King County Democrats 2008 Platform: Blog

Agricultural land must be protected. Sustainable agricultural practices should be encouraged.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:05:07 GMT

Agricultural land must be protected. Sustainable agricultural practices should be encouraged.

We should create communities affordable for a wide range of income levels so that workers can live closer to their jobs.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:04:45 GMT

We should create communities affordable for a wide range of income levels so that workers can live closer to their jobs.

Our communities must fully support neighborhood planning for open space, playfields, parks, libraries and other public amenities to encourage viable neighborhoods.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:04:25 GMT

Our communities must fully support neighborhood planning for open space, playfields, parks, libraries and other public amenities to encourage viable neighborhoods.

Government must institute measures to reduce pollution, congestion and dependence on oil, including revised zoning codes and housing policies, provision of mass transit services and more HOV lanes, promotion of telecommuting and improved facilities for ...

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:04:05 GMT

Government must institute measures to reduce pollution, congestion and dependence on oil, including revised zoning codes and housing policies, provision of mass transit services and more HOV lanes, promotion of telecommuting and improved facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and people in wheelchairs.

We must fund essential public infrastructure projects and services to broaden practical transportation choices and reduce dependence on the automobile.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:03:32 GMT

We must fund essential public infrastructure projects and services to broaden practical transportation choices and reduce dependence on the automobile.

Planning decisions should be based on land use, transportation, air quality and health.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:02:49 GMT

Planning decisions should be based on land use, transportation, air quality and health.

The sources of campaign funds, including separately controlled campaigns and “issue advertising,” must be fully disclosed. Money contributions should not be given the protected status of free speech.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:02:06 GMT

The sources of campaign funds, including separately controlled campaigns and “issue advertising,” must be fully disclosed. Money contributions should not be given the protected status of free speech.

The U. S. President and Vice-President should be elected by direct popular vote.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:01:42 GMT

The U. S. President and Vice-President should be elected by direct popular vote.

Every election must provide an auditable paper record of all votes.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:35 GMT

Every election must provide an auditable paper record of all votes.

Election Day should be a national holiday.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:09 GMT

Election Day should be a national holiday.

The Fairness Doctrine for broadcast media during election campaigns should be reinstated and made applicable to cable networks to promote balanced political coverage.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:59:43 GMT

The Fairness Doctrine for broadcast media during election campaigns should be reinstated and made applicable to cable networks to promote balanced political coverage.

Our electoral processes must be kept open to all who seek the challenge of serving our country, regardless of their income level.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:59:15 GMT

Our electoral processes must be kept open to all who seek the challenge of serving our country, regardless of their income level.

Campaigns should be publicly financed. Meanwhile, contribution and spending limits should be an integral part of campaign finance reforms.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:58:46 GMT

Campaigns should be publicly financed. Meanwhile, contribution and spending limits should be an integral part of campaign finance reforms.

Mandatory and indeterminate sentencing should be ended, and nonviolent crime removed from the “Three Strikes” list.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:57:34 GMT

Mandatory and indeterminate sentencing should be ended, and nonviolent crime removed from the “Three Strikes” list.

Effective security measures consistent with individual liberties must be put into operation at airports, border crossings, seaports, and train and bus stations to protect the nation and its people from terrorist actions.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:57:06 GMT

Effective security measures consistent with individual liberties must be put into operation at airports, border crossings, seaports, and train and bus stations to protect the nation and its people from terrorist actions.

We oppose using local law enforcement as agents of immigration enforcement.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:56:34 GMT

We oppose using local law enforcement as agents of immigration enforcement.

All individuals who have lived and worked peacefully in the US for a period of time should be provided a pathway to legal status and be allowed to reunite with their families in a timely fashion.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:56:12 GMT

All individuals who have lived and worked peacefully in the US for a period of time should be provided a pathway to legal status and be allowed to reunite with their families in a timely fashion.

Racial profiling by law enforcement is ineffective, counter-productive, and must be eliminated.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:55:48 GMT

Racial profiling by law enforcement is ineffective, counter-productive, and must be eliminated.

Asset seizures should be based on court conviction rather than mere arrest or presumption of guilt.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:55:21 GMT

Asset seizures should be based on court conviction rather than mere arrest or presumption of guilt.

Drug addiction isn’t cured by incarceration. We support widespread drug education, treatment and community-based aftercare for every offender who needs it.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:54:27 GMT

Drug addiction isn’t cured by incarceration. We support widespread drug education, treatment and community-based aftercare for every offender who needs it.

White-collar crime should be given jail time on the same basis as other non-violent crime.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:54:02 GMT

White-collar crime should be given jail time on the same basis as other non-violent crime.

Safety training for hunters and gun owners, universal gun registration and licensing, and background checks and waiting periods on all gun sales (including gun shows and private-party sales) should be mandatory.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:53:38 GMT

Safety training for hunters and gun owners, universal gun registration and licensing, and background checks and waiting periods on all gun sales (including gun shows and private-party sales) should be mandatory.

Adults are responsible for safeguarding guns in the home. We support safety locks on handguns and prohibitions on private ownership of fully automatic weapons.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:53:15 GMT

Adults are responsible for safeguarding guns in the home. We support safety locks on handguns and prohibitions on private ownership of fully automatic weapons.

The death penalty should be abolished in favor of a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:52:53 GMT

The death penalty should be abolished in favor of a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Our nation must invest in children and work actively to abolish poverty in order to eliminate a major cause of crime.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:52:19 GMT

Our nation must invest in children and work actively to abolish poverty in order to eliminate a major cause of crime.

