United States | Reform Politics

Essential Information on the Reform Party

The United States of Americas’ Reform Party, also known as RPUSA and Reform Party USA is typically referred to as the Reform Party. This political party was found by Ross Perot in 1995. Ross felt that Americans were basically unaware of state politics being corrupt in addition to not being able to handle essential issues and wanted to create a viable alternative to the Democratic and Republican Parties which resulted in the Reform Party.

The Reform Party nominated candidates such as Ralph Nader who is a liberal, Pat Buchanan who is a conservative, and Ross Perot who is a centrist. The most notable victory of this party came in 1998 when Jesse Ventura was elected the new governor of Minnesota.

Although the reform party is an alternative, it is very important to be knowledgeable about every aspect of our political system. It’s not enough to just belong to a particular party but they should also know something about those they will elect into office and what they stand for. Information about reforming your stance from reformpartyofoklahoma.org can help individuals become aware of just how important it is to know the candidate and not merely practice “straight ticket voting”.

Some of the aspects of the Reform Party platform includes: paying down the federal debt, campaign finance reform, maintaining a balanced budget, opposition to illegal immigration and enforcement of current immigration laws, term limits for senators and U.S. representatives and more. However, social issues are absent from the platform which includes gay rights and abortion. The representatives from this party believe they are unable to bring people together on the gay and abortion issues.

Filed Under: General, Politics Tagged With: Ralph Nader, Ross Perot, United States

Government Agencies Becoming More Transparent

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The U.S. government is encountering issues that are new to many in office, and requiring that modifications be made. Being held accountable is one of the biggest requirements, as many citizens are demanding to see where their money is being spent. This requires the offices to become more transparent and eliminate practices that don’t work. Informational technology improvements are a great way to spend money more wisely, and having to deal with systems that are slow and outdated cause a lot of extra expense and frustration.

Modernization is crucial in staying on the forefront of current technological advances, and while it may seem expensive to make these changes, it will certainly pay off in the end. Government technology is no exception to this, and many offices are making improvements to the technological systems that are used by both consumers and employees. This makes everyone’s job a little easier. It also saves valuable time and money, which makes taxpayers much happier. President Obama has made transparency one of his key goals, emphasizing the relationship between trust in the government and availability of information to citizens. He then asks in return that citizens collaborate with the government to make the process as simple as possible for all involved, whether working with non-profit, private, or public organizations.

Maintaining a sense of transparency is very important to many Americans. Feeling involved in the process of government will help to keep satisfaction with the current political leaders. It also helps prevent corruption in the government, since officials know that their every move is being documented and can be accessed by just about anyone.

Filed Under: Business, General Tagged With: Citizenship, Information technology, United States

How Many Political Parties Are There In America?

Many people who do not know that there are many political parties in the USA. Majority of the folks around the world think that there are only the Democrats and Republicans, so far as the political outlook is concerned. When people come to know about the several political parties in USA with different set of agenda and points of view, they wonder why most of them can not come out as a major power on the political arena.

The major two political parties in USA are the republican and the Democrat. The Democrats are known as the oldest political party in USA. They are considered to be liberal, though lately, they have taken a progressive stand advocating social freedom. The Republicans are thought to be a conservative political party that likes to enforce the traditional values to keep the society on right track.

Then there is the Constitution Party. They too are thought to be a conservative party, favoring anti tax, anti gun control, anti immigration and pro-life policies. There is a party called the Green Party. Their view points are obvious from their name. ‘Save our Planet’ is their mission. There is the Libertarian Party advocating individual rights. Then there is the reformist party. They commit themselves to reform the political system. They work to re-establish trust of the public in the government by electing ethical officials.

Apart from these big ones, there are many smaller parties like the America First Party, American Nazi Party, Freedom Socialist Party, Labor Party, The Light Party, The Prohibition Party, Moderate Party, New Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and Peace and Freedom Party, among others. The Peace and Freedom Party is dedicated to democracy, socialism, feminism, ecology, and racial equality. They stand for the lower or middle class working masses. Their motto is to replace competition with cooperation.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Constitution Party, United States

Democrats Abandon the Fight on Spending

Democrats seemed to have abandoned a fight on spending and said they would extend some government funding on a more temporary basis. The unexpected agreement seemed likely to end a seemingly dangerous game. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid commented that at least nine republicans had agreed to back the bill, however, the support seemed to have disappeared in most recent days.

