Sustainability, Libertarianism and the RESET Strategy
March 20, 2008
Observations on the Campaign Trail – Libertarians can be Environmentalists Too
The very first Libertarian event at which I spoke was at the Oregon State Convention in early March 2007. I spoke about the six areas of sustainability. Following my speech, a group of people formed around me, and through the crowd, a man approached. When he made his way to the front, I noticed that veins were pulsating in his forehead. He pointed right at me and said, “YOU SOUND LIKE A GREEN!”
I believe global warming is occurring. I know that this opinion is out of favor with some Libertarians. During the candidates’ forum at the Libertarian Party California Convention, held in April 2007, I was the only candidate (out of five) who publicly recognized that global warming exists. (Although to his defense, Steve Kubby did acknowledge that “something is going on with the environment.”)
However, far more Libertarians are concerned with Environmental Sustainability than those who are not. In fact, between 77 and 83% of Americans believe global warming poses a serious problem. The majority of Libertarians are no different. Certainly, there are some who question the data. If that is how you feel, so be it – we don’t harbor any hard feelings. We still live in a free country (that is, unless that Bush Administration gets its way).
Nevertheless, we find that most Libertarians embrace our principles. Regularly, I am approached at events, receive emails and phone calls from Libertarians who support our message. Even many “Purists” like our message as it reminds them of Harry Browns’ position on compromising to achieve political ends. These comments may not be from the more vocal segment of the party, but they are, nevertheless, the majority.
However – and I say this with the utmost respect and sincerity – I will not represent a party where the majority does not believe that global warming exists or who are not willing to compromise on this issue for the greater good.
Building the Libertarian and Green Parties Together
If we have any chance to even start addressing these issues, then we must destroy the 2-parties as quickly as possible. Viable solutions to solve these problems exist today. But, frightfully, these solutions will not be viable for much longer and these problems are growing in money and getting worse.
As a people, we must support only Independent and 3rd party candidates. We must band together during this next election and say: “Enough is enough!” We must elect an Independent Congress and an Independent President and we must do it in 2008! The two political parties that I support are the Libertarians and the Greens.
- I am attracted to the Libertarians for its positions on personal accountability, small government, and maintaining and even bolstering freedom and democracy.
- I am attracted to the Greens for its concern for the environment and our health and well-being.
The Libertarians and Greens are not in competition; rather, they complement each other in many areas.
Sharing Common Goals… What the 3rd parties have in Common
Each election brings forth Independent and 3rd party candidates. Many of these candidates promote their own agendas or those of their respective parties. The chart depicts our view on the areas of interest among the four major 3rd parties and Independent candidates.
As shown, the Libertarian Party generally addresses issues regarding the Economy, International Diplomacy, and Democracy & Freedom while the Green Party tends to focus more on Environmental, Health & Well-being, and Societal issues. The Reform Party, Working Families Party, and Independents vary in their focuses.
We admit this is a major simplification of the policy issues important to each party. Furthermore, we are not suggesting that Libertarians are not concerned with well-being or that the Green Party is not concerned with economic issues. The chart merely shows how the major 3rd parties relate to the six areas of Sustainability.
Growing our Parties
We want to grow the Libertarian and the Green Parties. Voter distrust is at an all time high. Young people are entirely disenchanted with the Democrats and Republicans and we need to get them engaged. They are also very concerned with global warming and other sustainability issues. Think about it: it will be hard to “grow the party” by attracting young people if we’re considered global warming skeptics. If the Libertarian Party and the Green Party are going to survive (and hopefully, be the party of our next President), then we must address the concerns of young generations.
Furthermore, young people are not as lazy as politicians and the media would like you to believe. They want to get involved, but neither the Democrats nor the Republicans are representing their interests. This is an excellent opportunity to recruit a new generation of Patriots into all major 3rd parties.
Finally, the work that these parties do is very important. As an American, I urge you to join both of these parties right now! Also, tell your friends. Nothing is more important than taking back our government. Don’t worry if you cannot afford to contribute money – just register on their website and show your support. Libertarian Party – Green Party – Reform Party – Working Families Party
Pandering to a Political Base
We understand the thrill of receiving a huge applause. In any public forum, there is pressure to say something popular to befriend the core base. However, we refuse to pander to one constituency during the primary – then switch positions on issues during the general election. We will also deliver the same message to both the Libertarians and the Greens. We want to be very upfront on where we stand on issues throughout the entire campaign. The members of the major 3rd parties deserve this from their candidates. We hope that this article addresses some of these issues.
