Below is the Oregon Democrats Platform and Legislative Action Items.
Platform:
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As adopted 06.04.06
Platform of the Democratic Party of Oregon for 2006
Adopted June 4, 2006
In our lives as Oregon Democrats we hold multiple roles. Whether rural, urban, or suburban, we are family
members, neighbors, workers, U.S. citizens, and part of the global community. We must take responsibility
for the needs, survival, and dignity of the coming generations. Our political philosophy must embrace all our
roles, with their rights and responsibilities.
Oregon Democrats insist we can live according to our highest ideals. We work towards economic and
social justice for all. We must govern ourselves to promote the Common Good. The well-being of Oregon,
our nation, the global community, and future generations depends on implementing a just and farsighted
vision.
As Oregon Democrats, we recognize that the citizens of our state and our country ARE the government.
We will fight any forces that try to limit our freedoms or take the power that rightfully belongs to "We the
People". The Bill of Rights and associated civil liberties are not subject to the convenience of the
government nor momentary security considerations. They are the enduring standard of our liberty. We
commit to helping all people regain their rightful role in this country, in this government, in this 230-year-old
Democracy.
1) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Individuals and Family Members
As Oregon Democrats, we hold a fundamental belief that all people must be able to achieve personal
security for themselves and their family. No matter where they live in our state, people must have access to
the products and services necessary for a healthy and productive life. A Living Wage is a critical step in
laying the foundation for self-sufficiency. We respect the inherent human dignity of each person, regardless
of differences in race, religion, or other aspects of their individual identities.
♦ Shelter, Food, Health Care, and a Living Wage: Securing the Basic Necessities
of Life
♦ Human Rights: Guaranteeing Equal Rights for All People
2) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Members of a Community
As members of our local, state, and national communities, we recognize the benefits we have received
through our communities and commit to paying them back. We embrace the Social Contract that binds us
to other members of our communities, a contract that asks each person to contribute for the good of all. As
rural, urban, and suburban Oregonians, we recognize our common interests and shared responsibilities.
We demand that government function with fiscal responsibility that does not burden future generations with
debts created by a "borrow and spend" economic policy. We reject policies that practice class warfare and
perpetuate stark divisions between a privileged few and the majority of working Americans. We move
beyond self-interest and focus on decisions made for the Common Good of both present and future
generations.
♦ Public Education: Taking Responsibility to Prepare the Next Generation
♦ Revenue Policy: Paying a Fair Share and Endowing Future Generations
3) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as
Workers and Business People
As workers and business people, we are instrumental in creating our country's wealth. We work in many
trades and professions, and include farmers, ranchers, union members, business owners, professionals
and trades people. We demand respect and adequate reward for our efforts. We insist that our economy
be managed to sustain local jobs and businesses, and embrace long-term sustainability over short-term
profits. We envision a State where corporations function as ethical members of the community, contributing
a fair share to the support of Oregon's needs as a State and community.
♦ Business and Economic Development: Creating a Sustainable Economy that
Enriches Everyone
♦ Forest, Field and Range: Supporting Oregon's Small Farmers, Ranchers and
Foresters as They Provide from the Land
♦ Labor: Ensuring that Hard Work Is Rewarded and Includes Retirement Security
4) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Active Citizens
As Oregon Democrats, and U.S. citizens, we are committed to the ongoing task of sustaining our
democracy. We are guided by the principles this country was founded on. Our government was created to
reflect the will of the people. We are committed to extending and deepening freedom, equality and
democracy. We will be vigilant in protecting our freedoms as outlined in the Bill of Rights. Reform of our
election process is crucial, as the right to vote is the foundation for all our other rights. In order to be a
shining example of Democracy to other countries, we must hold our system to the highest standards. We
abhor tyranny wherever it is practiced. We know tyranny is always accompanied by secrecy and
subterfuge, and we therefore condemn the accelerating secrecy practiced by the federal government.
