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The American Main Street Party



We all want to help one another, human beings are like that. We all want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery. We don't want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone and the earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful. But we have lost the way…Greed has poisoned men's souls - has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed but we have shut ourselves in: machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little: More than machinery we need humanity; More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. The airplane and the internet have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men, cries out for universal brotherhood for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me I say "Do not despair". The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress: the hate of men will pass and the elites will die and the power they took from the people will return to the people! You the people have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness. You the people have the power to make life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy let's use that power - let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, which will give you the future and old age and security. By the promise of these things, the elites have risen to power, but they lie. They do not fulfill their promise, they never will. The elites free themselves but they enslave the people. Now let us fight to fulfill that promise. Let us fight to free the world, to do away with national barriers, do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness!



-Charlie Chaplin “The Great Dictator” Edited for current use





The Aims of the Main Street Party:

Aims

• To stand for human rights and social justice, affirming the dignity of each human being

• To support the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consistent with social and environmental responsibility

• To defend freedom of expression everywhere

• To espouse policies which support a rational approach to human problems

• To promote the fullest use of science for human welfare

• To gain and maintain for non-religious people the same rights that are enjoyed by members of religious bodies

• To bring about a true separation of Church and State in America

• To promote secularism world wide

We stand for:

• Pro-choice regarding abortion

• Same-sex marriage recognition

• Recognition of gay families

• Contraception and sex education

• Anti-homophobia education

• Constitutional separation of Church and State

• No anti-discrimination exemptions for religious schools and businesses

• Right to die

• Voluntary euthanasia

• Embryonic stem cell research

• Lesbian IVF availability

• Scientific research not to be limited by unfounded religious objections

We stand against:

• Censorship

• Unwarranted impositions of religious dogma

• Government support for religious schools

• Religious attire at schools

• Religious indoctrination of children

• All forms of religious coercion and theocracy

A truly secular country is one in which society is fully organized on the basis of reason. This requires that beliefs based on notions of the supernatural should not be endorsed by the State. While all people should be free to hold any form of religious belief, these are best held privately and should not receive government endorsement or support.

The Main Street Party holds that religious beliefs can give rise to an increasing intrusion on civil liberties and provide an unwelcome source of social disharmony. We seek to uphold the internationally recognized Rights of the Child. These imply that children should be free to develop to their full potential their capacity for freedom of thought. Children should be protected from religious indoctrination. Ethics are best based on universal principles, such as compassion, honesty, freedom and justice.



Why the Main Street Party is Different from the Rest:

• both socially liberal and economically liberal

• the only party which stands for separation of Church and State

Right wing parties allow economic freedom but oppose personal freedom, while left wing parties oppose economic freedom but allow personal freedom. The Main Street Party is in favor of both economic freedom and personal freedom.

Economically, the Main Street Party is neither left nor right. Inevitably there are policy choices between private gains versus the public good. We believe that solutions to such questions are best achieved via application of reason and balanced judgment, rather than resorting to any particular ideology.

The Main Street Party is non-religious rather than anti-religious; however we do recognize the supremacy of scientific method as a means of establishing truth. We therefore hold that excessive adherence to religious belief is both unwarranted and can be harmful to society and to the world. We hold that "separation of church and state", the ideal of secularism, is the key policy for the future of humanity.

Internationally, the Main Street Party supports multilateral global solutions. To achieve these, a far greater ethic of international cooperation is required, based on putting the interests of global humanity first. To achieve this we seek to end global divisions based on ancient ideologies and superstitions.

All existing Parties have significant religious allegiances and hence are unable to advocate a truly equal agenda. The Main Street Party seeks to bring to political debate issues that other parties do not raise. We seek to bring reason and evidence to debates, where due to unwarranted deference to religious sensibilities, reason and rationality have hitherto been absent.



