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Taos County Democrats Policy Resolutions



 This is the Final draft of the 2007 Taos County Democratic Party Resolutions.  The original draft was submitted on 3/24/07 at the Region 3 Resolutions Committee meeting.  The additions in this document reflect new resolutions submitted 4/21/07 at a special Taos County Central Committee meeting called to adopt the original resolutions submitted.

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE ENTIRE FORMAT OF RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED AND VOTED ON WITH UNANIMOUS ACCEPTANCE AT THE OFFICIAL TAOS COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING OF 4/21/07.

This document is now submitted to the New Mexico State Democratic
Resolutions Committee for official inclusion in the NMDP Platform.



TAOS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
 2007 PLATFORM RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions have been adopted covering the following topics:
I.  FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

II.  EDUCATION

III.  ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

IV   POLITICAL & ELECTION REFORM

V.  CRIME

VI.  ECONOMY, BUSINESS, FAIR TRADE, JOBS

VII.    FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

VIII.  HEALTH CARE

IX.  SOCIAL SECURITY

X. MILITARY

XI.  IMMIGRATION


I.  FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

    Media Reform

1.  Our democracy is dependent on its citizens being well informed by a Free Press but the power of corporate special interests has nearly eliminated news correspondents and networks abilities to provide non-biased, factual presentation of events and issues important to the public.
Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of New Mexico that serious media reform is ensured so that the media can fulfill its function in educating the average American citizen without interference of special interests.

2.  Our elected representatives must truly represent the American People but electoral campaigns are exorbitantly expensive due to paid campaign advertising even though the networks provide free use of the public airwaves.
Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of New Mexico supports enactment of legislation that eliminates paid campaign advertising and insures all candidates in all elections from all parties are given only free and equal air time and coverage in all TV, radio and print media.

3.  While media conglomerates are currently among the most powerful lobbyists in the US and media companies are lobbying for conglomerate control of the world’s news media, they are also lobbying the World Trade Organization to create trade sanctions against countries that fund public broadcasting.  Public Media, on the other hand, simply offers quality programming that is generally bias free and gives access to information not available on corporate networks.

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of New Mexico
supports stronger and more protected funding for public media and stronger standards by the FCC that will help reduce and control the influence over media content by private entities.

    Family Supports

Families are the fabric of society and must be supported by the community in which they live. Both family and community can be strengthened by public policy at local, state and national levels. Families vary in size and composition, as do communities; all must have equal support.  Well paying jobs and available day care are crucial to family stability, as is accessible and affordable health care. Since schools act often in loco parentis, a fully funded and staffed public school system, and well maintained school buildings are absolutely necessary.  Drug courts attended by both children and parents have been helpful in dealing with juvenile substance abuse. Public recreation facilities and programs are beneficial to family members and the community at large. 

Be it resolved that the New Mexico State Democratic Party lobby for federal, state and private funds which will directly benefit New Mexico families and communities.

    Parks and Recreation

Parks and recreation benefit the wholesome functioning of the entire community.  They provide a safe place for children’s activities, benefit both children and adults with access to healthy surroundings and exercise facilities, and provide community revenue when hosting sporting, recreational and retreat events for visiting groups and tourists.

Be it resolved that the New Mexico State Democratic Party offer legislation to establish differential Second Home Taxation within the parameters of the Homestead Act to be earmarked and used for funding of Parks and Recreation development in the State of New Mexico.

    Workforce Housing

In today’s housing market, income eligibility and financing accessibility preclude many working people from obtaining their own homes.  Many people fall into a financial limbo where they make too much money to qualify for low-income mortgage support programs and not enough to fit into home loan formularies without severe risk.  The tax dollars of working people are the mainstay of our government’s budget and this contribution to the common good should be recognized.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that the current definition of workforce housing be broadened to allow greater accessibility for mortgage support programs and funds be appropriated for development of more workforce housing.

    Real Estate

Property owners and potential homeowners face several hardships and increased risk from current real estate laws, policies and inaccurate records that need updating. Property owners in most New Mexico counties who wish to sell land and purchasers who wish to own, face undue risk, high expense and the actual possibility of building a home on a wrong lot.  Many Title and Abstract companies are requiring Quiet Title Suits to protect both buyer and seller.  Both expense and considerable delay are involved.  The mapping identification system for up to two-thirds of the property records in some New Mexico Counties has not been properly enforced for many, many years.  A recent search for ownership of a specific property caused the discovery that not a single property in the ENTIRE SECTION had a proper number.  It is unknown for how many years these property owners went untaxed because the county doesn't know whom to tax.  No name, no address.  Property researchers can go down to the basement and find the 1941 survey and, if they can figure out where the property is located, they can then trace the ownership over the years up to now.  County employees routinely go out and door knock and hope they can find someone with a deed.  In Taos county, it is reported that a former county mapper simply invented numbers and thus two-thirds of the county properties are unidentifiable.  Many times properties being sold cannot even be found on the maps or in the records.   Another problem facing both buyers and seller is that the current regulations governing title searches can extend the purchase process for several months.

