Owning a couple of coffee shops I have the privilege of hearing and participating in political conversations on a regular basis. The American Coffee Party is my answer to politics in America today. The core principles outlined below are based on the collective of conversations i have had. In general they reflect a majority of the people I speak with. The majority of these conversations have taken place with folks that would consider themselves democrats. Ironically some of these ideas are center or a little right of center. Probably reflective a more conservative "Midwestern" attitude.
The reality is this; people from all walks of life and all income levels are very frustrated with the current state of the economy and politics in general. Regardless, this is not the time to argue about the smalls things. Until we put people back to work our only focus should be the economy. We can worry about the other things later.
By the way…I am “officially” not announcing my candidacy for the Office of The President of the United States. I am not seeking that office because I am not a “slime ball politician.” Nor will I ever seek that position. Although this was just for fun I have to admit I do believe in these ideas.
The American Coffee Party.
What do we stand for?
1. Fair and short election cycles. We believe that the election process for national offices is out of control and extremely corrupt. Therefore we would propose the following:
a. Primary Process will only last for eight weeks followed by twelve weeks of campaign prior to the election on the first Tuesday in November.
b. National campaigns will be publically financed and not to exceed $25,000,000.00 per presidential candidate and not to exceed $150,000.00 per senate and congressional seat. No outside money can be accepted. No outside influence of any special interest, PAC or other organization will be allowed.
c. Term limits:
i. Two terms not to exceed ten years in office for President. Additional two years if a vice President takes office over half way into a presidential term.
ii. Three terms and not to exceed seven years for congress. Additional year in the event a congressman has been appointed due to vacancy.
iii. Two terms for senators not to exceed 10 years.
2. We feel that serving the United States in public office is a privilege that does not include lifetime benefits currently afforded those who serve. Public service or serving the public in Washington is just that, Public Service! There are no benefits of a pension, health insurance plan or any other benefits that go with the job or go with you when you leave the job. You did your service to our country, be proud of your service but we aren’t going to pay you for the rest of your life.
3. The practice of a President appointing various Tsars for special purposes will be abolished.
4. 4. Money, Lobbying and Lobbyist. Lobbying is within our right as a citizen. We understand that it can serve the purpose, when handled correctly, of informing a member of congress of all the possible benefits and shortfalls of any legislation. Therefore, the only acceptable forms of lobbying are as follows: E-mails, personal visits, phone calls. No money, no PACs, no soft money, etc. will be allowed to corrupt the process. Public financing of campaigns will take care of a lot of this but no public official will be allowed to accept anything from anyone lobbying for any reason.
5. Taxes. The IRS and or current system of taxation should be abolished. A flat tax is the only system that is fair and just. Everyone pays the same percentage of their income regardless of how much they earn. We feel everyone should have “some skin in the game!”
6. Abortion: Worrying about this issue right now is like rearranging furniture on the deck of a sinking ship! No public funding but it will not be the goal of this party to overturn this issue.
7. Gay/Lesbian rights. We are all Americans; therefore we believe in a live and let live policy. We are not about giving special rights to any group nor are we about denying rights to any group. Live and let live. 8. Education. We believe the department of education should be abolished. Money should be sent to each state in the form of blocks grants. It should be up to the State and Local School Corporations to determine how best to educate the students in their respective areas. Federal Mandates adversely affect some areas while helping others. Therefore a cookie cutter approach nationally is a waste of time and money and does not produce the results we need as a nation to stay competitive in the world.
9. Immigration. Everyone is welcome but you are only welcome if you enter legally. Our borders will have to be secured through every means necessary.
10. National Language. Our national language is English. This is one of the things that tie us together as a nation of people. Therefore our national language is and always will be English. We will no longer accommodate other languages other than to provide the opportunity to learn English through publically financed language courses. The immigrant should intergrade into our society not our society changing to fit their needs. 11. Energy. As a matter of national security we should be as energy independent as possible. There are vast resourcing remaining in the country that has yet to be tapped. The first place we will look for our energy needs our within our borders. Additionally we will invest in viable green technologies for the future.
12. Foreign Aid. We are glad to have you as our friend but if we have to pay you then you’re not our friend. The only forms of foreign aid will be for humanitarian reasons and in the event one of our “friends” around the world has suffered a national catastrophe, famine, etc.
13. Military. We believe in a strong military with defensive and offensive capabilities. However we do not believe our military should be used as the world’s police department. We would propose the following:
a. Military bases around the world number between 490 and 1180. An accurate number is not obtainable. We will close 75% of these bases and focus on protecting all U.S. assets in U.S. territory.
b. No involvement in any conflict unless the U.S. or a U.S. territory is threatened. No involvement in any conflict unless a vital U.S. interest is threatened. No Involvement unless U.S. territories, citizens or assets have been attacked.
14. Decriminalize marijuana. This is a revenue opportunity for the Federal and State governments as well a large cost saving. Regulate it better than we have done with alcohol!!!
15. Balanced Budget. We believe the federal government should never be allowed to spend more everything it brings in. Annual budgets are never to be based on projected tax revenue. Therefore we believe the federal budget should never exceed the 95% of the precious year’s tax revenue.
16. Gun control. Leave our guns alone. Even though I only own a shotgun I want the right to purchase a gun/handgun.
17. Race Relations. Can we stop segregating ourselves by hyphenating our citizenship and just call ourselves Americans. And can we just stop with all the political correctness, hypersensitivity and just fix the problem we have…and do it together? All of this is divisive and does nothing to bring us together but it keeps us apart. Honestly, I’m 44 and most of my generation does not care where you are from and what color you are! We believe in “live and let live.”
I'm sure someone will be offended by something in this but that wasn't my intention. I'm frustrated too and just feel better writing a few thing down.
I didn't realize it but I am a card carrying member of the American Coffee Party. The only problem is we need to print cards. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
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