Main Street Party Philosophy



The Main Street Party claims as its heritage the philosophy of the Enlightenment, in particular the works of David Hume, Adam Smith and Jeremy Bentham. These thinkers explained the importance of finding human solutions to human problems, without resort to notions of the supernatural. They stressed the benefits to society of individual effort and enterprise, while bearing in mind the need to have regard for the common good of society, and of all humanity. The major achievements of modern societies are based on the application of such principles, establishing truth through reason and observation, and by the construction of rational social institutions without the involvement of religion. While religions may be charitable and consoling, it seems undeniable that they can foster social disharmony, and pose threats to global peace and security. Given the state of human knowledge, we question the wisdom of persisting with questionable and unnecessary beliefs. The universal Humanist values of compassion, honesty, freedom and justice provide an ethical foundation superior to those provided by any religion.

The Main Street Party of America seeks to promote the values of Enlightenment philosophy and Humanist ethical principles. A key foundation for the implementation of such principles is an education system free of religious indoctrination. It is the mission of the Main Street Party to promote humane secular values in all areas of American life, including in personal relations, and in social and economic policy. Globally, the Main Street Party opposes the intervention of religion in the conduct of international relations and supports the strengthening of secular international institutions.



Individual Freedom and Choices

We stand for:

• A woman's right to choose an abortion

• Voluntary euthanasia

• The right to die

• Embryonic stem cell research

• Same-sex marriage

We stand against:

• Censorship

• Religious indoctrination of minors

• Counter-productive "anti-terror" restrictions on civil liberties



The American Main Street Party strongly believes in personal freedom.

Religious values can have an unwarranted tendency to intrude into moral affairs. Religious people often claim the right to prevent others from engaging in harmless consensual activity, merely because their own religious preconceptions are offended. We oppose such intrusion. We believe in equality - in all respects.

Religious values may also presume to prevent scientific research that benefits all humanity. We oppose such detrimental interference, often based on religious notions of morality, which have no objective basis.

The Main Street Party believes that children should be protected from harmful influences. They should be able, via education, to develop to their full potential as human beings, with the capacity for freedom of thought unimpaired by religious biases. We are opposed to religious indoctrination in education, including via the wearing of religious attire in schools.



A major problem with the religiously inspired 'war on terror' is that it is likely to make the problem of terrorism worse. The restrictions on freedom of speech and association that have been imposed in this cause may result in greater alienation and hence resort to covert activities. The Main Street Party believes in the free expression of religious views, so that the nature of many such views should be more readily apparent.



A Fair and Equitable Society

We believe in:

• Equal opportunity for all children

• Universal secular education

• Compulsory sex and drug education

• Anti-discrimination and anti-homophobia education

• Harm minimization for drug users

• Crime prevention, not large prison populations

• Proper funding for our health system

• Fair wages and conditions

• Lower taxes for small businesses and the middle/lower classes and a broader tax base

• Higher taxes on the rich and big business

• Closing tax loopholes that let big business not pay any taxes

• Properly funded social security and pensions

• A secular republic with an Australian head of state

• Lower Drinking age



The Main Street Party believes that to build a better society requires greater respect for values and morals based on universal principles such as compassion, freedom and justice. Developing freedom of thought, unconstrained by artificial divisions caused by religion and prejudice, is the best way of inspiring dedication to this common purpose. Laying these foundations within the education system is an essential step on the path to a fair and equitable society.

A rational solution to many social questions can be found by better application of the proposition that prevention is better than cure. The transparent application of balanced judgment in pursuit of objective principles is the best way of inspiring citizens to act responsibly. Justice must be seen to be done.



