We believe...

As Democrats, we believe in opportunity for all of our citizens, not just the wealthy, or the well connected, or the privileged.

We believe in constitutional rights for all of our citizens and the rule of law, without fear or favor.

We believe in the independence of the judiciary and we reject the efforts of any politician to intimidate our judges.

We believe in a strong Social Security system as a safety net, not as a private investment program.  (There are other appropriate means for private investment).

We believe in a realistic minimum wage.  If people are willing to work hard - and most people are - they should be able to support their families.

We believe in health care for all of our citizens, thoughtful, broad health care that stimulates our national productivity and leaves none of our citizens without protection.

We believe in clean water and clean air and protecting the natural environment for the physical and spiritual health of our children and grandchildren.

We believe in providing a quality education for all of our children, and we are offended by slogans that promise no child will be left behind while federal funding for education is not forthcoming.

We believe in a sensible and wise foreign policy, where we multiply our strength through alliances and genuine consultation with our allies.

We believe in a strong military - not for imperial purposes, but for strong national defense.  We support our veterans and troops; and we want to be realistic about what the United States sends them abroad to do.

Finally, we are a party of values.  We respect the healing power of faith and religion - but we also know that our forefathers were wise to separate church and state.  This constitutional understanding is the best guarantee of our religious and intellectual freedom.

In essence, we need to take back the debate from the Radical Right and the ideologically driven Republican Party.  We need to reframe the debate in honest terms.  We need to inspire our fellow citizens with a Democratic vision, one which is rooted in compassion, commonsense and fiscal responsibility.