Which of these would you most like to see in the party platform?

It's time for America to resume its glorious journey. Time to reject shrinking jobs and wages, disappearing savings and rights. Time to reject the detour towards fear and greed. Time to look out upon the world for friends, not enemies. Time to counter the control of corporations over our politics, our economy, our resources, and mass media. Time for those who have much to help those who have little by maintaining a progressive tax structure. Time to tell the world that we wish to be their partner in peace, not their leader in war. Most of all, it is time for America to again be the land where dreams come true because the government is on the side of its people.

Unfortunately, America now leads the world in categories we should not be proud of. America is now the world's leading jailer with an incarceration rate higher than China. We lead the industrialized world in poverty and in the growing gap between rich and poor. And we are the only industrial nation not to provide national health care.


Take a look at these proposals -- which one would you most like to see adopted into the Democratic Party Platform?

1 - Universal Health Care with a Single Payer Plan
Over 40 million Americans have no health care and 30 million more have only minimal coverage. Those with coverage often pay exorbitant amounts. The current profit-driven system, dominated by private insurance firms and their bureaucracies, has failed.

The General Accounting Office of Congress has concluded: "If the U.S. were to shift to a system of universal coverage and a single payer, as in Canada, the savings in administrative costs would be more than enough to offset the cost."

2 - Full Social Security Benefits at Age 65
Social security is the basic covenant our society has with workers who have built our economy. At a time when CEOs earn 240 times the pay of the average worker, it is unconscionable not to return full retirement benefits to age 65.

3 - Withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO
The global trade regime of NAFTA and WTO has enriched multinational corporations. But for workers, family farmers, and the environment, it has meant a global race to the bottom. Companies leave the U.S. in search of low wages, low commodity prices, anti-union climates, and lax environmental laws. NAFTA has been used to whipsaw workers at the negotiation table, forcing wages and benefit concessions under threat of moving jobs overseas. Trade treaties must be conditioned on workers’ rights, human rights, and environmental principles.

4 - Repeal of the "Patriot Act"
The "Patriot Act" is not what American patriots have fought and died for. To allow our Bill of Rights to be nullified without judicial supervision invites tyranny. The Attorney General has been handed unfettered power to wiretap, search, jail, and invade our most sacred right to privacy. The government must not be allowed, without probable cause or warrant, to snoop on our communications, medical records, library records, and student records.

5 - Right-to-Choose, Privacy, and Civil Rights
Only those who agree to uphold Roe v. Wade will be nominated for the Supreme Court. Civil rights (and voting rights) enforcement will be intensified. Lesbians and gays will be afforded complete equality throughout society. Affirmative action will be maintained as a tool for racial and gender equality. Drug policy will emphasize treatment over criminalization, and not a rampaging war that erodes Constitutional freedoms, privacy, and law enforcement resources. An end to capital punishment will be sought.

6 - Balance Between Workers and Corporations
American workers are working longer and harder for less pay than 20 years ago. What’s needed is a resurgence of organized labor. Since the purchasing power of the minimum wage has dropped 21% in two decades, it’s time for living wages, not minimum wages. And it’s time to reverse tax cuts that benefit the already well-to-do, and retain an estate tax. Investing $500 billion to rebuild schools, roads, bridges, ports, and sewage, water and environmental systems will do more to stimulate our economy than tax breaks for the wealthy.

7 - Guaranteed Quality Education, Pre-K through College
Since education is the only proven way to reduce poverty, it is unacceptable that a child’s education be dependent on where they are born or the financial status of their family. The federal government spends only 2.9% of its budget on education.

Education must emphasize creative and critical thinking, not just test-taking. Schools need money to decrease class size, increase teachers’ salaries, renovate decaying facilities, and include hands-on job training for those not going to college. Pre-K and after-school programs will get increased funding, and the soaring costs of college will be reversed.

8 - A Renewed Commitment to Peace and Diplomacy
America will return to its role as the most admired—not hated—nation. The doctrine of "pre-emption" will be retired, as will an aggressive, unilateralist foreign policy that makes our homeland less secure, not more. Our security will be enhanced by working with other nations and the U.N. instead of acting like an Empire, arrogantly undermining international agreements such as the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions, the Small Arms Treaty, the International Criminal Court, and the Kyoto Climate Treaty. Implement two measures Kucinich sponsored in Congress: the Space Preservation Treaty, which bans space-based weapons, and a cabinet-level Department of Peace, to establish non-violence as an organizing principle in both domestic and international affairs.

