Platform of the Lancaster County Democratic Party

2010 Platform of the Lancaster County Democratic Party

This platform reflects our pride in the fact that our party welcomes people with diverse opinions.  We are also proud that whatever our differences on specific issues, we as Democrats are committed to a set of principles about how government ought to work and what should be the outcomes of government actions, as follows: 

Honesty and Integrity

We value truth, open communication, and promise keeping, and expect these of office holders and public servants.

Opportunity

We believe that responsible governance opens doors for the advancement of all people.

Responsibility and Accountability

We believe that keeping the decision-making process visible to all people creates policies that benefit all rather than special interests.

Mutual Prosperity

We believe that the health, freedom, and financial security of the full range of families and individuals should not be compromised by policies enhancing and preserving the wealth of those at the top.

Environmental Stewardship

Since the health of our communities and the opportunities we leave for future generations are directly impacted by the decisions we make today, we must work to use our resources wisely and protect the environment.

Respect and Inclusivity

We believe that one of the greatest strengths of this county lies in the diversity of its people and ideas, and as such all individuals and groups should be treated as equals in the decision making process and no individual or group should be subject to unfair treatment.

Freedom and Justice

All people are created equal, and should enjoy the same rights and privileges. In our collective search for justice, no crime should be ignored because of the identity of the victim, and no criminal should be punished more harshly because of his or her identity.

Civic Participation

We foster and value the participation by citizens in elections, public forums, jury duty, legislative hearings and media exchange of opinions; these are the means of assuring that public policy reflects informed understanding in the electorate and community.

Human Rights

We promote the protection of human rights of all citizens and non-citizens, regardless of status.

Policy Directions

Reflecting the principles above, we, the Democratic Party’s candidates, officers and active members, wish to be recognized by the following intentions and goals:

We promote the freedoms and protections provided for all people in the Constitution of the United States of America.

We promote an individual’s right to a living wage for his or her work, a safe and respectful working environment, and the right to collective bargaining.

We promote quality healthcare as a fundamental right for all people.

We promote accessibility to a publicly-funded education for all of our children, with competitive compensation for those working in our schools. We must find ways to make the dream of quality higher education an affordable reality for all Nebraskans.

We promote sustainable economic growth to create economic opportunity for all Nebraskans.

We promote just, ethical governance that provides for people who cannot provide for themselves and creates paths for personal development and self sufficiency.

We promote the right to lifelong financial security and a dignified living standard for older citizens no longer in the work force.

We promote improving family life through helping people make responsible family planning choices, helping parents and other caregivers provide for their children, and providing for children who have no one to care for them. We embrace the diversity of Nebraska families.

We promote a foreign policy that stabilizes the international community through economic growth, humanitarian goodwill and diplomacy and a strong national defense to protect people living in this country from threats both foreign and domestic. Further we promote concrete, meaningful support during active duty and afterwards, for those who serve our nation and their survivors, in recognition and appreciation for their sacrifice.

We promote protecting our environment for the prosperity and health of generations to come, as well as for the natural beauty of thriving ecosystems. 

We promote affordable food resources for all people.

We are progress; we are change, and we are here to stand up for you. We are the Lancaster County Democratic Party.

Further considerations:

We as the Lancaster County Democrats will be further motivated and inspired by the Platforms of the Nebraska Democratic Party and the national Democratic Party, as these are created at the state and national conventions. We will be guided by the Resolutions introduced and approved at our county convention today June 1, 2010.