America is in some big trouble. While crucial issues cry out for leadership, Washington’s parties and politicians are polarized and paralyzed.
But help is on the way if we the people do our thing again.
The founding fathers were great, but their descendents haven’t been too shabby either. In fact, the genius of America is that each generation has redefined freedom in its own terms for its own times.
Slavery was ended when the people acted. Women’s suffrage came when the people rose up. Civil rights laws were passed in the 1960s when the people demanded them.
Still another rebirth of freedom is needed now. It can happen right here at Unity08.com – where millions of Americans fed up with Washington’s pointless bickering will hold an online convention in the first half of 2024 to nominate a Unity Ticket for President and Vice President, then put it on the ballot in all 50 states, and elect it in November.
We’re not out to spoil anybody else’s campaign. We’re not trying to put either major party out of business. We’re not out to create a permanent third party. We are out to give Washington and both major parties a jolt of reality – so that they realize that most voters aren’t on the fringe, but in the middle – and that they want the problems solved.
Three things have made Unity08 needed and possible. First, elections which used to be about who could win the most votes in the middle are now about who does the best in turning out their base. But the issues that turn out the base turn off the middle. That polarization has slopped over to Congress where the parties are barely civil to each other. And the presidential nominees of both parties will be picked by the base voters at either end of the political spectrum. The rational middle (that’s most of us) will be left out again.
Second, America may never have faced so many issues crucial to its security and welfare at the same time: Worldwide terrorism, dependence on foreign oil, global climate change, the economic rise of India and China, a soaring national debt, the need for affordable health care, a crisis in education, and more. We can’t go much longer without Washington having the leadership and unity to act.
The third thing making Unity08 possible is the good news: The online technology now enables the people to use our democracy to take our country back. .
So Unity08.com, right here, will hold the first-ever virtual national convention in history, with you and millions of delegates just like you picking a Unity Ticket to run for President and Vice President.
We expect the Unity Ticket will be headed by a woman and/or man from each major party or by an Independent who presents a Unity Team from both parties.
Anybody qualified to vote in this country is qualified to be a delegate. And anybody constitutionally eligible to serve as President may run for the job. As millions of delegates sign up, major political figures in both parties may decide this is the way to get to the White House.
So may leaders from the business and non-profit worlds who can’t get there through the traditional parties. And some of you will want to try to draft still other leaders to run and bring Washington some leadership for a change.
Some things will be familiar: The nominees will have to win at least 50% of the delegate votes to win the nomination (so a number of ballots may be needed). And some things will be new: Nominees for President and Vice President will run and be voted on as a team, just as they are on the November ballot. Candidates meeting a minimum threshold of support will be able to use Unity08.com to campaign for the nomination. The recommendations of our Rules Committee will be debated right here at Unity08.com.
So come join us – and blog the issues, or take our polls, or recruit more delegates, or debate the rules, or contribute if you wish. Come pick the next President and Vice President, get that Unity Ticket on the ballot in your state, elect it to the White House in November 2024, and take your country back.
Come make history. Every generation provides its own rebirth of freedom. Now it’s our turn.
Get started now - tell your friends about Unity08.
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What's your platform?
Do you come down HARD on the Bush administration?
Are the Republicans in your organization against Bush?
Are the Democrats in your organization against the DLC and against the Dems who support the Iraq war and the Patriot Act?
I won't support you unless you are against the Bush administration. They are the cause of all our problems today.
Frankly, I don't trust a bipartisan group like yours, because this is the kind of thing Karl Rove would do to weaken the opposition.
Until you are ready to bash Bush and bash the DLC Dems, I don't trust you.
Some ideas:
I think this is great - I would like to suggest a few things.
1. Campaigns must be based on "Thread Issues" (issues that tie people together) NOT "wedge issues".
2. Self imposed term limits. A politician should be striving to advance himself - not getting comfy in 16 years of senatorial work. Similar to the military, if you can't make rank - you've got to leave.
3. Embrace logical unity. Hunters, fisherman, etc (typically conservative republicans) should be working along side - not against - environmentalist (who are typically liberal democrats) - they both want to protect and use/not abuse wilderness areas. Recreationalist (catch all for everyone else) want to enjoy the land too.
4. Beholden to the man - not the man's corporation. Yes we need to promote the economy, but we don't need to sell our soul. The government should work for the people, including the people who own companies (big and small) - but corporations should not dictate federal/public policy.
-CF
I just sent the following E-mail to several friends to call attention to this web site:
I am sending this to those I consider my friends. I hope it doesn't offend or inconvenience you in any way. It is from my heart. While we may differ on particulars, I believe most of you have concerns about the state of our great country today and what the future holds for our children and grandchildren.
I am thoroughly disgusted with the state of politics at the federal level. Both parties have forgotten who put them into positions of power, who they are supposed to be serving, and that the interests of this nation which pays their wages comes before their own self-serving desires. While they surely do fight over who will be in the majority and most directly control the halls of power, they effectively work closely together only to preserve incumbency.
Both houses of Congress have managed over the years to rig the system to perpetuate incumbency, and to reward its members with overly-high salaries, great health care and retirement benefits, and the many other perks which few other Americans have or can hope for in their lives. These guys have become the elite of America, the ruling class, the untouchables of our society, a class which our Founding Fathers went to great lengths to prevent. We, American citizen taxpayers and voters, the ones who pay for and support the federal government, have allowed, and are allowing, this sorry state of affairs to become the rule in our nation, and that state of affairs is fast leading to the ruination of our nation.
Currently, politicians are not listening to Americans. They are not concerned with the needs of the Nation. They are not responsive to the needs or wishes of their constituents. True, House members with their two-year terms give us at least some lip service as they are up for reelection. Senators, however, actually appear to hold us in contempt. Their arrogance has reached the immeasurable. The Executive Branch isn't any better. The current administration has proven especially arrogant.
The conditions I describe are practiced by both parties. What we have today is really only one group of politicians bickering over who will be first in line at the trough. I call them Republicrats and Democans, one goal-oriented group dedicated to feathering their own greedy nest. If I may paraphrase George Wallace during his 60s era third-party effort, "Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, not a dime's worth of difference."
