Anyone want to suggest platform ideas

[DU9598]

I am going to my caucus tonight in Des Moines. A lot of people have been complaining on here about the time committment of going to the caucus. However, we don't just vote on our candidate, we also suggest caucus platform statements and vote on them. I want my caucus to get some good ideas that others may not think to bring forth.

So, anyone want to make any suggestions for potential platform statements that I can take to the caucus for consideration?

Thanks for the ideas in advance

[tnlurker]

1. National Health Care for all

Not Insurance

[Kucinich4America]

2. Whatever the DLC says on their website

Let's do the exact opposite of that!

Seriously though, the best basis for a Democratic platform can be found here: http://www.dennis4president.com/go/issues/

[Lint Head]

3. Legalize marijuana and improve laws to make terms of penalty

more 'in line' for hard drug distribution. No user should be arrested for possession. They should be required to rehabilitate as many times as it takes. Distributors that do not pay taxes or sell black market drugs should be in prison. :dem:

[BOSSHOG]

4. An extremely loud reaffirmation of the separation of church and state

and the basis for tax exemption for churches should be reiterated LOUDLY.

I'm not sure if those are "platforms" but they are way high on my list of important things relative to the future of our country.

Thanks for asking...

[DU9598]

6. How does this sound?

It shall be the platform of the IDP that:

Church tax exemptions shall be denied if the church organization engages in direct political activity either against or on behalf of a political candidate or in an attempt to directly influence the passage of particular piece of legislation or constitutional enactment. Churches and religious organizations, just as any other tax-exempt charitable organization, are free to comment on any social, political, or moral issues. They may not, however, speak out for or against political candidates or specific legislative or constitutional provisions if they wish to continue being tax-exempt in the state of Iowa.

[BOSSHOG]

8. You are a Saint My Friend

and thank you for your efforts relative to our electoral process.

[pinto]

5. National health care, regulations guaranteeing voter enfrachisement,

increased transparency in the Executive (and its relationship with Congress), a roll back on the Reagan/Bush tax breaks for the extremely wealthy to pay for domestic programs, limiting off shore corporate tax shelters, greater oversight on the defense budget,

Iraq, Iraq, Iraq.

Have a good night!

:kick:

[DU9598]

7. Two other ideas

National Security:

We support increased diplomatic and cooperative measures by the United States government to ensure peaceful solutions to international problems by – but not limited to – participation in the International Criminal Court and the Kyoto Accords, and the full funding of our financial contributions to the United Nations, especially humanitarian endeavors. We shall further demand that our elected officials are held accountable to the International Criminal Court.

Immigration:

We recognize that we are a nation of immigrants. We have consistently fought for the rights of working immigrants. Immigrants are a vital part of Iowa’s progress and workforce needs. We believe the State should provide access to important information about State services and benefits in the primary language of legal immigrants but with a goal toward English proficiency.

While we recognize that immigration laws are enacted at the federal level, our State government and grassroots citizens can impact such policies by influencing our federal representatives to protect homeland security and to enforce existing laws. We strive for a just and comprehensive immigration law which includes a path to citizenship for hard-working, tax-paying immigrants who have contributed to making our State great.

[dflprincess]

9. I think one of fhe reasons we hear so much complaining about caucuses

is that the ruling class doesn't want us to discuss issues. They'd much rather we pick our candidate based only on who has the slickest ad campaign.

[IndianaJones]

10. no compromise on civil rights. nt.

[LWolf]

11. Three critical planks:

Out of Iraq immediately, with war permanently "off the table" as tool to acheive international policy goals.

Support and Defense of the Constitution, including impeachment, abolishing patriot act, and all other related concerns.

Universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health CARE


Also important:

Out of NAFTA; fair trade based on labor rights and environmental standards

No corporate personhood

A fairness doctrine

Election reform: all campaigns equally and publicly funded ONLY.

[Stop Cornyn]

12. Here is where I got about half of the platform ideas I suggested at my last convention:

http://www.citiesforprogress.org/

Also, I have fallen off the Kucinich bandwagon, but you may want to read this as a source for good platform ideas (Dennis' platform was always better than his candidacy): http://www.dennis4president.com/go/issues/

I don't mean for this to turn partisan, but Edwards' platform is very good and very detailed and would offer some great ideas (from what I can tell, most people who don't support Edwards have objections to the candidate and not to the platform which is excellent): http://www.johnedwards.com/issues/

Dodd's platform is also quite good and filled with good ideas: http://chrisdodd.com/issues

Hillary's position papers are also fairly detailed: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/

Obama's positions are not as throughly developed, but there are good ideas: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

[msongs]

13. corporate for profit healthcare for all who can afford it? oh wait, BO&HRC want that nt

[Renew Deal]

14. We need to outlaw chemtrails!

:tinfoilhat:




:evilgrin:

[jpljr77]

15. Permanently ban the death penalty for all Fed and state crimes. n/t

[PADemD]

16. Reaffirmation of our Bill of Rights

[TransitJohn]

17. Free doobies!!

Just kidding, although it would be nice.

Immediate cessation of the illegal war on Iraq.

National single payer medicare for all.

Removing corporate charters from bad corporate entities.

Verified voting.

Bush/Cheney to the Hague.