Why We're Forward

commented on Why We're Forward 2024-11-10 10:21:26 -0500

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-07-06 19:16:15 -0400

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-05-17 00:23:34 -0400

My interest in politics was ignited in 1952 when I LIKE IKE campaign buttons were handed out during my 5th grade civics class. I proudly pinned the button onto the lapel of my navy blue Catholic school uniform. When my father saw the pin, he ripped it from my uniform and threw it on the floor while shouting in my face, “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?! WE’RE ALL DEMOCRATS AROUND HERE!”

I didn’t wear the pin after that but I secretly still liked Ike. I felt sorry for him because with everyone being Democrats in my small world, how would Ike get enough votes? He’d for sure get mine. I throw a fit when told that only adults can vote, not ten-year olds. I was proud of him when he won that presidential election even without my vote.

Because I carried a torch for Kennedy, I identified as a Democrat when I reached age 21 and was finally old enough to vote. Over the following decades I bounced back and forth from riding the donkey to riding the elephant until I matured enough to follow policies and issues rather than only personalities. That’s when I became an Independant all the while hoping that someday a third party could strong arm the other two. Later I learned about ranked choice voting. This excited me because I could see that a third party could gain a foothold if this manner of voting was used.

Now, finally at age 81, I come across the Forward Party!!! I’m so excited I want to do cartwheels but I couldn’t do those when I was ten so I’ll try to contain myself and do a Forward March instead. Initially building the party from the local level and workng upward to state level and then to national…that’s brilliant. Combine that with ranked choice voting…ding ding ding…WE HAVE A WINNING COMBINATION.

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-05-02 20:28:24 -0400

For sometime I have felt more of a centrist moderate than a conservative or liberal.

The libertarian party although well meaning is on the north/south axis while conservative and liberal are on the east/west axis.

Meaning libertarian is missing the point.

The bulk of people in the middle area will have problems identifying with them.

Then, out of the prior few years I heard about the forward party being started by some conservative and liberal reps amd senators from both sides. That got my attention.

I was not some in my views.

Dinner time passed and I quite by random ran across an online add or article about the Forward party.

I followed the links and the rest is history.

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-04-28 20:37:54 -0400

I found the forward movement due to my connections to the DSA and my desire to see Andrew yang as the president of the United States as I agree with many of his policy’s which are platformed here within the forward party as well. As a socialist I have a desire to help those within my nation who are struggling and I believe the best way to do that is to find common ground and establish good faith partnerships among many diverse communities and the forward party along with the DSA seem to myself like the best way to make my country what it says it is and help my fellow Americans.

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-04-18 21:17:50 -0400

Throughout the years I have grown tremendously. My thoughts, perspectives and actions have all evolved as they do for most people when growing older.

Unfortunately, the younger generations and older generations views are evolving in different directions. I have seen friendships end, family’s torn apart, neighbors at odds and communities fighting with one another. Everything is politicized and polarized. No one is allowed to have their own perspectives and beliefs anymore without that being labeled a threat to your way of life. Anyone who is reasonable enough to try and show understanding and tolerance or even compromise to opposing parties is seen as a traitor and is treated like an outcast by each of the polarized sides. The “you’re either with us or against us” approach is one that ruins societies and divides us all.

I have voiced opposition to both parties intolerance of compromise for years. There have always been parts of the Democratic and Republican parties that I supported and opposed. I support Gay Marriage and LGBTQ+ rights. Who the heck would be opposed to love? I support freedom of speech but not hate speech, or misinformation intended to cause hate between groups. I also support a Woman’s right to choose and believe in universal rights to abortions in situations of rape, incest, mother’s life and so on. I am a gun owner and I believe everyone should have the right to a firearm. But there is no reasonable explanation why the average enthusiast needs to have semi-automatic weapons, bump-stocks, or clips/magazines that are capable of holding more than 10 bullets. PERIOD. Are we not all entitled to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? I see the current rate of shooting of innocent civilians as a direct impact preventing that inalienable right! Universal background screenings should be required no matter what. I identify as more of a fiscal conservative but I also know way too many people who have been financially ruined due to health related medical bills that were not their fault whatsoever. That makes me a proponent of universal healthcare that’s is at a reasonable cost. There is so much more that I could share.