Short of armed insurrection, a viable third-party movement is the only way to get the attention of our politicians and the entrenched power elite in this country. Finally, a seemingly-serious effort in that direction has started. I don't yet know if I can support them. It is too soon to tell. I don't know what they stand for beyond change, and we really, really do need some serious change in our political system. Their new web site is at http://unity08.com/
I will support any movement which honestly supports increased personal freedom and individual rights as enumerated in the US Constitution and its Amendments, calls for increased States' Rights, demands limited federal government as spelled out in the Constitution, insists that the federal government carries out its Constitutionally-mandated responsibility to protect and control our Nation's borders, pushes term limits at the federal level, and works for limits on taxing and spending and a much simplified tax code. Any failure of a third party to seriously address the above-enumerated issues merely would be a rerun of the current broken system. I plan to watch carefully this movement to determine if they deserve my support. I already have sent my initial comment to them for whatever influence it might have. I want them to succeed and hope they do.
I urge those of like mind to peruse the web site and offer to them your opinions. Maybe this thing will go and we can influence the course of our Nation. Remember that only a fraction of the Europeans and their descendants living in North America at the time of the American Revolution actually participated actively to overthrow the colonial government of the King of England. From that small group emerged this truly great nation in which we live. Today, that representative democracy has been allowed to devolve into a nation controlled by only a fraction of its citizens, the relatively small group of entrenched representatives, senators, judges, and executives and their appointed minions who populate Washington D.C. These people are not fairly representing you, but only themselves to gain the largess of the corporate, foreign, and special-interest lobby groups whose money and favors they so dearly love. Remember, the interests of none of these people or groups necessarily align with the interests of our Nation or ourselves.
Please consider these comments and get involved.
Jon
It's about time. I'm inspired by the opportunity to work with an organization that truly holds the same values as I do. The last few elections I have been so torn as to how to who to support as neither Democrat nor Republican platforms have meshed with my own beliefs. I am a registered republican because I believe in the core principals that Republicans used to stand for, fiscal responsibilty and family values. I'm definitely not a rightwing wacko or a leftwing moonbat. I'm just sick to death of seeing these crazies(Primarily Senate/House) get elected when they are so out of touch with what real, honest, bust your ass hardworking Americans really need. Let mw know what I can do here in Maine to bolster support. I've met the former governor, Angus King, in the past and voted for him both times. I'm proud to work with him on this initiative.
Right on !!! Good goals...!! Please add me to your email mailing list. I'll consider donations. This looks VERY worthy.
So MANY things to consider. A bill to STOP the continual deficit spending by the government; if we don't HAVE it, we agree NOT to spend it ! Please consider term limits as one of your 'planks' in your platform. I suggest a maximum of three terms in the House and two only in the Senate. If a MOC moves from the House to the Senate, or vice versa, then they are allowed only ONE additional term. Part of the reason for corruption in the system is MOCs who have long overstayed both their competence to serve, and their impartiality to do so in a manner that represents their constitutents (instead of themselves). Also consider fostering legislation the prohibits the addition of amendments on pending legislation that have absolutely NOTHING to do with the legislation, but are used either to stop bills from being considered, or the tacked-on provisions are accepted (when they shouldn't be) only because the host bill is vital. Also consider some form of action that rewards MOCs themselves -- working in concert with one another -- to sponsor and support legislation that REDUCES our enormous Federal deficit by at least 10% per year, by cutting "pork" and instead focusing on the rebuilding of our own domestic economy. There are scores of things to "fix" and you are right...we have little time left to get started.
Also consider some type of mechanism to fix our judicial system. Judges should be subject to being 'fired' (instead of appointed and retained for 'life') when they hand down continuing decisions that don't represent the will of the majority of the people they represent. The continuing manipulation of the courts by minorities and special interest groups has got to stop...it's dividing and polarizing the country.
Congratulations on a good first step -- a preamble that's worthy, provided we all stick to it and don't allow the goals to be diluted ! Keep up this good work; it's vital and necessary !
Geoff Steele
Arlington, VA
All of Bush's tax cuts for the rich must be repealed. If your platform does not include this, you're not really a party for the people.
The latest tax cut for the rich is the estate tax, which is a $49 BILLION windfall for the nation's richest families.
I still don't trust you people. This has Karl Rove written all over it. Until you can denounce the current policies of the Bush regime in the strongest possible language, you will get no support from me.
Illegal immigration IS a big issue. The Bush regime only busts 1/4 the employers that Clinton did...and Clinton didn't do enough.
Making 20 million illegals into instant felons will just cause widespread rioting in the US.
Bust the employers instead...enforce the laws that are already on the books.
Bush CUT 9000 border patrol jobs in the current fiscal year. Bush CUT money the Coast Guard requested to do 100% inspection of shipping containers.
The borders have been wide open since 911. This is the fault of the GOP and the DLC Dems and particularly the Bush regime.
This is a legal issue and a security issue and the crooks in DC have left us wide open.
Osama can bring suitcase nukes into the US anytime he wants. Thank you Bush and DLC Dems.
I have been advocating something like this for a long time. My thought is that there should be a platform or set of issues that comprise "The Voice of Middle America" or some other title. ALL candidates (not just for president and vice president) should be asked to publically declare whether they support the platform (perhaps commenting on the parts each candidate wouldn't support). If politicians didn't follow through with their committments, we would know and could vote them out. If candidates refuse to comment on the platform, we would support candidates that would.
Obviously providing fair,secure elections must be primary.
We need something to shake things up. I hope this will. Sign me up...
Use sense, make sense, listen, communicate
The voice of middle America?
Sounds like Karl Rove to me.
I won't sign up until I see some Bush bashing on this website.
I think you're trying to take votes away from the Democrats.
It appears you have some people calling for the bashing of the Bush administration. Someone said he won't support unless you "bash the Bush administration" and that this all sounds very much like "something Karl Rove would do." Another interesting thing he says is that he won't lend support unless you are "against Dems" who are for the war in Iraq. Would you rather just pull out now, leaving the Iraqis to fend for themselves, thereby ruining an entire country? It sounds, Tom3, like you would rather see as liberal an administration as possible - not very much a middleman... Perhaps this is the wrong site for you.
