The Light Party

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Posting what we have so far...

The Light Party

National Platform

Preamble

We of the Light Party are guided by our ten principles: equal opportunity, integrity, honesty, personal responsibility, fiscal responsibility, justice, cooperation, liberty, progress, and the general welfare of the socially and economically disadvantaged.

Government has a vital role in a civil society.  While it should not be considered the arbiter of economic and societal development, we believe it is a tool to propel the ongoing advancement of our world.  We recognize that at the heart of progress is not the powerful few, but the working majority of the citizenry.  Our party proudly represents the commonwealth and believes all people are entitled to a life of prosperity.  We believe that the least of society must come first, and though we may not always agree on the issues, we must approach every conversation with a sound and open mind.

In order for a party to grow, it must be a voice for progress.  We lend our name not only to the vision of a brighter society, but to one of the most common inventions known to man: the humble light bulb, and all of the technological advancements that have come with it.  Likewise, we must recognize that Atlasia is forever changing, and that cooperation is the only way it will move in the right direction.  This is why we are a party of diverse interests and opinions, and we believe that independent thought inspires rational solutions.

These are the tenets which unify us as liberals, conservatives, libertarians, populists, and moderates.  These are the values which enable us not to dwell on the dark days of the past, but march together for a brighter society.

1.0 - Economy

1.1 - Rural Businesses and Communities
A prosperous agricultural economy is vital to the affordability of our food, the independence of our energy supply, and the security of Atlasia's rural communities.  Lightists support government policies that subsidize and aid small farms that feed the world community.  We support a strong farm safety net with increased availability of insurance and conservation programs, expanded Internet access, and infrastructure.  We believe that in order for the Atlasian economy to truly prosper, rural communities must enjoy similar benefits as urban ones.

1.2 - Fiscal Responsibility
As Lightists, we believe that the people are best served by a government that proves it is capable of aiding its citizens and spending within its means at the same time.  We value balanced budgets that is accompanied by cuts in bureaucratic red tape, but all spending reforms must be implemented fairly and with concern for all members of our economy.  We must also pass budgets that are comprehensive and specifically address who and what they are allocating funds to.  We call on regional governments to pass amendments to their Constitutions requiring a balanced budget except in times of emergency, and a mindful distribution of funds each fiscal term.

1.3 - Helping Poor & Working Families
Too many Atlasians live without a better hope for the future or are forced to work low-wage jobs to support their families.  We believe that while self-sustainability is a vital goal for working families, the government bears an important role in ensuring equal opportunity and maintaining a social safety net for those who need it.  That is why we support expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as developing a comprehensive approach to eradicating poverty by providing grants to urban and rural communities and empowering local governments to address their constituents' needs, for we believe that reform can best be achieved by tackling and critically analyzing policies established at the local level.

1.4 - Taxes
The Light Party believes a heavy tax burden is hard for hard working citizens. The Light party in most cases will vote against tax raises on working/middle-class Atlasians except for economic emergencies. If more money is needed for welfare programs, the first priority should be to scale down other programs.

1.5 - Regulation
The Light Party believes that the fundamental duty of government is to protect the weak from the strong. To that end, we support strong, comprehensively and thoroughly enforced regulations in the areas of food-safety, environmental protection, workers' rights, money in politics, consumer finance, &c.

2.0 - Social Policy
The Light Party takes the view that, in our multiethnic, multireligious nation, we should respect all citizens and allow them to make personal decisions themselves. Government should be neutral on personal beliefs. What follows is our stance on a variety of social issues.

2.1 - Culture
As Lightists, we support the preservation, promotion, and, if necessary, subsidization of Atlasia's literary, musical, and artistic traditions.

2.2 - Abortion & Reproductive Health
Our members are split on the issue of abortion and stem cell research, as is the rest of the country.  The Light Party respects each individual's opinion on this deeply emotional issue, and we therefore represent a diversity of both pro-choice and pro-life voters.

At the same time, we encourage federal, state, and local governments to consider additional funding for adoption centers, family-planning facilities, and education, so that fewer women are faced with the challenge of bearing an unwanted pregnancy.  We represent and support all women with these challenges, and value them as members of society whether they opt to abort or not.

2.3 - Same-Sex Marriage
In keeping with the tradition of upholding justice and equality, we fully believe that members of the LGBT community are entitled to the same rights and privileges as every other Atlasian citizen. We support the Elimination of Civil Marriage Law and Establishment of Civil Unions Act as a just federal solution, as well as the movement to secure equal treatment under the law for same-sex couples and individuals.  We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to minister marriage as religious sacraments without government interference.

2.4 - Firearms & Crime
We recognize the Constitutional right of every law-abiding individual to keep and bear arms.  Lightists, however, are split on the extent to which firearms may be regulated by federal and local governments.  We believe there ought to be an open and rational conversation on how this issue ought to be addressed and how crime can be deterred best, be it via gun legislation, mental health legislation, or otherwise.

