[NSGS] Democratic Left [Official HQ]

[Atlanticatia]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

[Zunkwentania]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

I hate them. They can be widely abused as censorship.

[Malgrave]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

I'm all for them. I don't think anyone should be allowed to call for the destruction of certain groups or even spread misinformation about the existence of historic genocides.

[Dejanic]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

I'm in favour personally.

[Otrenia]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

While I certainly agree that speech that advocates violence towards a specific individual or group should be banned, I believe a person has a right to express a negative opinion about other people or groups.

[The Nihilistic view]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

It me what you need to do is criminalise inciting hatred and violence. For example "I hate gays, they are dirty and unclean" should not be illegal. But "I hate gays, they are dirty and unclean and we should kill them." should be. That's what I would support in coalition with you. You have to have that balance, people can hold whatever opinion they like but it's only when they used that opinion to incite violence and discrimination against people where it should be illegal.

[Dejanic]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

It me what you need to do is criminalise inciting hatred and violence. For example "I hate gays, they are dirty and unclean" should not be illegal. But "I hate gays, they are dirty and unclean and we should kill them." should be. That's what I would support in coalition with you. You have to have that balance, people can hold whatever opinion they like but it's only when they used that opinion to incite violence and discrimination against people where it should be illegal.

I can agree with this, but not even just as a compromise, I agree with this anyway. Only a few wing nuts would criminalise the former which is merely an unsavoury opinion.

[Mollary]

I see I have missed a lot here.

[Sulania]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

It me what you need to do is criminalise inciting hatred and violence. For example "I hate gays, they are dirty and unclean" should not be illegal. But "I hate gays, they are dirty and unclean and we should kill them." should be. That's what I would support in coalition with you. You have to have that balance, people can hold whatever opinion they like but it's only when they used that opinion to incite violence and discrimination against people where it should be illegal.

My basic opinion in a nutshell.

[Britanno]

Soviet red or Ukrainian blue. The RGB codes are available somewhere on the discussion thread for the party. I can tell you them if you'd like.

Would the simple FF0000 red be ok?

Decide party colour plz...

[Malgrave]

Would the simple FF0000 red be ok?

Decide party colour plz...

I'd prefer a darker red or a Ukrainian blue.

[Britanno]

I'd prefer a darker red or a Ukrainian blue.

Actually, if I give the WA the brighter red, you can have the darker one.

[Unicario]

Decide party colour plz...

I'd prefer a darker red or a Ukrainian blue.

The Soviet red is FF0000, but I'd rather that colour not be the representation of our party. I'd prefer either the green, blue or orange of our party.

Party colors:
- Soviet red (#FF0000)
- Strong azure / Ukrainian blue (#0057b8)
- Forest green (#228b22)
- Golden yellow (#ffd700)
- University of Tennessee orange (#F77F00)

[Britanno]

The Soviet red is FF0000, but I'd rather that colour not be the representation of our party. I'd prefer either the green, blue or orange of our party.

Party colors:
- Soviet red (#FF0000)
- Strong azure / Ukrainian blue (#0057b8)
- Forest green (#228b22)
- Golden yellow (#ffd700)
- University of Tennessee orange (#F77F00)

The blue is similar (albeit noticeably different) to the Lib Dems, and the Christians have virtually the same orange. IMO the green or red is better.

[Atlanticatia]

I've been thinking up some welfare policies, in addition to the taxation ones I posted earlier.

(And remember, they would be adjusted depending on the economy and country we get -- this is for a developed rich country.)

Social Insurance Calculation
The 'cap' on previous income used for benefit calculation would be set about 125% of the median wage.
(So, let's assume that the cap is $50,000 p.a. [$961 p.w.] in this example.)

Taxation of Social Insurance
Social insurance benefits and contributory pensions would be taxable - they would be taxed separately from any wage income on a separate tax scale. Probably something like the following:

• $0-$250 per week: 0%
• $250-$800 per week: 30%
• $800+ per week: 35%
• Tax would be deducted at the source by whatever social insurance agency we establish.

Benefits not from social insurance (i.e. social assistance benefits and universal payments) would be tax-free. All benefits would also be exempt from social contributions.

Social Insurance

Unemployment Benefits

• In the event of involuntary unemployment, workers who have paid enough Social Insurance will be entitled to benefits.
• Pays 80% of previous wages, up to the cap.
• Benefits can be paid for up to 3 years. (156 weeks)
• Claimants would be required to look for work, and report what jobs they have applied to, to the employment agency. They would be able to refuse any job that offers a salary less than 80% of their previous job - otherwise they'd have to accept a job offer, unless there are health or safety concerns.
• Claimants would be required to have a minimum of 6 weeks of contributions to qualify for 6 weeks of benefits. After that, each additional week of contributions equals an additional week of benefits, up to 156 weeks.

Sickness Benefits

• In the event of long-term illness (more than the statutory workplace entitlement), people can claim sickness benefits. They must have a certification from their doctor that states when they are expected to be able to return to work. (They must be able to eventually return for work to qualify.)
• Pays 80% of previous wages, up to the cap.
• Benefits can be paid for up to 6 months. (26 weeks) People will also be entitled to job-protection for up to 6 months.
• Claimants would be required to have a minimum of 6 weeks of contributions to qualify for 6 weeks of benefits. After that, each additional week of contributions equals an additional week of benefits, up to 26 weeks.