I, on the other hand, am a middle-of-the-road guy. Normally, I am liberal. I hate these tax cuts and think the "conservative Christian" view on many issues is ludicrous. However, I just don't see the Democratic party taking a stand on any issues other than the anti-Republican issue. There needs to be a plan. If the Democrats win, then what? 4 years of planning? The plans need to be drawn up now for a successful term. If I see a good plan from this site, I'll fight tooth-and-nail to support the Unity '08 ticket, just so I can see their major-party counterparts taking a stand on something other than each other...
It is well past time for the American public to retake control of the political process. As in previous "revolutions," it comes from the young, passionate students.
I see a potential problem in the makeup of the Founder's Coumncil. I have no obnjections to the presence of students on the council; rather I consider them vital for the viability of the project.
However, the fact that the great majority of the students are from Ivy League colleges gives me pause. In fact, a large majority of the council members are from the East coast (21 of 31).
The last thing a movement like this can tolerate is being labeled, however unfairly, as elitist and biased. This has to be a broadly based movement, both in political persuasion and geographic location.
My suggestion: Expand the Council, with great effort being taken to include members from the so-called Red zone.
This is for Tom3...
Tom, you have very forceful thoughts and obviously a lot of energy. That's good. You also seem to have a lot of anger and a real penchant for blaming all the current ills of the country on the Republicans -- particularly the current Administration. I am a Republican and will be the first to admit that I don't like some of the things the GOP is doing. But wouldn't a better course of action be one that focuses on what we ALL NEED to be doing in the future to fix the current problems ? I recall that our current dual-party penchant for deficit spending began with Mr. Roosevelt's turnaround on the need to balance the budget in favor of adopting the economic philosophies of John Maynard Keynes. The problem with such spending today is that BOTH parties have figured out very adeptly how to shove their hands into YOUR back pocket and grab cash almost at will via something called 'taxes'. They use the public trough for their own personal gain (called 're-election') and are no longer directly accountable for HOW the money is being spent. The only way to MAKE them accountable is by voting them out (unlikely, once they become so entrenched), or by automatic term limits and some controls on pervasive lobbying (which provide more of a chance at 'control'). I love your energy, brother, but the vitriole against the Republicans is really unnecessary and not helpful. When it comes to taking credit for screwing up the current state of affairs in American politics and government, there's more than enough blame to go around on the part of BOTH parties. So...the solution, I propose, is to focus very forcefully on what must be done NOW to correct the system...and we all have a dog in that fight. You've said several times that if this new Unity movement won't urinate all over the Republican Party, then you won't make any effort to support it. Well, guess what...? This new effort probably doesn't NEED your support because you're more focused on 'blaming' than 'fixing' and that's not where we need to go. There's too much of that now, which is why we're in the fix we're in... Instead of rattling on about how screwed up things are, how about proposing some specific things we all can consider re: how to fix the problems we face...?? Just a friendly thought here...
Nice work, and it's about time. But why focus just on the White House? What's the plan for state & local races? There are a lot of us out here in "flyover" land who would line up in a big hurry to help get something going in the statehouses and city halls. I realize you have to start somewhere, and the top down approach makes sense, but I'd be interested in knowing if and how (and when) you see this filtering down.
Philip Wade, I guess people see what they want to see. While many of the Founders Council seem to be easterners, you're painting with a mighty broad brush.
I was curious, so I went to the page and counted. As it turns out, only four of 13 college students on the council are Ivy Leaguers and only 7 of them are from eastern schools. A "vast majority" it's not.
There are students representing the Midwest, South, West Coastand Rocky Mountains in addition to the East.
I understand your point, but I think you're picking nits VERY early in this process.
The beauty of this effort is that it really doesn't matter where people are located.
Can't be Rove, here. There's no character assasination of actual war heroes. Props to you who seek to prop up the middle of our sway-back horse of potitical discourse. And fear not the labels, you young, elite Founders. You're in good company. The Founding Fathers were to a man, learned, motivated for the general good, prosperous by their own ingenuity and vigor and certainly young in ideas. Stay on the main line; Unity, Central Themes, the Middle Ground. All real issues ignite the entire public, putting their import square in the middle. Fifty years from now, who will care about gay marriage and cloning? But a global sauna, 300 mph hurricanes and beachfront property in Tennessee will be on all minds. The puppetmasters will go further right and left to activate their crazies, but you go to the middle of America, with solid, relevant issues and you may feel a groundswell. Nice plug from Alter in Newsweek. Hope your server holds up. He's probably right, you know. Whoever taps the next wave is in for a hell of a ride. I'll take five to send five and bust loose with a little cash, too. And if this is Rove, where can I "donate" to get my `Nam era National Guard files "lost". I may want to run for office and my medical records,...well, lets just say if you roll them up and smoke `em, there won't be enough Doritos.
pls see my skeptical disquisition on this movement at this url: http://unity08.com/node/29#comment-168
"I won't support you unless you are against the Bush administration. They are the cause of all our problems today."
ALL of our problems? Really? You are so clueless... I am far from a Bush supporter but to blindly pin the blame on ALL of our problems on this Administration shows that you truly don't understand anything at all.
"I won't sign up until I see some Bush bashing on this website.
I think you're trying to take votes away from the Democrats."
Um, do you see any Democrat-bashing on here that makes you believe that? You, sir, are a perfect example of everything that Unity08 is trying to steer the process away from.
No one side, no one position, no one politican, no one administration is completely right or completely wrong, and it's the essence of the debate that is missing from the process. Ask any talk radio host what the source of our issues are today and they will instantly pin all the blame on the liberals; ask any Hollywood actor-turned-pundit and they will instantly unleash their furor upon the vast right-wing conspiracy. It's all hot air and it all accomplishes NOTHING. Just as you are accomplishing nothing.
A great idea. I've been waiting for something like this.
A small getting started point: increase the font size to make it easier to read the longer comments.
Create a mechanism where a financial contribution can be tied to submitting an idea and getting an acknowledgement back that someone at "headquarters" has seen the idea and passed it on.
There is a simple way to do this and software exists to help. This isn't about expecting the idea to be implemented (necessarily), but it is a way to know that someone is listening. The money may be small, a $100 here $100 there, but the ideas may be goldmines.
The Dumbos and the Repugs DON'T listen--all they want is your money.
Time to evolve.
