STATEWIDE REGIONAL TOWN MEETINGS SUCCESSFUL:Democrats Strident in Developing “Action Items”
18 August 2007
By Wayne Goodwin
Over the course of 4 weeks (July-Aug 2007) I trekked hither and yon across the Tar Heel State as part of my chairing eleven regional town hall meetings.
Under the aegis of Chairman of the Platform and Resolutions Committee for the North Carolina Democratic Party, I reviewed 190 resolutions submitted from Democrats with town hall attendees.
From a minimum of six to a maximum of 60+ attendees each, folks considered and deliberated and prioritized the proposed resolutions. These folks - some of the most diehard of Democratic activists mind you, and all willing to show up for 2+ hours each on a weeknight - contributed insightful comments to the process. For a non-Statewide election year the numbers pleased me. As a comparative barometer, attendance ranged from six to 125 in 2006.
So what was on the minds of Democrats in the Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh (twice), Wilmington, Windsor, and Winston-Salem regions this year?
►They are opposed to our current continued warring presence in Iraq.
►They love and fully support our military troops and their families.
►They yearn for America to regain its respect and position in the world.
►They believe the State must be a dedicated leader in firmly urging conservation, use of renewable non-fossil fuel sources, and developing a strategy shaped by the unquestionable process of global climate change.
►They demand campaign finance reforms and efforts that result in vastly-improved ethics in government.
►They declare that special interests and legislators should not strip away the rights of consumers by divesting the Commissioner of Insurance of his dual authority to maintain low insurance premiums and a viable insurance market in North Carolina.
►They believe that the Electoral College is antiquated and undemocratic in an age of 24-7 news and more-educated voters.
►They demand universal health care coverage.
►They assert that Congress and the People must seek impeachment charges against Vice President Cheney and President Bush (in that order) for their actions of the last six years, and that if impeachment proceedings are not appropriate now then the bar will be raised so high – or low, depending upon how you look at it – that the function of impeachment will have been rendered moot for generations to come. (Bluntly, if lying about consensual extramarital sexual relations is actionable, then why not lying about the cause of war – and consequential military deaths in Iraq - and subverting privacy rights of every American civilian and politicizing the U.S. Department of Justice?)
►They demand the repeal of the Patriot Act or significant revisions thereof.
►They believe in a living wage, and the right to collective bargaining by public employees.
These are a smattering of the issues tackled by authors of these resolutions, mostly adopted by county and district Democratic conventions this year. The ones referenced, above, were most prevalent.
If you would like to have an advance personal copy of the complete Resolutions compilation that will be considered at next Saturday’s meeting of the State Executive Committee meeting, then please email me at gwaynegoodwin@gmail.com, post an entry on my WAYNE’S WORLD blog (www.eighthdistrictdemsnc.blogspot.com), or call me at (910) 997-9790. The document will be posted also on the website of the NC Democratic Party this week. I plan on posting it myself at WAYNE’S WORLD by mid-week.
That document is the work product of the last meeting in Raleigh before the full P&R committee. During the 5+ hours that evening our committee - and those persons with us by phone - slogged through the process of determining which resolutions to recommend for adoption and which ones were duplicates, moot, in conflict with our Party Plan of Organization, etc. The investment of time of these persons proved vital.
We should also express our appreciation for the many other folks who participated in or assisted in the process. In addition to the town meeting attendees, these dedicated Democrats include Jerry Meek, Caroline Valand, Sallie Leslie, Jerimee Richir, all members of the P&R Committee, the county chairs who hosted each town hall meeting, and everyone who invested their time, talents and energy into drafting resolutions over the last six months. Special recognition goes out to Richard O’Brien of Randolph County who attended many of the regional town hall meetings across North Carolina this year and in the two previous years. Last, but certainly not least, I thank my family for granting me the time to work on this process again.
Personally, for someone passionate about what we stand for as Democrats, I found the 2,000 miles added to my car’s odometer and the cerebral connections with fellow partisans spanning North Carolina well worth the effort.
After all, resolutions allow us Democrats to express ourselves on the issues of the day - whether they concern our nation, our state or our own local community. Resolutions are ways to educate and inspire. But more importantly, they are also calls to action.
Let us now persuade our fellow citizens to answer these calls to action. Remember, the 2008 election and our future is in our hands. Onward and upward!
# # #
6 comments:
►They believe that the Electoral College is antiquated and undemocratic in an age of 24-7 news and more-educated voters.
whoa! who got the idea that today's voters are "more-educated" or even "more-informed". I agree that the Electoral College is antiquated and undemocratic, but I find most people in American to be woefully uninformed.
►They demand universal health care coverage.
Did they demand universal health care COVERAGE or just universal health care? There is a difference. Making sure everyone is allowed to buy health care insurance does not mean much if you have to pay 50% of your gross income to get it - and if you lose your income, it is gone.
RE: IMPEACHMENT
We passed state-wide resolutions to impeach bush and cheney in 2006. We also passed (again, at the state-level) resolutions that the NC House file articles of impeachment. In light of the fact that the NC House is a Democratic majority, one would think that a resolution such as this (passed in 2006) would see some action.
There has been NONE.
Maybe we should pass a resolution saying the elected Democrats should act on the resolutions passed?
Or would that be a waste of time also?
By the way, I had a petition to impeach at the Buncombe Country Democratic party meeting this morning, and the response there was WAY, WAY, WAY LESS THAN THE RESPONSE that I get on the streets of Asheville. The average person on the street "gets it" that if we do not try to impeach cheney and bush, we will likely not get our country and our constitution back.
Plus, the US funded and run genocide in the Middle East will continue.
Dancewater,
I must respectfully disagree with you on your first point you expressed, but agree with you on your other two points.
First of all, every academic study and even the U.S. Census reflects that Americans are "more-educated" than ever before. Merely look at the percentages of persons who now have earned post-secondary school education. The percentage of persons attending college and community college, and completing that education, is much greater than before. (I am still disturbed by the current number of high school drop-outs in NC, though.) As for the "more-informed" point, I agree that too many people remain apathetic and uninformed; however, with the advent of 24-7 cable/satellite news and the Internet and the explosion of journalistic publications of both the traditional and nontraditional types, Americans are more-informed, albeit ever slightly. We Americans should work on becoming more informed, and underscore the virtues of civic education.
Second, regarding healthcare vs. healthcare coverage, you made an excellent point.