What is Sustainability?
The principle goal of RESET America is to make the United States (as well as our planet) sustainable. So, you may be asking, “How do we define Sustainability?” Well, sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations. In other words, we wish to provide a decent standard of living for the current generation while not jeopardizing the ability of future generations to function as a society.
The Six Areas of Sustainability
RESET America is about changing how we think about ourselves and our long-term impact on our planet. We are appalled and saddened that the well-being of our children is in serious jeopardy due to the affects of the 2-party system caused by the Democrat and Republican parties.
We look at Sustainability in six ways. If elected, we would reorganize our Cabinet around these six fundamental categories. Within each of these areas are many pressing issues that threaten our way of life. They are: (1) Economic, (2) Environmental, (3) Societal, (4) Health & Well-being, (5) Foreign Policy, and (6) Democracy & Freedom.
The following chart lists some of the immediate issues that exist within each category. A more complete list is available on our website. We call this list the “Problem Chart.” Keep in mind that we will have a corresponding “Solutions Chart” as well. This chart will be published in the spring of 2008.
1. Economic
- Rapidly Increasing Debt forced on our Kids (includes National, State and Local Debt)
- Increasing Yearly Deficits and resulting Inflation
- Continuing Collapse of the Dollar
- Selling America to Foreign Nations ($2 Billion a day!)… We are losing our sovereignty!
- Accelerating Trade Deficits
- World Financial Centers moving out of the US
- Social Security Crisis
- Pension Crises
- Medicare and Medicaid Crises
- Cost of Living Increases
- Unstable Housing Market
- Increased Economic Costs of Global Warming
- Uncontrolled Spending on Pork Projects to finance Promises, Favors and Perks for Campaign Contributions
2. Environmental
- Global Warming (and Increased Costs due to Changes in the Ecosystem
- Increased costs for Infrastructure Repair from
- Depletion of Resources and Materials
- Loss of Farmable Land and resulting Higher Costs for Food
- Loss of Biodiversity and resulting Increased Costs for Products
- Throw-away, Consumerist Society
- World-wide Deforestation
- Greater Reliance on Burning Fossil Fuels (coal and gas) for Energy and resulting Increases in Global Warming and Pollution
- Higher Costs for Waste Disposal
- Increased Costs for Damages caused by Forest Fires (Increased Building in Fire Zones)
3. Societal (Public Welfare)
- Loss of Personal Responsibility due to Wrong Incentive’s placed throughout Society
- No Savings among Families
- Dangerously expanding Household Debt
- Shamelessly Neglecting our Veterans
- Shrinking Middle Class and resulting Increases in Poverty rates
- Collapse of Public Education and the resulting Non-competitive Workforce
- Human Trafficking
- Teenage Pregnancy and the epidemic spread of SDTs
- Increased Drug use including Meth and the resulting Sharp Increases in Identity Theft and Property Crime
- Immigration Crisis that is bankrupting Social Services and Spreading Crime and Disease
- Rapidly Aging Population that Contributes Less to the system yet Withdraws More
4. Health & Well-being (Personal Welfare)
- Worst Personal Health among Industrialized Nations
- Increasing Obesity Rates
- 33% of Children will Develop Type-II Diabetes
- Increases of Diseases and Pandemics (impacted mostly by Immigration)
- Weakening of our Immune Systems
- Increased Barriers to Safe and Legal Abortions
- Increased Rates of Depression (9.5% adults and about 5% of children suffer depression )
- Along with Risks of Food Contaminants from Chemicals and Imports
- Unknown Risks of Medications, Cloning and Genetic Engineering
5. Foreign Policy
- Reactive, Band-aid approach to all Issues
- Increased Hatred and Animosity among Foreign Countries
- Increased Terrorism and War
- A Hundred Years of International Credibility Destroyed (This is why the only viable way to regain our image in the world is to “reset” America.)