Maternity Benefits

• To recover from giving birth, female employees will be entitled to maternity leave benefits.
• Pays 80% of previous wages, up to the cap.
• Maternity benefits can be paid for 12 weeks, and may begin up to 10 weeks before the due date -- but has to begin when the baby is born.
• Claimants would be required to have a minimum of 26 weeks of contributions.

Parental Benefits

• To bond with a new baby, parents are entitled to parental leave benefits.
• Pays 80% of previous wages, up to the cap.
• Parental benefits can be paid for up to 52 weeks.
• Both parents can share parental benefits however they like.
• Claimants would be required to have a minimum of 26 weeks of contributions.

Family Benefits

Child Allowance

• Every family with children is entitled to claim child allowance for children aged 0-18.
• The benefit is worth $200 per month, per child.

Single Parent Allowance

• An additional child allowance of $100 per month, per child, for every single-parent household.

School Allowance

• An allowance for families with children in school to help pay for books, supplies, clothing etc.
• The allowance is paid one month before school begins, in a lump sum.
• Payment rates: Child aged 5-13: $200
  Child aged 13-18: $300

Child Care

• Families with a child aged 0-5 is entitled to subsidised child-care.
• Facilities include daycares, nurseries, prekindergartens, and other early-childhood centers. Generally, these facilities will be publicly owned and operated.
• Fees will be set at $5 per day ($25 p.w.) for full-time care, and $3 per day for part-time care.

Pensions
Retirement Age

• The basic retirement age for a full pension will be set at 65 years of age.
• Pensions can be claimed as early as 60, or can be deferred to age 70. This can reduce or increase the pension.
• For each month the pensioner defers the pension(i.e. beyond age 70), the pension will increase by 0.4%. (Deferring the pension to age 67, 2 months will increase the pension by 10.4%.
• For each month before the retirement age that the pension is collected (i.e. each month before age 65), the pension will decrease by 0.4%. (Collecting the pension to age 62 will decrease the pension by 14.4%.

Basic Pension (Tier 1)

• A universal pension regardless of work history.
• People must have been resident in [placeholder] for at least 20 years since the age of 16. Each year of residence earns 5 "pension points". To receive a full pension, you must have 100 'pension points'.
• Paid at a rate of $1,100 per month, tax-free.
• For example, someone with 8 years of residence would have 40 pension points. This would entitle them to a pension of $440 per month.

Contributory Pension (Tier 2)

• A earnings-related pension based upon average salary. It is taxable.
• People must have paid Social Insurance contributions for 40 years to be entitled to a full contributory pension. Each year of contributions earns 2.5 "pension points". 100 pension points entitles you to a 'full pension'.
• The 10 highest years of inflation-adjusted earnings will be used to calculate the pension, up to the social insurance cap. These 10 numbers are averaged to produce the 'average salary'.
• The pension will be calculated as follows: First the amount of 'basic pension' that you receive is subtracted from the 'average salary'. The remainder is then multiplied by 60%, giving the pension amount. (So, the pension pays about 60% of average earnings, after basic pension deductions.)

Example: Lucy earned an 'average salary' of $40,000 per year. She is 65 years old. She's entitled to a full basic pension of $13,200 per year, so this is subtracted from her 'average salary', leaving $26,800. 60% of $26,800 is $16,080, meaning her contributory pension is $16,080 per year.

Her total gross pension is $29,280 per year, or 73.2% of her gross average salary.

Disability Pension

• If someone has a disability or blindness that makes them unable to work, with no foreseeable return to employment, they can claim a disability pension.
• The disability pension will vary depending on their 'pension points'.
• They will receive 80% of whatever their old-age pensions would be (Tier 1+2), proportional to their pension points. They'll be entitled to a guaranteed minimum total disability pension $1,100 per month. Upon reaching age 65, he will automatically accrue 100 pension points and will be entitled to a full retirement pension.
• Example: Joe was blinded, and is unable to work and earn money. He is 34 years old, and has worked for 11 years, accruing 55 basic pension points, and 27.5 contributory pension points. His 'average salary' was $45,000 per year. He'll receive a basic pension of $484 per month, and a contributory pension of $1,568 per month. His total disability pension is $2,052 per month.

Survivors' Pension

• A portion of the deceased person's total pension (based on their accumulated pension points at death) will be payable, to any surviving family members.
• The spouse or registered partner will receive 50% of the deceased person's total pension.
• Each child aged 18-25 will receive 20% of the deceased person's total pension.
• If the deceased had a child under the age of 18, the child's guardian will receive 20% of the total pension until the child reaches 18.
• Example: Grant has died. He was 48, with a daughter aged 14 and a son aged 20, and a spouse. His spouse is the child's guardian. At the time of his death, he had accrued total pension rights of $29,300 per year. ($2442 per month.) His spouse will receive $1,221 per month + $488 per month for their daughter. His son will receive a pension of $488 per month, until he reaches the age of 25.

