Republican Party
Party History and Philosophy:
In 1854, a small group of abolitionists gathered to "fight the expansion of slavery, and they gave birth to a party dedicated to freedom and equal opportunity." (“History Of the GOP”). The name "Republican" was chosen on the basis of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican Party portraying allegiance to the rights and principals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The party was formally organized in July 1854 by anti-slavery activists at a convention in Jackson, Minnesota.
In 1856, the first Republican National Convention took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "And it was no accident that... [was] where the Constitution was written." ("History Of the GOP"). The economic policies established by the GOP (Grand Old Party) are "low money, sound taxes, regulatory restraint." ("History Of the GOP").
Theodore Roosevelt is commonly associated with the party's ecological beliefs, however, the party is proud to admit that their commitment to the environment is traced back to the world's first national park, Yellowstone, established during Ulysses Grant's administration.
Another self-praise of the Republican's is Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush leading our country over Soviet tyranny and George W. Bush maintaining the military and fighting against international terrorism.
Finally, today's Republican's believe individual's should make greater decisions than the government; all people are entitled to equal rights and decisions "are best made close to home" ("History Of the GOP").
Republican Timeline:
Information found at : History Of the GOP
In 1854, a small group of abolitionists gathered to "fight the expansion of slavery, and they gave birth to a party dedicated to freedom and equal opportunity." (“History Of the GOP”). The name "Republican" was chosen on the basis of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican Party portraying allegiance to the rights and principals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The party was formally organized in July 1854 by anti-slavery activists at a convention in Jackson, Minnesota.
In 1856, the first Republican National Convention took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "And it was no accident that... [was] where the Constitution was written." ("History Of the GOP"). The economic policies established by the GOP (Grand Old Party) are "low money, sound taxes, regulatory restraint." ("History Of the GOP").
Theodore Roosevelt is commonly associated with the party's ecological beliefs, however, the party is proud to admit that their commitment to the environment is traced back to the world's first national park, Yellowstone, established during Ulysses Grant's administration.
Another self-praise of the Republican's is Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush leading our country over Soviet tyranny and George W. Bush maintaining the military and fighting against international terrorism.
Finally, today's Republican's believe individual's should make greater decisions than the government; all people are entitled to equal rights and decisions "are best made close to home" ("History Of the GOP").
Republican Timeline:
- March 20, 1854 : First Republican Party meeting in Ripon, Wisconsin
- January 1, 1863 : President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation
- January 31, 1865 : Passes the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery
- January 13, 1866 : With unanimous Republican support, Congress passes the 14th Amendment
- March 1, 1872 : Established Yellowstone as first national park.
- December 9, 1872 : First African - American governor, Pinckney Pinchback, inaugurated.
- April 2, 1917 : First woman in Congress, Jeannette Rankin, sworn in.
- May 21, 1919 : Passes the 19th Amendment.
- June 2, 1924 : President Calvin Coolidge grants citizenship to Native Americans.
- December 7, 1928 : First Hispanic U.S. Senator, Octaviano Larrazolo, sworn in.
- January 3, 1949 : Margaret Chase Smith becomes first woman to serve in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- May 17, 1954 : Brown v Board of Education strikes down racial segregation in public schools; majority decision written by Chief Justice Earl Warren, former governor and vice president nominee.
- September 9, 1957 : President Dwight Eisenhower signs the 1957 Civil Rights Act.
- August 21, 1959 : First African-American U.S. Senator, Hiram Fong, is seated.
- June 10, 1964 : Senate passes the 1964 Civil Rights Act when the Republican leader, Everett Dirksen, defeats Democrat filibuster.
- September 25, 1981 : Sandra Day O'Connor, appointed by Ronald Reagan, becomes first woman on the Supreme Court.
- June 12, 1987 : President Ronald Reagan calls for liberation Of East Europeans from Communism with "Tear Down the Wall" speech.
Information found at : History Of the GOP
Logo and History:
Thomas Nast, a cartoonist, created the Republican's elephant symbol. In a cartoon displayed in Harper's Weekly in 1874, Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion's skin, scaring away all other animals. The elephant in the cartoon was labeled "The Republican Vote" and from that point on was associated with the Republican party. The elephant, to the Republican's, is a symbol of strength and dignity.
Thomas Nast, a cartoonist, created the Republican's elephant symbol. In a cartoon displayed in Harper's Weekly in 1874, Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion's skin, scaring away all other animals. The elephant in the cartoon was labeled "The Republican Vote" and from that point on was associated with the Republican party. The elephant, to the Republican's, is a symbol of strength and dignity.
