The Modern Whig Party of Virginia

The Modern Whig Party of Virginia is a moderate, non-fringe, pragmatic party. Officially, the Modern Whig Party does not have a named ideology. We proclaim a strong interest in methodology over ideology and our commitment is to solutions. 

Some Issues can be read about on the National Issues page. We also do not have specific detailed issues. In our pursuit of defining solutions, we use the Forums to discuss the pluses and minuses.

The Modern Whig Philosophy

There are three interrelated concepts that form foundation of the Modern Whig philosophy.

I. Principles

The reality is these are critical to the welfare of the country and the Party. These principles bind us as moderates, unify us as Americans, and also serve to exclude extremes.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY - Any action of the government must respect principles of fiscal responsibility and public accountability.

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE - Develop practical domestic energy sources to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources.

STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY - Each state can generally determine its course of action based on local values and unique needs.

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE - When the government is compelled to legislate morality, every citizen should be considered as equal.

EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT - Increase public and private emphasis on math and science to promote American innovation to compete in the global economy.

VETERANS AFFAIRS - Vigilant advocacy relating to the medical, financial, and overall well-being of our military families and veterans.

II. Structural

Structural Principles are the most important to the Party. Our structure is what makes us fundamentally different, non-ideological, non-partisan, and not confined by the political spectrum.

DEVELOP REAL LEADERS - This central tenet of the Party is to help leaders both grow and to exhibit good citizenship through leadership.

SELF DISCOVERY - As a Whig it is important to always be learning and growing. This means it is the Party's responsibility to pull information together and to help members discover for themselves their stance on any social topic.

III. Perceptual

We have become a reactive society. While there is little we can do about the underlying problem, as a Party we must always consider many perspectives, including a long term perspective.

FOCUS ON LONG TERM PROBLEM SOLVING - We have developed into a reactive nation. The only issues being seriously considered are those who make the top of each media hour, however it is important to be talking about and solving issues that are foreseeable before they are major issues.

Foreign Affairs

What is missing is a foreign policy principle. Granted this is a state party site and states, at first blush, may not have much to say about foreign policy. This is actually an incorrect view. While states may not have much to say about National Security, they do indeed care about relations with other countries. This is primarily true in trade relations.

Whigs view foreign policy in diverse ways.  I would suggest the following, observing that is it primarily a national perspective:

We will use our power, influence and money to promote and protect our interests abroad.  We will help our allies.  We are for international organizations within limits, and will strive to make them operate more effectively.  We are for the establishment of an Organization of Democratic States to promote democracy in the world.  We will not make our laws subordinate to international law. 

On the principle of war, an intelligent, non-interventionist foreign policy is appropriate.  The idea here is that the Constitution only provides for our common defense.  We will defend ourselves in case of aggression, whether ongoing or anticipated, toward us or an ally.  If necessary, we will act unilaterally.  We will not act on humanitarian interventions.