Hey UO'ers,

 

The official announcement will not be made until tomorrow, but since we all like to share insight with one another on this sight, I figured I would share. I have been named the State Leader for Ohio for Stand Up Republic. As such, I will be responsible for grass roots campaigns, the organizational structure of SUR in Ohio, endorsing local candidates and issues, and the overall manifestation of SUR into a political organization within the state.

 

I know how civically engaged UO'ers are and I would strongly encourage all of you to get involved if our message is within your political purview.

 

Our Message

 

While we welcome members from all political ideologies, our governing principle is simple: Our republic has strayed far away from the principles upon which we were founded. We are, admittedly, a right of center organization and often find ourselves aligned with principles that are traditionally more Conservative.

 

However, recent attacks on rule of law, immigrants, a free press, free market, freedom of speech, et. al really are the reasons for our splinter from the traditional GOP.

 

I am the great grandson of refugees from Ireland, my ancestors survived a forced famine / genocide and fled across the Atlantic for the Promised Land. A nation that would afford them Constitutional rights never imagined under British rule. My responsibility to uphold the American ideals for which they risked their lives - by immigrating here, and thereafter fought for in WWI and WWII - is marrow deep. Those rights are still ensured by our Constitution, but they are not self-enforcing. 

 

Purpose

 

Stand Up Republic was founded to protect the ideas mentioned above. We want a country that stands for rule of law, a country that respects an independent Judiciary, and a country that will respect the outcome of investigations. We want a country that will welcome immigrants while maintaining strong border security. We want a country that embraces an adversarial free press. We want a country that will stand with our NATO allies against brutal dictators like Vladimir Putin. We want a country that will fight to ensure that foreign adversaries do not meddle in our elections. We want a country that protects human rights.

 

America has been that country for a long time, and we intend on stabilizing the chaotic rhetoric that our President chooses to shout from behind a keyboard. America is for all of us; all ideologies, religions, races, orientations, and genders - we intend on being a constant reminder of that truth.

 

If you are interested in joining, please let me know. Remember, we have members from the Right and Left. I will follow up on here with an official press release tomorrow or Thursday, but I thank you all for your time.

 

I love this country, I always have and I always will. I intend to fight to make it the "City on a Hill" once more.

 

https://standuprepublic.com/

 

 

P.S. Please feel free to use this thread as a sounding board for Centrist - Center right ideologies - as I feel UO does not have a proper home for those ideas at the moment.

 

Hello all,

 

The Stand Up Republic Ohio chapter is live. We are actively looking for volunteers ranging from something as small as managing our Facebook page to tasks as broad as helping me gather grassroots support across the state.

 

We have a broad support base across Northeast Ohio, but I could use help setting up in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo - as well as rural counties in the Northwest and Southeast.

 

While Stand Up Republic has splintered from the GOP, we also have several former Democrats involved. Our binding quality is preservation of the principles on which our nation was founded. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, either on here or through my SUR email.

 

Twitter: SUR_Ohio

 

State leaders: https://standuprepublic.com/state-leaders/

 

Hey everyone,

 

Volunteers and members are needed all across Ohio. If you're interested in getting involved just let me know!

 

We are a large umbrella movement, committed to upholding the Constitution and rule of law in our great country!

Hey All,

 

We have our first national meeting in August. As one might assume, Stand Up Republic has placed an extra emphasis on Ohio, given the fact that we're often an accurate microcosm of the country.

 

As such, I have some discretion to determine the issues that Stand Up Ohio will focus on. I would love some input.

 

Please, keep in mind that we are, at our core, a Center-right organization - though our stance on social issues is quite liberal. Our focal points are rule of law, fiscal Conservatism, and compassion towards the disenfranchised (i.e. immigrants, LGBT, AA's, etc.)

 

I am going to take the discussion on this board quite seriously, and it will be implemented throughout Ohio. We currently have infrastructure in 28 counties and are set to reach 45 by year's end - so this policy may help sculpt our state's politics anew.

 

Thanks guys.

fiscal Conservatism

 

Don't know how much input you want here, but you would you acknowledge that there are other ways to a balanced budget besides trickle down economics (cut cut cut taxes) and cutting social spending?

 

Don't know if you want input at the state level, national level, or both.  I'm all for fiscal responsibility, but I have a feeling that if the solution is to cut taxes (again) and cut funding for social programs, education, etc. then I won't like that particular implementation.

fiscal Conservatism

 

Don't know how much input you want here, but you would you acknowledge that there are other ways to a balanced budget besides trickle down economics (cut cut cut taxes) and cutting social spending?