Cut bloated and unneeded weaponry from a military budget that now almost equals the military spending of all other countries combined. The peace dividend will be invested in education, health care, environmental clean-up, urban infrastructure, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and other pressing domestic needs.

9 - Restored Rural Communities and Family Farms
Agriculture, trade, and economic policies that favor agribusiness conglomerates have devastated family farmers, rural communities, and the environment. While the number of family farmers has plummeted, profits have soared for a handful of agribusiness giants that increas-ingly control everything from seed to shelf.

Break up agricultural monopolies and restore a strong, independent family farm system with fair prices for farmers and healthy food for consumers. Monitor and reduce contamination of our air, water, and food from factory farms, with strong USDA enforcement of tough new food safety laws.

10 - Environmental Renewal and Clean Energy
Clean air and water, as well as an intact ozone layer, are not luxuries, but necessities for our children's future.

Toughen environmental enforcement, support the Kyoto Treaty on global climate change, reduce oil dependence, and spur investment in alternative energy sources, including hydrogen, solar, wind, and ocean. Clean energy technologies will produce new jobs. Tax and other incentives will favor sustainable businesses that conserve energy, retrofit pollution prevention technologies, and redesign toxins out of their manufacturing processes. The right to know (for example, when food is genetically engineered) will supercede corporate secrecy. Globally, the U.S. will become a leader in sustainable energy production and a partner with developing nations in providing inexpensive, local, renewable energy technologies.

rights' and the Hatriot Act w/b pretty much equal....really destructive to the entire fabric of our nation if these basic rights are eroded

:kick:

I picked education, but I want it all! :D

Wow. As a candidate, I would be willing to run on all of those. I can't believe that. Spineless policy making bastards. I am so disgusted with the Democrats of the last 20 years. What happened to being liberal. Did it die with Jimmy Carter's 1980 campaign. And if so, why? If you can't beat 'em, join 'em; I guess.

I wish I had a party worth voting for.

Watered down, of course

Read it for yourself, if you like:

http://democrats.org/about/2000platform.html

But not good

oh how i wish kucinich was president...

That's DK's platform isn't it?

It's not his whole platform, but this does cover his "Ten Key Points", which are his the issues most important to the movement.

If I had to settle for one it would be universal health care.

Actually, universal single-payer health care, privately delivered, would benefit me the most.

But I have to think about my grandchildren and the world they will try to find a job in.

Really, I want it all!!THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRATS HAVE ALWAYS STOOD FOR!!

you have put together the ingredients for a superb platform. I wish I could vote for you. :-)

I'm still not convinced that a single-payer plan wouldn't hurt the quality of care/medical progress in this country. I think that universal healthcare should be our first priority, but as an expansion of programs like FEHBP, which use commercial insurers.

The General Accounting Office of Congress has concluded: "If the U.S. were to shift to a system of universal coverage and a single payer, as in Canada, the savings in administrative costs would be more than enough to offset the cost."

Also, re: your last sentence, it's the administrative costs and profit for the commercial insurers which causes us to spend far too much for far too little.

I think that part of the reason we're the leader in innovation in medical science (and damn near everything else) is that there's money to be had...big money. I'm concerned that a single-payer system would work against this.

I don't have a problem with a 2-tiered system...basic comprehensive care for everybody and specialty care for those who can afford it. I think this is the only way we'll continue to see medical advances at the rate we're used to.

but what is frequently missed is that this won't take profit out of healthcare, only private insurance. Medicare / Medicaid funding will RISE due to a portion of the monies previously being invested in stock options and fatcat executive pay, advertising campaigns, etc. will be directed instead into funding those programs.

And of course the specialty care will be available through private insurers. But we need to ensure that it IS only specialty or 'salon' type coverage, and not the standard for most Americans.

Then there's also a couple of conversations to be had about innovation and medical advances. Firstly, the idea that American innovation is the best is not a fact. Secondly, we need to do away with the notion that however good we are is solely due to the system being a commercial one instead of a public one (NIH).

on reimbursements for medical procedures. I realize that HMOs and the like also limit reimbursement amounts for procedures, but it's a competitive thing now. A doctor doesn't have to accept a given HMOs clients if he feels their reimbursement schedule is unreasonable. A single-payer system would allow the government to dictate ALL reimbursement rates. I'm concerned that quality of care would suffer.

