Table of Contents - Yakima County Democratic Party
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2008 Platform of the
Yakima County Democratic Central Committee
Table of Contents
GOVERNMENT, POLITICS, AND CAMPAIGN FINANCING
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PREAMBLE
We come together to declare our vision as Democrats, mindful that the challenges of our times are profound. As Americans we have more impact on our people and our place in the world that any in our lifetime. We approach this with the seriousness that matches the challenges before us. We approach these challenges with optimism that comes from our great faith in America and our pride in America.
We as loyal Americans know the stakes are extremely high. For the first time in generations our great middle class is shrinking, millions of Americans have lost their jobs, and millions of Americans are struggling with the ever increasing burden of life’s everyday costs. We suffer with a President who stubbornly presses on without regard to the needs of our people or the challenges of the times.
The time for new direction is now. We Democrats are thirsty for a new direction of which we can once again be proud. A direction that is resilient at home with respect abroad. A direction that offers opportunity, rewards responsibility, and rejoices in diversity. A direction that creates strong healthy families, with quality health care, with world-class education, ensures clean air, water, and energy.
We the Democrats of Yakima County reaffirm our faith in the greatness of America. We recommit ourselves to the values of a strong American community, protecting the sanctity of freedom, and united in helping one another -- an idea that is as great as the country we love.
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2008 Platform of the
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ECONOMY & ECONOMIC JUSTICE
The policies of the Bush Administration and the Republicans – from corporate tax loopholes to lax trade enforcement to an assault on organized labor – have made our economy less fair and less equal. And by giving tax cuts to the wealthy while waging a trillion dollar war, George Bush’s Washington has saddled our country with a crippling debt that’s stopping us from making much-needed investments in America and the
American people. We have to change this disastrous leadership.
After the last 7 years of the Bush Administration’s economic policies, the United States faces a significant challenge-the faltering economy and the unmanageable national government debt which has increased from $5.4 trillion in 2000 to over $9.4 trillion in
March, 2008, an increase of 65%. As a debtor nation, with China and other Sovereign
Wealth Funds financing our government and the war in Iraq, we must change our policies.
We support economic policies and business practices, which promote the creation of living wage jobs and sustainable economic growth, which does not damage our environment. We deplore the growing gap between the rich and poor, which is fueled by the downward trend in wages, soaring executive paychecks, and the many tax loopholes for wealthy corporations.
We believe that long-term solvency of Social Security is essential and we therefore oppose privatizing Social Security.
We support
Adequate medical care, safe and adequate housing, sanitary facilities, education and safe working conditions for all Americans migrant and seasonal workers and their families.
Social Security ensuring that benefits for people with disabilities and dependent survivors are maintained in a fair and universal manner.
We believe that it is the government’s responsibility to take the necessary actions to ensure that all people have safe and affordable housing.
The protection of both private and public pension plans, and the right for those persons enrolled in their respective pension plans to be included in the processes affecting their pensions.
Approval only of multilateral trade agreements, which are conditioned on environmental standards, human rights and workers rights, and which support transparent democratic processes.
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Repeal the Bush Administration tax cuts for households earning more than
$250,000, raise capital gains taxes, change the alternative minimum tax, and eliminate special interest loopholes and deductions, such as those for the oil and gas industry, as well as by limiting the ability of large multi-national corporations to use tax havens to hide income overseas.
Incentives for businesses to provide family wage jobs, adequate healthcare, pension benefits, and on-site daycare.
Change the state of Washington’s B&O tax to further encourage small business growth.
Continuation of federal estate taxes with an inflation adjustment so that the minimum value of the estate taxed is greater than $3 million.
Congress adopt legislation, and if necessary, begin the process of constitutional amendment, to repeal the concept of corporate personhood.
Insure corporate bankruptcy laws do not circumvent employer obligations to previously held employee contracts.
It is urgent that Congress quickly address the causes of the current “credit crisis” and provide assistance to millions of homeowners who are facing foreclosures on their personal residences. We support Democratic Congressional proposals, including:
Programs that provide options for homeowners to refinance existing high-interest mortgages.
Limitations on “bailing” out Hedge Funds, Investment Banks, and other investors in unstable financial products, with taxpayer funds or guarantees.
Increased regulatory oversight of financial institutions. This is particularly important since the 1999 Republican led repeal of the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act that required regulations over certain financial and insurance corporations.
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CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The strength of our democracy rests on the rights and responsibilities set forth in the U.S.
Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the subsequent amendments to the Constitution.