 

Don't know if you want input at the state level, national level, or both.  I'm all for fiscal responsibility, but I have a feeling that if the solution is to cut taxes (again) and cut funding for social programs, education, etc. then I won't like that particular implementation.

 

Absolutely. And our fiscal policy doesn't necessarily concern trickle down principles. We're more focused on fiscally sustainable policy that doesn't create a massive tax burden on the middle class.

Thanks for the input, I honestly want to hear as much as possible. If I think it's wholly incompatible with our mission, then it is what it is. But all ideas are welcome.

Thanks for the input, I honestly want to hear as much as possible. If I think it's wholly incompatible with our mission, then it is what it is. But all ideas are welcome.

 

I asked about national vs. state because obviously the budget process is very different.  There are no fiscal conservatives in Washington at the moment.  So my input may vary at the state level vs. national level since the parameters are different.

 

At the state level, I'm very concerned about economic inequality (I guess nationally as well).  I don't have any great ideas - would love to read up on some proposals or policies in other states that have worked.  It's very pronounced in Ohio when you have large cities, several of which seem to be thriving, at least for the top 15-20% (or pick a number), but what are the job and economic opportunities for, say, the southeastern quadrant of the state?  How do we help them?  How do we make sure they have opportunities to provide for their families and live a fulfilling life?  I realize "fulfilling life" is subjective, but I really do struggle with how do we make sure they also have access to good, decent jobs.

 

Thanks for keeping us up to date on this.  I hope it goes well for you moving forward.

Thanks for the input, I honestly want to hear as much as possible. If I think it's wholly incompatible with our mission, then it is what it is. But all ideas are welcome.

 

I asked about national vs. state because obviously the budget process is very different.  There are no fiscal conservatives in Washington at the moment.  So my input may vary at the state level vs. national level since the parameters are different.

 

At the state level, I'm very concerned about economic inequality (I guess nationally as well).  I don't have any great ideas - would love to read up on some proposals or policies in other states that have worked.  It's very pronounced in Ohio when you have large cities, several of which seem to be thriving, at least for the top 15-20% (or pick a number), but what are the job and economic opportunities for, say, the southeastern quadrant of the state?  How do we help them?  How do we make sure they have opportunities to provide for their families and live a fulfilling life?  I realize "fulfilling life" is subjective, but I really do struggle with how do we make sure they also have access to good, decent jobs.

 

Thanks for keeping us up to date on this.  I hope it goes well for you moving forward.

 

So, as someone that has traveled to Cuba, this is actually a big point for me in my leadership in Ohio.

 

We've adopted the official position to lift the embargo on Cuba. Which would allow farmers, particularly in Northwest and Southeast Ohio, to export crops that are often subsidized by the government, including corn, wheat, and oats. When in Cuba, we met with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Medicine, both of which particularly knew of Ohio and wanted access to our economy. 1) for medicinal research and 2) for crops unable to be grown in a sustainable way in Cuba.

 

The Castro regime is absolutely oppressive, but is able to project blame for all of their shortcomings on the embargo, and because information is lacking, most of the people believe them.

 

If we give them a taste of open markets, the Communists will no longer have a crutch to stand on. Ohio farmers and Ohio institutions would greatly benefit from reaching a new market of 11,500,000.

I saw a recent interview with Jimmy Carter (I think on a late night TV show on YouTube) and he was talking about how basically doesn't believe economic sanctions are ever good policy, he elaborates, you should check it out.

 

edit- it was Colbert in March 2018.

To narrow this scope - what issues are most important to Ohioans and why?

To narrow this scope - what issues are most important to Ohioans and why?

 

I was going to share with you some hyper-focused issues like job access, including educational/training preparedness, informational access to availability, physical access (removing barriers for jobs to locate closer to labor), etc.

 

But the biggest issue inhibiting progress in this country, indeed what has made it governance dysfunctional, is campaign finance. We have to get the money out of campaigns. Legally shorten the campaign season to two months. Increase the share requirement for public funding in campaigns. If the concern is about getting a politician's word out to his or her electorate, I don't think this should be a concern in the digital age. Political campaigns should be relatively inexpensive to run nowadays. I realize a lot of consultants and advertisers will lose money, but their concern is not a national concern. The functionality of our government is.

To narrow this scope - what issues are most important to Ohioans and why?

 

I was going to share with you some hyper-focused issues like job access, including educational/training preparedness, informational access to availability, physical access (removing barriers for jobs to locate closer to labor), etc.

