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Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
30. Simple truth. Especially in goals. Some pols
Thu Apr 5, 2018, 05:14 PM
Apr 2018

speak of the excellent basic structure we inherited, the damange done by Republicans, and the need for repairs and always for further progress. Others insist our systems are broken and call for "revolution," but the actual goals are virtually the same as mainstream Democrats, just different language used to build a voter base.

... Democrats believe we are stronger when we have an economy that works for everyone—an economy that grows incomes for working people, creates good-paying jobs, and puts a middle-class life within reach for more Americans. Democrats believe we can spur more sustainable economic growth, which will create good-paying jobs and raise wages. And we can have more economic fairness, so the rewards are shared broadly, not just with those at the top. We need an economy that prioritizes long-term investment over short-term profit-seeking, rewards the common interest over self-interest, and promotes innovation and entrepreneurship.

We believe that today’s extreme level of income and wealth inequality—where the majority of the economic gains go to the top one percent and the richest 20 people in our country own more wealth than the bottom 150 million—makes our economy weaker, our communities poorer, and our politics poisonous.

And we know that our nation’s long struggle with race is far from over. More than half a century after Rosa Parks sat and Dr. King marched and John Lewis bled, more than half a century after César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong organized, race still plays a significant role in determining who gets ahead in America and who gets left behind. We must face that reality and we must fix it.

We believe a good education is a basic right of all Americans, no matter what zip code they live in. We will end the school-to-prison pipeline and build a cradle-to-college pipeline instead, where every child can live up to his or her God-given potential.

We believe in helping Americans balance work and family without fear of punishment or penalty. We believe in at last guaranteeing equal pay for women. And as the party that created Social Security, we believe in protecting every American’s right to retire with dignity.

We firmly believe that the greed, recklessness, and illegal behavior on Wall Street must be brought to an end. Wall Street must never again be allowed to threaten families and businesses on Main Street.

Democrats believe we are stronger when we protect citizens’ right to vote, while stopping corporations’ outsized influence in elections. We will fight to end the broken campaign finance system, overturn the disastrous Citizens United decision, restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act, and return control of our elections to the American people.

Democrats believe that climate change poses a real and urgent threat to our economy, our national security, and our children’s health and futures, and that Americans deserve the jobs and security that come from becoming the clean energy superpower of the 21st century.

Democrats believe we are stronger and safer when America brings the world together and leads with principle and purpose. We believe we should strengthen our alliances, not weaken them. We believe in the power of development and diplomacy. ...

Above all, Democrats are the party of inclusion. We know that diversity is not our problem—it is our promise. As Democrats, we respect differences of perspective and belief, and pledge to work together to move this country forward, even when we disagree. With this platform, we do not merely seek common ground—we strive to reach higher ground.

We are proud of our heritage as a nation of immigrants. We know that today’s immigrants are tomorrow’s teachers, doctors, lawyers, government leaders, soldiers, entrepreneurs, activists, PTA members, and pillars of our communities.

We believe in protecting civil liberties and guaranteeing civil rights and voting rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights, LGBT rights, and rights for people with disabilities. We believe America is still, as Robert Kennedy said, “a great country, an unselfish country, and a compassionate country.”

These principles stand in sharp contrast to the Republicans, who have nominated as the standard-bearer for their party and their candidate for President a man who seeks to appeal to Americans’ basest differences, rather than our better natures.

The stakes have been high in previous elections. But in 2016, the stakes can be measured in human lives—in the number of immigrants who would be torn from their homes; in the number of faithful and peaceful Muslims who would be barred from even visiting our shores; in the number of allies alienated and dictators courted; in the number of Americans who would lose access to health care and see their rights ripped away.

This election is about more than Democrats and Republicans. It is about who we are as a nation, and who we will be in the future.

Two hundred and forty years ago, in Philadelphia, we started a revolution of ideas and of action that continues to this day. Since then, our union has been tested many times, through bondage and civil war, segregation and depression, two world wars and the threat of nuclear annihilation. Generations of Americans fought and marched and organized to widen the circle of opportunity and dignity—and we are fighting still.