We declare that food, shelter, medical care, education, and jobs are basic human rights, and we support the development of social programs and legislation to expand and protect these rights.
We support:
We support affirmative action, and laws designed to ensure that prejudice does not prevent qualified persons from obtaining education, employment, promotion, housing, insurance or any other social good.
We support a woman’s reproductive rights, regardless of age or ability to pay.
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We affirm that the state or federal government should not interfere with same gender couples that choose to marry and share fully in the rights, responsibilities and commitment of civil marriage; and we oppose any attempt to amend the U.S.
Constitution to deny the rights of same-gender couples.
We support separation of religion and state and oppose organized prayer in public schools and granting of public money to religious charities or schools which require a profession of faith or act of worship as a condition of participation.
We affirm that each individual has a right to privacy, and government or business must recognize and respect and not violate that right.
We believe persons with painful terminal diseases should be permitted to end their lives with doctor prescribed drugs.
We urge Congress to immediately repeal the repressive, unconstitutional USA
Patriot Act and restore the rights of Habeas Corpus. Until the Patriot Act is repealed, we urge all governmental entities to resist implementation.
We recognize the constitutional right to due process under the law for all prisoners; also that is not an acceptable or legal option for any government or private agency to torture prisoners for any reason, in any location.
We oppose discrimination of any kind, and believe that those who face discrimination must be afforded the legal means and economic opportunities to overcome such injustices.
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FOREIGN POLICY
We believe that in order to restore the good name of the U.S. among nations, we must abandon the go-it-alone foreign policy of the present administration and return to a policy of international cooperation. The executive and legislative branches of government must abandon the doctrine of preemptive warfare and shall make non-violence the primary organizing principle of foreign policy. We further deplore the Bush Administration’s violation of the Geneva Conventions, including the commission of torture and other war crimes.
The U.S. must work cooperatively with other countries to promote a sustainable, nonviolent world in which the human rights of all peoples are respected. Critical issues including international terrorism, environmental degradation and nuclear proliferation can only be resolved in cooperation with the world community. While national selfinterest is a legitimate element of foreign policy, it must be tempered by respect for other cultures, economies, and national aspiration.
We support:
The United States’ fully paid participation in the United Nations and other organizations which promote human rights, adherence to international law-
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2008 Platform of the
Yakima County Democratic Central Committee including the Geneva Conventions, democratic elections, health and safety, peace, commerce, cultural understanding, and preservation of our planet’s ecosystems.
Our government and all states possessing nuclear weapons to take steps toward the reduction of nuclear weapons. We also urge our government to honor and ratify openly negotiated treaties to reduce nuclear proliferation.
Restoration by the US government of worldwide family planning programs.
That we do not want our tax money being used to fund, train or sponsor military or police forces to suppress human and civil rights in foreign countries. We call for the closing of the School of the Americas, now known as the Western
Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.
We support the Charter of the United Nations, international treaties and conventions including: o International Criminal Court and its ratification, and the World Court. In this court’s operations, no exceptions should be allowed for U.S. citizens. o United Nations Land Mine Treaty and oppose use of cluster bombs. o Biological and Chemical Warfare Conventions. o Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. o Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. o Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. o Space Preservation Treaty. o Child Soldier Treaty.
A new approach to the Iraq War by the US, including: o Full support for our troops, including sufficient protective equipment and full assistance upon their return from service. o Actions based on a policy that the sovereignty of Iraq belongs to the
Iraqis. o Developing and implementing an orderly, complete, and rapid exit strategy from Iraq of all U.S. military forces and economic interests. o Under the United Nations, developing a rebuilding plan for the infrastructure destroyed since our invasion. o Seeking a conference organized by the Secretary General of the United
Nations to develop a long term strategy for the stabilization of Iraq and the mid-east.
The initial intent and promise of improving the economy of Afghanistan, especially the infrastructure and agriculture sectors, together with elimination of the opium trade; development of a free country without torture; and increased educational opportunity for women.
The peaceful resolution of the friction between the United States and Iran, being cognizant of the history of relations and disinformation campaigns between the two countries since 1953, and approaching negotiations, with mutual respect by both countries, which eschew the objective of regime change.
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That the United States should commit to vigorous, serious, persistent and even handed engagement towards a peaceful resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, promoting negotiations that lead to a viable resolution and ensure security and a good quality of life for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
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Efforts of the Executive Branch to de-certify or overturn treaties such as ABM,
International Criminal Court, Kyoto Accords or Biological and Chemical Warfare
Conventions.
Covert efforts to destabilize other national governments.