Third, I share your frustration regarding impeachment. Yes, the NCDP passed the Statewide resolution regarding impeachment in 2006 and we DID IN FACT NOTIFY our Congressional delegation, our Democratic legislators, etc. We and the NCDP mailed out the resolution, along with the others. We also posted it and the others on our NCDP website. It is still there under "issues" and "resolutions" from 2006. Our elected Democrats have been bombarded even moreso about impeachment in recent months. With additional Bush-Cheney impeachable acts since 2006, we definitely need more intense pressure for impeachment proceedings to begin. But our majority Party in Congress has not chosen to act. As I have indicated in comments, if we Democrats - we Americans - do not proceed with impeachment in the Bush-Cheney situation then the whole purpose for any type of impeachment is decimated.
Please keep me posted on what you hear, and thank you for posting on Wayne's World!
I think historically, political, pragmatically, and almost every other way I can think of that calling for impeachment of the president or the vice president is not something our state party should be focusing on. We cringed at the Young Democrats of America convention when an "Impeach Cheney" resolution was floated. Luckily it never got anywhere.
For one, the country doesn't want it (do we have to go thru an impeachment that the country doesn't want again?). Two, at a time when we have two major wars, a few minor ones, as well as a few cold wars going on, this would freeze up our government (reading about the 9/11 Commission right now; imagine what the Clinton administration could have done to prevent terrorism if it didn't have impeachment 24/7). Three, it just makes our party look irrelevant. It's McGovern in '72 again.
...but impeaching AG Gonzalez? I'm fine with that.
HERE IS THE COMPLETE RESOLUTIONS DOCUMENT that has not been posted (but will be) on the NCDP website. This is also the document that every member of the State Executive Committee will receive as they enter the Aug 25th meeting. Per request I have also sent it to hundreds of persons by email. (The document, as a pdf or Word item, from page 2 through 16 is 2-columns and is formatted for easy reading.)
A Report from the
NORTH CAROLINA
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
PLATFORM
& RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
and its Statewide Regional Town Meetings
for the State Executive Meeting (Aug. 25, 2007)
Wayne Goodwin
Chairman
* * *
Members
T.E. Austin
Betty Chamberlain
Ginger Nelles
Richard O’Brien
Don Davis
Brad Thompson
Eric Lindblade
David Crawford
Roberta Waddle
Olma Echeverri
Judy Gilbert
Harold Hairston (resigned)
Linda Watson
Michael Lawson
Barbara Faison
Jennifer Wadsworth
Ricardo Velasquez
Reva McNair
Zach Hawkins
Laura DeCastro
Pat Patton
Stephanie Kornegay
Doris Dees
Bunny Sanders
…
Locations of Regional Town Meetings
Asheville
Charlotte
Durham
Fayetteville
Greenville
New Bern
Raleigh (2)
Wilmington
Windsor
Winston-Salem
Initial Categories of Resolutions
►Aging and Senior Services
►Campaign Finance Reforms / Democracy in Elections
►Children, Youth & Families
►Energy, Conservation, the Environment, & Climate Change
►Constitutional Rights
►Crime, Punishment, Courts, Justice & Public Safety
►Democratic Party Governance
►Economic Development
►Education
►Faith & Religion Freedom
►Foreign Policy
►Growth
►Healthcare, Human Services & Mental Health
►Immigration
►Impeachment of the President and Vice President
►Labor, Wages & Employment
►Lottery
►Memorials
►Military & Veterans Affairs
►Miscellaneous
►Security
►Taxation
►Transportation
* * * * *
Methodology
The P&R Committee received 190+ resolutions from across the State after precinct meetings, county conventions and district conventions earlier this year. More than 180 persons attended the eleven (11) town meetings. Pursuant to the Plan of Organization, precedent established by the P&R Committee over the course of several years and ratified by the N.C. Democratic Party and input from interested Democrats, we developed the following methodology for this Report to the State Executive Committee Meeting set for 25 August 2007:
●All submitted resolutions – both recommended and not recommended - are available online via limited access only. Contact Jerimee Richir at NCDP HQ, jrichir@ncdp.org.
●All resolutions recommended by the P&R Committee are available online. Follow the directions on the home page at www.ncdp.org. These are the same resolutions appearing in this packet.
●Of the recommended resolutions, the number assigned to it corresponds with the number of the resolution in the complete universe of resolutions received. It is recommended that persons reference a resolution either by its number or its category.
●At the end of each resolution is a bracketed item which indicates which Congressional districts passed the same or similar resolution, to the best of our tracking ability. A bold asterisk (*) indicates that an item was deemed a legislative priority for the 2008 legislative session. Those only affect matters within the purview of State action.
●Any resolution already covered by the current NCDP Platform was deemed ineligible and marked “P”.
●Any resolution which was a duplicate of another one submitted this year was deemed ineligible and marked “D”.
●Any resolution otherwise not recommended by the P&R Committee was marked “NR”. Reasons for not recommending a resolution include incompleteness, conflict with the current NCDP Platform or the Plan of Organization, etc.
●Any resolution that had become out of date by the time of its consideration by the P&R Committee was deemed moot and, thus, ineligible and marked with an “M”. One example: If the legislature had already adopted a requested measure.
●A resolution that did not fit into any of the above categories and which was deemed a priority this year for the NC Democratic Party was marked either “PR-A” or “PR-B”. All PR-A resolutions are those that are recommended for placement on a Consent Agenda for the State Executive Committee Meeting. Those marked as PR-B were recommended for Discussion and Debate by the full State Executive Committee meeting, but were not recommended for the consent agenda. The latter resolutions appear in their entirety.