What I do know is that I can no longer identify with either party. Both have moved further left and further right, leaving no one left in the middle. I have told family and friends for over 10 years that the only thing that would fix this country and get our society back on track is a whole new political party. Independents are viewed as indecisive and not standing for anything. Green Party is viewed as hippies – which is also far from accurate. Neither will ever have the funds available to compete against the deep posted of the D & R parties. I have argued that a new party called Moderates would lead the way. One that embraced compromise and held themselves to what is truly best for the country and not what is best for their party. But alas, the party that I speak of is here and has named itself FORWARD.

It is time to leave the past in the past. It is time to have term limits and keep open minds to new ideas and perspectives. It is time for a change because no matter what your views are, I haven’t heard a single person disagree that the system is broken. If more and more people feel alienated by the two primary parties then the only thing that is left is a way FORWARD.

I am happy to have open conversation with anyone on how amazing it would be for all of us to work back towards a happy, welcoming, tolerant, inclusive and harmonious society. That happens with a change. I welcome that changes.

followed Why We're Forward 2023-04-14 15:23:55 -0400

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-04-14 15:17:52 -0400

Deranged tribalistic children who will take opposing positions and views on any topic, and these positions are so extreme that it’s to the point that one side’s position galvanizes the other, yet these positions are detestable in of themselves because of their extremist nature. Moreover, these deranged tribalistic children are more than willing to take on these views just to spite the other side. No other reason. They don’t actually care about the fate of the nation or anything like that.

This is the true rhyme and reed of American politics and the Two Party System. This is what it does to people, and it’s ultimate goal: To keep Americans divided and ignorant to what is actually going on in the halls of government. How Corporate America has all of D.C in it’s pocket, yet we call this the corruption of individuals and not of both the individuals and the system itself.

When the government bails out failing banks left & right instead of arresting the people who are responsible for the bank failing it really sends the message that indentured servitude and slavery never really went away, they just slightly raised the standard. “Socialism for me, pulling thyself up by the bootstraps for thee.”… It’s been 15 years since 08’, and the same thing keeps happening. Democrats and Republicans have come and gone in both the White House and Congress, and nothing has changed. Nothing ever will change if these parties continue to hold power because both parties are owned by different groups of corporations, and they primarily serve THEIR will, and don’t actually care about any of us commonfolk nor do they care about the fate of the country.

That is why I’m Forward. I’m sick and tired of seeing this country tear itself apart over inane things.

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-04-14 04:24:21 -0400

At 10 I watched the Towers fall. At 12 I watched the bombing of Baghdad live on tv. At 18 I graduated to a ruined economy. At 20 I enlisted into an Army still fighting the same war we had been told we’d won. At 25 I became a contractor, working alongside the same military still fighting. At 28 I watched Covid-19 expose the complete lack of any reason within leadership. I watched from afar for six years, 2016 – 2022, as my country ripped itself apart. At 31 I came back home but I no longer recognized it.

At every turn it seems as though the futures of Millennials have been mortgaged off by those who claim the title of leader, so that they can have one more day in the sun. We watched as our Middle Class was hollowed out without a conscience. We watched once proud towns, cities; communities, die right before our very eyes in a deluge of shuttered businesses, foreclosure notices, and drugs; both prescribed and illicit. We learned that the stories from our grandparents about the life that could be, were truly just stories for us. We watch money change hands at the top or be sent around the world, an economy whose health is entirely based around the NYSE, but we can’t even drink water.

I think it is hard to argue that, as a generation, we haven’t felt directionless as a Nation or Society. We learned early that Left and Right aren’t all that different in the end. I’m sure if you asked ten people to define Left or Right in politics, you would get ten different answers as to what each side’s principles are. With what I see presented to me though, I believe there are no principles left in either side. Pragmatism and rationality having seemingly been set aside in favor of a manufactured “legacy”, and a seven figure payout. Left and Right, by their own actions, have proven to be incapable of looking in the only direction that makes sense anymore.