Progressive Economic Policies

The Main Street Party stands for:

• Balanced budgets over the long term

• Increasing the competitiveness of American industry

• Reducing the trade deficit

• Encouraging new technologies

• Using the benefits of economic growth for the long-term advantage of all

• Implementing an international tax on currency transfers

• Implementing a price on carbon and international carbon tax

The Main Street Party recognizes that the age-old struggle between forces of labor and capital is no longer the major determinant in political economy. Unlike the major parties, we have no allegiance to the sectional interests of labor or capital. The Main Street Party bases its economic policies on judgments concerning the long-term public interest and in the interests of global humanity. In doing so we are guided by the heritage of the classical economists of the Enlightenment, including both Adam Smith and Jeremy Bentham. We therefore maintain that balanced government budgets, over the long term, as well as a balanced foreign trade account, are legitimate concerns of government policy. We recognize that the benefits of capitalism are derived neither by exploitation nor by the exertion of monopoly power of any kind. Such benefits, as are apparent in the continuous rise in living standards that have been sustained for over two hundred years, are due not to any religion, but to what is in fact a Humanist phenomenon - technical progress and commercial innovation. The Main Street Party has as its core philosophy the development and maintenance of economic policies that support this process. The major economic challenges that lie ahead derive from international inequity and environmental problems associated with oil resource depletion and global warming. Insufficient provision has been made in America for looming environmental problems. Eliminating world poverty is a feasible goal, requiring the fostering of aid, trade and good governance, but will not be achieved without a far greater degree of international good will and co-operation. The continuing and egregious nature of global religious conflict is a severe impediment to achieving the co-operation required.

Addressing global inequity requires genuine trade liberalization, but this alone is insufficient. To provide global funds for poverty reduction programs, the Main Street Party supports the implementation of a tax on international currency transactions. It is necessary that the combustion of carbon by the electricity generation industry worldwide be drastically reduced. Highest priority must be given to the introduction of taxes on carbon emissions. As an additional measure, due to the urgency of the global warming situation, the Main Street Party proposes a tax on the international trade in coal, the proceeds of which should be mandated to providing alternative energy programs, particularly in those countries adversely affected by the tax.



Solutions to Global problems

We stand for:

• Upholding and strengthening international law

• Application of the rule of law in combating terrorism

• Promoting secular values, laws and constitutions worldwide

• Asserting the rights of children to be free of religious indoctrination

• Rational solutions to global problems based on international cooperation

• Seeking agreement to provide an international price on carbon

We stand against:

• Unilateral pre-emptive military action

• The policy of any country that seeks to promote a sectarian religious agenda

• Policies based on the presumption of religious superiority

• Theocracies of any kind, be they Judaic, Christian or Islamic

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was unlawful, and as such, a strategic blunder. Upholding international law is necessary for the advancement of global society. Islamic terrorism is a significant problem, but many of the most egregious acts in the so called 'war on terror' are also a travesty of justice.

The world faces an unprecedented set of problems, including global warming, resource depletion, overpopulation and on-going economic and financial crises. We do not need religious conflict as well. It is urgently necessary that secular values and rational modes of thought be advocated, defended, and secular policies adopted worldwide.

The core problem in the Middle East will never be resolved until all sides agree to put aside their religious claims to territory, claims that are derived from mythology rather than legitimate rights. The Main Street Party advocates for Israel and Palestine what is in fact the only possible long-term solution - a unified secular state, where all have equal rights and no-one has any entitlements to impose or infringe upon the rights of others based on their religious belief or allegiance.

Such issues are a distraction from other urgent issues such as global warming. Rational action is needed at a global level. The amount of coal burnt annually in power plants must be severely reduced, and this will require the massive global deployment of all forms of non-fossil fuel electricity generation, including nuclear. The Main Street Party advocates that this be funded by the introduction of an international tax on the use of carbon fuel.



About Religion

The Main Street Party’s views on religion

The Main Street Party is not anti-religion in the sense that we believe that people should be free to indulge their beliefs, provided they do not infringe the rights of others. We support freedom of religion. We also recognize that, as with any freedom, there are inevitable limitations that must be applied to this freedom in support of the public good. Where religious practitioners err, we contend, is in presuming that the supposed authenticity of their beliefs gives rise to a right to impose their beliefs on others.