- Trade Agreements that undermine our Economy
- Forcing a Fake Version of Democracy and Christianity onto Others
- Increased Competition for Resources, Water and Energy
- Loosing our Sovereignty since too many Countries are Buying our Debt
- Dependence on Foreign Oil benefits Countries who hate our Government
6. Democracy & Freedom
- Government Sold to the Highest Bidder
- Threats to Civil Liberties and Free Speech
- National ID Card
- Politicians Living in a Separate Class (and out-of-touch with the average American)
- Facts and News Withheld
- Data and Projections Manipulated
- Illegal Election Violations
- Illegal Signing Statements
- Rampant Censorship and Manipulation of News
- Undemocratic Primary and Election Process
- Breakdown of the Balance of Power
- Collusion with the Media
- Treasonous Violations of the Constitution
- Equally Corrupt “Shadow Government” or the “4th Branch of Government,” such as the EPA, FDA, OSHA, FEMA, IMF, FED, FNC, World Bank, FTC, SEC, Department of Homeland Security, and most other Government Agencies that are changing our laws with neither your approval nor knowledge
And if this list isn’t bad enough, these problems are getting worse and growing in number. Even worse, there are:
- Problems that we don’t know about yet,
- Problems being hidden from us
- The compound effect of these problems, and
- Their interconnectedness
Examples of these problems exist on our website. Fortunately, solutions exist to correct the problems. There are viable solutions: some require little or no funds to implement. However, time is short: We have 1-2 election cycles left before these solutions are no longer viable. This is why we have such an urgency to take back our government from the 2-parties now.
A New Cabinet Structure based on Addressing Sustainability and Solving these Problems
We often think of sustainability just in terms of the environment. Obviously, environmental sustainability is a big concern for our future. However, that does not prevent other areas of concern from threatening our way of life, in other words:
- We will not survive as a Nation without Economic Sustainability
- We will not survive as a Civilization without Social Sustainability
- We will not survive as a Species without Personal Health and Well-being Sustainability
- We will not survive as a Democracy without the Protection of Essential Liberties and Freedoms
- We will not survive as a World Leader without Non-aggressive Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
- And of course, we will not survive as a Planet without Environmental Sustainability
These are the areas on which the RESET America organization will focus their efforts. The Cabinet positions of the past no longer apply. They are part of the system that has caused the situation we have today. Therefore, we will structure a new administration and a new Cabinet around these areas. (For more information, see “The RESET Cabinet.”)
These Cabinet positions will be filled by experts who have the experience and the solutions needed to address these issues. We will draw on the most respected scientists, doctors, diplomats, scholars, and economists to determine our optimal course of action based on accurate data and honest projections.
These Cabinet positions will not be filled in exchange for favors or campaign contributions. Unbelievably, key government posts are held by individuals who lack a basic understanding of their assigned fields. And, in many cases, they benefit financially from their title and office at the expense of the people whose interests they have swore to protect.
Viable Solutions still Exist, but Time is Running Out
The problems faced by future generations are serious and getting worse. Yet, the Democrats and Republicans put polls, fundraising, and politics before tough decisions and meaningful legislation that is necessary to prevent a global catastrophe.
There is a very bleak future in store unless we take drastic action now. Scientists call what we’re in “Overshoot and Collapse” mode – that “we’re causing long-term destruction of our planet that will trigger a global depression that will increase hunger, disease, despotism and war.”
Fortunately, there is GOOD news. There ARE valid solutions to these problems – most costing little or nothing at all. Regrettably, these solutions are NOT in the best interest of the Democrats and Republicans who profit from the status quo. In fact, we have 1-2 election cycles left before these solutions are no longer valid.
One glance at our “Problem Chart” will show you why we are so concerned about our future. And do the Democrats and Republicans have such a plan to deal with these issues? Sadly, no! And, not only do they not have a plan, but their policies will likely add to the list of problems and make existing ones worse.
Our Options are Limited
Unfortunately, we cannot spend money to fix these problems. First, government programs seldom achieve their desired results. Second, we simply don’t have the money to spend. Our nation is in debt. The enormous financial obligations that the Democrats and Republicans are shamefully passing on to our children will have disastrous consequences.
We must address these problems with incentives. For example, we can provide tax credits to people and businesses who engage in sustainable activities. (Steven D. Levitt, in Freakonomics, argues that incentives are the only reliable source of motivations that meshes with human nature.) This has been successfully accomplished in many foreign countries. Yes, we must learn from other nations regarding what policies work and get our egos out of government.
To offset the cost of the tax credits, we would eliminate all corporate subsidies and tax abatements. It is disgraceful that our “leaders” are billing our kids just to add to companies’ bottom lines. Furthermore, subsidies and tax abatements hurt small businesses and threaten the many benefits they provide to our communities.
