Sent them a "letter of inquiry" this morning.
BR
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What is the Radical Center?
Washington County Independents is focused on Oregon political thought
representing the “Radical Middle” defined (by us) as traditional progressivism
as established by T. Roosevelt, and practiced by Oregonians such as Mark
Hatfield, Wayne Morse and Tom McCall among others. We believe such thought
still has a place in Oregon. If not currently in all its politics, at least
in it some of its policies and the hearts of voters.
Traditional progressivism is not the “progressivism” of today's Democratic
Party. Traditional progressivism is now more accurately defined as a
radical center. Here are some quotes discussing radical center politics:
Parties or institutions belonging to the radical center believe that there
are more than two sides to an argument and that few people belong ‘tribally
’ to either the left or the right. Often arguments from the radical center
are that policy should be based around ordinary people, but that the
political left bases policy around what is best for the state and that the
political right bases its policy around what is best for the markets.
Radical centrists are related to what is sometimes called the Vital Center
in American politics and similarly claim to be drawing on the best of both
sides. However, they differ significantly from traditional centrism, which
prides itself on moderation and seeking political consensus amongst the
parties; radical centrists, for example, can be quite radical and populist
in their stated policies. Radical centrists also can be divisive, as opposed
to the non-partisan approach of traditional centrism. Radical centrists
are quick to dissociate themselves from traditional moderates, whom they
often contrast as the “sensible center” or deride as the “squishy center.”
Centrists,the Vital Center, the Radical Middle, Post Partisans,
Progressive Conservatives. Or, even ….. Liberal-tarians. Or whatever you may
call
politically astute and informed voters who believe that the Balkanization of
our politics into anger driven discrete voting blocks damages our democracy
and the future of our country.
Washington County Independents is edited by Oregon Independent Party
members, but is for Independents, Democrats, Republicans, Non Affiliated and
Minor Party voters who are disenchanted with the prevailing strategies of the
major parties in Oregon, and seek a more constructive and democratic
election process and governance.
Key Principles for Washington County Independents:
* Democracy requires open and transparent government and honest
debates based on facts, science and good will.
* Elections: For democracy to fully function, access to and
participation in our elections must have no unnecessary barriers, and spending
money cannot be elevated to the equivalent of free speech.
* Free commerce and private ownership of property is a cornerstone of
our nations economy. Government regulation of commerce is valid when
necessary to protect public rights or to avoid harm to individuals.
* An educated and involved citizenry is the cornerstone of
democracy, economy and culture. Excellent primary education, and affordable
and
accessible advanced education are the right of every American.
* Taxes are the price we pay for a healthy and safe society; they
must be used responsibly.
* A strong middle class has always been essential for a strong and
healthy American economy.
* Corporations are not people and do not have the rights of citizens.
Shareholders of corporations have the same rights as anyone else, and they
should exercise those rights as individuals
* We must protect the public wealth, water, air, public lands and
airwaves, and an open Internet.
* It’s about GOOD Government, not just big government vs small
government. Though the smaller the government footprint necessary to assure
the health of our State and the rights of our people, the better.
* Citizens must take personal responsibility for their acts, and they
must have the freedom to make personal choices.
We understand coalitions are built by an accumulation of voices. So we may
add, change or delete some of these principles if those other voices join
us and contribute other and better ideas.
- _Robert Harris _ (http://www.harrislawsite.com/robert-harris.asp) -
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Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community
<[email protected]>
Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism
Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org
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