Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus (ACLC)

[Max Power]

and support reasonable restrictions on abortions such as parental notification for women under the age of 18 who seek an induced abortion.

But don't you think we should make an exception for incest/rape victims for consent? What if a girl who was impregnated after being raped has two crazy pro-life parents who won't let her get an abortion, even though giving birth could both harm her (emotionally and otherwise) and the fetus? Other than that, no objections other than the wording of the planks.

[Rob]

PROPOSED PLANK FIVE (PRO CHOICE)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the legality of abortion until birth, as we find that the fetus is not a legal citizen.  We feel that the government should not attempt to impose its moral values on the People by banning any abortions; instead, the decision should be left to the woman.  We also oppose restrictions such as partner and parental consent or notification.

I support this plank.

[KEmperor]

PROPOSED PLANK FIVE (PRO CHOICE)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the legality of abortion until birth, as we find that the fetus is not a legal citizen.  We feel that the government should not attempt to impose its moral values on the People by banning any abortions; instead, the decision should be left to the woman.  We also oppose restrictions such as partner and parental consent or notification.

I support this plank.

As do I.

[Speed of Sound]

i support plank 4, followed by plank 5.

[Max Power]

PROPOSED PLANK FIVE (PRO CHOICE)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the legality of abortion until birth, as we find that the fetus is not a legal citizen.  We feel that the government should not attempt to impose its moral values on the People by banning any abortions; instead, the decision should be left to the woman.  We also oppose restrictions such as partner and parental consent or notification.

I support this plank.

As do I.

Me as well.

[Akno21]

PROPOSED PLANK FIVE (PRO CHOICE)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the legality of abortion until birth, as we find that the fetus is not a legal citizen.  We feel that the government should not attempt to impose its moral values on the People by banning any abortions; instead, the decision should be left to the woman.  We also oppose restrictions such as partner and parental consent or notification.

I support this plank.

As do I.

Me as well.

And me

[Q]

As debate on our platform continues, I'd like to solicit suggestions for the site and time of the ACLC's first convention, in anticipation of the August elections.  This will be a mini-convention, as our Bylaws provide for conventions preceding the Presidential elections.  Hopefully we will be able to work out any flaws in our system in this off-month meeting.

I don't want to see Atlasia's extra-party organizations fall into inactivity and inconsequentiality.  Let's accomplish something that we'll all be proud of.

[Max Power]

I suggest either Detroit, Michigan, or Charleston, South Carolina around August 5th.

[Speed of Sound]

ill suggest Pikeville,PA. (thats where i live! W0oT!)

[Ebowed]

I second Max Power's suggestion of Charleston, South Carolina.

[Speed of Sound]

i second my own suggestion of Pikeville, PA

[Emsworth]

Boston, Mass.

[KEmperor]

Quohog, Rhode Island.

[Q]

I am reminded me that while we are especially strong in the other regions, we have only one member in the Mideast and no members from the Midwest.

Having spoken with Mideast Regional Chair Akno about the matter, I think it might be a good idea to hold our first mini-convention in one of these two regions in order to encourage increased participation there.

The Midwest Regional Chair position is still vacant, and while it would be great if a Midwesterner would join us and fill this role, would any existing member who is generally on good terms with the Midwest Region be willing to do some encouraging in that region (and possibly serve as region chair there if no one else joins up)?

[Frodo]

I propose Portland, Oregon.  If this caucus is going to be about social libertarianism, we might as well choose a city that is known to be permissive with regard to social freedoms.......   

[Speed of Sound]

oh yeah....i forgot that we wanted a city that liked freedom and liberty....scratch my suggestion off the list then.

[Max Power]

Okay then..... Omaha or Cleveland?

[Speed of Sound]

CLEVELAND ROCKS!

[Sam Spade]

Austin, Texas

[skybridge]

I was invited and it sounds like a good thing. Count me in.

[Ebowed]

Just keeping things organized

Proposed Cities to Hold August Convention[/u]:
Austin, TX
Detroit, MI
Charleston, SC
Quohog, RI
Boston, MA
Portland, OR
Omaha, NE
Cleveland, OH

Proposed Planks to Resolve Abortion Issue:

PROPOSED PLANK ONE (PRO LIFE)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the right to life of all humans at the point of conception.  We are wholeheartedly opposed to the legalization of all forms of induced abortion and infant euthanasia and seek to end the decriminalization of abortions throughout Atlasia.

PROPOSED (LACK OF) PLANK TWO (NEUTRAL)
No plank.

PROPOSED PLANK THREE (PRO CHOICE 1ST TRIMESTER)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the constitutional right of women to choose whether or not to terminate a pregnancy in the first trimester.  We oppose the legality of abortions performed after the first trimester, except in cases where the life of the mother is severely at risk.

