America’s Pledge
A Work in Progress
The following core beliefs
represent the fundamental principles upon which progressive independent
democrats pledge to follow throughout their tenure as public servants.
A Dedication to Open, Honest, and Regular Communication of Issues
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We promise to engage in
relevant honest discussions with constituents regarding policy matters.
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We value compromise,
collaboration, and opposing viewpoints. We will seek to address common
problems by gathering information and suggestions from all ideologies rather
than impose a predetermined policy or advance manufactured or irrelevant
facts.
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We promise to abandon
the tired tactic of personal attacks in favor of discussion of policy. We
recognize that demonizing those advancing contrary viewpoints is no substitute
for honest debate.
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We promise to challenge
and denounce those who continue to rely on dishonest practices, regardless of
party.
Return to Competent, Responsive, Efficient, Accountable Government
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We strive to restore
trust in government with a genuine commitment to rewarding and acknowledging
merit over loyalty, ethics over private financial gain, and principles over
rhetoric.
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We recognize that other
professions regulate their members through compulsory disclosure of conflicts
and adherence to strict ethical practices. Government should exceed those
ethical expectations. We promise to implement and follow a robust set of
ethical guidelines, those with greater reach and depth than otherwise imposed.
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We promise to
communicate these ideals throughout our organization, to put on notice all who
are or who desire to be associated with our staff that we do not wish to
attract those who enter politics for personal profit. We will set the tone
that anything but a drive to serve the public is unacceptable.
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We believe in a small
and effective government, not one that is artificially bloated, intrusive, and
serves narrow elitist groups.
Respect and Represent Constituents
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We live in challenging
times and we will challenge Americans to engage in critical examination of the
issues that most affect them. We promise to engage all who desire to be part
of the process, to participate in genuine unscripted community meetings, and
provide access that is not conditioned on financial contributions.
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We recognize that the
political debate is dominated by extremes on both sides because they are most
apt to vocalize narrow policy concerns and therefore fabricate the illusion of
mainstream beliefs. We promise to give a voice to the reasonable, practical
majority who passively advocate moderate, rational policy.
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We promise to reflect
public opinion rather than revel in its disregard. We recognize that
tremendous government resources is wasted on manufacturing the public’s
consent for unpopular programs rather then following the public’s inherent
desires.
Respect for the Press
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We recognize that the
press serves as the primary vehicle for ensuring that government activities
are performed in full disclosure to the public. This contributes to the
public’s open and honest debate of issues.
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We promise open,
regular, unrehearsed and honest communications with the press and not to
exploit media as a vehicle for public relations.
Respect for our Military
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America commands the
greatest military force ever assembled.
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Military force should be
used judiciously and responsibly following considerable debate, to protect
American safety; not simply as a demonstration of power, promotion of
ideological economic experiments, or enriching private business motives.
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We will respect the
individuals of the military by providing them the support and care they
deserve both during and after their service.
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We pledge to respect our
military by not using them as public relations props to advance superficial
dishonest imagery.
Devotion to Principle over Party
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We hold these principles
independent of party. We are part of the Democratic Party because it is the
party that promotes diversity, compromise, and solutions that benefit all.
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Such variety of ideas
and people invariably lead to disagreement. While opponents may perceive
(disingenuously at times) that disagreements reflect chaos or confusion – we
believe it’s healthy for the democratic process. Our goal always remains
constant – to arrive at creative solutions through open, honest, and diverse
debate that benefit the majority of the American people and reflect their
needs and desires.
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Freedom from Party
allows us to embrace the best qualities of all ideologies – fiscal
conservatism, focus on security, economic growth, health care, education, and
so on.
Enduring Pledge
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These principles are
designed to restore the public’s faith and trust in public servants. They
form the guidance from which we will draw upon, and expect to be measured by,
throughout our tenure in public office – not simply short-term slogans
manufactured for election cycles.
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We support a new
attitude towards government that honors integrity and honesty and identifies
and condemns corruption. One which values principle before party, people
before personal profit, and solutions for the many rather than for the
privileged few.
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We pledge not only to
following the directives set forth here, but to identify and hold others
accountable for failing to follow these simple, fundamental principles.
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