I am unveiling ------- DEMOCRATS PLEDGE TO AMERICA

[Justice Is Comin]

I spent quite a bit of time on this post. I hope you will add your input and suggestions.


We have never had a more golden opportunity to recover majority control of the Congress. This opportunity must be seized now. Republicans are splintering, polls show preference for Democrats, Bush is occupied full time defending his law breaking and scandals.

This is a mirror reflection leading to the massive losses we incurred when Gingrich introduced his “Contract with America.” Only our public condemnation for failure and wrongdoing was only a fraction of what the Republicans and Bush face today.

This is already February. Primaries are just around the corner. We must get a cohesive, powerful and plain speaking Democratic message in front of the American people. A simple plan that people can identify with, understand and be anxious to support. It has to be short, written and one that can be reproduced for massive distribution. We will turn the very tool of destruction back on the people who used it on us.

Millions of new voters, not even familiar with the Contract For America, will be impressed Democrats are promising in a visible committment to restore the American dream and improve their lives. Likewise those that are familiar with the Contract For America will also be impressed. Especially if they have languished over the last five years. It will be proudly welcomed and viewed as Democrats standing for something, their hopes and aspirations.


This is my offering


Good citizens of America, the Democratic party wants to restore the government once known as having values for the United States people. Where prosperity and peace were not mutually exclusive. Where Homeland Security did not mean living in fear. And where new scandal was not upon us every week.

Our three branches of government that were so brilliantly crafted by the framers of our constitution to provide checks and balances have now been co-opted by this administration into one. An equivalent of a King that holds himself above the constitution. The last five years have been regrettable years of unparalleled secrecy, corruption, debt, and decimation of the middle class. The wealthy, the corporations, and the elite have been enriched. While the middle class, the impoverished and the needy have been forsaken, left to fend for themselves.

We ask your help in giving us the power to reverse these values and to restore honest and responsive government to you.

Therefore today we are unveiling our ten promise

Pledge To America

We pledge to you that if Democrats are privileged to return to majority in Congress:



:bluebox: The American people will be our priority, not politics.

:bluebox: Budget funding will provide for America's needs, not foreign nation building.

:bluebox: Indictments will be replaced by integrity. Ethical wrongdoing whoever, or wherever, it is found, will be exposed, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

:bluebox: We will fully preserve tax cuts for the middle class. It will be the millionaire tax cuts left behind, not the schools, teachers, children, veterans, poor, college students and the elderly.

:bluebox: Real innovations for energy independence and new fuel technologies will be policy, not rhetoric.

:bluebox: Immediate legislation will be introduced to raise the minimum wage, and relentlessly pressured until signed into law.

:bluebox: America will no longer be the only industrialized nation without Health care coverage for the uninsured. Health care coverage shall finally be a right and Democrats will lead the way vigorously to make it law.

:bluebox: Immediate legislation will be introduced to halt our raging deficit and foreign debt. Pay as you go measures will be proposed and fought for until adopted.

:bluebox: Homeland Security will be known for measures of increased security, not for red, orange and green threat alerts. Democrats will insist on extraordinary Homeland Security safeguards which will result in grades of A’s, not F’s.

:bluebox: Lastly and our most solemn pledge, Democrats in Congress will insure war is unequivocally and without exception only a last resort, not a Presidential choice of regime change, and never without a plan to first, secure the peace.

Yet, let no aggressor misinterpret our resolve. Any aggression against the United States, whether it be individual, group or organization, Democrats will insure the aggression is met with the swiftest full force and might of the entire United States Military and all it’s technologies. We shall place no higher priority than United States citizens being safe in their homes, their possessions and their lives.


We ask that you believe in us, challenge us, and together, let us bring America back to greatness !


Signed and sworn by affidavit,



NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

[carolinalady]

1. Good -send to Dean. ASAP.

[Mythsaje]

2. Damn good!

kicked and nominated...