PROPOSED PLANK FOUR (PRO CHOICE 2ND TRIMESTER)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the constitutional right of women to choose whether or not to terminate a pregnancy through the first two trimesters.  We oppose the legality of third trimester abortions except in cases where the life of the mother is severely at risk, and support reasonable restrictions on abortions such as parental notification for women under the age of 18 who seek an induced abortion.

PROPOSED PLANK FIVE (PRO CHOICE)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports the legality of abortion until birth, as we find that the fetus is not a legal citizen.  We feel that the government should not attempt to impose its moral values on the People by banning any abortions; instead, the decision should be left to the woman.  We also oppose restrictions such as partner and parental consent or notification.

PROPOSED PLANK SIX (OPEBO)
The Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus supports and encourages abortions performed at any time during the pregnancy, as well the full legality of infant euthanasia.  The government must not oppress its citizens by enforcing prudish restrictions on abortion or infanticide.

(I hope others will join me in support of Plank 2.)

Adoption Plank[/u] (Proposed by Akno21)
Adoption
The ACLC supports the right of all eligible people (that is, mentally capable adults with no criminal record over the age of 18) to adopt children. We believe that the parent's sexuality should play no part in whether they recieve a child.

Proposed ACLC Platform (Second Draft)
The mission of the Atlasian Civil Liberties Caucus is to advocate for the protection of the fundamental rights of the People.
The ACLC stands for individual sovereignty.  We believe that decisions regarding matters that affect the individual should be made as close to the individual as possible, and that individual destiny should not be subject to the whims of an intrusive government.

We value the input of our members in creating a list of rights we believe should be defended.  Individual members, however, may disagree with specific provisions of the platform, which is an evolving document that does not constrain our organization or our members.


Religion

Establishment of Religion
The ACLC believes that the government must maintain the strict separation of church and state. We believe that the government should neither endorse nor inhibit religion. Instead, by maintaining a neutral, secular stance, the government can equally and impartially protect all religious views.

School Prayer
The ACLC deems that students should be free to pray in schools if they so choose. However, we do not feel that the government should write prayers, or formally set aside time specifically for praying.

Pledge of Allegiance
We oppose the mandatory or coerced recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, or other pledges of nationalism or allegiance to region or state, in schools and workplaces.
We hold that the inclusion of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is unwise and unconstitutional. We feel that it is inappropriate for the government to link one's allegiance to country with one's religious beliefs. We therefore support the removal of the phrase from the pledge.


Speech

Freedom of Speech
The ACLC holds that the ability to express one's views without retaliation from the government is a hallmark of a free society. We believe that freedom of speech and of expression is vital, and that the government should not endeavor to hamper it. We feel that even the most controversial opinions are constitutionally protected, and should not be banned or restricted by the government.

Freedom of the Press
We deem that a free press is vital in a republic such as Atlasia, as it serves to keep the government in check. Efforts to censor the media are contrary to the letter and the spirit of the Constitution. Therefore, the ACLC opposes governmental regulation of media content.

Freedom of Assembly
The ACLC holds that the right to peaceably assemble is important. We feel that no organization should be denied the right to protest simply because its opinions differ from those of a majority of the society. Furthermore, we oppose "free speech zones," which violate the right to assemble peaceably.


Reproductive and Sexual Autonomy

Contraception and Abortion
While the ACLC recognizes that contraception and abortion are distinct concepts that have discrete magnitude of impact on the creation of life, we support the right of a any person to use contraception as well as the right of a woman to procure an abortion. We feel that the government should not attempt to impose its moral values on the People by banning contraceptives or abortions; instead, the decision should be left to the woman.

Sexual Freedoms
The ACLC believes that the state does not belong in the bedrooms of the People. We believe that the government should not prohibit sexual relations between consenting adults.


Justice

Surveillance
The ACLC opposes any effort to turn Atlasia into a surveillance society. We feel that the government should use wiretaps and other surveillance tools only with a warrant issued upon probable cause signed by a judge. We feel that the arbitrary and capricious monitoring of law-abiding citizens is incompatible with a free and democratic society.

Enemy Combatants
The ACLC opposes holding individuals as "enemy combatants." We feel that incarcerating such individuals without charge and without the effective assistance of counsel contravenes the Constitution and violates a fundamental principle of justice: "innocent until proven guilty."

Right to Counsel
The ACLC holds that every defendant is entitled to the aid of counsel. If a defendant cannot afford a lawyer, the ACLC believes that the government should provide one for him or her. We believe that the police should not attempt to deny a suspect the aid of counsel by failing to issue the Miranda warning or by otherwise concealing the suspect's rights.

Rights of Convicted Felons
The ACLC recognizes that convicted felons cannot be granted the same battery of rights as unincarcerated persons, for allowing them all such rights would infringe upon the rights of others.  In committing such a crime, a citizen forfeits certain rights when he or she violates the rights of others, and punishment by the temporary suspension of those rights is an acceptable result.
However, we believe that those convicted of any crime still have some rights as an Atlasian citizen.  We believe that upon termination of a period of incarceration, an Atlasian should not be denied the right to vote as a result of that incarceration.