2.5 - Freedom of Speech and Religious Exercise
Lightists believe that Atlasia has forever shined as a beacon of free speech and religion, and so it must remain.  We believe that speech shall only be regulated to protect the rights, privacy, and security of all citizens.  We also believe that the freedom to practice one's religion or to abstain from any religious activity is a fundamental right, and that all school students should be allowed to pray in accordance with their religious beliefs.  However, in no way shall teachers or school administrators influence how a student prays, or endorse any particular religious faith or view.

2.6 - Civil Liberties
The Light Party stands firmly on the side of civil liberties and views them as fundamental to Atlasia remaining Atlasia. Individual liberties, such as the rights to free speech and association, must be kept paramount. Government must stay out of the private lives of individuals. This is also true for private institutions, such as internet service providers. ISPs, or any other private organization, will not be allowed to monitor customers in any way. Although some revocations of our rights have come in the name of national security, we can remain safe while maintaining due process and the rule of law. Federal investigations must operate under judicial oversight and must provide probable cause before executing searches. Only high-risk individuals should be subject to invasive security procedures, but a legal warrant must still be obtained. Habeas Corpus must be respected and individuals must be charged with a crime or released.

2.7 - Drugs
The Light Party recognizes the failure and expense of drug prohibition and believes marijuana should be legalized, taxed, and regulated - we support the current status quo under the Consolidated Marijuana Regulation Act. In regards to harder drugs, the Light Party believes that abuse of hard drugs is a health problem that should be dealt with by health experts, not the prison system. The Light Party supports policies that aim to reduce the death, disease, and crime associated with violent drugs. While we can never eliminate addiction and abuse, we can minimize the harms and reduce the negative impacts on society by promoting treatment options. Effective education and sensible regulation is the path towards reducing use of hard drugs. Hemp production should be legalized.

2.8 - Human Rights
Lightists believe that Atlasia has forever shined as a beacon of freedom, and so it must remain.  We believe that speech shall only be regulated to protect the rights, privacy, and security of all citizens.  We also believe that the freedom to practice one's religion or to abstain from any religious activity is a fundamental right. The Light Party believes that religion is a private matter, and that the only way to ensure religious freedom is to ensure the continued separation of church and state. As such, all school students should be allowed to pray in accordance with their religious beliefs. The Light Party also stands firm that peaceful protest and assembly against the government is of the utmost importance, and provides a voice for the opposition in many government debates.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

3.0 - Foreign Policy
A strong national defense is the most basic of our government's responsibilities. However, protracted foreign interventionism is not. Atlasian military activites abroad should focus on the protection of Atlasian interests and citizens, not costly and ineffective interventions. Close cooperation with allied nations is essential, and foreign deployments should be reevaluated. Some barriers to free trade should be eliminated. Atlasia should not forsake her values in foreign policy - torture both physical and psychological should not be used, detainees must be given due process through the courts, and must not be held indefinitely without charge or trial. Those unjustly incarcerated should be compensated.

3.1 - Immigration
The Light Party supports those who wish to be legal immigrants to acquire work visas and will work to make it easier for them to do so. It should be easy and simple for willing workers to come here with a temporary visa, pay taxes, fill jobs, and contribute to society. Potential immigrants should take a background check and then begin to pay taxes just like a native Atlasian. Illegal immigrants should receive a two-year grace period to acquire such visas so they can continue to contribute to Atlasian society. Those with temporary work visas should be able to access the normal pathway to permanent status and citizenship, and should be able to bring their families to Atlasia if they can support them. The process should be extremely streamlined to reduce illegal immigration - those who circumvent the process should be deported.

4.0 - The Internets
The Internet is an engine of growth and innovation. The government should not subsidize or favorably treat ISPs. The FCC should not create rules regulating content, Internet speeds, or pricing. Nobody should be able to turn off the Internet, and an Internet 'kill switch' must be opposed. The Internet must remain tax-free. Political speech should not be censored, online gambling should be legal, and online crimes, such as fraud and chile pornography, should be treated just as offline crimes are.  The Light Party supports expanding availability of the Internet to poor, rural, and/or disadvantaged communities and nations.

5.0 - Education
We of the Light Party believe that education is paramount to a competitive workforce and flourishing economy.  While we support the right of parents to determine which schools their children are enrolled in, we believe that cooperation, not competition, is vital to ensure the success of all students, regardless of background.  The traditional education system is broken, as students have not been adequately prepared for life and are outperformed by students in nations such as Finland and South Korea.  Our solutions, therefore, are to:

• Grant communities full administrative, curricular and extracurricular jurisdiction over all school districts within their boundaries
• Ensure that all students are offered the benefits necessary (including food and health care) to succeed
• Accord teachers a great deal of autonomy in their respected professions and allow them to choose their own textbooks
• Eliminate the current standardized tests, and replace them with one national matriculation exam to assigned to all high school seniors

6.0 - Science and Technology
Science and technology have had an important role in every aspect of human history, from fire to the wheel, from the telegraph to the telephone, from car travel to space exploration, and from radio to television.  We believe that while the advancement of science and technology is best left to a competitive market, government rightfully acts as a propeller to countless advancements.  We recognize the scientific method as one of the best methods of determination and acquirement of knowledge, and the achievements that science has brought us must not go unrecognized.