Social Assistance
Social assistance is a guaranteed minimum income, for people who (a) pass a means test and eligibility requirements; (b) have exhausted their right to unemployment benefits; (c) or have no right to unemployment benefits. Social assistance will not have any time limits placed upon it.

Unemployment Allowance

• For unemployed single people without dependents, and couples with or without dependents.
• Payment rate: $250 per week (single)
  $187 per week each (couple)
  $262 per week each (couple with children)
• Unemployed people must actively look for full-time work, and report their job search process to an employment office. People must accept any job they are offered, unless the claimant objects to health, safety, or the location. For couples with children, only one member of the couple is required to look for work.
• Means Test: Income must be less than $100 per week. Each dollar earned above $100 reduces the benefit by 40 cents, up to $150 per week. Each dollar earned above $150 reduces the benefit by 70 cents.

Parenting Allowance

• For single parents of a child aged 0-18.
• Payment rate: $350 per week.
• There are no work requirements for single parents. However, they have the right to access employment and training services, if they want.
• Means Test: Income must be less than $100 per week. Each dollar earned above $100 reduces the benefit by 50 cents.

Disability Allowance

• For people with disabilities that prevent them from working, who do not have dependent children.
• Payment rate: $300 per week (single)
  $225 per week each (couple)

Carers Allowance

• For people who are full-time carers of a disabled person.
• Payment rate: $250 per week

Housing Allowance

• For people with low incomes who are paying rent.
• Anyone who pays more than 25% of their net income(after taxes+benefits) on rent, up to a cap on rent, is entitled to housing allowance.
• Housing allowance pays 70% of the 'gap' between the rent and 25% of income.
• Caps are set at 80% of the national average rent for a one-bedroom home, two-bedroom home, three-bedroom, and so on.
• Example: Manda has a net income $2,250 per month, and pays $1,000 per month in rent for a two-bedroom. She has 2 children. The rent cap is $1,100 per month, so her whole rent is eligible. 25% of her net income is $563 per month. The gap is $437, and 70% is $306 per month. So, her housing benefit is $306 per month.

Can anyone think of anything that could be changed or added?

[Otrenia]

So what's the best way for new Senators/party members to get involved?

[San Jose Guayabal]

What are all of your opinions on hate speech laws? (i.e. laws against public hate speech on the basis of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, etc etc)

I'm just curious.

My opinions are that hate speech is akward and non sense, it should be ignored if doesn't does any kind of phisical agression to a person or any group into a society or doesn't represents a threat, in case that the collective group of hate speechers are doing phisical agression or is a real threat, I think that the authorities should gove zero tolerance, becase we are all equal and the major goal of the government should be to seek a society where all the people is equal in rights and freedoms.

[Zunkwentania]

So we have to reassess our priorities. The LibDems are headed to the right, and the WA has proposed a coalition. How should we respond?

[Arkolon]

So we have to reassess our priorities. The LibDems are headed to the right, and the WA has proposed a coalition. How should we respond?

What evidence do you have of the LibDems shifting to the right? I'm intrigued; it's the first I'd hear of it.

[Zunkwentania]

So we have to reassess our priorities. The LibDems are headed to the right, and the WA has proposed a coalition. How should we respond?

What evidence do you have of the LibDems shifting to the right? I'm intrigued; it's the first I'd hear of it.

Well, people like you and Britanno have migrated there, and it seems like the party is moving slightly to the right; members do carry influence.

[Arkolon]

What evidence do you have of the LibDems shifting to the right? I'm intrigued; it's the first I'd hear of it.

Well, people like you and Britanno have migrated there, and it seems like the party is moving slightly to the right; members do carry influence.

We don't even have a platform up yet.

[Zunkwentania]

Well, people like you and Britanno have migrated there, and it seems like the party is moving slightly to the right; members do carry influence.

We don't even have a platform up yet.

You don't, but it seems that when you do, it will be to the right of what we had imagined.

[Arkolon]

We don't even have a platform up yet.

You don't, but it seems that when you do, it will be to the right of what we had imagined.

How did you imagine the LibDems? And why would our centrism make you consider teaming up with radical anticapitalists that disagree with the very basis of your economic platform?

[Zunkwentania]

You don't, but it seems that when you do, it will be to the right of what we had imagined.

How did you imagine the LibDems? And why would our centrism make you consider teaming up with radical anticapitalists that disagree with the very basis of your economic platform?

Supporters of a social market economy. And it wouldn't necessarily, it just would require a reevaluation.

[Arkolon]

How did you imagine the LibDems? And why would our centrism make you consider teaming up with radical anticapitalists that disagree with the very basis of your economic platform?

Supporters of a social market economy. And it wouldn't necessarily, it just would require a reevaluation.

The LibDems would still, technically, be considered as such. From what I can tell, if the current platform stands, we're probably closer to that than you are (regulatory policies, fiscal policies, welfare policies...). I still fail to see how a centrist party being more centrist than imagined would make you think the DL should reevaluate staying closer to the centrists than to the radical anticaps, but I'll leave the DL administration to decide that on their own. This isn't my business, really. I was just curious.