Our government was created before information access and the ability to communicate in real time were possible. Congress must be replaced with a new system, a system where we the people get to vote on law and not on politicians. Opponents to this argue that mob rule lacks leadership and can’t make the hard decisions. Well I must ask, where has the leadership in congress been in the past 40 years (my age)?
The current system encourages quagmire we have now, can you tell me what party that has ruled in the past 40 years didn’t succumb to special interest, or the motivation to solely get elected or fatten their pockets?
I was raised a Republican, until the right wing faction succeeded in destroying my business. I then helped unseat an incumbent Republican Governor just to elect a Democratic Governor who promised to allow the people to vote on the law that the Republicans had passed to put us out business. When the Supreme Court ruled that allowing the people to vote on the issue would give legislative power to the people and therefore illegal, the Governor that I helped elect and the legislators of our State still moved forward to end our business even though the people had voted in 1994 in majority for our business. Needless to say he lost mine and many thousands of others support in our industry and was not elected. The result is that we became the second class or property owners in our country to have our property taken from us without compensation. I’m told by our attorney’s that the Distilleries during the enactment of prohibition was the only other class in history before us.
Now we see Imminent Domain taking property all over the country just to increase the tax base for a community. There is no way the founding fathers intended this, if they did I’m living in the wrong country.
Imminent Domain – Taking property other than to build a road, airport, or school is just plain wrong.
Porous Borders – Allowing anyone to enjoy what we have as Americans without following the law is just plain wrong.
Ravenous Government Spending – Does your local government need all of the ‘toys’ they have. When I moved here we didn’t even have a local Police Station, now we have Police Cars, SUVs, 4 Wheelers, Jet Skis, Boats, and God knows what else.
Changing the Structure of the Internet – The internet is our last vestige of Freedom and the Government is trying to change it, and you know that they are doing it for the benefit of a few special interests groups…it will almost certainly not benefit the common people.
Spying on American Citizens – We might as well lock people up who the government deems likely to commit a crime, or install speed monitoring devices in our cars.
The only solution I know of is either we petition our government to change Congress to a more representative body. In the mean time ask your legislator if they have introduced (not just supports) legislation that addresses your concerns, if they haven’t then don’t vote for them…regardless of party. I will not be voting for any incumbent this fall.
It is my hope that this effort to elect third party candidate by this website will be a serious discussion of issues. I believe that those in office today do not listen, nor do they care what the people think.
Issues that are important to me: 1) Border security and terrorism. I cannot believe that we have left ourselves so vulnerable nearly 5 years after 9/11. If Dubai Ports World was not a wake up call to Americans, I don't know what is!! This is a very broad topic, that our elected representatives don't get. The American people said no to Dubai and the administration backed down. We have power, but we need to use it. The fact that we have anywhere from 11-20 million illegal aliens in this country is a direct reflection on both the Democrats and Republicans pandering to big business. The Republicans just do it, but the Democrats cry discrimination, even though they are also pandering to business. The gang MS13 is populating our cities, and it is feared they could be working with Al Queda, but our government just turns their back on border security. The Senate recently passed an amendment to allow illegal aliens who have committed identity theft to still apply for citizenship, and collect social security!! What are they thinking. And, George Bush's ass kissing of Vincente Fox just boggles my mind. The visa's being handed out for professional jobs,engineers, foreign med students, doctors from other countries who cannot pass our residency requirements, but want to challenge the Physician Assistant Board Exam so they can practice, are not jobs Americans do not want to do. We don't have enough students, Americans, who want to be Engineers or Doctor's?? Who are they kidding. No one is being honest about the cost of amnesty, or even thinking about local municipalities who have to deal with 15-20 people living in one 4 bedroom house, and the city cannot do anything because we might be discriminating. It causes parking problems, trash, loitering. I am a city elected official. I took an oath to uphold the laws of the country, state and city. So did our President, Senate and Congress, so why are they allowed to not keep their oath, and nothing is done about it?
2)Iraq. We should never have gone into that country. Now, we are in the middle of a civil war, we will be there for years, and we have lost nearly 2500 lives, 17000+ wounded, and 8000+ who are so severly injured they cannot return to duty. Not to mention the billions of dollars this is costing.
We were lied to, about WMD.
So, what next? Iran, Korea, China? Why are we into nation building? Did it ever occur to anyone that maybe everyone on the planet cannot live in a Democracy?
3) OIL
I read somewhere that this country produces enough oil to support the demand in the US. But, the big oil companies want to ship 40% of our oil to Japan and other allies, and then we import 40% to keep our cars, homes running. Why? Because they will get $70 a barrel, if it stayed here they would get less, so why don't we stop exports, build fuel efficient automobiles? Because our oil companies won't make as much money if we become energy efficient. Remember, it is all about supply and demand.
4) Health Care
There are over 40 million middle class people in this country who have no health care. We could help them if we didn't provide free health care to illegals.
Okay, I am done for now. I just hope there is a candidate who is serious about these issues.
I noticed that a few of you won't support this site unless they see Bush bashing. Well, I took a few hits at him, but I think you are missing the point. I don't see the Democrats to be any better, and all the more reason for a third party. I am a registered Democrat, but on some issues like Immigration and Iraq, Bush and the Dem's are the same. If you believe in amnesty and the war then you shouldn't join this site, because that is the status quo. We need a new direction. I am not against legal immigration, but have a real problem with people who break the law and then demand rights they don't have. I support our soldiers, but believe we were sold a bill of goods, and both parties supported it. So, you may not want to contribute yet, okay, but what are you looking for. Give up some of your thoughts. This is a discussion.
I was just watching PBS and I had no idea that you guys were doing this. I was just talking to a friend of mine the other day about how we as americans are forced to pick between the lesser of two evils. It is true that the government has become so polarized that nothing can get done. Both parties seem like their main goal is to oppose the other party. They think that they have to make the other party look bad so that they can't gain any power. I do believe that there are good people in Washington, but I believe their hands are tied because this dual political monster has gone too far to control. The salvation of our country rest in the hope that we can get past Democrat and Republican intrests and back to the representations of the hearts of the American people. I will give everything I have to this effort as long as it stays true to what I have heard so far. I am very very excited about this. I want to help make history and more importantly I want to help change our nation for the better. Lets do this guys; lets give the Whitehouse back to the people of this great nation!!!!!
