Movement Up Instead Of Forward
An Upist does not operate on any of the waveforms of the left-right-center political spectrum. We position ourselves above this option-limiting spectrum. So, we are allowed to see things from not within, but at a vantage point where we can look down and observe the entire scope of our countries politics. We take a positive stance, stemming from logic and reason, on major and minor issues that affect human lives. We are not a political party and do not participate in the rhetoric of existing parties. We work in the interest of all people; not specific groups and organizations.

Separation of Church and State
Laws and policies made by public officials must not be based on religious ideology. Religious ideologies must not be used to influence the public for political gain. Homosexuals and other minority groups are denied rights based on religious beliefs, which is prohibited by the first amendment. The country's founders escaped religious persecution to establish a nation where such persecution would not be tolerated; we also will not tolerate it.

Crime
To properly fight crime, we need to be more proactive than reactive. The circumstances that cause individuals to revert to crime must end. Improving education and economic situations will cause a significant drop in crime. Prisons and jails should not be privatized or used as human storage containers. Incarceration should be used as an opportunity to rehabilitate and educate the offenders so that upon release they are productive members of society. Funds derived from fines, parole, and probation can no longer be incentive to force citizens into and/or trap them in the criminal justice system.

Education
Every child deserves a high quality, well-funded education no matter what community in which they reside. Students deserve state-of-the-art technology, books, and curriculum. School boards should consist of members whom are professionals in every subject matter. This will be incentive for educators to excel in and around the classroom, for an opportunity to become members of the board. Members of the board are not elected by the general public. They should be nominated and voted on by members of the education community. Districts should be funded based upon the number of students in each district. Schools should then be funded by the number of students in each school. Charter schools should be abolished, because providing education is not for personal profit.

Economy
For far too long, profits have been put before the needs of humanity. Economic systems should be used to benefit society as whole and not a few wealthy, ruthless businessmen. Corporations should not be allotted the same rights as private citizens. Doing so creates a situation where government is controlled by those corporations and not by the people as the constitution intended. Regulation must be used only when the actions of corporations trample on the rights and lives of men, women, and children. Every working-aged citizen is entitled to a decent wage efficient enough to provide them with food, housing, utilities, and transportation, whether public or private. Having every able adult employed with decent wages drastically reduces crime and poverty which in turn increases funds available for those who are incapable of or seeking employment.

National Security & Foreign Policy
Wars should only be fought to maintain the independence and freedom of our nation from an imminent threat. Creating an enemy in order to reap war profits and limit civil liberties for citizens is neither national defense nor good foreign policy. This only justifies the actions of so-called radicals, extremists and/or terrorists. We need to cease the exploitation of resources of sovereign nations, stop meddling in their civil affairs, end our military occupations, and focus on dealing with domestic issues. This will not only enhance national security and benefit us economically, but it will also leave more time, money, and effort for the most important entity in our nation--the people.

By J.R. Junior

With every legislation or policy thrust upon us by our dear government, we must ask, "Who benefits?". Is it the American people as the left declares? Or is it proponents of a government takeover as suggested by the right? Luckily for you, Coup De Blog doesn't operate on any of the waveforms of that particular political spectrum. As "Upists", we position ourselves above the spectrum, so we are allowed to see things--from not within but--at a vantage point where we can look down and observe the entire scope of American politics.

It should be no surprise that most officials on both sides of the aisle actually wanted the health care bill to pass. Since Democrats paint themselves as the "party of the people" and true advocates of "social change", they were forced to introduce and support legislation that appears to help disadvantaged citizens of the country.

The Republican stance is a little more complex. They, too, have supporters and voters to appease (or to rouse into hysteria) being the minority in both the House and the Senate. By publicly stating their opposition to the bill, they are viewed by their supporters as firm against the government takeover. This was nothing more than an opportunity to have a major issue to argue when mid-term elections (and elections thereafter) came around. Republicans knew they had no chance, but knowing the measures would pass, they positioned themselves strategically much in the same way Obama was positioned in opposition of Bush and Republican's failed wars and economy during his campaign. So, their opposition (or appearance thereof) was nothing more than a show for the voters who believe the Republican Party actually considers what is in the best interests of their constituents.

Republican lawmakers actually supported these bills! When you step out of your position on the political spectrum, you can see how this makes sense. History has proven that conservatives tend to lean toward favoring big business (what do you think the terms 'free market' and 'deregulation' imply?). With the passage of this bill, health care would be mandated, and PRIVATE insurance companies would be given the subsidy monies that is said will be given to insurance purchasers. The government assists citizens--by giving them money--and the citizens then give the money to insurance providers. The American people are mere middle men (not middle class). So, insurance companies receive money from the government via taxes funneled back through the hands of the taxpayers. With nearly 300 million customers, nearly 47 million newly added, the medical industry stands a lot to gain. This pretty much sounds like right-wing socialism to me, but that's an entirely different story.

The debate had nothing to do with abortion or costs. It was all about votes! Both sides will continue to receive hefty campaign contributions; The Democrats for getting it passed, and the Republicans for wheeling and dealing behind closed doors to include amendments and earmarks that benefit their corporate buddies. Nothing has changed. Politicians don't care about you. Politicians only care about one thing... Politics! Wake Up & Smell The B.S.