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The following are my own opinions.
These are just notes, I've create a "final" version here.
CIVIL LIBERTIES - Torture
We condemn the practice of torture of prisoners of war or alleged enemy combatants or alleged terrorists or anyone accused of a crime - including those who have not been proven guilty. The case of Maher Arar was the most publicized case of "rendition" to a foreign prison for torture in which the Canadian government was involved. European governments and judges have condemned the practice of transporting prisoners to foreign prisons for torture. Any military alliance or security arrangement with a nation involved in these practices shall be reviewed upon the question being raised in Parliament.
CIVIL LIBERTIES - Habeas Corpus
We uphold the right of habeas corpus for all prisoners - foreign and domestic. Habeas Corpus is the most basic practical freedom in Canadian law, that protects all of us from the arbitrary power of governments. All security arrangements with foreign governments that violate habeas corpus shall be reviewed.
Foreign Policy: Iran and Alliances
We oppose the Canadian government giving any support to an attack on Iran or other foreign nations where there is no clear aggression on behalf of that governemnt, especially if that attack will likely involve the deaths of innocent civilians and their property. Any alliance with a government whose agents spread false reports in order to justify such an attack shall be brought under review and can be challenged by any Canadian citizen before Parliament. Any allegations of wrongdoing against an ally or by the government targeted by that ally shall be open to public debate and examination before Parliament at any time.
Foreign Policy - Withdraw from Afghanistan
Since we believe in a non-interventionist policy of peace and free trade, and since we believe in the individual rights of all persons, and since we believe in the use of the military for defensive purposes only to defend against attacks against Canada, we support the withdrawal of Canadian forces from Afghanistan and other nations where they are stationed.
Freedom of Speech - Political - Campaign Funding
We oppose and will renounce attempts (Bill C-2) to limit political contributions to political parties, political campaigns and towards political or special-interest organizations.
Freedom of Speech - Political - Gag Law
We reject the suppression of political speech by third parties during elections.
Freedom of Speech - "Hate" Speech and the internet
We oppose laws that criminalize forms of speech classified as "hate", including the current federal law and international agreements that seek to criminalize speech on the internet or otherwise. This includes all expression that does not contain direct intended threats against life and property. It is a legitimate concern that hate speech laws will be used against those who possess political and religious opinions.
Freedom of Speech. Net Neutrality
We advocate no regulation of the Internet. The CRTC must leave the Internet alone and free for the expression of political advocacy and other opinions. We do not believe in government regulation of the Internet but we will urge Canadians as consumers to pressure their Internet Service Providers to maintain net neutrality.
Immigration
Making it easier for immigrants by removing institutional monopolies.
Principle: Taxes used for purposes individuals disagree with
We hold the following principle, that Canadians should not be required to fund or support government actions with which they disagree. In the transition to an untaxed society, we will advocate that people will be able to designate to what ends their tax money goes - what services they use - and to where it does not when they do not agree or use those services - "opt out". In effect this will allow for the conversion of government taxes to fees for service during the transition to a libertarian society. Services that some people want but government finds itself unable to fund will have to be provided by non-governmental or market organizations.
Intro and Purpose of LPC
- The LPC seeks to consciously address the issues that face us in the context of societal institutions that exist already in Canada.
- Voting for for the LPC represents a desire for increased liberty. It is an act of self-defense against government taxation and property confiscation and interference in our lives. Ultimately we want a just society where individuals are free to choose everything except the ability to impose their will on others.
- The LPC are libertarians who are consciously and deliberately using a political strategy to persuade Canadians to increase liberty and to oppose ever more obvious curtailments of existing freedoms.
- The LPC's activism represents an opposition, a withdrawal of support for intrusive government.
- Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for things they don't agree with.
- We want to help create a society where the justice system functions. We need to look at reforming the courts, police, allow accountability to citizens. Opting out. People will be free to use private arbitration services and security. The needs of crime victims should be primary. Unjust imprisonment will be treated as a crime also. Restitution to the victim will take primary focus. Proportionality also. Violent offenders will not be released early. In order to bring pressure on the courts and prisons to reform, we will allow the opting out of the official court system, and allow the use of private dispute resolution services.
- We need to focus on an effective defensive military that doesn't interfere in foreign nations but is limited to the defence of Canada against foreign aggression, and the training of citizen militias. People will be free to create their own militias for the defense of their own property in the event of foreign invasion.
- The job of parliament should be to renegogiate and simplify the criminal code or law so that all regulation is removed and only harm against person or damage/theft or fraud is punishable.
- The LPC seeks to restrain the power of government and to reform its institutions so that they serve the people rather than oppress them.
- If elected, Libertarian candidates will follow their conscience concerning the oath of office. It is up to them whether they take it or not, and if not, they should be aware of the potential consequences.
- We uphold the concept of self-ownership, that nobody's life is owned by another, that everyone is entitled to their property, justly acquired.
LPC's place in the libertarian movement
- LPC members share ideals in opposition to current policies and a belief in liberty.
- We will always use political means which are justified in self-defense.
- LPC has a political and educational role because elections are when people discuss political issues.
- LPC is an alliance of libertarians of different stripes who disagree about the make-up of a free society.
- We don't expect to actually agree on how to define the ideal state of a free society, but we agree to educate the public on the necessity of freedom and we agree to oppose current policies that erode freedoms and that have already eroded freedoms.
- We are all members of this society and are subject to "compromises" every day in our lives when we make use of government services and pay our taxes. The LPC is subject to regulations about the amounts that can be donated and is subject to reporting requirements by the government, and is the recipient of allowances. This doesn't mean that we endorse these policies at all.
- Our position is that Libertarians must not retreat from public life because of concerns about ideological purity and perfection.
- We believe that the reason for so little progress by the libertarian movement and LP in the past is because of a lack of radical activism, and more because of the strength of the opposing ideologies.
- We're a group of free individuals who think for ourselves and have strong views.
- Our goal is not to slow down the rate of decline or patch up our society. Our role is to actively resist its infringements.
- We seek justice and freedom for those in our own personal lives and relationships and in our dealings in the market, e.g. boycott pressures.
- Our goal is a complete transformation of the current system of government
Note: the above are my own opinions.
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