♦ Election Reform: Opposing Privatization of The Vote and Guaranteeing
Transparent Elections that Reflect the Will of the People
♦ Public Safety, Justice, and Civil Liberties: Preserving Our Personal Freedoms,
While Ensuring our Safety
♦ Government Reform: Demanding Honesty, Integrity and Competence in
Government
5) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Global Citizens
As Oregon Democrats, we recognize that we have responsibilities beyond our national borders. As citizens
of a powerful nation with global impact, we must find common cause and pursue rational cooperation with
other nations. We recognize that our security and our moral standing as a nation depend on adhering to the
Rule of Law. We renounce the idea and practice of preemptive war. Globalization has entrusted all of us
with a responsibility to be knowledgeable stewards of the planet. In economic relations with other nations,
we support Fair Trade principles, through which we maintain the highest standards for labor rights and
environmental protection. We lift our eyes beyond national self-interest and affirm the principle of global
cooperation, working to ensure the survival and well-being of present and future generations.
♦ Ecology and Natural Resources: Providing for Our Needs, While Preserving the
Earth
♦ Energy and Transportation: Practicing Conservation While Tapping Human
Ingenuity to Fuel the Future
♦ Foreign Policy and National Security: Engaging the World through the Strength
of Diplomacy, Justice, and the Rule of Law
Action Items and Principles:
Shelter, Food, Health Care and a Living Wage
Securing the Basic Necessities of Life
Democratic Principles
All Oregonians have the right to accessible, affordable comprehensive health care.
Wages paid in Oregon should represent a living wage providing sufficient income to pay for shelter, food,
health care and other necessities for individuals and families.
All Oregonians have the right to have adequate, clean, safe, and affordable shelter.
All Oregonians have the right to have an adequate diet to sustain life and health (food security).
State of Oregon services to assist in meeting the minimum standards of shelter, food, and health care
should be available and accessible in all parts of the State.
Individuals have the right to define for themselves what constitutes a family without governmental
interference. Once consenting adults constitute a family, that family should be fully supported and
recognized by government, business, and society without discrimination to support of the goals of having
adequate shelter, food, health care and other necessities.
Legislative Action Items
Create an affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health care system that provides preventive health
care, mental health care, dental care, addiction treatment, prescription drugs, and reproductive health
care.
Ensure that the Oregon minimum wage is a living wage adequate to meet the minimum requirements of
shelter, food, health care and other necessary services for families and individuals.
Amend ORS 414.312 to expand the prescription drug purchasing pool such that it includes all Oregonians
as proposed in SB 329 of the 2005 Legislative Session.
Create a comprehensive health care system that reaches all Oregonians in all parts of the State
Provide support throughout the State to individuals and families by facilitating programs aimed at ending
homelessness through short-term shelter programs, transitional housing, and whatever additional case
management/support is needed to achieve housing independence
Ensure that a comprehensive health care system includes the right of individuals to make their own reproductive decisions without restrictions.
Human Rights
Guaranteeing Equal Rights for all People
Democratic Principles
Human rights are the backbone of a society and must be afforded to every human being.
The United States of America, being a full member of the United Nations, must actively support the
Human Rights Council of the United Nations and abide by its determinations.
Human rights in the United States must apply to its citizens and visitors within its borders and to every
person who comes under the jurisdiction of the United States authorities and its contracted entities during
wartime and peace time.
All people in Oregon have the right to be treated equally, with due process, without discrimination.
The United States government must lead by example and abide by its signed treaties and conventions,
with no exceptions.
Amendments to the United States Constitution must never limit human rights.
Legislative Action Items
We support legislation to guarantee protection from discrimination based on perceived and actual sexual
orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
We support legislation to guarantee equal legal status, including all rights, protections and
responsibilities, to all committed relationship partners, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
We support federal legislation that extends the Right of Habeas Corpus to any individual held against his
or her will by the United States Government or any contracted entities of the United States Government.
We oppose any legislation that permits otherwise.
We support legislation that adds to the Statutes at Large of the United States Congressional documents,
language that defines "prisoner" to be any person held against their will by the United States Government,
its allies or its contracted entities, during wartime or peace time.