1) Be it resolved that the New Mexico State Democratic Party support legislation that special one time funds be set aside for county assessment and mapping interface updates to county property records. 

2) Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that Title Search laws be amended to allow title searches to be completed upon placing a property for sale, well in advance of the closure process.

3) Be it resolved that the New Mexico State Democratic Party mandate that the tax rolls be updated to reflect the increase in revenue resulting from an updated records system.

    CDBG Funding

Currently, funds awarded through Community Development Block Grants must remain open for 10 years to allow for the completion of an awarded project.   This regulation delays the ability of communities to request funds for other projects that might become a higher priority during the open period.

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that CDBG award utilization periods be shortened to allow faster access to funding awards.

    Facility Modernization

County Public Facilities are starting to become antiquated and outgrown with increasing expansion in rural areas.

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM supports assisting counties in developing new and/or modernizing old county administrative and judicial facilities with special legislative appropriation and utilization of new minimum wage, job incentive and small business development initiatives. 

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II.  EDUCATION

    No Child Left Behind

Every American child has a right to a high-quality free public education.  This is one of America's most treasured principles and education with an emphasis on creative and critical thinking is the only solution proven to reduce poverty levels.  But American students are tested to an extent that is unprecedented in American history and unparalleled anywhere in the world. No Child Left Behind Act emphasizes test taking not critical thinking and it has never been fully funded by the Federal Government.

1) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM demands the repeal of the No Child Left Behind Act.

2) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM ensure that aptitudinal, intelligence, vocational and entrance exam tests be designed, appropriate and adaptable for local community student conditions.

    Vouchers

It is a bedrock American value that every child is entitled to a free, universal, and high quality education and we cannot improve our public educational system by continuing the current funding mechanisms which allow public monies to be used for private schools.

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM opposes publicly-funded vouchers for use at private schools.

    Transportation

Current funding levels of school transportation are not meeting the needs for school districts to provide adequate, safe, and appropriate transportation for their students.

Be it resolved that the New Mexico State Democratic Party support increased funding for school transportation.

    Military Recruitment in Schools

The No Child Left Behind Act has usurped the privacy of the American family by REQUIRING schools to permit access both to student contact information and contact with the actual students in person.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that we support repeal of the requirement in the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Act that mandates public schools allow military recruitment at schools and provides access to all students and their contact information.

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III.  ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

    Alternative Energy

With its abundant sunshine and clear skies, its research laboratories, environmentally aware public and entrepreneurial businesses, New Mexico is in a unique position to develop alternative energy systems and thus contribute to reducing dependence on oil, increasing sustainability and developing clean energy sources. 

1) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of New Mexico that we direct our state leaders and representatives to take full advantage of New Mexico’s natural resources and innovative entrepreneurs so we may fulfill our promise as leaders in clean and renewable energy.

2) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that we will continue to protect our environmental heritage and using the principles of sustainable management and development, strengthen environmental protections stripped away by short-sighted profiteering over the past decade.

3) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that we will call for legislation to be enacted before the year 2010 to make a moon mission scale commitment to develop clean energy technologies and specifically reduce our energy consumption 25% by 2010, to generate 20% of our energy from renewable sources by 2010 and reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050.

    Nuclear proliferation

A large stockpile of nuclear weapons as a deterrent to attack from enemy sources was proven completely false by the attack of September 11, 2001.  In spite of our stockpiles, with Albuquerque designated as the third largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, New Mexico is a sitting duck for nuclear disaster.  Also, even with our history as the birthplace of nuclear weapons, the production of nuclear weapons is very profitable only for a few enterprises and has been statistically shown to degrade the economy of the communities involved with it.

1) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM mandate the cessation of the development of any new nuclear weapons and facilities in our state and by our nation.

2) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM mandate the dismantling of all laboratory activities supporting nuclear weapons arsenals in this state.

3) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM establish a citizens review panel to monitor and review all Los Alamos National Laboratory activities.

4) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM calls for the immediate halt to the use of depleted uranium.

5) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM calls for the immediate halt to the production of plutonium pits for nuclear weapons at our Los Alamos Laboratory.

6) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM supports legislation mandating and funding the treatment and testing of all persons exposed to DU in New Mexico, especially veterans.

7) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM calls for the establishment of a commission to assess and develop the means to convert nuclear facilities at Los Alamos into sustainable industries and technologies beneficial to our nation such as clean, safe and renewable energy.

8) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM support the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and oppose the continued development of any new generation of nuclear weapons by any country including the US.

9) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM mandate the clean-up and safe removal of all LANL waste containment sites with any susceptibility of impacting the environment, especially Area G.

10) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM mandate pre-deployment training on the hazards of DU for all NM National Guard members being deployed overseas.

11) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM supports legislation that mandates no new nuclear power facilities be built until the means to decontaminate the lethal waste is feasible.

    Militarization of Space

Outer Space has an unlimited potential to benefit human kind in our relationship to the universe.  Like our water and air, space is a collective responsibility and a right of access exists for every creature on earth. Our government intends to usurp this right and claim space for a select few with usage by the military and its allies.  The government’s Missile Defense Program has already proven to be of dubious value with a cost in the billions of dollars.  The program also has an intent to limit access to space and to pollute the space surrounding earth with nuclear debris.

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that only projects utilizing space as a source of benefit for all humankind be acceptable in our national space program and any nuclear use with a potential for contamination in space is strictly forbidden. 
 
    Use of the Upper Atmosphere

Like outer space, our upper atmosphere cannot be apportioned and must be protected as a collective claim for access by all earth’s inhabitants.  Our government however, has interfered with this resource by experimenting with weather control and other militarized uses.  They have in place a research facility and experimental project plans called HAARP that are adversely affecting the upper atmosphere.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party to call a halt to all upper atmosphere experimentation, the dismantling of the HAARP project and the development of international laws regarding the usage and protection of the upper atmosphere.

    Watershed Protection

The most recent laws pertaining to water rights have focused on water usage and have ignored the protection of the water sources. Protection of our watershed basins, the headwaters of our streams and rivers, is the most critical issue facing New Mexico water rights today.  Contamination, destruction or sale of water from these watershed basins can spell disaster for future generations of New Mexicans.

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of New Mexico that passage of legislation protecting the watershed basins containing our New Mexico headwaters be given top priority.

    Formation of a National Conservation Area

Northern New Mexico encompasses the Rio Grande del Norte, the Rio Grande Migratory Flyway and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic Corridor, and these and other public lands in Punche Valley, and Ute Mountain and Rio San Antonio wilderness areas provide benefit and recreational opportunities for sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, conservation groups, outfitters and guides, local businesses, ranchers, land owners and tourists.  It is in the public benefit to protect and manage these lands for the health, safety, general welfare and sustainable usage of future generations.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party to support the establishment of a National Conservation Area in Northern New Mexico and to request the New Mexico Congressional Delegation to develop and support the necessary federal legislation to establish the Conservancy.

    Tribal Participation in the Mineral Leasing and Taylor Grazing Acts

As recognized sovereign governments and residents of New Mexico, Native American tribes should have the right to participate in receiving income derived from mineral development and surface grazing upon public lands in the state where they reside.

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of New Mexico that legislation be enacted providing for direct participation of New Mexico Native American tribes in the disbursement of the resources derived from the Mineral Leasing Act and the Taylor Grazing Act.

    Repeal of the Mining Act of 1872

The Mining Act of 1872 is archaic legislation still in use that allows mineral development companies to stake claim on public lands for relatively no cost and with no legal requirement for reclamation or environmental clean up.  Public funds must be utilized to restore their degraded claim sites.

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of New Mexico that legislation be enacted repealing the Mining Act of 1872.

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IV   POLITICAL & ELECTION REFORM

    Impeachment of the President Bush and Vice President Chenney

The presidential cabinet has lied to the American public and Congress about the need for military aggression in Iraq. They have authorized torture and unlawful incarceration of individuals in the US and abroad and have arranged for the deportation of people to countries where torture is utilized.  Their actions and policies have deliberately caused the deaths of over 4000 American soldiers and untold thousands of civilian deaths and injuries.  American military personnel have been sent into combat with inadequate protection by this administration and they have utilized public funds for the profiteering of corporations allegiant to the cabinet.   And most heinous of all, this administration has circumvented law to diminish the constitutional rights of American citizens and failed to uphold their oaths to protect our Constitution.

Be it therefore resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party that the New Mexico Legislature be supported in requesting that impeachment proceedings of President Bush and Vice President Chenney begin in the House of Representatives. 

    Electoral College

The Electoral College has proven to be undemocratic and subject to abuses.

1) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that the Electoral College be abolished and that presidential elections be decided by popular vote only.

2) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM, that until the abolition of the Electoral College has occurred, interim legislation be enacted immediately to bind Electoral College delegates to the popular vote.

    Lobbying

The practice of Lobbying has simply become legalized and condoned bribery of legislators. There are better and more effective ways of giving legislators information, the original intent of lobbying, than wining and dining them at private events. 

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM demands that the practice of purchasing influence by lobbyists be abolished and lobbying returned to its roots of imparting special educational information to legislators requiring lobbyists to make their presentations in a bipartisan setting during regular working hours.
 
