If we allow Democrats and Republicans to conduct business as usual, America's national debt will grow until America fails. We cannot allow this to happen. This plank was deduced from a breakthrough in science. Like using the correct equation when doing math, applying a new understanding of human nature will resolve all of America's social problems. Sending Patriots to Congress will insure politics, big business, political correctness and special interests do not come before America.
We will insure America's solvency…
If the dollar collapses, there will be no more free money and civilization will implode. We must not allow this to happen. In short, we must insure America remains solvent. To do so, we must balance the budget and live within our means. The only question is how to balance the budget.
One way to balance the federal budget is to increase taxes. However, raising taxes hinders expansion of the economy. Given the choice between raising taxes and cutting spending, the latter is preferred.
Note: A slow steady expansion of the economy is best. Although raising taxes can be effective in slowing runaway expansion, raising interest rates works just as well. Moreover, raising interest rates has an immediate impact, can be tweaked with relative ease, and does not wield unwanted consequences.
The first axiom in business tells us how to proceed in balancing the budget.
Axiom #1: Private enterprise is the foundation of the economy. Government jobs make private enterprise possible. Stated another way, government jobs are a necessary evil. They are overhead and should be at a minimum.
Conclusion
It is an abomination for government to be voluminous and not respect every dollar it spends. Reducing the size of government will be the first step in balancing the budget.
…and leadership position,…
Humanology® is the science of understanding human nature. It is based on the core theory missing in psychology. See The Essence of Man for details. The field of study known as psychology operates without a central theory. In other words, psychologists do not understand the nature of human beings. Specifically, they cannot explain the motivation behind human decisions and behavior. This is why psychologists cannot answer even basic questions.
Proof: Ask several psychologists the following questions: What are emotions? How do they work? Why do we have them? Are emotions exclusive to human beings? What is the motivation behind human decisions and behavior? If practitioners differ in their answers, they are working from different theories of human nature. Being such is the case, psychology operates without a central theory. The end.
Unlike psychologists, humanologists work from a central theory. This central theory is called “Gravity Theory.” Gravity Theory is founded on discovering how emotions work. Consequently, Gravity Theory predicts, describes and explains human decisions and behavior.
According to Humanology®, three facts regarding the nature of human beings serve as directions for how we should proceed in determining America's role in the world.
Fact #1: The need to compete for dominance, demonstrate dominance and revere dominance is rooted deep within our genetic makeup.
Note: Turning on the television verifies the obsession human beings have with competition. The theme “who is number one” is prevalent in everything we do.
Fact #2: Because nations are comprised of human beings, every nation has a personality. There are 6 possible personalities: Dominant, Competitive, Enticer, Nurturer, Protector and Innovator.
Note: Humanology® defines these personality types. Again, see The Essence of Man for details.
Fact #3: At any given time, one nation (or force in the world) will be dominant. If the position of “dominant male of the group” is vacated or questioned, a reordering of the world will take place. The resulting conflict will be worldwide and devastating, resulting in the death and suffering of billions of people. The conflict will continue until a new dominant nation (or force) is determined and emerges as the one who is dominant.
Conclusion
America inherited the position of “dominant nation among the group of nations” in the mid-twentieth century when world war devastated Europe, North Africa and Asia twice within twenty-five years. As nations around the world were picking through the rubble on their hands and knees, America's economy was in full gear.
Note: America's “Fair Market Economy,” (as opposed to socialism) in combination with a laissez-fare policy, republican form of government (as opposed to an oligarchy or democracy), and the American Dream (the ability to own a business, acquire property, and get ahead) propelled America to its lofty position.
America must retain its leadership position or we citizens (and the world) will suffer grave consequences. If we surrender our leadership position, Russia, China or the United Nations will fill the void. Being America's population is only 5% of the world and yet we use over 25% of the world's resources, the new dominant force will strip us of our remaining wealth.
In nature, nothing stays the same. Therefore, we cannot work for America to maintain its strength. We must work to strengthen America every day if we are to avoid getting weaker. To that end, we will write a business plan with 5, 10, and 100-year goals, outlining the strategies and tactics necessary to achieve them. Upon its approval by Congress and the 50 States, we will publish and broadcast America's business plan so every citizen knows and understands it.
