Democracy and economic revival are the two most urgent issues which our people must resolve. Building a democracy is the fundamental goal. Only if we have freedom and democracy can we be united and fully utilize our talents and skills for economic development and social stabilization.
Only if we have freedom and democracy can we break the isolation, study the technology of other nations, develop our own technology through exchange activities with the outside world, and use this knowledge for national reconstruction. Otherwise, lack of freedom and democracy will cripple any economic development and prevent the people from achieving a happy life; national resources would then only serve the privileged few.
To solve these two urgent problems, the Free Vietnam Alliance acknowledges the following essential considerations:
1. Pluralistic democracy:
The democracy we seek to achieve must be a pluralistic, multi-party system. In such a system, no particular person or party shall be the sole ruler to govern the nation nor be permitted to resort to violence in order to suppress opposing beliefs. In such a system, all citizens, organizations and parties shall be free and will be treated equally. All political opinions must be tolerated and may be promoted.
2. Human rights:
The democracy we seek to achieve must be based on respect for basic human rights: the right to the pursuit of happiness in a healthy and progressive society, freedom of thought and speech, the right to worship, to travel, and to organize, private ownership of property, and the right to vote and to run for public office.
3. Social justice:
The democracy we seek to achieve must ensure that all citizens be equal before the law, and be guaranteed equal opportunity for advancement. Social justice must be achieved to help avoid corruption and creation of special privileged classes of people, and to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor through policies assisting the underprivileged.
4. Market economy:
Democracy and pluralism must be achieved in parallel with economic freedom and equality among economic elements. Economic freedom means recognition of private ownership, one's right to receive compensation for his labor, limiting government intervention in the economy and allowing people to freely use their labor and engage in commerce. It is necessary that a new generation of democratically-mined administrators/managers be created to facilitate the development of a free economy.
Next: A Peaceful Process to Democratize Vietnam
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