I am proposing that a new political party be formed, and that such party adopt the platform outlined below. Please note that the order of consideration outlined does not reflect the importance of the issues. I encourage your comments to these issues in the "Comments" sections inserted herein. It is important to have a dialogue with those who have suggestions and other ideas.

I also want to encourage those who disagree with current policies of our government to begin implementing their own beliefs in a positive way. I have heard many people suggest that certain tax reductions are bad for the country. However, I have never heard of a single taxpayer who declined to accept the benefit of those reductions. If it is a bad idea, why do such individuals accept the benefits? In fact, as a tax lawyer, I have witnessed those who clamor loudest for tax increases use each and every available tax benefit to reduce their own taxes. Financially, the person would be in the same position as if the taxes had not been reduced. Why should such person be concerned that others, who may agree with the reduction, enjoy the benefit of the reduction? Where environmental laws are too weak, there's nothing preventing us from taking our own steps to adjust our lifestyles to improve the environment. People who are not concerned with rising energy costs and think gas prices are relatively low "compared to other countries" could set aside the excess funds they are saving and contribute them for energy research (or some other good cause). Why do those opposed to the War in Iraq for humanitarian reasons not embrace the suffering of the Iraqis and offer humanitarian aid? Why do those who support women's rights for American women not support women's rights in the Middle East? We can, and should, behave in ways consistent with the principles we promote. Let's stop letting politics getting in the way of doing the right thing. We have the freedom to exceed the minimum standards set by our government.

Our laws provide minimum standards for behavior. There is nothing to preclude us from living to a higher standard whether it is based upon morality, philosophy or political opinions.

"Men are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely." -Lord Macaulay - Southey's Coloquies on Society 1830

"All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: Freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." -Winston Churchill

"I propose to beg no question, to shrink from no conclusion, but to follow truth wherever it may lead . . . If the conclusions we reach run counter to our prejudices, let us not flinch; if they challenge institutions that have long been deemed wise and natural, let us not turn back." -Henry George.

"It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validly to his convictions in political affairs." -Albert Einstein

"Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms (of government) those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted into tyranny." -Thomas Jefferson

"I am blessed and thankful to be an American." -Dave Wickham (and millions of others)