* * * * *
CONSENT AGENDA
Campaign Finance Reform /
Democracy in Elections
7. A Resolution In Support of Reversing the Law that Banned the United States Public Housing Agency to Restore and Provide Resident Voting Activity Transportation
Therefore, Be It Resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party supports a change to SEC. 224 Section 9(g) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437(g), as amended by the 108th Congress by S.2825 in December 2004, such that the following subsection is deleted "(4) LIMITATION ON ELECTION ACTIVITIES", and thus restoring transportation services for voting activities, as stated in the original statutes. [2]
8. A Resolution In Support of Re-affirmation of the Voting Rights Act and the Party’s Support of Encouraging Minority Elections in Minority-Majority Districts
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of the North Carolina Democratic Party, do hereby endorse and adopt the intentions of the federal legislature, the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, the NC Legislature, and other subdivisions of government to enable minorities to obtain elected representation in “minority-majority” voting districts. [3]
13. A Resolution In Continuing Opposition to DRE Voting Machines in NC Elections and in Continuing Support of a Mandatory Paper Ballot
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party calls on the state’s Legislature to protect the voting rights of the citizens of North Carolina by maintaining legislation requiring all voting machines used in any election in North Carolina to provide for a Voter-marked paper ballot that is counted either by an Optical Scanner or by Hand, to be saved by the Board of Elections to ensure the validity of the voters intent and for use in the event of a recount. [4]
Conservation, Energy, the Environment,
and Climate Change
21. A Resolution In Support of Preserving the Visual Delights Around Us
RESOLVED, to strengthen the penalty for littering; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to consider legislation for bottle deposits; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to consider policies such as providing a small credit for bringing plastic bags for disposal. [2, 4, 13] *
23. A Resolution In Support of the General Assembly Combating Climate Change through Building Design
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Democratic Party calls upon the North Carolina General Assembly to recognize the imperative of immediately addressing climate change through the buildings built within the state by revising the state Building Code to insure that all new buildings, major renovations and additions be required to consume 50% less fossil fuel energy than is typically consumed.
Years Reduction in non-renewable energy
2007 – 2010 50%
2010 – 2015 60%
2015 – 2020 70%
2020 – 2025 80%
2025 – 2030 90%
2030+ 100%
Further Be It Resolved, that in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change associated with the operation of buildings and to reduce greenhouse gas levels to those experienced in 1990, we additionally call upon the North Carolina General Assembly to include in the state Building Code required improvements in the energy efficiency of our building designs at the following rates until, in 2030, our buildings consume only site-generated and/or purchased renewable energy. [4] *
26. A Resolution In Support of Fire Safety at Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party strongly urges our various levels of government representatives to do all in their power to urge Progress Energy and the NRC to swiftly bring the plant into strict compliance with the NRC's fire safety regulations. [4]
30. A Resolution in Opposition to the OLF
Be it Resolved, that we call upon our elected officials to voice strong opposition to the Navy’s proposed Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in Washington and Beaufort Counties in eastern North Carolina, and that we call upon the entire North Carolina Congressional Delegation – all of our US Representatives and US Senators - to withhold funding for the any and all phases of this project, including, but not limited to, land acquisition and OLF construction. [4]
35. A Resolution In Opposition to Sale of Federally Owned Forest Lands in North Carolina
Whereas: The citizens and conservationists of North Carolina believe that forest management, water quality, fish and wildlife and the quality of life would be adversely impacted by the sale of federally owned forest lands in Western North Carolina.
Be It Therefore Resolved: That North Carolina Democrats hereby express their strong opposition to the proposal of selling federally-owned forest lands in North Carolina by the federal government.
Be It Further Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to both North Carolina senators and to all Congressional representatives in North Carolina. [11]
37. Resolution in Support of Solid Waste Reform
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party supports solid waste reform in NC that includes aggressive promotion of household and commercial recycling, mandatory (by statute) recycling on state, county and municipal properties in order to reduce the need for landfills; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all private landfills shall be subject to environmental review by DENR. [6,8,13] *
38. Resolution in Opposition to Cutting Trees Around Billboards
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina opposes any legislation or statute that would allow for increased tree cutting around existing or new billboards; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that taxpayer money should not be used for such a purpose; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a compromise position should consider replacing any trees cut for billboards by planting new trees of the same potential size and type in another location and that the cost of such planting and subsequent maintenance and care (watering, etc) should be incurred by the owner of the billboard or the owner of the land. [6, 13]
53. A Resolution For Ensuring Public Access to Renourished Beaches
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that precedence must be given to public access for all the people of North Carolina over private development whenever a change of policy is considered. [13] *
Constitutional Rights
56. A Resolution Calling for the Protection of Civil Liberties and Opposing the Unconstitutional Provisions of the USA Patriot Act of 2001
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Democratic Party declares and affirms that the USA Patriot Act, and a number of recent federal Executive Orders, contain provisions which taken together, constitute an assault with few historic precedents upon the civil liberties and human rights established for the people of the United States of America; and
Be it further resolved that the Democratic Party maintains that the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, is the ultimate legal authority whenever its provisions conflict with those of the USA Patriot Act, or federal Executive Orders; and
Be it further resolved that the Democratic Party urges Congress to repeal the provisions of the USA Patriot Act that violate civil rights or liberties as specified in the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, or the North Carolina Constitution and urges appropriate officials in the federal government to repeal related executive and military orders and directives that erode our civil liberties; and
Be it further resolved That the Democratic Party urges the Governor of North Carolina and the General Assembly carefully to review and evaluate the USA Patriot Act in light of infringements of the rights and liberties of North Carolina citizens and non-citizens. [1] *
57. A Resolution In Support of Requiring Government Entities To Pay Citizen Legal Expenses for Enforcing Open Meetings / Open records Law
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party supports changing North Carolina law to require that when any North Carolina government entity, board, or related group refuses to conform to Open Meetings and/or Public Records Statutes and when a citizen complains that violations of said statutes have occurred and a lawsuit against the governmental body is successful, in full or in part, in which the court declares that said body violated the Open Meetings and/or Public Records Statutes, the court must require that the responsible government pay any and all legal expenses incurred by the citizen plaintiff in bringing this lawsuit.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the board or plaintiff desire, any decision-making found by the court to have been conducted out of compliance with Open Meetings and/or Open Records Laws shall be revisited for rehearing and fresh decision-making. [2, 4]
