Benton County Democratic Party
2004 Platform
Economic Opportunity
A healthy and sustainable economy is essential to Oregon. Policies must encourage both the creation of jobs and equal access to economic opportunity and mobility for all people. We support diversity in Oregon«ÉŸs economy, policies that provide family-wage jobs, access to child care, affordable housing, incentives to small business, and programs that promote a skilled and educated work force.
Education
We support high quality public education that is adequately funded and accessible to all. We believe that public education (public schools, community college, OUS) is and should continue to be the foundation of our democracy and therefore public education deserves our strongest commitment.
Election Laws
Free and honest elections, in which every vote counts, are essential to democracy. To that end we support the abolishment of the Electoral College. Our society deserves the best elected officials possible, regardless of the candidate«ÉŸs personal wealth or that of their associates. We support campaign finance reform that works towards this goal. We believe that the double majority election requirement is contrary to participatory democracy.
Environment and Natural Resources
We support a natural resource management program that provides for a sustainable economy and a healthy, sustainable environment. We support protecting, strengthening and enforcing Oregon«ÉŸs and the nation«ÉŸs policies ensuring: clean air and water; species and habitat restoration and conservation; and land use planning. We support informed participation of Oregonians in development and implementation of policies.
Family and Community
Government has an obligation to ensure healthy, thriving families and communities and to provide for those who cannot provide for themselves. This assistance must be designed to maximize individual dignity and independence, while encouraging initiative. We support the continuation of social security and oppose privatizing this vital social insurance program. We support a broad, diverse and inclusive definition of "family«É˘ and affirm the self-sustainability of diverse communities.
Foreign Policy
The U.S. must be a responsible citizen of the world. We believe that democracy and the rule of law must be supported worldwide. Further, the US must take a leadership role that emphasizes diplomacy and human rights. We oppose the present U.S. government doctrine of preventive/pre-emptive war. We oppose the re-institution of the draft to provide troops for the war/occupation of Iraq. We support fair trade.
Health Care
We believe all people should, as a matter of public policy, have access to universal, comprehensive and confidential health care that promotes wellness programs through preventive medicine and practices. We affirm that health care should be provided on an equal basis, with no discrimination on the basis of age, marital status, economic status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or immigration status. We believe abortion should be legal, safe and accessible, and strongly support programs reducing unwanted pregnancies. We believe that health personnel and patients have an inalienable right to freedom from harassment, intimidation, and physical harm. We support programs which protect public and personal health and the rights of injured workers. We support rights of patients and physicians to make medical choices without third party interference. We propose a regulatory structure that puts a ceiling on prices of prescription drugs and medical equipment costs.
Human Rights and Justice
We support constitutionally guaranteed rights and enforcement and expansion of current laws against discrimination. We reject any attempts to limit protection from discrimination for any groups. We support the historic constitutional separation of church and state. We support marriage equality. We must work together to honor Indian treaty rights. We demand repeal of the U.S. P.A.T.R.I.O.T. A.C.T.
Public Safety
Our number one priority is the prevention of conditions that lead to crime or otherwise threaten public safety. When criminals are apprehended we support: 1) community based rehabilitation; 2) alternatives to incarceration; and 3) rehabilitative incarceration. Our public safety system must protect the rights of victims and the accused.
Rights of Workers
We support the rights of workers to organize, to bargain collectively, to strike if necessary without the threat of permanent replacement, and to hold jobs that provide essential benefits and family wages. We oppose denial of unemployment benefits relating to employer lockouts. We oppose «É⁄Right-to-Work-for-Less«É˘ initiatives and legislation, and all attempts to eliminate overtime pay.
Tax Policy
We support making Oregon«ÉŸs tax system and the Federal Tax system more progressive by tax reforms that readjust the income tax rates, widen income tax brackets, and equalize the rates paid by corporations to those paid by individuals. We believe that Oregon«ÉŸs mix of taxes should provide adequate revenue to meet the State«ÉŸs commitment to quality education and to other essential services. Excessive deficits are harmful to the national economy. The U.S. shall pursue a flexible policy of balanced budgets. We oppose the Bush Administration«ÉŸs reckless fiscal policies.
Transportation
We advocate a comprehensive, effective, affordable, and environmentally sound transportation plan that supports rail, light rail, air, roads, and alternative transportation in Oregon and the United States.
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