Liberal Democratic Party Headquarters[NSG Senate]

[Geilinor]

Aurentina's oldest social liberal party!

Platform, Policies & Principles • Organisational Structure • Brand Guidelines
NSG Senate Lobby • NSG Senate Chamber • NSG Senate Coffee Shop
How do I join the Liberal Democrats?

Member of the Progress Coalition 2.0!

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Communists - Red-Greens - Market Socialists - Progressive Monarchist - Totally Rad - Liberal Democrats

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Welcome to the Liberal Democratic Party Headquarters!

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.

We do not seek to be on the left or right of the political spectrum. We are moderate in our goals and vision. Liberal Democrats support individual rights and equality under the law for all. Civil liberties are essential. Society and government must be open, transparent, and free.

We recognize that liberty alone will not work. We believe in a government that empowers individuals to make their own choices in life, but provides security for the poor. We support equality of opportunity to increase social mobility, providing people from all backgrounds a chance. We believe that the best way to help the poor and needy is to help give them the means to earn a living, through education and empowerment. We seek a strong economy and a nation with a fair society.

"A liberal is a man or a woman or a child who looks forward to a better day, a more tranquil night, and a bright, infinite future." - Leonard Bernstein

External Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_liberalism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_democracy
http://www.libdems.org.uk/siteFiles/resources/splash.html

Proud member of the Liberal International

[Geilinor]

Platforms, Policies & Principles

Party Manifesto:

Article I: Law & Order

We support a well-funded and trained police force. Crime should be deterred, but rehabilitation is necessary for prisoners. Rehabilitation will help prevent repeat offenses and integrate released prisoners into society. We believe that it is possible for former convicts to reform themselves and lead lives as law-abiding members of the community. Law enforcement should not interfere with civil rights. Surveillance should not take place without warrants. The Liberal Democrats are opposed to the use of torture, including the death penalty, and forced labor(excluding community service).

Article II: National Security

The military should be well-equipped, but only used for defense or preventing humanitarian crises, such as genocide. The military should be only deployed abroad after the positives and negatives of such an action are carefully weighed out. We do not support wars of aggression. Chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons should not be used, but may be possessed for deterrent purposes only. Civilian populations should not be attacked and international law should be followed. Aurentina should abide by treaties related to war, such as the Geneva Conventions and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We are opposed to conscription.

Article III: Economy

The free market should be moderately regulated in order to ensure that it is fair for all sections of society. Competition in the marketplace helps create a strong economy. However, privatizing public services is not always the most efficient solution. We believe that free trade is an important goal, but measures should be taken to ensure that it does not harm local industries too much. The freedom of trade unions to organize should be protected. Workers should strive to secure better living standards. Employers and employees have a shared interest in the outcome of the business. It is possible for them to co-exist peacefully through common understanding. If tensions arise, the situation can be mediated. Highly skilled immigrants will help build a strong economy and alleviate labor shortages in certain sectors. Full employment is an ideal that should be sought, but it is not always possible due to economic conditions. There should be a minimum wage that is set at the minimum level necessary for a worker and their dependents to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and utilities. We support a social market economy, which seeks a third way between laissez-faire economics and a social democratic mixed economy. The LDP believes that it is important to balance private enterprise with regulation and government intervention to establish fair competition, high but sustainable economic growth, low inflation, low unemployment and decent working conditions. A social market economy supports social insurance, union rights, social welfare, and public services.

Article IV: Social Security

A social safety net should be in place to help the needy and elderly. Social security should help individuals in their times of need, but must also empower them. We support pensions for veterans, the elderly, and the disabled. The LDP supports unemployment benefits to provide people with a basic standard of living while looking for work. Efforts should be made to integrate veterans and people with disabilities into the workplace. The party believes that it is better to help the disabled to work than to force them to depend on social welfare. Affordable child-care services will enable single parents to work and help families where both parents must work to make ends meet.

Article V: Taxation

Taxes are necessary to fund public works and services. Progressive income taxes are the most fair because they avoid taxing those in poverty. There can be a sales tax for non-essential goods and services because other measures will be in place to ensure a minimum standard of living for the poor. Taxes should be simple to pay and understand. Taxes should not be so high that they stifle business. People in poverty should be taxed as little as possible.

Article VI: Education

The Liberal Democratic Party supports an excellent system of public education. We believe that education is the best way for people to fulfill their full potential. We oppose religious instruction in public schools. Primary and secondary education should be provided for free, while tertiary education should at least be affordable. The party supports building community colleges and supports vocational education, including apprenticeships, as well.

