Our Party Platform

As revised and adopted by the Skagit County Democratic Convention May 1, 2016

“We have come to a clear realization that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence.”

Franklyn D. Roosevelt, 1944

PREAMBLE

Excerpts from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s State of the Union message to Congress, January 11, 1944

“This Republic had its beginning, and grew to its present strength, under the protection of certain inalienable political rights – among them the right of free speech, free press, free worship, trial by jury, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. They were our rights to life and liberty.

As our nation has grown in size and stature, however, – as our industrial economy expanded – these political rights proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness. We cannot be content, no matter how high the general standard of living may be, if some fraction of our people – whether it be one-third or one-fifth or one-tenth – is ill fed, ill-clothed, ill-housed, and insecure.

We have come to a clear realization that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.

In our day, these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all – regardless of station, race, or creed. Among these are:

• The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;
• The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;
• The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;
• The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition by monopolies at home or abroad;
• The right of every family to a decent home;
• The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;
• The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
• The right to a good education.

America’s own rightful place in the world depends in large part upon how fully these and similar rights have been carried into practice for our people.”

Our Platform

• Economic Opportunity;
• Social and Civil Justice;
• Personal Freedom;
• Security;
• Privacy

We are dedicated to achieving peace, prosperity, opportunity and a government based on responsible optimism.

Our platform rests on the principles that there should be:

• Security for all citizens;
• Education, jobs and economic opportunity for all;
• Accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans;
• Rebuilding of our reputation in the world as a cooperative and just country;
• Reversal of the erosion of civil liberties in our country;
• Recognition that diversity strengthens our nation;
• Recognition that we are responsible for our ethical, economic, environmental and educational legacy.

As Democrats we respect the rights guaranteed by our Constitution that support:

• Economic Opportunity;
• Social and Civil Justice;
• Personal Freedom;
• Security;

Skagit County Democrats adopt this platform to ensure that voters and candidates for public office understand and support our goals.