Criminal justice should emphasize prevention and rehabilitation over incarceration alone. Prisons should provide inmates with education, training, therapy and meaningful work.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:51:49 GMT

Criminal justice should emphasize prevention and rehabilitation over incarceration alone. Prisons should provide inmates with education, training, therapy and meaningful work.

Rules providing a reasonable proportion between the pay of the highest and lowest paid person in any organization should be enacted.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:50:45 GMT

Rules providing a reasonable proportion between the pay of the highest and lowest paid person in any organization should be enacted.

The Taft-Hartley Act, which has tilted labor law in favor of employers, should be repealed.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:50:24 GMT

The Taft-Hartley Act, which has tilted labor law in favor of employers, should be repealed.

Private contractors should not be used to replace regular government employees.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:49:59 GMT

Private contractors should not be used to replace regular government employees.

We oppose the practice of discouraging people from seeking unemployment benefits.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:49:22 GMT

We oppose the practice of discouraging people from seeking unemployment benefits.

Unemployed persons whose benefits have expired or who have become discouraged from seeking work should be counted as unemployed.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:48:59 GMT

Unemployed persons whose benefits have expired or who have become discouraged from seeking work should be counted as unemployed.

Migrant workers deserve safe and adequate housing, medical care, education and educational facilities.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:48:29 GMT

Migrant workers deserve safe and adequate housing, medical care, education and educational facilities.

Workers have a right to establish a union shop.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:45:43 GMT

Workers have a right to establish a union shop.

Public contracting should be reformed to include a "Responsible Bidder" clause embodying contractor responsibilities regarding fair wages, health insurance, retirement and training.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:45:19 GMT

Public contracting should be reformed to include a "Responsible Bidder" clause embodying contractor responsibilities regarding fair wages, health insurance, retirement and training.

All government contracts should be at prevailing wage rates, with a 15 percent set-aside for apprentices.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:44:52 GMT

All government contracts should be at prevailing wage rates, with a 15 percent set-aside for apprentices.

Workers who blow the whistle on safety hazards, environmental violations, or other violations of law or regulation must be given access to courts and protected from retaliation.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:44:22 GMT

Workers who blow the whistle on safety hazards, environmental violations, or other violations of law or regulation must be given access to courts and protected from retaliation.

All workers have a right to a safe, hazard-free workplace.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:35:18 GMT

All workers have a right to a safe, hazard-free workplace.

Workers who are locked out should be entitled to extended unemployment benefits and retraining opportunities.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:34:43 GMT

Workers who are locked out should be entitled to extended unemployment benefits and retraining opportunities.

All employees must receive equal pay and equal benefits for comparable work.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:33:51 GMT

All employees must receive equal pay and equal benefits for comparable work.

The Federal minimum wage must be increased. A livable minimum wage that increases with inflation should be mandated.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:33:14 GMT

The Federal minimum wage must be increased. A livable minimum wage that increases with inflation should be mandated.

All workers have the right to a workplace free from discrimination based upon sex, gender identity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, race, national origin, union activities, or political preference.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:32:39 GMT

All workers have the right to a workplace free from discrimination based upon sex, gender identity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, race, national origin, union activities, or political preference.

All workers should have the right to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and strike, all without fear of reprisal. We oppose right-to-work laws.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:32:08 GMT

All workers should have the right to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and strike, all without fear of reprisal. We oppose right-to-work laws.

Congress must fully fund veteran’s benefits.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:31:08 GMT

Congress must fully fund veteran’s benefits.

Whenever a religious institution is a publicly funded provider of services, that institution must ensure nondiscrimination in hiring and firing, and must not encourage, coerce or require any profession of faith or act of worship for participation or ...

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:30:40 GMT

Whenever a religious institution is a publicly funded provider of services, that institution must ensure nondiscrimination in hiring and firing, and must not encourage, coerce or require any profession of faith or act of worship for participation or to receive services.

Provision of human services should not discriminate based on immigration status.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:30:09 GMT

Provision of human services should not discriminate based on immigration status.

Family planning and science-based sex education are effective tools that must be made available to give individuals and families control over their reproductive decisions and minimize the need for abortion.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:29:46 GMT

Family planning and science-based sex education are effective tools that must be made available to give individuals and families control over their reproductive decisions and minimize the need for abortion.

Public assistance (General Assistance-Unemployable/GA-U) and Medicaid are necessary to safeguard the vulnerable poor and people with disabilities who cannot reasonably provide for themselves.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:29:18 GMT

Public assistance (General Assistance-Unemployable/GA-U) and Medicaid are necessary to safeguard the vulnerable poor and people with disabilities who cannot reasonably provide for themselves.

Government policies should enable more widespread home ownership.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:28:46 GMT

Government policies should enable more widespread home ownership.

We must work actively to end homelessness and ensure that all people have access to safe and affordable housing.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:28:21 GMT

We must work actively to end homelessness and ensure that all people have access to safe and affordable housing.

The only worthwhile welfare reform is one that reduces poverty, not just the welfare rolls. Quality affordable childcare, education, training and substance abuse treatment must be provided to help working parents leave welfare.

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:27:54 GMT

The only worthwhile welfare reform is one that reduces poverty, not just the welfare rolls. Quality affordable childcare, education, training and substance abuse treatment must be provided to help working parents leave welfare.