Democratic Party
Party History and Philosophy:
The Democratic National Committee was created during the Democratic National Convention in 1848. The party itself has gone through a lot of changes since the beginnings of it's existence. During the 19th century, the party supported or tolerated slavery and opposed civil rights movements. However, by the 20th century, the party went through a drastic ideological reform reinvented itself as a party supporting organized labor, the civil rights of minority's, and progressive reform. Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the party has tended to favor greater government inclusion with the economy but less with private affairs of the citizens.
The roots of the party can be traced back to 1792, when the followers of Thomas Jefferson adopted the name Republican to emphasize their anti-monarch views. "The Federalists called Jefferson's faction the Democratic-Republican Party in attempt to identify it with the disorder spawned by the "radical democrats" of the French Revolution in 1789. After the Federalist John Adams was elected president in 1796, the Republican Party served as the country's first opposition party, and in 1798 the Republicans adopted the derisive Democratic-Republican label as their official name." (“Democratic Party | Political Party, United States.”). By 1820, the Federalist Party faded from national politics, leaving the Democratic-Republican's as the country's sole major party. During this time, new states entered the union, voting laws were relaxed, and several states passed legislation that provided for the direct election of presidential electors by voters.
These changes are what split the Democratic-Republican's into factions, each nominating their own candidate in the election of 1824. Adams and Jackson being the two candidates, Adam's supporters called themselves National Republicans and Jackson's calling themselves Democrats (or Jacksonian Democrats).
From 1828 to 1856, the Democrats won all but two presidential elections (1840 and 1848). During the 1840's and 1850's, however, the Democratic Party, as it's official name since 1844, suffered with internal conflicts on the issues involving slavery. "Southern Democrats, led by Jefferson Davis, wanted to allow slavery in all the territories, while Northern Democrats, led by Stephen A. Douglas, proposed that each territory should decide the question for itself through referendum. The issue split the Democrats at their 1860 presidential convention, where Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckenridge and Northern Democrats nominated Douglas. The 1860 election also included John Bell, the nominee of the Constitutional Union Party, and Abraham Lincoln, the candidate of the newly established (1854) antislavery Republican Party (which was unrelated to Jefferson's Republican Party of decades earlier). With the Democrats hoplessly split, Lincoln was elected president with only about 40 percent of the national vote; in contrast, Douglas and Breckenridge won 29 percent and 18 percent of the vote, respectively." (“Democratic Party | Political Party, United States.”).
The 1860 election is regarded as the nation's first "three party" election and established the Democratic and Republican Parties as the two essential parties of the two-party system. "In federal elections from the 1870's to the 1890's, the parties were in rough balance - except in the South, where the Democrats dominated because most blamed the Republican Party for both the American Civil War and the Reconstruction that followed; the two parties controlled Congress for almost equal periods through the rest of the 19th century, though the Democratic Party held the presidency only during the two terms of Grover Cleveland" (“Democratic Party | Political Party, United States.”).
In 1896, the Democrats split drastically over the free-silver and the Populist program of William Jennings Bryan. From then on (1896) to 1932, the Democrats only held the presidency during the two terms of Woodrow Wilson. "Wilson championed various progressive economic reforms, including the breaking up of business monopolies and broader federal regulation of banking and industry. Although he led the United States into World War I to make the world "safe for democracy," Wilson's brand of idealism and internationalism proved less attractive to voters during the spectacular prosperity of the 1920's than the Republicans' frank embrace of big business." (“Democratic Party | Political Party, United States.”).
Franklin D. Roosevelt reignited the Democratic Party throughout the country through his New Deal social programs, such as social security and minimum wage. "Roosevelt forged a broad coalition - including small farmers, Northern city dwellers, organized labour, European immigrants, liberals, intellectuals, and reformers" (“Democratic Party | Political Party, United States.”).
