The following is a draft project of 21st Century Restoration. It will be on-going. Your suggestions are not only welcome, they are solicited. REMEMBER, comments and subscription here are FREE and welcomed from all readers.
Some of you have asked about the title of the blog. The “restoration” referred to is a restoration of the revolutionary ideals of 1776 and, with sincere respect to our French brothers and sisters, 1789. In other words, the restoration of democratic republicanism: a representative system in which sovereignty resides in the collective citizenry.
For those who just fell off the American cabbage truck, this is the moment to bear in mind that you live in a plutocracy, not a republic.
The short version of the “restoration” alluded to here would be "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" in the French language or in English “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.” The American version is “Liberty and Justice for All,” the phrase at the end of the never-realized indoctrination … errrr … Pledge of Allegiance drilled into every child and citizen (perhaps more on this at another time).
Everyone seems aware that the country needs a new political party and a new political movement. Yet few seem to know what that might be. So here are some proposals for your consideration. Again, this is a draft platform. Readers are welcome to offer criticisms or suggestions.
DRAFT POLITICAL PLATFORM OF 21ST CENTURY RESTORATION:
Universal compulsory public service with non-military and military options; three years to be served after graduation from secondary education. Full room, board, and nominal salary provided.
Universal, compulsory, secular public education: grades 1-12.
Public banking.
Progressive taxation at a scale much higher than at present on the upper end, elimination of shelters, loopholes, and a ban on evasion by offshore holding.
No overseas wars whatsoever - defensive militarism only. Rescind all NSC orders to the contrary including the Monroe and Carter Doctrines.
Bill of Rights. Adherence to the existing 10 and subsequent amendments.
No executive orders without legislative review. At most a SHORT time-leash.
Adherence to the Geneva Conventions.
Term limits and rotation to the Supreme Court and abolition of judicial review on constitutional issues. No such power is enumerated in the Constitution of the United States. This power was appropriated by the SCOTUS.
Restore nuclear disarmament and missile treaties.
Permanently rescind AUMF.
Absolute demilitarization of space as a prelude to demilitarization on earth. “On earth as it is in heaven.”
Sharply weaken the unitary executive.
Single payer health system.
100% free public education through grade 12 and through graduate level for all who qualify.
Recission of “corporate personhood,” reinstatement of the inheritance tax at a confiscatory level (95%?) over a million dollars adjusted annually for inflation, and a minimum 15% tax on all corporate profits above $500,000.00 US per annum.
In "Agrarian Justice," Paine indicated his general acceptance of the Physiocratic call for the public capture of the rent of land. Turgot, a leading Physiocrat, argued that rent, being societally-created, was an "impot unique" and, if captured, would eliminate the need for actual taxation. This became the message of Henry George in the late 19th century. For the last forty plus years, I have worked alongside others in the U.S. and elsewhere to educate the public on the wisdom of this systemic reform. In practical terms, this battle has been fought at the local level to convince governments and school districts to adopt a two-rate form of real estate taxation that can eventually collect public revenue from the value of land only.
The prospect of eliminating all taxation but that on the potential rental value of land and other natural assets is, sadly, quite low. Therefore, I support a progressive tax on incomes, based on the fact that most income at the highest levels is DERIVED from rent-seeking privileges under law rather than EARNED producing goods or needed services. The structure I propose combines simplification with the capture of rent-derived income. All income from whatever source is reported. Individual incomes up to the national median to be exempt. No other exemptions or deductions permitted. Above the exempt level, an increasing rate of taxation to be applied to higher ranges of income.
Addendum: The $1Million confiscatory inheritance tax on 95% is way too aggressive, Perhaps on estates over say $50M would make more sense. $1M doesn't buy much anymore in populous areas.