It is easy to launch a website. It is almost as easy to say we want to advocate for crucial issues. But if you want to win elections you eventually have to take positions. I have thought about a third party effort for years. Our political parties have both been bought and paid for by the vested interests and their lobbying dollars. A war has been waged in our own country by those with the financial ability to buy the system. But nobody will follow you unless you take positions. I would suggest that Unity08 change its posture from seeking to improve the parties to the position that it will replace them using positions that individually reflect large majorities. Then crucify the publicans and the dems on the cross of their own corruption. If you do not seek to build a new party dedicated to the elimination of the old corruption, I believe your efforts will be doomed. I believe you can put together a majority based upon fully funding social security, the rapid change of our fuel system to E85 and NG, the elimination of global warming by direct control of atmospheric carbon dioxide/control of sunlight reaching the surface and an immigration policy that secures the borders, and then after a suitable period of time bases the number of foreign worker permits on the true demand for immigrant labor after every American has had the opportunity to take those jobs that allegedly no American wants. A sensible health care policy should be built around a minimum universal standard of medical care, well care to minimize higher cost treatment, subdivision of the medical specialties to allow lower paid workers to handle a larger portion of the health care burden, and drug prices should be negotiated on our behalf by the government. Terrorism,Iraq and foreign policy in general should be bi or multi-partisan. While the most crucial of all issues, the broadest consensus must exist before we go to war and such a policy should only be undertaken with overwhelming force and a unity that arises from a cold blooded discussion of the ramifications.
I was so very energized by the 5/31 PBS interview ... and then read the comments on the "vote for a (badly framed) topic to debate first" page and was appalled to see somebody saying, "Christians unite and take over Unity08" ... what IS wrong with us? I AM a Christian, but not from that person's neighborhood. Just as this is not about Republicans or Democrats, it's not about "Jew or Gentile" or other religious persuasion (remember the constitutional "Congress shall make no law establishing a religion"???). I was so enthused about an online conversation ... and then the same old bozos start yelling -- Hey guys! Over here! Stuff THESE ballot boxes!!
We need to not let that happen. STICK TO YOUR GUNS, Founders ... and consider removing that sort of takeover crap (along with simple party-bashing rhetoric or personal attacks) to a "timeout corner" where it can still be read but not construed as "mainstream Unity08". Reclaim America: Unity08!!
The war in Iraq is/was strategically a good one. However we didn't have a Schwarzkopf to prosecute the war, on top of that we attempted to use the same approach we used with Germany and Japan in the post war effort.
The reason the WWII methodology was doomed to fail was that we hadn't nuked and fire bombed the major cities and infrastructure of Iraq. Iraq was dictatorship, but it also was an entitlement state. They all got a stipend from Saddam, whether it was money or a beating.
Its time to wake up people and realize we’re at war with Islam, they declared war on us decades ago. When you were growing up, were you more afraid of the U.S.S.R or the terrorists in the Middle East? I’d have traveled to the U.S.S.R any day, but would have never traveled to the Middle East.
If we had not invaded Iraq, we’d still be in the cross hairs of the Middle East. Problem now is that we’re going to let Iran get the Bomb and let Syria continue to sponsor Terrorism.
What ever happened to the motto, “If you help a terrorist, you are a terrorist”
Please wake up and realize that our problems not Republican or Democratic issues but Systemic in nature. Things will never change until we change the structure of Congress…anything else is a waste of TIME.
BI-PARTISANSHIP... by definition, the modest goal of the founders of this 'movement/site/whatever'is to get past the vitriol and extreme views that prevent sensible and pragmatic solutions.
So- if you want to throw out the 2 party system... chill a moment
If you want to character assassinate with a broad brush Republicans or Democrats... please go elsewhere and give the moderates a freakin' chance.
Bipartisanship by its nature represents moderate, consensus positions that (hopefully) achieve a pragmatic improvement.
So please, if that is too DINO or RINO for you - go elsewhere and give those of us who believe in deliberation and moderation a place.
I had mentioned the idea of starting a "Liberty Party" to my kids recently. Unity will do for me.
I hope that balanced budgets and peaceful foreign policies are cornerstones of the party's foundation. A new sense of responsibility and accountability would be refreshing as well. Liberty is a right, but it is not free, and these days, it is too easily mortgaged.
I just learned of your existence on PBS. Thank goodness for its strengths and resourcefulness. I have been through many administrations starting with IKE. I have never seen such disrespect and total disregard for the Constitution and Bill Of Rights as this adminstration. We need to take charge and bring the government back to the people. Issues: Iraq, Health Care, ( I am 60 and have none) What do you think my future looks like. Education, most our kids don't even know where Iraq is located on a map. Give teachers the money and the gratitute that is do them. Get rid of PAC money. Throw out the bumbs that pad the pockets of our elected official for their own insterests. Make terms in the senate shorter. Above all please recognize that we are killing this planet. Stop over fisher, stop polution, stop pouring cancerous elements into the ozone layer. God Bless Al Gore, at this time he is trying so hard to get the attention of the public. In short just help us. We all feel helpless.
The Unity platform can be tailored to an attainable combination of planks that actually impact the average taxpayer.
- Energy independence by improving and utilizing both wind and solar technologies to contribute meaningfully to our energy needs.
- Reducing the national debt, not just buget deficites, but actually working towards reducing the overall debt.
- Keeping personal tax rates as low as feasable.
- Affordable health care solutions.
- Other modest, attainable goals? My request is common sense please.
Please stay far away from "hot button" issues that polarize the populace. Abortion, gay rights, let the states handle contentious divisive issues that the SCOTUS has already ruled on. Let the fringe grab those positions, but be prepared to hammer on why they are fringe issues. Nothing irks me more than the waste of time and rhetoric over abortion; last time I looked Roe vs. Wade was still the law of the land. Both political parties can't change that. Move on.
Hammer home that the on-line process can bypass the need to cater to special interests. The average voter has had enough of lobbyists buying off corrupt pols.
A strong slate of an able team should be able to successfully alternate leading the country for the next 16 years, giving us some badly needed stability. One is president terms 1&3, the other is president terms 2&4.
"Voters, vote for us and you hire us for the long haul, and you have the option every 4 years to renew."
