A New Platform - Preamble

As we stand at the end of a political era, impatiently suffering the neglect for the ideals which form the basis for our shared vision as Americans, we find ourselves optimistic despite grave challenges. In a few months we will have the opportunity to begin plotting a new path for this nation. We are witnessing a rejection of the conservative ideals, particularly those embodied by President Bush and Senator McCain, as demonstrated by recent Democratic gains across a number of traditionally strong Republican districts. It is time to present a new set of ideas to an American people who are excited to try something new after years of repeating the same mistakes.

There is a tendency to think our times are somehow extraordinary, but this election does present a unique opportunity to shape our nation and our world for an entire generation. It is no longer a time to for the Democrats to be a party of opposition. It is now time to present a new way.

Our democratic process has been trampled in recent years. There is a great need for reform of our electoral processes. In a democracy the right to vote is sacred and yet we have seen efforts to restrict access to the ballot in the name of preventing voter fraud.

Though the needs of the poor and of the middle class have always been deeply intertwined, never before have the two had more in common. Middle class families are loosing their homes as the American dream slips away.

The rapid and unprecedented expansion of executive power under the Bush presidency has resulted in an equally rapid contraction of our civil liberties. Even access to the courts can be restricted at the whim of the executive.

Our foreign policy is built almost exclusively around military power with little thought given to protecting the economic engine from which power derives in world politics. We have established a policy of unilaterally and preemptively attacking sovereign nations. Torture has become integral to our intelligence gathering.

Despite the clear need for change, the Republican party has stubbornly refused to consider a new path. For this reason we are seeing a rejection of their ideals at the ballot box.

It is time to both come together as Democrats but also to think long and hard about what makes us Democrats. It is time to share the ideals which we hold and which we are proudest of holding. It is time to share those ideals in every state, not just in those that have traditionally voted for us. Better educational opportunities or health care will benefit all Americans, not just Republicans or Democrats. It is time to bring this nation together based on its common needs, not divide it into pieces for political gain and hope for the bigger chunk.

Together we can share the benefits of greater equality and yes we can sacrifice together too in difficult times. Only together can we overcome the great challenges that lay ahead.

By offering this vision we also mean to express our great faith in America. We believe that we are more than capable of rebuilding our great society. We, as a nation, are capable of both enjoying prosperity and caring for others (and our own). We are capable of leading by being a shining example. Let our nation be the change we wish to see in the world.