59. A Resolution of Continued Support for Roe v. Wade and Reproductive Justice
Whereas, the recent appointment of two conservative judges to the U.S. Supreme Court makes it likely that Roe v. Wade will be weakened or repealed; and
Resolved, that as the federal support for reproductive justice is taken away, that the North Carolina Democratic Party strongly encourages the North Carolina General Assembly to pass legislation to ensure that our state still affords its people reproductive justice with no net loss of rights or the practical ability to exercise those rights. [2, 4, 13]
60. A Resolution In Support of Revised Access of Military Recruiters to Secondary Schools
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urge our representatives in congress to amend the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act and Section 9528 of the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB) of 2002 to return to school boards and parents the right to decide to grant, limit, or withhold access to military recruiters without the threat of loss of federal funding. [4]
61. A Resolution In Support of Continued Domestic Partner Benefits
Resolved, that the Democratic Party urges the North Carolina General Assembly to enact legislation that provides for and protects domestic partner benefits (including for same-sex partners) in life and in death (including but not limited to legal validation of a long-term relationship, medical and legal visitation rights, protection of property rights and the ability to file joint insurance polices, access to social security and inheritance after a partners death), and protects children/parent relationships in all types of families (including but not limited to providing joint parenting rights for school and medical records and visitation rights for non-biological children). [2, 4, 13]
Crime, Punishment,
Justice & Courts
70. A Resolution In Support of Ending United States Sponsorship of Torture
RESOLVED That the North Carolina Democratic Party call on the leadership of the United States government to eradicate current torture practices by the United States, and to charge [former] United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, former Central Intelligence Agency director George Tenet, and United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales with aiding, abetting, ordering, and conspiring to commit the illegal physical and psychological torture of detainees in the custody of the United States in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo, as well as secret United States-controlled prison facilities elsewhere, and further charge these officials with the illegal transport, or extraordinary rendition, of certain detainees to countries known for their systematic torture of prisoners; and be it further
RESOLVED That the United States live up completely to the articles of the Geneva Convention; and be it further
RESOLVED That the Democratic Party of North Carolina calls North Carolina’s Congressional delegation, Governor Michael Easley, and the North Carolina legislature to support proposed legal restraints and to ban the United States policies and practices of torture, including the transport of detainees of the Central Intelligence Agency by hiring Aero Contractors, situated in Smithfield and Kinston, North Carolina, through appropriate and immediate legislative restraints. [2, 11]
71. A Resolution In Support of Repealing the Military Commissions Act of 2006
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party calls on the Congress of the United States to repeal the Military Commissions Act. [4]
79. A Resolution in Support of Maintaining the Insurance Commissioner’s Role as Guardian of Consumers and Advocate for a Viable, Low-Cost Insurance Market
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party hereby calls for the defeat of any legislation that would eliminate North Carolina's Commissioner of Insurance from the rate-setting authority (which are presently subject to legal challenges by the insurance industry), and would allow insurance companies writing insurance policies for automobile, homeowners, and workers' compensation to automatically allow increases in insurance rates (making them subject to legal challenges by the Insurance Commissioner).
FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party firmly believes that shifting the burden of proof from the insurance industry to the Commissioner of Insurance is a dramatic change in the law that will enable insurance carriers to charge basically whatever they want, and that this shifting of the burden of proof will also put the costs of legal challenges on the State - that is, the taxpayers - rather than on insurance companies.
MOREOVER, BE IT RESOLVED that such legislation, if passed, would sharply restrict the ability of the Insurance Commissioner to protect the State's consumers and small businesses, disrupting a rate-setting system that has worked well for decades.
AND, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party expresses its opposition to Senate Bill 901 and House Bill 1430 as drafted and strongly encourages the Democratic legislative delegation to do all in its power to oppose and defeat this legislation or any other legislation like it – in the 2008 session and in any future session. The measures sought by proponents of these changes do nothing except guarantee insurance premium increases for most consumers and small businesses, and strip the Insurance Commissioner of his authority. [7, 8, 10, 11 (and more than 25 individual county conventions)] *
Economic Development
82a. A Resolution In Support of an
Economic Development Grant Program for NC’s 20th Lowest-Wealth Rural Counties
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the NC Democratic Party will support legislation to establish the NC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM FOR 20TH LOWEST-WEALTH RURAL COUNTIES, including a $20,000,000 budget allocation each year for 5 years;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the legislation will include criteria for awarding grants and selection of eligible counties and distribution of funds based on a formula that includes: % of low-income residents, number of children eligible for free lunch; rate of unemployment; % of budget that is required for the county’s share of Medicaid; number of families eligible for food stamps, tax rate; previous assistance from the State and reward points for the counties whose contribution to education as it relates to the state average.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that all county Democratic Party organizations of the NC Democratic Party will fully support this legislation, whether their county is included or not, because the NC Democratic Party, has always supported those in greatest need. [Scotland County, 8] *
Education
87. A Resolution to Ensure Medically and Factually Accurate Comprehensive Sex Education
Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urges the General Assembly to ensure that North Carolina public school students receive medically and factually accurate comprehensive sex education; and be it further
Resolved, that each County board of education is hereby called upon to implement a comprehensive sex education curriculum. [2, 4, 13] *
91. A Resolution in Support of Qualified In-State Tuition for Minor Children Brought to NC By Undocumented Parents
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party supports legislation that establishes in-state tuition rates to our public institutions of higher education for children who are high school students carrying a 2.7 GPA and who have met the one-year North Carolina residency requirement, but who happen to be the children of undocumented persons. [6, 13]
95. A Resolution Calling Upon the Legislature to Enact a Law Making the Superintendent of Public Instruction the Chairman of the State Board of Education
RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urges the North Carolina General Assembly to enact a law making the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction the chair of the State Board of Education. [2, 4, 13] *
Foreign Policy
97. A Resolution In Opposition to the School of the Americas (WHINSEC)