The Star Wars type of defense system. It is not the most effective use of our defense money. The development and deployment of this unproven and extremely costly system should be immediately halted.
The use of the National Guard for any purposes other than defense and response to natural disaster, and the National Guard shall be under the direction of their governor.
The use of secrecy, psychological operations and disinformation/manipulation campaigns that leave the U.S. citizenry less informed that the rest of the world.
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EDUCATION
“It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children.”
The Washington State Constitution-1889
Since quality education strengthens our democracy and our ability to compete in the global economy we support a fully funded, excellent, K-12 and post secondary public education system with well-compensated teachers, staff, and state of the art facilities.
We support:
Safe public schools free from bullying, harassment, and violence for students, staff, and community members. We believe that there should be no retribution for those reporting violence or harassment in schools.
We encourage full inclusion in the school environment of all students regardless of sex, race, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, or disability.
Accessibility to high quality higher education and/or vocation training, and believe we must find a way to curb soaring tuition costs, which are pricing many students out of a college education.
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Finding another method of funding educational capital projects other than logging of public lands, because public lands and forests can no longer sustain the funding requirements.
Effective programs for teaching students for whom English is a second language.
Accountability of teacher training programs, effective teaching programs in our schools and student learning assessments.
Educational employees’ salaries, retirement benefits, and healthcare benefits that would attract and retain quality personnel.
Identifying and implementing a stable funding source for all basic, gifted and special education state and federal programs and mandates.
Reduction of class sizes.
Cost-of-living increases for all public school employees.
Full-time counselors, full time prevention and intervention specialists, occupational/physical therapists, and school nurses in every school.
School facilities that are adequately maintained and regularly certified as safe and healthy by public health authorities.
Full funding of Headstart, ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assisted
Programs), all day kindergarten, and assuring that early childhood education is accessible to all.
Fine Arts and Physical Education in the Basic Education Act of the State.
Facilities and programs that advance vocational and technology education.
Access to higher education for all, through financial aid and work-study programs.
Public education employees’ rights to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and strike without fear of reprisal or replacement.
Age-appropriate, medically correct, and research-based health and values education concerning issues of sexuality and alcohol/drug abuse for K-12.
Eliminating aggressive military recruiting in public high schools.
Abandoning the WASL as a high school graduation requirement.
Alternative high school exit options with multiple measurements.
Increased public funding for our community college system and for our four year college and universities to provide the fully diversified, educated, and skilled workforce upon which our high tech economy depends.
College loan adjustments for graduates who choose public service careers.
Equal access, equitable participation and achievement, consistent with cultural and linguistic inclusiveness and responsive education.
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Commercialism in public schools in the State of Washington.
Charter schools and voucher payments to private schools because they take
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Unfunded or under funded mandates for education such as “The No Child Left
Behind Act”.
Organized prayer in public schools.
The teaching of pseudo-sciences like the teaching of intelligent design.
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HEALTH CARE
Healthcare is a basic right, and our government must assure accessible and affordable health care for all.
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Establishment of a comprehensive national healthcare plan, (universal single payer healthcare) similar to Medicare, and available to all, regardless of age or employment.
Health care should be affordable for individuals and all employers and changes to the system should benefit those employers who provide quality affordable health care for their employees.
Development of a state healthcare plan, assuring access to affordable, equitable healthcare for everyone, beginning with children, until a national plan is realized.
State legislation requiring employers of 50 or more employees to either provide health care coverage or pay a fee to the Washington Health Care Authority.
The right to confidentiality of medical records and genetic information.
The right to sovereignty over our own bodies; we support family planning and women’s reproductive rights, regardless of age or ability to pay.
A woman’s right to choose as protected by Roe vs. Wade and the Washington
State Reproductive Freedom Act.
Patient freedom of choice in our own health care including the right to refuse any medical procedure or product including the responsibility that the medical care community cannot refuse to provide medical care nor refuse to neither prescribe nor refill prescriptions based on personal or religious beliefs.
Health care coverage including affordable prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, physical therapy and medical technology, available according to healthcare needs.
Inclusion of long-term care, home care and hospice, and support for caregivers as benefits.
Parity for mental and physical healthcare, including treatment and education for drug, alcohol, and tobacco problems.
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Personal healthful behaviors should be encouraged by providing incentives and health education.
The rights of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to direct their own lives in housing, education and all other life choices, and be consistent with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The right for medically assisted death with dignity, with suitable safeguards for terminally ill patients.