The next Democratic president to win over the heart of the country was John F. Kennedy, championing for civil rights and desegregation. The following democratic presidents go as follows:
- Lyndon Baines Johnson (1963-1969)
- James (Jimmy) Earl Carter, Jr. (1977-1981)
- William (Bill) Jefferson Clinton (1993-2001)
- Barack Obama (2009-present)
The modern Democratic party supports "a strong federal government with powers to regulate business and industry in the public interest; federally financed social services and benefits for the poor, the unemployed, the aged, and other groups; and the protection of civil rights. Most Democrats also endorse a strong separation of church and state, and they generally oppose government regulation of the private, non economic lives of citizens. Regarding foreign policy, Democrats tend to prefer internationalism and multilateralism - i.e., the execution of foreign policy through international institutions such as the United Nations - over isolationism and unilateralism. However, because the party is highly decentralized, it encompasses a wide variety of opinion on certain issues. Although most Democrats favor affirmative action and gun control, for example, some moderate and conservative Democrats oppose those policies or give them only qualified support." (“Democratic Party | Political Party, United States.”).
Democratic Timeline:
- 1920's : 19th Amendment: Women's Suffrage. Under the leadership of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, the U.S. constitution was amended to grant women the right to vote.
- 1933 : Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected and expected to end the Great Depression.
- Offered American's a New Deal that put people back to work, stabilized farm prices, and brought electricity to rural homes and communities.
- 1935 : Social Security Act
- Enacted under FDR and provides assistance to retirees, the unemployed, widows, and orphans.
- 1944 : FDR signed the GI Bill - a historic measure that provided unprecedented benefits for soldiers returning from World War II, including low-cost mortgage, loans to start a business, and tuition and living expenses for those seeking a higher education.
- Harry Truman helped rebuild Europe after World War II with the Marshall Plan and oversaw the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. By integrating the military, President Truman helped to bring down the barriers of race and gender and pave the way for civil rights advances in the future.
- 1960's : President Kennedy dared American to put a man on the moon, created the Peace Corps, and negotiated a treaty banning atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons.
- 1964 : Civil Rights Act : Piece of legislation that outlawed major forms of discrimination against African Americans and women and prohibited racial segregation. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, it ended unequal voting requirements and segregated schools, workplaces, and public facilities.
- President Johnson's enactment of Medicare was a watershed moment in America's history that refined our country's commitment to senior citizens - offering a promise to all Americans have the right to a healthy retirement.
- 1976 : In the wake of the Watergate scandal with Nixon, Americans elected Jimmy Carter to restore dignity in the White House. He created the Departments of Education and Energy and helped to forge a lasting peace between Israel and Egypt.
- 1992 : Election of Bill Clinton.
- Balanced the budget
- Helped the economy add 23 million jobs
- Oversaw the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in history
- 2008 : Election of Barack Obama.
- Reformed health care system and extended health insurance to 32 million Americans
- 2010 : Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act
- President Obama and Democrats passed comprehensible health reform into law in March 2010.
- The Affordable Health Care Act will hold insurance companies accountable, lower costs, expand coverage, and improve care for all Americans.
Logo and History:
The donkey corresponding with the Democratic Party was first associated with Andrew Jackson and his presidential campaign in 1928. His opponents calling him a synonym for donkey and Jackson decided to take the name and turn it around into a campaign booster. He used the animal, declaring it to be strong-willed. Later, Thomas Nast, the same cartoonist who assigned the elephant with the Republicans, used the Donkey for the Democrat's; thus emphasizing it's relevance to the party. Now, many individual's of the party see the animal as a symbol of intelligence and bravery.
The donkey corresponding with the Democratic Party was first associated with Andrew Jackson and his presidential campaign in 1928. His opponents calling him a synonym for donkey and Jackson decided to take the name and turn it around into a campaign booster. He used the animal, declaring it to be strong-willed. Later, Thomas Nast, the same cartoonist who assigned the elephant with the Republicans, used the Donkey for the Democrat's; thus emphasizing it's relevance to the party. Now, many individual's of the party see the animal as a symbol of intelligence and bravery.
Green Party
Logo and History:
The Greens/Green Party USA symbol itself is the earth with flower petals around it. The symbolism of it, however, is rooted in the Sunflower. In the language of flowers, Sunflowers represent pure and lofty thoughts.
The Green Party of the United States, the planet is shown blooming within a flower, giving the idea of birth and growth while incorporating Earth, thus environmentalism.