We support federal legislation requiring the United States Government, its military personnel and its
civilian contractors to strictly adhere to the Geneva Conventions with special regard for: Section 1; Article
17, Captivity: "No physical or mental torture, nor any other form of coercion, may be inflicted on prisoners
of war to secure from them information of any kind whatever. Prisoners of war who refuse to answer may
not be threatened, insulted, or exposed to any unpleasant or disadvantageous treatment of any kind.
As Democrats we support federal legislation expanding the definition of "protected class" in hate crimes to
include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Public Education
Taking Responsibility to Prepare the Next Generation
Democratic Principles
Every person is entitled to an excellent public education so that each person can compete in the global
economy, become engaged and active as a member of the community and pursue a happy, healthy
personal and family life.
The future of Oregon requires and every person deserves a high quality, seamless public educational
system from early childhood throughout life through technical-vocational, post-graduate studies and life-
long learning; a system that addresses the diverse needs of each person.
Optimal class size, well educated and prepared teachers, personal safety, adequate and safe facilities,
well ordered and varied curriculum and adequate instruction time are all essential to provide a high quality
education.
Parenting support programs and early childhood education are essential to ensure that all children arrive
at school ready to learn.
High quality and responsive Community Colleges are essential to provide the highly trained workforce
Oregon needs to compete and the personal and community life that makes Oregon a great place to live.
Oregon's students deserve well supported public colleges and universities to ensure a high quality
affordable education.
Legislative Action Items
Provide for financial stability, adequacy and equity for all Oregon public school, community college, and
university students, based upon fully funding a K-12 school year of at least 175 full instructional days with
smaller class sizes, funding for all in-state students, restoring lower tuition and vital programs in
community colleges and universities.
Provide for the breadth and depth of services Oregon's students need including parenting and early
childhood education, Head Start for all who qualify, and pre-school programs, along with adequate
counseling, citizenship (civics), art, physical, music, vocational and special education and library services
at every school.
While recognizing the unique needs of each student, provide educational access for all through equity of
services and courses available without regard for distances from the university, central offices, cultural,
social, economic and language backgrounds of students while recognizing the unique needs of each
student.
Provide, at all education levels, for the replacement of antiquated public education facilities, repair of
existing facilities, and new construction to meet changing needs of our population.
Provide for a state level education stability (rainy day) fund adequate to support education at all levels
during economic bad times and filled during good times.
Restore and expand federal and state scholarship, grant (including Oregon Opportunity Grant) and loan
programs so that students from all economic backgrounds can attend and graduate from public
vocational, community college and university programs. Resist unfunded mandates.
Revenue Policy
Paying a Fair Share and Endowing Future Generations
Democratic Principles
The tax and revenue system should be fair and provide stable and adequate revenue to fund the services
needed today and for the growth of tomorrow.
Paying taxes to fund public services is a civic responsibility of individuals and businesses.
The tax code should be progressive, with the largest contribution coming from those with the greatest
financial means.
Tax provisions should not show a preference for unearned income such as capital gains and dividends
over wage and salary income.
Government policy and services are needed for the common good, and to maintain community standards,
grow our economy, ensure quality education, and promote savings and investment.
Budgets are moral documents, and should reflect our values by focusing on building stronger, safer
communities.
Legislative Action Items
Repeal the corporate tax kicker.
Repeal the double-majority requirements that restrict the right of voters and elected representatives to
adopt legislation related to raising revenue.
Sunset and periodically review all tax expenditures and loopholes for businesses and individuals to verify
that they are still serving a valid purpose and repeal or reform if needed.
Increase the corporate minimum tax.
Repeal the change to a single factor formula for calculation of corporate income tax.
Require that initiatives include a fiscal impact statement and identify the revenue source.
Business and Economic Development
Creating a Sustainable Economy that Enriches Everyone
Democratic Principles
We recognize the genuine value of work to the individual, to the family, and to society. All Oregonians
deserve access to quality education and training to be able to have access to the workforce and be
productive members of society.
Oregon's schools, universities, health care system, social services system, natural resources, physical
infrastructure and governmental offices all provide direct and indirect support for our business community;
therefore our community has an obligation to support these areas of public investment.
