[HoniSoit]

So let's work on a joint RF-SN platform, shall we?

As it stands now, there is very little substantive disagreement. But some of the proposals probably need a little modification while we could also add a few new proposals that were previously overlooked.

My suggestion: viewtopic.php?p=1869054#p1869054.

Brio's suggestion: viewtopic.php?p=1869131#p1869131

FallenRaptor's reply: viewtopic.php?p=1869538#p1869538

And wy reply to FallenRaptor's latest post:

Given that this is a transitional program in a bourgeois parliament, I think there will be a limit as to how much we can democratize banks, but I understand what you're trying to say. I propose we try to put the banks under as much regulation of workers' councils as possible.

I agree. While there are limits to collectivisation of the banks, at least we should state that's our aspiration i.e. increasingly subjecting banks to the control and management of workers' councils as well as the wider community.

75% might be too high at the moment, but we could perhaps go a little higher. I agree with workers' collectivization of failed businesses.

So do you have a percentage in mind? What about let's say 60%?

Democratic planning along with full nationalization of all industries is our long term goal, but it's too early to demand that now. In our current parliamentary struggle, we want to create a bridge between a minimum program(social democratic reformism) and the maximum program(revolutionary socialism) so that it may be easier for the masses to eventually cross over from the former to the latter. We will take the suggestion of re-writing the economic platform for the future.

Yes, I agree. Though I still think we should at least state that's our long-term goal so as not to lose sight of what we're struggling for ultimately. What do you think?

Also, Ingliz has proposed that SN adopts the policy of giving genuine communes/collectives tax-free status and a degree of autonomy out of good will towards RF. I'm in favor of adopting this, and I don't see why anyone in the party would object.

I would be in favor as well.

I believe that workers should be able to defend themselves both collectively and individually. Perhaps we can negotiate a few regulations on individual gun-ownership, but I'm against disarmament of individual citizens.

This is not a big point so I wouldn't insist on that. But I agree with the need for an adequate regulation on individual gun ownership.

Can you give more details on what [an international regulatory framework to restrict the movement of capital] should look like and how it should function?

Since we're not playing with other countries in mind, it wouldn't be necessary to sketch it out fully. But the point is an international regulatory agreement that abides countries to limit the free flow of capital in and out of their borders - in fact quite like the original ideas of the Bretton Woods system - because of the concern that the the flight of capital could be used as a threat or an actual weapon against national governments in order to yield concessions in favor of the capital.

Not sure about that given that most nations are under bourgeois democracy. I think we can talk more of international organizations after there are some socialist revolutions. The SN should work with and participate in international workers' organizations(which falls into the first point of the international platform).

Yes, I get your points. But obviously some sort of international organisation between nation-states is necessary even today, and our aim should be pushing for, for example, the abolition of the UN Security Council and the privileges of a few states with veto power.

And finally as I have proposed, we could add a few new proposals with regard to 1] entitlements to adequate living standards including rights to adequate housing, education, food and water etc. 2] the elimination of racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other forms of discrimination against any social groups 3] environmental protection.

[albionfagan]

No surrender to the SLD scum

[HoniSoit]

No surrender to the SLD scum

To be honest, I don't think this kind of inflammatory remark is particularly helpful given we may work (not suggesting a coalition) with SLD against the right-wing parties.

[albionfagan]

I was being facetious, although I doubt an alliance is possible, it would destroy our own current alliance.

[HoniSoit]

I wasn't suggesting an alliance, either.

But given right-wing parties are a force to be reckoned with, it may be necessary to work with the SLD once the election is concluded.

Do you have any suggestion about the platform?

[Vladimir]

Ok here's the draft of the joint platform.

--

SN-RF

Economic Platform


Points of special interest:

1. Bank nationalization; democratisation of control by replacement of manager bureaucracy by civil committees of workers’ delegates and state advisors, open publication of all accounts
2. Heavy progressive tax (10%, 50%, 70%)
3. Abolition of tax for low incomes, increases of tax on profits (70%)
4. Price freezing or imposing of narrow price boundary (through buffer stock operation, which instead of being sold off can be used for charity) on staple items, namely those with a low price elasticity of demand
5. Higher inheritance tax for capital inheritance (95%)
6. Abolition of interest rates on small loans, individual debts, minimisation of rent rates (and possibly abolition in some cases, as well as expropriation in certain cases)
7. Democratisation of trade unions, namely via a transfer to a delegate base from the current representative one
8. Legislation for all employment contract negotiating to go through trade unions with membership as a prerequisite
9. Guarantee of legalization of factory occupations as "cooperatives", as well as expropriation and handing over to its workers and their community of any enterprise in risk of being plundered by its owner; grant of a 0% tax status to such environments.
10. Minimum wage 5 times the calculated minimum living necessity, pegged to inflation; applied universally stating 16, working not allowed prior.
11. Guaranteed employment for all above 16, guaranteed professional work for all graduates.