Party History and Philosophy:
In August 1984, 62 people came together in St.Paul, Minnesota on campus of Macalester College, to found the United States' first Green organization, the Green Committees of Correspondence. "Several people thought we needed to work towards an independent political process, though many others argued third parties are a dead end." noted the St.Paul report, indicating the "split" between movement and party, activist and ballot box oriented. The GCoC emphasized activism, education, and community organizing over electoral politics. The early Greens envisioned a radical, overall change in American society; not just reforms but a solid movement. "Two opposed images of reality struggle for acceptance today. One is the world of happy, wealthy, zestful consumers, projected daily from corporate controlled TV screens. The other is the violence, emotional isolation, job insecurity, environmental pollution, global climate change, and resource depletion we experience-either directly or indirectly-in our actual lives. More than anything else, the Green movement is a movement to help people recognize the falseness of the first image. Once this has happened, people will begin more and more to work together to change reality to become the kind of world they really want it to be." ("The Greens/Green Party USA").
There are two Green parties in the U.S. today. In fact, the first, Greens/Green Party USA, traces back to 1984 while the second, the Green Party of the United States was initiated in 1996. The Greens/ Green Party USA reaffirmed it's commitment to the mission of the orignial American Greens, long-term activist organizing for true democracy and a Green society. Both parties however, have very common and similar goals. "As the global ecology continues to deteriorate, the gulf between rich and poor widens, and the US government settles into what appears will be a permanent militarized economy, Greens everywhere will face fundamental questions about how to proceed, as ordinary (non-activist) citizen." ("The Green/Green Party USA"). The principals and important values of the Green Party are : Ecology, Social Justice, Grassroots Democracy, and Nonviolence.
Green Party Timeline:
Green Party Values:
1. Grassroots Democracy
Everyone deserves a say in the decisions that affect them, therefore, Green Party intends to increase participation at every level of Government and to ensure the public representatives are held accountable once elected.
2. Ecological Wisdom
Human beings must realize they are part of nature, not separate or above. Wanting to keep an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of the planet, Green Party supports a sustainable society. "To this end we must have agricultural practices that replenish the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems." ("The Greens/Green Party USA").
3. Social Justice and Equal Opportunity
Everyone deserves to be treated equally and have equal opportunity to benefit from resources afforded by society and the environment. Green Party advocates consciously confronting ourselves, organizations and society to degrade the barriers of racism, class oppression, sexism, ageism, and disability.
4. Nonviolence
It is essential to the nation to develop effective alternatives to current patterns of violence. Green party favors demilitarization of society and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about the intentions of other governments. Global peace would be achieved if alternate solutions were solved through non-violent methods.
5. Decentralization
Centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. Green party supports restructuring of social, political, and economic institutions away from a system that is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few, to a less bureaucratic system.
6. Community Based Economics
Crucial to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system, one that can create jobs and a decent standard of living, while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. Support for independently owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as well as co-operated and public enterprises that spread our resources and control to more people through democratic participation.
7. Feminism
Call for the replacement of cultural ethics of domination and control, with more cooperative ways of interacting which respect differences of opinion and gender. Human values such as equality between the sexes, interpersonal responsibility, and honesty must be developed with moral conscience.
8. Respect for Diversity
It is important to value and appreciate cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious, and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development of respectful relationships across these lines.
9. Personal and Global Responsibility
Encourage individuals to improve personal well being and enhance ecological balance and social harmony.
10. Future Focus and Sustainability
Seek to protect valuable resources, safely disposing of or "unmaking" all waste created, while developing a sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. Overall goal is to not just survive, but share lives worth living. Encourage everyone to to see the dignity and intrinsic worth in all life, take time to appreciate themselves, and their community of the world around them.
19 Issues Green Party Wishes to Address:
In August 1984, 62 people came together in St.Paul, Minnesota on campus of Macalester College, to found the United States' first Green organization, the Green Committees of Correspondence. "Several people thought we needed to work towards an independent political process, though many others argued third parties are a dead end." noted the St.Paul report, indicating the "split" between movement and party, activist and ballot box oriented. The GCoC emphasized activism, education, and community organizing over electoral politics. The early Greens envisioned a radical, overall change in American society; not just reforms but a solid movement. "Two opposed images of reality struggle for acceptance today. One is the world of happy, wealthy, zestful consumers, projected daily from corporate controlled TV screens. The other is the violence, emotional isolation, job insecurity, environmental pollution, global climate change, and resource depletion we experience-either directly or indirectly-in our actual lives. More than anything else, the Green movement is a movement to help people recognize the falseness of the first image. Once this has happened, people will begin more and more to work together to change reality to become the kind of world they really want it to be." ("The Greens/Green Party USA").