I am thoroughly delighted to have found you! No doubt I betray my age, but I hope that this can be a start to rekindle the dream, and make our political life back into something good. It's not about parties; it's about the country and people's lives. I have been so sickened by what I have seen happen over the last 20 years or so, as if winning elections is a championship game and running the country isn't the point.
I would like to suggest the following as legislative agenda items:
1. That any vote by any Member of Congress be accompanied by the statement: "I have read the bill and am aware of its contents."
2. That any necessary fact-finding trips shall be undertaken by a group of three MOCs, at least one from each chamber, and at least one from each major party. Funding for such trips shall be provided by the Congress itself, and by no outside entity. Votes of traveling Members shall be paired during their absence.
3. That the Office of the Congressional Record shall provide a letter, with the voting record of the relevant MOC, to a randomly selected 10% of addresses in the MOC's district four times during the Member's term. This shall be funded by the MOC's franking privilege.
4. That campaign contributions can be made only be individuals, not organizations. Individuals are free to contribute unlimited amounts to a public election fund, which will be equally distributed among candidates. Thereby, those who believe free spending equals free speech are free to elevate the public discourse.
This is a most exciting time to be an American. As a recent college graduate, i feel liberated to know that there are people out there who are fed up with the busted political system that is hindering our progress twards life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I have seen and herd some troubling things about our legislative branch, such as members of both parties agreeing to not initiate justifiable or otherwise investigative action upon a member of the opposing minority/majority party because of politial backlash or its considered dirty politics. If this is the case than where is the morals of our elected officials. There is no checks and balances in any of the brances of our government. I say we still have one. And if we don't excersise our authority and take back our government, nothing will change. Keep up the good fight.
I like your first 3 simple rules... number 4 scares me a tad given the concentration of capital in this country (especially a concentration of the overwhelming amount of discretionary money to give to politics).
I was watching the Leherer News Hour tonight and caught the Unity08 interview. I am excited that there are other people who no longer want to accept "business as usual" and that someone(s) figured out a way to make a difference.
I agree that if elected in 2024, it will last only one term because the other "players" won't accept defeat twice - power is too hard to give up willingly. But I also believe that one 4-year term can make a difference to start us back on the right path.
Second, I like your philosophy - no finger pointing and blaming. These waste valuable time and energy. Identify the issues and move on to address them. I like the breakdown between "critical" and "important" issues.
Third, someone mentioned that this movement should also occur at state and county levels across our country. I strongly agree with this idea while realizing that to do so would drain the time and energy resources that are going to be needed to carry this alternative party goal to success.
I am looking forward to talking to others about Unity08.
I have joined tonight in hope that this movement can change our country...being a Vietnam vet, I have traveled this path before only to be dashed on the rocks of politico promise and good intention.
I think we must forego an agenda at this moment...we should instead recruit more members and become a force because those in charge right now understand force and it's significance.
Recruit...recruit...recruit
Rudy
Caught you guys at the Lehrer interview, Unity08 is a gallant idea. I consider true democracy as being the triumph of moderation, unfortunately the current system has only produced rhetorics of extremisms from both parties. However one the challenges of moderation is inherently the target base lacks feverish zeal that drives extremists...and unfortunately as the saying goes the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Why are moderates so satisfied with status quo? And why do most americans vote with their heart and not their head...when time and time again our sweetheart candidates betray us. What's wrong with Kansas anyone?
Thank you so much for starting this movement. I think this is a great/brilliant idea. I have been considering becoming active in politics (aside from just voting) and I have finally found a cause I can get behind. Thank you again. Let's git 'er done!
I am excited by what I saw on PBS and what I see on this site as a legitimate first step to the creation of a 21st Century "government of the people, by the people, and for the people ... ".
While I am not certain of immediate success, I believe that this is a beginning of a seachange - an outpouring of pent-up public sentiment against government by the few toward government at the grassroots.
The internet was created by the government for the government. The people can now use this valuable instrument in moving to a truly interconnected world - a true democracy.
I believe I can speak for many when I say "Count Me In !!!"
Best Wishes !
Sounds good so far. Most of us are wary - know there will be terrible attacks to come. But - we now teeter on the brink of disaster. Our country is heading for a massive change very soon. Even if the Unity 08 can't get ready in time to make a difference, we need to have something ready to replace what we have lost. This movement might save what we had that was really good. John.
While I see the point of not wanting to develop an explicit unity08 platform at this point, I am afraid that the movement will not get much traction unless we provide some more specifics. Otherwise this is just a platform for venting.
A common theme on the web site and many people's comments is the desire for centrist/bi-partisan solutions to critical problems based on common sense and pre-existing proven programs rather than emotion and power politics.
To that end here is a (long) suggestion for providing more of a direction for unity08 in each of the critical areas cited on the site:
national debt and the corruption of Washington’s lobbying system:
Streamline the Federal Government by reducing government waste and mismanagement, cutting pork-barrel spending, eliminating PAC and soft-money funding of campaigns, simplifying redundant bureaucracies, and encouraging decentralization and privatization wherever possible.
dependence on foreign oil and global climate change:
Support the development and use of new, environmentally clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass by (1) removing federal subsidies for fossil fuels and (2) taxing fossil fuels to reflect their real cost to the nation.
Improve energy efficiency and self-sufficiency by (1) supporting basic research on energy efficiency, energy storage, and fuel cells, in addition to electric, hydrogen, and highly energy-efficient vehicles, (2) providing financial incentives for home-owners and industry to use available energy-efficiency measures, and (3) setting performance standards for energy-consuming and pollutant-emitting products.
Global terrorism, nuclear proliferation, the emergence of India and China as strategic competitors and/or allies:
Shift U.S. foreign policy away from military aid/intervention towards a more proactive policy based on the exportation of U.S. know-how -- American expertise and technical assistance in business administration, entrepreneurship, education, sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, and emerging environmental technologies -- supplemented where necessary with economic support. This new type of assistance will allow many developing countries to become financially self-sufficient and thereby help eliminate hunger and poverty – the foundation of disenfranchised populations involved in various types of conflict.
education of our young:
Support proven educational initiatives and curriculum innovations, including programs like: Head Start; School vouchers to increase school choice, foster competition, and improve educational outcomes; Federally guaranteed student loans and Pell Grants for higher education; Higher national standards and the practical means to achieve them; National apprenticeship programs for students who are not college bound; Computer-aided instruction, including Internet instruction; Sound approaches to school nutrition and preventive health education; Effective drug use reduction; Policies and programs to upgrade the status and skills of teachers.
health care of all:
Support health strategies that focus on prevention and strengthen the general health of the nation, thereby shifting our national focus from disease care to health care.
the disappearance of the American Dream for so many of our people:
Implement a pro-growth economic policy, with a truly balanced budget and a lower, flatter tax structure.
