1. DEMOCRACY ONLY WORKS WHEN PEOPLE RESPECT THE US CONSTITUTION, THE CONSTITUTION OF THEIR STATE, AND OUR LAWS, AND WHEN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM IS SET UP TO ELEVATE THE VOICE OF THE VOTER
a. Respect for the Rule of Law and the Constitution:
America is based on the idea that all individuals are equal under the eyes of the law, and the Constitution defines our system of self-government while providing protection from tyranny. Members of the Forward Party uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and respect the outcomes of our free and fair elections. We also recognize that constitutional changes may become necessary at various points in time, and that a strength of our system is that it provides mechanisms for such changes.
b. Support and Strengthen Democracy to Restore the Voters’ Voice:
Forward believes that our democracy works only when voters can make decisions based on full information and consideration, and our systems are set up to empower and elevate the will of the voters. To some degree, the legacy parties have usurped power that gives them unwarranted partisan control over our election process. We need to have more competition and better options at the ballot box, and our systems need to ensure that all voters are treated equally and that our elected officials represent the desires of the American people. Elected officials must be transparent with and accountable to their constituents and our elections systems must be run in a secure and nonpartisan manner.
c. American Leadership:
America has driven generations of stability and prosperity across the world. As technological developments, market competition, and the rise of multiple world powers decrease this stability, it’s even more necessary for America to serve as an example of democracy and individual freedoms, as well as our commitment to each other. Building alliances and stabilizing democracy across the globe is key to maintaining a safe world for ourselves and our children.
2. WE SHOULD WORK COLLABORATIVELY TO CRAFT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY’S MOST PRESSING PROBLEMS
a. Build from the Bottom Up, Not the Top Down:
Forward is building an organization designed to empower voters and local leaders, not a centralized Party leadership that makes decisions for millions of Americans. People need to be able to prioritize the challenges facing their communities and to find solutions that work locally. Forward won’t dictate a rigid, top-down policy platform and expect it to work for every community across the country.
b. Use Data to Drive Collaborative and Effective Solutions, Regardless of their Ideological Source:
Ideology has blinded too many of our leaders to the ineffectiveness of their approaches. Instead of learning and adapting, they double down on flawed or failed, partisan policies. Forward cares more about solving problems than being right. We believe we are stronger when we work together to reach shared goals. Good ideas come from the left, right, and center. Sometimes, they come from completely new directions. Data, research, and a commitment to development should drive our discussions, and policy should be enacted with defined, measurable outcomes for the long-term health and growth of our communities.
c. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Are Central to American Culture and Our Future:
The pace of change in the world is increasing, and those who can adapt to it will thrive. America has long won the global competition for talent, and our government, research laboratories, and private sector have led the world in innovation. Our culture of entrepreneurship has constantly improved living conditions both at home and abroad. The Forward Party is dedicated to ensuring that new ideas are brought forward, tested, and, when they meet the needs of the moment, are allowed to thrive.
3. STRONG COMMUNITIES FORM THE BASIS FOR A STRONG COUNTRY
a. Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility, and Civic Engagement:
America is built on individual liberty and personal responsibility. However, we wouldn’t be where we are today as a nation if this responsibility was limited to self-interest. At the Forward Party, we believe this personal responsibility includes duties to care for our families, however we define them, uplift our communities, contribute to the greater good, and cherish the values that have shaped and reshaped our union. It is through balancing our liberty with our duty to others in which the true American spirit thrives.
b. Treat Everyone with Respect and Dignity:
Forward believes in approaching one another with respect for the dignity that lives in each of us. Our policies and campaigns will seek to elevate and empower people to seek their unique version of the American Dream and to alleviate the pain of poverty and discrimination. Our conversations with each other will be guided by a desire to listen, learn, and find compromise based on our shared values and goals.
c . Act with Ethics, Integrity, and Compassion:
For our communities to thrive, we need to be able to trust each other. Forward leaders, members, and candidates are expected to act ethically and with integrity.
That said, we are all fallible and make mistakes. At Forward, we are expected to admit them and work to rectify any harm we have caused. And, as a community, we should work to create paths to redemption for those who are truthfully working towards it.
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