There are two Green parties in the U.S. today. In fact, the first, Greens/Green Party USA, traces back to 1984 while the second, the Green Party of the United States was initiated in 1996. The Greens/ Green Party USA reaffirmed it's commitment to the mission of the orignial American Greens, long-term activist organizing for true democracy and a Green society. Both parties however, have very common and similar goals. "As the global ecology continues to deteriorate, the gulf between rich and poor widens, and the US government settles into what appears will be a permanent militarized economy, Greens everywhere will face fundamental questions about how to proceed, as ordinary (non-activist) citizen." ("The Green/Green Party USA"). The principals and important values of the Green Party are : Ecology, Social Justice, Grassroots Democracy, and Nonviolence.
Green Party Timeline:
- 1990's : Some members were getting impatient with GCoC's lack of quick reform, rather, the committee practiced radical, slow, long-term organizing. This lead to Greens demanding for immediate creation of state Green parties and even a national Green party.
- Due to the two ideologies, the GCoC divided into two factions. "One, a movement faction, supported the GCoC's orignial strategy and activisim and community organizing; the other, a party faction, called for a turn for electoral politics." ("The Greens/Green Party USA").
- 1991 : The GCoC's name changed, to avoid conflict between the two groups, to the Greens/Green Party USA.
- This meant that the Greens would remain an activist (movement) party based on dues paying members, but that it would include a place for the affiliation of state Green Parties.
- 1996 : Several state Green Parties formed the Association of State Green Parties (NASGP) outside the Greens/Green Party USA.
- 2000 : Ralph Nader was nominated by the NASGP as a green presidential candidate.
- July 2001 : The NAGSP changed it's name to the Green Party of the United States (GPUS).
1. Grassroots Democracy
Everyone deserves a say in the decisions that affect them, therefore, Green Party intends to increase participation at every level of Government and to ensure the public representatives are held accountable once elected.
2. Ecological Wisdom
Human beings must realize they are part of nature, not separate or above. Wanting to keep an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of the planet, Green Party supports a sustainable society. "To this end we must have agricultural practices that replenish the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems." ("The Greens/Green Party USA").
3. Social Justice and Equal Opportunity
Everyone deserves to be treated equally and have equal opportunity to benefit from resources afforded by society and the environment. Green Party advocates consciously confronting ourselves, organizations and society to degrade the barriers of racism, class oppression, sexism, ageism, and disability.
4. Nonviolence
It is essential to the nation to develop effective alternatives to current patterns of violence. Green party favors demilitarization of society and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about the intentions of other governments. Global peace would be achieved if alternate solutions were solved through non-violent methods.
5. Decentralization
Centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. Green party supports restructuring of social, political, and economic institutions away from a system that is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few, to a less bureaucratic system.
6. Community Based Economics
Crucial to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system, one that can create jobs and a decent standard of living, while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. Support for independently owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as well as co-operated and public enterprises that spread our resources and control to more people through democratic participation.
7. Feminism
Call for the replacement of cultural ethics of domination and control, with more cooperative ways of interacting which respect differences of opinion and gender. Human values such as equality between the sexes, interpersonal responsibility, and honesty must be developed with moral conscience.
8. Respect for Diversity
It is important to value and appreciate cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious, and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development of respectful relationships across these lines.
9. Personal and Global Responsibility
Encourage individuals to improve personal well being and enhance ecological balance and social harmony.
10. Future Focus and Sustainability
Seek to protect valuable resources, safely disposing of or "unmaking" all waste created, while developing a sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. Overall goal is to not just survive, but share lives worth living. Encourage everyone to to see the dignity and intrinsic worth in all life, take time to appreciate themselves, and their community of the world around them.
19 Issues Green Party Wishes to Address:
- Energy
- Forest and Forestry
- Life Forms
- Materials Use and Waste Management
- Water/Air
- General Economic Analysis
- Finance
- Land Use
- Politics
- Social Justice
- Eco-Philosophy
- Spirituality
- Education
- Food and Agriculture
- Health
- Peace and Non-violence
- Community
- Organizing
- Strategy
Logo and History:
The Greens/Green Party USA symbol itself is the earth with flower petals around it. The symbolism of it, however, is rooted in the Sunflower. In the language of flowers, Sunflowers represent pure and lofty thoughts.