In addition, to insure future sessions of Congress do not allow America to wane, we will sponsor an Amendment similar in spirit to the following:
“We hereby ordain it is the goal of this and all future sessions of Congress to insure the blessings of America for our posterity. In keeping with this goal, we will modify public policy and revoke or retool government sponsored programs and services that jeopardize or hinder America's long-term strength and stability. In short, we will reject Spring Theory and adopt and apply Gravity Theory universally at once.”
…reject socialistic policies,…
Socialism sounds good and feels great. However, the Patriot Party® will discourage policies favoring and leading to socialism. This policy position is the result of understanding human nature.
Socialism, although defined as ownership of industry and capitol by the state, leads to the sharing of wealth (sometimes referred to as wealth redistribution). The concept behind socialism is to “level the playing field” by redistributing wealth to citizens in need. The assumption is that redistribution of wealth will give less fortunate citizens the means to spring up and perform admirably (i.e. “Spring Theory”).
This would be a good strategy if human beings were predisposed to spring up. Unfortunately, the attribute of “springing up” describes a species not of Earth.
A breakthrough in understanding human nature reveals “Spring Theory” is wrong. According to Gravity Theory, the correct theory of human nature (see Plank #3), human beings do only one thing — they resolve their discomfort. Consequently, making citizens comfortable insures they will become lazy and complacent.
The promise of a free ride without obligation causes citizens to lose ambition. In short, socialism (“Spring Theory”) is a deathblow to industry, productivity and, ultimately, society.
…divest government enterprise,…
The second axiom in business tells us what to do about government controlled businesses.
Axiom #2: Government is never more efficient than private enterprise. When given the choice, a job done in the private sector is preferred. In short, getting government out of the business of conducting business should be the goal.
We will promote aggressively the privatization of government. Government should not be involved in enterprise because government is sluggish and not dynamic by nature. Since when has government been cost effective, competitive and efficient. History has demonstrated repeatedly government is not up to the task of competing in a “Fair-Market Economy.”
Note: It is incorrect to regard America's economy as a “Free-Market Economy.” In a “Free-Market Economy,” there are no rules, and anything goes. Early on, before the 1900s, America did have a “Free-Market Economy.” Today, however, America's today has a “Fair-Market Economy.”
In a “Fair-Market Economy,” rules of fair-play exist. For example, in America today, employers must provide safe working conditions and pay at least a minimum wage. In addition, buyers are protected from price-gouging, price fixing, scams and bait-n-switch tactics. Moreover, consumers are protected from faulty and dangerous products and shoddy services.
Government involvement in business leads to unfair business practices. To illustrate, suppose automobile sales are suffering. A government-owned automobile manufacturer can be subsidized with tax-dollars to lower the price of models as a means to increase sales, putting privately-owned companies at a disadvantage (possibly forcing them to go bankrupt or sell a controlling interest to government).
Note: This is just one way government-owned enterprises can disrupt a “Fair-Market Economy.” Other possibilities are promotions, buy-backs and so on. The result is always higher prices, less choices, poorer quality and service suffers.
…encourage the two-parent family,…
Although it makes us uncomfortable to speak of human beings in such impersonal terms, the truth is every citizen is an asset or liability to society. Adolescents who join a violent gang, become career criminals, do time in prison, become drug or alcohol dependent, or spend decades on welfare are, for lack of a better term, “liabilities to society.”
Analysis demonstrates that a child who becomes a liability to society is more costly than we realize. Not only do we lose a taxpayer. It takes between six to eight taxpayers just to offset the expenses incurred by the “child turned liability.”
Note: The variation in the number of taxpayers needed to offset expenses is dependent on how deep we look into the ramifications of crime, drug and alcohol dependency, gang activity, and so on. In addition to the police, investigators, crime labs, courtrooms, jails, and social workers, we must include the cost of insurance, security guards, iron fences around communities, counseling for children of parents who are liabilities to society.
If just one adolescent out of ten becomes a liability to society, only two taxpayers are left to pay for the remaining expenditures and services such as roads, bridges, the military and national parks. In short, the way to elevate society and increase the services available to citizens is to reduce the number of adolescents who become “liabilities to society.”
Single parents have proven to be capable of raising children to become assets to society. However, statistics demonstrate conclusively that, nationally, two parents do a better job at raising children to become “assets to society.” In short, if we hope to remain solvent as a nation, more children must be raised in two-parent households.
We should all have the freedom to live our life the way we choose. However, as a nation, we must promote the two-parent family. To that end, we will define marriage as follows:
“Marriage is a contractual obligation between a couple and America. In this contract, the couple promises to raise their children in a safe and stable two-parent household until their youngest child becomes an adult.”