    Ethics in Government

The Democratic Party of New Mexico can take the lead in ending corruption within our party by pressuring our state legislators to make ethics reform a legislative priority.  The citizens of New Mexico must be able to trust their elected officials.  The cynicism towards officials in public office will only end when true ethics reform is enacted.  New Mexico needs to adopt campaign finance reform, public financing of judicial elections, and the formation of an Ethics Commission in both the Democratic Party and the State Legislature.

1) Be it resolved that Democratic Party of NM forms a special committee to draft ethics reform within its own structure, working closely with the Judicial counsel of the DPNM to assure that corruption and ethics violations be properly adjudicated according to the rules of the DPNM.

2) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that their Committee on Ethics Reform be tasked to work closely with the democratic legislative body to promote and pursue legislation making ethics reform a law.


    National/State Election Day Holiday

Elections are both an intrinsic right and sacred responsibility of American citizens in maintaining our democracy. Elections are the single most important activity a citizen can participate in to alter the course of our political history.

Be it therefore resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party that we set aside Election Days as a State and/or National Holiday to allow our citizenry full opportunity to participate in the Democratic Political Process.
 

    Public Financing of Elections and Campaigns

Our democratic system of election is being subverted and corrupted by the vast financial resources of private corporate interests. Congress has become beholden to these private interests and it was the expressed intent of various founding fathers and historic notables including Abraham Lincoln, to ban private financing of elections and candidates.

Be it therefore resolved that the New Mexico Democratic Party will support and introduce legislation with the intent to ban private money from campaigns and elections and institute public financing for all elections at the state and national level.
 
    Separation of Church and State

Our nation’s founding fathers saw a danger in the union of the Church and State over the public domain and the potential for corruption of both institutions.  Instead they saw fit to establish strict separations between Church and State.  It is deplorable that in our current time, specific religious philosophy is intruding into public law.

Be it therefore resolved that the Democratic Party of NM reaffirms the separation of Church and State for our entire nation as a public good.

    Voting

Voting systems are an area in which new information can greatly improve the accuracy of voting methods and thus the fairness of elections.  We must support the best information available and do it in a timely manner. From a report on March 7, 2007, GAO (General Accounting Office) spokesperson Randolph Hite recommends banning all DREs.   He says “Electronic voting systems are an undeniably critical link in the overall election chain.  While this link alone cannot make an election, it can break one.  The problems that some jurisdictions have experienced and the serious concerns that have surfaced highlight the potential for continuing difficulties in upcoming national elections.”
 
A January NYT article says that the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) failed to inform the public and elections officials around the country when it dismissed one of the three labs testing voting equipment because they did not test as required.  So thousands of election districts around the country used voting equipment tested by this lab in the November elections although the dismissal occurred in July.  The EAC claimed they did not have the power to decertify the machines though Mr. Hite said they did.  The corporations that make the equipment pay for all testing done by the three labs.

Evidence also shows that the random machine recounts currently required in close elections are not adequate to the task of revealing flaws and possible fraud.  A hand count of the paper ballots in random precincts is necessary.  It is also clear that restrictive voter ID requirements (such as requiring submittal of specific ID by all voters) are more likely to penalize poor or otherwise marginalized voters.

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of New Mexico to:
  • Ban all DREs in federal, state and local elections
  • Change the make-up of the Election Assistance Commission so that it is bipartisan and operates openly
  • Require that government funds be used to pay for voting equipment testing
  • Require a hand count of ballots from random precincts replacing any machine count tallies
  • Allow voter ID requirements that are no more restrictive than what is currently required by HAVA
    Patriot Act

It is time to stand for the repeal of the PATRIOT Act. Just 45 days after the September 11, 2001 attacks, President Bush rammed the "PATRIOT Act" through Congress with virtually no debate. This law poses an unprecedented threat to Americans' individual freedoms and is a violation of our civil liberties. Many provisions of the act had been long sought after by law enforcement and repeatedly rejected by Congress in the past.
Without a warrant or probable cause, the FBI can now search your private medical records or access your library records. Your doctor or local library is forbidden from notifying you when these searches take place. The government may search your home while you are away and in some cases even confiscate your property. Judicial oversight of these measures is virtually nonexistent. These are only a few of the PATRIOT Act's provisions that compromise our civil liberties.

Benjamin Franklin said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." In eroding our civil liberties, President Bush has taken our freedom while making us no safer nor better protected against terrorism. The "PATRIOT Act" is not what American patriots fought and died for. As Americans, we cannot allow threats and fear-mongering to lead us to a place where we abandon our most precious traditions.

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of New Mexico endorses the repeal of the Patriot Act and rejects any extensions of authority tied to the Act as supplemental legislation.