Despite what some say, America is and has always been great—but not because it has been perfect. What makes America great is our unerring belief that we can make it better. We can and we will build a more just economy, a more equal society, and a more perfect union—because we are stronger together.

https://www.democrats.org/party-platform

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I have never seen Democrats so united 4now Apr 2018 #1
Simple truth. Especially in goals. Some pols Hortensis Apr 2018 #30
The 'kerfuffle' could be a good thing, media wise leftstreet Apr 2018 #2
I cannot say what I really think of him Skittles Apr 2018 #3
I Say Independants Should Go THeir Own Way Me. Apr 2018 #6
+1000. (nt) ehrnst Apr 2018 #28
But then they couldn't sow discord and discontent Cary Apr 2018 #29
Will you still say that if Dems have a net gain of two Senate seats this fall? Jim Lane Apr 2018 #32
If Your Scenario Should PLay Out Me. Apr 2018 #36
The Bernie bashing is getting to be a parody of itself. Jim Lane Apr 2018 #39
Now, Now, Don't Put Words In My Mouth Me. Apr 2018 #40
Your exact word was "loyalty", tested in part by "agreeing with Comrade Trump" Jim Lane Apr 2018 #41
BS/Loyalty To Dems Me. Apr 2018 #65
Gorsuch would not be there if Trump wasn't there Skittles Apr 2018 #70
What I find constantly hysterical.... vi5 Apr 2018 #56
You're more charitable than I am. Jim Lane Apr 2018 #67
Oh believe me.... vi5 Apr 2018 #68
THIS! democratisphere Apr 2018 #51
SAME HERE! samnsara Apr 2018 #11
Of course we're not divided radical noodle Apr 2018 #4
Operative word "Democrats"! democratisphere Apr 2018 #52
I vote only for Democrats and radical noodle Apr 2018 #71
Bernie: "the Democratic Party for the last 15 years or so has been a failure." JaneQPublic Apr 2018 #5
I Can't Imagine He Would Be Allowed Back Me. Apr 2018 #7
I agree! But I'm not familiar with DNC rules for such things. However, JaneQPublic Apr 2018 #9
cringe-worthy Skittles Apr 2018 #25
The DNC doesn't -- and can't -- make the rules. Jim Lane Apr 2018 #34
I have never read anywhere on DU where anyone thought the DNC had that vote Skittles Apr 2018 #35
Then I'm confused by your own #23 in this thread Jim Lane Apr 2018 #43
saying it should not have been allowed Skittles Apr 2018 #44
Sorry, but if you keep using the passive voice I won't fully understand you Jim Lane Apr 2018 #45
um Skittles Apr 2018 #46
Did you read your link all the way to the end? Jim Lane Apr 2018 #59
yes I read it all Skittles Apr 2018 #69
"party oligarchs" -- you're calling Democrats oligarchs? betsuni Apr 2018 #49
Please note the context. Jim Lane Apr 2018 #60
Oligarchs. betsuni Apr 2018 #64
it should never have been allowed Skittles Apr 2018 #23
Totally Agree Me. Apr 2018 #31
This message was self-deleted by its author Initech Apr 2018 #8
This discussion is not about HRC/BS 2016. It's about BS in 2020. (NT) JaneQPublic Apr 2018 #10
copy that statement; you'll need to keep pasting Skittles Apr 2018 #26
It is not about HRC. Nt NCTraveler Apr 2018 #14
This is NOT about Hillary.. These are BS' words in Jackson Cha Apr 2018 #16
Yes that was total bullshit, I agree. Initech Apr 2018 #20
.. Cha Apr 2018 #22
Why don't you really wish Bernie would stop disparaging Barack Obama, pnwmom Apr 2018 #18
I wish everyone would. Initech Apr 2018 #21
Disparage him how? DLevine Apr 2018 #47
By saying he was an extraordinary "candidate" while linking him to 15 years of Democratic failure. pnwmom Apr 2018 #50
I disagree with your characterization that Bernie said he saw Obama as DLevine Apr 2018 #58
He said he was an extraordinary candidate but didn't give him credit for being a great or even good pnwmom Apr 2018 #61
Understand the Bot network is Wellstone ruled Apr 2018 #12
oddly enuff repubs control ALL the federal government and a majority of states nt msongs Apr 2018 #13
Bingo! vi5 Apr 2018 #55
I dont think we are in disarray. NCTraveler Apr 2018 #15
Bernie encouraged people to vote for Democrats TCJ70 Apr 2018 #17
The media will try to push their favorite meme mcar Apr 2018 #19
So he attacks the party instead of Trumpocalypse Apr 2018 #24
THANK YOU! Blue_Tires Apr 2018 #27
Actually, the Dem Party is doing pretty damn good right now! 🙂 herding cats Apr 2018 #33
I agree peggysue2 Apr 2018 #38
Thats right!! If we were so divided would we be winning so many special elections? Thekaspervote Apr 2018 #37
K&R betsuni Apr 2018 #42
There are definitely divisions with the Democratic party oberliner Apr 2018 #48
absoluletly Locrian Apr 2018 #53
I don't agree with him completely.... vi5 Apr 2018 #54
I am Fired Up! Ready to go! For 2018. bronxiteforever Apr 2018 #57
Sanders has the support of many Democrats including myself. I understand that he maintains his CentralMass Apr 2018 #62
We just aren't in lockstep like GOP voters are. Orsino Apr 2018 #63
Agreed! I don't support the fetishization of unity. Jim Lane Apr 2018 #66
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