The Core Message of the Democratic Party

A robust government is part of a flourishing economy. Economic progress requires a strong and effective state¹. Firing 300,000 government workers² and cutting vital government services is counterproductive to a prosperous society. Sound economic principles tell us that government investments in infrastructure, research, education, and healthcare not only improve the economy but also provide for the betterment of our citizens³.

Income and wealth inequality can be addressed fairly by removing the unfair advantages elite groups hold in our economic system. The top 1% owns more wealth than the bottom 93%⁴. The system is rigged against regular working people. The vast majority of Americans will enjoy an improved quality of life if these gross economic disparities are addressed in an equitable way. Political leaders who are overly solicitous of big business and the wealthy are exacerbating problems they should be correcting.

Campaign finance reform is part of the life blood of our democracy. Big money in our political process is a form of corruption and must be eliminated. We must nullify the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling⁴ and take other measures to ensure that, “One person, one vote” is again practiced in our nation.

Racial equality is a central tenet of our multi-cultural society. Racism is not a family value. Hatred of brown-skinned immigrants does not indicate quality of character. We consider those who disparage Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs to be summarily disqualified from political leadership.

Cutting social services for low-income people through cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, is beneath the government and the citizens of our great nation. Those who claim their government policies rest on religion or morality should first examine whether their actions are in accord with their own professed philosophies. Oppressing poor people is not a virtue.

Government public health policies should be based on sound science as defined by reputable doctors and scientists. We support a robust vaccination schedule for children and adults alike. Disease merchants and snake oil peddlers are hereby unfriended by the Democratic Party.

Support for workers, worker’s rights and unionization are core principles of our nation. Affordability relies not only on lower prices, but on higher wages as well. Collective bargaining is a vital part of an empowered workforce. Prohibiting the unionization of federal employees is disrespectful to all American workers. A prosperous workforce is the true driver of a prosperous economy.

Christian Nationalism is an erroneous view because the First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” Separation of church and state is vital to freedom of religion, because if the government promotes one religion, the non-favored religions will automatically be suppressed. How quickly we forget that some of the early settlers in North America came here to escape the state-run religions of Europe.

The Democratic Party holds that honesty and integrity in our political leaders is paramount to the survival of our democracy. Corruption, kleptocracy, bribery and profiteering are not appropriate for political figures.

Unless pursuant to an act of congress, or by the invitation of a state governor, it is illegal to use federal military personnel to enforce domestic laws. Placing federal soldiers in our streets for frivolous reasons is unconstitutional, unpatriotic, and a malicious attack on our entire country. As the saying goes, “It’s a free country,” and the Democratic Party intends to keep it that way.

We support renewable energy sources. Wind and solar power generation provide jobs, help make consumer energy costs affordable and contribute to a sustainable environment. Scientists warn us that the earth is nearing an environmental tipping point, but greedy politicians are eagerly tipping our planet in the wrong direction. By ignoring the advice of reputable scientists, environmentally negligent, climate-denier political leaders are betraying our children to a nightmarish future of pollution and climate disasters.

We believe in international free trade, that is, allowing countries to trade goods and services without government-imposed barriers. Free trade encourages economic growth through competition and innovation. Free trade fosters friendly diplomatic relations, contributing to global peace and stability. Free trade is a vital step toward affordability in our society. It brings with it lower prices and increased employment.

We roundly condemn the unitary executive theory. When the overreach of presidential power leads to dictatorship, the Democratic Party will be there to restore the checks and balances between the three federal government branches described by our founding fathers. The unitary executive theory, that of unfettered presidential power, is a freeway that leads straight to tyranny. The Democratic Party is taking this country directly to the offramp.