2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 Democratic Platforms on Civil Liberties

[Robb]

2000:

While fighting terrorism, we will protect the civil liberties of all Americans. Our justice system must guarantee fairness with procedures that protect the rights of the accused, even under the unusual circumstances of the investigation of threats to our national security. We must avoid stereotyping, for it defeats the highest purposes of our country if citizens feel automatically suspect by virtue of their ethnic origin. The purpose of terrorism is not only to intimidate, but also to divide and fracture, and we cannot permit that to happen.

2004

We must always remember that terrorists do not just target our lives; they target our way of life. And so we must be on constant guard not to sacrifice the freedom we are fighting to protect. We will strengthen some provisions of the Patriot Act, like the restrictions on money laundering. And we will change the portions of the Patriot Act that threaten individual rights, such as the library provisions, while still allowing government to take all needed steps to fight terror. Our government should never round up innocent people only because of their religion or ethnicity, and we should never stifle free expression. We believe in an America where freedom is what we fight for – not what we give up.

2008

We will pursue policies to undermine extremism, recognizing that this contest is also between two competing ideas and visions of the future. A crucial debate is occurring within Islam. The vast majority of Muslims believe in a future of peace, tolerance, development, and democratization. A small minority embrace a rigid and violent intolerance of personal liberty and the world at large. To empower forces of moderation, America must live up to our values, respect civil liberties, reject torture, and lead by example. We will make every effort to export hope and opportunity–access to education, that opens minds to tolerance, not extremism; secure food and water supplies; and health care, trade, capital, and investment. We will provide steady support for political reformers, democratic institutions, and civil society that is necessary to uphold human rights and build respect for the rule of law.

2012

We must always seek to uphold these values at home, not just when it is easy, but, more importantly, when it is hard. Advancing our interests may involve new actions and policies to confront threats like terrorism, but the President and the Democratic Party believe these practices must always be in line with our Constitution, preserve our people’s privacy and civil liberties, and withstand the checks and balances that have served us so well. That is why the President banned torture without exception in his first week in office. That is why we are reforming military commissions to bring them in line with the rule of law. That is why we are substantially reducing the population at Guantánamo Bay without adding to it. And we remain committed to working with all branches of government to close the prison altogether because it is inconsistent with our national security interests and our values.

[Robb]

1. Kick. (nt)

[GoneOffShore]

2. And another kick - Because the naysayers are just ignoring this.

[Robb]

10. Interesting, isn't it?

Propagandists hate when things aren't going their way, and retreat to safe enclaves well-populated with their group-thinking fellow propagandists.

Then, Rove-like, they accuse others of mistepresenting facts. It's as pathetic as it is predictable.

[GoneOffShore]

3. I don't hear any barking.

Maybe the puppy is still sleeping.

[MadHound]

4. And again, you are ignoring the specific language that was present in the '08 platform.

Tell me, where is language, comparable to this language from the '08 platform, in the '12 platform?
"We support constitutional protections and judicial oversight on any surveillance program involving Americans. We will review the current Administration's warrantless wiretapping program. We reject illegal wiretapping of American citizens, wherever they live. We reject the use of national security letters to spy on citizens who are not suspected of a crime. We reject the tracking of citizens who do nothing more than protest a misguided war…We will revisit the Patriot Act and overturn unconstitutional executive decisions issued during the past eight years."

Where is that plank in the '12 platform? That's right, it simply isn't there. You're trying to flood the boards with bullshit in order to make this go away, but we see through that disingenuous BS for what you're really doing.

Oh, here's the link to the article you can't refute, just hope it goes away.
http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2012/09/democrats-retreat-civil-liberties-2012-platform

[Robb]

5. Your issue is with the lack of specificity? Baloney.

You know they never even uttered the phrase "civil liberties" in 2004? Does that mean we abandoned civil liberties in 2004?

[MadHound]

7. My issue is with the fact that they eliminated specific language regarding civil rights

Language, and sentiments that are vital in today's world.

At least you're finally accepting the fact that they eliminated that language.

[Robb]

9. For a self-professed wordsmith, you seem pretty confused by words.

Again, did we (Democrats, I mean) stand against civil liberties in 2004 because we talked about them with different words?

Because that's the logic you're using.

[Robb]

12. Your own words:

"The party platform is supposed to reflect the ideals of the members of the party. I guess this means that Democrats no longer give a damn about civil liberties. I guess you no longer give a damn either, at least as long as the person violating them has a D behind their name. Hypocrisy much?"

So I ask again: did Democrats "no longer give a damn about civil liberties" in 2004 when the phrase wasn't even used in the platform?

Or, is your argument idiotic? Take your time.

[Robb]

19. What, you get locked out of this thread too?

[Robb]

24. You don't have me on ignore, you just replied in another thread.

So are you ready to admit now you're being deliberately inconsistent and obtuse, to the intentional detriment of Democrats?

[NCTraveler]

6. But I was told that....

"Civil liberties disappear in the 2012 Democratic platform."

I thought it had to be the truth to be posted on the internet.

[GoneOffShore]

8. That dog won't hunt.

But some think it will.

[Bobbie Jo]

11. They were PURGED!!!111!

Sound familiar?

Edited to add: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021273786

[GoneOffShore]

13. A good try Robb.

But because you're posting actual excerpts, no one is coming back with any rebuttals except lame ones.

[emulatorloo]

14. Thanks, Robb. DU's anti-Dem propagandists have a agenda, facts don't get in the way of

that agenda.

They know that if you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes true. Wonder where they learned that?

[politicasista]

21. +1 n/t

[SunsetDreams]

15. kick

[Green_Lantern]

16. my issue is that the platform doesn't specifically mention...

Issues such as should the President have the authority to use drones to kill American citizens.

[Robb]

17. Really.

[eqfan592]

20. If we have to start getting specific with...

...each of the ways the president isn't allowed to kill us, it's going to make for a looooooong platform.

"Number 5,765, the president shall not be allowed to hunt people for sport with any implement at any time. Number 5,766....."

[NCTraveler]

18. Kick. nt

[TheKentuckian]

22. Tepid and also phony

Oh there is truth to the statement, particularly the last points but give me a fucking break about preserving civil liberties and privacy but I guess mileage, expectations, and interpretation varies.

On a near side line, I'd love to drill down on the bit about reducing the population at Gitmo and get into the mechanics of how (and how much) these reductions happen within the framework of the restrictions passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

I also heard right hear on DU that the platform doesn't matter and hasn't for decades but that was over a lil fecal matter in the punch bowl.

[derby378]

23. Hey, it's not my fault that the 2012 platform was weak on civil rights and liberties

Torture: Technically still legal, albeit "banned."

Military Commissions: Still preserved.

Habeas Corpus: Omitted entirely.

Illegal Wiretapping: Not even mentioned.

It doesn't do much good for GLBT Americans to legally marry if all of their other rights are put at risk.