Belief in religion requires faith. Faith is not necessarily a virtue. Beliefs can be tested on the basis of reason and evidence. The Main Street Party reserves the right to question beliefs, in a reasoned manner, as part of the political debate. We concede that in providing psychological consolation and in inspiring charitable works, the practice of belief may be beneficial. We also contend that by invoking needless fear and guilt, in hindering progress, and in fostering social division and violence, religions are on balance harmful to society. We doubt they are necessary. In the 21st century we can aspire to do better.



The Main Street Party seeks a harmonious and peaceful world. It is undeniable that some extremist religious beliefs can cause harm. We contend that it is not wrong to raise questions about the nature of belief, and that in some cases this must be done in order to seek to counter the harm that religions cause.

While in an ideal world we might prefer that all religious practices and freedoms should be conducted in private between consenting adults, we are realistic enough to accept that this will not be achieved. However we certainly think that curtailing government support, endorsement, subsidy and promotion of religion is possible. This is what we advocate.



The Main Street Party Policies:



Education: Education is a right for citizens of this nation. To be an educated nation is to a competitive nation. Whether it private or public, we stress the importance of it and its shaping of the future of our nation. Education must be universal, secular, and free. Privilege has been entrenched and indoctrination encouraged. The seeds of future divisiveness and sectarianism have been sown. We seek to reverse these trends.



The Main Street Party recognizes the good of public education. This is best provided by high quality and inclusive government schools, incorporating teaching based on universal values and principles.



The Main Street Party also supports an adequately funded tertiary education sector. The future economic health of the country depends upon investment in education.





Religion in Schools:

It is the policy of the Main Street Party that Religious Instruction in schools be replaced with studies of comparative religion and ethics. To give the young minds of our nation the ability to decide for themselves and so they can gain a stronger appreciation for other religions.



Tax exemptions for religion:

Religious institutions receive significant advantages in terms of tax exemptions and benefits. At the same time these institutions are largely unaccountable for their receipt and distribution of funds. The policy of the Main Street Party is to end these religious tax exemptions and subsidies. This will benefit the average taxpayer and a level playing field will be provided for all charities.



The Main Street Party supports the setting up of a Charities Commission to supervise the appropriate administration of not-for-profit organizations. The Main Street Party supports the proposal that a public benefit test be applied as a qualification for the granting of tax exemptions for religious organizations. The Main Street Party proposes that the "advancement of religion" is not of itself sufficient to warrant exemptions under the definition of charitable purpose or public benefit.



Oaths and prayers:

Oaths sworn in association with a chosen religious book have legal standing in America. Prayers to a particular deity are used to open congress, courts, council meetings and religious references are made on other ceremonial occasions. The veracity of such oaths and the solemnity of such occasions are not enhanced by such references.

The Main Street Party believes that all citizens should be bound by the same undertaking, irrespective of their religion or non-religion, and that ceremonial references to religious beings are anachronistic, ethnocentric and divisive. It is our policy therefore that affirmations be taken, following which a religious oath may also be sworn upon request. On ceremonial occasions it is our policy that these entail pledges of loyalty to principles, and to the people of America.



“E Pluribus Unum”- Out of Many, One. (National Motto)



Citizenship pledge:

To ensure that new American citizens understand that their primary loyalty must be to America and its values, not their religion, it is the policy of the Main Street Party that there be a uniform Citizenship Pledge, to be used at citizenship ceremonies, as follows:

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."



Food labeling for religious purposes:

Some religious groups would like to see the introduction of religious food certification as part of food labeling standards. It is not the role of the state to authorize standards that are based on arbitrary religious doctrines and which have no relation to public health. The Secular Party is opposed to the introduction of any such standards.

If the company which makes the product chooses to do so, then we have no say.



Marriage:

The Main Street Party believes in equality and that the stipulation that marriage must be between a man and a woman discriminates against same-sex couples. "Marriage is a voluntary union entered into for life by two people to the exclusion of all others”. Anyone is also allowed to divorce their wedded partner.



