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Gabriel Topor and I attended the No-Labels convention in NYC yesterday. What an event! The No Labels movement is a manifestation of modern Whig philosphy, no doubt in my military mind!
Somehow the concept of bipartisanship has been spun into something that is a social, or socio-political good. MWP would like all to really think about this for a moment. Think about what bipartisanship has truly effected, empirically, and then decide whether it is a public good.
If I put my "Whig Zen-see" X-ray goggles on, I seem to be pushed to the following conclusion:
Ladies and Gentlemen, as we oft reference "faux leadership", or the distinction between true leaders and followers, I thought we might coin a Whiggy phrase here that exemplifies our general view of The Hill - LEADERS IN NAME ONLY - LINO.
Candidly, the clear distinction between leaders and followers didn't hit me until I went through the leadership course in the Whig Academy.I could feel it viscerally, but it wasn't yet defined until then. It suddenly became painfully clear to me what true leadership is, and that we were surrounded by faux leadership or LINO's.
Each election there are some who want to change how we elect the President. Specifically, there are calls to do away with the Electoral College.
I believe the Electoral College is a valid and vital concept. What I disagree with is that the electoral votes are awarded on a "winner take all" basis per State.
This last election has shown the continuing trend in American politics to do away with the "melting pot" of America.
We saw ad after ad target specific groups of people in an attempt to convince them to vote as a whole and not give individual thought to a given issue. Two of the more blatant examples covered immigration and support for Israel.
I am reminded of two terms from chemistry that are often confused: "compound" and "mixture."
I would like to commend Mr. Anthony Haslage for his efforts in a campaign for Treasurer of the city of Lorain, Ohio.
Mr. Haslage, of the Modern Whigs in Ohio, ran for the Democratic nomination for the position, which was effectively the be-all and end-all as no other candidates have filed for the general election.
Mr. Haslage received 20% of the Democratic vote, which is notable for several reasons:
1) He ran against the incumbent candidate
This might not be "Whig information" per se, but I want to share an excellent
resource on the Natural Law, which, as our position on Church & State
Separation states, "The Constitution is steeped in natural law":
http://www.nlnrac.org/.
I wish everyone all the best.
Howdy folks,
Found this while scoping around Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZsbtB-lawU
There are quite a few other ones, but not many. Perhaps we should look at doing some more viral campaign work?
Originally penned by Hawaiian_Whig_67 :
Although I to believe that Hawaii is in a better position as a member of the United States, the local community has a very strong case in which our government ignores.
23% of Polynesians live below the poverty level, High unemployment rate amongst Polynesians, High percentage of High School drop outs. Because of the international legality of the American actions, this is a very big issue which could determine the success/failure of the Modern Whig Party within Hawaii.
Greetings and salute fellow Vets,
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Recent comments
The education system in this country is due to a significant evolution. To begin the Department of Education should be significantly cut and our federally elected officials should not provide funding to localities and/or states, especially using pet projects, such as No Child Left Behind or Race to the Top, to receive the funding. Funding as well as reform should be provided at the local level. The DoE should serve as a national clearinghouse for state information pertaining to educational standards and techniques including all private, charter, and public school systems. This would allow sharing of information between school systems which would allow systems to improve or modify policies and procedures based on previous results. This information should also include teacher contracts, which would information for continued development and evolution of bargaining agreements and also provide taxpayers with an opportunity to see how other systems contract with teachers. The DoE should also work with states to create measurable standards for measurement of educational success focused on the local level. This would replace all standardized testing. Data should be collected on graduation rates, special education achievements, vocational comparisons, as well as any significant organizational reforms and if they have succeeded or not.
From 1980 through 2005 public spending per student in the United States increased by 73%, allowing the teacher-student ration to drop to 18% creating the smallest classrooms the United States has ever had. The outcome of this spending, national assessments administered by the Department of Education have stayed the same since 1980. These types of “reforms,” have not worked.
I propose a change to the secondary education system in which students finish a core curriculum and then either go through a Life Sciences and Technology or Social Sciences track. This would allow students more of an opportunity to obtain career or college oriented skills. The hope would be a decrease in the number of students applying for college that want to enter fields in which advanced education is not necessary. This system would build upon the standard high school and vocational schools we have today. Future engineers would go through high school with future mechanics and machinists, future surgeons would be attending with future nurses and aides.
