Democrats have always been the party that looks out for other people. Our society is too wealthy to allow a child to go to bed hungry, or to allow an elderly person to suffer without medicine. Everyone should have basic health care, and the food and shelter needed to sustain life.

High quality education is not only the wellspring of the next generation of public citizens but also the foundation of our economic success. Quality education at public expense should be available to all.

As Democrats we actively support the equal protection of the rights of every citizen. Without distinction, every person should have equal access to the benefits of our society and, in turn, equal responsibility to support the community.

Protection of the environment and wise use of our resources is both right of itself and the only sound policy for economic well-being. We believe that a portion of our pristine environment should be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations, and to provide a storehouse of knowledge for them.

The legitimate interests of businesses, which make our economic prosperity possible, must be tempered by the rights of working people. No employee should be forced to risk injury or disease when the dangers are preventable. All employees should be treated without discrimination, and each worker's right to organize and bargain collectively must be protected.

No citizen should live in fear of crime. Criminal penalties should be swiftly applied and just. Crime will be minimized when we educate all our citizens effectively, protect each citizen's rights in employment, and provide an economic climate with many job opportunities.

To provide economic security at home, the country must maintain its economic and political strength in the world. As the premiere world power, this country can not shirk its responsibility to promote its highest values--political equality, free elections, free speech, and the rights of citizens--wherever we have the opportunity.

Government serves all citizens as an instrument for attaining these goals. Progressive governance, with government serving as a catalyst for change in society, best preserves the powers of the individual. Citizens who accept public service deserve both support and correction in forming policy. Efficient, fiscally responsible government minimizes taxation while providing the multitude of benefits accruing to each citizen.