The Problem
We have reached a critical point in human history. Our economic practices are leading us on a slow, but steady, march toward ecological collapse, and inequalities in liberty, security, and material well-being have created a global climate of instability and conflict. These dangers are potentially catastrophic, but our institutions and leaders are not confronting them.
Although we have the knowledge to solve these problems, our political processes are incapable of producing the public policies that are required. Our political system has become increasingly more partisan and conflictive as reasoned debate has given way to shrill, simplistic, ideological appeals. Our political leaders are dependent upon the interest groups that finance their political campaigns; and far too often, our elected officials serve their financial supporters, not the public good. As a result, American politics has become a morass of political controversy that is a barrier to solving our most important—and persistent—long-term problems.
If we are to survive and prosper, our political system must be transformed so that responsible leaders are elected and chronic problems are addressed. Only then can America provide the necessary leadership for building effective international institutions to ensure that:
§ Weapons of mass destruction will never be used
§ Ecological sustainability will be assured
§ Economic health and human equality will be fostered
§ Human rights will be protected and extended
These goals are not utopian. They are necessary for human survival, and they are achievable.
Our Purpose
ReformDemocrats is unique. Our mission is to confront the long-term problems that our political system ignores, offer solutions for these problems, and work toward the enactment of our program. We are building an organization that will combine the strengths of a broadly oriented think tank, a policy advocacy group, and a political organization. Unlike single-issue interest groups, we are developing a coherent, integrated program for addressing our nation’s problems. And we are committed to politics for the long haul, not just the politics of the next election.
There is a desperate need for a political organization that will focus on the neglected, but critically important, long-term problems of our nation and planet. We will not duplicate the activities—or compete with—public interest groups and political organizations that share our values. They are fighting battles of enormous importance, and we are committed to working with them. However, these organizations tend to focus on single issues or current political campaigns and controversies. Their efforts need to be complemented by our focus on long-term policy goals.
Our Program
Our organizational focus is on American domestic politics, but we recognize that our most fundamental problems require global strategies for their solutions. We live in a global economy, and the well-being of all people depends on its successful functioning as well as the health of our planet’s interconnected ecosystems. Any program designed to solve our most basic long-term problems has to be global in its scope and comprehensive in its nature. And our national security requires international cooperation.
For too long, our political leaders have “solved” one problem by making other problems worse. The challenge of the future is to construct and enact a comprehensive and integrated program that leads to the solution of all our critical problems. To do this, we need to work toward achieving simultaneously:
The International Rule of Law. We favor a muscular multilateral strategy to create an effective system of international law, treaties, institutions, and agencies that can effectively (1) protect and repair the world’s ecosystems; (2) prevent terrorism and the use of weapons of enormous destructive power; (3) regulate the world’s economy in a manner that promotes ecologically sustainable economic growth without massive social suffering or economic breakdown; and (4) protect and expand human rights.
World Prosperity. It is in America’s interest to improve everyone’s standard of living and to support the social programs necessary for social stability and public well-being. We support the enactment and implementation of economic policies that will promote the growing purchasing power of all the world’s peoples. As the first step toward creating a global economy that benefits everyone, we will work toward restoring an American economy premised on prosperity for its working people. To further this goal, we are committed to: (1) a much more progressive and responsible federal tax system; (2) the enactment of regulatory policies necessary for economic stability and public well-being; (3) public provision of needed educational and social programs, and (4) an affordable healthcare system for all Americans.
Ecological Sustainability. The reconciliation of global capitalism with environmental protection and public prosperity is central to the ReformDemocrat program. We are dedicated to: (1) ending public subsidies for economic activities that degrade the environment, (2) phasing in taxes on economic activities that are environmentally or socially detrimental, and (3) providing effective protection of the environment. This program—combined with an environmental Marshall Plan that would promote economic development in an ecologically sustainable fashion—would gain worldwide support, leading to the construction of a global economy that would be economically and ecologically sustainable as well as socially progressive.
Human Equality and Human Rights. All people deserve to have their basic needs met and to live in dignity. No individual should ever be sacrificed in the name of the state or for reasons of private profit. Racism, sexism, homophobia, and religious bigotry must be constantly combated and civil liberties defended. We are committed to the defense of an open democratic society at home and the peaceful extension of its principles abroad.
Our program is necessary, workable, and achievable. It is based on self-interest rightly understood and offers a pragmatic and participatory approach to solving the problems that endanger our well-being and threaten our existence.
Our Strategy
- Conceptualizing Politics as Problem-solving rather than Office-seeking. ReformDemocrats is dedicated to America regaining an understanding of politics as the means by which we can collectively solve our shared problems.
- Developing and Disseminating a Compelling Policy Vision. Currently, the Democratic Party lacks a clear policy vision that offers a realistic strategy for solving America’s most serious problems. We believe that our program makes a significant contribution toward filling this void. The further development and dissemination of our program are central to our mission.
- Maintaining Our Integrity and Commitment to Purpose. As an organization, we are defined by our values and public policy goals, not the pursuit of power.
- Viewing Politics as a Process of Meaningful Debate and Public Education. We are firmly committed to educating the public about political issues and our stances on them.
- Working within the Democratic Party. The Republican Party is under the firm control of business interests, neoconservatives, and the religious right. Third party strategies are counter-productive. Given the realities of the American political system, the only viable strategy to solve our long-term problems is to transform the Democratic Party into a more responsible and effective party.
- Cooperating with Others Who Share Our Vision and Goals. We do not want to be spoilers or to duplicate the efforts of others. We are committed to working with others toward identifying, understanding, and solving long-term societal and environmental problems.
- Helping to Recruit a New Generation of Political Leaders. Problem-solving politics requires a new breed of political leadership—people who are truly committed to the long-term well-being of our nation and planet even if it means taking short-term political risks.
- Committing for the Long Term. Patience and tenacity will be necessary to achieve our goals. Solving long-term problems requires a long-term commitment to advancing our vision.
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