Social Platform


Points of special interest:

1. Freedom of political activity within unions and workplaces
2. Universal and unabridged right to firearms, with individual ownership regulated by criminal records
3. A power division contract between workers' councils and state; we promise to push through in the parliament any demands councils make
4. Abolition of police, standing army, and nuclear program. Establishment of a universal workers' militia in their place.
5. Reservation of at least half of the court jury seats for worker council delegates
6. Full financial and material support to union, council and "cooperative" organisations as well as entrusting large local budgets to them
7. 100% separation of church and state.
8. Free universal healthcarem regulated by system by doctors' and nurses' councils
9. Free education from kindergarten to doctorate
10. Regulation of the entire education system by teachers' and students' councils
11. Legalisation of all narcotics, with a direct tax of 10% which will be put towards rehabilitation infrastructure
12. Vast-scale construction of heavily subsidised (half of the market price) multi-story proletarian residences with modern infrastructure, sanitation and transport access, basing on the Russian/Chinese microdistrict model. Make ready non-interest loans available for future dwellers. The slums will be turned into “garden cities”!
13. Zero tolerance for any form of discrimination
14. Environmental protection by means of handing vast “green” funds and executive rights to local workers’ environment committees.

International Platform


Points of special interest:

1. Solidarity with workers of all countries; we will work to establish global democratised trade unions
2. Recognition of the right to self-determination for all oppressed nations; recognition of every separatist movement and territory
3. Heavy taxes on the export of capital and outsourcing of jobs
4. Against all imperialist wars and wars of aggression
5. Abolition of NATO, the World Bank, IMF, WTO, and all other imperialist cliques & agreements. Democratic control to be established over their funds by means of international workers’ unions
6. Withdrawal of all military personnel from all foreign countries
7. Make decision making in foreign policy open and transparent to the people; Open publication of all secret treaties and actions made by the previous government

[Subversive Rob]

I rather think we need to change/remove the 'overriding ideology' (which was always a fairly lame category to begin with.

[Vladimir]

Ok, I guess it's not applicable now anyway...

[Brio]

I rather think we need to change/remove the 'overriding ideology' (which was always a fairly lame category to begin with.

I agree. With it intact the anarchists might get a bit miffed, and it only serves to pigeon-hole the platform to possible new voters.

Vladimir, I like what you have done with the narcotics policy, but would they be distributed as cigarettes are in most developed countries (little to no advertising with health warnings on the package) or like beer/alcohol (advertising allowed and no health warning)?

[Vladimir]

Vladimir, I like what you have done with the narcotics policy, but would the be they be distributed as cigarettes are in most developed countries (little to no advertising with health warnings on the package) or like beer/alcohol (advertising allowed and no health warning)?

I think no one here will object if we agree on the former.

[Brio]

I think no one here will object if we agree on the former.

[ingliz]

I still think a guaranteed job for all able bodied workers, with a Labour Corps if necessary, would be a good idea. It will keep wages up and put pressure on the employers. This will not be workfare as all workers would receive union rates and be fully represented by the union.

[Vladimir]

ingliz, ok added, plus some more stuff on min. wage etc

[HoniSoit]

Vladimir - thanks for the new draft.

I have only asked Demo to expand on country-specific foreign policies.

[Vladimir]

ingliz hmm perhaps it's better to have a large unemployment benefit (e.g. 1/2 of min. wage) instead of guaranteed employment?

[ingliz]

Why? are you trying to create an underclass

[Vladimir]

Would guaranteed employment be for voluntary job seekers or mandatory work for all??

[ingliz]

"He who does not work, does not eat". I see no need for unemployment benefits lasting more than a few weeks and they could be the equivalent of the last job's wages. All those unable to find private employment can be mopped up by the labour corps and offered training and work within the community.

[Vladimir]

I don't see the point of us forcing people to work for the bourgeoise

[ingliz]

I am confused; in a capitalist society we are nearly all forced to work for the bourgeoisie or live off the dole. Why can't those who would be on the dole be provided by government with useful well paid work in their own communities instead of sitting on their backsides collecting a pittance.