Oregon should be a model where individual workers, businesses of all sizes, and non-profit organizations
work together to insure a State with strong infrastructure, supportive governments that enforce necessary
regulations, and a general atmosphere favorable to a diverse, flourishing, and sustainable economy
throughout Oregon.
Individual wage earners, local small businesses, and large businesses based in Oregon and elsewhere
are all partners in the Oregon economy. All must pay their fair share of what it takes to run Oregon and
its economy.
Oregon as a State must welcome all new businesses and entrepreneurs that will provide living wage jobs
without degrading the viability and livability of our State.
Economic development should be cultivated at the local level with support from the state government to
develop a sustainable and diverse economy that brings jobs and individual opportunities to all throughout
the state.
Legislative Action Items
Create legislation and policy to reward businesses that develop and use alternative energy or in other
ways lessen their environmental impact upon the State.
Pursue family friendly legislation encouraging businesses to provide day-care, flextime and
telecommuting.
Support legislation and policies to secure a sound, balanced and profitable economy by encouraging
small business.
Ensure that economic development funds are provided in a balanced manner throughout the State.
Support legislation that further improve efficiency and effectiveness in state government to ensure
relevance and fairness.
Create new initiatives that support the diversification of the Oregon economy and focus on sustainable
businesses.
Forest, Field and Range
Supporting Oregon's Small Farmers, Ranchers and Foresters as They Provide from the Land
Democratic Principles
Natural resources are critical for clean water, breathable air, biodiversity, wildlife and recreation, as well
as economic productivity. Science and sustainability should dictate the management of our diverse
natural resource ecosystems.
Oregon's natural resources are our heritage and our future. Our working lands and waters should be
managed for sustained, productive use.
All rangelands in the state should be restored to good or better range condition. Economic return from
state lands must be tempered by the recognition of the economic value of protecting vegetation, wildlife,
and water resources.
Forest, farm, range, air and water resources are finite. Management policies must protect these
resources to insure the continued availability of crops and products for food and shelter.
All lands in the state that are most suitable for agriculture, shall be protected for that purpose.
Legislative Action Items
Forestry legislation must mandate science-based management, with the long-term health and productivity
of the forest taking priority over short-term production and profitability.
Water resources should be managed for the sustainable allocation of water.
Legislation must protect critical forest, range, and farmlands from development that will jeopardize the
needs of future generations. If development removes lands from their productive status they cannot be
restored. Farmlands are particularly at risk and must be protected.
Less than 4% of the old growth forest in the United States remains today. While a need for forest
products increases, these last remaining genetic banks must be preserved. The legacy of healthy
National Forests begun in 1905 by Teddy Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot must continue.
Small farmers need legislation to defend them from economic pressures to change land use. Tax relief
and benefits to following generations who retain farm use of the land should be encouraged.
Forest restoration should be a legislative priority including rewards for private landowners in retaining and
fostering healthy forests.
Labor
Ensuring that Hard Work is Rewarded and Includes Retirement Security
Democratic Principles
To ensure the highest wages, the best benefits and the safest working conditions, we support workers'
rights to form a union with card check recognition, unions right to assess non-member workers for cost or
representation directly benefiting them, and we oppose the use of public funds against union organizing
or during labor disputes.
We oppose privatization of public sector jobs and outsourcing of all public and private sector jobs and
services. Any labor policy which trades human misery for increased profits is unacceptable. We support
protection of all children, nationally and globally, against exploitation in the workplace. We oppose
importing products made by forced and/or sweatshop labor.
We support international fair trade agreements, which include union organizing and non-exploitation of
workers and children, treaties based on wage parity, workers rights, environmental protections and
ongoing efforts to assist organizing independent unions in foreign countries. We oppose the WTO,
NAFTA, FTAA, GATT, CAFTA, Fast Track and treaties and agreements that go against democratic
principles and supersede local and national laws.
We believe that the official minimum wage should be a family wage and should apply to all workers
including guest, migrant and seasonal agricultural workers. We oppose the replacement of permanent
and full time workers with increasing reliance on temporary and part time workers.