I would also implement year round schooling. In the US there are three types of year round schooling, single track, multi-track, and extended school year. I believe that the single track system would make the most sense utilizing two terms with short breaks within the term. The first term would start in late August and run through late February, with a three-four week break in December and a two-three week break between terms. Then the second term would run from March through July with a three week break in May/June and two-three weeks between the next school year.
This would allow for shorter school days so that students may receive additional support as needed, participate in extracurricular activities, and work in later years of school. This would also reduce the loss of achievement that studies have shown occurs in the summer months, when all the students are helping around the family farm. The breaks could be modified within individual districts so all the students are not off at the same time.
I’m not sure about the concern related to property taxes, but I believe that education should be funded on the local and state level, again without the utilization of standardized testing to determine funding levels.
As others have stated, this is a core of the Constitution. The main purpose was to prevent an establishment of an American version of the Church of England as well as allowing individuals to practice their chosen religions. Someone else noted the issues related to early Colonials such as antinomians, the Founders utilized such examples for the writing of this law.
“We follow the rule that the government must not fund religious activities.” I am in full agreement with this statement. I do not believe in significant non-profit tax breaks for any business or group (will get discuss in tax post), but this includes religious groups. Religious tax expenditures are a source of government funding.
As far as decorations etc., not exactly sure why that one specific component would be in the action statement, I do not a strong feeling on this. There is the cultural celebration v. religious celebration debate, which does make sense. Christmas is really the only example of this and being that Santa has secularized a religious celebration as much as possible I do not see a problem with these decorations (Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, lights etc) on public land, however a Creche or crucifix would be a different story.
I have to disagree with any tax dollars, even if intended for education, being allowed to be directed to parochial schools. I believe that public tax dollars should provide for public education for all. For any family who makes the choice to send their child to a parochial or secular private school, they should be responsible for those costs.
I also believe that government should not take religious views into consideration when developing law. The two most significant issues related to this entwining of political and religious principles are abortion and marriage.
Finally, I would suggest removing this section, “However, the business of forcing Christmas trees and reindeer ornaments off of city hall property is ridiculous. At the same time, government cannot favor one religion over others. So long as all other religions have equal access to display their holiday symbols, we see no problems.”
I also agree with maintaining the stance, but rewording the position. An individual’s race, color, religion, gender, sexuality, or class should not be considered in any aspects of business, education, or employment. Affirmative Action policies continue the proliferation of sexism and racism in their nature. We need to repeal all such policies and replace them with policies that incentivize the promotion of talent and work ethic. Although this issue is not at the top of many political lists, the evolution of these policies would be significant to the zeitgeist of the Republic.
The position should be reworded into a form stating what the Whigs believe. A basic example would be, “We believe in the advancement of individuals through their talent, ethic, and achievements. We believe in policies that incentivize individuals to achieve their potential, to grow and promote exceptional work. We oppose using an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, sexuality, or class as selection criteria.”
Of note, reading through this website I have noticed a significant number of military Veterans. First, I want to thank you for your service, I did not serve but come from a military family. There is one aspect of Affirmative Action I would like to get your opinion on and that is, “Veteran” status. The Federal government and many State governments, as well as in the private sector utilize Affirmative Action by providing Veterans with preference over other possibly more qualified individuals. How do you all feel about losing this status?
Reply to Gabriel Topor
Thanks for your input. The domestic issue you mention is something you or someone else can bring up at our next call.
Ever forward,
Andrew Evans
National Chairman
Emailed to Andrew Evans by Gabriel Topor
Gentlemen,
I will be driving at the time, so cannot call in. But here are my thoughts:
- on the budget, ballot access should be a top 2 priority (candidiate support is the other big one), not #12.
- on a domestic issue that no one else is talking about but is important: how about a plan to make quality child care and pre-school education affiordable to all? Don't think it's important? Read this stunning article: http://www.newrepublic.com/article/112892/hell-american-day-care
Obama has proposed something on the subject, see:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/13/fact-sheet-preside...
There is next to no discussion about it and the GOP has nothing. We should pick up the conversation and fill the vacuum left by the GOP.
Let me know what you all think. Thank you.
Cheers!
Gabriel
Reply to Naoufal Houjami
1- What amount do you think the emergency fund should be and what are some examples of emergencies to be covered?
