We recognize that the capacity of government is limited but we regard democratic government as a force for good and a source of hope.

At the heart of our party lies a fundamental conviction, that Americans must not only be free, but they
must live in a fair society.

We believe it is the responsibility of government to help us achieve this fair society.

• a society where the elderly and the disabled can lead lives of dignity and where Social Security
remains an unshakable commitment;

• a society where all people can find jobs in a growing full-employment economy;

• a society where all workers are guaranteed without question the legal right to join unions of their
own choosing and to bargain collectively for decent wages and conditions of employment;

• a society where taxes are clearly based on ability to pay;

• a society where the equal rights of women are guaranteed in the Constitution;

• a society where the civil rights of minorities are fully secured and where no one is denied the
opportunity for a better life;

• a society where both public and private discrimination based upon race, sex, age, color, creed,
national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, philosophical
persuasion or physical disability are condemned and where our government moves aggressively to end
such discrimination through lawful means;

• a society where we recognize that the strengthening of the family and the protection of children
are essential to the health of the nation;

• a society where a sound education, proper nutrition, quality medical care, affordable housing, safe
streets and a healthy environment are possible for every citizen;

• a society where the livelihoods of our family farmers are as stable as the values they instill in the
American character;

• a society where a strong national defense is a common effort, where promoting human rights is a
basic value of our foreign policy, and where we ensure that future by ending the nuclear arms race.
This is our purpose and our promise.