Sentencing
We support that judges and juries be granted life sentences with no possibility for parole as a sentencing option.


Additional ACLC Positions

Right to Bear Arms
The ACLC supports the right of the People to keep and bear arms, and thus we oppose any ban of handguns.  We believe that fireworks should be legal in Atlasia every day of the year.

Monetary Freedom
The ACLC supports the legalization of gambling and prostitution throughout Atlasia, with some regulation by the government.  We hold that the government should legalize prostitution among consenting adults, but we recognize that certain regulations of prostitution may be necessary in order to protect the public health.  We believe that a minimum age of 18 for participation in prostitution and gambling would be appropriate.

Drug and Alcohol Freedom
The ACLC supports lowering the drinking age to 18.  We oppose mandated smoking bans in privately-owned businesses and instead hold that any decision to limit smoking should be up to the owner of the business.  The ACLC also supports the full legalization of marijuana, for both medicinal and recreational use.

Racial Freedom
We believe that the use of race or class in public university admissions is unconstitutional.  We oppose racial profiling, racial quotas for public schools and government workplaces, hate speech legislation, and hate crimes legislation.

Pornography and Female Nudity
The ACLC holds that pornography, depicting consenting persons over the age of 18, should be available for the public.  We support some restrictions on production, but not on the viewing, of pornography.  Anyone aged 16 or over should be able to purchase pornography.  While we hold that any individual should be free to observe any form of pornography that he or she wishes, we believe that any producer of child pornography should be punished to the full extent of the law.  We also support the right of females over the age of 18 to be topless in public.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST (damn 10,000 character limit)

[Ebowed]

THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL VOTING BOOTH.  THIS IS A CURRENT LIST THAT WILL BE REVISED IF NECESSARY WHEN ENDORSEMENT VOTES ARE TO TAKE PLACE.  IT IS HERE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY


SENATORIAL ELECTIONS
District 1
Defarge (IL-NY)
Abstain
None of the Above

District 2
LiberalPA (IL-PA) Northeast Regional Chair of the ACLC
KeystonePhil (ACA-PA)
Abstain
None of the Above

District 3
Senator PBrunsel (ACA-IA)
Fritz (I-MN)
Abstain
None of the Above

District 4
Senator MHS2002 (CU-VA)
Ernest (IL-SC)
Ben Meyers (ACA-FL)
Abstain
None of the Above

District 5
Senator Gabu (I-UT)
Abstain
None of the Above

REGIONAL ELECTIONS

Southeast Governor (Approval Voting)
Governor Bono (I-SC) Founder and Chair of the ACLC
Dubya (ACA-TX)
Abstain
None of the Above

Southeast Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor Q (CU-GA) Vice-Chair/Secretary of the ACLC
BrandonH (ACA-LA)
Abstain
None of the Above

Pacific Governor
John Ford (F-CA)
Lieutenant Governor Immy (IL-ID)
Abstain
None of the Above

Pacific Lieutenant Governor
Robert Goldwater (CU-OR) Pacific Regional Chair of the ACLC
Mr. Hobbes (I-CA)
Abstain
None of the Above

[Ebowed]

I think we should add a platform opposing the imprisonment of people who don't pay their taxes or child support.

[Q]

Thanks for keeping us up to date, Ebowed.  Your work on the abortion planks is valuable to sorting out the caucus members' range of opinions on the subject.

I won't campaign for a particular outcome on the abortion plank, but I think the adoption plank is brilliant.  Perhaps it could be strengthened to include a general reference to our support for the principle of adoption, although I suppose the wording would have to depend on the outcome of the vote on the abortion plank, so that could wait until our October convention.

Do we care about female toplessness?  Is that really something our group should wade into?

I think we should add a platform opposing the imprisonment of people who don't pay their taxes or child support.

What alternative incentive would you propose for encouraging people to pay taxes and clild support?

[Q]

I am pleased to announce that the First Triannual ACLC National Conference will take place from August 5-9.

I'm opening a vote in the Voting Booth right now (in the old ACLC voting thread) on the convention sites that have been proposed.  Voting will end 48 hours later, on Wednesday the 3rd, and we shall hold this meeting in the city that receives the greatest number of preferences.

During the conference, any candidate for office in the August elections is invited to address the membership.  I will be contacting all the candidates about this opportunity.  We will then vote on endorsements as well as on the contested platform planks, and discuss further what we stand for, and how to encode that in a platform amenable to as many members as possible.

I will soon be contacting directly all Caucus members about these developments.

(A final vote on whether to adopt that platform shall be taken at the October National Convention, at which time elections for caucus officials shall again take place.)