BE IT RESOLVED: That the North Carolina Democratic Party urges its Congressional delegation to convince Congress to suspend operations at the School of the Americas, renamed WHINSEC, and investigate the history of human rights abuses and failed policies of the institution. [11]
102. A Resolution In Favor of Democratic Party Efforts to Restore America’s Image Internationally
Be It Resolved: That the North Carolina Democratic Party, through its elected representatives, will embark on goodwill building missions to as many nations as possible to regain faith in America’s image and our commitment to human rights starting with Cuba and Venezuela. [1, 2, 4, 11]
106. A Resolution in Opposition to New Rounds of “Free Trade” agreements and In Support of “Fair Trade” Agreements
Therefore Be It Resolved, the North Carolina Democratic Party calls on its Congressional delegation to oppose dangerous new “Free” Trade agreements being prepared with Peru, Colombia, Panama, and South Korea and instead to seek fair trade agreements. [4]
107. A Resolution In Support of Ending Mercenary Deployment
Be it therefore resolved, that Congress immediately and completely defund and the executive disband these mercenary forces,
Further Resolved, that Congress make the deployment of such forces inside the United States illegal. [2, 4]
Growth
109. A Resolution in Support of Smart Growth for North Carolina
RESOLVED, that the cost of continuous growth in North Carolina be addressed by impact fees and land transfer fees, as opposed to a regressive sales tax and ad valorem taxes only. [2, 4, 13]
Healthcare, Human Services
& Mental Health
111. A Resolution In Support of Recommendations of the Party’s Health Commission
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the State Party endorses the report from the Health Commission based upon the following principles: (a) that every person has the right to access affordable and appropriate health care; (b) that prevention is a priority in our health care system; (c) that health care coverage must not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, income, occupation, employment status, age, gender, geography, pre-existing conditions, disability, or sexual orientation; (d) that our system must be built upon partnerships among public health, health care funders, providers, businesses, and consumers; (e) that consumers have the right and responsibility to participate in his or her own care, and in a therapeutic relationship with licensed health care providers according to ethical and professional standards of care, informed by clinical and scientific evidence; and
Be it further resolved, we urge the Governor and the Secretary of Heath and Human Services to develop an ongoing commitment to adequately funding the system transformation, strengthen the provider community through the development of small business initiatives in the human services field, and develop an interdepartmental/interagency “fast track” taskforce to address implementation issues including private human service providers as full partners in the process;
Be it further resolved that we urge the passage of legislation designed to offer parity for mental health and substance abuse services in health insurance throughout the state. [1]
119. A Resolution In Support of Further Protections From Domestic Violence
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the NC Democratic Party calls upon the Legislature to strengthen the current laws regarding domestic violence by providing additional funding for services and programs designed to protect those affected, requiring additional training and education for law enforcement personnel, providing education on domestic violence throughout the school years, including anger management and alternatives to violence, and tightening and enforcing gun control laws pertaining to domestic violence. [1, 4]
120. A Resolution In Favor of Restoring the Rate for Mental Health Service Providers in North Carolina
Be It Therefore Resolved: That the North Carolina Democratic Party immediately contact Governor Mike Easley urging him to restore the previous rate, stabilize the system, and encourage community providers and mental health recipients in planning a way forward that strengthens our fragile mental health system. [11]
123a. A Resolution In Support of the Right to Government-Funded Healthcare by Military Families
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party supports a policy of providing current military personnel, veterans, spouses and children up to age 25 health care through the U.S. government. [13]
127. A Resolution In Support of the North Carolina Medical Protection Act
BE IT RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party calls upon the state Democratic legislative delegation to sponsor legislation establishing the North Carolina Medical Protection Act. If this bill passes, it shall serve to protect a North Carolina citizen’s primary residence (valued up to $250,000.00) from lien placement, seizure, or forced sale by hospitals and/or medical providers as a means of settling medical debt for which the debtor/homeowner has no other means to pay. [2]
130. A Resolution in Support of Medicaid Funding for Circumcision of Newborns
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party supports NC Medicaid payment for all circumcisions as requested by parents of newborn males in the State of North Carolina in order to reduce future HIV transmission, improve the future health of the population and reduce future health care costs related to HIV infection. [6, 13]
134. A Resolution to Require Hospitals to Offer and Dispense Emergency Contraception (EC) to Victims of Rape and Incest
RESOLVED that the NC General Assembly should require all emergency rooms in NC Hospitals that receive public funding to offer and dispense emergency contraception on-site to victims of rape or incest. [2, 4, 13]
137. A Resolution In Support of Proper Inmate Mental Health
NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that the State of North Carolina provide adequate access to mental health services for all inmates requiring said services. [2, 4, 13]
138. A Resolution In Support of Broader Mental Health Parity and the Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act
Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urges the North Carolina delegation in the U.S. Congress to take a strong stand for mental health parity. We ask them to demand that the House and Senate leadership bring the issue to a floor vote; and,
Be It Further Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urges the General Assembly to pursue legislation mandating insurance companies with policyholders in this State to provide broader insurance coverage for mental health disorders equivalent to coverage for physical illnesses and surgery, including dollar limits, day or visit limits, co-insurance, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, bolstering the gains made in this area in the 2007 session. [2,4,13]
Immigration
141. A Resolution In Support of Immigration Reform
Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party calls for
1. International efforts designed to create conditions so that people do not have to leave their homes out of necessity through revised policies on trade, international economic aid, debt relief, and other types of economic programs that result in people not having to migrate in order to survive
2. A reduction of the visa application backlog and the provision under law for more available visas for family reunification purposes.
3. An end to the incarceration of care giving parents of U.S. Citizens for civil violations of the Immigration laws pending hearings on status.
4. Sensitive and evenhanded consideration for refugee settlement in the United States of those persons who are in danger of retaliation for their part as employees of the United States and/or their support of U.S. Policies.
5. A temporary worker program that includes:
a. Path to permanent residency which is achievable/verifiable
b. Family unity which allows immediate family members to join workers
c. Job portability which allows workers to change employers
d. Labor protections which apply to U.S. workers
e. Enforcement mechanisms and resources to enforce worker’s rights
f. Wages and benefits which do not undercut domestic workers
g. Mobility between the U.S. and a workers homeland, and within the U.S.
6. Opportunities for those without proper immigration documentation to obtain legalization.
7. A careful consideration and action by the Congress of the United States as to the legal rights and constitutional protections that pertain to all persons residing in the United States.