Fully harness America's most precious resource -- the unlimited intelligence and creativity of America's 300+ million citizens. Proven educational, job training, and apprenticeship programs that develop intelligence and creativity and prevent school dropouts will ensure America’s competitiveness and future leadership.
In my view, as this movement (unity08) grows, its effectiveness will depend largely on three things: some basic unity on important issues; conveyance of our "existence" and "issue positions" to the general public; and the interest of attractive Unity08 candidates in our cause. Below is the contents of a letter (one of several) that I recently sent to Senators and Representatives, and the Govenor, of North Carolina. Next, I will try to draw their attention to this site.
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am Terry Wise, a retired Naval Officer and retired Businessman, living with my wife, Mary, in Pasquotank County, North Carolina (1st District). In this letter, I speak for both my wife and myself.
Recently, I changed my voting registration status from Republican to “Unaffiliated”, and my wife will soon follow my lead. I took this action because I have become ashamed of the behavior and performance of the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal Government related to a myriad of critical issues facing our nation.
As a U.S. citizen and resident of North Carolina, it is my obligation and responsibility to react appropriately to the collective irresponsibility, as I perceive it, of the Congress and the Presidency. It is my intention to fulfill this responsibility beginning, in this letter, with the issue of “Illegal Aliens” infiltrating our country.
The inaction of the Presidency (the nation’s “CEO”) in dealing with this damaging “plight” on our country is particularly insulting and disturbing, but Congress has done nothing concrete to deal with this problem. The President refuses to enforce the “laws of the land” that are his obligation to honor and uphold. Equally irresponsible, Congress refuses both enforcement of the laws they have put in place and the enactment of whatever new laws are required to deal with Illegal Entry and the protection of our nation’s borders. Don’t any of you understand what your inaction does to the “meaning” of the term “U.S. Citizen”? This “title” was once sought as “treasure” by people all over the world. Now, to enjoy the privileges associated with this “title”, all one has to do is walk across our unprotected boundary lines. Do you have any idea how ridiculous, insulted and embarrassed those who have waited in line to enter “legally” must feel?
I am so offended and embarrassed by the ridiculous rhetoric emanating from the Oval Office and members of the Legislature; e.g., “Undocumented Workers just want to do the jobs Americans won’t do”. The correct ending to this misleading falsehood is: “….Americans won’t do ANYMORE”. Americans in unskilled and semi-skilled job markets have been displaced by Illegal Aliens who are willing to work for extremely low wages by American standards. Do any of you really believe that’s good for the American economy? Do you really believe that these jobs weren’t being done by American Citizens before we began to ignore the problem at our borders? As these Illegal Aliens take advantage of education and training opportunities in this country and elsewhere, they will begin to “infect” skilled and specialty job markets as well.
How do you think the citizens of all other “third world” countries are going to react when they observe that America is unwilling to protect its borders or American opportunities in this countries job market? How do you think they will react when they realize that we “reward” Illegal Entry with jobs, health care, education, legal identification and a plethora of other benefits that should be the “exclusive” rights of U.S. Citizens? How long will it take them to realize that the term “U.S. Citizen”, once treasured, is now meaningless? How long before illegal border crossings are in the “millions per year”?
As I sit here writing this letter, the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders have announced a “compromise” that will reward millions of “criminals” (all Illegal Aliens are criminals by default) with a process leading to American citizenship. Effectively, this is a slap across the mouth of every American Citizen, and my shame deepens. Again, we cheapen the meaning of U.S. Citizenship, and invite the world to come and take a piece of something that doesn’t belong to them. I challenge any of you to draft a law that mimics the laws and actions of the Mexican Government in dealing with Illegal Aliens and border security in Mexico. If you passed such a bill, there would be no problem in this country because Illegal Aliens would fear coming here.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I defended my country for 24 years in the Enlisted, Warrant and Line Officer ranks of the U.S. Navy, and I am still proud to be a U.S. Citizen. I intend to affect future elections in every way within my power; including the use of the internet (www.wise-clan.com) and any public media that will hear me. I will stand against any current or would-be public office holder who does not commit, and take action, to: protect our borders; eliminate all Illegal Aliens in this country; and respect and cherish the meaningfulness of U.S. Citizenship.
Very Respectfully
Terry P. Wise
LCDR, USN, Ret.
P.S. I will attempt to have this letter, and any future letters, published by Newspapers and other media outlets."
As i sit here reading the comments I became more curious, then angered and now I find myself laughing. Where is the middle class, who are they? Most people I know are so busy with their lifestyles that they have no time for politics. They seem to be working harder and getting deeper into debt. The 30 minutes allotted by the TV stations is hardly news, more entertainment. We must find a way to educate/reeducate ourselves about the issues and how government runs before making more mistakes. In my opinion we must have more information on national andworld news, this will be the beginning of waking up America. We must put pressure on the communications companies for unbiased real news and alot of it. I see people blaming all muslims for our problems, Christians voting right wing because their church told them to! Many people selling out and moving to Canada. Where did independent thought go? We must find a way to reawaken America's passion for getting intelligently involved.
Referenced Posts:
Fair Tax Bill - Submitted by Eddboo on June 1, 2024 - 6:30am.
Pulling Things Together - Submitted by Terry Wise on June 1, 2024 - 6:09am.
Here is the contents of a letter I sent to the Senators and Representatives, and the Governor, of North Carolina related to the Issue of Taxation:
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have tax systems in this country that deprive capitalism and free-enterprise of the fuel needed to keep this country on the path of progress. We have taxes in this country that double and even triple tap Americans. We have systems in this country that seize the treasure of deceased citizens even after their assets have been taxed and re-taxed. Our taxes transfer wealth, on a massive scale, to people who did not earn it. These tax systems bestow powers, not intended or conveyed in the Constitution, to a governing oligarchy. Our systems of taxation encourage and promote fraud, cheating and tax avoidance. These systems allow a large segment of our society to escape taxation through the use of “cash” transactions. And, the “negatives” go on and on. Worse than all this, our tax system makes Americans resent, fear, and suspect a Government that pursues, investigates and intimidates them with agencies that employ the tactics of intimidation and threats (e.g., tax audits).
