Please consider this thought....
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created
them.
- Albert Einstein
What We Believe
The Modern Whigs are a pragmatic, common sense, centrist-oriented party
where rational solutions trump ideology and integrity trumps impunity.
Our core modern Whig philosophy relies on several fundamental tenets:
INDEPENDENT THINKING, Modern Whigs try to practice independent critical
thought. We sprang up as a reaction to ill conceived public policy that did
not represent the will of the People. Today, we witness policy debates based
on ideology, not on concrete solutions. Critical thinking means challenging
all assumptions, and mapping and analyzing all possible solutions based on
facts and potential outcomes, not on party ideology. Whigs are also keenly
aware that much of what constitutes political debate today are people
"parroting" others' opinions without reliance on facts or their own self
discovery.
Modern Whigs come from a place of discovery. We assume that the best
solutions are still waiting to be discovered by an empowered and engaged
electorate, and that the current two party system is an impediment to our
progress
as a Nation. An undivided electorate who can approach issues with an open
mind, without prior prejudice, is what our Nation needs to forge bold new
solutions built on firm common ground. We believe in American ingenuity!
MERITOCRACY is another pillar of the Modern Whig Philosophy: we believe
that society should reward merit, which is a combination of intelligence,
talent, competence and hard work. Merit is determined through an objective
evaluation of an individual’s professional accomplishments, educational
achievements and personal character. Similarly, solutions to problems should
be
formed and judged in a rational manner based on a process of discovery,
analysis and proposed solutions based on their merits, not on prior prejudice,
pure self interest or false beliefs.
INTEGRITY is as fundamental a pillar to Modern Whigs as Independent
Thought. Integrity means honesty and a commitment to an ethical approach to
politics. Integrity in thought, integrity in action. Whigs practice what they
preach, live up to their promises and do not make promises they cannot keep.
Integrity also means accountability: no one is above the law and everyone
lives by the same rules. You'll find Modern Whigs near mum on issues of
social morality, as these are personal. On issues of ethics or integrity,
however, we will hold our officers, leaders and candidates to the highest of
ethical standards, above today's actual legal requirements.
These are the core tenets that form the foundation of the Modern Whig
philosophy; These concepts allow us to look for genuine long-term solutions to
our problems not just for today, but for the next generations as well, i.e.,
sustainable policies. Each of our members are encouraged and expected to
contribute to this process by helping to shape the discussion and choosing
competent people to hold office.
Modern Whigs are neither Conservative nor Liberal and do not wish to be
confined to the traditional left-right political spectrum. In fact, in a
purely historical or classic context, we can be considered Conservative
Liberals. Really! In our current political reality, this seems like nonsense
doesn't it? It is, however, patently true. How? To borrow a slogan, slightly
altered, from President Clinton's campaign, "It's the system stupid!" Over
time, the two party system has morphed into an IMPEDIMENT to a proper
functioning democratic Republic, including its need to parse down important
debates
to two simplistic opposing viewpoints, or false binaries.
You can say that Modern Whigs have moved beyond the multiple false binaries
of the current, outmoded, two party system and look to a new political
reality which is only now being born. We find that this concept, however,
makes it more difficult for many citizens to understand where we're coming
from
and how the Modern Whig movement intends to create an "Un-party" to
challenge the exisiting status quo.
Beyond philosophical tenets, Modern Whigs also promote a concrete platform
of political ideals and policies which we believe are the most critical
issues to the welfare of our country. These principles bind us as moderates,
unify us as Americans, and come from a place of inclusiveness, not division.
1.Fiscal Responsibility -Any action of the government must respect
principles of fiscal responsibility and public accountability. Most states are
constitutionally bound to balance their budgets. The Federal government,
however, seems to be of the mind that money is infinitely printable. We must
take control of our finances as they are already beginning to control us.
Neither party has been able to acheive this, near idly standing by while
spending spirals nearly out-of-control.
2.Energy Independence- Develop practical domestic energy sources and
economically viable alternative energy to reduce dependence on foreign energy
sources and strive towards energy independence. This is also a component of
our inward looking economic focus. Energy independence impacts our national
security, our foreign policy, as well as domestic employment.