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-04-13 01:27:14 -0400

In 2016 I was horrified at the choices for president. How could it happen in this country that both major candidates were terrible? But – it is up to us, the citizens in this country, and I certainly had not been active in politics. I voted but didn’t get more involved than that.

So, in 2016, I went to my first political rally – for the Libertarian candidates. I have been looking for a way “forward” ever since. I selected the candidate I thought best qualified to be president in the 2020 primaries and donated money to her campaign, something I had never done before. She didn’t win either. What more can I do?

I have continued searches on the internet from time to time, looking for a middle-of-the-road and reasonable third party movement. The Forward Party seems like it may be that. Therefore, it seems like my duty as a citizen to get involved, find out more, and help if I can. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people means the people need to get involved if we don’t like things the way they are. I still have faith that that can work.

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-03-29 22:04:24 -0400

31 year old millennial who is able to see and understand differences on both sides. As I get older, making our country better for all of our families is a must. When you lay out what each party stands for, there are policies that make sense in each of them. Personally, I have more in common with the left, but by no means do I care less about the right. I think that the extremists on both sides are making it difficult to come together on certain issues. I want my children to be able to live and thrive alongside everyone else’s children safely. It’s time for people that actually care about this country to come together with likeminded people and figure out modern solutions to modern problems! Forward!

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-03-27 17:40:17 -0400

My name is Lindy Smith, though I use my middle name Allen. I am a Millennial at 31 years of age and I am determined to make this country and the world a better place for my daughters who will be future leaders also. I never related to either party. They are all greedy but claim they are out to help ordinary people. Through my own research and actually opening my eyes, I have drawn the conclusion that this simply isn’t true. I have always been a “split ticket” voter.

The reason for this is there are policies that I agree with on both sides. Before I found out about the Forward Party and Movement I classified myself as an Independent Centrist. I have come to learn that though I agree with policies on both sides.. all they are out to do is line their own pockets and cling to power. We have to hold all of these outdated and extremist politicians accountable. There is no room to build a shady legacy on the backs of the hard working people that support the backbone of this Country. There should definitely be term limits and “career” politicians should be abolished. Together we can make a difference and actually take this country in the direction it needs to go, FORWARD!!!

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-03-24 10:36:34 -0400

Have admired Andrew Yang since his presidential run and his suggestion’s on a new direction for our 2 party system which in fact is way over due for reform and offering more choices to our citizens.

Having been in the music business (singer, player, songwriter) working with Frankie Fontaine & Freddy Cannon & publisher: Dennis R. Penna and creating the very first club in the world for those of us who enjoy Roller Coasters & Amusement Parks: Roller Coaster Buffs International

(RCBI) and holding various positions in organizations over the years has given me the inspiration to know that you can make your ideas come to fruition.

I hope to see continued growth & success with the Forward Party!!

Thank you,

FG

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-03-24 10:36:09 -0400

Have admired Andrew Yang since his presidential run and his suggestion’s on a new direction for our 2 party system which in fact is way over due for reform and offering more choices to our citizens.

Having been in the music business (singer, player, songwriter) working with Frankie Fontaine & Freddy Cannon & publisher: Dennis R. Penna and creating the very first club in the world for those of us who enjoy Roller Coasters & Amusement Parks: Roller Coaster Buffs International

(RCBI) and holding various positions in organizations over the years has given me the inspiration to know that you can make your ideas come to fruition.

I hope to see continued growth & success with the Forward Party!!

