the interests of the States. The 17th Amendment fundamentally upset the balance of power and eroded States Rights.
Safety & Security
Federal
A safe and secure border is critical to the nation, states, and local governments.
When a "Clear and Present Danger" to the safety and security of the nation exists, the President and Congress must act accordingly to protect the nation.
The "War Powers Act" requires revision to address situations where a "Clear and Present Danger" exists from rogue nation states and groups without national affiliation who operate within dysfunctional and non-cooperative nation states.
States
Ensuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all residents must be the core function of state government.
An adequately staffed and trained National Guard must be able to meet national, state, and local needs.
Local
Local public safety personnel are most often at the forefront of safety and security issues; as such, public safety personnel deserve adequate staffing, training, equipment, and compensation.
Politics has no place in public safety and especially in law enforcement; therefore, the election of Sheriff’s is a process that is arcane and dysfunctional at best.
Law enforcement executives must be prohibited from issuing badges or uniforms to non-sworn personnel or honorary and/or special deputy / police badges to anyone other than certified law enforcement personnel. In a post September 11, 2001 era, continuation of this practice is a violation of the basic public safety and law enforcement integrity.
Public trust in law enforcement is eroded by politically motivated management and criminal justice prosecution.
Acts or omissions classified as crimes that are mala prohibitum are non-violent in nature. When incarceration is ordered upon conviction, the cost versus benefit to society must be carefully considered. A contradiction of values and resources exists when drug dependency is considered an illness while at the same time, the purchase and possession of an illegal drug by a drug dependent user is also classified as a criminal act. This statutory discrepancy leads to the unequal treatment of similar acts or omissions; therefore, each state must adopt sensible and rational polices regarding minimal, moderate, and extreme deviant behavior.
The current system of federal taxation is complex, unfair, and discouraging to savings, investment, and innovation.
Repealing the taxation on personal and business income must take place.
Repeal will result in pension simplification as all pension laws become moot.
Taxation shall take place at the point of purchase of all new goods and services for personal consumption. Known as the Fair Tax, a monthly payment (prebate) to all lawful United States citizens equal to the tax on purchases up to a denominator of the poverty level equal to the applicable family unit size is truly fair and efficient.
An estate tax based upon a legislatively determined denominator of the poverty level for a family of four, yet not less than five hundred (500), is critical to prevent the unbridled growth and power of family dynasties and politically motivated foundations of perpetual existence.
Energy Independence
Energy independence is critical to the security and economic vitality of the nation.
Long-term energy conservation will result in negative economic growth.
Energy exploration must be encouraged and rewarded.
Increasing efficiency to reduce waste must be encouraged and rewarded.
Subsidies of inefficient energy production methods and/or outdated technologies must reflect current economic conditions and needs.
Education
The efficient, effective, and functional education of children and adults is critical to the nation.
Public educators must accept, embrace, and willingly work with those who prefer private, family based, or faith based instruction.
All parents and educators must accept the inevitability of change and embrace the new technologies that our children easily adapt and gravitate towards.
Each state must establish standards and measurements to ensure progress on an individual and group basis; however, education must never digress to a situation where teachers are teaching to the test. While factual recall is important, understanding, critical thinking, and conceptual enlightenment is critical.
The practical skills required by the majority of society are such that technical and community colleges require appropriate funds and staffing.
Individual financial assistance for those in schools of science, engineering, computer and software technology, medicine, mathematics, public safety, and ROTC is as necessary at this time, as it has been throughout our history.
Health Care
Individuals must take responsibility for their health care.
Health insurance should be a personal choice and available to everyone through accessible open enrollment.
The failure to provide health care or health insurance for dependent children when financially able is prima facie evidence of child abuse.
Government provided health care must be reasonable for those who are physically, emotionally, intellectually, or financially dependent.
Immigration
Legal immigration must be encouraged with emphasis and high priority given to those who possess skills of critical need, as deemed by Congress, and who are financially self-sufficient, free of profound health care needs, and emotionally stable.
Illegal immigration must stop and deemed a threat to national security by Congress. Immediate deportation for those apprehended must be efficient and effective. Economic and security considerations demand nothing less.
A nuclear family with a mixture of legal and illegal members shall be remanded to a new federal court system specifically designed to meet this unique challenge.
Exploration
The exploration of Outer Space, the Oceans, and the building blocks that comprise man and his surroundings, is critical to the survival of humankind, and must be appropriately funded, must never stop, nor influenced by political posturing.
Academic freedom in science is critical for our survival and the success of our nation.
Abortion is an issue as to when life begins, as death is an issue as to when life ends.
Conception is voluntary or involuntary, natural or artificial, and involves competing morals, ethics, rights, and interests.
Abortion is a matter for each State and shall reflect the views of the majority of the residents of each individual State.
