The Open Door

Health and Welfare. In recognizing all persons’ equal right to life, we call for the government’s assurance of a robust safety net to stop preventable deaths and reduce affronts to human dignity due to inadequate nutrition, clothing, shelter, safety or health care. We also recognize that meaningful work according to a person’s abilities is essential to human dignity, whether or not this work is re...

This week's discussion, drawing on Catholic social teaching, will explore the "Civic Engagement" plank of the American Solidarity Party. But...there will be a prelude. Years ago there was a cartoon strip, "There Oughta Be a Law." See this link: paranoiastrikesdeep.blogspot.com/2012/06/there-oughta-be-law.html Jun 28, 2012 - “There Oughta Be a Law” was a newspaper panel strip. But what sort of law?...

Justice in the Workplace. We believe in affirming the dignity of both work and the worker. Workplaces should advance full and fair participation in the economy. We seek to maintain a level playing field between ownership, labor, management, and consumers. We, therefore, support: The right of workers to form associations in pursuit of their collective economic interests. Legal protection for occupa...

Free and Fair Trade. The American Solidarity Party recognizes that international trade has the potential to raise the standard of living for all nations. If it is not regulated in accord with the common good, however, it can lead to the exploitation of labor and the environment, as well as economic insecurity. We, therefore, support: Public policies and investments that allow businesses to success...

Marriage and Family. We recognize that the family is the fundamental unit of every human society. This natural social arrangement both precedes the state and has rights and responsibilities independent of it. We respect the central role of marriage in fostering lasting family ties and strong communities, and believe that the effectiveness of marriage in ensuring the well-being of the next generati...

Religion in the Public Square. As a Christian Democratic party, we affirm that religious values have played an important role in the history and culture of the United States of America. We also recognize that many of the earliest American settlers were persecuted religious minorities, and respect the long history of religious liberty that has been an essential component of our national identity. W...

National Security. We believe that a safer, more just, and peaceful world is achievable through principled use of force and diplomacy. We believe we can secure our nation without sacrificing personal liberties or overextending our global military presence and commitments. We, therefore, support: Military force being used only when consistent with Just War principles. Ending the use of nuclear weap...

Border Security and Immigration. The American Solidarity Party recognizes and affirms the essential contributions of immigrants to our culture, economy, and national identity. We call for a complete reform of our immigration laws, including creating pathways to citizenship for eligible immigrants currently residing, unauthorized, within our borders. While recognizing the threat posed by organized...

Stewardship of the Environment. We believe in the responsibility of every generation to serve as stewards of the Earth. We recognize the intrinsic value of nature. We must work to fix the deficits of the past, act as responsible managers in the present, and ensure for future generations a planet that is healthy and thriving . We reject discredited warnings of an overpopulation crisis and believe t...

Economic Participation. We believe that the U.S. economy should be built around the needs of the human person, rather than focused primarily on consumption and the accumulation of wealth. It should create opportunities for self-sufficiency, while encouraging ownership of our responsibility to look out for one another. Government has a role in fulfilling this responsibility in partnership with the...

Public Services. We believe that if our society is to flourish, it requires skilled and educated workers and a solid physical infrastructure. The common good is cultivated by a vigorous and responsible public sector in transportation, education, the arts, and entertainment. We, therefore, support: Public investment in adult education, training, and professional development. Creating and maintainin...

Personal Security and Criminal Justice. We believe that preventing and punishing crime is an essential public service. As public servants, law enforcement officers should be supported and held to the highest standards of professionalism. We are alarmed by increasing rates of arrest and incarceration and conflicts between police and communities. We recognize a pattern of disproportionate incarcerat...

Education. A well-educated citizenry is integral to the flourishing of our Republic. We call for a system of public and private education for all students. We promote a culture of lifelong learning. Airing on Friday, July 21, 2017. ​ We, therefore, support: The right of families to choose the best methods for educating their children, be they public, charter, private, parochial or home-based educa...

On what basis might a reasonable person subscribe to the following? Why especially might a Christian do so? How pragmatic is the following "in the here and now"? We seek the common good. We believe in the sanctity of human life, the necessity of social justice, our responsibility to care for the environment, and the promotion of a peaceful world. We cherish individual rights and separation of gove...

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses ​pragmatism: Is it good in theory, as a wag has said, but not in practice? Why or why not? What difference does it make? (July 7, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses who are the poor, and how do we help them? (with special guest, Lydia Kemi Ingram of Murrieta, CA). (June 30, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses ​​aging and its effect on humility. (June 23, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses the Natural Law (June 16, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses how we may be sure the host really is the body and blood of Christ. (June 9, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses Just War Theory. (June 2, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses the saying "I must always follow my own conscience." Why? What is conscience? (May 26, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses the Benedict Option? Who should and who does embrace it? (May 19, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses in what way we are "Strangers in a strange land. (May 12, 2017)

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses St. Anselm's Paradox - Why is this true? April 28, 2017. ("Nor do I seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe that I may understand. For this, too, I believe, that unless I first believe, I shall not understand."

In this episode of The Open Door, the panel discusses authentic humility. The core virtue - why? April 21, 2017.