Scientists have always played a role in the legislative process, but we feel that their jobs are often overlooked, under-appreciated, and seldom taken full advantage of.  This is not because we believe scientists have a monopoly on knowledge or discoveries, but that it is the best separator of truth from ideology.  We of the Light Party support programs that incentivize the growth of technology, especially for space exploration and environmental protection.  We also support giving scientists more representation in all levels of government.

7.0 - Energy & the Environment
As technology improves, we support an all-of-the-above solution to our energy needs, provided that we are making the conscious effort to advance our energy resources to a state of quality and safety for our planet.  We believe in letting the regions determine how this issue can be tackled best, provided that they all recognize global warming as a phenomenon that is scientifically supported.

[Penelope]

My changes to "Freedom of Speech & Religious Expression" and "Civil Liberties" have not been reflected in the official platform, despite having been approved.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

My changes to "Freedom of Speech & Religious Expression" and "Civil Liberties" have not been reflected in the official platform, despite having been approved.

Fixed.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Just so we can kill two birds with one stone, I'm going to open the declaration period for Chair and Vice Chair.  The declaration period will expire when we begin voting on the platform, which will be Tuesday afternoon.  (I'm not quite sure when I will be home.)


I declare for Chair.

[Zanas]

Just so we can kill two birds with one stone,

I see the Light Party is advocating multiple animal murder...

Interesting.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Just so we can kill two birds with one stone,

I see the Light Party is advocating multiple animal murder...

Interesting.

Muahahahahaha!

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Sorry to interrupt, just thought I would ask if the Light Party would consider endorsing me in the at-large Senate election

[tmthforu94]

I would like to step in briefly and express my support of Scott for Chair.

[Penelope]

I would like to step in briefly and express my support of Scott for Chair.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I declare for Vice Chair.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Lightists will now vote on Chair, Vice Chair, and the platform.  This vote period will last 24 hours.


CHAIR

[] Scott
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

VICE CHAIR

[] Benconstine
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

PLATFORM - On Adoption
Part I
Part II

[] Aye
[] Nay
[] Abstain

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

CHAIR

[X] Scott
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

VICE CHAIR

[X] Benconstine
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

PLATFORM - On Adoption

[X] Aye
[] Nay
[] Abstain

[Donerail]

[X]Scott
[X]Ben
[X]Aye on the platform

[Kaine for Senate '18]

CHAIR

[X] Scott
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

VICE CHAIR

[X] Benconstine
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

PLATFORM - On Adoption

[X] Aye
[] Nay
[] Abstain

[tmthforu94]

CHAIR

[X] Scott
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

VICE CHAIR

[X] Benconstine
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

PLATFORM - On Adoption

[X] Aye
[] Nay
[] Abstain

[SUSAN CRUSHBONE]

CHAIR

[2] Scott
[1] Write-in: Eternal Governor John Engle
[] Abstain

VICE CHAIR

[2] Benconstine
[1] Write-in: Scott
[] Abstain

PLATFORM - On Adoption

[X] Aye
[] Nay
[] Abstain

[Penelope]

CHAIR

[X] Scott
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

VICE CHAIR

[X] Benconstine
[] Write-in:___________
[] Abstain

PLATFORM - On Adoption
Part I
Part II

[X] Aye
[] Nay
[] Abstain

[Napoleon]

I hope I am not interrupting, but I would like to seek the endorsement of this party. I have been probably the most active at large Senator and worked hard to bring debate to the Senate and to the public, to make Atlasia about policy again. I've promoted policies that promote tolerance and acceptance throughout my time in Atlasia, things like the LGBT Dignity Act and I think I stand for many of the values expressed in this finely constructed platform. And while I am not a member of this party, I have worked with many of you in the past and consider you a friend. If I am humbled with this party's endorsement I would be ever so grateful.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

To those who seek Senate endorsements - a vote will happen later this week.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

I'd also like to seek the Light Party's endorsement.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Vote time has expired.

Scott is unanimously elected Chair, and Benconstine is unanimously elected Vice Chair.

Our platform is hereby adopted.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

Yep. If y'all are giving out endorsements, I'd love to stop in with a statement. Let me know. Glad to see things are getting off their feet here. Congrats again.

[Donerail]

I'd like an endorsement

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking, I will keep this brief, and I may post further statements later on, if I feel like it.

Citizens of the Light Party, you should endorse me because my views are quite similar to your views. I support the elimination of poverty in Atlasia, and so do you. I believe that government can help people and lift them out of disadvantaged economic conditions, and so do you. I will fight for progressive change, and so will you. I will make Atlasia a nation where everyone can have equal opportunity and equal rights, and so will you. My political career was shepherded by Averroes Nix, and so was yours. I have opportunistically changed part of my thing in the New Register Thread, and so have many of you. Naturally, I'd be perfect for the Light Party.