Article VII: Healthcare

Healthcare coverage should be universal. Sensible measures should be put in place to help reduce costs. The party does not seek to destroy the private healthcare system, but merely seeks to ensure that no Aurentines are denied essential medical treatment. Healthcare is a necessity for a healthy populace, so it must be as fair and egalitarian as possible. Smoking should not be allowed in public places, except in designated smoking sections, to protect public health. If legalized, drugs should be taxed and regulated.

Article VIII: Environment

We seek a sustainable future. The best way to do this is to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and institute legislation to help reduce the worst pollution. The technology of the future is the key to help the environment. There should be an extensive system of parks and protected grounds. We support nuclear energy because it is cleaner than many other forms of electricity and can be used on a wide scale. Renewable energy should also be pursued when possible.

Article IX: Infrastructure

A high quality system of transportation is important for the economy, linking people and facilitating commerce. It will help create a stronger and more balanced economy. High-speed rail is a efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Public transportation will also help reduce dependence on automobiles and fossil fuels. Authority over public transportation should rest with local municipalities. Aviation infrastructure is important for the economy, so we recognize the importance of keeping it updated. The Liberal Democrats support a congestion tax for vehicles entering busy city centers to reduce traffic volumes and increase use of public transportation.

Article X: Research and Technology

We believe that scientific research is important because it is a way for a country to advance economically and technologically. Research is also valuable because it can help us learn how to protect the environment and discover new ways to produce energy. A committee should be put in place to analyze the viability and benefits of government investment in research projects. The party supports space exploration for peaceful scientific purposes, but we are opposed to militarizing space. It is essential for Aurentina to be a technology-friendly society, so we may be at the forefront of the latest innovations.

Article XI: Immigration and Integration

The LDP believes that immigrants have the potential to make positive contributions to Aurentina's economy and culture. Immigrants do not have to forget their cultures, but simply learn the fundamental values in Aurentine society, such as tolerance, openness, democracy, and the rule of law. Integration also does not occur without society's assistance. We do not believe that integration is a one-way street. It is essential for all Aurentines to assist in making Aurentina a tolerant place for all. We believe that it is possible for us to build a thriving, multicultural society. The Liberal Democrats support making free optional classes on Aurentina, including in the subjects language, history, and government, available to all recent immigrants. Prospective immigrants should be fairly evaluated based on their potential contributions to Aurentina, with those who have criminal backgrounds automatically excluded.

Article XII: Equality
Equal rights and opportunities are very important to the LDP. Aurentina has room for different values and beliefs, and we believe that people should be allowed to live according to them, provided the rights of others are not violated. The party supports equality for LGBTQ people. We believe that people with disabilities can work and contribute to society with reasonable accommodations to level the playing field. The LDP believes that abortion should be legal, with women having the right to choose whether or not to carry a fetus to term.

[Geilinor]

Organisational Structure

Party Members:

1. Senator Geilinor
2. Senator Fulflood
3. Senator Aeken
4. Senator Soviet Canuckistan
5. Senator Chetssaland
6. Senator Maklohi Vai
7. Senator The Joseon Dynasty
8. Senator Smoya
9. Senator Lemanrussland
10. Senator Beta Test
11. Senator Thanatttynia
12. Senator Consumer Regulated Donuts
13. Senator Arthurista
14. Senator Denecaep
15. Senator Great Adrianland
16. Senator The most holy electric empire
17. Senator Nytavuthar
18. Senator Calorax
19. Senator Osthia
20. Senator Corinthina
21. Senator Moriala
22. Senator Crolacia
23. Senator Phocidaea
24. Senator Erulamia
25. Senator Malaysii
26. Senator Costa Alegria
27. Senator Kalusia
28. Senator Rome and Italy
29. Senator Vettrera
30. Senator New Waterford
31. Senator The Royal Kingdom of Quebec
32. Senator Ranbo
33. Senator Valentir
34. Senator Yekatrina
35. Senator Independent Svalbard
36. Senator Estar
37. Senator Tundland

Party Structure:

Founder: Geilinor
Party Chairman: Geilinor
Vice-Chairman: Maklohi Vai
Secretary:
Recruiter: Lemanrussland
Ambassador to Libertarian Freedom Party: Lemanrussland
Ambassador to Red-Greens: Fulflood
Ambassador to Communists: Maklohi Vai
Ambassador to National Imperialist-Freedom Party: Aeken
Ambassador to Progressive-Conservatives: Costa Alegria
Ambassador to Totally Rad Party: Geilinor
Ambassador to Classical Monarchists: Chetssaland
Ambassador to CFE: Thanatttynia
Ambassador to National Centrist Party: Consumer Regulated Donuts
Ambassador to Libertarian Capitalist Party:
Ambassador to Common Sense Party: Corinthina
Ambassador to the Reform Party: Beta Test
Ambassador to the Progressive Monarchist Party: Maklohi Vai
Ambassador to the National Liberal Party: Costa Alegria

Brand Guidelines

Dark Blue #0033AA
Gold #FFBB00

The Official Party colors of the Liberal Democratic Party are Dark Blue and Gold.

The official typeface of the Liberal Democratic Party is Neo Tech.

The Liberty Bird is used in the logo of the Liberal Democratic Party. It is easily recognisable and appropriate, linked to a guiding Liberal Democrat principle - freedom.

The official slogan of the Liberal Democratic Party is "Progress, Freedom, Equality". These are three of the main principles that the party was founded upon and they are central to the views of the party today.

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How do I join the Liberal Democrats?

In order to join the Liberal Democrats, simply sign up to the NSG Senate using the following form and post it in the NSG Senate Lobby thread here.

Senate Membership Form
Being a Senator only requires that you have been a NationStates Forum member for at least one month and that you do not have an excessive or concerning ban history

Code: Select all

Username/Nation Name:
Date that you joined the forum:
History of Bans:
Your Party of Choice (ex. PCP; IND for independent): Liberal Democratic Party

As soon as this is completed, simply follow up with a post in the Liberal Democratic Party Headquarters thread (this thread!) stating that you have signed up with our party.

[Maklohi Vai]

Honorable Chair, fellow senators,

Maklohi Vai would like to inquire as to whether a nation, such as ourselves, that has banned capitalism and is completely socialist would be in severe enough violation of the party platform to warrant expulsion. We stand by our socialist ideals, but we see that as the only major contradiction between the party's platform and our own way of governance. We do not wish to leave this party, as we find it the best fit for what we hope to accomplish, and we sincerely hope our own economic policies do not cause a significant distraction. Thank you.

See edited here

[Soviet Canuckistan]

Honorable Chair, fellow senators,

Maklohi Vai would like to inquire as to whether a nation, such as ourselves, that has banned capitalism and is completely socialist would be in severe enough violation of the party platform to warrant expulsion. We stand by our socialist ideals, but we see that as the only major contradiction between the party's platform and our own way of governance. We do not wish to leave this party, as we find it the best fit for what we hope to accomplish, and we sincerely hope our own economic policies do not cause a significant distraction. Thank you.

OOC: You do realize the NSG Senate is it's own nation and Maklohi Vai as a nation doesn't exist in this canon, but just as the name of a senator.

Also, do we need a logo made?

[Maklohi Vai]

Honorable Chair, fellow senators,

Maklohi Vai would like to inquire as to whether a nation, such as ourselves, that has banned capitalism and is completely socialist would be in severe enough violation of the party platform to warrant expulsion. We stand by our socialist ideals, but we see that as the only major contradiction between the party's platform and our own way of governance. We do not wish to leave this party, as we find it the best fit for what we hope to accomplish, and we sincerely hope our own economic policies do not cause a significant distraction. Thank you.

OOC: You do realize the NSG Senate is it's own nation and Maklohi Vai as a nation doesn't exist in this canon, but just as the name of a senator.

Also, do we need a logo made?

OOC: Yeah, wording mistakes on my part. My senator is representing my IC politics, though, so let me change it for clarity.

Maklohi Vai would like to inquire as to whether a senator, such as myself, that has banned the idea of capitalism from my mind and is completely socialist would be in severe enough violation of the party platform to warrant expulsion. I stand by my socialist ideals, but I see that as the only major contradiction between the party's platform and my own way of thought. I do not wish to leave this party, as I find it the best fit for what I hope to accomplish, and I sincerely hope my own economic policies do not cause a significant distraction. Thank you.

[Soviet Canuckistan]

Drafted a quick logo for the party:

[Geilinor]

Drafted a quick logo for the party:

(Image)

Thank you. I'll post it.

[Geilinor]

OOC: You do realize the NSG Senate is it's own nation and Maklohi Vai as a nation doesn't exist in this canon, but just as the name of a senator.

Also, do we need a logo made?

OOC: Yeah, wording mistakes on my part. My senator is representing my IC politics, though, so let me change it for clarity.