8. Restoration of due process and recognition of basic Human Rights for everyone irrespective of immigration status by the Citizenship and Immigration Service of the Department of Homeland Security. [1, 4]
142. A Resolution In Support of Establishing a Policy on Arrest for Civil Immigration Violation
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urges that no county in North Carolina enter into a memorandum of agreement with any agency to enforce immigration laws or take any other action that might result in racial profiling or create a climate of fear and hostility for any community in the County; and
Be it further resolved, that the Party asks that municipal governments in the State refuse to enter into memoranda of agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws; and
Be it further resolved, that the Party urges all law enforcement jurisdictions adopt the policy to arrest or take into custody a person only when such person is known to have committed a criminal felony violation; and
Be it further resolved, that the Party urges that this resolution be forwarded to all law enforcement agencies and elected officials in North Carolina. [4]
Impeachment of the President
and Vice President
147. A Resolution for Impeachment of Vice President Cheney and President Bush
Whereas, the President of the United States, George Walker Bush, and the Vice-President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, on and prior to September 11, 2001 did fail to take action to counter a threat to the security and safety of the citizens of the United States of which they knew or should have known, resulting in the deaths of over 3,000 American citizens; and
Whereas, the President of the United States, George Walker Bush, and the Vice-President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, did violate their oaths of office to support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, by instituting secret surveillance programs against American citizens in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, Title 50 Chapter 36 United States Code Section 1801, et Seq.; and
Whereas, the President of the United States, George Walker Bush, and the Vice-President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, in violation of their oaths of office to support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, have authorized secret detentions and torture of individuals believed to be enemies of the United States in violation of national and international law and Whereas, they have authorized the prolonged and unlimited detention of so called "enemy combatants" in detention facilities on American soil in violation of Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; and
Whereas, the President of the United States, George Walker Bush, did start and engage in illegal wars in both Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia without obtaining a formal declaration of war from the Congress of the United States as required by Article I Section 8 of the Constitution of the United States; and
Whereas, the President of the United States, George Walker Bush, and the Vice-President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, have permitted members of their cabinet and administration to enrich themselves and upon information and belief have enriched themselves from the aforementioned wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia; and
Whereas, the President of the United States, George Walker Bush, and the Vice-President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, attained and took the oaths of the high offices they now occupy as a result of two fraudulent elections; and
Whereas, the President of the United States, George Walker Bush, and the Vice-President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, conspired with each other, other members of the cabinet and members of the Republican Party to entice and/or extort United States Attorneys to bring false charges against members of the Democratic Party in order to influence elections, and fired those who refused to violate their ethics, their oaths of office, and their professional obligations;
Be It Resolved, impeachment proceedings be brought in the US House of Representatives against the aforementioned President of the United States George Walker Bush and the Vice-President of the United States Richard B. Cheney. [2, 4, 5]
Labor, Wages & Employment
150. A Resolution In Support of Creating a Jobs Program
Therefore be it resolved, that the NC Democratic Party support the establishment and funding to provide a job training program reminiscent of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). [5]
153a. A Resolution In Support of Collective Bargaining for State Employees
RESOLVED, That the Democratic Party in North Carolina supports the repeal of G.S. 95-98, and the Democratic Party officials will urge the Democratic members of the North Carolina General Assembly to support House Bill 1583 of the 2007 Session (and in future sessions) which will repeal this antiquated law, and be it further
RESOLVED, That all members of the Democratic Party in North Carolina contact their North Carolina legislators and ask them to repeal G.S. 95-98. [1,4,5,6] *
Lottery
157. A Resolution In Support of Ensuring that Lottery Profits Are Used for Education
RESOLVED, that a constitutional amendment be passed that guarantees that all lottery profits be used only for education, in addition to the normal State appropriation for education. [2, 4, 13] *
Military & Veterans Affairs
162. A Resolution in Support Of Our Returning Troops
Now, therefore, be it resolved that we as a Nation support our returning troops by a re-allocation of a substantial proportion of the funding requested by the Defense Department for the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and fully fund restoration, expansion, and improvement of treatment and ongoing, lifetime health care for servicemen and women who serve in these conflicts, and initiation of a comprehensive medical research program on traumatic brain injuries; and
Be it further resolved that these funds support the following: (a) the early and full integration of injured soldiers with their families and their home communities, (b) extensive renovations and expansion of health service facilities (c) full staffing of qualified medical and rehabilitation personnel, and (d) the construction of new regional VA facilities and upgrading of existing VA facilities throughout the country, with full-scale outpatient care units, educational and job retraining staff, and family counseling units; and
Be it further resolved that soldiers with psychiatric diagnoses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and brain injuries be offered the same standard of care and respect given to those with physical injuries; and
Be it further resolved that the recent practice of privatizing (outsourcing) staff and professional positions in the Army and VA Hospitals (including physicians and case managers) be abolished and the staff of these health care institutions remains Government employees of US Military and Veterans Health Administration;
Be it further resolved that the decision of the Bush administration to close Walter Reed Hospital be reversed and all necessary repairs, modernizations and expansions be fully funded and expedited in order to return the institution to its stature exemplifying the highest standards of medical and surgical practices and patient care that our returning troops deserve. [1, 4, 5]
163. A Resolution in Favor of Improved Medical Treatment for Our Wounded Service Personnel
Whereas: United States troops, in all military branches, have not been adequately or appropriately supported by this administration, in field or afterwards.
Be It Therefore Resolved: That
1. We demand that the Administration immediately provide medically adequate treatment of all wounded troops in medically appropriate settings, to the degree and extent as medically indicated by at least two qualified physicians.
2. We demand that the Department of Defense and the Veteran's Administration cease and desist in its efforts to limit or minimize the diagnosis and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in troops in field or in the United States.
We strongly encourage that the U.S. Congress appropriate adequate funds for the implementation of these two items. [11]
163a. A Resolution In Support of Initiatives to Combat Increased Rates of Child Homicide and Maltreatment in Military-Affiliated Communities
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party calls upon the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct additional child maltreatment studies to determine the effects of high-operational tempos and deployments on child homicides and maltreatment within the military community;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Party calls upon the DOD to begin studies on the present effectiveness of the service delivery models being utilized and determine which service strategies for prevention, treatment, and support are lacking or are inadequate in order to establish more effective strategies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Party supports immediate decentralization of services during these periods of high-operational tempos and/or deployments. To enhance service utilization, outreach services are to be provided in neighborhood-based locations on installations and in surrounding densely-populated areas of activated reserves/guard and active duty residents. It also supports health provider initiated outreach in the form of family contacts to offer Well-Family visits; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urges Congress to provide all necessary funding to support future studies and provide immediate enhanced support services. [Cumberland]
