The following is from a piece I wrote entitled, "A Lincolnian Party Vision for America." Although this is more of a philosphical view I believe it captures the spirit of the father of the GOP, Abraham Lincoln.
The fundamental principles of the Lincolnian Party are to preserve the integrity and ideals of the United States as set forth in the Constitution. The Lincolnian Party is an inclusive party not interested in partisan politics but in reuniting a divided America in the tradition of Lincoln’s leadership and beliefs.
Lincolnians believe it is time to start having honest discussions of the problems we face in our country and the world. People from all segments of American society need to come together and discuss the social problems of our citizenship without being labeled or filtered through politically-correct dialog or fear being captured on a media “sound bite.” Nothing is to be left off the table as a possible issue related to preserving the unity and cohesiveness of America as established by our founding fathers in the Constitution of the United States of America.
As founder of the Lincolnian Party, I have established a party platform to encourage participation by our citizens in upholding our liberties established in the Constitution of the United States of America. The following are highlights of some of the proposals of my party:
Unity:
Establish English as the official language of the United States.
Taxation:
Establish a fixed rate of tax on all income, interest, and dividends above the defined poverty level less any approved deductions, exemptions, or credits.
Change the capital gains schedule to reflect long-term investment according to the following:
< 1 year 100% of gain taxable
1 year but < 2 years 80% of gain taxable
2 years but <3 years 60% of gain taxable
3 years but <4 years 40% of gain taxable
4 years but < 5 years 20% of gain taxable
5 years and up the gain is tax free
Limit the deductibility of Real Estate interest for an individual to $7500 and $15,000 annually for joint filers (Primary and secondary residences only).
Review small business and corporate tax laws to develop policy that encourages long-term investment, expansion, and jobs within the United States especially in the areas of higher technology.
Federal Programs, Policies, and Mandates:
All federal programs, policies, and mandates which require actions taken by state and local government agencies must contain a full-funding plan in the federal budget to meet the minimum requirements of the program, policy, or mandate in the states or local municipalities where it applies.
Education:
Each individual shall be entitled to deduct up to $2500 for post-secondary education, training, or certification for themselves and their spouses. Married couples and single parents that are eligible for child support will be allowed up to $5000 per child for post-secondary education, training, or certification.
Provide funding for high-level mathematics and science program development and implementation in line with the National Alternative Energy initiative.
Promote educational policy that focuses attention on traditional American values which embrace our history. This includes helping children recognize the contributions and importance of our great historical leaders such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and others. Challenge schools to implement curriculum that helps students develop a solid understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and the common bond of unity they share first and foremost as Americans that are responsible, self-sufficient and hard-working contributing members of society.
Communities should be encouraged to develop a variety of educational opportunities, experiences, and settings to match the talents, skills, and abilities of their students with the needs of their community and American society.
Energy and the Environment:
Establish a National Alternative Energy Fund for research, education, and development of reduced emission and no emission fuels with the goal of establishing the United States as the world leader in this technology.
Establish a goal of making the United States energy independent by 2025.
Uphold the basic tenets of property law which allows the enjoyment an- highest and best use of a owner's property providing it doesn't infringe upon the enjoyment and highest and best use of others' property.
Restrict eminent domain use to uses that are necessary for the safety and sustainability of the community.
Civic, Family, and Social Welfare Incentives:
Provide a tax credit for documented time spent volunteering through an approved and recognized charity, church, or civic organization up to $2000 per individual.
Provide a marriage credit or child support credit of $2000 per parent. Parents paying child support will receive a credit if they are current with support payments. Parents entitled to child support will receive a credit if they have filed for child support identifying the parent responsible for payment. In any case in which the amount of the credit falls below the defined poverty level of income after deductions, credits, and exemptions then the person(s) filing would be entitled to a refund in that amount.
Provide a $15,000 annual exemption from federal and state taxes over and above the standard child deductions for each child adopted from the foster care program through age 18 or the completion of post-secondary education. The adopted child would be eligible for a federally-sponsored health care plan.
Provide an annual cash rebate for every year a former long-term recipient of welfare assistance remains employed and does not apply for assistance inversely related to the time they had received payments. For example a former recipient who had received payments for one year would be eligible for a one time rebate and a five or more year recipient would be eligible to receive rebates up to five years (capped).
Citizenship:
Allow every non-citizen currently residing in the United States to register for citizenship subject to the following:
The petitioning guest resident must not have a criminal background nor commit any crime within their guest residency period.
The petitioning guest resident pledges allegiance to respect the laws of the United States and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the United States.
The petitioning guest resident must demonstrate a functional level of proficiency in English and the history of the United States within a specified period of time.
The petitioning guest resident must remain employed, capable of sustaining employment, or capable of providing for themselves and dependents while a guest resident of the United States.
Consider the granting of guest resident visas subject to the following:
All of the above requirements for current guest residents;
Fast-track admission preference for documented skills in U.S. shortage areas such as medicine, technology, engineering, and science.
Security:
Establish a national worker’s identification card containing a photograph, home address, and citizen status (resident or guest resident/expiration date). Verification of status could be checked by scanning the card through the current banking system network or verified at any local bank or town hall.
Make it unlawful to employ or provide housing for any worker that does not have or be able to provide a national identification card prior to beginning work or establishing residence.
For more information visit: New England Opinion Home
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