Martin's Manifesto: The martinfesto
I believe that what I see and experience is reality.
I believe that there is no purpose to this reality. My goal in this existence is to derive the most enjoyment.
I believe in liberty: the freedom to quiet enjoyment of this reality.
I believe that there is no purpose to this reality. As such, there are no overarching goals, nor is there an innate definition of good or bad.
My underlying personal goal is to derive the most enjoyment. As such, anything that brings me closer to personal enjoyment is good, and anything that takes me further from personal enjoyment is bad.
I believe that I exist within this reality. I cannot remove myself from the system to peer in and prove whether I am acting freely. I believe that free will exists.
I recognize three basic rights: The right to life, liberty, and property.
I do not believe that these rights are innate/natural to our existence in this reality. I believe, however, that structuring our society around these rights results in a healthy, successful society.
A set of protected rights to resources, ultimately defended through force.
Certain natural resources are vital to quiet enjoyment of this reality: air, water, shelter, etc.
Access to such resources is protected as part of each individual's right to life and property.
In exercising their rights, individuals must not infringe on the rights of others.
I see value in the existence of an independent body to protect and enforce individuals' rights when they are being violated against the individual's will. Traditionally, such a body has been called the "government."
The function of this government is to protect individuals' rights. If necessary, protection and enforcement may occur through force.
All individuals shall enjoy the liberty to do with their own lives as they please. As such, I reject the notion that government should be entitled to regulate things such as: drugs, seat belt laws, speed limits, firearms, age limits, etc.
I see value in having members of society contribute the minimum necessary to maintain essential government functions, necessary to protect and enforce individuals' rights.
To reduce administrative costs, I support minimal flat tax rates based on an individual's property ownership.
I oppose the application of penalties that are not restorative in nature, and thus oppose the death penalty.
I consider the right to privacy to be a part of the right to liberty. Individuals' privacy must be protected.
I oppose any restrictions of mechanisms for encrypting and protecting communications.
I believe that the right of a person to quiet enjoyment begins at birth. Thus, it is a woman's personal and sole decision whether to terminate a pregnancy.
I believe that I exist within this reality. I cannot prove the existence of an entity outside of the system I exist in. I believe that no such entity exists.
I oppose the concept of marriage as a special social status with special privileges.
I support the ability of individuals to enter into contracts, awarding each other privileges.
Individuals shall enjoy the liberty to engage in sexual relations as they choose to, with willing partners.
I view sexuality as a biological function. The concept of "love," a deep emotional relationship between two or more individuals, is not required for me to enjoy sexual relations with other individuals.