LAD #23

Populist Party Platform, (July 4, 1892)

 

The voting system in the United States is completely corrupt.  The urge to be wealthy in the US is starting to destruct civilization.  The existing political parties are doing nothing to solve these atrocities and do not plan to do anything.  The populist party seeks to give political power to the average American.  Many laborers work hard but do not profit from their work as other, more rich Americans do.  The populist party fights for the power of the people and equal rights and privileges for all.  The party will fight for the strength of labor unions and will support those who create the wealth given to the rich.  Railroads should be owned by the government to prevent cruelty to workers.  The economy should be subject to free and unlimited coinage of silver and gold and it should be circulated quickly.  A higher income tax should be put in place but the money in the US should be kept more so in the hands of its people.  Along with railroads, the telegraph and the telephone should also be owned by the government.  Also all of the land should be owned by the people of the US.  The secret ballot system must be adopted along with a higher income tax.  Pensions shall be granted to ex-Union soldier and sailors.  Immigration must be restricted to protect American jobs.  Hours of labor should be restricted. The offices of the president and the vice president shall both be restricted to one year.  And lastly, no national aid shall be given to any private corporations.