There should be no retribution against patients, families, and loved ones who complain about mistreatment, harassment, or bullying by healthcare institutions and facilities.
Public health policy based on sound scientific guidelines, following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, and organized plans for an effective response to major epidemics.
Restoration of funding and support for medical research, including stem cell research, to be based on scientific merit.
The Medicare prescription drug legislation is still inadequate and we support passage of legislation that will truly benefit Americans in controlling the escalating costs of prescription drugs.
The federal budget should be used to repay funds owed to keep Social Security solvent and to ensure access to Medicare and Medicaid, rather than to reduce taxes for the rich.
We support greater accountability and oversight.
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LABOR
We believe in the dignity of labor, and therefore we support all workers’ right to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and strike without fear of reprisal or replacement. We oppose passage of any right to work or anti-union legislation or rules.
One of the harmful side effects of globalization is the growing practice of some industries to outsource jobs and services to foreign countries, which lack minimum standards for worker health and safety, adequate workplace conditions and where pay is barely subsistent. In these countries there is no provision for the workers to organize and bargain collectively to improve wages and conditions. Recently, some government services have been outsourced creating the situation where U.S. Tax dollars are being sent overseas to support foreign employers thus adding to the list of jobless in this country. We deplore this abuse of US tax dollars and call for legislation that discourages outsourcing of jobs and services by American industries. No outsourcing of government jobs or services are acceptable.
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We support:
The right of any person or group to legally band together collectively for the purposes of economic action or bargaining.
Workers deserve a livable wage that increases with inflation, including affordable healthcare benefits and retirement benefits transportable between employers.
All employees must receive equal pay and equal benefits for equal work.
Workers in their right to work in a safe, hazard-free workplace.
On public buildings and publicly financed projects, we also support o Enforcing the Davis-Bacon and Prevailing Wage laws. o Requiring prevailing wages to be protected on all publicly financed work. o Requiring 15% set asides for use of Apprentices on Public Works Projects.
Apprentice set asides should be included in all contracts involving publicly funded and public financed work, to maintain ongoing education and training for young people and others entering the workforce. o Making reforms in the bidding process including “Responsible Bidder” language in all public and public financed work, including expansion to include contractor responsibilities to the community on issues of fair wages, health insurance, retirement, and training.
The rights of workers who are locked out should be entitled to extended unemployment benefits and retraining opportunities.
That workers have the right to work in a workplace atmosphere free from discrimination based upon sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, race, national origin, union activities, or political preference.
We demand that Washington State government actively ensure that workers who blow the whistle on safety hazards, environmental violations, or other violations of law or regulations have protection from retaliation and access to our state courts.
Amending the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to allow automatic recognition of a union, based on signatures of a majority of those represented
(commonly know as Card Check) as a basis of determination of workers’ intent to organize.
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Exploitation of migrant, temporary and contract workers.
Taxing workers at a higher rate than capital gains.
Corporations under funding their pension liabilities.
Foreign trade agreements that put the might of a corporation above the rights of workers.
Tip-credit minimum wage.
Efforts to eliminate restrictions on the working hours of teenagers.
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The privatization or out-sourcing of public services.
Use of permanent replacement workers during strikes.
Outsourcing of government jobs and privatization of public services, supplanting public employees with low-wage, low benefit contract employees, or prison labor.
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AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is the number one industry in Yakima County as well as the state. We must ensure the viability of American farming to ensure a self-sufficient nation. We recognize the role of farmers as “stewards of the land” and we support programs that ensure the availability of high-quality food, strengthen rural communities, preserve family farms, and maintain the viability of the land.
Because Yakima County is a major national producer of tree and vine fruit, row crops and livestock, it relies heavily on manual labor. The men and women providing this labor have worked in the US for years, put down roots and raised their families. In the interest of promoting their full integration into US society, we call on Congress to reform immigration policy.
Adequate supply of water is the lifeblood of our communities. We endorse additional water storage and conservation as a means to alleviate the burdens of water shortages to farmers, industry, recreation, and our environment. And, we call on our fellow citizens to recognize the appropriate usage and conservation of water as a valuable resource.
We support:
Production of renewable energy on farms including biodiesel, methane, solar, ethanol and wind power.
The family farmer and we urge Congress to pass legislation that maintains this
American tradition by providing economic support for the survival, protection, and improvement of rural communities, including o Shifting federal subsidies from agribusiness to sustainable family farms. o Development of improved rural transportation services.
Funding for agricultural commodity programs and affordable high-speed internet access that strongly supports long-term, economic viability of local agriculture, availability of local high quality food, and the economic security of the nation.
