An Interview with Manning Marable

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Notes

1. The Independence Party of New York does not actually take a stand on social policy issues, but is focused on structural political reforms, including the enactment of initiative and referendum, non–partisan elections, and challenging the bipartisan composition of the Board of Elections, which also require registration in either the Democratic or Republican parties to serve as poll workers on election days. See: <http://www.nyindependence.com/platform_of_the_independence_par.htm> [Accessed Mon Jan 17 10:20:31 US/Central 2005] “There are a number of issues promoted by the existing parties which we in the Independence Party believe have no place as party issues. These issues are largely a matter of one's own personal ethical or moral standards, and we believe that candidates should be permitted to state their positions on these issues without the party attempting to dictate the position for the individual. Moreover, we further believe that efforts by outside groups to dictate policies for the parties on these issues have proven extremely destructive to the overall political process by diverting attention away from the deterioration of our democracy and the impending financial catastrophe facing our children; For these reasons, the Independence Party will take no formal position on the issue of abortion, the death penalty, or school prayer. On the whole, as well, the party takes no position on questions pertaining to one's sexual preference. However, the Independence Party stands steadfastly opposed to discrimination, prejudice and racism in their myriad of forms, and we do not believe that anyone should be discriminated against on the basis of his or her sexual preference.”