Thank you,

FG

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-03-18 22:39:33 -0400

I support Andrew Yang’s efforts to make the Forward Party a viable alternative to Red vs. Blue party divisiveness of the past 8 years. I am thrilled to see Forward growing locally here in Kansas. I have been voting here since 2008, but I rarely have seen candidates who I felt would represent my hopes and dreams for the future. I see hope for more alternatives within both parties and for non partisan candidates to become viable candidates once we implement ranked choice voting and top 2 primaries. “The People” having a stronger voice in state elections appeals to me…I think this wil be a significant positive change which young people are hoping to see. The Forward Party needs to grow nationally as well!! I followed Yang’s campaign for president closely in 2019 and 2020 (Yang Gang!), and I was distressed to see how the national Democratic party kept changing the debate participation thresholds in order to exclude some of my preferred candidates like Tulsi Gabbard or Yang. Even Marrianne Williamson had something to add to these debates, but party politics made sure her voice was silenced. I want to HEAR the new voices. I don’t want the system to end careers! Citizens deserve to hear a new generation of leaders. I feel the Forward Party offers a fairer way to be a democratic nation. Ranked choice voting reforms can remedy many of our system’s weaknesses. Its 20 months until our next presidential election, but my Forward Party sign is proudly displayed in my yard as I hope for a better future…not right/left…let’s move FORWARD together!! (Sue Williams Hutchinson, Kansas)

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-02-11 18:06:09 -0500

I saw Andrew on the web and he made sense. I was sad to see that he was unable to garner much support in Iowa.

When on the debate stage he was obviously snubbed I want real discussion and balanced respect for wider perspectives. I have recently joined the Common Sense Party in California after watching a Nerds for Humanity episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EbsFsmfv24

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-02-07 07:45:47 -0500

Growing up in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, my South Dakota family was solid Eisenhower Republicans. I was fortunate to attend college 1968-1971 on the Vietnam GI Bill and majored in Political Science. I had professors there who showed the classes how Democracies are suppose to work. I always voted and leaned Republican through Presidents Regan and GWH Bush. Then the Republican Party seemed to ‘go off the rails’ with the Tea Party Crowd, Newt Gingrich and or so much worse, Donald Trump! Now, both parties, but especially the G.O.P. allow their radical members “wag the dog.” There seems to be only the attitude of not allowing the opposing party to get anything done at all, even if it means the ‘death’ of the whole country or our fragile planet. I believe 60% of all of the American people are sickened and discouraged by the infighting reported constantly on the 24 hour news cycles. If the forward party can win 10 seats in the House and 3-4 seats in the Seate, then both the Republican and Democratic parties will have to meet those ‘independents’ in the middle to move our country ‘Forward’ instead of over a bottomless chasm. I am a retired Air Force and Army soldier and stand ready to do what I can to save our country! Will you stand with me? David Grote Moore, South Carolina. February 7, 2023

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-02-07 07:45:47 -0500

Growing up in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, my South Dakota family was solid Eisenhower Republicans. I was fortunate to attend college 1968-1971 on the Vietnam GI Bill and majored in Political Science. I had professors there who showed the classes how Democracies are suppose to work. I always voted and leaned Republican through Presidents Regan and GWH Bush. Then the Republican Party seemed to ‘go off the rails’ with the Tea Party Crowd, Newt Gingrich and or so much worse, Donald Trump! Now, both parties, but especially the G.O.P. allow their radical members “wag the dog.” There seems to be only the attitude of not allowing the opposing party to get anything done at all, even if it means the ‘death’ of the whole country or our fragile planet. I believe 60% of all of the American people are sickened and discouraged by the infighting reported constantly on the 24 hour news cycles. If the forward party can win 10 seats in the House and 3-4 seats in the Seate, then both the Republican and Democratic parties will have to meet those ‘independents’ in the middle to move our country ‘Forward’ instead of over a bottomless chasm. I am a retired Air Force and Army soldier and stand ready to do what I can to save our country! Will you stand with me? David Grote Moore, South Carolina. February 7, 2023

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-02-05 13:14:44 -0500

Democrats and Republicans are both hiding the truths in this county and people must step forward to gain information that belongs to US the people Not THEM! Hitlers mission was to divide and conquer like both parties have done to EVERYONE!!!!