[upi402]

3. A bit less torture would be a nice touch!

media fairness doctrine reinstatement, but with real teeth this time.

Great post.:thumbsup:

[Dunvegan]

8. What upi402 said...

...then send it to Dean. ;)

[quinnox]

4. I like it

Well done!

[derby378]

5. I'd get rid of Homeland Security altogether

Experience has show that the department is nothing but a cash cow whose director is the American equivalent of Gort from The Day the Earth Stood Still. Millions for the Bush cronies, pennies for our first responders.

Scrap the whole department and return control of its satellites to their original pre-Bush supervisors.

[slide to the left]

24. I think homeland security

needs to be in it, Dems are accused of being soft on security. We need to let more people know that we are not, we are just concerned about the Constitution. We need to more $$ for first responders.

[derby378]

34. The best way to get $$$ to first responders, however...

...is to cut out the middleman.

Fatherland Security needs to be relegated to the dust bin of bureaucratic history.

[mmonk]

6. Very good work.

Hope lots of people are given it. Personally, I think it's all toothpicks vs. swords though if the dems don't follow up with telling the truth about this administration concerning it's power grabs and deceptions. A good message and points to put before the people though.

[Justice Is Comin]

9. I tried to make that point

in the pledge promise --Indictments will be replaced by...

I did it in this way to subtly let Democrats know we will viciously open the investigations of all the Bush coverups. But without alienating the independent voters by stating, Democrats will also be held to account for wrongdoing. And they should.

[amerikat]

7. Well said. The only change I would make is

in point #5(Energy) WE will put our best minds to work on this problem and should approach it with the same effort as we gave to the manhattan project or the moon project. Maybe reassign NASA to energy and environment research.

In my opinion energy supply and climate change are the greatest threat to the US and the world. We can lead or follow. WE should lead the way.

[incapsulated]

10. My suggestions:

It's very good. However, it is quite long. You can keep it as is and add 3 simple statements, easy to remember and understand, that can be repeated by anyone as the most significant "pledges" to the american people. Well framed and sing-song like, you know the drill.

Then send it to Dean.

:patriot:

[Justice Is Comin]

13. It can't be too short.

It has to hit the hot buttons of our Democratic base and the hopes of the rest that might vote Democratic.

Gingrich's had eight points of proposed change, with an additional subset of bills that would be introduced. We don't need that. We just need to lay out our agenda.

[incapsulated]

14. Not the entire text

My point is you would have to sell this to voters and they aren't going to read the whole thing. It has to be condensed to sell, quickly, on air by democrats. It needs slogans or easy to digest statements to interest them. Most people didn't know about the details of Newts plan, but they had an idea that it would cut back on the IRS and TAXES and LIBERAL SPENDING and other button pushing issues.

[mikelewis]

16. The actual contract is what the Dems spend six months selling...

If the actual contract was shorter, it would box some Democrats into a corner. With it being lengthy, it allows them to pick and choose which areas they wish to highlight in their campaign. The people won't read the entire contract but the Dems can spend the next six months focusing in on these key issues.

The only criticism (if you could call it that) is that I'd probably find better wording for the part about taxing the rich but otherwise, it's about spot on. Besides, if the Dems did adopt this idea, I'm sure it'd be polished before it went to market.

[incapsulated]

17. I'm not talking about making the contract shorter

I'm obviously not communicating well, here. All I suggested was to add on three simple encapsulations of the contract to sell the idea to the public IN ADDITION to the pledge.

[slide to the left]

25. I agree

Its needs to be able to be summed up in 20 seconds. That sound bite crap...

[BadgerKid]

48. "Return America to the people" n/t

.

[Gronk Groks]

73. It has to have "Sound Bite" shortness...

... Individual statements inside the contract have to be stated in 5 seconds or less. The entire "Contract" has to be able to fit inside a 60 second commercial.

It IS a great statement. Since American's attention span is so short it will need some pruning. This is most unfortunate, however I doubt that the average Joe would even sit through something as short as the Gettysburg Address. For those who haven't studied the Civil War, it was considered a marvel of brevity at the time.

