There have been a number of diaries and comments lamenting the failure of the Dems to put forward a plann or program for action to counter the Republicans in the mid-term elections. Such a program is not difficult to imagine. But we can safely bet that the Dems won't do it. Of sure they'll issue something, a watered-down Contract With America with some empty "working families" phraseology thrown in with some generalized pandering to the national security state. But a genuine progressive platform? Don't hold your breath. But for your amusement I propose my own below the fold:
1. Bring the Troops Home Now. Not just from Iraq and Afghanistan, but from the costly and unwanted globe-spanning network of military bases we use to dominate the planet.
2. Slash the Military Budget by 50% immediately. We spend more on the military that the whole rest of the world combined. The military-industrial complex is a drain on resources that could be used to solve many pressing social problems.
3. Rebuild New Orleans for the people of New Orleans with world class levees, schools, parks and other public services. Stop the give-away to developers and speculators.
4. Free Universal Health Care. Socialized medicine? Hell yeah! We are presently paying more for worse health care than is enjoyed by people in many other industrialized countries..
5. Family Values. Provide for one parent to stay home with children in the critical first two years of life with sufficient syupport to provide a nurturing home. Diapers, formula and childrens books are a right. Free quality childcare from 3 to Kindergarten.
6. End our addiction to environmentally destructive hydrocarbon energy sources. Nationalize the energy industry and redirect its profits towards massive investment in public transportation abnd the development of alternative energy sources.
7. Invest in people. Nationalize and equalize school funding. Reduce class sizes to no more than 20 students per class. Raise teachers salaries to attract the best minds to teach our children. Free higher education with living stipends to all High School graduates who desire it.
8. Restore labor rights. Repeal Taft-Hartley. Raise the minimum wage to $10/hour. Full legalization and organizing rights for undocumented workers.
9. Legalize Same Sex Marriages.
10. Restore and Expand Reproductive Freedom. Free birth-control and abortion on demand without apologies.