commented on Why We're Forward 2023-01-24 18:48:45 -0500

I was attracted to Andrew Yang when he ran in the Democratic Party presidential primary with the Freedom Dividend ($1,000 a month UBI) as a major plank in his platform as I am a strong believer in a UBI. I joined the Forward Party when one of its core principles was support for a UBI and am fighting to restore UBI to the core principles of FWD following its removal after the merger with RAM and SAM.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-12-26 19:43:12 -0500

I first heard about the Forward Party in the article, “A neuroscientist warns: The war with Trump has just begun – and it’s deeply psychological”, Published October 26, 2022, By Bobby Azarian, Raw Story. The statement that “The party is focused on depolarizing America and healing the division” resonated with views. I believe the political disfunction in the United States is detrimental to the future of humanity. I am looking forward to a party where like-minded individuals are working with (not against) each other to:

• reject specious conspiracy theories and look for factual evidence

• objectively consider the multiplicity of factors that influence most issues,

• realistically determine human priorities for the rational allocation of resources,

• and begin taking practical actions to solve the important issues affecting the survival of our country and the world.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-12-21 19:40:20 -0500

I saw Andrew Yang talk about the party.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-12-19 18:40:16 -0500

I’m just looking for a little truth.

Plain and simple, nothing more nothing less.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-12-10 15:41:58 -0500

I’m forward because I am fed up with establishment politics as a former democrat turned disenfranchised non-voter who doesn’t know what or who to believe. It is painful to write and see that, and it is a new symptom for me in 2022.

In California, I am prosecuting the government in claims act litigation in an original writ proceeding and in federal court and specifically its unconstitutional use of “State Bar Court” to further fraudulent schemes that favor lawyers like Thomas Girardi, Kenneth Catanzarite, Gloria Allred, David Lira, Walter Lack, Jim Travis Tice, Keyvan Samini, Suzanne Grandt, Ruben Duran, Leah Wilson, and the Board of Trustees appointed by Honorable Governor Gavin Newsom.

Along the way, I’ve determined that The State Bar of California is part of an alleged criminal enterprise — but they state publicly they “protect the public” while delivering $78M+ to their peers to help with “homelessness.”

See pending cases Justin S. Beck v. The State Bar of California at al (3:22-CV-01616-BAS-DDL) in Southern District of California; Justin S. Beck v. The Superior Court of Orange County (G061896) in Fourth District, Division Three Court of Appeal, and adjudication of the merits of my malicious prosecution charges of three fake lawsuits and counting — all ratified by the Board of Trustees and “Office of Chief Trial Counsel” for The State Bar of California.

I’m presently seeking to petition the United States Congress, but Mike Levin won’t respond because he appears to be among those influenced, and I can’t even get a case worker. I am ashamed to be a Californian, and I’m fighting for myself, ROES 1-150,000, the public, and 49 states in a modern day David v. Goliath.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-12-06 22:03:04 -0500

For decades I’ve been a reliable vote for the Republican Party. Though I agonized about the 2016 presidential election vote, I voted for Trump. Within 4 to 6 months of the election I realized that the office Trump held was beyond his abilities and that he was unfit to serve as president of the United states. As Trump dragged the Republican Party into the swill on which he feeds it seemed to highlight the fact that the Democratic Party had an left wing whose policies were not palatable to the American public at large. Still at this point I had made the determination to not even vote for a republican dog catcher. Now I suffered dismay from having only one realistic option in terms of party to vote for.

Like many, I believe democracy’s can function and thrive. I also believe that my generation, the baby boomers, have largely taken advantage of a country and infrastructure that the greatest generation built. It seems it’s finally my turn to ‘pay the piper’ and give something back.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-12-06 14:04:36 -0500

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-11-30 04:16:54 -0500

My name is Danny, and this is my forward story, at least the answers to the Questions,

but first a little bit about myself I am autistic and have C-PTSD (Complex post traumatic stress disorder)

I Can listen to both sides of a debate, argument or discussion, before providing my own Opinion, and i like to think of myself as a self-proclaimed historian

Q: why are you Forward?