The Green Party of the United States, the planet is shown blooming within a flower, giving the idea of birth and growth while incorporating Earth, thus environmentalism.
 |
| The Greens/Green Party USA |
 |
| Green Party of the United States |
Socialist Party
Party History and Philosophy:
The Social Democracy in America was founded by Eugene V. Debs from the remaining American Railway Union and the Brotherhood of the Corporation Commonwealth in 1857. The party strives to establish a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control. "A non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society, in which people cooperate at home, work, and in the community." ("SOCIALIST PARTY USA"). The Socialist party believes they are a new social and economic order where works and consumers control production and citizens control their neighborhoods, schools, and homes. The production of society is supposed to benefit all, not merely one; thus, socialism produces a constantly renewed future by not thieving all the resources of the planet. The Socialist Party promotes casting off the oppressing systems of people-i.e., capitalism and authoritarian statist systems-in order to build a new society. Essentially, the socialists want to incorporate a radical and fundamental change in the structure and quality of economic, political, and personal relations; to build off these ideas, there needs to be a "widespread understanding and participation, and will not be achieved by an elite working 'on behalf' of the people. The working class is in a key and central position to fight back against the ruling capitalist class and its power. The working class is the major force worldwide that can lead the way to a socialist future" ("SOCIALIST PARTY USA").
In contrast to the Republican and Democratic parties, the Socialist Party has an underlying philosophy that is both coherent and radical. Coherent in that members of the socialist party differ on the details but follow the same principles. Socialists believe that the problems facing the nation at the moment - environmental despoliation, waste of the public resources for private profit, persistent unemployment concentrated concentrated among women and radical minorities, and the distributional consistency among the wealthy in power and income- are capitalist systems. Which is why Socialists differ slightly from liberals, in that socialists want to completely transform society; socialists support production for use rather than profit, extension of democracy from politics to the economy, defend civil liberties, workers' internationalism, opposition of militarism and war, socialist-feminism, the struggle against racism, and an international third force.
Socialist Society:
Logo and History:
The Socialist party logo has the inclusive circle with the hands clasped of people with two different ethnicities which represents the party's social unity and equity. The planet is displayed, although not centered on the United States seeing as the United States is not the only country to have the Socialist party.
The Social Democracy in America was founded by Eugene V. Debs from the remaining American Railway Union and the Brotherhood of the Corporation Commonwealth in 1857. The party strives to establish a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control. "A non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society, in which people cooperate at home, work, and in the community." ("SOCIALIST PARTY USA"). The Socialist party believes they are a new social and economic order where works and consumers control production and citizens control their neighborhoods, schools, and homes. The production of society is supposed to benefit all, not merely one; thus, socialism produces a constantly renewed future by not thieving all the resources of the planet. The Socialist Party promotes casting off the oppressing systems of people-i.e., capitalism and authoritarian statist systems-in order to build a new society. Essentially, the socialists want to incorporate a radical and fundamental change in the structure and quality of economic, political, and personal relations; to build off these ideas, there needs to be a "widespread understanding and participation, and will not be achieved by an elite working 'on behalf' of the people. The working class is in a key and central position to fight back against the ruling capitalist class and its power. The working class is the major force worldwide that can lead the way to a socialist future" ("SOCIALIST PARTY USA").
In contrast to the Republican and Democratic parties, the Socialist Party has an underlying philosophy that is both coherent and radical. Coherent in that members of the socialist party differ on the details but follow the same principles. Socialists believe that the problems facing the nation at the moment - environmental despoliation, waste of the public resources for private profit, persistent unemployment concentrated concentrated among women and radical minorities, and the distributional consistency among the wealthy in power and income- are capitalist systems. Which is why Socialists differ slightly from liberals, in that socialists want to completely transform society; socialists support production for use rather than profit, extension of democracy from politics to the economy, defend civil liberties, workers' internationalism, opposition of militarism and war, socialist-feminism, the struggle against racism, and an international third force.
Socialist Society:
- Freedom and Equality
- Democratic socialism is a political and economic system with equality and freedom for all, in order to fulfill peace and harmony among all.
- The party is committed to full freedom of speech, assembly, press, and religion, and to a multi-party system. With the want for abolition of male supremacy and class society, the Socialist Party wishes to exterminate all forms of oppression on race, national origin, age, sexual orientations, and disabling conditions.
- Production for use, not for Profit
- Allowing the people own and control means of production and distribution through agencies, cooperatives, and collective groups. The focal point is to provide food, shelter, health care, education, child care, cultural opportunities, and social services.
- Full Employment
- Rather than having welfare capitalism, a socialist society would provide work for everyone who wants to.
- Worker and Community Control
- The Socialist Party believes power should reside in worker-managed and cooperative enterprises in order to provide the flexibility and innovation required to create a desired socialist economy.