    State Democratic Rules Revision

Statewide, counties and precincts have encountered serious confusion in utilizing the State Democratic Party Rules to conduct party business and elections. The complexity of the State Party Rules has created misinterpretation, mistakes in conducting business and splitting of party members through disagreements and hard feelings and even to the disenfranchisement of voters.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that the Rules Committee revise and update the NM Democratic Party Rules in a vernacular of clear, precise and simple instructions useable down to the precinct level.

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V.  CRIME

    War on Drugs

Our war on drugs has failed.  It drives up the price of drugs creating an incentive to deal and encourages violence across the country.  The racism evident in this “war” and the preferential treatment of offenders with connections is not consistent with the just society we profess.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party that the “War On Drugs” be terminated and its funds dispersed to prevention, victim restitution and alternative education programs including restorative justice projects.

    Juvenile Delinquency

Our children are our future, including those children with behavioral problems.  As responsible adults it is our task to employ every means available to insure the productive integration of our children into the adult community.

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that we will ensure funding for the development and implementation of the best educational, behavioral modification, restorative justice, elder/mentor and delinquency prevention programs available for troubled youth and that funding for our juvenile detention centers be increased to provide for the optimal operation and successful reintegration of its detainees into society.

    Behavioral Disease Imprisonment

Prison should be for people who hurt other people.  We do not imprison someone for hurting themselves, we get them help.  It is unconscionable that only one bed exists for ten who present for drug treatment.  Drug addiction is a medical and moral problem to be treated by professionals, many times with roots in social injustice, racism, inequitable wages, and inadequate housing.  Prison is not the place to treat these ills.  Law enforcement should be protecting citizens from violence, not protecting people from themselves.  Criminalization of private behavior is not acceptable in a free society.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that incarceration for behavioral problems be stopped and appropriations for incarceration for behavioral disease be redirected to alternative care and prevention programs including the establishment of a commission of medical personnel and social welfare professionals directed to develop a program of comprehensive, humane and accountable care for behavioral disease, drawing on the success of programs worldwide.

    Hate Crimes

Hate crimes tend to be the most violent crimes committed.  Race, color, ethnic origin, physical ability, gender and sexual orientation are not just rights, they are the genetic make-up of human beings.  Religion, profession, economic status, and group affiliation are not just choices, they are the basis of living within the human community.  All these attributes must be protected in a free and democratic society.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party to enact legislation prosecuting with the severest penalties any crimes committed against these intrinsic human attributes out of hate or malice.
 
    Gun Control

For the vast majority of Americans who own firearms, they are a form of recreation in the character of hunting and/or target shooting. For many, they are a method for safety and protection in a society characterized by violence, but all too frequently, they are used for violence. It is the right of Americans to keep and bear arms; however it is not the right of American felons to arm themselves.  In a time when homeland security is of utmost concern, it is perplexing why anyone would not wish to keep guns out of the hands of those who might do us harm.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party to support legislation that requires background checks for any gun purchaser, identical to the background checks currently required for transfers by licensed gun dealers for firearm transfers by unlicensed gun dealers at gun shows and that irresponsible dealers who allow weapons to fall into the hands of criminals should be held accountable and to end the gun industry's immunity from product safety regulation.

    Corporate accountability

Corporations are currently seen under the law as individuals, being afforded the same rights as individuals, however, current law does not provide penalties commensurate with their crimes.  Murders, rapes, and destruction of property do not carry corporate death penalties, or incarceration as would occur in an individual’s trial.  Corporate disaster’s resulting in human death or environmental contamination should extract a death penalty and revocation of the corporation’s charter.  It’s board of directors and executive officers should be subject to imprisonment for policies leading to the detriment of the environment, illegal activities, or harm of human health, property, or rights.  But under current law, fines and reprimands are all a corporation suffers for their malfeasance.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party that a comprehensive review of penalties for corporate malfeasance be undertaken and new laws enacted redressing commensurate penalties for corporate crime.

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VI.  ECONOMY, BUSINESS, FAIR TRADE, JOBS

    Small Business

On an international, national and state level, small business cannot compete against the tax breaks, subsidies, biased policy, and contractual favoritism that large corporations are given as an advantage.  Small business provides the diversity, innovation, and local economic stimulation that corporate control only devours. Large corporations also buy political partiality toward their specialized agendas intent on profit generation and product perpetuation.  They consume vast resources for many products that toxify the environment.  The welfare of the world’s people must come before corporate patents and profits. Mutual benefit must become the operating principle in human affairs and development and this can only be done through the strengthening of local, sustainable small business operations.

1) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that the legislature prioritize that state funding and contracts be given to small business and local industry utilizing local resources and personnel for their operations.

2) Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NM will use its influence to motivate the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to redirect their lending policy from corporate self-interest to individual’s economic development.

3) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that a new program of investment be established to put thousands to work rebuilding invaluable public assets such as schools, hospitals, museums, parks, and infrastructure designed to standards that are sustainable and ecologically beneficial.

4) Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of NM that a public commission be created to monitor that all state funded projects purporting sustainable practices are indeed utilizing principles of sustainability.

    Jobs

Our country is facing twin crises: high unemployment and a decrepit infrastructure. At the same time, millions of manufacturing and high-tech jobs are being shipped overseas. According to the Economic Policy Institute, there are three unemployed people for every job opening.  Ironically, at the same time so many Americans can't find work, there is so much work to do. The crisis of our decaying infrastructure is something we see every day when we sit in traffic bound by orange barrels that line our highways. It is something that school children experience at their desks, crowded together under leaking roofs. In cities, municipal sewer systems overflow into rivers, streams, and estuaries. These events occur with increasing regularity as systems age. Infrastructure problems threaten our productivity, our economy, our environment, and our health.  It is time to put America back to work. It is time to address the twin crises by putting unemployed Americans to work rebuilding America's neglected infrastructure.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party to endorse “The Kucinich Jobs Plan to Rebuild America”.  The Kucinich plan calls for the creation of a low-cost federal financing mechanism to administer $50 billion in zero-interest loans every year to localities for infrastructure projects for ten years. Twenty percent of these funds would be targeted for school construction and repair.  The Kucinich plan also calls for a 15% reduction in the military budget, redirecting $60 million towards hometown security issues such as education, jobs, and health care for all.

State and local governments would continue to issue bonds to finance infrastructure projects, but under the Kucinich plan, the federal government would be authorized to buy those bonds. States would have to repay the principal, but unlike normal municipal borrowing, these bonds would pay zero interest. So, the cost of borrowing for infrastructure improvement would be reduced by half.

The federal government would hold these bonds in the Federal Bank for Infrastructure Modernization (FBIM). The bank, as an extension of the Federal Financing Bank under the Treasury, would administer the loans. The loans would bear a small fee of one-quarter of one percent of the loan principal to cover the administrative costs of the FBIM. In order to provide the money for the loans, the FBIM would hold a portion of the Treasury securities that the Federal Reserve normally holds.

The Fed currently holds about $300 billion in Treasury securities. Transferring about $50 billion annually to the FBIM would still allow the Fed to operate as it does now to add liquidity to the system. The Fed, instead of buying securities, would buy the mortgage loans of the states. This way, the FBIM's finances would be integrated by the Federal Open Market Committee so as not to disrupt its ability to promote economic stability.
This amount would be varied, so that the funds could be used as a tool to foster stable economic growth. During times of economic slowdown, the FBIM would make more loans available to spur investment. During times of economic boom, the FBIM would make fewer loans available.

All of the jobs within this new system would be living-wage jobs, because the minimum wage would be raised to at least $8 an hour and an index created so that the minimum wage rises automatically with cost of living increases.  With the establishment of both universal health care and universal pre-kindergarten, workers will no longer be plagued by the high costs of health care and child care. The net savings of these programs is enormous, and as result, we will have a healthier society and a more resilient economy.
Job Protection

If the United States is to be free to negotiate fair trade agreements that protect jobs, the rights of workers, and the environment, then there is no alternative but to repeal NAFTA and withdraw from the WTO.

For a decade, we have been subjected to a grand experiment called NAFTA. Now it is clear that this experiment has failed. We've lost over 3 million manufacturing jobs since July 2000. Over a half million of these are directly attributable to NAFTA. Our trade deficit grew to $418 billion last year and continues to climb. And, because of the WTO, corporations have been granted unprecedented powers to sue the government in closed trade courts anytime laws designed to protect workers or the environment are deemed to infringe on corporate "rights."

This is called "free trade." But where is freedom when jobs are lost? Where is freedom when industries threaten to move out of the country unless wages are cut? Where is freedom when the right to bargain collectively is crushed? Where is freedom when a union is broken? Where is freedom when you can't make a mortgage payment? Where is freedom when you can't send your children to college? An economic democracy is a precondition of a political democracy. Where is freedom?

It is time to reclaim the state and local sovereignty which NAFTA has usurped. No NAFTA, no Fast Track Authority. Fast track is a barrier. Fast track brought us NAFTA. It prohibits amending trade agreements. We could not amend NAFTA Chapter 11, which grants corporate investors in all NAFTA countries the right to challenge any local, state, or federal regulations, which, those corporations say, hurt their profits. No more back track on democracy. No more back track on workers' rights. No more back track on human rights. No back track on the Bill of Rights.