3.Inward looking economic focus - It's about time we refocus on ourselves
and discover and implement policies to grow domestic demand and our
manufacturing base. Only this can provide an environment which can create the
kinds
of jobs that will support American families within the context of a
globally interdependent world. Our Renewed American System (RAS) is a holistic
and sustainable set of interdependent policies that defines America's first
true industrial policy.
4.State's Responsibility- Each state can generally determine its course of
action based on local values and unique needs. Whigs believe in a strong
government at every level and separation of powers. Yet, strong and competent
local and state governments are important, as they are the level of
government where the people can get most involved. All citizens need to ensure
the Federal government doesnt usurp its Constitutional authority. Over the
last twenty years, Federal authority has been allowed to creep into areas
where it may not be appropriate, making an open honest dialouge about what we
expect from government a future necessity.
5.Social Acceptance -When the government is compelled to legislate morality
(laws), every citizen should be considered as equal. Our Constitution
empowers us to be the vanguard of social acceptance, and here we should be
leading the world BY EXAMPLE.
6.Education and Scientific Advancement- Increase public and private
emphasis on math and science to promote American innovation to compete in the
global economy.
7.Veterans Affairs -Vigilant advocacy relating to the medical, financial,
and overall well-being of our military families and veterans.
8.Electoral & Government Reform- Support efforts and work for governmental
reform that makes the American government efficient, fair, and responsive
at all levels. Support efforts and work for electoral reform to allow all
Americans to have their voices heard and make it rational for citizens to
participate in the government and electoral processes. To this end MWP
supports the adoption of Approval Voting ballots at all levels of government,
eliminating the "least bad" choice many of us face at election day while at
the
same time serving to un-polarize the candidates.
A more comprehensive list of current Whig stands on a broad range of issues
can be found in our " Where We Stand" section.
What Modern Whigs do not do is to tell Americans what to believe. This very
"Un-party" concept troubles many who meet us for the first time, as most
of today's political parties make you "buy in" to their belief set. Your
personal morality is of little concern to us. Your civic mindedness and
personal ethics, however, are of paramount concern as they should be to all
our
fellow citizens at the most fundamental level. Civic ethics combined with
self discovery fosters true open minded dialouge and critical thinking even
among citizens that have historically been at odds. This must occur to
wright our Republic.
Whigs believe it is time to change the antiquated two party system with a
more open and citizen-centric solution.
Whigs believe it is critical for citizens to re-engage in civic affairs
with new tools and a different mindset. Citizens' over reliance on political
parties as their proxy in government has in large part caused the mess we're
in. (as predicted by our first Commander-in-Chief, General George
Washington)
Whigs believe that focusing on the processes of governance and refocusing
political participation in America is the ONLY proper long term solution to
enable truly effective public policy and better governance, allowing the
promise of America to be realized by the many, rather than the few.
Therefore the Modern Whig Philosophy uses methodology not ideology, to
solve problems.
We are committed to changing the political reality in America to something
better than the two party dysfuntion we find ourseves mired in today. The
system of political participation has become the root of many of our
problems and must be rebuilt by We The People.
The process starts with you.
---------------------------------------------------------
The Whig Plan
We share the vision of the Whigs who have gone before us. Whigs have a rich
history, from our Enlightenment-era beginnings in the 1600s to today. Our
Whig forefathers espoused an enlightened approach to life in order to
combat then current prejudices and come closer to the truth. This was not only
in the field of science and philosophy, but also in governance. Today, more
than ever, it is clear we need to replace the existing "truths" of
governance in America with some new ones
Modern Whig Philosophy creates an opportunity for a new vision of
participation in American governance, but the vision needs tools to enable
citizens
to begin creating it. These tools form part of the core of Whig
methodology.
Modern Whigs are organized in a decentralized, organic, grassroots
fashion.
The Modern Whig "Tool Kit"
* Local and state chapters: this where citizen candidates are made -
the most important part of the organization!