Most of the major advances in medical research happens at public universities, funded by OUR tax money.

Why? Because private enterprise doesn't want to invest in something as risky as the uncertainty of new medical research. They leave that part to be funded by the government and our tax money.

Of course, once most of the risky stuff is done, the private sector is more than willing to take it off the public's hands for a nominal "licensing" fee, in order to make a fortune off it in the marketplace.

Yes, private research does do a lot of good, but by the time private enterprise has gotten its hand in the pie, the risky (publicly-funded) parts are done, and the rest of their expense is relatively risk-free.

Specialty care FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD IT? I see several specialists--endocrinology, cardiology, retinology, plus a GP.

If you haven't guessed by now, I'm an insulin dependent diabetic from childhood who is relatively healthy (healthier than most non-diabetics, in many ways). I wouldn't be here without the cardiologist for sure.

But I can't afford it under a 2 tier system, so bye, bye, blondeatlast is okay by you?

Not to mention, our government has SEVERELY restricted research on the most promising medical research out there: embryonic stem cells.

Research is now paying for Pfizer (or whoever) to make its little purple pill purpler. It's not paying for treatment of multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, etc because it's not profitable.

Insulin was discovered in Canada. Just thought I'd drop that in.

The old-economy jobs are disappearing. Making the transition to a non-fossil fuel civilization is one of the great challenges mankind faces. We need to start now.

And that's only part of his program. The greens were falling all over themselves to re-register as Dems just for this one plank alone!!

A laudable goal, but an unachievable one.

Aim high!

Plus I'm not so certain it's not achievable. :shrug:

and tax credits for individual solar, etc, and conservation hitting big-time, it's possible...IMHO.
Let's put it in the platform. (Also implies that we will not go to war again for oil and that Iraq can keep its oil and decide who it wants to sell to at what price. Are you against that?)

is as important as beginning the effort, and actually making it a priority. So whether it's billed as "20% renewable energy by 2010" or "20% renewable energy by 2020" -- either way I'm for it.

But considering that 2010 is only 6 years away -- I definitely think 2020 is a more achievable goal.

Yes, let's put it in the platform and start NOW!!

And think of all the good-paying jobs this will create!!

sitting nicely on a shelf out of the way and as an embarrasingly easy modification to the internal cumbustion engines of the day. New carburator and "gas" tank. Period. The only issue was, and remains, means of delivery of the fuel. The oil companies are fairly comfortable with the delivery system they own.

This kind of technology has been stifled, not encouraged.

i voted education, but like 1 4 5 6. But what about creating good decently paying jobs, no more 7.00 a hour junk.

:D

which would actually eliminate jobs.

what about a choice for something that will facilitate job creation.

Thanks for pointing that out. You're right, the living wage alone only guarantees that the $7.00 / hour part would be OVER.

But in the same one, he also outlines his WPA-type idea:

"Investing $500 billion to rebuild schools, roads, bridges, ports, and sewage, water and environmental systems will do more to stimulate our economy than tax breaks for the wealthy."

So, taken together... :)

Plus! His charging NASA with spearheading and prioritizing the development of renewable technologies will create even MORE jobs! AND help end our dependence on oil!

This is from Kucinich's platform I know, and Ive always liked it.

I find it impossible to choose just one.

I want it to mean something to be a Democrat. I want the world to look to us for support and freindship not with fear and hatred. I want kids to grow up thinking that there isn't anything they can't do, rather than have them start early trimming down to near nothing what they find is actually doable. I want old people to be taken care of the way they should be, I want everyone who finds someone that will have them to be able to marry and live a long and happy life, I...I guess I want Dennis Kucinich for president.

But I chose Social Security, because it is a promise given, & cannot be broken.

Young people don't see it as a pressing issue, but look at it strategically: the voting group that turns out in highest numbers, election after election, is Seniors.

The Baby Boomers are most affected by potential changes in Soc Sec.
They are also the largest demographic.

So, although all are worthy, Soc Sec will probably get you the most votes.

Thanks for sharing that explanation. :)

A lot of people haven't voted yet.:kick:

Hey, I know a good "ten points" when I see 'em!

:toast:

ALL of it is absolutely necessary to a healthy thriving society. Can't pick just one. :)

cause without massive improvements in the immediate future we (the human race) are screwed.

It would provide jobs and help grow the Economy.

Then after that, Education for all according their capacity.