To help parents in their difficult task of raising children to become assets to society, we will increase incentives for parents who are married and raising children. Married couples not raising children will not receive those incentives.
We will encourage married couples to complete their contractual obligation (to their children and America) by awarding a cash bonus when their youngest child becomes an adult, less any public expenses incurred in the process of raising their children. (See the book A More Perfect Union under the “About/Learn” link for details).
Note: These policy measures are neither arbitrary nor capricious. They are consequences of human nature as defined by Gravity Theory. Naturally, the details of every policy measure will need to be hammered out in Congress, the branch of government charged with the responsibility of shaping and passing legislation.
…modify the tax code so it fosters empowering behavior,…
Everyone agrees the tax code is voluminous, complex and fraught with inequities. The problem is to know what to change. Although it is the job of Congress to work out the details, we can (1) deduce optimal goals now that we understand human nature, (2) identify the pitfalls of the major plans proposed to date and (3) outline the ideal plan.
America's present system is referred to as a “Graduated Income Tax” (GIT). With a GIT, citizens not only pay more in taxes as they earn more, they are taxed at higher and higher rates. The GIT is great for generating tax revenue, but it is problematic.
First, the GIT is not equitable. Some citizens are forced to pay tens of millions of dollars while other citizens pay nothing. In fact, many citizens who pay no taxes burden society with enormous expenses and are then rewarded with a cash subsidy or “rebate” funded by those who pay taxes.
Note: Imagine roommates sharing an apartment. Should one roommate be forced to pay more because the other roommates have less money? What if the “poor” roommates only work part time by choice? What if they choose to drive expensive cars, or they spend their money on concert tickets and going out to dinner?
In theory, equal citizens should pay an equal share of the expenses incurred by America. After all, citizens rich and poor enjoy the same rights, privileges and responsibilities.
With the GIT, we have made an exception to the basic premise of America – that “all citizens are treated equally.” We have made this glaring exception to “true equality” simply because the tax revenue is needed and the poor can't pay their fair share.
Note: This presents the danger of a slippery slope. After all, if you have to pay more in taxes because you earn more, would it not also be fair to have extra rights and privileges? Do we really want to go down that road? Remember, the proponents of the GIT are the ones endorsing unequal treatment of citizens. In short, society would opt for a truly equitable system if one were possible.
Second, the GIT rewards destructive behavior. The reason for America's downward slide over the last few decades is not a deficiency of tax revenue. The problem is the poorest Americans tend to make bad choices and indulge in destructive behavior. For example:
The majority of “poor” parents are not doing their job of “maintaining a safe and stable household until their children become adults.”
The majority of “poor” parents are not insuring their children take full advantage of the free public education available to them, despite the fact 12 years of schooling are mandatory.
The majority of “poor” parents are not good role models.
The majority of “poor” parents are using illegal drugs or abusing alcohol.
The majority of “poor” parents have become complacent and lazy from taking advantage of government programs that make them comfortable rather than compel them to succeed.
In short, we do not need the poorest citizens to pay their fair share of taxes. We need the poorest citizens to make smart choices that will improve their position in life, rather than “make a mess.”
To that end, the optimum tax code will have two attributes:
One set of rules that apply equally to all citizens,
Encourage good citizenship and behavior that is personally and socially empowering.
Proposed Tax Plans (by others)
The “National Sales Tax” (NST) meets the goal of equal treatment for all citizens. However, the NST does not accomplish the goal of inspiring the poorest citizens to choose personally and socially empowering behavior.
The “Fair Tax” is deceptive on its face because it is misnamed. It should be called the “Flat Rate Tax” (FRT) because that is what it is. It calls for the first twenty or so thousand dollars of income for all citizens to be tax free. After that, every dollar of income would be taxed at one equal rate. Again, the FRT meets the goal of equal treatment for all citizens. However, like the NST, the FRT does not accomplish the goal of inspiring the poorest citizens to choose empowering behavior (leaving society to clean up their mess).
The Ultimate Plan (based on science)
The ultimate tax plan is called the “Earn Discount Tax” (EDT). The EDT features a tax rate of 37% for all citizens, with the opportunity to earn discounts of up to 36% on the first $100,000 (or so) of income.
Note: In keeping with the U.S. Constitution, the income cut off point, tax rate and other features will be determined by Congress.