 

But the biggest issue inhibiting progress in this country, indeed what has made it governance dysfunctional, is campaign finance. We have to get the money out of campaigns. Legally shorten the campaign season to two months. Increase the share requirement for public funding in campaigns. If the concern is about getting a politician's word out to his or her electorate, I don't think this should be a concern in the digital age. Political campaigns should be relatively inexpensive to run nowadays. I realize a lot of consultants and advertisers will lose money, but their concern is not a national concern. The functionality of our government is.

 

AHHHH great topic KJP[/member] and one that I have admittedly overlooked. Excellent.

The right has no clear or cohesive stance on environmental policy. If you want to bear the burden of introducing the merits - and even the limitations of more market-based solutions that would be admirable.   

^ the right's current stance on environmental policy as I see it, is that there is no environmental problem.  and trying to do stuff is too hard.

^ the right's current stance on environmental policy as I see it, is that there is no environmental problem.  and trying to do stuff is too hard.

 

This is Particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving natur particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving Our natural resources, clean water, and climate

^ the right's current stance on environmental policy as I see it, is that there is no environmental problem.  and trying to do stuff is too hard.

 

Sadly true.

^ the right's current stance on environmental policy as I see it, is that there is no environmental problem.  and trying to do stuff is too hard.

 

This is Particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving natur particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving Our natural resources, clean water, and climate

 

I know you feel that way.  But the people in power don;t feel that way and they will not change as long as a big chunk of population is drunk on Fox and right wing propaganda.  We might as well accept that our children will have to figure it out. 

^Thats kind of the entire point to us founding Stand Up Republic. Moderate Conservatives have ignored many of these important issues for partisan gain

^ I am glad you are doing this.  And I used to be very active in organizing and whatnot.  But I have completely lost hope for the future of the free world.  I just don't see a way forward.  I hope I am wrong.

^ the right's current stance on environmental policy as I see it, is that there is no environmental problem.  and trying to do stuff is too hard.

 

This is Particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving natur particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving Our natural resources, clean water, and climate

 

I know you feel that way.  But the people in power don;t feel that way and they will not change as long as a big chunk of population is drunk on Fox and right wing propaganda.  We might as well accept that our children will have to figure it out. 

 

True again. Though it shouldn't be so hard. Clean air and water is a quality of life issue that affects everyone. Just look over at Edgewater Park as proof of what even a modest amount of investment and good planning can achieve.

^ the right's current stance on environmental policy as I see it, is that there is no environmental problem.  and trying to do stuff is too hard.

 

This is Particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving natur particularly important for Ohio. I think it is crucial for us to find that balance between preserving manufacturing interests while preserving Our natural resources, clean water, and climate

 

I know you feel that way.  But the people in power don;t feel that way and they will not change as long as a big chunk of population is drunk on Fox and right wing propaganda.  We might as well accept that our children will have to figure it out. 

 

True again. Though it shouldn't be so hard. Clean air and water is a quality of life issue that affects everyone. Just look over at Edgewater Park as proof of what even a modest amount of investment and good planning can achieve.

 

I get it.  But trying to do things might lower quarterly return expectations slightly.  I can't have that.  Better to have a future generation do things.

My political identification is Georgist/Geoist, so I will throw Henry George's ideas into the discussion. The implementation of these ideas would require an enormous amount of political capital, so at the moment this is only political fantasy, but that could change rapidly in this political climate. Implementing a Land Value Tax, some form of a greenhouse gas tax & pollution Tax, and other Pigovian taxes (taxes on negative externalities) would be the most powerful way to reduce income inequality and prevent global warming, while still maintaining free markets. Georgism would also be a strong political rebuttal for the progressive center-right to counter the rising support of socialism on the left.

 

Wikipedia has a pretty good summary:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgism

 

TechCrunch has a great article about Georgism that focuses on the tech industry and San Francisco's current housing crisis, but also describes how Henry George developed his theories (ironically by living through San Francisco's first housing crisis 150 years ago).

https://techcrunch.com/2016/01/29/nothing-like-this-has-ever-happened-before/

I need to read more on Henry George. I like the land value tax idea.  I tried reading Progress and Poverty but it was too dry and I gave up.  Perhaps I need to give it another chance when u have time to absorb it.

Here's Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns describing Land Value Tax in an urban context:

 

Not to go off topic with the issue of climate change, but it's perhaps the most divisive topic on the right. If I were Yabo I'd start off less controversial issues of clean water and air, economics ie property values, private sector involvement, etc and gradually see where it goes from there.

 

Cast a wide net, so to speak.