Then Health Care.

You're right, environmental protection is so critical.

What was the statistic that just came out? One out of eight avian species is endangered? :(

I feel many problems would be resolved.

But I may be wrong, because I also feel cannabis decriminalization would solve ALL the problems. :smoke:

great poll, redqueen!

But the farm choice was just so lonely at 0 votes...

RL

and rural areas are suffering greatly. DK has a great plan for rural development that wouldn't force development on them that they don't want(preserve their way of life!!) and would make the most of their assets.

My problem with voting was this: I want renewable energy and the environment, but just doing this in the U. S. is not enough. If we stay in NAFTA and the WTO, we are a party to companies decimating the environment all over the world. Do we really think that Burundi has an effective EPA? Or that the WTO would let them enforce environmental regulations if it means less profits for a multi-national?

on the grounds of 'electability.' I was the only one in the hall with 18 precincts meeting who even had resolutions. The biggest Kerry enthusiast sez "We may disagree on candidates, but we are all united as Democrats when it comes to the issues." I pointed out that every single resolution was from the Kucinich platform. She was particularly enthusiastic about the anti-Patriot Act one, but I was too polite to point out that her guy had voted for it.

But since this poll only allows one choice, I voted for repeal of the PATRIOT Act. None of the other proposed planks would have any meaning if we don't have our civil liberties back by restraining the actions of government with the Bill of Rights.

try repolling with something realistic

Support the war in Iraq.

Support the occupation of Iraq.

Keep the troops in Iraq.

Look the other way whenever it involves Ariel Sharon.

Love the PATRIOT Act (minor cosmetic changes).

Keep managed care.

Keep NAFTA.

Love GATT, WTO.

Pass the FTAA!

Oppose gay marriage.

More of the same stuff from Al From and Bruce Reed...

I wanted to find out how much support there was for the different resolutions proposed by Dennis. I have a convention coming up and all the arguments for these will come in handy! :)

Does this mean that you wouldn't want to see ANY of these goals put into the platform?

I hate to remind everyone, but we are dealing with a VERY LARGE DEBT! Notice, I didn't say deficit, that's different and can easily be controled. Debt is a much more difficult thing.

I would love to see all of the things you mentioned, but I'd also love a 5,000 sq. ft. house....I can't have that either!

We need to choose some things that are attainable and push for them HARD.

That's the only way to win this election.

Universal health care doesn't even require doing that. As Dennis keeps saying, "We are already paying for universal health care, we just aren't getting it."

As for Republicans in Congress, recall that Trent Lott, of all people has just endorsed bulk pharmaceutical purchasing. He sez his momma done tole him. Right. His mamma and another 10,000 pissed off constituents. With properly organized political pressure, even Republican thugs can act right.

We could be a much more productive, and intelligent, country with it!

I think this would effect so many other areas. Things like poverty, welfare, racism, loss of jobs, the list goes on.

All in all a great idea imho.

The voting public now obviously has its priorities completely out of sync with what we'd have to do to start maintaining a sustainable world. Improving education would be the best way to ensure future generations make more enlightened choices.

We all need realize in our hearts Dennis Kucinich's positions are true Blue Democratic positions.
If only Kerry would deliver upon what most of us want.

if the party doesn't actually use the platform for anything except campaign promises? (Folks like Dennis in the party are sadly the exception now and not the rule.)

And all the other Democratic Congressmen's and Senators' feet!!

OUR PLATFORM ISN'T JUST CAMPAIGN PROMISES. IT'S WHAT WE STAND FOR, AND WE MAKE THEM STICK BY IT.

We hold them accountable to us.

Let's hope the DNC has awakened to the fact that things need to change around here, and that bending over backwards so as to appear accomodating to the far right has landed this nation in a world of hurt.

We are going to have to help Kerry fight the repugs AND help him to HAVE A POSITIVE PROGRAM THAT WILL TURN THIS COUNTRY AROUND, not go backwards to the DLC scum-program.

WE WILL BE HIS BACKBONE!!

We have to make our voices heard! If we want these things, but just say 'oh well what good will that do' and wait for a survey or something to convey our wishes, the perfectly reasonable explanation is that we just don't really want them that much.

It's so difficult to choose between them; kind of like asking someone which they would rather have; shelter, food, or clothing.

I would have included 'all of the above' but there were only just enough for these ideas.

I can't wait to start discussing these resolutions at the next convention!!!! :D