[earthside]

11. Except ...

The radical Republicans and Bush and Cheney and Rove will say: "Why that is just a bunch of typical liberal, socialist talk that will weaken America during a time of war!"

Then the inside-the-beltway Democrats will quiver and shake and say: "Oh, we didn't really mean it! We apologize!"

So it is obviously a very good statement for Democrats and progressives and traditional liberals. You are to be commended.

But it is probably too risky for most Senate and House Democrats.

[democrank]

12. Good job.

You obviously put a lot of thought into this. Send it to the DNC.

[cry baby]

15. good list

thanks for your hard work on this. I hope the dems adopt this or something like it rather soon.

[More Than A Feeling]

18. Simple suggestion: Let the people know who is in control.

over at mydd.com, Chris Bowers shows that whoever the American people think controls the House, that party loses seats. Simple message, can't be spun or denied. Check it out.

[Justice Is Comin]

19. I highlighted that

by saying very first thing, "if you will allow us the privilige to return to the majority.."

But I welcome everyone on the forum to contribute and hopefully as a group we can create a stellar list for the pledge. We can then submit it.

I personally don't think it should exceed 10 promises. I tried to cover a lot of bases with few words.

[NMMNG]

20. Excellent work. K&R!

[OneBlueSky]

21. nice job . . . something like this is EXACTLY what the party needs . . .

so that people will know precisely what we stand for . . . and those elected Democrats who don't agree with it can just look elsewhere for support . . .

your draft is an excellent start . . . I'm sure that many can offer any number of useful suggetions for improvement . . . but at some point -- and SOON -- we'd better agree on something like this and then blast it into every nook and cranny "from California to the New York island" . . .

because "this land was made for you and me" . . .

NOT for corporations, conglomerates, and conspiracies with the resources to make you and me irrelevant . . .

[IndyOp]

22. A couple of thoughts -

Take what you like and leave the rest...

:bluebox: I think your second statement needs to be clarified. On my first read I thought you meant that Dems were admitting that foreign-nation building was being used to make money to provide for America's needs...instead of meaning that the needs of Americans will be fully funded before building foreign nations.

Also - how about including a statement about what Dems (should) believe about the role of America in the world. "America should serve as a guiding light to the world by example, by being an excellent citizen-nation among other citizen-nations. We must commit to international relationships that will allow us to resolve national conflicts without resorting to war, that will allow us to achieve a healthy world for generations to come."

:bluebox: Good: Indictments will be replaced by integrity. Ethical wrongdoing whoever, or wherever, it is found, will be exposed, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Additional Twist: Congress *will* return to its role as a co-equal branch of government that acts as oversight to the executive branch no matter the party of the current administration.

:bluebox: Good: Real innovations for energy independence and new fuel technologies will be policy, not rhetoric. Additional Thought: Because this *will* bring true prosperity and peace.

:bluebox: Great: America will no longer be the only industrialized nation without Health care coverage for ALL. Health care coverage shall finally be a right and Democrats will lead the way vigorously to make it law. Additional Thought: Because our businesses, no longer saddled with the responsibility of providing health insurance, will grow to a strength where good jobs will be available to all.

:bluebox: I wonder if you could weave Roosevelt's four freedoms into your 10 points:

The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world.

[slide to the left]

26. 4 freedoms

I think those can be woven into it. Also, I like that taking the burden of healthcare will stregthen the workplace.

Also, Healthcare is listen as a human right by the UN. And the US signed onto it. That means that it is now part of domestic law. Therefore, by not have everyone with healthcare, we are violating our own law.

[saberjet22]

30. everywhere in the world

"Everywhere in the world" is redundant. "Everywhere" is sufficient.
Picky, I know.
The rest is really excellent!