Our Objectives for our First 4 Years
We have very specific plans for our first 4 years. We believe that if you are voting for a candidate for President, then you have a right to know what he or she would really do while in office.
We have developed a list of projects that share the following characteristics:
1. They cost very little, if nothing at all, to implement.
2. They can be implemented without any help from Congress.
3. They address the core causes of the larger problem and are not Band-aid solutions.
4. They sharply reduce terrorism, hatred, and animosity towards the US.
5. In general, they reduce the increase of the debt and strengthen our economic health.
6. They help to conserve resources, lower pollution, and reduce global warming.
7. Overall, they significantly reduce the size of government and government spending.
Here a list of projects that share these properties. We intend to implement these if elected. We are currently producing specific policy outlines in each of these areas. They will be available online shortly.
Some projects that we intend to tackle do not have simple solutions. Nevertheless, these projects are vital to our way of life and must be executed regardless of the effort involved. These include:
- Increasing ballot access for Independent and 3rd Party candidates
- Encouraging more legitimate 3rd Party candidates for Congress and Senate in 2010
- Improving the honesty and accuracy of news in the media
Issues We Will NOT Address
Just as there are many issues that we will address, there are some that we choose not to address.
Our proposed objectives for the first 4 years are already large in number. If we implement just a fraction of our goals, then we’re still far ahead of whatever good the Democrats or Republicans could ever hope to achieve. Still, there are some issues that we intentionally choose not to tackle. We will not address:
1. Issues where the proposed solution relies on increased government spending
2. Issues that are closely associated to one party
3. Issues that are too partisan
4. Issues that do not threaten our nation. We have more important issues to address, such as our survivability and our sovereignty.
For example, one issue that we will not address is gun control. We will not introduce legislation that changes gun control laws for two reasons:
1. there is no easy or apparent solution to gun violence.
2. any law to restrict access to guns will only make it harder for law-abiding citizens to obtain guns. Criminals, whom the law is meant to target, would still have access to weapons.
The real solution to the problem of crime and gun violence is ensuring that people have the basic necessities of life. This is exactly what we are trying to ensure through our policies. Therefore, we are ignoring the issue of gun control for the common good of taking back control of government from the government elite.
Together, We can Break the 2-party System
This message transcends politics. It transcends Conservatives, Liberals, Democrats, and Republicans. It’s about surviving as a nation and as a planet. In order to do so, we must break the 2-party system that is threatening our way of life.
The Democrats and Republicans:
- Are afraid to tackle tough issues because the solutions are not politically popular.
- Live in a separate class that is out-of-touch wit the American People
- Usually only address “distraction issues.”
- Would rather see a program fail than to see their opponents win.
- “Flip-flop” on issues for political gain while ignoring facts and data.
- Won’t support a valid idea from the other party unless it benefits them.
- Lie outright about the status of situations.
- Manipulate data and budget projections.
- Often use their position for personal gain.
- Are too afraid to admit they were wrong, so they “stay the course”.
- Are too afraid to change their mind about issues, so they continue to support bad legislation.
- Lie and manipulate the media… and yet we continue to vote for these people!
What’s at Stake?
There’s more at stake than anyone can imagine. Everyday at RESET America, we learn of a new crisis on the horizon – and this is happening as the Democrats and Republicans do nothing but fundraise and run for reelection.
This is not about me running for President. It’s about getting all disenchanted people together to pursue a common goal. This is why we MUST convince all Americans to only vote for Independent and 3rd party candidates who are willing to put honesty and integrity above personal interests, favors and perks.
We wouldn’t be the first civilization to collapse by not thinking ahead. Hundreds of nations have failed for the same reasons that exist in the US now. The problem is that, this time, we are destroying the planet at well.
Get Involved
Therefore, we must act now. We must band together if we are going to alter this dangerous trajectory.
- If you have ever said, “I’ll do anything for my kids!”…
- If you feel any responsibility to the millions of people who have died for our freedom…
- If you feel any obligation to being a steward of this planet and nation for countless generations to come…
- If you want to encourage Freedom around the world by being a true example of Democracy, then…
- blog
- email the RESET America website to all your family, friends, and co-workers
- join one of our Teams (these consist of like-minded individuals who are both committed and fun)!
Most importantly, get involved and become a Patriot in our Nation’s 2nd Revolution!
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