Increased funding for sustainable agriculture, including o Conservation and environmental efforts to preserve agricultural land and natural resources such as soil, water, forests, wildlife habitat. o Organic farming and establishment of stronger organic farming standards. o Reducing pesticide, herbicide, and other persistent toxic chemical use.
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WSU and other Land Grant Colleges.
Strongly advocating adequate governmental support for research and extension programs to develop, improve, and protect crops and livestock and improve quality, marketability, and safety of agricultural products.
Requiring food chain inspection of all animals at risk of spongiform encephalopathy disease and other emerging disease threats.
Enforcement of antitrust laws to prevent agribusiness monopolies.
Legislative limitations on genetic engineering of seeds and plants so we can more effectively preserve native plant diversity.
An end to international trade agreements with provisions protecting transnational, corporate control of the “Intellectual property” of genes as proprietary products, many of which are used by indigenous peoples and have been for thousands of years.
Clear food labeling including full and complete disclosure of nation of origin, genetically modified organism status, irradiation, and organic status - the public’s right to know must supersede corporate secrecy.
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ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Our goal is to create a sustainable society in which future generations are assured of abundant renewable energy, pure water, clean air, and fertile soil to meet the needs of a strong economy. We accept responsibility for our natural world and recognize the need to develop, to implement policies and to encourage lifestyles consistent with long-term sustainability and viability. We must respect the web of life of which we are a part and preserve it for future generations.
We support:
We support widespread research and use of energy efficiency, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and other renewable natural sources of power.
Increased incentives and enforceable standards for low-emission standards for clean renewable energy sources.
We support economic incentives for energy conservation and clean energy systems, including severe financial penalties for excess carbon emissions.
The elimination of tax breaks and subsidies for coal, oil and gas companies for mining, extraction, and exploration costs for those resources.
The immediate revision of the 1872 Mining Act to end exploration and extraction in environmentally sensitive public lands and provide compensation to the public for resources that they own.
That our cities must fully support neighborhood planning and open space.
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Intelligent growth management, limiting urban sprawl and preserving farmland, wildlife habitat and our remaining national resources.
Recycling and reuse of waste in ways that do not further contaminate the environment.
An increase in federal funding for public transit projects. By balancing spending on roads with public transportation, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and better reflect Washington’s priorities for a clean environment, good health, and enhanced quality of life.
Clean water protections for fishing, swimming, and wildlife as well as efforts to clean up our air and water and reduce toxic pollutant releases.
Sound stewardship of our resources as the first goal of forestry management and ecosystem management. To this end, restoration of fish habitat and forests should be fully funded.
Limiting nuclear power until environmentally safe, long-term waste storage is guaranteed.
Encouraging distributed sources of energy in homes and businesses such as homeowner and business owner owned and supplied solar and wind power.
Rejecting any use of Bonneville Power Administration revenue to retire federal debt.
Cooperation with the international effort to reduce greenhouse gases, including
U.S. participation in the Kyoto Treaty and Clean Air Act protections, and responding to climate change in proportion to the immense magnitude of the crisis.
Higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards including SUVs.
Long-term policies that promote biodiversity, ecosystem and watershed protection, restoration of wild salmon, and endangered species.
Efforts to ensure water quality and fair water usage policies; conserving wetlands, a vital element for clean water; and the Clean Water Act protections.
Cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and protection of the Columbia
River in keeping with the principles adopted by Washington’s voters.
Encouraging use of alternative fuel, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles through infrastructure and targeted tax incentives.
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Development and oil exploration in any national wildlife refuge.
The trading of energy and pollution credits that do not reduce carbon emissions, other pollutants, or further abuse natural resources.
Exemption of military bases from environmental regulation.
Open-cage, polluting fin fish farms of carnivorous species in our marine waters.
Any new nuclear power or nuclear research stations producing high level nuclear
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LAW AND JUSTICE
We recognize that civil order is necessary to the survival of a free and democratic state.
Civil order can occur only when Justice treats all people equally. We also recognize that in the pursuit of civil order, we cannot abandon the legal principles upon which a free and democratic society relies. We affirm liberty and justice for everyone residing in the U.S. according to the Constitution and believe that criminal justice and human rights are linked.
As a nation we must invest in children and work actively to eliminate poverty in order to help prevent future crime. We strongly believe criminal justice emphasis should include preventative and rehabilitative measures.
We support
The abolishment of the death penalty in favor of life without parole.