[IndyOp]

62. "Everywhere in the world" is Roosevelt's wording --

Not mine! I didn't think I should edit him - I should have, however, indicated that it was a direct quote... :blush:

Roosevelt's Four Freedom's Address to Congress

[The Wielding Truth]

61. Thank you, Indy. Simple federal guarantied four freedoms. Beautiful!

[LiberalAndProud]

23. 2cents

I really don't like the "Homeland" word. Conjures unpleasant images in my head. Is it just me?

[Name removed]

27. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pbear81]

28. Let's repudiate the most intrusive aspect of our government

We shall place no higher priority than United States citizens being safe in their homes, their possessions and their lives.

The federal income tax, as administered, is the most intrusive aspect of the federal government. People are jailed for not revealing to the IRS every cent they have ever made. How can we guarantee that the people shall be safe in their possessions while this is the status quo?

Democrats would be swept into office if we would embrace the Fair Tax and follow through on amending the constitution to abolish the income tax.
Of all tax systems, existing or proposed, The Fair Tax has been determined to be the most favorable to the poor.

Plus, it takes away politicians' power to favor or punish behavior through the tax code, thus eliminating one huge source of corruption.
Not a partisan issue.
http://www.fairtax.org/

[Bandit]

44. How exactly is the "Fair Tax" beneficial to the poor

When you set a flat rate you always punish those least able. Determined by who to be the most favorable to the poor? I don't buy it at all. We need progressive taxation. Those most able to pay should.

[pbear81]

49. Bandit,

Did you look at the plan?
The Fair Tax is a form of national sales tax. It de-taxes the poor because it eliminates all payroll taxes and income taxes. The more profligate your life-style, the more you pay. That, my friends, is truly progressive.

This is the feature that ensures the poor pay no taxes:
Under the Fair Tax, all valid Social Security cardholders who are U.S. residents receive a monthly rebate equivalent to the FairTax paid on essential goods and services, also known as the poverty level expenditures. The rebate is paid in advance, in equal installments each month. The size of the rebate is determined by the Department of Health & Human Services’ poverty level multiplied by the tax rate.

No taxes are taken out of any paycheck, either for SS, Medicare, or income tax.
The Fair Tax level is set at the amount necessary to be revenue-neutral.

http://www.fairtax.org/

Check it out before you pass judgement.

[Bandit]

55. Even if unprepared food and medicine are exempt it is still

Regressive. A person that has an excess of a hundred million dollars has to pay fifteen percent on his home heating fuel it is a drop in the bucket but a person earning twenty four thousand a year has to pay fifteen percent it really hurts. It is very regressive and I know quite a bit about the so-called "fair tax". It is anything but and that is why the wealthy are so overwhelmingly for it and the poor and middleclass are so much against it. It is completely a Republican Plan and that alone should tell you where the money will come from...

[Gronk Groks]

74. This effectively eliminates all corporate taxes...

...since no "input products" are taxed this has the effect that corporations become "tax free".
If you tax the "input products" at the same rate as the rest of the National Sales Tax (which is what we are talking about here) then your National Sales Tax percentage would be considerable lower for all and with less items "exempted", much fairer to all.

[pbear81]

29. health care by FEMA

is what we'll get if we implement government, nationalized, health care.
We'll be as good at administering a medical care system as FEMA is at handling emergencies in a timely fashion.

I'm not willing to go there.

[Goldensilence]

37. maybe not be familiar with other industrialized countries' healthcare

I guess you like the current gouging system. Own a HMO?

[pbear81]

46. In Europe

The following is excerpted from an essay written by Henry Sturman of the Netherlands.

Health care systems are failing all over Europe. People are paying more and more for their health care through taxes and insurance premiums, and yet the quality of medical services seems to be getting worse and worse. Every year thousands of people die because they were not treated in time due to waiting lists, which are getting longer and longer. Doctors hardly have enough time to provide their patients with information about their illnesses and discuss treatment options with them. More and more patients find they have to deal with a health care system that treats them as obstacles rather than as welcome customers. And their options for choosing better alternatives are limited…

…In short, European health care systems are plagued by: high costs, limited choice, waiting lists and arrogance for the customer…

…If we want health care to be just as efficient, payable, innovative and customer oriented as services such as telecommunication, airplane travel or restaurants, we need to take the word system out of the health care system. European health care is not in need of reform but of a radical transformation to the free market. We need drastic health care deregulation and an end to government planning financing.