- Workers would have the right to form unions freely, and to strike and engage in other work options.
- Ecological Harmony
- A socialist society would carefully plan technology to be harmonious with the natural environment. This would include: production of energy, use of scarce resources, land-use, prevention of pollution, and preservation of wildlife.
Socialist Strategy
- Feminism and Women's Liberation
- Socialist feminism confronts the common root of sexism, racism, and classism, thus this strategy is an inclusive way of creating social change.
- Working against the exploitation and oppression of women who live with lower wages, inferior working conditions, and subjective homes, society, and politics.
- Socialism supports the right for women to have a safe and legal abortion, at no cost, regardless of age, race, or circumstance.
- Liberation of Oppressed People
- Bigotry and discriminatory ruling classes exploit, divide and abuse workers. The socialist party works to eliminate this prejudice in all forms. "People of color, lesbians and gays, and other oppressed groups need independent organizations to fight oppression." ("SOCIALIST PARTY USA")
- International Solidarity and Peace
- The socialist party condemns war, preparation for war, and militaristic culture in general because the create havoc among peoples around the world and divert valuable resources.
- International Democracy
- Socialism and democracy go hand-in-hand. The party claims to reject ideology and encourages internal debate. They are strong believers of orientation around principals and development of a common program but leaving philosophies and views of the world to it's individual members.
- Solidarity promotes divergent ways of thinking, which is what the party is founded upon.
- Cultural Freedom
- Socialists work to create opportunities for participation in art and cultural activities, as well as the restoration and preservation of history and culture among minorities and different peoples.
- The Personal as Political
- Socialists regard the distortion of personal life and interpersonal relations as a political matter, thus, encourage personal privacy and enrichment of diversity through culture.
- Electoral Action
- By participating in local government, socialists can support movements of working people and make improvements although being a third and smaller party.
- Democratic Revolution From Below
- A society based on radical democracy requires a socialist transformation from below. "The process of a struggle profoundly shapes the ends achieved. Our tactics in the struggle for radical democratic change reflect our ultimate goal of a society founded in principals of nonviolent relations among people. To be free we must create new patterns of our lives in new ways in the midst of a society that does not understand and is often hostile to new, better modes of life. Our aim is the creation of a new social order, a society in which the commanding value is the infinite preciousness of every man, woman, and child." ("SOCIALIST PARTY USA").
Logo and History:
The Socialist party logo has the inclusive circle with the hands clasped of people with two different ethnicities which represents the party's social unity and equity. The planet is displayed, although not centered on the United States seeing as the United States is not the only country to have the Socialist party.
Libertarian Party
Party History and Philosophy:
The Libertarian Party began in 1971 with a small group of activists in Colorado. Since then, they are said to be the third largest political party in the United States. Libertarian's believe the answer to America's political problems is : a free-market economy and abundance and prosperity it brings; a dedication to civil liberties and personal freedom; and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
Libertarian Timeline:
The Libertarian Party began in 1971 with a small group of activists in Colorado. Since then, they are said to be the third largest political party in the United States. Libertarian's believe the answer to America's political problems is : a free-market economy and abundance and prosperity it brings; a dedication to civil liberties and personal freedom; and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
Libertarian Timeline:
- 1971 : After meeting several times, eight activists decided to form the Libertarian Party.
- 1972 : First national convention held in Denver, Colorado. John Hospers was nominated as presidential candidate. Libertarian Vice President was Tonie Nathan who was the first woman in U.S. history to receive an electoral vote.
- 1976 : Presidential candidate Roger MacBride and running mate David Bergland gain ballots status in 32 states and receive over 170,000 votes.
- 1978 : Ed Clark receives 5 percent of the vote in his race for governor of California.
- Dick Randolph of Alaska becomes the first elected Libertarian state legislator.
- Presidential nominating convention held in Los Angeles.
- Ed Clark and David Koch names presidential and vice presidential candidates.
- Permanent ballot status achieved in California as more than 80,000 voters register Libertarian.
- 1980 - Ed Clark appears on the ballot in all 50 states and DC, and earns almost 1 million votes.
- His campaign runs on national TV ads and offers many Americans their first look at what the Libertarian Party is and what is has to offer.
- At the same time, Dick Randolph is re-elected to the Alaska state legislature.
- 1982 - Louisiana congressional candidate James Agnew receives 23% of the vote. Alaska gubernatorial candidate, Dick Randolph, receives 15% of the vote.