163b. A Resolution In Support of the North Carolina Democratic Party Leading the Way in Community-Based Projects that Aid Military Families
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that members and auxiliaries of the North Carolina Democratic Party, in recognition of the continued sacrifice of members of the United States military and their families, will seek to participate in, support, and sponsor community-based activities and projects in 2007 and 2008 that help, aid, and truly support the troops and their families. [Cumberland]
Miscellaneous
165. A Resolution In Support of Improving Audio Volume of Outgoing Telephone Messages
Therefore be it resolved, that all governmental and private organizations with more than five employees be required to have a universally compatible means allowing the hearing impaired individual increase the organization's outgoing audio volume to prevent a significant segment of the population from becoming left out of essential communications. [5]
Taxation
176. A Resolution in Opposition to Unwise Tax Cuts
Whereas President Bush’s tax cuts require the cutting of billions of dollars in aid for poor families, and
Whereas the total estate-tax elimination being pushed by the president and the Republican Party intends to reward the super rich even more,
Now therefore be it resolved that the Democratic Party strongly opposes making these tax cuts permanent. [5]
Transportation
182. A Resolution in Support of Light Rails, Amtrak and a Unified Passenger Rail Policy
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party
1) Commends the General Assembly and the NCDOT Rail Division for making North Carolina one of the Nation’s leaders in state-level planning, funding and implementation of improved train service and looks forward to continued leadership and expanded, more frequent train service;
2) Supports the continued construction of light rail and commuter rail in the state’s major metropolitan areas;
3) Condemns the Bush Administration for its shortsightedness in calling for the elimination of long-distance trains like the ones that serve North Carolina;
4) Calls upon the North Carolina Democratic delegation in the United States Congress to push for increased funding for Amtrak, for a federal-state matching grant program to support the construction of new intercity rail routes, and for legislation prioritizing the on-time performance of Amtrak trains on private railroads;
5) Urges the swift completion of the Southeast High-Speed Rail (SEHSR) project to link Richmond, Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte to the high-speed Northeast Corridor; and,
6) Endorses the American Passenger Rail Agreement, which urges Congress to develop a unified passenger rail policy for the 21st Century. [6, 13] *
183. A Resolution in Support of Impact Studies Regarding Residential Construction Close to Major Highways
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the North Carolina Democratic Party urges the City/Town Councils as well as the County Boards of Commissioners and the respective planning boards of the State:
• To include health risks associated with living close to major highways as a factor in town planning, and
• To consider enacting effective zoning to discourage residential construction close to major highways, and
• To weigh the health risks associated with living close to major highways when new highways or highway widenings are proposed for existing built environments. [4]
185. A Resolution In Support of Abolishing the N.C. Turnpike Authority
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the North Carolina Democratic Party calls for the abolishment of the NC Turnpike Authority and a return to transportation financing proposals that would not unduly burden lower and middle income families. [2, 13] *
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DISCUSSION & DEBATE
Campaign Finance Reform /
Democracy In Elections
1. A Resolution in Support of Designating Election Day as a State Holiday
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Democratic Party is committed to election rules that promote maximum voter participation and calls for Voter-Owned elections in its platform, in the last two SEC meetings, and in the last state Convention;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Governor of North Carolina designate Election Day as a State Holiday to encourage maximum voter participation. [1, 4] *
10. A Resolution In Support of Ending the Winner-Take-All System of Awarding Presidential Electors
WHEREAS, the current Democratic Party Platform calls for the proportional allocation of Presidential Electors; and
WHEREAS, over the last eight (8) presidential elections, the candidates who won NC’s electoral votes received, on average, only 53.6% of the popular vote; and
WHEREAS, a system of awarding presidential electors proportionally would reflect the popular vote more closely than the current “winner-take-all” system and therefore be more democratic; and
WHEREAS, a majority of Americans support electing the President by popular vote; and
WHEREAS, the US Constitution gives the NC General Assembly the power to choose the method by which NC presidential electors are awarded;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2008 General Assembly to introduce and/or support a bill to implement a system of proportional allocation of Presidential Electors in time for its use in the 2008 Presidential election. [4, 5, 11] *
Energy, Conservation, the Environment & Climate Change
25. A Resolution In Support of the Creation of an Energy Science Center of North Carolina (ESCNC)
WHEREAS, the sustainable production and use of energy is critical for all sectors of North Carolina’s (not to mention the world’s) economy; from agriculture, and manufacturing, to advanced biological and materials technology; and
WHEREAS, every home, office, school and factory is dependent on safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy; and
WHEREAS, to meet these energy needs in an environmentally sound manner new science and technology must be developed, and students (both traditional and life long learning) must be educated to discover and implement such science and technology; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina, with its higher education assets from Research Universities to strong Community Colleges, the Research Triangle Park, strong financial institutions and its industrious people, has created a climate that can foster the transformation of fundamental science to practical use while creating high-tech employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the issue of energy production, conservation and sustainability is already receiving National attention and North Carolina can and must remain competitive in this area; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Democratic Party of North Carolina calls upon the Governor and Legislature to facilitate a consortium of state, university and business/investment leaders to create an Energy Science Center of North Carolina (ESCNC) to invest in ground breaking scientific research, the education of students, and the building of University/Private/Government partnerships in order to make North Carolina a national leader in Energy Science and Technology. [2, 4, 13]
27. A Resolution of Support for 306 Acre Destination Park on the Dix Campus
WHEREAS, Dorothea Dix dedicated her life to those with mental illness and whose kindness and concern for others inspired the establishment of the first mental health hospital in North Carolina in 1850; and
WHEREAS, with the closing of Dorothea Dix Hospital at the end of 2008, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect the remaining 306 acres on the Dix campus and preserve it as a world-class destination park; and
WHEREAS, preserving the historic buildings located on the Dix campus for future public use respects the legacy of the past and promotes future opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the preservation of 306 acres as a destination park ensures the well-being of future generations, our economic stability and our quality of life; and
WHEREAS, 306 acres will not come close to being enough green space for North Carolina’s quickly growing and expanding population; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina prides itself in balancing progress with preservation; making North Carolina a great place to live and work; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Democratic Party expresses support of the land use plan that preserves the 306 acres of the Dix Campus as a world-class destination park for all of NC; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Democratic Party encourage all elected officials to endorse and support this plan to preserve the 306 acres on the Dorothea Dix Campus as a world-class destination park. [2, 4, 13] *
50. A Resolution In Support of Shaping North Carolina’s Energy Future
WHEREAS, North Carolina is at a critical energy crossroads,
WHEREAS, applications for the construction of new nuclear and coal generating plants are being submitted,
WHEREAS, comprehensive energy conservation and efficiency policies can potentially reduce or replace the need for new nuclear and coal generating plants,
WHEREAS, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass are becoming economically competitive with conventional, more polluting generating technologies,
WHEREAS, the current rate structure rewards electricity production only, and not energy saved,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Carolina Legislature shall pass legislation mandating significant increases in renewable energy use as quickly as possible, coupled with energy conservation measures producing significant decreases in energy demand, and that incentives to utilities be adjusted to make demand reduction as attractive as new generation facilities.
