A platform for our future

Most citizens somewhat to the right or to the left of center respect the central role that religion plays in so many of our lives and in our society. We demand a just society, with safe cities and towns, and more opportunity for a well educated, well prepared workforce (at all levels). We understand the importance of American leadership in science, in technology and in business, including advanced design and manufacturing, and we know that innovation leads to more and better jobs. 

We are likely to believe in the vital importance of the Arts to assure a well rounded, vibrant and creative society. We understand the critical role played by America’s infrastructure, and understand how important it is to maintain and to improve our roads and bridges, water ways and water resources, and produce cleaner energy while meeting long term energy demand.

We understand the importance of a strong national defense to protect our vital interests and to defeat those enemies that seek to destroy America. We understand the important role that America plays in the world and seek over time to create sustained peace and greater prosperity for all people.

Supporting faith-based organizations and other non-profits

Government’s partner as we care for the sick and the marginalized in a time of necessarily smaller government. Our citizens will need to become even more generous with their time and money in our communities, and not expect (smaller) government to do more. Good people, good families, and good institutions, not government programs alone, are the solution for the care of some of our most marginalized or neediest populations.

We recognize the enormous importance and reach of religious and other non-profit organizations, and see them as partners in providing for those in need and deserving of support. These organizations will need greater funding through more generous private giving by corporations and citizens to make up for what government will surely remove. 

Faith-based organizations and other non-profits should have greater presence and exposure in our communities. 

Many centrists believe that we all must support the resurgence of these organizations in our society and even in our own lives.

Sensible energy policy

Sustainable, clean, rational. We recognize the vital role of energy production for our country, our quality of life and our long-term global competitiveness. Many of us seek a national energy policy that ensures meeting long-term energy demand while at the same time reducing dependence on harmful fossil fuel. 

National energy policy will require that a rational mix of cleaner (natural gas), base load clean (nuclear), and renewable (wind, solar, hydro) energy be employed as we retire our aging fossil fuel plants and meet future demand. A sensible mix of all of the above is essential as we move from polluting to cleaner and clean energy sources. Implementing such new strategies takes years to plan and construct. We need to start now. 

Our sustainable planet

Preparing ways for humans and nature to thrive. Most centrists likely recognize that climate change is a vital concern impacting both America and the planet. Regardless of its cause (human created, naturally cyclical, or both), most of us realize that we must reduce carbon emissions that are harmful to nature, and just as harmful to ourselves. 

Many citizens whose political affiliations are somewhat left or right of center want to see our leaders develop long term strategies to assure a sustainable planet, where those who govern, and those who consume, do so respecting the central role of all of nature; that we can no longer indiscriminately consume, alter, pollute, and destroy out of ignorance or indifference.

A new vision for America's armed forces

Bring to this world a great peace in our time. Our chief enemies’ armies (terrorists) are scattered and in decline thanks to our brave citizens in uniform. Nazi Germany is dead, thanks be to God. The Soviet Union is a memory. China is not now nor will ever will be our mortal enemy, how intertwined is their economy with America and the entire world. The Arab Spring saw corrupt nations overthrown by their own people seeking freedom and dignity.North Korea and Iran are pathetic and failing states, nations with short life expectancy in an historical context, with tremendous systemic weakness... The United States of America has been that beacon of liberty and strength that has helped all of this come to pass.

As long as there is evil, as long as there is greed, narcissism and men with mental illness who crave power, there will be conflict. However, the role of the military can change as the enemy changes. The best strategy to win the battles of tomorrow will be to win the hearts of the downtrodden in those lands ruled by the ruthless. The best offense is to create opportunity for improved lives. We can change the role of the armed forces over time from war fighting to building bridges of opportunity for people everywhere. We can do this while continuing to defend America and our vital interests from our vanishing foes.

Our citizens join the United States armed forces based on their fierce patriotism; to protect our nation, to keep the peace, to do great things with their lives and for others, and to find and create opportunity for themselves and their families. Many centrists hope that our brave soldiers in uniform can bring to this world a great peace in our time, and we believe that they will be up to this most noble cause. What better mission could there be?

Ilegal Immigration

No end in sight, with enormous and mounting social and monetary costs – Many Centrists believe that such high levels of illegal immigration is due to the lack of opportunity at its source – from where the immigrants flee. We should partner with our neighbors particularly to the south to create greater opportunity in their own countries. People do not decide to leave their families, communities and countries lightly, risking life and limb. 

If lives at home are good enough, most will remain where their family, their culture and traditions live proudly. Many Centrists would feel that we should address this problem directly at its source.

Racism

The root of so much misfortune, with huge and burdensome associated social and monetary costs. Prejudice rears its ugly head in many ways, principal among them: racism. Many centrists will believe that black Americans are often unable to fully advance and contribute in America because of continued prejudice against them based on ignorance, fear, and silent indifference. But, our greatest potential as a nation lies in improving the opportunities and possibilities for all of our citizens. 

We should not turn our eyes from continued human injustice. We should instead seek transformative solutions to improve our entire society. We must act. Many believe that such transformative investments at the source of the problem offer far greater potential returns than the ongoing indifference that simply ensures a downward spiral of (a) hopelessness, leading to (b) expensive social programs, to (c) violence-related costs, to (d) addiction-related costs, and to (e) incarceration- related costs. Our American States will be crippled by such costs until we find transformative solutions.