* Web-based Member Action Center(MAC)
* Periodic "Hoot and Hollers", web-based radio/video presentations
* Public discussion and collaborative forums, web-based and
live-based on local chapters
* Whig Associations: Whig-sponsored forums organized to generate
solutions around a specific policy issue, publicly viewable as an
informational
tool, and accessible by our citizen-candidates for their policy stands.
* State, regional and national conventions: meet other like
minded-citizens and foster action!
We will work from grassroots up. While we will run and support Whig
candidates for public service at all levels of government, we will focus first
on
local and state offices. Our Whig citizen-legislators can gain valuable
experience as representatives at these levels. They will show how the Whig
philosophy is an American philosophy and it works. Then they will be able to
gain experience and support for federal offices.
We will work to redefine the issues facing America. We will look at the
core causes of problems, free from emotional or ideological responses,
focusing on what is effective. We will help Americans to realize that we all
must
take responsibility in our nation for its course and future. The Whigs will
always be servants of the American people and encourage the American
people to take a more active role in the citizen-representative relationship.
America is a great nation and Whigs aim to ensure that future generations
can partake in that greatness. Our shared vision of America can only be
crafted by the many, in diligent and open-minded collaboration. Let the work
begin!
Some Famous Whigs of History
Four U.S. Presidents were Whigs, two of whom had the misfortune of dying in
office:
William Henry Harrison (1841), died in office
John Tyler (1841–1845)
Zachary Taylor (1849–1850), died in office
Millard Fillmore (1850–1853)
Henry Clay: Secretary of State (1825-1829), US Senator (1831-42 and
1849-52), Speaker of the House of Representatives (1811-14, 1815-20, 1823-25).
He
was one of America's great orators and a founder of the Whigs.
Daniel Webster: Secretary of State (1841-42, 1850-52), US Senator (1827-41,
1845-50), and arguably America's greatest orator.
General Winfield Scott: 53-year military career (1808-1861), Commanding
General of the US Army, Whig Party candidate for President in 1852.
John Quincy Adams: joined the Whigs in 1834, after serving as President
(1825-1829) and Secretary of State (1817-1825), then served as Congressman
until his death in 1848. An ardent opponent of slavery, he authored the Monroe
Doctrine and famously declared that America "goes not abroad in search of
monsters to destroy."
Abraham Lincoln: began his political career as a Whig Congressman
(1846-48), ran for the US Senate as a Whig in 1854, described himself as late
as
1861 as "an old-line Henry Clay Whig". The rest is history!
By 1856, deep divisions over the issue of slavery caused the party to split
apart. Most Northern Whigs including Lincoln joined the newly formed
Republican Party, while Southern Whigs either joined the Democrats or
gradually
disappeared.
------------------
Established in 1833
The American Whig Party was founded in opposition to the centralizing
policies of President Andrew Jackson (1829-1837). Jackson, a Democrat, sought
to
expand Executive power at the expense of Congress and favored the
so-called “spoils system”, according to which government officials were
appointed
based on connections and party loyalty instead of merit.
In addition to opposing autocratic rule and cronyism, American Whigs
advocated economic development through domestic manufacturing,
federally-subsidized infrastructure projects, a national bank, protective
tariffs and public
education.
================================
Where We Stand
Because Whigs value differences of opinion and independent thought, we do
not necessarily take a position on every particular issue that may be
fashionable for the moment. Instead, we propose a program of broad reforms
that
we believe will strengthen our country as it faces the challenges of the
21st century.
One thing you will notice as you look at our stances is that we have polls
that allow you to vote on what you think about our stances. If you think
the stance should be modified we ask you to not just vote for this, but to
leave a comment as to how and why. You can then go into our forums and post,
civilly debate, and collaborate with others on why you think what you do.
You can even go a step further and join the Whigs and help us in our
National Associations.
There you will be able to research, civilly debate, and collaborate with
fellow members, policy experts, and candidates to help create effective
policy based on research, logic, and rational approaches. These tools will
give
you, the citizen, one of the most effective ways to be involved in politics
and government which is essential for our democracy to be renewed and to
thrive.
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Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community
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Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org
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