The only way to undo the damage these trade deals have caused is to end them. If the United States is to be free to negotiate fair trade agreements that protect jobs, the rights of workers, and the environment, then there is no alternative but to withdraw from the WTO. If our agriculture, textiles, and other industries are going to be able to help pull the world up, rather than being dragged down to the level of serfdom or exported abroad, we must put an end to the disaster known as the WTO.

The NAFTA and WTO treaties include legal clauses permitting the signatory countries to withdraw from them at any time, following a routine notification period. The President should invoke these withdrawal clauses and once and for all take America out of an unfair system of corporate trade. We should return to bilateral trade conditioned on workers' rights, human rights, and environmental quality principles. This would provide security for American workers and for workers worldwide.

We need a new start. We must begin from scratch with decent, bilaterally negotiated trade agreements between this country and each other country we trade with, agreements that are based from the start on the needs of people and communities.

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of New Mexico endorses withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    Alternative Technology Development

With New Mexico’s wealth of research laboratories, economic as well as environmental benefits can be realized by switching research priorities from nuclear development to alternative technology exploration.

Be it resolved that the New Mexico Democratic Party will encourage the development of new industries and innovations that increase and enhance sustainability, recycling and regeneration in: 1) the marketplace 2) environmental usage and planning 3) energy consumption and 4) economic distribution.

    Road Improvement

In 1995, the New Mexico legislature made a change in the way road improvements were funded by repealing the gas tax.  The changes have become instrumental in the loss of funding for maintaining our roads and our road infrastructure has deteriorated accordingly.  A new influx of funding must be a top priority of the legislature.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that the democratic legislative body develop new legislation immediately to reestablish road improvement funding commensurate with our state needs.

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VII.    FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

    Good Neighbor Policy

In the late 1920’s, the U.S. realized that military interventions in Latin America were counterproductive and they introduced the Good Neighbor Policy.  This policy was actually bipartisan, having been first proposed by Herbert Hoover, but it was FDR who championed it in his inauguration address:

 "In the field of world policy I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the good neighbor--the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others--the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors."--Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933

It is time to reintroduce and expand the Global Good Neighbor Policy, bringing back to US foreign policy the values of: self-respect, respecting others as we would ourselves, recognition of our obligations and treating others with fairness and justice in what FDR called “a world of neighbors.”

Be it resolved by the Democratic Party of New Mexico to reintroduce the timeless concept of the Global Good Neighbor Policy: A Golden Rule For The Twenty First Century.  In following this principle we will:
  • Reject preemptive strikes and the domination-centered Pax Americana
  • Follow the same rules we expect others to follow in:  nuclear proliferation/disarmament, and profit, patent, corporate and state behavior and trade
  • Solve problems multilaterally
  • Champion human rights worldwide
  • Create a Department of Peace
  • Act to raise people out of poverty
  • Honor our obligations to treaties we have signed
  • <>Endorse the treaties awaiting our signture:
                1) Kyoto Treaty on Global Climate Change
                2) Biodiversity Treaty
                3) Forest Protection Treaty
                4) Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
                5) Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
                6) Anti-ballistic Missile Treaty
                7) Landmine Ban Treaty
                8) Biological Weapons Convention
                9) Chemical Weapons Convention
              10) International Criminal Court
  • Support and cooperate with the United Nations, paying our dues on time and without conditions
  • Show “decent respect for the opinions of mankind” as the Declaration of Independence promises
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VIII.  HEALTH CARE

    Universal Health Care

Health care is a social service that should be available to all Americans.  This can best be accomplished by a single payer, federally funded, national, health care plan which addresses the overall health needs of the country, and which has many efficiencies to reduce costs.  A national health plan should include all aspects of health care, should look to the needs of differing ages in the population and insure equitable distribution of health care. It should cover all necessary medical services, including primary care, in-patient care, outpatient care, emergency care, prescription drugs, long-term care, mental health services, dentistry, eye care, and substance abuse treatment, as well as alternative and preventative medicine outside western medical practice.  These are services outlined in a Medicare for All bill introduced to the 109th Congress. 

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of New Mexico support single payer, universal health care as exemplified by the Conyers/Kucinich Medicare For All bill HR 676.
Public Health

Health care also includes public health. Public health should look to both disease prevention and health promotion, much of which can be done through education and in the schools. Public health programs can teach good nutrition, and to that end encourage the use of organic foods and the labeling of genetically modified foods. Public health programs are best carried out locally.

Be it therefore resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party that the State of New Mexico be encouraged to enhance our public health program through full funding, community outreach, and greater visibility.

    Alternative and Preventative Health Care

We are fully aware that the United States enjoys some of the most advanced health care in the world, yet we are unable to provide relief for a number of common ailments. The current standards of practice occasionally fail to recognize that medicine is an ancient art that encompasses all methods of healing. Somewhere along the road to advance medicine we sometimes forget that there are viable, ancient methods of treating those who need help. It's time to help widen the vision of modern medical doctrine and explore alternative medicine.  Each human being is unique and what heals one may not heal someone else.  We must learn to respect that whatever works for healing for an individual should be payable under our health care compensation even if that means going to the jungles of the Amazon, or fasting with a Native American elder.

