Party Platform * The American Labor Party recognizes that there is a need for an alternative to violent revolutions and the acceptance of neoliberal capitalism. We seek to offer a peaceful and democratic solution to the current issues facing America and it’s working and middle classes. We seek to unite Democratic Socialists and Social Democrats under a united banner to fight capitalism and bring about a more equitable future for every American. Our goals and means are reformist but not moderate; we seek to bring about significant change to expand our public sector, democratize all workplaces public and private and nationalize those industries that are most vital. However, we as Progressive Democratic Socialists understand that forcing the working class to choose between their class interests and the interests of their families is a false choice. Instead we wish to work with market forces to reform capitalism over time and ensure the well being of the vulnerable. We believe that America should be judged by the way it treats those we consider most vulnerable and have found it wanting a Democratic Socialist government. This process cannot be done through hard ideology at expense of working solutions nor through totalitarianism if it is to last be legitimate. The American Labor Party welcomes cooperation from those of all political stripes, and welcomes progressive liberal capitalists, socialists and anti-capitalists of any form to the party. We strive to follow the model of direct democracy and grassroots participation both within the party and inside any government offices we may hold. This platform gives an overview of how we will be bringing about a more equitable and socialistic future for America. Economic Neoliberal Capitalism is unsustainable; from the destruction of the environment to the reliance on consumer debt, we in the Progressive Party believe we are on a road to destruction. However, part of solving this issue is not to pretend we can ignore or outlaw capitalism in its entirety but instead rein in excesses and bring in it’s successor through democratic means. The Progressive Party seeks to work with progressive forces at home and abroad, from leftist governments to aboriginal communities to activist organizations. Strategy Strengthening the working and middle class’s ability to have a sustainable lifestyle and freedom to participate politically through implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) Nationalize at the Federal or State level key industries vital to the well-being of America (Healthcare, Infrastructure, Criminal Justice, Energy, Education) Encourage and fund co-operatives and other democratic forms of economic activity within private sector as means of creating an alternative to private profit and control Fund and legislate work-sharing, parental leave, and vacation time measures to lower the American work week to more equitably share labour, end unemployment and increase general happiness among the population strictly implement (Public sector) or regulate (Private sector) the impact we have on the natural environment; fund green projects and lessen our dependence on gasoline, individual transport and foreign oil The Budget The Labor Party believes in a highly progressive taxation policy that redistributes wealth and pays for the public initiatives like Social Security and Medicare that Americans have come to hold dearly. We also believe that capitalism and those at the top to often expects to be subsidized at the expense of the working class. We also believe in creating budget surpluses to paydown the national debt in order to lessen the financial burden of interest payments on our yearly budgt. Slowly raise income taxes starting with a return to Eisenhower Rates of 1951 and never going over the Laffer Curve maximum of 94% for the top marginal tax rate Change the estate tax from a flat tax to a progressive one, lower floor to $1 million dollars institute Eliminate the Payroll Tax cap to ensure Social Security is 100% solvent indefinitely Crackdown on corporate and personal tax avoidance and evasion, eliminate loopholes and deductions in personal and corporate taxes Treat Capital Gains as income Institute a small Financial Transaction Tax modelled in cooperation with European countries examples and a Wealth tax for individuals worth $10 million dollars and above. Implement a nationwide consumption tax of 5%, progressively rebate individuals who make less the median income of their state Social Programs and Healthcare We believe in Social Security and Medicare. We also support the Equal Healthcare Act of 2015 that would make the de facto healthcare plan of the nation. We also believe that means tested benefits are inefficient, can demonize the poor and tarnish the image of “public” spending. Instead the Progressive Party seeks to slowly roll social benefit programs (those that pay cash) into a universal basic income that ensures that poverty is a thing of the past. Turn FDR’s Second Bill of Rights into pubic policy through: - Full employment - A national living minimum wage of $18/hr that will be index to inflation - Reducing the Average Work Week from 47 hours to 30 over next 10 years - Universal Basic Income so everyone no will “fall through the cracks” and be unable to afford food, housing or leisure Education - Eliminate tuition fees for post-secondary education - Move away from Standardized Testing - Learning from the successes on Finland; decrease teacher to student ration - Introduce increased student choice (Montessori Method) Environment Institute a Revenue Neutral Carbon Tax that rebates to the middle and working class, based of off British Columbia’s successful model - Nationalize and increase funding towards public transportation, move American model of transportation away from cars - Mandate that all cars sold in US are “Flex Fuel” compatible, and ensure all pumps offer at least two forms of fuel Legalize modifying the software or hardware of owns own car to move it towards flex fuel compatibility - Continue and raise emission standards for vehicles and coal plants - Ban Fracking - Oppose Keystone XL and ensure that oil transportation by rail is meeting the highest safety standards rather then highest profits Social Equality - Legalize same sex marriage nationally - Support an Equal Rights Amendment that protects American citizens from discrimination including but not limited to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, age, disability, etc - Make illegal discriminatory hiring and firing practices facing LGBTQIA persons - End Binary gender dichotomy in Federal documentation and offices Defence and Foreign Policy Reduce our Defence Budget by 50% from 2014 levels over next 20 years, Reduce number of military bases abroad by 50% in next 10 years - Renegotiate NAFTA and pull out of TPP - Prioritize “Fair Trade” over “Free Trade” - Recognize Israeli Apartheid and practice peaceful diplomatic means to achieve a two state solution - Push for abidement of Universal Human Rights with all trade partners - Continue Nuclear Disarmament - Work to reform the UN Security Council to lessen impact of veto power - End Drone Program in countries we are not legally at war with - End Bulk Collection of Phone and Internet metadata and content by NSA on domestic and foreign citizens - Reduce or eliminate foreign aid “bribes” towards developed allies and shift funds over to countries in developing world; focus aid efforts on local initiatives rather then giving cash directly to foreign governments
*Ending the War on Drugs * Legalise marijuana for medicinal and recreational use. Decriminalize all schedule drugs, following healthcare model of Portugal - Release non-violent drug offenders who receive court approval.