[The Wielding Truth]

64. As poorly run as this program seems through the eyes of

Henry Sturman of the Netherlands,the point remains that we need to solve our US national health care problem.
It's time to add a little big old government restraint to the profiteering freehand running the show. If they want profits they just have to work hard and put on their honest thinking caps to compete within our constantly streamlined rules. They will survive and make a healthy profit. Our rules must be well thought and must constantly be improved to benefit both us and than them.
Free enterprise with Our responsible guidelines.Hands off big business always gives greed and corruption an easily opened door.Responsibility is not always what people in power have a moral inclination for, but they must be shown that we demand it.
I guess what I'm proposing is a competing open market health care system with government oversight guidelines. Companies who can't deliver will be held responsible and not accredited by the oversight board of review. They will be responsible to give excellent care for competitive prices.
Does this sound plausible, too much to ask or is it being tried now and not working?

[Goldensilence]

79. call me ignorant

but Harry Sturman is? That plan sounds like A bush proposal. Is he a fan of school vouchers? Privatized social security accounts? Sounds like damn these POOR people are getting in our way again.

The free market is fine in business but again it points to healthcare as a profit based motive not a right. Not something EVERYONE should have. No I don't want a healthcare "system" run like a telecommunications company et al. End regulating...like say the end of energy company regulation like California? How about rolling checkups? Ok some are going to get into today some aren't. Sorry ma'am you and your child are blacked out. Perhaps like the deregulation of the airline industry? Sorry we'd love to give you a checkup but.....this hospital is going under bankruptcy sorry next one sir. In the free market soceity those who can afford healthcare get it. Wait...that sounds like...here.

[Bandit]

45. Bullshit

The best health care system in America is Government run. Veterans Health Care is America's unsung success story. You are spouting nothing but right wing BS. Please explain your reasoning.

[pbear81]

52. I did not write the above.

As I stated, it was excerpted from an essay written by a man who lives in the Netherlands.

[Gronk Groks]

76. If you are looking for cost constraints, look at medicare and medicaid...

...Your administration costs are less than HALF of private insurers.

Let's get real, medical costs become very expensive with an aging population. In 1900 the average life expectancy was a tad over 50 years of age. We have increased this almost 50% in just over 100 years. As technology improves we WILL live longer, but the costs are going to skyrocket. Just 1 week in intensive care in the last week of live can cost more than the rest of that individuals lifetime.

The end result? The income needed to access the medical care we know is available to those with the dough, will continue to grow faster then most people's income. We have 46 million uninsured now, how many more in 10 years?

Socialized medicine is NOT perfect. It is better than many(Most?) people have now. My company provides insurance at no cost to the employee. You only have to pay the $5,000 dollar deductible first (10,000 per couple).

Let's say the government does something similar. If you could buy insurance with a $500 deductible that would pay the first $5000 until the Government Medical plan kicked in, would you? Higher taxes, yes. But I would bet if we could get out of the Iraq war the Federal Budget would still shrink.

[iNViSiGOD]

31. A beautiful write-up

Thanks for the wonderful write-up I couldn't have said it better myself, my morning just got a bit brighter.

[Poiuyt]

32. Great work. My ideas

Considering the climate in America (at least the way the Republicans will frame it), I would incorporate the part about safety and security of the American people at the top of the list. That way you neutralize the Rep's strong suit.

Similarly, I'm not comfortable with the sentence in the introduction about Homeland Security and people living in fear. I'm not sure many people are living in fear. Maybe that could be rephrased so that Homeland Security doesn't trample the Bill of Rights.