Personal freedoms :

Personal freedoms should be based on modern secular humanist principles. Only secularism can guarantee religious freedom, and we endorse this freedom. However those who adhere to faith-based morality frequently seek to impose their religious views on the entire population. This occurs in policies concerning areas such as abortion, voluntary euthanasia, stem cell research, drug policy and gay rights.



The Main Street Party believes in equal human rights. Same-sex couples should enjoy the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples, in inheritance, and for all ceremonial, financial, legal and medical purposes. Our policies on issues of high moral content, such as abortion and voluntary euthanasia, favor freedom of choice, and are based on rational assessment of the relevant issues.



Civil rights:

The rights of citizens have been curtailed as a result of the "war on terror". There is a risk that these new laws will produce greater alienation amongst target groups. Citizens therefore need the protection of legislation that protects human rights. Any law seen infringing upon the civil rights of our citizens shall be revoked and replaced with a law that does not discriminate and does not infringe upon those rights.



Women's rights:

The Main Street Party recognizes that equality between men and women is a basic human right. We propose that certain cultural and religious practices that specifically and significantly limit the rights and freedoms of women in America be prohibited in public domain. This includes situations where women are forced or coerced into wearing garments such as burqas, and where the freedom of movement of women is limited or restricted.



Religious attire:

The Main Street Party believes that ideally, expression of religious belief should be a private matter for adults. However we endorse the right of adult individuals to wear clothing of their choice.

The Main Street Party supports a ban on identity hiding-garments or other items, including burqas and motorcycle helmets, in public places where there are legitimate security and/or safety concerns, or where personal identification is required.



The Main Street Party believes that the religious indoctrination of children in schools violates the rights of the child. The requirement, whether by parents or schools, that children wear religious attire, is a form of indoctrination. The Main Street Party therefore opposes this practice. It is the policy of the Main Street Party that all forms of religious attire be prohibited in all schools.



Anti-discrimination laws:

Anti-discrimination laws that have been enacted in America make exceptions on the grounds of religion. The Main Street Party sees it as unjust that religious groups can legally discriminate against others. We propose that these loopholes be removed from anti-discrimination laws.

One law for all: The rule of law is best upheld and universal human rights are best protected by having laws that apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of culture or religion. Any legal recognition of Islamic Sharia law or Native American traditional law is a violation of this principle. It is therefore the policy of the Main Street Party that all laws be enacted such that they apply equally to all citizens.

Religious organizations and public health: Hospitals and medical services that are owned by religious organizations often display religious paraphernalia and may be inclined to favor medical practices that are influenced by religious doctrine. The Main Street Party believes that such institutions that are in receipt of public money should not exhibit bias in favor of any religion. It is the policy of the Secular Party that such organizations be required to ensure that no such bias exists.



Censorship:

The Main Street Party supports the right to access legal information and entertainment. Internet censorship is a tool commonly used by tyrannical regimes. It is hypocritical for America to introduce a broad internet censorship scheme which is in principle no different from an authoritarian one.



Economic policy:

The Main Street Party supports the right for free enterprise with limits. If the product is harmful the people must be warned or the product must be removed. Tax loopholes will be closed and everyone will have to pay their fair share of taxes. Business, the elites and the working class will all pay their fair share. The elites and big business will pay more in taxes because to foster growth the small businesses and middle class need lower taxes.



National Defense:

America shall only engage in conflict if it is to prevent a pending attack or if there has been a declaration of war by congress. We shall remove all troops from foreign soil, besides our embassies, so that our national security at home can be strengthened.



International law:

The Main Street Party recognizes that civilization is sustained by the rule of law. Globally, we support the enhancement of the International Criminal Court as a means of dealing with problems, rather than arbitrary superpower intervention. We support the development of international corporate law as a means of addressing adverse transnational corporate behavior.



International secularism:

We recognize that secularism is a principle that has wide application in solving a number of global issues. We support the concept of comprehensive secularism, (as defined by the International Humanist and Ethical Union) which entails not only impartiality between religions and the separation of religion from state institutions, but also the intervention, where necessary, to protect human rights from violation by religious assertions and injunctions.