What taxes am I referring to? Individual Income TAX, Alternative Minimum TAX, Corporate Income Tax, “Death Tax”, Capital Gains Taxes, Federal Payroll Taxes (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, etc) are examples.
It’s time to end these insults to the concepts of freedom, a Democratic Republic, and a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people”. Unless, of course, we accept that these concepts are merely illusions to distract us from the reality of a “ruling” oligarchy.
The most eloquent tax strategy for a free and prosperous republic is on the table in front of you. It is H.R.25, the Fair Tax Bill proposed by Congressman John Linder as described in the book, The Fair Tax Book, by Neal Boortz (coauthored by Representative Linder). H.R.25 is supported and amplified in detail at www.FairTax.org.
Since the submission of this Bill by Congressman Linder, I have seen no concrete action by either house of the Legislative branch. I, for one, am completely fed up with a Congress that is unwilling to deal with unfair and atrocious taxation in this country. Further, I am deeply disturbed and disappointed that Congress, in aggregate, is willing to sacrifice honor and duty to retain the power conveyed by a tax system that punishes this country from every angle. Consequently, I will pursue the following positions aggressively:
* I intend to do everything in my power to prevent the election or re-election of any Senator, Representative, or Candidate who fails to support H.R.25 and/or the Senate equivalent.
* Further, I intend to do everything in my power to prevent the election or re-election of any Senator, Representative, or Candidate who fails to reflect an educated view of H.R.25 in contrast to the current system of taxation.
* Finally, I intend to do everything in my power to prevent the election or re-election of any Senator, Representative, or Candidate, who supports the current system over the Fair Tax Bill, without a concise explanation put to “we the people” for evaluation.
As I indicated in a previous letter, I recently changed my voting registration status from Republican to “Unaffiliated” because, in terms of “doing the right thing for this country”, I can see no difference between Republicans and Democrats who put politics above duty. In fact, in my view, the “two-party system” is rapidly becoming a curse on America.
Very Respectfully
Terry P. Wise
LCDR, USN, Ret.
P.S. “Everything in my power” includes the internet and any paper or electronic media that will convey my concerns to the public.”
what has happened to our country? if the senate had done their job we would not have been in the hole we are now in in the middle east. why did the senate give the president the opportunity to choose when to go to war? No single person,entity, should be entrusted with this power. i think this idea, unity 08, might possibly save our country.
In a nutshell: I believe that it is more than likely that the Unity08 candidate would not win the election. Thus, if I were to vote for a Unity08 candidate or slate, by not voting for a candidate of a party which nominally, at least, espouses my values, I would enhance the likelihood that a party whose recent performance and platform I detest would be re-elected.
The United States Government has failed and is fully obligated to any person whom has managed to find freedom in the United States. Once here, like in Florida, all people receive inaliable human rights to stay in this country once here. Like sending a Cuban child whos mother died to gain freedom for her child by reaching our shores. Sending anyone seeking freedom back to ruthless communist states and those with substandard living conditions is wrong.
It is not the right of government to dictate the terms of citizenship in the United States. In America if you work, pay taxes and abide by the laws you have inaliable rights.
Our government wants to blame and impose unjust requirements on law abiding Americans because the government failed to protect our borders.
Anyone who is on American soil and has not committed any crimes has the right not to be sent back to a inhumane state. Visit www.appyp.com/fix_main.html for more.
It's comments like earl synder's that indicates that this unity movement is doomed from the start. No one is going to join an organization that is dominated by freaks and radicals.
Under the “Unity08 on the issues” Section of this Web Site, the “Founders Council”, speaking for all of us I assume, identifies the critical issues, that will be our primary focus, as follows:
“In our opinion, Crucial Issues include: Global terrorism, our national debt, our dependence on foreign oil, the emergence of India and China as strategic competitors and/or allies, nuclear proliferation, global climate change, the corruption of Washington’s lobbying system, the education of our young, the health care of all, and the disappearance of the American Dream for so many of our people.”
In my view, this list of “Crucial Issues” requires some modification and clarification. Accordingly, I would like to stimulate some discussion and attempt to get some amplication on how the Founders Council will be influenced by the Unity08 membership.
I offer the following comment on each issue in the list:
Global Terrorism – Agree
Our National Debt – In my opionion this should be “Federal Taxation and Spending Reform”. The “bigger” issues of Taxation and Spending are at the heart of Federal Budget discipline; encompassing the issue of National Debt.
Our Dependence on Foreign Oil – Agree
Emergence of India and China as Strategic Competitors and/or Allies – Agree
Nuclear Proliferation – Agree (but Weapons not Energy Supply)
Global Climate Change – This certainly should NOT be on our initial Agenda as a Crucial Issue. This problem will take many decades to address. Let’s not de-focus our cause with such a complex and advasarial issue. Even the scientific community is split on whether or not this is a problem we (humans) have any enfluence over.
Corruption of Washington’s Lobbying System – Ambiguous. What does this mean? More “campaigh finance reform”? The Lobby System works because “we the people” allow our votes to be bought rather than voting on the performance of Public Office Holders related to “Crucial Issues”.
Education of Our Young - Agree
Health Care of All – Has the sound of “Big Government and National Health Care”. I hope we are not advocating “National Health Care”..Take a look at Canada if you think that’s a good idea. The come here for treatment! “Health Care Reform Legislation” conveys the message I believe in.
Disappearance of the American Dream for so many of Our People – An “empty sound bite”; NOT a “Crucial Issue”. Get rid of it.
FINALLY, I CAN’T BELIEVE “ILLEGAL ALIENS” AND “BORDER CONTROL/ENFORCEMENT" ARE NOT AT THE TOP OF THE LIST (See Post: Pulling Things Together, Submitted by Terry Wise on June 1, 2024 - 6:09am). Once we give our country away, no other issues will matter.