Since the proposal lacked the votes to advance, but the senate majority leader has said he would agree to the republican proposal that would temporarily extend some government funding. This is the most recent event that may reflect the hefty clout republicans seem to be enjoying after Novembers sweeping victory.

This bill would have given Obama the funding he requested that was to help implement his health care plan and some Wall Street Regulations. It would’ve also provided the resources for many important programs such as the extra engines for the F 35 fighter as well as some of the lesser known resources such as the pet spending projects that were requested by lawmakers.

Some of the sweeping changes may or may not reflect what may be in the future with big changes in the house so recently. However, it seems it should become more and more important to handle the more immediate needs such as Health Care reform, unemployment issues and the many other struggles that Americans have struggled with in the flagging economy.

Until things change, it seems a government will continue to operate on outdated budget that seems to be making it difficult for some of the Federal agencies to cancel many of the outdated programs. Regardless of the impending change in the house climate, Republicans have routinely criticized the democrats are focusing on matters they deem less important, such as the movement to allow gays to serve openly in the military.

Filed Under: News, Politics Tagged With: Harry Reid, Party leaders of the United States Senate, Republican, United States

The Humane Society Says No to Michael Vick

The humane society president has announced that is far too early for Michael Vick to own a dog. Although Michael Vick genuinely seems, or seems to look, terribly contrite, most American pet lovers and pet owners are not quite ready to give him that chance.

Every since the lid was blown off of this scandal, sports enthusiast, pet owners and the general public alike, have found themselves appalled by the nature of some of the crimes committed on the dogs, alive and dead, that were found on Michael Vick’s compound in Virginia near his home town. Although many have lamented the fact that Michael Vick was used to make quite an example of, it seems that none, are entirely willing to lay any sort of innocence to the crimes at his door.

The humane society wants people to understand, that not all cases of animal abuse, are spotlighted so vividly by the media. And that for many who have been previously accused of some form of animal abuse, restricting them from owning pets in the future can sometimes be the only means in which to prevent more abusive tragedies from occurring in the future.

In a recent interview with Michael Vick, he shared that he believed that owning a dog would be a big step for him in the rehabilitation process. He says he wants to show the public, as well as his family, that he has a genuine love and passion for animals.

Since his release from prison in 2009, Michael Vick has worked continuously with the humane society to help fight against animal abuse and to renounce dog fighting itself. Unfortunately for Michael Vick’s family, it looks like they’re going to have to wait for his three year probation period to end, before they can get a family dog.

Filed Under: News, Politics Tagged With: Humane society, Michael Vick, United States, Virginia

Was Government Run Healthcare the Biggest Lie of the Year?

You can pretty much here anywhere you go these days, comments about the questionable government run health care system abound. Some are humorous, some are painful, and yes some are just downright mean. Some critics have said that to use the wording “government takeover” in itself is highly inaccurate. Since the current health care plan highly relies on the existing system of health care which is provided by an employer, the plan doesn’t so much ‘bring us to the table’, but will give us a booster seat if we can get there ourselves.

It seems that direct questions to the President, when allowed, that are related to the new and improved health care system, are quickly shrugged off in favor of another, likely less relevant, topic altogether. There is no number to call, neighbors to fill out, or website to register on just yet and this may be what has some critics a little bit on edge.

It seems like everyone recognizes that there would be a substantial reorganization of the now, relatively small, aspect of the private health insurance market. But many worry that this could constitute an entire government takeover of the American health care system.

Others seem to feel like there is much in the works for the future of America’s health care issues, and are happy to wait patiently while the incredible amount of red tape is sorted out. But everyone, regardless of their economical status, has legitimate concerns about what a government run health care system has to offer.

The idea of ‘death panels’ and other enforced measures, has not now, nor will it ever sit right with the American people. It does seem though that everyone is in agreement that a more user friendly policy is in order for this proposed health care system to ever fully and truly go into effect.

Filed Under: News, Politics Tagged With: Health care, Health care in the United States, Political positions of Sarah Palin, United States

Deciding if you a Republican

Some people have a hard time figuring out which political party they belong to. Some people don’t even know the different between being a republican and being a democrat.