I also like the idea others have put out about 3 simple phrases, 20 second sound bites, etc. Simple to say, simple to remember, simple for the media to repeat.

Thanks for your work. Recommended.

[rd_kent]

33. Nicely Done. Only one problem.....

How to get ALL the Dems to sign on.

[sadiesworld]

35. What about the off-shoring of jobs?

Couldn't you, at least, include something about an end to tax breaks which ENCOURAGE the off-shoring of jobs?

[dghll]

36. Fine work.

You asked for comment, here is mine.

Pt 1 is Rhetoric. By that I mean is somewhat a bs line.
Pt 2 is vague. Don't be afraid to suggest that the pentagon budget be cut in favor of social programs.
Pt 3 starts with a cutesy slogan that doesn't work. good point though.
Pt 4. The problem is deficits, not tax cuts - per se. address fixing the tax code. The rest, again is kinda rhetoric.
pt 5 is vague, what innovations should we choose? ie, wind harvesting... Bio-diesel...
6,7,8 sound good.
pt 9. Abolish this dept. Liberty first. Security is a far second.
10 - I agree war is bad. Wars of aggression are worse.

Thanks for working so hard. Good luck getting your cohesive and plain speaking Democratic message.Thats not an easy thing. Democrats are a coalition of diverse thinkers, not a fraternity of zombies.

[wryter2000]

38. Quibble

The American people will be our priority, not politics.

This makes it sound as if the American people will be our priority, not our politics. It should read something more like "The American people, not politics, will be our priority." Or "Our priority will be the American people, not politics." The first is better because it puts "The American people" first, although it's a bit more clumsy than the second.

[King Coal]

39. It won't do any good.

[zipplewrath]

40. My contribution

-The American people will be our priority, not politics.

I'd say it more like Obama:

Americans will be our base, our constituency. We are one America and we work best working together, not seeking to emphasize the divisions between us.

- Budget funding will provide for America's needs, not foreign nation building.

We will bring to Americans the kinds of gifts we have given to foreign nations. We will be prepared to respond as quickly to threats in our own country as we are from threats abroad.

- Immediate legislation will be introduced to halt our raging deficit and foreign debt. Pay as you go measures will be proposed and fought for until adopted.

We will return to the fiscal responsibility of our past, when surplusses paid down the debt, and tax cuts for the wealthiest did not explode it.

And I'd really like to see someone say this:

We believe that the Constitution and its laws are the basis of our freedom and security, not obstacles to preserving them.

[wysiwyg]

43. I especially like the last line!

"We believe that the Constitution and its laws are the basis of our freedom and security, not obstacles to preserving them."

[cleveramerican]

41. I would omit any reference to the word pledge...

if you demand candidates adhere to some imposed pledge, you are just begging to be lied to. Do you think a amoral rudderless candidate would hesitate for one second to take such a pledge?

[desi]

53. I wouldn't...

..Not to fret, the OP composed this for Democrats, not for lying amoral rudderless Republicans.

[cleveramerican]

78. do you think....

there are no amoral rudderless dems out there? Don't be a fool.Only a child would view politics as the black hats and the white hats. Until we dems take a hard look inward, and be honest enough to accept what we see, no progress will take place. Its just way too easy to point to the OP and scream "they are the problem!"

[wysiwyg]

42. The Democrats need a cohesive campaign

I really, really, hope the Democrats are willing to come up with a cohesive campaign which highlights the abuses. There are so many things that should be career ending scandals that it all blurs together for most of the public unless they are highlighted in some form of often repeated summary. Hopefully the Democrats will do just what you suggest.

However, it seems like they're getting off to a late start for the 2006 season if they don't have anything by this point!

I would like to suggest some points though.

"The American people will be our priority, not politics."

