We, the members of the Oregon Democratic Party, commit ourselves to seeking a better future for the present generation and for generations to come. This platform is a guide to the principles and positions by which we intend to fulfill that commitment. We recognize our rights and responsibilities as citizens of our state, our nation, and the entire global community. We hold that the ancient goals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness should be guaranteed for everyone. And we express our confidence that those goals can be maintained while sustaining the interdependent web of life on this planet.

We, the members of the Oregon Democratic Party, commit ourselves to seeking a better future for the present generation and for generations to come. This platform is a guide to the principles and positions by which we intend to fulfill that commitment. We recognize our rights and responsibilities as citizens of our state, our nation, and the entire global community. We hold that the ancient goals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness should be guaranteed for everyone. And we express our confidence that those goals can be maintained while sustaining the interdependent web of life on this planet.

 As Oregon Democrats, we assert that the citizens of our state and our country are the government, we hold up the Bill of Rights and derived civil liberties as the enduring standard of liberty, and we firmly oppose abrogation of those rights and liberties in the name of governmental convenience or security. Where these rights and liberties are not fully realized, we pledge to help everyone within our borders to regain them. We invite all Americans to join with us to re-establish our two-century old democracy as a beacon of virtue that is admired all over the world.

1) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Individuals and Family Members

As Oregon Democrats we affirm the inalienable right of every individual to be treated with dignity and respect. We believe that Oregonians must be able to achieve security for themselves and for their families, however they define them. We reaffirm an individual's right to reproductive freedom and end-of­life choice. The basic necessities of life - food, shelter, health care and family wage jobs - should be available to Oregonians in all parts of our state, whether rural, suburban, or urban. We believe the most vulnerable in our society should receive adequate protection from neglect and abuse, especially children and the medically fragile elderly. We respect the human dignity of every individual, regardless of inherent characteristics, religion, economic/social status, or any other quality that may define a person's identity. We believe the same high standards should be applied to all within the borders of our state and beyond.

Shelter, Food, and a Living Wage: Securing the Basic Necessities of Life Health Care: Promoting a Healthy Life

Human Rights: Guaranteeing Equal Rights for all People

2) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Members of a Community

As members of our local, state and national communities, we recognize the benefits we have received through our communities and commit to our responsibility towards a better future for our children and grandchildren.  We embrace the Social Contract that binds us to other members of our communities, a contract that asks each person to contribute for the good of all. As rural, urban and suburban Oregonians, we recognize our common interests and shared responsibilities. We demand that government function with fiscal responsibility that does not burden future generations with debts created by irresponsible economic policies.  We reject policies that perpetuate stark divisions between a privileged few and the majority of working Americans. We move beyond immediate self-interest and focus on decisions made for the Common Good of present and future generations.

Public Education: Taking Responsibility to Prepare for Life Long Learning

Revenue Policy: Paying a Fair Share and Endowing Future Generations

3) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Workers and Business People

We work in many trades and professions, including farmers, ranchers, fishermen and fisherwomen, union members, business owners, professionals, tradespeople, and workers of all types. We create our country's wealth and deserve adequate reward for our efforts, knowledge and skills. We insist that our economy sustain local jobs and businesses, embracing long-term sustainability over short-term profits. We must regulate corporations to function as ethical members of the community, contributing their fair share to Oregon's economic viability.

Business and Economic Development: Creating a Viable Economy

Forest, Field, Range, and Fisheries: Supporting Oregon's Farmers, Ranchers, Foresters and Fishers

Labor: Ensuring Workers Rights, Including Retirement Security

4) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Active Citizens

As Oregon Democrats, and U.S. citizens, we are committed to open and responsive government and to the ongoing task of sustaining and evolving our democracy. We are guided by the principles and genius upon which this country was founded. We are committed to extending and deepening those freedoms, rights, and equality. We affirm the critical value of religious freedom, and support the separation of church and state. We hold our constitutional system and the right to vote as essential foundations of our democratic republic. We believe political parties must decide who to nominate as their candidates. Elections must be transparent, fair, verifiable, and auditable. We oppose the influence of money in elections and its corrupting effects. We oppose tyranny, wherever it is practiced. We honor our nations diversity, and defend the individual right to privacy and self-determination.

Election Reform: Opposing Privatization of the Vote and Guaranteeing Transparent Elections that Reflect the Will of the People Public

Safety, Justice, and Civil Liberties: Preserving Our Personal Freedoms, While Ensuring our Safety

Government Accountability and Oversight: Demanding Honesty, Integrity and Competence in Government

5) Oregon Democrats: Our Responsibilities and Rights as Global Citizens

As Oregon Democrats we recognize that our responsibilities extend beyond our borders to encompass the entire planet.  Our national self-interest requires that we affirm the principle of global cooperation.  We must work with other people to ensure the survival and well being of all humanity and the global commons: climate, air, water, land, and the life therein. Our country's security and our world's livability require rapid increases in energy conservation, renewable energy production, and energy-efficient transportation.  We must participate in the creation and enforcement of world climate protocols.  We must work with other nations to stop nuclear proliferation and to reduce and secure all nuclear weapons.  We must fulfill all ratified treaties and other obligations under international law, and support and strengthen the United Nations.  We affirm fair trade principles to ensure high global standards for labor and environmental protection.  Corporations must be held accountable under the law.  We must use diplomacy, rather than force, to resolve conflicts and achieve universal peace.

Ecology and Natural Resources: Providing for Our Needs, While Preserving the Earth

Energy and Transportation: Practicing Conservation While Tapping Human Ingenuity to Fuel the Future

Foreign Policy and National Security: Engaging the World through the Strength of Diplomacy, Justice and the Rule of Law