A: I Am Forward, because I am sick and tired of the outdated parties taking away rights given to all Human beings via the Universal Declaration of human rights or UDHR for Short, and the outdated parties doing nothing to Fix real problems in this nation, while praying on those who would rather Follow, ask no questions and give up their rights

than those who refuse to give their rights up.

Q: How’d you end up here?

A: Nathan Stalder on twitter, Shared My Opinion On Firearms, he told me about the Forward party I did research, found out the forward party shares my views, so I ditched the Democrat label to become Forward.

Q: What did you leave behind to help make this new movement a reality?

A: I left behind nothing, I always could listen to both sides of an argument, or debate, before giving my opinion. you could say I am the true meaning of Liberal.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-11-29 23:59:27 -0500

B. Thomas Marking

Founder, Citizen v2.1

I come to this crusade in the winter of my years, having logged a lifetime of public service, in and out of government, in and out of uniform, but never in the money.

For me, it began in grad school when a passage from Walt Whitman’s “Democratic Vistas” jumped off the page.

“ We have frequently printed the word Democracy yet I cannot too often repeat

that it is a word the real gist of which still sleeps, quite unawakened . . .

It is a great word, whose history, I suppose remains unwritten,

because that history has yet to be enacted.”

It’s true. In the United States, we’ve never really tried Democracy. We’ve always governed through elected representatives. That’s a republic, and it made sense when most citizens lacked a formal education and communicating took weeks instead of seconds. Our society, however, has been transformed since then, in almost every way – every way except the way we govern.

WHY IT IS TIME FOR DEMOCRACY

“We cannot solve our current problems with the same philosophies, practices and parties that created them!”

That was my campaign mantra when I ran for the U. S. House a while back. You know the problems as well as I do. Every new episode of the Washington Follies confirms our fears. Now — imagine the benefits of upgrading and then rebooting our dysfunctional system of government:

 Citizens feel they finally have real control over their government and their own lives.

 Voter turnout rises as voting on the issues becomes a meaningful right and responsibility.

 Critical policy issues are quickly resolved instead of being allowed to fester for decades and to divide us.

 The media will have to rediscover its duty of public education.

 Special interest groups will have to make their case to the nation instead of just buying seats in Congress.

 The party oligarchies are put on leash.

 America sets a new standard of democratic governance in the world.

This is not wishful thinking. We can realistically make this happen! And I just happen to have written, in my spare time, a series of novels that chart the course for us. In the words of Robert F. Kennedy:

Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not.

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-11-27 14:09:37 -0500

My forward story does not require politics, for they have never saved time, resources, and money for all of us. My area of expertise is in the transportation sector. I am accomplished, but I’ve never been paid for the minivan concept or the pirating of a simple [Playbook] from the alpha monkeys of Uber derived from the roots from my intellect. I am interested in knowing whether the forward party has the will and gumption to initiate transportation solutions, above, and beyond anything that the three levels of government and the authorities can accomplish?|

commented on Why We're Forward 2022-11-24 13:23:39 -0500

I was a reasonably committed member of the Democratic Party from the time I started voting until the last Bill Clinton administration. I recognized the leftward drift of the Democratic party starting with the Al Gore candidacy, but could not bring myself to vote for George W Bush. After voting Republican (but without joining the party) for a couple of later elections (McCain and Romney), I found some degree of simpatico with the Libertarian Party circa Gary Johnson et seq., but now that party has changed to the point that it is indistinguishable from certain strains of “pure” conservatism. No place for a guy like me, and the Democratic Party had moved far to the right, so I changed my party to “No Party Preference”, which is where I am now. We have two dominant political parties, each of which is pulling the country like a big piece of taffy far to the left or far to the right, making it look like there is nothing in the middle, which I don’t believe to be true, but that is the impression one would get from reading most news media/social media sites. I have recently retired so I have more time on my hands than I have had previously, and would like to work toward a solution to the divisive state our country is in.