We urge all employers to develop adequate retirement and health care plans for their employees.
We oppose job discrimination based on any non-merit factors.
Legislative Action Items
We support protection of Social Security and oppose any effort to privatize it. We support proposals to
direct budget surpluses to save Social Security first and we oppose the use of SSA funds for anything
other than authorized Social Security Programs.
We oppose any attempt to repeal or dilute Oregon's minimum wage laws, and all other efforts to erode
Oregon's minimum wage such as tip credit and training wages; we reaffirm our support for expansion and
full enforcement of the Davis/Bacon Act and Oregon's Prevailing Wage Rule laws, including all publicly
funded projects.
Enact legislation that allows for the "card-check" method for workers wishing to have union representation
in their workplace; we support the right of all workers, including agricultural workers, without exception, to
organize without penalty or interference from the employer.
Create legislation that prohibits the elimination of pension responsibility and collective bargaining
contracts through the bankruptcy courts.
We call for legislation preventing employers from hiring permanent replacement workers during a strike,
lockout, or labor dispute. We oppose outsourcing government jobs, including signing contracts that
outsource as sub-contract positions.
Enact legislation strengthening criminal penalty provisions of the Oregon Safe Employment Act, to include
criminal penalties for employers whose violation of health and safety standards results in death or injury
of a worker.
Election Reform
Opposing Privatization of the Vote and Guaranteeing Transparent Elections that Reflect the Will of the People
Democratic Principles
The election process must be transparent and voters must have proof that the election results accurately
reflect the will of the people.
Efforts must be made to engage all eligible voters in the election process. Any attempt to disenfranchise
voters, including burdensome ID requirements, voter suppression tactics, or refusal to restore voting
rights to ex-felons, has no place in our system.
Privatization of any aspect of elections (voter registration, casting and counting of votes) has no place in a democratic system.
All eligible voters must have the opportunity to vote and have their vote counted as cast with a procedure
that must produce a voter-verified paper ballot, which will be the official ballot of record.
Elective office must be available to all candidates regardless of their personal wealth or that of their
associates. We support campaign finance reform that works towards these goals.
Political parties must have the right to decide who can vote to nominate candidates representing those
parties.
Legislative Action Items
Create legislation directing the Oregon Secretary of State to develop, use and maintain public ownership
of open source software in all aspects of elections, including election management, creation of ballot
definition files and vote tallying, and to provide funds for these activities.
Direct the Oregon Secretary of State to require mandatory, scientifically sampled, hand-counted, election
results accuracy test of actual paper ballots cast before certifying election results for all federal and state
office. If statistically significant discrepancies exist between the tabulated election results and the hand-
counted sample, more comprehensive hand counts shall be required.
Establish ID requirements that meet but do not exceed the current requirements of the Help America Vote
Act. First-time voters in Oregon, when registering by mail, must present one acceptable form of ID
bearing name and current address but may not be asked for ID thereafter.
Create legislation authorizing a local option for Instant Runoff Voting, or other ranked choice voting
methods, as the City of Ashland is currently seeking.
Create legislation to require voter verified paper ballots for all federal elections.
Create federal legislation restoring the Fairness Doctrine.
Public Safety, Justice and Civil Liberties
Preserving Our Personal Freedoms, While Ensuring our Safety
Democratic Principles
Governments are obligated to keep us safe and secure and to protect constitutionally guaranteed rights
and freedoms.
We support the constitutional separation of church and state, and reaffirm the critical value of religious
freedom.
We celebrate the diversity of our multi-cultural America and support equal treatment of all peoples within
the US. We oppose discrimination based on factors including but not limited to age, disability, ethnicity,
gender, marital status, political activity, race, religion, crime victim status, sexual orientation, gender
identity or economic status.
Preventing and treating conditions that lead to crime and other threats to public safety often cost less and
are more effective. Building strong and healthy communities and individuals must be given priority in
funding and development.
Oregonians will continue to respect the government to government relationships with federally
recognized, sovereign Indian tribes of Oregon.