- 1984 - On the ballot in 39 states, David Bergland and Jim Lewis come in third in the race for president for the first time in history. Andre Marrou becomes the third Libertarian elected to the Alaska legislature. 11 other Libertarians are elected nationwide.
- 1986 - 200 candidates across the U.S. receive 2.9 million votes. Ray Cullen, candidate for California Treasurer, gets 570,000 votes, the largest ever for a third-party candidate in the state.
- 1987 - Libertarians sweep the city council rate in Big Water, Utah, winning every seat.
- Ron Paul resigns from the GOP and joins the Libertarian Party.
- Seattle convention nominates Ron Paul for presidet and Andre Marrou for vice president.
- 1988 - Ron Paul, on the ballot in 46 states and the DC, comes in 3rd for the U.S. presidency. He receives more than 430,000 votes - almost twice the total of any other third party candidate.
- 1990 - Approximately 2 million people vote for the LP candidate.
- 1991 - New Hampshire state legislators Cal Warburton and Finlay Rothaus resign from the Republican Party and join the Libertarian Party.
- 1992 - In the New Hampshire primary, Andrew Marrou beats President George Bush in Dixville Notch, the first town to vote in the nation.
- 1993 - LP National Director Stuart Reges testifies before Congress, endorsing legislation to make it easier for third party candidates to appear in presidential debates.
- 1994 - More than 40 Libertarians are elected or appointed, setting a record, and LP activists participate in the successful effort to stop President Clinton's takeover of the nation's health care system.
- 1995 - Membership and voter registrations soar to record levels.
- 1996 - The Libertarian Party becomes the first 3rd party in U.S. history to earn ballot status in all 50 states two presidential elections in a row. The presidential nominating convention in Washingon, D.C., chooses best-selling author Harry Browne, who goes on to win nearly 486,000 votes - the second-best showing in party history.
- 1997 - Another record-setting "off year" election for the party, with 39 Libertarians elected to office in November.
- 1998 - Aftrican-American civil rights leader Roy Innis and talk radio powerhouse Art Bell join the party.
- 1999 - The party breaks new ground in political activism with its Internet-based campaign against the FDIC's proposed bank-spying regulation.
- 2000 - The Anaheim, California, convention again nominates Harry Browne for president and Art Olivier for vice president. They head a tick of 1,436 LP candidates, including 256 candidates for U.S. House. 34 Libertarians are elected.
- 2001 - A record slate in an "off year" election - and a record 76 Libertarians are elected.
- 2002 - A party runs 1,642 candidates for office, the largest slate for third-party candidates since before World War II. More than 3.4 Americans cast at least one Libertarian vote on Election Day.
- 2004 - The Libertarian Party nominates Michael Badnarik for president at the national convention in Atlanta.
- 2005 - The LP offers the American people an Iraq Exit Strategey.
- 2006 - At the Portland national convention the LP votes to consolidate its platform, reducing the number of planks from 61 to 15 in order to reach out to new voters. The Libertarian Leadership School is launched. Libertarians running for U.S. House receive over 650,000 votes.
- 2007 - In the "off year" election, 19 of 98 are elected or re-elected to public office.
- 2008 - The LP nominates former Bob Barr for president at the national convention in Denver.
- 2009 - Throughout the year, 48 Libertarians are elected or re-elected to public office. In Indianapolis, Council member Ed Coleman officially switches his affiliation to Libertarian.
- 2010 - Over 800 Libertarian candidates run for office.
- 2011 - Throughout the year, 31 Libertarians are elected or re-elected to public office. By the end of the year, there are 151 Libertarians holding elected offices.
- 2012 - The LP presidential tickets gets a record of 1,275, 951 votes in November. Six other Libertarian candidates also break the million vote threshold. During the year, 30 Libertarians are elected to office, and by the end of the year, there are 139 Libertarians holding elected oficies.
- 2013 : Throughout the year, 18 Libertarians are elected or re-elected to public office and by the end, there are over 149 Libertarians holding elected offices.
Logo and History:
The Libertarian party prides itself on promoting civil and social liberties, thus, their logo has the statue of liberty as the focal point of the design. The logo was founded at a similar time of the party, in 1971.
The Libertarian party prides itself on promoting civil and social liberties, thus, their logo has the statue of liberty as the focal point of the design. The logo was founded at a similar time of the party, in 1971.
No comments:
Post a Comment