Israel-Palestine:

The Main Street Party is opposed to theocracies, whether Christian, Islamic or Judaic. A state that preserves privileges to a particular religious, ethnic or national group violates secular principles and universal human rights. The Main Street Party advocates that the only possible long-term solution is one in which all citizens have equal rights.



Global warming:

We recognize global warming as a significant and dire threat to global civilization. To address the problem, global carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced dramatically. Existing "cap and trade" proposals may not achieve anything like the magnitude of reduction required. They may therefore be a counterproductive diversion. The required global emission reductions are equivalent to the global cessation of emissions from coal-fired electricity generation. We need the phased introduction of a carbon tax, nationally and internationally.

All forms of alternative base-load energy production will need to be utilized, including geothermal, tidal and nuclear



Law and order:

The Main Street Party recognizes the need for incarceration to prevent harm, to foster reform and as a deterrent. Revenge should not be a motivation in punishment. The Main Street Party advocates policies that stress rehabilitation, crime prevention and harm minimization. We seek to reduce the extensive prison system for minor offences, such as drug charges.



Medical research:

The Main Street Party endorses all medical research, with appropriate ethical oversight, that benefits humanity. This should not be limited by misguided or religiously inspired "sanctity of life" prohibitions. We do not support research involving animals for purposes such as the development of cosmetics.

Health: The Main Street Party recognizes the need for health services to be accessible and affordable for all citizens, including dental care and prescription medicines. We recognize that multiple funding streams, together with the burden of oversight means that private health insurance, and particularly public subsidies for private health care, are an additional inefficient burden, and should be removed.

We further recognize cost shifting and perverse incentives through the tension between State and Federal Governments as a major problem in providing adequate funding. The single payer system seems to be the best bet to ensure that all of our citizens receive coverage.



Intellectual property:

The Main Street Party recognizes that intellectual property rights protect the interests of creators and provide incentives for innovation; however, property rights should not be derived from non-creative findings. Indigenous communities should maintain ownership of innovations derived from their custodial knowledge, and patents derived from the human genome - the custodial property of us all - should be limited.

Recognizing that such rights are a reciprocal arrangement, and the need for ideas to return to the public domain, our policy is that copyright not be extended to more than 50 years after the author's or creator's death

Intellectual property rights should not subvert long-held understandings about what "ownership" means - they should not limit an owner's freedom to use and copy purchased items on a continued, private and non-commercial basis.



Welfare:

The Main Street Party recognizes that those who have become marginalized in society, such as drug users, criminals and the mentally ill, need support and fair treatment. Our view is that unwarranted cuts to services, that push responsibilities back to families or others, merely create further problems. Our policy is to provide incentives for individuals and companies to support individuals in need.

The Main Street Party recognizes the crisis in housing affordability. We recognize the need for Government intervention, including the need for the provision of public housing.



Children:

The Main Street Party believes that the UN International Convention on the Rights of the Child should be enshrined in legislation so that children receive fair and equitable treatment, without being taken advantage of or being abused. We endorse institutions that support and educate parents in parenting issues including preschools, schools and other organizations that support the family.



Immigration and Population :

The Main Street Party deplores xenophobic attempts to demonize refugees and asylum seekers. We support continuation of an immigration program that is both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable, and which provides sufficient allowance for our humanitarian obligations. We note that migrants to America must agree to respect certain values, including the equality of men and women, as part of the American Values Statement in the immigration application form. It is the policy of the Main Street Party to consider means by which migrants may be required to respect these values that they have already agreed to.



Cannabis:

We fully condone the legalization of cannabis for its medicinal, manufacturing and social benefits. Taxation is a must as it is in the same realm as alcohol and cigarettes. For manufacturing purposes the taxes levied will significantly lower than cannabis that is produced for consumer consumption.