Be it resolved that the New Mexico Democratic Party supports the inclusion of Alternative and Preventative health care as a legitimate inclusion in health care coverage.

    Support for the Disabled

People suffering from mental health disabilities, mental retardation, developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries have the most intensive care and support needs of any individuals in New Mexico communities.  They also have the right to access a Quality of Life equal to their non-disabled peers with the full participation in human activities that their disabilities allow with such care and support mechanisms.  Family and community interaction, travel, education, employment, recreation, political involvement, forming intimate friendships and creating families, and even keeping a pet are some of these rights that cannot be accessed by our disabled community with the current funding levels.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that funding be increased for disability support programs specifically including but not limited to: transportation, recreation accessibility, political access, mental health supportive programming, guardian and caregiver compensation, pet adoption and maintenance, self-employment development, specialized travel programs, home based education, friendship and dating centers and services, and adaptation counseling services.

    GMO’s

Genetically engineered food (GEF) and genetically modified organisms (GMO) pose grave risks, and much serious research into the potential harms is needed. The dominant voices in the public debate over genetically engineered food and organisms have been those of the agri-business and biotechnology industries. These multinational companies have invested millions of dollars into the research and development of GEF. They claim that genetically engineered products are safe. Of course, there is a huge conflict of interest when the leading authorities on GEF are the same industries that hope to profit by them.  Genetically engineered products are produced with the use of bacteria and "gene guns" along with other unnatural techniques to aggressively insert foreign genetic material into a plant or animal. Genetic engineers also use viruses and genes that are resistant to antibiotics in order to activate these foreign genes.  People must have a right to select foods for themselves and their families that are proven to be safe and environmentally friendly.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party that all genetically engineered products be clearly labeled as such, that laws be drafted to protect naturally occurring genes and genomes from cross fertilization with genetically engineered products and that a fund be created, financed by genetically engineered food corporations, for farmers and others who incur losses caused by GMO’s.

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IX.  SOCIAL SECURITY

    Maintaining the Social Security System

Social Security, the great reform of the New Deal, has been and remains a safeguard for many, providing a reliable monthly income to elder citizens, widows and widowers, orphans and the disabled. Social Security is here to stay, but can be both strengthened and reformed.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico Democratic Party that
  • Social Security should not be reduced or privatized,
  • Social Security should not be taxed,
  • the cap on the amount of wages on which Social Security taxes are paid should be adjusted in order to add revenue to the Social Security system.

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X. MILITARY

    VA Benefits

While recent revelations of poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center have received public attention, New Mexico veterans (and indeed all veterans nationwide) have long experienced difficulties in obtaining adequate medical care. New Mexico is a sparsely populated state and veterans have to travel long distances to get medical care, and often must endure long waits for even routine medical services.

Be it resolved that the Democratic Party of New Mexico calls for adequate services and support for our veterans of the Armed Services.

    Military Recruitment Policy

Under several new laws and policy changes, our children have been opened to military recruitment at home, at school and through the mail and internet, without parental approval.  It has also been shown that this recruitment has been unbalanced and given special priorities not available to alternative career options.

1) Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that all military entities must seek parental approval for recruitment of any child who has not yet attained legal adulthood.

2) Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that public schools are encouraged to provide students information and support for seeking non-military scholarships for higher education and job opportunities in the non-military economy.

3) Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that all military entities must comply with the same restrictions and regulations that other career recruiters must adhere to within each School District’s, Board or Regent’s jurisdiction and no special privileges will be given military recruiters.

    Veteran’s Cemeteries

Our veterans have served our nation and our state with honor and it is befitting they receive a place of honor in death, but the Veteran’s Cemeteries in New Mexico are running out of space to bury our honored dead.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party that funds be appropriated for the establishment and management of new Veteran’s Cemetery facilities.
 
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XI.  IMMIGRATION

    Guest Worker Program

There are over 12 million illegal alien workers in the US that play an important role in the American workforce, filling jobs that American citizens are reluctant to do.  Farm worker shortages of 30% have resulted in crop loss, operational scale backs, and increases in both crop production and retail costs.  In 1990, illegal aliens made up 13.1% of all welfare beneficiaries.  A guest worker program could hire these individuals under the H-2A Visa Agricultural jobs and the H-2B Visa Non-agricultural jobs and legitimize their worker status.

Be it resolved by the New Mexico State Democratic Party to support re-enactment of the Guest Worker Program with the provision that all participants pay all applicable local, state and federal taxes. 

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