Platforms

= =  **__The War in Iraq__** Troops need to slowly be taken out of Iraq in order to ensure the least violence. Some troops should continue to stay in Iraq in order to ensure security within the country but without interfering with the rebuilding government. We've done our job in freeing the Iraqies...it's their turn to step up to the plate.  __**Energy**__ We, as a nation, need to find more reliable sources for energy. Research and development of more cost efficient ways should be encouraged to produce alternative energy sources for companies that consume the majority of imported energy sources. By providing the initial funding for the research and development of these resources we create an enviroment that encourages companies to switch to these sources to save money and create a economy less prone to price fluctuations due to imported energy price increases. **__Education__** Education should be dealt with solely by states. Therefore, all programs such as No Child Left Behind should be eliminatated as well as state testing that was a result of No Child. Federal funding of counties for education may continue but there should be little to no federal influence on the curriculum. A basic curriculum should be submitted for all schools to teach and follow, which would be the extent of federal interference. **__Illegal Immigration__** Illegal aliens should be deported upon discovery, children of illegal aliens should not be considered United States citizens. __**Abortion**__ The Open Heart Party is a Pro-life party, we believe that abortion should be constituted as murder UNLESS the mother or child is in any danger. In such circumstances then, and only then, should an abortion be an option. **__Gun Control__** The Open Heart Party believes that the enforcement of the current gun laws and sentencing guidelines would lower the crime rate. Weapons developed soley for military or law enforcement use should not be normally available to private citizens. __**Alcohol**__ The drinking age should be lowered tremendously so that alcohol does not become such a forbidden fruit. This will lower both alcohol abuse and stupid choices made by intoxicated persons.
 * __Health Care__** Medicare and Medicaid should continue in program funding. It creates a sense of responsibilty as well as helps those in need of funding and help. Other programs that are proven inadequate should be deleted altogether.
 * __Abuse__** Abuse of a child such as molestation, neglect, physical, severe mental or severe emotional abuse should have greater consequences. Courts should focus more on the childs welfare rather than parental rights.
 * __Capital Punishment__** Capital Punishment should not be an option. Our policy would be that persons who commit crimes of such a heinous nature that it is determined that they should be removed from society would be as follows. The technology exists that these individuals could be implanted with a non removeable tracking device and then placed on a uninhabited island in the southern pacific ocean. They should be given a small amount of tools and food to subsist on initially then left to their own devices. A technological barrier would be placed around this area that would incapacitate anyone with a implant from leaving this area. If subsuquently a person was found innocent of the crime that they had been sentenced for the implant could be removed and they could be returned to society. If not, they would spend the remainder of their natural lives isolated from society and in the company of others who had rejected the rules and laws of society.