Safety locks on handguns, prohibition of importation and ownership of full automatic weapons and strengthening of laws holding adults responsible for safeguarding guns in the home.
Universal gun registration and licensing, mandatory safety training for gun owners, and background checks on all gun sales (including at gun shows) with a minimum waiting period.
Adequate punishments, including appropriate fines and jail time for white collar crime. Restitution must be a precondition for any plea of leniency.
Security measures consistent with preservation of civil liberties at airports, border crossings, train and bus stations to protect the public and the United States from terrorist activities.
Adequate state funding for indigent defendants in all criminal cases.
DNA testing to free the innocent and convict the guilty in criminal prosecutions.
Eliminating mandatory sentencing guidelines and “three-strikes” sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney General appointing an independent Special Counsel to investigate and prosecute any government officer responsible for having ordered or participated in violations of law.
Impeachment and prosecution of any member of the Executive Branch who has ordered violations of law.
Legislation to prohibit predatory practices in payday lending.
The preservation of the right to a civil trial by jury.
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2008 Platform of the
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We note that the war on drugs has been a dismal failure, and we ask for a new approach based on treatment and education, as opposed to incarceration. Drug treatment and community-based aftercare, including clean and sober housing, should be available to every offender who needs it. In the matter of drug enforcement, asset seizures should be based on one’s conviction and not on arrest or assumption of guilt.
We oppose
Racial profiling by law enforcement.
The use of prison labor on any contract bid for governmental work in the state of
Washington.
And abhor harassment, intimidation, and domestic or sexual violence, and support strong legislation, treatment programs and education designed to reduce these ills.
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GOVERNMENT, POLITICS, AND CAMPAIGN
FINANCING
Our government derives its legitimacy solely from the democratic will of the people and must reflect our values as citizens. Our government must be fiscally sound; operate ethically; refrain from establishing or supporting religion; and be open, transparent, and accountable to the will of the people. Our faith in our government and our political system can only be restored through constructive reform, and only substantial election reform can restore faith in the election system.
We support:
Citizen participation is a right and duty of citizenship, and free, open, and verifiable elections are critical to our democratic process.
As our democratically elected representatives, Congress has a solemn duty to provide oversight of the executive branch on behalf of the American people.
Our taxes must be levied fairly and spent frugally.
A return to a balanced budget and possible surplus to pay down the national debt so that we do not leave our descendents with a bankrupt country.
All regulatory agencies should be fully funded.
Restoration of equality between the three branches of the national government is critical, as evidenced by the overuse of presidential signing statements that attempt to subvert the laws passed by Congress.
Contribution and spending limits as an integral part of campaign finance reforms.
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2008 Platform of the
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Keeping our electoral processes open to all who seek the challenge of service to our country regardless of income level.
Re-open the public airwaves to all candidates free of charge. Money should not equal speech. Laws requiring all broadcast license holders to provide adequate free airtime to political candidates must be a condition of their FCC license. We support the reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine.
Including information in the voter pamphlet on the caucus process including county and political party contact numbers to assist in participation.
Public financing of all election campaigns and full disclosure of sources of campaign funds.
Universal voter registration of all U.S. citizens who are eligible voters.
Enforcement of sunshine laws and transparency in government meetings that discuss and make policy.
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INDIAN TRIBES & GOVERNMENTS
In the history of the United States Government, over 600 treaties and agreements were created with sovereign Indian tribes. Recognition and adherence of the these treaties and agreements must be upheld on a Government to Government basis and must be accorded respect and implementation at all levels in the United States Government.
Indian tribes share a common history with the United States. These separate governments make up part of the national identity and community. We believe that tribes must be dealt with on a government to government basis and that they must be accorded respect by all levels of U. S. government, including recognition and adherence to all relevant treaties and agreements between our governments.
The education of the diverse American public about the inherent and treaty-based rights is vital to respectful and civil relations between Indian tribes, local communities, as well as national, state, and local communities.
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TRANSPORTATION
We believe that an efficient, flexible, and far-sighted transportation system is vital to healthy communities, a strong agricultural industry in Yakima County, the broader local economy, and a healthy environment.
We support
Investments in public infrastructure that o Broaden transportation choices and reduce dependence on the automobile. o Increase funding of rural community transportation services, such as those
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2008 Platform of the
Yakima County Democratic Central Committee provided by “People for People”. o Strengthens transportation options for agriculture shipments.
Additional fuel taxes as a responsible choice to fund essential transportation projects.
Policies that make travel as safe as possible for all modes of transportation, motorized and non-motorized.
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