For example, if a family qualifies for all discounts, the tax a family would pay (rich and poor) on the first $100,000 of income (or other figure set by Congress) would be as low as 1% ($1,000 on $100,000). Thereafter, 37% of income would be taxed.
Unlike the present GIT system and all others proposed to date, deductions will be based solely on individual and family performance.
Note: Discounts would not be automatic just because a family is poor. There are plenty of public programs to assist a family in need. The EDT will encourage empowering behavior.
The proposed discounts are:
Parents who are married and raising children for the preceding 12 months would earn a 12% discount (1% per month).
Parents who have not relied on public charity for the preceding 12 months would earn a 12% discount (1% per month).
Parents and their children who have not been convicted of a felony during the preceding 12 months would earn a 12% discount (1% per month).
Analysis
If a family pays just 1% tax on its first $100,000 of income, it would indicate (1) the household is comprised of a married couple raising children (2) without any form of public assistance and (3) no member of the immediate family has been convicted of a felony during the preceding calendar year. In short, a 1% tax rate would indicate future assets to society are being raised in a safe and stable household that has not encumbered the community.
Think of the savings to society. By reducing the number of children we lose to apathy, drugs and crime, expenses will be cut and the number of service-providing taxpaying “assets to society” will increase proportionally, changing the face of America and the direction of our civilization.
…root out excess, fraud and waste,…
The third axiom in business tells us what to do about the way government operates.
Axiom #3: It is the nature of business to become wasteful and inefficient. Just as our home tends to become messy and cluttered over time, every so often a little “housecleaning” in business is warranted.
Note: Every business for profit understands the concepts of reorganization and downsizing for just this purpose. The same should be applied to government.
In the business world, management occasionally asks their department heads to cut expenses. A call to reduce expenses by 10% is not uncommon. Why should government be different?
Besides increasing efficiency and the quality of service, rooting out excess, fraud and waste will reduce the cost of government.
Bonuses will be awarded to those who discover excess, fraud and waste. Bonuses will not be awarded to government employees just for doing their job.
We will hold people accountable for abuse and negligence, just as in the private sector.
Government employees should not be unionized. Moreover, government employees should be expected to perform at the same level as what is expected in the private (for-profit) sector. In short, there will be no more high paying cushy government jobs.
Government employees will have their retirement plans adjusted to reflect what is typical in the private sector. This is especially true of members of Congress. It is immoral for government employees to retire sooner with bigger and better benefits (including a special government-sponsored healthcare plan) than citizens in the private sector who actually produce something and generate the tax revenue.
…and make career dependency an unattractive alternative.
Before we begin, we must make two distinctions:
Citizens born with a physical or mental disability or who suffer a catastrophic injury or disease qualify for Social Security. Social Security is a national insurance program. It is not public charity.
Because life is uncertain and sometimes cruel, well-meaning hardworking citizens may suddenly find themselves in a dire situation in which they require financial help. This is a valid application of public charity. However, needing help should be a temporary condition. With planing, diligence and sacrifice, citizens should be able to work themselves out of difficult financial situations. The problem facing society is what to do about citizens who are habitually dependent on public charity from making poor choices and bad decisions repeatedly and continually.
Dependency is addictive and contagious.
Addictive: We can explain how dependency is addictive by applying the general laws of Gravity Theory (G1 - (G4).
Note: See Plank #3 for the specifics of how Gravity Theory works. This analysis features the application of Gravity Theory (for purposes of demonstration) as opposed to its explanation.
The thought of wanting something and not having enough money to obtain it makes people uncomfortable, compelling them to do something about it (G1).
The anticipation of receiving free money from government resolves the discomfort they are experiencing, so they take the steps to acquire the free money (G2).
Note: We use the term “free money” despite the fact the money is not free but for those receiving it.
The thought of receiving public money makes people uncomfortable, tempting them to give up the free money (G1).
The thought of not receiving the free money also makes people uncomfortable, compelling people to want to keep receiving the free money (G1).
People are faced with a choice between two options. It is important to note both choices result is some level of discomfort. The choices are: (A) Turn down the free money and do without the thing they want. (B) Take the money and feel embarrassed. People take the option promising the least amount of discomfort (G3).
Note: For most people, they are too embarrassed to take the free money. They do their best to avoid asking for the free money unless they are in true need of it. Those not in dire need and who are not too proud or embarrassed to take the free money avoid thinking about the matter or they justify receiving the free public money.
Regardless of which option they choose (the one that makes them least uncomfortable), people take the path of least resistance in pursuing that option (G4).