The Republican Party was created in 1854. Many progressives who found their voice in Abraham Lincoln considered it the anti-slavery party. Now members of the Republican Party are known as capitalists and success business people.

This party usually consists of those in middle-class, business or socially conservative people. They tend to believe in having lesser involvement with the government on private matters. Republicans tend to believe that the state has the responsibility of deciding matters within their boarders and the federal government shouldn’t interfere only it involves or affects other states.

If you believe that the government’s main responsibility is to defend this country from foreign invasion, dealing with foreign countries and providing the same standard then you my friend is a Republican.

Republicans believe that “tax-and-spend” is a horrible thing. They have the mind set that the wealthy and larger companies carry a large tax burden. They want the economy to grow and to do that they encourage businesses with tax incentives. They also believe that dealing with the needs of the poor should be handled through private charities because welfare isn’t an issue for the federal government.

If you feel that the government should allow the economy to regular without any support or subsidies from our government. Then you belong to the Republican Party. They usually lean towards laissez-faire capitalism. This pretty much means “leave it be as it is.”

The platform for the Republican Party is where they state their positions on the important issues. This is where they go to discuss education, simpler tax system, tax reform, anti-abortion, anti-gay-marriage and so on.

Just make your choice wisely. After all, once you’ve picked your party, it’s time to vote for whom you feel should be come the next President of the United States.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Abraham Lincoln, Republican, United States

The Reform Party: Beyond Ross Perot

Ross Perot is probably the Reform Party’s most identifiable figure with good reason. While he is credited with starting the movement, he also effectively articulated the Party’s message. His straight talking style cut right to the heart of the issues of the day and resonated with many Americans who were disillusioned with politics.

In 1996 as Perot emerged as a feasible candidate, so too did the movement that became known as the Reform Party. Perot awakened the imagination of Americans who had lost their taste for politics. Many people felt that important issues that affected them directly were not being addressed.

While the Reform Party of today certainly cannot be written off, it has gone through many changes. Initially Ross Perot’s message was so powerful, that Republicans adopted some his expressed concerns in its Contract With America. Despite its initially unified presence, splits in the Reform Party soon became evident.

The Reform Party’s viability as a political organization was boosted by Jesse Ventura’s win in 1998. Since then it has been racked by infighting which has somewhat diminished its luster in the public eye. Despite this, the Party has continued to grow, attracting not only new volunteers but also candidates.

The Party has been helped in part by a return to its initial agenda at its convention in 2002. Many feel that the Reform Party has been operating under the huge shadow cast by its founder Ross Perot. In fact, some detractors feel that this has largely restricted the party’s attempts to pose a serious challenge to the established political order. Perot for his part has stayed out of internal squabbles.

The Party remains active in politics and maintains its position on sensitive social issues. Some attribute the success of the Tea Party and similar movements to the efforts of the Reform Party. There is no doubt that the Party has a place in American politics.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Republican, Ross Perot, United States

Lifting the Veil of the Reform Party

Having lodged just one win with Jesse Ventura’s Governor’s race in 1998, it might seem like the Reform Party is fading from the American Consciousness. Reports of internal squabbles within the Party certainly have not helped. Still, the party, and other movements like it have continued to attract Americans fed up with politics that is seen as run of the mill.

The dominance of the Democrats and Republicans of American politics often overshadows less mainstream parties. There is still a significant segment of society that does not understand the principles, or indeed the politics of the Reform Party. A number of active state affiliates are seeking to return the Reform Party to its original objectives.

The Reform Party has made its rather centrist approach no secret in politics. One clearly stated objective of the Party has always been to bring together people from both sides of the political divide. This may explain its reluctance to be mired in what are considered value oriented issues. Groups that embrace social conservatism may chafe at the idea of adopting the Reform Party principles in this context.

Each election year both Democrats and Republicans make every effort to court independent voters. Their support can often mean the difference between success and defeat at the polls. Additionally, they can swing either way, depending on pressing issues like the National Debt and the state of the economy. Some pundits see this as pointing to the continued relevance of the Reform Party.

Some affiliates like those in Oklahoma and Texas continue to push their agenda for political reform. Issues at the top of its platform include term limits of US representatives and delivering a balanced budget. Websites for various affiliates have helped to extend the reach of the Party and help to deliver its message to a wider cross section of society. In time, the message may find greater traction among an increasingly disillusioned population.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Politics, Republican, United States