2- I respectfully disagree, social media advertising is crucial and has worked for us in the past with a very limited financial investment. Social media advertising can be target to specific groups very easily. This type of advertising will bring in members, volunteers and donations. The cost for the Nation Builder Volunteer Suite is based off of the size of email list and organization, we fall into the $1,200 per year range. As we grow this cost will go up.
4- I am in the process of contacting graphic designers about creating an owl logo similar to the one we have now. The problem with the current one is that it is not able to me manipulated or adjusted to fit different types of clothing, signs or bumper stickers. A new logo, even just the same logo, that is able to be adujusted will help.
7- The bank account is managed by Gene Chaas, the treasurer. He does need to report more often on the account. MWP Financial Protocol was voted on by the ExCom in 2010 or 2011. I can email you the copy if you wish. It states that for any expenditures under $500 ( It might be 1,000) the treasurer, assistant treasurer and national chairman can authorize spending out of bank account or paypal account. To authorize spending 2 of the 3 mentioned above must authorize. If over the $500 then the entire ExCom votes on it straight majority.
Ever forward,
Andrew Evans
National Chairman
Thoughts on budget proposal emailed to Andrew Evans from Naoufal Houjami
My Friend Andrew, i have to be honest with you! This proposal shows a big ambition to move forward our Party However it needs to be modified and changed many parts:
Before making the projection for 2013-2014, we need to start on the financial situation of the MWP: INPUTS how much money we do have and how much we did the last 2 years. From there we can make a startup projection on how much we target to make.
1-Emergency Fund must set first to cover any emergency action that MWP has to cover;
2- Social medias ads $48,000 is not a good strategy BUT for Nation Builder Campaign Volunteer Suite on the field must be $48,000 or more not social media. Because people need to deal directly with people on their neighborhood, or schools, or special event like FUNERALS of veterans, or soldiers..that where we need to invest and be present, because any financial help to these events it will give us a lot of FREE publicity.
3- More money must be put to for Future Conventions, at least $50,000 not $10,000;
4- We need to make T-shirt, cards, flyers, pens, slogans, cars stickers with our MWP logo and messages..and send us to our registered members to have it that way they will spread it.
5- More money to expand Whig Party Radio on www.blogtalkradio.com OR SOMEWHERE ELSE, like I said people need to hear our voice and see us, $25000 will be good
6- If we can afford it then yes for TV SHOW.
7- One MWP Bank account Centralized and managed by Treasurer that needs to send every 3 months a report to Executive committee members, any expense must be approved by the Ex Com.
Best Regards,
Naoufal Houjami
Southern Region, Vice Chair National Executive Committee
Texas Modern Whig Party Chairman
www.texasmodernwhigparty.webs.com
www.modernwhig.org
The irony of all of this is that everyone keeps pussyfooting about the reason folk say there is a need for on-demand abortion services. That reason is simply the desire to have entertainment sex without the natural responsibility attached to it. Hiding behind the arguments of "what about the raped woman" and other statistically miniscule circumstances when the foundation reason is really the freedom for "fun sex" is mighty hypocritical.
Sex education isn't the answer, nor is taxpayer-paid-for contraceptives. Well over four-out-of-five abortions occur with women over 20 years of age. By then, they've learned about the birds and the bees, and know full well what can happen when two folk get together. According to PlannedParenthood.org, birth control pills cost $15-50/month, well below the cost of most cellphone plans or other things folk now seem to think are must-haves to survive on Planet Earth. Folk just need to choose what's important for them upon which to spend their money (not the taxpayers').
So, if the majority want abortion-on-demand, and sufficient voters can be convinced it should be taxpayer-subsidized through morality-bending education or device funding, so be it. Just at least be honest enough to say why. The states and the nation still are democratic republics where the will of the people still rule. If that's the will of the people.....
There must be some requirement to keep increase the infrastructure inside a responsible and timely fashion, and never let it become because it is today.
edmonton self storage
Thank you for posting that Mr. Foster. Within a minute I was into Cicero's Pro Milone, Burke and Blackstone. While personally, I have more of a "Longhouse" religion's view of the Constitution(I am not Native American btw) as opposed to Wilson's, it's all good.
A very good resource and one I encourage all modern Whigs and Whig-wannbees to get into.
And George, its very very Whiggy. It forms the core of the Enlightment, and of our ancestoral heritage as Whigs. Natural law might be the only "religion" we Whigs ought publicly endorse! :)
THNX AGAIN!
Whig out.