Note: Again, see Plank #3 for the specifics of how Gravity Theory works. This analysis featured the application of Gravity Theory (for purposes of demonstration) as opposed to its explanation. As we have demonstrated, Gravity Theory explains the decisions and behavior of human beings.
Contagious: Watching dependents receive free public money makes people who are self-reliant (those employed and working) angry because they feel they are being slighted. Why shouldn't they also receive free public money, especially since they have been doing the producing? Consequently, they too become uncomfortable (for a different reason). The only way to resolve their discomfort is to partake in the bonanza giveaway (free public charity).
Analysis
Long term dependency results when the thought of dependency makes people less uncomfortable than the thought of giving up what they will not be able to enjoy with the free public money. Therefore, the only way to break dependency and render it benign (as opposed to being contagious) is to stigmatize long-term dependency.
Note: The following policy measures are merely suggestions. However, they are neither arbitrary nor capricious. They are the result of applying “Gravity Theory” to the social problem of long-term dependency. Naturally, the details of every policy measure will need to be hammered out in Congress, the branch of government charged with the responsibility of shaping and passing legislation.
Every person in America is born a First-Class Citizen, regardless of background, economic status, physical capabilities, mental prowess, religion, politics, ethnicity, gender or sexual preference.
Note: Citizens on Social Security (an insurance plan) are First-Class Citizens.
However, how we perform as a citizen can change our status. For example, a First-Class Citizen convicted of committing a felony becomes less than a First-Class Citizen. Most people regard a citizen who becomes a felon as a Second-Class Citizen. A Second-Class Citizen has limited rights. For example, a felon may not own a gun or vote.
Solution
All the ingredients of how to discourage long-term dependency are before us. We need merely to apply Gravity Theory (the correct equation) to the public problem of long-term dependency. First, we need to regard felons as Third-Class Citizens so we free-up the Second-Class Citizen label, making it available.
To discourage long-term dependency (as opposed to short-term financial assistance), we simply need to regard citizens who are dependent on government for support long term as Second-Class Citizens.
Note: The “Second-Class Citizen” status would be voluntary and revocable.
Citizens in need of public support long-term would ask government to extend the temporary help that was granted to them without encumbrance.
Note: Short-term public assistance should not change the status of citizens.
However, extending short-term public assistance to long-term support would come at a price. Citizens will would have to trade their First-Class Citizen status to Second-Class as compensation for the help given to them in the form of long-term financial assistance.
Second-class citizens (those receiving long-term public support) would have a notation on their credit report stating they are dependents of society. While classified as a “Second-Class Citizen,” they will not be able to receive a loan or credit. In addition, they will be restricted to an older model phone with a limited plan, cable television without the premium channels, and generically labeled foods until they are self-supporting and regain their First-Class Citizen status.
Note: We are not punishing citizens. We are making citizens uncomfortable if they remain dependent on society long term.
Granted, not every Second-Class Citizen will choose to become industrious and productive as a means to escape the inconveniences (discomfort) resulting from being a Second-Class Citizen. However, many will feel the discomfort of being regarded as a Second-Class Citizen. Others will want the benefits of becoming again a First-Class Citizen.
Just a 10% conversion of dependents to producers will be huge considering every new “asset to society” is also no longer a dependent — a two-for-one switch. Moreover, less and less producers will want to join the rank of long-term dependents because of the imposed limitations and resulting growing stigma.
Note: According to Gravity Theory, we must make the thought of long-term dependency more uncomfortable than the thought of doing what is necessary to become employed, productive and self-reliant. This is not a matter of punishing dependents or being cruel. It is about using the correct equation (Gravity Theory) when attempting to resolve public problems . The alternative is more dependents and debt until the dollar collapses and civilization implodes, leaving everyone to fend for themselves, including the dependents who are being helped incorrectly today.
Stand up and be counted. Become a General in the Patriot Revolution. Here's how:
Join the Patriot Party®. It is free to join and will take less than 3-minutes (see the link below).
Invite everyone you know to read just one page – the main page of the Patriot Party® website. For information about the Patriot Party® go to www.PatriotParty.info.
Learn the remote handshake and use it when appropriate. Hold your hand high with 1, then 2, then 5 fingers in succession. The remote handshake stands for “One shot, Two years, I've inspired five people to read the main page of the Patriot Party® website.”
Note: Patriots are honorable. Do not put up five fingers unless you have done the job!