We respect the individual's right to privacy and self determination.
Legislative Action Items
We support the restoration of privacy rights by resisting executive efforts to compile databases of private
information, wiretap, request records from telecommunications companies and otherwise invade privacy
without search warrants or court orders. We support the repeal of the portions of the USA PATRIOT Act
that infringe on constitutional rights.
We support privacy rights including protection from identity theft and the misuse of government and
corporate records of private individual information.
We support the Smart on Crime initiative to evaluate crimes, criminal sentencing criteria, and methods to
reduce recidivism and the increased availability of Drug Courts to reduce recidivism and help people
move from dependent addiction to functioning members of our communities.
We support a substantial increase in the number of State Police Officers and the restoration of funding for
prosecutors and public defenders to reduce all crime and especially methamphetamine use and
availability, including strict limits on the world wide production of precursor chemicals.
We support regulating lending practices to prevent predatory terms that destroy the financial stability of
families and individuals.
We support protection of the rights of the mentally ill to be treated in the community in which they live;
and that the criminal justice system not be used to incarcerate the mentally ill.
Government Reform
Demanding Honesty, Integrity and Competence in Government
Democratic Principles
Legislative decisions should be based upon what is best for the common good of the citizenry,
uninfluenced by for-profit corporations and their messengers.
Citizens play a role in government beyond casting votes in elections. This ongoing relationship requires
government decisions and activities to be open and visible to the people.
Oregon citizens should retain the abilities, through the initiative process, to create law and to amend the
Constitution. Constitutional changes should meet a higher standard for adoption.
Oregonians will continue to respect the government to government relationships with federally
recognized, sovereign Indian tribes of Oregon.
Citizens have a right to expect that the government, its programs, and services are professionally and
efficiently managed.
The Legislature and government should look forward to, and fully account for, the long-term economic
and environmental impacts of policy and financial decisions.
Legislative Action Items
Create voter-owned elections whereby candidates for Oregon office can opt into a publicly financed
system that gives them adequate funds with which to run a campaign. Matching funds shall be provided
to publicly financed candidates if opponents' funds raised exceeds publicly financed amount.
Adopt Rules in the Oregon Legislature that eliminate secret meetings, require bills to receive a public
hearing, and allow a majority to bring a bill to the floor. Restore the role of Parliamentary Advisor as
accountable to the Bodies, rather than the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate.
Institute annual legislative sessions.
Institute campaign finance reform limiting corporate donations to candidate and initiative campaigns.
Enact lobbying reform, including strong limits on gifts and strong disclosure requirements at both the state
and federal levels.
Require Oregon Constitutional Amendments passed by initiative process receive a super majority of
ballots cast.
Ecology and Natural Resources
Providing for Our Needs, While Preserving the Earth
Democratic Principles
Global warming is a reality. What we do in our own "back yard" has a cumulative impact on the whole
planet. Therefore we support development and implementation of alternate technologies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
We must protect our limited air, land, and water resources. Policy must be shaped by objective, valid and
reliable science.
In the long run environmental health and economic prosperity are not in conflict with each other; rather
they are interdependent.
We inhabit one earth, and must recognize humans are but one part of a complex system; we must
sustain the Earth for future generations.
We believe protection of the environment is possible even if it requires personal, economic and social
commitments.
Oregonians should be connected with their ecological heritage and future through the Oregon educational
systems and other resources.
Legislative Action Items
While impacts of legislation on private landowners have been the subject of discussion, legislation must
also address the impact of private landowner actions on the environment and community values we all
share and depend on.
Legislation should support adequate funding to state agencies to effectively implement state and federal
environmental laws (CWA, CAA, RCRA, etc.).
Environmental legislation must require that priority be given to human health and environmental factors.
Legislation to improve, not just maintain, the quality of our air, land, and water is a top priority.
The federal Endangered Species Act recognizes that habitat, not just indicator species, must be
protected. Oregon should continue to foster a legislative agenda for state lands that protects habitat
diversity.
Global warming threatens the earth, and the United States must participate with the rest of the world in a
sound international treaty to reverse the trend.