I'd like to see something like "The American people will be our priority, not politics or enriching our contributors"

"Indictments will be replaced by integrity. Ethical wrongdoing whoever, or wherever, it is found, will be exposed, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

I'd like to see some wording alluding to what the Republicans did with investigations when Bill Clinton was President. Something like "We will not abuse this process for political gain.". Of course the Republicans will try to abuse the process or accuse the Democrats of all kinds no hyped up nonsense and accuse us of breaking this pledge. On the other hand, they'll accuse the Democrats of investigating for political gain no matter who explodes from the sheer level of hypocrisy.

[Klukie]

47. Great post

It is so refreshing to see people taking action. The democratic party certainly hasn't or at least it doesn't come across that way. You are so right about the need to get a message out. It is absolutely crucial. I agree with an earlier post about the need for some simple one-liners. I truly believe that this is the key to the parties revival. Don't get me wrong, I think we need the substance, but I think the catch-phrases are what ultimately wins the day. I will take that one step further and say that these statements will be ineffective if all leaders of the democratic party don't echo them from every podium, spew them in front of as many televisions and dictate them to every newspaper out there. By nature this party is not one of conformism,(which I think is its greatest attribute) but I think the lack of unity in this instance is detrimental. If the demcrats want to take back this government they need to check their political aspirations and egos at the door and stand united. The democratic response to the SOTU tried to put out a catch-phrase with "We can do better", which was so weak. If they want to appear strong mabye they should start to use terminolgy that portrays it. The catch phrase could have been "We MUST do better"

[GoneOffShore]

50. How about a section on Media?

Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine and halt and rollback media consolidation?
Just a thought.

[wysiwyg]

51. I'd like to see that happen

Eliminating the fairness doctrine was just about the biggest boost to the Republican message machine possible.

I don't know how much more money big-media could give to the GOP or how much worse they could treat Democrats than they do now anyway.

[Dembo98]

54. Seems to me...

That we should be fighting for these things even if we are not in power. Isnt' that the whole point?

[meowomon]

56. WHATEVER!

DO YOU PROMISE TO FILIBUSTER THE NEXT FUCKING RIGHT-WINGNUT THEY TRY TO CRAM INTO THE SUPREME COURT? PATHETIC! CORPORATE BUTTLICKERS!

[Justice Is Comin]

57. Welcome to so many new compadre

Posts 56 - 54- 51 - 47 - 41 - 36 - 52 - 30 - 26. Nice to have you with us. :hi:

[JudyM]

58. We will undertake a thorough audit of military contracts and will also

establish an ongoing audit program of social welfare programs.

I believe the second item will appeal to both liberals and conservatives.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

59. We will declare war on major diseases like cancer and alzheimers

and the war will last until our scientists find a cure.



Also,

We will gather the best and the brightest scientists, from across the nation. to study the true condition of our air, rivers and streams. An amelioration plan will follow within 90 days.

[AspenRose]

60. Free and fair media

Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine

[PurpleChez]

63. I think we've got to do SOMETHING like that

parallel the Contract for America. The party never says what it stands for, only that it loves Chimpy, just not as much as the GOP does. A set list of points and principles that we could learn and refer to would be invaluable.

[Susan43]

68. I wonder...

how many people here have actually read the Rep "Contract with America"

Here's a link so you can read it for yourself.

http://www.digitas.harvard.edu/~salient/issues/941212/page4.html

[PHXG]

65. Yea, now what

Look, I agree 100% with the principals, but it's still not going to work. If we don't clear our heads and start coming up with plans and clearer directions to tell the middle of the road voter these goals then it won't matter in 2006 or 2008. I am so fearful that my feeling of slipping into obscurity is happening because our national leaders won't do more to out line plans and goals like these.

[Dembo98]

66. Our problem is...

that we have been the party of reaction for too long. They act, we react and have put ourselves into a position where our goals and vision are being shaped not by us but by them. The perception is that we are the antithesis of the repugs, disagreeing with everything they do. We have got to put our heads down and keep peddling with our messages, if we agree with them, fine... if not, fine also. Our problem is that we are being defined not but what we are, but what we are aren't. Where is the leadership?