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that no licenses be issued for new nuclear or coal generating plants until it is clear that renewable energy sources and demand reduction will not fully meet demand. [2, 4, 11, 13]
Foreign Policy
99. A Resolution In Opposition to US or Surrogate Military Action Against IRAN
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party strongly urges its Congressional delegation to vote against all military-related appropriations bills unless they include a provision to the effect:
"None of the Funds herein appropriated under this act may be expended to support directly or indirectly combat activities in or over Iran by United States forces or its surrogate forces, and no other funds heretofore appropriated under any other act may be expended for such purposes, unless the United States or its allies have been attacked by Iran."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the North Carolina Democratic Party also asks its Congressional delegation to vote against any resolution that authorizes war or aggression toward Iran, either directly by the United States or indirectly through U.S. military or economic support of surrogate actions, unless the United States or its allied have been attacked by Iran. [2]
100. A Resolution in Support of Withdrawing from the War in Iraq
WHEREAS, the United States is engaged in a prolonged war within the nation of Iraq; and
WHEREAS, more than 3,200 American military men and women have given their lives in the war in Iraq since commencement of operations in 2003; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the war has exceeded $400 billion in Congressional appropriations, in addition to other immeasurable costs; and
WHEREAS, the conflict continues and the cost is escalating;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party supports a withdrawal from Iraq within one year to prevent further loss of lives and further economic damage. [2, 6, 13]
104. A Resolution to Withhold Further Funding of the War in Iraq and to Safely Redeploy American Troops
WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority (71%) of Iraqis would like U.S. forces to exit the country within a year; and
WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority (72%) of American troops serving in Iraq think the U.S. should exit the country within the next year, and more than one in four say the troops should leave immediately; and
WHEREAS, commentators, politicians, experts and the American public generally agree that the Democrats’ success in the 2006 mid-term elections was effectively a referendum on the War; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Democratic Party overwhelmingly passed a resolution at its State Executive Committee meeting on January 20th calling on Congressional leadership to vote for “… any and all resolutions consistent with an overall purpose of ending the occupation of Iraq, and starting the orderly redeployment and withdrawal of troops by the summer of 2007” and to oppose any funding not consistent with these goals; and
WHEREAS, President Bush is escalating the war in Iraq by sending 21,500 more troops instead of withdrawing troops from Iraq; and
WHEREAS, U.S. President George W. Bush submitted his budget for the next fiscal year to Congress, including requests of 235 billion dollars for both the current year and 2008 (93.4 billion dollars supplemental appropriations for 2007 and 141.7 billion dollars emergency appropriations for 2008 fiscal year starting October 1) to largely fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, the Pentagon currently has enough funding to redeploy troops safely from Iraq; and
WHEREAS, the only power Congress has to effectively represent the will of the people to pull out of Iraq by the end of the year is through the withholding or limiting the funds that make the war possible and the prohibition of funding for existing or prospective deployments; and
WHEREAS, Representative David Price is a ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party, in its deep gratitude and unalterable support for the dedication and bravery of our service men and women and their families, cannot stand idly by while even one more of our service men or women is killed or maimed by prolonging the senseless occupation policy of the Bush Administration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Democratic Party makes a formal public request to its Congressional delegation to vote against all appropriations bills that fund the war unless they include a provision to the effect of:
“None of the Funds herein appropriated under this act may be expended to support directly or indirectly combat activities in or over Iraq by United States forces, and after December 31, 2007, no other funds heretofore appropriated under any other act may be expended for such purposes;” and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Carolina General Assembly is hereby urged to pass a resolution asking the North Carolina Congressional delegation to oppose any further funding of the Iraq war. [2, 4, 13]
108b. A Resolution In Support of Candidates for National Office Publicly Expressing Their Renunciation of the Bush Doctrine’s Claim of Unilateral Rights to First-Strike Warfare
WHEREAS the Bush Administration, in September 2002, adopted a radical new National Security Strategy (Bush Doctrine) that proclaims unto itself the right to unilaterally first-strike other nations and sub-national groups , with impunity, in the name of self-defense,
WHEREAS the U.S. Congress and the American public acquiesced to the Bush Doctrine with scarce consideration or debate,
WHEREAS no other nation on earth is extended these same rights, nor does any claim them unto itself,
WHEREAS the Bush Doctrine provides political cover (and to a certain degree, legal cover) to the Bush Administration and its officials for its unilateral first-strike wars of choice,
WHEREAS most candidates for national office in last three election cycles – Democrats and Republicans alike – have avoided public consideration, for the most part, of the merits and/or dire perils associated with the Bush Doctrine and its implications for American security, peace, and prosperity,
WHEREAS the America public deserves to know how future leaders intend to project American military power and influence, as well as diplomatic initiatives,
WHEREAS the opportune time for Americans to expect to hear their national candidates speak to such issues as these is during an election season,
WHEREAS the U.S. Government has engaged, at times, in overt and covert activities intended to overthrow established governments in sovereign countries (often with dreadful unintended consequences),
WHEREAS Americans would never allow other nations to meddle in the selection or overthrow of our national leaders, or in the establishment of our government and laws,
WHEREAS the Bush Doctrine deserves a proper burial, so that it does not re-emerge again in time of crisis and fear,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the North Carolina Democratic Party wishes it known to all Democratic candidates for national office who shall appear on the primary ballot in North Carolina that these issues are important to us and that we expect each candidate to inform us of his/her opinions and intensions with respect to these policy issues and their implementation.
FURTHERMORE, North Carolina Democrats do not wish to endure another election cycle in which these most grave issues are considered too delicate for discussion.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the North Carolina Democratic Party chairperson is to appoint someone to deliver this Resolution to all national (Democratic) candidates who are to appear on the 2008 primary ballot in North Carolina. [8]
Healthcare, Human Services
and Mental Health
126. A Resolution In Opposition to Requiring Vaccination of Teen-Age Girls Against the Human Papillomavirus
WHEREAS: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases has not recommended a mandate for the Anti-Papillomavirus Vaccine for teen-age girls; and,
WHEREAS: The vaccine is too new to be required, not having been proved safe for the general population because there has not been enough time for proper evaluation of the vaccine; and,
WHEREAS: The vaccine is extremely costly: $120 for each dose of a three dose course of vaccine (a total of $360 to protect just one patient); and,
WHEREAS: There would be severe economic consequences to our State should it make the course of this vaccine mandatory, adding an additional burden to our State Public Health System; and,
WHEREAS: The effect of being expelled from school for non-compliance on students unable to afford the vaccine would be severe; and,
WHEREAS: HPV is not a contagious disease, but is, rather, sexually transmitted.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: That the North Carolina Democratic Party opposes making the vaccine against the Human Papillomavirus mandatory, but, instead, urge that it remain optional. [11]
Labor, Wages & Employment
151. A Resolution in Support of the Redevelopment of Dorothea Dix Hospital Facilities into a Skills Academy
RESOLVED, by the North Carolina Democratic Party that
1. North Carolina set into motion the necessary plans for the establishment of a skills academy in North Carolina that would prepare workers to compete in the global economy.
2. This skills academy be administered as a part of the Consolidated University System of North Carolina or of the Community College System. [2, 4, 13]
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