Energy and Transportation
Practicing Conservation While Tapping Human Ingenuity to Fuel the Future
Democratic Principles
Energy independence is necessary to ensure the safety of our country and our citizens, Oregon can and
should become a leader in the Nation in the production of clean renewable energy and of alternative
fuels, while creating jobs and providing opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
A continued focus on energy conservation, renewable energy production and use as a sustainable long
term strategies will enable our state, our country, our planet, to prosper without jeopardizing resources for
future generations.
Investment in transportation infrastructure including mass transportation should balance the needs of
people of all ages, ability, and socioeconomic status, in both urban and rural Oregon, with the needs of
businesses, providing more choices for all.
Oregon has the right to protect the health and safety of its citizens by enforcing strict vehicle emission
standards, regulating fuel quality, and setting efficiency standards for appliances offered for sale in the
state.
Transportation public policy should strive to minimize the impact on the environment, while providing
transportation options that are efficient and cost effective.
All Oregonians have the responsibility to "share the road" with other users, such as motorcycles and
bicycles in a manner that is safe and respects the transportation choices that others make.
Legislative Action Items
Invest in the infrastructure needed to create a successful industry in Oregon based on the development,
production and use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol, and on renewable energy
technologies, including high energy yield windmills, geothermal, low-impact hydro, and solar.
Create and expand proven low-cost, effective mass transit systems as a matter of urgency to meet
expected increased demand by our growing population, increasing gas prices, and dwindling world oil
supplies. Those systems should be appropriate for each city, and include systems for commuters,
passengers and goods transportation.
Provide financial, regulatory, and other incentives for energy conservation programs for citizens,
businesses, and public institutions, such as implementing "green building" practices to minimize energy
use in new construction, updating heating systems and appliances to the most efficient models, and
encouraging retail and industrial energy use mainly during off-peak hours, when the overall rate of energy
use is lowest.
Develop incentives for the use of energy efficient vehicles and alternative fuels that reduce polluting
emissions.
Adopt "green sustainable building" standards from existing standards for all structures funded in whole or
in part with state funds.
Continue using the public purpose funds dedicated to conservation and renewables programs without
diverting the funds to other uses, and continue supporting the Energy Trust of Oregon in its mission to
develop sound energy efficiency and renewable investments for Oregon ratepayers.
Foreign Policy and National Security
Engaging the World through the Strength of Diplomacy, Justice and Rule of Law
Democratic Principles
We believe that our national government should:
Engage the world through diplomacy and cooperation; fulfill its treaty responsibilities and other obligations
under international law.
Participate in world climate protocols by ratifying the Kyoto Protocol treaty.
We are a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. We have an obligation to both enforce the law and to
respect the basic human rights of all immigrants. We support comprehensive immigration reform that
secures our borders, includes a path to citizenship, and contains a guest worker program.
Participate in United Nations reform efforts without threat of withholding dues.
Focus on conflict resolution as the basis of national security.
Continue to support political initiatives in Iraq that reflect the goal of Iraqi sovereignty.
Legislative Action Items
Ratify the International Criminal Court to strengthen its capability to bring terrorists to justice and
prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Bring US troops home from Iraq within six to twelve months; renounce US interest in permanent US
military bases in Iraq; schedule a prompt and orderly withdrawal of US troops from combat positions;
accelerate reconstruction spending and grant most reconstruction contracts to local companies employing
Iraqis; reduce the Baghdad embassy to normal size and authority.
Focus on conflict resolution as the basis of national security in Israel/Palestine and restore America's role
as a neutral broker by insisting that Israel and Palestine comply with UN resolution 242 as required in the
roadmap.
Seek ratification and enforcement of Conventions on Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination; on
the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women; on Rights of the Child; and Against Torture.
Ratify the Mine Ban Treaty to outlaw use of anti-personnel land mines and lead the world in disposal of
mines from old minefields.
Support additional Protocols to the Convention on Civil and Political Rights: add enforcement
mechanisms; outlaw the death penalty; and prohibit child soldiers, sale of children, child prostitution and
child pornography.