[Duhgee]

67. Listen to James Carville

James said the job of a political party is to win elections. Who will decide the 2006 elections? Jesusland. This pledge generally appeals to the left. The left is already converted. The centrists are the key. Here's my suggestions:



The American people will be our priority, not politics. Drop this. It is the job of a party to be political. No one expects otherwise

Budget funding will provide for America's needs, not foreign nation building. Drop this. Jesusland is ok with some nation building

Indictments will be replaced by integrity. Ethical wrongdoing whoever, or wherever, it is found, will be exposed, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. ok

We will fully preserve tax cuts for the middle class. It will be the millionaire tax cuts left behind, not the schools, teachers, children, veterans, poor, college students and the elderly. Good.

Real innovations for energy independence and new fuel technologies will be policy, not rhetoric. ok

Immediate legislation will be introduced to raise the minimum wage, and relentlessly pressured until signed into law. move this to #1

America will no longer be the only industrialized nation without Health care coverage for the uninsured. Health care coverage shall finally be a right and Democrats will lead the way vigorously to make it law. iffy

Immediate legislation will be introduced to halt our raging deficit and foreign debt. Pay as you go measures will be proposed and fought for until adopted. Drop this, the public won't believe this from any party

Homeland Security will be known for measures of increased security, not for red, orange and green threat alerts. Democrats will insist on extraordinary Homeland Security safeguards which will result in grades of A’s, not F’s. so-so

Lastly and our most solemn pledge, Democrats in Congress will insure war is unequivocally and without exception only a last resort, not a Presidential choice of regime change, and never without a plan to first, secure the peace. Drop this. Jesusland want leaders who will go to war when needed. Last resort will win no votes

Yet, let no aggressor misinterpret our resolve. Any aggression against the United States, whether it be individual, group or organization, Democrats will insure the aggression is met with the swiftest full force and might of the entire United States Military and all it’s technologies. We shall place no higher priority than United States citizens being safe in their homes, their possessions and their lives.


We ask that you believe in us, challenge us, and together, let us bring America back to greatness !

Jesusland want to be able to be safe outside the US, anyplace in the US and in their homes. Make sure you tell them that.

Jesusland needs a good wage and low taxes. Run on that, and don't turn them off.

[Susan43]

69. Excellent

Very good thinking. Kudos and thanks for taking the time.

[Duppers]

70. Excellent. Emailing it out.

Great job!

[eve_was_framed]

71. it's great except it will never see the light of day unless you change

the present system of voting.

[PHXG]

72. Nope

The average american (Jesusland citizen as was so crudely characterized above) doesn't believe there is a problem with the voting method. Sure, there are some places it stands out, but it is not a point that sells.

I am just so disgusted with all this hate-baiting rhetoric that serves to paint us in the light of bitter losers with average americans.

If this is all we have to offer, Bush bashing and pointing fingers, it's a no wonder the mainstream media ignores us. Hell, If I wasn't so ready for a change, I'd ignore us too.

[Duhgee]

75. Exactly

Higher minimum wages and lower taxes for the middle class are examples of themes that could win in 2006. Winning in 2006 can be the begining to a stronger Democratic party.

[MadisonProgressive]

77. I'd gladly sign that!

[Wheres the Outrage]

80. The contract with America turned out to be a brilliant move

This pledge should take what worked from it.

Each pledge should be measurable, otherwise it will be a guiding principal.

"Immediate legislation will be introduced to raise the minimum wage, and relentlessly pressured until signed into law." is measurable and even Bush could understand it.

but "The American people will be our priority, not politics." is not readily measurable. You can't say See I achieved that.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

81. kick -

[Laura PourMeADrink]

82. kick

[Laura PourMeADrink]

83. We need to move this forward. Just heard Sen Reed-RI on

Faux News. He was very inarticulate when they asked why the dems had no message.

When in the world will our leaders get our message solidified so that dems on tv and start pushing it?

Repigs had a retreat this weekend. When in the hell will we have one??