Maklohi Vai would like to inquire as to whether a senator, such as myself, that has banned the idea of capitalism from my mind and is completely socialist would be in severe enough violation of the party platform to warrant expulsion. I stand by my socialist ideals, but I see that as the only major contradiction between the party's platform and my own way of thought. I do not wish to leave this party, as I find it the best fit for what I hope to accomplish, and I sincerely hope my own economic policies do not cause a significant distraction. Thank you.

We won't expel anyone from the party, but we do tend to support more moderate economic policies.

[Geilinor]

Just a reminder, voting for the Marriage Freedom Act ends tomorrow.

April 19 2013 at 1:10 AM	Central European Summer Time (UTC + 2)
April 19 2013 at 12:10 AM	British Summer Time / Western European Summer Time (UTC + 1)
April 18, 2013 at 11:10 PM	Coordinated Universal Time / Greenwich Mean Time (UTC + 0)
April 18, 2013 at 7:10 PM	Eastern Daylight Time, US & Canada (UTC - 4)
April 18, 2013 at 6:10 PM	Central Daylight Time, US & Canada (UTC - 5)
April 18, 2013 at 4:10 PM	Pacific Daylight Time, US & Canada (UTC - 7)

[Aeken]

I feel like I want the logo to give a 'WOAH!' So I am going to try and make my own.

[Geilinor]

The Progressive-Conservatives and Communists are coming up with income tax proposals in their threads, so maybe we should start thinking about that.

[Aeken]

The Progressive-Conservatives and Communists are coming up with income tax proposals in their threads, so maybe we should start thinking about that.

Let me conjure some thoughts up.

Also, here's my logo.

[Maklohi Vai]

The Progressive-Conservatives and Communists are coming up with income tax proposals in their threads, so maybe we should start thinking about that.

Let me conjure some thoughts up.

Also, here's my logo.

I like it, but I have a couple preferences if you don't mind. First, maybe take the slogan out of quotes. Second, maybe change the heading text to a different format as it looks a bit undecided right now. I like the basic concept though, so I'm sure it will turn out well. Thanks for making it.

[Chetssaland]

Great job on the OP, Geilinor. I agree with almost everything, though I'd like to make a point to support nuclear energy and the research for fusion power for the environment section. While nuclear power has its downsides, it is cleaner than the options we have out there now.

Aeken, while I like the concept of the logo, it could use some... cleaning up. Although it's far better than what I could do, that's for sure.

[Aeken]

Let me conjure some thoughts up.

Also, here's my logo.

I like it, but I have a couple preferences if you don't mind. First, maybe take the slogan out of quotes. Second, maybe change the heading text to a different format as it looks a bit undecided right now. I like the basic concept though, so I'm sure it will turn out well. Thanks for making it.

Thanks for the criticism. Let me try to fix this up a bit.

[New Sapienta]

Hey guys, I'm going to join the PC, since they're more centrist.

Sorry.

[Maklohi Vai]

Hey guys, I'm going to join the PC, since they're more centrist.

Sorry.

And what led you to that conclusion? (Not trying to sound pissed, genuinely asking)

[New Sapienta]

Hey guys, I'm going to join the PC, since they're more centrist.

Sorry.

And what led you to that conclusion? (Not trying to sound pissed, genuinely asking)

The welfare and econ.

To be honest, their front page is pretty much my manifesto IRL.

[Maklohi Vai]

And what led you to that conclusion? (Not trying to sound pissed, genuinely asking)

The welfare and econ.

To be honest, their front page is pretty much my manifesto IRL.

Ah, ok. Well it was nice having you when you were here, and we hope to collaborate on mutual interests in the future.

[Soviet Canuckistan]

Gell, I think the yellow colored parts on the platform should be charged with eyerape

[New Sapienta]

The welfare and econ.

To be honest, their front page is pretty much my manifesto IRL.

Ah, ok. Well it was nice having you when you were here, and we hope to collaborate on mutual interests in the future.

Indeed

[Maklohi Vai]

Gell, I think the yellow colored parts on the platform should be charged with eyerape

They're hard to read, actually. Could you change them, Geil?

[Fulflood]

Gell, I think the yellow colored parts on the platform should be charged with eyerape

Sorry, that was my idea, which I evidently did not think through .

[The Republic of Pantalleria]

Ladies and Gentlemen, I come from the progressive-conservative party and I would like to discuss a little issue with you, if you'd like. Otherwise I shall take my business elsewhere...
Are you keen?