California Vision Values
The Independent California Vision is built on a simple idea: government should serve the people — not corporations, not special interests, and not foreign powers. As California charts a path toward peaceful and legal independence, we do so with clear values that reflect who we are and what kind of nation we seek to become.
Our values are rooted in freedom, responsibility, sustainability, and economic prosperity. This page outlines the foundational principles that will guide California as a sovereign republic — a government that protects its people, manages its resources wisely, and ensures every Californian has a voice, a future, and a stake in the nation’s success.
Democracy, Accountability, and Self-Governance
An independent California must embody the highest standards of democratic governance:
- Power is derived from the people through fair, open, and transparent elections.
- Strict term limits prevent entrenchment of power and ensure fresh leadership.
- A bicameral legislature balances population-based representation with strong regional voices.
- Corporations, unions, and nonprofits are prohibited from engaging in political advocacy. Only individual citizens may participate, ensuring the government serves the people — not those with the deepest pockets.
- Money is not speech. Elections are protected from corruption, dark money, and foreign influence.
- Direct democracy mechanisms remain intact, allowing Californians to vote on major issues that shape the nation’s future.
Why It Matters:
Democracy only works when it is accountable. Californians will build a system designed to prevent corporate capture and ensure political power remains with the people.
Human Rights, Freedom, and Equality
The foundation of the republic is individual freedom and equal protection under the law:
- Reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy are guaranteed rights, free from government interference.
- Civil liberties — free speech, freedom of belief, freedom of the press, and the right to due process — are protected for every individual.
- Capital punishment is abolished permanently, reflecting a commitment to human dignity.
- Immigration policy is rooted in fairness, with pathways to citizenship and protections for asylum seekers.
- Indigenous sovereignty is fully recognized, with tribal nations as partners in governance, economic development, and land stewardship.
Why It Matters:
A free society must protect the rights of all its people. In independent California, personal freedom is sacred — and no government, corporation, or institution can take it away.
Protecting the Commons: Healthcare, Education, and Social Stability
Essential services exist to serve people — not generate corporate profit:
- Universal healthcare replaces fragmented systems with a single, no-copay program.
- Tuition-free public higher education ensures equal access to opportunity.
- Social security, disability, and family leave programs guarantee economic stability and dignity in retirement.
- Strict policies prevent privatization of essential services like healthcare, education, water, and energy distribution.
- Private sector expertise is valued in areas like infrastructure and technology, but the commons remain in public hands.
Why It Matters:
When basic needs are guaranteed, Californians thrive. This approach creates a more stable, prosperous society — and protects families from economic ruin caused by healthcare costs, student debt, or predatory corporations.
Environmental Stewardship as Economic Common Sense
Taking care of California’s environment is taking care of its people and its economy:
- Water security, clean energy, wildfire prevention, and land restoration are core national priorities.
- Projects like aquifer replenishment, desalination, and the restoration of the Delta, Mono Lake, and Owens Valley protect agriculture, cities, and ecosystems.
- Clean air and renewable energy investments reduce healthcare costs and create high-paying jobs.
- Land management reduces wildfire risk and protects rural economies.
Why It Matters:
Environmental policy is not ideological — it’s survival and prosperity. By protecting resources, California protects lives, communities, and the economy.
Economic Fairness, Prosperity, and Innovation
A strong economy is built on fairness, opportunity, and responsible management:
- Progressive tax policy ensures the wealthy pay their fair share while supporting working families.
- Investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and technology drives long-term growth.
- Local governments have stable, dedicated revenue streams independent of the state.
- California’s sovereign wealth fund protects against capital flight and ensures long-term economic stability.
Why It Matters:
A fair economy rewards work, supports innovation, and prevents the concentration of wealth and power. Independent California will prioritize economic policies that create opportunity — not just profits for the few.
Sovereignty, Security, and International Responsibility
As a sovereign nation, California will protect its people and engage with the world responsibly:
- Border security and data sovereignty protect Californians while respecting international law.
- Cybersecurity and AI policies safeguard elections, infrastructure, and critical systems.
- A professional defense force focuses on national protection, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping — not foreign wars.
- California will build diplomatic relationships, join international organizations like the OAS, and honor global environmental and human rights treaties.
Why It Matters:
Security is about more than military power — it’s economic, digital, and environmental. California’s sovereignty means the ability to protect its people and act as a responsible global partner.
Indigenous Sovereignty and Partnership
California’s future includes full recognition of the Indigenous nations within its borders:
- Indigenous governments retain self-governance, control of natural resources, and full civil rights protections.
- Economic partnerships and land rights are guaranteed by treaty, not political convenience.
- Indigenous nations are key partners in environmental restoration, water management, and cultural preservation.
Why It Matters:
California cannot be free if it ignores the sovereignty and rights of the first nations of this land. Respecting Indigenous governance strengthens California’s moral and legal foundation.
A Nation Built for Californians
The Independent California Vision is not about politics — it’s about building a nation that works.
A republic that protects freedom, invests in its people, and takes care of its land is not radical. It is responsible. It is pragmatic. And it is necessary.
Independence is not a break from responsibility — it is a declaration that California is ready to take responsibility for its own future. With clear values, strong leadership, and the will of the people, California can build a nation that reflects who we are — and who we aspire to be.
This section is part of the California Vision Guiding Principles
California Vision
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