Platform Convention 2000
- ANY
The platform below is supplied (with the Legislative Agenda) to provide Democrats with a basis for emendation. The Platform is a broad statement of principles. The Legislative Agenda contains SPECIFIC proposals for legislative action. The Republican Party and scrivener Alan Pittman (of the WEEKLY) do not seem to understand this, and have sneered, respectively, at the Platform AND the Legislative Agenda. But then, neither have ever attended a DPLC Platform Convention, so there you are!
1998 Platform of the Democratic Party of Lane County
Adopted February 7, 1998
Preamble
As Democrats, we believe that in our representative democracy "we, the people" are the government. We therefore reject the view that government is our enemy. As Democrats, we view government as a partner in our attempts to better ourselves and our communities. On this basis we therefore declare the following planks to be the platform of the Democratic Party of Lane County.
Education
Education is the key to a participatory democracy and to "healthy" economic competitiveness. We support a public education system, kindergarten through higher education, which is excellent in content, adequately funded and available to all. Because we are sensitive to the diverse beliefs of our society we support the historic separation of church and state.
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 attempts to weaken Labor Unions through the pursuit of right to work for less initiatives or legislation.
Public Safety
Personal safety is a fundamental right. We believe that parental responsibility, prevention programs, economic opportunity, education, and community involvement are key elements to preventing crime. We believe that justice for personal and corporate crime should be swift, sure, and fair. We support proven rehabilitation programs. We support victim restitution where appropriate.
Health Care
We believe all people should have access to affordable, appropriate, comprehensive health care. We believe abortion should be legal, safe, and available to all who choose this option. We believe that clinic 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.
Environment & Natural Resources
We support a natural resource management program that provides for a robust economy and a sound environment. We must continue to support policies which ensure clean air and water, safe waste disposal practices, community recycling, and land use planning. We support the sustainable, orderly, development of renewable energy resources.
Human Rights & Justice
We oppose all forms of discrimination and reject any attempts to limit protection from discrimination for any group. We oppose all laws which deny some segments of the population the right to be in public places and engage in harmless, non-criminal behavior.
Tax Policy
We support a progressive tax system in which individual and corporate taxes are based on the ability to pay. We support a tax system that is simple and which rewards thrift and individual initiative. We favor the elimination of corporate welfare, and the restoration of balance between corporate and individual tax rates. We oppose a general state retail sales tax.
Election Laws
Free and honest elections are essential to a democracy. Campaigns should be financed in a manner which protects the integrity of the election process.
Economic Opportunity
A healthy and growing economy is essential to Oregon. We support diversity in the Oregon economy, policies that provide family-wage jobs, incentives to small business, programs that promote a skilled and educated work force, and maintenance of sound infrastructure to support these goals.
Family & Community
Government has an obligation to provide for those who cannot provide for themselves. This assistance must be provided at a level that maintains individual dignity and initiative while providing the necessary tools for independence.
Concluding
As government has responsibilities to its citizens, citizens have responsibilities to their government. We believe all citizens must: keep informed, participate in government, and seek non-governmental solutions to problems in society when appropriate. As Democrats seeking to live up to our responsibilities, we pledge to support this platform.