Not to go off topic with the issue of climate change, but it's perhaps the most divisive topic on the right. If I were Yabo I'd start off less controversial issues of clean water and air, economics ie property values, private sector involvement, etc and gradually see where it goes from there.

 

Cast a wide net, so to speak.

 

I think my goals will ultimately be the same as those staunchly advocating for climate change... but, as you correctly noted, I'm going to focus on using less controversial phrasing

Not to go off topic with the issue of climate change, but it's perhaps the most divisive topic on the right. If I were Yabo I'd start off less controversial issues of clean water and air, economics ie property values, private sector involvement, etc and gradually see where it goes from there.

 

Cast a wide net, so to speak.

 

I think my goals will ultimately be the same as those staunchly advocating for climate change... but, as you correctly noted, I'm going to focus on using less controversial phrasing

 

Perhaps you can start by advocating against climate change. :)

Not to go off topic with the issue of climate change, but it's perhaps the most divisive topic on the right. If I were Yabo I'd start off less controversial issues of clean water and air, economics ie property values, private sector involvement, etc and gradually see where it goes from there.

 

Cast a wide net, so to speak.

 

I think my goals will ultimately be the same as those staunchly advocating for climate change... but, as you correctly noted, I'm going to focus on using less controversial phrasing

 

Perhaps you can start by advocating against climate change. :)

 

Lol. CLIMATE CHANGE IS A HOAX! But, don't you want clean air, clean water, and usable soil!!! HELL YEAH!

Hey all,

 

Just got back from the first annual State Leader's conference - which was terrific. Good news for some of my Center-Left friends on here. As the organization has expanded (We now have around 480,000 members nationwide and grow at an average of roughly 25,000-40,000 monthly in 2018), we have had a massive influx of participation from the Center-left.

 

As we are not a political party, but rather a grassroots organization, Evan McMullin pointed out that even though this movement originated on the center-right, it would be foolish of us to maintain that label, instead of expanding our umbrella.

 

The platform developed at the conference includes (BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO) the following, in no particular order:

 

Criminal Justice reform: Fighting against policies that disproportionately affect minorities. Additionally, examining the fiscal sustainability of mass incarceration and the moral sustainability of private prisons.

 

Support for Rule of Law: Fighting to preserve and protect American institutions and Democratic norms.

 

Future of Work: As automation and technology replace the need for humans, how do we prepare for meaningful employment, if possible, in the future.

 

Freedom of the Press: The belief that an active and at times adversarial press is critical as a check on government.

 

American Exceptionalism: The idea that America, when led by a morally conscious Executive, is a beacon of hope and an example of moral objectivity abroad. We are not comparable to Autocratic regimes.

 

 

 

I am going to be looking for a "chapter leader" in each of Ohio's Congressional districts. I would love for you guys to get involved. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a PM or email at [email protected]

Those seem like great platform items.  I don't usually get behind American Exceptionalism but what you've described sounds reasonable.  Is the vision here to create a party or a movement to help influence either or both major party?

Those seem like great platform items.  I don't usually get behind American Exceptionalism but what you've described sounds reasonable.  Is the vision here to create a party or a movement to help influence either or both major party?

 

To get behind candidates and legislation that will support those ideals, regardless of party. For now, we are a grassroots movement with the goal of having a chapter in every Congressional district in American by 2024.

 

We had a man from Pew Research come in and speak with us about his research re: partisanship, and he noted - which I was shocked by - that 46% of voting age adults are "independent", this is the most in over 40 years. The two parties and their voting bases don't really overlap anymore so independents, you would assume, would be the swing vote. However, independents have largely identified as such because they have felt disaffected by both parties, so only about 22-26% of independents vote.

 

It is our goal to engage those people behind our ideals and get them involved with the organization. In mobilizing independent voters, we can become the "majority maker" supporting candidates and legislation that will support our basic platform ideas.

 

^ Would you say that most of the people involved with SUR are Republicans of former Republicans? I have always felt that center-right and center-left people have a lot income and are close enough on many issues where compromise is possible.

^ Would you say that most of the people involved with SUR are Republicans of former Republicans? I have always felt that center-right and center-left people have a lot income and are close enough on many issues where compromise is possible.

 

There are less former Republicans than I expected. We have a broad membership. For example, Evan McMullin, the founder is a Mormon and former CIA operative - a disaffected Conservative. However, we have state leaders who are Hispanic, black, female, and gay... we also have at least 5 state leaders who were formerly Democrats before joining.

 

While we are inherently a political movement, we coalesce around topics that we feel should be a no brainer for ALL Americans - which is why we don't have as expansive of a platform as a political party.